347. That's The Way Of The World

That's The Way of The World
Earth, Wind, and Fire
1975

Tracks
1. Shining Star
2. That's The Way Of The World
3. Happy Feelin'
4. All About Love
5. Yearnin' Learnin'
6. Reasons
7. Africano
8. See The Light

I really hoped to do a bunch of albums during the holidays but I had so much work to do that it just did not happen.  Also, I was around my family a lot and I didn't want to subject them to potentially terrible music (it really is a dice roll every time I try a new one).  Oh well. We will try again with the Christmas holidays.

I had heard of this band before but couldn't tell you anything about it except maybe "didn't they mention it in the movie Hitch?".  However, I did recognize a few of the songs (I think everyone has heard "Shining Star") and was really pleased with the ones I didn't know.

This is simply a fun funk album, which I can see dancing to (or flailing around to in my case).  Of course, there is not much lyrical depth but I wasn't really looking for any.  We get some great saxophone solos, as well.

So it gets kind of old fast but it was still a fun pick.

RATING: 3/5

You, my reader, are a shining star!  Ugh, don't hate me too much for that one:

346. Red Headed Stranger

Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
1975

Tracks
1. Time of the Preacher
2. I Couldn't Believe It Was True 
3. Time of the Preacher (Theme) 
4. Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger 
5. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain 
6. Red Headed Stranger 
7. Time of the Preacher (Theme) 
8. Just as I Am 
9. Denver 
10. O'er the Waves 
11. Down Yonder 
12. Can I Sleep in Your Arms? 
13. Remember Me (When the Candlelights Are Gleaming) 
14. Hands on the Wheel 
15. Bandera

The idea of having to listen to more honky tonk music after suffering through the Louvin Brothers was almost too much to bare.  However, after listening to this album, even I had to admit that there was something special about this one and maybe even about the whole genre (although I suppose this is more outlaw country than *shiver* honky tonk).

This is a concept album that tells the story of a fugitive on the run after killing his wife, her lover, and some random woman who steals his horse.  The story was actually so popular that a movie, starring Nelson, was made.  Is it possible that the movie didn't completely suck?  I don't know and I don't intend to find out.

I wasn't too crazy about the concept since it sounded like Nelson wanted us to feel sorry for this man, who obviously was a raging monster.  However, I actually liked each song individually.  For instance, the song "I Couldn't Believe It Was True" was poetic and sweet (although that sweetness was slightly negated since he ended up killing his wife but still claimed he wanted her to be happy).

So when I looked at the songs without thinking of the concept I actually liked quite a few of them.  However, when "Down Yonder" started playing, which was a purely instrumental (i.e. banjo) song, I was ready to turn it off.

RATING: 3/5

345. A Night At The Opera

A Night At The Opera
Queen
1975

Tracks
1. Death On Two Legs 
2. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon 
3. I'm In Love With My Car 
4. You're My Best Friend 
5. '39 
6. Sweet Lady 
7. Seaside Rendezvous 
8. Prophet's Song 
9. Love Of My Life 
10. Good Company 
11. Bohemian Rhapsody 
12. God Save The Queen

This was a real puzzle of an album and I am not quite sure what to think of it yet.  Now, I know I must seem like a bit of an idiot trying to figure out a Queen album.  But I faced the same problem that I do constantly with my sister's boyfriend.  Is he serious or not?  Should I be offended or not?  Tell me, if you are making fun of me, dammit!  

So was Queen being pretentious or making fun of pretentious albums?  I would assume if I had to ask that question it means it is being ironic.  But I still feel like I am missing part of the joke.  Oh well, I certainly have enough practice with that.

Everyone has heard the song "Bohemian Rhapsody".  It gave me a smile this time around since it seemed to making fun of the absurdity of Tommy.  "You're My Best Friend" was a fun find on this album and one that will definitely get repeated listenings.

So Queen can be fun, if only in small doses. 

RATING: 3/5

344. Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
1975

Tracks
1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond 
2. Welcome To The Machine 
3. Have A Cigar 
4. Wish You Were Here 
5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond

It's been a long time since we heard from Pink Floyd and now they give us one of those albums that you know, even before listening to it, that it has probably been labeled a masterpiece.  Fortunately, I liked it, although music critics will still no doubt think I am an idiot for not liking it for the right reasons.  God, I hate these non existent people I am talking about right now!

Anyway, this is probably the most normal Pink Floyd album I have heard so far.  Normal, for me, meaning an album that does not make me feel like I have been abducted on an alien spaceship with a bunch of teenage boys that are tripping on LSD.  I absolutely loved the song "Wish You Were Here".  I think everyone has someone who they wished lived closer so the sentiment is pretty familiar, but the lyrics were beautiful and unique.  What have we found?  The same old fears.  Wish you were here.  

Well, that didn't quite sound as good without the haunting music in the background.  But hopefully, you get the point.  I never really looked to Pink Floyd for lyrical truth or beauty but this album definitely changed my mind about them.

So a lovely album and one that definitely surprised me.  I think I liked it so much because it was so different than their earlier work; that might be precisely the reason why you don't like if you are a Pink Floyd fan.  Still, worth a listen.

RATING: 5/5