Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Blackmore's Rainbow - Tarot Woman
Time for some Ronnie James Dio, and Ritchie Blackmore. Gonna be good indeed..
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Five years - [The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from ...
Let's go with some Bowie next.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
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.
![UNKNOWN PLEASURES (180 GRAM VI [Vinyl]](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000IOMYE8&tag=widgetsamazon-20)
"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.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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!!
.... 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!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
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
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!
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.
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.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Saturday, March 05, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Harry Nilsson ~ Jump Into The Fire ~ Nilsson Schmilsson
Let's get our groove on.... Love the bass line.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
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
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
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