Today's Playlist @ Work; May 21, 2006, CD Cellar Leesburg, VA
Today's Playlist @ Work: Sunday May 21st, CD Cellar Leesburg, VA
Super Furry Animals: Love Kraft (2005)
I have no CLUE what the hell is / has been / will be going on in Wales, but dammit, seems like all the music coming from there is wild, very weird at times and mostly wonderful. You've got the Gorky's Zygotic Mynci boys and girls (for those of you keeping score at home, it's pronounced 'GOR-keez sy-CHO-tic MON-key; not as scary as it looks, ay?), you've got Beta Band and of course Super Furries. This is pretty chill, pretty nice, begins as if to suggest they're covering Neil Young's "The Needle and the Damage Done", but no, they're on their own trip, fueled or not by drugs I'd have to guess (yes). I've read this album isn't nearly as wild, exciting or unpredictable as others, so I'll have to check the earlier stuff. I also like the vague H.P. Lovecraft reference (either that or they're trying to curry favor with the U.S. cheese manufacturer). It's a shame I don't get to fully investigate (or attempt to pay attention to) the lyrics. It'd be interesting to know what they're on about specifically. If possible. A nice listen!
Taj Mahal: Take a Giant Leap - The Best of Taj Mahal (2004)
LOVE the first track. Just him and a guitar. Kind of makes me think guys like Dave Matthews are a big fan. Surprisingly, the first track was written by the songwriting super team, Carole King & Gerry Goffin. Damn, she's got a CV of hit songs a mile long. The rest of the album touches on the various forms of blues, Louisiana being one that stands out, but it's not a great deal here that really set my mouth watering. I want to hear more like the first track and less of the more obvious blues tracks, though, really they are pleasant to the ear. But the first track is something you'd start ear-marking for your next CD compilation. I think this collection was put together for casual blues listeners, or perhaps as a "taster". I know this dude has way more stuff to offer than this. Fortunately, our stock of Mahal at the stores is pretty good. So more investigation is in order (including some reading).
Various Artists: Reggae Chartbusters (2000)
This is pretty damn good from the get-go. Chill tempo, not too-samey tracks, sort of the old very analog sounding early recording technology tracks and just all kinds of wonderfulness. Come and get it. Tracks by The Ethiopians, The Heptones, Toots & The Maytals, Desmond Dekker, Bruce Ruffin, Marcia & Bob Andy and more. Highly recommended for the chill-inclined.
John Mayall: USA Union (1970)
So this foxy woman I know plays a record and at the time I'm not really paying direct attention to the music because there's other bouts of creativity going on which command my attention, but slowly I'm lured toward the turntable as I can't quite identify the music but I feel like I know the voice of the singer. Hmmm, it's a John Mayall's Bluesbreakers album. In my life I've probably only listened to 2 or 3 of Mayall's 6, 352 *ahem* full length albums but each time I'm pretty into it. I stare at the photos of his CD covers, pretty impressed by the prowess of his goatee in each image. I can't grow that much hair anywhere on my body. I know you were wondering. Anyway, why (oh why) haven't I investigated more fully? This, my friends, readers, future possible lovers, is at least half of the reason I'm writing these reviews. Brother needs to educate himself. So next opportunity I play the only Mayall CD we currently have at this location. So I'm thinking this album is ok, extremely low key (which I take it is his trademark) and surprisingly singing about ecological / environmental issues. I don't necessarily think this is one of his better albums. I don't think I like it more than the previous stuff I've heard, but it ain't a bad place to start (though probably not the best place). Either way, this particular album would probably listen better in a more intimate, chilled setting. Not really at work. Unless you work in a bedroom.
Richie Havens: Collection (1987)
Um, this is the jam. I saw Havens perform at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Day Concert some years back and that was my first exposure to him. Remiss that I barely listened to him since. Just here and there. But MAN, dude can play (I've always known that) but what's the kicker for me is he does a lot of covers and really changes them a lot and makes them just as much his creation as the original artists'. I pretty much hate straight covers. There are exceptions. But about half of this album is cover tunes and they're all very different from the originals. He'll often keep much of the original vocal melody lines, but even the delivery of the lines he'll change drastically to conform to the spirit and composition of his music. I'm hip to that. I love this CD. I found myself a bit peeved that the only liner notes was a long quote from Richie (which is great, but...) but no other performance credits, like who was playing the other instruments. Was that all him? All the guitars, bass & percussion? Dude...if that's true I'll be even more impressed (I'm kinda thinking it's not, I'll have to locate some of the original albums these songs are from). He's always been an activist and his guitar skill level and song-writing style has always served that well inasmuch as the stuff I've heard. Evidently his performance at Woodstock was amazing. So I'll have to get my hands on that. This has some inspiring guitar playing (and guitar interplay) on it. I'm a fan.
The Knack: Proof - The Very Best of The Knack (1998)
Primarily known for one song and almost another similar song, I'm curious if many of the people who like "My Sharona" realize what a pretty solid power-pop band The Knack are (were?). I certainly didn't know. I think I have a few friends that know. I've always been into the 2 main hit singles and because of those wanted to buy the albums back in the dZay, but never did. Nor did I (is this like Catholic confession column or what?) ever (remember) listening to either of the two albums with the big hits. Time to remedy the sit-chee-a-shun. Of the 16 songs here, I'd say 10 of them are damn good and worth listening to. The others are slight missteps or larger ones, but since this is a "best of" and no best of ever ever ever gets that one (or two) track(s) from a band's career that completely overshadows all the other songs in the individual's taste. Like, my theory is, based on what I know about The Knack, and this compilation, there will be, on one of their several albums, at least 1 song that for whatever reason strikes me stronger than all of these. I think this is a fairly general truth. All I want is some truth. Just gimme some truth. I bet Sir Charles O. knows about The Knack's better qualities. I should ask him. Ok, I will. Until then, don't be afraid of The Knack. They're more than "My Sharona" and "Baby Talks Dirty" although it cannot be understated how DNA-alteringly catchy that (those) riff(s) is (are). Also, as a bonus, this version of "My Sharona" includes the full guitar solo and the guys are rippin' it up. For your next party, play The Knack, but try a different song.
The Scorpions: Blackout (1982)
Always dug the cover art (though not quite as much as the album w/ the rich couple in the limo and there's like 2 feet of bubble gum stretched between a woman's bare breast and a guys open hand. I would've liked to have been invited to that party). Ya'll as far as the hard rock stuff goes, this. is. my. jam. I'm pleased it still tickles me years later. I used to listen to this album several times a week (I also used to listen to U2's Boy several times a week). I'd recently started playing guitar and always fostered dreams of hard rock / heavy metal world domination
Mathias Jabs is tearing up solos all over the place and to my mind they were (and are mostly still) completely logical and belong on the songs, being both flashy and musically relevant to the individual track. And how can you not love Klaus Meine? He's just a-one of a kind he's just Meine all Meine. Oh, I'm punching clever today boys and girls. Keep up. And really, The Scorpions singing about the end of the world and the perils of cocaine. That's sweet, gimme a biscuit. The rhythm guitar rocks as well and there's just nothing bad I can say about this album. It's fun, it's metal, it's oh-so-sensitive just to let you know it can be, then it rocks your socks again. Hello America! We are The Scorpions! We're here to rock you like a...oh, wait, that's a later album. Stay tuned for the sequel.
I'm glad to know ya. Come by the store and clue me in to your fave rekkids. Buy some new ones. That's what we do.
CD Cellar
Falls Church, VA
Arlington, VA
Leesburg, VA
Super Furry Animals: Love Kraft (2005)
I have no CLUE what the hell is / has been / will be going on in Wales, but dammit, seems like all the music coming from there is wild, very weird at times and mostly wonderful. You've got the Gorky's Zygotic Mynci boys and girls (for those of you keeping score at home, it's pronounced 'GOR-keez sy-CHO-tic MON-key; not as scary as it looks, ay?), you've got Beta Band and of course Super Furries. This is pretty chill, pretty nice, begins as if to suggest they're covering Neil Young's "The Needle and the Damage Done", but no, they're on their own trip, fueled or not by drugs I'd have to guess (yes). I've read this album isn't nearly as wild, exciting or unpredictable as others, so I'll have to check the earlier stuff. I also like the vague H.P. Lovecraft reference (either that or they're trying to curry favor with the U.S. cheese manufacturer). It's a shame I don't get to fully investigate (or attempt to pay attention to) the lyrics. It'd be interesting to know what they're on about specifically. If possible. A nice listen!
Taj Mahal: Take a Giant Leap - The Best of Taj Mahal (2004)
LOVE the first track. Just him and a guitar. Kind of makes me think guys like Dave Matthews are a big fan. Surprisingly, the first track was written by the songwriting super team, Carole King & Gerry Goffin. Damn, she's got a CV of hit songs a mile long. The rest of the album touches on the various forms of blues, Louisiana being one that stands out, but it's not a great deal here that really set my mouth watering. I want to hear more like the first track and less of the more obvious blues tracks, though, really they are pleasant to the ear. But the first track is something you'd start ear-marking for your next CD compilation. I think this collection was put together for casual blues listeners, or perhaps as a "taster". I know this dude has way more stuff to offer than this. Fortunately, our stock of Mahal at the stores is pretty good. So more investigation is in order (including some reading).
Various Artists: Reggae Chartbusters (2000)
This is pretty damn good from the get-go. Chill tempo, not too-samey tracks, sort of the old very analog sounding early recording technology tracks and just all kinds of wonderfulness. Come and get it. Tracks by The Ethiopians, The Heptones, Toots & The Maytals, Desmond Dekker, Bruce Ruffin, Marcia & Bob Andy and more. Highly recommended for the chill-inclined.
John Mayall: USA Union (1970)
So this foxy woman I know plays a record and at the time I'm not really paying direct attention to the music because there's other bouts of creativity going on which command my attention, but slowly I'm lured toward the turntable as I can't quite identify the music but I feel like I know the voice of the singer. Hmmm, it's a John Mayall's Bluesbreakers album. In my life I've probably only listened to 2 or 3 of Mayall's 6, 352 *ahem* full length albums but each time I'm pretty into it. I stare at the photos of his CD covers, pretty impressed by the prowess of his goatee in each image. I can't grow that much hair anywhere on my body. I know you were wondering. Anyway, why (oh why) haven't I investigated more fully? This, my friends, readers, future possible lovers, is at least half of the reason I'm writing these reviews. Brother needs to educate himself. So next opportunity I play the only Mayall CD we currently have at this location. So I'm thinking this album is ok, extremely low key (which I take it is his trademark) and surprisingly singing about ecological / environmental issues. I don't necessarily think this is one of his better albums. I don't think I like it more than the previous stuff I've heard, but it ain't a bad place to start (though probably not the best place). Either way, this particular album would probably listen better in a more intimate, chilled setting. Not really at work. Unless you work in a bedroom.
Richie Havens: Collection (1987)
Um, this is the jam. I saw Havens perform at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Day Concert some years back and that was my first exposure to him. Remiss that I barely listened to him since. Just here and there. But MAN, dude can play (I've always known that) but what's the kicker for me is he does a lot of covers and really changes them a lot and makes them just as much his creation as the original artists'. I pretty much hate straight covers. There are exceptions. But about half of this album is cover tunes and they're all very different from the originals. He'll often keep much of the original vocal melody lines, but even the delivery of the lines he'll change drastically to conform to the spirit and composition of his music. I'm hip to that. I love this CD. I found myself a bit peeved that the only liner notes was a long quote from Richie (which is great, but...) but no other performance credits, like who was playing the other instruments. Was that all him? All the guitars, bass & percussion? Dude...if that's true I'll be even more impressed (I'm kinda thinking it's not, I'll have to locate some of the original albums these songs are from). He's always been an activist and his guitar skill level and song-writing style has always served that well inasmuch as the stuff I've heard. Evidently his performance at Woodstock was amazing. So I'll have to get my hands on that. This has some inspiring guitar playing (and guitar interplay) on it. I'm a fan.
The Knack: Proof - The Very Best of The Knack (1998)
Primarily known for one song and almost another similar song, I'm curious if many of the people who like "My Sharona" realize what a pretty solid power-pop band The Knack are (were?). I certainly didn't know. I think I have a few friends that know. I've always been into the 2 main hit singles and because of those wanted to buy the albums back in the dZay, but never did. Nor did I (is this like Catholic confession column or what?) ever (remember) listening to either of the two albums with the big hits. Time to remedy the sit-chee-a-shun. Of the 16 songs here, I'd say 10 of them are damn good and worth listening to. The others are slight missteps or larger ones, but since this is a "best of" and no best of ever ever ever gets that one (or two) track(s) from a band's career that completely overshadows all the other songs in the individual's taste. Like, my theory is, based on what I know about The Knack, and this compilation, there will be, on one of their several albums, at least 1 song that for whatever reason strikes me stronger than all of these. I think this is a fairly general truth. All I want is some truth. Just gimme some truth. I bet Sir Charles O. knows about The Knack's better qualities. I should ask him. Ok, I will. Until then, don't be afraid of The Knack. They're more than "My Sharona" and "Baby Talks Dirty" although it cannot be understated how DNA-alteringly catchy that (those) riff(s) is (are). Also, as a bonus, this version of "My Sharona" includes the full guitar solo and the guys are rippin' it up. For your next party, play The Knack, but try a different song.
The Scorpions: Blackout (1982)
Always dug the cover art (though not quite as much as the album w/ the rich couple in the limo and there's like 2 feet of bubble gum stretched between a woman's bare breast and a guys open hand. I would've liked to have been invited to that party). Ya'll as far as the hard rock stuff goes, this. is. my. jam. I'm pleased it still tickles me years later. I used to listen to this album several times a week (I also used to listen to U2's Boy several times a week). I'd recently started playing guitar and always fostered dreams of hard rock / heavy metal world domination
Mathias Jabs is tearing up solos all over the place and to my mind they were (and are mostly still) completely logical and belong on the songs, being both flashy and musically relevant to the individual track. And how can you not love Klaus Meine? He's just a-one of a kind he's just Meine all Meine. Oh, I'm punching clever today boys and girls. Keep up. And really, The Scorpions singing about the end of the world and the perils of cocaine. That's sweet, gimme a biscuit. The rhythm guitar rocks as well and there's just nothing bad I can say about this album. It's fun, it's metal, it's oh-so-sensitive just to let you know it can be, then it rocks your socks again. Hello America! We are The Scorpions! We're here to rock you like a...oh, wait, that's a later album. Stay tuned for the sequel.
I'm glad to know ya. Come by the store and clue me in to your fave rekkids. Buy some new ones. That's what we do.
CD Cellar
Falls Church, VA
Arlington, VA
Leesburg, VA
posted by Afterlife at 10:24 PM
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