- Love And Rockets - Earth Sun Moon. Every now and then I feel the urge to back-fill some of the records I listened to a lot in the past but either traded-away or otherwise lost access to. So, this one. It's an absolute classic. Lush,
early 90'slate 80's, retro-Beatles psychedelia. There's not much of the old Bauhaus goth lingering around on this, but there is a lot of misty, watercolored, neo-hippie-dippyism. It was very stylish at the time. The catchy, "No New Tale To Tell" was the first song I ever learned to play on guitar (I had tried to learn The Beatles' "Help" prior, but that f'in Bm chord was too much for me at the time). - Howlin Wolf - Howlin' Wolf/Moanin' in the Moonlight. I've had the "London Howlin Wolf Sessions" album forever. That's the one where Wolf and his guitar player somewhat-reluctantly hooked up with a bunch of British rock kids (Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ringo Starr, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Ian Stewart, etc.) for a run-through of Wolf classics. I like it well enough, but I have to admit I bought it mostly for the rockers. It wasn't until I heard the original versions of the tunes that I really appreciated how awesome Wolf was. The stuff with Clapton et al drags a bit because Wolf wasn't into it, and the rock kids were intimidated by him. But these early versions are raw and rockin and, yes, howlin. It's easy to hear what drew all those rock kids to him. Plus $6 for 24 songs!
- Tame Impala - Innerspeaker. Retro-psychedelia, often sounding very much like The Nazz, or George Harrison, especially in the vocals. Or Cream. Or Hendrix. Or a great swirling stew of 60's rock. Which is a good thing, IMO. I like it.
You?
I’ve always had a pretty unfavorable opinion of those “all-star” records. My first experience of John Lee Hooker was through my brother’s copy of The Healer, and it felt like all those guest artists were just there to attract a broader audience. I’m sure the musicians didn’t feel that way — they were undoubtedly all thrilled to be working with one of their influences, and felt honored to give back to a person who inspired them — but I still end up bristling when an album’s tracks all say “(featuring …)”
That’s not to say it can’t work. I’m sure we’ve all been introduced to excellent artists because somebody we already like appears as a guest musician on their album. But I guess part of it is a question of “who is helping whom?” It’s one thing when a big star’s presence can bring exposure to an up-and-coming act. But in the case of these blues musicians, it’s a pity — they were the originals, the innovators, and in a just world they wouldn’t need Eric Clapton or the Rolling Stones to pump up their record sales.
In a way, the “all-star” albums are an acknowledgement that the industry and the audience has a short memory.
Did you buy any Okkervil River?
yeah, i got “Don’t Fall In Love…” a while ago.
hmm. thought i already wrote about it. /searches/ guess not! next time.
I’m now heavily into streaming (using Google Play All Access, tried Spotify but Google is cheaper) so am discovering all sorts of music thanks to various recommendations, radio stations and curated playlists.
Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork
I’ve mentioned this before and it bears repeating – this is a great record. Josh Homme is a living legend.
Gary Numan – The Pleasure Principle
Hadn’t heard this in 25 years and now I can’t stop playing it. I still cannot believe it was recorded in 1979. The synth sound is fresh as a daisy yet that sort of 8-bit equipment must have been incredibly basic compared to what is available today. Turns out that old electronic gear sells for a fortune and a lot of famous bands still use 80s synths.
Codes and Keys – Death Cab for Cutie
Never heard this band before but I’m really digging this record. Are they hip or square? I don’t know. Is it emo?
The National – Trouble Will Find Me
Seeing them in November so got to know this backwards as they’ll play it all I’m sure.
1991 EP – Azealia Banks
Yikes, this is too good. The “212” track is just so catchy but the lyrics mean I can’t play it when the kids are around. I hear this song loudly playing in cars driven by 18 year old hoodies and smile to myself because I can name that tune.
Bassnectar – The 808 Track
This song appeared in Breaking Bad and I just wish I had a large enough set of speakers to do it justice.
I’m also listening to some 80s electro and hip-hop. Erik B and Rakim, The B Boys, Grandmaster Flash, that sort of stuff. When I was a lad there was a set of compilation albums – the Electro series – that are no longer available and I woke up one morning thinking “man, those records were great” and am seeking out the tracks and a lot of it still sounds fresh … but without all the bitches, guns and gangs baggage. More innocent if you will? Not exactly my comfort zone either which probably indicates a looming mid-life crisis.
i’m not sure if Death Cab is hip or not. i like them, but i know it’s also cool to think they’re lame. i can’t figure out if that makes me smart or uncool, or both, neither. Transatlanticism is a good one.
i like that QOTSA record. it gets some play in my car.