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 #10

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. Andrew Bird – Headsoak (The Swimming Hour, 2001) [singlepic id=117 w=80 h=50 float=left]

We start off peacefully with a relaxing song of Andrew Bird. This song is on the last album with his Bowl of Fire, before going solo. I discovered the album last year, but I can’t see it beating the one I totally revalued thanks to another shuffle, Armchair Apocrypha, which is a great album. Still have to get his latest…

2. Small Faces – Get Yourself Together (Small Faces, 1967) [singlepic id=123 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Initially we easily flow on to the next song with some calm guitar playing, until the typical sound of the Small Faces looms. One of those great bands from this era that perhaps got a little snowed in by the big rock mastodonts from that time. Certainly kept Britain’s psychedelic pop alive after Pink Floyd went progressive, although the original line-up also only existed for four years before disbanding in 1969.

3. Animal Collective – Brother Sport (Merriweather Post Pavillion, 2009) [singlepic id=118 w=80 h=50 float=left]

The sound is still cheerful and we’re still very uptempo, but our technology has made a progression of 40 years. Epic closing track of this 2009 album as well as many live gigs from this band. Still one of the best acts I’ve ever seen live.

4. Radiohead – Paranoid Android (OK Computer, 1997) [singlepic id=22 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Awesome track/album/band. Talking about great live memories.

 

5. Robert Johnson – Cross Road Blues (King of the Delta Blues Singers, 1936) [singlepic id=122 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Probably one of the oldest songs in my music collection, from this album that was only released in 1961. Also known for the version that Eric Clapton arranged for Cream and a great pub in Antwerp that derived its name from this song.

6. Jethro Tull – Wind-Up (Aqualung, 1971) [singlepic id=121 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Closing track from Tull’s album that I really have to give another shot. (update: I underrated this one way too long, certainly as genius as Stand Up.)

7. Jefferson Airplane – Rejoice (After Bathing at Baxters, 1967) [singlepic id=120 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Album from Airplane from the same year as their famous classic album Surrealistic Pillow. Long time ago since I gave this a serious listening chance, so this one is definitely going on my mp3 to fill my  time in the public transport. (update: the same for Aqualung going for this one, brilliant album. Imagine albums like Pillow and Baxters being released in the same year by the same band today.)

8. XTC – River of Orchids (Apple Venus Vol 1, 1999) [singlepic id=124 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Awesome opening track from this wonderful album, that closed the previous era in an amazing way. Very Brian Wilsonesk.

9. The Smiths – Pretty Girls Make Graves (The Smiths, 1984) [singlepic id=133 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Second time we shuffle a track from this album. Pointed me to the fact that it was time for a decent review of this juwel.

10. Echo & the Bunnymen – Nocturnal Me (Ocean Rain, 1984) [singlepic id=119 w=80 h=50 float=left]

And we close the shuffle of this week in the same year with the Bunnymen’s classic album. Rediscovered Crocodiles recently and wondering about which one is better. Might still be this one in the end.