Of all the decades, the 1970's are easily my favorite for music. A lot of different things happened throughout the decade that I mostly enjoyed. This is also the hardest decade for me to pin down a favorite because I have so many. If yo put a gun to my head, I would go with Led Zeppelin's fourth album. This album defines everything that Led Zeppelin is all about. There are the hard rockers, there are the acoustic numbers, and there are the epics. Led Zeppelin was clearly at their apex as they made sure that there was no weak performance in the album.
Everything kicks off with "Black Dog" and Robert Plant's banshee wail. I would describe this song as really heavy blues with an attitude. It is clear that Led Zeppelin is playing for keeps; there is no messing around. The next song is "Rock And Roll." I knew this song before I knew Led Zeppelin. John Bonham's drum intro, Jimmy Page comes in flying in with his guitar, and John Paul Jones lays down the running eighth notes on the bass guitar. There is a sonic whoosh to it that take me away. There is no fighting it. It may have been a long time since Robert Plant had rock and rolled but you won't stop rocking until the final drum fill at the end of the song. Zeppelin decides to take it down a few notches with "The Battle of Evermore." Every fan of Lord of the Rings should take the time to listen to this song because it is about the on coming war on Gondor in the Return of the King. For some reason Robert Plant has an infatuation with these novels. Led Zeppelin should have been the sound track to the Rings trilogy films.
At the end of the first side of the record is a song many people consider the best rock song ever created, "Stairway to Heaven." This song is the record and Led Zeppelin in a nutshell. It starts out slow and acoustic. The pace of the song keeps picking up as the song builds up. More layers are added to the song as it goes on. The drums come in and the song begins to creep even faster. The break in the song comes and you wait for something incredible to happen. What you get is an epic Jimmy Page guitar solo with the song finally rocking as a Zeppelin song should. During the final verse, you can feel you heart pumping as the song is now moving along like a rocket until the song finally ends. Come to think of it, is this whole song just once big musical metaphor for sex. At the end of the song I feel like I just climaxed and want a cigarette.
Side two kicks in with an upbeat "Misty Mountain Hop," another Lord of the Rings song. This song is a rarity in the Zeppelin canon because they have so few upbeat songs. I really like the song and has really strong drums on it. The next song, "Four Sticks," is actually played with four sticks on the drums. IT has a bit of a weird key signature, I believe. You try head banging to hit; it does not come naturally. "Going to California" is the sweet acoustic ballad that we had come to expect from Led Zeppelin by this point. I think that it has a different feel from the rest of the record because it does not feel epic or heavy, just beautiful and heartfelt.
"When the Levee Breaks" is the finale if this grand album. Every time I hear this song, I always think this song is being sang to me because of the line "...Going down to Chicago." Living in Milwaukee, there is not to many other people who would go "down" to Chicago, just us Wisconsinites. Anyways, this song has the heaviest drum sound I think I have ever heard recorded. The sound is immense! I think this album is the best Led Zeppelin created and should ranked along side the best of the decade. Everybody has rocked out to "Black Dog" and "Rock and Roll" at some point in their lives. "Stairway to HEaven" and "When the Levee Breaks" should be played to anybody who has never heard of Led Zeppelin or rock and roll. This is what is is all about.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Favorite Album of the 1980's
The 1980's is probably my least favorite decade of the rock n' roll era. Finding a favorite album from this decade took a lot of thought. I came to the conclusion that I enjoy Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell album the most, just a hair more than Apitite For Destruction. First off, Angels smoking for an album cover is spectular, so good that Van Halen ripped it off a few years later. The thing that hits me the most as I listen to this album is the energy. I know it is a hard rock album, but I can't help but feel that the band is rejuvenated here. The main reason for that is the great Ronnie James Dio. He is the prototypical voice of rocking hard. Another influence that I have not heard but is probably there is the growing punk and new wave of British heavy metal that was bubbling up at the time. The band could not rest on past accomplishments with hot new bands ready to take their place.
The album starts out with the roaring "Neon Nights," a song that sounds like it was shot out of a cannon. This is the latter day Black Sabbath's version of "Paranoid." Yeah, the fantasy lyrics can become a bit much from time to time, but I do like to be transported to an alternate universe from time to time. "Children of the Sea" is more like an old Sabbath tune as it moves slowly but with power. It could not be a Sabbath album without it really. "Lady Evil" starts out with an interesting moving bass line which I really like. No hard rock album should ever keep the bass in the back of the mix. "Heaven and Hell" is the obvious centerpiece of the album and it is an all time rock epic. Just the name "Heaven and Hell" is cool as hell. My favorite song on the album is "Die Young." When the song get moving in the middle and end, it is a real burner.
It is a shame that Dio and Black Sabbath only created three albums together. I think this album stands up to Sabbath's best work with Ozzy Osbourne. They could have rocked with the best metal bands of the 80's like Metallica and Iron Maiden among others.
The album starts out with the roaring "Neon Nights," a song that sounds like it was shot out of a cannon. This is the latter day Black Sabbath's version of "Paranoid." Yeah, the fantasy lyrics can become a bit much from time to time, but I do like to be transported to an alternate universe from time to time. "Children of the Sea" is more like an old Sabbath tune as it moves slowly but with power. It could not be a Sabbath album without it really. "Lady Evil" starts out with an interesting moving bass line which I really like. No hard rock album should ever keep the bass in the back of the mix. "Heaven and Hell" is the obvious centerpiece of the album and it is an all time rock epic. Just the name "Heaven and Hell" is cool as hell. My favorite song on the album is "Die Young." When the song get moving in the middle and end, it is a real burner.
It is a shame that Dio and Black Sabbath only created three albums together. I think this album stands up to Sabbath's best work with Ozzy Osbourne. They could have rocked with the best metal bands of the 80's like Metallica and Iron Maiden among others.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Night with the Cribs
I spent the night of January 13, 2010 rocking out with the Cribs. I have been a Cribs fan since Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever. I wimped out on seeing them at the Double Door in 2008. This time around they have a new album and a new band member, the legendary guitarist Johnny Marr. That alone would have worth my admission, but I a got a night with a few surprises at Lincoln Hall.
Before the opening band, the incidental music was played by a DJ upstairs. More venues should do this as it kept me moving and my back from not hurting. The first opening band was the Dead Trees. I thought the lyrics were quite great, very introspective. The music that accompanied the lyrics could have used a bit more work. It felt like I was watching a well above average bar band. I don't have any single moment that sticks out from their set except that the bass guitarist had a pretty sweet looking mustache.
After a bit of a break, the next act came on. It was none other than Adam Green of the Moldy Peaches. I did not realize this fact until halfway through the set when someone shouted something. For those who may not know, the Moldy Peaches are responsible for the song that Ellen Page and Michael Cera sing at the end of the movie Juno. Adam was backed by the Dead Trees. Adam Green was a character. He moved around the stage as I would expect Iggy Pop or John Lydon to move and act. I kept waiting for him to fall into the drums or off the front of the stage. He crowd surfed at the beginning of the last song. His lyrics were weird if not rude at times but the accompanying music absolutely rocked! His act grew on me as the performance went on. He almost sang like Joey Ramone because of the baritone voice and the dark humored lyrics.
After another short break and an equipment change, the Cribs came to the stage playing the only song I know from their new album. They play with a lot of energy. Ross Jarmin, the guitarist not know as Johnny Marr, constantly smacked his mouth on his microphone while literally spit out his lyrics like Bill Cowher. Johnny Marr played with a stoicism like he had been there before because, well, he has. He looked like a professional on stage with a bunch of young punks. The Cribs played songs not only from there new album but a bunch of favorites including mine, "Mirror Kissers." There were only maybe 300 people there to watch this spectacle and rock legend. I guess it goes to show my more unique music tastes. Should the Cribs come to town again, I will probably be there. I will for sure try to pick up their new album when I get the chance.
Before the opening band, the incidental music was played by a DJ upstairs. More venues should do this as it kept me moving and my back from not hurting. The first opening band was the Dead Trees. I thought the lyrics were quite great, very introspective. The music that accompanied the lyrics could have used a bit more work. It felt like I was watching a well above average bar band. I don't have any single moment that sticks out from their set except that the bass guitarist had a pretty sweet looking mustache.
After a bit of a break, the next act came on. It was none other than Adam Green of the Moldy Peaches. I did not realize this fact until halfway through the set when someone shouted something. For those who may not know, the Moldy Peaches are responsible for the song that Ellen Page and Michael Cera sing at the end of the movie Juno. Adam was backed by the Dead Trees. Adam Green was a character. He moved around the stage as I would expect Iggy Pop or John Lydon to move and act. I kept waiting for him to fall into the drums or off the front of the stage. He crowd surfed at the beginning of the last song. His lyrics were weird if not rude at times but the accompanying music absolutely rocked! His act grew on me as the performance went on. He almost sang like Joey Ramone because of the baritone voice and the dark humored lyrics.
After another short break and an equipment change, the Cribs came to the stage playing the only song I know from their new album. They play with a lot of energy. Ross Jarmin, the guitarist not know as Johnny Marr, constantly smacked his mouth on his microphone while literally spit out his lyrics like Bill Cowher. Johnny Marr played with a stoicism like he had been there before because, well, he has. He looked like a professional on stage with a bunch of young punks. The Cribs played songs not only from there new album but a bunch of favorites including mine, "Mirror Kissers." There were only maybe 300 people there to watch this spectacle and rock legend. I guess it goes to show my more unique music tastes. Should the Cribs come to town again, I will probably be there. I will for sure try to pick up their new album when I get the chance.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Favorite Album of the 1990's
My favorite album of the 1990's is by a band that is considered a one hit wonder in the US. That album is Urban Hymns by the Verve. This is the last real triumph of 90's Britpop. The Verve are considered one of the top bands in Britain from the 90's and had big hits before even releasing this album. This album should have launched them into stardom in the US except that they broke up during the ensuing tour.
I love this album because every song has multiple layers and resonates after every listen. The opening track and most recognizable track is Bitter Sweet Symphony. The string loop immediately brings you in and keep you going with the song never breaking apart. It truly is a masterpiece. Something this album features heavily which is not used as much as it should anymore is guitar echo. It is all over the place here. The Verve try different approaches through out the album from sweeping ballads to dense noise experiments. I think the Verve work best in their sometimes unstructured jam songs like "Come On."
The song on the album that really brought me in for another listen is "Lucky Man." It has a cool psychedelic feel to it with layers of echo and lyrically thoughtful. "Space And Time" always appeals to me as an engineer and a studier of physics mostly because of the time alone, but the song itself is fabulous with a great build up from chorus to chorus until the final call of "There is no space and time." A good build up should always have a worthwhile payoff and this album does in spades. The final song of the album, "Come On," is itself the payoff of the build up of the album with the final shouts of "come on now!"
People who enjoyed the Britpop era should find this album immediately as it is a must listen. The Verve should have been more than they became, but maybe that is their fault. There is no denying the power and greatness of this album.
I love this album because every song has multiple layers and resonates after every listen. The opening track and most recognizable track is Bitter Sweet Symphony. The string loop immediately brings you in and keep you going with the song never breaking apart. It truly is a masterpiece. Something this album features heavily which is not used as much as it should anymore is guitar echo. It is all over the place here. The Verve try different approaches through out the album from sweeping ballads to dense noise experiments. I think the Verve work best in their sometimes unstructured jam songs like "Come On."
The song on the album that really brought me in for another listen is "Lucky Man." It has a cool psychedelic feel to it with layers of echo and lyrically thoughtful. "Space And Time" always appeals to me as an engineer and a studier of physics mostly because of the time alone, but the song itself is fabulous with a great build up from chorus to chorus until the final call of "There is no space and time." A good build up should always have a worthwhile payoff and this album does in spades. The final song of the album, "Come On," is itself the payoff of the build up of the album with the final shouts of "come on now!"
People who enjoyed the Britpop era should find this album immediately as it is a must listen. The Verve should have been more than they became, but maybe that is their fault. There is no denying the power and greatness of this album.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Favorite Album of the 2000's
My favorite album of the just completed decade is the debut album by Hope of the States, The Lost Riots. It may not be the best album, but no other work of music moves me as much. The is a tone to this music that I am not sure I have heard before or since. It is not all out rock music or folk music but a healthy blend with a very dark edge to it.
It is important to note that one of the bands guitarists, James Lawrence, committed suicide just before the album was released. This feeling pops up repeatedly as the album plays. This would be the last album I would recommend to someone who is suicidal because I am not sure if it really offers any real hope. In fact, the last song, a hidden track, has the darkest message on the album. However, if your feeling a bit down, this album really works wonders. I listen to this album and I feel that there is someone who feels the same way that I do. I find something in the lyrics to relate to while the accompanying music perfect fits the lyrics without being void of a spark of vital life.
My favorite song on the album is Goodhorsehymn. I think this song is from the point of view of someone who had everything go wrong and is now lonely. The center piece of the album is a song called Black Dollar Bills. The sounds on this song at times seem like a soundtrack to your last moments on Earth, or may from out of this world.
If you can keep yourself together while listening to this album, you will be treated to a unique soundscape that will stay with you well after you are finished listening. It evokes pure emotion from me and that is what I expect out of the best of the music I listen to.
It is important to note that one of the bands guitarists, James Lawrence, committed suicide just before the album was released. This feeling pops up repeatedly as the album plays. This would be the last album I would recommend to someone who is suicidal because I am not sure if it really offers any real hope. In fact, the last song, a hidden track, has the darkest message on the album. However, if your feeling a bit down, this album really works wonders. I listen to this album and I feel that there is someone who feels the same way that I do. I find something in the lyrics to relate to while the accompanying music perfect fits the lyrics without being void of a spark of vital life.
My favorite song on the album is Goodhorsehymn. I think this song is from the point of view of someone who had everything go wrong and is now lonely. The center piece of the album is a song called Black Dollar Bills. The sounds on this song at times seem like a soundtrack to your last moments on Earth, or may from out of this world.
If you can keep yourself together while listening to this album, you will be treated to a unique soundscape that will stay with you well after you are finished listening. It evokes pure emotion from me and that is what I expect out of the best of the music I listen to.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Welcome
Welcome to my new music blog. In the weeks, months, and hopefully years to come, I plan on using this medium as a way to voice my opinions on music, particularly rock music. I hope that people find the things I write to be insightful, and at times something to discuss. I want to write about the things that I find to be interesting, things that maybe have gone unsaid, or things that really should be said. I will write about music and artists that are overrated, underrated, or not rated at all.
Let me qualify myself as a music critic. I have a very large music collection and get very emotional when I hear music I like and can get angry when I hear music I don't. I prefer listening to rock music that, in general, has a bluesy feel to it. My examples of this are Led Zeppelin, 70's Rollings Stones, and the Faces. I like Motown and old school Soul and R&B such as Stax records. I like listening to layered psychedelia but also music from or influenced by the 70's punk revolution. I find that I cannot get enough of British Indie music whether it is art house more rock or punk focused. Of the modern bands, my favorite is Arctic Monkeys.
There is so much music I do enjoy, but I feel unqualified to judge Pop music, Country music, Rap or new school R&B. That is not to say that I do not enjoy listening to this music, but I do not spend nearly the same amount of time listening to these types of music. I may comment an opinion on Pop music from time to time but I do not listen to Pop radio.
I am not sure of my writing style as of now. I guess I somewhat aim to be the Bill Simmons of music, but I think that I will develop my own style in time. I do not have to much experience as a writer and may have some grammatical problems from time to time. I found out that I really enjoyed writing while I attended college and this is my opportunity to fill my writing itch.
My goals with this blog are get my opinions down in writing for all my friends and the rest of the world to read. I invite people to write me back to agree or respectfully disagree with my posts. Ultimately, maybe this could lead into a real job as a music critic. This that being said, if musicians and bands may wish me to review their music, I will take my time to give it a go.
Everybody buckle up and get ready as we take this journey together!
Let me qualify myself as a music critic. I have a very large music collection and get very emotional when I hear music I like and can get angry when I hear music I don't. I prefer listening to rock music that, in general, has a bluesy feel to it. My examples of this are Led Zeppelin, 70's Rollings Stones, and the Faces. I like Motown and old school Soul and R&B such as Stax records. I like listening to layered psychedelia but also music from or influenced by the 70's punk revolution. I find that I cannot get enough of British Indie music whether it is art house more rock or punk focused. Of the modern bands, my favorite is Arctic Monkeys.
There is so much music I do enjoy, but I feel unqualified to judge Pop music, Country music, Rap or new school R&B. That is not to say that I do not enjoy listening to this music, but I do not spend nearly the same amount of time listening to these types of music. I may comment an opinion on Pop music from time to time but I do not listen to Pop radio.
I am not sure of my writing style as of now. I guess I somewhat aim to be the Bill Simmons of music, but I think that I will develop my own style in time. I do not have to much experience as a writer and may have some grammatical problems from time to time. I found out that I really enjoyed writing while I attended college and this is my opportunity to fill my writing itch.
My goals with this blog are get my opinions down in writing for all my friends and the rest of the world to read. I invite people to write me back to agree or respectfully disagree with my posts. Ultimately, maybe this could lead into a real job as a music critic. This that being said, if musicians and bands may wish me to review their music, I will take my time to give it a go.
Everybody buckle up and get ready as we take this journey together!
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