Modern Lovers

Damn this is a good album. Review coming

Al Green - Get Back Baby

Sock it to me!

Al Green - Summertime

Sure is.

Neil Young - On The Beach

Come on who doesn't like Neil Young??
He is one of those artists that has a diverse selection to pick from, I know that this album would fall into what you would expect from Neil. It has some good songs on it and keeps his themes of political awareness, love, and the environment. Neil has always had the ability to incorporate the best imagery into his songs and make a person think.
This album was released in 74' and is ready for you to go pick it up. Hope you enjoy it.

Neil Young - See The Sky About To Rain

Neil Young - Walk On

The Clash - London Calling

Who doesn't enjoy a good Clash song??
On this album alone there are so many good ones that a fella has a hard time not listening to them over and over again. This album was released in 79' in Britain, although it was released in 80' in the U.S.. Since I live in the commonwealth I will go with the 79' to make it an album of the 70's.
So the album has all the key themes in it for a steamy bowl of angst like unemployment, drug use, racial conflict, and becoming an adult.
By far my most favorite song on the album and arguably of all time is "The Guns Of Brixton" damn this is a fine song and.  I am a big Clash fan and in a previous post I talked about the "Give em enough album" and all the resources that you can watch to get an idea of the band and all they have done... Sure the stuff is about Joe Strummer, but it still gives you an idea of what they went through.
So enjoy this album like I do. 

Gotta go, I hear London calling.

The Clash - Brand new Cadillac

The Clash - London Calling

Let's do it up.

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Cosmo's Factory

So this album was released in 70' and if you have ever watched a movie about the Vietnam War then you would have heard a CCR song for sure. This is a good listening album and there are allot of great songs on it.
I know growing up I heard a lot of CCR songs and this album has quite a few of the songs that were popular for the band. Such as "Lookin Out My Back Door", Run through the Jungle", "Who'll stop the rain", and "I Heard it Through the Grapevine".
For me this album is one that when you get in the car and head out on the Highway for a long road trip it seems to fit really well.
I think you will enjoy this album and the Southern references from a bunch of guys from San Fransisco.

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Run Through The Jungle

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Ramble Tamble

Sorry had some issues with the blog. Looks like it is all sorted... so lets Ramble Tamble.

Suicide - Suicide

I want to write about how much I liked this album and that it was something I could listen to all the time... but I can't.  I liked the first few songs and then after that it seemed repetitive.
I know this was one of the early bands that was using the elctro sound, but I can only take so much of the Bossa Nova beat. After the first 2 songs it was the same sound, and feel throughout the album. I understand what they were doing but it was just not my thing.
Now just because I don't dig it doesn't mean you might not like it, at least give it a try.

Next band please.

Suicide - Girl

Suicide - Ghost Rider

Yes!

The Cars - The Cars

All right lets take a drive with the Cars.  For some reason when I was listening to this album I thought it was made in the 80's because they have that 80's sound and feel. Looking at the back of the album reveled that the record was released in 78'.  I imagine most of you know the songs on the album from "Good Times Roll", "My Best Friends Girl", and "Just What I needed" but when you get past the first side and listen to side 2 with the exception of "You're All I've Got Tonight" I admit there are songs I don't remember, they are just as good... but they got less air time I think.
The song "Bye Bye Love" is an excellent song. The next songs "Moving In Stereo", and "All Mixed Up" are great songs also. "Moving In Stereo" was more on the electronic side of things which took over in the 80's and allot of bands of the 70's got caught up in that... yes even "Rush" fell into the electronic synth sound.
Anyway This is a great album and it is full of great songs that are sure to move you in your seat. 
So get in your car and go pick this up and enjoy... or be environmentally conscious and buy it online. Either way you will be happy with yourself.

The Cars - I'm in Touch With Your World

The Cars- Let the Good Times Roll

It's Friday the 13th..... let the good times roll.

Rush - 2112

Alright, so first off sorry I was away for a few days and had no access... or was too busy to post. So lets get right at it with "Rush-2112" I bought this album awhile back and it is an excellent workout for the old HiFi.
This music is not for the faint at heart, it is a very dimensional style.  There are a lot of change ups, and moves from one style to another within one song.  The fans are true fans and it is rare that someone that is into Rush only has one album.
So this album takes off right from the start with the 20 min long 2112.  It is split into 7 different songs in one which when listening you hear how it all melds together.  Not all the songs are marathons, and they are all split up into regular length songs.  The song "Passage to Bangkok" is one of my more favorite songs on the album along with "Something For Nothing" I also dig the song "The Temples of Syrinx" which is a part of the song 2112.
Heck I dig the whole album, and I think you will too.  The album was released in 76' after it was recorded in Toronto and some thought it was a concept album, but all the songs on side 2 have nothing to do with the rest of the album.  Side 1 which has 2112 tells a story of a world that is is controlled by the "Priests of the Temples of Syrinx" that controls all that is seen and heard.. (Kind of like the CRTC)  A man finds a guitar and learns to play different kinds of music. He takes it and gives it to the Priests, and they go and destroy the guitar. He goes into hiding and dreams of a world before all is controlled. When he wakes up he is upset and commits suicide. As he dies, another planetary battle begins resulting in the ambiguous ending "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation: We have assumed control."
So there you have it Rush 2112.  Go forth and purchase it before you are told that you cannot listen to this king of music and they force you to listen to Justin Bieber, and Nickelback... That would make a guy want to kill himself.
Also you may want to check out the Rush Doc called "Beyond the Lighted Stage" it is well worth the time for sure.

Rush - A Passage To Bangkok

Rush - 2112

The reason they play a 20min song is because it is cold in Canada... and after playing a 20min song to start with they are all warmed up for some amazing rock goodness.

T. Rex - Cosmic Dancer

T.Rex - Electric Warrior

Well I hope you have a fresh tube of lipstick and the glitter eye liner in your super tight jeans with the star on the back pocket.. because this is glam baby.
So originally when T.Rex started out they were playing folk music but that went the way of the dino when they changed their name from Tyrannosaurus Rex, to the shortened version and drew from the shock rock/Glam scene to produce the new sound for the band.
As the album goes it is good, and in some ways there is a folk sound to some of the songs such as "Girl", and "Planet Queen" sure these songs are slower but if you stripped them down to just a guitar you would have the makings of a folky type song. For the most part I like the album and there are some good toe tappers on it for sure. There are some songs that have a smooth groove to them and a prime example would be on the song "The Motivator" it has a great bass line and moves nicely. 
I know that the song "Get It On" will be the one song that most of us have heard over the years in movies, or at the bar... it is everywhere. 
So the songs that I would have to pick as favorites would have to be "Life's A Gas" which has a great feeling to it, and "Cosmic Dancer" this song could stand up with a Bowie song any day.

Well I should go so you can take the curlers out of your hair and put the Gold Lamé tank top on before you go rollerskating.... yes I mean you Andrew.

T.Rex - Mambo sun

Lets try some Glam..

Black Sabbath - Paranoid

Guaranteed everyone reading this has heard the song "Iron Man" off of this album, but once you listen you will see that there are allot more songs on the album that are well worth the time.

So the album was releases in 70' and it is an excellent classic rock album right from the first song "War Pigs" which is one of my favorites. I luckily have this on vinyl so when it gets to the end of the song and it speeds up like your turntable is going out of control you get the full effect. There have been a few times when friends are over and they hear it on the record player for the first time they think something is wrong with it.... very cool.

In my mind this album has everything from the heavy hitting 70's style rock songs like "Hand of Doom" to the jazz fusion like song "Rat Salad". 

This album really shows the talent and stands out as one of Sabbath's best albums.  So as you can tell I like this album allot and think it should be in everybody's collection.  

I say take some time and head to the record store and pick this bad boy up and then rush home and crank it to 11... it is one more than 10 you know.

Black Sabbath - War Pigs

What a song!!!

Black Sabath - Paranoid

Lets turn up the volume to 11 on this one.

Ramones - Ramones

Right from the start when you hear "Hey Ho.. Let's Go!" you are hooked.  This album was a game changer for sure.  So the album "Ramones" was released in 76' and was recognized as one of the first truly Punk albums, it had a major influence on lots of bands such as "The Clash", and "The Sex Pistols" and of course everything in between them and Rock.
Well I could yabber on and on about the influence that the Ramones had on music and all of that but I would say you need to watch the Documentary called "End of the Century" which is also the title of one of their albums.  This doc will give a person good insight into the band and all that they went through and who they met along the way.
The "Ramones" album covers a wide variety of topics and it is as straight forward as they come, which is probably why so many people enjoy it... it is honest.  I would have to say that I dig every song on this album and if I was put in a corner and had to choose a favorite I would probably go with "Chainsaw" i dig the speed of it, and also the stripped down lets go feel.  I would also have to pick "Judy Is a Punk" as another favorite on the album.
So I suggest it is time to either dust this off and put it back into rotation, or go get you some of the Ramones, Ramones and enjoy yourself.... then maybe go beat on a brat with a baseball bat.

The Ramones - Judy Is A Punk

Lets break the turntable!!

Led Zeppelin III

So I guess anyone that knows me knows that I am a Zeppelin fan and is always willing to debate the finer points of the band and their influence. So when going through the record collection I thought that I would go with III since it was released in 70'. 
As Zeppelin albums go this one plays an important role in the whole stack for sure.

When the album was released it was given a tough grade by the press but that would have allot to do with the fact that when you have been built up so high everything is graded with a fine tooth comb.  Yes the album did have a more subdued feel than the previous albums, although acoustic songs were on other albums this album didn't have the aggressive feel.... But as a wise man once told me they can't all be Metallica's "Master Of Puppets" every time.  And so in the same way the fans needed to realize that they would not get "Whole Lotta Love" on every album. 
I dig this album and there are some great songs on it, for instance "Immigrant Song" who can argue with this song....? No one.. especially when you come from the land of the ice and snow.
Another song that sticks out for me is "Tangerine" damn this is a fine song it has the complete 70's feel to it for sure. 
Anyway I will sit here and list the whole album song by song since I dig it all, I suggest you take the time to listen to this amazing album.
Another cool thing about the record is the spinning wheel cover it is interesting in it's own way, but I wouldn't judge the album on the cover... kind of like a book.

Led Zeppelin - Out on the Tiles

Ooo Ya, Ooo ya

Led Zeppelin - That's The Way

Lets do some Led Zeppelin III.

Nick Drake - Pink Moon

I always think that in some ways getting to know a little about the artist helps when you listen to the music.  It is such an interesting album and when you listen to it and then find out that Nick battled depression for many years you can see it right away in his music. 
When you listen to "Pink Moon" to think that the album when it was released it sold fewer than 3000 copies seems strange because it is so good.  I imagine with the lack of sales in his records it did not help Nick and his battle with depression.

Now the music itself is stripped down with just himself and a guitar and occasionally some added piano.  This makes the sad, and dismal feelings more prevalent in the music.  Now don't get me wrong, listening to this won't make you cry into your pillow, or stand in the rain on a Grey day.  It has more of the effect that we have all been sad at one point or another, and if there was a sound track for sadness Nick Drake would be one of the main arrangers for it. 
The title track "Pink Moon" is a damn fine song, but my favorite is "know" it is a great song and the way he plays the guitar in it is great.
This is an excellent album and with a running time of about 28min depending on your mood it is just the perfect amount of time... or not enough..

I think you would be better off adding this to your collection since it is a very influential piece of music, and if anything it makes an old salty dog like yourself seem more like you have a heart.

Nick Drake - Place to be

Lets talk about Nick tomorrow.

Record Store Day..

Remember that today is Independent Record Store Day... So get going and support your local Record Store.

Nick Drake- "Pink Moon"

Lets try some Nick Drake. Best thing is to just put the song on without watching the video... we are all about the music here.

Gang Of Four - I Found That Essence Rare

A very rare essence indeed.!!

Gang Of Four - Entertainment

I have to admit that before I heard this album I didn't really know many of the songs... but that is why I am doing this.  I was impressed by what I heard, this is a good album and it is for sure a post Punk/New Wave/even a touch of funk in the sound.  It is an eclectic mixture for sure and that is what makes it a good listen.
This album just made my cut off by being released in 79' and it is worth it.  I even dig the album cover which is interesting. 
In listening to the album you will be in for a treat and in my mind one of the songs that sticks out to me is "I Found That Essence Rare".  Also if I had to pick another song that makes a guy like me want to shuffle around I would go with "Ether" it has a "Clash" type sound to it.
Anyway I think you would be better off if you took the time to go out and buy this album and spend some time getting to know it.

 

Gang of Four - Natural's not in it lyrics

Next we look at Gang of Four.

The Clash - Give 'Em Enough Rope

So the Clash... What can I say that hasn't already been said? They are such a major influence on so many bands to this day, and they have indeed set the bar... and that bar is high. 
This album came out in 78' and was their second studio album, and from what I have read it was the first album they released in the U.S.  Luckily I have this in my LP selection so I was able to fire up the turntable and crank it to 11 which is one more than 10.  No matter how many times I hear this album I can't get enough, the whole thing is amazing.
I know that a majority of you have heard the album and I am not going to beat a dead horse, but if you have not had the pleasure then by all means pick this one up.
Now on a side note if you haven't had a chance to see the documentary called "The Future is Unwritten" you should check it out.  It is about Joe Strummer, but there is allot of good Clash stuff that as a fan hits the spot.

So there.

The Clash - Last Gang In Town

O'ya!!

The Clash - Tommy Gun

Lets try some Clash next.!!

Television - Marquee Moon

The first time I heard this album by Television I thought it was the "Talking Heads". I know the music isn't the same but when "Tom Verlaine" sings these songs it sounds similar to "David Byrne".
This is a great album for those of you that want to hear the raw sounds of what was going on in the 70's in New York at CBGB's.  I am personally a big fan of this music and dug most of the bands that came out of this scene.
The band itself had more of a cult following and didn't really get the recognition they were worthy of until many years later.  You end up seeing this in allot of really good bands, the people that were a part of it from the start were ready for it while everyone else had to play catch up.
Anyway before I get off track I will let you know that I think this is an important album, especially if you are into the music that was coming out of New York at this time.  This was Television's debut album and damn it was a good job.  I really like the song "See No Evil" probably one of my top 10 favorite songs of the 70's.

You should do yourself a good deed and have a listen to this album... Everyone deserves a good deed.

Television - Venus

Another ring a dinger from Television.

Television - See No Evil

Hell yes!! Television.

Blsckmore's Rainbow - Rainbow Rising

Interestingly enough I went out a couple of weeks ago and found this vinyl in mint condition, I knew instantly the gods of rock were on my side so I made the metal horns... then made my way to the counter to purchase this most righteous find.
The album was released in 76' and was the second album by the band, even tho it was essentially a new band because after the first album they released which was called "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow" , Ritchie Blackmore fired the whole band except for "Ronnie James Dio".
The lineup change was not the last in the bands history, and it was essentially a revolving door of musicians and singers. The lineup for this album was solid "Jimmy Bain" who played bass ended up joining forces with Dio in 83', "Cozy Powell" on drums would go on to play with "Sabbeth", and "Whitesnake", "Tony Carey" was on keyboard.. and like most keyboardists in the rock world he ended up playing on allot of different albums with allot of different bands. The 2 high profile members of the band were "Ritchie Blackmore" former guitarist of "Deep Purple", and "Ronnie James Dio"... now do I have to tell you what he did??
This album has all the themes that any 70's rock album should have, from cosmic sounding keyboards, to the crunching guitars, and that strong voice of Dio soaring above it all. I think this is an extremely solid rock album and no self respecting metal head should go without having it in their collection. You cannot deny yourself the pleasure of having Dio sing about Wizards, Maidens, Swords, and running with Wolves. I suggest you go and buy this and your collection, then when your friends make fun of you for buying an album with a rainbow on the front, you can blast the pure molten metal that is "Blackmore's Rainbow"..... "Phew"... I need a drink.

 

Blackmore's Rainbow - Starstruck.

Review tomorrow. Until then enjoy this excellent song.

Blackmore's Rainbow - Tarot Woman

Time for some Ronnie James Dio, and Ritchie Blackmore. Gonna be good indeed..

David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

This was one of the first LP's I got, when I got my old HiFi about 15 years ago. I still remember playing the album from start to finish... and then I did it over and over. I can't say enough good things about this album and having it on vinyl makes it that much more fun.
So this album was released in 72' and it roughly tells the story of a "Ziggy Stardust".  He is supposed to be the human manifestation of an alien who tries to give humans a message of hope in the last five years of its existence. Ziggy is the stereo typical rock star, sexual, deep into drugs, and preaches the message of peace and love... O.K. not your stereo typical rock star but he is destroyed by his over use of drugs, and by the fans he inspired.
So this album has all the Glam and glitz for sure, and I think that is what makes it a hit.  Bowie has always made good music but this album for some reason has a special place in my collection.
Not sure if you remember the movie "Velvet Goldmine" (Damn good movie) it was set in the same time period and based mainly on the "Ziggy Stardust" character from David Bowie.  I say you go listen to the album then watch the movie. I will put a disclaimer here tho... Any urge you have to put on lipstick and glitter eyeshadow is not my fault, and if you do make sure you pick the right shades to accent your eyes.

David Bowie - Starman

Review of this fabulous album tomorrow.

Five years - [The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from ...

Let's go with some Bowie next.

Joy Division - New Dawn Fades

Ooo good song.

Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures

So I was going to write about "Ian Curtis" and his role in the band and eventual death.. But I think that would over shadow the relevance and importance of this album.
"Unknown Pleasures" was the first full length album released by the band, they had released an EP in 77' called "An Ideal for Living" unlike that album "Unknown Pleasures" had less of the stripped down Punk feel and was more twards the sound that the band was known for. Now I really liked the first EP, but the Unknown Pleasures album went in a different direction and man 'o' man it was a good direction.  I am not sure on the recording process and I could be full of crap but the album and the feel of it was in a way changed musically to fit around the way Ian sounded and it made a more seamless fit.  Now on the other hand you could argue that the band just fine tuned and grew into their sound because even after Ian when they became "New Order" the band kept allot of the similar sound... So you be the judge.
The album is such a good listen and man that boy Ian could write some good lyrics.  When you listen to the song "New Dawn Fades" you can tell this guy had allot on his mind, the song is amazing.  The first song on the album "Disorder" is a great way to start the album and sets the tone for the album. 
I dug out the movie "Control" the other day and watched it, I like the way it was done and I feel that doing it in B&W made the mood of the movie hit home.  For sure this was an awesome band and the mix of players are what made it amazing.  Another cool movie that touches on the "Joy Division" era then moves into the "New Order" time frame is "24 Hour Party People" it follows more on the "Factory Records" piece since it was about "Tony Wilson" but it gets the point across.
Anyway with this album you cant argue with the catchy guitar hooks by "Bernard Sumner" and the instantly recognized bass lines that "Peter Hook" plays. 
One funny thing I want to mention about the movie "24 Hour Party People", in it they have "Stephen Morris" dismantle his drum kit and reassemble it on the roof of the studio then playing away.  In a later scene the band jumps into a car to listen to what they recorded and you see Stephen still on the roof playing. Not sure if that really happened... but it cracked me up.

So go an buy this unknown treasure and make it your "Unknown Pleasure".... Damn that was deep.

Joy Division - She's Lost Control

Lets do some Joy Division next.

Buzzcocks - "Ever Fallen in Love?" (Live - 1978)

Yes.... yes I have.

Buzzcocks - Singles Going Steady

So this album was a compilation of all the singles that the Buzzcocks released between 77'-79'. This album itself was released in 79' and it has all the fun and excitement you would expect from a late 70's Punk band.  There are some excellent songs on this album and damn they are catchy. The song "I Don't Mind", "Noise Annoys", and "Ever Fallen in Love?"
.... Actually what am I saying, this album is all singles so every song will have you humming along. It will keep a "Harmony in my Head" for sure.
The band itself wasn't together for a large amount of time but they were effective and did a fair amount musically, what they put together has influenced bands and performers for many years.
While doing some reading I discovered there was a TV show in Britain that used the Buzzcocks name, according to the band they thought it would be a one off use type of thing but the show still seems to be on and off still.
Anyhoo, I say put on the super tight pants, dust off the Doc's, get the ol' Damned leather jacket out and put a pin in your ear. Lets go Punk Rock!!

Buzzcocks - Harmony in my Head

Up Next.... The Buzzcocks

Marvin Gaye - What's going on.

I lucked out over the weekend when I was at the used record store and found this record in the extra cheap bin. The sleeve was in bad shape but the record itself plays perfect, not a single skip on it.  It was funny when I listened to it on the computer all digitally remastered and clean as can be... I was not feeling it. Sure the songs were good and I knew most of them but for some reason I couldn't get into it. 
Then I put the record on and it was a different story. The songs go perfectly into one another and the sound was amazing.  Now don't get the wrong idea I am not some purist that believes the only true sound is vinyl, but there was something in the way that record sounded on the old HiFI compared to the crystal clear home stereo surround. 
This record was different than other Motown record in the fact that it was recorded in the format that each song preludes into the next and it tells a story of a guy returning home after the war where nothing good is happening in the country he was away fighting for.  This album is heavy on the political and social themes and funny enough they still ring through today 40 years after the record was recorded.
Being that the album was a concept album and had heavy themes to the music it was still one of Marvin Gaye's best albums if not the best.  The title track "What's Going On" is a groovin track that has a funk feel along with the Jazz undertones, which make it a classic soul song.  It was the most popular on the album but personally I think the rest of the songs are just as valid.  I dig the deep soulful touches on the whole album yo can get lost in the songs and the ideas the picture that he is painting.  Marvin had allot on his mind and it shows in the songs he wrote.
So being that I enjoyed this more on the vinyl format I am recommending to get it that way... But if you have no way to play a record then I say get it any other way you can, and enjoy it.

Marvin Gaye "Inner City Blues" (1971)

Marvin Gaye "Whats Going On" (1971)

Lets do a little Motown next. Oh ya.!

Blondie - Just Go Away

Make sure to try your luck on the last post.

Being that I am so generous..

I will offer a second album to another person, so the last winner can't re-enter.
Same rules as before.

The question is..  Going back through last months reviews, which band and what album do I talk about having only 7 songs and 2 of those going over 9 minutes.



Albums you can pick to have are.

The Doobie Brotheres - Minute by Minute
Yes - Close to the Edge
The Allman Brothers Band - Brothers and Sisters
The Eagles - One of these Nights
Supertramp - Crime of the Century

Good luck to you 

Free Vinyl for you... just be the first to answer

On an album released in the 70's, during the recording there were a few requests by the record company that had to be done. What were the requests, and also who was the band?

The answer can be found in posts from February.

In order to win you have to be the first to comment below with the correct answer, make sure to include your email so I can email you to get your address. I will email you from rollins.hank@gmail.com then I will mail out the album right away free of charge, to anywhere in the world.

I will let you pick from one of the 5 albums.

Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle
Yes - Close to the Edge
The Allman Brothers Band - Brothers and Sisters
The Eagles - One of these Nights
Supertramp - Crime of the Century

These are direct from my collection which I have picked up over the years. I do my best to keep them in good working order,but remember I get them from record stores garage sales, and online so they have been used. They are still in good shape and work good.

So Good Luck!

Blondie - Parallel Lines

So who could not enjoy this album? This album was one of the more popular albums that the band released with allot of songs that we have all heard one time or another.... or "One way or another".
I spent a couple of days listening to the album and it really reminded me of my childhood and sitting on the front stairs with my radio blasting the AM station. This album was released in 78' and it for sure has the 78' feel to it with the Disco, and New wave touches to the songs it makes them catchy. Also Debbie was quite a good singer with the deeper voice she added some depth to the songs.
If you get a chance you should take a listen and re-acquaint yourself with it.... Enjoy.

So I am going to post in 2 hours what the contest will be. So get ready it will test you on the last month of albums that I wrote about. I will also let you know which album I will be parting with.. It will be from the 70's and I may not have reviewed it yet.
You will be required to answer the question I ask and leave the answer in the comments. The first person to do this will get the album mailed to them free of charge. Yes I said free.

See you in 2 hours.

Alright lets look at Blondie

Makes the toes tip tap tap.

Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsson

I have spent the last 3 or 4 days taking time to listen to this album. The first pass through I wasn't blown away but it kept me interested.  No don't think this is a bad thing, some of my favorite albums of all time took me a few go through's to get completely into them. I don't usually give up on an album after the first try.  Kind of like drugs, the mood you are in before you take them will determine how things go.... er... or so I am told(I am not advocating drugs just stating that occasional use is not abuse... Or so Fat Mike says).
Anyway, there are some very solid songs on this album.  The first song "Gotta Get Up" has a show tune feel kind of like the song "Hard Knock Life" from the "Annie" musical.There are a couple of songs I don't really like on the album also.  One of them being "Coconut" Now if this is your favorite song I am sorry, every time I hear it I get annoyed.
Harry was an accomplished song writer and singer, he is well known for penning some very good songs.  I would list them but there are too many... So I will give you a link to his Wikki page.  If you are looking for a piece of relevant music history you will want to listen to this album.  You can tell by some of the songs that he was influenced by the Beatles, and funny enough after this album was released they credited Harry for influencing them.
The other night when I was listening to this album I was flicking around looking for a movie to watch and I found the documentary on Harry, it is called "Who is Harry Nilsson? (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)".  This was some good viewing, and it was perfect for me to get some background on the subject. You might want to check it out.
So I still have to come up with an idea on a contest so I can give away a free album from the 70's.  I will let you know what that is and do the contest on my next review which will be Wednesday.  So stay tuned and dig deep into some old records for some good music.

Harry Nilsson ~ Jump Into The Fire ~ Nilsson Schmilsson

Let's get our groove on.... Love the bass line.

So I was thinking

A little "Nilsson Schmilsson".... Waddya say?

The Specials

So the Specials were a band that rode the wave of British Ska all the way to shore. This wasn't the first ska album I listened to when I was a kid but it was to me the best.  Luckily I have this on vinyl so I've been listening to it in it's original state.....
I would have arguments about how "The Specials" were better than any other ska bands we were listening to at the the time (Late 80's early 90's) such as "Operation Ivy" and "Me, Mom & Morgenthaler".  But I digress.....
This album was released in 1979 and it fused the laid back low riding riffs of reggae, and the political styling of punk.  I would like to pick lots of the songs to be my favorite but if I have to be pinned down to one I would have to go with "Concrete Jungle" whoo! baby the bass line is sweet like honey on Jamaican Jerk Chicken. 
The first song on the album which is a cover is "A Message to you Rudy" is an excellent and more popular song they were known for.  If you haven't had a chance to listen to these guys you should take a chance and have a listen you will enjoy yourself thoroughly.   
 
I also really like "Stupid Marriage" Funny, and very catchy.




Domo arigato