1001 Albums Summary

Tom Sawyer - I heard this track first in a film (‘I Love You, Man’) a while ago and thought it was great fun! Great rock production here. Hints of Led Zeppelin influence I feel. That ancient folklore or at last distant past reference being recalled here. Red Barchetta - slightly more upbeat, almost poppy. This one has a bit more of a narrative to it. Like a family drama or something. Feels as if it’s an ode to a family member. Nice soloing. YYZ - dissonant riff here. Instrumental. Very cinematic opening. Not sure if I dig it but it’s certainly memorable! Very strong guitar work. Peart’s drum fills are really quite something. Limelight - a strong opening riff, almost reminiscent of AC/DC. I almost recognise this one. It feels very classic rock. The Camera Eye - the most prominent use of synths (premiered on Tom Sawyer). This also feels very cinematic. Possibly too long, at 11 mins. For my attention span anyway! Witch Hunt (Part III of Fear) - Folkloric, prophetic feel to it. Feels like a political song. The drums here again brilliantly convey the epic breadth of their sound. Vital Signs - I didn’t care for this one particularly musically but interesting lyrics. Fairly cryptic lyrics. Open to interpretation. Quite epic feel coming back again! Overall review: this is not the usual genre I go for, but there were times that I was gripped by the dexterity of the players and the production. Really coming along for the ride. I did feel as if there could almost be more variety in it and perhaps some shorter songs, but overall a positive introduction to the band for me. Perhaps an even slower tune could’ve perhaps helped, I’m not sure. They do have proper talent undoubtedly. It’s definitely of the era. Favourite songs: Red Barchetta, Limelight

Track By Track EXP - A radio intro! Very of the time and quite idiosyncratic. Up From The Skies - I can hear his blues influence right from the get go. Heard this was how he learned to play, listening to old blues numbers. Very open summery blanched out sound Spanish Castle Magic - rock! I like the vibe. His voice does seem quite low and a bit lost in the mix which seems a shame. He has a great singing voice Wait Until Tomorrow - better mixing here. Like the jamming intro riff a lot. Ain’t No Telling - a lot of these songs feel like jam sessions. Very loose. Showcases his guitar work very well but the band is tight as well. Little Wing - I love this song. Such a brilliant riff, beautifully executed. Suffused with love and melancholy. Almost cuts out too soon but it’s this near perfect moment of semi psychedelic rock. If 6 was 9 - I feel as if White Stripes were inspired by this one. Bit more dirty bluesy. A nice talk-sing section that sounds sharply political and of the time as well. Sounds like some delay pedal action too? End section recalls experimental Velvet Underground. Really like this one despite its length. You Got Me Floatin’ - quite nice solid tune. Sounds like it’s been inspired by other proper rockers. Castles Made Of Sand - all about the narrative. Sad, melancholic. A very nice riff as well. She’s So Fine - a little Led or The Who influence? Or perhaps this preceded them, not sure! This does actually feel like a Who song that’s been psychedelified. One Rainy Wish - bit of an Indian influence at the start. Very nice. Good guitar work on this one. Sweet, bit more laid back. A nice change of pace. Little Miss Lover - did not like this one as much. Just not as much my style Bold As Love - I can see why John Mayer wanted to cover this. This is an exceptional song. So much fun guitar wise. A true classic in my opinion. Favourite Songs: Little Wing, If 6 was 9, Bold As Love Overall Review - I hadn’t heard a whole Jimi album before. As always impressed by his guitar work and singing voice. A few songs i didn’t care for as much as I don’t listen to this genre too much. Very decent overall though. It’s got 3 but if I could give 3.5 I would!

Track By Track Tutti Frutti - just lots of fun. Fast moving, tight band. Great piano vamping! Classic. True, Fine Mama - this pianist is having a ball! Love it. I’m very much here for this type of music (kind of need to be in the mood though!). Can’t believe you Wanna Leave - I can really begin to hear how this would’ve inspired so many afterwards. Laid the groundwork. For pop, rock, rhythm & blues, etc. etc. Beatles for sure! Ready Teddy - it’s the exact same structure and I love it! Perfect length. Fabulous. Baby - this sounded like someone else at first. He’s almost taking on a different character to my ears here. Slippin’ & Slidin’ - the music evokes the title here quite well. A proper masterclass. Great horns. The lyrics are relatively surface, but I think that might be their point. Just a fun time. Long Tall Sally - here we go again! I recognise this I think. I don’t know about some of the lyrics… Miss Ann - a slower one. The sax solo is great. Tight. Oh Why? - a fairly ambiguous story about conviction. Rip It Up - first hear Buddy Holly’s version of this. Not sure which came first. This one is a bit more laid back actually. Fun party tune. Jenny Jenny - another love song, same formula! Like an alternative standard. Saxes sound more prominent, particularly the lower one. Good solos. She’s Got It - a famous one. He’s got a great voice, a scream. Almost James Brown - like on this one. You can again see his legacy reverberating. Overall Review: I haven’t listened to a whole album of his before. It’s great playing, tight band. Reminds me of Buddy Holly at certain points also. Think he was around similar time, albeit briefly. Of course, it’s a similar formula throughout. Quite a lot of sameness for a whole album. Very great writing and playing though. Favourite Songs: True, Fine Mama, Tutti Frutti, Jenny Jenny

Track By Track Black Sabbath - atmospheric intro with the rain. Sounds very cinematic, gothic, almost horror but more palatable than that actually. There is a lot of melody here rather than noise. The Wizard - apparently inspired by Gandalf. Very folkloric. Ozzy’s screaming harmonica in the opening is very effective and evokes the theme really brilliantly. Seems to be a bit of Led Zeppelin influence as well, especially with the subject matter. Behind The Wall of Sleep - Great guitar work on this one. N.I.B - a creative concept. Builds well. Evil Woman (Don’t Play Your Game) - not bad, good playing but not a standout for me. Sleeping Village - I like when a track goes multiple places. Great musicianship here. Nice form Warning - a long one! Good showcasing of their musical chops though. Wicked World - This one definitely reminds me of Led Zeppelin. Kind of a modern (for then) commentary. Almost protest-like song. Quite dig it. Overall review: I liked a lot of the playing in this. More than I thought I would. I am very impressed by the musicianship. They’re a tight band. It gets four stars for originality and what it was of the time, but three from me personally simply because it’s not usually my cup of tea genre wise. Although I want to thank Alexander, as this has reminded me about ‘Fluff’ (not on this album) is one of my favourite songs of all time. Favourite Songs: The Wizard, Sleeping Village