522. Back to Mystery City

Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
1983

Tracks
1. Strange Boys Play Weird Openings
2. Mental Beat
3. Until I Get You
4. Lick Summer Lover
5. Ice Cream Summer
6. Malibu Beach Nightmare
7. Tooting Bec Wreck
8. Sailing Down The Years
9. Beating Gets Faster
10. Back To Mystery City

As usual, I will begin my post by apologizing for the gaps in posting.  I have had some medical problems lately that have been weighing on my mind and unfortunately, Hanoi Rocks isn't the distraction I've needed.

I didn't know glam punk even existed.  Isn't the point of punk to be coarse and gritty? I always thought the lack of polish was the appeal.  Consequently, I thought this album fell flat.  Of course, my bar is pretty low after doing this blog for five years (sorry List) so it wasn't entirely unpleasant.  Still, I don't think this was worth listening to.

Up next: Cyndi Lauper.  A woman!  Quite unusual in these parts.

RATING: 3/5

521. Walk Across the Rooftops

Walk Across the Rooftops
The Blue Nile
1983

Tracks
1. Walk Across The Rooftops 
2. Tinseltown In The Rain 
3. From Rags To Riches 
4. Stay 
5. Easter Parade 
6. Heatwave 
7. Automobile Noise

I haven't given out a five star rating in a long time.  In fact, I think the last one went to the Jam in 1980 for Sound Affects. Wow, that actually bums me out.  Maybe I need to be less stingy.

In any case, this was brilliant.  The songs were hauntingly beautiful; without invoking Nico level sadness, they made me feel, man.  I guess the best way I can describe it is peaceful.  It wasn't unbearably morose or relentlessly cheerful and in that way, it felt..whole.

Anyway, here's hoping more five star albums are on the horizon.  Did I really not give Elvis Costello five stars??  I have problems.

RATING: 5/5