Lightening up the Mood

There is always that perfect record that will lighten your mood and today, for my one hundred thirty-third pick, this is just what I needed.

Artist - Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass

Album - Whipped Cream & Other Delights

Released - 1965

Label - A&M

Genre - Jazz, Instrumental

Tracks:

Side One

A Taste of Honey

Green Peppers

Tangerine

Bittersweet Samba

Lemon Tree

Whipped Cream

Side Two

Love Potion NO. 9

El Garbanzo

Ladyfingers

Butterball

Peanuts

Lollipops and Roses

An Instagram friend of mine posted this record and after sifting through his photos, I was reminded that I have that exact same record.  So thanks to him, it is today's pick.  The fourth album by Herb Albert's Tijuana Brass, Whipped Cream & Other Delights is so delightful.  All instrumental jazz, each track is basically telling a story.  Whipped Cream is a song, when you hear it, that sounds like it was an intro to a game show.  Let's not forget to mention the greatest song, Love Potion No. 9.  There is nothing like getting out early from work, especially when it's a long weekend and spinning this record on your record player.  Something about it just lightens the mood and washes all the worry away, at least that's how I feel.

Enjoy!

Boxed In Life

Such a serene, tranquil record.  My one hundred thirty-first pick.

Artist - M83

Album - Saturdays = Youth

Released - 2008

Label - Virgin

Genre - Electronic, Dream Pop

Tracks:

Side A

You, Appearing

Kim & Jessie

Skin Of The Night

Side B

Graveyard Girl

Couleurs

Up!

Side C

We Own The Sky

Highway Of Endless Dreams

Too Late

Side D

Dark Moves Of Love

Midnight Soul Still Remains

The fifth studio album by M83, Saturdays = Youth is such a beautiful record.  Skin Of The Night literally made me happy and relaxed at the same time.  I was having a discussion with my roommate today about listening to records, because he asked me what I thought about the new Divine Fits record (I know, totally off topic).  I told him I was a combination of Spoon and Handsome Furs/Wolf Parade.  When I hear an album and I feel it the first listen, I'm good.  If I'm skeptical in the first listen, I pretty much just write it off, but I will still listen to it.  This M83 album is one I loved when I first heard it.  Of course, the majority of these albums I have on CD/MP3, but listening to them on vinyl is such a better feeling, especially when you can play it loud.  The synths with mixture of piano really make this record so amazing.  Ahhh, I think this record is definitely one I can listen to on repeat while reading, cooking or doing pretty much anything.  Music that can be used for anything is always good in my book.

Enjoy!

Please, take me to...

My one hundred thirty-first pick.

Artist - Clinic
Album - Internal Wrangler
Released - 2000
Label - Domino
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Voodoo Wop
The Return Of Evil Bill
Internal Wrangler
DJ Shangri-La
The Second Line
C.Q.
Earth Angel
Side Two
T.K.
Distortions
Hippy Death Suite
2nd Foot Stomp
2/4
Goodnight Georgie

Since I was listening to Spotify today, I bring to you Clinic.  To be more specific to the exact playlist, it was the Top 500 Tracks of 2000 by Pitchfork.  Needless to say, I am very much enjoying the variety of of tracks on that list and because they are so enjoyable to me, here I am writing about this very underrated band.  I think they are underrated, in my opinion, because not a lot of people know Clinic.  A post-punk band from England, Internal Wrangler is their debut album.  I think Ade Blackburn's voice is interesting and different.  Also, I think their fast-paced, eccentric sound with the combination of keyboards and organ makes it VERY interesting.  Between this album and Clinic's second album, Walking With Tee, I can see nothing much has changed, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing.  

Enjoy!

Pull in those Inches

Such a stylish record, one that is bright and artistic.  My one hundred thirtieth pick.

Artist - The Rolling Stones
Album - Some Girls
Released - 1978
Label - Rolling Stones
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Miss You
When the Whip Comes Down
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
Some Girls
Lies
Side Two
Far Away Eyes
Respectable
Before They Make Me Run
Beast of Burden
Shattered

When All Else Fails

Play a Record!!  Today has been one HECK of a day.  To relax my stresses away, here if my one hundred twenty-ninth pick.

Artist - Chuck Berry
Album - The London Chuck Berry Sessions
Released - 1972
Label - Chess
Genre - Rock and Roll

Tracks:
Let's Boogie
Mean Old World
My Ding-A-Ling
I Will Not Let You Go
London Berry Blues
I Love You
Reelin' And Rockin'
Johnny B. Goode

So after the day I had today, I wanted to play something upbeat, but not too crazy.  Then I remembered that my roommates Dad gave us some records and here I am, spinning Chuck Berry's The London Chuck Berry Sessions.  I would have to say that My Ding-A-Ling is the funniest song on this record.  You have to think about when this record came out and what context it would hold today.  Not a very appropriate song for today, considering Chuck Berry talks about how great sex is and how you handle it.  But not only that, he has the crowd participate and makes very wild references on how the ladies are participating.  It's definitely worth a listen, that's for sure.  Another track that has been very popular since the 80's is Johnny B. Goode, since that song was in the movie Back to the Future.  When listening to that song and the other songs on this record, you will find out how much of an amazing guitar player Chuck Berry is.  Definitely good for that time, but even better when you listen to how intense his playing is.  

Enjoy!

Doooooom

Changing it up with a bit of my favorite type of music, Hip-Hop.  One Hundred Twenty-Eight:

Artist - MF Doom
Album - Operation Doomsday
Released - 1999
Label - Metal Face Records
Genre - Underground Hip-Hop

Tracks:
The Time We Faced Doom
Doomsday
Rhymes Like Dimes
The Finest
Back in the Day
Go With The Flow
Tock, Tick...
Red and Gold
The Hands of Doom
Who You Think I Am?
Doom, are you Awake
Hey!
Operation Greenbacks
The Mic
The Mystery of Doom
Dead Bent
Gas Drawls
?
Hero vs. Villan

The debut record by MF Doom, Operation Doomsday is something I wish I would've discovered YEARS AGO.  Born in England, MF Doom aka Daniel Dumile began his career freestyling with a sock over his face until he started wearing the Marvel Comic mask by super villan Doctor Doom.  I guess you can consider the rest to be history and putting him where he is now, with his trademark mask and now being called MF Doom.  This record is not only great, but I also think that MF is great at freestyling.  One I enjoy and have always enjoyed since I started listening to him, I kind of went on a mission looking for some MF Doom records.  It's a little difficult co come across them, since the hip-hop section in the store is so small, I was very happy to find this.

Enjoy!

Enter the Calm

The calm before the storm.  Or maybe there is no storm.  Regardless of what is to become, here is my one hundred twenty-seventh pick.

Artist - Fleet Foxes
Album - Fleet Foxes
Released - 2008
Label - Sub Pop
Genre - Indie Folk, Folk Rock

Tracks:
Sun It Rises
White Winter Hymnal
Ragged Wood
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
Quiet Houses
He Doesn't Know Why
Heard Them Stirring
Your Protector
Medowlarks
Blue Ridge Mountains
Oliver James

So I learned a new word today and this word probably should've been something I already knew, but whatever.  So when I usually pick an album, I wiki the album just to get the specs of the year and what they classify the genre as compared to what I classify them as.  When I pulled up this album, this is what it said: 

Fleet Foxes is the eponymous debut studio album by the Seattle, Washington-based band Fleet Foxes.

Eponymous means (of a person) being the person after whom a literary work, film, etc., is named.  You learn something new everyday.  To continue with this album, which is a surprisingly mind blowing, I enjoy listening to Fleet Foxes.  One of my favorite songs on this record is Ragged Wood.  Such great lyrics and so beautiful.  I consider myself to be more of a lover when it comes to music so when I hear an album that pleases me and they lyrics are just as good, I fall in love.  It's easy for me to fall in love with an album, if it's that good and this album is one of those that I have fallen in love with.

Enjoy!

Production, Seduction

I'm taking this back a few years to when I first heard this song, thanks to a great friend who dumped all his music on me before he left to the UK.  For my one hundred twenty-sixth pick.

Artist - Hot Chip

Album - One Life Stand

Released - 2010

Label - Parlophone

Genre - Electropop, Synthpop, Indietronica

Tracks:

Thieves in the Night

Hand Me Down Your Love

I Feel Better

One Life Stand

Brothers

Slush

Alley Cats

We Have Love

Keep Quiet

Take It In

What I would do to see Hot Chip LIVE!!  I absolutely fell in love with this band years ago, probably midway through their life span as a band, but I have to say that this album, next to their newly released album, is the BEES KNEES.  One Life Stand is their fourth album and I remember listening to this album when the sound first cruised through my ears.  I don't know if it's Alexis Taylor's voice or a combination of his voice with the music, but it is just amazing.  Listening to this record in its entirety makes me realize how great this record is and how much I love this band.  Thieves in the Night is such a great song to start off with too because the tempo, sound and voice make it so.  One of my favorites, of course, is One Life Stand.  I make sure that I try to at least put it on every mix cd I made because it's the perfect song.

Enjoy!

That's a Wrap

One Hundred Twenty-Fifth:

Artist - Neil Diamond
Album - Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show
Released - 1969
Label - UNI
Genre - Pop/Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show
Dig In
River Runs, Newgrown Plums
Juliet
Long Gone
And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind
Side Two
Glory Road
Deep in the Morning
If I Never Knew Your Name
Memphis Streets
You're So Sweet Horseflies Keep Hanging 'Round Your Face
Hurtin' You Don't Come Easy
Sweet Caroline

SWEET CAROLINE!!  Enough said!  This album is great, but Sweet Caroline is my favorite.  I do have to admit, that is the real reason I bought this record, but after listening to whole album, it's not that bad.  A bit on the mellow side, it was very enjoyable.

Enjoy!

And I Sit to Read

When I think about my one hundred twenty-fourth pick, I smile from ear to ear.  Here it is, one of many albums that takes me to a happy place:

Artist - Radiohead

Album - OK Computer

Released - 1997

Label - Parlophone/Capitol

Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:

Airbag

Paranoid Android

Subterranean Homesick Alien

Exit Music (For A Film)

Let Down

Karma Police

Fitter Happier

Electioneering

Climbing Up The Walls

No Surprises

Lucky

The Tourist

Radiohead are one of those bands that you either you get or you don't.  You either like or don't like, or even you can like one song.  Regardless of that, this album is such a sensational album.  Why did I use sensational you might ask?  Well it's a bit of experimental, a little bit of rock and a little bit mellow.  So many combinations in one with the sensitive sound of Thom Yorke's voice.  I really miss music from the 90's, a lot. I know we must grow and evolve our musical horizons, but it doesn't get better than this album.  So many memories are tied into this album.  Some good ones, some not so good ones.  I think one song on this album that triggers those memories is Karma Police.  Maybe some people can relate, but to me, that song really gets me all emotional.  Not emotional in a sense that I get sad, just thinking about everything that ties into that song, those lyrics.  Another song I feel like that about is Lucky, but I feel that song is a lot deeper than anyone can know.  But it could just be me.

Enjoy!

ICE CREAM

I love ice cream and my one hundred twenty-third pick.

Artist - Battles
Album - Glass Drop
Released - 2011
Label - Warp Records
Genre - Experimental Rock

Tracks:
A
Africastle
Ice Cream (featuring Matias Aguayo)
Futura
B
Inchworm
Wall Street
My Machines (featuring Gary Numan)
C
Dominican Fade
Sweetie & Shag
Toddler
Rolls Bayce
D
White Electric
Sundome (featuring Yamantaka Eye)

This album has to be one of my favorites of 2011, rolling into 2012.  I've had the pleasure of seeing them live at the end of 2011 and I'm sure glad I did.  Such an amazing band live, it amazes me that the more I discover great music, the more they end up being experimental/post rock.  More instrumentals, less lyrics.  More noise, loud guitar and ear bleeding drum playing.  Bring out the keyboards and the bass as well, because they all tie into being something awesome.  I think one of the best things about this band is that their drummer's cymbal placement.  My goodness does he play a mean, high cymbal.  Nevertheless, a great band and listen to Ice Cream.  My favorite song on this record.

Enjoy!

Above it All

I'm back and ready to go.  Spending the past few days in lovely Seattle, Washington have been the best days of my life.  Mostly because my birthday was spent in a City I love and admire AND I got to experience so much more.  I love the simple things and life and leaving there made me appreciate everything.  So here to bring you happiness, showing how I am happy, my one hundredth twenty-second pick.

Artist - Slint

Album - Spiderland

Released - 1991

Label - Touch and Go

Genre - Post-Rock

Tracks:

Breadcrumb Trail

Nosferatu Man

Don, Aman

--------

Washer

For Dinner

Good Morning, Captain

The second and final album by Slint, Spiderland is so such an amazing record.  It's funny to me when you listen to albums years later...and I mean YEARS that they so phenomenal.  A VERY underground band, this album did not sell as well as they'd hope, but they influenced many greats like Mogwai and God Speed! You Black Emperor.  So you can imagine, seeing them live would've been EPIC!

Enjoy!

A Local Best

Departing the lovely city of Austin had to go out in style.  So I thought, how could I accomplish just that?  What record would make me think of Austin?  With the good help of my new roommate, here I have my one hundred twentieth pick.

Artist - Spoon
Album - Girls Can Tell
Released - 2001
Label - Merge
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
Everything Hits At Once
Believing is Art
Me and Mr. Bean
Lines In The Suit
The Fitted Shirt
Anything You Want
Take A Walk
1020AM
Take The Fifth
This Book is a Movie
Chicago at Night

So Spoon is a local band from Austin, Texas and I think that this is one of their best records.  Of course a personal favorite of mine, Everything Hits At Once is one of the best songs on this record.  From time to time, I like to dabble in playing some local artists to get a feel of what Austin was back in the early 2000.  A lot has changed since then, though a few bands here and there come out and surprise you.  I've had the pleasure of seeing Spoon once, in Ft. Lauderdale, when I used to live there.  I always felt that people in South Florida don't appreciate good music.  I guess what is one of the reasons why I always felt like the music scene there was just so blaze.  Settling for Austin in regards to their music scene was a good choice because I feel that so many people pass through Austin.  Then you have Austin City Limits Music Festival, Fun Fun Fun Fest and SXSW that make it just that much better.

Enjoy!

Because I Always Think of You

When I heard my one hundred twentieth pick.

Artist - Black Sabbath
Album - Vol4
Released - 1972
Label - Vertigo
Genre - Heavy Metal

Tracks:
Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener
Tomorrow's Dream
Changes
FX
Supernaut
Snowblind
Cornucopia
Laguna Sunrise
St. Vitus Dance
Under The Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes

The fourth album by Black Sabbath, Vol4 is very low key in a sense that it's a little more on the easy listening side.  You still have your occasional rock songs, but with a twist. For some reason, every time I hear Black Sabbath, it will always remind me of Seattle, Washington.  My friend and I searched high and low for Black Sabbath's Black Sabbath with no luck so for some reason, when I listen to them, I think of that.  There is nothing wrong with thinking about Seattle when I listen to Black Sabbath because Seattle is one of the cities I love, so there is nothing wrong there.  Back to the album -- I do enjoy Black Sabbath and when listening to this record, I feel it's a lot different from their previous records.  A more reserved type album, you have songs like Changes that definitely categorizes it just as that.  Doing these posts makes me realize how much great music is out there and how many years great music has existed.

Enjoy!

Back to Normal

Because today was filled with all kinds of chaos, here is my one hundred nineteenth pick:

Artist - The Cars
Album - The Cars
Released - 1978
Label - Elektra
Genre - Rock, New Wave

Tracks:
Side One
Good Times Roll
My Best Friend's Girl
Just What I Needed
I'm In Touch With Your World
Don't Cha Stop
Side Two
You're All I've Got Tonight
Bye Bye Love
Moving In Stereo
All Mixed Up

So last night was a rather sad, depressing night.  After I was 1/2 way through listening to this record, I realized my precious Miso was missing.  After combing through the streets and shedding some tears, I went to bed, not even saving what I have previously typed.  When I woke up, my computer restarted itself and everything that I wrote was gone.  So here I am, the next say and so thankful because after spending a few hours in the hot blistering sun, someone answered to my flyer and let me to where Miso is.  There is definitely goodness in the world.  So after a rather draining day, I played the remainder of this record and will now consider it today's play.

The Cars is a great band who I think are very underrated.  Maybe not as underrated as I would think, but since they are in the era of new wave rock, to me it's like one of those short, quick phases you go through.  The Cars debut album, to me, was a process of changes and growing up.  It's obvious that this album came out a few years before I was born, but I remember hearing a lot of these songs as I was growing up.  Good Times Roll, My Best Friend's Girl, and All Mixed Up definitely are great songs.  Nonetheless, this album is great.  A good one to dance to!

Enjoy!

Covers

Nothing makes me feel as calm and tranquil as listening to my one hundred eighteenth pick.

Artist - Cat Power

Album - The Covers Record

Released - 2000

Label - Matador

Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:

Side A

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Kingsport Town

Trouble Waters

Naked if I Want To

Sweedeedee

In This Hole

Side B

I Found A Reason

Wild is the Wind

Red Apples

Paths of Victory

Salty Dog

Sea of Love

Listening to Chan Marshall aka Cat Power sing is very relaxing.  Not only did I chose this record today for the simple fact that two of my favorite songs are on it (I Found A Reason and Sea of Love), it's because a friend spoke of her earlier today and I remembered I had this album.  This is just a stripped down version of cover songs sung by Chan with her unique touch added.  I've been a fan of Cat Power since my cousin told me about her in early 2000 and when I watched V for Vendetta a few years later and heard her cover to I Found A Reason, I swear I must have listened to that song a million times.  This album will get you through some emotional moments or maybe just those days where you feel like things are not going right.  

Enjoy!

The time is coming

This is just too intense.  In 3 days, I will be in Seattle, one of my favorite cities.  Then, in 6 days, I will be 32.  So with that being said, here is my one hundred seventeenth pick.

Artist - Eurythmics

Album - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)

Released- 1983

Label - RCA

Genre - Electronica, New Wave, Synth Pop

Tracks:

Side A

Love Is a Stranger

I've Got an Angel

Wrap It Up

I Could Give You (a Mirror)

The Walk

Side B

Sweet Dreams

Jennifer

This Is the House

Somebody Told Me

This City Never Sleeps

Enjoy!

Common Mistake

I wonder if it is a common mistake among employees to not give two craps about vinyl records in Goodwill because they figured they are already damaged.  Better yet, maybe they do it to surprise the person who spends countless minutes searching high and low for an album and when he finds it and looks at the price, he/she figures, "Why the hell not!"  Little does he/she know that not only is there one record in the sleeve, there are TWO.  And not just any random two records that have NOTHING to do with each other, but TWO records by his/her FAVORITE ARTIST.  What's that called now, a DOUBLE WHAMMIE!!  So here I present to you, my one hundred sixteenth pick that included my one hundred fifteenth pick.

Artist - David Bowie

Album - Let's Dance

Released - 1983

Label - EMI

Genre - Dance Rock, pop

Tracks:

Modern Love

China Girl

Let's Dance

Without You

Ricochet

Criminal Record

Cat People

Shake It

FRICKIN-FANTASTIC RECORD.  LISTEN and ENJOY!

Laughing

Because my one hundred fifteenth pick goes along with my one hundred sixteenth pick.  But if you want to know how, you will just have to read this whole, entire, long entry.  Just kidding, it won't be that long.  

Artist - David Bowie

Album - The Man Who Sold The World

Released - 1970

Label - Mercury

Genre - Rock

Tracks:

Side 1

The Width of a Circle

All the Madmen

Black Country Rock

After All

Side 2

Running Gun Blues

Saviour Machine

She Shook Me Cold

The Man Who Sold The World

The Supermen

All this how reverts back to my one true love, my complete infatuation with music and artistic integrity.  The Man Who Sold The World is David Bowie's third studio album and it has one of the best songs on it, which also happens to be the title of the record.  

I guess you can say that watching a snippet of the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics and playing David Bowie's music in the background, I went straight to the D's in my vinyl collection and pulled out some David Bowie records.  I always forget how awesome he and talented he is.  He is one unique individual with his own style.  He's not even afraid to take it to the limits and push boundaries.  

So back to what I was saying above.  The Man Who Sold The World was covered by Nirvana, which they played on my favorite album ever Nirvana Unplugged (which I need to work on getting that vinyl record STAT).  It was sung by Kurt Cobain with such beauty and sadness.  Just beautiful and therefore, I accept this song as being my in my top 5.

Enjoy!!

Something to think about

I feel accomplished every time I post a vinyl record.  Not only is it a great feeling, it leads me to believe that 365 is coming sooner than I thought.  We are in the 8th month of the year and after December, April is just 4 months away.  My whole goal is to post one record a day, from Record Store Day 2012 to Record Store Day 2013.  So here, my one hundred fourteenth pick.

Artist - Santana

Album - Santana

Released - 1969

Label - Columbia

Genre - Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Jazz-Fusion

Tracks:

Side 1

Waiting

Evil Ways

Shades of Time

Savor

Jingo

Side 2

Persuasion

Treat

You Just Don't Care

Soul Sacrifice

Santana are one of the bands that I've always enjoyed, especially when I would listen to them with my father.  Since this is pretty much an unusual Sunday for me, I wanted to play something that would put my mind at ease and this album is definitely it.  There are so many ways to classify this record, as described up above next to Genre, but I'd like to say it's has an exotic sound with some great guitar playing.  I've always admired Carlos Santana and just how his roots have influenced his sound and the sound on many of his records.  A great record to listen to, you will definitely need to play it loud.

Enjoy!

In just a few hours...

I get to see my one hundred thirteenth pick.

Artist - Aesop Rock
Album - Skelethon
Released - 2012
Label - Rhymesayers
Genre - Hip Hop, Indie Hip-Hop

Tracks:
Side A
Leisureforce
ZZZ Top
Cycles to Gehenna
Side B
Zero Dark Thirty
Fryerstarter
Ruby '81
Crows 1
Crows 2
Side C
Racing Stripes
1,000 O'Clock
Homemademummy
Grace
Side D
Saturn Missiles
Tetra
Gopher Guts

Today, I am seeing Aesop Rock live for the first time ever.  Saying that I'm happy is an understatement, I'm flippin' excited.  When this album dropped (came out), I was on the hunt for a few weeks trying to find it in the local record stores on vinyl.  When I finally found it, they had it on hold for someone, so when I went back a few weeks later and it was STILL on hold, they sold it to me.  I kept it sealed, in it's package, until today because I wanted to give it a spin, seeing as I will be hearing him live in a few hours.  I always respect hip hop artists, especially when their lyrics aren't about bitches and hoes.  Aes has real lyrics that truly tell a story.  His unique type of sound is one that you will have figure out by reading the lyrics or putting the songs on repeat.  Either way, he's great, fantastic and one of my favorites.  A song that stands out the most to me is Crows 1. 

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Totally Natural

I've been wanting to play this album for a long time, but due to certain circumstances, I hesitated.  My one hundred twelfth pick.

Artist - ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead
Album - Madonna
Released - 1999
Label - Merge
Genre - Progressive Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore, Noise Rock

Tracks:
Side One
And You Will Know Them...
Mistakes & Regrets
Totally Natural
Blight Takes ALl
Clair de Lune
Flood of Red
Children of the Hydra's Teeth
Side Two
Mark David Chapman
Up From Redemption
Aged Dolls
The Day the Air Turned Blue
A Perfect Teenhood
Sigh You Children

I kid you not when I tell you that this album AND band changed my life in so many ways.  I met a lot of friends, traveled to a new city, MOVED to a new city and even live with one of these dudes BECAUSE of this band (not ENTIRELY because of the band, but many factors played in my decision).  Eleven years ago ,  I first heard this band and I was sure glad I did.  I rarely ever think about the paths I've chosen in life, but I honestly don't know where I would be if I didn't hear of this band and Austin, Texas.  I would probably be living in Seattle right now, since that was the first choice where I wanted to live in once I left Miami, but once I came to Austin, I was in love.  The scene here (even though I feel like it has changed a lot) was like love at first sight for me.  I was destined to be here and when I finally moved here, I was happy.  Austin is such a great, active city and that's what I love the most about it.

Back to ...Trail of Dead.  This four piece (at the time this record was released) from Austin, Texas are Kevin Allen, Neil Bush, Conrad Keely and Jason Reese.  I first saw them in concert in Atlanta, Georgia, 2002 when they toured with Queens of the Stone Age and Peaches.  What a f**king show!!  I knew they were notorious for destroying their equipment and tossing it into the crowd and I was so close to getting a snare drum....if only.  Madonna is their second debut album and it is, by far, their best album EVER.  I would have to say that their self-titled would be second.  But this one is definitely a TOP 10 on my list.  Songs like Mistakes & Regrets, Totally Natural, A Perfect Teenhood...shoot, this whole record is pretty amazing.  You cannot go wrong with this record because it has a mix of noise, progressive, loud sounds and then you have your few low, soft sounding songs.  Ending this record with Sigh Your Children is perfect, like the icing on the cake.

Enjoy!

Taking it Slow

In my not so normal state as of late, here is my one hundred eleventh pick.

Artist - Jimmy Reed
Album - Jimmy Reed Is Back
Released - 1976
Label - The Roots Records
Genre - Blues

Tracks:
Side A
Ain't No Time For Fussin'
Keep The Faith
Wake Up At Daybreak
Turn Me On Like A TV
Knocking On Your Door
Just A Poor Country Boy
Side B
Tribute To A Friend
Crazy About Oklahoma
When I Woke Up This Morning
I'm Leaving
I Got To Keep Rolling
My Baby Told Me

Our of obscurity, having disappeared from the Blues scene for almost five years, Comes the Truss Boss Man of the Blues.  The authentic ambassador of the Delta Blues, since the early 1950's, Jimmy Reed's music rose to National Fame in the R&B Market, and crossed over into Country and Pop Markets.

Just a little snippet of what the back reads about such a talented musician as Jimmy Reed.  Enjoying the his style of blues shows that even after he fell off the map, once he came back, he was still in tune what what he felt was real.  A good surprise in listening to this album is the harmonica.  It's not too often, or maybe I haven't heard many blues albums lately, but it was soothing listening to the harmonica as he belted out each song.  A great record to calm my mood after a very energetic and active day.

Enjoy!

No Power, No Problem

One Hundred Tenth pick:

Artist - Elvis Costello
Album - This Year's Model
Released - 1978
Label - Radar
Genre -New Wave, Punk Rock

Tracks:
Side One
No Action
This Years Girl
The Beat
Pump It Up
Little Triggers
You Belong To Me
Side Two
Hand In Hand
Lip Service
Living in Paradise
Lipstick Vogue
Radio Radio

I've always been a fan of Elvis Costello, since about high school, and when I found his album, I was so happy.  Not only does this record contain some of the best songs, but it's also the second album Elvis Costello released with the Attractions.  Pump It Up and Radio Radio are favorites of mine and the pop/jazz type sound that displays on this record is extraordinary.  Plus his solid framed trademark glasses reels me in.

Enjoy!

Delayed

After a 8hr shift at work and a 3.11 bike ride, I came home to no power.  Before I got home, I knew I didn't have power because my roommate called me to let me know it was out as well as the neighbors.  I figured it was just a quick fix, but LITTLE DID I KNOW that it would be off until almost 11:00 p.m.  It's been a while since I sat in a house for more than an hour without power.  I cleared my mind, read the rest of The Walking Dead comics Robbie let me borrow and the whole time I thought about how bad I wanted to play my one hundred ninth pick.  So here you are, a day late but NOT an album short.

Artist - Pretenders

Album - Pretenders

Released - 1980

Label - Sire Records

Genre - New Wave, Punk Rock

Tracks:

Precious

The Phone Call

Up The Neck

Tattooed Love Boys

Space Invader

The Wait

Stop Your Sobbing

Kid

Private Life

Brass In Pocket

Lovers of Today

Mystery Achievement

Let's spin this review a little differently here.  I'm a love of music and all things sound (if it is to my interest).  One of my favorite movies, Lost In Translation, has a part where a group is in a karaoke room singing and of course Brass In Pocket is being sung by Scarlette Johansson's character Charlotte.  Anyway, when a friend of mine mentioned that he wanted me to learn the lyrics for karaoke on 8/18, I had to rummage through my records to see if I had the Pretenders and I did.  So this is dedicated to my Seattle friend Patrick.  Come August 18th, we will sing this and drink.  

Enjoy!

Like a lick of Ice-Cream

Let be known that despite this album being four years old, it is one of my favorites.  For my one hundred eighth pick.

Artist - Thao with the Get Down Stay Down
Album - We Brave Bee Stings and All
Released - 2008
Label - Kill Rock Stars
Genre - Folk Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Beat (Health, Life and Fire)
Bag of Hammers
Big Kid Table
Swimming Pools
Geography
Feet Asleep
Side Two
Yes, Soon and So On
Fear and Convenience
Violet
Travel
We Go
Tallymarks (Live)
You Really Got a Hold on Me

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down is pure, raw and sweet.  I guess those are the only words I can think of that describes this band. When I was at the record store a few weeks ago, I saw this album.  My friend even mentioned it to me, pointing it out, but I did not buy it at that moment.  Two days ago, I was in an emotional funk and needed to get out of my house and get away from painting that I went back to the record store (End of Ear in Austin, Texas) and picked up this record along with 4 other vinyl records.  Man, buying vinyl records can be pretty pricey, but if you look, it is rewarding.  Anyway, back to this album.  So not only is this band a great band, but each song is so perfectly played and well sung.  On this record, my favorite is Bag of Hammers and You Really Got a Hold On Me.  Definitely one worth checking out.

Enjoy!

Personal Motto...Maybe?

A friend recommended this next pick and I dedicate it to him.  My old friend Jeremy, who I met at Cutler Ridge Middle School back in 1992 and he loved Prince.  For my one hundred seventh:

Artist - Sly and the Family Stone
Album - Fresh
Released - 1973
Label - Epic
Genre - Soul/Funk


Tracks:
In Time
If You Want Me To Stay
Let Me Have It All
Frisky
Thankful n' Thoughtful
Skin I'm In
I Don't Know (Satisfaction)
Keep on Dancin'
Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be)
If It Were Left Up To Me
Babies Makin' Babies

The sixth album by Sly and the Family Stone, Fresh has a personal motto I pretty much live by.  Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) is very true.  How much of a coincidence can writing about my personal motto and watching one of my favorite movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.  I believe they both tie in together, somehow, or maybe I just want to believe that they do.  Anyway, this album was ranked 186 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 albums of all time.  

Enjoy!

Exciting and Productive

My day starts at 6:30 a.m. on Saturdays.  Why, do you ask, would I get up at that hour?  Well, when I wake up that early on a Saturday, it gives me a whole full day to do things.  Sundays are my sleep in days.  That being said, I walked into End of Ear Records and found this magnificent, yet satisfying circular piece of plastic which I am making my one hundred sixth pick.

Artist - Gang of Four

Album - Entertainment!

Released - 1979

Label - EMI

Genre - Post-Punk

Tracks:

Side One

Ether

Natural's not in it

Not great men

Damaged goods

Return the gift

Guns before butter

Side Two

I Found That Essence Rare

Glass

Contract

At home he's a tourist

5.45

Anthrax

Ok, I love this album.  I love I Found That Essence Rare!!  I don't know what else to say other than this album is fantastic.  My roommate Kevin told me, as I was putting this record on, that in high school he read an interview with the Minutemen and the interviewer asked them what were some of their influences.  He told me that they said Gang of Four were.  Then the record came on and after listening to it, I can see a resemblance.  Such a wonderful, influential band.

Enjoy!

Relaxation

My one hundred fifth pick put me in a relaxing mood.

Artist - Roberta Flack
Album - Killing Me Softly
Released - 1973
Label - Atlantic
Genre - R&B/Soul


Tracks:
Side One
Killing Me Softly
Jesse
No Tears (In The End)
I'm The Girl
Side Two
River
Conversation Love
When  You Smile
Suzanne

A very soothing, relaxing album by Roberta Flack, Killing Me Softly will put you at ease.  With the soulful sound of her voice and the piano playing that accompanies it, this album is worthwhile.  Nonetheless, we all know Killing Me Softly was covered by the Fugees and even though that rendition is a good one, you cannot go wrong with the original. 

Enjoy!

Shock Me, Shock Me, Shock Me with your Ways

Sometimes I sit and think a lot about my day, the things I did and the things I want to do at the moment.  So when I asked Kevin to pick out an record for me because I was drained, he picked this one.  I do have a little confession to make though, I TECHNICALLY listened to it yesterday after my one hundred third pick. It was so good I wanted to listen twice, so here's to you, my one hundred fourth pick.

Artist - Wire

Album - Pink Flag

Released - 1977

Label - EMI

Genre - Punk Rock

Tracks:

Side 1                                       

Reuters

Field Day for the Sundays

Three Girl Rhumba

Ex Lion Tamer

Lowdown

Start to Move

Brazil

It's So Obvious

Surgeon's Girl

Pink Flag 

Side 2

The Commercial

Straight Line

106 Beats That

Mr. Suit

Strange

Fragile

Mannequin

Different to Me

Champs

Feeling Called Love

12 x U

The debut album by Wire, Pink Flag is your best kept secret.  Out of the hundreds of vinyl records at my disposal, this one was on rotation to pick, but I kept pushing it back.  Then, the other day, I was so tired from work and running that I had my roommate pick out a record for me and he picked this one.  When I heard Mannequin, I fell in love.  You know, like those songs you hear for the first time and they just make you feel a certain way.  There have been a few songs that I felt like that about, one being Nirvana's Verse Chorus Verse.  So that being said, I gave this record TWO listens I liked it so much.  What's not to love about a punk rock band from London.

Enjoy!

Boom, Boom, CLAP

I guess you can consider this album another Olypmic appropriate album.  For my one-hundred and third pick.

Artist - Queen
Album - News of the World
Released - 1977
Label - EMI
Genre - Rock


Tracks:
Side One
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
Sheer Heart Attack
All Dead, All Dead
Spread Your Wings
Fight From the Inside
Side Two
Get Down, Make Love
Sleeping on the Sidewalk
Who Needs You
It's Late
My Melancholy Blues

The sixth studio album by Queen, News of the World is a very different album.  I say different in a sense that you when listen to this album in it's entirety, you would be pretty shocked.  Here you have, possibly, the two best songs that will pump you up, EVER!!  I'm speaking of the first two songs off this record, We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.  If those songs don't get you pumped, you have no soul, SERIOUSLY!! But after that, the vibe of this album is very unique.  It has a blues sound, a blues rock sound and then a slow, island/tropical type sound.  What's the word I'm looking for....EXOCTIC!!  It's not a bad album at all and I'm not trying to put that out there.  What I like the best about this album is that it's so different.  I love and always will love Freddie Mercury's voice.  Such a talented individual, such a great musician!

Enjoy!