General Thoughts - Had this on CD as a kid, used to play it in my moms car - Already familiar with the bangers on here. Notably the title track, Girls Got Rhythm, and If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It). Blood is easily my favorite, what a fucking banger. One of the only AC/DC songs I’ve listened to on my own time in recent memory. - AC/DC is pretty awesome bc they’re not reinventing the wheel ever, you know exactly what you’re gonna get everytime and I think that’s a feature as opposed to a detractor. I do think Bon Scott has a bit more personality than Brian Johnson. - if I didn’t know this band was from the late 70s and you told me this was a satire band I would’ve probably believed you. The lyrics service the song but are hilarious. - makes me think of old dudes with Peaky Blinder Hats that who call the waitress “honey”. - being the drummer for this band would’ve been a dream job. Dude plays the exact same four on the floor for every song. That being said, the drum production is old school and awesome. That snare pop hits like a Marlboro Red. Track by Track - Highway To Hell: Name one self respecting person that doesn’t know this song, you can’t. - Girls Got Rhythm: headbanger, such a well constructed lead riff for the verse parts. Lyrics made me laugh. - Walk All Over You: angus phoned that solo in. - Touch Too Much: Bon Scott is a horny mf - Beating Around The Bush: interesting intro riff, at least this one sounds different than everything else. Angus is laying the same solo down on these I stg. - Shot Down In Flames: skip bc this is the exact same song I’ve listened to every time. - Get It Hot: skip bc I’m over it - If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It): **JT ACTIVATOR ALERT** Easily best track. Feels like an awesome song for a bar fight. Love Hungry Man: Skip Night Prowler: Skip

General Notes - I’m aware of Blue Eyes as one of Willies best songs, that’s about it - I also think Willie Nelson is cool as fuck so that will factor into my review - something charming about his guitar sounding almost out of tune (?) - this is moody but amazing, it doesn’t have an edge that this lyrical content would typically have for me. It’s a waltz where the emotion fluctuates. Track by Track: - Time of the preacher: whoever mixed these vocals is a fucking genius. -I Couldn’t Believe It Was True: pretty sick this is an interlude I didn’t even realize - Time of the preacher theme: hell yeah I like the theme, excited for what’s to come - Medley Blue Rock/Red Head: another interlude TS - Blue Eyes Cryin: fucking awesome, no other notes - Red Headed Stranger: interesting storytelling here - Time Of The Preacher (short version):I’m conceptually there’s a reason for this coming back so many times. Love the piano here. - Just As I Am: love how this album captures a feeling, all transitions are seamless. - Denver: I’m such a sucker for these little vignette style tracks. -Oer The Waves: ooh this rivals Blue Eyes, such a vibe. - Down Yonder: okay they’re really break it up now - Can I Sleep In Your Arms: holy shit this is sad. Amazing touch - Remember Me: a jaunt with a sad side. - Hands On The Wheel: romantic, wedding dance ts. Lyrics fucking hit - Bandera: end it with an instrumental piece, fuck yes.

General Thoughts: - HAAAAAVE YOU EEEEEVER BEEEEEN - I know a few tracks off this (Watchtower, Slight Return, Have You Ever Been, Chile) but I’ve listened to their other two albums way more, I worshipped Axis in my younger years. - Voodoo Child Slight Return is the first song I learned to play when I got my wah pedal forever ago. - I’m looking forward to some fun songs by the man himself. Some shreddy fuzzy psychy shit ya know. Maybe ill hear something new idk, trying to stay open to his music despite his legendary status (which would typically make me more critical) - Read on the album bio it was a hedonsitic production process, and that this album has hints of afrofuturism, which was coming around at that time. Kind of an interesting perspective. - seems like an album you throw on because its what you have not bc you picked it. bloated fs, you could've cut the run time in half. - If you're on apple music, bonus footage is worth watching. They isolate some tracks and show you what was going on. Track by Track: - And The Gods Made Love: I like a noisy intro, getting me set up well. interesting sounds pursued here - Have You Ever Been: such a fucking chiller of a song. sing this to myself once in a while. Delivery kinda reminds me of Bootsy Collins here. Nice contrast to the intro - Crosstown Traffic: reads as typical JHE fare here. I could listen to this in a dive bar, upbeat and rocking. Fun Fact: The guitar player for Traffic (Dave Mason) does background vox, of 'dear mr fantasy' fame. - Voodoo Chile: Seeing a theme in this one where he sings and plays the notes George Benson style. Fan of that. Holy shit this is an extended jam I did not expect. nice way to break up the quicker tracks. Nice reminder of what he does best, soulfully shred all over the place. LOOOVE the clapping I think its so funny, you know the engineer was pissed about that. LET THE BOYS PLAY! - Little Miss Strange: Love the guitar harmonies, very Blue Sky coded. Seems like theyre trying to do some laurel canyon ts w the vox performances. Kind of a weird production switch at the end, im imaging they wanted a diff take and this was the only solid one they got. Production loses some points there. - Long Hot Summer Night: pocket. Rescue! Rescue! - Come On (Let the Good Times Roll): Cover alert (?). band is very tight and you can tell theyve played this a ton. - Gypsy Eyes: Hate that oscillating at the beginning, thought it was the drums at first. Weird phase thing going on with the vox, which im sure is intentional but im not a fan. Appreciate the tricks tried here but i can do without it. - Burning Of The Midnight Lamp: uhhhhhhh, the organ sounds kinda cool i just dont rly know what were trying to do here. - Rainy Day, Dream Away: I guess so, very loose. it sounds like hes trying to figure guitar parts as they go along. key change dont do it for me. - 1983: I kind of like the push and pull of the jam, you have to be patient with it. lot of taste in here. like the dolphin sounds at the end - Moon, Turn The Tides: alright then, nice transition but dont know why it had to be its own track. - Still Raining: i didnt need this to come back tbh. expansion on a 13 minute idea isnt needed here imho. - House Burning Down: Im just waiting to ge tot Watchtower at this point. - Watchtower: makes me think of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas for some reason. no denying this one. come and dig my earth. - Voodoo Child Slight Return: still iconic fortunately, I have always loved his tone here.

Pre-thoughts: - Have only a slight idea of what to expect, I have never delved deep in Dollys discog as shes more of a cultural icon than a musician in my mind. - Im hoping to be pleasantly surprised, mostly due to the year this album came out. - GD I love a short run time. 28 mins During Thoughts/Takeaways: - Shes really not my favorite vocal ever. - This is doing nothing for me - My Blue Tears is a stand out tracks, her harmonies sound great Post Thoughts - I feel like I just listened to the same song for 28 minutes. - Lyrical content is structured and well done, nothing popped about the instruments here. It felt like it was her voice and that was it. - Does not entice me to listen any deeper

Pre Thoughts: - I've heard 100000 good things about this album, I hope they are true. - I think Robert Smith is cool and this band has tracks I like, I even thought their newest release was decent. During Thoughts: - Immediate right energy for me today. - Production is decidedly rough, but fitting for the aesthetic - Guitars are cool and sharp sounding Post Thoughts: - Nothing super jumped, but def think it was enjoyable. - Specific for a certain headspace and time, but services its environment extremely well. Standout Tracks: Hanging Garden, Figurehead, Cold,

Pre Thoughts: - I have a feeling this is either gonna be gas or abs trash, will be no in between - Not familiar with Parsons work personally, aside from some singles with The Byrds. - I think we're in for something really good, expecting some Laurel Canyon style stuff. During Thoughts: - really giving me a strong adult contemporary vibe. First couple tracks have some cool auxiliary instruments (fiddle, vibraphone) - This sounds like Emmylou Harris on "Hearts on Fire", which give some cred. After some reading, she did a lot of arranging on this albums and was one of his main collaborators. That's cool. - Performances are great on this, lot of sorrow in his vocal. - I think theres something to be said about him trying to pioneer this specific blend of folk, rock and country. You know so many artists followed this blueprint moving forward. - A live cut in the middle of a record is kind of polarizing, in this it feels like it works just well enough for me not to be like ew. - this rendition of Love Hurts feels much more fitting to the lyrical content than the Nazareth version I feel like is the flagship version for so many. - Little Linda Ronstandt action on last track, nice! Post-thoughts: - I think for the time theres definitely some forward thinking arrangements on this album - Would this be the first album I listen to from around this scene/time? probably not, not even second or third really, but i think theres merit in the ideas. - Emmylou Harris's performance was a highlight, I also enjoyed the moody songwriting. - I think it does read as AC which for some reason im wrestling with. I def think this album is worth giving a try at least once. Standouts: hearts on fire, brass buttons, In My Hour of Darkness

Do we even have to talk about this?

Pre-Thoughts: -I know this band was a close predecessor to Sabbath and am expecting some heavy blues with proto-metal ideas. Ian Gillan sang for sabbath for a time and Ritchie Blackmore has written some monumental riffs. - I think im not expecting a lot from them and am hoping to be pleasantly surprised. We're just gonna be rockin it old school. During thoughts: -Im listening to the original mix, and I like that the vocal is kinda buried when its not soloing. -the synth is out of place in a charming way and I like how it works into the longer instrumental sections. - the guitar work is fucking amazing on this record. so fat and crunchy! Post Thoughts: -I think this is just so right up my alley. its fast, guitars that are warm but also have bite, and prolonged jams next to heavy moments. -Thats what rocking out actually is, everyone plays their ass off, including the vocalist. I can see how this is an important group and record. - I think I would for sure listen to this again. he tracks are long but the album itself went by quick. There were one or two small things I was like eh on but overall that was awesome.

Patchouli-Core Pre-Thoughts: - I loved this album in college, and Roky Erikson is a very singular artist and someone I looked up to for a time. - Excited to dive back into this, and I'm really hoping (even though we've been listening to a lot of old stuff) that the rest of the gang appreciates this. -Their cover of Baby Blue on Easter Everywhere is amazing. During Thoughts: -Listening to the original Mono LP version in the spirit of when it was created, if im up to it I'm gonna try the different mixes and see how its different, but a remaster for these kinds of records can be hit or miss. - I think I love how garage-y it sounds, when I hear this album I'm put into a time and place. This is hippie shit for sure. - I can totally see why Rokys vocals would turn you off - I think I have such a soft spot for listening to these kind of bands bc you can hear them trying to push the boundaries of what is known to them at the time. - I like that its dark without always really meaning to be, theres nice variation and flow on the album. Post Thoughts: - This album feels relevant to my listening journey and generally important to music from release date on. - I think theres small lulls on the track list but overall it's a strong showing. - The electric jug works for the band and works against the band sometimes. - Something tells me there's still bands out there using this album as a blueprint for their sound. - I truly think this gives you everything you want from a record like this. The drug-inspired lyrics and howling vocal, the instrumentation and creative flourishes, the atmosphere, and the jams that feel grounded. - I definitely think its worth it to check out their live bootlegs because I'm sure they expand on these ideas from here. Backlog Listens: Zombie by Fela Kuti and Afrika 70 - This is a 5 banger easily, Im pissed I didnt finish this in time to review. Rules in every way, love the layers and the song length. AND a protest album on top of it all? Badass. Armed Forces by Elvis Costello and The Attractions - 2/5. I think theres something here to unpack about his lyrics bc obviously they are vitriolic in relation to the politics that were happening around him at the time, I just really feel like this is a bad point of entry to me. This album sounds like something an old head would talk down to me about. New Wave was important at the time but it just doesnt translate well to my tastes or imo to a modern audience. I used to cover Peace Love and Understanding for a band I was in, so that track is kinda fun.

Pre-Thoughts: - I started the album before I could write stuff down, but I really have no idea what this was/is. During Thoughts: - I was initially kinda pissed about how sick the cover is and how the music was not what I was expecting at all. - I really like the atmosphere they're creating, I think I was kinda like "I'd like this better with no vocal" but its growing on me. -These tracks until 'Johnny' took me out of it a little bit. This blue shuffle over a synth is dumb to me. - This Oh Girl song is cooked, something David Lynch would have in a movie - The screams on Frankie are kinda sick but the rest of it I could leave Post Thoughts: - Typically not a genre thats not in my wheelhouse at all, but I could see at the time how this would be considered very different and transgressive. -There is some forward thinking ideas and even some out of left field stuff I enjoyed for the sake of it being shocking, but most of it I could leave - Im really trying to appreciate this and break the mold of what I have typically recognize punk music to be, I'm sure this slapped for someone at the time, but ultimately this is one where I say "yep, I listened to it", and move on.

Pre-Thoughts: - I fucking love the Talking Heads, but as far as albums go I've done Remain in Light and Speaking in Tongues. Excited to get into some of their earlier material. - I know Psycho Killer of course, im expecting a lot here tbh During Thoughts: - David Byrne you little fucking freak I love you - Instrumentation is very lush and theres a lot of atypical instruments spread throughout that keep it interesting - Happy Day vox lowk annoying im sorry - Who Is It? is such a sick track - Dont Worry About The Government rules. Love that commentary - Hearing Psycho Killer in context of the entire album makes it slap 1000x harder - What a track to end with, maybe the best song on the album Post Thoughts: - This is an album that will reward multiple listens. Feels timeless - This is just a mf band dude, like on every level they kill it. - That head is talking fr

Pre-Thoughts: - Listening on vinyl today! - Some consider this to be his masterpiece, this would probably be the fourht or fifth one I would pick but im excited to pick it back up. - I wasnt even into Bob Dylan until my mid teens, I just bought these albums right when I started collecting records hoping that they would just eventually make sense, and damn was I right. - She Bob on my Dylan till I revisit Highway 61 - Excited to listen to Queen Jane During Thoughts: - Not me singing along happily to Like a Rolling Stone. Timeless - Tombstone Blues is why he gets ragged on, but Idc - I was gonna go track by track but I got busy Post Thoughts: - this is a seminal records, just not my fav Dylan. Wouldn’t be the one I pick to introduce someone to his music but it is a very enjoyable record

Instead of a typical review, I'm just going to write a love letter to this album because this was a formative one in my listening. I remember the first time I ever heard this record. My family was in Virginia beach for my sisters softball tournament for a long weekend, I was around fourteen at the time. There was a rest day in between games, and while my parents were trying to make sure my sister was recovering, I was left to my own devices. I decided to walk a couple miles to check out the boardwalk, and popped this album into my corded headphones. I was starting to play guitar and was familiar with a few tracks on the previous release, Are You Experienced?, but something looked different about Axis, mainly the psychedelic cover art, which drew me in. I was walking down the sidewalk in the summer heat, letting this album wash over me. Never before then had I listened to something front to back so readily. I can see in my mind where I was standing when I heard Little Wing for the first time, standing out looking at the ocean with a sandy breeze hitting my face. From there this album has always had a special place in my heart. If I could go back and undelete playlist I made from forever ago, you'd always see "Castles Made of Sand" or "Wait Until Tomorrow" scattered throughout. I still play the Little Wing intro (haphazardly) when there's nothing else to play in a guitar store. I got this album early when I started acquiring vinyl. And to this day, even shuffling the tracks bring a smile and a tinge of nostalgia. Does it have as many tracks as AYE?, maybe not. I'm of the opinion that this is Hendrix at his best when you look at composition and coherence. Just enough structure to keep it moving, but just jammy enough to take you on the ride. Not to mention heady lyrics and use of panning effects to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Overall, in my opinion this is a defining album of the genre and the time period, and is an essential on this list. Thanks for reading!

Pre-Thoughts: - I WANT YOUUUUUU, TO SHOW ME THE WAYYYY - I have this on vinyl but I think I've taken it out of the plastic like once - Talk Box - On vibes alone this just feels like a seminal live album for the those that are uninitiated to live albums. That being said, few 'live albums' are ever truly live. - Im sure based on the gc convo there will be a number of songs im familiar with. During Thoughts: - Doobie Wah is kinda rocking me ngl - Show Me The Way is an obvious banger - I mean would I be having fun at this show? yes Post Thoughts: - did not finish. Has two bangers. Literally got to the “I WANNA BE MOLESTED” line and laughed so hard I couldn’t get past it.

Pre-Thoughts: - Idk shit about this, this is looking like its gonna be some mayonnaise bulllshiiiit. But im staying open and giving it a try. - There's absolutely no way im listening to all four hours of this comp. Doing the first disc and essential album only. During Thoughts: - I just know some british guy but this list together - Described as ambient dance music, which is kinda interesting. even the first track just feels like a relic. - As much as I kinda shit talked this I dont mind it. kinda groovy - Disclaimer: listening to the 2002 remaster. I feel like the mixing profile for this style is so different to what I normally listen to. My first instinct would be to call it thin but everything is well balanced enough. The layers are necessary because I feel like elements need something to back them up because of the sounds they picked. - Promised You A Miracle just hit me like a slap. Hell yeah - I love the lead synth in Big Sleep. - Getting on my level with Somebody Up There Likes You, cool instrumental interlude - I love the drum beat in the title track - Okay this is the first time since starting this list that I was reluctant going in and it actually has won me over. Im loving the second half. - Sometimes I like to think that this style of vocal is doing a Dracula impression and it makes it more fun. Post Thoughts: - A very strong second half, won me over from totally non-acknowledgment. I actually saved this album down for another listen because I think there's a time and a place and potential for me to like it more. - This is not my typical fare and I gotta be in a specific mood. It does have some great grooves, the extended jams maybe I could do without and vocals are hit or miss for me. Overall I was surprised this album had something to offer and happy that I was patient with it.