Impressions: Before he was doing the NCIS thing or battling sharks, L.L. (along with Run DMC) was one of the first big crossover rap stars that moved hip-hop from the secret mix tapes and 12" records we passed around at school to the mainstream. I haven't listened to this album since way back when. Let's take it for a spin... From the get-go, the sound is classic boom-bap minimal Rick Rubin production. "I Can't Live Without … Continue Reading ››
Richard and Linda Thompson, I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
What font is that?Release Date: 1974
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions: I only know of Richard Thompson vaguely from years of listening to WXRT, but I won't hold that against him. I've never ran into this album. Let's put it on. Holy cow, "When I Get To The Border" is an awesome opener! Doomed optimism. Stellar guitar work. Big, crisp, drum work. Well used accordion. Lyrics like "If you see a box … Continue Reading ››
"A quick sniff test will determine if I need a little Speed Stick."
#473
George Michael, Faith
Release Date: 1987
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions: After being subjected to way too much Wham! on the radio/MTV, I mostly passed on George Michael's solo career at the time. I don't actively hate him, but I'm not coming at this album as a fan. Let's get this over with...."Faith" is a snappy Bo-Diddley/Elvis pop confection that is actually not bad. Actually kind of promising start. Then, we get "Father Figure," it features lots of "production." Same with "I Want … Continue Reading ››
Even the model in the album cover is super depressed.Impressions: Let's get this out of the way immediately:Morrissey isn't everyone's taste. I'm not even sure he's my taste, but I do love The Smiths. There's something about the sweet-and-sour balance of Johnny Marr's casual guitar brillance and Morrissey's literate moaning that works for me. Their consistent catalog and somehow side stepping of the dreaded '80s sound (probably by avoiding keyboards and dated references) further seals the deal. Their songs come out as timeless, … Continue Reading ››
He's trying to woo the birds with his sweet, sweet guitar.
#474
Manu Chao, Proxima Estacion: Esperanza
Release Date: 2001
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions: At first, this album came off as generic worldbeat, but with samples ("Merry Blues,") but sort of warmed up and seemed to cover a lot of stylistic ground (reggae, jazz, rock, latin, etc)--albeit in a loping way, low-key way. So, sort of like Joe Strummer and the Mescalaros minus Strummer. Sometimes it sounded like a leaner version of The Clash's "Sandanista." Some of it seems sort-of-political also, but … Continue Reading ››
The fake-Pollock cover that the US fans are familiar with.
#475
Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Armed Forces
Release Date: 1979
Previously Owned: Yes
Impressions: It's hard to imagine now, as Elvis' presence nowadays is merely tolerated or ignored by most people (his collaboration with The Roots sounds great on paper, but that sinking feeling is there.) When Armed Forces came out back in '79, Elvis was considered "cool," or at least he was at his personal coolest. He also seemed kind of dangerous, like a permanently-jilted version of Buddy Holly on speed. This angry, young … Continue Reading ››
Impressions: I'm usually way behind on pop culture trends. I tend to wait until the clamor all dies down and then I will peruse said album, movie, tv show, book, or trend without the glow of the excitement and hype that accompanied it in the first place. Then, if I like it, then I'll drive everyone crazy talking about how great, say, Battlestar Galactica is when everyone else is like "where … Continue Reading ››
Impressions: Oh, man. A FOUR DISC BOX SET?!? Rolling Stone! GRRR, why are you busting my chops like this and, to top it all off, SPOTIFY doesn't have it! So, I could buy it ($40!) or just cobble it together track-by-track online. Ugh, time to get to cobbling. I'm sure most people who have tried listening to the entire list have crashed and burned here, but I'm determined to continue for some reason. Let's listen..."Skid Row" is a nice snappy opener. (CUT TO: 20 songs later) Okay, so far, these tunes are really … Continue Reading ››
Her All-Time Greatest Hits of All-TimeImpressions: As I've mentioned before, I'm not big on country music-- mostly because of modern commericalization of the country style-- but, when in the mood, this collection of cryin-in-your-beer, vintage country from Ms. Lynn is completely aggreable. "Wine, Women and Song" is a perfect introduction to her basic style. It's all there: tasty, classic countryfied instrumental backup, her straightforward, yet singular voice … Continue Reading ››
A guy tries to listen to every album on the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of all time list, and some other stuff
