Shuffle of the week #56

1. Guns n’ Roses – Breakdown (Use Your Illusion II, 1991) [singlepic id=216 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Lyrically, GNR had obviously grown up on this album, moving away from the juvenile drugs anthems that dominated their previous work. But also musically, the band was in fact at its peak on this album, containing some very strong rock songs. This one qualifies for mediocrity, but also manages to surprise with a country intro followed by a proggy piano. LA chemists that reinjected mainstream rock music with the demonic and shabby rock ‘n roll from the Stones, and like many predecessors, collapsed by withdrawing to the studio.

2. Kate Bush – L’Amour Looks Something Like You (The Kick Inside, 1978) [singlepic id=415 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Although it was already announced many, many times during the preceding years by the record labels, it was only during the late seventies that the sales of records started to stagnate. That must have been the reason for EMI to completely squeeze this album, for example by including some sexy posters of the then only 19 years old Kate Bush. A little bit paradoxical of course, as Bush should have represented the emancipation of women in rock music by becoming the first woman to reach number 1 in the singles charts with ‘Wuthering Heights’ as well as the first woman at the top of the album charts with The Kick Inside. No surprise Bush started her own label after the forced follow-up album to stay in control over her own work.

3. Jefferson Airplane – Triad (Crown of Creation, 1968) [singlepic id=240 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The previous song could at least be called slightly sexually fueled, this one simply describes the story of a threeway relationship written by David Crosby himself. Although The Byrds could hardly been called conservative, they rejected the song for being too daring after which Grace Slick gratefully accepted the gift. Jefferson Airplane, just like The Byrds, did not have any hitsingle success anymore for some time at that point, due to numerous radio station bans because of supposed drugs references. However, just like The Byrds, it continued to deliver some good albums, like this one. The song reminds of the original folk roots of the band and is in that way representative for the album, on which psychedelic rock slowly starts to peel into the country rock that would be dominant on the last real album of the original band: Volunteers. That album also had to face numerous radio bans in the liberal US, this time not because of drugs references but for, let’s say, ‘political’ reasons.

4. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Gloomy (Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1968) [singlepic id=414 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Maybe one of those bands from the same area that was somehow responsible for the change in course of the group mentioned above. At their own turn, they still propagate some psychedelic elements on their debut album, well illustrated by some long instrumental jams like this one and break-through single ‘Susie Q’, that got CCR some fame in the Bay Area. Not to forget the album sleeve that makes clear that CCR was willing to ride the psychedelic wave a little.

 5. Blind Faith – Do What You Like (Blind Faith, 1969) [singlepic id=369 w=80 h=50 float=left]

One year later, at the other side of the ocean: blues rock is still king, but there’s also a wind blowing from another direction: prog rock. Just like in California, the own sound, in this case the muscled bass-percussion combo, is mingled with the new rising sound, witnessing the elaborate, Genesis-echoes from the near future by Steve Winwood on keyboards. Just like their prog colleagues, Blind Faith principally grabbed ships full of cash in the US by becoming a gigantic stadium act. Disbanded afterwards.

6. Islands –Volcanoes (Return to the Sea, 2006) [singlepic id=389 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Recording in the drummer’s bedroom, intro containing a telephone conversation, all pretty indie for sure. Unfortunately it can’t really compete with peers and countrymen like Sunset Rubdown, Apostle of Hustle and Arcade Fire. A little snooty.

7. Radiohead – Morning Mr. Magpie (The King of Limbs, 2011) [singlepic id=417 w=80 h=50 float=left]

If I ever wanna hear about a ‘Third Way’ again, its Radiohead’s one. Clearly echoes Thom Yorke’s soloalbum, but more exuberantly dressed thanks to the electric guitar riff and lots of other reworked ornaments. Courtesy of Johnny Greenwood.

8. Lambchop – Breath Deep (I Hope You’re Sitting Down/Jack’s Tulips, 1994) [singlepic id=416 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Kurt Wagner addressing you on a (apparently) way underrated debut albm. Many folk and country out there, well illustrated by the acoustic intro of this song. Lambchop’s line-up has been altered many, many times, but Wagner obviously forms the heart of this band, with one of the best senses of understatement ever heard.

9. The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar (Sticky Fingers, 1971) [singlepic id=108 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Opening track and lead single of what is considered by some music professors as one of the best albums of all-time; sleeve designed by Andy Warhol (the Stones were artistically freed after breaking up with Decca Records) and riff ripped by Dandy Warhols. Whether the song was about Marsha Hunt or Claudia Lennear, old pictures of both are worthy of some research.

10. Jethro Tull – For a Thousand Mothers (Stand Up, 1969) [singlepic id=16 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Perhaps the crown juwel on this album, that definitely pushed Tull in the middle of the earlier mentioned prog wave. Just like elsewhere on the album, captain Anderson refers to his relationship with his parents, while his flute sounds more aggressive than ever. The album reached number one in the UK in September 1969, to be removed from that position by… Blind Faith.

Shuffle of the week #17

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. Electric Light Orchestra – Believe Me Now (Out of the Blue, 1977) [singlepic id=182 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Short track from side 2 of the famous rollercoaster of joy, written and produced by Jeff Lynne within three and a half weeks. This seventh studio album could be considered the endpoint of the transition of The Move’s sound  to the symphonic interpretation of earlier Beach Boys and Beatles work .

2. Robert Palmer – Where Can It Go (Double Fun, 1978) [singlepic id=185 w=80 h=50 float=left]

We travel one year in time, to run into another turning point in somebody’s musical career.  Palmer’s last attempt to inject exotic elements into the traditional rock sound before turning to pure and traditional rock again. After moving to the Bahamas two years earlier, the choice for Caribean influences might not surprise here.

3. Beatles – For You Blue (Let It Be, 1970) [singlepic id=180 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Brought this album along during my last vacation and finally had to conclude that it can not compete with the group’s earlier work. Of course it contains juwels from all three writers (‘Get Back’, ‘Across the Universe’, ‘I Me Mine’), but fails to hold on to that level like former albums did. This song however reached epic proportions after seeing the accompanying clip in Anthology. Announcement of All Things must Pass.

4. Bob Dylan (& George Harisson) – All I Have To Do is Dream (Possum Belly Overalls, 1970) [singlepic id=219 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Quite a sick transmission from the shuffle to this absolut gem (a cover of the Everly Brothers’ big hit in 1958) from a lost album. Got it from Pittsburgh, and turned out to be a bootleg from Dylan’s 1970 recordings for the album New Morning. With the support of among others George Harrison, Bob is warming up by playing some of his own songs together with old rock classics like this one.

5. Wilco – One Sunday Morning (Song for Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend) (The Whole Love, 2011) [singlepic id=186 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The beauty keeps coming. This one here is the long closing track, built around a fantastic, slow and simple returning guitar riff, of what probably was 2011’s best rock album. Maybe even one of the best bands out there today. Also suited for several summer evenings.

6. 65daysofstatic – Hole (The Fall of Math, 2004) [singlepic id=179 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Apparently we were having a break halfway the concert, as a total change of décor takes place. English instrumental post-rock, with this song being the second single from their debut album. Single version itself leasted 30 minutes.

7. Santana – Mother’s Daughter (Abraxas, 1970) [singlepic id=194 w=80 h=50 float=left]

All Riiiiiiiiiiiiight! Favorite track from Santana’s fantastic second album. Differing from the well-known songs of the album because of the fact it was one of keyboard player Greg Rolie’s songs. Perfectly illustrates the way he wanted the band to evolve.

8. Gong – The Pot Head Pixies (Flying Teapot, 1973) [singlepic id=183 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Living in the seventies again this week, but everything turns a little more psychedelic with this strange song. Might give this album another shot.

9. Dream Theater – The Great Debate (Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, 2002) [singlepic id=181 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Let’s put all clichés of progressive metal in one song, including an intro about George Bush and stem cells. Is there a concept on this album? Of course there’s one, here we go. First disc is about lifetime struggle (5 tracks), second disc is one huge  track about mental illnesses. That makes six tracks together, all six no longer present in my music collection.

10. Lambchop – Ohio (OH(Ohio), 2008) [singlepic id=184 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The intro was great this week and so is the outro, as Kurt Wagner waves us goodbye with this opening track from the self-epynomous album. One of my most recent captures.

Shuffle of the week #3

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.    Lambchop – The Militant (How I Quit Smoking, 1996) [singlepic id=61 w=80 h=50 float=left]
It started with the band I can never put a style or genre on. Got the first two records of them, of which this one is the second. Started to listen to it again the past few days and I have to say I really like it. Tips about later work are welcome.

2.    dEUS – Suds & Soda (Worst Case Scenario, 1994) [singlepic id=58 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Already an all-time classic in several end-of-the-year-lists in Belgium. Hearing this album again since many years made me realize that it’s actually a very rough one comparing with their later work. Good album.

3.    Beatles – Carry That Weight (Abbey Road, 1969) [singlepic id=56 w=80 h=50 float=left]
It’s always strange and a little bit disappointing to hear this song out of its album context. Still awesome nevertheless.

 

4.    Buddy Holly – Rave On (single, 1958) [singlepic id=57 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Another very short song, although something completely different. That’s about it.

 

5.    Yes – The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (Fragile, 1971) [singlepic id=63 w=80 h=50 float=left]
And once more a short interlude, which could not have been more different from the last one. The song appeared on Yes’ fourth studio album, the first one featuring Wakeman on keys. The albums consists of some epic prog suites together with a couple of semi-solo contributions from the band members. This instrumental song was written by bass player Chris Squire, performing most parts of the song together with Bill Bruford, the later drummer of King Crimson.

6.    The Ocean – Rhyacian (Precambrian, 2007) [singlepic id=62 w=80 h=50 float=left]
The shuffle really likes to mix up things this week, continuing with an eleven minutes during piece from this Berlin experimental metal band. It appears on a double album, of which the first disc contains some real pure and rough metal, while the second one is more symphonic with contributions from members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

7.    Fleet Foxes – Mykonos (Sun Giant, 2009) [singlepic id=60 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Really one of my favorite songs of the past ten years. Brilliant.

 

8.    Aretha Franklin – (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Lady Soul, 1968) [singlepic id=54 w=80 h=50 float=left]
One of the big hits on this huge soul album. Just like The Beatles’ ‘Chains’ which was shuffled earlier, it was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. It was covered a gazillion times later on, even by Rod Stewart. Really Rod?

9.    Beastie Boys – Eugene’s Lament (Ill Communication, 1994) [singlepic id=55 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Another short intermezzo. Good album, not a huge fan.

 

10.  Dire Straits – The Man’s Too Strong (Brothers in Arms, 1985) [singlepic id=59 w=80 h=50 float=left]
Same goes in fact for this one, although I can still appreciate this song. This album was of course loaded with hits (making it one of the absolute best all-time selling albums), with this song probably being one of the least known. However, it remains the most interesting one after you get tired of the rest.