A Natural Woman

Two Hundred Twenty-Three

Artist - Carole King
Album - Tapestry
Released - 1971
Label - Ode
Genre - Folk/Pop

Tracks:
Side One
I Feel The Earth Move
So Far Away
It's Too Late
Home Again
Beautiful
Way Over Yonder
Side Two
You've Got a Friend
Where You Lead
Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
Smackwater Jck
Tapestry
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

One of the best selling albums of all-time, Carole King's Tapestry is golden.  This album, from start to  finish, is one of the greatest ever.  Most of these songs have been covered by many, Carole King is one of the best selling female solo artists of all time.  It amazes me that this album  has been listed on the Billboard 200 for 300 weeks between 1971 - 2011.  That, right there, is IMPRESSIVE.  Such a soothing and relaxing album, Carole King's voice, the way she sings each song, will put you in a relaxation state.  Definitely one album to have in your collection, hands down!

Enjoy!

Passion at it's BEST

Two Hundred Twenty-Two

Artist - Wilson Pickett
Album - Wilson Pickett's Greatest Hits
Released - 1985
Label - Atlantic
Genre - R&B/Soul

Tracks:
Side One
In The Midnight Hour
I Found A Love
634-5789
If You Need Me
Mustang Sally
Don't Fight It
Side Two
Everybody Needs Somebody To Love
It's Too Late
Ninety-Nine and One-Half (Won't Do)
Funky Broadway
Soul Dance Number Three
Land of 1000 Dances
Side Three
Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You
Sugar Sugar
Get Me Back On Time, Engine Number 9
I'm A Midnight Mover
A Man and a Half
Mama Told Me Not To Come
Side Four
She's Lookin' Good
I'm In Love
Don't Knock My Love - Pt.1
Hey Jude
You Keep Me Hangin' On
I Found A True Love

Such an amazing compilation of greatest hits by Wilson Pickett, which also included some covers, this album was definitely a fun listen.  My boyfriend happened to be here with me while I was listening to it and by the second side, we were both dancing with each other.  Nothing like the simple things in life to put a smile on your face and for that, it made my night, which was quite an interesting one.

Enjoy!

Folk

Two Hundred Twenty-One

Artist - Simon & Garfunkel
Album - Bookends
Released - 1968
Label - Columbia
Genre - Folk

Tracks:
Side One
Bookends Theme (Instrumental)
Save The Life Of My Child
America
Overs
Voices of Old People
Old Friends
Bookends Theme
Side Two
Fakin' It
Punky's Dilemma
Mrs. Robinson
A Hazy Shade of Winter

On a day like today, I felt like playing this record.  It brought me into a state of calm and after today, I'm glad I decided to go with this record.  In life, nothing is every easy, but you have to make the most of it, regardless of the circumstances.  As heavy as today was, it came to me that I'm alive, I am free and I  have loved ones around me.  Nothing could be better.  I even have my music, my records and just the comfort of that made this evening a good one.

The fourth album by Simon & Garfunkel and also produced by them, Bookends has two of my favorite Simon and Garfunkel songs ever.  Mrs. Robinson and A Hazy Shade of Winter are my all-time favorite. Also, when listening to this album, it reminds me of when I used to work at the law school some years back and I would get these random voicemails with Simon  Garfunkel songs.  Of course I never discovered who it was, but I just thought that was the oddest thing.  All is well in the land of Rachel today and every day after today!

Enjoy!

Takin' it to the Streets

Two Hundred Twenty

Artist - Billy Joel
Album - 52nd Street
Released - 1978
Label - Columbia
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Big Shot
Honesty
My Life
Zanzibar
Stiletto
Rosalinda's Eyes
Half A Mile Away
52nd Street

The sixth studio album by Billy Joel, 52nd Street would have to be my favorite.  Having been around for quite a while when this album was released, Honesty is my favorite song on this record, because of course so many can relate.  I think what makes Billy Joel so unique, other than his sensible piano skills are the lyrics of each song.  Some are questionable, but with this record, My Life is a way of showing that no matter what, it's his life.  Crushing on this music at such a young age, I appreciate it now, as an adult more than I ever did as a kid.  I'm very thankful for being exposed to such greatness at an early age, because when I come across these records today, the words sink in better.

Enjoy!

Phemonenal

Two Hundred Nineteen

Artist - Johnny Cash
Album - I Walk The Line
Released - 1964
Label - Columbia
Genre - Blues/Folk

Tracks:
I Walk The Line
Bad News
Folsom Prison Blies
Give My Love To Rose
Hey Porter
I Still Miss Someone
Understand Your Man
Wreck of the Old 97
Still In Town
Big River
Goodbye, Little Darlin' Goodbye
Troublesome Waters

A phenomenal probably unique to the Country and Western and fold song fields is the composer who is also the best singer of his own songs.  One of the notably gifted - and most successful - examples in recent years is Johnny Cash, whose hit recordings of original compositions have appeared repeatedly on national best-seller charts.  Endowed with a vibrant, virile baritone voice, he is one of the best songwriting talents since the legendary Hank Williams.

The title of Johnny's new collection, I WALK THE LINE, is also the title of the million-seller that catapulted him into the national spotlight only a few years ago. Appropriately, the song leads off this album which includes six Cash originals and one collaboration.  After he sings Bad News ("I'm bad news, always gettin' into trouble"), the effect of which Johnny heightens by a devilish chuckle, he follows with three other famous Cash originals, the grim Folsom Prison Blues ("I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die"), the poignant Give My Love To Rose ("the words a dyin' fella said") and Hey Porter ("tell me the time, how much longer will it be till we cross the Mason-Dixie line?"), a jubilant going-home song.  I Still Miss Someone is a sentimental song Johnny wrote to brother Roy's words.

I WALK THE LINE offers Johnny Cash, renowned story-teller-in-song, at his creative and performing best.

Enjoy!

Heartbreaker

Two Hundred Eighteen

Artist - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Album - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Released - 1976
Label - Shelter
Genre - Rock 'N Roll

Tracks:
Side 1
Rockin' Around (With You)
Breakdown
Hometown Blues
The Wild One, Forever
Anything That's Rock 'N' Roll
Side 2
Strangered In The Nights
Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)
Mystery Man
Luna
American Girl

Enjoy!

Impressed

Two Hundred Seventeen

Artist - The Impressions
Album - The Best of the Impressions
Released - 1968
Label - ABC Records
Genre - Funk/Soul

Tracks:
Side One
I Love and I Lost
Can't Satisfy
We're A Winner
She Don't Love Me
Too Slow
Amen
Side Two
You've Been Cheatin'
I've Been Trying
We're Rollin' On
People Get Ready
This Must End

For a number of years, The Impressions have rolled along on the crest of success, creating hit after hit on records and in personal appearances, and firmly establishing themselves in the minds of the public as one of the most professional and durable singing groups in the music business.

With every new song written by Curtis Mayfield (and he writes ninety-five percent of The Impressions' material), another meaningful message is added to the repertoire of contemporary music.  Perhaps the impact of Curtis's messages reached its peak with The Impressions' hit recording of "We're A Winner" (included in this album).  Not only did the record follow the customary hit pattern, but it reached the public's ear at a time in 1968 when discontent was erupting among the Negro people and their dissension took the form of violent activity.

Why not love The Impressions?!?!?

Enjoy!

Totally

Two Hundred Sixteen

Artist - Yes
Album - 90125
Released - 1983
Label - Atco
Genre - Pop Rock/New Wave

Tracks:
1
Owner of a Lonely Heart
Hold On
It Can Happen
Changes
2
Cinema
Leave It
Our Song
City of Love
Hearts

Enjoy!

This is the Jam

Two Hundred Fifteen

Artist - Peanut Butter Wolf
Album - Peanut Butter Breaks
Released - 1994
Label - Stones Throw Records
Genre - Hip Hop

Tracks:
Summer's End
Dopestyle
Gold Diggin
Soggy D
Chain Gang
Don't Turn Your Back
Currents
Rape Date
Wake Up Beat
Creepin
Charizma

One of the first records/albums my friend from Los Angeles recommended to me.  After listening to this and liking it, every recommendation he gave me after that have been pure gold.  Peanut Butter Wolf is a DJ from the Los Angeles area and the beats on this album are all by him.  More of a hip hop/beats record, this album is fantastic.  

Enjoy!

Meeting of the Minds

Two Hundred Fourteen

Artist - The Doors
Album - Soft Parade
Released - 1969
Label - Elektra
Genre - Psychedelic Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Tell All The People
Touch Me
Shaman's Blues
Do It
Easy Ride
Side Two
Wild Child
Runnin' Blue
Wishful Sinful
The Soft Parade

The fourth studio album by The Doors, Soft Parade is an interesting album.  A lot different from their previous records, this album has a bit of a different vibe.  Tell All The People is a soft song, with more of an instrumental type sound.  Maybe a lot of people didn't agree with it, since it is considered one of their more "creative" albums.  When listening to Touch Me, it leans more along the same sound as their previous album with the exception of the saxophone solo towards the end of the song.  Heavy bass lines in Shaman's Blues, gives this song a blues-y feel, which I like.  

Enjoy!

Composure

Two Hundred Thirteen

Artist - Burt Bacharach
Album - Reach Ouy
Released - 1967
Label - A&M Records
Genre - Pop/Vocal

Tracks:
Side One
Reach Out For Me
Alfie
Bond Street
Are You There (With Another Girl)
What The World Needs Now Is Love
Side Two
The Look Of Love
A House Is Not A Home
I Say A Little Prayer for You
The Windows of the World
Lisa
Message to Michael

The music mastermind of pop culture.  Don't let this album fool you, Burt Bacharach is a GOD in the music world!!

Enjoy!

One Love

It's been a while since I've given a little introduction on a record and I thought it would be best to do it for A Tribe Called Quest.  A lot of people find it hard to believe that they are one of my favorite acts ever, but when I listen to their music, I think about all the things in my life that are good, that have made me happy and that have led me to be here today.  I think more of it has to do with emotions, obviously, but I can't really put into works how I feel when I listen to this record.   So here you have it, record number two hundred twelve:

Artist - A Tribe Called Quest

Album - Hits, Rarities & Remixes

Released - 2003

Label - Jive Records

Genre - Hip-Hop

Tracks:

Side A

Oh My God (Remix)

Award Tour 

Can I Kick It?

One, Two, S**t featuring Busta Rhymes

Side B

Electric Relaxation

Mr. Incognito - previously unreleased

I Left My Wallet In El Segundo

Check The Rhime

Lyrics To Go (Tumblin' Dice Remix)

Side C

Scenario

Same Ol' Thing

Buggin' Out

Bonita Applebum

Side D

Jazz (We've Got)

Glamour & Glitz

Clap Your Hands

The Night He Got Caught - previously unreleased

Peace, Prosperity & Paper

One Love!

Enjoy!

Interlude

Two Hundred Eleven

Artist - John Coltrane
Album - Coltrane
Released - 1957
Label - Prestige Records
Genre - Jazz

Tracks:
Side 1
Bakai
Violets For Your Furs
Time Was
Side 2
Straight Street
While My Lady Sleeps
Chronic Blues

The debut album by John Coltrane, Coltrane is golden.  Jazz is one of my favorite genres of music and I honestly wish I knew more about it, but when I listen to this record, I stop and pause and open my mind to the thought of relaxation.  Lying on your bed, with your eyes closed and listening to the saxophone wind   you down.  Even the more upbeat tracks have a nice sound on the ears.  I just absolutely love John Coltrane and I don't think I've come across one record or song of his I did not like.

Bakai (which means "cry" in Arabic), by Cal Massey, opens side one.  Its handsome minor theme is expounded by Red Garland, Coltrane (who really cries) and Shihab.  The rest of side one is handled by the quartet featuring Trane and Red.  Two ballad standards, Violen For Your Furs and Time Was are the subjects; the former receives a sensitive ballad treatment while the latter is done in bright medium time.  Side two opens on Straight Street, a Coltrane composition and arrangement which features solos by the leader, Johnnie Splawn and Mal Waldron.  An intensely different Coltrane interpretation of the seldom done While My Lady Sleeps is Trane's also until Splawn joins him for a final eerie note.  Trane's Chronic Blues is the closer and gives the horns and Waldron solo room.

Enjoy!

Excitement to my Ears

Two Hundred Ten

Artist - Tame Impala
Album - Innerspeaker
Released - 2010
Label - Modular Recordings
Genre - Psychedelic Rock

Tracks:
Side A
It Is Not Meant To Be
Desire Be Desire Go
Alter Ego
Side B
Lucidity
Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind
Solitude Is Bliss
Side C
Jeremy's Storm
Expectation
The Bold Arrow of Time
Side D
Runway, Houses, City, Clouds
I Don't Really Mind

There is no better feeling than walking into a record store to find an only copy of a record you ordered from an online record store and it was out of print.  The sheer excitement and joy on my face could not be put into words as I was flipping through the "T" tab in the rock section when I stumbled upon Tame Impala's Innerspeaker.  The debut album by Australian rockers, not only is this probably one of the best accidents I stumbled upon, but this album is really amazing.  The first song I ever heard was Solitude is Bliss and at the time I was content with solitude in my life, so when I read the lyrics it made perfect sense.  Also, it helped that the video was  very well done!!  The psychedelic rock aspect is definitely heard in their sound, but my roommate also said that it seems like they are heavily influenced by The Beatles, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  All in all, this record is so great that I've played it twice and that is pretty rare!!  Also another great track is Jeremy's Storm, which is more of an instrumental song.

Enjoy!

One and Done

Two Hundred Nine

Artist - Rapeman
Album - Two Nuns and a Pack Mule
Released - 1988
Label  - Touch and Go Records
Genre - Noise Rock

Tracks:
Side Yo
Steak and Black Onions
Monobrow
Up Beat
Coition Ignition Mission
Kim Gordo's panties
Side Mo
Hated Chinee
Radar Love Lizard
Marmoset
Just Got Paid
Trouser Minnow

The first and ONLY LP released by Chicago rockers Rapeman, Two Nuns and a Pack Mule is a pretty stellar and surprising find with Steve Albini fronting the band.  A friend of mine posted one of their videos and when it caught my attention, I wanted to play the record because I knew it was on my shelf. I don't know if I was really expecting it to sound as good as it did, but I'm glad it did, but it's also too bad that this is their only LP.  Steve Albini is a very talented musician/producer, so it's almost difficult to point out the errors in his captivating history of music.  What I found interesting in researching Rapeman was that the title was based off a character in a Japanese comic book that they came across which portrayed stories where women would get raped in graphic detail.  When you first come across the name of this band, you have to wonder why on earth someone would even name their band that.  But alas, the name of the band was shortly interfered by protesters who thought it meant that they disregarded rape for humor or entertainment and that was not the case.  Coming across a mix of Minutemen and The Jesus Lizard, I approve this record because not only do I love noise rock, this record is upbeat and great.

Enjoy!

Farewell

Two Hundred Eight

Artist - Explosions In The Sky
Album - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Released - 2011
Label - Temporary Residence
Genre - Post Rock

Tracks:
Last Known Surroundings
Human Qualities
Trembling Hands
Be Comfortable, Creature
Post Rock from 1952
Let Me Back In

The introduction of Explosions In The Sky's sixth album Take Care, Take Care, Take Care comes to you with a winding type sound that plays well into the rest of the tracks with what is considered to be very comforting.  What I love most about Explosions in the Sky (EITS) is that their post rock sound is very warming and inviting.  You could introduce this album, as well as their other albums, to someone whose never heard of them and they could instantly be drawn in by the magnitude of what EITS has to offer.  It would almost be like love at first listen, especially when you hear the guitar sound against the drums and bass.  It is like a magical feeling and I'm happy that a record, let alone a band, gives me the feeling I feel like EITS does.  A great band that has so much to offer, one could say that this kind of post rock is best listened to loud.

Enjoy!

Sweet Southern Sounds

Two Hundred Seven

Artist - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Album - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Released - 1973
Label - MCA Records
Genre - Southern Rock

Tracks:
Side One
I Ain't The One
Tuesday's Gone
Gimmie Three Steps
Simple Man
Side Two
Things Goin' On
Mississippi Kid
Poison Whiskey
Free Bird

I'm guessing I've been on a Southern Rock-ish kick lately, so here you have it -- Lynyrd Skynyrd!!  Their debut album, this is such a classic, timeless record.  With songs like Tuesday's Gone, which perfectly outfits today, Gimmie Three Steps and the infamous Free Bird are what makes this album golden.  No matter where you are, when you hear Free Bird on the radio or in a store, you should automatically pause and think to yourself how amazing the song is, which is pretty much a timeless classic.

Enjoy!

Remembering...

Two Hundred Six

Artist - Bruce Springsteen
Album - Born In The U.S.A.
Released - 1984
Label - Columbia
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side 1
Born In The U.S.A.
Cover Me
Darling Country
Working on the Highway
Downbound Train
I'm On Fire
Side 2
No Surrender
Bobby Jean
I'm Going Down
Glory Days
Dancing in the Dark
My Hometown

The seventh album by Bruce Springsteen, Born In The U.S.A. is one of the first records that made me fall in love with music and dancing.  Not only that, this is where I first fell in love with a man and his name with Bruce Springsteen.  Being at the ripe age of 4, which this album came out, I'm sure that his white tee and blue jeans is what did me in.  Now that I think about it, I was boy crazy at such a young age.  In all respect, I decided to play this album for Veterans Day in rememberance of all the people who have fought hard to protect our country.   I can never get over the beat of the first song, Born In The U.S.A. and how it reminds me of 2 Live Crew.  I guess that beat will be famous for that, but for the most part, Glory Days is a good song to dance to.  But let's face it, the cover of this album is fantastic!

Enjoy!

The Best Of

Two Hundred Five

Artist - The Doobie Brothers
Album - Best of the Doobies
Released - 1976
Label - Warner Bros.
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
China Grove
Long Train Runnin'
Takin' it to the Streets
Listen to the Music
Black Water
Rockin' Down the Highway
Side Two
Jesus is just Alright
It Keeps You Runnin'
South City Midnight Lady
Take Me In Your Arms
Without You

The first greatest hits by The Doobie Brothers, this album is just all kinds of awesome.  Amazing hits back to back, you literally have to play this loud -- and proud.  Sometimes I find it rather difficult to write about "The Best Of" albums because it's literally the best songs by the artist/band.  I just enjoy each song and appreciate!

Enjoy!

Animal Instinct

Two Hundred Four

Artist - Okkervil River
Album - Black Sheep Boy
Released - 2005
Label - Jagjaguwar
Genre - Indie/Folk Rock

Tracks:
Black Sheep Boy
For Real
In A Radio Song
Black
Get Big
A King and a Queen
A Stone
The Latest Toughs
Song of Our So-Called Friend
So Come Back, I Am Waiting
A Glow

The third album by Okkervil River, Black Sheep Boy is an emotional and sensitive record, at least that's what I gathered. Hailing from Austin, Texas (w00t w00t), the cover art is quite interesting and the songs are just as good.  One could say that this is their best album to date and I would agree.  When I was listening to this album, I felt that to fully feel an album, sound and lyric wise, you have to relax and take in what the ears are receiving.  Often times one might thing they are listening to a record when, in reality, they are just hearing it and not listening.  To put effort into a good listen, you have to appreciate all the album has to offer.  So this record, being as in depth and intense as it is amazes me with the quality of how amazing it is.  It's beautiful!

Enjoy!

Numbers Up

Two Hundred Third

Artist - Blonde Redhead
Album - Fake Can Be Just As Good
Released - 1997
Label - Touch and Go Records
Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:
Kasuality
Symphony of Treble
Water
Ego Maniac Kid
Bipolar
Pier Paolo
Oh James
Futurism vs Passeism

The third album by Blonde Redhead, Fake Can Be Just As Good is not fake, but really good.  I suppose turning the title of their words into a statement to justify this record was a point on my part, but if you don't think so, it's doesn't really matter because this is my blog and I can type what I want, within reason of course. This record is what I have been wanting to listen to for some time, since every time I browse through my records to see what I feel like playing for the day, I always debate on weather or not I wanted to listen to this one.  Since today is one of those relaxing/lazy days, I decided it would be perfect.  I literally laid in my bed listening and I thought to myself, "I miss Blonde Redhead.  I need more Blonde Redhead in my life as of late."  It's been quite sometime since I listened to this record and the vibe I get is more like a experimental sound.  The direction of this band and their music is a rarity and Kazu's voice is like icing on the cake.

Enjoy!

Talking Sense

Two Hundred Two

Artist - Talking Heads
Album - Stop Making Sense
Released - 1984
Label - Sire/EMI
Genre - Post-Punk/New Wave

Tracks:
Side One
Psycho Killer
Swamp
Slippery People
Burning Down the House
Girlfriend is Better
Side Two
Once in a Lifetime
What a Day That Was
Life During Wartime
Take Me To the River

A live album from the Talking Head's motion picture Stop Making Sense, this soundtrack highlights the great tracks by the band.  David Byrne at his most cutest, if that is a good way to put it.  Byrne's intention was not to make a traditional soundtrack, but to have a separate experience.

Why "Stop Making Sense"?

Why a movie? Why tour?

Why do the musicians come out gradually?

What will the next band do?

Where do the odd movements come from?

Are live concerts better or worse than records?

Why no "special effects" in the movie?

Why a booklet? Why a big suit?

Why was a digital system used for the sound?

I find it fascinating when bands put together documentaries when they go on tour, to specifically give us, the fans, a dose of what it's like on the road for them and to also give us a perspective on the inner workings of what goes on when a band goes on the road.  Listening to this record, Psycho Killer and Burning Down the House are two of my favorites, because I feel like it best forms Byrne's vocal range.  Questions left unanswered, some left to get the mind thinking of future directions.

Enjoy!

Drawings

Two Hundred First

Artist - Cat Stevens
Album - Izitso
Released - 1977
Label - A&M Records
Genre - Folk/Pop/Rock

Tracks:
Side 1
Old Schoolyard
Life
Killin' Time
Kypros
Bonfire
Side 2
To Be A Star
Crazy
Sweet Jamacia
Was Dog a Doughnut
Child For a Day

Cat Stevens is an interesting character, from what I gather, but this album is definitely an interesting one.  With more synthesizer and an electronic feel, this record is more as a pop type record than I would imagine what other folk type rock comes from Cat Stevens.  Quite an enjoyable record, I still think there are other great records by Cat Stevens out there.  For now, here you go!

Enjoy!!!

Rolled Tide

Two Hundred

Album - Famous Football Songs of the Southwest Conference
Released - 1960

Tracks:
University of Arkansas "Marching Razorbacks"
Baylor University "Golden Wave" Band
The Rice University Band
Southern Methodist University "Mustang" Band
University of Texas "Longhorn Band"
Texas A&M "Aggie" Band
Texas Christian University "Horned Frog" Band
Texas Tech "Red Raider" Band

To help celebrate the triumphant win over the undefeated Alabama, here's to you Texas A&M!!  I know this is not much of a pick, but I don't think I have ever been so enthusiastic about College Football.  Why not play the Famous Football Songs of the Southwest Conference!!

As Kevin would say, "Gigg 'em!"

Enjoy!!!

Its a Concept

One Hundred Ninety-Nine

Artist - Cursive
Album - The Ugly Organ
Released - 2003
Label - Saddle Creek
Genre - Emo/Indie Rock

Tracks:
The Ugly Organist
Some Red Handed Slight of Hand
Art is Hard
The Recluse
Herald! Frankenstein
Butcher the Song
Driftwood: A Fairy Tale
A Gentleman Caller
Harold Weathervein
Bloody Murder
Sierra
Staying Alive

Enjoy!!

Texas Swing

One Hundred Ninety-Eight

Artist - Roy Head and the Traits
Album - Treat Me Right
Released - 1965
Label - Scepter Records
Genre - Rockabilly/Rock 'n Roll

Tracks:
Side A
Just A Little Bit
One More Time
Money
Get Back - Instrumental
The Feeling's Gone
Side B
Treat Me Right
Get Back - Vocal
Convicted
Night Train
My Babe

From the small town of San Marcus, Texas on a farm that borders on L.B.J.  Roy burst open the hit charts so quickly that it took just four weeks for a bright-eyed eager Texas boy to become know throughout the country and most of the world.

A surprising pick my my roommate, upon playing this album, I felt like I wanted to listen to something with a little swing and this record hit the spot.  Listening and dancing to music are two things that I love, but when you know that something is so genuine as a little Texas swing, it makes you feel good about where music comes from.  Roy Head, a Texas native, is from a little town of San Marcus, which is about 20 minutes-ish from Austin.  Exploring music from a state that I currently reside in makes me appreciate how so many different genres and talents exist in the world.  From the 60's to today!

Enjoy!!

One is NOT Enough

One Hundred Ninety-Six

Artist - Maserati
Album - Inventions for the New Season
Released - 2007
Label - Temporary Residence
Genre - Post Rock

Tracks:
Side A
Inventions
12/16
Side B
Kalimera
Synchronicity IV
Side C
This Is A Sight We Had One Day From The High Mountain
Show Me The Season
Side D
Kalinichta
The Outside World

For Jerry!!

Enjoy!

Rest In Peace

One Hundred Ninety-Six

Artist - Maserati
Album - Pyramid Of The Sun
Released - 2010
Label - Temporary Residence
Genre - Post Rock

Tracks:
Side A
Who Can Find The Beast?
Pyramid of the Sun
We Got The System to Fight The System
They'll No More Suffer From Thirst
Ruins
Side B
They'll No More Suffer from Hunger
Oaxaca
Bye M' Friend, Goodbye

To think of such a great post rock band without their legendary drummer goes without saying.  Jerry Fuchs, a machine in his own right, was such an amazing drummer.  Maserati's fourth album, Pyramid Of The Sun was intended to celebrate Jerry's life after his death, since the drums on this album were recorded prior to his death.  Maserati is a band from Athens, Georgia and I always feel like some great, underrated bands come from that area.  You also have some very famous bands that have come from that area too.  Nonetheless, Maserati is one band that I was introduced to late in the game, but never to late to enjoy such great music.  R.I.P. Jerry Fuchs!!  Till this time next year when we will continue to play the music you have graced us with.

Enjoy!

In Style

One Hundred Ninety-Five

Artist - The Stylistics
Album - The Best of The Stylistics
Released - 1975
Label - Avco
Genre - R&B/Soul

Tracks
Side One
You Make Me Feel Brand New
Betcha by Golly, Wow
Rockin' Roll Baby
Break Up To Make Up
You're a Big Girl Now
Side Two
I'm Stone In Love With You
Heavy Falling Out
Let's Put It All Together
You Are Everything
People Make the World Go Round

Since I'm in a bit of a compilation mood, here is another fantastic record by The Stylistics which I think is the album that will make you fall in and out and maybe right back in love.  Nothing like a little R&B/Soul to captivate you heart and mind to making you feel good about a little love in your life.  Even if you are not in love or if you are going through a breakup, this album will do wonders.  I happened to be listening to this album with a very special person who was listening right along with me.  It's funny how things work.  

Enjoy!

The Greatest

One Hundred Ninety-Four

Artist - The Beatles
Album - 1967-1970
Released - 1970
Label - Apple
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Strawberry Fields Forever
Penny Lane
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
With a Little Help From My Friends
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
A Day in the Life
All You Need Is Love
Side Two
I Am The Walrus
Hello, Goodbye
The Fool on the Hill
Magical Mystery Tour
Lady Madonna
Hey Jude
Revolution
Side Three
Back In The U.S.S.R.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Get Back
Don't Let Me Down
The Ballard of John & Yoko
Old Brown Shoe
Side Four
Here Comes The Sun
Come Together
Something
Octopus's Garden
Let It Be
Across The Universe
The Long and Winding Road

With an album as well put together as this, 1967-1970 truly has all the hits you would want in that time frame.  To sum up the the track listing, once can say it is phenomenal because not only do you have the greatest songs of their whole existence, but it is also a mix of wild yet soft sounds.  The Beatles is a band that paved the way for so many, so their music will live on forever.  The perfect compilation to such amazing music!!

Enjoy!

Party!!!

One Hundred Ninety-Three

Artist - Fidlar
Album - Fidlar
Released - 2012
Album - Mom + Pop
Genre - Garage Rock

Tracks:
Cheap Beer
Stoked and Broke
White on White
No Waves
Whore
Max Can't Surf
Blackout Stout
Wake Bake Skate
Gimmie Something
5 to 9
LDA
Paycheck
Wait for the Man
Cocaine

I'm not entirely sure how exactly I came across this band, but this band is definitely one of those hardcore party bands.  I haven't been listening to Fidlar that long, I would have to say a couple of weeks, maybe a month and they are surprisingly fresh.  A group of four guys from Los Angeles, the name of the tracks should give away the idea of how this record should sound.  I was very happy to find out that Fidlar was playing an after show at the Mohawk (a venue in Austin, Texas) since I missed their performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest due to my work schedule.  So quickly after the festival, or a little before it ended, I bolted out of there and walked to the Mohawk to get there just as they were a few songs into their set.  I do have to say, they really like to party and it reminded me a lot of Andrew W.K.  Quick tracks, fast guitar playing, loud singing and silly lyrics = PARTY ALBUM!

Enjoy!

Lightening Fast

One Hundred Ninety-Second

Artist - Reo Speedwagon
Album - A Decade of Rock N Roll 1970 - 1980
Released - 1988
Label - Epic
Genre - Soft Rock/Pop Rock

Tracks:
Side 1
Sophisticated Lady - 1971
Music Man - 1972
Golden Country - 1972
Son of a Poor Man - 1973
Lost In A Dream - 1972
Side 2
Reelin' - 1975
Keep Pushin' - 1976
(I Believe) Our Time Is Gonna Come - 1976
Breakaway - 1976
Lightening - 1976
Side 3 
Like You Do - 1977
Flying Turkey Trot - 1977
157 Riverside Avenue (New Live Recording)
Ridin' The Storm Out (New Live Recording)
Side 4
Roll With The Changes - 1978
Time For Me To Fly - 1978
Say You Love Me or Say Goodbye - 1978
Only The Strong Survive - 1979
Back On The Road Again - 1979

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!