In the Spirit

One Hundred Ninety-One

Album - The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Released - 1975
Label - Ode
Genre - Glam Rock

Tracks:
Side A
Science Fiction/Double Feature
Dammit Janet
Over At The Frankenstein Place
The Time Warp
Sweet Transvestite
I Can Make You A Man
Hot Patootie - Bless My Soul
I Can Make You A Man: Reprise
Side B
Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me
Eddie
Rose Tint My World
   A. Floor SHow
   B. Fanfare/Don't Dream It
   C. Wild and Untamed Thing
I'm Going Home
Super Heroes
Science Fiction/Double Feature: Reprise

In honor of the fun festivities Halloween brings, I decided to spruce up the mood with a little bit of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Though I have never seen this movie before in its entirety (I think I stand alone in this one), I still wanted to display it.  

Enjoy!

Taking It Down a Notch

One Hundred Ninety

Artist - Perry Como (with The Anita Kerr Quartet)
Album - The Scene Changes
Released - 1965
Label - RCA
Genre - Easy Listening/Adult Contemporary/Vocal

Tracks:
Side 1
Where Does a Little Tear Come From?
Funny How Time Slips Away
Here Comes My Baby
Sweet Adorable You
I Really Don't Want to Know
That Ain't All
Side 2
Dream On Little Dreamer
Stand Beside Me
A Hatchet, a Hammer, a Bucket of Nails
Gringo's Guitar
My Own Peculiar Way
Give Myself a Party

The 12th album by Perry Como, I decided to change things up here with The Scene Changes.  This album is a little bit Country, so I'm guessing that is why on the back of the cover it says Perry Goes to Nashville.  From what the back states, it says that Perry spent about a week in Nashville, sort of basking in the Nashville Sound. Chet Atkins, director of RCA Victor's Nashville Studios produced Como's album, so I'm sure that had a lot to do with the direction of this record.  A very mellow and unique sound, I enjoy listening to Perry Como from time to time, so why not enjoy it on a day like today and share with you all.

Enjoy!

Just Take One

One Hundred Eighty-Ninth

Artist - Public Image Ltd.
Album - Album
Released - 1986
Label - Virgin
Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:
This Side
FFF
Rise
Fishing
Round
That Side
Bags
Home
Ease

In honor of Fun Fun Fun Fest that is happening this weekend, I bring you Public Image Ltd. (PIL) who will be gracing us with their presence and musical talents this weekend in Austin, Texas.  If you don't know what Fun Fun Fun Fest is, it is a festival (in my opinion, the 2nd best next to SXSW) that takes place in November and has such a great line up every year.  I've been going every year since I've moved here and even once before I moved here.  It used to be just a Saturday and Sunday festival for more of the local Austinites, but I think as the years have gone by, it's getting bigger and bigger and now it's officially a 3-Day Festival.  Though I would choose FFFFest over ACL ANY FRIGGIN DAY, I believe it's more of a low key type of festival, but still fun.  So yeah, PIL will be there and this record, Album, is their fifth studio album.  Sometimes, I feel like when I write these posts, my mind just decides to take it's own path in what to write, so my apologize for the blurb about FFFFest, but I wanted people to know how great I think that festival is (at least I hope it stays great)!

Enjoy!

Feelin' Krafty

One Hundred Eighty-Eighth

Artist - Kraftwerk
Album - The Man-Machine
Released - 1978
Label - Kling Klang
Genre - Electronic

Tracks:
The Robots
Spacelab
Metropolis
The Model
Neon Lights
The Man-Machine

The seventh studio album by German band Kraftwerk, The Man-Machine is a style that definitely defines electronic music.  It's not every day that I put on an electronic record, but a friend of mine posted this album on her Instagram and it immediately reminded me that this record is on my shelf.  Playing this record makes me thing of video games for some reason or maybe the soundtrack to a Sci-Fi movie, but it also made me think a lot of Ladytron (for those of you who haven't heard of them, check them out STAT).  The Man-Machine is probably one of my favorite songs on this album simply for the fact that it has a electro-pop type of feel to it.  You know, the kind that makes you want to dance and anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE TO DANCE.  This album, being released in 1978, to be feels like an ode to the future.  It always amazes me how music from the late 70's early 80's sound so much like music that would be produced now.  How talented musicians are with opening up their talented minds.  The mind is definitely a powerful tool to have.

Enjoy!

Straight Edge

One Hundred Eighty-Seventh

Artist - Black Flag
Album - Damaged
Released - 1981
Label - SST
Genre - Hardcore Punk

Tracks:
Side A
Rise Above
Spray Paint
Six Pack
What I See
TV Party
Thirsty and Miserable
Police Story
Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie
Side B
Depression
Room 13
Damaged II
No More
Padded Cell
Life of Pain
Damaged I

The debut album by Black Flag, Damaged set out to be one of their best records yet.  Rolling Stone lists this record as their 340th pick of the Top 500 Greatest Albums.  I know those type of things don't impress people, but it's more so the quality of the record/tracks.  I, not being a big fan of punk, but I played this record for my friend Bob, who actually sports a Black Flag tattoo on his wrist.  For someone to go to that extent to show their likeness for a band is a true fan indeed, plus it's always nice to switch things up a little.  From Post Rock to Punk, that change is definitely different.  I think what I admire the most about punk, and this could go for just any type of genre that does this, is that their tracks/songs are so quick.  When you pick up an album, I think the song listing itself is shocking, but when you actually play it, each song if song is done in the matter of a minute or two.

Enjoy!

Melodic Energy

One Hundred Eighty-Sixth

Artist - Explosions In The Sky
Album - The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place
Released - 2003
Label - Temporary Residence
Genre - Post Rock

Tracks:
First Breath After Coma
The Only Moment We Were Alone
Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean
Memorial
Your Hand if Mine

The third album by Austin Rockers Explosion In The Sky, The Earth Is Not a Cold Place is such a beautiful album.  As I'm listening to it at this very moment, the sound on each track is just so passionate, so warming that I cannot get enough.  This will have to be one of my TOP POST ROCK ALBUMS EVER!!  Music like this, what Explosions In The Sky are doing here, is the type of work that changes your life.  I know I've mentioned before about how some previous albums I've posted changes my life, but this one in particular is above them all.  Not only do you have the music, but look at the title of the album and the name of the tracks.  Lovely words written together to think that there are such things as great, life changing things.  Better by chance, laying down right now, holding someone's hand and just being happy is what this makes me think of.  I can go on and on about the feelings I feel when listening to this record, but I will say this, I AM HAPPY!

Enjoy!

City Limits

One Hundred Eighty-Fifth

Artist - Ume
Album - Phantoms
Released - 2011
Label - Modern Outsider
Genre - Rock/Indie Rock

Tracks:
Side A
Rubicon
Burst
Captive
The Push
Destroyer
Side B
Run Wild
Pretend Again
Hurricane II
Dancing Blind
The Task

The debut album by Austin rockers Ume, Phantoms is a force to be reckoned with. The lead singer/guitarist, Lauren Larson is a cute, blonde, petite ball of energy that will definitely melt your face off with her amazing guitar playing skills.  A shredder, as you may not have noticed, Larson is accompanied by her husband/bassist Eric and if you have yet to see this album live, you are definitely missing out.  Captive is one of my favorite songs on this record.  I love the way Lauren's voice projects through each song, and then listening to Hurricane II make it all the more obvious that she is one talented musician and Ume is a great band.

Enjoy!

Exterior Feelings

One Hundred Eighty-Fourth

Artist - Mogwai
Album - Young Team
Released - 1997
Label - Chemikal Underground
Genre - Post Rock

Tracks:
Yes! I Am A Long Way From Home
Like Herod
Katrien
Radar Maker
Tracy
Summer
With Portfolio
R U Still In 2 It
A Cheery Wave from Standard Youngsters
Mogwai Fear Satan

The debut album by Scottish band Mogwai, Young Team was released in 1997.  When I think about that, the year this album was released, I think about what I was doing that year.  Obviously it was not listening to this album, because I think it would've changed my life.  This is such a fantastic record that if I listened to it in 1997, I'd probably have a different outlook on a lot of things.  Growing up, I was introduced to a variety of music and post rock was not one of them.  Music that makes me relax and not think about the obvious is always a score in my book.  What I liked most about this album is the flute in Mogwai Fear Satan.  Me, being an ex band member and playing the flute makes me appreciate when I hear the flute on tracks.  It's almost like a connection I have with the song.  Ahhhh, yes, thinking about the younger years.  Truth be told, I enjoy my musical knowledge, from the little bit that I know, but I am thankful for that.

Enjoy!

A New Thing

One Hundred Eighty-Third

Artist - Rush
Album - A Farewell to Kings
Released - 1977
Label - Mercury
Genre - Progressive Rock/Hard Rock

Tracks:
A Farewell To Kings
Xanadu
Closer to the Heart
Cinderella Man
Madrigal
Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage

The fifth album by Rush, A Farewell to Kinds is a recommendation by a very special friend.  It's not often I come across these special people, but when I do, I like to keep them around for a while!  I couldn't necessarily say I'm a huge fan of Rush, but I've heard some of their albums throughout my illustrious years.  I did decide to feature them on my blog simply for the fact that my friend recommended it.  He mentioned to me that his favorite track was Xanadu, so why not make the man smile with a simple play of the record.  I could lie and type a bunch of words regarding my own opinion of this record, but I have to admit I was definitely distracted.  But from what I heard, I liked and it always amazes me that when I do listen to Rush, I always think of how HIGH PITCHED Geddy's voice it.  I guess that's one of the things I like most about this band, it's not like your usual prog rock, since the majority of the sounds are far out there, which I think put a specific touch what the band explores as far as style.  A Farewell to Kings would become Rush's first US Gold selling album.

Enjoy!

Listening Made Simple

One Hundred Eighty-Second

Artist - U2
Album - The Joshua Tree
Released - 1987
Label - Island
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Where the Streets Have No Name
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
With or Without You
Bullet the Blue Sky
Running to Stand Still
Side Two
Red Hill Mining Town
In God's Country
Trip Through Your Wires
One Tree Hill
Exit
Mothers of the Disappeared

The fifth album by U2, The Joshua Tree is, to me, one of their best albums.  When rummaging through my rows of records, I came across U2 and thought to myself, "Man, I haven't heard this band in a long time."  Of course, some of their newer albums are not as good as this 1987 classic, but you have to respect this album for what it is.  Produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, the tracks on this album are just so amazing.  Where the Streets Have No Name and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For are two of my favorite tracks on this record.  I believe that these are the first songs I heard growing up when I discovered U2.  Then I guess you could say the rest became history.  I respect U2, but sometimes I think their musical direction shifted at some point, but slowly came back.  Then you had Bono, who is quite the Activist, use his popularity and fame to help others less fortunate.  This album topped the charts in 20 countries and sold record-breaking numbers.  That is impressive for a band that's been around for 36 years!

Enjoy!

Keepin' It Weird

One Hundred Eighty-First

Artist - Weird Al Yankovic
Album - In 3D
Released - 1984
Label - Rock 'n Roll
Genre - Parody/Comedy

Tracks:
Side One
Eat It
Midnight Star
The Brady Bunch
Buy Me A Condo
I Lost On Jeopardy
Polkas on 45
Side Two
Mr. Popeil
King Of Suede
That Boy Could Dance
Theme From ROcky XIII
Nature Trail From Hell

The second studio album by musical parody extraordinare Weird Al Yankovic, In 3D lists all the hits.  I've heard most of these tracks here and there, especially when watching a lot of MTV in my younger years, but listening to this album in it's entirety is pretty awesome.  The first year I moved to Austin, Fun Fun Fun Fest decided to do a Friday evening show (the festival, at that time, was only on Saturdays and Sundays) and Weird Al performed that Friday night.  Such a fun show filled with costumes, an accordian and of course, the hits.  This album is full of a lot of laughs if you follow the lyrics and I like how Weird Al takes the hits and transforms them into his own.

Enjoy!

A Little Bit of an Obsession

One Hundred Eighty

Artist - My Morning Jacket
Album - Z
Released - 2005
Label - ATO
Genre - Psychedelic/Progressive/Indie Rock

Tracks:
Wordless Chorus
It Beats 4 U
Gideon
What a Wonderful Man
Off the Record
Into the Woods
Anytime
Lay Low
Knot Comes Loose
Dondante

Z is My Morning Jacket's fourth studio album and when doing a bit of research on their background, it lists them as psychedelic rock.  I don't think I, myself, would classify them as psychedelic, but I could understand where that genre label comes from.  More of a spacier sound using synthesizers and incorporating reggae/dub, I feel this album has a lot more depth, especially when listening to each track and seeing how different they sound.  It Beats 4U and Gideon are two of my favorite tracks on this record because the vocals just captivates throughout.  As of late, I've been on a MMJ kick and this album has been on heavy rotation. Off the Record is another great track even though I feel it has a Thievery Corporation sound to it.  Regardless of the fact, when I re-listen to this album as I write this, I love all these songs.  It's almost as if each song puts you in a different mood.  One to be happy to, one to dance to, one to be nostalgic to and one that makes you think of a special person in your life.  Yes, that is exactly why I've kept this album on heavy rotation!!

Enjoy!

I Love You BUT...

One Hundred Seventy-Ninth

Artist - I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
Album - EP
Released - 2003
Label - Emperor Jones
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
We're Still The Weaker Sex
The Less You See
I Want To Die In The Hot Summer
When You Go Out
Your Worst Is The Best

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness was an Austin band that released this five song EP produced by Britt Daniels of Spoon.  There is a special feeling I feel when I hear this album because of the friendship I had with the guitarist, Ernest Salaz.  A great dude who taught me a lot about music and the Austin life in general.

Enjoy!

The Freshest

One Hundred Seventy-Eight

Artist - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Album - Deja Vu
Released - 1970
Label - Atlantic
Genre - Rock/Folk Rock

Tracks:
Side 1
Carry On
Teach Your Children
Almost Cut My Hair
Helpless
Woodstock
Side 2
Deja Vu
Our House
4 + 20
Country Girl
(a) Whiskey Boot Hill
(b) Down, Down, Down
(c) Country Girl
Everybody, I Love You

The first album by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Deja Vu is probably one of the best albums I've ever heard.  It has been said that this album took 800 hours of studio time to record, which is about 33 days. With greats like David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young, how could you go wrong.  Carry On, Woodstock, Deja Vu and Everybody, I Love You are my favorite songs on this album.  Well it's pretty hard to pick out specific songs because this whole album is so good.  As I look inside the album cover, I wish I grew up in the 70's because their style was so fresh and just to experience this type of music live, to me, would be the greatest. 

Enjoy!

Keeping It Groovy

One Hundred Seventy-Seven

Artist - The Ugly Beats
Album - Take A Stand
Released - 2007
Label - Get Hip Recordings
Genre - Garage Rock/Lo-Fi

Tracks:
Side 1
Take A Stand
Bring Her Down
Million Dollar Man
Light Comes On
Get In Line
I'm Gonna Break Her Heart
Side 2
Action Plus
Last Stop
You're The One
Your Turn To Cry
Let Me Through
Ain't That Odd

So this record was introduced to me by a friend and even though I was a little skeptical about his musical choices, I'm really happy I decided to play this record.  In other words, this record was a great surprise.  It's not until you take chances that you realize how different music can be, how genres are unique and just the way each artist portrays their sound.  The Ugly Beats are an Austin band that looks like they just came out of a time machine from the late 60's.  A little bio off the back of the record sleeve:

If you've ever visited Austin, Texas, then you know why it is called the "Live Music Capital of the World."  A lofty title, to be sure.  And you also, undoubtedly, know that this burg lives up to that title.  You can't swing a dead armadillo without hitting a band playing in a laundromat or singing to the breakfast taco crowd.  Needless to say, there are tons of bands in Austin.  But like anything, the cream tends to rise to the top.  And in the cattle-centric Lone Star State, it's an apt metaphor for the Ugly Beats - the undisputed cream of a very bumper crop.  This, their second long-player, is a horn o' plenty.  From the title track Take a Stand, to the last track Ain't That Old, there's no dung to be found on this heap.  Lip to label, the Ugly Beats never disappoint.  And the next time the Ugly Beats roll through your neck of the woods, do yourself a favor and make the scene - you'll find out why they're tops in their town.

So now, I need to experience the Ugly Beats live because after reading that, I need to understand the full potential of this band, plus I love live music.

Enjoy!

Minor Patterns

One Hundred Seventy-Sixth

Artist - Disappears

Album - Pre Language

Released - 2012

Label - Kranky

Genre - Alternative Rock/Shoegaze/Indie Rock

Tracks:

Replicate

Pre Language

Hibernation Sickness

Minor Patterns

All Gone White

Joa

Fear of Darkness

Love Drug

Brother Joliene

The third album by Chicago-based band Disappears, Pre Language is a surprise.  I say surprise in a sense that I wasn't sure what to expect when I first listened to them.  Of course, this is yet another band I recently discovered through a recommendation and I'm so happy I took the time out to listen to it.  I love the bass on Fear of Darkness.  I imagine listening to this album and thinking a lot of Sonic Youth (obviously Steve Shelly is drumming on this album) and My Bloody Valentine.  A good comparison, I think, because you have the shoegazing feeling of My Bloody Valentine with an Alternative Rock feel.  Definitely amazing drumming on this album and the tracks are pretty stellar.  Another favorite of mine on this track is All Gone White.  "I see a light/It's coming straight for me/Could be the end/Or just the truth finally" -- a band after my own thought process, my heart, the reason why I do enjoy lyrics as well as the flow of sound against it.

Enjoy!

In the Middle

One Hundred Seventy-Five

Artist - Mono
Album - You Are There
Released - 2006
Label - Temporary Residence Limited
Genre - Post-Rock

Tracks:
1 The Flames Beyond The Cold Mountain

2 A Heart Has Asked For The Pleasure3 Yearning4 Are You There?5 The Remains Of The Day6 Moonlight

The fourth studio album by Japanese post-rock band Mono, You Are There is simply amazing.  I had the pleasure of listening to this band last night, FOR FREE, at Mohawk in Austin, Texas and I happened to gain a new friend in the process.  That experience for me, hanging out with my friends and listening to such an amazing band was one for the record books.  So that being said, since listening to Mono inspires me to write, I share with you special thoughts of mine, because this band, when listening to them,  makes me think of happy thoughts.

When the clock strikes the hour, I feel the pain. When I think of you, I often think of rain.  The way you held my hand, your soft touch I felt inside, the way you kissed my lips, I knew it was only a matter of time.  When I said goodbye at first, I had tears in my eyes.  To cross over the states so soon, I would be at home in peace, but obviously without you.  Never have I felt this way, I can't believe I rhyme, but the days that I don't think of you, I feel like pouring a glass of wine.  Despite the non-communication we seem to share, I don't want to take that extra step to tell you how I feel because I know you are not aware.  My life here is great, I really can't complain, but the more I get to know you, I feel like it would be such a strain.  Being in the middle has left my feelings mixed, but all I could think about in this very moment is your kiss.  Time will tell if it's meant to be, until then I will live my life as me, happy and excited, traveling with joy.  To see you again would leave my heart whole, but I know in the end that wouldn't be good, so for now I will stay put and continue to do good.  Love is love and what will be will be, I have nothing but respect for you and I hope you can see.  One day  you will be happy with or without me, never will I regret the time with you that made me happy.

To sum up the words expressed above, they are due to the fact that Mono puts me in that state; a state of relaxation that I could always use from time to time.  If you were to know me, know my schedule, I think you would ask how I make it through the day.  But I will leave you with this.  If you EVER get a chance to see Mono live, I highly recommend it.

Enjoy!

In the Beginning

One Hundred Seventy-Four

Artist - The Dodos
Album - Beware of the Maniacs
Released - 2006
Label - Self Released
Genre - Indie/Folk

Tracks:
Trades & Tariffs
Neighbors
Men
Horny Hippies
Beards
The Ball
Chicken
Bob
Elves
Nerds
Lily

The debut album by The Dodos, Beware of the Maniacs is a very soft record.  In other words, this record reminds me a lot of Visiter, with the way the drums and guitar playing are introduced.  I'm sure it's difficult for artists to release albums without having the same exact sound as the previous record or even making a record totally not like something they would do.  You have to respect being a musician and trying to figure out, to keep the masses entertained or even what you might think is a breakthrough in the recording/writing process.  Trades & Tariffs is such an amazing song.  Maybe it's the fact that I just love Meric's voice.  But to generalize this album more, I really liked listening to this record and thanks, again, to my wonderful roommate who I believe introduced me to The Dodos, I pretty much have enjoyed all the music they put out.

Enjoy!

Funk-A-Fied

One Hundred Seventy-Third

Artist - Earth, Wind & Fire
Album - Spirit
Released - 1976
Label - Columbia
Genre - Funk

Tracks:
1
On Your Face
Saturday Nite
Imagination
Biyo
2
Burnin' Bush
Departure
Earth, Wind & Fire
Spirit
Getaway

The seventh studio album by Earth, Wind & Fire, Spirit is FUNKY!  After a mix of records I've been listening to, I wanted to change it up with something waaaay out of left field (using the baseball reference in honor of the Post Season Playoffs), so here we are or here I am blogging about this.  This is a record that makes me think about the younger years of my life and how growing up this was a big influence on my outlook on music today.  Growing up listening to a variety of genres makes me appreciate music a lot more.  So listening to this record made me smile and think of how I use to always dance around in my room as a kid listening to music.  Earth, Wind & Fire is a band to enjoy, play and have fun to.  

Enjoy!

In Depth

One Hundred Seventy-Second

Artist - Godspeed You Black Emperor!
Album - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
Released - 2000
Label - Constellation/Kranky
Genre - Post-Rock

Tracks:
1. Storm
2. Static
3. Sleep
4. Antennas to Heaven

Double LP, four track record, Godspeed You Black Emperor! is a great album.  As of late, I've been listening to a lot of post-rock (a lot of the post-rock posts are mainly influenced and suggested by my roommate Robbie) and all this listening and postings are amazing.  When listening to Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven, I sat around my room and thought about all the things I did today and how just putting on a good record makes everything so much better.  Music in general is my drug and listening to this for the first time had me wondering why is it that it took me so long to discover this band.  Thanks to friends, I put on this bad boy, played it and LOVED IT.  I'm widening my listening to a little bit of everything,  but I feel like post-rock is right up there with my love for hip-hop.  Let's not forget to mention that this album was one of Pitchfork's top 200 albums of 2000.  I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with the way they rate their records, but this is not a bad position for Godspeed You Black Emperor!

Enjoy!

One Hundred Seventy-First

Artist - My Bloody Valentine
Album - Isn't Anything
Released - 1988
Label - Creation
Genre - Alternative-Rock/Shoegazing

Tracks:
Side One
Soft As Snow (But Warm Inside)
Lose My Breath
Cupid Come
(When  You Wake) You're Still In A Dream
No More Sorry
All I Need
Side Two
Feed Me With Your Kiss
Sueisfine
Several Girls Galore
You Never Should
Nothing Much To Lose
I Can't See It (But I Can't Feel It)

Listening to this record made me think to myself, "My Bloody Valentine is a band  you either love or hate."  When I expressed those words to my roommate, he said, "Isn't it like that with every band?"  You do have those thoughts when you are first listening to music and within the first few minutes of a song you can determine that, but my point with My Bloody Valentine is that their sound is so unique,  one could come across them as a band being very annoying.  Of course, that is my opinion, but I do believe they are a band that has to grow on you and they definitely grown on me.    After listening to them for a few years, I heard experiencing their live performance can be a bit piercing.  With regards to this record, being My Bloody Valentine's full-length debut album.  Isn't Anything really put things on the map for My Bloody Valentine, especially with Kevin Shields impeccable skills.  I always accepted and love Kevin Shields and I think that is why I've always liked My Bloody Valentine.  The band describes this albums sound as "dry ice-piercingly intense guitar drones and hefty nods to miasmic hardcore soup, oozing a contrary trance-spun drone. Noise becomes beauty as feedback is layered over vocals over feedback ad infinitum" (taken from Wikipedia).

If you don't know much about My Bloody Valentine, this is, indeed, a great album to start with.

Enjoy!

One Hundred Seventy

Artist - Genesis
Album - Genesis
Released - 1983
Label - Charisma/Atlantic
Genre - Pop Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Mama
That's All
Home By The Sea
Second Home By The Sea
Side Two
Illegal Alien
Taking It All Too Hard
Just A Job To Do
Silver Rainbow
It's Gonna Get Better

The 12th studio album by Genesis and after knowing this, I must immediately look up their discography.  I'm a fan of Genesis, especially since I grew up watching the early (awesome stages) of MTV and seeing their videos on TV, but this is their 12th album.  A must play by my roommate Robbie, this album starts with Mama and I immediately think of a man with mother issues.  You have to bring a little humor to these posts once in a while, just to keep the readers on their toes.  In all seriousness, Genesis has been around since 1967 and have had quite a good track record with each album they put out, even when Phil Collins broke out into his solo career. 

**For the simple fear that my computer will shut off when it wants to, I am ending the post right here. **

Enjoy!

Big Sound, Young Men

One Hundred Sixty-Ninth

Artist - The Beatles
Album - Meet The Beatles
Released - 1964
Label - Capitol
Genre - Rock 'n Roll

Tracks:
Side One
I Want To Hold Your Hand
I Saw Her Standing There
This Boy
It Won't Be Long
All I've Got To Do
All My Loving
Side Two
Don't Bother Me
Little Child
Till There Was You
Hold Me Tight
I Wanna Be Your Man
Not A Second Time

The second album by the illustrious UK band The Beatles, Meet The Beatles is probably one of the best albums ever.  This fearsome foursome, in their early twenties, dominated the airwaves with their music and caused the music industry to change FOREVER.  When listening to this album, I don't know how I would've reacted to listening to such an amazing sound in 1964.  I probably would've reacted like everyone else and just mesmerized by The Beatles.  There is a lot to say about such an amazing, but nothing could even come close to how much of an impact they have made.  Songs like I Want To Hold Your Hand, All My Loving, shoot, ALL THESE SONGS ARE JUST SO AMAZING and let's not forget to add that they put you in such a great mood.  I got home last night from a very exhausting day and I put this on and I instantly transformed into a loving mood.  It's hard, for me at least, to write a review on this, so just listen to it!

Enjoy!

Butterflies

One Hundred Sixty-Eighth

Artist - Mono
Album - Hymn to the Immortal Wind
Released  - 2009
Label - Temporary Residence Limited
Genre - Post-Rock

Tracks:
Ashes into the Snow
Burial at Sea
Silent Flight, Sleeping Dawn
As Pure As Snow (Trails of the Winter Storm)
Follow the Map
The Battle to Heaven
Everlasting Light

The fifth studio album by Japanese post-rock band Mono, Hymn to the Immortal Wind is progressive rock at its finest. It amazes me when you look up the specifics of a record and you read that the producer was none other than the great Steve Albini. The sounds of this album remind me of a beating heart bleeding, pumping with blood until there is nothing left to pump.  The variety of sound reminds me of Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky.  A recommendation from Robbie that I do think was a great choice pretty much compliments the day with the way I feel.  It's almost like describing my emotions right now in such a beautiful way.  A soft, soothing sound with a hint of light guitar playing is such a comforting sound to me.  Just listening to this has inspired me to type out what I'm feeling at this exact moment, so here it is:

As I flipped through photos of you, it reminded me of the words I expressed so sincerely to you.  A verse I never fully expressed to anyone quite before, at least in a different form, you said it was so sweet.  Not a rejection but a change of subject to help forget. The eerie piano playing is a tune of delight, but not a bad sounding eerie piano playing.  To be a puzzle piece in your life, as we would fit together, forever would be so divine.

Enjoy!

Revisiting

One Hundred Sixty-Seventh

Artist - Neil Young
Album - Time Fades Away
Released - 1973
Label - Reprise
Genre - Rock/Southern Rock

Tracks:
Time Fades Away - Oklahoma City
Journey Thru The Past - Cleveland
Yonder Stands the Sinner - Seattle
LA - Oklahoma City
Love in Mind - UCLA
Don't Be Denied - Phoenix
The Bridge - Sacramento
Last Dance - San Diego

Neil Young's first live album, Time Fades Away is a mix of live songs throughout his 1972 tour.  It's 2012 and Neil Young will be in the city I am in next weekend.  Too bad he's playing at ACL (Austin City Limits Music Festival).  I myself refuse to spend money on a ticket to enter that not so amusing festival, but I will take my bike to Zilker Park, sit outside and listen to him from afar.  There is no need to look, but just listen.  I have a lot of love for this album and Neil Young in general and I think this happened about 3 years ago.  I always liked his music, but for some reason or another, I LOVE IT.  Just another fantastic record for me to use to express my admiration for Neil Young.  I'm a little biased in a sense that I love all these songs and of course the way he sings them and his guitar playing.

Enjoy!

X

One Hundred Sixty-Sixth

Artist - X
Album - See How We Are
Released - 1987
Label - Elektra
Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:
I'm Lost
You
4th of July
In the time it takes
Anyone can fill your shoes
See How We Are
Left & Right
When it rains...
Holiday Story
Surprise Surprise
Cyrano de Berger's Back

The sixth album by X, See How We Are is a mixture of fast, punk rock with a flow of mellow alternative rock.  If that mix were to make sense to you, you know what I mean.  X is a band that's been around since 1977 and to this day they still tour.  I find it incredibly entertaining when a band with that track record can tour and still play, though I'm sure Exene has had some healthy issues that has prevented her from touring.  I remember last year, they were supposed to make an appearance at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin or was it Austin City Limits Music Festival.  I forget which one, but it would've been pretty awesome to see them live. A great song on this record is Cyrano de Berger's Back and I love Exene's voice along with the more than stellar guitar playing.  A nice record to have playing when you're in a laid back mood.

Enjoy!

Put a Lime in the Coconut

One Hundred Sixty-Fifth

Artist - Harry Nilsson
Album - Nilsson Schmilsson
Released - 1971
Label - RCA Victor
Genre - Baroque Pop/Soft Rock

Tracks:
Side 1
Gotta Get Up
Driving Along
Early In The Morning
The Moonbeam Song
Down
Side 2
Without You
Coconut
Let The Good Times Roll
Jump Into The Fire
I'll Never Leave You

The seventh album by Harry Nilsson, Nilsson Schmilsson was probably the most notable album in his career.  My roommate is a big fan, telling me about the bass playing in Jump Into The Fire, how he was detuning the bass to make that wobbly sound you hear.  Another song that struck my attention was Without You and how Harry Nilsson sang it.  That is one tough song to sing and he did a good job accomplishing that.  With this album, I'd have to say it is one of the oddest, yet such a great album to listen to.  A lot of history is behind these songs, especially with one of the famous ones like  Coconut, this album has a great compilation of a variety of songs.

Enjoy!

Surfer Rock? Why Not!

One Hundred Sixty-Four:

Artist - The Beach Boys
Album - Surfer Girl
Released - 1973
Label - Capitol Records
Genre - Surfer Rock, Rock

Tracks:
Side A
Surfer Girl
Alley Oop
Your Summer Dream
Spirit Of America
Side B
Hawaii
Why Do Fools Fall In Love
All Summer Long
Wendy
Be True To Your School

Since Kevin is a huge fan of the Beach Boys and they have been playing everywhere that I know of as of late, and let's not forget to mention they are TOURING, here is today's choice.  This record is an unrelated 1973 release of the Beach Boys early 1960 tracks, plus the cover is different from the 1963 original Surfer Girl release.  One of the most influential bands of all time, the songs on this record are just so happy to me.  When I hear songs like Hawaii, Surfer Girl and Wendy, they remind me of a surfer motown type of sound. You have a little blues and jazz mixed in with some rock or as they would classify it, "Surfer Rock!"  I always enjoy a good Beach Boys record from time to time and since I was in the mood, this was it.

Enjoy!

Where to Begin

My heart melted in 2002 when I heard his angelic voice, read those wonderful lyrics and set eyes on that beautiful face.  My one hundred sixty-third pick:

Artist - Jeff Buckley
Album - Grace
Released - 1994
Label - Columbia
Genre - Alternative Rock, Folk

Tracks:
Mojo Pin
Grace
Last Goodbye
Lilac Wine
So Real
Hallelujah
Lover, You Should've Come Over
Corpus Christi Carol (For Roy)
Eternal Life
Dream Brother

One of my ALL-TIME favorite records, Jeff Buckley's Grace is the epitome of what I love about music and lyrics, HANDS DOWN.  Another artist gone too soon, this record is the only complete studio album by Jeff Buckley.  Let me start by saying when I first heard this record, I swear I had it on repeat for months.  When I make mix CDs for my car, I always date them and I know between 2002 - 2004, Jeff Buckley's music was definitely on heavy rotation.  For that long until today, I've always been in love with his voice and his music.  Lover, You Should've Come Over, I think is what did me in.  How can a voice so angelic and so peaceful be so mesmerizing?  Not only that, Grace, Last Goodbye and Eternal Life round up more of my favorite songs.  A little quote about Eternal Life that I absolutely love, "This is a song about...this is an angry song. Life's too short and too complicated for people behind desks and people making masks to ruin other people's lives, initiating force against other people's lives, on the basis of their income, their color, their class, their religious  beliefs, their whatever..."  If that isn't the truth for you, than I don't know what to say.  A man who speaks his mind through his heart and his music definitely reflects that.

Enjoy!