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!
