440. The Quiet Life

The Quiet Life
Japan
1979

Tracks
1. Quiet Life
2. Fall In Love With Me
3. Despair
4. In Vogue
5. Halloween
6. All Tomorrow's Parties
7. Alien
8. Other Side Of Life

I might jinx us here, but we are officially on a streak of amazing albums.  Look at me, getting cocky.  This album wasn't quite as good as yesterday's, but a four star album is nothing to sneeze (or do something equally gross) at.

Synth pop isn't exactly my thing and I expected to be overwhelmed at the band's pretension.  Especially given their...image.  But the music was actually very tangible and easy to tap into.  I have to give it four stars because it does falter toward the end.  Still, the beginning more than makes up for it.

I always sort of loathe the expression "ahead of their time" but the description kind of fits here.  Tomorrow: Broken English.

RATING: 4/5

439. London Calling

London Calling
The Clash
1979

Tracks
1. London Calling
2. Brand New Cadillac 
3. Jimmy Jazz 
4. Hateful 
5. Rudie Can't Fail 
6. Spanish Bombs 
7. Right Profile 
8. Lost In The Supermarket 
9. Clampdown 
10. Guns Of Brixton 
11. Wrong 'em Boyo 
12. Koka Kola 
13. The Card Cheat 
14. Lover's Rock
15. Four Horsemen 
16. I'm Not Down 
17. Revolution Rock 
18. Train In Vain

Two five stars albums in a row?  This might be unprecedented.  Hopefully we can keep the streak going with Japan tomorrow.  We have Neil Young and Elvis Costello coming up soon as well so I am optimistic.

Where to begin with one of the most famous albums of all time?  I think we have all heard "London Calling" which is a great song, despite the fact that some might find it overplayed.  I didn't know what to expect with the other tracks, but there is truly not a bad song on this album.  It's smart too; as the songs cover a wide range of topics including unemployment, drug use, and, of course, how hard it is to adult.  It does have punk roots, after all.

Really, what am I going to say about this album that hasn't been said before?  There is so much talent behind this that it is almost overwhelming.  Definitely something everyone should listen to before they die.

RATING: 5/5

438. The Undertones

The Undertones
The Undertones
1979

Tracks
1. Family Entertainment
2. Girls Don't Like It
3. Male Model
4. I Gotta Getta
5. Wrong Way
6. Jump Boys
7. Here Comes The Summer
8. Billy's Third
9. Jimmy Jimmy
10. True Confessions
11. She's A Runaround
12. I Know A Girl
13. Listening In
14. Casbah Rock

This is the first piece of writing I am doing today, so I promise you won't get the usually complaint that I am burnt out from writing movie reviews.  This is largely because the movie I am going to watch today hasn't loaded yet, but hey.  It still counts.

There have been some good albums lately but I have held back on giving any the full five star rating, mostly because I have commitment issues.  This was absolutely fantastic, though, so I have to go all the way.  It is odd that this is classified as punk, as it actually seemed quite poppy to me.  I mean, there were songs about girls on it!  They weren't even angry, which was refreshing.  I love the song "She's A Runaround" as I found the lyrics particularly relatable, given my current situation.  I also enjoyed "I Know A Girl," which was actually a really sweet song.  Can I call a punk band sweet?

Overall, an amazing album.  My only complaint was that it was so short ("Casbah Rock" was only 50 seconds), but I suppose it's not a bad thing to leave wanting more.

RATING: 5/5

437. Risque

Risque
Chic
1979

Tracks
1. Good Times 
2. Warm Summer Night 
3. My Feet Keep Dancing 
4. My Forbidden Lover 
5. Can't Stand To Love You 
6. Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song) 
7. What About Me

I think this may be the last disco album on the List, which is a shame as I was really getting into it.  While I didn't enjoy this as much as the previous Chic entry, I still had a great time with this.

I am sorry if this seems a bit rushed, but I only have a short time to write this and I am so close to getting caught up on all my blogs.  Once again, the album blog is shortchanged.  Truly the middle child of the group.  This is a fun album, although I didn't feel like every track was impressive like I did with C'est Chic.  For me, the best track was "Warm Summer Night" but I know people are more familiar with "Good Times" (which I thought was merely okay).

Goodbye disco.  It had a short, but memorable, life.

RATING: 3/5

436. Unknown Pleasures

Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
1979

Tracks
1. Disorder
2. Day Of The Lords
3. Candidate
4. Insight
5. New Dawn Fades
6. She's Lost Control
7. Shadowplay
8. Wilderness
9. Interzone
10. I Remember Nothing

I put off writing the review of this album, as I was writing approximately 5906 movie reviews and didn't have time.  I might have waited a bit too long, as the specifics of this one are kind of fading from my memory.   Still, I really enjoyed it so I will do my best.

I was a bit wary of this one, as the band name is a bit...odd.  Apparently, the band is named after the groups of Jewish women kept in concentration camps for the sexual pleasure of the Nazis.  So is this just a deliberate attempt to be perverse?  I am not sure I get it and even more unsure if I want to.

But, like I said, I enjoyed this album.  It's certainly a depressing album, but it is not upsetting to listen to; in fact, some of the songs were downright catchy.  My favorite was "She Lost Control" but really, there is no bad track in this album.

Almost to the eighties!

RATING: 4/5

435. Fear of Music

Fear of Music
Talking Heads
1979

Tracks
1. I Zimbra 
2. Mind
3. Paper
4. Cities
5. Life During Wartime 
6. Memories Can't Wait 
7. Air 
8. Heaven 
9. Animals 
10. Electric Guitar 
11. Drugs

It's hard not to be disappointed by a band that is as hyped as Talking Heads.  While I wouldn't call it bad by any means, I couldn't help thinking when it finished: that's it?  Maybe my expectations were too high after "More Songs About Buildings and Food."

My favorite song is easily "Air," which is basically a protest that people don't understand that even something as simple as breathing can be difficult for someone suffering from depression.  Or, at least, that's what I got out of it.  I was able to glean some larger meaning from that song, but I confess I was not as successful with the others (i.e. "Paper").

I am not sure how many more Talking Heads albums there are on The List, but I hope if there are more the lyrical quality will improve somewhat.  Still, a perfectly fine album.

RATING: 3/5

434. Live at the Witch Trials

Live at the Witch Trials
The Fall
1979

Tracks
1. Frightened
2. Crap Rap 2/Like To Bioxn
3. Rebellious Jukebox
4. No X-mas For John Quays
5. Mother Sister
6. Industrial Estate
7. Underground Medecin
8. Two Steps Back
9. Live At The Witch Trials
10. Future Pasts
11. Music Scene

Well, we are back to poor quality albums.  My sister wasn't with me yesterday when I listened to the Police album, but she did end up hearing this.  She didn't believe me that things had been bearable yesterday.  As we have The Clash and Elvis Costello coming up,  I believe things will change soon.

I don't really have too much to say about this one, as I have written about 132 movie posts today.  It was post punk at its worst.  Pretentious with seemingly no reason for being so.  My sister said it felt more like talking than singing.  I wouldn't have minded if the lyrics had any poetic quality, but unfortunately it failed in this regard.

Just completely forgettable and not worthy of its place on The List.

RATING: 2/5

433. Reggatta de Blanc

Reggatta de Blanc
The Police
1979

Tracks
1. Message in a Bottle 
2. Reggatta de Blanc
3. It's Alright for You 
4. Bring on the Night 
5. Deathwish 
6. Walking on the Moon 
7. On Any Other Day 
8. Bed's Too Big Without You 
9. Contact 
10. Does Everyone Stare 
11. No Time This Time

And just like that, our curse of sucky albums is broken!  Huzzah!

Man, I really needed this.  I didn't really know much about the Police before this album, although I have probably heard a bunch of their songs without realizing it.  I did enjoy "Roxanne" although I have to admit I appreciate Ewan Mcgregor's version because it is more emotional and (let's face it) sexier.  I found new songs to adore here, like "Message in a Bottle" and "Bring On The Night."

I get the sense that some people might consider this commercial garbage.  I even get the impression that they didn't think they were that good, as the opening to "On Any Other Day" was "You want something corny?  You got it."  Maybe I am completely off and just feeling defensive.  Either way I don't think there is anything embarrassing about liking this album.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this and hopefully, the suckfest is truly over.

RATING: 5/5

432. Movies

Movies
Holger Czukay
1979

Tracks
1. Cool In The Pool
2. Oh Lord Give Us More Money 
3. Persian Love 
4. Hollywood Symphony

Make that three albums that have been no good. I have putting these albums on in the background when my sister and I are just hanging out in the same room and I have been attracting increasingly nasty looks.  I might be confined to headphones if things don't shape up soon.

This is a hard album to describe, as it sounds like nothing that anyone has ever done before.  Of course, no one ever did it before because it was awful to listen to.  The album only has four tracks, each one clocking in at around ten minutes.  The whole thing reeked of pretension; it's no wonder the album was so hard to track down.

Keep your fingers crossed for 433!

RATING: 1/5

431. The B-52's

The B-52's
The B-52's
1979

Tracks
1. Planet Claire
2. Fifty Two Girls
3. Dance This Mess Around
4. Rock Lobster
5. Lava
6. There's A Moon In The Sky (Called Moon)
7. Hero Worship
8. 6060 842
9. Downtown

Well, that was quite unpleasant.  I know I was supposed to get a thrill out of the kitschiness of this album, but when I heard "We were at the beach, everyone had matching towels" my mouth dropped open in horror.  And not because I am scared of the Rock Lobster.  Well, I am maybe a little bit.

I was equally horrified by their cover of "Downtown" where the singer attempted to be pouty and childlike.  Was the whole thing supposed to be a joke, like Meatloaf?  At least his songs were catchier.  I mean, "There's A Moon In The Sky (Called Moon)?"  I guess I am too much of an idiot to see through the idiocy of this album and appreciate its brilliance.

Ugh, two sucky ones in a row.  Remember tomorrow is another day!

RATING: 2/5

430. (GI)

(GI)
The Germs
1979

Tracks
1. What We Do is Secret
2. Communist Eyes
3. Land of Treason
4. Richie Dagger's Crime
5. Strange Notes
6. American Leather
7. Lexicon Devil
8. Manimal
9. Our Way
10. We Must Bleed
11. Media Blitz
12. The Other Newest One
13. Let's Pretend
14. Dragon Lady
15. The Slave
16. Shut Down (Annihilation Man)

This is the only album made by the band Germs, as the vocalist Darby Crash committed suicide a year after its release.  As such it makes for a pretty disturbing record.  Well, I guess I should say more disturbing than usual, as punk is always supposed to be somewhat disturbing.

I have actually been appreciating punk albums lately, but this was just everything that is wrong with the genre: screaming vocals, asinine lyrics, and intense narcissism.  This feels like a step backwards, as the genre had been developing in a positive direction before this. I suppose it got its place on the List because of Crash's early death.

I don't have to lot more to say about this album.  I will just limp away now with my earplugs in, mumbling about kids and their music.

RATING: 2/5

429. Street Life

Street Life
The Crusaders
1979

Tracks
1. Street Life
2. My Lady
3. Rodeo Drive (High Steppin')
4. Carnival Of The Night
5. Hustler
6. Night Faces

I haven't had to face the shame of not liking jazz for awhile; in fact, I can't remember the last time we had a jazz album.  The closest thing was problem Music from the Penguin Cafe in 1976.  Anyway, I found more to like with this album but it ultimately wasn't my thing.  Again.

I didn't expect to love the first track as much as I did, considering I usually find songs that long to be exhausting.  It was brilliant though; I loved the fusion of jazz and funk.  Then the album kind of faltered.  It wasn't terrible by any means, but I felt like the innovation was over and we were stuck listening to generic jazz songs.  Of course, a lot of people would still enjoy it, but I found it to be rather boring.

Hey, I got one song that I enjoyed out of it, which is more than I was expecting.  So I will still consider this a win.

RATING: 3/5

428. We Are Family

We Are Family
Sister Sledge
1979

Tracks
1. He's The Greatest Dancer 
2. Lost In Music 
3. Somebody Loves Me 
4. Thinking Of You 
5. We Are Family 
6. Easier To Love 
7. You're A Friend To Me 
8. One More Time

I was complaining earlier about the lack of disco on The List.  Not because I am a fan of the genre, but because I felt like we weren't getting an accurate picture of the era.  Thankfully, this came along so I am mollified.  

I think everyone is familiar with the song "We Are Family" as it seems to play at every wedding.  Because of this, I think we are all a little sick of the song, although we can't fault the band for that.  Fortunately, the rest of the album is superb and I for one can't get "He's The Greatest Dancer" out of my head.

I was blown away with the vocals in this album, which I didn't expect to that good.  I actually think this was better than Chic; the songs seem to have more heart.  Wait, do I like disco?  Uh oh.

RATING: 5/5

427. Highway to Hell

Highway to Hell
AC/DC
1979

Tracks
1. Highway To Hell
2. Girls Got Rhythm
3. Walk All Over You
4. Touch Too Much
5. Beating Around The Bush
6. Shot Down In Flames
7. Get It Hot
8. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)
9. Love Hungry Man
10. Night Prowler

It's 1979 everyone!  Only one more year until the 80s.  I don't know if that scares me or excites me.

I was actually just reviewing This is Spinal Tap on my movie blog (I apologize for the blatant product placement) and now we come to a band very similar to the parody.  This album is rather special, as the lead singer Bon Scott died shortly after the release.  In fact, he went the same way as one of the Spinal Tap drummers...

Anyway, it's kind of eerie hearing a man sing about being on his way to hell shortly before his death.  After the first song was over, I felt sure the band couldn't possibly match that level of energy for the entire album.   I was pleased that it turned out to be quite a consistent album, although it maybe faltered a bit towards the end.

At the end of the day it is not my kind of music, but I can definitely understand what the appeal is.  I don't think anyone can deny the catchiness of "Highway to Hell."

RATING: 4/5

426. The Scream

The Scream
Siouxsie and the Banshees
1978

Tracks
1. Pure
2. Jigsaw Feeling
3. Overground
4. Carcass
5. Helter Skelter
6. Mirage
7. Metal Postcard (Mittageisen)
8. Nicotine Stain
9. Suburban Relapse
10. Switch

I was just complaining about how conventional the punk genre is and now comes along a great improvement of the formula.  Still, it is certainly not the kind of music I would listen to on my own.

The track list makes the album sound like it could be the inspiration behind many serial killers.  It is actually not as gruesome as the song titles make it sound.  Even "Carcass" sounds a little bit cheerful, even though it is freaky as fuck.  Maybe it was because I was just exposed to X Ray Specs and found this to be a lot less depressing.

Dark, but there was something beautiful about this darkness that made it easier to swallow.  Sorry for the short review, but I have written around fifteen film posts today and I am quite worn out.

RATING: 3/5

425. Ambient 1: Music For Airports

Ambient 1: Music For Airports
Brian Eno
1978

Tracks
1. 1/1 
2. 2/1 
3. 1/2 
4. 2/2 

I asked for a break from punk and I got it with an album that has no lyrics and a very loose definition of what music actually is.  Surprisingly, I loved every minute of it.

This album oozes pretension, from the track titles to the album cover.  Still, at its core it is a damn good album.  I am not saying it is music you put on en route to work or when you feel like dancing.  But it works well as installation music; apparently, it played at the main terminal of LaGuardia airport in the eighties.  I was writing while I listened to this and it really put me at ease.  That's saying something, as I have been particularly fussy lately.

There is something almost distant about this music.  I felt like I was passing a house and could only faintly hear piano notes from within.  Very peaceful and exactly what I needed after X-Ray Spex.

RATING: 4/5

424. Germ Free Adolescents

Germ Free Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
1978

Tracks
1. Art I Ficial
2. Obsessed With You
3. Warrior In Woolworths Back
4. Let's Submerge
5. I Can't Do Anything
6. Identity
7. Genetic Engineering
8. I Live Off You
9. I Am A Poseur
10. Germ Free Adolescents
11. Plastic Bag
12. Day The World Turned Dayglo

I remember my British Subcultures professor playing us a song by X-Ray Spex, much to the general horror of my class.  He wanted to point out that the band was special (in the context of punk) because they featured a female vocalist and included saxophone numbers.  Well, fair enough and I always appreciate a little more female representation.  I also enjoyed the inclusion of the saxophone, but ultimately, I still disliked this album.

Once again, it's same old, same old as far the lyrical album goes.  We are a product, the world is commodified, blah blah blah.  I also absolutely hated the vocals, which resembled screaming a lot more than singing.  I sound like such an old person when I say that.

I know we got a brief break from punk with Chic, but I am already ready for another one.

RATING: 2/5

423. C'est Chic

C'est Chic
Chic
1978

Tracks
1. Chic Cheer
2. Le Freak
3. Savoir Faire
4. Happy Man
5. I Want Your Love
6. At Last I Am Free
7. Sometimes You Win
8. (Funny) Bone

I feel like the Book has done its best to tiptoe around the Disco craze but it has finally caught up to us.  The general opinion seems to be that the genre sucks, but this is one of the few disco albums that has some merits.  I wasn't around for the trend, so I haven't been exposed to anything too horrific, unless you count Saturday Night Fever.  Which I totally do.

I have heard the song "Le Freak" but was unfamiliar with this band as a whole.  I did enjoy their songs, but they were undeniably repetitive and by the end, I was ready to call it quits.  I suppose disco music is meant to be danced to, so listening to it on my laptop in bed wasn't quite what Chic had in mind.

Definitely a "must listen to" album, as it really is the best the genre can offer.  And remember, life is a circus; don't be one of the clowns.  Or something to that effect.

RATING: 4/5

422. Stardust

Stardust
Willie Nelson
1978

Tracks
1. Stardust
2. Georgia On My Mind
3. Blue Skies
4. All Of Me
5. Unchained Melody
6. September Song
7. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
8. Moonlight In Vermont
9. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
10. Someone To Watch Over Me

I am so used to listening to punk albums that this came across as cutesy.   I suppose Nelson isn't too bad as far as country music singers go but I was still waiting for this to be over, especially when "Unchained Melody" came on.  According to Wikipedia, this song has been covered hundreds of times.  Can we all let it die?  There is a pun in there with "Ghost" somewhere.

So yes, this was a rather typical country album, with plenty of reminiscing; hell, there is even a song dedicated to a southern state.  Most of these songs seem to be covers though but I am not that impressed with his vocals to call this a home run anyway.

Still, not a bad way to pass the time.  At least the lyrics weren't horribly offensive, which is a positive that we must celebrate on this blog.

RATING: 3/5

421. Here, My Dear

Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
1978

Tracks
1. Here My Dear
2. I Met A Little Girl 
3. When Did You Stop Loving Me When Did I Stop Loving You 
4. Anger 
5. Is That Enough
6. Everybody Needs Love 
7. Time To Get It Together 
8. Sparrow 
9. Anna's Song 
10. When Did You Stop Loving Me When Did I Stop Loving You
11. Funky Space Reincarnation 
12. You Can Leave But It's Gonna Cost You
13. Falling In Love Again 
14. When Did You Stop Loving Me When Did I Stop Loving You 

Who doesn't like Marvin Gaye?  Apparently his father.  Wow, that is really a horrible thing to say.  The crankiness I have felt all day is really transcending itself.  One more album post after this and then my unpleasantness will have fewer victims.

Marvin chronicles the dissolution of his marriage to his first wife and dedicates the album to her.  A good portion of it is angry, but you can tell he was still very much in love with her.  Much like anyone ranting about a break up, he did eventually run out of new things to say about it and became rather monotonous.  Still, there are plenty of songs to celebrate in this album, my favorite being "You Can Leave But It's Gonna Cost You."

This wasn't quite what I expected when I started the album, but I still love his sound.

RATING: 4/5

420. Eternally Yours

Eternally Yours
The Saints
1978

Tracks
1. Know Your Product
2. Lost and Found
3. Memories Are Made of This
4. Private Affair
5. Minor Aversion
6. No, Your Product
7. This Perfect Day
8. Run Down
9. Orstralia
10. New Centre of the Universe
11. (I'm) Misunderstood
12. International Robots

Once again, I am behind on the little album schedule I had planned for myself, meaning if I want to get back on track I should listen and review two more today.  With Marvin Gaye on the horizon, I am not too bothered about it.  But first, The Saints.

Man, is it just me or is punk getting really boring?  Never Mind The Bollocks feels like ages ago, although I know at this point it was only like six months ago.  Still, the genre itself doesn't seem to leave a lot of room for innovation or originality (unless you count post punk, but I guess that's it own thing altogether).

So here's an album by The Saints which I can't say is particularly bad, but isn't very memorable either.  Songs like "(I'm) Misunderstood" and "No, Your Product" sounded like they could be on any punk album ever.  Luckily, it is enjoyable enough but you have to wonder why it was put on the List when nothing about it was new.

RATING: 3/5