Man, this took me back. To the year I graduated high school. To when so much rap and hip hop was rooted in activism, in changing a rapidly deteriorating world. And yet, all the themes and issues explored in this album are more problematic than ever. It really serves as a potent reminder of how little this country changes and how self-destructive Americans are. Even when we identify and understand the evil, we embrace it rather than destroy it. Really enjoyed "Music and Politics," maybe the most personal song on the album and a call for constant vigilance. We can't sleep on those parts of society that would kill us. Yet sleep we have.

Hard to find fault with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Talking Heads. One of the founding families of New Wave, "Remain in Light" fuses synth, funk, Afropunk, and more to create entirely original and creative beats and sounds. Byrne's lyrics only add to the originality. Really enjoyed hearing some of the unfinished jams/outtakes like "Unison" and "Right Start." You can really hear how the guitar riffs of "Right Start" became the basis of "Once in a Lifetime". " "Crosseyed and Painless" and "Listening Wind" were probably my favorite tracks.

As much a triumph of songwriting as of singing, Tapestry is everything I love about music: simple, yet stirring, lyrics, timeless classics by the original songwriter, and a Bluesy, soulful, folksy, and, at times, downright spiritual composition. I feel embarrassed I had never heard this album all the way through, and how I was more familiar with the popular covers of King by other epic musicians: Franklin, James Taylor, and others. King's voice, so powerful, projects her words in a way that make you feel like you're right next to her, sharing her emotions. I understand why so much critical success has been heaped on this album now. Favorite tracks: "Way Over Yonder" and "Smackwater Jack," beyond the requisite well-loved classics.

This was my first experience with Deep Purple, and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I incredibly enjoyed it. Fast, upbeat rock with excellent guitar and drum solos. "Living Wreck" and "Bloodsucker" stood out to me. "Child of Time" was beautiful, as well. Will definitely be diving into some more Purple in the future. Really hard rock is probably the genre I know the least about. I know the trendy names, but its development and history are a mystery to me. I think listening to "In Rock" helped to demystify it a bit, but I hope I get more titles from the genre later on. If not, I'll need to explore it on my own.