Kate Bush proves you can have both artistic integrity and pop sensibilities, Hounds of Love pushes boundaries for what was expected of women in the 80s and every era afterwards. Combining an operatic mastery of her voice and the cutting edge of technology, she weaves a tapestry of sound unmatched to this day. Every track takes you on a journey and as a guide and storyteller Kate Bush is one for the ages.
While I understand the importance of reggae and Bob Marley as cultural touchstones, the music itself has always been a mystery to me. I think the translation from the soul of one who grew up bathed in the bright blue waters of the Caribbean to one who grew up in the cornfields of Indiana was lost somewhere in between. Although Bob Marley’s music and message don’t impact me in a substantial way, I appreciate that he has made an impact on so many, despite his limited time on this planet.
The Doors are weird man. Jim Morrison is a human bottle rocket, when pointed in a safe direction, he’s fun and harmless, but when lit and left to his own devices, he’s a danger to himself and everything around him. I feel like Manzerak, Krieger and Densmore are the glass bottle, desperately trying to keep Morrison contained and purposeful. But once that genie is out, there’s always a show, explosive, brilliant and gone far too soon. -TomB
If ever you’ve wondered who is responsible for the success of Irish musicians making it in America, look no further than Ireland’s Golden Son, Van Morrison. I bet most American’s wouldn’t even guess he’s from Ireland from his singing voice alone or his various styles. To be such a national treasure and yet divorced of all the stereotypical pretense is quite a unique position and Van plays his hand well. Moondance feels like a conversation you had with a stranger on a train, someone on their way to finding a feeling, half real, half romanticized. You’re listening to find the truth, between the whisky flavored whispers, the bellowed cries of regret. Each song a snapshot of a man trying to piece his life together, a seasonal feeling, dewy mornings and colder nights. At the end of the ride, you’re left with a barrel full of words, without the mouth to speak them. So you hum along to a half remembered tune, the music drifting away, like smoke on the wind. That is Moondance -TomB
Sticky Fingers sees The Rolling Stones incorporating Country Music into their sound this time around, which is not to suggest this is a country record, just a new color to the Stones palette. Of course this record is full of the classic brash blues rock they are famous for, “Brown Sugar”, “Can You Hear Me Knocking” are classics but there are gentler moments too, “Wild Horses”, “Sister Morphine” and maybe the biggest surprise “Moonlight Mile” a beautiful track with Asian inspired melodies. I hadn’t heard that track before this listen and was more than pleasantly surprised. This record is definitely worth a listen in full, lots of layers and surprises along the way.
-TomB
Whoa, what a crazy record to have as a debut! 3 Feet High and Rising showcases De La Soul’s chops, lyrically, mentally and musically. For a debut album this really sets the bar high, at least 3 Feet High and Rising. -TomB
I did my damndest to listen to this record, I knew little of this band beforehand. Maybe a random play of a single from their first LP on the radio when I was a child, but nothing that made an impact. I pressed play and got that uneasy feeling, the kind when your schoolmates sibling had to give you a ride home from school and your bones felt every bump of their wooden bead seat covers. The cigarette smoke burning your eyes, the nonsense blaring from their tinny speakers. This is the Beau Brummels, this is that nonsense. Like a Renaissance Fair cover band, a drill to your eardrums. I would only recommend this record to someone if I didn’t like that person. I hesitate to even give it a star. -TomB
Great record from R.E.M. “Turn You Inside Out” and “I Remember California” are lesser known but equally great songs on the album. I’d always thought of R.E.M. as a 90s band but seeing as their first record released in 83 and this in 88 they were just ahead of their time. I’m glad the stuck around long enough to see the world catch up to them. -TomB
Listen to “Move Over” the rest is pish. -TomB
As much as this is Common’s record, Kayne’s fingerprints are all over it. If possession is 9/10ths of the law, Kanye is guilty as charged. A Sunday afternoon feeling. -TomB
Interesting record, had not heard of Joan Armatrading before. Folk, jazz, singer-songwriter stuff. -TomB
Patti Smith’s reputation precedes her, I’m ashamed to admit I’d not listen to this record before. It deserves its place in any list of albums you must hear before you die. Patti is brilliant and I’m glad to have met her here.
Not surprised Keith Moon had a problem with drink, I would’ve as well if I were made to listen to Roger Daltrey every night. Best song on the record is The Ox, because Roger Daltrey isn’t on it. -TomB
I knew more songs on this record than I thought I would, lots of hits from the 80s. But The Cars aren’t really my thing. -TomB
