500. Pornography

Pornography
The Cure
1982

Tracks
1. One Hundred Years
2. Short Term Effect
3. Hanging Garden
4. Siamese Twins
5. Figurehead
6. Strange Day
7. Cold
8. Pornography

I can't believe I am officially half way through this project.  Have I really listened to 500 albums?  Perhaps the truly amazing part is that I have written 500 posts about music.  I have never claimed to have intelligent opinions on music, but if my country has taught me anything, it's that incompetence should not stand in the way of achievement!  Besides, if you only complete projects you know you will excel at, you are never going to grow.  So thank you to everyone who has gone on this journey with me!  Let's hope the downhill ride doesn't include The Residents.  Ah, memories.

Now to talk about Joy Divis-ahem, I meant The Cure!  So this album is, predictably, a gloomy affair. I think everyone appreciates solid gloom every once in awhile.  Of course, this only works well if you are in the right mood beforehand.  I recommend looking at pictures of present day Robert Smith.  That will do the trick!

Happy 500!

RATING: 4/5

499. Imperial Bedroom

Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello and the Attractions
1982

Tracks
1. Beyond Belief 
2. Tear Before Bedtime 
3. Shabby Doll 
4. The Long Honeymoon 
5. Man Out Of Time 
6. Almost Blue 
7. ...And In Every Home 
8. The Loved Ones
9. Human Hands 
10. Kid About It 
11. Little Savage 
12. Boy With A Problem 
13. Pidgin English 
14. You Little Fool 
15. Town Cryer

Since Tuesday I have been in a state of mourning that not even Elvis Costello could cure.
Normally I would make some cringeworthy pun, considering the next entry is a Cure album.   But alas, my heart is too heavy.  Check out my movie blog if my misery is at all interesting to you.

As frequent readers may know, I adore Costello.  This album is a bit more experimental than his previous endeavors, but he is always able to remain accessible. This is probably due to his lyrics.  I particularly enjoyed "Man Out of Time," which was delightfully British.

Stay tuned for the big 500!

RATING: 5/5

498. The Message

The Message
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
1982

Tracks
1. She's Fresh
2. It's Nasty
3. Scorpio
4. It's A Shame
5. Dreamin'
6. You Are
7. Message
8. The Adventures Of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels Of Steel

This is arguably the first hip hop album on the List.  Now, I know this might shock a few of my readers, but I really don't have that much experience with hip hop.  And by that I mean I don't think I could have named a single hip hop artist.  Until now...dah dah DAHHHHH.

Apparently, I had no idea what I was missing.  I loved this album.  I didn't even mind the preachiness of the song "You Are,"; in fact, I was kind of into it.  I also adored the tribute to Stevie Wonder.  I wonder what he thought about it...

I felt revitalized after this album.  I imagine it's the same feeling people have after going to church.  Definitely recommended.  The album, not the church part.

Next up: Elvis Costello!!  Praise Zeus!

RATING: 5/5