Tag Archives: Madonna

Now Normal Chronicles or: Virgin

12 Thursday Nov 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 36th anniversary of Madonna’s megastar-producing album, Like a Virgin. Her debut album had three big hits, but this album, threw her into mega-stardom. I don’t’ think she’s ever left that realm, either. I love the “Weird Al” parody of it, too. I don’t usually promote singing competitions but this was interesting, so enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I made it through the wilderness. Somehow I made it through. Didn’t know how lost I was until I found you. I was beat, incomplete. I’d been had, I was sad and blue but you made me feel, yeah, you made me feel shiny and new.” – “Like a Virgin” (Kelly/Steinberg)

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul(s) 7/3-4/20

05 Sunday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF and I both took Friday off, so we treated it like a “first Saturday.” We did the things we do for Saturday. We had breakfast/brunch/lunch, went to Underdog Records then came home and listened to what we got. We repeated the process on the actual Saturday, too, although that wasn’t the plan. Anywhat! Here’s the two-day haul (and a note that all these releases are “new”):

The_Waterboys_Album_cover

©Chrysalis/Island

  • Nirvana – In Utero (2013 Mix) — I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with Nirvana. But, most of my disdain has passed and I am more on the “appreciate” side of them, now. This is the 20th-anniversary remix of the album from 2013. But, this is also a reissue of that version. 2xLP.
  • Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot — #493 on the RS list, it’s one of The BCPF’s faves. “Heavy Metal Drummer” was put on a mix CD for me when we were both just friends. I like that they mention KISS throughout and that Mediocre Bad Guys covered it. The buildings on the front cover make up Marina City in Chicago. When we were in Chicago last we stayed at the Hotel Chicago which is directly behind Marina City, part of the complex itself. It was something out of Mad Men but elegant. It was definitely a weird stay but we enjoyed it. Not quite as much as we enjoyed the Sofitel but that was one of the nicest hotel rooms we’ve ever had. 2xLP.
  • Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones — I liked this one better than I liked the other we got from Mr. Waits this weekend. I know it’s his schtick. I know it’s his gimmick. But, I really dislike it when he gets the most grumble for his buck in his voice. He actually sings in a regular tone and timbre for some of the songs. When he does that, his voice actually comes through. He sounds like he’s faking it at times when he grumbles. But, his piano playing is fantastic. I love that part (of both albums).
  • Tom Waits – Heartattack And Vine — Ditto everything I said on the previous entry.
  • The Mothers Of Invention – Weasels Ripped My Flesh — I have been trying to at least understand Zappa better. This credited to The Mothers of Invention but only so because of the live material. The studio stuff was Zappa solo, as the Mothers had disbanded two albums prior. I have tried to take the approach to Zappa as the fact that he was a talented jazz musician that liked take the idea of jazz to the far extreme boundaries of the genre. Sometimes it’s beautiful. Other times it is anything but. This, well it just is.
  • The Waterboys – The Waterboys — The debut album from this Edinburgh-based band. While not on this album, their biggest hit was probably “The Whole of the Moon.” I hear a lot of Doug Davis (yes that Doug Davis) on this. Not that he was on it, but I hear some influence on it. I know that he’s a fan of the band. It was a great listen.
  • The Mountain Goats – We Shall All Be Healed — The brainchild of John Darnielle, the award-winning author and musician, The Mountain Goats, again, is a favorite of The BCPF. He’s funny, witty, and a good musician. I get kind of tired of everything sounding the same but again, the content makes up for that.
  • Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares For Me — This is the Nina Simone album that I mentioned last week that we got two weeks ago. It finally made it to Discogs so I could include it. It was a great record and we really enjoyed it.
  • Madonna – Madame X — Madge’s latest album, released Summer 2019. A lot of electropop and a mixture of activism/connected and Madonna pop sensibilities. Not a bad record. I got it brand new from the clearance bin. Was regularly $30+ but I got it for $16. Win!
  • Schubert / The Budapest Quartet – The Last Quartets — This is technically “new” because it is still sealed and never opened. Jonathan had it in the “used” bins. It was supposed to be purchased on Friday but we accidentally left it in the bin instead of grabbing it. We got it yesterday. 3xLP of Schubert. Yes.

For the next selections, these are all “imports.” Most are “unofficial” releases which, to me, anyway, could mean “bootleg.” But, they were sold to Jonathan through a distributor, so I don’t know. Anywhat! All are “new.” Here we go.

  • Pink Floyd – Live In NYC 1977 — I love Pink Floyd. They hover around the 5-8 spot on my “all-time favorite” list. This is basically Wish You Were Here live. The sound quality is awful as is the performance, but it’s cool to hear it. I didn’t mind the fact that they didn’t recreate the album, they interpreted their own album. Clear “coke bottle” vinyl.
  • Echo & The Bunnymen – BBC Recordings 1979-1980 — I didn’t know E&BM went back that far, but they did. When I heard these songs yesterday, I thought it was U2, but it’s not. U2 has been around since 1976, I didn’t know that, either. Still, the fact that this album sounded like Boy or October is a good thing, as I like everything U2 up until Zooropa. Not my fave by any means. This was a great listen and makes me love that era of the “first wave” even more. We need more of this.
  • Pixies – Into The White- BBC Recordings From 1988 And 1989 — Everything that I said about Mothers of Invention earlier? Well, multiply that by about 20. I like Pixies in the studio. Live, they get weird. I have a hard time taking them seriously, but I try.
  • Brian Eno – The BBC Sessions — I am a fan of Brian Eno. At least I think I am. One thing the BBC Sessions always tell me is that people get weird (or weirder in Eno’s case) when they step into the BBC Studios. Now, to be fair, we haven’t listened to this one, yet. So, it may not be weird. I am just preparing for it to be.

A big haul, for sure. Bigger than most, recently. Good stuff. A lot of listening time. Jonathan has Underdog Records, the brick-and-mortar, open Thursday through Saturday 11-7, and doing deliveries on Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesday as long as weather permits. Watch Instagram and Facebook for what he’s putting out, be it new or used. You can shop for new vinyl anytime, day or night, by visiting the website. I use Discogs to keep track of my collection and you should, too!

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Well, the eggs chase the bacon round the fryin’ pan and the whinin’ dog pidgeons by the steeple bell-rope. And the dogs tipped the garbage pails over last night. And there’s always construction work bothering you. In the neighborhood.” – “In the Neighborhood” (Waits)

Happy Birthday, Pops or: A Cool Bday Share

08 Wednesday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is my dad’s birthday. I got to talk to him a little bit and I’m glad he’s here for me to do that. He’s a great man and no matter how hard I try I’ll never be the man he is. But, he lets me be the man I am and that’s awesome, too. But, he shares a birthday with several names in music.

Luther Perkins (who was guitarist for the Tennessee Three, Johnny Cash’s band), Shirley Bassey (singer of three James Bond theme songs), Cristy Lane (country and gospel singer), Robbie Krieger (guitarist from The Doors), Terry Sylvester (The Hollies), Mike Reno (singer from Loverboy), Paul Hester (of Split Enz and Crowded House), Dave Weckl (drummer for Paul Simon, Madonna, George Benson, Michel Camilo, Robert Plant,  Anthony Jackson and Chick Corea Elektric Band), Andrew Wood (Mother Love Bone), R. Kelly, Torry Castellano (drummer of The Donnas), and probably a few more.

The two big ones, though, in my opinion, are Elvis Presley and David Bowie. That’s the two that I always talk about, but that list is pretty impressive. So, since it’s Bowie’s birthday, too, well, here’s a little something for you. Enjoy and happy birthday, Pop!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we were Voodoo. The kids was just crass. He was the naz. With God-given ass. He took it all too far, but boy, could he play guitar.” – “Ziggy Stardust” (Bowie)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul – Record Store Edition

22 Sunday Apr 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, the thing I want to say first is this: as much as I don’t mind the cold, sitting outside when the temperature drops to 41° and the wind comes barreling in at 3:45am in the morning and you’re in line for the Super Bowl of Records and Vinyl. That “ish” sucks like a Hoover. But, that’s exactly what we did right outside of Underdog Records. The BCPF and I camped along with a few of our vinyl friends all night Friday night/Saturday morning to be the first four (actually six but two pairs and two individuals) in the door to make sure we get our wants/wishlist filled for Record Store Day.

They'reallgonnalaughatyou

©Warner Bros.

 

We went to eat at Mary’s Gourmet Diner directly after and then we went home and crashed for FIVE hours. We got up and listened a little before heading to Willows Bistro to have dinner with friends of ours, The Johnsons. Anywhat! You came for the list, right? I will say that all of these are brand new/NM (because I’m opening them). I’ll also put down who wanted and/or picked it up (Scorp/The BCPF). Here is the list:

  • Fleetwood Mac – The Alternate Tango In The Night – I love the original Tango in the Night. I was kind of disappointed with this. I mean, it’s good, but I was hoping for true alternate takes of “Big Love” and “Everywhere.” There were cool things on it, but I didn’t get my full satisfaction out of it but that’s okay. I’ll listen over and over anyways. This was my top RSD priority. (Scorp)
  • Living Colour – “Live From CGGB’s” Tuesday 12/19/89 – Actually picked up by The BCPF. She saw them open for the Rolling Stones on this tour and wanted to capture it. I’d think it was a little out of her wheelhouse but I was happy she got it. I have always loved what I’ve heard from Living Colour. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Mixed Up – A remastered remix album that came out on my 20th birthday (which, by the way, means 1990) and The BCPF loved it. It’s on a 2xLP picture disc set and it’s pretty awesome. I loved the remixes, too. I hadn’t heard them before.  2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • The Cure – Torn Down: Mixed Up Extras 2018 – A sequel to the 1990 remix album Mixed Up. It is even more remixes, done by Robert Smith. 2xLP. (The BCPF)
  • Adam Sandler – They’re All Gonna Laugh At You! – My favorite Adam Sandler album. I got the only one that Jonathan got in. I don’t know how many he ordered but he only received one. I think it’s Sandler’s best. A mix of really great sketches and really good songs. There may be a clunker here and there but overall, it’s great! I’m glad I was where I was in line because the guy behind us wanted it and he drove all the way from New Bern to do his RSD shopping. Sorry, Jason. Looking at his haul though, I’d say he spent close to if not over $1000 that day, so I figured I saved him a few bucks. 2xLP. (Scorp)
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella At Zardi’s – Zardi’s Jazzland was a jazz-focused music venue in Los Angeles in the ’50s. It was world-famous and a lot of top-name jazz folks played there, including, Ella. There were only two of these that Jonathan got and it was a top priority for The BCPF, which because our pal Michael got the other, left our friend Bill out. Sorry, Bill. 2xLP (The BCPF)
  • Wilco – Live At The Troubadour L.A. 1996 – The BCPF is a Wilco fan and this is a 2xLP of the band in their heyday, at their peak. I like Wilco pretty well. It’s not my favorite but it is cool. (The BCPF)
  • The Sundays – Reading, Writing And Arithmetic – The absolute top priority for The BCPF, this completes the Sundays trilogy. It’s a reissue but she had them all on CD when she was younger. I’m glad she got it. (The BCPF)
  • Jeff Buckley – Live At Sin-é – The Sin-é Coffeehouse in Manhattan’s East Village was a jumping in point for a good amount of well-known musicians, including Mr. Buckley. This 4xLP is the complete version of his 4-song EP that was released in 1993. The “Legacy” collection (4xLP) was released in 2003 but only on CD. I could be wrong but I believe this is its first time released on vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Madonna – The First Album – Picture disc of Madge’s first album with “Borderline,” “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” It was surprisingly inexpensive. It will be fun listening to it. (The BCPF)
  • Neil Young – Roxy Tonight’s The Night Live – A live concert from Neil Young recorded in 1973, although the official release isn’t until next Saturday. Yay us for getting an early copy. It’s 2xLP but only three sides. The fourth side is etched. (The BCPF)
  • Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn – The mono version of the debut Pink Floyd album. I wasn’t going to get it but then I figured, I can’t not get it. I won’t get this chance again unless I am ready to pay 20% markup on them. I’ll admit this isn’t a favorite of mine but it is needed for the RS List (#347) but it’s a limited edition. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Welcome To The Blackout (Live London ’78) – As the title suggests, it’s live from 1978. Bowie wasn’t ever “not good” and I loved the late 70s/early 80s stuff. This is a 3xLP set, too. (Scorp)
  • David Bowie – Bowie Now – Compilation rerelease on white vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Lou Reed – Animal Serenade – A 3xLP live album recorded in Los Angeles at the Wiltern Theatre in 2003 after The Raven. The show features a drummer-less band (including Mike Rathke on guitar/synth, bassist, vocalist Fernando Saunders, and the cello of Jane Scarpantoni). Reed delivers dramatic readings of some of his most compelling work. In addition, Anohni, of Antony and the Johnsons fame, contributes background vocals throughout and sings the lead on “Set The Twilight Reeling” and “Candy Says.” (The BCPF)
  • Duran Duran – Thanksgiving Live – The Ultra Chrome, Latex And Steel Tour – A 2xLP of Duran Duran on tour in 1997. (Scorp)
  • Duran Duran – Budokan – A brief live performance from Duran Duran in Japan. There are only nine songs, but they sound fantastic. Simon’s voice is on point and you can really hear everything coming through. (Scorp)
  • Dylan & The Dead – Dylan & The Dead – Just what it sounds like it would be. You can guess who picked this one up but I’ll give you a hint, it was not me. (The BCPF)
  • The Rolling Stones – Their Satanic Majesties Request – I’m very surprised this wasn’t on the RS List. A cool lenticular cover and gatefold packaging. I like KISS’ version of “2000 Man” better, but this isn’t bad. It’s on blue-splattered vinyl. (The BCPF)
  • Human League – Secrets – Vinyl debut and reissue of their 2001 album. (Scorp)
  • Sufjan Stevens – Mystery Of Love – 10″ transparent vinyl of Sufjan Stevens single from the soundtrack of Call Me By Your Name. (The BCPF)

So, by my count, that’s 13 for The BCPF and 7 for Scorp. Not a contest at all and it just is what it is. We both got what we wanted and that’s cool. The only thing I missed was the reissue of the Whitesnake ’87 album which I’ll find somewhere later. It was just a good haul. If I haven’t already told you how much we paid, privately, you’ll have to just guess. No reason to broadcast that, but I will say it was over $70.

Jonathan was swamped but in a great mood when we left, I hope it stayed that way and I hope he made all his money back and more. I believe he’s open today for a rare Sunday opening. That may have changed but may not have. Check the Underdog Records social media channels.

Surprisingly, Discogs had all of them in by the time I got to them, however, some were just the European versions (which should be about the same), so I’ll go looking for the US versions to make the collection listing more accurate. That’s it, I’m still tired and I’m out!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp is worn out!

—
“Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again. Whenever I’m alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again.” – “Lovesong” (Smith/Gallup/Thompson/O’Donnell/Williams/Tolhurst)

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 12/9/17

10 Sunday Dec 2017

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Salutations™!!

A lazy, snowy day in WSNC yesterday. It was great, though. It was cold enough to snow and the ground warm enough to not allow it to stick to the roads. They were navigatable and it was beautiful. The flakes were big and fluffy. The BCPF and I loved it. It was cool to stand in Underdog Records, talking records, life, music in general, everything. It was just cool. So, we walked out with this:

Phil_Collins_-_Face_Value

©Virgin

 

So, there you have this week’s haul. Not a bad one, I don’t think. We have sure enjoyed listening to the five or six we got through yesterday (and into today). Right now you can get an additional 10% on a gift certificate (also a 45RPM record with a sticker, très chic!) to give to that record lover that you just don’t know what they have already (and don’t look at Discogs to find out). Jonathan has a few turntables, both new and used, in the store right now! Go check them out. And, if you haven’t noticed, I like Discogs, a lot!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sukie was the kid, she liked to hang out in the graveyard. She did brass rubbings, she learned you never had to press hard. When she finished hanging out she was all alone. She decided that she better check in at home. There was an awful row between her mum and dad. They said she hadn’t done this, she hadn’t done that. If she wanted to remain inside the family home she’d have to tow the line, she’d have to give it a go. It didn’t suit Sukie, so she took her things and left.” – “Sukie in the Graveyard” (Kildea/Geddes/Cooke/Colburn/Martin/Jackson/Murdoch

Silent Sunday or: The Haul 7/22/17

23 Sunday Jul 2017

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Salutations™!!

Underdog Records had some good stuff this week and The BCPF and I rocked it, at least I think we think we did. Right, dear? Well, you decide. Here it is:

R-7896531-1451178579-3152.jpeg

©Rolling Stones Records

 

And, with the $1 records, the Underdog Records/The Less Desirables involved the extensive section of $1 if you mention you heard the ad on the podcast. That’s why you should listen to TLD every week and hear the special. I’ll not give that away, you’ll have to listen to hear what it was and what to do! Also, if you’re looking to get into vinyl, Underdog has a good bit of used, quality turntables to get you started, a plethora of selections to listen to on your new turntable and accessories to keep it in tip top shape. The list above is brought to you by Discogs, which you should use to archive your collection!

Until tomorrow, happy listening…
Scorp out!

—
“Where do you go when you’re lonely? Where do you go when you’re blue? Where do you go when you’re lonely? I’ll follow you when the stars go blue.” – “When Stars Go Blue” (Adams)

 

Pods, Peas and SPAM or: Guesting

10 Monday Jul 2017

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Salutations™!!

Last week, I was asked by my friend Gerald Morris to guest co-host on his podcast, Two Peas on a Podcast, while his regular co-host, Andy is out writing a book. It’s not often that I get to be on a podcast (of course I’m kidding) so I said sure! Truth is, though, it isn’t often that I’m on podcasts as a guest. Usually, I’m sitting behind the control board, in the studio, tweaking knobs, pushing buttons, sliding faders, looking up info, watching levels and so on. Not this time, though.15826855_729052637252345_6602220976504730987_n

Last Thursday evening, I got to sit on my couch, in my shorts, with a pair of headphones, a Blue Yeti microphone, my computer, Skype and a beer and do nothing but run my mouth. I had an agenda, I had topics, I had purpose,but I got to be me. I’m always me but, there are times when “Me” is bit embellished. I hear your gasp of disbelief, Dear Reader. You know it’s true.

We talked pop culture, which I can do, like Hannibal Burress’ stand-in on the red carpet, Top Gun 2: Maverick, Adele, Kardashians, Tupac and Madonna, Amelia Earhart, new Twinkies flavor and SPAM to name a few. But, I also got to talk about something that I don’t normally talk about in public forums or online, and that’s politics/world events. I don’t usually talk about them because I’m not quite as knowledgeable about them as most who are into that, I don’t want to argue the merits of things and/or I just don’t care. I have opinions sometimes, I just tend to keep them to myself. Not in this case, though. I let loose. I also dropped a few “F’ bombs, which I don’t usually do on podcasts, but hey, this was a special occasion, right?

Gerald recorded the Skype stream and put it in with his track. I thought the final product sounded great. I was impressed with the production. Gerald has done well with the show since its early days of me walking/critiquing him. Not that I’m any expert I guess, or maybe I’m an expert in the number of actual episodes, but I just know what I hear. I heard nothing wrong with this one, he did great. And I had a great time. I felt what it is that most every guest that comes on my shows say: I had fun. My answer when told that is always the same: me too. Because it always is. There may be some shows that are more fun than others, and there may be some episodes that are more fun than others, as well. We do what we can.

So, Gerald (and Andy) thanks for letting me hang with you and we’ll have you back on The Less Desirables soon. Dear Reader, you should check out the show and you can do that by visiting HERE. It’s a good show and they’re fun. We’re fun. Podcasts are fun. Have fun!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“They’re hot, though, right? They’re hot. They’re all hawt! They’re hot.” – Gerald on the Kardashians

I’ll Be a Big Noise with All the Big Boys or: At Least It’s Not QMS (RS Part 32)

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

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Salutations™!!

Wow, it’s been a long while since I’ve posted a Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time entry. About a month, I think. Business has really picked up so, whilst that is a good thing, it’s cramping my music listening style. But, I’ll take the picked up biz over the free time, any day. Anywhat! Last segment was pretty right on, so let’s hope this one is. Let’s hit it!

#190 – From Elvis in Memphis by Elvis Presley. I’ve never been a big Elvis fan, at all. I do, however, appreciate his contributions to the overall canon of music history. He’s influential in many of those that I listen to and their mentors, as well. He helped bring legitimacy to rock and roll and show that a white boy could actually sing the soul, the 1Elvisblues and the gospel and gain respect for doing so. Speaking of which, this album shows a lot of that latter point. Elvis had been throwing down some soundtrack albums in the few years prior to this (1969) to fulfill his obligation to Paramount Pictures for allowing him to make horrendous movies. There’s plenty of the blues and gospel on here with a lot of soul aspects thrown in. There’s even some rock happening. “I’m Movin’ On” is an example of such an amalgamation: country rock rhythms with the feeling of soul and gospel choirs. It’s a thorough representation, I think. The first part of the album, to me, started a bit slow (not the tempo, just the pace of the album) but at the point of the aforementioned song, it picks up. “Power of Love,” whilst a blues song, it rocks and pretty hard for The King. I love the aggressiveness of that song and the strong rhythmic punches it throws. Elvis’ history comes to life in “Gentle on my Mind.” The lone hit on this album was “In the Ghetto,” although one of my favorite Elvis songs, if I had any, is “Suspicious Minds,” and that song was recorded during the sessions but released independent of the album. And “In the Ghetto” reminds me of Taylor Hicks from back in the days when I watched that ridiculous program, American Idol. I liked this album, and I will admit I was surprised to say so. I’m saying yes, to Elvis’ comeback record and I dig.

#189 – Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service. If you could see my face right now, it would read: “what the (expletive) is this (expletive)!?!?” “Side One” of this is all a jam-bandy mishmash of takes on Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” It’s a live recording with tunes like: “Who Do You Love? (Part One),” followed by “When You Love” (guitar), “Where You Love” (drums), “How You Love” (guitar) “Which Do You Love” (bass) and “Who Do You Love (Part Two).” Each are given writing credits to the individuals that solo in that section. That’s what the parenthetical descriptions are about. I’m not going to lie, the players do a fabulous job with their parts, but jeez, it went on forever. “Side Two” was also a fine time to find something else to do whilst it played. I read the first four chapters of War and Peace whilst this album played. I’m kidding! You know I don’t read, Dear Reader! C’mon! I just have little tolerance for jam bands and this didn’t help that stance. A watched pot never boils. A watched elapsed time doesn’t reach the end of a frickin’ album, either. I wanted it to be over so badly. Eventually it was. I was quite disappointed that this was on the list, much less in the top 200!? I was glad to tell it, “Happy trails!” Ugh!

#188 – Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield. After the last album, I was glad to hear Neil Young sing, and we’ve been over how I feel about that most of the time. I almost kissed my speakers. And, hey! A song that was over in less than three minutes. The time didn’t matter so much as it (“Mr. Soul”) was a good song, they got to the point and we moved on. “Everydays” is a great jazz tune. I really enjoyed listening to that. Seems the regular bass player, Bruce Palmer was absent because he’d been busted for drugs, and the replacement, Jim Fielder, really rocked the thunderstick in that song. This album is a headphone-listeners dream. Sound traveled the fantastic panning highway throughout. It was subtle at times and out front at others. I really noticed it on “Expecting to Fly.” Granted, that song only features Young. The rest of the band was absent and it relied heavily on orchestration, but I like orchestration. “Sad Memory” is chilling but beautiful. “Good Time Boy” throws it back to the late 1960s and the Stax sound. What do you know? The Memphis Horns was most likely the only musicians to actually play on that track. Even Dewey Martin, the drummer of Buffalo Springfield, and the singer of the song, can’t say for sure if he played drums on it or not. “Rock & Roll Woman” could possibly be the first collaboration between Stephen Stills and David Crosby, but that can’t be affirmed. “Broken Arrow” is a broken-up song. It’s at six minutes and goes about ninety seconds before it switches to another song fragment. While I did like the song’s components, it was a bit disjointed and hard to follow. Overall, I’m giving this album a great big DUG! I am not sure, however, if that’s because it was really that great or that it wasn’t Quicksilver Messenger Service.

#187 – So by Peter Gabriel. Caveat here… this is my all-time favorite album. It also features my all-time favorite tune, “Sledgehammer.” Also, this album isn’t available on 1soRhapsody, but I am an Amazon Prime customer and have been since it started. This was the first time that I used Prime Music and it’s awesome! I have the album on CD (two versions, the original release and the original concept) and vinyl (the 25th anniversary edition). Let’s say that I LOVE this album. I’m working (read: chipping away at) on Vagabond Saints Society to do this album front to back with me doing the PG parts. The only part that I don’t really care for is “We Do What We’re Told (Milgrams 37)” and that’s just because there’s not a lot to it. It was recorded for Melt, also known as Peter Gabriel (3). It’s an interlude, really. And, it’s only lately that I’ve grown fond of “This is the Picture (Excellent Birds).” That tune has some weird timings and I think that really it was thrown together. I know, for a fact, that it was decided just in the last 48 hours before submission to the record company to even include it. It was written with Laurie Anderson and was on an album of hers in 1984. If I ever get to do this with VSS, then I guarantee that it will be a visual show. I even have my Kate Bush picked out (and she agreed). Now, who that will be, you’d have to wait to see if we do it. You won’t be disappointed. Anywhat! To give this a dug or twenty dugs wouldn’t do it justice about how I feel about this album. If you want to know more about my thoughts and feelings about it, hit me up. I can talk about it for sure. My only regret about this album is its placement. To me, and yes, I’m biased, it should at least be in the top twenty if not fifteen. But that’s just me. At least it’s not Quicksilver Messenger Service.

#186 – Fresh by Sly and the Family Stone. I’ve gotten into the funk, slightly, since I started this RS Top 500 thingy. I can tell that Prince was influenced by Sly, I can hear a lot of him in this album. I especially hear it in “Let Me Have It All.” The bass work on “Frisky” (Sly) is fantastic. In fact, the bass duties, minus a few guest or session players, is Sly on the entire album. Regarded as one of the top funk albums of all time, I don’t know how to respond to that. I have started appreciating it more, but not claiming to know a lot about it. The cover of “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” was great. It was easy to listen to. However, nothing really stood out as great on here other than some musicianship. But, because it was a good album, I’m going to give it a “dug.” And, it’s not Quicksilver Messenger Service.1stooges

#185 – The Stooges by The Stooges. This seems like heavy dirty pop for 1969 but, there ain’t nuttin’ wrong with that! “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “1969” are that way at least. “We Will Fall” made me feel like I was tripping on acid and I’ve never even done an illegal substance. Again, nuttin’ wrong with that. The chanting and droning notes would go great with some lava lamps, green-tinted sunglasses, bell bottoms and hashish (I guess). Ten minutes of it is a bit much but I still dig it. I don’t know why when I’ve always thought of Iggy Pop, I thought of bad singing and just outright cutting himself. He may have become that but he could sing back here in 1969. The one from last segment (the follow up to this album, Fun House) was that way, too. Sadly, Iggy’s the only one that is still alive from The Stooges. I dug it. And you know what else? It’s not Quicksilver Messenger Service.

#184 – The Immaculate Collection by Madonna. I own this, I’ll say that. It’s a great greatest hits album of the Queen of Pop, but a greatest hits album nonetheless. And, yes, it’s not QMS.

#183 – Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson. So the best I can figure about this album is that there’s an overall story about this “red headed stranger,” a cowboy or sorts, it seems, who thinks his wife is cheating on him, finds out that she is, kills her and her lover. He travels on to mourn the loss of his wife. He ends up killing another woman because she tried to steal his horse. He got off, of course because you can’t 1redheadedhang a man for killing a woman what was stealing his horse, I guess (that’s what the lyrics pretty much said). I think that horse belonged to his wife. As you’d guess, he falls in love with another woman and they live happily ever after or something like that. I’m not giving this facetious sounding review to be negative. There’s a lot of good instrumental interludes and storytelling here. There’s nostalgia to hearing Willie because Ma Père is a Willie fan and makes me think back to my childhood. Willie, like Neil Young, Lou Reed and especially Bob Dylan, aren’t the greatest singers but their stuff is full of emotion and conviction. There’s something endearing about that; warm, embracing. And it was short! Fifteen songs in just over thirty-three minutes. That’s where the instrumental interludes happened. Is this something that I’d want to hear a lot of? Not at all. I am, however, glad that I listened as it’s certainly one that I’d not get close to voluntarily. I dig it for what it is, though. Especially since it’s not Quicksilver Messenger Service.

#182 – Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Mac. The first with Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. And, it is just like you’d expect that era of songs to sound: Buckingham doing jangly pop, Christine McVie doing jazzy, sappy, laid-back softer stuff and Nicks doing some mysterious-sounding, ethereal sugar pop. Yep, that’s this. That’s not a bad thing. This is the album that set all that into motion, even though Rumours, the follow1fleetwood up album, is better known and probably the better album. It seems that while they let the lovers in the band they didn’t really feel easy with their songs. Yes, Lindsay started the album off with “Monday Morning” and each had three writing credits per with some extra vocals. But, out of the four singles released (“Warm Ways,” “Over My Head,” “Rhiannon” and “Say You Love Me”) three were McVie and one, “Rhiannon,” was Stevie. I think “Monday Morning” would have been a better choice than either “Warm Ways” or “Over My Head.” “Landslide” was released as a single twenty years later when the band stopped squabbling long enough to do a reunion tour and release an album commemorating it. I’ve always like McVie the least, but think she’s a great songwriter, even if I’m not the biggest fan of those songs. Like I said, Rumours was a better album, and her songs on that album were, to me, much better. I’m not saying these are bad, just not my faves. Give me Lindsay and Stevie first. Still, this is a good album. It’s not Quicksilver Messenger Service and I dug it.

#181 – Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers. This is the first without Peter Tosh or Bunny Wailer. Also, it’s the first that is credited to Bob Marley and the Wailers, not just The Wailers. And, then Bob’s wife, Rita gets to sing with the band. It’s not just her, though, she’s part of a group within the group called, I-Threes. The only song on the album (the official album) is “No Woman No Cry” which I had to find because for some reason, the version on Rhapsody left that out. Instead it put a bonus track on. Boo Rhapsody. Even though I’m coming around to the whole reggae thing, this still is a bit much for me. There was less of a pop vibe (Legends anyone?) and just reggae. I think it was fine for what it does, just didn’t thrill me and it became a little background music for other things that I was doing. So, really I don’t have much to say about his album other than: at least it’s not Quicksilver Messenger Service and meh.

So, methinks this a really good segment, n’est ce pas? I mean, my absolute favorite album of all time is on this piece. Plus, I only gave one meh, there was one greatest hits and then something else I can’t quite remember or put my finger upon. Oh well. No matter how much of the bad stuff would have been on here, So would have saved the day. I do love that album so. I’m thinking that the next segment most likely won’t have Quicksilver Messenger Service so it will at least be that good, right?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Show me round your fruit cage, ‘cos I will be your honey bee. Open up your fruit cage, where the fruit is as sweet as can be. I want to be your sledgehammer.” – “Sledgehammer” (Gabriel)

Is This the Real Life? or: The Things That Pass for Knowledge I Don’t Understand (RS Part 27)

14 Monday Sep 2015

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Salutations™!!

Yay! Back to a Monday! The last segment of Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time had some cheers and jeers from me; some good, some really bad. I’m hoping that this segment is better and I’m not going to keep you waiting any longer. Let’s do it!

#240 – Can’t Buy a Thrill by Steely Dan. I’m a “fan of the Dan.” Without even listening through this (which I have on vinyl, I believe), it has three of my faves on it. “Do It Again,” “Reelin’ in the Years” and my new/for now favorite Steely Dan song, “Dirty Work,” which isn’t even Donald Fagen singing. I think early on, they let others do some singing. I like Fagen and his voice but I don’t know how I’d feel about “Dirty Work” if it was him singing. This was when Steely Dan was actually a full band and not just Fagen and Walter Becker with a lot of session backup. That’s later and when you hear some 1Cant_buy_a_tcant_buy_a_thrillMichael McDonald in there, but not on here. I love the jazz and Latin styles mixed with rock elements which is what made the Dan famous. The album is wrought with such good songwriting that it’s hard to believe that this album was the band’s debut. Although I list “Reelin’ in the Years” as a favorite, I have to say that I really don’t get the repetition of the choruses. At least the first and second choruses. There is a slight different harmony in the repeat of each but I think that could have been saved for the end. It’s not my song and I have no say and really it doesn’t take away from the song overall, but it’s just unnecessary, I think. Still a great song. Overall, this is a great jazz rock album. Heck, just a great album, in general. Good stuff. I dug it! (And I did listen through it…)

#239 – Like a Prayer by Madonna. This album came out just as I was preparing to graduate high school. There’s a lot of memories on this. It’s not the album as a whole, by the way, as much as it is the time that this came out. The big hits, “Cherish,” “Express Yourself” and the title track are the ones I really remember. “Dear Jessie” was released as a single but I don’t remember it at all. It’s not a bad song, though. I just don’t think it was single material. “Oh Father” and “Keep It Together” are both singles that gained some modest success and, truthfully, I had forgotten about them. I was glad to be able to revisit them, especially “Oh Father.” Over all the album is pretty good, even featuring a song with, and co-written and co-produced by, Prince (“Love Song”). It’s not Like a Virgin or even True Blue but it was good. I’d listen again. Dug.

#238 – Howlin’ Wolf by Howlin’ Wolf.

#237 – My Generation by The Who. Maybe I’m becoming desensitized. Or, perhaps I don’t get The Who. I don’t know. This isn’t bad, but I don’t see the big deal. I like the 1MyGenerationtitle cut and the rest of it is certainly makes for good music but I’m not moved by it. I will say that Entwhistle is a beast on bass. I knew that before this but I thought I’d reiterate the point, in case you may have missed it. There are some songs to really dig, though. The title track, “The Kids are Alright,” “It’s Not True,” “A Legal Matter.” The latter is Pete Townshend’s turn for lead vox. I wonder if I’m actually hearing some influence of that song in Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light?” I don’t know but I do hear some similarities in there. “The Ox” is an assault on the piano, the bass, the piano (thanks to Nicky Hopkins) and the guitar. I really liked that one. Overall, it was okay, not great and didn’t suck. I dug it.

#236 – Mr. Excitement! by Jackie Wilson. Comp.

#235 – The Ultimate Collection by Patsy Cline. RS is making this segment easy on me. But, I would rather see albums here. I don’t like wasting the entries, but I am not going to do compilations. At least not right now.1Bookends

#234 – Bookends! by Simon & Garfunkel. What is this!? Synths and such on a S&G album!? Nice! I love how it starts softly with “Bookends Theme” and then beats you in the face with “Save the Life of My Child.” Same awesome harmonies that they’re known for but with some depth. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with the acoustic stuff, but this was (at least so far) a little bit of a departure and I really like that. I am a huge fan of “America” and I didn’t mind when it was used in the American Express commercials. Truthfully, I had never heard it until then and it made me go back and find the song. The BCPF, who is a fan of a lot of ’60s folkie stuff knew it and told me about it. I liked it. I still like it. “Overs” is a great jazzy acoustic number. “Voices of the Old People” is basically a recording by Art Garfunkel as captured at two rest homes. It’s kind of sweet and kind of sad. I have the S&G three-disc box set called Old Friends and the song of the same name is quite awesome. It, combined with “Bookends Theme (Reprise)” closes out the “Side One” with a little closure. Bookends, if you will. We’re back to some unexpected mellow rock with “Fakin’ It” to start what would be “Side Two.” S&G’s harmonies are out of this world; simple yet oddly complex. It’s hard to discern who is singing or what’s going on with the harmony but only that it works like a satin overlay of the music in the background. “Mrs. Robinson,” I’d venture to say, is probably their best known song, widely due to The Graduate soundtrack. I’m sure that “Bridge Over Troubled Water” or “The Boxer” fights for that top spot, but that’s what I think. That’s another place where the harmonies blend to make one voice so well. I still am more a fan of the Bangles version of “A Hazy Shade of Winter” than I am of the S&G version but, still, it’s a great version. It seems that Art is belting it on this song, which is opposite of what I’m used to from them but that’s okay, I like it. What’s amazing to me is that while Side One has some awesome tunes, including “America,” there were only four singles released and all of those were on the second side: “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” “At the Zoo,” “Fakin’ It” and “Mrs. Robinson.” Was that a conscience decision or by chance? I don’t know, but I’m not complaining. This is one outstanding album and I’m glad I heard it. I will say that I had to listen to it on YouTube because it wasn’t available on Rhapsody and having to go through the ads every other (and sometimes 1MrTambourineManevery single) song was quite annoying. It disrupts the continuity of the album, but what can you do? I LOVED this one. Three thumbs up.

#233 – Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds. A Bob Dylan cover band! I’m kidding. But, out of twelve songs, four of them are Dylan songs. That’s a third of the album. It’s not a bad thing, I just know there were a few other Dylan songs they covered. Then again, most everyone from that era was, in some way or another. One thing about Dylan, he’s a great storyteller and songwriter, even if I think he’s a horrible singer. I don’t think I’ve really known a bad Dylan song, just badly done Dylan songs (most of them by him). The title track, “Spanish Harlem Incident,” “All I Really Want to Do” and “Chimes of Freedom” are his on this album. Now, as I was saying, none of the songs are bad and, hey, it wasn’t him singing here. Anywhat! Great instrumentation. But, those harmonies, though! It’s hard to beat them even though The Beatles, CSN and at one point Grateful Dead tried, really hard. This was their debut album and while I think this is great, it gets slicker as they go on in their recordings. I’d say of the songs on this album, the Dylan songs stand out the most and probably the ones that people would associate or remember the most about this album. I dug it but it doesn’t contain my favorite Byrds’ tunes.

#232 – The Kink Kronikles by The Kinks. Yet. Another. Anthology.

#231 – A Night at the Opera by Queen. Omagosh! I love this album. Then again, I love Queen, so… There is a lot of of the classic old music hall style of theatrical music here and the effects and trickery they use in the recording but a few of the things that 1Queen_A_Night_At_The_Operamakes me love this band so. The songs flow from one to another almost like a concept album, but without actually being one, that I can tell. It’s pointed, it’s funny, it’s nonsensical, it’s witty, it’s serious, it’s hateful. It’s magic. Brian May and Roger Taylor get their turn at some lead vocals but that doesn’t dilute Freddie Mercury’s role, not in the slightest. It shows diversity and humility. From the aforementioned music hall, Queen also does folk shuffle (“’39”), hard rock (“I’m in Love with My Car”), rock and roll (“Sweet Lady”) radio-friendly (“You’re My Best Friend”), Dixieland jazz (“Good Company”) and of course, what I’d consider the Queen song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” That song is just masterfully executed. Not a flaw in it that I can tell. It peaked at number 9 in 1975, yet it peaked at number 2 in 1992 after being featured in the (I thought it was) funny film, Wayne’s World. I could probably write a whole blog post on this song; heck this whole album, really. “The Prophet’s Song” is an epic demonstration in the magic of tape delays. And when I say epic, I mean all 8:20 of it. There’s a lot of biblical references about floods and all that. When I hear “Love of My Life,” I can’t help but think of Freddie’s tribute show after he died. Extreme, the hard funk band did an eerily creepy (and somewhat off-key) version of it for that show. There are plenty of Queen albums that I like but this has to be one of my two or three faves. To say I dug it would be an understatement.

This segment was excruciating, mostly due to the excessive greatest hits inclusions. In my personal listening and collection, I have plenty of them, but that’s because I didn’t want whole albums. This is a different situation. Four of the ten albums were greatest hits, anthologies, collections. Nah. Thankfully, the ones that weren’t were all good to great to excellent albums. And, hey! There were no Grateful Dead or Velvet Underground on this leg. Thank (enter deity here)! I’m going to leave you here, Dear Reader and move on to the next segment. Go listen to A Night at the Opera and Bookends!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Let us be lovers, we’ll marry our fortunes together. I’ve got some real estate here in my bag. So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner’s pies and walked off to look for America.” – “America” by Simon and Garfunkel (Simon)

Why Me Lord or: And Now You Do What They Told Ya (RS part 14)

16 Monday Mar 2015

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Salutations™!!

It seems it’s been forever since I wrote one of these entries.  It has been over a month, for sure.  I’ve iterated that I’ve been busy and that’s certainly the case.  I’ve missed sitting in the studio doing some research or travel work or maintenance and letting some music flow over me. Eugene and I had a conversation about this list (you know he hates lists) and we discussed how I listen.  I do take it in.  I listen to the beginning to get a “feel” of the album and then let it play in the background, whilst keeping the editor for this blog open so I can come in and type some thoughts about it as it’s going. I do agree with him that subconscious listening can be beneficial and more apt for absorption.  All that being said, let’s jump in here.  The last segment was really fun for me, let’s hope this one is, too.

1Mott

“Mott” by Mott the Hoople

#370 – Mott by Mott the Hoople.  All I knew about Mott was Ian Hunter and Bowie’s song “All the Young Dudes.”  “All the Way From Memphis” is fantastic and chugs along like a roving party and it is fun.  There is total soul from Hunter “Hymn for the Dudes.” Soul you can feel, even. AND, you get Thunderthighs (the female backing vocals from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”) providing their fabulous airs. “Violence” is rocking but the chorus reminds me of the theme song to the Spider-Man cartoons from the mid- to late-60s.  Listen and when he says “vi-o-lence, vi-o-lence. It’s the only thing that’ll make you see sense” see if it doesn’t make you think “Spider-Man, Spider-Man does whatever a spider can.” Not complaining, really, I just think it’s funny. And more emotion with “Ballad of Mott the Hoople.”  Hunter shows some vocal depth here, too.  “I’m a Cadillac/El Camino Dolo Roso” is a musical escape and well done at that, with guitarist Mike Ralphs taking the lead vox responsibilities for a song.  Overall a really good album.  I wouldn’t turn it off if it came on.  Dug!

#369 – Louder Than Bombs by The Smiths. Thanks to The BCPF, I had already gained an appreciation for The Smiths.  That is NOT to say that I’m a huge fan as there’s something really annoying about Morrissey’s insistence of talking through the songs. What I mean by that is: even though he technically “sings,” he’s just basically talking in key.  His phrasing is quite unique, though.  Ultimately, I’m torn with The Smiths.  I appreciate them and I’ll even admit I do like most of the songs but at the same time it is bothersome and other than the point I made earlier, I can’t pinpoint what it is about it I don’t really care for.  Another thing, I am, for all intents and purposes, breaking my own rule as this is a compilation, albeit mostly B-sides and such beyond a few A-side single releases.  It’s a throwing together of tunes to appease to US audiences.  So instead of reviewing the album, really, I’m going to just point out some faves and move on.  “Sheila Take a Bow,” “Shoplifters of the World Unite,” “Panic,” “Ask.”

1Eagles

“Eagles” by Eagles

#368 – Eagles by Eagles. Let me say up front that, like Doug Davis, I too, can’t get into much of Glenn Frey.  He’s a sap and his songs are mostly boring, at least to me. Don Henley, as I’ve stated, I love.  “Chug All Night” is complete crap.  “Take It Easy” is okay and yes, it’s a Frey song (co-written by Jackson Browne), just not my favorite stuff from this band.  The next album, Desperado and later disc, Hotel California are much better albums.  Bernie Leadon, I do like him.  Give me him and leave Frey out.  Same with Randy Meisner. “Witchy Woman” is one of my all-time favorite Eagles songs.  “Earlybird” has great vocals and that banjo from Leadon is fantastic!  “Most of Us Are Sad” and “Take the Devil” are also good songs.  Dug.

#367 – Ray of Light by Madonna. This is not the Material Girl.  This is some serious stuff.  Serious as in seriously good. First off, anyone who purchased this get their money’s worth.  13 songs and the shortest one (“The Power of Good-Bye”) is 4:10. The average length is around 5:10 or so.  The ol’ gal shows she still has chops as her voice is still silky and sultry.  This is more a dance album as it’s more electronica-based and well written.  I’ll say it’s catchy but nothing really stands out as awesome.  Somehow, though, even saying that, there’s not really any filler.  Is it possible that it’s just a good album without distinction?  Well, it’s my review and I’ll say, yes.  The title track was the only thing I’d heard from this album prior to listening and will probably still be the only one I’d recognize.  William Orbit (producer) is a mad man with the ambience and structures, though.   Dug.

1American Recordings

“American Recordings” by Johnny Cash

#366 – American Recordings by Johnny Cash.  I love the fact that Rick Rubin approached John and asked him to do this project, stripped down, like he likes it. And, I love the fact that the album was named for the record label, being the first on it since changing its name from Def American.  “Delia’s Gone” is a great opening number.  The stripped down aspect of this album along with the song selection (some of which were written by others specifically for JC) makes this a beautiful listen.  JC is honest with his voice, without all the twang, and in the style that got him the notoriety in the first place.  “Oh, Bury Me Not (Introduction: A Cowboy’s Prayer)” is classic Cash storytelling, even if it wasn’t written by him. That’s another thing about him: he takes and owns what he records. It’s his; him.  Dug.

#365 – Rage Against the Machine by Rage Against the Machine.  Mighty politico against a very talented riff-cranking guitar master in Tom Morello.  “Bombtrack” starts off the album and is subdued and you get the feeling of a train rolling toward your face. A racing drum build and the now-signature RATM sound comes through. OMG! “Killing in the Name.”  I learned that song for a band once and that bass line is one of my all-time faves.  So much groove and angst in that song.  Powerful and perversely elegant at the same time.  This is a ball buster and you smile the whole time. Very unconventional musicans.  Some call Morello a noise maker, one who plays with the guitar more than actually playing it.  They’re stupid.  He’s very versed in the ways of guitar wizardry and riff magic.  Other notables are “Township Rebellion,” “Freedom,” “Bullet in the Head.” Dug!

1The_Doors_-_L.A._Woman

“LA Woman” by The Doors

#364 – L.A. Woman by The Doors.  Not the biggest Doors fan, but this doesn’t suck.  The 12 bar blues crap on “Cars Hiss  By My Window” I can do without.  “Love Her Madly,” “Riders on the Storm” I’m okay with.  As far as the title song goes, I actually think I like Billy Idol’s overplayed version of it better.  Jim Morrison was just not my cup o’tea. I do, however really admire and appreciate Ray Manzarek’s abilities and what he meant for their sound.  I guess I’m saying I enjoy the sound but something about them overall – I can’t put my finger on it – really bugs me.  Maybe it’s just Morrison himself? I do like that they used a real bass player for some of the tracks, although, again, Manzarek was a beast. Mostly dug.

#363 – Substance by New Order. Caveat: I didn’t listen to this specifically for this list. I own this because I know The BCPF likes New Order (to a degree) and that I had gotten more and more into them, at least the radio hits.  That being said, I have listened to it several times as of late; both straight through and through the various shuffles on my iPod. Again, I’m going against my own rules as this is technically a compilation album of 12″ versions of New Order and older Joy Division songs, including what my wife, The BCPF, has proclaimed to be her favorite song of all-time: “Ceremony.” That’s a strong proclamation.  I do like “True Faith,” “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Thieves Like Us.”  I could do without all the B-sides and such, like “The Beach” which is basically an instrumental/remix of “Blue Monday.”  I guess it’s great for N.O. fans but casual listeners, like moi, I think it’s overkill.  The first 12 songs?  That’s a great compilation. The whole, to me is excess.  First half I dug. The rest, I abstain.

1SmashingPumpkins-SiameseDream

“Siamese Dream” by Smashing Pumpkins

#362 – Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins. This album’s era was my first exposure to Billy (Corgan) and the gang.  At that time. I was in a hair band.  This music “killed” that music; at least that’s what I felt at the time.  I have grown up and stopped thinking that way.  I think “Today” was the first song I heard.  Then, it was “Disarm,” I believe. Back then, I hated that “crap” and now I can enjoy listening to it. My feelings about the Pumpkins was changed after watching some behind-the-scenes doohickey about the next full album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.  This is great driving music or great background music.  It’s heavy and hard but it’s plenty laid-back, too. This album is a good representation of things to come and, to me, showed that the Pumpkins were just getting started. Dug!

#361 – Stankonia by Outkast. Okay, so I’m listening to the opening track called, appropriately, “Intro,” and I am laughing. I really don’t know a lot about Outkast; I couldn’t name one song without looking at track listing.  This doesn’t really do anything to change that, but I have to say that the album as a whole is an easy, if long, listen.  I was dreading it for the reasons of most hip-hop music in the earlier parts of this countdown.  I thought it was going to be a lot of “N” word this and “N” word that and condescension of “respect” left and right but this wasn’t that.  There are a few instances of the “N” word showing up but it’s not driven like a hammered nail into your ears. “Ms. Jackson,” “So Fresh, So Clean,” and the title track, “Stankonia,” are show melodic elements that were really fun to listen to. “B.O.B.” was was a bombastic, rhythmic flight to Funking-It-The-Hard-Way. I’ll admit that I enjoyed this album.  Would I listen again? Probably not to the whole thing but parts of it, I wouldn’t turn off.  Dug.

Wow! By my estimation, I see 8 1/2 “dugs” up there (no rating for Smiths and only half of the New Order and I’m counting all of The Doors).  That’s one of the biggest liked sections of the countdown I’ve had.  I actually believe that I’ll have a good bit of likes from now on as we’re getting more into the meat of the countdown.  I’ll say the beginning was a bit shaky but we’re getting better. Some of the stuff is really surprising me and some of it is right where I thought I’d be, while only a bit of it is disappointing. More perplexing than anything else, in most cases.  Anywhat! My time for this segment is done! What are your thoughts on these reviews?

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known. Can’t live for tomorrow, tomorrow’s much too long. I’ll burn my eyes out, before I get out” – “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan) from Siamese Dream (1992)