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.