Shuffle of the week #33

1. XTC – I’d Like That (Apple Venus Volume 1, 1999)  [singlepic id=220 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Second track from a great album, bringing together the best material from the period XTC was on strike (1992-1998). Apple Venus was subsequently released  on their own label and recorded in their own home-studios, with Partridge on vocals and acoustic guitar here. Very cheerful, very McCartney.

2. Robert Johnson – Hellhound on My Trail (King of the Delta Blues Singers, 1961)  [singlepic id=152 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Archaic cornerstone of rock’s discography, already recorded in 1936 but released in 1961 on the Columbia label. They had just contracted Bob Dylan, who had the album lying around on his couch on the cover of Bringing It All Back Home.

3. Genesis – More Fool Me (Selling England by the Pound, 1973)  [singlepic id=73 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing track on side one of Genesis’ brilliant fifth album, with Phil Collins on lead vocals. Compared to the other songs this one is rather short and very sober, only featuring Collins and Mike Rutherford on guitar. His lover may be gone, but Phil is convinced everything will be just fine.

4. Ride – Vapour Trail (Nowhere, 1990) [singlepic id=296 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing track and only single from shoegazing band Ride’s debut album. Written and sung by guitarist Andy Bell, who would later join Oasis on bass. Good album, especially the opening track is a great powertrip.

5. Rolling Stones – Turd on the Run (Exile on Main St., 1972)  [singlepic id=297 w=80 h=50 float=left]

A less known track from one of The Stones’ greatest albums, that was born in the south of France while recording in Keith Richards’ basement. Richards might have begun a daily habit of using heroin at that time, his guitar really defines this album, including some country rock sound on this one. Robert Johnson also contributed to the album, with the Stones covering his ‘Stop Breaking Down’ on side four.

6. The Kinks – A House in the Country (Face to Face, 1966)  [singlepic id=294 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Finally, The Kinks make their appearance in the shuffle of the week. Face to Face was their fourth album (and definitely one of my favorites), on which this is the closing track of side one. It was their first album entirely written by lead vocalist Ray Davies and marked the beginning of a great period for the band.

7. Lou Reed – Satellite of Love (Transformer, 1972)  [singlepic id=295 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Second single from Transformer, an album I dragged across Keith Richards’ south of France last summer, a couple of months before Reed’s death. A song about jealousy, that was originally meant to appear on The Velvet Underground’s Loaded, but that ended up on Reed’s second solo album. With the ever recognizable David Bowie (also the album producer) on backing vocals.

8. The Who – Getting In Tune (Who’s Next, 1971)  [singlepic id=298 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Opener on side two of The Who’s fifth album and the fourth song this week with that generously packed sound from the early seventies. Not very surprisingly, this song deals with the power of music and was originally part of Townshend’s Lifehouse-project (as a follow-up to Tommy).

 9. Andrew Bird – Scythian Empires (Armchair Apocrypha, 2007)  [singlepic id=81 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Talking about richly instrumented pieces of music: perhaps a little less rockin’, but Bird shows off a great deal of craftsmanship on this album highlight. Played the life out of that album last year.

10. Phish – Bouncing Around the Room (Lawn Boy, 1990)  [singlepic id=167 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing this shuffle just like Phish’s second studio album: with this easy going funky song, influenced by Senegalese music.

Shuffle of the week #32

This is an ode to the shuffle. How better to get a good insight in your digitized album collection than by a classic shuffle? Finally discover the albums you never got into, finally throw the ones away you will never get into and worship those classics that never grow old again. The Shuffle of this week:

1. Love – Live & Let Live (Forever Changes, 1967) [singlepic id=196 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Oh, the snot has caked against my pants… One of the best tracks from one of the all-time best albums, featuring a great combo of acoustic and electric guitars. Being Love’s third album (“You said you would love me forever!” – “Well, forever changes.”),  it was also the last with the ‘original’ line-up. Troubles already arised during the recording of this one, as a number of band members were originally replaced by famous LA session musicians like Hal Blaine (drums) and Carol Kaye (bass). I guess I’ll take my pistol.

2. The Who – Heinz Baked Beans (The Who Sell Out, 1967) [singlepic id=292 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Staying in the same year, with the The Who’s third album.This is the one minute-intermezzo that follows up the shattering opening track, being one of the ridiculized commercials that link the songs together. Written (and ‘sung’) by John Entwistle, and reminding of Dylan’s ‘Rainy Day Women’- brass band on fast forward. Really great album.

3. Sigur Rós – Avalon (Agaetis Byrjun, 1999) [singlepic id=293 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Album (‘A Good Beginning’) that makes you search for certain symbols and notations on your keyboard, after which you surrender and decide to just enjoy the music. Second album from the band, a richly orchestrated one, on which this is the closing track. It consists of an alternative take of the instrumentals on ‘Starálfur’, closing the album in a dark way, resembling GYBE.

4. Mogwai – Katrien (Young Team, 1997) [singlepic id=285 w=80 h=50 float=left]

However, the shuffle used the previous track as intro for what was about to follow, more post-rock from the late nineties. Because I mainly listened to their later work the past couple of months, I kind of lost this great debut out of sight.

5. Paul McCartney & Wings – Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five (Band on the Run, 1973) [singlepic id=252 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Time for some magnificent uptempo pop rock from the master himself. Closing track from his most praised album, with great vocals while the piano is set on fire . The instrumental powertrip towards the end can perfectly compete with some excellent prog rock from the same era.

6. The National – Anna Freud (The National, 2001) [singlepic id=291 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another closing track, from The National’s debut album. Never given a fair chance after the hype that originated around the band later on, but that may not be an excuse to deny it.

7. Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Born in Ontario (Psychedelic Pill, 2012) [singlepic id=286 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another seasoned rock god with his legendary support group. One of the most accessible tracks on this great jam album. Sure, Neil searches for inspiration in his Canadian roots once again, but does it bother anyone?

8. Strawberry Alarm Clock – Strawberries Mean Love (Incense and Peppermints, 1967) [singlepic id=290 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Typical psychedelic rock from ’67, very much resembling the sound of Jefferson Airplane. Not only instrumental, but also concerning the alternating vocals that remind of Balin and Slick, while as far as I know, there was not even a female vocalist involved in this band.

9. Nick Drake – Poor Boy (Bryter Layter, 1970) [singlepic id=288 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Talking about female vocalists, track from Drake’s second album on which the backing vocals are provided by Pat Arnold and Doris Troy. Just like on his debut Five Leaves Left, Drake is supported again by a number of great guest musicians like Richard Thompson and Dave Pegg from Fairport Convention and John Cale. Beautiful piano part.

10. Neutral Milk Hotel – The Fool (In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, 1998) [singlepic id=287 w=80 h=50 float=left]

This week’s shuffle somehow closes in style, as it ended up to be an ode to instrumental music. From Neutral Milk Hotel’s second album, and reminding of what Beirut would come up with later.

Shuffle of the week #31

This is an ode to the shuffle. How better to get a good insight in your digitized album collection than by a classic shuffle? Finally discover the albums you never got into, finally throw the ones away you will never get into and worship those classics that never grow old again. The Shuffle of this week:

1. George Harrison – Dear One (Thirty Three & 1/3, 1976) [singlepic id=85 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Starting with Richard Tee this week, whose organ playing opens this song. The acoustic guitar and soft voice that follow are these of George Harrison, on the second track of his sixth studio-album, definitely one of his best (with the title referring to the vinyl as well as his age at the time of recording). Harrison also plays the percussion and synthesizers on this song, while Premavatar Paramahansa Yogananda’s spirit sings to us.

2. The White Stripes – Conquest (Icky Thump, 2007) [singlepic id=284 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Sixth and final (+ Grammy winning) album from one of the greatest rock acts from the 21st century. It was also the final (and third) single to be released from Icky Thump and its only cover song. ‘Conquest’ was originally written by Corky Robbins, but Jack White got fascinated by the song through Patti Page’s cover from the fifties. He rearranged it into a highly orchestrated track (featuring Regulo Aldama on trumpet) with those characterizing Stripes guitars during the chorus.

3 Killing Joke – Wardance (Killing Joke, 1980) [singlepic id=126 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another great guitar song, a post-punk gem from Killing Joke’s debut album. It was the first single from the album, featuring this great artwork. Album that requires the right timing to reveal itself, but that will spend weeks on your playlist afterwards.

4. Neil Young – See the Sky About to Rain (On the Beach, 1974) [singlepic id=283 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Second time that an organ (correction: a Wurlitzer electric piano)  intro is followed by a divine and one of rock music’s most recognizable voices. Although recorded after Tonight’s the Night, On the Beach became the follow-up album to Harvest. It’s definitely a personal favorite (lyrically as well as musically), but apparently it didn’t meet its high expectations when it was released. This is the second song on the album, featuring Levon Helm on drums and covered (just like ‘Cowgirl in the Sand’) already before Young’s release by The Byrds on their reunion album Byrds (1973).

5. Vampire Weekend – A-Punk (Vampire Weekend, 2008) [singlepic id=160 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Up-tempo song and second single from the band’s debut album, which was a pleasant surprise in those years.

6. Pearl Jam – Alive (Ten, 1991) [singlepic id=127 w=80 h=50 float=left]

A certain pattern in this week’s shuffle becomes clear, as all songs derive from the first three tracks on each respective album. The music for this song was written by guitarist Stone Gossard, after which Eddie Vedder added some quasi autobiographical lyrics to it about his death biological father. As a result, Vedder was invited to join this new band called Pearl Jam and this song became the legendary lead single of their debut album.

7. Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Live at Wembley’86, 1992) [singlepic id=279 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The live track of the week is delivered by Queen, just like last week, from the legendary concert at Wembley. Including great instrumental jam.

8. Brian Eno – Sky Saw (Another Green World, 1975) [singlepic id=230 w=80 h=50 float=left]

From Wembley’s applause into the opening tones of Eno’s third album. Although containing some great ‘popsongs’ that remind of Brian Wilson, the album mainly consists of instrumental, ambient, tracks like this one. Notice Phil Collins on drums and John Cale on viola.

9. Golden Earring – Eight Miles High (Live, 1977) [singlepic id=281 w=80 h=50 float=left]

More seventies and more live music, with a ten minutes lasting cover of The Byrds’ ‘Eight Miles High’ (1966). An undisputed highlight on this terrific live album, with droning drums and some quality guitar licks, recorded in London’s Rainbow Theatre.

10. Interpol – Slow Hands (Antics, 2004) [singlepic id=282 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Album I acquired thanks to the band’s great debut album. A very decent follow-up, although not able to compete with Turn on the Bright Lights. Unfortunately, it all went downhill from here.

Shuffle of the week #30

This is an ode to the shuffle. How better to get a good insight in your digitized album collection than by a classic shuffle? Finally discover the albums you never got into, finally throw the ones away you will never get into and worship those classics that never grow old again. The Shuffle of this week:

1. The Yardbirds – The Nazz Are Blue (Roger The Engineer, 1966) [singlepic id=236 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Blues rock that sounds like something in between of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac and later projects that originated in mysterious ways  from this group, like Cream and Blind Faith. The name of the album refers to audio engineer Roger Cameron, who is drawn on the album cover by rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja. According to certain rumors, Dreja would have refused an offer by Jimmy Page to become Led Zeppelin’s bass player because he wanted to pursue a career as a photographer.

2. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Keep On Chooglin’ (Bayou Country, 1969) [singlepic id=277 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing song from the first album of Creedence’s 1969-trilogy. Including several guitar solos by John Fogerty, this southern rock does in fact not differ much from the previous song. This song, together with opening track ‘Born on the Bayou’, is one of the album’s highlights. Not as strong as a whole compared to its successors though.

3. Marvin Gaye – What’s Happening Brother (What’s Going On, 1971) [singlepic id=141 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Staying in the same period with the velvet soul from Marvin Gaye. Second song of this great album, about a returned Vietnam veteran (based on Gaye’s brother Frankie). While he asks himself whether his baseball team would win or not, I ask myself why this is still Marvin’s only album in my collection.

4. Broken Social Scene – Cranley’s Gonna Make It (Feel Good Lost, 2001) [singlepic id=276 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Debut album from this Canadian indie band. Got it áfter having discovered them through the second and better known album You Forgot It in People, and therefore I was of course surprised by its almost completely instrumental /ambient sound. Time to give it another shot.

5. Kyuss – Caterpillar March (Blues for the Red Sun, 1992) [singlepic id=278 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another instrumental, with the music written by the band’s drummer Brant Bjork. A rather short song, this one, while Bjork’s other songs ‘Green Machine’ and ’50 Million Year Trip (Downside Up)’ are two of this albums’ highlights.

6. Velvet Underground – Some Kinda Love (The Velvet Underground, 1969) [singlepic id=274 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Perhaps the least song from a genius album. Put on your red pyjama’s and find out all other things about this album. Don’t forget to put jelly on your shoulder.

                  7. The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band – Sisters! Brothers! Small Boats of Fire Are Falling from the Sky! (Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward, 2001) [singlepic id=280 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Title says it all, I guess. Music For Walking Through The Woods On An Autumn Day.

 

8. Queen – Radio Ga Ga (Live at Wembley ’86, 1992) [singlepic id=279 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Roger Taylor’s most famous composition, from Queen’s eleventh album The Works. Together with John Deacon’s ‘I Want to Break Free’, it was one of the two huge hits on this album. However, today we are reliving a legendary concert in the history of live music, during the summer of 1986. Nobody could have imagined at that time what kind of monsters the title of this song would spit out many years later.

9. Beach Boys – We Got Love (The Beach Boys in Concert, 1973) [singlepic id=136 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another portion of live music, proving that even a shuffle offers you the necessary continuity now and then while exploring rock music’s archives. The previous time I ran into this live album, it concerned its opening track. That song was added to their studio album Holland, because it would otherwise lack a potential hit. Other songs suffered from this adjustment… among others this one. That way this was the first album the song would ever appear on.

10. 13th Floor Elevators – Dust (Easter Everywhere, 1967) [singlepic id=275 w=80 h=50 float=left]

A familiar song, from a great album I just listened for weeks. A serene song when compared to some others on the album, written by singer Rocky Erickson and Tommy Hall, whose electric jug defines this album.

Shuffle of the week #29

This is an ode to the shuffle. How better to get a good insight in your digitized album collection than by a classic shuffle? Finally discover the albums you never got into, finally throw the ones away you will never get into and worship those classics that never grow old again. The Shuffle of this week:

1. Dwight Yoakam – Streets of Bakersfield (Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room, 1988) [singlepic id=271 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Classic country tune including harmonica, being a duet with Yoakam’s musical hero Buck Owens. It was the lead single from his third album (all three reaching #1 on the Billboard Country Albums), and was his first one to become a  #1 country single.

2. The Beatles – Within You Without You (Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967) [singlepic id=267 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Harrison’s gem from probably the best known album of all time. Just like Revolver’s ‘Love You To’, it’s characterized by its classic Indian music influences with Harrison being the only Beatle that can be heard on the song. Especially the instrumental middle section sounds magnificent, with Harrison on tambura, Indian musicians on percussion & dilruba and a string section that was added by George Martin. Stephen Stills later carved the lyrics about people hiding behind their illusions on a monument in his garden.

3. Bettie Serveert – Kid’s Allright (Palomine, 1992) [singlepic id=269 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Indie rock album that became a classic in the bands native country (the Netherlands) and obtained some success in the States. Just like their fellow-countrymen from Golden Earring, the band was lucky to have a native English speaking singer, with Carol Van Dyk being raised in Canada. Best guitar song on the album, with a great intro.

4. Bruce Springsteen – Open All Night (Nebraska, 1982) [singlepic id=270 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The electric guitar is replaced by the acoustic one of The Boss (I stand corrected: this is the only song on the album featuring an electric guitar), on this intimate album full of dark lyrics. This album originally just was a collection of demos to be recorded together with the E-Street Band (which actually took place), but Springsteen decided to release it in its stripped-down, original form. Because it resulted in an album which is less obtrusive than other Springsteens, it might be my favorite one. All due respect.

5. Metallica – Leper Messiah (Master of Puppets, 1986) [singlepic id=266 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Twice in a row for Metallica’s Master of Puppets, after last week’s ‘Disposable Heroes’. One of my favorite tracks with that typical guitar-pounding drums combo, about mendacious prophets.

6. Moody Blues – Minstrel’s Song  (A Question of Balance, 1970) [singlepic id=272 w=80 h=50 float=left]

From the purgatory of hell to the vestibule of heaven where the Moody’s are singing to us, bass player John Lodge to be more precisely. Just like Springsteen’s Nebraska, this sixth album was more stripped-down than its predecessors, in order to be able to perform it live. It reached #1 in the UK, where it replaced Bridge Over Troubled Water.

7. Neil Young – This Old Guitar (Prairie Wind, 2005) [singlepic id=213 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Beautiful song about Willie Nelsons guitar, lent by Neil Young for a while. With Emmylou Harris on backing vocals.

8. Tindersticks – Buried Bones (Curtains, 1997) [singlepic id=273 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Over to another duet, by Tindersticks singer Stuart Staples and female vocalist/nightclub performer Ann Magnuson. Good song, but not really into the genre anymore.

9. Eels – Railroad Man (Blinking Lights & Other Revelations, 2005) [singlepic id=139 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Ran into this album before without deciding whether to preserve this or not. Let’s give it another chance, if only for this good song featuring a beautiful outro.

10. Beirut – Postcards From Italy (Gulag Orkestar, 2006) [singlepic id=268 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another guy that featured last weeks shuffle already. One of the best tracks from the genius debut album (released on the label with the great name ‘Ba Da Bing Records’), which probably remains his best work. One of those few contemporary artists that draw my attention when releasing a new album.

Shuffle of the week #28

This is an ode to the shuffle. How better to get a good insight in your digitized album collection than by a classic shuffle? Finally discover the albums you never got into, finally throw the ones away you will never get into and worship those classics that never grow old again. The Shuffle of this week:

1. Pink Floyd – See-Saw (A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968) [singlepic id=95 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Spacey track from one of my favorite Floyd albums. It’s one of the two songs written by Richard Wright, while it’s the only album on which his number of lead vocals outnumbers those of Waters, Gilmour and Barett. Wright’s songwriting might have been overshadowed throughout the years by that of Waters and Gilmour but is not to be underestimated, witnessing this one, ‘Remember a Day’ and the brilliant ‘Summer ‘68’ on 1970’s Atom Heart Mother.

2. Gong – You Can’t Kill Me (Camembert Electrique, 1971) [singlepic id=264 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The Flying Teapot only just floated out of my playlist from the past few weeks and the shuffle is already offering an alternative. I definitely prefer this one, containing better harmonies and a generally harder sound, including a nice guitar riff in this six and a half minutes song. It was written by band founder Daevid Allen, who before he continued his career in France with Gong, invited the 16-year old Robert Wyatt to play in the Daevid Allen Trio before founding Soft Machine together.

3. Metallica – Disposable Heroes (Master of Puppets, 1986) [singlepic id=266 w=80 h=50 float=left]

So it took about 30 times before Metallica finally shows up here. Compared to its predecessor, Metallica’s second and strong album Ride the Lightning, the guitars even sound harder and Hetfield’s stories improved strongly while recording this one in Denmark. ‘Disposable Heroes’ is of course one of those classics, about the soldier whose fate is in the hands of his commanders.

4. Killing Joke – Primitive (Killing Joke, 1980) [singlepic id=126 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Song that surprisingly fits in well after the previous one. A little less loud and some bit slower, but for all other things this could be something the guys from Metallica might (have) like(d).

5. Anathema – Don’t Look Too Far (Judgement, 1999) [singlepic id=262 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another one with explicit guitars. Ran into this band before, but didn’t follow up back then. A band that was said to be a doom metal band before this release, which obviously was a step towards accessibility although the lyrics still deal with enough depression and desperation for the fans.

6. Beirut – The Rip Tide (The Rip Tide, 2011) [singlepic id=263 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Some beautiful and sophisticated tones then, instrumentally as well as vocally. The piano clearly  claims the lead role on this track from the homonymous third album, on which Zach Condon has returned from southern Europe and presents some fresh New Mexican indie pop.

7. Cat Stevens – Peace Train (Teaser & The Firecat, 1971) [singlepic id=163 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Album filled with tunes that will stick in your head for weeks, this song being a nice example.

 

8. James Taylor – Steamroller (Sweet Baby James, 1970) [singlepic id=265 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Not heard in years and not something I would immediately associate with Taylor, witnessing the huge horn section in the middle. Hmmm.

9. Muse – Apocalypse Please (Absolution, 2003) [singlepic id=233 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Ran into a classical influenced song from this album earlier, and this one simply would have been named prog rock if made some 30 years earlier.

10. Led Zeppelin – Bron-Y-Aur (Physical Graffiti, 1975) [singlepic id=226 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing with a little dash of instrumental folk from the Grandmasters, having become regular customers here.