Ho Ho Hooo

I continue to roll out the vinyl records as my choices get interesting. My one hundred and second pick.

Artist - Melvins

Album - Houdini

Released - 1993

Label - Atlantic

Genre - Alternative Metal

Tracks:

Hooch

Night Goat

Lizzy

Going Blind

Honey Bucket

Hag Me

Set Me Straight

Sky Pup

Joan of Arc

Teet

Copache

Pearl Bomb

Spread Eagle Beagle

The fifth album by the Melvins, this one has some significance to it.  I mean, one, it was co-produced by Kurt Cobain (my favorite artist ever) and two, it's a fantastic record.  Back in 1993, the grunge movement was sweeping the nation and even the world with such artists as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden while here you have the Melvins with their alternative metal sound.  Forming all the way back in 1983 (I was 3 years old), Buzz and Dale have been the ongoing members ever since.  Still touring to this day, it's amazing that a band with such longevity can tour, perform and have such an amazing following, old and new.  

Enjoy!

After the Calm

In the aftermath of the milestone from yesterday, I decided to go with something more low-key, yet a bit hardcore.  For my one hundred and first pick.

Artist - Unwound
Album - Leaves Turn Inside You
Released - 2001
Label - Kill Rock Stars
Genre - Post-Hardcore


Tracks:
We Invent You
Look a Ghost
December
Treachery
Terminus
Demons Sing Love Songs
Off This Century
One Licks Less
Scarlette
October All Over
Summer Freeze
Radio Gra
Below the Salt
Who Cares

It's not that I'm being lazy about writing about this band, I'm a little exhausted.  I had quite a crazy day and it zapped my thought process.  So that being said, I will let you judge this album for yourself.  It's a pretty good album, but obviously, nothing like their earlier stuff.

Enjoy!

In All That Is GREAT and WONDERFUL

Okay, so I am amazed that I stuck to this because in the beginning I was thinking this was going to be the easiest thing in the world.  What's so hard about posting a record and writing about it, right?  WRONG!!!  It is a lot of work and when you travel you either have to plan ahead or double up when you get back.  PLUS picking a vinyl record a day is tough.  Though I am finally at my ONE HUNDREDTH pick, I am pretty happy about this blog.  To whoever reads this, this pick took a lot out of me when deciding what would be my 100th pick and I do have to classify this record as one of my top ten records of all time.  ALL TIME!!

Artist - Neutral Milk Hotel

Album - In the Aeroplane Over The Sea

Released - 1998

Label - Merge/Domino

Genre - Indie Folk

Tracks:

The King Of Carrot Flowers Pt. One

The King Of Carrot Flowers Pts. Two and Three

In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

Two-Headed Boy

The Fool

Holland, 1945

Communist Daughter

Oh Comely

Ghost

Two-Headed Boy Pt. Two

WOW, listening to this again (though I've listened to it plenty of times) gives me chills.  I love when albums get me like that.  So artistic, so constructive, so PUT TOGETHER!!  Let's not forget the impeccable voice of Jeff Magnum.  This is such a deep album for me that I had to display it at a good number and this being my 100th record, why the f**k not now?  

A lot is said about this record with it's reference to Anne Frank, but I believe that since Jeff Magnum was such an interesting character and his love for that era, this was his way of showing it.  The tracks on this album, each and every one of them, are fantastic.  It's almost like this song is an ode to that, with each song and the album art mixed with today's music, you can't just write it off as just another album.  This is a frickin' amazing album!!!  Unfortunately this is the second and final album Neutral Milk Hotel made.  This album launched Jeff Magnum and Neutral Milk Hotel to be categorized as that band with a cult following.  Emerging here and there with solo stuff, Jeff Magnum has managed to keep himself hidden from the world.  As of late, he has toured and though I missed him when he came to Austin, I'd love to see him live.  I just would love to sit, hear his voice and close my eyes and think.

Enjoy!

Can't Get Enough

Yes, almost back to back, but not quite.  Ninety-Ninth:

Artist - Joy Division
Album - Closer
Released - 1980
Label - Factory
Genre - Post-Punk


Tracks:
Atrocity Exhibition
Isolation
Passover
Colony
A Means to an End
Heart and Soul
Twenty Four Hours
The Eternal
Decades

The second and final studio album by Joy Division, Closer marks a more dramatic event since being released.  Just two months prior, Ian Curtis, the lead singer, committed suicide.  Seeing as I just played another Joy Division record just a few days ago, it's obvious that I cannot get enough.  It's something about Ian Curtis' voice that I like or maybe it's the sound of each song that puts me in a certain mood.  I can tell you this though, this album has a bit of a darker tone that the previous.  Some might say it was purposefully done that way because they knew what was to come.  In a sense that I could kind of believe that, I would still think that making music or putting something into perspective could change ones decision about life and death, but then again you have the ones so far in they can't find a way out.

Break Ups Are Never Easy

Almost closing the gap to my first 100, so here you are, my ninety-eighth pick.

Artist - Handsome Furs
Album - Sound Kapital
Released - 2011
Label - Sub Pop
Genre - Indie/Electro Pop


Tracks
Side One
When I Get Back
Damage
Bury Me Standing
Memories of the Future
Serve The People
Side Two
What About Us?
Repatriated
Cheap Music
No Feelings

The third album by Handsome Furs, this duo delivers a great sound for what would be their last album together.  Since announcing their break up a few months ago (we all hope it's not a break-up of their marriage since Alexei and Dan are husband and wife in real life), Dan has gone to form a super group with Brit Daniels of Spoon.  Nevertheless, Sound Kapital will hopefully not be the end of a legacy for Handsome Furs, seeing as it is as fantastic sounding as their live performance.

Enjoy!

Since it's that time...

I believe the title of my ninety-seventh album does justice to today's festivities!!

Artist - Siinai
Album - Olympic Games
Released - 2011
Label - Splendour
Genre - Post-Rock


Tracks:
A
Anthem 1+2
Anthem 3
Marathon
Olympic Fire
B
Mt. Olympos
Finish Line
Munich 1972
Victory

Since today is the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games, what better way to display today's pick than with this album by Finnish band Siinai.  Olympic Games is Siinai's debut album and it's a very interesting, ambient sounding album to say the least.  I was told to listen to this record with an open mind and I definitely am.  After giving it a good, thorough listen, I have to say that I do enjoy their sound.  It's like a moment of relaxation and a rhythm that puts you at ease.  A good listen indeed, you will not be disappointed with this record.

Enjoy!

Behind it All

A lot of things erie about this record but alas I will play and enjoy the sound.  Here's my ninety-sixth pick.

Artist - Joy Division
Album - Unknown Pleasures
Released - 1979
Label - Factory
Genre - Post-Punk


Tracks:
Outside
Disorder
Days of the Lords
Candidate
Insight
New Dawn Fades
Inside
She's Lost Control
Shadowplay
Wilderness
Interzone
I Remember Nothing

The debut album by Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures is one of those records you don't get tired of listening to.  It almost takes you to another place, mentally. The cover depicts 100 consecutive pulses from the pulsar CO 1919, just in case you wanted to know.  The raw sound of this album intensifies with each track and It's kind of hard to describe such an amazing record in so many words.  She's Lost Control and Disorder are definitely my top songs on this record, but in the end, each song on this record is amazing.  Give it a listen.  I don't know what else I can write other than you will not be sorry.

Enjoy!

Softer Sides

In lieu of a hardcore day, please meet my ninety-fifth pick.

Artist - Mulatu Astatke

Album - Mulatu of Ethiopia

Released - 1972

Label - Worthy Records

Genre - Funk/Jazz, Soul, International

Tracks:

Side 1

Mulatu

Mascaram Setaba

Dewel

Side 2

Kulunmanqueleshi

Kasalefkut-Hulu

Munaye

Chifara

Once again Mulatu Astatke, has come to us from Ethiopia, with a new and different sound. He has interwoven into his fantastic arrangements, the beautiful Ethiopian five tone scale and the Afro-American soul and jazz sounds.  The melodies and rhythms, pulsate through your mind hours after hearing them.  This is a record you cannot play just once.  It is musically addictive, especially when the volume is turned up. -- Gil Snapper

Those statements above are absolutely true.  This album is so good in so many ways and of course let's not forget the sound, which is fantastic.  Instrumental music is what I've been enjoying lately and anything that ties in a flute in the mixture makes me happy, seeing that I used to play flute.  I would really love to start playing it again, but we shall see.  

Enjoy!

In the Sky

It's been a while since I dedicated an album to someone, so here I go.  This album is dedicated to someone I met online years ago, who still remains a mystery to me.  He is one that I've corresponded with, talked music with and he even recommended to me my ninety-fourth pick.  He is a West coaster who shares with me his stories of venturing off to new lands, talks about relationships he's had and his work.  He even sent me a card with a classic picture of the Space Needle, because he knew how much I loved Seattle.  This album is dedicated to you...Felix!

Artist - Dorothy Ashby
Album - Afro-Harping
Released - 1968
Label - Cadet Records
Genre - Soul/Jazz/Funk


Tracks:
Side One
Soul Vibrations
Games
Action Line
Lonely Girl
Life Has Its Trails
Side Two
Afro-Harping
Little Sunflower
Theme from 'Valley of the Dolls'
Come Live With Me
The Look of Love

As described above in my intro to this record, I thank my friend for recommending Dorothy Ashby and basically changing my life.  Hands down, a top 20 album, Afro-Harping is a mix of jazz with an exotic touch to it.  This album is good to listen to when you want to relax and I'd have to say that before listening to Dorothy Ashby, I never thought of a harp and jazz as a combination of a great sound.

Enjoy!

You're a Funny Little Frog in my Throat

Side Projects FTW (For The Win)!!!  My ninety-third pick.

Artist - God Help The Girl
Album - God Help The Girl
Released - 2009
Label - Matador 
Genre - Indie Pop/Chamber Pop


Tracks:
Side One
Act of the Apostle
God Help The Girl
Pretty Eve In The Tub
A Unified Theory
Hiding Neath My Umbrella
Funny Little Frog
If You Could Speak
Side Two
Musician, Please Take Heed
Perfection As A Hipster
Come Monday Night
The Music Room Window
I Just Want Your Jeans
I'll Have To Dance With Cassie
A Down And Dusky Blonde

I will give you a little report on this band, just so you can become familiar with them:

The author of God Help The Girl is Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian and he came up with the idea of writing a series of songs telling about the life of young girls and women which could be sung not by his group but female vocalists.  Thinking about this project, he started writing new songs which were shelved for the time being; after some time the idea of arranging them in a logic whole and making a film occurred to him.

For those who are not even familiar with Belle and Sebastian, Stuart Murdoch's band, they are a great band.  But the fact that he wrote a series of songs only females could sing and not his own band is empowering.  The voices on this track are just amazing and I'd have to say that my favorite song on this record is I Just Want Your Jeans.  I'm not even going to lie when I tell you I listened to this song for months, literally on repeat.  Of course, that's when I was going through some heart break and confusion in my life, but it got me through it.  Another great song is Funny Little Frog which to me talks about love and crushing on someone that causes you to have that funny little frog in your throat.  A great selection of songs well written by a mastermind in his own right.

Enjoy!

Changing it Up

Something soothing for the mind, here's my ninety-second pick.

Artist - Django Reinhardt
Album - Volume III
Released - 1970
Genre - Gypsy Jazz/Swing


Tracks:
Minor Swing
Blues En Mineur
Dinette
Topsy
Stockholm
Vendred 13
Belleville
Songe D' Automne
Swing 39
Swing 49
Blues Primitif
Django Blues
Sweet Atmosphere
Del Salle

Django Reinhardt has earned himself a unique place in the history of music with his highly individualized style of guitar playing. -- A sentence I admire, being that Django Reinhardt stood true to his sound, something he believed in.  This album really helps me relax when I'm feeling uptight and wound up with tension.  It also makes me want to get up and dance, which is something I do on a regular basis to music that I enjoy listening to.  I wanted to bring something out of my element and I'm a huge jazz fan and why not flip through my records to one that caught my eye.  Plus I like the name Django!!

Enjoy!

Say Anything

For my ninety-first pick I play the one artist that makes me think of boomboxes, trench coats and love.

Artist - Peter Gabriel

Album - So

Released - 1986

Label - Geffen

Genre - Pop Rock

Tracks:

Red Rain

Sledgehammer

Don't Give Up

That Voice Again

In Your Eyes

Mercy Street

Big Time

We Do What We're Told

The fifth studio album by Peter Gabriel, So is the album that put him on top.  Also, let's not forget of a little movie called Say Anything... which John Cusack made the infamous move of standing outside the window of a girl he liked, holding a boombox playing In Your Eyes that made for the perfect scene.  Growing up in the 80's exposed me to such great movies and music.  They don't make them like they used to, but I'm sure everybody says that about their generation.  I'm just glad I'm not growing up now.  Other great songs on this record are Sledgehammer and Big Time.  The eccentric sound that accompanies Peter Gabriel's voice is wonderful.  Definitely a great album of the 80's, hands down!

Enjoy!

...and another one

Ten picks shy of my one hundreth, here's to you NINETIETH!!

Artist - Cheap Trick
Album - Dream Police
Released - 1979
Label - Epic
Genre - Rock


Tracks:
Side One
Dream Police
Way of the World
The House is Rockin'
Gonna Raise Hell
Side Two
I'll Be With You TOnight
Voices
Writing on the Wall
I Know What I Want
Need Your Love

Extended Play

A unique band, a band a friend recommended and a band that I've grown to love.  My eighty-ninth pick.

Artist - The Budos Band

Album - The Budos Band EP

Released - 2009

Label - Daptone Records

Genre - Afro-Beat, Funk, Jazz

Tracks:

Side One

Hidden Hand

Mas O Menos

The Proposition

Side Two

Ephra

Nobody's Bulletproof

Smoke Gets In...

This multi-membered band from Staten Island, New York brings such an amazing beat and feel that one can only categorize them as a great instrumental band.  This EP was recorded between their first and second album, with a track listing of six songs that deliver a great composition of instruments and rhythm like no other.  It amazes me that bands of this nature are around, I mean music in general is interesting in it's own right, but a band such as this, it's breath-taking (to me)!  I thank my friend for introducing me to this band and to many artists he also recommended.  I think that someone should definitely keep an open mind to music, whether they like it or not, but just take it in and think about the process of how a band becomes a band.  Then you can figure out if you like it or not.  I do like the Budos Band, for sure.

Enjoy!

Oohhhhhh Yeeeaahhh

My first, my last....my eighty-eighth pick.

Artist - Barry White
Album - Can't Get Enough
Released - 1974
Label - 20th Century
Genre - R&B, Soul, Disco


Tracks:
Side 1
Mellow Mood (Pt. I)
You're the First, the Last, My Everything
I Can't Believe You Love Me
Side 2
Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
Oh Love, Well We Finally Made It
I Love You More Than Anything (in this World Girl)
Mellow Mood (Pt. II)

The self-produced third album by Barry White, Can't Get Enough is magnificent.  Barry's voice is a unique one and when you put that together with the love ballards that he sings, it makes for a record that cannot be forgotten.  And what better way to introduce such magnificent talent than to have Kevin model the record for me.

Enjoy!

That is What's On My Mind

Three for three, I think so.  To my eighty-seventh pick.

Artist - Ray Charles
Album - Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music
Released - 1962
Label - ABC-Paramount
Genre - R&B/Jazz/Soul/Country


Tracks:
Side One
Bye Bye Love
You Don't Know Me
Half As Much
I Love You So Much It Hurts
Just a Little Lovin'
Born to Lose
Side Two
Worried Mind
It Makes No Difference Now
You Win Again
Careless Love
I Can't Stop Loving You
Hey, Good Lookin'

Wow, I cannot believe this record is at my disposal.  Wow, Ray Charles.  I do, very much, love me some Ray Charles and listening to this is the highlight of my evening.  There is no playing any other record after this, for this is the bees knees!!! Ahhhhh, his voice is just amazing and that is little recognition on how talented he is.

Enjoy!

Love and Love It Is

Eighty-Sixth, yes yes and yes!!

Album - Jazz 1940 Era
Featuring - Oscar Moore, guitar; Joe Comfort, bass; Carl Perkins, piano


Tracks:
Side 1
Roulette
Nearness Of You
Love for Sale
Side 2
Body and Soul
Blues in B Flat
Kenya
Kiss Me Again

When Nat "King" Cole was thrilling audience after audience with his great trio, Oscar Moore was an integral part and if money is any barometer of success he was on the top step as he was one of the highest paid sidemen in the music business.  Winner also of top awards in the Downbeat, Metronome and Esquire jazz polls Oscar was and is one of the greatest guitar players in the business.

This statement is an understatement to what I have witness with my ears and what I felt with my heart.  I stumbled across this album just today and when I saw it, I needed to have it.  I've been on a jazz kick since starting this blog and it has made me appreciate the not so famous musicians that I've discovered since then.  There is nothing like a great jazz record that can put your body and mind in a relaxing state and after listening to this, I fell in love.  In love with the sound and the feeling and just everything about this record.  It's a sign and I will never pass up the opportunity again, when I come across a record that looks interesting, yet I've never heard of the artist.

Enjoy!

At Work

So here is to a confusing day, my eighty-fifth pick.

Artist - Men At Work
Album - Business As Usual
Released - 1981
Label - CBS/Columbia
Genre - New Wave/Pop Rock


Tracks:
Who Can it Be Now?
I Can See it in Your Eyes
Down Under
Underground
Helpless Automaton
People Just Love to Play with Words
Be Good Johnny
Touching the Untouchables
Catch a Star
Down By The Sea

This makes a lot of sense, this post.  Men at Work is from Australia and I almost feel like most bands from Australia in the 80's have an island-ish sound to them.  Yes, this is new wave/pop rock, but in all honesty, it has something that makes it sound that way, at least to me.  Men at Work are most famous for their songs Down Under and Who Can it Be Now?, which to me were songs I grew up with (yes, especially since this song came out in 1981, when I was a child, an infant even).  I love how I display these records from way back then and it triggers so many memories.

Enjoy!

Yesterday

It's official, this week had to be the busiest week in a long time.  Closings, document control, emails, phone calls, coordinating, running, working out, etc.  I was mentally exhausted and when I came home I forgot I invited some friends over for dinner, so I immediately had to start cooking.  That being said, Kevin had to pick my eighty-fourth pick, here it is.

Artist - The Edgar Winter Group
Album - They Only Come Out At Night
Released - 1972
Label - Epic
Genre - Rock


Tracks:
Round & Round
Undercover Man
Hangin' Around
Alta Mira
We All Had A Real Good Time
When It Comes
Free Ride
Rock'n'Roll Boogie Woogie Blues
Autumn
Frankenstein

The third album by The Edgar Winter Group, They Only Come Out At Night is your classic rock record.  Many might recognize Free Ride, since that song and Frankenstein helped them climb to the No. 3 on the Billboard charts.  Don't let the cover fool you though, this record is great!!

Enjoy!

Slow it Down, Slowing it Down

Sometimes you have to have a little FAITH and I do believe my eighty-third pick has exactly that!

Artist - George Michael
Album - Faith
Released - 1987
Label - Columbia, Epic
Genre - Pop, Pop Rock


Tracks:
Side One
Faith
Father Figure
I Want Your Sex
One More Try
Side Two
Hard Day
Hand to Mouth
Looking At Your Hands
Monkey
Kissing A Fool

George Michael's first solo album, Faith is a really interesting record, now that I think about it.  For the most part, when I first heard some of these songs, I danced my little heart out.  I was about seven years old when this album came out and I specifically remember hearing I Want Your Sex and thinking, what does this mean?!?!?  A confused little girl, I simply skipped the chorus and sang the lyrics and dances to the beat.  I guess what's funny to me, hearing it now, 26 years later, I laugh at what it says.  The main song on this record, I would think, would have to be Faith, because it has a pop beat, which typically makes for a good dance record.  On that note, if you didn't know, George Michael was from the pop group Wham! before he went solo.

Enjoy!

Exactly What I Was Thinking

To say it's been a long long long long time since I've listened to my eighty-second pick is an understatement.  But much to my surprise, in the illustrious collection of vinyl records that is at my disposal, here's to you.

Artist - Minutemen
Album - Double Nickels on the Dime
Released - 1984
Label - SST
Genre - Alternative Rock/Hardcore Punk/Post-Punk


Tracks:
Side D
Anxious Mo-Fo
Theatre is the Life of You
Viet Nam
Cohesion
It's Expected I'm Gone
#1 Hit Song
Two Beads at the End
Do You Want New Wave or Do You Want The Truth?
Don't Look Now
Shit From an Old Notebook
Mature Without Man
One Reporter's Opinion
Side Mike
Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing
Maybe Partying WIll Help
Toadies
Retreat
The Big Foist
God Bows to Math
Corona
The Glory of Man
Take 5, D.
My Heart and the Real World
History Lesson - Part Two
Side George
You Need the Glory
The Roar of the Masses Could Be Farts
Mr. Robot's Holy Orders
West Germany
The Politics of Time
Themselves
Please Don't Be Gentle With Me
Nothing Indeed
No Exchange
There Ain't Shit on T.V. Tonight
This Ain't No Picnic
Spillage
Side Chaff
Untitled Song for Latin America
Jesus and Tequila
June 16th
Storm in my House
Martin's Story
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Doctor Wu
Little Man with a Gun in his Hand
The World According to Nouns
Love Dance

An extensive record from the alternative punk trio Minutemen, Double Nickels on the Dime is their third album.  From San Pedro, California, most might be familiar with their infamous song Corona that was used - and is probably still used - for the show Jackass on MTV.  But regardless, this album came out in 1984, waaaaaay before Jackass was even a show.  I believe popular shows that have pretty amazing intro songs tend to make a bands fan base a little bit more, hyped.  But this is a really great record, so go out, play it on your record player and if you don't have it, go buy it -- NOW!!  You won't be sorry.

Enjoy!

Rumours...

I sit in front of my extensive vinyl record collection (can't take all the credit, the majority are my roommates), I think about what could possible satisfy my long, exhausting day.  Then I thought of it!!  What better way to bring an end to a great night by playing my eighty-first pick.

Artist - Fleetwood Mac
Album - Rumours
Released - 1977
Label - Warner Bros. 
Genre - Pop/Rock


Tracks:
Second Hand News
Dreams
Never Going Back Again
Don't Stop
Go Your Own Way
Songbird
The Chain
You Make Loving Fun
I Don't Want to Know
Oh Daddy
Gold Dust Woman

The eleventh album by Fleetwood Mac, Rumours brought the band a lot of success with many songs from this album.  A great record, you can see just how young and talented this band was with songs like Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way and You Make Loving Fun.  I do admit that it's been quite some time that I've heard this record and to remind myself how good it is, it really is rewarding to me.  

Enjoy!

Sounds a bit like Heaven

As of late, I've been a little obsessed with my eightieth pick.

Artist - The Walkmen
Album - Heaven
Released - 2012
Label - Fat Possum Records
Genre - Indie Rock


Tracks:
A
We Can't Be Beat
Love is Luck
Heartbreaker
The Witch
Southern Heart
Line by Line
B
Song for Leigh
Nightingales
Jerry Jr.'s Tune
The Love You Love
Heaven
No One Ever Sleeps
Dreamboat

The seventh album by The Walkmen, I believe this albums title holds true to this record.  To me, it is simply Heaven and I've been obsessed with it for the past month or so, whenever I first heard it.  Each song is just so beautiful and Hamilton's voice makes it just more intense.  A nice blend of songs on one album makes for this perfect blend of what I think is their best record.  From the start of their career to now, their albums have just gotten better and better.  I'm trying to decipher the images on this album, since all members of the band are holding children, their children I believe, which could mean this would constitute a stripped down, more adult type sound they are projecting on this record. We Can't Be Beat is a good one, then my favorite would is Southern Heart.  I swoon at the fact that I can sit here, listen to this record and fall in love.

Enjoy!

Epic

Yesterday was rather a hectic day for me.  I did have time to listen to a record, but not a moment to post anything.  So here is my seventy-ninth pick.

Artist - Sly & the Family Stone
Album - There's a Riot Goin' On
Released - 1971
Label - Epic
Genre - Soul/Funk


Tracks:
Side 1
Luv N' Haight
Just Like a Baby
Poet
Family Affair
Africa Talks to you "The Asphalt Jungle"
There's a Riot Goin' On
Side 2
Brave & Strong
(You Caught Me) Smilin'
Time
Spaced Cowboy
Runnin' Away
Thank You for Talkin' to me Africa

Enjoy!

You are a Runner

So here goes indie, my seventy-eighth pick

Artist - Wolf Parade
Album - Apologies to the Queen Mary
Released - 2005
Label - Sub Pop
Genre - Indie Rock


Tracks:
Side One
You Are a Runner and I Am My Father's Son
Modern World
Grounds for Divorce
We Built Another World
Fancy Claps
Same Ghost Every Night
Shine A Light
Side Two
Dear Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts
I'll Believe in Anything
It's a Curse
Dinner Bells
This Hearts on Fire

The first full length album by Wolfe Parade, this is a favorite of mine.  One band I never had the pleasure of seeing live, I can only live through it listening to this record.  Besides every song being great, my favorite on this album is I'll Believe in Anything.  The way it sounds, it almost sounds like an anthem.  I don't know why I say that, but I guess when I hear it, I always think of a bunch of people in a group roaming down the street singing it from the top of their lungs, each word of that song as loud as they can.  Because nobody knows you and nobody gives a damn anyway.  With that said, give it a listen.

Enjoy!

Indescribable

My favorite
Seventy-Seventh pick
Love

Artist - Nirvana
Album - Live at the Palace, Melbourne, Australia 1.2.1992
Presented by Solo, Live Wire, Show #68 Week of October 13


Side One
Aneurysm
Drain You
School
Sliver
Side Two
About a Girl
Come As You Are
Lithium
Breed
Side Three
Polly
Lounge Act
In Bloom
Love Buzz
Side Four
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Druid's Jam
Negative Creep
On a Plain
Blew

A rare find that I stumbled upon at Waterloo Records here in Austin, Texas.  A must by, with my friend's encouragement and here I am, displaying it as my seventy-seventh pick.  I waited a day before listening to this after I bought it, but I couldn't stop thinking about it, so here we are.  A live promo of Nirvana performing in Melbourne, Australia in 1992, which is about the time their career started to take off after releasing Nevermind.  I'm very satisfied with this album and after listening to it, it made me realize why I have so much LOVE for Nirvana.

Enjoy!

I Think, I Heard and I Felt

There is aspecial meaning behind this record for me because it makes me think about my friend Deanne.  Sweet Dee who passed away a year ago next month.  I remember exchanging messages with her and her recommending this album to me. I fell in love.  For my seventy-fifth pick, I dedicate this to you Deanne.  I think about you a lot and I hope you are in a place where you're not suffering anymore.

Artist - Smog

Album - Knock Knock

Released - 1999

Label - Drag City/Domino

Genre - Folk Rock, Lo-Fi

Tracks:

Let's Move to the Country

Held

River Guard

No Dancing

Teenage Spaceship

Cold Blooded Old Times

Sweet Treat

Hit the Ground Running

I Could Drive Forever

Left Only With Love

I remember it like if it was a week or two ago.  I got on Facebook to check my daily messages and I see a post that mentioned something about Deanne not being with us anymore.  I thought it was a dream at first, but then when my friend sent me a text to confirm, I just started crying.  I just ran to the bathroom in tears.  The first thing I thought was, "Man, I hope she did not commit suicide," and of course that is exactly what happened.  She jumped off the St. John's bridge in Portland, Oregon on August 2, 2011.  Deanne had a four year old son named Lennon and when I heard about the cause of death, I immediately thought of him.  I mapped the bridge from her house and it was a little over a mile away, so she had time to think about it.  She just graduated with her Masters I believe and she just got a job at a hospital just a few days before.  After coming to terms with not being able to exchange messages with her or even Christmas cards, like we would do every year, I thought a lot about the realistic part of life and how things happen.  I know for a fact that life is short and I know that every time I have a depressing episode, I think how she is not here.  I think about her, my brother and my father.

And so, I dedicate this album to her.  A few years back I was looking for some new music and I think that Deanne was going through some emotional things in her life when she recommended Smog.  After listening to  Knock Knock in its entirety, I fell absolutely in love with I Could Drive Forever.  The best, in my opinion, song on this record, but to be honest, this is a great record.  Every time I listen to Smog, I will always be reminded of my friend.  A nice, caring, sweet, generous, loving friend.  I miss you!

Enjoy!

Untitled

To be untitled holds a special meaning in it's own right.  There could be so many interpretations to what the untitled title stands for, but I guess that is something to figure out for yourself.  For my seventy-fifth pick, I bring to you what defines untitled for me.

Artist - Interpol
Album - Turn on the Bright Lights
Released - 2002
Label - Matador
Genre - Post Punk


Tracks:
Side One
Untitled
Obstacle 1
NYC
PDA
Say Hello to the Angels
Hands Away
Side Two
Obstacle 2
Stella Was a Driver and She Was Always Down
Roland
The New
Lief Erikson

The debut album by post-rock New Yorkers Interpol, Turn on the Bright Lights is definitely the better album of the bunch.  Although I like Antics, this one is the better of the two.  In consideration to this record, all the tracks are all very good, but the best songs are Untitled, PDA, Say Hello to the Angels and Obstacle 2.  Something about the way it sounds, being compared to Joy Division and Radiohead, but I think I lean more towards Joy Division with the sound of Paul Banks' voice and the raw sound of the music.

Enjoy!

Powerful Women

I have a lot of respect for powerful women in life, for I sometimes feel I am a powerful woman.  To celebrate the fierce in independent women, here is my seventy-fourth pick.

Artist - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Album - I Learned The Hard Way
Released - 2010
Label - Daptone
Genre - Soul, Funk


Tracks:
Side One
The Game Gets Old
I Learned The Hard Way
Better Things
Give It Back
Money
The Reason
Side Two
Window Shopping
She Ain't A Child No More
I'll Still Be True
Without a Heart
If You Call
Mama Don't Like My Man

The fourth album by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, I Learned The Hard Way is fantastic.  You have the beats and sound of soul/funk mixed in with the emotional lyrics PLUS the sound of Sharon Jones' voice.  This is perfection at it's best.  I have to admit that Window Shopping is my favorite song on this record next to I'll Still Be True.  I love love love this album and I remember when I first heard it, I had it on repeat for a while.  It's not necessarily easy for me to fall in love with music like I have with this album, but when it touches my soul, it's definitely a keeper.  Let's just say I have a passion for music and just great things, but when an album has such amazing tracks that compliment each other to give a message, it is worth purchasing and owning.

Enjoy!

Wait, WHAT?!?

An ideal pick for a double day.  A little bit of contemprary R&B/Pop to kick it off to a good start.  So here, my seventy-third pick:

Artist - New Edition

Album - New Edition

Released - 1984

Label - MCA

Genre - Contemporary R&B, Pop

Tracks:

Side One

Cool It Now

Mr. Telephone Man

I"m Leaving You Again

Baby Love

Delicious

Side Two

My Secret (Didja Gitit Yet?)

Hide and Seek

Lost In Love

Kinda Girls We Like

Maryann

Bring it back to this, the second album of New Edition, who were definitely the start of the boy band movement in the 80's and early 90's.  With songs like Cool It Now and Mr. Telephone Man that topped the R&B charts, this young group of five had quite a following, which evidently produced the not so innocent Bobby Brown. 

Enjoy!

So Says You

For this pick, I think of my childhood and all the great memories that I remember.  Whenever I hear his voice, I think of all things innocent and perfect, at least the things that I thought were perfect in my naive world.  Seventy-Second, you are the greatest.

Artist - Billy Joel

Album - Glass Houses

Released - 1980

Label - Columbia

Genre - Rock

Tracks:

Side One

You May Be Right

Sometimes A Fantasy

Don't Ask Me Why

It's Still Rock and Roll to Me

All For Leyna

Side Two

I Don't Want To Be Alone

Sleeping With The Television On

C'Etait Toi (You Were The One)

Close To The Borderline

Through The Long Night

Glass Houses is the SEVENTH album by Billy Joel aka The Piano Man.  In 1980, this was his seventh album.  Considering he looks quite young and released his first album in 1971, this record set a name for himself with It's Still Rock and Roll to Me, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Charts.  Another great track on this album is You May Be Right.  Great songs of the 1980's, which is without a doubt a great year.  

Enjoy!

For A More Relaxing Time...

Make it my seventy-first pick.

Artist - Fats Domino
Album - I Miss You So
Released - 1961
Label - Imperial
Genre - Funk/Soul/Rhythm and Blues


Tracks:
Side 1
I Miss You So
It Keeps Rainin'
Ain't That Just Like A Woman
Once In A While
I Hear You Knocking
Isle of Capri
Side 2
What A Price
When I Was Young
Fell In Love On  Monday
My Bleeding Heart
Easter Parade
I'll Always Be In Love With you

You can OBVIOUSLY tell what kind of album this is by the title of the tracks, but backtracking to the title of this post.  In 24 hours, two people referenced Lost in Translation, one of my favorite movies, so I had to. A little snippet of the back of the cover:

Fats Domino is one of the few blues singers who has become a staple in the rock'n' roll and pol field.  He not only bridged the gap successfully, but he was one of the first rock'n' roll singers to do so when the strong beat music burst upon the music scene some years ago.  Fats is a rare artist who attracts both adults and teenagers to his brand of music.

Now, I believe this was written for the time that this album came out, but believe it or not, it still holds true.  I know for a fact that I have a lot of love for music in the 50's and 60's, especially when it deals with soul/funk/blues.  Something about the composition of the sound that I enjoy and I can relate to that I enjoy the most.  Plus it puts me at ease.  All in all, I came across this album while I was digging for some new tunes and I had to buy it.  Give it a listen and relax.  You will thank me later.

Enjoy!

So so seventy!!  For my seventieth pick, a great album to say the least.

Artist - Built to Spill
Album - Keep It Like A Secret
Released - 1999
Label - Warner Bros.
Genre - Indie Rock


Tracks:
Side A
The Plan
Center Of The Universe
Carry The Zero
Side B
Sidewalk
Bad Light
Time Trap
Side C
Else
You Were Right
Temporarily Blind
Side D
Broken Chairs
Forget Remember When

The fourth album by Indie Rocker's Built to Spill, Keep It Like A Secret, on of my top 10, all time favorite songs is Carry The Zero.  Something about it just makes me love it so frickin' much.  I know, using frickin' to describe my love for a song, but it is a pretty amazing song.  So yes, I would agree that it is definitely a top 10 for me.  Not only does that song stand out, there are other tracks on this record that are just as good.  A good good record to have and listen to.

Enjoy!

Formerly, Now Known As

We all know the ever evolving door of the music industry and how bands break up and reform to become what they always wanted to be.  Here, my sixty-ninth pick, is one I've grown to love.  A local Austin, Texas band, they are indeed divine.

Artist - TV Torso
Album - Status Quo Vadis
Released - 2010
Label -
Genre - Rock


Tracks:
Side A
Nobodies
Slanderer's Stew
Two Glass Eyes
Side B
Slouch Hat City
Far Enough Away
Elegy

Status Quo Vadis is TV Torso's debut EP and despite not seeing them in almost a year, my friend and I have had the pleasure of seeing them about 5 times before that.  A local band from Austin, Texas and two of the members were formerly in Sound Team (another Austin, Texas based band), Matt Oliver, Jordan Johns and Austin Jones really put together the great sound.  Such a great sound, they are worthy enough to be included in my list of 365 days of vinyl.  Definitely check out this album and listen to Nobodies and Two Glass Eyes, two of my favorite songs on this album.   

Enjoy!

Enter the Wu

No introduction to my sixty-eighth pick.  If you know true hip hop in the early 90's, you will know this!!

Artist - Wu-Tang Clan
Album - Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Released - 1993
Label - Loud
Genre - Hip Hop


Tracks:
Side One
Bring Da Ruckus
Shame on A Nigga
Clan In Da Front
Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber
Can't It Be All So Simple
Protect Ya Neck
Intermission
Side Two
Da Mystery of Cheeseboxin'
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit
C.R.E.A.M.
Method Man
Tearz
Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - Part II
Conclusion

The debut album by the multi-artist, New York based group Wu-Tang Clan.  At thirteen, this album was in heavy rotation by my brother and after listening to it again on vinyl, I'm surprised I I was even allowed to listen to it.  All in all, this is the basis of how I know hip hop and how I grew to love it.  Entirely produced by RZA, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, I believe this was the forming of hip hop in the early 90's.  Songs like Bring Da Ruckus, Can't It Be All So Simple and C.R.E.A.M. are just master pieces in their own right.  Let's not forget Da Mystery of Cheeseboxin' which is my favorite album on this record.  Another must have in your collection, you cannot go wrong with the Wu and I will forever associate my Wednesdays with Wu-Tang Clan.

Enjoy!

It was There That I Saw You

I know the name of this entry is from a song that I like by a band that I like, BUT it fits perfectly for my sixty-seventh pick.  This also makes me realize I need to make a list so I don't dupe any entries.

Artist - Dire Straits
Album - Making Movies
Released - 1980
Label - Vertigo
Genre - Rock


Tracks:
Tunnel of Love
Romeo and Juliet
Skateaway
Expresss Love
Hand in Hand
Solid Rock
Les Boys

The third album by Dire Straits, Making Movies has one of the greatest songs that makes me smile and that's Romeo and Juliet.  I first heard Dire Straits on MTV.  Yes, I've mentioned the fact that MTV used to be awesome and back in the 80's I was glued to the tv, so when I would see Dire Straits, it was the epitome of MTV.

Enjoy!

From a Friend

A friend of mine recommended that I play this for my sixty-sixth pick.  For you my friend, for you have really helped me in so many ways become motivated.

Artist - The Moody Blues
Album - In Search of the Lost Chord
Released - 1968
Label - Deram Records
Genre - Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock


Tracks:
Side One
Departure
Ride My See-Saw
Dr. Livingstone, I Presume
House of Four Doors
Legend of a Mind
House of Four Doors
Side Two
Voices in the Sky
The Best Way to Travel
Visions of Paradise
The Actor
The Word
Om

Between the eyes and ears there lie,
The sounds of colour,
And the light of a sigh,
With thoughts of within
To exclude without
The ghost of a chord
Will expel all doubt
And to name this chord
Is important to some
So they give it a word
And the word is 'OM'


Just a little blurb of what is in the cover of this album, which is the third album by The Moody Blues.  The concept of this album is really an interesting one for me, since reading the sleeve, I feel that it touches more on searching for a sense of purpose and trying to find your inner self.  That's my perception of course, but after listening to this album, I can see that.  I think what I enjoyed the most from this album was the sound of the flute.  It's not everyday that albums have woodwind instruments and it took me back to when I was in high school, when I played in the band.

Enjoy!

I Can't Help Myself

Today I decided to pass by the local record store to pick up The Walkmen's new album Heaven, but instead I ended up buying four amazing vinyl records because they were out.  So, since I need to double up ANYWAYS, here is my sixty-fifth pick.

Artist - Explosions In The Sky
Album - All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
Released - 2007
Label - Temporary Residence Limited
Genre - Post-Rock


Tracks
The Birth and Death of the Day
Welcome, Ghosts
It's Natural to be Afraid
What Do You Go Home To?
Catastrophe and the Cure
So Long, Lonesome

The BEST post-rock band I've ever heard, making it's second debut on my blog, none other than Austin, Texas' own Explosions in the Sky.  With their fifth studio album in play, I have to say that this record is really great.  I couldn't help but double post today (though I am falling behind by a few posts) because the purchases I made at End of Ear were just too great to pass up.  I tried to kind of spread out the semi-new vinyl records in between older ones, but I've just been dying to listen to this.

All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone has the perfect start to a record with the first track The Birth and Death of the Day.  It is almost hard to describe this album into words because it really has an effect on me, especially So Long, Lonesome.  This is one of the few albums I can put on repeat and just listen to for days.  Definitely moving, I think it has a lot to do with the dynamics of the record itself.  The way each instrument comes together to form the more perfect union.  As funny as that sounds, it is the truth.

When you look up Explosions in the Sky All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone on Wikipedia, it states that the title of this album is a reference to Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (which is my FAVORITE BOOK).  It's a summarization of the conclusion in which Holden advises the reader, "Don't every tell anybody anything.  If you do, you will start missing everybody."  Ahhhh, see, this album is PERFECT!!

Enjoy!

It's Been THAT kind of Weekend

Not only has it been one of THOSE weekends, but I'm glad to say that I've enjoyed it to the last minute.  So here, to celebrate the awesomeness of life, I bring to you one of my favorite bands who I've had the pleasure of seeing three times live.  They are just amazing.  For my sixty-fourth pick.

Artist - The Walkmen
Album - You & Me
Released - 2008
Label - Gigantic
Genre - Indie Rock


Tracks:
A
Donde esta la Playa
Flamingos (for Colbert)
On the Water
In the New Year
Seven Years of Holidays (for Stretch)
Postcards from Tiny Islands
Red Moon
B
Canadian Girl
Four Providences
Long Time Ahead of Us
The Blue Route
New Country
I Lost You
If Only it Were True

You & Me is the fourth album by The Walkmen and one of the best songs on this album is In the New Year.    Don't get me wrong, this is a great album with great tracks, but that song is just perfect.  A lot of people I know do get annoyed by Hamilton Leithauser's voice (the lead vocalist), but I like it.  They say he has a bit of a whine to him, but I think it makes sense.  Of course, that is my opinion, just as the rest of my summaries on this blog are.  What I like someone else might dislike and I'm totally okay with that.  But I love The Walkmen and I think Hamilton puts a great touch on these songs and just seeing him dressed in, most of the time, a three piece or two piece suit is mystifying.  When I saw them at ACL (Austin City Limits Music Festival), I felt bad.  Here it is, September and the Summer's in Austin are just HORRIBLE.  He was just sweating is ass off but still put on one hell of a performance.  Let's not forget to mention Matt Barrick who does exceptionally well on drums.  If you ever get a chance to see The Walkmen live, I would suggest doing so.

Enjoy!