Intuition

Two Hundred Fifty

Artist - The Black Angels
Album - Passover
Released - 2006
Label - Light in the Attic Records
Genre - Psychedelic Rock

Tracks:
1. Young Men
2. The First Vietnamese War
3. The Sniper at the Gates of Heaven
4. The Prodigal Sun
5. Black Grease
6. Manipulation
7. Empire
8. Better Off Alone
9. Bloodhounds on My Trail
10.  Call to Arms

Enjoy!

Stars

Two Hundred Forty-Nine

Album - Star Wars Soundtrack
Released - 1977
Label - BMI
Genre - Orchestral/Film Score

Tracks:
Side 1
Main Title
Imperial Attack
Princess Leia's Theme
The Desert and the Robot Auction
Side 2
Ben's Death and TIE Fighter Attack
The Little People Work
Rescue of the Princess
Inner City
Cantina Band
Side 3
The Land of The Sandpeople
Mouse Robot and Blasting Off
The Return Home
The Walls Converge
Side 4
The Princess Appears
The Last Battle
The Throne Room and End Title

Enjoy!

Dance I said, DANCE!!

Two Hundred Forty-Eight

Album - Footloose (Original Soundtrack of the Paramount Motion Picture)
Released - 1983
Genre - Soundtrack

Tracks:
Side One
Footloose - Performed by Kenny Loggins
Let's Hear it for the Boy - Performed by Deniece Williams
Almost Paradise (Love Theme from Footloose) - Performed by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson
Holding Out for a Hero - Performed by Bonnie Tyler
Side Two
Dancing in the Streets - Performed by Shalamar
I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man) - Performed by Kenny Loggins
Somebody's Eyes - Performed by Karla Bonoff
The Girl Gets Around - Performed by Sammy Hagar
Never - Performed by Moving Pictures

Enjoy!

The Greats

Two Hundred Forty-Seven

Artist - Simon and Garfunkel
Album - Greatest Hits
Released - 1972
Label - Columbia
Genre - Folk Rock

Tracks:
Side 1
Mrs. Robinson
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
The Boxer
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
The Sound of Silence
I Am A Rock
Scarborough Fair/Canticle
Side 2
Homeward Bound
Bridge Over Troubled Water
America
Kathy's Song
El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Bookends
Cecilia

Enjoy!!

Hypnotic Seduction

Two Hundred Forty-Six

Album - Flash Gordon
Music By - Queen
Released - 1980
Label - Hollywood Records/EMI
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Flash's Theme
In The Space Capsule
Ming's Theme
The Ring
Football Fight
In The Death Cell
Execution of Flash
The Kiss
Side Two
Arboria
Escape from the Swamp
Flash to the Rescue
Vultan's Theme
Battle Theme
The Wedding March
Marriage of Dale and Ming
Crash Dive on Mingo City
Flash's Theme Reprise
The Hero

Enjoy!

Unavoidable

Two Hundred Forty-Five

Artist - The Nation of Ulysses
Album - The Embassy Tapes
Released - 1992/2000
Label - Dischord Records (No. 124)
Genre - Post-Hardcore

Tracks:
Side 1
Uptight
R.O.T.T.E.N.
A.P.E. Embassy
Hex-Proof
Side 2
Outline for Hangout
Gimme Disaster
Shakedown (Party)
Last Train to Cool
P-Power pt. II

IMPORTANT:  This Nation of Ulysses record was made on a four-track 1/2" tape machine in September of 1992 at their Embassy in Washington, D.C..  Due to the limitations of the technology and the volume of the music there is a certain amount of tape noise which was unavoidable.

Enjoy!

Standing Room Only

Two Hundred Forty-Four

Artist - Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
Album - S.R.O.
Released - 1966
Label - A&M Records
Genre - Jazz/Latin

Tracks:
Side One
Our Day Will Come
Mexican Road Race
I Will Wait For You
Bean Bag
The Wall Street Rag
The Work Song
Side Two
Mame
Blue Sunday
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
For Carlos
Freight Train Joe
Flamingo

Enjoy!

Recorded Live

Two Hundred Forty-Three

Artist - Dionne Warwick
Album - In Paris (Recorded at the Olympic Theater)
Released - 1966
Label - Scepter Records Inc.
Genre - Soul

Tracks:
I Love Paris
C'est Si Bon
Message To Michael
You'll Never Get To Heaven (French)
Walk On By
O Yeah Yeah Yeah (English and French with Sacha Distel)
The Good Life
Le Vie En Rose (French)
What'd I Say
A House Is Not A Home (French)

How many worlds can one conquer? If you ask Dionne Warwick, she might be too modest to give an honest answer, but her performance anywhere speaks for itself.  For the first time, Dionne was recorded at the world famous Olympia Theater, and this ensemble of great songs is truly a tribute to her talent and versatility and gives insight into her ability to completely captivate any audience.

Enjoy!

The Best

Two Hundred Forty-Two

Artist - Nirvana
Album - In Utero
Released - 1993
Label - David Geffen Records
Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:
Serve the Servants
Scentless Apprentice
Heart-Shaped Box
Rape Me
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle
Dumb
Very Ape
Milk It
Pennyroyal Tea
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter
Tourette's
All Apologies

I don't even know where to start with this post, considering it is my favorite record of all time.  I guess I can go back to when I first heard it.  It was a little later after the album was released that I got a hold of In Utero, Nirvana's third and FINAL studio album.  I remember being very fascinated with the artwork on the cover and the back of the CD (yes, I first heard this on a CD) because it displayed a bunch of fetuses and a pregnant transparent anatomical mannequin.  When listening to it for the first time, I immediately had to give it a second go because I was floored at what I was listening to.  I went along with the lyrics the second time and instantly fell in love.  There is something about the way Kurt Cobain's voice flows with each lyric and the way it all goes together.  It's a masterpiece and to be labeled the group that forever changed the face of music was a heavy weight on his shoulders.  With Nevermind being their breakthrough album, you can really tell how much pain and anguish was put into this album and the realness of how he really felt his life was.  This album is perfect.  Absolutely perfect.

Enjoy!

My Hometown

Two Hundred Forty-One

Artist - James Gang
Album - Miami
Released - 1974
Label - ATCO Records
Genre - Rock

Tracks:
Side One
Crusin' Down the Highway
Do It
Wildfire
Sleepwalker
Miami Two-Step
Side Two
a. Praylude
b. Red Skies
Spanish Lover
Summer Breezes
Head Above The Water

Enjoy!

Christmas Time is Here

Two Hundred Forty

Artist - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Album - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Released - 1988
Label - Fantasy Records
Genre - Christmas Music/Holiday

Tracks:
Side One
O Tannenbaum
What Child Is This
My Little Drum
Linus and Lucy
Christmas Time is Here (Instrumental)
Side Two
Christmas Time is Here (vocal)
Skating
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Christmas is Coming
Fur Elise
The Christmas Song
Greensleeves

One of my favorite Christmas records of all time, hands down, without a doubt, this is the one.  To even begin would be a disaster in itself because I could let myself go on how this album reminds me of all things great and fantastic, which stems from my childhood until now.  This record will forever be a record that I play every Christmas or even whenever I'm feeling nostalgic about things.  I absolutely love this album.

Enjoy!

Am I Dreaming

Two Hundred Thirty-Nine

Artist - Tangerine Dream
Album - Hyperborea
Released - 1983
Label - Virgin
Genre - Electronic/Psychedelic Rock

Tracks:
Side One
No Man's Land
Hyperborea
Cinnamon Road
Side Two
Sphinx Lightening

A very interesting record that my boyfriend recommended, I was surprisingly satisfied with it.  When first listening to this album, I instantly thought of a movie from the 80's, as if though this could have been on a soundtrack or something.  Then after doing a little research on the interwebz, it seems as though Tangerine Dream was hired to do some work on Risky Business, Flashpoint, Dreamscape, Firestarter, etc.  Then it all made sense, a typical 80's record relating to all the movies I grew up watching.  That's why it struck such a chord with me, which I always enjoy listening or seeing things that trigger my childhood.

Enjoy!

A Long Wait

Two Hundred Thirty-Eight

Artist - Nirvana
Album - Almost Everything - The BBC Sessions
Label - Marble Four
Released - 2012
Genre - Grunge/Alternative

Tracks:
Polly
Spank Through
Turn Around
Here I Am
Mollys Lips
Pretty Scary
Drain You
Love Buzz
About A Girl
Dementia 7
Melt Down
Dumb

The Nirvana junkie that I am, coming across this record put me in a curious mood.  As I was flipping through the N's at the record store, this caught my eye.  I debated on buying it, walking around the record store looking at other records but I just kept thinking about this one, so here we are, at my two hundred thirty-eighth post.  It amazes me that, while listening to these songs, some of the titles don't match the real name of the song, but I guess that's a good thing.  A good find, a special listen and something that I can enjoy.

Enjoy!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Two Hundred Thirty-Seven

Artist - Chet Atkins
Album - Christmas with Chet Atkins
Released - 1961
Label - RCA Victor
Genre - Christmas Music

Tracks:
Side 1
Jingle Bell Rock
Winter Wonderland
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
White Christmas
Jingle Bells
Silver Bells
Side 2
Little Drummer Boy
Medley: The Coventry Carol; God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
The First Noel
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Deck the Halls
Silent Night

To all who know him, Chet Atkins is quite a man of great sensitivity, sincerity and humility...and yet a man who, through his music, has much to say.  When occasion demands, the Atkins guitar can be heard with tremendous versatility, though, always, there is warmth and immaculate taste in the playing.

Christmas is a time of reverence, humility and compassion for one's fellow man; it is also a time of gratitude for the good things in life, a time of joy and good cheer.  For this album, Chet has chosen selections that any gathering of people would sing around an open hearth at Yuletide-present-day popular songs of the season along with some of the more traditional Christmas favorites that have come down through the generations.  On Side 1 Chet is heard in his most familiar setting as he plays his famous electric guitar.  For Side 2, which contains most of the more traditional selections, Chet plays the classical guitar-an unamplified instrument with nylon strings on which he has already demonstrated his mastery of the classics.

Whichever way he performs, Chet Atkins, with an able assist from The Anita Kerr Singers in the background, never loses sight of the true spirit of Christmas as he offers his Season's Greetings.

Now, let us all enjoy CHRISTMAS WITH CHET ATKINS.

Enjoy!

Local is Good

Two Hundred Thirty-Six

Artist - The Strange Boys
Album - Be Brave
Released - 2010
Label - In The Red Records
Genre - Garage Rock

Tracks:
I See
A Walk On The Beach
Be Brave
Between Us
Da Da
Night Might
Dare I Say
Laugh At Sex, Not Her
All You Can Hide Inside
The Unsent Letter
You Can't Only Love When You Want

Enjoy!

In the Heart

Two Hundred Thirty-Five

Artist - Atmosphere
Album - When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold
Released - 2008
Label - Rhymesayers
Genre - Hip-Hop

Tracks:
Like The Rest of Us
Puppets
The Skinny
Dreamer
Shoulda Known
You
Painting
Your Glasshouse
Yesterday
Guarantees
Me
Wild Wild Horses
Can't Break
The Waitress
In Her Music Box

One of my favorite artists of all time, Atmosphere is pure poetry (in my world at least).  His storytelling type rhymes are just so perfect and so real, so here we have When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold.  In fact, this is the album that I heard that when I fell in love with Atmosphere that cold November night in 2008.  Ever since then, I've been such a strong supporter of all things Atmosphere, which entails going to all their shows every time they come to Austin, Texas.  Yesterday is an amazing song that makes me think about life, whereas Guarantees talks about real life struggles.  Slug, hardly rapping about most of the stuff that is out there today, keeps it real and to the point.  Let's not forget he's a genuine guy.  Never a complaint from me, Atmosphere is fantastic.

Enjoy!

This is not a Sport

Two Hundred Thirty-Five

Artist - Tennis
Album - Cape Dory
Released - 2011
Label - Fat Possum
Genre - Indie

Tracks:
Take Me Somewhere
Long Boat Pass
Cape Dory
Marathon
Bimini Bay
South Carolina
Pigeon
Seafarer
Baltimore
Waterbirds

Enjoy!

And The Beat Goes...

Two Hundred Thirty-Three

Artist - Quasi
Album - American Gong
Released - 2010
Label - Kill Rock Stars
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
A
Repulsion
Little White Horse
Everything & Nothing At All
Bye Bye Blackbird
The Jig Is Up
B
Black Dog & Bubbles
Death Is Not The End
Rockabilly Party
Now What
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

Enjoy!

One, Two

Two Hundred Thirty-Two

Artist - Dirty Three
Album - Cinder
Released - 2005
Label - Touch and Go Records
Genre - Instrumental/Folk Rock

Tracks:
This Side
Ever Since
She Passed Through
Amy
Sad Sexy
Cinders
That Side
This Might
Flutter
The Zither Player
It Happened
Other Side
Great Waves (feat. Chan Marshall)
Dream Evie
Feral
Doris
Rain On
Last Side
Ember
Michele
Too Soon, Too Late
Last Dance
In Fall

Dirty Three is a band from Australia who have definitely slipped under my radar.  Thank you to my lovely boyfriend for introducing me to this band and much to my surprise, after listening to this record, I discovered Chan Marshall sang on one of the tracks.  After I heard that, I had to look up who this band was and how I have managed to go so long without acknowledging their existence.  I immediately Google'd the name and when reading about the members in the band, I was instantly surprised.  WARREN ELLIS!!!  Though it's not Warren Ellis the Writer, because after seeing that I went to his Twitter which stated Not Australian Musician.  I instantly laughed at that.  Anyway, this album is Dirty Three's ninth studio album and by doing a little research, it was recorded in 10 days.  

Enjoy!

Animals?

Two Hundred Thirty-One

Artist - Tortoise
Album - TNT
Released - 1998
Label - Thrill Jockey
Genre - Post-Rock/Experimental

Tracks:
TNT
Swung from the Gutters
Ten-Day Interval
I Set My Face to the Hillside
The Equator
A Simple Way to go Faster than Light that Does Not Work
The Suspension Bridge at Iguazu Falls
Four-Day Interval
In Sarah, Mencken, Christ, and Beethoven There Were Women and Men
Almost Always is Nearly Enough
Jetty
Everglade

Enjoy!

From the Beginning

Two Hundred Thirty

Artist - Yo La Tengo
Album - And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out
Released - 2000
Label - Matador
Genre - Alternative Rock

Tracks:
1
Everyday
Our Way to Fall
Saturday
Let's Save Tony Orlando's House
2
Last Days of Disco
The Crying of Lot G
You Can't Have It All
Tear are in Your Eyes
3
Cherry Chapstick
From Black to Blue
Madeline
Tired Hippo
4
Night Falls on Hoboken

Enjoy!

Vibin'

Two Hundred Twenty-Ninth

Artist(s) - Diana Ross & The Supremes with The Temptations
Album - Together
Released - 1969
Label - Motown
Genre - Pop/Soul

Tracks:
Stubborn Kind of Fellow
I'll Be Doggone
The Weight
Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Sing A Simple Song
My Guy, My Girl
For Better or Worse
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Why (Must We Fall In Love)

A fantastic and soulful record, Together is an album with nothing but covers sung by the greatest musicians from Motown.  Such delight to have, this record is really a delight to listen to.

Enjoy!

Lately

Two Hundred Twenty-Eight

Artist - The Helio Sequence
Album - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Released - 2008
Label - Sub Pop
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
Lately
Can't Say No
The Captive Mind
You Can Come to Me
Shed Your Love
Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Back to This
Hallelujah
Broken Afternoon
No Regrets

Keep Your Eyes Ahead is the fourth album by Portland Indie Rockers The Helio Sequence and I just read a fun little fact about a song on this record.  You Can Come To Me samples sound effects from Super Mario Bros. 3.  Ahhh yes, now I'm going to need to pay closer attention to that song the next time I listen to it.  For the most part, this album is great, but I think Lately is one of my favorites, even though it's mainly about a break up.  Another band that I got to see live at Fun Fun Fun Fest this past November, this duo can definitely put on a great show.  It amazes me how two people can put on such a great live performance without the help of a bass and any other instrument.  Much respect to two piece bands that can rock out live.  Anyway, here is a fascinating blurb from their record:

A future that was and is

so seemingly within each,

but out of hand still.

Potential always betrayed.

A self-made foreign self-spite.

That which I know and have known

and have no reason to unlearn,

no matter the wise words

of friends or philosophers.

From the suburbs, where I find

living without a center a possible reality,

but a banal tragedy,

to the city, where I find

no center by an octopus of too many worlds,

many possible realities,

and a banal tragedy still.

And at last, a hole in a sock so big

that daring means creating newness

in negative space, a transplant,

a lattice-worked piece of sustenance

on the heel where it is walked on the most.

Chrzin, CZ 1/1/05

Enjoy!

Heavyness

Two Hundred Twenty -Seven

Artist - The Sword
Album - Age of Winters
Released - 2006
Label - Kemado
Genre - Heavy Metal

Tracks:
Side A
Celestial Crown
Barael's Blade
Freya
Winter's Wolves
The Horned Goddess
Side B
Iron Swan
Lament for the Aurochs
March of the Lor
Ebethron

The debut album by Austin rockers The Sword, Age of Winters is a heavy, yet fascinating record.  Heavy metal at it's best, this record, in its entirety is pretty hard.  I always admire my taste in music, not to sound full of myself, because my range is so broad.  I go from Hip-Hop to Pop to Heavy Metal and it just helps me appreciate all types of sounds.  When listening to this record, it reminded me a lot of Red Fang, another heavy metal band that I had the pleasure of seeing live at Fun Fun Fun Fest this past November.  I love the drums and guitar on this album the most.  I feels like I'm almost in a time warp when I used to listen to nothing by Heavy Metal.  Those were the days.

Enjoy!

Naked and Alone

Two Hundred Twenty-Six

Artist - Apostle of Hustle
Album - National Anthem of Nowhere
Released - 2007
Label - Arts & Crafts
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
"My Sword Hand's Anger"
National Anthem of Nowhere
The Naked & Alone
Haul Away
Cheap Like Sebastien
Rafaga!
Chances Are
A Rent Boy Goes Down
Fast Pony For Victor Jara
Justine, Beckoning
Jimmy Scott is the Answer
NoNoNo

The second album by Andrew Whiteman (frontman and guitarist for Broken Social Scene), National Anthem of Nowhere is such a fantastic record.  I don't know how I stumbled upon this band, probably through Last.fm since it also recommends similar artists to what you are listening to, this was another happy accident.  Becoming very obsessed with this record at the time it was released, especially with Naked & Alone, I instantly fell for this album.  I feel like I speak about albums I like or even love as if they were people I've shared intimate moments with.  With that regard, this is a world-ly type of record because there are a few tracks that are sung in Spanish, which is interesting in itself.  A very easy listening record, I enjoy all that this album has to offer.

Enjoy!

With Much Delight

Two Hundred Twenty-Five

Artist - Sound Team
Album - Marathon
Released - 2005
Label - St. Ives Records
Genre - Indie Rock

Tracks:
A
The Fastest Man Alive
Your Eyes Are Mirrors
Orange Bird
In The Dark No One Can Hear You Sweat
B
Back in Town
Shattered Glass
Afterglow Years
Don't Turn Away

A rarity to find, I thank my friend Brian for sharing this pick.  Sound Team is a local Austin band that I've stumbled upon (through the recommendation through friends) a little too late.  Even though they broke up 5 years ago, it seems to me that that has not been the case.  Maybe because I play their music a lot and still enjoy it, maybe because Matt Oliver and Jordan Johns have now formed another group called TV Torso, who knows?  But what I know is is that this album is amazing.  The Fastest Man Alive, Back In Town and Shattered Glass are probably my favorites on this track.  The possibilities could have been endless for this band, but I think with record label woes and conflicts of interest/personalities, the end was inevitable.  If you ever come across any Sound Team tunes, they are definitely worth a listen.  Let me not forget to mention they are A-OK guys, though I can only speak for one.

Enjoy!

Queen of Pop

Two Hundred Twenty-Four

Artist - Madonna
Album - Like A Virgin
Released - 1984
Label - Sire/Warner Bros.
Genre - Pop

Tracks:
Side One
Material Girl
Angel
Like A Virgin
Over and Over
Love Don't Live Here Anymore
Side Two
Dress You Up
Shoo-Bee-Doo
Pretender
Stay

The second album by Madonna, Like A Virgin, in the notoriety that it has, other than the more popular songs, it was pretty difficult to listen to.  When I thought that, I instantly thought of the music that was around in 1984.  As much as I love the whole pop/disco movement, I did not agree with the rest of the songs.  Material Girl, Like A Virgin and Love Don't Live Here Anymore are possibly the only good songs on this record, of course because these are the songs that made Madonna what she is today (plus her extraordinary open views that she incorporated into her music/appearance).  But when it's all said and done, at the end of the day -- listening to this record in a whole can be pretty painful getting through certain tracks.

Enjoy!

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!!!