Just a little inspired here!!

Another good day, but I felt a little on the lonely side, which doesn't happen often for me.  I think it was because I slept late, slept through my alarms (yes, I have four alarms) and woke up on my own at 6:45 a.m. to sunlight which freaked me out.  Throughout the day, I mentally prepped myself for my after work run/jog and I got a little too excited because of the app I downloaded onto my phone to track my progress.  I am definitely inspired here by a certain someone and it lightened my mood and made me happy.  To you, my friend, I dedicate this album to you for the simple fact that jazz is my favorite and so are you:

Artist/Album - Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane
Released - 1961
Label - Jazzland
Genre - Jazz


Tracks:
Side 1
Ruby, My Dear
Trinkle, Tinkle
Off Minor
Side 2
Nutty
Epistrophy
Functional

Nothing is more relaxing than listening to jazz with a nice glass of wine.  When I cook or do anything that requires a certain skill, I love to listen to jazz.  As I was searching for today's pick, I came across this fantastic record that displays the sweet sounds of the saxophone, bass and piano.  Thelonious Monk was a brief obsession of mine as of late and seeing this record brought back the memories of why I love him so much.  But not only do you have the wonderful and illustrious Thelonious Monk, but he's also joined by another favorite of mine John Coltrane.  This dynamic duo teamed up for only half a year at New York's Five Spot Cafe in the beginning in the summer of 1957.  It was said that Monk and Coltrane complimented each other perfectly which resulted in the successful musical alliance.  This album is simply relaxing and it will put you in an optimistic mood.

Enjoy!

Wow How Now Wow How Now Brown Cow

I can't believe I'm on my fortieth record already.  This is pretty intense, yet I'm excited that I've stayed committed to listening to my vinyl and posting them, though I feel that sometimes my writing is a little repetitive. Anyway...

For the mini milestone, my fortieth pick:

Artist - A Tribe Called Quest

Album - The Low End Theory

Released - 1991

Label - Jive/RCA Records

Genre - Hip-Hop

Tracks:

Side A

Excursions

Buggin' Out

Rap Promoter

Butter

Side B

Verses From The Abstract

Show Business

Vibes and Stuff

Side C

The Infamous Date Rape

Check The Rhime

Everything is Fair

Side D

Jazz (We've Got)

Skypager

What?

Scenario

I almost don't know where to start with this record because I think it is the ultimate hip-hop record, PERIOD.  This is one of my top 10 albums EVER, so you know that's saying a lot for me.  But to backtrack on my day, I worked until 9:45 p.m. (yes, that's a little over a 12 hour workday, but it's okay, I like using my OT as comp time) so this post is a little on the late side.  When I realized earlier during the day that this was going to be my fortieth post/album, I wanted to make it a good one.  I am somewhat in love with A Tribe Called Quest, since I was a kid.  I mean this album did come out in 1991, when I was 11 years old.  For some reason, I become a fan girl when I see anything A Tribe Called Quest.  I just think they are such a phenomenal group, so why not share the love I have for them with you!

This is A Tribe Called Quest's second album and it is a combination between hip-hop and jazz, which is labeled the jazz-rap movement.  Something about this trio of greatness that bring the beats with the rhyme to make it so sensational. The rapping of Q-Tip and Phife Dawg is the smoothest on each song as come in and out of each song.  Scenario and Check The Rhime are the most popular songs on this record, but The Infamous Date Rape would have to be my favorite.  Another must buy, must have in my book.

Enjoy!

Enter Into This World

In the sunshine of your loooooooooooove.  Indeed, enter the world of psychedelic rock.  For my thirty-ninth:

Artist - Cream
Album - Disraeli Gears
Released - 1967
Label - Reaction, Atco 
Genre - Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock


Tracks:
Side One
Strange Brew
Sunshine Of Your Love
World Of Pain
Dance The Night Away
Blue Condition
Side Two
Tales of Brave Ulysses
Swlabr
We're Going Wrong
Outside Woman Blues
Take It Back
Mother's Lament

Cream is a supergroup consisting of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker and they released this magnificent record in 1967, which in my opinion is such an awesome record.  I've been wanting to display this record for some time now and I thought why not on a day like today.  So to vent, today was a rather rough day for me seeing as I've been up since 2:45 a.m.  I went ahead and went to the gym, maybe to tire myself out tonight and around 4pm I was definitely feeling the sleep.  When I decided to think of which record I could play and this is the first one that popped in my head.  I told myself that today was the best day to display a goodie.  Two of the most popular songs on this record are Strange Brew, Sunshine Of Your Love and Take It Back, but for the most part, this record is most definitely a psychedelic sounding record. If you come across this in the record store, I would suggest this is a must buy and when you listen to it you will know why.

Enjoy!

After-Glow

So many choices, but I picked this.  This album sums up the last few months of my life and when I listen to it, I just feel happy.  For my thirty-eighth pick:

Artist - M83
Album - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
Released - 2011
Label - Naive
Genre - Electronic, dream pop


Tracks:
Side A
Into
Midnight City
Reunion
Where The Boats Go
Wait
Side B
Raconte-Moi Une Historie
Train To Pluton
Claudia Lewis
This Bright Flash
When Will You Come Home?
Soon, My Friend
Mirror
Side C
My Tears Are Becoming A Sea
New Map
OK Pal
Another Wave From You
Splendor
Side D
Year One, One UFO
Fountains
Steve McQueen
Echoes Of Mine
Klaus I Love You
Outro

Such an extensive album for such a great band.  M83 was introduced to me when my friend Bryan went to Europe and burned me all their records and sent it with a note.  I still have the note, which was very inspiring to me and when I put the CD in my computer, I fell in love.  I know music, but most of the time I don't know artists or songs, so I have a wide range and when I heard M83, I was happy.

This is M83's sixth studio album and it's not bad for a French band that illustrates new wave, electronic sounds.  The intro alone should get your attention which rolls into Midnight City, which to me is the ultimate sax song.  The saxophone bit at the end is a surprise, but it flows into the song so well.  Every single part of this album is unique and very interesting to say the least.  Definitely worth a good listen to enjoy every single sound!

Enjoy!!

Old Soul

I'm pretty set on thinking that I have an old soul when it comes to music.  Either that or I am just loving all music from the 60s and 70s.  I remember when I was younger, my Dad used to put on classical music for me every time I went to bed and then we would listen to a mix of everything else.  I miss him dearly!  For my thirty-seventh pick:

Artist - Magic Sam
Album - Black Magic
Released - 1968
Label - Delmark Records
Genre - Blues


Tracks:
Side A
I Just Want A Little Bit
What Have I Done Wrong
Easy, Baby
You Belong To Me
It's All Your Fault
Side B
I Have The Same Old Blues
You Don't Love Me, Baby
San Jose
Stop! You're Hurting Me
Keep Loving Me

Not only are the instrumental parts on this record phenomenal, but the songs are just as good.  I get the way the vibe of this record is flowing with it's lyrics.  It's a love me, hate me, need me, want me rollercoaster of emotions, but in further respect, this is a really good record.  This was in Kevin's collection and I just wanted to have a little something different and upbeat.  I do have to agree that I like playing this type of music while I'm cooking because it puts me in a good mood.  Definitely the blues of the late 60's that you would love.

Enjoy!

The Rock Gods Summon Me

Yes, yes yes and more of the word YES!!  Heavy hitting, hard sounding and guitarist extraordinaire.  For my thirty-sixth pick, I bow down at your merciless skills of the AXE!

Artist - Van Halen
Album - Van Halen
Released - 1978
Label - Warner Bros.
Genre - Hard Rock, Heavy Metal


Tracks:
Side One
Runnin' With The Devil
Eruption
You Really Got Me
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
I'm The One
Side Two
Jamie's Cryin'
Atomic Punk
Feel Your Love Tonight
Little Dreamer
Ice Cream Man
On Fire

The rock gods are summoning me to make sure this gets on the list.  I mean I have a whole 329 more picks to go, I'm sure I was bound to play some Van Halen.  Man, this record takes me back to when I was a kid watching MTV and I would think to myself, "Who is this guy wearing spandex jumping around on tables?"  Well, it was David Lee-Roth and I was watching the Hot For Teacher video.  How times have changed!!

Van Halen is Van Halen's debut album.  The guitar on this album is no doubt the most insane guitar playing I've heard.  I think their intention was to make sure that each song had the baddest and most difficult guitar riffs for it's time.

Enjoy!

One Way or Another

In all things magnificent and good, a woman with such power has topped the list of greatness.  My thirty-fifth pick is one that has, in no time, became an icon in the music scene.

Artist - Blondie
Album - Parallel
Released - 1978
Label - Chrysallis
Genre - New Wave, Post Punk


Tracks:
Side One
Hanging On The Telephone
One Way Or Another
Picture This
Fade Away And Radiate
I Know But I Don't Know
Side Two
11:59
Will Anything Happen?
Sunday Girl
Heart of Glass
I'm Gonna Love You Too
Just Go Away

By some horrible way, my record is warped (booooo), but luckily I am playing it on my iTunes as I write this review.  I need to make a note to get another copy of Parallel Lines by Blondie the next time I go out and get some records.  This is definitely a MUST HAVE in your collection.  As the album is playing, it just reminds me how many hits are on this record. One Way Or Another and Heart of Glass have to be the main ones, but all in all, my favorite is 11:59.  You can definitely hear the New Wave, which I think is great because it could also be a record to dance to, if you want to dance like they did in the late 70's, early 80's.  I have to admit, I am one that dances no matter what and if I feel like a song make me want to move, then I will move, no matter how horrible I look.  I think I just stopped caring about what others thought of me and started living life for me.  Oops, I'm rambling.  Okay, back on the record, this album is by far one of the best albums by a female fronted band.  This is the third album by Blondie.

Enjoy!

Back to Basics

This record is one that you have to know or if you don't, get to know it quickly.  To my thirty-fourth pick:

Artist - Ohio Players
Album - Honey
Released - 1975
Label - Mercury
Genre - Soul/Funk


Tracks:
Side A
Honey
Fopp
Let's Love
Ain't Givin' Up No Ground
Side B
Sweet Sticky Thing
Love Rollercoaster
Alone

Okay, this is yet another awesome record (because I only play awesome records) that I decided to display today.  This is takin' it back to back in the day when soul was soul and funk was just plain funk.  One of the best things about this record, other than the fact that every song is awesome, is one of my favorites, Love Rollercoaster.  Which is the ORIGINAL, not the Red Hot Chili Peppers cover.  This is the SEVENTH album by Ohio Players and I capitalize seventh for a reason.  My reason is that because this album cover is so seductive and it's a good thirty one minutes of soul.

Enjoy!

No Thinking, Just Doing

Today was one of those days.  I don't know where to even start!!  I got home, found out I received my Aesop Rock ticket for August 11th (ahhh, so far) and I needed something to lift my mood.  To you, my thirty-third pick, for you are a great band

Artist - Bass Drum of Death
Album - GB City
Released - 2011
Label - Fat Possum Records
Genre - Garage Rock, Noise


Tracks:
Side One
Nerve Jamming
GB City
Get Found
Velvet Itch
High School Roaches
Side Two
Spare Room
Young Pros
Heart Attack Kid
Leaves
I Could Never Be Your Man
Religious Girls

I just listened to this album for the first time in a long time and I forgot how good it was.  I saw Bass Drum of Death during SXSW 2012 and they can really put on a show.  After giving it another listen, I knew why I decided to buy this album.  Nerve Jamming is a great way to start this record and their sound is pretty raw, literally.  Since when I think of this band and think of garage rock, noise, it has a raw edge sound to it.  That being said, their sound is pretty raw.

Just a side note, the vinyl itself is pretty awesome.  I really do love the fact that certain vinyl records come in certain colors.

Enjoy!

Double Whammy

Thirty-first and Thirty-Second pick.  I'm doubling up today because I was traveling yesterday (the only exception in my book relating to my goal of daily postings).  I tried to be on top of my picks, but this just threw me off for a loop because I thought I was going to be home early enough to listen to a record and write a review.  Turns out I had a 2 hour layover in Los Angeles from Seattle and didn't end up getting home until 11:30 p.m. which quickly turned into almost 1am when I finished unpacking.  That being said, here is the DOUBLE WHAMMY:

Thirty-First

Artist - Santigold

Album - Master of Make Believe

Released - 2012

Label - Atlantic Records

Genre - Electronic, Dub, Reggae, Hip Hop

Tracks:

Side A

Go

Disparate Youth

God From the Machine

Fame

Freak Like Me

Side B

This Isn't Our Parade

The Riot's Gone

Pirate in the Water

The Keepers

Look at These Hoes

Big Mouth

Thirty-Second
Artist - This is a compilation album with numerous artists and songs.
Album - First Sessions 1949/50
Label - Prestige
Genre - Jazz, Swing


I would begin to start talking about both albums individually, but why make it difficult for you, the lovely readers I have acquired through the lovely waves of the internet.  I will begin with Santigold, an artist I started listening to a few years before I moved to Austin.  Actually, a student worker at the law school turned me on to her.  Well to be quite honest, I was listening to Santigold and when I would talk about music (because that's what I do, talk to people about music) to the student worker we had, she was so happy I knew of her.  That makes my day.  People have their thing, but music is mine and when I can turn someone onto something they haven't listened to, it makes me happy.

These two albums are very different in a sense, but very much the same.  The reason why I say the same is because music from the 40s, 50s, 60s have inspired what we hear today.

Let the good times roll

To my thirtieth



Artist(s) - Flip Phillips, Neal Hefti, Chubby Jackson, Shelly Manne, Red Norvo, Bill Harris
Album - Swinging Sounds of the 40's - Out of the Herd
Released - 1965
Label - Emarcy Records
Genre - Swing/Jazz


Tracks:
Side One
The Man I Love
I Got Rhythm
Northwest Passage
Cryin' Sands
Characteristically B.H.
Mean to Me

Side Two
She's Funny That Way
"Sam's" Caravan
Head-Quarters
Everything Happens to Me
I Woke Up Dizzy
The Goof and I

There is nothing that can hide the fact that I've been picking these albums that are over twenty years old, but nothing makes me feel so good and relaxed like Jazz.  I found this album at Wall of Sound in Seattle and I just wish, oh I wished, that I could've listened to it there.  I simply posted it earlier with the intent to write a little bio later because I don't think it would be fair or authentic to just post and write about an album I haven't listened to.  So now that I'm listening to the album, I'm in a somewhat relaxed state.  I think about everything that went on around the time I bought this record and how happy I was and currently am.  I know this might sound silly, but I love to play these records and dance in my room.  Sometimes holding my dogs as I sway back and forth, other times dancing alone and they just stare.  I absolutely love instrumental music and I am a big fan of different instruments coming together to make a soft, subtle yet vibrant record.  You will enjoy this with a good glass of wine, a nice meal or even a handsome person to take you by the hand and stand you up from your chair and dance.

Enjoy!

I'm just that much CLOSER

My twenty-ninth pick:

Artist - Mogwai
Album - Hardcore Will Never Die But You Will
Released - 2011
Label - Rock Action Records/Sub Pop
Genre - Post-Rock


Tracks:
White Noise
Mexican Grand Prix
Rano Pano
Death Rays
San Pedro
Letters to the Metro
George Square Thatcher Death Party
How to Be a Werewolf
Too Raging to Cheers
You're Lionel Richie
Slight Domestic
Hasenheide

When it comes to Mogwai, there is no telling which direction you think they will head with their next album.  Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is their seventh studio record.  Hailing from Scotland, this group is a post-rock band that has been around since 1995.  No summary, just listen!  It's that good.

Enjoy!

On the West Coast

Not only does my twenty-eight pick have a lot to do with my vacationing to Seattle, but they are also located on the West coast.

Artist - No Age
Album - Nouns
Released - 2008
Label - Sub Pop
Genre - Noise Pop


Tracks:
Miner
Eraser
Teen Creeps
Things I Did When I Was Dead
Cappo
Keechie
Sleeper Hold
Errand Boy
Here Should Be My Home
Impossible Bouquet
Ripped Knees
Brain Burner

Yet another great record from the Los Angeles based band No Age and let's not forget to mention that this is also another short record, spanning just seconds over thirty minutes.  When you listen to this album, I think it will make you want to mosh to most of the songs, with the short style, guitar bleeding sounds.  This duo, containing only a guitar and drummer (at the time of this record), put on one heck of a live performance, but breaking it down to the earlier stuff, Noun is the band's first LP.

No Age experiments with not only just the drums and guitar, but they also incorporate other experimental sounds that helped influence and display each track with it's own sound.  One of my favorite tracks on this record is Here Should Be My Home and next would be Things I Did When I Was Dead.  I recommend this album, if first listening to No Age to enjoy the way they have developed into the band that they are today.

Enjoy!

In Vacation Mode

Since I am currently en route, heading to the lovely city of Seattle, I decided to make this post simply about Mr. Seattle himself.  Here it is, my twenty-seventh:

Artist – Nirvana

Album – Bleach

Released – 1989

Label – Sup Pop

Tracks:

Blew

Floyd The Barber

About A Girl

School

Love Buzz

Paper Cuts

Negative Creep

Scoff

Swap Meet

Mr. Moustache

Nirvana is a band that gained much success in 1992 after their 2^nd record, Nevermind, changed the face of music as we know it today.  They are labeled one of the best musical groups of all time, and then shortly after, their lead singer, Kurt Cobain, killed himself with a shotgun wound to the head.  Before all the hype, glitz and notoriety, in 1989, Nirvana released their debut album, Bleach.  As a huge Nirvana fan, I would have to say that not a lot of people are very familiar with this album as much as the other two albums that had mainstream success, but by far, this is my favorite records (next to In Utero).  It wasn’t until after the success of Nevermind that Bleach was re-released on Geffen Records., which it was originally released on Sub Pop.  When first debuted, it received great reviews by critics, but did not do well in the United States.

When I first bought my guitar, About a Girl was one of the first songs I learned, so imagine how many times I had to hear that song to perfect it, as Kurt Cobain himself did.  It was obvious, with a title so to the point, About A Girl was about Kurt Cobain’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend.  As you continue to listen to each song on this record, you can hear the heavy sound of guitar that almost sounds as if this record was intended to be a deep, heavy metal record.  Kurt Cobain was inspired by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and other artists on how he wanted this record to be perceived.   Most of these songs were based on his life and the experiences he went through.  During numerous interviews, when asked about this album, he admitted to just writing about whatever he thought, which are exactly what you would expect.

Another biased summarization of this record, since I am a fan of Nirvana and everything that came to be about the music that forever changed the world.  Getting to know more about Kurt Cobain as a person, through reading his biography, I believe he was a very talented musician with a lot of deep seeded issues.  All in all, this is a great record and since I’m heading over to what was once labeled the GRUNGE CAPITAL, I thought this would be a good ode to Seattle.

Enjoy!

While I'm Packin

Nothing makes me feel more tense while I'm packing than my twenty-sixth pick:

Artist - The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Album - Gone With The Wind
Released - 1959
Label - Columbia
Genre - Jazz


Tracks:
Side One
Swanee River
The Lonesome Road
Georgia on My Mind
Camptown Races
Side Two
Camptown Races
Short'nin' Bread
Basin Street Blues
Ol' Man River
Gone With The Wind

As I pack for my somewhat short journey to Seattle, Washington this weekend, I decided I needed a little instrumental music playing at the moment.  Dave Brubeck is a very talented man, putting together quartets and working on orchestras in the span of his illustrious musical career.  Believe it or not, born in 1920, he is still alive and still receiving recognition on his amazing work.  This record will relax you with the flow of melodic sounds. There is no words that can describe this album, it basically speaks for itself.

Enjoy!

A Little SPICE In Your Life

At the gym and on shuffle on my iTunes, Latin (Spanish) music has been invading my ears.  In honor of this almighty coincidence, here is my twenty-fifth pick:

Artist - Tito Puente and his Orchestra
Album - Dance Mania
Released - 1969
Label - RCA
Genre - Latin


Tracks
Side One
El Cayuco
Complicacion
3-D Mambo
Llego Mijan
Cuando Te Vea
Hong Kong Mambo
Side Two
Mambo Gozon
Mi Chiquita Quiere Bembe
Varsity Drag
Estoy Siempre Junto a Ti
Agua Limpia Todo
Saca Tu Mujer

I grew up listening to Tito Puente and a whole slew of Latin artists, so when I went to the record store looking for old Spanish music and I found this one, I was extremely happy.  Though I'm not as fluent as I should be in speaking and understanding Spanish, I feel like I know enough to get by.  Playing this record reminds of me of my childhood  and how my Dad, brothers and sisters would go over to my Uncle and Aunt's house and have these parties where everyone would be dancing all night.  Those memories will always be there.

Back to the subject of this record and Tito Puente, who debuted his own band in 1940 and became an iconic Latin artist till his death in 2000.  This record became known by word of mouth (which I happen to think are the best ways to know about a record) and was one of the best dance music albums in the Latin America field.  For what it's worth, even though you don't understand Spanish, the sound and rhythm will get you dancing and moving your hips.

Enjoy!

Friendships are Beneficial

As the days go by, so do my picks.  With this selection, number twenty-four definitely has the kinds of friends I want.

Artist - Joe Cocker
Album - With A Little Help From My Friends
Released - 1969
Label - A&M Records
Genre - Rock, Blues


Tracks
Side One
Feeling Alright
Bye Bye Blackbird
Change In Louise
Marjorine
Just Like A Woman
Side Two
Do I Still Figure In Your Life?
Sandpaper Cadillac
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
With A Little Help From My Friends
I Shall Be Released

What do you call an album that has  musical greats such as Jimmy Page, Carol Kaye, Tony Visconti, Matthew Fisher, Henry McCullough and BJ Wilson?  You call it SUPERB!!  This is singer Joe Cocker's first album and with the musical greats mentioned above that contributed to these tracks definitely makes for one hell of a record.  When I hear Joe Cocker sing, I immediately think of The Wonder Years, since the track With A Little Help From My Friends (which is originally performed by The Beatles) was the theme song.  Oh how time flies between then and now.  Surprisingly, this record is has Blues written all over it, with a dash of rock.  Each song has a soulful sound as Joe Cocker sings with his very different sounding voice.

Untold Stories

Number twenty-three is a fairly recent discovery, seeing as they formed in 2007 and I just started listening to them since 2009 (upon the recommendation of a friend).

Artist - Girls
Album - Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Released - 2011
Label - True Panther Sounds
Genre - Indie Rock


Tracks
Honey Bunny
Alex
Die
Saying I Love You
My Ma
Vomit
Just A Song
Magic
Forgiveness
Love Like A River
Jamie Marie

With such unusual song titles, this album would have to be one of the tops of 2011.  I had the pleasure of seeing them at Fun Fun Fun Fest in November 2011 and they were great.  The had a trio of soulful ladies singing in the background and the stage was decorated with sunflowers.  I was very happy I got to see them perform live, since discovering them in 2009.  Father, Son and Holy Ghost is Girls' second album and to be quite honest, it's very unique sounding.  For instance, Honey Bunny My Ma and Love Like a River have an old school sound, as if is were a product of the 60's/70's whereas Die sounds like late 80's rock-n-roll.  Vomit is my favorite song on this record with Die definitely being my second.  This is just one of those records that you feel has a few different genres mixed in one.

Enjoy!

This is not a following

My twenty-second pick is a recommendation from Kevin.

Artist - The Cult
Album - Love
Released - 1985
Label - Beggars Banquet/Sire Records
Genre - Post-Punk, Goth Rock


Tracks
Nirvana
Big Neon
Glitter
Love
Bother Wolf, Sister Moon
Rain
Phoenix
Hollow Man
Revolution
She Sells Sanctuary
Black Angel

The fact that the first song is titled Nirvana makes me happy (yes, I'm a huge Nirvana fan). The Cult is a British rock band that formed in 1983 from the UK.  Love is their fourth album and basically launched them into mainstream success.  I know a lot of people hate the fact that artists go mainstream, but what can you honestly do.  Just enjoy the memories you have when they were not so mainstream.  Anyway, listening to this record reminds me a lot of Donnie Darko and I honestly don't know why.  So weird, but I also think they sound a lot like The Smiths.

Enjoy!

When I was TWENTY-ONE

Twenty-one is definitely done with this pick.  For you Katie, a friend I knew since 6th (maybe 5th) grade.  If it weren't for Facebook, we wouldn't have reconnected.  Love you girl!!

Artist - The Who
Album - Who's Next
Released - 1971
Label - MCA Records
Genre - Rock


Tracks
Side One
Baba O'Riley
Bargain
Love Ain't For Keeping
My Wife
Song is Over
Side Two
Getting In Tune
Going Mobile
Behind Blue Eyes
Won't Get Fooled Again

WOW, I just had a recent brush with dejavu (sorry I'm not properly accent educated on my short cuts to spell it properly).  I was sitting here, with my mobile in front of me, playing this record and thinking.  How interesting the mind works.  Anyway, a friend of mine, who really loves The Who (Katie) wanted me to Instagram this record, so I decided to just make it my twenty-first pick.  Maybe I messed up the numbering system I had going by putting twenty-one instead of twenty-first.

Such a classic record, with such great songs.  The Who formed in 1964 from the UK and this is their fifth studio album.  I know I sound pretty repetitive about this, but my favorite song on this record is Baba O'Riley.  I think it is one of my top 10 songs of my life existence because it's about teenage wasteland.  For some reason, I think about my youth and just the vibe of the song makes you want to sing along and sing out LOUD!  Another great song, other than the obvious Won't Get Fooled Again is Behind Blue Eyes, though I hate the Limp Bizkit version.  Ugh, what a horrible, HORRIBLE version.

So much can be said about The Who and this album, but I will leave it to you to listen and give me your own thoughts.

Enjoy!

Undecided

To my twentieth.  The music you composed has had a great impact on me as I'm sure it has had a great impact on others.

Artist - Duke Ellington
Album - The Best of Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra
Released - 1961
Label - Capital Records
Genre - Jazz/Big Band (which is a type of music ensemble consisting of rhythm, brass and woodwinds)


Tracks:
Side One
Warm Valley
Rockin' In Rhythm
Prelude To A Kiss
Satin Doll
Caravan
Side Two
Flamingo
In A Sentimental Mood
Black and Tan Fantasy
Passion Flower
Bakiff

Known as a major figure in Jazz, this great composer (who wrote over 1,000 compositions) had a career that spanned more than 50 years.  If you are not familiar with his wonderful work, I suggest you do as soon as possible, because not only does he make excellent music, but the flow of the instruments together in each song projects a great sound.  Duke Ellington's music consists of piano (since he was a pianist), but the sounds of trumpets, violins, bass, clarinets (big band) and more tune each song to perfection.

The comforting sound of Caravan, which is a favorite of mine, is one of those songs that is light but will still make you want to move, maybe even dance!  The clarinet is the main instrument in this song, accompanied with the piano, which is played in a seductive way.  Another great song on this album is Satin Doll, with its lively piano playing, jumping sound of the bass and the melody of the trumpet and trombone.  All in all, this album is delicate, yet well respected.

Enjoy!

Feed the Animals

My nineteenth pick goes to show you that good music never dies!

Artist - The Beach Boys
Album - Pet Sounds
Released - 1966
Label - Capitol Records
Produced by Brian Wilson


Tracks:
Side One
Wouldn't It Be Nice
You Still Believe in Me
That's Not Me
Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)
I'm Waiting for the Day
Let's Go Away for Awhile
Sloop John B
Side Two
God Only Knows
I Know There's an Answer
Here Today
I Just Wasn't Made for These Times
Pet Sounds
Caroline No

One of the most influential records in the history of popular music.  That is a FACT (in my opinion of course)!! I remember first hearing The Beach Boys when I was a kid, watching Full House (since John Stamos' character was obsessed with them) and Flight of the Navigator.  There are so many good songs on this album and the harmonies of each member of The Beach Boys make it that much better.

Listening to this album makes you think of all the musical artists that were inspired by The Beach Boys and Pet Sounds.  This being their 11th album (yes, they formed in 1961 and this is their 11th album), they introduced a surfer type style to music using different types of instruments and sounds, such as the electro-theremin, which is an AWESOME PIECE OF EQUIPMENT!

It's hard to believe that this album is 46 years old.  I can't even believe it.  When you listen to Wouldn't It Be Nice, the lyrics are so sweet and loving (Happy times together we've been spending\I wish that kiss was never ending\wouldn't it be nice).  Another great song that is so melodic and soft is God Only Knows.  The ultimate love song you can probably ever think of.  This is, by far, definitely a top 10 album in my collection.  Pet Sounds is one of those records you can play and just enjoy to the very end.  It's hard to think that there are people out in this world that do not like The Beach Boys.  I think no matter how much you dislike them, you have to respect their longevity in the music industry and the influence they even have on today's music.

Enjoy!

To Be Young Again...

I absolutely idolized my eighteenth pick.  As a little girl, still in elementary school, I used to watch MTV (back when MTV actually played MUSIC VIDEOS) and when I would see Tina Turner's videos come on, I would be glued to the television.  I had the hair, not as BIG as hers, and I would try to dance like her.  When I listen to her, I think about the mid 80's.

Artist - Tina Turner
Album - Private Dancer
Released - 1983
Label - Capitol Records


Tracks:
I Might Have Been Queen
What's Love Got To Do With It
Show Some Respect
I Can't Stand The Rain
Better Be Good To Me
Let's Stay Together
1984
Steel Claw
Private Dancer

I loooooove Tina Turner.  Not only is she a talented musician and basically has the best legs in the business, she is a tough woman.  Her success started in the early 70s and after time she married her performance partner, Ike Turner, who was also abusive to her. Tina Turner divorced Ike, but kept the name Tina Turner, which was her stage name.  After the divorce, she made an impact on the world going solo.  Private Dancer is her fifth studio album and one song that stands out is What's Love Got To Do With It.  I feel that every song hits a chord with love and relationships, but it will definitely make you want to dance.  Also, the Al Green cover Let's Stay Together is personalized with Tina's touch.

I just love love love this album.  Brings me back to the 80s with it's 80s sounds.  Tina Turner is definitely a great artist!!

Enjoy!

Food for thought

As I sit here and consume this wonder meal Kevin made, I am listening to my seventeenth pick.  This is classic rock at it's greatest, but to be more accurate on the typical genre of The Doors, I would have to say it is more psychedelic rock.  Without further ado...

Artist - The Doors
Album - The Doors
Released - 1967
Label - Elektra Records


Tracks:
Side One
1. Break On Through (To The Other Side)
2. Soul Kitchen
3. The Crystal Ship
4. Twentieth Century Fox
5. Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)
6. Light My Fire
Side Two
1. Back Door Man
2. I Looked At You
3. End of the Night
4. Take It As It Comes
5. The End

There is nothing like a stormy, windy night with The Doors playing.  Forming in 1965 and hailing from Los Angeles, California, The Doors came and went, but their music lived on.  I remember seeing the movie with Meg Ryan and Val Kilmer (The Doors, 1991) when I was younger and thinking, "What's going on here?"  I was a curious little girl and asked a lot of question.  It wasn't until I was older that I figured out Jim Morrison's character was pretty much wasted on drugs the whole time.  It's a shame because this is one of their best records, maybe even one of the best records of all time.  These songs define the late 60's and The Doors gathered an extreme following, worshiping Jim Morrison, their poet, the Lizard King. Light My Fire became a huge success for The Doors, especially with that wonderful organ-like intro coming from their VOX Continental (yes, I had to look that up). After the death of Jim Morrison, The Doors disbanded in 1971.  Break On Through (To The Other Side) was another hit for The Doors and after this record, they made 9 records, many going platinum and gold.

Listen to this record, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cocktail and relax.

Enjoy!

A Common Cure

In my not so healthy state, I was trying HARD to think about what I can post for my sixteenth record.  What would make a hangover go away? What would be the common cure?

And it hit me...

NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE, of course!!

Artist - Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Album - Rust Never Sleeps
Released - 1979
Label - Reprise


Tracks:
Side One
1. My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)
2. Thrasher
3. Ride My Llama
4. Pocahontas
5. Sail Away
Side Two
1. Powderfinger
2. Welfare Mothers
3. Sedan Delivery
4. Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)

I don't know what it is about Neil Young.  I DON'T KNOW!!  But what I know is that he always makes me happy.  Every time I'm in a mood or I just feel like crap, I can always count on Neil.  His music just soothes me.

I've never had a chance to see him live, but I have listened to some of his live records and I know that I would very much enjoy seeing him in the flesh.  Music is always good when you listen to it over the radio, from your computer or out of speakers connected to your receiver, but seeing a live performance with the raw sound and the stage presence of an artist just makes the experience that much more intense.  All the feelings of excitement and anticipation and preparation can almost be unbearable (in a not so unbearable sense, if that makes sense).

Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) is so great!!! ROCK AND ROLL WILL NEVER DIE!

Enjoy!

Heavy, heavy...maybe

A pick by Kevin, my fifteenth will be:

Artist - Budgie
Album - The Best of Budgie
Released - 1975
Label - MCA Records


Tracks:
1. Breadfan
2. I Ain't No Mountain
3. I Can't See My Feelings
4. Baby Please Don't Go
5. Zoom Club
Side Two
1. Breaking All The House Rules
2. Parents
3. In For The Kill
5. In The Grip of a Tyrefitter's Hand

In the genre of heavy, rock metal, this Welsh band has been off and on for years.  Forming in 1967, the trio consisting of Burke Shelley, Tony Bourge and Ray Phillips toured with the great Ozzy Osbourne himself.  Not having much success in America, they had a strong following in Texas.  So I guess this is why Kevin has this album and recommended it for today's post.

I do have to say the album art is pretty intense.  I love parakeets!!

Enjoy!

Fun fun

Numero Fourteen please, with a side of DANCE!!

Artist - Elton John
Album - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Released - 1973
Label - MCA Records


Tracks:
Side One:
Funeral for a Friend
Love lies bleeding
Candle in the wind
Bennie and the Jets
Side Two:
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
This song has no title
Grey seal
Jamaica Jerk-off
I've seen that movie too
Side Three:
Sweet painted lady
The ballad of Danny Bailey (1903-34)
Dirty little girl
All the girls love Alice
Side Four:
Your sister can't twist (But she can rock n' roll)
Saturday night's alright for fighting
Roy Rogers
Social disease
Harmony

Elton John at his very best!  This record will make you dance, cry, laugh, sing-a-long, pretty much just about anything.  If you don't know at least ONE SONG on this record, you have been living under a rock.  This is one of those records that will motivate you, no doubt about it.  Such amazing tracks and believe it or not, Elton John is the man!!

Enjoy!

Mystery Man

The thirteenth is pretty stellar if you ask me!!!

Artist - David Bowie
Album - Low
Released - 1977
Label - RCA


Tracks:
1. Speed of Life
2. Breaking Glass
3. What In The World
4. Sound and Vision
5. Always Crashing in the Same Car
6. Be My Wife
7. A New Career In A New Town
8. Warszawa
9. Art Decade
10. Weeping Wall
11. Subterraneans

When I hear this record, I know exactly where I am.  In Hollywood, Florida at my duplex with my mattress in the living room, sleeping there because I was studying for the LSAT and watching TV on the big screen at night.  I remember it like it was yesterday, but in all honesty, it was about 5 years ago.  Man does time fly.  Flies right by you and before you realize where you are, you realize it went fast.


Listen and enjoy!

To dance or not to dance? That is the question

Under careful observation, as I looked over Kevin's shoulder to see what he was going to pick out for me to be my twelfth entry, he handed me this record. VINYL RECORD for those of you who want me to be politically correct. ::cough cough::  

Artist - Taj Mahal
Album - Mo' Roots
Released - 1974
Label - Columbia

Tracks
Johnny Too Bad
Blackjack Davey
Big Mama
Cajun Waltz
Slave Driver
Why Did You Have To Desert Me?
Desperate Lover
Clara (St. Kitts Woman)

Just a little insert on the jacket of the vinyl:

If you're looking for that tune or tunes that'll get you off, you know, make you feel good, make you dance and sing, put some peace into your life, give your spirit some happy direction...Well, that's what this album is all about, for me, anyways, it's been long overdue!  Hail to all Rastafari throughout the whole universe. Luv, Sweetpapa Too Bad, Taj


Mr. Henry Saint Claire Fredericks is his name and making this eccentric, exotic album was his game.  I would have to say this is a first for me and it makes me want to move, feel good -- pretty much all of the information I wrote above.  Not only is there a reggae beat to it, he speaks in spanish.  SPANISH!!  With the sound of horns, woodwind instruments and percussion, these tracks will more than likely make you nod to the beat.

I looked up Taj Majal on Wiki and since 1968,studio albums have been released, right up to about 2008 and also featured on Compilations in 2011.

Yes, those are flowers

This is my eleventh post and I was thinking, how are people really going to know that I'm posting about vinyl records?  I take a picture of every record, yes, but usually from an above angle where you technically cannot see the awesomeness of what is a vinyl record.  Am I robbing the lovely readers of this website by NOT posting the actual vinyl record itself?  We have to think that with my massive amounts of vinyl I've collected (along with Kevin's count) that I would actually deceive the very readers I have with not posting it?  I'm rambling on what I fear that I'm robbing you of.  I'm not sure, but after this one post, I will make sure I actually view the vinyl itself along with the cover art to let you know that I mean business.  VINYL RECORD BUSINESS.  That being said, I might do little dedications with each post.

For this lovely eleventh post, I want to dedicate it to a friend that broke up with me because his ex-girlfriend was a self-centered, paranoid, insecure little girl.  I won't put your name on blast, but Alfredo, I dedicate this entry to you!  I miss you and our friendship.

Beach House - Devotion, Label - Car Park Records
Released in 2008

Tracks
Wedding Bell
You Came To Me
Gila
Turtle Island
Holy Dances
Heart of Chambers
Some Things Last
Astronaut
Darling
Home Again

Now, the reason why I dedicate it to Alfredo is because he turned me on to Beach House.  He's the one that told me to listen to them, so I did, because that's what great friends do.  So when I told Alfredo that I was going to go to an ACL after show and they were opening for Grizzly Bear, he was stoked.  As a nice friend that I am, I even got him a PERSONALIZED autographed CD from the band.  That's how good our friendship was.

But enough about that non-existent friendship, Beach House is one of those bands that you feel like can set a trend.  Quiet, quaint and humble, they are really great musicians. Hailing from Baltimore, they have definitely made a name for themselves.  Listen to this record, put on Gila, lay in bed and just take it in.  They will blow your mind with their different, raw sound.