My 1001 Albums Journey

Good musicianship and great production - it's one of those albums best listened to in good headphones to really get the nuances of the various instrumental scoring. On my first listen, this was a 2-star album for me: too much torturing of each song, and too clever for its own good. But on a second listen, I was able to settle in and listen to it for what it is: a relaxed stroll through soulful ballads where the instruments play a call-and-response with Hayes' sultry pleading.

"I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" by Aretha Franklin - where do you even start with an album that not only redefined soul music but also captured the essence of an era? This isn’t just an album; it's a revelation, a soul-stirring journey led by the Queen of Soul herself. From the opening notes of "Respect," Aretha doesn't just perform; she commands, turning a simple demand for respect into a cultural anthem that resonates through the ages. Then there’s "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," where her voice, rich with emotion and depth, navigates the complexities of love and respect with the ease of a master. Each track is a testament to her unparalleled ability to convey the deepest human emotions, transforming the personal into the universal. The production? Flawless. The emotion? Palpable. The impact? Immeasurable. Aretha’s voice, infused with power, grace, and vulnerability, elevates this album from merely great to transcendental. "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" is not just an album; it’s an experience, a masterpiece painted with the hues of soul, gospel, and R&B. It's no exaggeration to say that this album is a cornerstone of American music, a beacon that shines brightly in the pantheon of the greatest recordings of all time. Five stars don’t seem enough for an album that continues to inspire and awe listeners with its raw power and beauty. This isn’t just music; it’s Aretha Franklin at her most sublime, and it doesn’t get better than this.

Discovering "Tago Mago" by Can, through the lens of jazz gives me a new appreciation of this avant-garde masterpiece. While not a jazz album in the traditional sense, the insights gained from exploring jazz's history and theory have provided a unique perspective on Can's innovative work, elevating my listening experience to new heights. The rhythmic complexity and improvisational elements of "Tago Mago" are where the jazz influence shines through most prominently. Jazz, at its core, is about the balance between structure and spontaneity, a concept that Can embraces wholeheartedly throughout the album. The drumming of Jaki Liebezeit, with its intricate patterns and hypnotic grooves, echoes the pioneering work of jazz percussionists, offering a rhythmic foundation that's as exploratory as it is grounded. This has allowed me to appreciate the album's rhythmic innovations not as mere background beats but as a complex, engaging language of its own. Improvisation is another area where the jazz perspective enriches the "Tago Mago" experience. Jazz is renowned for its improvisational brilliance, with musicians weaving in and out of themes, exploring and expanding musical ideas in real-time. Can's approach to improvisation, particularly evident in tracks like "Halleluhwah," mirrors this philosophy. The band's ability to navigate extended jams with cohesion and purpose, all while maintaining an element of unpredictability, has revealed a new layer of artistry and intention behind their music. Moreover, the album's embrace of dissonance and atonality resonates with the adventurous spirit of free jazz. Pieces like "Aumgn" challenge conventional musical boundaries, employing noise and unconventional sounds in a way that recalls the bold experiments of avant-garde jazz musicians. This track, initially daunting, has become a fascinating exploration of texture and timbre, showcasing Can's willingness to push the envelope in pursuit of new sonic landscapes. Finally, the concept of collective improvisation, a hallmark of many jazz ensembles, is evident in Can's collaborative approach to music-making. The synergy between band members, where each contribution is both distinct and part of a greater whole, underscores the album's cohesive yet exploratory nature. This has deepened my appreciation for "Tago Mago" as a work of collective genius, where the sum is indeed greater than its parts. In conclusion, viewing "Tago Mago" through the prism of jazz has not only enhanced my understanding of its complexities but also my overall enjoyment of the album. The rhythmic innovation, improvisational prowess, and bold exploration of sound that define jazz have offered a fresh perspective on Can's work, revealing the depth and richness of their musical landscape. This album, while firmly rooted in the realms of krautrock and avant-garde, resonates with the spirit of jazz, making it a profoundly rewarding listen.