Long Awaited Play

One Hundred Sixty-Second

Artist - Screaming Females
Album - Castle Talk
Released- 2010
Label - Don Giovanni Record
Genre - Indie Rock, Punk

Tracks:
Laura & Marty
I Don't Mind It
Boss
Normal
A New Kid
Fall Asleep
Wild
Nothing At Alll
Sheep
Deluxe
Ghost Solo

So I've had this record in my possession since SXSW 2012, so about 6 months, still in the wrapper and all.  I've had mixed feelings about playing this because I was a little burned by the fact that they canceled their Austin show due to illness.  Regardless of that fact, I still do enjoy this band and, again, another band that I discovered through turntable.fm.  What better set during SXSW 2012 to play than with Andrew WK!!  Yes, I repeat, Andrew WK!!  Screaming Females played first and as they were setting up, I was surprised to see that Marissa (the lead singer/guitarist) was so pint size.  Oh, but don't let that size fool you because she can't belt out her sound ten fold.  Castle Talk is Screaming Females' fourth full-length album and it amazes me how I have never come across their music at all.  You have to love the power of the internet for making things like this happen.  Anyway -- the fourth record by this New Jersey native band, I Don't Mind It was the first song I heard by the group.  Very much a respectable trio in a sense that their sound is very powerful with each verse, Screaming Females will rock your face off live.  Despite the mixed feelings I have about them, due to my own personal judgment, I would love to see them again.

Enjoy!

A Team of Sound

One Hundred Sixty-One

Artist - Sound Team
Album - Work EP
Released - 2005
Label - Capitol Records
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
The Fastest Man Alive
It's Obvious What's Happening Here
Orange Bird
In The Dark No One Can Hear You Sweat
Don't Turn Away

I wish I lived in Austin, Texas when this band was still together.  Now I have the remnants of what used to be, which is now TV Torso.  We are here to talk about Sound Team, which a six man band who had a lifespan of 7 years, but their sound definitely lives on.  A band with an amazing drummer (yes, I am a lover of Jordan Johns), Work EP has one of my favorite songs on it, The Fastest Man Alive.   After the release of Work EP, they released a few more albums and even two on cassettes.  I absolutely love that about bands.  On another note, as I was listening to this, I was overly excited with The Fastest Man Alive and Don't Turn Away.  It's something about Matt Oliver's voice that and also his hair, though you can't really tell unless you see it in person.  He is a tall, slender man with the curliest hair.  Ahhh, I love that.  But yes, this record is great, one to definitely appreciate.

Enjoy!

10, 11

One Hundred Sixty

Artist - El Ten Eleven
Album - El Ten Eleven
Released - 2005
Label - Fake Record Label
Genre - Post Rock

Tracks:
My Own Swerving
Sorry About The Irony
Lorge
1969
Central Nervous Piston
Thinking Loudly
Fanshawe
Connie
Bye Mom

The self-titled debut album by El Ten Eleven, a post-rock band from Los Angeles. Something I was recommended from a friend that I was surprised even liked post-rock, but I'm glad she gave me the heads up.  This duo is known for combining guitar/bass double-neck.  You know what experiencing that is like live?  It's pretty entertaining, in my opinion, and if one with skills can play it well, even better.  

Enjoy!

It's All About Tomorrow

One Hundred Fifty-Ninth:

Artist - The Nation of Ulysses
Album - Plays Pretty for Baby
Released - 1992
Label - Dischord
Genre - Punk Rock

Tracks:
Side One
N-Sub Ulysses
A Comment on Ritual
The Hickey Underworld
Perpetual Motion
Machine
N.O.U. Future-Vision
Hypothesis
50,000 Watts Of Goodwill
Side Two
Maniac Dragstrip
Last Train To Cool
Shakedown
Mockingbird, Yeah!
Depression III
S.S. Exploder
The Kingdom Of Heaven Must Be Taken By Storm

What The Nation of Ulysses has is beyond 

talent.

Smashed instruments

Smashed faces

Smashed lives

They've been accused of the works, yet

this same five are soft touches for

has beens...

and to pay the tab for the youth

revolution, The Nation of Ulysses puts

on  some of the most fabulous one-

nightgers in the history of show business.

Gangway kids, from Washington D.C., the

five foolish lambs who came cool - 

The Nation of Ulysses! - J. Blake (Chicago)

I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone and when I pulled this record, the first thing that I thought of was, "the name of this band sounds so familiar!"  Even though I read some of the songs and what the sleeve contents contained, I still didn't have a clue, so I played it anyways.  Pretty impressed by their sound, The Nation of Ulysses reminds me a lot of...Fugazi in a way.  As I was listening, my roommate came in and gave me a little Wikipedia lesson on the members of this band.  Apparently the drummer is now the guitarist in Ted Leo's band and is brothers with the drummer of Fugazi.  There's the connection.  But regardless of what we can compare them to, I was impressed with this record.  The second album by The Nation of Ulysses, Plays Pretty for Baby is full of all kinds of emotion that make this album unmatchable by any band.   Solid drumming, distorted guitars, pure punk at it's best.  The band having a life-span that started in the late 80's into the early 90's, they have had much influence on many artists today.

Enjoy!

Love-sick is me, time will defeat, the feeling of need to be relentless and free!

One Hundred Fifty-Eighth

Artist - Bob Dylan
Album - Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits
Released - 1967
Label - Columbia
Genre - Rock, Folk

Tracks:
Side 1
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
Blowin' in the Wind
The Times They Are A-Changin
It Ain't Me Babe
Like A Rolling Stone
Side 2
Mr. Tambourine Man
Subterranean Homesick Blues
I Want You
Positively 4th Street
Just Like A Woman

The eight album released, Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits makes for one fantastic record.  It contains the Top 40 singles by Dylan through 1967.  I believe it was just this week where I was listening to a playlist and think about how fantastic it would be to add some Bob Dylan on my blog, but where to start.  When I looked through the records and I found that my roommate had THIS record, I couldn't resist.  With his harmonica playing and semi-high pitched, cracked voice, the songs on this record make me think about being in love, especially when I listen to I Want You.  That being said, the title on this blog relates to how I felt when I heard this record.  Those are my words, from the heart and when that's exactly how I feel when I listen to Bob Dylan.  Like A Rolling Stone is a classic indeed and when I hear it, I always sing-a-long to it.  Positively, a great record!!

Enjoy!

In Memoriam

One Hundred Fifty-Seventh

Artist - Boston
Album - Boston
Released - 1976
Label - Epic
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
More Than A Feeling
Peace of Mind
Foreplay/Long Time
Side Two
Rock & Roll Band
Smokin'
Hitch A Ride
Something About You
Let Me Take You Home Tonight

Boston is a band hailing from where else....BOSTON!!  With their self-titled debut, this album was the second best selling debut record next to Guns 'N Roses's Appetite for Destruction.  I know a lot of people write of this band because they don't agree with their style, but I have to say that this record is amazing.  Here's a little snippet of this record:

If you insist on having it further spelled out for you, consider this.  What distinguishes Boston's music is although it's by definition heavy rock & roll, it evidences a greater concern for melodic and harmonic flow than practically any band you can think of working the same general territory.

On a day like today, the three year anniversary of my Father's passing, I play one of our favorite records.  I think that my Dad and I listened to this record a zillion times and when he felt ill and wanted me to play music, I tried to play things that reminded him of all the fun times we had.  Nothing in the world can ever replace him, OBVIOUSLY, but he will always live on in my heart and soul.  A man that was nothing but the greatest and did all he can to put clothes on my back, a roof over my head and food on the table.  I've said this many times and I will continue to say it until the day I don't have any oxygen in my lungs, but he was the best thing in my life, EVER!! He made me realize how short life is and how to appreciate every moment and that's exactly what I try to do.  For you, Poppi, a man that was just the greatest, I dedicate this album to you.

Enjoy!

'Tis the Season

One Hundred Fifty-Sixth

Artist - Ben Folds Five
Album - Ben Folds Five
Released - 1995
Label - Passenger
Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:
Jackson Cannery
Philosophy
Julianne
Where's Summer B?
Alice Childress
Underground
Sports & Wine
Uncle Water
Best Imitation of Myself
Video
The Last Polka
Boxing

Ben Folds Five is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  You almost don't hear of many bands coming from North Carolina or maybe you do, I could be wrong.  So Ben Folds Five takes away lead guitar and adds more on piano, which I respect because not a lot of bands do that.  Well at least they didn't do it back then, when all Alternative Rock was based on guitar, guitar, guitar.  Listening to this album and this being their debut album, you can hear a young Ben Folds belt out each song is his semi-high pitched voice.  There is this love I have for him and his voice that I can't explain.  Truly a great debut album by a band who had quite a bit of success.

Enjoy!

Roots

One Hundred Fifty-Sixth

Artist - Taj Mahal
Album - Satisfied 'N Tickled Too
Released - 1976
Label - Columbia
Genre - Blues

Tracks:
Side One
Satisfied 'N Tickled Too
New E-Z Rider Blues
Black Man Brown Man
Baby Love
Ain't Nobody's Business
Side Two
Misty Morning Ride
Easy to Love
Old Time Song - Old Time Love
We Tune

Enjoy!

Pages

One Hundred Fifty-Fifth

Artist - The Human League
Album - Fascination! (EP)
Released - 1981
Label - Virgin Records
Genre - Electronic Pop/Synth Pop/Electro Pop

Tracks:
Side One
(Keep Feeling) Fascination - Extended
Mirror Man
Hard Times
Side Two
I Love You Too Much
You Remind Me of Gold
(Keep Feeling) Fascination - Improvisation

So it wasn't too long ago where I had (Keep Feeling) Fascination in my head.  I guess it's because every time I go to the record store, I see the album.  Luckily, the EP was in my collection so here it is.  I would've posted it it yesterday as a double post, but I had no energy to even think with the sinus issues I have been having.

Enjoy!

A Slice of Goodness

One Hundred Fifty-Fourth

Artist - Dire Straits
Album - Dire Straits
Released - 1978
Label - Vertigo/Warner Bros.
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Down to the Waterline
Water of Love
Setting Me Up
Six Blade Knife
Southbound Again
Side Two
Sultans of Swing
In the Gallery
Wild West End
Lions

I feel like, as of late, I have not been putting enough effort into posting records.  First of all, on Thursday, I went to a show and was hoping to double post on Friday but that did not end up well.  I was so exhausted from going to bed late and working all day I posted one record on Friday and then fell asleep.  Then yesterday, Saturday, I woke up with a sinus headache and could not get myself to even get up and be on the computer.  I did, however, listen to some records and here I am, bringing you the debut album by the British band Dire Straits.  When I pulled out this record from my shelf, I listened to it only knowing one song, Sultans of Swing, which is a great song that, in my opinion, will always be a great song no matter how many years later you listen to it.  But as I was listening to each song, I was really impressed with the outcome.  Mark Knopfler's voice has a sort of twang to it, if that makes sense.  Regardless of my opinion, this album is great, so great I gave it two listens.

Enjoy!

Forever

One Hundred Fifty - Third

Artist - Eternal Summers
Album - Correct Behavior
Released - 2012
Label - Kanine Records
Genre - Indie, Indie Rock

Tracks:
Side A
Millions
Wonder
You Kill
I Love You
It's Easy
Side B
Girls in the City
Heaven and Hell
Good As You
Disappear
Summerset

Originally a duo, not trio from Roanoke, Virginia, Eternal Summers delivers to you Correct Behavior.  It was just a few months ago that I heard Eternal Summers on turntable.fm and after that I was hooked.  I tend to like a lot of music, some good, some bad, but this is honestly some great stuff and seeing them live made my decision that much more certain.  After listening to them for the first time, I did a bit of digging on YouTube when I first heard Millions.  Millions is one of those songs that are happy and full of energy, but definitely played in a way where you just want to repeat the song after listening to it for the first time.  Definitely a great beginning track to such a great record.  A little on the emo side, It's Easy is one of my favorite songs on this record right behind Wonder.  I am very impressed with this record and their live performance at Mohawk last night.  After the show, I walked over to the merch table where Nicole was, purchased this album and immediately had her sign along with Daniel and Jonathan.  What other way to celebrate the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn with Eternal Summers.  Here is a photo of the show:

Enjoy!

In Other Words

One Hundred Fifty-Second

Artist - Al Hirt
Album - Honey in the Horn
Released - 1963
Label - RCA Victor
Genre - Jazz

Tracks:
Side 1
I Can't Get Started
Java
Man with a Horn
Tansy
Night Theme
Talkin' 'bout That River
Side 2
Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)
To Be In Love
Al Di La
Malinu
Theme from a Dream
I'm Movin' On

As you can see I went in another direction with this photo and how I wanted to display the record and the cover.  I am going to try and do something different every so often, throw a curve ball in there.

I've been sitting on the fact that this album is top notch in my heart.  I bought some records from a co-worker that was getting rid of her stash and this album happened to be in there.  After listening to them all, I favored this one the most and played it back to back.  There is just something about instrumentalists that I absolutely adore and with a trumpeter at that, my heart melts even more.  You have to respect trumpet players and their skills for being able to change notes with their lips, because I could never do it.  Thus I play this wonderful record by Al Hirt.  A little snippet of the back of the record sleeve:

Everyone present at the sessions observed that as the album neared completion, there emerged a higher and higher exchange of respect and admiration between Big Al and the crew.  This discerning group of musicians was, in short, impressed by Hirt's talents.  And why not?  Creation rests on inspiration.  And Al's capacity for inspiration is as oversized as his physical frame.

Enjoy!

Sweetness, YES!

One Hundred Fifty-One

Artist - J Dilla
Album - Donuts
Released - 2006
Label - Stones Throw
Genre - Hip-Hop, Instrumental Hip-Hop

Tracks:
Side A
Donuts (Outro)
Workinonit
Waves
Light My Fire
The New
Stop
People
The Diff'rence
Side B
Time: The Donut of the Heart
Glazed
Airworks
Lightworks
Stepson of the Clapper
The Twister (Huh, What)
Side C
One ELeven
Two Can Win
Don't Cry
Anti-American Graffiti
Geek Down
Thunder
One for Ghost
Side D
The Factory
U-Love
Hi.
Bye.
Last Donut of the Night
Donuts (Outro)

Ranging from a wide variety of beats, J Dilla's instrumental hip-hop album Donuts was released three days before his death.  A very critically acclaimed producer for some of the greats of hip-hop, J Dilla put out his own self-produced albums, and here we are with this amazing album.  At first, when you are listening to it, you don't know what to expect with all the beats/mixes, but when you listen to it for the second time, it all makes sense.  Four sides of greatness from this wonderful mastermind of hip-hop, one can only appreciate such a talented person and his drive and ambition to make his love for music so unique and satisfactory.

Enjoy!

Smooth, Powerful and Great

Everything sounds so much better on vinyl.  Call me a snob to the fact that regardless if I have the CD or not, if something catches my eye, I do what I can to make it mine.  So here, I present to you one of the best purchases in a long time.  One hundred fiftieth.

Artist - Bob Marley & The Wailers

Album - Confrontation

Released - 1983

Label - Tuff Gong/Island

Genre - Reggae

Tracks:

Chant Down Babylon

Buffalo Soldier

Jump Nyabinghi

Mix Up, Mix Up

Give Thanks & Praises

Blackman Redemption

Trench Town

Stiff Necked Fools

I Know

Rastaman Live Up!

Nothing is more relaxing than listening to a good Reggae record and Bob Marley & the Wailers is definitely one to put on.  Released posthumously two years after his death, Confrontation were songs compiled from unreleased materials and singles.  It's always sad when such a talented musician dies, but  it definitely true when they say their music lives on.  It wasn't too long ago where I had a Bob Marley weekend, just listening to all his music and thinking how amazing life is to live in a relaxed state.  I think, at this point, if you don't have any Bob Marley in your collection, it is a necessary item regardless  if you like Reggae or not.  His music/lyrics speaks for itself.

Enjoy!

Of Special Interest

There are some bands/artists that I discover a little late and my one hundred forty-ninth pick is one of those.  I almost want to say that I either heard her songs on Spotify or maybe Turntable.fm, but when I heard her voice and the lyrics, I became hooked.  I was on a mission to find her music on vinyl, so when I went to the record store on Saturday, as I was checking out, I asked the clerk if they had any Sharon Van Etten.  She checked the computer and walked me to where it was.  For some odd reason, I was looking under E for Etten and not V for Van Etten.

Artist - Sharon Van Etten

Album - Epic

Released - 2010

Label - Ba Da Bing

Genre - Folk Rock, Indie Folk, Indie Rock

Tracks:

Side One

A Crime

Peace Signs

Save Yourself

Dsharpg

Side Two

Don't Do It

One Day

Love More

Sharon Van Etten's second album, Epic was also produced by the lovely songstress herself.  I can't put into words, or maybe I can, how beautiful this album is.  Mainly the lyrics, since they consist of love and heartbreak, but it literally had me at first chord.  To start with, A Crime, is sung so beautifully you can feel the pain behind the lyrics.  With each word that comes out of Van Etten's mouth, you almost feel like you've been there before, through the heartache and pain and then you realize it makes you feel at ease.  I honestly think that Van Etten's guitar playing and songwriting is the best I've heard in a long time.  Another fantastic song on this record is One Day.  When I first heard that song, I immediately looked up the lyrics and heard it about 10xs.  It's so great and of course, another song about love.  I'm a hopeless romantic, what can I say.  Nevertheless, this is a great album and I cannot wait to check her out life.  She will be performing at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas November 2nd.  I'm going to try my hardest and make it out there this year for all three days.

Enjoy!

Sitting....Waiting

One Hundred Forty-Eighth

Artist - Fugazi
Album - 7 Songs/EP
Released - 1988
Label - Dischord
Genre - Post-Hardcore

Tracks:
Waiting Room
Bulldog Front
Bad Mouth
Burning
Give Me The Cure
Suggestion
Glue Man

Such an amazing record, a great find and I'm happy that I decided to look in the punk section of the record store.  I almost feel like this album was CALLING ME or maybe it caught my eye when I was looking for Husker Du. The debut record by Fugazi is so awesome it has two names.  Well you can either call it the EP, which it obviously is or some call it 7 songs.  Maybe because there are only seven songs on the album.  Regardless of whatever they call it, it's a great record and I think this album is a cult classic so to speak.  Waiting Room is on of my favorites, which I'm sure its a lot of peoples favorite, but another song I also like on this record is Suggestion.  I do adore music old and new, but this one is a MUST HAVE!!

Enjoy!

The Noise I Love

There are quite a few electronica bands that I like and then there are some that I love.  My one hundred forty-seventh pick is one that I love and one that I've had the pleasure of seeing live.  I woke up this morning with the intent of not doing anything but listen to records and clean my room.  Of course I remembered I had to go exchange something which then turned into a trip to End of an Ear, one of my new favorite record stores in South Austin.  So since I was South anyway, I decided to make a QUICK (not so quick) stop to the record store.  I always have to mentally prepare myself before I enter any record store, because the more I want, the expensive it is.  My goal now is NOT to buy anything over $17 per album.  So as I was rummaging through the H's looking for the new Hot Chip, I saw Holy Fuck and the price was right up my alley.  So here, I bring to you a great electronica band.

Artist - Holy Fuck

Album - LP

Released - 2007

Label - Dependent/Young Terks

Genre - Electronica

Tracks:

Side One

Super Inuit

Milkshake

Frenchy's

Safari

Choppers

Side Two

Lovely Allen

The Pulse

Royal Gregory

Echo Sam

The second album by Holy Fuck, LP is such a great one.  This, indeed, was such a great find for me because I like Holy Fuck and I love Lovely Allen.  Not too long ago, maybe the last time I went to Mohawk for a show, they still have a Holy Fuck poster hanging up on the walls.  I think it's been there since I last saw them, but regardless of that, I always think about Holy Fuck and if they will be coming out with a new album soon.  I think they are recording stuff, but it's been about two years.  I need my Holy Fuck fix.  Yes, more Holy Fuck in the future will be posted.  As for today, play this album and enjoy the shit out of it.  I mean, I even danced as I was playing it, but I do that for almost all my records.  I'm just that kind of person.

Enjoy!

Lovin' Vinyl

It's amazing how far I have come with all these vinyl records and sticking with this.  For my one hundred forty-sixth pick.

Artist - The Dodos

Album - Visiter

Released - 2008

Label - French Kiss

Genre - Indie, Alternative/Folk

Tracks:

Walking

Red and Purple

Eyelids

Fools

Joe's Waltz

Winter

It's That Time Again

Paint the Rust

Park Song

Jodi

Ashley

The Season

Undeclared

God?

The second album by The Dodos, Visiter is a fantastic record.  Of course that goes without saying that they are a group of exceptional musicians who make amazing music.  I saw them last year, here in Austin, and I have to say I was very impressed with their live performance.  One of my favorite songs on this record is Undeclared, I guess because I'm a hopeless romantic that like all types of sappy songs.  I'm going to make this short because THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL.  Sorry, I absolutely love music and all, but I only have the NFL 4 months out of the year, not counting the playoffs.

Enjoy!

We're Alright

One Hundred Forty-Fifth pick

Artist - Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass
Album - Volume 2
Released - 1963
Label - A&M
Genre - Jazz/Instrumental

Tracks:
Side One
The Great Manolete
Spanish Harlem
Swinger from Seville
Winds of Barcelona
Green Leaves of Summer
More
Side Two
America
Surfin' Senorita
Marching Thru Madrid
Crea Mi Amor
Mexican Corn
Milord

The second album by Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass, Volume 2 covers one of my favorite artists, Edit Piaf.  Milord is one of her songs and I absolutely love her.  Ahhh, what more can I say about Herb Alpert than I adore his music and I even created a little Instgram following with his record.  

Enjoy!

Reminiscing

I wanted something that reminded me of my youth and all things amazing.  So here, I present my one hundred forty-fourth pick.

Artist - Vince Guaraldi
Album - Oh Good Grief!
Released - 1968
Label - Warner Bros.
Genre - Jazz

Tracks:
Side One
Linus and Lucy
You're in Love, Charlie Brown
Peppermint Patty
Great Pumpkin Waltz
Side Two
It's Your Dog, Charlie Brown
Oh, Good Grief!
Red Baron
Rain, Rain Go Away

Only Vince Guaraldi can make Charlie Brown into something amazing.  Using a keyboard and electric harpsichord, Vince illuminates the characters with his sound.  A little snippet from the album cover:

Oh, good grief!  They've gone and done it.  They've put that jazzy music from Peanuts television specials on a record.  Those piquant waltzes, fox trots, and box steps that Vince Guaraldi wrote...What's more, they're played by Mr. Guaraldi himself, on piano and electric harpsichord, with a noble assist from Carl Burnett (drums), Stanley Gilbert (bass) and Eddie Duran (electric guitar).

I remember going on a mission to fine A Charlie Brown Christmas on vinyl because it reminded me of my childhood and the Christmas' I had with our little family.  I always feel like a kid again in that sense and always think about all things wonderful.  To have that moment in my heart and mind, I will never forget it.

Enjoy!

One Hundred Forty-Third

Artist - NOFX
Album - Self/Entitled
Released - 2012
Label - Fat Wreck Chords
Genre - Punk

Tracks:
72 Hookers
I Believe In Goddess
Ronnie & Mags
She Didn't Lose Her Baby
Secret Society
I, Fatty
Cell Out
Down With The Ship
My Sycophant Others
This Machine is 4
I've Got One Jealous Again, AGain
Xmas has been X'ed

Good 'ol Punk.  When I listen to NoFX, I think politics, punk and my friend who I met at Miami-Dade College who taught me how to play guitar (not that I'm good or anything).  For all you non-punk music listeners, this is NOFX's twelfth album.  This band has had such an extensive track record, starting in 1983.  I've seen them once, at Warped Tour, in 2001/2002.  Man, that was so long ago.  Shoot, 10 years ago.  Where did the time go?!?!?  Anyway, Self/Entitled is your typical punk rock record, speaking of war and freedom, fast guitar and bass playing to top it off.  An entertaining band, to say the least, this record is not that bad.  I'm not a HUGE fan of punk, but I do enjoy listening to NOFX.

Enjoy!

Soothing, Yes Indeed!

One Hundred Forty-Second

Artist - John Coltrane
Album - Standard Coltrane
Released - 1962
Label - Prestige
Genre - Jazz

Tracks:
Side A
Don't Take Your Love From Me
I'll Get By
Side B
Spring is Here
Invitation

Something about John Coltrane that puts my mind at ease.  As I listen to this record, the first thing that pops in my head is, "Man, I wish I had someone to dance with."  Yes, I do like to slow dance in my house while I listen to records.  A few times I would make Kevin dance with me because I just felt like having a human body swaying side to side with mine.  Otherwise, I would pick up one of the dogs and just put them in my arms as my legs move to the rhythm and sound of John Coltrane. I think the best thing I like about listening to John Coltrane and his band play is not only the trumpets and sax (I'm a huge horn sound person), but the drums.  The way it is not too overpowering yet subtle to go with the flow of the piano and other instruments.  It's enjoyable so that it's basically made to mellow you out or even give you a bit of energy.  I think that aspect has a lot to do with the bass.  I enjoy a great Coltrane album from time to time, but I definitely need to find/play more.

Enjoy!

I live for LIVE MUSIC

One Hundred Forty-First

Artist - Two Gallants
Album - The Bloom and The Blight
Released - 2012
Label - ATO Records
Genre - Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Folk Rock

Tracks:
Halcyon Days
Song of Songs
My Love Won't Wait
Broken Eyes
Ride Away
Decay
Winter's Youth
Willie
Cradle Pyre
Sunday Souvenirs

The fourth album by duo Two Gallants, The Bloom and The Blight is one of my top favorite records of 2012.  I write this review just days shy of seeing them live here in Austin, Texas and all I can say is that they are an AMAZING band.  I always respect duos, especially ones with so much umph, it's really phenomenal how two people can make such amazing music, let alone be just as amazing live.  Playing most of their songs from this album, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with their live show.  Sounding EXACTLY like the album, and I mean down to the T, listening to My Love Won't Wait live was perfect.  I don't know, i'm just so gogo gaga over this album and then actually getting to see them live.  This is why I enjoy the music scene here in Austin, because as I listen to records or discover new music, all I have to do is search for the artists tour schedule and just like that I see them within a few weeks.  I do have to credit my roommate Robbie for letting me know about the Two Gallants playing just a week or two after listening to this album and falling in love.  I think I'm down to a handful of records that came out in 2012 that I fell in love with.  Of course I will leave that to the end of this year long trek of record posting.  Until then, I shall love and keep it to myself.

Enjoy!

Once in a While

One Hundred Fortieth

Artist - Devo
Album - Are We Not Men?
Released - 1978
Label - Warner Bros.
Genre - Post-Punk, New Wave

Tracks:
Uncontrollable Urge
Praying Hands
Space Junk
Mongoloid
Jocko Homo
Too Much Paranoias
Gut Feeling
Come Back Jonee
Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Gettin')
Shrivel-Up

I have to admit, this album is such a fun album.  I vividly remember SXSW 2009, I was at Austin Music Hall seeing Datarock perform and Devo was next.  All the Devo-heads were out and about, wearing their Devo headgear and prepping for the show.  As a matter of fact, here is a photo:

Anyway, back to the album.  As of late, with all my ESPN watching, Uncontrollable Urge has been getting a lot of play, so in honor of all things wonderful in the world of sports, this pick deserves some playtime today.  Are We Not Men? is Devo's debut album.  A few talented artists of this time took interest in what Devo had to offer and I believe that is what made them the interesting group that they are.  

Enjoy!

It All Remains The Same

One Hundred Thirty-Ninth

Artist - Eagles
Album - Hotel California
Released - 1976
Label - Asylum
Genre - Soft Rock

Tracks:
Hotel California
New Kid In Town
Life In The Fast Lane
Wasted Time
Wasted Time (Reprise)
Victim of Love
Pretty Maids All In A Row
Try and Love Again
The Last Resort

The fifth studio album by the Eagles, Hotel California was the band's highest selling album.  I'm not entirely sure why a lot of people I know don't like them, but I love Hotel California, the song.  How can you not like that song.  I even think I tried to play that on guitar when I went through my guitar phase.  So I wonder if this album is based on a real hotel in California or if in that photo it is a hotel in California.  So many questions!!! 

Enjoy!

Becoming What You Are

One Hundred Thirty-Eighth pick:

Artist - Lou Reed
Album - Growing Up In Public
Released - 1980
Label - Arista
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
How Do You Speak to An Angel
My Old Man
Keep Away
Growing Up In Public
Standing on Ceremony
So Alone
Love is Here to Stay
The Power of Positive Drinking
Smiles
Think It Over
Teach the Gifted Children

The tenth album by smooth sailin' Lou Reed.  I always think his voice is so different from what you would expect him to sound like, but it's interesting to say the least.  I became a fan of Lou Reed late in life, but I am a HUGE FAN of The Velvet Underground and I have always admired his trek in the music industry.  After listening to this album, which was a first to me, The Power of Positive Drinking is a pretty comical song which the title should pretty much explain the contents of this song.

Enjoy!

It's Time to Get Away

One Hundred Thirty-Seventh

Artist - LCD Soundsystem
Album - Sound of Silver
Released - 2007
Label - The DFA
Genre - Dance-Punk

Tracks:
Get Innocuous!
Time to Get Away
North American Scum
Someone Great
All My Friends
Us v Them
Watch the Tapes
Sound of Silver
New York, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down

Where should I start with this record?!???  When I get so excited about displaying a record that basically reminds me of very happy time in my life, I just want to word vomit everything all at once.  But I will spare y'all with what experiences have led me to my happiness with this record.  I, without a doubt, think James Murphy is one talented guy and LCD Soundsystem was just an amazing group.  Dance-Punk at it's finest, each song on this track is simply amazing and I mean ALL OF THEM.  I can't just single one song out, because they are all just as good as the previous one (if you're playing them in order), but my favorite song on this record would have to be Someone Great.  It just so happens that two people I knew died in the past four days and it really made me reevaluate a lot about how I feel and how I do things.  No more wasting time on bs.  It's not like I did to begin with, but I had days where I would just feel sad.  Life is too short and listening to this album made me so happy.  

Enjoy!

Inside Out

One Hundred Thirty-Sixth

Artist - Pat Benatar
Album - Tropico
Released - 1984
Label - Chrysalis
Genre - Rock, Pop Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Diamond Field
We Belong
Painted Desert
Temporary Heroes
Love in the Ice Age
Side Two
Ohh Ohh Song
The Outlaw Blues
Suburban King
A Crazy World Like This
Takin' It Back

Curveballs

One Hundred Thirty-Fifth

Artist - Blind Faith
Album - Blind Faith
Released - 1969
Label - RSO Records
Genre - British Rock, Psychedelic Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Had to Cry Today
Can't Find My Way Home
Well All Right
Presence of the Lord
Side Two
Sea of Joy
Do What You Like

Such a great record by the English supergroup consisting of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood and Ric Grech.  With songs like Had to Cry Today, how can you go wrong?  The ultimate blues rock and with talent like Eric Clapton, you know this record is bound to make it's way to the top of the charts...and it did.  Listening to this album really made me think of all the times I drive around in my car and listen to the classic rock station.  Every time one of these songs come on, I just blast the music because it's amazing (and I know I say this a lot) how much albums from the late 60's, early 70's still sound so great.  They don't make them like that now a days, but you will always have that one band that will try and they will succeed.  This album is definitely one to have in your collection, no doubt about it.

Enjoy!

Satisfying a Need, a Craving

My one hundred thirty-fourth pick:

Artist - Led Zeppelin
Album - II
Released - 1969
Label - Atlantic
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Whole Lotta Love
What Is and What Should Never Be?
The Lemon Song
Thank You
Side Two
Heartbreaker
Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)
Ramble On
Moby Dick
Bring It On Home

One of the BEST records in rock, HANDS DOWN.  Led Zeppelin's II is the bands second album and each song on this album is to die for.  This is the record that you want to listen to loud and on vinyl and I'm so glad I have it within my reach.  Lately, I've been on a Led Zeppelin high.  They are just such a great band and believe it or not, I can listen to each one of their records back to back to back.  Regardless of what I write about this band and this album, it will not do justice with how amazing their music is and their sound.  Something worth purchasing, picking up and playing on repeat.

Enjoy!