Shuffle of the week #36

1. Ministry – Just One Fix (Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs, 1992) [singlepic id=315 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Brutal noise from Chicago’s industrial metal band. Album full of samples featuring famous movie quotes, for example Frank Sinatra’s “I wanna fix! Gimme a fix!” on this track. For those moments when you’re absolutely in no need of melody.

2. The Great Society – White Rabbit (Conspicuous Only in Its Absence, 1968) [singlepic id=318 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The typical San Francisco’67 beat only kicks in after an elaborate Eastern instrumental intro, with snakes being hypnotized while the tempo grows. Grace Slick with her first band, which she founded together with her husband and brother in law after being inspired by The Beatles and… Jefferson Airplane, the band she would later join to record this song with for the second time. Live album that was recorded in 1966 and released in the aftermath of Airplane’s success. Truly recommended to people who like this latter band.

3. Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way (Rumours, 1977) [singlepic id=313 w=80 h=50 float=left]

California ten years later, from an obscure gig to a totally polished radio hit single. Lindsey Buckingham’s song, about his troubles with Stevie Nicks.

4. The Doors – The End (The Doors, 1967) [singlepic id=4 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Travelling back again with the epic end piece of The Doors’ debut album. Molded into its ultimate version (the one that ended up on the record) after intensely touring the LA circuit and performing this song each time at the end of the gig. Covered by Nirvana, Nico and Homer Simpson.

5. Tortoise – Monica (Standards, 2001) [singlepic id=40 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Nothing outstanding, but an album that’s worth to be played once a year. ‘Benway’ from the same album already came by, as it was one of the 10 tracks of the very first shuffle.

6. Pink Floyd – Let There Be More Light (A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968) [singlepic id=95 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Awesome opening track, with the techno-intro being a showcase for Waters’ bass playing. Waters remained as Floyd’s  main songwriter on this album, but was still clearly inspired by Barett (and, appearantly, Sgt.Pepper’s).  New member Gilmour takes on the lead vocals during the chorus, and plays his first Floyd solo towards the end of the song. About time for a review of this album.

7. Animal Collective – Visiting Friends (Sung Tongs,2004) [singlepic id=312 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Strumming acoustic guitars, and Devendra Banhart like he’s experimenting with a voice scrambler for the first time. Never paid much attention to this album because of the fascination for later work, from the band as well as Panda Bear.

8. Songs:Ohia – Hot Black Silk (Axxess & Ace, 1999) [singlepic id=316 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Opening track from third album. Also one of the highlights, with Molina’s beautiful voice shining on this acoustic singer-songwriter song.

9. Madrugada – Hands Up / I Love You (The Nightly Disease, 2001) [singlepic id=314 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Talking about impressive voices, what to say about about Sivert Hoyem? Norwegian alternative rock band that released some solid albums like this one and The Deep End (2005). And of course they released a live album with the legendary title Live at Trafalmadore, after the alien planet in Kurt Vonnegut’s novels.

10. Steely Dan – Peg (Aja, 1977) [singlepic id=317 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing with this magnificent jazzy track from Steely Dan’s sixth  and best-selling album. Of course not recorded in a couple of weeks, the guitar solo in this song alone was attempted by no less than eight session guitarists.

Shuffle of the week #16

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. Caribou – Brahminy Kite (The Milk of Human Kindness, 2005) [singlepic id=171 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Canadian Daniel Snaith released his first two albums as Manitoba, before changing his stage name to Caribou (due to a lawsuit). As such this third album was released, which contains some of his best work together with Andorra (2007). The two times I saw the band live couldn’t have been more different: first time in a dark tent together with around 40 other people, second time at Berlin’s Wuhlheide, being Radiohead’s support act during sunset.

2. Girls in Hawaii – Colors (Plan Your Escape, 2008) [singlepic id=173 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Continuing in the 21st century with this song from Girls in Hawaii. Other than the name might presume, we’re not talking about some girlpower group here but about an indie rock band from Belgium, whose sound might remind you of Grandaddy. Touring again this year with their new (third) album.

3. Cotton Mather – Camp Hill Rail Operator (Kon Tiki, 1997) [singlepic id=46 w=80 h=50 float=left]

We ran into this album before and in response to that I caught myself listening to it again for a couple of weeks. So I revalue this nineties gem once more to ‘most underestimated album of the decade’. Not much worthy material followed, but the band has reunited again since last year and is working on a new studio album!

4. Interpol – Obstacle 1 (Turn on the Bright Lights, 2002) [singlepic id=174 w=80 h=50 float=left]

A lost album really, despite being played a lot of times a couple of years ago. Actually very curious whether it would deserve the same amount of appreciation today. (update: their latter albums might still be worthless, this remains absolutely great)

5. Modest Mouse – Bankrupt on Selling (The Lonesome Crowded West, 1997) [singlepic id=175 w=80 h=50 float=left]

And back to 1997 with a track from a personal favorite of music professor Hofmeijer. He took it all the way to Greece to introduce it there 15 years later.  Great timing.

6. Seasick Steve – The Dead Song (Dog House Music, 2006) [singlepic id=178 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The first old dinosaur entering the stage this week, although he only broke loose this century. Very pleasant contribution, thank you Steve. (update: listened to the album as a whole some more times and gave up, goodbye Steve).

7. Pink Floyd – San Tropez (Meddle, 1971) [singlepic id=177 w=80 h=50 float=left]

At last we’re digging deeper into rock music’s archives with, of course, Pink Floyd. It’s the only song on the album that was entirely written by Roger Waters, who obviously also takes the lead vocals. The contrast with last song couldn’t possibly have been bigger.

8. Beatles – I Will (The Beatles (White Album), 1968) [singlepic id=137 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Staying in the mood with such another great feel good song from the master of the genre. And if you ask me to lay down and listen to the White Album the next couple of weeks, I Will.

9. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Night of the Lotus Eaters (Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, 2008) [singlepic id=176 w=80 h=50 float=left]

One of my favorite songs from the bands 14th studio album. Saw them live during the same year the album was released and what a great impression they made. Time to check out their latest (15th) album, Push the Sky Away, released earlier this year.

10. Guided By Voices – Little Whirl (Alien Lanes, 1995) [singlepic id=172 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The shuffle suddenly came to an end one and a half minute later after one of GBV’s longer songs. If mister Pollard is listening, there is still a fan in Belgium who offers his bedroom as studio to record the next album.