1001 Albums Summary

Acoustic only Interesting story about how the recordings were initially meant to be demos for a larger E street band performance, but with the band the songs didn't resonate. So they just did the solo acoustic versions. Very powerful this way. Vibe is as stark as the cover art.

Amazing to see how gifted Miles was at such a young age (in early 20's when these recordings were made)--at both trumpet and band leader and arranging. A fun listen to music that bridges the Bebop and hardbop genres. Slower tempo and melodic phrasing heralds the cool jazz that followed. This complication was released about 6-7 years after the recordings were first made and released as singles or whatever.

Obviously a landmark album, not not really my cup of tea. While Bennington is obviously beloved and extremely talented, I've always been bothered by the frequent switching between his normal beautiful melodic voice and his screaming scratchy and distorted metal voice. I find it very distracting and annoying, almost like he's trying too hard. Many of the tracks sound too similar for me, at least at first few listens. In the End stands out for sure but many of the other tracks are hard and raw and passionate too. Interestingly some of the most listenable tracks now are the slower songs towards the end.

Super fun listen. Early Stones, stretching into new creative areas, with Brian Jones trying several odd instruments. The marimbas on Under My Thumb are iconic. Love that song, but understand it is reflective the misogyny of the time. Not all Keith riffs. Very melodic and laid back. Really enjoyed it.