349. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
1976

Tracks
1. Rockin' Around With You
2. Breakdown 
3. Hometown Blues
4. The Wild One 
5. Forever 
6. Anything That's Rock 'N' Roll 
7. Strangered In The Night 
8. Fooled Again (I Don't Like It) 
9. Mystery Man 
10. Luna
11. American Girl

I listened to the song "American Girl" a lot when I was younger.  Then I saw the movie Silence of The Lambs and came to the conclusion that if I ever heard that song again, I would be murdered shortly afterward.  If you don't believe me see for yourself:

This is just like when Stanley Kubrick ruined "Singin' In The Rain" for me.

Anyway, Tom Petty introduces us to 1976 with a well known album that apparently is classified as heartland rock, which means rock and roll that is aiming at a blue collar audience and trying to convey a message.  See, you learn things from reading my blog.

Petty was good at coming up with catchy songs, but his voice became a little grating after awhile, particularly in "Fooled Again" when the singing transitioned into screaming.  He also doesn't seem to be very photogenic, although I guess I can't blame the album for that. In fact, his photo on the album looks like my middle school photos.  I think we had the same haircut.

Anyway, it was a fun album and it was refreshing to get something that wasn't so pretentious.

RATING: 4/5

348. There's No Place Like America Today

There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
1975

Tracks
1. Billy Jack
2. When Seasons Change
3. So In Love
4. Jesus
5. Blue Monday People
6. Hard Times
7. Love To The People

Continuing with the funk trend we have had lately, here we have a Curtis Mayfield album.  For those of you that don't know who Curtis is, he did the Superfly soundtrack.  Anyone remember that movie?  Or are we all just trying to forget that genre in general?  I would be fine with either answer.

Funk isn't my favorite genre to begin with, but there was something about Mayfield's album that I just didn't like.  I felt like he was trying to be Marvin Gaye but falling seriously short, both lyrically and musically.

I am probably being too harsh with Curtis Mayfield but I think I am getting sick of the never ending funk especially when there seems to be no variation.

RATING: 2/5

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

343. Horses

Horses
Patti Smith
1975

Tracks
1. Gloria 
2. Redondo Beach 
3. Birdland
4. Free Money 
5. Kimberly 
6. Break It Up 
7. Land 
8. Elegie

Ha!  I actually did this album last night which means no "I am failure" post on Monday and we are sticking with me doing one album per weekend, at least while I am still doing the movie blog.

So I had never heard of Patti Smith and was not even sure if she was a man or a woman when I started listening to the album.  I am grateful for The Book though because, even though it puts me through a lot of crap, it does come up with some great gems, including this album.

I absolutely loved Smith's voice.  It's hard to describe but she had one of those powerful voices that turns one syllable words into two syllables and makes every word significant.  I wouldn't have even cared what she was saying but she happened to have great lyrics.  For instance, "Gloria" has the lyrics: "Jesus died for everybody's sins but not mine/ melting in a pot of thieves/ wild card up my sleeve/ thick heart of stone/ my sins my own/ they belong with me, me."

So a great album.  Go girl power!  Wait, guy power?  No, girl power!

RATING: 5/5

342. Blood On The Tracks

Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
1975

Tracks
1. Tangled Up In Blue
2. Simple Twist Of Fate
3. You're A Big Girl Now
4. Idiot Wind
5. You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
6. Meet Me In The Morning
7. Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts
8. If You See Her, Say Hello
9. Shelter From The Storm
10. Buckets Of Rain

I have discovered something quite strange from my 1001 journeys.  While most of my views on books and movies conform to the general consensus, my music taste seems to be the exact opposite of what most people believe.  Although some might consider me a hipster, I am pretty most people, myself included, just believe I am missing something.

I could not find a single negative review of this album, but I just didn't like it.  At all.  Now, my feelings toward Bob Dylan have been lukewarm at best.  I don't have a problem with his voice like some people do, but I find his songwriting style choppy and not particularly clever.  Side note: if any music fan feels the need to burn an effigy of me at this moment, can I request that you make the waist tiny?  Please and thank you.

This album is mostly about loneliness, which is something we can all relate to.  I did enjoy a few lyrics and I actually did not hate the song "If You See Her, Say Hello".  It is actually probably my favorite Dylan song but since I am not a fan, that is not saying much.

Is there a more annoying instrument than a harmonica?  I would rather listen to the bongo band again.

So yeah, I am never going to be a Bob Dylan fan.  That being said, I completely understand why he appeals to most.  Am I covering my ass enough with this post?  Well, I tried.  Bring on the nasty comments.

RATING: 2/5

341. Tonight's The Night

Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
1975

Tracks
1. Tonight's The Night 
2. Speakin' Out 
3. World On A String 
4. Borrowed Tune 
5. Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown
6. Mellow My Mind 
7. Roll Another Number (For The Road) 
8. Albuquerque 
9. New Mama 
10. Look Out Joe
11. Tired Eyes 
12. Tonight's The Night

I am sorry it has been a couple weeks since I last wrote.  I have been out of town for the last two weekends.  One weekend went quite well, another was an unmitigated disaster.  Anyway, I was excited to sit down with another Neil Young album.

Recently, I heard that my sister's boyfriend didn't like Neil Young.  I demanded an explanation of why last time I saw him.  Startled he said "well, the Allman Brothers don't like him."  Unable to think of anything to say (I had never heard of the Allman Brothers) I continued to glare until he finally said (possibly out of fear) "I guess he isn't that bad."  So I guess that is my version of having an intelligent conversation about music.  Oh well, it worked and Neil Young got some respect.

Although Harvest still reigns as my favorite Neil Young album, he certainly held his own with Tonight's The Night.  This album was a lot different than his other work, although I am having trouble putting my finger on the change.  It seemed rawer somehow and maybe more country?  In any case, it was lovely, both instrumentally and lyrically.

Another great album by a great artist.

RATING: 5/5

340. Shalimar

Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
1975

Tracks
1.Title Music 
2.One Two Cha Cha Cha 
3. Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay 
4. Countess Caper (Music) 
5. Naag Devta 
6. Aaina Wohi Rehta Hai 
7. Baby Let's Dance Together 
8. Romantic Theme (Music) 
9. Mrea Pyar Shalimar 
10. Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay (Happy)

Due to a shitty internet connection last night, I was unable to finish this post last night.  My goal lately has been to do an album every weekend.  Hopefully, when I am done with my movie blog, I will be able to do one every day.  We shall see.

Anyway, I had a fun Bollywood weekend at home.  I watched The Brave Hearted Will Take The Bride, which is a fantastic musical and high recommended, and then, by coincidence, I listened to Shalimar.  It was really hard to find information on this album but I am pretty sure it either is a soundtrack to a movie or was later used in a movie.  Can anyone in the comment section clear that up for me?

I knew going into this that this genre of music isn't everyone's cup of tea.  In fact, I played one of the songs for my sister and she practically covered her ears and ran out screaming.  However, I actually enjoyed it.  Maybe I was just in the mood after watching an Indian film, but I found it to be charming.

Now, this certainly is not the kind of music that will find its way to my iPod but if you just surrender yourself to the atmosphere that the music creates, you can have a lot of fun with it.  So bring out the hookahs and chapati!

RATING: 4/5

339. Nighthawks at the Diner

Nighthawks at the Diner
Tom Waits
1975

Tracks
1. Opening Intro
2. Emotional Weather Report
3. Intro
4. On a Foggy Night
5. Intro
6. Eggs and Sausage (In a Cadillac with Susan Michelson)
7. Intro
8. Better off Without a Wife
9. Nighthawk Postcards
10. Intro
11. Warm Beer and Cold Women
12. Intro
13. Putnam County
14. Spare Parts I (A Nocturnal Emission)
15. Nobody
16. Intro
17. Big Joe and Phantom 309
18. Spare Parts II and Closing

I had heard Tom Waits referenced in several tv shows, but I had never a single song of his today.  Oh, I should have appreciated the ignorance more when I had the chance.

First of all, he had one of the worst singing voices I have ever heard.  I can certainly see why it would appeal to some (after all, I love Nico and that is certainly an…acquired taste) but it was so scratchy and deep that I couldn't stand it.

I will give him some props on the lyrics.  One song in particular detailed why he never wants to get married and as someone who is perpetually single, I can relate.

This album was recorded in studio with an audience, which I think was supposed to make it sound like a concert.  The laugh track that went off every time he made a lame joke got extremely annoying; it was like watching an episode of Happy Days.

I don't think this is the last we have seen of Waits and hopefully, he will impress me more next time.

Sorry for the short review; it is Sunday afternoon and I must prepare for the crappy week ahead.

RATING: 2/5

338. The Hissing of Summer Lawns

The Hissing of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
1975

Tracks
1. In France They Kiss On Main Street
2. Jungle Line
3. Edith And The Kingpin
4. Don't Interrupt The Sorrow
5. Shades Of Scarlet Conquering
6. Hissing Of Summer Lawns
7. Boho Dance
8. Harry's House
9. Sweet Bird
10. Shadows And Light

My sister Rachel constantly makes fun of me for liking Joni Mitchell's which is undeniable ahem…a bit pitchy.  However, her voice is in this album is a lot different than in songs like "Carey" or "California" and stays low.  Oh wait, I forgot about the end of "Edith and The Kingpin" which nearly blew out my speakers.  Okay, so let's change that statement "mostly stays low".

This is a really weird album for MItchell.   Most of her songs from "Blue" seemed to be about traveling and loneliness.  While the majority of her songs from this album followed that same line of thought, there were some jarring exceptions.  "Jungle Line" sounded like an Afro-Cuban song and while I have been known to enjoy that genre, it is not genre that I typically associate with Joni and I am not sure it was pulled off particularly well.

However, as a whole, I had a good time with this album.  Listening to Mitchell is always a bit of a sad task, but I love her voice and her lyrics are beautiful.

RATING: 4/5

337. Born To Be With You

Born To Be With You
Dion
1975

Tracks
1. Born To Be With You
2. Make The Woman Love Me
3. Your Own Back Yard
4. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
5. Only You Know
6. New York City Song
7. In And Out Of The Shadows
8. Good Lovin' Man
9. Baby Let's Stick Together

I have been writing for three hours now and still have to write a book review.  Oh, the woes of procrastination.

When I first saw the track list for this album, I was convinced that it was going to have an underlying religious theme.  I remember the song "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" from my Catholic classes in elementary school.  Those aren't exactly good memories for me.

However, I ended up really liking this album and detected no religious message.  The songs are catchy , though I read that the a frequent complain is that the instrumentals make it sound like funeral music.  I didn't get that vibe at all and was actually uplifted by the end of the album.  It was a weird mix of lounge music and rock that for some weird reason seemed to work.

As far as the lyrics go, I wasn't blown away by any specific song.  Still, easy listening and not a total wash.

RATING: 4/5

In and Out of Shadows:

336. Pieces of the Sky

Pieces of the Sky
Emmylou Harris
1975

Tracks
1. Bluebird Wine 
2. Too Far Gone 
3. If I Could Only Win Your Love
4. Boulder To Birmingham 
5. Before Believing
6. Bottle Let Me Down 
7. Sleepless Nights 
8. Coat Of Many Colors 
9. For No One 
10. Queen Of The Silver Dollar

Well I am sick with some cold that seems designed to make me as unattractive as possible (we are talking Gollum voice and runny and raw nose).  Subsequently, I missed a fun family dinner and spent my Saturday night listening to this album and I have to say, there are worse ways to spend your time.

I loved Emmylou's voice; it was very unique and interesting.  My main problem with this album is the backing vocals, which seemed to be mostly comprised of men.  I would have preferred to just hear her voice; the backing vocals seemed to transform the ballads into songs that almost sounded like hymns.

I was pleased to see that the album contained a few love songs, my favorite being "Too Far Gone".  It was kind of refreshing to get such personal songs; I am used to songs about how much society sucks: we are in the seventies after all.

This is not necessarily my genre of choice but it was a good album that I would definitely recommend.

RATING: 4/5

Too Far Gone:

335. Born to Run

Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen
1975

Tracks
1. Thunder Road
2. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
3. Night
4. Backstreets
5. Born to Run
6. She's the One
7. Meeting Across the River
8. Jungleland

It seems like it has become somewhat of a tradition to start each post on this blog by apologizing for not updating more.  I have been trying a lot of new things lately (including skydiving and shooting guns) and I am afraid my album blog is paying the price for my new carpe diem lifestyle.

I learned two things today about Bruce Springsteen.  One, he is super attractive.  I had only ever seen pictures of him in his sixties.  I mean, look at this guy:

Ahem.  Anyway, I also learned that I love his music (although as I understand it, it got progressively worse so this may be a one time thing).

"She's The One" was by far my favorite song and one that will definitely make it to my iPod playlist.  Springsteen writes catchy songs but unlike bands like say, Aerosmith, his lyrics actually have some depth.

Lyrics today seem to either be about partying or how annoying it is to have paparazzi in your life.  Now, I am not saying I don't enjoy those songs, but Springsteen truly had a talent and it was a pleasure listening to him.

RATING: 5/5

334. Burning Spear

Burning Spear
Marcus Garvey
1975

Tracks
1. Marcus Garvey
2. Slavery Days
3. Invasion
4. Live Good
5. Give Me
6. Old Marcus Garvey
7. Tradition
8. Jordan River
9. Red Gold And Green
10. Resting Place

Well, that wasn't very impressive.  Don't get me wrong, it was a decent reggae album.  But after listening to Bob Marley, this kind of feels like a poor imitation.  Even his name sounds like a rip off of Marvin Gaye.  I was distinctly reminded of the band The Monkees that just were never quite as good as the Beatles.

Of course, I am not that much of reggae fan so delving deeper into the genre isn't really my idea of a good time.  Still, it wasn't all bad.  The lyrics of "Slavery Days" are deeply moving while "Old Marcus Garvey" had a nice melody.  Still, lyric wise and talent wise, Garvey is no Marley.  It is probably a bit unfair to compare him to the best, but it was hard not to when the style was so similar.

Overall, it didn't blow me away but it wasn't a complete waste of time.

RATING: 2/5

333. Young Americans

Young Americans
David Bowie
1975

Tracks
1. Young Americans 
2. Win 
3. Fascination 
4. Right
5. Somebody Up There Likes Me 
6. Across The Universe 
7. Can You Hear Me 
8. Fame

If I hadn't known that this was a David Bowie album when I put it on, I might never had guessed it.  The androgynous glam god that I have gotten used to is completely absent in this album.  Instead, we get a very real performance that completely caught me off guard.

I knew I was going to like this album as soon as I saw the cover.  Glam is fun, but just having David Bowie looking into the camera instead of being in some ridiculous outfit was refreshing and I knew I was going to get something honest and real.

Still, once I listened to the lyrics I wasn't completely blown away.  "Fame" was a good track but no other song particularly stuck out for me.  I admire him for attempting soul music but that is all it really was for me: an attempt.  Nothing really spoke to me and none of the songs really stuck.

I might give this one another go in awhile but for now, I think it wasn't half bad but still disappointing.

RATING: 3/5

333!  One third of the way there!

332. Toys in the Attic

Toys in the Attic
Aerosmith
1975

Tracks
1. Toys In The Attic
2. Uncle Salty
3. Adam's Apple
4. Walk This Way
5. Big Ten Inch Record
6. Sweet Emotion
7. No More
8. Round And Round
9. You See Me Crying

I have been trouble getting to this blog; the time I am not working I have been dedicating to movies.  Sorry, album blog; you will never be my favorite child.  However, I was excited to get back to this project today; this was my very first Aerosmith album.

So we went from Keith Jarrett, who played beautiful piano sets, to this album and they could not be more different.  I am not saying one is better than the other, but one of the lyrics in this album is "suck on my ten inch".  So we have got a couple different approaches to music.

"Sweet Emotion" was a beautiful song, however, and "No More" is extremely catchy.  I am not looking down on this album: I actually think it was a lot of fun.  I think Aerosmith falls under the "guilty pleasure" column for a lot of people and after listening to this album, I am adding it to mine.

RATING: 5/5