I consider myself lucky that I’ve never been in the state or mood that I wanted to listen to this sort of thing for any length of time. It may be on the list of 1001 Albums to listen to before I die but I would have preferred it be after I'd lost my hearing.
Liz Phair | Exile in Guyville (1993)
I can appreciate the stark sound and angry lyrics. They express a lot of hurt but a steely power of defiance, but not really my thing to listen to.
The Temptations | All Directions (1972)
I understand why this album is on the list of 1001 Albums to listen to before you die. But I’m not sure it lends itself well to just sitting and listening to it with headphones.
"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" | Little Big Town and Trombone Shorty
If you need a little lift for your spirits and your feet…
"Superbloom" / MisterWives (2020)
| And continuing in the vein of my previous recommendation… Here’s another one that makes the body want to move. |
"Mouth Music" / Rhiannon Giddens (2015)
| I dare you to keep your body still while listening to this. It’s a cross between jazz scat and mouth music in the Gaellic tradition. |
Peter Gabriel / So (1986)
Recommendation… Every once in a while, we should all be reminded how talented Peter Gabriel is. While “Sledgehammer” was the biggest hit off So, I don’t recall being that impressed with THAT song. I do remember getting sick of the over-played claymation video. “Big Time,” another hit, seems designed to show off the funky rhythm line rather than the intelligent lyrics. (I wonder if anyone has covered that song in a different style…) Anyway, my 2020 opinion of this 1986 album is Peter Gabriel’s best stuff here is not what became big hits. “Mercy Street” is beautiful musically and meaningful lyrically. “We Do What We’re Told” is haunting. Check out some of the other lesser known tracks as well.
I do have to admit that one of the popular songs from this album deserves to be called a classic. John Cusack holding the boom box above his head with “In Your Eyes” playing and winning back Ionye Skye’s heart… well, it won my heart too.
Super Furry Animals / Rings Around the World (2001)
| I felt like I was always on the verge of liking this album. For example, there was a really nice melody on "Shoot Doris Day" and the guy seemed to be channeling Elvis Costello. Then I looked at the lyrics. Okay, we can't all be Shakespeare but his "bing[ing] on Crack and Tiramisu" may have had some negative side-effects. |
LTJ Bukem / Logical Progression (1996)
If you are opening a restaurant which will have really cool ambient lighting, perhaps serve sushi, and be filled with beautiful, trendy people from early 2000s, then this should be on your background music playlist. Otherwise… [shrug]
(part of my continuing mission to listen to all 1001 albums “you must listen to before you die”)
Underworld / Second Toughest in the Infants (1996)
| I'm afraid I've never been one to go to an underground club at 4AM flying on Ecstasy so this is totally wasted on me. |