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 ››
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 ››
For the year 2000, D'Angelo possesed the world's most famous abs.
D'Angelo, Voodoo
Release Date: 2000
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
Impressions: D'Angelo is never in a rush. Songs take as long as they need to (the shortest track on this album is still four and a half minutes.) He starts singing when ever he feels like it and he puts out albums when ever he wants to. Voodoo came out five years -an eternity in pop music- after his successful neo-soul debut Brown Sugar. Take the opening song; "Playa … Continue Reading ››
Pictured are some of the young dudes, but not all.Impressions: A great Bowie album, without Bowie's voice (mostly). A cover of Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane" is no-brainer slam-dunk, and although it doesn't dispell the weird feeling of imitation, it's beautifully done. Lead singer Ian Hunter has a lot of Dylan, a lot of Bowie, and a sharp sense of humor and self awareness. The band plays pitch-perfect glammy rock that doesn't get … Continue Reading ››
Impressions: Having been exposed to ZZ Top in the dreaded '80s, I grew upthinking these guys were just weird, long-bearded curiosities who made goofball music videos and spun guitars around their midsections. But this rockin slab of '70s blues/rock shows they can play a little when those guitars stop spinning. "Waitin for the Bus" starts off the set with a catchy, crunching riff and from there there's no let up ("Have mercy! I've been waiting for the bus all day!") Fun, no-nonsense tracks with airtight production and
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Release Date: 2001
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes
It looks like that shadow on the left is holding a dogImpressions: Pretty simple on the surface: dirty guitar+bashing drums+straightforward vocals= garage to counter the digital era. It works. The opening song, "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," fulfills that formula. But after that, they throw a few extra tricks: some acoustic guitars on Hotel Yorba and then keyboards on "I'm Finding It Harder To Be A Gentleman." Some nice, hummable tunes, especially the needle-in-the-red punk rock "Fell In Love With … 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
