Monday, June 23, 2003
I’ve received a few e-mails along the lines of “Hey Bruce, where’s the Eagles, Doors, and Beatles?” or “as for the current load, I haven’t heard of any of them except for the Counting Crows” or “pretty eclectic choices”. In response to such comments, I quote the esteemed philosopher Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I’m not sure that quote is really relevant here, but I’ll probably never get another chance to use it in print. Regardless, I have been disgusted at times when so-called critics and experts shun the mainstream and try to impress by raving about obscure and difficult artists that will never be heard from again. Since I am neither an expert nor a critic, I have no problem admitting that a significant chunk of my collection falls squarely in the mainstream. I also have no problem admitting that I’m not nearly as “current” in my music choices as I was when I was (much) younger. As such, each of this week’s choices is/was a huge seller and was released before 1980.
Here’s what’s currently loaded in my CD player:
1) Rolling Stones – Exile On Main Street
I’m not sure whether I think EXILE or LET IT BLEED is the best Stones album ever. Regardless, this one’s a classic. The sound is rough and gritty, with Mick Jagger’s vocals buried deep in the mix. Originally a sprawling double album, the songs vary from rock to blues to shades of country, but the album still maintains a certain continuity. "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy" were the hits, but there’s really not a bad track here.
2) Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Disc 1
Before Elton John became known more as a celebrity than a musician, he released some great records. The track list for this double CD reads like a greatest hits album, including “Funeral For A Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding”, as well as “Bennie And The Jets”, “Candle In The Wind”, and “Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting”.
3) Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Mood
I read recently that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of this album. I guess that means I am really, really old.
4) Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive
For a short time in the late 1970’s, Peter Frampton was the biggest rock star in the world. Though his success would turn out to be short lived, this may be the quintessential seventies rock album.
5) The Beatles – Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
The best album by a pretty good band.
6) Mickey Bullock – Mickey Bullock
You really didn’t think I’d go a whole week listening to nothing but classic rock, did you? Mickey Bullock is actually my friend Craig, who once filmed a few scenes of a movie in my house (no, it wasn’t a porno film). This self produced CD, which includes some of the music from his movie, is mostly dark, alternative rock. Craig’s a talented and interesting guy.
TURNTABLE CORNER: Believe it or not, I still have a turntable. These are the most recent albums to cross it.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Van Morrison is one of the greatest rock/soul singers ever. On this one, his major label debut, a jazz band backs him to great effect. Pick any old Morrison album, and chances are it’ll be good.
Thanks to all of you that have e-mailed using the link at the top of this page. Keep the e-mails coming, as it makes me feel like this is somewhat less of a waste of time. A vortre sante!
Here’s what’s currently loaded in my CD player:
1) Rolling Stones – Exile On Main Street
I’m not sure whether I think EXILE or LET IT BLEED is the best Stones album ever. Regardless, this one’s a classic. The sound is rough and gritty, with Mick Jagger’s vocals buried deep in the mix. Originally a sprawling double album, the songs vary from rock to blues to shades of country, but the album still maintains a certain continuity. "Tumbling Dice" and "Happy" were the hits, but there’s really not a bad track here.
2) Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Disc 1
Before Elton John became known more as a celebrity than a musician, he released some great records. The track list for this double CD reads like a greatest hits album, including “Funeral For A Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding”, as well as “Bennie And The Jets”, “Candle In The Wind”, and “Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting”.
3) Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Mood
I read recently that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of this album. I guess that means I am really, really old.
4) Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive
For a short time in the late 1970’s, Peter Frampton was the biggest rock star in the world. Though his success would turn out to be short lived, this may be the quintessential seventies rock album.
5) The Beatles – Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
The best album by a pretty good band.
6) Mickey Bullock – Mickey Bullock
You really didn’t think I’d go a whole week listening to nothing but classic rock, did you? Mickey Bullock is actually my friend Craig, who once filmed a few scenes of a movie in my house (no, it wasn’t a porno film). This self produced CD, which includes some of the music from his movie, is mostly dark, alternative rock. Craig’s a talented and interesting guy.
TURNTABLE CORNER: Believe it or not, I still have a turntable. These are the most recent albums to cross it.
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Van Morrison is one of the greatest rock/soul singers ever. On this one, his major label debut, a jazz band backs him to great effect. Pick any old Morrison album, and chances are it’ll be good.
Thanks to all of you that have e-mailed using the link at the top of this page. Keep the e-mails coming, as it makes me feel like this is somewhat less of a waste of time. A vortre sante!
Monday, June 16, 2003
First of all, I’d like to thank those that helped me survive another birthday last week. I really haven’t felt like ‘celebrating’ a birthday since I turned 21 a very long time ago. Regardless, this birthday allowed me to indulge some of my passions, namely music and beer. I received a broadband internet connection as a gift, and that now affords me the privilege of downloading huge music files (among other things) at very high speeds. In addition, I enjoyed several rounds of stouts and Kilt Lifters with my friends and colleagues. All in all a very good birthday.
Anyway, here’s what’s currently loaded in my CD player:
1) Warren Zevon – Genius: The Best of Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon is one of those great but under appreciated singer-songwriters that has always operated just outside the mainstream. Like Randy Newman and John Hiatt, two other personal favorites, Zevon’s biggest hits were generally performed by someone else (in this case Linda Ronstadt). While I generally prefer individual albums over compilations, this single disc nicely gathers Zevon’s best stuff (including “Werewolves Of London”, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, “A Certain Girl”, and “Lawyers, Guns, And Money”) in one place. Sadly, Warren is currently dying of terminal lung cancer, and will likely never receive proper recognition in his lifetime.
2) Pete Yorn – Day I Forgot
Following his strong debut (2001’s MusicForTheMorningAfter), expectations were likely set too high for Pete Yorn’s sophomore effort. At first listen this album doesn’t sound bad, but there doesn’t seem to be anything here that wasn’t done better on the debut album. I’ll revisit this critique after a few more listens.
3) Bill Monroe – The Music Of Bill Monroe 1936-1994 Disc 3
When exploring unfamiliar genres of music (bluegrass in this case), I think it’s a good idea to seek out the true originals and innovators rather than the latest fad. Of course, applying this same concept to everyday life would mean that everybody’s first car should be a 1915 Model A Ford or some such thing, but that’s a topic best discussed over multiple rounds of drinks. The late Bill Monroe is rightfully considered the founding father of bluegrass music. This disc highlights his work from 1958-1969, a time in which he and his band reached the pinnacle of their art.
4) Yonder Mountain String Band – Celebrity Theater, Phoenix AZ August 22, 2003 (bootleg)
I attended this show last year, and I was pleased to find it available for download on the web (YMSB is one of many ‘jambands’ that allows taping of their shows). The playfulness of this progressive bluegrass band tempers my memory that some #$%hole keyed my car in the parking lot that night.
5) Counting Crows – Across A Wire: Live In New York City, Disc 1
Disc one of this album is perhaps my favorite Counting Crows release, as it captures the band playing unplugged and acoustic in a quiet setting. Originally broadcast on VH1, the entire set has a kind of casual and spontaneous feel, sorta like hearing the Counting Crows playing in your living room. Great fun. Disc two of this double CD set is a rather noisy live electric set that I find rather useless.
6) The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time Out
This classic jazz album from 1959 includes the hit “Take Five”, a song that every one of you has heard countless times (trust me on that).
TURNTABLE CORNER: Believe it or not, I still have a turntable. These are the most recent albums to cross it.
The Ramones – The Ramones
Although I’ve also got this album on CD, the Ramones seem like the kind of band that belongs on vinyl. When Joey Ramone died a couple of years ago, I remember reading a tribute that said something like “Old punks never die, they just move closer to the back.” Well said, I think.
Thanks to all of you that have e-mailed using the link at the top of this page. Keep the e-mails coming, as it makes me feel like this is somewhat less of a waste of time. Cheers!
Anyway, here’s what’s currently loaded in my CD player:
1) Warren Zevon – Genius: The Best of Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon is one of those great but under appreciated singer-songwriters that has always operated just outside the mainstream. Like Randy Newman and John Hiatt, two other personal favorites, Zevon’s biggest hits were generally performed by someone else (in this case Linda Ronstadt). While I generally prefer individual albums over compilations, this single disc nicely gathers Zevon’s best stuff (including “Werewolves Of London”, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, “A Certain Girl”, and “Lawyers, Guns, And Money”) in one place. Sadly, Warren is currently dying of terminal lung cancer, and will likely never receive proper recognition in his lifetime.
2) Pete Yorn – Day I Forgot
Following his strong debut (2001’s MusicForTheMorningAfter), expectations were likely set too high for Pete Yorn’s sophomore effort. At first listen this album doesn’t sound bad, but there doesn’t seem to be anything here that wasn’t done better on the debut album. I’ll revisit this critique after a few more listens.
3) Bill Monroe – The Music Of Bill Monroe 1936-1994 Disc 3
When exploring unfamiliar genres of music (bluegrass in this case), I think it’s a good idea to seek out the true originals and innovators rather than the latest fad. Of course, applying this same concept to everyday life would mean that everybody’s first car should be a 1915 Model A Ford or some such thing, but that’s a topic best discussed over multiple rounds of drinks. The late Bill Monroe is rightfully considered the founding father of bluegrass music. This disc highlights his work from 1958-1969, a time in which he and his band reached the pinnacle of their art.
4) Yonder Mountain String Band – Celebrity Theater, Phoenix AZ August 22, 2003 (bootleg)
I attended this show last year, and I was pleased to find it available for download on the web (YMSB is one of many ‘jambands’ that allows taping of their shows). The playfulness of this progressive bluegrass band tempers my memory that some #$%hole keyed my car in the parking lot that night.
5) Counting Crows – Across A Wire: Live In New York City, Disc 1
Disc one of this album is perhaps my favorite Counting Crows release, as it captures the band playing unplugged and acoustic in a quiet setting. Originally broadcast on VH1, the entire set has a kind of casual and spontaneous feel, sorta like hearing the Counting Crows playing in your living room. Great fun. Disc two of this double CD set is a rather noisy live electric set that I find rather useless.
6) The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time Out
This classic jazz album from 1959 includes the hit “Take Five”, a song that every one of you has heard countless times (trust me on that).
TURNTABLE CORNER: Believe it or not, I still have a turntable. These are the most recent albums to cross it.
The Ramones – The Ramones
Although I’ve also got this album on CD, the Ramones seem like the kind of band that belongs on vinyl. When Joey Ramone died a couple of years ago, I remember reading a tribute that said something like “Old punks never die, they just move closer to the back.” Well said, I think.
Thanks to all of you that have e-mailed using the link at the top of this page. Keep the e-mails coming, as it makes me feel like this is somewhat less of a waste of time. Cheers!
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Rather than updating this web site last weekend, I spent some time (and money) upgrading my PC. At long last I’m preparing for installation of a broadband internet connection, due to be installed next week.
Anyway, here’s what’s currently loaded in my CD player:
1) John Hiatt - Beneath This Gruff Exterior
To me, hearing a new John Hiatt album is like slipping into a pair of old blue jeans after a week in a tuxedo. The guy hasn’t made a bad album since 1987. OK…the LITTLE HEAD album was marginal, and LIVE AT BUDOKAN was pretty lame, but he remains the most underrated songwriter in the biz. Recorded with his longtime backing band (The Goners), this album has more blues guitar (that’s a good thing) and rocks harder than most. Check it out.
2) Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Once upon a time, a band called Uncle Tupelo launched an entire genre of music called alt-country. Predictably, that band crashed and burned and gave birth to Son Volt and Wilco. Son volt has since bit the dust, while Wilco has evolved from alt-country (the AM album) to mock-Stones (BEING THERE) to retro folk (MERMAID AVENUE I & II) to lavish experimental pop (SUMMER TEETH and YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT). While Jeff Tweedy’s vocals remain an acquired taste, there’s a lot here to like.
3) Bill Frisell - Gone, Just Like a Train
My recent fascination with this jazz guitarist remains in place this week. This one is more rock oriented than THE WILLIES or GHOST TOWN, but retains a lot of the twang and roots flavor of his recent work.
4) Shelby Lynn - I Am Shelby Lynn
After releasing five country albums over 11 years, Shelby Lynn found her groove with this 2000 album. Much more Memphis than Nashville, this album showcases Lynn’s songwriting and singing to great effect. Listening again to this stunning album makes her 2001 follow-up (LOVE, SHELBY) sound even more disappointing than it did upon release two years ago. I AM SHELBY LYNN is highly recommended.
5) Eels – Shootenanny
I’ve always been a fan of the Eels simple melodies, quirky lyrics, and cheesy keyboard fills, displayed to best effect on DAISIES OF THE GALAXY from 2000. At first listen, this new release seems to have all the same components in place. Check back in a few weeks on this one.
6) Beck - Sea Change
Despite moments of greatness, I always found previous Beck albums to be largely inconsistent and lacking in any emotional core. That all changed with this 2002 album. Allegedly written while he was recovering from a breakup, this album is contemplative and somber all the way through. While some may find it somber or depressing, I think it’s haunting, and it gets better with each listen. A classic, and my second favorite album of 2002.
TURNTABLE CORNER: Believe it or not, I still have a turntable. These are the most recent albums to cross it.
UK - UK
In the last 10 years, I’ve probably played this largely overlooked 1979 progressive rock album more than any other vinyl that I own. I’m not sure why.
Kansas – Leftoverture
This 1976 album reminds me of high school keggers where $1 bought a bottomless cup of warm beer and the privilege of standing around a burning tire for warmth. The best cut on this album can be heard on KSLX at least three times a day.
If anybody is actually reading this, please send an e-mail using the link at the top of the page. Enough drivel for today.
Anyway, here’s what’s currently loaded in my CD player:
1) John Hiatt - Beneath This Gruff Exterior
To me, hearing a new John Hiatt album is like slipping into a pair of old blue jeans after a week in a tuxedo. The guy hasn’t made a bad album since 1987. OK…the LITTLE HEAD album was marginal, and LIVE AT BUDOKAN was pretty lame, but he remains the most underrated songwriter in the biz. Recorded with his longtime backing band (The Goners), this album has more blues guitar (that’s a good thing) and rocks harder than most. Check it out.
2) Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Once upon a time, a band called Uncle Tupelo launched an entire genre of music called alt-country. Predictably, that band crashed and burned and gave birth to Son Volt and Wilco. Son volt has since bit the dust, while Wilco has evolved from alt-country (the AM album) to mock-Stones (BEING THERE) to retro folk (MERMAID AVENUE I & II) to lavish experimental pop (SUMMER TEETH and YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT). While Jeff Tweedy’s vocals remain an acquired taste, there’s a lot here to like.
3) Bill Frisell - Gone, Just Like a Train
My recent fascination with this jazz guitarist remains in place this week. This one is more rock oriented than THE WILLIES or GHOST TOWN, but retains a lot of the twang and roots flavor of his recent work.
4) Shelby Lynn - I Am Shelby Lynn
After releasing five country albums over 11 years, Shelby Lynn found her groove with this 2000 album. Much more Memphis than Nashville, this album showcases Lynn’s songwriting and singing to great effect. Listening again to this stunning album makes her 2001 follow-up (LOVE, SHELBY) sound even more disappointing than it did upon release two years ago. I AM SHELBY LYNN is highly recommended.
5) Eels – Shootenanny
I’ve always been a fan of the Eels simple melodies, quirky lyrics, and cheesy keyboard fills, displayed to best effect on DAISIES OF THE GALAXY from 2000. At first listen, this new release seems to have all the same components in place. Check back in a few weeks on this one.
6) Beck - Sea Change
Despite moments of greatness, I always found previous Beck albums to be largely inconsistent and lacking in any emotional core. That all changed with this 2002 album. Allegedly written while he was recovering from a breakup, this album is contemplative and somber all the way through. While some may find it somber or depressing, I think it’s haunting, and it gets better with each listen. A classic, and my second favorite album of 2002.
TURNTABLE CORNER: Believe it or not, I still have a turntable. These are the most recent albums to cross it.
UK - UK
In the last 10 years, I’ve probably played this largely overlooked 1979 progressive rock album more than any other vinyl that I own. I’m not sure why.
Kansas – Leftoverture
This 1976 album reminds me of high school keggers where $1 bought a bottomless cup of warm beer and the privilege of standing around a burning tire for warmth. The best cut on this album can be heard on KSLX at least three times a day.
If anybody is actually reading this, please send an e-mail using the link at the top of the page. Enough drivel for today.
