#7 Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms
Today was all about the amazing 80's. Eighty degrees that is. The weather today was absolutely fantastic, but of course, I was stuck at work like most of the world. Its that kind of day that makes me wonder: what kind of person just blows off work and hangs out in the fantastic weather doing nothing? Mark Knopfler...that's who. While he's at it, he'll be getting his money for nothing and his chicks for free. The (somewhat) amazing 1980's music scene offered some interesting albums. There were many duds, some half decent releases, and some that would've worked just as well in the 60's, 70's, or 90's. With a little adjustment of production, Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" could've fit any rock and roll time frame. Featuring the guitar playing of the 60's, glossiness of the 70's and the synthesizers of the 80's, "Brother in Arms" shows exactly why Dire Straits is one of those 80's acts that still plays well today. While on the exterior this seems like just another 80's party album thanks to tracks like "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life," it actually has a poorly hidden anti-war theme that has been right there on the surface waiting for me to pay attention.
Starting off Side One is what can only be a Fender guitar twanging out a great rock riff. "So Far Away From Me" uses synthesizer and guitars layers together to create a great start to an album. Next is the show stopper. I remember when my Dad got this album on CD. My brother and I would request the song about 'playing the guitar on the MTV.' He'd crank up the Boston Acoustics and we'd go crazy for the buildup to the opening riff. From that point, the song doesn't let you down. The tone on the guitar is very Clapton-esque and the synthesizer is used sparingly enough that it doesn't trample over it. All that adds up to fantastic production. Oh, and that guy in the background repeating "I want my MTV," is Sting. "Walk of Life" is an accurate title for this lively track. With its very sporty organ sound, I always feel like this song should be played right after John Fogerty's "Centerfield" at baseball games. And anything you can relate to baseball (except steroids and Barry Bonds) has got to be a good thing. Next up is "Your Latest Trick" which at the beginning sounds like it belongs in a seedy straight to Cinemax movie. However, the track recovers quickly with Mark's vocals and guitar ringing through the saxophone. The song feels very adult and is probably rated NC-17, by 1985 standards. Well, before anyone gets all hot and bothered, lets move along. "Why Worry" is a gorgeously arranged Fender guitar advertisement. Its unmistakable tone at its best. The extra hint of synthesizer adds a dramatic effect, probably not necessary for a modernized version, but in '85 its a must. So now that I've added this to my list of songs to learn on the guitar, lets move on. The CD and cassette of this album features an eight minute version of this song...fortunately for us, its not on the LP.
Side Two doesn't have the wall-to-wall singles that side one had, but it does offer some decent enough tunes which frame some very specific lyrics. First is "Ride Across the River," which is a little scratched on my album. All you really need to know about this song is that it was used in an episode of "Miami Vice," and believe me, it fits. On the cover of the album is a great picture of a resonator guitar, and wouldn't you know it, it appears on "The Man's Too Strong." Utilizing a fantastic slide, subtle synthesizer and the occasion big burst of sound, this song sets an interesting and very serious mood. A few minor chords thrown in help to focus your attention back on the desperate plea of the singer, fight the man! "One World" continues the seriousness, but this time its somewhat sabotaged by the slap bass. Some songs just don't need slap bass and this is one of them. If the listener hasn't figure out the "specific lyrical content" i mentioned earlier, they will with this next song. "Brothers in Arms" is as anti-war as it gets. The Lyrics, the sound effects, the tone, and even the music video. For me, protest and anti-war songs are a double edged sword. A plain rock song with protest lyrics seems very half-assed and forced. Crappy musicianship and protest lyrics just makes you a punk band, which means no one over 22 will respect you. If you're going to do it right, follow the Dire Straits path, great lyrics, fantastic song structure and that Mark Knopfler guitar playing you can't get anywhere else in the 80's.
For an album that seemed so fun when I first heard it in the late 80's, it has a very serious tone. I honestly picked this album to start the weekend, and now here we are at the end, and I'm feeling bummed out and in need of cheering up. Good thing tomorrow is Friday.
Strongest Song: The Man's Too Strong
Weakest Song: One World
Song You Know: Money For Nothing
Why You Might Hate It: You're tired of anti-war protest and reverb.
Buy
It? A few MP3's have got it covered...there's no need to buy the LP, afterall it was the first album marketed to people on CD.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Hide the Sharp Objects: Its Time to Hate.
#6 Nine Inch Nail: Pretty Hate Machine
The Kardshian's have taken over my living room. My wife is upstairs watching reality TV so I have started a record, and escaped to the basement. 'But Rob', you say, 'your stereo is in the living room!' Yes, the receiver, turntable and Cerwin Vega's live upstairs…but my old Technics, purchased my freshman year at Frostburg State University from Country Club Mall (Lavale, MD) have survived four and half years of college abuse and now live in the basement. When we bought this house the first thing I did was wire up the stereo and fish two speaker wires into the basement. This occurred before painting, moving furniture, or any other nesting procedures were done. Music comes first.
Today's selection is an album that I first owned on cassette in approximately 1993. Nine Inch Nails, which consists of Trent Reznor and an endless list of producers and studio musicians created one hell of an industrial pop album with 1989's "Pretty Hate Machine." I must confess, I got the cassette EP "Broken" first, then moved in reverse chronological order to get "Pretty Hate Machine." On to the music…
Side one begins with the song that led me to buy the album 'Head Like a Hole." From this song, you basically know what you're getting into with this album…anger, frustration, revenge and electronic drums. From that beginning it moves seamlessly into "Terrible Lie," and it seems Trent is not getting any happier with song two. The song is very sparsely played instrumentally, which allows the listener to truly appreciate the delicate emotional state of the singer. It'd be wise to go ahead and get that suicide hotline number, cause its all downhill from here. Now that you're emotionally broken, its time for "Down In It," because at this point, you are. More electronic drums kick this one off, hey its 1989, what do you want? The song is fairly repetitive in telling you that yes, its true, he was up above it, but now he's down in it. "Sanctify" is another decent song, fairly forgettable except for the awesome bass line that I think I have to learn. Side one concludes with the third most depressing song ever written. The first is (of course) another NIN song, "Hurt" and the second is A Perfect Circle's cover of "Imagine." (listen at your own risk)
"Hurt" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjwgYvzQWS4
"Imagine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dunKAwRN3P8&ob=av2e
These songs are so depressing you should just save some time and dial 9-1 before pressing play. Now that the side has concluded you're asking yourself "do I want to flip this thing, or take a break?" Take a break, because I have to run upstairs, witness almost 25 seconds of the Kardashian's, and flip the record.
Feeling better? Side two begins with "Kinda I Want To" which is actually a pretty uplifting song as far as Trent Reznor goes. The next track "Sin," includes some of the coolest synthesizer play that you'll hear this side of a Depeche Mode album. This song has everything you'd want from Industrial music, synthesizer, electronic drums, wall of sound guitars, and what really sounds like metal objects being thrown on a concrete floor (think Robert Palmer- Simply Irresistible). All this in a neat 128 bpm package. Good job Trent! "That's What I Get" uses that same somewhat repetitive lyrical formula of "Down In It" but its not that bad of a song. This song was momentarily interrupted by a dog hair that messed with the needle, but we're back on track now. Next up is "The Only Time" a song that finds Trent now trying to blame someone else for all his issues aired over the last 8 songs. Yeah right Trent, there is no 'I' in 'nuts.' The album concludes with the song Ringfinger. Its a pretty good tune production wise, great stereo panning effects, overly distorted guitar and very clean synthesizer, a fitting end to what is truly a great album.
This is the kind of album that someone (Trent Reznor) had to probably experience a lot of pain to create. In the end, I can just say "I'm glad this isn't my story." Most art is created this way if you look at it from the perspective of the mind that created it. Fortunately for us, for a mere $10-$20 per album, we can get a glimpse into that twisted mind without actually having to own it 24/7.
Strongest Song: Sin
Weakest Song: That's What I Get
Song You Know: Head Like A Hole
Why You Might Hate It: You have scars on your wrists and sharp objects all around you.
Buy It? Probably a good CD or MP3 album to have, though for the audio nuts out there, the production does offer great Vinyl sound.
The Kardshian's have taken over my living room. My wife is upstairs watching reality TV so I have started a record, and escaped to the basement. 'But Rob', you say, 'your stereo is in the living room!' Yes, the receiver, turntable and Cerwin Vega's live upstairs…but my old Technics, purchased my freshman year at Frostburg State University from Country Club Mall (Lavale, MD) have survived four and half years of college abuse and now live in the basement. When we bought this house the first thing I did was wire up the stereo and fish two speaker wires into the basement. This occurred before painting, moving furniture, or any other nesting procedures were done. Music comes first.
Today's selection is an album that I first owned on cassette in approximately 1993. Nine Inch Nails, which consists of Trent Reznor and an endless list of producers and studio musicians created one hell of an industrial pop album with 1989's "Pretty Hate Machine." I must confess, I got the cassette EP "Broken" first, then moved in reverse chronological order to get "Pretty Hate Machine." On to the music…
Side one begins with the song that led me to buy the album 'Head Like a Hole." From this song, you basically know what you're getting into with this album…anger, frustration, revenge and electronic drums. From that beginning it moves seamlessly into "Terrible Lie," and it seems Trent is not getting any happier with song two. The song is very sparsely played instrumentally, which allows the listener to truly appreciate the delicate emotional state of the singer. It'd be wise to go ahead and get that suicide hotline number, cause its all downhill from here. Now that you're emotionally broken, its time for "Down In It," because at this point, you are. More electronic drums kick this one off, hey its 1989, what do you want? The song is fairly repetitive in telling you that yes, its true, he was up above it, but now he's down in it. "Sanctify" is another decent song, fairly forgettable except for the awesome bass line that I think I have to learn. Side one concludes with the third most depressing song ever written. The first is (of course) another NIN song, "Hurt" and the second is A Perfect Circle's cover of "Imagine." (listen at your own risk)
"Hurt" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjwgYvzQWS4
"Imagine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dunKAwRN3P8&ob=av2e
These songs are so depressing you should just save some time and dial 9-1 before pressing play. Now that the side has concluded you're asking yourself "do I want to flip this thing, or take a break?" Take a break, because I have to run upstairs, witness almost 25 seconds of the Kardashian's, and flip the record.
Feeling better? Side two begins with "Kinda I Want To" which is actually a pretty uplifting song as far as Trent Reznor goes. The next track "Sin," includes some of the coolest synthesizer play that you'll hear this side of a Depeche Mode album. This song has everything you'd want from Industrial music, synthesizer, electronic drums, wall of sound guitars, and what really sounds like metal objects being thrown on a concrete floor (think Robert Palmer- Simply Irresistible). All this in a neat 128 bpm package. Good job Trent! "That's What I Get" uses that same somewhat repetitive lyrical formula of "Down In It" but its not that bad of a song. This song was momentarily interrupted by a dog hair that messed with the needle, but we're back on track now. Next up is "The Only Time" a song that finds Trent now trying to blame someone else for all his issues aired over the last 8 songs. Yeah right Trent, there is no 'I' in 'nuts.' The album concludes with the song Ringfinger. Its a pretty good tune production wise, great stereo panning effects, overly distorted guitar and very clean synthesizer, a fitting end to what is truly a great album.
This is the kind of album that someone (Trent Reznor) had to probably experience a lot of pain to create. In the end, I can just say "I'm glad this isn't my story." Most art is created this way if you look at it from the perspective of the mind that created it. Fortunately for us, for a mere $10-$20 per album, we can get a glimpse into that twisted mind without actually having to own it 24/7.
Strongest Song: Sin
Weakest Song: That's What I Get
Song You Know: Head Like A Hole
Why You Might Hate It: You have scars on your wrists and sharp objects all around you.
Buy It? Probably a good CD or MP3 album to have, though for the audio nuts out there, the production does offer great Vinyl sound.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Klondike Bar Choco Taco and the Who
#5 The Who: Who's Next?
The Choco Taco. Its ice cream, its chocolate, its a taco. How do you improve that? Easy, crossbreed it with a Klondike Bar. Its Saturday night in the marathon Memorial Day weekend. Today has consisted of golf, napping, a neighborhood cookout and Outback steakhouse. Golf went well for my first outing of the season. Its easy to have high expectations at the start of golf season, especially before you've taken a swing. However, when the first round begins you start to realize those expectations need to be reigned in a little. With high expectations followed by sudden disappointment on the brain, lets get to today's album.
The Who's "Who's Next?" was born from a failed rock opera called Lifehouse that Pete Townsend had been working on for quite a while. After suffering a nervous breakdown he finally just said 'screw it' and released everything he had to that point on one record. "Who's Next" is a strong collection of songs, but they also hang together very well, a reminder of how they came to be and a great representation of the album format.
Kicking off side one is a straight up rocker "Baba O'Reily." It makes you want to grab a guitar, turn it to 11, and hit an A chord while screaming until your voice goes out. Next up is "Bargain", another strong rock song with similar aesthetics to Baba. The next couple songs follow suit, then the side ends with "The Song is Over," a nice conclusion for a side. From its rock opera roots, this song signals the end of Act 1.
Side two starts off with "Getting in Tune." The song title doesn't lie, they're just warming up and the better songs lie ahead. "Going Mobile" could be called "Getting in Tune Part 2", though its not a bad song. It continues the theme of the album, however it is a little lacking due to the absence of Roger Daltrey on vocals. Now that we're in tune, its time to close in grand fashion. First its "Behind Blue Eyes." For anyone who is a sound nut like me, this is reason enough to buy the album on vinyl. The acoustic guitar sounds as if its being played right in front of you and when the bass kicks in, you truly understand why analog is the purest representation of sound. They close the album in similar fashion to the start, rockin' out. "Won't Get Fooled Again" rocks with power chords and synthesizer and creates a very strong climax and immediate conclusion to the somewhat story boarded album. After reading the gist of the 'Lifehouse' story, this song suddenly becomes very Matrix like...everyone lives in a collapsed society and the only experience you have is through controlled test tube experiments. At the time people probably thought Townsend was nuts for pursuing this story...now Keanu is counting his money.
Much like "Who's Next", my golf game became a pleasant surprise born out of a near breakdown. I four putted the first and second holes today, but recovered to have one of my most consistent rounds. So remember, when life gives you lemons, buy a Klondike Bar Choco Taco, put on the Who, and everything will be just fine.
Strongest Song: Behind Blue Eyes
Weakest Song: Getting in Tune
Song You Know: Half the Album
Why You Might Hate It: You hate rock and roll, FM radio, and power chords.
Buy It? On Vinyl...fantastic production quality and hangs together like that rug in the dude's apartment.
The Choco Taco. Its ice cream, its chocolate, its a taco. How do you improve that? Easy, crossbreed it with a Klondike Bar. Its Saturday night in the marathon Memorial Day weekend. Today has consisted of golf, napping, a neighborhood cookout and Outback steakhouse. Golf went well for my first outing of the season. Its easy to have high expectations at the start of golf season, especially before you've taken a swing. However, when the first round begins you start to realize those expectations need to be reigned in a little. With high expectations followed by sudden disappointment on the brain, lets get to today's album.
The Who's "Who's Next?" was born from a failed rock opera called Lifehouse that Pete Townsend had been working on for quite a while. After suffering a nervous breakdown he finally just said 'screw it' and released everything he had to that point on one record. "Who's Next" is a strong collection of songs, but they also hang together very well, a reminder of how they came to be and a great representation of the album format.
Kicking off side one is a straight up rocker "Baba O'Reily." It makes you want to grab a guitar, turn it to 11, and hit an A chord while screaming until your voice goes out. Next up is "Bargain", another strong rock song with similar aesthetics to Baba. The next couple songs follow suit, then the side ends with "The Song is Over," a nice conclusion for a side. From its rock opera roots, this song signals the end of Act 1.
Side two starts off with "Getting in Tune." The song title doesn't lie, they're just warming up and the better songs lie ahead. "Going Mobile" could be called "Getting in Tune Part 2", though its not a bad song. It continues the theme of the album, however it is a little lacking due to the absence of Roger Daltrey on vocals. Now that we're in tune, its time to close in grand fashion. First its "Behind Blue Eyes." For anyone who is a sound nut like me, this is reason enough to buy the album on vinyl. The acoustic guitar sounds as if its being played right in front of you and when the bass kicks in, you truly understand why analog is the purest representation of sound. They close the album in similar fashion to the start, rockin' out. "Won't Get Fooled Again" rocks with power chords and synthesizer and creates a very strong climax and immediate conclusion to the somewhat story boarded album. After reading the gist of the 'Lifehouse' story, this song suddenly becomes very Matrix like...everyone lives in a collapsed society and the only experience you have is through controlled test tube experiments. At the time people probably thought Townsend was nuts for pursuing this story...now Keanu is counting his money.
Much like "Who's Next", my golf game became a pleasant surprise born out of a near breakdown. I four putted the first and second holes today, but recovered to have one of my most consistent rounds. So remember, when life gives you lemons, buy a Klondike Bar Choco Taco, put on the Who, and everything will be just fine.
Strongest Song: Behind Blue Eyes
Weakest Song: Getting in Tune
Song You Know: Half the Album
Why You Might Hate It: You hate rock and roll, FM radio, and power chords.
Buy It? On Vinyl...fantastic production quality and hangs together like that rug in the dude's apartment.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Chores and 90's Brit Pop.
#4- Oasis: Definitely Maybe
Friday has arrived, and for some reason I'm up relatively early. With a little energy somehow in my system I've decided to get a few things done around the house. Of course, I have to put on a record to celebrate this rare burst of Friday morning motivation. My tasks are simple: clean the kitchen, restring my guitar. I need something bouncy, not too heavy, not too light. Of course the powerpop from Oasis should work just fine.
I (along with most of humanity) hate the Gallagher brothers. Its almost a cruel trick that one of them can write songs, and one of them can sing, but its impossible for them to switch roles. They need each other, and that just pisses them off. They're also pissed because 18 years after its release, the only Oasis record I listen to is Definitely Maybe...I don't even own Morning Glory!*
So we start out with 'Rock and Roll Star' and 'Shakermaker'. A pretty good poppy, wall of sound start to an album. You never want your best stuff up front, gotta give some incentive to hear the whole album. After that solid start we get 'Live Forever'...which truly does live forever, its been stuck in my head since 1997 and it will never leave despite how hard I try to rid myself of it. Oh who am I kidding, I still love this song. Closing the first half of the album is two good but forgettable songs, so lets just ignore them and get to the good stuff.
Welcome side 2! Drums, just drums...and wow do they sound good. The bass drum sound shakes the walls and the dry British snear of Liam comes in with an attitude of 'I hate you all'. This half of the album has a great sound to it, 'Cigarettes and Alcohol' maintains the attitude and 'Slide Away' leads into the very amusing finish 'Married with Children'. The only out of place track on side two is 'Digsy's Diner', I'd love to have 'Rock and Roll' star on the second half to flow with the other tracks, but then that means Digsy is starting out the record. Oh well, I guess the order is acceptable. Well..the kitchen is clean, the guitar is restrung, and the dog really wants to go outside.
Strongest Song: Supersonic
Weakest Song: Digsy's Diner
Song You Know: Live Forever
Why You Might Hate It: The Gallagher Brothers are asking for it.
Buy It? You probably already have a few of these tracks on MP3...and that's probably just fine.
* I used to borrow my brother's copy and have half the album in MP3 form, but whatever, that doesn't count.
Friday has arrived, and for some reason I'm up relatively early. With a little energy somehow in my system I've decided to get a few things done around the house. Of course, I have to put on a record to celebrate this rare burst of Friday morning motivation. My tasks are simple: clean the kitchen, restring my guitar. I need something bouncy, not too heavy, not too light. Of course the powerpop from Oasis should work just fine.
I (along with most of humanity) hate the Gallagher brothers. Its almost a cruel trick that one of them can write songs, and one of them can sing, but its impossible for them to switch roles. They need each other, and that just pisses them off. They're also pissed because 18 years after its release, the only Oasis record I listen to is Definitely Maybe...I don't even own Morning Glory!*
So we start out with 'Rock and Roll Star' and 'Shakermaker'. A pretty good poppy, wall of sound start to an album. You never want your best stuff up front, gotta give some incentive to hear the whole album. After that solid start we get 'Live Forever'...which truly does live forever, its been stuck in my head since 1997 and it will never leave despite how hard I try to rid myself of it. Oh who am I kidding, I still love this song. Closing the first half of the album is two good but forgettable songs, so lets just ignore them and get to the good stuff.
Welcome side 2! Drums, just drums...and wow do they sound good. The bass drum sound shakes the walls and the dry British snear of Liam comes in with an attitude of 'I hate you all'. This half of the album has a great sound to it, 'Cigarettes and Alcohol' maintains the attitude and 'Slide Away' leads into the very amusing finish 'Married with Children'. The only out of place track on side two is 'Digsy's Diner', I'd love to have 'Rock and Roll' star on the second half to flow with the other tracks, but then that means Digsy is starting out the record. Oh well, I guess the order is acceptable. Well..the kitchen is clean, the guitar is restrung, and the dog really wants to go outside.
Strongest Song: Supersonic
Weakest Song: Digsy's Diner
Song You Know: Live Forever
Why You Might Hate It: The Gallagher Brothers are asking for it.
Buy It? You probably already have a few of these tracks on MP3...and that's probably just fine.
* I used to borrow my brother's copy and have half the album in MP3 form, but whatever, that doesn't count.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Beginning....Days 1, 2, 3.
I have built up a pretty good collection of records. My problem is I
find myself playing the same 10 records over and over. So, here's the
plan...once a record is played, it will be removed from my playlist. NO
REPEATS until the whole collection has been played. Time to rediscover my collection.
Record #1- Van Morrison: Tupelo Honey
Van the Man does not disappoint. It's the end of a fantastic weekend outside, I've sunburned, tired, and all I want to do is relax. My wife is out with a friend, and the tired seems just as exhausted as I am. The problem with putting on a mellow album when you're exhausted is that it usually takes about 2 songs to fall asleep. To avoid this common fault in vinyl listening, I just put the mellow record on VERY LOUD.
After an energetic start on "Wild Night" side 1 settles into its mellow tone with the three remaining tracks. The side concludes with "You're My Woman" which almost puts me to sleep, fortunately I'm saved by the need to flip the record. Side 2 takes the opposite approach, one mellow tune followed by three energetic. After the sudden end of "Moonshine Whiskey" I'm finally free to fall asleep.
Strongest Song: Old Old Woodstock
Weakest Song: Starting a New Life (only because its too short)
Song You Know: Wild Night
Buy It? On Vinyl...every song is terrific and they fit together in their intended order.
Record #2- Cat Stevens: Tea for the Tillerman
Its dinner time and I've gotta cook something...all recipes should begin with the instruction: put on a good soundtrack. While making some seasoned chicken, stuffing and beans, I've chosen some Cat Stevens. I first heard this album when I was probably 3 years old, my Dad loves it.
Side 1 Starts out with a great tune, "Where do the Children Play", my MP3 version gets plenty of plays on my iPod. After a 3 more song, Side 1 concludes with "Miles from Nowhere", the best track on the album. A great song for someone in need of a vacation...sometimes its just nice to be away from everything. Side 2 of the album is good, but really isn't quite as strong on the first. "Father and Son" is a great song that really should conclude the album, the short track "Tea for the Tillerman" comes after and for some reason seems a little out of place.
Strongest Song: Miles From Nowhere
Weakest Song: Tea for the Tillerman
Song You Know: Wild World
Buy It? Most listeners will probably just need a few tracks, Wild World, Miles from Nowhere, and Father and Son should have all you need. The rest of the album is good, so if you find a vinyl copy for cheap, hey, why not?
And now up to date...
Record #3- Deep Purple: Machine Head
Well its Thursday night which for me means its time for the weekend. Time to rock out and get cranked up for four days of Memorial Day weekend fun. After thumbing through and considering some of the usual suspects for a good kick off (INXS? Queens of the Stone Age?) I decide to throw on Machine Head. Well dig out your oversized brown headphones and join the fun...
This album starts out with FM Rock Gold..."Highway Star". As a guitar player, there's something very satisfying hearing a Hammond Organ through a Marshall amp. The first side is solid, plenty of guitar solos and pounding riffs. Side two, with only three songs doesn't have much, but whats there is fantastic. Of course "Smoke on the Water" kicks off the second half, a song that got thousands, maybe millions of teens to play the guitar. Next comes two songs I'm not familiar with, because honestly, I bought this album for only two tracks. "Lazy" offers some great clean organ playing (if you're into that kind of thing) then kicks on the Marshall overdrive which creates basically a Hymn from Hell. Eventually a nice bluesy rhythm kicks in and the band has some fun with Guitar/Organ solos. The album ends with "Space Truckin'" which is another I wasn't that familiar with by name, but wait...I've heard this track before! I think I gotta pick up my bass, put on the fuzz pedal and learn this one. Yeah, I'm ready for the weekend now.
Strongest Song: Space Truckin
Weakest Song: Smoke on the Water (overplayed is an understatement)
Song You Know: You already know the answer to this.
Buy It? A couple MP3's show cover it...You've probably heard Smoke on the Water so many times you're ready to stab the next guy who walks into Guitar Center starts playing it....so do yourself a favor and get the final two songs on the album...Lazy and Space Truckin'.
Record #1- Van Morrison: Tupelo Honey
Van the Man does not disappoint. It's the end of a fantastic weekend outside, I've sunburned, tired, and all I want to do is relax. My wife is out with a friend, and the tired seems just as exhausted as I am. The problem with putting on a mellow album when you're exhausted is that it usually takes about 2 songs to fall asleep. To avoid this common fault in vinyl listening, I just put the mellow record on VERY LOUD.
After an energetic start on "Wild Night" side 1 settles into its mellow tone with the three remaining tracks. The side concludes with "You're My Woman" which almost puts me to sleep, fortunately I'm saved by the need to flip the record. Side 2 takes the opposite approach, one mellow tune followed by three energetic. After the sudden end of "Moonshine Whiskey" I'm finally free to fall asleep.
Strongest Song: Old Old Woodstock
Weakest Song: Starting a New Life (only because its too short)
Song You Know: Wild Night
Buy It? On Vinyl...every song is terrific and they fit together in their intended order.
Record #2- Cat Stevens: Tea for the Tillerman
Its dinner time and I've gotta cook something...all recipes should begin with the instruction: put on a good soundtrack. While making some seasoned chicken, stuffing and beans, I've chosen some Cat Stevens. I first heard this album when I was probably 3 years old, my Dad loves it.
Side 1 Starts out with a great tune, "Where do the Children Play", my MP3 version gets plenty of plays on my iPod. After a 3 more song, Side 1 concludes with "Miles from Nowhere", the best track on the album. A great song for someone in need of a vacation...sometimes its just nice to be away from everything. Side 2 of the album is good, but really isn't quite as strong on the first. "Father and Son" is a great song that really should conclude the album, the short track "Tea for the Tillerman" comes after and for some reason seems a little out of place.
Strongest Song: Miles From Nowhere
Weakest Song: Tea for the Tillerman
Song You Know: Wild World
Buy It? Most listeners will probably just need a few tracks, Wild World, Miles from Nowhere, and Father and Son should have all you need. The rest of the album is good, so if you find a vinyl copy for cheap, hey, why not?
And now up to date...
Record #3- Deep Purple: Machine Head
Well its Thursday night which for me means its time for the weekend. Time to rock out and get cranked up for four days of Memorial Day weekend fun. After thumbing through and considering some of the usual suspects for a good kick off (INXS? Queens of the Stone Age?) I decide to throw on Machine Head. Well dig out your oversized brown headphones and join the fun...
This album starts out with FM Rock Gold..."Highway Star". As a guitar player, there's something very satisfying hearing a Hammond Organ through a Marshall amp. The first side is solid, plenty of guitar solos and pounding riffs. Side two, with only three songs doesn't have much, but whats there is fantastic. Of course "Smoke on the Water" kicks off the second half, a song that got thousands, maybe millions of teens to play the guitar. Next comes two songs I'm not familiar with, because honestly, I bought this album for only two tracks. "Lazy" offers some great clean organ playing (if you're into that kind of thing) then kicks on the Marshall overdrive which creates basically a Hymn from Hell. Eventually a nice bluesy rhythm kicks in and the band has some fun with Guitar/Organ solos. The album ends with "Space Truckin'" which is another I wasn't that familiar with by name, but wait...I've heard this track before! I think I gotta pick up my bass, put on the fuzz pedal and learn this one. Yeah, I'm ready for the weekend now.
Strongest Song: Space Truckin
Weakest Song: Smoke on the Water (overplayed is an understatement)
Song You Know: You already know the answer to this.
Buy It? A couple MP3's show cover it...You've probably heard Smoke on the Water so many times you're ready to stab the next guy who walks into Guitar Center starts playing it....so do yourself a favor and get the final two songs on the album...Lazy and Space Truckin'.
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