Shuffle of the week #21

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. Arcade Fire – No Cars Go (Neon Bible, 2007) [singlepic id=209 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Exciting start with the fourth single of Arcade Fire’s second studio album. First album still is one of the greatest debuts from the past twenty years and this album met his expectations as a good follow-up. The characterizing full sound shows up again next to the clear vocals, probably due to the fact that it was recorded in a renovated church which served as their studio.

2. Monster Magnet –  Goliath and the Vampires  (Powertrip, 1998) [singlepic id=212 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Talking about  a prevailing instrumental strength. This fourth album from Jersey’s stoner rock band was entirely written by Wyndorf while residing in Las Vegas. I don’t know exactly which role Goliath and the vampires had during that stay, but this instrumental song exactly describes the atmosphere at the moment some Goliath is about to have vampires for breakfast.

3. Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cotton Fields (Willy and the Poor Boys, 1969) [singlepic id=5 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Country rock cover from CCR of Lead Belly’s blues classic. This makes it the only song on this great album that wasn’t written by John Fogerty.

4. Frank Zappa – Mom & Dad (We’re Only in It For the Money, 1968) [singlepic id=111 w=80 h=50 float=left]

An album I really discovered only a few months ago and which perfectly succeeds to let cynicism tango with humor in an isolated room full of strange sounds. This song somehow reminds of Alice Cooper’s ‘Dead Babies’.

5. Van Morrison – Bulbs (Veedon Fleece, 1974) [singlepic id=214 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Single from Morrison’s eight album. One of his best albums and this song is another one of his definite classics, on which he uses his voice once again as full-fledged instrument, making lyrics redundant during the chorus. Time to review one of his works to fill up another artist hiatus.

6. The Move – The Last Thing on My Mind (Shazam, 1970) [singlepic id=205 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Here we are again with one of my all-time favorite albums (and vinyl showpiece) , more specifically with the magnificent final piece this time.  It’s a cover of an original 1964 Tom Paxton song, which is covered by numerous other artists. Although I certainly didn’t hear all of them, this must be one of the best.

7. Death Cab for Cutie – Scientist Studies (We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes, 2000) [singlepic id=211 w=80 h=50 float=left]

I have to admit that I got to know this band only after seeing Magical Mystery Tour. Unfortunately the music on this album and 2003’s Transatlanticism didn’t really raise my curiosity.  Maybe it’s time to get rid of it. This song however is not bad at all.

8. Belle & Sebastian – Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying (If You’re Feeling Sinister, 1996) [singlepic id=210 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Another indie band not heard in a long time, being the second album from these Scots. Perhaps I should give this one another try, but the needless long titles are starting to annoy me.

9. Neil Young – Here for You (Prairie Wind, 2005) [singlepic id=213 w=80 h=50 float=left]

Father Neil knows what i mean, although we might say that he wrote better songs during his impressive career. The album to the contrary is hands down one of Young’s better works from the past 15 years. Best served on the Heart of Gold documentary.

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

Robert Pollard once again comes around to close the door, performing one of the last songs from his best album.