In the Court of the Crimson King
King Crimson
1969
Tracks
1. 21st Century Schizoid Man
2. I Talk To The Wind
3. Epitaph
4. Moonchild
5. In The Court Of The Crimson King
So I guess I can stop writing "Amanda" before my posts because I am pretty sure Brie has given up on this blog. She really doesn't like the albums in this book. I, of course, don't want her to continue the journey if she is not having a good time. Even though I agree that some of albums have been really just the worst, I still have enjoyed the ride. Maybe she will come on as a guest speaker or something!
Anyway, I was all ready to hate these guys because it looked like it was going to be obnoxious. This just goes to show that you can't judge an album by its creepy cover. This album was actually really nice and calming. It had some cool flutes in it and some laid back melodies. Isn't that a shock? I was expecting intense psychedelia. The 60s continue to surprise me...
RATING: 4/5
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
167. Arthur
Arthur
The Kinks
1969
Tracks
1. Victoria
2. Yes Sir No Sir
3. Some Mother's Son
4. Drivin'
5. Brainwashed
6. Australia
7. Shangri-la
8. Mr Churchill Says
9. She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina
10. Young And Innocent Days
11. Nothing To Say
12. Arthur
Amanda: According to the 1001 editors, the Kinks are apparently essential to our life's work. Honestly, I feel like I have listened to about ten of their albums. I mean, they are impressive but not that impressive. Frankly, I thought this one was one of their worse albums.
That is not to say this album was bad. It was one of those concept albums that are actually interesting (unlike Tommy). Still, songs like "Drive" got on my nerves. "Nothing to Say" was actually really entertaining, though, so it made up for it. Good, but not their best so I would skip it.
RATING: 4/5
The Kinks
1969
Tracks
1. Victoria
2. Yes Sir No Sir
3. Some Mother's Son
4. Drivin'
5. Brainwashed
6. Australia
7. Shangri-la
8. Mr Churchill Says
9. She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina
10. Young And Innocent Days
11. Nothing To Say
12. Arthur
Amanda: According to the 1001 editors, the Kinks are apparently essential to our life's work. Honestly, I feel like I have listened to about ten of their albums. I mean, they are impressive but not that impressive. Frankly, I thought this one was one of their worse albums.
That is not to say this album was bad. It was one of those concept albums that are actually interesting (unlike Tommy). Still, songs like "Drive" got on my nerves. "Nothing to Say" was actually really entertaining, though, so it made up for it. Good, but not their best so I would skip it.
RATING: 4/5
166. Live/Dead
Live/Dead
The Grateful Dead
1969
Tracks
1. Dark Star
2. Saint Stephen
3. Eleven
4. Turn On Your Love Light
5. Death Don't Have No Mercy
6. Feedback
7. And We Bid You Goodnight
Amanda: This is a band that has actually come up in a couple conversations that I have been a part of. I have had to plead ignorance amid some death glares, believe me. Anyway, I finally get it. However, I hate them so I might be held in even more disdain now. It really is a Catch 22.
In the movie, When Harry Met Sally (I have a related point in this; I promise), Harry thinks he is really deep because he spends hours a day thinking about death. I feel like the band Grateful Dead is like that. They think because they sing and think about death all the time that they are better than other people. Um, no that just means you are wasting your life. The whole thing annoyed me. Very self indulgent and obnoxious.
RATING: 2/5
The Grateful Dead
1969
Tracks
1. Dark Star
2. Saint Stephen
3. Eleven
4. Turn On Your Love Light
5. Death Don't Have No Mercy
6. Feedback
7. And We Bid You Goodnight
Amanda: This is a band that has actually come up in a couple conversations that I have been a part of. I have had to plead ignorance amid some death glares, believe me. Anyway, I finally get it. However, I hate them so I might be held in even more disdain now. It really is a Catch 22.
In the movie, When Harry Met Sally (I have a related point in this; I promise), Harry thinks he is really deep because he spends hours a day thinking about death. I feel like the band Grateful Dead is like that. They think because they sing and think about death all the time that they are better than other people. Um, no that just means you are wasting your life. The whole thing annoyed me. Very self indulgent and obnoxious.
RATING: 2/5
165. Hot Buttered Soul
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
1969
Tracks
1. Walk On By
2. Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic
3. One Woman
4. By The Time I Get To Phoenix
Amanda: I have been really bad about doing these albums lately. I always notice that blogs that haven't been updated since like 2010 usually have their later posts say things like "I haven't been good about writing lately" and then you never hear from them again. I promise you, though, I am going to see this through to the end.
All right, elephant in the room; we all thinking about it. SHAFT!
RATING: 4/5
Isaac Hayes
1969
Tracks
1. Walk On By
2. Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic
3. One Woman
4. By The Time I Get To Phoenix
Amanda: I have been really bad about doing these albums lately. I always notice that blogs that haven't been updated since like 2010 usually have their later posts say things like "I haven't been good about writing lately" and then you never hear from them again. I promise you, though, I am going to see this through to the end.
All right, elephant in the room; we all thinking about it. SHAFT!
Good, we got that out of the way. This is one sexy album. I mean, look at the title. I actually enjoyed it, though I may just be prejudice because I like Shaft so much. Listen to it if you want to be really coooooolllll (said in slow dj voice).
RATING: 4/5
Thursday, January 26, 2012
164. Elephant Mountain
Elephant Mountain
Youngbloods
1969
Tracks
1. Darkness Darkness
2. Smug
3. On Sir Francis Drake
4. Sunlight
5. Double Sunlight
6. Beautiful
7. Turn It Over
8. Rain Song (Don't Let The Rain Bring You Down)
9. Trillium
10. Quicksand
11. Black Mountain Breakdown
12. Sham
13. Ride The Wind
Amanda: So I am getting pretty tired but I still have to write about this utterly forgettable album. This was a weird one, some of the tracks were only 15 seconds. Honestly, I only listened to this a couple hours ago and I can't remember the tunes to any of the songs. It tried to be folksy but failed. Sorry I don't have more to say about it but I am exhausted. I have a feeling I am not disappointing to many Youngbloods fans because there probably aren't any.
RATING: 2/5
Youngbloods
1969
Tracks
1. Darkness Darkness
2. Smug
3. On Sir Francis Drake
4. Sunlight
5. Double Sunlight
6. Beautiful
7. Turn It Over
8. Rain Song (Don't Let The Rain Bring You Down)
9. Trillium
10. Quicksand
11. Black Mountain Breakdown
12. Sham
13. Ride The Wind
Amanda: So I am getting pretty tired but I still have to write about this utterly forgettable album. This was a weird one, some of the tracks were only 15 seconds. Honestly, I only listened to this a couple hours ago and I can't remember the tunes to any of the songs. It tried to be folksy but failed. Sorry I don't have more to say about it but I am exhausted. I have a feeling I am not disappointing to many Youngbloods fans because there probably aren't any.
RATING: 2/5
163. Unhalfbricking
Unhalfbricking
The Fairport Convention
1969
Tracks
1. Genesis Hall
2. Si Tu Dois Partir
3. Autopsy
4. A Sailor's Life
5. Cajun Woman
6. Who Knows Where The Time Goes?
7. Percy's Song
8. Million Dollar Bash
Amanda: Could it be? Are my posts actually going to be current? This is amazing!! I am sorry if I overwhelmed readers with new posts (do you get an alert or something?) but I finally decided to hell with it and just posted them all. Also, since I have no idea when Brie will add to this post, I am going to try to make mine longer so you don't just read a couple sentences, which I know would just kill you.
I have been really bad about my one album a day rule and I am blaming The Fairport Convention. I just did not get into them and they caused me to procrastinate. This band felt like a less cool version of the Pentangle. The band had the same lilting female voice but the songs weren't as good. They were also way too long. Overall, it was a rather bleak experience.
RATING: 2/5
The Fairport Convention
1969
Tracks
1. Genesis Hall
2. Si Tu Dois Partir
3. Autopsy
4. A Sailor's Life
5. Cajun Woman
6. Who Knows Where The Time Goes?
7. Percy's Song
8. Million Dollar Bash
Amanda: Could it be? Are my posts actually going to be current? This is amazing!! I am sorry if I overwhelmed readers with new posts (do you get an alert or something?) but I finally decided to hell with it and just posted them all. Also, since I have no idea when Brie will add to this post, I am going to try to make mine longer so you don't just read a couple sentences, which I know would just kill you.
I have been really bad about my one album a day rule and I am blaming The Fairport Convention. I just did not get into them and they caused me to procrastinate. This band felt like a less cool version of the Pentangle. The band had the same lilting female voice but the songs weren't as good. They were also way too long. Overall, it was a rather bleak experience.
RATING: 2/5
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
162. Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
1969
Tracks
1. Introduction
2. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is
3. Beginnings
4. Questions 67 And 68
5. Listen
6. Poem 58
7. Free Form Guitar
8. South California Purples
9. I'm A Man
10. Prologue
11. Someday
12. Liberation
Amanda: This band started out so promising, but after the first three tracks it just gets worse. The awfulness culminates at "Free For Guitar" which just sounds like a lawnmower. Still, the first three songs are so good that maybe their steady decline should be overlooked...nope, can't do it. "Free Form Guitar" is trying desperately to be so different and avant garde that it grates on my nerves and makes me hate the whole band. Sorry, guys. They also lost whatever little respect I had for them with "Liberation" which was a fourteen minute long guitar solo. Ugh.....
RATING: 1/5
Chicago
1969
Tracks
1. Introduction
2. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is
3. Beginnings
4. Questions 67 And 68
5. Listen
6. Poem 58
7. Free Form Guitar
8. South California Purples
9. I'm A Man
10. Prologue
11. Someday
12. Liberation
Amanda: This band started out so promising, but after the first three tracks it just gets worse. The awfulness culminates at "Free For Guitar" which just sounds like a lawnmower. Still, the first three songs are so good that maybe their steady decline should be overlooked...nope, can't do it. "Free Form Guitar" is trying desperately to be so different and avant garde that it grates on my nerves and makes me hate the whole band. Sorry, guys. They also lost whatever little respect I had for them with "Liberation" which was a fourteen minute long guitar solo. Ugh.....
RATING: 1/5
161. Happy Sad
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
1969
Tracks
1. Strange Feeling
2. Buzzin' Fly
3. Love From Room 109 At The Islander
4. Dream Letter
5. Gypsy Woman
6. Sing A Song For You
Amanda: So I guess Tim really has a thing for oxymoron album names. I thought this one was appropriate, though, because this album was really bittersweet. The songs just felt like they were reminiscing about a different time, so it was not outright depressing. I particularly enjoyed "Strange Feeling" and "Love From Room 109 At The Islander". They both had the same mood as movies like The Big Chill or The Deer Hunter; i.e. adjusting yourself from the memories of the past. Pretty good and even more poignant because of the singer's unfortunate end.
RATING: 4/5
Maybe he has to get over himself just a little bit.
Tim Buckley
1969
Tracks
1. Strange Feeling
2. Buzzin' Fly
3. Love From Room 109 At The Islander
4. Dream Letter
5. Gypsy Woman
6. Sing A Song For You
Amanda: So I guess Tim really has a thing for oxymoron album names. I thought this one was appropriate, though, because this album was really bittersweet. The songs just felt like they were reminiscing about a different time, so it was not outright depressing. I particularly enjoyed "Strange Feeling" and "Love From Room 109 At The Islander". They both had the same mood as movies like The Big Chill or The Deer Hunter; i.e. adjusting yourself from the memories of the past. Pretty good and even more poignant because of the singer's unfortunate end.
RATING: 4/5
Maybe he has to get over himself just a little bit.
160. Stand!
Stand!
Sly and the Family Stone
1969
Tracks
1. Stand!
2. Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey
3. I Want To Take You Higher
4. Somebody's Watching You
5. Sing A Simple Song
6. Everyday People
7. Sex Machine
8. You Can Make It If You Try
Amanda: So I am running around doing work like a maniac to try to get things together because I am going out of town tomorrow. Excuse me if this post is a little rushed.
This album is probably the funkiest one we have had so far. Some of the songs sounded vaguely familiar, especially "Everyday People" but I couldn't place where I had heard them. Other songs just got on my nerves. "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" didn't annoy me for its message but for its stuck-in-headable tune. Not something you want to be singing to yourself as you walk around. Interesting, but nothing something that I would return to.
RATING: 3/5
Sly and the Family Stone
1969
Tracks
1. Stand!
2. Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey
3. I Want To Take You Higher
4. Somebody's Watching You
5. Sing A Simple Song
6. Everyday People
7. Sex Machine
8. You Can Make It If You Try
Amanda: So I am running around doing work like a maniac to try to get things together because I am going out of town tomorrow. Excuse me if this post is a little rushed.
This album is probably the funkiest one we have had so far. Some of the songs sounded vaguely familiar, especially "Everyday People" but I couldn't place where I had heard them. Other songs just got on my nerves. "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" didn't annoy me for its message but for its stuck-in-headable tune. Not something you want to be singing to yourself as you walk around. Interesting, but nothing something that I would return to.
RATING: 3/5
159. Cloud Nine
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
1969
Tracks
1. Cloud 9
2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
3. Runaway Child Running Wild
4. Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
5. Hey Girl (I Like Your Style)
6. Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)
7. I Need Your Lovin'
8. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me
9. I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back)
10. Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
Amanda: I think I said this earlier but I am going to reiterate. Although I like learning about new bands, it is nice to see some familiar faces. I grew up with The Temptations; the song "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" in particular. This album was actually a lot funkier that what I was used to; at least, the first two tracks were. I loved "Cloud Nine" and loved the band for doing something different. I think it was interesting that they were transitioning into more funk, since we are going into the 70s which, as everyone knows, is clearly the funkiest decade. I am getting excited!
RATING: 4/5
The Temptations
1969
Tracks
1. Cloud 9
2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
3. Runaway Child Running Wild
4. Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
5. Hey Girl (I Like Your Style)
6. Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)
7. I Need Your Lovin'
8. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me
9. I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back)
10. Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
Amanda: I think I said this earlier but I am going to reiterate. Although I like learning about new bands, it is nice to see some familiar faces. I grew up with The Temptations; the song "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" in particular. This album was actually a lot funkier that what I was used to; at least, the first two tracks were. I loved "Cloud Nine" and loved the band for doing something different. I think it was interesting that they were transitioning into more funk, since we are going into the 70s which, as everyone knows, is clearly the funkiest decade. I am getting excited!
RATING: 4/5
158. Kick Out The Jams
Kick Out The Jams
MC5
1969
Tracks
1. Ramblin' Rose
2. Kick Out The Jams
3. Come Together
4. Rocket Reducer No 62
5. Borderline
6. Motor City Is Burning
7. I Want You Right Now
8. Starship
Amanda : I was a total buzz kill with this album. It was fun, loud, and crazy; it was the birth of punk. So I, of course, just wished it would stop so I could put in some Frank Sinatra. I am just wild and rowdy like that. I can only imagine how shocking this album was in 1969 if I found it to be a bit too much in 2012. If you are totally into loud, obnoxious music you might find it enjoyable, but I thought it was too much. Side note: as you may have guessed, I was really cool in high school.
RATING: 2/5
MC5
1969
Tracks
1. Ramblin' Rose
2. Kick Out The Jams
3. Come Together
4. Rocket Reducer No 62
5. Borderline
6. Motor City Is Burning
7. I Want You Right Now
8. Starship
Amanda : I was a total buzz kill with this album. It was fun, loud, and crazy; it was the birth of punk. So I, of course, just wished it would stop so I could put in some Frank Sinatra. I am just wild and rowdy like that. I can only imagine how shocking this album was in 1969 if I found it to be a bit too much in 2012. If you are totally into loud, obnoxious music you might find it enjoyable, but I thought it was too much. Side note: as you may have guessed, I was really cool in high school.
RATING: 2/5
155. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
1969
Tracks
1. Good Times, Bad Times
2. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
3. You Shook Me
4. Dazed And Confused
5. Your Time Is Gonna Come
6. Black Mountain Side
7. Communication Breakdown
8. I Can't Quit You Baby
9. How Many More Times
Amanda: I am still trying to catch up from skipping like five days. This album came immediately after Quicksilver for me and I actually liked the previous album better. "Good Times, Bad Times" was really good but I felt it went downhill from there. "Dazed and Confused" was just annoying and "Your Time is Gonna Come" was out of place. Not a totally bad experience but not a very impressive one.
RATING: 3/5
Led Zeppelin
1969
Tracks
1. Good Times, Bad Times
2. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
3. You Shook Me
4. Dazed And Confused
5. Your Time Is Gonna Come
6. Black Mountain Side
7. Communication Breakdown
8. I Can't Quit You Baby
9. How Many More Times
Amanda: I am still trying to catch up from skipping like five days. This album came immediately after Quicksilver for me and I actually liked the previous album better. "Good Times, Bad Times" was really good but I felt it went downhill from there. "Dazed and Confused" was just annoying and "Your Time is Gonna Come" was out of place. Not a totally bad experience but not a very impressive one.
RATING: 3/5
154. Happy Trails
Happy Trails
The Quicksilver Messenger Service
1969
Tracks
1. Who Do You Love
2. When You Love
3. Where You Love
4. How Do You Love
5. Which Do You Love
6. Who Do You Love
7. Mona
8. Maiden Of The Cancer Moon
9. Calvary
10. Happy Trails
Amanda: This is a very guitar heavy album; in fact, the first five tracks are purely instrumental. The "_____ Do You Love" songs are called a suite (I just learned this but it is probably common knowledge) which means that they are just one continuous track that is divided into six sections. Extensive guitar solos usually means boredom toward the end just because of its repetitiveness but I actually really enjoyed this album. I loved every part that had vocals and I wish they had had more in there, but you have to admit, the guitar playing was really incredible. Still, it could have been a bit shorter. I might just be saying that, though, because I wanted to finish the album before the Golden Globes started and it was taking a really long time. Stupid Messenger Service!
RATING: 4/5
The Quicksilver Messenger Service
1969
Tracks
1. Who Do You Love
2. When You Love
3. Where You Love
4. How Do You Love
5. Which Do You Love
6. Who Do You Love
7. Mona
8. Maiden Of The Cancer Moon
9. Calvary
10. Happy Trails
Amanda: This is a very guitar heavy album; in fact, the first five tracks are purely instrumental. The "_____ Do You Love" songs are called a suite (I just learned this but it is probably common knowledge) which means that they are just one continuous track that is divided into six sections. Extensive guitar solos usually means boredom toward the end just because of its repetitiveness but I actually really enjoyed this album. I loved every part that had vocals and I wish they had had more in there, but you have to admit, the guitar playing was really incredible. Still, it could have been a bit shorter. I might just be saying that, though, because I wanted to finish the album before the Golden Globes started and it was taking a really long time. Stupid Messenger Service!
RATING: 4/5
153. The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
1969
Tracks
1. Candy Says
2. What Goes On
3. Some Kinda Love
4. Pale Blue Eyes
5. Jesus
6. Beginning To See The Light
7. I'm Set Free
8. Story Of My Life
9. The Murder Mystery
10. After Hours
Amanda: For some reason, I had a really hard time getting myself to listen to this album. It took me five days to finally put it on. I have no idea why; I really like The Velvet Underground. Anyway, now that I finally listened to it, I love it. They have a really nice, soft sound in this album and the band has really not gotten worse over the years. The only track that I really hated was "The Murder Mystery". It reminded me of "Revolution 9" from the White Album. Besides my obvious disdain for copycats, I hated "Revolution 9" as well. Exclude that track, and it is a really good album.
RATING: 4/5
The Velvet Underground
1969
Tracks
1. Candy Says
2. What Goes On
3. Some Kinda Love
4. Pale Blue Eyes
5. Jesus
6. Beginning To See The Light
7. I'm Set Free
8. Story Of My Life
9. The Murder Mystery
10. After Hours
Amanda: For some reason, I had a really hard time getting myself to listen to this album. It took me five days to finally put it on. I have no idea why; I really like The Velvet Underground. Anyway, now that I finally listened to it, I love it. They have a really nice, soft sound in this album and the band has really not gotten worse over the years. The only track that I really hated was "The Murder Mystery". It reminded me of "Revolution 9" from the White Album. Besides my obvious disdain for copycats, I hated "Revolution 9" as well. Exclude that track, and it is a really good album.
RATING: 4/5
152. From Elvis in Memphis
From Elvis in Memphis
Elvis Presley
1969
Tracks
1. Wearin' That Loved On Look
2. Only The Strong Survive
3. I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms)
4. Long Black Limousine
5. It Keeps Right On Hurtin'
6. I'm Movin' On
7. Power Of My Love
8. Gentle On My Mind
9. After Loving You
10. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
11. Any Day Now
12. In The Ghetto
Amanda: Elvis is back everyone! Did you expect to see him again? I sure didn't. This album came out after a series of...interesting movies. Brie, did you ever see any these movies? I can tell you, they are just awful. Not Jim Carrey movies awful but still pretty bad.
Anyway, like I said in previous posts, I have been trained to like Elvis from an early age, so I always love listening to his songs. "Only the Strong Survive" was actually pretty good. Not the best album ever, but not awful.
RATING: 4/5
Elvis Presley
1969
Tracks
1. Wearin' That Loved On Look
2. Only The Strong Survive
3. I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms)
4. Long Black Limousine
5. It Keeps Right On Hurtin'
6. I'm Movin' On
7. Power Of My Love
8. Gentle On My Mind
9. After Loving You
10. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
11. Any Day Now
12. In The Ghetto
Amanda: Elvis is back everyone! Did you expect to see him again? I sure didn't. This album came out after a series of...interesting movies. Brie, did you ever see any these movies? I can tell you, they are just awful. Not Jim Carrey movies awful but still pretty bad.
Anyway, like I said in previous posts, I have been trained to like Elvis from an early age, so I always love listening to his songs. "Only the Strong Survive" was actually pretty good. Not the best album ever, but not awful.
RATING: 4/5
151. Dusty in Memphis
Dusty in Memphis
Dusty Springfield
1969
Tracks
1. Just A Little Lovin'
2. So Much Love
3. Son Of A Preacher Man
4. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore
5. Don't Forget About Me
6. Breakfast In Bed
7. Just One Smile
8. The Windmills Of Your Mind
9. In The Land Of Make Believe
10. No Easy Way Down
11. I Can't Make It Alone
Amanda: So apparently many a hissy fit was thrown during the making of the album. For this reason I didn't think I would like it because if there were that many disagreements between Dusty and the studios, there were probably major issues. I really enjoyed it though. I forget how unique and comforting Dusty's voice was. "Son of A Preacher Man" was actually featured in a great movie, Pulp Fiction.
I am having a long and frustrating day but this was certainly a bright spot.
RATING: 5/5
Dusty Springfield
1969
Tracks
1. Just A Little Lovin'
2. So Much Love
3. Son Of A Preacher Man
4. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore
5. Don't Forget About Me
6. Breakfast In Bed
7. Just One Smile
8. The Windmills Of Your Mind
9. In The Land Of Make Believe
10. No Easy Way Down
11. I Can't Make It Alone
Amanda: So apparently many a hissy fit was thrown during the making of the album. For this reason I didn't think I would like it because if there were that many disagreements between Dusty and the studios, there were probably major issues. I really enjoyed it though. I forget how unique and comforting Dusty's voice was. "Son of A Preacher Man" was actually featured in a great movie, Pulp Fiction.
I am having a long and frustrating day but this was certainly a bright spot.
RATING: 5/5
150. Five Leaves Left
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
1969
Tracks
1. Time Has Told Me
2. River Man
3. Three Hours
4. Day Is Done
5. Way To Blue
6. Cello Song
7. Thoughts Of Mary Jane
8. Man In A Shed
9. Fruit Tree
10. Saturday Sun
Amanda: This album was really eerie. All the tracks had this sad mood to them and I feel like the songs would play at the end of tv show dramas. Nick Drake died really young which also added to the overall creepy factor. Don't get me wrong, I really liked it. It was definitely a different experience especially since the songs we have been listening to lately have been pretty chipper. Great album; I would like to walk around the city with my hands in my pockets after a break up to this.
RATING: 5/5
Nick Drake
1969
Tracks
1. Time Has Told Me
2. River Man
3. Three Hours
4. Day Is Done
5. Way To Blue
6. Cello Song
7. Thoughts Of Mary Jane
8. Man In A Shed
9. Fruit Tree
10. Saturday Sun
Amanda: This album was really eerie. All the tracks had this sad mood to them and I feel like the songs would play at the end of tv show dramas. Nick Drake died really young which also added to the overall creepy factor. Don't get me wrong, I really liked it. It was definitely a different experience especially since the songs we have been listening to lately have been pretty chipper. Great album; I would like to walk around the city with my hands in my pockets after a break up to this.
RATING: 5/5
149. Let It Bleed
Let It Bleed
Rolling Stones
1969
Tracks
1. Gimme Shelter
2. Love In Vain
3. Country Honk
4. Live With Me
5. Let It Bleed
6. Midnight Rambler
7. You Got The Silver
8. Monkey Man
9. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Amanda: So way back when, Brie and I reviewed another Rolling Stones album and were underwhelmed. Now, this album is supposed to be the greatest thing the Stones ever came with, but I still found myself not enjoying it. The last song on the album has been so overplayed by now that I am frankly sick of it. Of course, I shouldn't judge the album for this but it still got on my nerves. "Let It Bleed" was obnoxious to me as well. I will take the Beatles any day.
RATING: 3/5
Rolling Stones
1969
Tracks
1. Gimme Shelter
2. Love In Vain
3. Country Honk
4. Live With Me
5. Let It Bleed
6. Midnight Rambler
7. You Got The Silver
8. Monkey Man
9. You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Amanda: So way back when, Brie and I reviewed another Rolling Stones album and were underwhelmed. Now, this album is supposed to be the greatest thing the Stones ever came with, but I still found myself not enjoying it. The last song on the album has been so overplayed by now that I am frankly sick of it. Of course, I shouldn't judge the album for this but it still got on my nerves. "Let It Bleed" was obnoxious to me as well. I will take the Beatles any day.
RATING: 3/5
148. Basket of Light
Basket of Light
The Pentangle
1969
Tracks
1. Light Flight
2. Once I Had A Sweetheart
3. Springtime Promises
4. Lyke Wake Dirge
5. Train Song
6. Hunting Song
7. Sally Go Round The Roses
8. Cuckoo
9. House Carpenter
Amanda: It was actually a bit startling to hear a female voice lead a male band. The last time we saw that was with The Velvet Underground. I loved "Light Flight" but it was really downhill from there. "Lyke Wake Dirge" was basically a church hymn which brought me back to my childhood whenever I was forced to go to mass every Sunday. I thought Jacqui McShee, the lead female vocalist, had a really interesting voice; it was high and lilting. Overall, it was just okay which may explain why I have never heard about it before.
RATING: 2/5
The Pentangle
1969
Tracks
1. Light Flight
2. Once I Had A Sweetheart
3. Springtime Promises
4. Lyke Wake Dirge
5. Train Song
6. Hunting Song
7. Sally Go Round The Roses
8. Cuckoo
9. House Carpenter
Amanda: It was actually a bit startling to hear a female voice lead a male band. The last time we saw that was with The Velvet Underground. I loved "Light Flight" but it was really downhill from there. "Lyke Wake Dirge" was basically a church hymn which brought me back to my childhood whenever I was forced to go to mass every Sunday. I thought Jacqui McShee, the lead female vocalist, had a really interesting voice; it was high and lilting. Overall, it was just okay which may explain why I have never heard about it before.
RATING: 2/5
147. Odessa
Odessa
The Bee Gees
1969
Tracks
1. Odessa
2. You'll Never See My Face Again
3. Black Diamond
4. Marley Purt Drive
5. Edison
6. Melody Fair
7. Suddenly
8. Whisper Whisper
9. Lamplight
10. Sound Of Love
11. Give Your Best
12. Seven Seas Symphony
13. I Laugh In Your Face
14. Never Say Never Again
15. First Of May
16. British Opera
Amanda: The Bee Gees sounded so vaguely familiar that it was driving me nuts. So I did some research and apparently they did the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever. Of course, when I recognize a band it is from a movie.
I didn't like it. Come to think of it, I didn't like the movie either. Anyway, the album was loosely based on the tragic story of Odessa but then had totally random songs that had nothing to do with the story. They sounded all over the place. Just...meh.
RATING: 2/5
The Bee Gees
1969
Tracks
1. Odessa
2. You'll Never See My Face Again
3. Black Diamond
4. Marley Purt Drive
5. Edison
6. Melody Fair
7. Suddenly
8. Whisper Whisper
9. Lamplight
10. Sound Of Love
11. Give Your Best
12. Seven Seas Symphony
13. I Laugh In Your Face
14. Never Say Never Again
15. First Of May
16. British Opera
Amanda: The Bee Gees sounded so vaguely familiar that it was driving me nuts. So I did some research and apparently they did the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever. Of course, when I recognize a band it is from a movie.
I didn't like it. Come to think of it, I didn't like the movie either. Anyway, the album was loosely based on the tragic story of Odessa but then had totally random songs that had nothing to do with the story. They sounded all over the place. Just...meh.
RATING: 2/5
146. In a Silent Way
In a Silent Way
Miles Davis
1969
Tracks
1. Shhh/Peaceful
2. In A Silent Way/It's About That Time
Amanda: Jazz, once again. I feel like the European monarchs whenever Napoleon returned. Thankfully, this album was actually really enjoyable. It was a really soft and smooth. I think only a couple of instruments were used. I don't have too much more to say about this album except that it was a nice reminder of the 50s. So listen to it; it is only two tracks!
RATING: 3/5
Miles Davis
1969
Tracks
1. Shhh/Peaceful
2. In A Silent Way/It's About That Time
Amanda: Jazz, once again. I feel like the European monarchs whenever Napoleon returned. Thankfully, this album was actually really enjoyable. It was a really soft and smooth. I think only a couple of instruments were used. I don't have too much more to say about this album except that it was a nice reminder of the 50s. So listen to it; it is only two tracks!
RATING: 3/5
145. Tommy
Tommy
The Who
1969
Tracks
1. Overture
2. It's A Boy
3. 1921
4. Amazing Journey
5. Sparks
6. Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
7. Christmas
8. Cousin Kevin
9. Acid Queen
10. Underture
11. Do You Think It's Alright
12. Fiddle About
13. Pinball Wizard
14. There's A Doctor
15. Go To The Mirror
16. Tommy
17. Can You Hear Me
18. Smash The Mirror
19. Sensation
20. Miracle Cure
21. Sally Simpson
22. I'm Free
23. Welcome
24. Tommy's Holiday Camp
25. We're Not Gonna Take It
Amanda: No, no, no! I was under the impression that The Who could do no wrong. What the hell was that? Even the book was apologetic for putting this album in. They basically said, yeah it sucks but it was influential. Wtf???
This album is a rock opera that tells the story of blind, deaf, and dumb Tommy who finds solace in a pinball machine. I usually like rock operas (Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat, etc.) but this album went beyond the realms of absurd into the there-is-no-reason-for-this realm. And of course, it is ridiculously long. No, just no.
RATING: 1/5 (the 1 is for the fact that they are The Who)
The Who
1969
Tracks
1. Overture
2. It's A Boy
3. 1921
4. Amazing Journey
5. Sparks
6. Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
7. Christmas
8. Cousin Kevin
9. Acid Queen
10. Underture
11. Do You Think It's Alright
12. Fiddle About
13. Pinball Wizard
14. There's A Doctor
15. Go To The Mirror
16. Tommy
17. Can You Hear Me
18. Smash The Mirror
19. Sensation
20. Miracle Cure
21. Sally Simpson
22. I'm Free
23. Welcome
24. Tommy's Holiday Camp
25. We're Not Gonna Take It
Amanda: No, no, no! I was under the impression that The Who could do no wrong. What the hell was that? Even the book was apologetic for putting this album in. They basically said, yeah it sucks but it was influential. Wtf???
This album is a rock opera that tells the story of blind, deaf, and dumb Tommy who finds solace in a pinball machine. I usually like rock operas (Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat, etc.) but this album went beyond the realms of absurd into the there-is-no-reason-for-this realm. And of course, it is ridiculously long. No, just no.
RATING: 1/5 (the 1 is for the fact that they are The Who)
144. Abbey Road
Abbey Road
The Beatles
1969
Tracks
1. Come Together
2. Something
3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer
4. Oh! Darling
5. Octopus's Garden
6. I Want You (She's So Heavy)
7. Here Comes the Sun
8. Because
9. You Never Give Me Your Money
10. Sun King
11. Mean Mr. Mustard
12. Polythene Pam
13. She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
14. Golden Slumbers
15. Carry That Weight
16. End
17. Her Majesty
Amanda: My family has always been fans of this album, even though it is often overlooked as far as Beatles albums go. My parents tried to walk across Abbey Road when they lived in London and almost got killed in a car crash. I bet it was worth it.
The last Beatles album on the list. Of course, we will see their solo work later on (except for poor Ringo). What an amazing band. They really just found music that could appeal to everyone. Even if you are not a Beatlehead like yours truly, I think you can still admire them for their huge influence on music. My boys will be missed.
I think all Beatles albums are great so perhaps Brie will give a better review of this album. "Here Comes the Sun" is a song that will never fail to make me smile and I think the song "Her Majesty" is deliciously British. They may have been breaking up but they are still cohesive and catchy. Check it out!
RATING: 5/5
The Beatles
1969
Tracks
1. Come Together
2. Something
3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer
4. Oh! Darling
5. Octopus's Garden
6. I Want You (She's So Heavy)
7. Here Comes the Sun
8. Because
9. You Never Give Me Your Money
10. Sun King
11. Mean Mr. Mustard
12. Polythene Pam
13. She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
14. Golden Slumbers
15. Carry That Weight
16. End
17. Her Majesty
Amanda: My family has always been fans of this album, even though it is often overlooked as far as Beatles albums go. My parents tried to walk across Abbey Road when they lived in London and almost got killed in a car crash. I bet it was worth it.
The last Beatles album on the list. Of course, we will see their solo work later on (except for poor Ringo). What an amazing band. They really just found music that could appeal to everyone. Even if you are not a Beatlehead like yours truly, I think you can still admire them for their huge influence on music. My boys will be missed.
I think all Beatles albums are great so perhaps Brie will give a better review of this album. "Here Comes the Sun" is a song that will never fail to make me smile and I think the song "Her Majesty" is deliciously British. They may have been breaking up but they are still cohesive and catchy. Check it out!
RATING: 5/5
143. Green River
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
Tracks
1. Green River
2. Commotion
3. Tombstone Shadow
4. Wrote a Song for Everyone
5. Bad Moon Rising
6. Lodi
7. Cross-Tie Walker
8. Sinister Purpose
9. Night Time Is the Right Time
Amanda: I just got back from a trip to my sister's new apartment. I spent the entire five hour drive rocking out to music from the albums, including "These Days", "Marrakesh Express", and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da". Anyway, I could do with some easy listening so I was excited that today was CCR day!
This album is a virtual carbon copy of "Bayou Country" though I did enjoy the songs more, much to my chagrin since I just updated my iPhone. They have a bluesy, American sound that is really catchy. Check it out!
RATING: 4/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
Tracks
1. Green River
2. Commotion
3. Tombstone Shadow
4. Wrote a Song for Everyone
5. Bad Moon Rising
6. Lodi
7. Cross-Tie Walker
8. Sinister Purpose
9. Night Time Is the Right Time
Amanda: I just got back from a trip to my sister's new apartment. I spent the entire five hour drive rocking out to music from the albums, including "These Days", "Marrakesh Express", and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da". Anyway, I could do with some easy listening so I was excited that today was CCR day!
This album is a virtual carbon copy of "Bayou Country" though I did enjoy the songs more, much to my chagrin since I just updated my iPhone. They have a bluesy, American sound that is really catchy. Check it out!
RATING: 4/5
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
142. At San Quentin
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
1969
Tracks
1. Big River
2. I Still Miss Someone
3. Wreck Of The Ol' 97
4. I Walk The Line
5. Darlin' Companion
6. I Don't Know Where I'm Bound
7. Starkville City Jail
8. San Quentin 1
9. San Quentin 2
10. Wanted Man
11. Boy Named Sue
12. There'll Be Peace In The Valley
13. Folsom Prison Blues
14. Ring Of Fire
15. He Turned The Water Into Wine
16. Daddy Sang Bass
17. Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
18. Closing Medley
Amanda: Johnny Cash has got to be one of the most likable guys that ever lived. I don't know what it is about him. He is not particularly funny or well-spoken or even that talented. All his songs are very similar and not very innovative. This album is another recording of him performing in a prison. He can interact with a crowd like no other. It was particularly entertaining when he told the story about getting arrested for picking flowers. I certainly would not be able to make that many prisoners laugh and cheer. Really interesting but I can't see listening to the songs without the audience's reaction.
RATING: 3/5
Johnny Cash
1969
Tracks
1. Big River
2. I Still Miss Someone
3. Wreck Of The Ol' 97
4. I Walk The Line
5. Darlin' Companion
6. I Don't Know Where I'm Bound
7. Starkville City Jail
8. San Quentin 1
9. San Quentin 2
10. Wanted Man
11. Boy Named Sue
12. There'll Be Peace In The Valley
13. Folsom Prison Blues
14. Ring Of Fire
15. He Turned The Water Into Wine
16. Daddy Sang Bass
17. Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
18. Closing Medley
Amanda: Johnny Cash has got to be one of the most likable guys that ever lived. I don't know what it is about him. He is not particularly funny or well-spoken or even that talented. All his songs are very similar and not very innovative. This album is another recording of him performing in a prison. He can interact with a crowd like no other. It was particularly entertaining when he told the story about getting arrested for picking flowers. I certainly would not be able to make that many prisoners laugh and cheer. Really interesting but I can't see listening to the songs without the audience's reaction.
RATING: 3/5
141. Gilded Palace of Sin
Gilded Palace of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
1969
Tracks
1. Christine's Tune
2. Sin City
3. Do Right Woman Do Right Man
4. Dark End Of The Street
5. My Uncle
6. Wheels
7. Juanita
8. Hot Burrito No 1
9. Hot Burrito No 2
10. Do You Know How It Feels
11. Hippie Boy
2. Sin City
3. Do Right Woman Do Right Man
4. Dark End Of The Street
5. My Uncle
6. Wheels
7. Juanita
8. Hot Burrito No 1
9. Hot Burrito No 2
10. Do You Know How It Feels
11. Hippie Boy
Amanda: I just finished making my New Years resolutions for 2012. One of my goals is to reach 506 in albums. I really want to have my 506th be on next New Year's Eve. This means that I really have to stick to my one a day rule. Wish me luck!
So in the midst of the decline of psychedelia comes this country album. It, of course, bombed when it was released because no one wanted to hear country. I still don't want to hear country. I simply don't enjoy these kinds of albums but it is a pretty decent country album. The instruments in this album were really odd; I felt like they were mixing Pink Floyd and The Louvin Brothers.
RATING: 2/5 (if you are a country fan it is a solid 4/5)
140. Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
1969
Tracks
1. Variations On A Theme By Erik Satie
2. Smiling Phases
3. Sometimes In Winter
4. More And More
5. And When I Die
6. God Bless The Child
7. Spinning Wheel
8. You've Made Me So Very Happy
9. Blues
10. Variations On A Theme By Erik Satie (2)
Amanda: This entire album sounded vaguely familiar but I have never actually heard of Blood, Sweat, and Tears. This album was really enjoyable; the guys have a really nice and easy feeling about them. You can tell that the band loves the music just by the way they play the instruments and breeze through the melodies. Psychedelia is kind of dying out by now so bands are coming up with really interesting ways to be unique. This makes for intriguing albums. I am enjoying the farewell to the sixties!
RATING: 4/5
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
1969
Tracks
1. Variations On A Theme By Erik Satie
2. Smiling Phases
3. Sometimes In Winter
4. More And More
5. And When I Die
6. God Bless The Child
7. Spinning Wheel
8. You've Made Me So Very Happy
9. Blues
10. Variations On A Theme By Erik Satie (2)
Amanda: This entire album sounded vaguely familiar but I have never actually heard of Blood, Sweat, and Tears. This album was really enjoyable; the guys have a really nice and easy feeling about them. You can tell that the band loves the music just by the way they play the instruments and breeze through the melodies. Psychedelia is kind of dying out by now so bands are coming up with really interesting ways to be unique. This makes for intriguing albums. I am enjoying the farewell to the sixties!
RATING: 4/5
139. Crosby, Stills, and Nash
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
1969
Tracks
1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
2. Marrakesh Express
3. Guinnevere
4. You Don’t Have To Cry
5. Pre-Road Downs
6. Wooden Ships
7. Lady Of The Island
8. Helplessly Hoping
9. Long Time Gone
10. 49 Bye-Byes
Amanda: This album got a lot of hype so my expectations were pretty high. These guys did not disappoint. The songs are extremely catchy; I felt like George Constanza after he heard that song from Les Miserables. Each of one of these guys voices is rhythmic and soothing. You can tell that individually, these guy are just as great; in other words, they are not just one big male harmony unit. "Marrakesh Express" may be one of my favorite songs so far in this journey. Simply lovely.
RATING: 5/5
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
1969
Tracks
1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
2. Marrakesh Express
3. Guinnevere
4. You Don’t Have To Cry
5. Pre-Road Downs
6. Wooden Ships
7. Lady Of The Island
8. Helplessly Hoping
9. Long Time Gone
10. 49 Bye-Byes
Amanda: This album got a lot of hype so my expectations were pretty high. These guys did not disappoint. The songs are extremely catchy; I felt like George Constanza after he heard that song from Les Miserables. Each of one of these guys voices is rhythmic and soothing. You can tell that individually, these guy are just as great; in other words, they are not just one big male harmony unit. "Marrakesh Express" may be one of my favorite songs so far in this journey. Simply lovely.
RATING: 5/5
138. Bayou Country
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
Tracks
1. Born on the Bayou
2. Bootleg
3. Graveyard Train
4. Good Golly Miss Molly
5. Penthouse Pauper
6. Proud Mary
7. Keep on Chooglin'
Amanda: At this point, I am about fifty albums ahead of my dear friend Brie. It is like I am talking to the future generations right now. I feel like I should give some profound advice about preserving the past. Or maybe I will just start publishing reviews whether she has finished or not. I will discuss this with her on Friday.
Anyway, onto the review. This is a really good which was very surprising. I have never heard of this band before. Now, I am no music expert but I still feel like I should have heard of some fans of such an incredible album. This was truly amazing and I hope we see more of them.
RATING: 5/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
Tracks
1. Born on the Bayou
2. Bootleg
3. Graveyard Train
4. Good Golly Miss Molly
5. Penthouse Pauper
6. Proud Mary
7. Keep on Chooglin'
Amanda: At this point, I am about fifty albums ahead of my dear friend Brie. It is like I am talking to the future generations right now. I feel like I should give some profound advice about preserving the past. Or maybe I will just start publishing reviews whether she has finished or not. I will discuss this with her on Friday.
Anyway, onto the review. This is a really good which was very surprising. I have never heard of this band before. Now, I am no music expert but I still feel like I should have heard of some fans of such an incredible album. This was truly amazing and I hope we see more of them.
RATING: 5/5
Monday, January 23, 2012
137. Trout Mask Replica
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart and His Magical Band
1969
Tracks
1. Frownland
2. The Dust Blows Forward 'n the Dust Blows Back
3. Dachau Blues
4. Ella Guru
5. Hair Pie: Bake 1
6. Moonlight on Vermont
7. Pachuco Cadaver
8. Bills Corpse
9. Sweet Sweet Bulbs
10. Neon Meate Dream of a Octafish
11. China Pig
12. My Human Gets Me Blues
13. Dali's Car
14. Hair Pie: Bake 2
15. Pena
16. Well
17. When Big Joan Sets Up
18. Fallin' Ditch
19. Sugar 'n Spikes
20. Ant Man Bee
21. Orange Claw Hammer
22. Wild Life
23. She's Too Much for My Mirror
24. Hobo Chang Ba
25. The Blimp (mousetrapreplica)
26. Steal Softly thru Snow
27. Old Fart at Play
28. Veteran's Day Poppy
Amanda: I could, of course, attempt to convey in the following post the extent of my hatred for this album. I feel, however, that this would not do the hate justice. Another option would be to direct you to a link so you could hear exactly how god awful this album was. I am ruling that out too because what few readers we have are very precious to me. So, I am just deciding to give my rating and hope you take my word for it.
RATING: 0/5
Captain Beefheart and His Magical Band
1969
Tracks
1. Frownland
2. The Dust Blows Forward 'n the Dust Blows Back
3. Dachau Blues
4. Ella Guru
5. Hair Pie: Bake 1
6. Moonlight on Vermont
7. Pachuco Cadaver
8. Bills Corpse
9. Sweet Sweet Bulbs
10. Neon Meate Dream of a Octafish
11. China Pig
12. My Human Gets Me Blues
13. Dali's Car
14. Hair Pie: Bake 2
15. Pena
16. Well
17. When Big Joan Sets Up
18. Fallin' Ditch
19. Sugar 'n Spikes
20. Ant Man Bee
21. Orange Claw Hammer
22. Wild Life
23. She's Too Much for My Mirror
24. Hobo Chang Ba
25. The Blimp (mousetrapreplica)
26. Steal Softly thru Snow
27. Old Fart at Play
28. Veteran's Day Poppy
Amanda: I could, of course, attempt to convey in the following post the extent of my hatred for this album. I feel, however, that this would not do the hate justice. Another option would be to direct you to a link so you could hear exactly how god awful this album was. I am ruling that out too because what few readers we have are very precious to me. So, I am just deciding to give my rating and hope you take my word for it.
RATING: 0/5