A while back, I posted my favourite musical six-pack for your viewing and debating pleasure. However, as is always the case when I try to settle the musical ADHD maelstrom in my head down to a mere slow breeze, I missed out on several seminal albums that I would never shun.
This got me to thinking; I get a wee bit thirsty on occasion, and perhaps a six-pack just isn't going to quench my musical thirst. With this in mind, I have opted to give in to my parched musical mind here, and now present to you another six albums — in no particular order — that are key cogs in my musical library:
London Calling - The Clash - This album is so much more than a punk rock affair. Sure, the Clash may have started out in the impoverished, boarded up slums of London, and there is no question their entire attitude was as punk rock as it gets; however, this album proved that you could maintain that fire while dancing across an unbelievably diverse range of musical genres. This album has a bit of everything; from the reggae-meets-punk strains of the title track; to the Caribbean-influenced Rudy Can't Fail; to the piano-drenched melodrama of The Card Cheat, to the enormous Motown-esque horns and Joe Strummer's playful refrains of "That's Montgomery Clift honey!" in The Right Profile, this album is a masterpiece of eclectic wizardry.
I pay little attention to what many music critics have to say, because many of them don't have a freakin' clue most of the time, but when I listen to this album I concur with those who deemed The Clash "The Only Band That Matters" during this era. This album is simply epic.
Rust Never Sleeps - Neil Young - Picking a favourite Neil Young album is difficult if you're a fan; and I am. This one stands out though, as it combines both main elements of what I like in Young's work: his crazy electric freak-outs, and his deft acoustic side. Standout tracks include Hey Hey, My My, Powderfinger, Thrasher, and Pocahantas.
Desolation Boulevard - The Sweet - It's a true rock n roll tragedy that this band gets overlooked so frequently when discussing the growth of the genre in the Seventies. Sweet introduced a notion of refined heaviness that bands like Motley Crue and Def Leppard would ride to multi-platinum success in the Eighties. Combining loud, crunchy guitars, with smooth pop choruses, Sweet set the benchmark for many of the bands that would follow in their path. Faves on this one: Sweet F.A., Fox on the Run, No you Don't, Set me Free, Solid Gold Brass.
The Cars - The Cars - This band was so far ahead of its time, yet much like the Sweet doesn't get nearly enough credit for the groundwork they laid. Combining old-time rock n roll riffs, spacey keyboards, the brilliant contrasts between co-lead vocalists Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr (Ocasek was the oddball frontman with the quirky voice, while Orr was the ladies man with the smooth pipes), and a lead guitarist in Elliott Easton who could play perfectly suitable, yet dynamic and creative solos, the Cars were unlike any band before or since. Bridging the gap between new wave and straight-ahead rock, the Cars sat in a middle ground all of their own. Standouts: I'm in Touch With Your World, You're all I've got Tonight, Dontcha Stop, Moving in Stereo, By Bye Love, Let the Good Times Roll.
Chronicles Vol. I - The Best Of Creedence Clearwater Revival - Okay, two points here. First off, I must admit, I haven't owned a copy of this album in a couple years, but how could I ever forget its tunes? Secondly, yes, this is a greatest hits, but for a band like CCR, who recorded so much great material in such a short period of time, this album might just be the best reference point. Faves on this: Green River, Heard it Through the Grapevine, As Long as I can see the Light, Around the Bend, Someday Never Comes, Fortunate Son.
Master of Puppets - Metallica - A total no-brainer in every sense. Simply the greatest album of all, from the greatest metal band of the past 25 years. It never fails to amaze me how a band of musicians still in their early-twenties could produce something that combined the ferocity, politcally-conscious lyrics, complex arrangements, absurd tempos, and sheer scope of this record. Jame Hetfield proved on this album that he is simply the greatest rythm guitarist, lyricist, and frontman in metal history, and the late Cliff Burton contributed not only stellar bass playing in the Steve Harris mold, but also some of the melodic sections that made this album stand out from others of the genre. Metallica did not merely bludgeon you over the head on this album. No, they instead hit you with a combination of both heavy, speedy riffery, and slow, melodic mid-sections. I am still amazed by the beauty of the middle of the title track, or the Burton-penned, Thin Lizzy-style guitar harmonies in the middle of Orion — a tune in which Burton also plays a damned good bass solo. Other faves on this one: Battery, The Thing That Should not Be, Welcome Home Sanitarium, and Disposable Heroes.
This got me to thinking; I get a wee bit thirsty on occasion, and perhaps a six-pack just isn't going to quench my musical thirst. With this in mind, I have opted to give in to my parched musical mind here, and now present to you another six albums — in no particular order — that are key cogs in my musical library:
London Calling - The Clash - This album is so much more than a punk rock affair. Sure, the Clash may have started out in the impoverished, boarded up slums of London, and there is no question their entire attitude was as punk rock as it gets; however, this album proved that you could maintain that fire while dancing across an unbelievably diverse range of musical genres. This album has a bit of everything; from the reggae-meets-punk strains of the title track; to the Caribbean-influenced Rudy Can't Fail; to the piano-drenched melodrama of The Card Cheat, to the enormous Motown-esque horns and Joe Strummer's playful refrains of "That's Montgomery Clift honey!" in The Right Profile, this album is a masterpiece of eclectic wizardry.
I pay little attention to what many music critics have to say, because many of them don't have a freakin' clue most of the time, but when I listen to this album I concur with those who deemed The Clash "The Only Band That Matters" during this era. This album is simply epic.
Rust Never Sleeps - Neil Young - Picking a favourite Neil Young album is difficult if you're a fan; and I am. This one stands out though, as it combines both main elements of what I like in Young's work: his crazy electric freak-outs, and his deft acoustic side. Standout tracks include Hey Hey, My My, Powderfinger, Thrasher, and Pocahantas.
Desolation Boulevard - The Sweet - It's a true rock n roll tragedy that this band gets overlooked so frequently when discussing the growth of the genre in the Seventies. Sweet introduced a notion of refined heaviness that bands like Motley Crue and Def Leppard would ride to multi-platinum success in the Eighties. Combining loud, crunchy guitars, with smooth pop choruses, Sweet set the benchmark for many of the bands that would follow in their path. Faves on this one: Sweet F.A., Fox on the Run, No you Don't, Set me Free, Solid Gold Brass.
The Cars - The Cars - This band was so far ahead of its time, yet much like the Sweet doesn't get nearly enough credit for the groundwork they laid. Combining old-time rock n roll riffs, spacey keyboards, the brilliant contrasts between co-lead vocalists Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr (Ocasek was the oddball frontman with the quirky voice, while Orr was the ladies man with the smooth pipes), and a lead guitarist in Elliott Easton who could play perfectly suitable, yet dynamic and creative solos, the Cars were unlike any band before or since. Bridging the gap between new wave and straight-ahead rock, the Cars sat in a middle ground all of their own. Standouts: I'm in Touch With Your World, You're all I've got Tonight, Dontcha Stop, Moving in Stereo, By Bye Love, Let the Good Times Roll.
Chronicles Vol. I - The Best Of Creedence Clearwater Revival - Okay, two points here. First off, I must admit, I haven't owned a copy of this album in a couple years, but how could I ever forget its tunes? Secondly, yes, this is a greatest hits, but for a band like CCR, who recorded so much great material in such a short period of time, this album might just be the best reference point. Faves on this: Green River, Heard it Through the Grapevine, As Long as I can see the Light, Around the Bend, Someday Never Comes, Fortunate Son.
Master of Puppets - Metallica - A total no-brainer in every sense. Simply the greatest album of all, from the greatest metal band of the past 25 years. It never fails to amaze me how a band of musicians still in their early-twenties could produce something that combined the ferocity, politcally-conscious lyrics, complex arrangements, absurd tempos, and sheer scope of this record. Jame Hetfield proved on this album that he is simply the greatest rythm guitarist, lyricist, and frontman in metal history, and the late Cliff Burton contributed not only stellar bass playing in the Steve Harris mold, but also some of the melodic sections that made this album stand out from others of the genre. Metallica did not merely bludgeon you over the head on this album. No, they instead hit you with a combination of both heavy, speedy riffery, and slow, melodic mid-sections. I am still amazed by the beauty of the middle of the title track, or the Burton-penned, Thin Lizzy-style guitar harmonies in the middle of Orion — a tune in which Burton also plays a damned good bass solo. Other faves on this one: Battery, The Thing That Should not Be, Welcome Home Sanitarium, and Disposable Heroes.
5 comments:
hey Steve,
Just reading your blog, you remind me a lot of my friend Tony who came to class that one day. He is also bonker's for music, and spends a lot of his time listening to music like someone might read a book. You're reviews were very informative, and though I don't know much about dissecting albums myself- hanging out with Tony has opened up my musical horizons quite significantly. I think I'll check a couple of the albums out that you've mentioned - because I've found more than anything this year, that music is the thing to get you through. Have you considered freelancing for a music magazine? I think you might be good at it.
'I get a wee bit thirsty on occasion, and perhaps a six-pack just isn't going to quench my musical thirst.'
Nicely put Steve.
While I've heard of all these bands, (who hasn't heard of 'Bad Moon Rising' by CCR?), I'm much like Meagan when it comes to dissecting albums. Honestly, I think I've listened to two songs by Sweet - Ballroom Blitz and Little Willy.
I, too, plan to expand my horizons by listening to bands I've either never heard of or heard much from.
I listen to a wide variety of music, so these blogs that centre around music are definitely appreciated!
I was thinking about compiling a list of lyrics that have inspired me in some way, but there's just too many to pick from. If it weren't for recommendations made by others, I'd still be listening to strictly music from the 80s and 90s. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I enjoy having a playlist with some variety.
Oh Lord!
Have you gone off your “meds”, again? Another list of albums on your blog, I know that your condition (delusions of grandeur compounded with verbal diarrhea) makes you want to spout off at the mouth as the moment moves you. It is most disconcerting, especially when one of our co-students actually thinks you sound like an expert. I have sent her a message, hoping that she reconsiders what she has done, and hopefully offers a public retraction. If that fails I will have to get a note from you mother and send it to our co-student. I know thats harsh, but this is a serious condition, despite what your “friends” are saying to you when your alone.
Perhaps to nip this thing in the bud. I need to take more drastic measures. Please, Lefty forgive me but I think the world needs to know the “Truth”.
The 12 albums that you have chosen to write about are, according to my sources, the only 8-tracks as well as Sing-along with the Smurfs and Barney the Big Purple Dinosaur, that the “Doctor” would allow you to have. From very early in your life you would lock yourself in your bedroom, put on your Spiderman underwear and bounce on your bed, while singing along with your “bands” at the top of your voice while playing your Close and Play at full volume until bedtime.
Please, Lefty, Steve buddy, we only just want what is best for you, don't make me take any drastic steps to reign in this situation. We just want what is best for all. Please no more favorite “6 Packs” it will be better this way.
I'm overawed by your vast musical knowledge, Mr. Pettibone, even if Bill apparently doesn't agree.
It looks like our musical tastes line up a little bit (particularly Metallica and CCR, rock on!), although I can't help but notice that of the albums you list here, all but one are at least 30 years old. There's nothing wrong with that, but it gives me an idea about how you feel about modern music. For the most part I feel the same way.
Anyway, this seems like a good spot for me to trot out my own top 5 list, which I've no doubt that you and Bill are going to love (note massive sarcasm)! These are in no particular order, except for #1.
5. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness - Possibly the worst album title of all time, but fortunately the album itself is great. It goes from soft rock to heavy rock to piano ballads and back again seemlessly. Too bad the Pumpkins were never this good again.
4. Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon - I became a Floyd fan very late in life, but better late than never. There's probably nothing I can write here that hasn't already been said a million times about Pink Floyd. Between "Time" and "Money" it barely matters what else is on here. Those two songs alone are worth the price of admission. Add in the beauty of "The Great Gig In The Sky" and pile on the trippy indulgence of "Brain Damage," and I'm in auditory heaven.
3. Nirvana - Unplugged In New York - This will probably ruffle some feathers, but I'm sorry, I like Nirvana. This album in particular is wonderful. The arrangements are stripped down to their essentials, but Cobain's vocals ensure that the songs still have an edgy feel. And Cobain pays homage to Leadbelly and other blues musicians passed on with a great rendition of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?"
2. The Nightwatchman - One Man Revolution - I had to throw in something a bit newer somewhere, and since this is easily my favourite album of the last decade or so, it seemed fitting. The Nightwatchman is a stage name taken on by former Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello. On "One Man Revolution" he ditches his effects pedals and gimmicky playing for simple acoustic rock. Even to my untrained ear, I can tell you he's not the most incredible guitar player. But he is far more competent than people gave him credit for, and this album shows that.
Freed from the influences of Rage Against The Machine, Morello shows a lot of sublety and range on this album. Songs like "The Road I Must Travel" and "Flesh Shapes The Day" are flavored with rock and the blues. "The Garden of Gethsemane" and "Until The End" are melodic, finger-picked tunes. Lyrically, it's a strong album, and even though Morello's vocals are nothing to write home about, his earnestness and the bare-bones production carry the album off perfectly. The only flaws are the unnecessary reworkings of "House Gone Up In Flames" and "No One Left," a pair of excellent songs that were much better in their single versions released before the album itself.
1. Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine - This album defined my adolescence. Corny but true. Right from the album art through to the lyrics, it's an album that prompts you to ask questions. As a kid who grew up in the suburbs in the 90s, I didn't know about the Weathermen. I wondered what the line "standin' with the fury that they had in '66" meant. I wanted to know why the monk on the album cover was on fire. As I looked into these things more and more and found out the meaning behind them, I learned to appreciate music that didn't spell everything out for you. And like every other kid in the world I loved blasting "Killing In The Name" and screaming that wonderful refrain when I was having a bad day.
Musically, the album is great. Rage Against The Machine were one of very very few mainstream bands still doing guitar solos when this album came out. As I indicated previously, Morello knew a thing or two about how to play guitar. There are many great solos on this album. Does he hold a candle to Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Angus Young, or even Jim Hendrix? No, of course not. But dammit he's the closest thing my generation has! And this dude knows how to write riffs that will blow your windows out. Just how I like 'em.
The entire band fits together perfectly. Zack De La Rocha provided a voice for the group's political leanings. Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk tie them down with rock solid bass and drums backing. Again, these guys aren't phenomenal musicians in a technical sense, but they know how to play. And over top of all that is Tom Morello losing his mind and wailing away on his axe. I can't ask for anything more.
Awesome comments Steve. The range of albums listed are great.
I do agree with Meagan, you should consider freelancing. You've got a great talent for describing.
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