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Tag Archives: Janet Jackson

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/11/21

12 Sunday Sep 2021

Posted by TGBII in KISS, Records, Spinning Sunday

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Aerosmith, Discogs, Disney, Janet Jackson, KISS, Lord Huron, Music, The BCPF, The Less Desirables Network, The Velvet Underground, Underdog Records, Wang Chung, WSNC

©Mercury

Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I stopped by Underdog Records first thing before we met with Paul Jones for lunch at West End Cafe. That was all we did until I had to be in Kernersville to come out of retirement and play with my pals in Threadbare Trio. Here’s the haul:

Lord Huron – Strange Trails — I had never heard of this band, but The BCPF listens to Pandora all day long and this shows up on the channels she listens to. This is their album from 2015. It sounds kind of indie country-like to me. New.

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation 1814 — Ranked #277 on the RS list that matters, #338 on the one that doesn’t. For this album, Janet  drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Can you imagine if she released this album today? A lot to draw on on all of those things. New.

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground — I hate this band. I know I’ve said that 99,999 times of more. But, for good measure, I hate this band. It is #316 on the RS list that matters which I think is ridiculous. That’s way too high. If it is supposed to be in the Top 500, at all, it should sit at #500. Inexplicably, it’s ranked the absolutely ludicrous rank of #143 on the list that doesn’t matter. Another reason that version of the list is just stupid. But, the wife wanted it and it is on the list so I have to have it. EX.

Kiss – Crazy Nights — Yes, I already had this but I had it in VG+ condition. This is an original pressing with original inner sleeve and is in EX condition.

Aerosmith – Permanent Vacation — I hate Aerosmith. I have mentioned that ad naseum. However, I do really enjoy, almost to the point of “love” both this album and its follow-up, Pump. “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Rag Doll,” and “Angel.” Great tunes. VG+.

Various – Walt Disney’s Merriest Songs — “Chim Chim Cheree,” “Whistle While You Work,” “I Wan’na Be Like You” and others. From 1968. VG+.

Wang Chung – Points On The Curve — In a rare snafu on Discogs part, I typed in Wang Chung to see if I had this album and other albums showed up. So, I bought this. It turns out we did have it already. But, this is a club pressing and the other is a different pressing. It’s in EX condition, so I’m keeping both copies.

Underdog Records will be closed this week because Jonathan is going on vacation. FINALLY!! You can still order things from the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection (and most of the time it works perfectly). You should use it, too.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m alone. Yeah, I don’t know if I can face the night. I’m in tears, and the cryin’ that I do is for you. I want your love – let’s break the walls between us. Don’t make it tough – I’ll put away my pride. Enough’s enough, I’ve suffered and I’ve seen the light, baby.” – “Angel” (Tyler/Child)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 8/3/19

04 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by TGBII in Records, Spinning Sunday

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Amel Larrieux + The Roots, Beck, Beeswax Vinyl & More, Clay Howard, David GIlmour, Discogs, Erykah Badu, Glenn Lewis, India.Arie, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Joe Jackson, Macy Gray, Music, Nelly Furtado, Paul Kelly, Steve Miller Band, The BCPF, The Connells, The Less Desirables, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

I had a Cobras game yesterday but we made sure we made our way to Underdog Records. Jonathan had battled a bug this week and we wanted to check in on him, yes, but we also wanted to add to our collection. Jonathan was bouncy and chipper. We like seeing him like that. He was extra jokey and just being himself. I think he needs a vacation. A real one. But, here’s the haul!

David_Gilmour_self-titled

©Harvest/Capitol

  • Janet Jackson – The Velvet Rope — #259 on the RS list. Janet had just renegotiated her Virgin Records contract (to the tune of $80M) which was the biggest record contract at the time (1997). The album touches on self-image, sexuality, same-sex relationships and depression, just to name a few. It’s a good album. New.
  • Beck! – Odelay — #306 on the RS list. This album was more for The BCPF than me, but I do enjoy it. It’s not my favorite Beck album but it’s still pretty righteous. It’s got a lot of Hip-Hop aspects and that’s probably because the Dust Brothers (John King and Michael Simpson) are the producers. Basically, if it’s an instrument (outside of drums), Beck is playing it, all other aspects were done by the Dust Brothers. New.
  • David Gilmour – David Gilmour — The BCPF asked, “David Gilmour, like Pink Floyd David Gilmour?” and then he started singing and playing. Yes. That David Gilmour. What sounds like lost Floyd tracks come right before their hugely successful The Wall and some of the pieces morphed into ideas on that album. It is a good album and I enjoyed listening to it. I prefer Pink Floyd, but this was good. VG.
  • Steve Miller Band – Fly Like An Eagle — Les Paul’s godson has a fantastic album here. It’s #445 on the RS list. I love the title song, “Take the Money and Run” and “Rock’n Me.” And, as much as I don’t care for blues music, there are moments on this album that are awfully bluesy and I like it just fine. VG+.
  • Various – Red Star Sounds Volume 1 Soul Searching — Amel Larrieux + The Roots, Erykah Badu, Glenn Lewis, Macy Gray, Jill Scott, India.Arie, Nelly Furtado and more. Not usually our cup o’tea but we’ll take it! VG++.
  • Paul Kelly And The Messengers – Gossip — Actually the band is Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls but North America and Europe releases were changed to “…And the Messengers” to escape racist interpretations. The Coloured Girls part was taken from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” Other than that, I really know nothing about Paul Kelly or his various backing bands. He’s apparently pretty big in his native Australia. VG+.
  • Paul Kelly And The Messengers – Under The Sun — Really, the same as above. This was the next after that one. VG+.
  • Various – Music From Do The Right Thing — This was a great film and just because of that, I bought this. That’s really the only reason. I didn’t even look at the tracklisting. VG.
  • Various – Tequila Sunrise – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — Clay and I talked about this on Monday during our Beeswax Vinyl & More session. He had gotten it on cassette the week before because of one song and I said that I had passed it up on vinyl at Underdog. He said I should get it. I did. I’ve never seen the film so I don’t know anything else about it. VG+.
  • Joe Jackson – Body And Soul — A mix of pop and jazz and salsa, which isn’t what I think of when I think of Joe Jackson, but I do look forward to listening to it. VG+.
  • The Connells – Darker Days — Their debut album. I didn’t get this from Underdog Records, but from Clay who simply said, “give this to your wife. I know she’d want it.” He then gave a commentary about it and although I haven’t heard it, The BCPF had and she agrees with you, Clay. We’ll leave it at that. VG/VG+.

It was a good haul, I think. Again, we just enjoyed being in there with Jonathan and a few other of our friends. And, there were a lot of people coming in which is a great thing. Listen to each new The Less Desirables episode to hear what the TLD/UR special of the week is. Use Discogs to catalog your collection, keep track of what you do or don’t have, buy and sell on the Marketplace and use the awesome “random grab” feature.

Until tomorrow, keep spinning…
Scorp out!

—
“Bottles and cans and just clap your hands and just clap your hands. Where it’s at. I got two turntables and a microphone!” – “Where It’s At” (Beck/King/Simpson)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 8/26/17

27 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by TGBII in Records, Silent Sunday

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AC/DC, Accept, Aerosmith, Blue Note, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Buddy Holly, Carly Simon, Chicago, Clay Howard, Club Nouveau, Crosby Stills and Nash, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Discogs, Donovan, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Ghostbusters, Heart, Iron and Wine, Janet Jackson, John Waite, John Williams, KISS, Kris Kristofferson, Led Zeppelin, Lionel Richie, Mannheim Trio, Mozart, Music, Nana Mouskouri, Neil Young, Pedro the Lion, Quiet Riot, Ray Stevens, Rush, Star Wars, Steven Wilson, Superchunk, Survivor, The Beatles, The Cars, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Hollies, The Less Desirables, The Rolling Stones, The Romantics, Underdog Records

Salutations™!!

After a week off from records to absorb deliciously fermented grape juice, we made up for it at Underdog Records on Saturday. I’m sure Jonathan wasn’t complaining. Let’s just do it!

COTN_album_cover

©Casablanca/Island Def Jam/UMe

 

  • Kiss – Creatures Of The Night (the last of the original makeup albums, I had to order this off of Discogs as it was back ordered through distributors, new)
  • Superchunk – Superchunk (their first album finally released on vinyl, they’ve come a long way because this was hard for me to listen to, I have seen them play twice, new)
  • Iron And Wine – Beast Epic (brand new and I’ve seen him once, new)
  • Steven Wilson – To The Bone (really great album once I realized it was to be played at 45RPM, bone colored vinyl, new)
  • John Williams, The London Symphony Orchestra – Star Wars (really great, clean copy, could be an original pressing?)
  • Led Zeppelin – Coda (clean copy)
  • Led Zeppelin – Houses Of The Holy (pretty rough but it was $1)
  • AC/DC – Powerage (not a fan of AC/DC but it was a good copy)
  • The Rolling Stones – Undercover
  • The Rolling Stones – Tattoo You
  • Quiet Riot – Condition Critical
  • The Beatles – Hey Jude (because of what it is, I never had a copy on CD, this is my first copy of this album)
  • Accept – Balls To The Wall
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash – Daylight Again
  • Eagles – One Of These Nights
  • Rush – 2112 (not a big fan of Rush but it was a $2 VG- copy, so…)
  • Ray Stevens – Gitarzan
  • Kris Kristofferson – Me And Bobby McGee
  • The Hollies – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
  • Donovan – Open Road
  • Diana Ross And The Supremes – Reflections
  • Chicago – Chicago 18
  • Chicago – Chicago VIII
  • Chicago – Greatest Hits, Volume II
  • Carly Simon – No Secrets
  • Heart – Little Queen (The BCPF found this when in Elkin last week whilst I was tasting wine)
  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Soul Revolutions Part 2 (ditto)
  • Various – Rockin’ Easy – 24 Laid-Back Hits (2xLP compilation)
  • Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger
  • Buddy Holly / The Crickets – 20 Golden Greats
  • Mannheim Trio Plays Mozart – Seven Trios (Complete)
  • Aerosmith – Toys In The Attic (not a fan of Aerosmith, but it was $1)
  • Neil Young – Harvest (I’m trying to collect the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums of all time, at least most of them, this was on it)
  • The Charlie Daniels Band – A Decade Of Hits (first time I’ve actually bought this even though I had a copy on cassette and CD, they were somehow just “left” with me)
  • Pedro The Lion – It’s Hard To Find A Friend
  • Lionel Richie – Can’t Slow Down
  • Nana Mouskouri – Le Coeur Trop Tendre (we are such suckers for 60s French pop, even though she’s Greek)
  • Fleetwood Mac – Mirage (we got the “alternative” take version of this for Record Store Day)
  • John Waite – No Brakes
  • Various – Blue Note Live At The Roxy
  • The Cars – Greatest Hits
  • Club Nouveau – Life, Love & Pain
  • Various – Ghostbusters (Original Soundtrack) (I wore the cassette out for this when I was a kid)
  • The Romantics – In Heat
  • Janet Jackson – Control

That’s quite the haul. It’s hard to tell what I missed yesterday because we were a little late getting there and I know Clay had already been through. We were quite excited with this haul and it’s already been good listening. If you’re thinking of getting into vinyl, getting back into vinyl or just want to expand your vinyl collection, then you need to get by Underdog Records. They have turntables, receivers, speakers, cleaning accessories and more. Listen to The Less Desirables each week to hear what the Underdog/TLD special is for that week. And use Discogs to archive and log your vinyl collection so you always know what you have.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“The road is long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where. Who knows where? But I’m strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (Russell, Scott)

Rope Burn or: Drying the Stardust (RS Part 25)

03 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by TGBII in Music Review

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Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson, Kraftwerk, Metallica, Otis Redding, The Kinks, Whitney Houston, Willie Nelson

Salutations™!!

Five of the last ten were good so I’m hoping this leg of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time will be just as productive. I see some of the stuff on it, so I’m hoping it’s better than the preview. Anywhat! Let’s get steppin’…

#260 – Stardust by Willie Nelson. I keep thinking of Willie and Ray doing “Seven Spanish Angels” and funny that they’re both this close to each other (Ray was #265) doing standards. I think Ray beats him (they should be reversed), but this isn’t a bad disc. It’s relaxing. I know the record label was scared that Willie was losing his “outlaw country” edge, but I would rather hear this kind of stuff anyway. That being said, the songs were good but nothing, other than “Georgia on my Mind,” and I think that’s just because I knew it already. The album is relatively short, it breezed on by, and don’t know that I’d really wan to hear it again. Willie does ok with the songs, but, it’s Willie. Anymore it’s like watching an ASPCA commercial whenever I see or hear anything from him. Meh, at best.

#259 – The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson. I’m constantly surprised by Janet. I’d say that I liked Rhythm Nation better and that I can do without all the interspersed “interludes,” but hey, it’s not my album. Janet’s work is smooth, as always, and the songwriting is solid. I am not going to be gullible enough to think that it’s her writing1Janet_Jackson_-_The_Velvet_Rope the majority of the songs but, the writing credits do, each and everyone, go to her, Terry Lewis, Jimmy Jam and a slew of collaborators. The only exception is Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the Night,” which she did an admirable job on. I have to say that “Rope Burn” is a sexy-as-all-get-out song. It’s supposed to be. “Together Again,” “Every Time,” and “You” are my faves, right after “Rope Burn.” I mean, dang! There are plenty of songs on this that can be called “sexy,” however, that song was (not quite) literally dripping from my studio monitors. I dug it.

#258 – The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society by The Kinks. Yep, it’s 1968, alright. It seems a bit older than that, though. I like The Kinks and all, but so far in this, I’m not hearing a lot that moves me. Not saying it doesn’t belong on the list, but at this high a number? It’s also the first time that I knowing listened to a “mono” mix of something. I’m going to show my ignorance but I don’t know what I was hearing that I wouldn’t have already heard or why that’s such a big deal. Someone, please explain that to me. I’m not being facetious, I’m seriously interested in why “mono” is such a big deal or why I should care or even, what am I hearing differently? Anywhat! This album does have some good stuff on it, even if the overall falls short for me. Those being: “All of My Friends Were There,” “Animal Farm,” “Wicked Annabella” and “People Take Pictures of Each Other” is kind of fun. Overall, I haven’t much to say yea or nay. But, somehow it’s higher than a “meh.”

#257 – Whitney Houston by Whitney Houston. This was Whitney Houston. Just about anything after this was a shell of the talent this album portrayed. And, I’ve made no bones about it that, to me, once Mariah Carey showed up, Whitney was irrelevant. Mariah, also, however, lost a lot after the first two albums. I think this is really the same 1WhitneyHoustonfor both, but especially Whitney: she spent too much time later trying to imitate “Whitney” instead of showing the talent she shows in this album. That and drugs. At least Mariah has something to do with her songwriting. To me, that means a lot. “You Give Good Love” was the first single I ever remember hearing from her and it was powerful then. I was only 14, I’ll admit, but I was taken aback by her voice. She was just 21, then. When I see the cover and hear the songs, it’s hard for me to put this honest voice to the diva she would become. I’m trying to not be too judgmental of her for her lifestyle later, but at the same time, it’s hard to let go of, sometimes.  “Saving All My Love For You” is a great song, too. It certainly gives off that gospel ballad feel that is reminiscent of what I’m sure she sang in church on Sunday mornings. Enough breath and power to make you go, “wow!,” when she opens her mouth. And that song was co-written by Gerry Goffin who was a collaborator (in more than one way) with Carole King. I could do without Jermaine Jackson’s duets on the album, though (he’s on two). I don’t mind Jermaine, exactly, just he dumbs her voice down, in my opinion. I never really cared for “How Will I Know” and this didn’t change anything for me. “All at Once” is co-penned by Jeffrey Osborne and Michael Masser, who passed away on July 10. Most of the songs on this album had Masser’s hands on it. In fact, he wrote “Greatest Love of All” with Linda Creed (who died in the 80s) for the 1977 biopic The Greatest about Muhammad Ali, recorded originally by George Benson. It had “The” in front of it back then. Is that considered a cover if the writers actually give it to you and produce it? Hmmm… Also, I don’t mind Teddy Pendergrass doing the duet with her. All in all, this album is great and as much as I grew to really loathe anything Whitney Houston, this album, at least belongs in this list, if not even higher than this. DUG!

#256 – Trans-Europe Express by Kraftwerk. This is certainly not for anyone with a short attention span or ADD or ADHD. I have a short attention span, but the advantage I have is that I am a fan of electronic music so it does keep my attention. The first TWO songs are 17 minutes 38 seconds long. There is one song of about two minutes and the final track is just at a minute. Other than that, it’s a long journey. I’ve said before that I’ve never done any drugs and I can only imagine what it would be like to be on something listening to this. It’s very trippy. However, I can hear inspiration for Depeche Mode, Royksöpp, Tosca, New Order and other techno-driven artists that we listen to today, especially D-Mode. This is new wavy goodness, and if you’ve not the stomach for repetitive trance-like sounds, this also, will not be for you. If you like catchy musical melodies over top the repetitive trance-like sounds, along with a jokingly simple German-laden English vocal style (not a knock), then this will for you. “Showroom Dummies” is a favorite of mine. The last four tracks, “Metal on Metal,” “Abzug,” “Franz Schubert” and “Endless Endless” is a “suite” and all connected to each other in, well “movements,” if you will.  It’s a great listen and don’t let the long track times scare you. You’ll hear elements that you are familiar with, even if you’re not familiar with Kraftwerk. I highly recommend it and I’ll say DUG!

#255 – Metallica by Metallica. This album gets a lot of black, I mean… flack. I don’t think that’s deserved. Yes, it was “mainstream” and to some they may have “sold out” but how is making money selling out? Let’s stay in this for the art, let’s not make any videos, let’s not get radio play, let’s just stay “underground.” ANYONE who says they’re not in it to make SOME money, is full of crapola. This was a milestone album in many 1cover_blackalbum_lgways. It did take them more of a hard rock direction from the original heavy metal they were known for. But, it also got them a bigger fan base. The “fanboys” who thought that Metallica was just for them were disappointed when they became everyone’s heavy darlings. “Enter Sandman” is fun to play and yes, it was definitely overplayed as was everything on this album, but if it’s not getting a shload of play, then it’s not making much money. I still listen to it almost every time it comes on. Yes, they cut their hair after this but, while it does look cool, they’re not playing with their hair. One big difference in this album to its immediate predecessor…? This one actually had bass on it. I know Jason Newstead put a lot of sweat into those lines and Lars buried it, although he denies it, everyone else says it was him. Not only is it present on this album, it’s in your face. That’s really what keeps this album heavy instead of just “hard.” Five singles that each got good airplay on MTV, not too shabby. I was a fan of this album. I was a fan of Ride the Lightning and most of Kill ‘Em All. Take away the bass craziness and I liked …And Justice for All. However, I never have been a fan of their most popular album ever, Master of Puppets. It was just too heavy for me, I guess. I like catchy and it missed that in lieu of crushing skulls. I get it, but I didn’t care for it. The Black Album was the last of the good Metallica. From there, they became jokingly called MeSUCKllica, to me. “The Unforgiven” was a novelty at the time. Many – countless – songs had softer verses and then crank the chorus really heavily. “The Unforgiven” does the opposite (heavy verse/soft chorus) and would become used all over the music spectrum, but overdone by Metallica themselves. I was a fan of the songs that weren’t singles, which I’ll admit is weird for me. Those being: “Of Wolf and Man,” “The God that Failed,” “Through the Never” and “My Friend of Misery.” But, combine those with the singles (before they were worn out) and it was a monster album. It solidified them as powerhouses to all audiences. During this tour, which was “in the round” I got to sing “Seek and Destroy” with James Hetfield all by myself as he pulled me over the rail. People said I was so loud they couldn’t hear the band. I was second row. Ah, memories. DUG this album, so very much.

#254 – Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul by Otis Redding. I was afraid this was a compilation album by the title (which I think is the longest title thus far, along with the Kink’s album in this segment – #258). It’s not, it’s a twelve song studio album, whew! I am not at all a fan of blues, but soul and R&B? Those, I like. Some of it is cover songs, but, I’m thinking a lot of albums in the soul genre was like that back in 1966. My favorite cover is clearly, “Day Tripper” from The Beatles. If you’re not listening to the lyrics, you’d almost never know it was that song. He drags that song through the streets and we’re all along for the ride. “She Put the Hurt on Me” is righteous, as well. It always sounds like he’s just about to lose his voice. It almost makes my head hurt thinking of the strain it sounds like he’s exerting, there. All in all, the album is really good. Other than a few songs, though, nothing really made me go, “wow! this belongs on this countdown!” but I’d certainly not kick it off of it. Dug.

#253 – The River by Bruce Springsteen. It’s cool that this one comes up just a few days removed from me performing some Bruce songs with the VSS and just a week before I do it again. Four of the twenty-six songs from the Bruce shows are on this album. That’s almost a sixth of the show, right? I hate maths. None of them are mine, though. The general feeling I have about his album is that it is way too much album for what we’re getting in return. I like a lot of the songs, but a lot of it is standard Bruce fare and not really an overall representation of his unique story-telling style. That’s not say I don’t think it’s good, because it is, just do we need that many filler songs? To 1Bruce_Springsteen_-_The_Riverthose that are Bruce fans – I say I have an appreciation for Bruce – I mean no disrespect and I find him to be a grand songwriter, but some of it seems “put” on. I like “Out in the Street,” “Cadillac Ranch” and even though it’s depressing, I like “The River.” I haven’t even listened to the other disc yet. I had to take a break in the middle. I’ll be right back with you. I am a fan of the tango-esque rhythm of “Point Blank.” He talks a lot about dancing in his his songs. I must say, though, with the exceptions above, the second disc, I could have done without it. Too much extra, for me, But, again, the overall product is good. Dug.

#252 – The Blueprint by Jay Z. I believe the first song I ever heard from Mr. Carter was “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” back in ’01. I think what I like about this is that it’s not too aggressive. It’s more approachable, at least that I’m feeling. “Izzo,” along with “Girls, Girls, Girls” are great songs. I also love how Jay Z seems to master the art of sampling for the song instead of just sampling the song. “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love)” is a great example where they use the sample of “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” from Bobby Blue Bland. Also the background stuff, even with vocoders (in which I’m a fan) like in “U Don’t Know.” I actually enjoyed listening to this album, which I’ll be honest, I dreaded. But, it’s not at all bad. I even listened to the two “hidden” tracks: “Lyrical Exercise” and “Girls, Girls, Girls (Part 2).” I dig it.

#251 – Low by David Bowie. Starting off with an instrumental, not bad. “Speed of Life” is a good start. I love the choppy lyrics that made his style the norm from here on in. The odd harmonies (either by machine or him “doubling”) are very Bowie. I’ll admit, I don’t think I know any of the songs on this album, previously. That’s good, this gives me an unbiased opinion herein. “Sound and Vision” is the song from this album, I think. It encompasses all that I have come to know as Bowie. There are things by Bowie that I don’t like but there is plenty that I do and this is definitely it. The sounds and the ethereal feel of the production is so fantastic. And holy moley! I absolutely love love love1Bowie love love “Warszawa” into “Art Decade;” “Weeping Wall” to “Subterraneans,” this is fantastic stuff and some of the best listening on this segment and on this list. I’d listen to full albums of just “Side Two” of this album. It reminds me of some of the Kraftwerk from earlier this segment. This, and into the next two albums from Bowie, Heroes and Lodger, are the tremendous work of collaboration with Brian Eno, whom I think is genius anyways.  Nothing about the songs are overly complicated but completely where they need to be. Sometimes I’ll listen to albums and as a musician think to myself that I could change this or that (just sometimes, not all the time). Well this I wouldn’t change a thing. Do I think it’s the best thing since sliced bread? It’s not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be solid and that’s exactly what you get here. It’s Bowie in his post-coke craziness time and he shines like the “Starman” that he is. Dug infinitesimally!

So that’s this segment. Also, I’ve made it halfway. I think I’ll write a separate post about my findings from halfway, sort of along the lines of the “what I’ve learned” every hundred that I finish. This is a milestone. When I first started it was sporadic at best but I have somewhat of a rhythm going with them now. ANYWHAT! All digs except for one complete meh and one “I couldn’t figure out how to rate it” one. This segment was pretty good and I’m hoping this kind of trend continues. We’ll see, of course. I thank you for joining me on this journey and I know my reviews can be somewhat polarizing to some as my last one was. I don’t begin to think or portray that I know what I’m talking about, as I hope that’s known.  I just say what I feel. I can be wrong and I can be opinionated, but I’m me and this is what I do. Thanks again, Dear Reader.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“You coulda been anywhere in the world, but you’re here with me
I appreciate that”
 – “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” by Jay-Z

Stuck in a Moment or: Voulez-Vous Coucher Avec Moi? (RS Part 23)

22 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by TGBII in Music Review

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David Bowie, Eminem, Folk Music, Janet Jackson, Labelle, Parliament, Sleater-Kinney, Smokey Robins and the Miracles, The Beach Boys, U2

Salutations™!!

A whole lot of soul and a little bit of rock and roll. That’s how I sum up the last segment of Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time. I try not to look ahead too much because I want it to be kind of like listening to the radio, but of whole albums. I also try to keep an open mind, just sometimes, that’s hard. So let’s stop wasting time and jump right in, shall we!?

#280 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind by U2. A good start. U2 has grown to be a favorite of mine, at least partly. This was a good return to listenable music from the Irish quartet. Their two previous albums, Zooropa and Pop were, at least in my ears, kind of flops. That’s hard to say but, I believe it to be true. And even this album pales in comparison to its follow-up, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. That is one fine album,1All That You Can't Leave Behind - U2 - (2000) - (freeallmusic.me) but I don’t know if it’s on the list or not. I’d say probably not. Why? Because I like it. But the electronica-laden opener, “Beautiful Day,” is a great tune but not the best song on the album, in my opinion. That comes with track #2, “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out of.” That is fantastic from its melody to the musicality and down to the lyrics. Great song. “Elevation” and “Walk On” are hit material, as well. “Kite” is a bit like a country song, at least by feel, not necessarily by sonic measure. Bono said it was written about his daughters and The Edge says it was more about Bono’s dad. I can hear more of The Edge’s perspective in it, personally. “Wild Honey” is a straight ahead rock and roll song straight from the style of the 70s and that’s cool. One thing that I have been able to do with this list is see some influences from other artists. I don’t know that The Velvet Underground is an influence of U2 or not, but I can hear them in “Peace on Earth.” The exception is that Bono can sing in key and be pleasant. Not so much with TVU. I take all that back. I definitely hear the influence and upon reading an article that had to do with this album and the song “New York” especially, Bono mentions Lou Reed by name. Apparently, Lou mentioned him by name in a song so, why not return the favor. Actually, Lou’s name was left out of the song, but was meant for him. That’s a pretty good tune, that. Even though this isn’t my favorite U2 album, it’s still a solid and wonderful album. Definitely DUG!!

#279 – Aladdin Sane by David Bowie.  Not generally a fan of the dirty boogie rock and roll. “Watch That Man” is okay, though. It’s a really weird, but totally Bowie. And sometimes, that’s not the best of things. To me it’s inadequate up beside of some other Bowie discs. The hits “The Jean Genie,” “Time” and the Stones’ “Let’s Spend the Night Together” are the best things on the record. Nothing really stands out to me, though. Mark it up with the other “why” albums on this list that are placed way too high (or in some cases, even on the list). Didn’t hate it, just didn’t enjoy it except the last song, “Lady Grinning Soul.” Meh.

#278 – Anthology of American Folk Music by Various Artists.

#277 – Rhythm Nation 1814 by Janet Jackson. My first thought was: “there is no way that this can be as good as Control.” Well, perhaps I don’t “favor” it over Control but it is just as good. I didn’t realize the hits this thing had on it. It’s the only album in history to have seven singles reach the Top 5 of Billboard Hot 100. That beats out big brother Michael’s Thriller album, which had 6. Eight singles were released world-wide but only 1-220px-RhythmNation1814seven in the US. While “Miss You Much” was the first single released it wasn’t my favorite, neither was the title track. “Escapade” I liked very much. “Come Back to Me,” “Love Will Never Do” and “Alright” I did like, but the crème de la crème on this album is “Black Cat.” It’s a rocker and I like rockers, especially “chick rockers.” That’s just plain good hard rock. Subsequent, alternative versions of “Black Cat” have guest guitar gods, such as Nuno Bettencourt of the band Extreme, Jesse Johnson of The Time and Vernon Reid of Living Color. The overall album wasn’t just sugary pop, there was a message here, of self-assurance and (forgive me) “control.” She makes a stand and expects you to as well. The album itself is loosely a concept album. When I saw there was 20 tracks on the album I didn’t really know what to think but many of the tracks (eight, actually) were “interlude” spots of a minute or so, or less. It’s a good album, although I still have a spot in my heart for Control and there is no denying its status as a classic and a darn fine one at that. Dug!

#276 – Mothership Connection by Parliament. I was excited to put this one on. I have found that I like me some funk and especially things that Bootsy Collins is involved with. Bootsy only played on a handful of songs, here. After that comes Cordell Mosson for the rest of them. Horns are prevalent here and this is the first album with trombonist 1-51rLHckp7DLMarceo Parker and saxophonist Fred Wesley, both formerly of James Brown’s band. My two favorite songs is “Handcuffs” (do I have to put my handcuffs on your momma?) and the always awesome “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker).” GO CORDELL! This is a great album and I certainly dug it.

#275 – The Slim Shady LP by Eminem. Okaaaayyyyyy. I’m not a huge fan of Mr. Mathers myself. At least, I haven’t ever been. We’ll see if this changes my mind. Not really. The white trash aspect of it does nothing for me. I know a good bit of it is “tongue in cheek” and there are moments like “97′ Bonnie & Clyde” is about his daughter and “My Name Is” sets the tone. A lot of the interstitial spots are about people putting him down in one way or another. “Role Model” is all about not doing what he did. Some rough imagery but still can’t shake that it’s all some kind of joke. Maybe I’m taking it more serious than I should? If it is a joke, it’s not too funny to me. I don’t know. I get the novelty of a white guy doing this kind of hip hop and that he does his phrasing unlike most others before him. But overall…? Not a fan of it, really. Meh.

#274 – Nightbirds by Labelle. One of the greatest songs ever recorded, “Lady Marmalade” starts this album out and that, in itself, if fierce. Patti Labelle had a magnificently powerful voice back then. She belted it. The cool thing is that for the most 151VJZ8PMMGLpart (not “Lady Marmalade”) Nona Hendryx (a cousin of Jimi – she changed the spelling of her name) wrote a lot of the songs on this album. Five actually. It’s hard to tell when she’s singing but I can tell Patti’s voice most of the time. “It Took a Long Time” is a great tune, too. Girl power is in abundance on this album. Very 1974 in feel and musicality. “Don’t Bring Me Down” reminds me of the “What’s Up With That” skit on Saturday Night Live featuring Keenan Thompson. Later in the album, however, it turns into a mostly run-of-the-mill 1970s album. Not saying it’s bad, at all but it’s nothing spectacular. Save the last tune, “You Turn Me On.” That song’s pretty awesome. I dug it!

#273 – Going to a Go-Go by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. I love artists that write their own music. Out of twelve songs, only one was not written by Smokey and the guys, that being “My Baby Changes Like the Weather” from Hal Davis and Frank Wilson. Also, it’s twelve songs in just over thirty-three minutes. Much music without over-kill, that’s how I like it; to the point and no filler. Great songwriting on this album. The title track does kind of remind me “Working in a Coal Mine” somewhat, which came a year after this album. I’m going to have the ear work, “Ooh Baby Baby” in my head now. I am always singing that chorus and I know I will be back at it, now. Thanks Smokey! Some doo-wop aspects as well as straight up soul. This is a great album. A great collection of songs. Dug!

#272 – Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney. Femme on riot grrrl!! When The BCPF and I saw Sleater-Kinney perform on Later… with Jools Holland we were quite unimpressed. It wasn’t very good. This, however, is. One thing to note, too, is that there is no bass guitar in this album. They didn’t have a bass player on Jools either, although they did add another girl playing guitar live. One of the ladies is playing more of the upper 1SleaterKinneyDigMeOutregister stuff and the other is keeping the bottom end going playing with what sounds like it could be an octave pedal. There some depth in the sound but it’s not bass. I also have to chuckle because the drummer (this was her debut with the band) is named Janet Weiss. Dammit Janet! I was writing down songs that I like as I was listening so I could recap it and well, I would have written all of them had I kept going. So, I like all of them. I think you should give it a listen! DUG!

#271 – Today! by The Beach Boys. Mid-sixties as usual. Not quite ready to let loose but still annoying parents around the country. Not really my thing but I can see the influence to many that came after. Like most mid-sixties, and really through most of the seventies, everything is really airy. It could be that a lot of stuff was recorded in open rooms and “in the round.”  I must admit, I really, really, really don’t get the appeal of the Beach Boys. Notice I said “appeal.” Nothing on the talent, itself. The “appeal” of the Beach Boys is not existent with me. Sure, I may like a song here or there but for the most part, I am at a total loss of understanding. I am so totally not moved by this album, at all. Sure, it has a few good songs, even “hits” like “Help Me Rhonda,” which I totally had to hunt down because that and “I’m So Young” were missing on Rhapsody (seriously, it jumped from track 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 in the track listing itself), and what have you, but I just don’t care. They aren’t appealing to me. It was interesting to hear the recorded “chat session” in “Bull Session with ‘Big Daddy.'” Indifferent.

So there, it was a pretty balanced mixture of ratings there. Three “DUG”s, three “Dug”s, three “Meh”s, and only one compilation. So that’s pretty fair and balanced, I’d say, right? I think I was most moved in this segment by Parliament and Janet. Good stuff, I gotta find some Parliament on vinyl as I feel that would be fantastico! Here’s hoping the next segment is, at least, as good as this one!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—

“Don’t you tell yourself that it’s okay. Sick and tired of all of your games. And you want me to stay, ah, better change. Makes no sense to me, your crazy ways” – “Black Cat” by Janet Jackson

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