Day 16 - Please mum, no more!

Marianne Faithful - Broken English
Okay so I had heard of Marianne Faithful before listening to this, and I know all about why her voice is the way it is, but I really do not like it. I think I am supposed to see past it and see a visionary songwriter and performer, but all I hear is the scratchy voice of a woman who can barely sing. Still, if you can get past all that, the music is pretty okay. It's got a washed out 70s feel, not enough bass and too much treble on the guitars. But Ms Faithful is so morose throughout that it's hard to separate her own troubles from the music - which I suppose is the idea. Nah ... not a highlight.
Standout Tracks: Guilt, Working class hero,


The Fiery Furnaces - Gallowsbird's Bark
Hard to drop this album into a particular category as its all a bit on the different side. I don't mind that actually, each song is its own little genre fusing blues, a bit of synth, and a lot of imagination. It's indie music I suppose, in the sense that you can't pin it down. The sense of humour of the band comes through in certain songs (the kazoo I heard in Up in the North for example) which is refreshing, and all the songs are little pocket affairs that pack lots of interesting things into a short amount of time. Oh yes, plenty of very cool guitar on this record. Enjoyed it quite a lot.
Standout Tracks: Leaky Tunnel, Crystal Clear, Bow Wow (Just for its quirkiness!)


Donald Fagen - The Nightfly
The labels on these MP3's said "jazz". I disagree, it's cheesy 80s synthesiser pop. It's the type of music they might play to you in the menswear section of Asda, about as inspiring as a 9p tin of beans. Occasionally there is some sweet jazz piano thrown in, and the odd bit of blues guitar, but other than that it's very dull. I apologise in advance to any fans of this album or, as I have learned from an esteemed and learned colleague this morning, fans of Steely Dan, but this is seriously making me want to defenestrate myself. That means throw myself out of the window ... sounds more sinister than it actually is. When will it stop!
Standout Tracks: Walk between the raindrops. Just....

Day 15 - It's folk folks

Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking
I've heard of these of course, just never listened, so here's another first for 1man. Sounds like people with accordians and acoustic guitars dancing around a tree. And an inexplicable song in French? Still, the singer has a sweet voice that I like a lot, and though the music is not so much my taste it's not bad in places. One of the highlights is "A Sailors Life" with its celtic, folksy feel and tense undercurrent. All told though, not one of my favourites, despite a couple of tracks that I enjoyed (a bit!)
Standout tracks: Autopsy, A Sailors Life



John Fahey - Days have gone by
This album has started pretty well with some very cool laid back blues style acoustic guitar (the amusingly titled "Revolt of the Dyke Brigade"). Reminds me so far of an acoustic riff I learned once to improve fingerstyle. It's good playing, but so far not totally blown me away in the way a Phil Keaggy acoustic album would. It does get a little more pacy at a later stage, with the standout Night Train of Valhalla. Overall a very good guitar album, but not a *great* one. Sadly I felt while listening that there were large parts of this album I could sit and play myself, and I don't consider myself a *great* guitarist, although I must be fair and admit there are many parts I couldn't possibly play.
Standout Tracks: Night Train of Valhalla



Ibrahim Ferrer - Buenos Hermanos
More world music, and I rather like it. It sounds a little to me that it's influenced by both African roots and South American roots. The latin style is more prevalent, but there's enough African style percussion for me to think of this as a fusion of two styles. There's some super piano in La Musica Cubana that brought a smile to my face (as does the whole record. It's hard not to smile when listening to Latin music). All in all a fun album, I always enjoy a little latin stuff!
Standout Tracks: Buenos Hermanos, La Musica Cubana, Naufragio

Falling in love again ...

I do. From time to time, I fall in and out of love with this blog and this project, as you will be able to see from a cursory glance at the index to the left (nothing for October). I am not sure why either, since I love listening to new music and discovering new things that I like. Mainly, I was spurred on to listen to some more albums by the fact that scouting through my existing collection made me realise I was rather bored with large portions of it.

So off I went and got some more albums. I guess I'm back in love with the 1man1000albums project again (and it should be fun, right?). Perhaps reaching the magical 50 in my last post mentally got to me and I needed the rest. Who knows. Anyway, I'll be posting up some reviews shortly for the next three that I listened to today.

Thanks for reading!

Day 14 - The magical 50 albums reached!

ESG - A South Bronx Story
Hard to classify this album. Wandering basslines and complex rhythms underpin 60s style vocal arrangements. Makes for a fairly funky feel to the album. Seems to be sample city today though, as the group intersperse their dance type songs with wierd noises that bring a wrinkle to the nose and a desire for it to stop. Each song largely consists of a repetitive drum and bassline with the vocals layered over the top alongside various percussion instruments. Each song is crisply produced, but gets monotonous after a while, and lyrically there is a complete lack of substance. Good for dancing to I would imagine, but despite some intricate drumming there's not a lot here to hold my attention.
Standout Tracks: Hard to say ...




Edan - Beauty and the Beat
At times hip hop, at times aggressive rap, and at times just plain old wierd and psychedelic this is an interesting mix of samples, sounds and styles from all over the spectrum of music. Never sure what to expect whenever I put on a new album I haven't heard before, but this one was um, most interesting, like Kevin Ayers with a drum machine. Don't quite know what to make of this, it's more a collection of random sounds than a coherent album. The drum machines underpin everything, but on top its all strange noises and clips of people having conversations about all and sundry. If you fancy sitting with a puzzled expression on your face for half an hour, this is be the album for you.
Standout Tracks: Murder Mystery




Everything But the Girl - Walking Wounded
Plinky plonky uninspiring dance music. At least there is the light relief of a good vocalist crooning over the top of the electronic ambience, making this a little more interesting than other ambient style music I have listened to. I like the singers voice a lot, its pretty sultry and emotive and suits the background plinking and plonking quite nicely. It's all just a little dull though, and one of those albums where I find myself looking at the remaining tracklist and durations to see when I can get on with the next one. Instantly forgettable, but not altogether unpleasant. A little more depth once the quicker drum'n'bass starts up, but nothing to write home about.
Standout Tracks: Walking Wounded




The Decemberists - Her Majesty, The Decemberists
I was hoping for something great for my 50th album on this silly quest, and I was not disappointed by this effort from a band that I had not heard of before this journey. This is a very acoustic album, with many instruments being employed to blend a fresh, vibrant and very honest and soulful record. The music is tough to categorise for you, there are elements of folk, pop, rock, indie, but the whole thing is underlined with the acoustic guitar and the sound is very vibrant. Despite multiple influences, at no point does the album become confused, since it's a very honest album by a group of very talented musicians that refreshes the ears when you listen to it. Lyrically a little on the odd side, but the vocalist singing them is excellent. All in all a very fine album, and one I will be keeping and listening to again I am sure.
Standout Tracks: Los Angeles I'm Yours, The Bachelor and the Bride, Red Right Ankle

Good day today! The music varied from the great to the not-so-great, but I reached a little milestone on my quest - 50 albums, or 5% of the way there. A friend commented that I'd be good on a pub quiz team with all the knowledge I am getting from this journey, and I do feel I am learning a lot about music and broadening my horizons. It's been well worthwhile so far, and despite the fact that I am averaging keeping only 1 in 6 or so of the albums I hear, it's been worth it for those little gems that have appeared. Some real highlights include todays album by the Decemberists, Miles Davis, Manu Chao and the incomparable Johnny Cash. Here's to 50 more, and 50 more after that and ... well you get the idea!

Day 13 - Slow start, slow middle, slightly better end

Eric B and Rakim - Paid in Full
Pretty minimalist hip hop album that shows its age. It sounds like something from the 1980s and has nothing fresh about it, despite the style being much copied in the genre over the years. It's kind of cool to listen to though, unlike some rappers Rakim chatters in a fairly effortless yet rhythmical style, and although most of the lyrics pass me by when I stop and listen its clean and clever. I keep hearing parts of songs that have been sampled in the intervening years, which always makes me stop and say, "hey I know that bit!". Despite its age and its perpetual 1980s vibe, this is actually a very funky record that I enjoyed in the end.
Standout Tracks: My Melody, I Know you got Soul,




Echo and the Bunnymen - Ocean Rain
Being not a fan of punk, I wonder if I am a fan of post-punk, since there is a lot more about this album that's interesting than (say) The Damned I listened to earlier. Reminiscent in places of early Cure, it's a fairly sparse recording where each instrument is allowed its place in the music. The vocals are in some respects haunting, and in other respects powerful and melodic. It's Morrisey-esque in places, but for me lacks the pretension of Morrisey and is therefore a little more likeable. A melodic album, lacking the aggression of punk, and with people that can actually play their instruments, this is a fairly enjoyable affair although I decided not to stick around for the bonus live tracks on the 2003 release (which is the one I was listening to)
Standout Tracks: Thorn of Crowns, The Killing Moon, Ocean Rain




Eek-a-mouse - Wa-do-dem
This isn't the first reggae album I have listened to, but I think it's more accessible than the others. It's very laid back, and Eek-a-mouse, despite his ridiculous name, has a fairly ingratiating vocal style that alternates between discernible melody and weird scat. It's not out of place though, and creates a rather easy on the ears experience. Unfortunately it's also rather non-descript, in the sense that it's reggae, but nothing really stands out for the standout tracks. All the songs just sort of merge into one long skank (check excellent word use there, I only learned it the other day!). Easy listening, but not too memorable. Incidentally I have heard this guy before - he popped up on a P.O.D album I sometimes listen to in a weird nu-metal/reggae thing.
Standout Tracks: Ganja Smuggling (Live, very fun)




The Damned - Damned Damned Damned
Let me say it (in case you hadn't grasped it from my other reviews), I don't like punk at all. So it was with trepidation that I put this record on. There is nothing at all I like about this music, not one single saving grace. The singer cannot sing, the guitars are making my ears bleed with their tone, and I really just don't see the point. Oh well, I'll stick it out, just to say I listened to it. Not a great start to 1man's musical day! Perhaps to understand or appreciate punk you had to be there when it happened. I wasn't, so I don't. Utter tosh.
Standout Tracks: There aren't any.





Brian Eno - Another Green World
Weird electric synth pop from the 1970s. The album sounds very experimental, as if Eno has a bunch of samples that he wants to see if he can shoehorn into a loose musical framework. I'm not sure what comment I should make on this album ... it's got me confused about what its trying to be. Some of the tracks are reasonably good pop (I'll come running, which I assume is a ballad to someone special) but interspersed are these odd musical interludes that don't seem to do anything or go anywhere (The title track is a fine example), reminiscent of Aphex Twin (*shudder*). Strange album, can't think of much else to say about it, but I doubt I will give it another listen after this.
Standout Tracks: St Elmo's Fire, Sombre Reptiles (promised much, delivered little), Spirits Drifting (because after this one it was all over!)

Day 12 - From rap to post punk

The Chameleons - Script of the Bridge
No idea what I expected when I opened up this album. According to sources The Chameleons are "post punk", whatever that means. Well, I looked it up - after the first wave of punk, bands started getting creative and writing more technical music but with the punk edge to it. Well I suppose that's what we have here. There are some gorgeous guitar parts on this record, and the vocalist is truly haunting. The guitars alternate between atmospheric mush and old fashioned riffs, and the influence that this form of music had on the indie bands of the later 80s and 90s is obvious for all to see. I actually quite enjoyed this record, with its guitar driven melodies and atmosphere, and the less than perfect, but perfectly suuited, vocals. Reminded me of what New Order might sound like if they substituted their keyboards for guitars, and of that room mate I mentioned in the Cure review earlier yesterday. And on a side note, I now know more about post punk, alternative rock, indie, and post punk revivalists than I ever thought I would.
Standout Tracks: Monkeyland, Second Skin, Up the Down Escalator, Pleasure and Pain, Thursdays Child



Culture - Two Sevens Clash
These songs are labelled reggae, and reggae they certainly are. Steel drums everywhere, Jamaican accents in the vocals, off beat syncopation with the guitars. It's all very nice and happy ... I think. A quick check on Wikipedia has informed me that this is "roots reggae", where the emphasis is on praise of God, but also social issues, and that there are many many different types of reggae. The album is nice enough I supposed, but reggae is not really something I have ever paid attention to (except the odd Bob Marley record heard on the radio). That said, it's very easy on the ears, and foot tapping is certainly going on under the desk, but more than likely not something I would return to. I think I prefer the latin sounds of central and south America to Caribbean music. I learned one thing while listening though, what the term "skanking" means.
Standout Tracks: Hard to say ... Get Ready to Ride the Lion to Zion




Daft Punk - Discovery
Well I er ... expected punk, but that's not exactly what I got. Instead I'm being treated to synthesiser pop music. Change your name lads, it confuses people. I actually know the first song - hard to avoid it really, "One More Time". The heavily synthesised vocals are really off putting, sounds like a keyboard would sound if it could sing. Keyboards pretending to be guitars also does very little for the integrity of my ears. I imagine if you like synth pop / dance, then this could be considered quite innovative. It's a very well polished dance album, but seriously, all the excessive auto-tuning on the vocals is making my ears bleed! Looking ahead in the track list the final song is called "Too Long" and is 10 minutes in duration! No kidding ... they should have called the album "Too Long" to discourage listeners from playing it. I suppose the best thing you could say about Daft Punk is ... that they aren't punk.
Standout Tracks: One More Time, Hard Better Faster Stronger, Something about us, Short Circuit (for the nice 80s feel)




David Crosby - If I could only remember my name
Of Crosby, Stills and Nash fame I assume (confirmed with a quick Wiki). If you are a fan of 1970s music and particularly guitar based cool rock, then you will like this. I am unsure, I think I like it! The songs are repetitive, and sound an awful lot like a jam session one might have with a band ... guitarists noodling away over the top of a repeated chord progression. Still, I do like this style of music, reminds me of a less technically complex John Martyn record, and the fact that the guitars are the forefront of the music is great for a guitarist like me. This is a good record, which apparently was widely panned at the time but is still in print today having matured over time like a fine wine. The record is simultaneously light and airy and tense in places, a good work.
Standout Tracks: Cowboy Movie, What are their names





De La Soul - Three Feet High and Rising
Well this is okay. The music is pretty upbeat and funky, but I am less than keen on the silly samples in between songs. I like the phat beats that underline the samples, and the rapping style is easy on the ears and not at all harsh like some rap acts that switch me off to the genre. Pretty laid back music, and very easy to listen to, but I get the feeling that I'll have forgotten this album almost as soon as its finished. The album bounces between funky rhythm and plain silliness, there really is no need for all the daft samples in between what are half decent songs ... gets annoying after a while.
Standout Tracks: The Magic Number, Eye Know, Potholes in my Lawn, Me Myself and I (obviously)






Deep Purple - Machine Head
I have a friend here who is a rather enthusiastic Purple fan, but the band are not one I have ever been that into. I've heard Highway Star before of course, and it kicks off this album in fine style, and finally, a band with proper guitar players! You can hear the influence all over this record that the music would have on all metal from 1972 onwards - like Sabbath, its hard to believe this music is as old as I am, but perhaps that is because its influence is heard everywhere in rock and metal today. I love the riffing in "Maybe I'm a Leo", and the bass solo in Pictures of Home came as a surprise, but a pleasant one. It was all going really well until Smoke on the Water. Seriously, does anyone listen to that song anymore? Or maybe it's just I'm scarred by that part of my working life spent manning a guitar shop .... but in the end, this album is great stuff (anyone that writes a 7:22 song deserves a pat on the back).
Standout Tracks: Maybe I'm a Leo, Lazy, Space Truckin' was kinda cool also ...

Day 11 - Cool and collected

The Cure - Pornography
I once shared a room at university with a fan of the Cure, and I never understood it. I originally thought that Robert Smith's voice would wind me up, as I never liked it, but in actual fact its stirring up some happy memories, and is easier on the ears than I remember. Sounds like he wants to kill himself of course, but that's the nature of the Cure at this time in their career. There's a lot of angst and raw emotion trying to break out from beneath the surface of the music, which gives it a fairly "urgent" feel, like they need to get all these feelings out before imploding. It's melancholy and minor, but the urgency behind the tracks keeps the album rolling along nicely. I actually quite enjoyed this, despite my preconceived ideas about the band and the music.
Standout Tracks: Siamese Twins, The Figurehead




Cypress Hill - Cypress Hill
Don't like the police do they ... I've always had a soft spot for Cypress Hill. I'm not a huge fan of hippety hop-hop or rap music, but Cypress Hill seem to be able to do it with a rock and roll style attitude. It's hard to describe. The music is as you expect from the chaps, funky, very cool basslines, the unique rapping voice of B-Real (nice name..), and the whimsical samples that dance around over the solid bass foundation. I wonder if these guys are actual gangsters busting caps in homies asses, or whether its all fairy tale. Either way, it's cool to listen to, and sounds fresh despite the age of the album. Excellent record! Don't listen to it while the kids are around though ... strictly headphones only. Music to whack homies to!
Standout Tracks: Hand on the Pump, The Phuncky Feel One, Real Estate, PsychoBetaBuckDown (written like a programmer!), The Funky Cypress Hill Shit





Destiny's Child - Survivor
Pop music. Here we go again. I'm familiar with a few songs, particularly the first three, as I think they were popular in the charts with young people in the recent past. This is boring. Thankfully it's halfway through. It's a very electronic album, not much sign of real instruments around the place. Now don't get me wrong, these girls can sing, and sing very well, but for me its all too polished and over produced. There is no edge to music like this, it's almost too ... I want to say "perfect", but you might get the impression that I like this stuff. I don't, but that's it - it's too perfectly produced with its quick stop/start rhythm syncopations. I'm yawning with all the "I will survive" stuff, but I will admit a grudging admiration for the track "Gospel Medley"
Standout Tracks: Survivor, Happy Face, Emotion, Gospel Medley





Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Been looking forward to this one as I do rather like jazz (No, Albert Ayler! Begone back into your alien world!), and this album in no way disappoints. The first track finds Davis in mischievous mood (So What) as the bass provides the backbone to punctuated trumpet and sax parts. After this it gets bluesy and sultry, including some excellent piano work in "Freddie Freeloader". I love this sort of jazz, the kind that I can understand, and quite frankly is just ... cool. I've got new medication from the doc today, and it's sending my head all swirly, so this laid back jazz fits the mood perfectly!
Standout Tracks: I enjoyed them all a lot (and there were only five) but particularly Blue in Green and So What

Day 10 - Funktastic? Well ... no

Chic - Risqué
Funky! Obviously this music is very well known, as played out in clubs up and down the land no matter where you are. One might say timeless, but not for me in a good way. I'm currently listening to "Good Times", which is one of the most overplayed songs the world has ever seen, and probably because of this no-one pays justice to the fact that its actually a very well crafted funky song. Oh well, on with the rest of the album and we'll see. There is a nice jazz feel to "A warm summer night" which I rather like, it sounds like a song I've heard before somewhere but not excessively so - very pleasant atmosphere to the track. Other than that, I'm not really enjoying this (I know! This is a confused album review!), it's all too familiar ... despite the excellent musicianship on display (particularly the bass player, who is obviously made of pure funk).
Standout Tracks: A Warm Summer Night, Can't Stand to Love you (funk!)



Only the one today (pesky people pestering me at work!), and a bit of a mixed bag on the whole with this record.

Day 9 - 1man is back .. with mixed results!

Def Leppard - Hysteria
Ah, now this is more like it. Straight up hair rock direct from the 1980s to today ... unashamedly rock and roll in its music and attitude with enough 80s vocal-synth effects thrown in to make it recognisable as an iconic album of that decade. Love bites has always been a paritcular highlight for me ... it's an unashamed rock ballad that makes no excuses for its sentimentality, and just makes you want to shut your eyes and sing along with the chorus at the top of your voice. The drumming always impresses me too, what with him only having one arm and all (and having to relearn how to play his drum kit putting more emphasis on the footwork). Lots of standout tracks; great hair metal from the chaps from Sheffield!
Standout Tracks: Animal, Love Bites, Pour some Sugar on me, Armaggedon It (for the excellent play on words!)





The Delfonics - La-La Means I love you
Well, whoever ripped this album to MP3 made a slight genre error in labelling the music as "grunge". Soulful 60s stuff, and so not my thing! Vocally impressive, these chaps can sing very well. A bit too cheesy and "nice" for me, although I do recognise the odd bit that has been sampled and used elsewhere (eg Ready or Not - done by the Fugees I think). I'm afraid that every song just sounds the same to me, dreary, yet tuneful. The music just doesn't go anywhere interesting, and I'm only halfway through and looking at the track listing trying to figure out when I can move on with my life.. I wonder if this is classed as Motown? Hmm.. Wikipedia says no, "Philadelphia Soul". Whatever that is. Philadelphia "Supermarket" Cheese more like.
Standout Tracks: Ready or Not, Trying to make a fool of me, Delfonics Theme, Hey! Love









Had a bit of time off the 1man1000albums gig recently, largely due to laziness in obtaining the music. Back now with a vengeance, and two more offerings for today.

Day 8 - A gloomy Cave but thank heaven for Christians!

Manu Chao - Clandestino
There is something just fantastic about latin music! It's so happy and morose and vibrant and melancholy at the same time, and you cannot avoid tapping fingers, feet, and head to the rhythm. There is a mystique introduced by the lyrics when they are in a different language (and in several languages in this case, Spanish, French, even Arabic apparently. Oh and English), in the sense that Manu Chao could be singing about how much he hates the English and how we should all be shot, and I still bob my head up and down to it anyway. Fantastic stuff this record! It's very laid back and cool, lots of interesting percussion, rhythm and guitar playing. And I just love the vocals. All in all I give this 10/10 - latin music is very inspiring, I will be listening to this again I am sure.
Standout Tracks: All of them, but in particular Bongo Bong, Lagrimas De Oro, Luna Y Sol, Welcome to Tijuana




Camille - Le Fil
A curious one this. Like a French Tori Amos. I'm reliably informed that most of the music on the album (or at least the haunting stuff in the background) was also recorded by the singer rather then using instruments. Camille sings partly in English, partly in French, and it makes a ... very strange noise. It has that experimental feel about it that the free jazz I heard the other day had, only with a bit more of a tune to it. It's not that bad actually, just very odd and different, but there is nothing wrong with that. It's hard to pick out any standout tracks as they are all rather odd. The codec these were ripped with is a little iffy and doesn't play well in media players, but I have heard enough to make my mind up that this isn't a bad album, if you like experimental and quirky. French Tori Amos about sums it up. Minus the piano. Oh one other thing, all the tracks seem to be underpinned by the same note resonating through the record, which I thought was kind of cool.
Standout Tracks: Um, hard to say ... Ta Douleur (for the humourous farting noises she is making ... vocally I hope).





Nick Cave - Abattoir Blues
My only experience of Nick Cave was that bizarre duet about murder that he did with Kylie one time, so I was interested to hear this record. It's hard to categorise a genre for this music. It's melancholy and deep and odd, but more straightforward rock and roll in places too. There is an intensity to the music, and a darker aspect to the lyrics, resulting in an album that is starting to sound to me like it could be an acquired taste. There are some very good parts, and some not quite so good. Bits remind me of INXS, at least in the places where the band starts belting out their backing to Cave's Billy Idol-esque vocal style. Full of doom and gloom, but kinda interesting in a wierd way, that keeps you listening while you wonder what Cave is going to do next. Seemed to finish rather abruptly though.
Standout Tracks: Cannibals Hymn, Messiah Ward, There she goes my Beautiful World, Fable of the Brown Ape




Nick Cave - The Lyre of Orpheus
More gloom from Nick Cave. His songs tell stories and make me think of fantasy taverns and inns where an old bearded man with a lyre sings songs to bright-eyed attentive children, but in Cave's case with a twisted edge to them. This record is more country than the rock and roll of the previous one (Abattoir Blues), but Cave's voice is laden with more gloom on this one, creating a not too unpleasant mix of happy go lucky music with dark vocals. I would guess that Cave would count Johnny Cash among his influences, as Cash is there to be heard all over this album. All in all I think I prefer this one to Abattoir Blues, as its style is more consistent through the album and the juxtaposition of the brooding vocals over the country influenced music is pretty good to listen to. Cheerfully depressing.
Standout Tracks: Breathless, Easy Money, Supernaturally, Carry Me





Charlie Christian - First Master of the Electric Guitar
This a lovely, warm, scratchy old production of music that's just timeless. This, for me, is jazz, not that Albert Ayler Trio rubbish I listened to the other day (which I'm going to keep by the way and try again, see if I can "get" it), laid back and sultry in places, bebop in others, but always gentle, always soulful, and a wonderful ambience that the age of the recordings creates in the ears. Brings back many happy memories of Thursdays sat with a Guiness or four in the Old White Swan in town listening to the jazz bands play. In addition to the jazz though, there are some solos in there that sound like precursors to rock and roll, suggesting Christian's influence was not solely limited to the jazz scene.
Standout Tracks: I got Rhythm, Tea for Two





Chemical Brothers - Dig your Own Hole
Oh great. More "electronica" according to the ID3 tags. I dunno about these people (and are they even brothers! I'm going to have to look that up). I don't like electronic music, but at least this stuff has an edge to it (a little like the Prodigy) that was missing from the plinky plonky (I like that phrase) Aphex Twin. Not a lot to say about this really, its a collection of electronic noises tightly held together by block rockin' beats. Don't get me wrong, I still don't like it, but I've heard worse since I started this quest. A lot worse. Oh and I just recognised a tune that they are using in an advert on the telly for beer at the moment. Kinda cool I suppose.
Standout Tracks: Block Rockin Beats (I knew that one)

Day 7 - Punk, Metal and .... um, Bowie

Black Sabbath - Master of Reality
Despite being into my metal, Black Sabbath are one band I have not really paid that much attention to. We're going way back to 1971 here with this one, and compared to some of the music I have listened to from around that era, this is pretty heavy stuff. The opening riff is that sort of riff that says, "Here we are, and we are going to rock", much copied, but this feels original and groundbreaking. Hard to believe this was done in 1971, as it sounds pretty fresh but with that warmth of 1970s production that I've alluded to before. This record is riff-tastic, and one that I will be keeping for listening to again I am sure. I can hear lots of Kings X in this record ... and that's a good thing.
Standout Tracks: Sweet Leaf, Orchid (some sweet guitar playing), Into The Void




Blondie - Parallel Lines
Debbie Harry - Well fit, innit. I suppose the best testimony to a good band is that 30 years later people are still playing their songs on the radio, and so it is with the first two tracks from this record (Hanging on the Telephone, One way or Another). It's essentially not my cup of tea, wishy washy guitar pop with a hint of a rebellious punk nature to it. Harry's voice is excellent though, I'm really liking that, but the rest of it, whilst bursting with energy and enthusiasm is not exactly floating my boat. Can't quite put my finger on why I'm not keen on it, the record certainly has me tapping my foot in places, and its a happy record - one for listening to with a beer in the garden in the summer ... there is just something about it that I dislike. Perhaps its familiarity breeding contempt - I've heard many of these songs many, many times before.
Standout Tracks: Fade Away (And Radiate) ..(for the dirty guitar noise), Pretty Baby (not sure why I like it .. but I do), Heart of Glass





David Bowie - Low I was looking forward to listening to this one, as Bowie is another one of those British icons that I have never paid that much attention to. I'm not surprised by the slightly odd nature to the record, but I am impressed with the feel of the music. Bowie's voice is unique, the sort that everyone knows and recognises, but its rather easy on the ear. Some of the guitars need thickening up a little bit, and some of the keyboard stuff is a little wierd, but to be honest, given Bowie's reputation, the album is not as oddball as I expected but rather more "listenable" if you like. Some of the songs are better than others, obviously, but I am finding it hard to pick a standout track or two (although Warszawa is coming close, a lot of depth and hidden lyrics in the synths). As the album wears on, it gets wierder and becomes a bit more like how I expected it to sound (listen to "Art Decade" to see what I mean). All in all, not bad, but not great, it might need another listen I suppose to understand what the album is trying to be, since it started off straightforward and got more oddball as it went on.
Standout Track: Warszawa, Subterraneans (Just for the wierdness)



On a final note - I started listening to an album by Bloc Party (A Weekend in the City), but didn't get very far before giving up:

Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City
Never heard of this lot (I don't think). A shame about this one really, they sound a lot like The Cure or some other morose indie band from the early 90s, which throws me back to my happy University days. However, the CD this selection of MP3's was borrowed from just skips all the time so I'll have to get another copy. As I said a shame, because I think I might have liked that one!

Day 6 - Cashing in, and the return of the Mac

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
For such a famous band I know very little about Fleetwood Mac. The music sounds like the sort of stuff my parents listened to as I was growing up, they were into all this sort of stuff back in the day. Recognise a couple of tunes - one of which was a hit recently (Dreams), which actually reminds of the time I was meeting my wife - happy days! Some of the guitar playing on this album is making this guitarist here smile (listen to "Never going back again"). Oh, and every now and again I get hit by a song that I know extraordinarily well (Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way), but never knew the artists responsible were Fleetwood Mac. All in all decent 1970s pop record, with the warmth that comes with the 70s, and the slightly iffy production that rather ingratiates the record to me. Not to mention the hairs on my arms raising during the famous part of "The Chain" ... it's Formula 1 time !!
Standout Tracks: Dreams, Never Going Back Again, Go your Own Way, The Chain, Oh Daddy





Johnny Cash - San Quentin
The dichotomy of Johnny Cash is that the lyrical content of his work is filled with the more miserable side of life, yet he plays and sings with such energy and vitality that he immediately drags you into his music. The live setting in the prison of San Quentin is perfect for creating an amazing atmosphere to this record. The prisoners love him, and he loves them. All the classics are here, and all warmly welcomed by the inmates. I've always been fascinated by Cash, particularly by the dark side that he had. I think that is part of the attraction to his music. He is actually, as this record shows, a troubled man, but a man with a real sense of humour and despite his earnings, fame and popularity, he still has his finger on the pulse of the average guy with average troubles. One of my favourite records on this odyssey so far, and the mixture of all the prison blues, there are some old school uplofting gospel tunes as well. Excellent stuff.
Standout Tracks: Walk the Line, Starkville City Jail, San Quentin (written the day before the concert), A Boy named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues

Took a few days off ...

Had a few days off. Ran into the problem of having listened to all the music I got a hold of, so went back to some metal for a while, kind of refreshing actually! Well I got myself some more albums, but I thought I would sum up where I am so far.

This is actually (for the most part) a very enjoyable experience. I am listening to albums that I would never have picked up in a million years, and some are proving to be very good (some not so good ... but I will leave you to review the reviews for those!). I worked out (very roughly) that at the rate I am going through music at the moment, its going to December 2010 by the time I finish ... but that's okay, I am not in any rush and rather enjoying the journey.

There are some albums that I will definitely want to hear again, to name a couple the Beastie Boys debut, and the Arctic Monkeys album. Both were excellent in their own ways, and I'll be revisiting them for sure. Some I won't listen to again unless you paid me enough (six figures minimum). Amongst that number I count Albert Ayler Trio and Aphex Twin. And then ther's some that I might want to hear again - ACDC, Syd Barrett, and Arcade Fire to name a few.

Currently (before posting the two I listened to today) I am 2.1% into my task. Not long to go! Anyway, I got two more to put up, which I will do now.

Day 5 - Beatles, Badu ... Bee Gees with no Disco?

The Beatles - Rubber Soul
Let me say from the start I have never been a fan (despite being from Merseyside!). Always thought they were never that talented, just in the right place at the right time, like the Spice Girls, or Westlife or something. But that said, here's to listening with an open mind! There is something comfortable about this album, presumably because I have heard most of the tracks so many times before. The music itself is uncomplicated in a way that Sgt Peppers never is, which kind of adds to its appeal. Just a rock and roll 60s feel to it (missing the psychedelia of Kevin Ayers and Syd Barrett thankfully!). Beep beep and beep beep yeah! The crazy stereo thing they got going on is sometimes disconcerting. Its as though the Beatles figured out how to put some things in one ear, some things in the other, and then thought "lets really mess with peoples heads and splash it all over the album!". All in all, fairly enjoyable, but nothing on there to change the opinion of the Beatles that I started out with. Respect for what they did, like I said, right place, right time. Although I will say one thing, the harmonies in the vocals are excellent, and its easy to see where my favourite band (Kings X) in part got their vocal inspiration from.
Standout Tracks: Nowhere Man, What goes on, Girl, In My Life





The Bee Gees - Odessa
Well this is wierd. No flares, no big hair, no falsetto. Where is all the disco! This album predates the disco days and sounds like a spaced out 60s album. Not as psychedelic as some I have listened to, but still has that wonderful, I would say innocent, vibe to it. There is no cynicism in this music, it sounds like the Bee Gees just producing music for the love of producing music. Sounds nothing like you imagine the Bee Gees to sound however ... where is John Travolta! Lyrically they have lost me, although "Edison" is pretty straightforward - an homage to Thomas Edison, that inventor chap. Musically, it's alright, but its not exactly setting my world on fire - it's almost a hybrid between early 60s style music and late 60s music. Vocally there is a ton of reverb on the mix, lending it an olde worlde feel, but the music and arrangement is distinctly late 60s. It's pretty epic in scope though, with ambitious orchestration and vocal arrangements, that the lads do manage to pull off from time to time. Rounds off with a very nice piece of music, The British Opera.
Standout Tracks: Odessa, Edison, Lamplight, Give your best (for the intro .. which is a nuts coincidence with the names they use), I Laugh in your Face, The British Opera





The Avalanches - Since I Left You
This album is tagged as "Electronica", which doesn't bode well, but here goes. So far this album seems to be composed completely of samples of other albums, I just recognised a part from Holiday by Madonna, and the funny squealy part from Jump Around by House of Pain. There is no consistency here, this is a jumbled up series of samples of music with no thread running through individual tunes, never mind the album as a whole. Around the middle of the album though it all gets a bit chilled and jazzy, and it's better than the opening sequence of tracks. Although that being said there is some humour on this album, and some tracks are quite fun (Frontier Psychiatrist for example, I do like the Western feel to it). On a side note, this record is full of samples that (I guess) were taken of old crackly LPs. I like that ... it's a trip down memory lane to when all records sounded like that. On the whole, I didn't really enjoy this record, although there were some parts that made me smile - it's a happy record, just not my thing.
Standout Tracks: A Different Feeling, Frontier Psychiatrist





Erykah Badu - Baduizm
I was expecting RnB bobbins when I loaded this one up but I'm pleasantly surprised that's not what I am getting. Its a lot more soulful, with real Jazz influences, brush stroked drumming and fretless bass abounds everywhere. Badu's voice is pretty distinctive, with the right amount of emotion when needed, at other times effortlessly gliding through soulful, thoughtful jazz based tunes. It's very laid back and easy to listen to. A little too easy as you arrive at a point where the song sounded the same as the last one, and you wonder if this album is going to go anywhere else. It's not that it's a bad album, its just every song is more of the same, and after around three or four tunes it begins to get a little boring. Not bad background music for a dinner party or something, but as an album to listen to on its merits ... I am not sure. Some real nice jazz/blues parts in there though, it could be worth getting through the mundane to arrive at the soul.
Standout Tracks: Afro, Certainly

Day 5 - 1man goes all tribal

Basement Jaxx - Remedy
Great, more dance music. Here we go. Whats this?! A guitar? Yes, it was too good to last. It doesn't take long to descend into plinky plonky (as a friend of mine put it recently regarding Aphex Twin) electronic gibberish. I suppose if you like your dance music a little more interesting than just "boom boom boom" then its okay, but its not my cup of battery acid. You all should know by now that rock and metal is my thing, where the music is often repetitive in the form of a riff, but where I can listen to that sort of stuff, this kind of music with repetitive dance beats and people going "oh yeah!" every four seconds is just grating on the ears, and once again its "YOU" not "U" ! Sheesh!
Standout Tracks: Jump 'n' Shout (vaguely amusing), Red Alert (although only because its familiar)





Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People say I am, That's what I'm not
Given all the hype that surround this band, this is one I was looking forward to, and its not disappointing! Plenty of cool guitar work to enjoy, and every track so far is just bursting with energy and northern cheekiness. The songs are very well crafted indeed, the arrangements are done well enough to keep you interesting until the end of the song, despite the simplicity of the music. There is nothing complicated here, just straightforward, energetic, guitar pop. Finding it hard to pick out standout tracks though, as I must admit I've rather liked them all so far ("Dance Floor" gets in there as I liked it before I heard this record). Reminds me a lot of the music my roommate at University used to listen to, that I hated at the time, but have mellowed to since - that sort of guitar based indie pop stuff. All in all, an excellent album, and probably one of my favourites so far.
Standout Tracks: I bet you look good on the dance floor, Perhaps Vampires is a bit Strong, From the Ritz to the Rubble





Amadou & Mariam - Dimanche a Bamako
So ... world music I suppose this is. Its quite interesting, lots of things going on percussion wise which results in a foot-tappingly pleasant rhythm. Its all in French, so I hope I am not missing something deep and meaningful in the lyrics. Some super guitar playing too, which as a guitarist I am obviously enjoying (solo in Coulibaly for example). In fact there is some great guitar playing throughout this album, which gives it a good contemporary feel. And you know, the fact that it is all in French is actually just adding to the music - it's like African dance music with some jazz and folk guitar thrown in, plus a couple of pretty much reggae tracks.. Not bad.
Standout Tracks: Coulibaly, La Realite, La Fete Au Village, Politic Amagni






I rather enjoyed two out of three albums today (well actually it was yesterday but with one thing and another, and pesky work getting in the way, I only got around to posting it today before embarking on a new musical meander). The Amadou and Mariam stuff was really good to listen too - tinged with African beats, but with loads of great quality guitar playing throughout. I think the fact it was in French actually added to the enjoyment for some odd reason. Arctic Monkeys were a bit of a revelation for me; I had only ever heard one or two of their tunes before (and the one that the Sugababes ruined), but the whole album I thought was stellar from start to finish. Bright, interesting, cheeky, down to earth guitar fun for the whole family (except the kids!)

And as for Basement Jaxx ... well yeah. File under the b1n along with Aphex Twin.

Day 4: Wild and Wierd

Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill
This is just great fun to listen to! From the rocking Fight for your Right, to the whimsical Girls, there are great beats and spoonfuls of good humour on this record. You get the impression from the word go that the Beastie Boys are here in your face to have fun and don't care how they go about doing it. Its very 1980s and it sounds dated but its terribly infectious. Bright beats, rock guitars, and gangsta rap by white boys ... shouldn't work but since they don't take themselves seriously, it does. Like the Above the Law album I listened to its hard to not bob your head up and down while the Boys shout and rap their way through 13 excellent tracks. Great fun! (Side note: I was thinking "This guitar solo is scorching!" on Brooklyn, then discovered it was done by Kerry King of Slayer fame. How cool is that!)
Standout Tracks: Fight for your Right (Of course!), Girls, No Sleep til Brooklyn, She's Crafty




Tori Amos - Boys For Pele
This is like listening to Kevin Ayers again, but with a girl singing and better production quality. Some of the points in this album are pretty exquisite high points, and Tori Amos is certainly ambitious enough to pull it off. Most of it is just nuts. Some bits I can listen to and say, "Genius". Other parts, "WTF?". Often both sentiments at different points of the same song ... and anyone who writes a song called "Father Lucifer" must have some childhood religious issues she's not happy with. Lyrically bizarre ("Hello Mr Zebra, can I have your sweater" ... eh?), but musically quite interesting and in places it soars pretty high on the back of good orchestration and piano prowess. Her voice is pretty sexy too, and very easy on the male ear. All in all, a bizarre but actually not bad record that in the end I rather enjoyed.
Standout Tracks: Professional Widow, Hey Jupiter, Little Amsterdam (loved this one), Putting the Damage On





Only time for two today (been one of those days), but I did enjoy them both. Started an album by a band from Senegal, and that was going quite well, so look forward to the resume of that on Monday, but until then - have a pleasant weekend! I know I will .... because I won't be here.

Day 3: Free jazz, nuttiness, and drug use

Aztec Camera - High Land Hard Rain
Soulful, tuneful, and some excellent musicianship and arrangements characterise this record. The music is 80s but it sounds like it predates the synth era of 80s pop (and indeed their own "Somewhere in my Heart" which they are most famous for), with the emphasis on bluesy, sometimes jazz influenced guitar based pop. All that being said, I don't really like it that much, although I can't put my finger on as to why. Perhaps its because so far all the songs have just felt the same with no real musical variation. Post punk, it's refreshing and upbeat, but just a bit ... I dunno! Perhaps as I listen more I'll figure out why I don't like it much. Perhaps its the automatic comparison with Morrissey - whom I have never liked. First track was great (Oblivious), and there are a couple of other standouts, and about three quarters of the way through it lost its pop feel and got very folksy and acoustic, which I liked, but I don't think there is enough about it to make me listen again, however.
Standout Tracks: Oblivious, Release, Back on Board, Down the Dip





ABBA - The Visitors
I have never liked Abba. I am not sure why, as listening to The Visitors I think highlights all that is good about them. Very carefully and expertly crafted songs, and vocally quite stunning in places. It's just vocals that I can't abide listening to! I can sit from a distance and nod my head and say, "yep, that's good music right there" ... just don't bring it anywhere near me! It's not rational, surely everyone in the world likes Abba! On this record they seem to be in a more sombre mood than the cheesy pop I am used to hearing, and surprisingly I haven't recognised a single tune yet. I will grudgingly admit that the standout tracks below I did rather enjoy, but only under duress!! And I finally recognised a song (One of us).
Standout Tracks: Soldiers, I Let the Music Speak, Two for the Price of One (just for the quirkiness)




Kevin Ayers - Joy of a Toy
Um, wierd. Far too much LSD was harmed in the making of this album. The guy reminds me of Syd Barret and the Floyd years before he left. A not-too-unpleasant mix of madcap lyrics and simply bonkers arrangements with penny whistles, oboes, and other instruments you don't normally find on a rock record. Conjures up images of smoking something strong and lying on the grass making shapes out of clouds as they float past. Either that, or strange hallucinogenic flashbacks involving court jesters jumping on one leg playing lutes. It has that warm wackiness of the 1960s all over it, early Pink Floyd style, and is quite fun to listen to. On a humourous note, the CD this was ripped from skipped on several of the tracks ... funny to hear an mp3 skipping ...
Standout Tracks: Song for Insane Times, Eleanors Cake (which ate her), The Lady Rachel, All this Crazy Gift of Time





Albert Ayler Trio - Spiritual Unity
Well, it's jazz. And it occasionally has a tune, but mostly it has the feel of three guys messing around in their mates bedroom. I usually quite like jazz, but this is a little spaced out for me. They just don't seem to be playing the same thing. The saxophone playing is a riot of notes, while the bass player noodles around on his fretboard, and as for the drummer ... he obviously has headphones on and is tapping away to a completely different track. Is this all supposed to sound like this? Are they just tuning up their instruments before they start playing? This is just a plain wierd album. One article I read described it as "alien", and I couldn't possibly agree more. This was composed, played and recorded somewhere other than planet Earth. If this is "free jazz", I'm awfully glad I didn't pay for it. It probably makes me uncool not to like this, but I just .. don't .. understand .. it!
Standout Tracks: Er .. there were tracks on this album?


So, between Albert Ayler and Kevin Ayers today it's been a crazy wide eyed wild ride through psychedelia to the moon and back. And to top it all off, I thought I'd catch a little Tori Amos before the end of the day (not finished with that girl yet, check back tomorrow for the review). I'm looking forward to getting into the car and listening to some Trivium on the way home, just to touch my feet back on planet Earth again after today.