565. Blood and Chocolate

Blood and Chocolate
Elvis Costello and the Attractions
1986

Tracks
1. Uncomplicated
2. I Hope You're Happy Now
3. Tokyo Storm Warning
4. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head
5. I Want You
6. Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind
7. Blue Chair
8. Battered Old Bird
9. Crimes Of Paris
10. Poor Napoleon
11. Next Time Round

Scritti Politti might have had me wondering why I even decided to undertake this project in the first place, but then Elvis Costello comes along and reminds me. Not that I was familiar with his work before, but it becomes extra special when you are hear it in the midst of all the other shit that was coming out at the same time.

This is an angrier Elvis than his previous albums, but thankfully, it is never cringey. His bitterness comes naturally, which is a perk for us, even if it doesn't bode well for his mental health. 

It's rare to listen to an artist this versatile, so this album was a real treat. And like a bear stuffing her fat face before winter, I must store up on good music. Metallica is coming up.

RATING: 5/5

564. Cupid and Psyche '85

Cupid and Psyche '85
Scritti Politti
1985

Tracks
1. Word Girl
2. Small Talk
3. Absolute
4. Little Knowledge
5. Don't Work That Hard
6. Perfect Way
7. Lover To Fall
8. Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)
9. Hypnotize

This was a very generic 80s pop album. It is likely so generic because it was influential and I've heard a lot of shitty imitations of it. But it hasn't aged well, and bands like Aha have, so I feel justified in giving this a low rating.

Also, what an annoying name for a band. Our suffering was worth it, though, because Elvis Costello is next!

RATING: 2/5

563. Don't Stand Me Down

Don't Stand Me Down
Dexy's Midnight Runners
1985

Tracks
1. Kevin Rowland's 13th Time
2. Occasional Flicker
3. This is What She's Like
4. My National Pride (Formerly Knowledge of Beauty)
5. One of Those Things
6. Reminisce (part 2)
7. I Love You (Listen to This)
8. Waltz

If you love Dexy's Midnight Runners, you will love this album. Probably an obvious point, but who wouldn't want to listen to their favorite band have a casual jam session that is interspersed with chit chat and banter? For the rest of us, who are fairly indifferent to this band, it is merely okay.

This album has two very good tracks: "This is What She's Like" and "My National Pride." "My National Pride" wasn't even in the original version, but it was released later as part of a director's cut. Of course, because self indulgence is a timeless vice, each song on this album is roughly ten minutes long. Unnecessary, and not at all shocking that this was a commercial flop.

But I did enjoy parts of it, and here on this blog we take what we can get. It's our official slogan.

RATING: 3/5

562. Picture Book

Picture Book
Simply Red
1985

Tracks
1. Come to My Aid
2. Sad Old Red
3. Look at You Now
4. Heaven
5. Jericho
6. Money's Too Tight (To Mention)
7. Holding Back the Years
8. Red Box
9. No Direction
10. Picture Book

The 1001 Album book is probably the riskiest to take on out of the entire series. Sure, a movie or book can be bad, but then you can walk away from it and it's over. But you listen to a terrible album and the songs can be stuck in your head for days. 

That's exactly what happened with "Jericho" and "Money's Too Tight." Thankfully, I have some experience drowning out the voices in my head. Also, a very creepy album cover.

A ginger soul album. The thing we were all clamoring for. And yet, it wasn't good. How is that possible?

RATING: 2/5

561. Low Life

Low Life
New Order
1985

Tracks
1. Love Vigilantes
2. Perfect Kiss
3. This Time of Night
4. Sunrise
5. Elegia
6. Sooner Than You Think
7. Subculture
8. Face Up

It's strange how different this is from Joy Division. I feel like music can't help but reflect the souls of its creators; Ian Curtis was really dragging that band down. Mood wise, of course, not talent wise. Or maybe they decided after Ian died that the world didn't need any more depression fodder.

Instead the world needs more synthpop, which is the general consensus of every 80s group. Actually, this is much better than most 80s music, so well done.

I've heard bad things about the next album, so gird your loins. 

RATING: 4/5

560. Psychocandy

Psychocandy
The Jesus and Mary Chain
1985

Tracks
1. Just Like Honey
2. Living End
3. Taste The Floor
4. Hardest Walk
5. Cut Dead
6. In A Hole
7. Taste Of Cindy
8. Never Understand
9. Inside Me
10. Sowing Seeds
11. My Little Underground
12. You Trip Me Up
13. Something's Wrong
14. It's So Hard

I haven't posted on this blog in awhile, because the only music I have been listening to lately has been Taylor Swift's new album. Have we not reached a place free of judgment yet? Anyway, I listened to this album on YouTube, and YouTube kept interjecting the playlist with Taylor Swift songs. I think it was self defense.

This album falls under the category of "noise pop." Basically it means they play fairly normal pop music, only they drown it out with feedback and background noise. This is supposed to enhance the experience in some way, I suppose, but I am at a loss to say how.

It's almost as if I declared I was no longer going to proofread anything I published and expected to be praised for that choice. Actually, I haven't proofread a lot of my posts and I expect a lot of praise. Point to The Jesus and Mary Chain.

RATING: 2/5

559. Rain Dogs

Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
1985

Tracks
1. Singapore 
2. Clap Hands 
3. Cemetery Polka 
4. Jockey Full Of Bourbon 
5. Tango Till They're Sore 
6. Big Black Mariah 
7. Diamonds And Gold 
8. Hang Down Your Head 
9. Time 
10. Rain Dogs 
11. Midtown 
12. 9th & Hennepin 
13. Gun Street Girl 
14. Union Square 
15. Blind Love 
16. Walking Spanish 
17. Downtown Train 
18. Bride Of Rain Dog 
19. Anywhere I Lay My Head

It's pretty hard not to like Tom Waits. There is something intriguing about his music that invites further scrutiny no matter how many times you listen to him. 

In terms of lyrical quality, it's hard to outdo Waits. It will definitely take me a few more listens to understand the meaning of the some of these tracks. According to the great man himself, every song should have a few sailors in it. Which is totally what a Rain Dog is, right?

So slightly confused, but satisfied. 

RATING: 4/5