1001 Albums Summary

Own it (CD) - This album begins with a sample of one of the most iconic drum tracks ever laid down: "When the Levy Breaks" - and punctuates with a Black Sabbath guitar riff. The rhymes laid down over these beats, with the signature Def Jam scratches and hits...these guys arrived fully formed. The end of Side 1 - "Girls" and "Fight for Your Right" followed by the killer run of tracks on Side 2 - "No Sleep...", "Paul Revere", "Hold it Now...", "Brass Monkey" - just genius production. I remember hearing "Girls" as a kid at the neighbor's house and thinking it was hilarious. I love the aggression in "Fight..." and "No Sleep..." and the contrast in the sparse production of "Paul Revere" and "Brass Monkey" - that backwards effect in PR - so cool. Overall, just fun and listenable start to finish - 4/5

Own it. This is such a tight band. Listening to this, it's often hard to believe that this is live - while at the same time understanding that the outrageous choices made in improvised sections would only happen in a live setting. In the opening track, there are moments that harken back to Muddy Waters' work with Little Walter on harmonica from the early 50s - even though no harmonica is present. The seven tracks here are all blues - but unlike other live blues sets, each track has a unique identity. "You Don't Love Me", "...Elizabeth Reed", and "Whipping Post" are my favorites on this listen, but there is so much to find in the sessions that I'm sure that will change on more listens. As a curated and edited set from four shows, it's a five-star album. I give it 4 stars simply because it's something I have to be in the right mood for while also having enough time to listen to the extended tracks.

Own it (CD). I love Fatboy Slim in general, particularly because of the videos associated with this album. I'm not really in an EDM/House mood today - but I am enjoying some of the lesser-loved tracks here like "Kalifornia" and "In Heaven" I'm giving this 4 stars because of the classics on this album, but it's a soft 4 - more like 3.5-3.75 that's rounded up.

Own It (CD) - A lot of gems here. This is a masterclass in song interpretation and arrangement. Nelson Riddle and Sinatra created the blueprint for vocals and big band in Sinatra's early years at Capitol. After 1955s "In the Wee Small Hours," this album is decidedly more pop-oriented. It includes one of my favorite Sinatra/Riddle tracks in "Pennies from Heaven," as well as a masterful and overlooked interpretation of "We'll Be Together Again." As a curated collection, this album doesn't disappoint. And although I prefer the more introspective Sinatra, I can't give this less than 5 stars.

Do not own it. This is my first time listening to this album start to finish. Mark Knopfler is what I would describe as a guitarist's guitarist - like John Mayer - such thoughtful licks that add just the right touch without being overblown - and deceptively hard to play. I love "Six Blade Knife" and the acoustic touches in "Water of Love." "Sultans..." is a 10/10 song with a top-tier solo that is eclipsed by the outro! 5-star debut album, 4-star overall.