1001 Albums Summary

I've loved this album since it was first released back in 1972. This is the first Steely Dan album. For their first two albums, they were an actual band, self-contained. After Countdown to Ecstasy, they became Fagen and Becker supported by some of the best studio musicians available. This 1st album is also the only one to feature David Palmer splitting lead vocal duties with Donald Fagen. Denny Dias and future Doobie Brother Skunk Baxter shine on lead guitars. Fagen's keyboard work is very nice. The lyrics require one to actually listen to gain understanding. While the rock orientation is stronger on the first two albums, there's definitely a hint of the jazz influences that become stronger later on. Excellent album. You may not be able to buy a thrill, but you can buy a wonderful album that will please you forever.

I became aware of this album a few weeks ago after hearing a track on the radio. It blew me away. The rest of the album is equally excellent. The Basie Orchestra is tight and rocks. Neal (The Batman TV theme) Hefti arrangements are amazing. Basie's piano playing is energetic and alive. The music explodes from the speakers. I listened to complete sessions album which adds, I think, four more tracks to the original release. Each track was good enough to have made the cut back in the day. I recommend giving this a spin!!

Not my cup of tea. I found the repetition frustrating and claustrophobic. I was occasionally impressed when new samples seemed to emerge out of the conclusion of other samples. Basically, if you enjoy this sort of thing, here it is. (Paraphrasing the late great Don Thompson).

This Is my first experience with Common. I listened to Be three times in a row. I liked the jazzy feel of the music, especially the terrific bass. Common's delivery was vey appealing, mostly laidback. On the other hand, Chi-City is delivered like a flurry of blows landed by an aggressive welter-weight. Good stuff!!

Aqualung was released when Jethro Tull was at its best. I don't think there's a weak moment on the album. Ian Anderson's lyrics, tunes, flute playing, and singing are superb. Martine Barre's guitar work is also terrific. The story of Aqualung holds up nicely, 50 years after it's initial release.

These early Elton John albums are much more meaningful to me than his later bigger releases. After Honky Chateau, Elton became much more flamboyant, his clothing got wilder, the music got rockier, and Bernie Taupin's lyrics got more out there. These earlier albums have a much more personal feel. For Madman Across the Water, I listened to the 2016 remaster/deluxe version which expands to include alternate versions and, best of all, a slew of piano demos. This set of demos could easily have stand on its own as a standalone alternative version. Stripped of the excellent rock and orchestra arrangements, these songs really shine. Elton's piano work and vocals are as good as I've heard them. Bernie's lyrics really shine in these performances. I'd love to hear this approach taken with Elron's later work. I highly recommend this album, as well as everything from this early EJ period.

We Are Family is the breakthrough album from Sister Sledge. Written and produced by the very Chic Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, the album features strong songs, great musicianship, wonderful harmonies, and clean production. Edwards and Rodgers also provide fine guitar and bass, respectively, throughout. Back in the day, I was petty much anti-disco, but now with a few more years on me, I'm overall, more open to it and enjoy several of the songs.

There are two versions of this album and I listened to both today. The original version is compiled mostly from the first of two shows Johnny Cash did in a single day in 1967 at Folsom Prison. There are 16 songs included. The more recent anniversary edition offers about 60 songs over three CDs. Both shows are presented including songs by Carl Perkins and the Statler Brothers both of which were part of the Cash ensemble and got to do a song each to set the mood. June Carter Cash comes out about midway for a few duets. In addition to the two concerts, several rehearsals recordings are included. Highlights of this concert were recreated in the Johnny Cash biopic, I Walk the Line. Sometimes expansions like this dilute the original album. Not so with At Folsom Prison. Both versions are terrific listening experiences. The expanded set reinforces the connection Johnny had with his band and his audience. Plus with the extended version you get a ton of additional songs. The theme of many of the songs are the prison life. They range from poignant to comical. There are also some hits and a couple of religious tunes.