Keee-rist! This seems to already be taking forever. I thought I was going through these at a pretty good clip, but it's just not happening. Soon, the snow shall fly in my humble city, which means no more reading at the bus stops for me. So my pace on these 10-packs should pick up since no bus reading means more listening.
This one was a real mix up for me. The greatest album ever made ever in the world ever is on it. An album that I think is the first one for me to all out despise is on it too. So here it is, albums 74-83, in all their poorly written and boringly presented glory!
0074 Yardbirds – Yardbirds [aka Roger the Engineer] (1st Album)
I'm a bit torn on this one. Nothing really stood out for me, but it also wasn't really all that bad. I guess it ultimately sounded derivative of everything else that was going on at the time so it all just goes WOOONK in my brain instead of surprising me. So is it worthy of this list? No. Is it that bad? No. If you're curious about early Jeff Back, and some harder then usual rock. It's probably worth a listen. I just wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
0075 Simone, Nina – Wild is the Wind
Unlike the Yardbirds, this one did surprise me! I was expecting a jazzy singer type thing, and what I got was some very sophisticated soul. Her voice is amazing, but if you've ever heard of her you already expected that. The songs for the most part where pretty great. I'm guessing the one that's considered the high point is "Four Woman", but I find this type of social commentary to be way to obvious and annoying. Other then that though, damned good stuff.
0076 Gilberto, Astrud – Beach Samba
The Girl From Ipanema gets her star turn on the list. This was really quite pleasing. The gentle samba rhythms just curl up around you and Astrud herself has a sweet innocence to her that is just perfect for this type of music. So while she's not the greatest vocalist or anything, she's better then the one hit no-name wonder I presumed she was. So great job Astrud! (Presuming Astrud is still alive, has the internet at her beach, and will read this)
0077 Nico – Chelsea Girl
Oh Nico, what to do with you! Yes, you're super hot to look at, but your droning voice... it's a bit charming but you sound like a drag queen with no talent (in case any drag queens are reading this and take offense...). Anyways, this is on the list for one reason and one reason only: it's basically a Velvet Underground album. It features Lou Reed and John Cale. "But Russ, is that a bad thing?" No, no it's not. It's actually a good thing and this is pretty decent. It's the style of music I would describe as "French Chanteuse", only sung with a droning, manly German accent. The weird thing here is, the best song is a Bob Dylan one, "I'll Keep It With Mine'. So while it's not terrible, it's also not as good as any of the Velvet Undergrounds material. I love the Velvet Underground. So you take all that, do the math and make a chart and decide for yourself if it's worth your time to listen to this.
0078 Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
What is there possibly left to say about the greatest rock record of all time? Nothing except that I was bored with the thing until buying it for Beatles Rock Band, and gained a re-appreciation for it. For pop perfection, it's incredibly loose when you play along to it with plastic guitars, and I attribute that feel to it's continued success. It's perfect, and it was played by human hands that were not. It's a beautiful thing, and worthy of it's over-rated legacy.
0079 Country Joe & the Fish – Electric Music for the Mind & Body
This was just shit frankly. Country Joe is only known for one thing, and one thing only: "The Fish Cheer" at Woodstock. Without that moment in time, no one would of gave Country Joe another thought. This album is of the annoying "We're psychedelic and clever and dangerous!" type that annoys the pee and poo out of me. It's also one of those albums where they use the word "high" as if it was a shocking, amazingly rebellious thing. It might of been then, but now it's just cliched and sticks this album firmly in 1967 where it should of been forced to wallow for ever. Fail!
0080 Buffalo Springfield – Again
Alright, after bashing Country Joe for being a walking gimmick, I'm going to be a hypocrite and praise Buffalo Springfield. Yes, it very much sounds like a 1967 album. The difference though is, The Springfield at this time was pretty much falling apart, and everyone was contributing their own songs. So the different flavours and styles that show up are much more honest, speaking for the artists as opposed to coming off as desperate gimmicks. When said artists are the likes of Neil Young and Stephen Stills, you will hear the things they are doing here in their later work. So my love of all things Neil Young, and love for this period give this one a giant pass because it is a pretty fantastic record. I feel like Young and Stills both went on to do greater things (well Young did, I never cared for "Crosby, Stills & Nash" without Young being involved), but this stands up with it's head held high in light of that future fact. Not many could say the same of their past.
0081 Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band – Safe as Milk
I'm mostly familiar with Beefheart through his connection with Frank Zappa. So I was a bit surprised not to see Zappa'a name anywhere on here since some of the tracks sound like the Studio Z stuff Zappa recorded with Beefheart. Anyways, this was good. Some nasty, dirty blues to be found here, snarled out in that voice only Beefheart has. There are a few moments where this slips into a bit of psychedelic cliche, but for the most part the Captain manages to rise above it. So I give this one a win, and in many ways I preferred this to the much more lauded "Trout Mask Replica" (which oddly enough, was produced by Zappa.)
0082 Moby Grape – Moby Grape (1st Album)
The band's called "Moby Grape", so you kind of want to hate this from the get go. It ended up actually being pretty good. Yeah, it's more psychedelia, but it's grounded in a dead solid country/blues roots base that makes this work in ways that, again, that Country Joe record just didn't. So it's a pretty pleasing album.
0083 Love – Da Capo
I've heard of Love before, and am a pretty big fan of their album "Forever Changes", so I knew what to expect here. Except I was wrong! This was a real surprise. "Forever Changes" is a piece of elegant pop perfection. This one is a band that seems to be struggling between it's garage/bar band routes and what would later become the gentle perfection that is found on "Forever Changes". The real mind blower though is the song "7 and 7 is", a song that's so sonically punk that it blows the doors off. I had heard and loved this track before thanks to the brilliant "Nuggets" boxset, but never in a million years thought that the "Love" credited to 7 was the same as the one responsible for "Forever Changes". That my friends, is a true sign of greatness, and I think this record is the "find" for me on this ten pack. Well worth a listen!
That's that! Until next time friends, be good to one another.
*If anyone knows how to make all the links look the same on this stupid thing, I'd greatly appreciate it!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
1001 Albums: 64-73
A week off work means I fell a bit behind again. I'm attempting to get in 10 albums a week on this thing, but it doesn't seem to be happening. Stupid life! Anyways, after getting over a puppy emergency (he's fine) I'm finally able to wrap up and post my incredibly intelligent and thoughtful thoughts on the next batch of albums on this furshlunginger list! On the whole, this is a good batch, featuring a couple of my all time favourite artists and no jazz!
0064 Dylan, Bob – Blonde on Blonde
Many consider this to be Bobs best, but I've never warmed to it. It has some amazing work on it, "Just Like A Woman", "Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands" and "Visions Of Johanna" are awe inspiring to me. There's plenty of other good material to be found too, it's just a bit too mired in weird, gimmicky, 1960's arrangements for me to really love this as a whole.
0065 Monks – Black Monk Time
I really liked this one. Garage rock at it's finest. Noisy, obnoxious and damned satisfying. It's also incredibly negative, which just makes you love it more. Great stuff.
0066 Kinks – Face to Face
I quite enjoyed this one. Despite being from a part of the 60's that can be a little too clever for it's own good, this one has a solid, consistent sound. It also finds the Kinks moving from the harder edge "The Who" sound in to something best described as suburban. Not boring suburban though since many of these songs are interesting not just musically but lyrically. It's simply a nice record to throw on and listen to. Which is all it needs to be in the end.
0067 Mamas & the Papas – If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
I've never liked this band, and I still don't. That's completely ignoring the history and story of the players and concentrating on the music. This is the record that kicked off all that San Francisco peace and love bullshit, and it's dead annoying. The original songs are at best decent, the covers though are fucking awful and smothered in the worst 60's gimmick sound you'll find. the highlight for this band is supposed to be the harmonies, but they're shit compared to the three "B's" operating at the time. (The Beatles, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, in case you haven't been paying attention.) So the whole thing is a waste of time for me. This is the first album I've encountered on the list that I think should of been bumped for something else. Well done Mamas & Papas, you baby fuckers!
0068 Revere, Paul & the Raiders – Midnight Ride
This one shouldn't be on the list either. No, it's not bad or annoying like that Mamas & Papas record. It's simply unexceptional in every way. At it's worst, it's incredibly desperate. You get a bit of garage rock, some peace and love stuff, a surf tune, a car tune, pretty much a bit of everything to be found in 60's pop music. None of it's as good as other stuff out there, which is why it smacks of a band with a gimmick (American Revolution uniforms) trying desperately to have a hit. Basically, "The Monkees" will come out and do all of this stuff way better. So they should of bumped this off and just had a Monkees album in it's place. Unless this is on the list to show just how desperate a band can be, then it's a total success.
0069 Mothers of Invention – Freak Out!
I am a huge Zappa fan, and I've always loved this album since I first heard it years ago. I can't possibly give an honest critique of this, since I love pretty near every aspect of it. What was fun about revisiting it here though, was just how much of a total "Fuck you' it is in comparison to what everyone else was doing. It sounds nothing like anything out there, the lyrics are scathing to the whole love scene, it's a massive double album affair, and it's their label debut. It's simply even more brilliant then I previously thought!
0070 Rolling Stones – Aftermath
First off, this is a pretty solid Stones albums. All the songs are good, they're pushing themselves a bit with stuff like "Paint It Black" it's all good. The thing is though, I'm listing to this based on this list., so it's hard not to compare it to everything else. After all, this is the 1001 Albums You Should Listen too, or whatever it is. In that context, it's not all that great. Compared to their contemporaries, the Stones sound like they're playing catch up. This album sounds like a collection of singles while everyone else are making cohesive albums. So it's good, but not great.
0071 Simon & Garfunkel – Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme
The duos third album makes for their debut on the list. It's a nice one. It doesn't come off as heavy handed as some of their stuff is and actually sounds pretty relaxed. Good stuff for a mellow afternoon.
0072 13th Floor Elevators – Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
This is pretty good garage rock. Theirs a weird sound to this album, so I googled it and found it was an electric jug! That's pretty cool huh? That said, I still think this is on the list more for the fact that the leader, Roky, is legitimately crazy as opposed this being an amazing record.
0073 John Mayall’s Blues Breakers – With Eric Clapton
This is probably the album that started that whole "Clapton is God" bullshit. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad album. If you like rocking blues, it's a great album. I've just never cared much for Eric Clapton in any of his numerous bands. He's good, but also kind of boring. I think he's popular for discovering a cool guitar tone instead of actual technical prowess. Most of the guitar solos in this era sound a bit clunky based on the tone. Clapton sounded good. Big deal! Fuck!
I peeked ahead, and the next batch of albums features the greatest album ever made. I wont be able to use that teaser again, so be sure to come on back!
0064 Dylan, Bob – Blonde on Blonde
Many consider this to be Bobs best, but I've never warmed to it. It has some amazing work on it, "Just Like A Woman", "Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands" and "Visions Of Johanna" are awe inspiring to me. There's plenty of other good material to be found too, it's just a bit too mired in weird, gimmicky, 1960's arrangements for me to really love this as a whole.
0065 Monks – Black Monk Time
I really liked this one. Garage rock at it's finest. Noisy, obnoxious and damned satisfying. It's also incredibly negative, which just makes you love it more. Great stuff.
0066 Kinks – Face to Face
I quite enjoyed this one. Despite being from a part of the 60's that can be a little too clever for it's own good, this one has a solid, consistent sound. It also finds the Kinks moving from the harder edge "The Who" sound in to something best described as suburban. Not boring suburban though since many of these songs are interesting not just musically but lyrically. It's simply a nice record to throw on and listen to. Which is all it needs to be in the end.
0067 Mamas & the Papas – If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
I've never liked this band, and I still don't. That's completely ignoring the history and story of the players and concentrating on the music. This is the record that kicked off all that San Francisco peace and love bullshit, and it's dead annoying. The original songs are at best decent, the covers though are fucking awful and smothered in the worst 60's gimmick sound you'll find. the highlight for this band is supposed to be the harmonies, but they're shit compared to the three "B's" operating at the time. (The Beatles, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, in case you haven't been paying attention.) So the whole thing is a waste of time for me. This is the first album I've encountered on the list that I think should of been bumped for something else. Well done Mamas & Papas, you baby fuckers!
0068 Revere, Paul & the Raiders – Midnight Ride
This one shouldn't be on the list either. No, it's not bad or annoying like that Mamas & Papas record. It's simply unexceptional in every way. At it's worst, it's incredibly desperate. You get a bit of garage rock, some peace and love stuff, a surf tune, a car tune, pretty much a bit of everything to be found in 60's pop music. None of it's as good as other stuff out there, which is why it smacks of a band with a gimmick (American Revolution uniforms) trying desperately to have a hit. Basically, "The Monkees" will come out and do all of this stuff way better. So they should of bumped this off and just had a Monkees album in it's place. Unless this is on the list to show just how desperate a band can be, then it's a total success.
0069 Mothers of Invention – Freak Out!
I am a huge Zappa fan, and I've always loved this album since I first heard it years ago. I can't possibly give an honest critique of this, since I love pretty near every aspect of it. What was fun about revisiting it here though, was just how much of a total "Fuck you' it is in comparison to what everyone else was doing. It sounds nothing like anything out there, the lyrics are scathing to the whole love scene, it's a massive double album affair, and it's their label debut. It's simply even more brilliant then I previously thought!
0070 Rolling Stones – Aftermath
First off, this is a pretty solid Stones albums. All the songs are good, they're pushing themselves a bit with stuff like "Paint It Black" it's all good. The thing is though, I'm listing to this based on this list., so it's hard not to compare it to everything else. After all, this is the 1001 Albums You Should Listen too, or whatever it is. In that context, it's not all that great. Compared to their contemporaries, the Stones sound like they're playing catch up. This album sounds like a collection of singles while everyone else are making cohesive albums. So it's good, but not great.
0071 Simon & Garfunkel – Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme
The duos third album makes for their debut on the list. It's a nice one. It doesn't come off as heavy handed as some of their stuff is and actually sounds pretty relaxed. Good stuff for a mellow afternoon.
0072 13th Floor Elevators – Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
This is pretty good garage rock. Theirs a weird sound to this album, so I googled it and found it was an electric jug! That's pretty cool huh? That said, I still think this is on the list more for the fact that the leader, Roky, is legitimately crazy as opposed this being an amazing record.
0073 John Mayall’s Blues Breakers – With Eric Clapton
This is probably the album that started that whole "Clapton is God" bullshit. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad album. If you like rocking blues, it's a great album. I've just never cared much for Eric Clapton in any of his numerous bands. He's good, but also kind of boring. I think he's popular for discovering a cool guitar tone instead of actual technical prowess. Most of the guitar solos in this era sound a bit clunky based on the tone. Clapton sounded good. Big deal! Fuck!
I peeked ahead, and the next batch of albums features the greatest album ever made. I wont be able to use that teaser again, so be sure to come on back!
Friday, August 20, 2010
1001 Albums: 54-63
Late posting of my last blog means a double blog week you lucky finks! This one is packed with some of my favorite albums, and a couple of completely dull ones! Huzzah for asshole opinions on the internets!
0054 King, B.B. – Live at the Regal
I think this is the record that made B.B. a huge star. Or maybe it wasn't. It is pretty good, with young B.B. sounding pretty much like he does now. Which is a very very good thing. These are some pleasant, non-challenging blues that fit a light hearted evening, so crack a beer and enjoy.
0055 Beatles, The – Rubber Soul
You pretty much expect every Beatle album on lists like this, so I guess the 1001ers are showing a little restraint here. This isn't my favorite Beatles, that one is coming up. It's not a bad one, and as far as Beatles go it is important as it shows growth and sophistication. It pales to the other one in this block though, so I'm shutting up.
0056 Jansch, Bert – Bert Jansch (1st Album)
I listened to this earlier in the week, and I don't remember a thing about it. So fuck Jansch, he's a boring folky. Or a boring jazz guy.... or maybe a lame rock guy... ummm.....
0057 Byrds, The - Mr Tambourine Man
People forget, but in 1965 the 3 B's ruled the charts; The Beatles, The Beach Boys and these guys, The Byrds. The Byrds hit huge with a gentle folk rock sound and the title track, a Dylan cover. That's the problem I have with this one, all the best songs, and four of the twelve tracks, are Bob Dylan songs. The Dylan versions are all better. So you're left with the band which is ok with some great harmonies, but when compared to the other B's, this album is a bit pale. They get much better and more interesting to look at.
0058 Dylan, Bob – Highway 61 Revisited
Bob rocks out with his cock out on this one in the most barn burning, unapologetic way. It's great stuff, featuring some of his most popular songs. It's been a favorite of mine for a long time, and continues to be.
0059 Who, The – My Generation
I love The Who, and I love this album. I still remember buying this in it''s original Mono mix on vinyl back in 1989, NOT 1964 SINCE I'M NOT THAT OLD! I was shocked by it. It sounds nothing like what you think The Who sound like based on their more popular hits. It's deadly good, hard rolling R&B that is closer to the previously reviewed "The Sonics" then it is to their Brit contemporaries The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Packed full of awesome covers and the originals are even better. Recommended!
0060 Beatles, The – Revolver
Here we go! You can skip "Rubber Soul" because this is The Beatles best album. Every track is good, and the whole thing sounds different from anything they've done before. It's a huge leap, and a great leap to listen too. Recommended.
0061 Beach Boys, The – Pet Sounds
People call this the greatest pop album ever made. I'm madly in love with it so I'm not going to argue. I've listened to it it's original mono, a nice stereo remix and a fancy 5.1 surround mix, and regardless of the mix, the huge emotional, heartfelt love of Brian Wilson shines through every note of the amazing arrangements. The Beach Boys would never sound better, without it The Beatles wouldn't of done Sgt. Pepper to top it, and a part of pop music has never sounded as pretty since. Highly recommended.
0062 Neil, Fred – Fred Neil (1st Album)
I was confused about the inclusion of this since it's pretty dull folk shit. Then I recognized a song from (I think) "Cool Hand Luke", and got annoyed since that shouldn't really be enough for this pussy crap to appear on the list. This is a no thank.
0063 Byrds, The – Fifth Dimension
Skip the debut, this is a better Byrds record. It has the "Hey, Mr. Spaceman" song on it. That's about it, still a bit of the same from that debut, just better and not as much of a Bob Dylan jukebox. The main problem with this one though is, the guy playing the lead guitar solos sucks. Some of the most crap playing you'll here. It also sounds dated compared to The Beach Boys and The Beatles, so it's no wonder why no one remembers these guys anymore.
0054 King, B.B. – Live at the Regal
I think this is the record that made B.B. a huge star. Or maybe it wasn't. It is pretty good, with young B.B. sounding pretty much like he does now. Which is a very very good thing. These are some pleasant, non-challenging blues that fit a light hearted evening, so crack a beer and enjoy.
0055 Beatles, The – Rubber Soul
You pretty much expect every Beatle album on lists like this, so I guess the 1001ers are showing a little restraint here. This isn't my favorite Beatles, that one is coming up. It's not a bad one, and as far as Beatles go it is important as it shows growth and sophistication. It pales to the other one in this block though, so I'm shutting up.
0056 Jansch, Bert – Bert Jansch (1st Album)
I listened to this earlier in the week, and I don't remember a thing about it. So fuck Jansch, he's a boring folky. Or a boring jazz guy.... or maybe a lame rock guy... ummm.....
0057 Byrds, The - Mr Tambourine Man
People forget, but in 1965 the 3 B's ruled the charts; The Beatles, The Beach Boys and these guys, The Byrds. The Byrds hit huge with a gentle folk rock sound and the title track, a Dylan cover. That's the problem I have with this one, all the best songs, and four of the twelve tracks, are Bob Dylan songs. The Dylan versions are all better. So you're left with the band which is ok with some great harmonies, but when compared to the other B's, this album is a bit pale. They get much better and more interesting to look at.
0058 Dylan, Bob – Highway 61 Revisited
Bob rocks out with his cock out on this one in the most barn burning, unapologetic way. It's great stuff, featuring some of his most popular songs. It's been a favorite of mine for a long time, and continues to be.
0059 Who, The – My Generation
I love The Who, and I love this album. I still remember buying this in it''s original Mono mix on vinyl back in 1989, NOT 1964 SINCE I'M NOT THAT OLD! I was shocked by it. It sounds nothing like what you think The Who sound like based on their more popular hits. It's deadly good, hard rolling R&B that is closer to the previously reviewed "The Sonics" then it is to their Brit contemporaries The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Packed full of awesome covers and the originals are even better. Recommended!
0060 Beatles, The – Revolver
Here we go! You can skip "Rubber Soul" because this is The Beatles best album. Every track is good, and the whole thing sounds different from anything they've done before. It's a huge leap, and a great leap to listen too. Recommended.
0061 Beach Boys, The – Pet Sounds
People call this the greatest pop album ever made. I'm madly in love with it so I'm not going to argue. I've listened to it it's original mono, a nice stereo remix and a fancy 5.1 surround mix, and regardless of the mix, the huge emotional, heartfelt love of Brian Wilson shines through every note of the amazing arrangements. The Beach Boys would never sound better, without it The Beatles wouldn't of done Sgt. Pepper to top it, and a part of pop music has never sounded as pretty since. Highly recommended.
0062 Neil, Fred – Fred Neil (1st Album)
I was confused about the inclusion of this since it's pretty dull folk shit. Then I recognized a song from (I think) "Cool Hand Luke", and got annoyed since that shouldn't really be enough for this pussy crap to appear on the list. This is a no thank.
0063 Byrds, The – Fifth Dimension
Skip the debut, this is a better Byrds record. It has the "Hey, Mr. Spaceman" song on it. That's about it, still a bit of the same from that debut, just better and not as much of a Bob Dylan jukebox. The main problem with this one though is, the guy playing the lead guitar solos sucks. Some of the most crap playing you'll here. It also sounds dated compared to The Beach Boys and The Beatles, so it's no wonder why no one remembers these guys anymore.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
1001 Albums: 44-53, and other stuff
Long time followers, all two of you, will recognize a new heading scheme. This is because I realized the former way of keeping track by decade is annoying if you're trying to find a title. I of course realize now that my opinion is incredibly valuable so feel the love, my little nincompoops.
We're still in the early sixties with this pack, but things are starting to get really interesting on the Beach Boys/Beatles/Dylan front, I sense an explosion coming on! Or I've read and seen documentaries about this period of American music... here's how it all goes down.
0044 Burke, Solomon – Rock ‘n’ Soul
I was expecting something more like Sam Cooke, but this was still pretty good. What's impressive is Burke isn't content to pump out some hot soul jams. Instead, he incorporates acoustic guitar and medleys more familiar to folk and country. The result is very pleasing and shows that Burke was absorbing everything that was going on around him instead of sticking to the tried of true. Made for an interesting listen.
0045 Springfield, Dusty - A Girl Called Dusty
I really enjoyed this one. It's Dusty's debut record, and she's ridiculously good on this. She's as convincing on the soul/blues numbers as she is on the pop songs. It's talent like this that rings shame to our current gen pop artists. Great stuff.
0046 Rolling Stones – Rolling Stones
The legendary Stones make their debut, and it's actually incredibly underwhelming. It's not bad by any means it's just... Dylan and the Beatles are pushing forward while the Stones are doing blues covers. They're doing ok versions, but they aren't exactly technical marvels, and compared to the originals Mick and the boys just don't have the swagger. They do have the heart however, and it's that innocent passion for the music they clearly love that makes this deserving of the list. They'll make far better albums in the future, but this one has just enough beginners charm to hold up.
0047 Owens, Buck – I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail
Another potentially corny country style that holds up amazingly well. Buck has a fantastic booming voice and was born to play these songs. He even pulls off a Chuck Berry cover in this hillbilly style. Great, fun music for a summers day.
0048 Lewis, Jerry Lee – Live at the Star Club, Hamburg
This is everything good music should be, and might be one of the greatest live rock albums ever. Jerry is in full on rock demon form, hammering the piano to the point you would think it would fly to bits. He's got a pick up band backing him, and he's playing as if to dare them to keep up. Fortunately, they do, and the result is powerful, passionate rock that can raise the hairs on the back of your neck. A perfect representation of everything I love in music and highly recommended.
0049 Sonics – Here Are the Sonics
Oh Sonics, how I love thee! Clearly wanting to get in on the "Louie Louie" craze, they bang out some pretty good rock covers. Where they get really special though is the originals like "Strychnine" and "Psycho". The singer was made for rock, and his screaming voice is as awesome as the frantic band backing him. Amazing stuff, you can feel the love these guys have. Plus, there's a bonus song about hating Christmas, as I said, I love these guys!
0050 Dylan, Bob – Bringing it All Back Home
Dylan broke out of the folk mode with this one that's kinda split into a rock side and a folk side. Both are damned good, and as much as tracks like "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and "Mr. Tambourine Man" get played, I'm of the mind set that "Gates Of Eden" is one of his best songs. Other then that, there's not much to say. You can't go wrong with a Dylan album from the 60's in my mind, and this is another great one.
0051 Redding, Otis – Otis Blue… Sings Soul
Otis is the man. Backed by the insanely talented Stax house band featuring Booker T and the MGs with the Mar Keys, you know this is going to be funky. Otis himself kills it. Literally. Pick any track off this album, and see how clearly R&B and black music has suffered over the years. Otis embarrasses them all in the wake of his talent. That's taking into account that this album as a whole isn't perfect, it's just great. Otis really is the man.
0052 Beach Boys – Today!
I thought the Beach Boys would make an appearance before now, but it makes sense that they do so now since this album is ridiculous. There's still the youthful fun of their early recordings, and songs about girls and surfing. The arrangements and production though, even today you'll be hard pressed to hear anything finer. That it was all done by a self taught, 23 year old Brian Wilson, it's an amazing accomplishment on top of being insanely listenable. I love this stuff.
0053 Coltrane, John – A Love Supreme
Jazz that sounds like a lot of fucking about before finding a melody. It's not terrible, I've listened to it 3 times, and every time was based on a list like this. All you need to know about my opinion.
--------------------------------
On another note, I also love movies, and I'm having an amazing movie streak right now. So if you haven't, see these:
Inception - People bitch that the characters aren't likable and it's humourless. This just means that they behave like everyone you know in real life. The movie is an amazing achievement and unlike anything you've seen before. Go to it.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - It's the opposite of Inception in that you will love everyone and it's filled with humour. It's the same as Inception in that it's an amazing achievement and unlike anything you've seen before. So see it already!
Louie Bluie - If you love music, YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS! It's a documentary about one of the last living (as of 1897 or so) black string band musicians. I had never heard of the guy before seeing this documentary and I now regret it since it was an amazing story. If you like music, you'll love this movie and this movie will make you love life. You'll probably have to buy the new DVD to see it, but do so. Who needs food anyways???
That's enough!
We're still in the early sixties with this pack, but things are starting to get really interesting on the Beach Boys/Beatles/Dylan front, I sense an explosion coming on! Or I've read and seen documentaries about this period of American music... here's how it all goes down.
0044 Burke, Solomon – Rock ‘n’ Soul
I was expecting something more like Sam Cooke, but this was still pretty good. What's impressive is Burke isn't content to pump out some hot soul jams. Instead, he incorporates acoustic guitar and medleys more familiar to folk and country. The result is very pleasing and shows that Burke was absorbing everything that was going on around him instead of sticking to the tried of true. Made for an interesting listen.
0045 Springfield, Dusty - A Girl Called Dusty
I really enjoyed this one. It's Dusty's debut record, and she's ridiculously good on this. She's as convincing on the soul/blues numbers as she is on the pop songs. It's talent like this that rings shame to our current gen pop artists. Great stuff.
0046 Rolling Stones – Rolling Stones
The legendary Stones make their debut, and it's actually incredibly underwhelming. It's not bad by any means it's just... Dylan and the Beatles are pushing forward while the Stones are doing blues covers. They're doing ok versions, but they aren't exactly technical marvels, and compared to the originals Mick and the boys just don't have the swagger. They do have the heart however, and it's that innocent passion for the music they clearly love that makes this deserving of the list. They'll make far better albums in the future, but this one has just enough beginners charm to hold up.
0047 Owens, Buck – I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail
Another potentially corny country style that holds up amazingly well. Buck has a fantastic booming voice and was born to play these songs. He even pulls off a Chuck Berry cover in this hillbilly style. Great, fun music for a summers day.
0048 Lewis, Jerry Lee – Live at the Star Club, Hamburg
This is everything good music should be, and might be one of the greatest live rock albums ever. Jerry is in full on rock demon form, hammering the piano to the point you would think it would fly to bits. He's got a pick up band backing him, and he's playing as if to dare them to keep up. Fortunately, they do, and the result is powerful, passionate rock that can raise the hairs on the back of your neck. A perfect representation of everything I love in music and highly recommended.
0049 Sonics – Here Are the Sonics
Oh Sonics, how I love thee! Clearly wanting to get in on the "Louie Louie" craze, they bang out some pretty good rock covers. Where they get really special though is the originals like "Strychnine" and "Psycho". The singer was made for rock, and his screaming voice is as awesome as the frantic band backing him. Amazing stuff, you can feel the love these guys have. Plus, there's a bonus song about hating Christmas, as I said, I love these guys!
0050 Dylan, Bob – Bringing it All Back Home
Dylan broke out of the folk mode with this one that's kinda split into a rock side and a folk side. Both are damned good, and as much as tracks like "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and "Mr. Tambourine Man" get played, I'm of the mind set that "Gates Of Eden" is one of his best songs. Other then that, there's not much to say. You can't go wrong with a Dylan album from the 60's in my mind, and this is another great one.
0051 Redding, Otis – Otis Blue… Sings Soul
Otis is the man. Backed by the insanely talented Stax house band featuring Booker T and the MGs with the Mar Keys, you know this is going to be funky. Otis himself kills it. Literally. Pick any track off this album, and see how clearly R&B and black music has suffered over the years. Otis embarrasses them all in the wake of his talent. That's taking into account that this album as a whole isn't perfect, it's just great. Otis really is the man.
0052 Beach Boys – Today!
I thought the Beach Boys would make an appearance before now, but it makes sense that they do so now since this album is ridiculous. There's still the youthful fun of their early recordings, and songs about girls and surfing. The arrangements and production though, even today you'll be hard pressed to hear anything finer. That it was all done by a self taught, 23 year old Brian Wilson, it's an amazing accomplishment on top of being insanely listenable. I love this stuff.
0053 Coltrane, John – A Love Supreme
Jazz that sounds like a lot of fucking about before finding a melody. It's not terrible, I've listened to it 3 times, and every time was based on a list like this. All you need to know about my opinion.
--------------------------------
On another note, I also love movies, and I'm having an amazing movie streak right now. So if you haven't, see these:
Inception - People bitch that the characters aren't likable and it's humourless. This just means that they behave like everyone you know in real life. The movie is an amazing achievement and unlike anything you've seen before. Go to it.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - It's the opposite of Inception in that you will love everyone and it's filled with humour. It's the same as Inception in that it's an amazing achievement and unlike anything you've seen before. So see it already!
Louie Bluie - If you love music, YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS! It's a documentary about one of the last living (as of 1897 or so) black string band musicians. I had never heard of the guy before seeing this documentary and I now regret it since it was an amazing story. If you like music, you'll love this movie and this movie will make you love life. You'll probably have to buy the new DVD to see it, but do so. Who needs food anyways???
That's enough!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: The 60's Part Two
This is where the sixties properly begin, with the Beatles being introduced. For the most part, this 10 pack albums was pretty solid... other then the rather bizarre end. Yup, french shouty music is lost on these ears...
The other thing that's happened with this project is I really miss vinyl. I miss listening to a side, and then flipping it over to see what side 2 is like. The Ray Price album is a real lost art with itunes and all that. I'm going to pick up some vinyl now, and maybe even buy a record player to listen to them on. Haw Haw Haw.
0034 Price, Ray – Night Life
This one is the type of corny country album I would typically hate. Ray however does a clever set up with a spoken word intro that introduces the album and thanks the fans. It made the whole thing more palatable, and I ended up really enjoying both the songs and his voice. Good stuff.
0035 Beatles – With the Beatles
This is where it feels like the sixties properly start. While this isn't their first album, is certainly kicks the doors down as far as sound and style goes. Nothing previous to this sounds like this. It's a dead solid album too, with the original material sounding better then the cover songs. For them to grow this far, this quickly after their first album is amazing. Now the nitpick. For this listening, I went with the 2009 stereo remaster. I didn't care for it. It's one of those odd mixes where the vocals are on one side and the music is on the other. Makes for a distracting time, so go with the superior mono mix on this one if you can afford the boxset.
0036 Dylan, Bob – Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
This one is even more staggering then the Beatles when compared to what has come before it on this list. The music itself is all solo acoustic and firmly planted in the folk tradition. The words though, it's hard to believe that someone of his age when this was recorded could come up with songs that ring so true. There's still nothing like it to compare it too. From this second album on, Dylan became a genre onto himself. This isn't my first listen to this album, and it wont be my last. Highly Recommended.
0037 Spector, Phil & Various Artists – A Christmas Gift for You
The only thing weirder then listening to a Christmas album when it's 30C outside is probably enjoying it as much as I did. Spector manages to make you forget about the typically boring arrangements that these typically have and makes you want to dance. Everything is up to the standard you would expect from Spector in this period. Worth checking out, especially if you typically don't like these types of albums.
0038 Cooke, Sam – Live at the Harlem Square
Sam puts on a hell of a show on this one, it pretty much sounds like church. The draw here is the songs are looser then the studio cuts, and it makes all the difference.
0039 Mingus, Charles – Black Saint & the Sinner Lady
Back to Jazz. Well, it's not as annoying or boring as the other stuff so far featured. Still, I doubt I'll ever sit down and listen to it again.
0040 Brown, James – Live at the Apollo
The hardest working man in show business pulls out all the stops on this live album. It's considered one of his best, and a stand out in R&B. What more is there to say? Listen to it all ready! For extra homework, check him out on The T.A.M.I Show.
0041 Getz, Stan & João Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto
This is the only Stan Getz album that Stan needed to make since it has "The Girl From Ipanema" on it. If you like that song, you'll like this album. If you have never heard that song, you fail at life.
0042 Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night
I'm a bit surprised this one is on here frankly. It's not a bad album by any means and features many of their most popular songs. It's more a case of not being all that different from "With The Beatles." "Beatles For Sale" would be a better choice as it leads into "Rubber Soul" as far as sound and songs go. Anyways, it's a good album, and I'm happy to report that the 2009 stereo re-master sounds better on this one, with a more natural mix. I still prefer the mono though.
0043 Brel, Jacques – Olympia 64
I honestly don't know if this was good or not. It's in French, so I have no idea what he's singing about. I'm guessing it's all love songs. He doesn't sing so much as talk through songs, so it's hard to appreciate the performance. That said, he's certainly passionate, I think he nearly cried at one point. He typically ends up shouting, and rarely to the music. The music is kind of all over the place, other then "Amsterdam" which is a re-working of "Greensleeves" and is the only song that musically sounds like a song. Again, it's in French so there isn't really any rhyming going on so it ends up all sounding like a Hitler rally with a sexier accent. It pretty much drove me up the wall and seeing that the guy looks like the type of Eurotrash that would fuck your mother, this is the first all out fail on the list for me.
But I can't say it's bad since I'm not familiar with this type of music. Maybe he's a genius, I just don't want to hear him ever again.
----
Someone else is traveling this 1001 journey, so check out Liz's blog and offer her some support. She's in the 300's, most impressive!
http://www.1001albums.com/
The other thing that's happened with this project is I really miss vinyl. I miss listening to a side, and then flipping it over to see what side 2 is like. The Ray Price album is a real lost art with itunes and all that. I'm going to pick up some vinyl now, and maybe even buy a record player to listen to them on. Haw Haw Haw.
0034 Price, Ray – Night Life
This one is the type of corny country album I would typically hate. Ray however does a clever set up with a spoken word intro that introduces the album and thanks the fans. It made the whole thing more palatable, and I ended up really enjoying both the songs and his voice. Good stuff.
0035 Beatles – With the Beatles
This is where it feels like the sixties properly start. While this isn't their first album, is certainly kicks the doors down as far as sound and style goes. Nothing previous to this sounds like this. It's a dead solid album too, with the original material sounding better then the cover songs. For them to grow this far, this quickly after their first album is amazing. Now the nitpick. For this listening, I went with the 2009 stereo remaster. I didn't care for it. It's one of those odd mixes where the vocals are on one side and the music is on the other. Makes for a distracting time, so go with the superior mono mix on this one if you can afford the boxset.
0036 Dylan, Bob – Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
This one is even more staggering then the Beatles when compared to what has come before it on this list. The music itself is all solo acoustic and firmly planted in the folk tradition. The words though, it's hard to believe that someone of his age when this was recorded could come up with songs that ring so true. There's still nothing like it to compare it too. From this second album on, Dylan became a genre onto himself. This isn't my first listen to this album, and it wont be my last. Highly Recommended.
0037 Spector, Phil & Various Artists – A Christmas Gift for You
The only thing weirder then listening to a Christmas album when it's 30C outside is probably enjoying it as much as I did. Spector manages to make you forget about the typically boring arrangements that these typically have and makes you want to dance. Everything is up to the standard you would expect from Spector in this period. Worth checking out, especially if you typically don't like these types of albums.
0038 Cooke, Sam – Live at the Harlem Square
Sam puts on a hell of a show on this one, it pretty much sounds like church. The draw here is the songs are looser then the studio cuts, and it makes all the difference.
0039 Mingus, Charles – Black Saint & the Sinner Lady
Back to Jazz. Well, it's not as annoying or boring as the other stuff so far featured. Still, I doubt I'll ever sit down and listen to it again.
0040 Brown, James – Live at the Apollo
The hardest working man in show business pulls out all the stops on this live album. It's considered one of his best, and a stand out in R&B. What more is there to say? Listen to it all ready! For extra homework, check him out on The T.A.M.I Show.
0041 Getz, Stan & João Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto
This is the only Stan Getz album that Stan needed to make since it has "The Girl From Ipanema" on it. If you like that song, you'll like this album. If you have never heard that song, you fail at life.
0042 Beatles – A Hard Day’s Night
I'm a bit surprised this one is on here frankly. It's not a bad album by any means and features many of their most popular songs. It's more a case of not being all that different from "With The Beatles." "Beatles For Sale" would be a better choice as it leads into "Rubber Soul" as far as sound and songs go. Anyways, it's a good album, and I'm happy to report that the 2009 stereo re-master sounds better on this one, with a more natural mix. I still prefer the mono though.
0043 Brel, Jacques – Olympia 64
I honestly don't know if this was good or not. It's in French, so I have no idea what he's singing about. I'm guessing it's all love songs. He doesn't sing so much as talk through songs, so it's hard to appreciate the performance. That said, he's certainly passionate, I think he nearly cried at one point. He typically ends up shouting, and rarely to the music. The music is kind of all over the place, other then "Amsterdam" which is a re-working of "Greensleeves" and is the only song that musically sounds like a song. Again, it's in French so there isn't really any rhyming going on so it ends up all sounding like a Hitler rally with a sexier accent. It pretty much drove me up the wall and seeing that the guy looks like the type of Eurotrash that would fuck your mother, this is the first all out fail on the list for me.
But I can't say it's bad since I'm not familiar with this type of music. Maybe he's a genius, I just don't want to hear him ever again.
----
Someone else is traveling this 1001 journey, so check out Liz's blog and offer her some support. She's in the 300's, most impressive!
http://www.1001albums.com/
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: The 60's Part One
I'm still trucking along with the project, and not hating it yet! The first chunk of the 60's is done, and it sounds a lot like the 50's so far. Not a bad thing though, since I mostly liked the 50's. This ten pack was also light on boring jazz records, so it gets some bonus points.
0024 Baez, Joan – Joan Baez (1960)
I'm guessing this is her debut. It's good, and her voice is amazing. So amazing, that to hear her draw out folk standards wears a but thing and gets a bit annoying. So I'm a bit torn since it's good, but i doubt I'll want to listen to it again. At least not all in one sitting.
0025 Presley, Elvis – Elvis is Back!
Back from the army, this was a big crap shoot since no one knew if the King would still have it. Ends up he did. The over all style is cleaned up on this one, no raw Sun tracks to be found. It's still a solid album though as Elvis shows some maturity by knocking out some pop songs on top of the rock. This pretty much sets the stage for the rest of his career. Elvis always was closer to Frank Sinatra then he was to Chuck Berry, and this is a damned fine start.
0026 Makeba, Miriam – Miriam Makeba (1960)
This is an album by a South African jazz singer, and mixes south African songs with some popular tracks. I really liked this. She has an incredible voice, and when you hear songs like "The Click Song", it doesn't actually sound real. I'm trusting that it's no bullshit though, and this is a recommended listen.
0027 Everly Brothers – A Date with the…
You hear the name and it's hard not to think "White Bread Rock" in the Pat Boone sense. It's not. This is a great rock album that features some honest harmonies. The brothers are fantastic interpreters of song, and they really shine on this one.
0028 Smith, Jimmy – Back at the Chicken Shack
Pretty solid blues instrumental album. Nothing really stood out though.
0029 Muddy Waters – At Newport
Muddy lays it all out on this live disc. If you like Muddy, you'll like this. If you've never heard Muddy, this is as good a place to start as any since he was dynamite live.
0030 Evans, Bill – Sunday at the Village Vanguard
This is a highly regarded piano Jazz album, but it sounds like back ground dinner music to me. Just can't get into it.
0031 Charles, Ray - Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music
This is considered Ray's best work, and it's hard to argue. Ray transforms country standards into music that sounds right at home in a blues club. In doing so he proves himself to be a master interpreter, as well as gives substance to a genre that typically gets short shrift in some circles as a throw away dumb genre. Not a small feat by any means. Recommended.
0032 Booker T & the MGs – Green Onions
The house band for Stax Records get a chance to shine. A great collection of soul instrumentals that are perfect for a summers day. I should know, I listened to this while walking around on a summer day after all.
0033 Getz, Stan & Charlie Byrd – Jazz Samba
The title makes me cringe, but this was actually pretty nice. It's a bit of what you'd expect to hear in a 1960's cocktail bar, but none of the songs out stay their welcome. Modern Jazz could learn from this...
So there it is, nothing blew the doors off my ears, but nothing annoyed me terribly either. A nice safe collection of music! Until next time, keep listening!
0024 Baez, Joan – Joan Baez (1960)
I'm guessing this is her debut. It's good, and her voice is amazing. So amazing, that to hear her draw out folk standards wears a but thing and gets a bit annoying. So I'm a bit torn since it's good, but i doubt I'll want to listen to it again. At least not all in one sitting.
0025 Presley, Elvis – Elvis is Back!
Back from the army, this was a big crap shoot since no one knew if the King would still have it. Ends up he did. The over all style is cleaned up on this one, no raw Sun tracks to be found. It's still a solid album though as Elvis shows some maturity by knocking out some pop songs on top of the rock. This pretty much sets the stage for the rest of his career. Elvis always was closer to Frank Sinatra then he was to Chuck Berry, and this is a damned fine start.
0026 Makeba, Miriam – Miriam Makeba (1960)
This is an album by a South African jazz singer, and mixes south African songs with some popular tracks. I really liked this. She has an incredible voice, and when you hear songs like "The Click Song", it doesn't actually sound real. I'm trusting that it's no bullshit though, and this is a recommended listen.
0027 Everly Brothers – A Date with the…
You hear the name and it's hard not to think "White Bread Rock" in the Pat Boone sense. It's not. This is a great rock album that features some honest harmonies. The brothers are fantastic interpreters of song, and they really shine on this one.
0028 Smith, Jimmy – Back at the Chicken Shack
Pretty solid blues instrumental album. Nothing really stood out though.
0029 Muddy Waters – At Newport
Muddy lays it all out on this live disc. If you like Muddy, you'll like this. If you've never heard Muddy, this is as good a place to start as any since he was dynamite live.
0030 Evans, Bill – Sunday at the Village Vanguard
This is a highly regarded piano Jazz album, but it sounds like back ground dinner music to me. Just can't get into it.
0031 Charles, Ray - Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music
This is considered Ray's best work, and it's hard to argue. Ray transforms country standards into music that sounds right at home in a blues club. In doing so he proves himself to be a master interpreter, as well as gives substance to a genre that typically gets short shrift in some circles as a throw away dumb genre. Not a small feat by any means. Recommended.
0032 Booker T & the MGs – Green Onions
The house band for Stax Records get a chance to shine. A great collection of soul instrumentals that are perfect for a summers day. I should know, I listened to this while walking around on a summer day after all.
0033 Getz, Stan & Charlie Byrd – Jazz Samba
The title makes me cringe, but this was actually pretty nice. It's a bit of what you'd expect to hear in a 1960's cocktail bar, but none of the songs out stay their welcome. Modern Jazz could learn from this...
So there it is, nothing blew the doors off my ears, but nothing annoyed me terribly either. A nice safe collection of music! Until next time, keep listening!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: The 50's part 2
Late in posting this, but the fifties are done! Being only 23 albums in, it's a little early to declare this project a success, but it sort of already is. The variety of music and genre already gives this challenge a bump over the Rolling Stone one in my mind. When I think of the fifties, I think of a pretty uniform, safe period with a blast of rock and roll. Going through these albums though, it shows just how diverse the fifties really were as a decade, and completely setting up the sophistication and experimentation that would take place with music in the 60's. Great stuff, here's the list!
0012 Davis, Miles – Birth of the Cool
Also known as "The Death Of Peppy Jazz". I can appreciate the playing, but it bores the hell out of me.
0013 Machito – Kenya
More Jazz here, but it's peppy Latin Jazz and kept me interested. The songs weren't crazy long either which helped bunches.
0014 Little Richard – Here’s Little Richard
I loved this. I've always loved Little Richard. Arguably the greatest rock singer of all time. That voice was no good for anything else. So loud, so full of life. The music matches the energy and it all works perfectly. Recommended
0015 Puente, Tito & His Orchestra – Dance Mania (1958)
Mambo mania more like it! I'm not a huge fan of this type of latin music, but it's hard to hate something with a song called "3-D Mambo"
0016 Holiday, Billie – Lady in Satin
Holiday is undoubtedly one of the greatest female vocalist. This album however finds her sounding old and in poor health. It distracts from the performances and just makes the whole thing sad. I'd go for her earlier material.
0017 Elliott, Jack – Jack Takes the Floor
Before Dylan there was Ramblin' Jack tearing through folk standards. A prettty good album too, his introductions to the songs give it a personal performance feel, and he's in fine voice. None of these versions are the best you'll find or eclipse earlier artists, but they don't have to. Jack still shows you a good time, and even brings in Woody for a song.
0018 Vaughan, Sarah – At Mister Kelly’s
Sounds like a night club recording, and a pretty good one to. Sarah is in fine form singing some pop songs of the day.
0019 Fitzgerald, Ella – Sings the Gershwin Song Book
If your looking for a sophisticated vocal album, this ones for you. Ella does a great job interpreting 50 or so songs from the Gershwin song book. The music is lush, and Ella never gets lost in the orchestra and manages to put her own take on these. Great stuff.
0020 Charles, Ray – Genius of
You have to be either really good or a real asshole to use the word "Genius" on an album. Ray of course was really good. This is a hell of a record. A big band sound that still keeps the soul, not a bad song on it.
0021 Davis, Miles – Kind of Blue
Actually it's not kind of blue, it's totally boring.
0022 Robbins, Marty – Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs
I loved this record. I loved it so much, I listened to it 3 times in a row. Marty Robbins has the perfect cowboy voice, and these are great cowboy songs for him to sing. El Paso might be one of the greatest cowboy songs ever written. the band and harmonies are of the equal high quality, and all together I'm sure this is now a favorite.
0023 Brubeck, Dave – Time Out
As far as jazz albums go, i don't mind this one. I'm yet to have a desire to listen to it outside of these lists, but still it's at least not boring like many of the other ones. The thing with this though is it always makes me think of the soundtracks to NFB cartoons. Which is probably really complimentary to the NFB and a big slap in the face to Brubeck...
Right, that's about it! Bring on the 60's!
0012 Davis, Miles – Birth of the Cool
Also known as "The Death Of Peppy Jazz". I can appreciate the playing, but it bores the hell out of me.
0013 Machito – Kenya
More Jazz here, but it's peppy Latin Jazz and kept me interested. The songs weren't crazy long either which helped bunches.
0014 Little Richard – Here’s Little Richard
I loved this. I've always loved Little Richard. Arguably the greatest rock singer of all time. That voice was no good for anything else. So loud, so full of life. The music matches the energy and it all works perfectly. Recommended
0015 Puente, Tito & His Orchestra – Dance Mania (1958)
Mambo mania more like it! I'm not a huge fan of this type of latin music, but it's hard to hate something with a song called "3-D Mambo"
0016 Holiday, Billie – Lady in Satin
Holiday is undoubtedly one of the greatest female vocalist. This album however finds her sounding old and in poor health. It distracts from the performances and just makes the whole thing sad. I'd go for her earlier material.
0017 Elliott, Jack – Jack Takes the Floor
Before Dylan there was Ramblin' Jack tearing through folk standards. A prettty good album too, his introductions to the songs give it a personal performance feel, and he's in fine voice. None of these versions are the best you'll find or eclipse earlier artists, but they don't have to. Jack still shows you a good time, and even brings in Woody for a song.
0018 Vaughan, Sarah – At Mister Kelly’s
Sounds like a night club recording, and a pretty good one to. Sarah is in fine form singing some pop songs of the day.
0019 Fitzgerald, Ella – Sings the Gershwin Song Book
If your looking for a sophisticated vocal album, this ones for you. Ella does a great job interpreting 50 or so songs from the Gershwin song book. The music is lush, and Ella never gets lost in the orchestra and manages to put her own take on these. Great stuff.
0020 Charles, Ray – Genius of
You have to be either really good or a real asshole to use the word "Genius" on an album. Ray of course was really good. This is a hell of a record. A big band sound that still keeps the soul, not a bad song on it.
0021 Davis, Miles – Kind of Blue
Actually it's not kind of blue, it's totally boring.
0022 Robbins, Marty – Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs
I loved this record. I loved it so much, I listened to it 3 times in a row. Marty Robbins has the perfect cowboy voice, and these are great cowboy songs for him to sing. El Paso might be one of the greatest cowboy songs ever written. the band and harmonies are of the equal high quality, and all together I'm sure this is now a favorite.
0023 Brubeck, Dave – Time Out
As far as jazz albums go, i don't mind this one. I'm yet to have a desire to listen to it outside of these lists, but still it's at least not boring like many of the other ones. The thing with this though is it always makes me think of the soundtracks to NFB cartoons. Which is probably really complimentary to the NFB and a big slap in the face to Brubeck...
Right, that's about it! Bring on the 60's!
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