1001 Albums (296-310): Frank - Garbage

Note: We're all done with 'F.' We sure are cruising through the alphabet now. I think this is another fairly solid group.

In Red’s Collection

No go.

The Good

Franz Ferdinand (2004) by Franz Ferdinand

I’ll probably let Snake handle the critical breakdown of this band. I know he’s into them. Everyone heard “Take Me Out” when it came out. It’s definitely a unique sound to be released in an era when so much popular music sound all the same.

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963) by Bob Dylan

As so it happens sometimes an artist sets out to do one thing and becomes another. Dylan wanted to write great songs on this album, he did that, but their spirit turned him, unwillingly, into the voice of the 60s. He became the name associated with rebellion and upheaval. The music wasn’t lost though. Greats like “Girl From the North Country,” “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and “Blowin’ In the Wind,” stand the test of time.

From Elvis in Memphis (1969) by Elvis Presley

Elvis went back to Memphis to regain some of the grit lost in his years spent in Hollywood. This album reestablished his southern base and made him relevant again. Maybe the most known track from these sessions – “Suspicious Minds” – was not released with this album, but became No. 1 as a single later in the year.

Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974) by Stevie Wonder

This is fourth of five albums Wonder released in the 70s considered to be his classical period. While snubbed by Rolling Stone and it’s 500 top albums list, it was the most commercially successful of the bunch. This features “Creepin’” and “They Won’t Go When I Go.”

Fun House (1970) by The Stooges

After a failed first album, The Stooges were given an unknown producer for their second try. Don Gallucci, who played organ on the The Kingsmen’s “Louie, Louie” knew he had to capture The Stooges raw. He told them to play like it was a live show. Iggy Pop went into his antics and parties interrupted sessions. It worked really well.

The Middle

Frank (2003) by Amy Winehouse

Winehouse was 18 went she released this, her debut album. She has a jazzy, soulfoul voice to mix with her Cockney accent. I know stuff from her later albums, but this probably full of the same in your face spunk.

Freak Out! (1966) by The Mother’s of Invention

I’ve never sat down really and listened to stuff made by Frank Zappa and his boys. Judging from the track names, I am guessing this would be quite the interesting listen. I don’t know if Snake has ever ventured after any of this group’s music before.

Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables (1980) by Dead Kennedys

This band’s name gets dropped a lot by musicians and such, but I haven’t a clue if I know any of their tunes. I guess it’s sort humorous, politicial, punky type music.

Garbage (1995) by Garbage

I never really dug Garbage all that much. I also thought they were trying to hard to be artsy. Maybe I just didn’t get it.

The Best of the Rest

Fuzzy (1993) by Grant Lee Buffalo

Michael Stipe called this the best album of 1993. It never reached that kind of commercial success, but this mixture of country and rock is a stark contrast to the popular grunge wave going through the country.

The Rest

Fred Neil (1966) by Fred Neil

Seems like a folk writer that got swept up in the popular 60s folk movement that mixed in electric instruments.

Fromohio (1989) by Firehose

Nice upbeat kind of band here. The vocals tend to meld with frenetic pace of the acoustic guitars, drums and tambourines. Definitely something to learn more about.

Funeral (2004) by Arcade Fire

Canadian Emo rock eh. Actually it’s not bad. Kind of has that soft driving sound of the Smashing Pumpkins.

Future Days (1973) by Can

I think this may be the worst band name so far. It’s more “Krautrock” that this book seems to really like.

Fuzzy Logic (1996) by Super Furry Animals

This is a Welsh band that made funny, poppy music. I guess they made better albums than this, but this was their first. Don’t ask me why it’s listed, that’s what the book says.

Snake's Encore: Fire of Love - Francis Albert Sinatra

In Snake's Collection



Fly or Die - N*E*R*D

This album takes on a very jazzy, cool feel. 'She Wants To Move' was the single that got me interested. The rest of the album sounds nothing like it. The boys decided they wanted to learn to play their own instruments so they could perform live. Pretty impressive in itself. Alot of adolescent issues addressed in the songs from back seat romance to hating your parents. It is definitely an interesting listen and shows they made this album for themselves.



Follow The Leader - Korn

The 12 blank tracks that start this classic are said to be for two different reasons. The album would have ended on track #13 if they started at 1 and they didn't want that and the 12 five second tracks add up to a minute of silence in honor of a fan of the band that lost his battle with cancer. The song 'Justin' is about this fan. Cheech Marin is a guest vocalist on the cover of 'Earache My Eye' at the end of the album.

Fragile - YES

This album set the blueprint for progressive rock in the 70's. 'Roundabout' is the coolest song I have ever heard. That opening is epic! Rik Wakeman had just joined the band prior to this album and his keyboard presence is felt big time. Most of the album is just a show case for the individual's mastery of their various instruments.

Frampton Comes Alive - Peter Frampton

"Everyone in the world knowns 'Frampton Comes Alive'" - Wayne Campbell. That quote from Wayne's World 2 and a chance encounter on the radio with 'Do You Feel Like We Do' got me hooked on classic rock. I still remember the moment of this epiphany. I was sitting in the car waiting for my mom to finish shopping and I flipped across the local classic rock station that I had never listened to before and happened to hear the DJ say he was going to play something from "Frampton Comes Alive." Having watched Wayne's World, I had to hear what the fuss was all about. That guitar spoke to me man! Well as a 15 year old impressionable mind, I was blown away by this 15 minute rock odyssey. The album as a whole is pretty good, save the cover of 'Jumping Jack Flash' (see worst covers list). Still, if 'Do You Feel Like We Do' was all the album was, it should still be a must listen for everyone.

Oh VH1, How I Miss Thee

First Band On The Moon - The Cardigans

'Lovefool' was the smash hit from this album and a consistent player in the Top 20 countdown on VH1 during the period I affectionately refer to as my 'Video Summer'. Oh to be able to sleep in and watch videos all morning again. Even if I could sleep in, this still isn't possible anymore. The songs on this album have an upbeat sound with sad and disturbing lyrics. There is even a cover of 'Iron Man' in there.

A Rebirth

461 Ocean Boulevard - Eric Clapton

This was his first solo album in 4 years and served as a rebirth for Clapton after kicking his heroine habit. He comes out trying to ditch the guitar god moniker and moving to more polished rock songs. 'I Shot The Sheriff', 'Let It Grow' and 'Willie And The Hand Jive' really showcase this new direction.

SNUBS (I know this is the part everyone looks forward to each week)

Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney

Also from my 'Video Summer', this was sort of a return to Beatle form for Sir Paul. He enlisted the help of Jeff Lynne, Steve Miller and Ringo to help create straight forward classic songs back up to the standards of the Beatles. What that really meant is Paul wasn't going to ruin these songs by trying to over produce them. The album is very good and has some fond memories associated with it. The title track points back to the story from Lennon about how he thought up the Beatle name and 'The Songs We Were Singing' which is about the gold old days writing with his Beatle partnet. The video to the single 'World Tonight' features some very sweet home video of Paul with Linda shortly before she passed away. I would put this in the top 2 or 3 of Paul's post-Beatle releases. Certainly if "Band On the Run" makes this list, I don't see why 'Flaming Pie" doesn't.

Fly - Dixie Chicks

This was their bust out album and helped usher in a new era in country and the cross over artist. These girls have attitude and it shows in some of their songs. They have the chops to make pop cross over hits ('Ready to Run' & 'Cowboy Take Me Away') and yet still stay really country ('Hello Mr. Heartache', 'Don't Waste Your Heart' & 'Sin Wagon'). The attitude is ever present in their big hit 'Goodbye Earl' and the in your face lyrics of 'Hole in My Head'. I think there is a little something for everyone in this album.

Fly By Night - Rush

Another Rush skip over. This was their second album and first with Neil Peart behind the drums and penning the lyrics. This is the bands beginning trek into prog rock stardom. The title track is the hit off the album, but 'Athem' and 'By-Tor And The Snow Dog' remain staples of their live shows. 'Rivendell' which is based off the Lord Of The Rings land, is the only Rush song not to have drums in it. Not their best, but certainly noteworthy.

For Those About To Rock - AC/DC

This was their follow-up to the massive hit that was "Back In Black". The title track is the encore for their concerts with full cannons. The album sounds like most other AC/DC albums full of great guitar and overtly sexual lyrics. Still better than any piece of crap Brian Eno can throw together.

1001 Albums (281-295): Fire of Love - Francis Albert Sinatra...

Note: A few nice surprises mixed with a couple important albums. I never thought I'd get to this this week, but I made it and that's a positive. Everyone smile. That's an order

The Good

Follow The Leader (1998) by Korn

It’s hard to believe this is 11 years old. The entire package from the music, album art, music videos and marketing for this album and band were right on. “Freak On A Leash” was in-your-face and yet infectious. Korn for about a year here was the best band in the world.

Foo Fighters (1995) by Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl moved on fast after the 1994 suicide of Kurt Cobain. The former Nirvana drummer did everything on this album from writing, to playing pretty much every instrument heard. “Big Me” was the hit from here, it’d be a couple years before Foo Fighters as a hole were a real big hit.

461 Ocean Boulevard (1974) by Eric Clapton

This is overshadowed by Clapton previous big album featuring “Layla.” This is sort of standard stuff with probably the most known song being “Let It Grow,” a tune at times I really like and other times kind of dislike. I find that more and more true about a lot Clapton’s work.

Fragile (1971) by Yes

I am not sure if we studied this one in class or not. Snake will remember that better than I. The thing about Yes is that, at times, their music can mesmerizing and very easy to get lot in. The vocals can also sound really cool. This album features “Roundabout,” which is about as close to a pop single as they got during this time period.

Frampton Comes Alive! (1976) by Peter Frampton

Frampton borrowed on the successful Kiss strategy by going on stage and recording his album that way. It turned out great, as this became the biggest selling live album till some Springsteen one in the 80s. Snake will probably talk this one up more so I’ll let him do that.

Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (1967) by Sinatra and Jobim

I never doubt "Old Blue Eyes." I don’t anything from this, but I am guessing it’s pretty cool. There will be more from him that I’ll comment more on.

The Middle

First Band On the Moon (1996) by The Cardigans

There are about three or four mid level bands like this that came out in the mid-90s and I have always had a hard time keeping straight. The Cranberries and The Gin Blossoms are in this group also. Overall, it’s not bad just sort of mid-level kind of stuff mixed with a couple hits.

Fire Leaves Left (1969) by Nick Drake

Other than “Pink Moon,” I really haven’t been too wild what I have heard from Nick Drake. I’ve gave a few chances to wow me, but it has happened. I have the same issue with Jeff Buckley – one song I like and the rest is blah.

Fly Or Die (2004) by N.E.R.D.

Pharrell Williams and company took a break from producing about 70% of the popular music in the UK and made a album where they embrace their inner dork. This guys borrow upon a lot of different sources of music, most of which, you wouldn’t expect. I had heard the single “Maybe.” I had forgot about till now. It’s pretty good.

The Best of the Rest

Fisherman’s Blues (1988) by The Waterboys

These guys sound like the UK version of The Band. The title track is pretty cool. This is something to check out.

The Rest

Fire of Love (1981) by The Gun Club

Best band name of the week, and a group that inspired the White Stripes. That can’t be a bad thing.

Floodland (1987) by The Sisters Of Mercy

Here’s a goth rock classic. Damn, my fishnets are in the hamper.

Forever Changes (1967) by Love

A band on the brink of destruction that even parts of the album were recorded by studio musicians playing lead. This is acid rock played by an acoustic guitar and an orchestra. I don’t know if that works.

For Your Pleasure (1973) by Roxy Music

Guess who’s in this band. … Brian Eno. Countdown to Snake blowing up – 10, 9, 8 …

Foxbase Alpha (1991) by Saint Etienne

A trio with a lead singer that did a dance version of Neil Young’s “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” Proceed with caution.

The Hair On The Back Of Your Neck

"There's a self-destructive meaning in a bleeding of a guy" Overweight - Blue October


"Ever think about driving to a big city and just killing a random bum?"

The shocked expression on his buddy's face would have been visible through a black hole, let alone the dark room lit only by the TV screen.

"Seriously dude?"

"Yeah, like who is gonna care about a bum. Just go somewhere you've never been before so no one recognizes you."

"Dude....That's fucked up!"

"You've never wondered what it's like?" The idea made perfect sense to him. It always had. Like a tickling at the back of his neck that would make his hairs stand up as if we were a dog on guard from a stranger. The average boy turned psycho murderer then back again. The urge had welled up in him releasing those inner thoughts before he knew what he said.

"Dude...No!"

"Pussy!" It was the only normal sounding retort he could think of, hoping it would lighten the suddenly awkward situation. "I just thought everyone did." That was a lie. He knew he was different. Other boys didn't want to punch random people. Didn't want to kill strangers. Didn't want to throw their friends through the bay window in their living room. The stars were shining majestically through the glass, calling to him. Asking for their destruction.

He could feel it coursing now through his blood. This need in his arms to move with force. The desire for his fists to bury themselves into some one's face. Like a werewolf struggling to resist the call of a full moon, he knew he would lose the battle tonight.

"Dude, you watch too many creepy movies. Maybe we need to put in 'Old School' or something?"

He forced a chuckle, then tried to mask a deep breath. "Yeah, whatever you wanna watch. This one is dumb anyway." One more deep breath. Steady...

The love he felt for his friend and the thought of the family repercussions eventually turned the tide. A final deep breath, this one coming out as a heavy sigh. He could feel the hair on his arms relaxing. His knuckles hurt as his fingers loosened out of the tight fists that were ready to blast down like a meteor storm. If it had been someone else, a random bum for instance, he knew he would have lost.

Snake's Encore: Exit Planet Dust - Figure 8

In Snake's Collection

Fever to Tell - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Here is one example where a compelling music video lead me on to discover a great album. I fell in love with the video for 'Maps' when it was getting heavy rotation on MTV and VH1 (as in 1 of the 8 videos they played each morning). This album is an awesome minimalist punk tirade for the 21st century. Karen O's vocals are as much an instrument as any guitar or drum ever played. Her shrills and shrieks somehow delight the ear and seem perfectly normal. The guitar playing takes a back seat, but has the power to be there when needed. The drums pound through the entire album serving as a back bone like no other. 'Rich', 'Man', 'Tick' and 'Black Tongue' start off the album with a fierceness that I find hard to find a peer to. The album mellows out at the end displaying the softer side of this coin with 'Maps', 'Y Control' and 'Modern Romance'. Listening to 'Maps', I can still see Karen singing in that music video, showing all the emotion of the song (even though she is lip syncing) with tears welling in her eyes. 'Modern Romance' puts a fine finish on the end of the album with a steady guitar strum and the soothing vocal that puts you in the state of mind that you are coming down off the bender that was this album. I've brought their newest album, "It's Blitz". While good, it still doesn't compare to "Fever to Tell". I doubt anything ever will.


Let's Dance!

Fat of the Land - The Prodigy

This album marked a great cross over success mixing the electronic world with hip-hop and metal. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails also helps on this album with 'Smack My Bitch Up' and 'Fuel My Fire'. His influence is pretty easily heard and leads to the mosh pit appeal of both tracks. Kool Keith knocks it out of the park on 'Diesel Power'.


Exit Planet Dust - The Chemical Brothers

Everyone loves the song 'One Too Many Mornings'. It does sound very beautiful for a techno song. This album is catchier than "Fat of the Land", but doesn't have the other influences that make the former a bigger hit.


For What It's Worth

Face to Face - The Kinks

This was the first Kinks album to feature only Ray Davies original compositions. It is also thought by some to be one of the first rock n roll concept albums with a common theme of social observation. Davies apparently wanted to link all the songs together using sound effects, but was shot down by the record label. So it sounds like this is a choice for the artistry and intent behind the album, rather than the success of the songs.


Snubs & Other Notables

Exit... Stage Left - Rush

Another classic rock live album snub. This represents the 2nd live album release from Rush taking inspiration on the title from Snagglepuss. The cover art is iconic like most Rush covers featuring objects from all their previous album covers. The music itself is great, like every other Rush live album.

Faceless - Godsmack

This album became a major success for the band debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts. It rocked hard, but was a little more well crafted and written than their successful debut album. The title comes from the feeling of the band that despite some of their success, they still were under the radar and unknown. This is my favorite from the group toeing the line between hard rock/metal and more of a mainstream rock. There is a little something for everybody here.


Fair Warning - Van Halen

Yes, this was the least commercially successful Van Halen album of the Roth years. 'Unchained' is the only hit off the album. But this is probably the heaviest/hardest album they ever put out. 'Mean Street' fires out the gate with an intro similar to 'Eruption', but the bass groove and the amazing guitar playing put plenty of mean into that song. Overall, Eddie's guitar sounds the most aggressive of any albums and Anthony's bass booms through every track. I think this album is a hidden gem in the Van Halen catalogue.

A Farewell To Kings - Rush

This album produced the classic 'Closer to the Heart' and spurned out some longer, deeper compositions that pack alot of progressive rock punch. 'Xanadu' is based off Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem 'Kubla Khan' checking in at 11 minutes. The album title and track likely take inspiration from Hemingway's 'A Farewell To Arms'.

Fear of the Dark - Iron Maiden

You know anytime we pass a Maiden album worth a damn I am gonna have to put it in here. This 1993 release was the last studio album with front man Bruce Dickinson, before he came back in 2000 with other original members. This is by far not the best Maiden album and kind of marks the end of a steady decline for the band. The title track remains a must for all their live performances with plenty of audience participation. It is required listening for any fan of live music. 'Wasting Love' (their only power ballad), 'Afraid to Shoot Strangers' (a powerful Iraq war political song), and 'Be Quick Or Be Dead' (a venture into speed metal) are quality songs from this OK album.

Post Academia - A Review

I think whenever we thought up this concept all those years ago, it was a wonderful idea. Red and I used to live each other's music every day, because we pretty much spent every day together growing up. As we've grown up and apart, our music tastes have as well. We began to think as two separate units rather than one musical brain, which is great for exploring different directions. I think these two albums we put together are perfect examples of those different directions and styles we've chosen. Overall, I would put the feel and mood of Post Academia as soft, pleasant, hip and very deep lyrically. It was a treat to be exposed to some different bands and types of music that I have heard about, but never had the guts to go out and listen to or buy myself. Thinking back, I wish we would have done some kind of review like this for our previous albums we've done. I have always wondered some times what Red thought of some of the songs and look forward to hearing his thoughts this time. I just hope he is ready for mine. :)


The Band: When I Paint My Masterpiece, Stage Fright


I am starting with The Band, because they were first on the album and the artist that came out as the biggest eye opener for me. I absolutely loved these two songs from the first moment I heard them. Some of the other songs took some warming up to, but these just struck home with me, especially 'Stage Fright'. I love their sound and definitely want a copy of their greatest hits. I did some research on 'Stage Fright', because I knew there was something behind that one. It seems to be kind of a self portrait of the Band at the time dealing with their instant fame and now being in the spotlight. Excellent Stuff!



Buckcherry: Everything, Carosel


I was already familiar with Buckcherry (I thought) and had heard the lead single 'Crazy Bitch' off this album. This was very cool to hear sort of the other side of Buckcherry. They are always being compared to Aerosmith and these two songs help cement that comparison for me. These are great little rock ballads with alot of feeling and heart, especially one dealing with a pretty heavy subject. These caught me a back at first, I think because it wasn't what I was expecting from Buckcherry. But in the end, both are A's.



Blue October: Into The Ocean, Overweight, What If We Could


I have some Blue October songs, but I never listened to them much. Still, I thought I knew what this band sounded like. Wow, these 3 songs are very different from one another. 'Into The Ocean' is very mellow, soft vocally and quite a beautifully constructed song. 'Overweight' is very deep, faster paced, deceptively up beat, and yet, choirish in the end. This is probably my favorite of the three. "There's a self-destructive meaning in the bleeding of a guy". 'What If We Could' has a very heavy sound and some angry vocals dealing with a love that couldn't be. All three songs are full of amazing lyrics full of heartbreak and remorse.



Tom Petty: Flirting With Time, Square One


It is good to hear that Tom still makes good solid rock songs. 'Flirting With Time' is a little more classic and tilts the scale as my preference. 'Square One' is very tender and a good listen. This is what I expect from Tom Petty and he doesn't ever seem to disappoint. That consistency is impressive.



Death Cab For Cutie: Marching Bands Of Manhattan, I Will Follow You Into The Dark, Your Heart Is An Empty Room, What Sarah Said


This is a band I have heard the name of alot, but haven't had a chance to hear much of their music. Red certainly fill that void giving them 4 songs, tied for the most on the album. While the sound is similar to the softer rock that seems to permeate pop music these days, the lyrics and sound structures are very deep. There is alot of good substance here. 'Marching Bands' is OK in my book, good lyrics but the solid guitar strum can get old for 3 minutes. 'Into the Dark' is tender, sweet and a beautiful song. It is probably my favorite from the band here. 'Your Heart' is another solid song with good lyrics. 'What Sarah Said' follows the same course. There isn't alot of difference in song structure between the songs, but what makes them special is the lyrics and emotion. I left satisfied with what I heard.



Snow Patrol: You're All That I Have, Open Your Eyes, Hands Open


This is another band of the heard their name everywhere, but I didn't know any of their music category. It is very British sounding pop to me. Sounds like Coldplay with some of the same orchestration that seems to be standard over there. Their music doesn't seem as deep. I feel like their is about 30 seconds worth of original lyrics and music in each of these songs, and then, they just keep repeating themselves. Plays great for stadiums and for samplings in TV shows, which seems to be happening alot for these guys, but doesn't really trip my trigger. They are nice songs, but just not something I will probably ever crave to listen to.



The Wallflowers: God Says Nothing Back, From The Bottom Of My Heart, Nearly Beloved, Days of Wonder


The Wallflowers got 4 songs tied with Death Cab For Cutie. I should've told Red before he put this CD together that I downloaded 'God Says Nothing Back' & 'Nearly Beloved' after he used them for so pretty nice pieces of writing last year. But that is OK, cause I like those songs. I can't listen to 'God' without having his writing run through my mind. They were both haunting yet beautiful, toeing that delicate balance and will remain my favorite in this group. 'Bottom of my Heart' sounds very sentimental and well put together. 'Nearly Beloved' picks up the pace, but keeps the loving yet ominous message. The line "last night I lived 1,000 lives, not one of them survived" is forever burned in my brain. 'Days Of Wonder' is more reminiscent of their first album that made both Red and I became big fans. Good tunes and makes me glad Red has this CD so I don't have to buy it :)



James Blunt: Wisemen


This song really bugged me at first. In fact, I said I hated it. His voice kinda grates at me still and sounds alot like Maroon 5. But there is something so irresistible about the hook in this song. I still have no idea what the song is really about with the wisemen stuff, but I like the sound of the lyric, "Look whose alone now, it's not me, it's not me". It has a good groove and if you give it enough of a chance it will get stuck in your head, even if I am tired of people singing like that.



The Velvet Underground: Pale Blue Eyes, Sweet Jane, What Goes On


These are 3 very different songs and feelings toward them for me. You can really tell which artists songs are from Greatest Hits and which are from a single album by how wide the variation is between the songs. 'Pale Blue Eyes' makes me want to fall asleep much like several songs on the banana album do. It is just a little too soft and the single tambourine can really drone you to sleep if you are driving drowsy. So there should be a warning for that. 'Sweet Jane' is a pretty cool song and the sound I would associate with the Underground. 'What Goes On' sounds like the Grateful Dead should have recorded it or they disguised themselves as the Underground for a take, until that trippy guitar solo in the middle. I like to listen to 2/3s of this group and two out of three ain't bad.



All-American Rejects: Move Along, Change Your Mind


I have the single 'Dirty Little Secrets' single from this album. Their sound is pretty much the same for these two songs. Pretty straight forward rock songs with some good heart behind them. They are a good band. Nothing ground breaking here, just good music. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe we would have more good music if everyone stopped doing the same thing or trying to change the world, and just made good music..... Probably not.



Coldplay: Green Eyes


Coldplay never has set my world on fire. I never really liked them from the beginning, so they don't get much of a chance in my book, good bad or indifferent. This is a pretty simple, sweet song. Not bad, I can stand it. So I guess that is saying something there.



Damien Rice: 9 Crimes, Coconut Skins


I've tried to give '9 Crimes' a chance. This is a definite no good for me. It just bugs me, too whiny. NO IT IS NOT ALRIGHT WITH ME! Someone just needed to tell them already. 'Coconut Skins' is tolerable. I tend not to skip it as much. The vocals are better even though I still have a hard time understanding some parts.



Butch Walker: Promises, Maybe It's Just Me


'Promises' is a cute song. That is the only way I can describe it. The lyrics paint a cute story talking about loving you and his dad giving him a beer and talking about himself. I think I get it, but it just doesn't do much for me. 'Maybe It's Just Me' is a pretty good song. It is catchy and had alot of good emotion with it.



Bruce Springsteen: Radio Nowhere


Another awesome song from the Boss. This is the type of classic song from Springsteen that makes me ask myself why I don't have more of his music. I have almost none in my collection. This guy puts out great music, with some rhythm. I love this song.



Bob Marley: Redemption Song


I think I have heard this song once or twice before. A classic from the reggae man. It is a very meaningful song. He always put alot of heart into his words and music.



Cat Stevens: The Wind


Now I can say I know a Cat Stevens song and it sounds like what I figured Cat Stevens would sound like. It paints a wonderful picture and almost makes you weep from its beauty.



Isreal Kamakoiwole: Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World


I heard about this cover from an American Idol contestant and I am pretty sure I watched Big Red dance to it with his wife at their wedding. Along with 'The Wind', it puts a nice ending on this album. Very simple and beautiful rendition of these classic songs. Very nice!



GRADES:


A+
Stage Fright
Everything
Overweight
God Says Nothing Back


A
When I Paint My Masterpiece
What If We Could
Carosel
Nearly Beloved
Radio Nowhere
I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World



B
Flirting With Time
Into The Ocean
Marching Band of Manhattan
Your Heart Is An Empty Room
The Wind
Days of Wonder
From The Bottom Of My Heart
What Goes On
Redemption Song


C
Move Along
You're All That I Have
Sweet Jane
Hands Open
Maybe It's Just Me
Square One
Change Your Mind
What Sarah Said


D
Wisemen
Green Eyes
Promises
Open Your Eyes
Coconut Skins


F
Pale Blue Eyes
9 Crimes

1001 albums (266-280): Exit Planet Dust - Figure 8

Note: We end letter 'E' this week and dip in 'F'. We're slowly getting through the alphabet. Overall, a decent group. Not a lot of A-list stuff, but a lot of solid B and/or C level music.

In Red's Collection

I am beginning to think that I don't own any albums.

The Good

Exodus (1977) by Bob Marley And The Wailers

Recorded in the months following the attempt on his life, “Exodus” is the blend of political charge, musical exploration and downright fun that marks most of Marley’s work. “One Love” and “Jamming” are hits and “Waiting In Vain” is a classic pining for love song.

Faith (1987) by George Michael

Michael came out swinging with his first solo album after Wham! The title is as well known as any and yet quite different from the moody, R&B based album. In fact, Michael became the first white artist to reach No. 1 on the R&B chart.

The Fat Of The Land (1997) by Prodigy

For a brief moment Prodigy struck a chord. “Smack My Bitch Up,” offended women to no end, until the video came out with it’s little twist. “Firestarter” promoted arson and “Breathe” just got people moving. A little fun fact for Snake, Kool Keith is featured on “Diesel Power” on this album.

Fear Of A Black Planet (1990) by Public Enemy

Public Enemy was determined to take over the world. The track from this album “Fight The Power” was featured in Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” and it put them on the right path. The rappers broadened their scope by hitting subjects like reparations and Malcolm X and writing a rallying tune women called “Revolutionary Generation.”

Fifth Dimension (1966) by The Byrds

The Byrds as a band were on the decline by this point as egos clashed and members left including lead songwriter Gene Calrk. This allowed David Crosby and Roger McGuinn to find themselves and create the groups most artistic album.

The Middle

Face To Face (1966) by The Kinks

I get the feeling that this album made the list due to this being a Kinks album alone. It wasn’t very well received and I am not familiar with any of these tunes.

Fever To Tell (2003) by Yeahs Yeahs Yeahs

After debut in 2002, the YYYs were the chic band in the music scene. They withdrew from the spotlight to record this album that sounds pretty cool. Snake may know more, so stay tuned.

The Best of the Rest

Feast Of Wire (2003) by Calexico

Here’s a mixture of alternative rock, alt. country and Mariachi, I guess that’s what you get from guys stuck out in the desert around Tuscon. Sort of a cool sound, I must admit.

The Rest

Exit Planet Dust (1995) by The Chemical Brothers

This started it all. The big-beat era of music was sprung from this blend of rock and dance music.

Faust IV (1973) by Faust

They call this “Krautrock” which I guess is German for pop or crap or something.

Fear And Whiskey (1985) by Mekons

This is alleged start of the alternative country, which is funny because this was an English Punk band.

Fear Of Music (1979) by Talking Heads

Put David Byrne and Brian Eno in the same recording studio and this is what you get.


Felt Mountain (2000) by Goldfrapp

I read the review and still don’t know what kind of music this is. Oh wait it says cinematic electronica. Far out.

Femi Kuti (1995) by Femi Kuti

This cup is filled to the brim with Nigerian jazz, funk and rage.

Figure 8 (2000) by Elliott Smith

He used the piano Paul McCartney played on for “Penny Lane” on one of the tracks. A cool tidbit ruined by the reviewer who then makes he leap that this album approached the greatness of The Beatles. Doubtful.

Let it burn

Note: Haven't done one of these in awhile, maybe it'll give me a bit of a push.

"Yes, there are two paths you can go by

But in the long run

There's still time to change the road you're on.

And it makes me wonder."

Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin

The fire skipped up from a flat long board to a dead branch hanging maybe three inches above. The flames hungered for the twisted, brown, dead leaves curled up at the end of sticks barely old enough to be alive. The thin gray wood warped under the heat.

The flames caught the leaves with greedy crackles snapping out as it swallowed up the lingering bits of moisture holding its place hoping that life and growth may soon again come.

The leaves blackened slowly from the stem on up. For an instant, they held their shape and form wanting to be remembered that way before crumbling and either falling into the ashes or blowing away in the wind.

Eventually the long flat board cracked and disappeared. The small fire burned the rest down into a pile of flaky ash and forgotten form.

I can't help but feel like I am dangling above the heat with the pressure cooking the last bits of creativity and hope away.

I wonder if this will change or always stay the same.

Snake's Encore: Elvis Presley - Exile On Mainstreet

In Snake's Collection

Exile On Main St - The Rolling Stones

This is the Rock 'N Roll opus from the Stones. Double albums are always a touchy subject and this one wasn't an instant classic. Out from the binds of their deal with Allen Klein, the Stones weren't pressed to pump out hit singles like a music machine, their biggest rival band had disbanded, and the drug use was getting heavier. The band ran away from the rising British tax system into 'Exile' in France to record this album. Mic is the noted detractor of this album. He was "bored with Rock 'N Roll" and wanted to do something different. One quote I've read said he thought the album "wasn't mixed very well." That makes no sense to me, and I have always thought that is a crutch artists fall back on as an excuse to use rather than say the real reason why they don't like an album (basically it wasn't what he wanted to do, he got out voted for once). Keith's love for the blues/rock roots are the entire album. It is that example of the classic rock album where the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts. 'Tumbling Dice' is the only hit, but gems 'Rocks Off', 'Rip This Joint', 'Sweet Virginia', 'Sweet Black Angel', 'Turd on the Run', (which for some reason is shown T**d on the Run on ITunes, I guess turd is a bad word), 'Happy' & 'Shine A Light' are must listens. The whole album is really a must listen, especially if you love blues based rock and Keith Richards. As I've learned more about Keith's background and his self acclaim to have lifted every Chuck Berry riff he ever played, I can hear it more and more in their music. The obvious sounds of the covers aside, listen to the guitar solo in 'Tumbling Dice'. I just noticed it this week, total Chuck Berry sound. It is a riff lifted start from every song Berry ever did. The band had their share of turmoil during this time and that seems to be a running theme through this list for making good albums. I love this one!

The Women Fire Back!

Exile In Guyville - Liz Phair

Liz stated this breakout album was written as a song by song response to "Exile on Main St". Most seem to discredit that claim though. The first obvious connection is that they both have 18 songs. Some of the themes seem to match on the few songs I have listened to, '6'1"' to 'Rocks Off', 'Never Said' to 'Tumbling Dice', and a very obvious 'Fuck and Run' to 'Turd on the Run'. Definitely a very angry, candid sound for Phair. I am pretty sure if I bought it, I would like it.

The Blueprint for a Revolution

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere - Neil Young with Crazy Horse

In my short sample listening to this album, it does sound like a good foundation, solid song set of some classic Neil Young with two songs clocking in over 9 minutes each. I had never heard the comment before now that many apparent feel 'Cinnamon Girl' with his extra fuzzed out guitars laid the blueprint for grunge in the 90's. Now, I am not saying that couldn't be true, but there is 20 years between this album and the first beginnings of the grunge scene. Usually there are several more stepping stones. The comment came from journalists, not the musicians, so it loses cred in my book.

The Start of a Revolution

Elvis Presley - Elvis Presley

This is where Rock N Roll began. Elvis tears up a bunch of covers as he ranges through RCA's catalog and becomes an instant icon. The sound of this album is so classic, the hollow old mono recordings instantly bring about the memories of all those old records. This one is probably lost anymore to the sea of Elvis greatest hits, especially "#1 Hits" and "2nd to None".

Speaking of Grunge

Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge - Mudhoney

This is a band that could have probably been very famous, but seemed to not make the right decisions with their career. Mudhoney has always been cited as a big influence to Nirvana and Cobain. They were first in the scene up in the northwest and even started their own label which housed alot of the grunge bands before they went big. That is where the tables turn. This album marks their choice to stay with their dying small time label after all the "big names" had jumped ship and taken major record deals and started making gobs of money. They turned down their offer and at the height of grunge decided to try a new sound that was a little more old school rock n roll. Doesn't seem like a smart business decisions to me. From what I've sampled on this album, they sound close to Nirvana. Better musicianship/instrumentation with not so insightful lyrics. But it makes me understand how they could have made it big and why they have the underground following they did. I guess this is an example of a band not 'selling out', i.e. staying poor.

Maybe In a Newer Revision

Enter The Chicken - Buckethead & Friends

This marked Buckethead's debut on Serj Tankian's (of System of a Down fame) label, Serjical Strike. It features the axe slinger being fronted by several different vocalists. I can never say enough good things about this album and I fear Big Red is probably sick of hearing about it, especially after he listens to the song samplings I sent him. This is an eclectic mix of metal, rock, pop, and all things awesome guitar. 'We Are On', 'Three Fingers', 'Waiting Hare', & 'Nottingham Lace' definitely stand above this already awesome pack.

Everyday Demons - The Answer

This is the Northern Irish rock band's second album. It is an amazing rock album. These guys can play it in that old school fashion that makes you go "Oh Yeah" as you crack it to 11. I owe ITunes for making 'Demon Eyes' a free single of the week. I was hooked instantly. It overly original, just some fresh Rock for your soul. 'On and On' and 'Pride', 'Dead of the Night', and the tender 'Comfort Zone' are awesome tracks, too.

1001 Albums (251-265): Elvis Presley - Exile On Main Street

Note: I didn't have a whole lot of interest in doing this the last week or so and I am pretty that is reflected in the outcome. Maybe Snake can pick up my flack. Maybe not, it's not the most thrilling group.

In Red’s Collection

Oh, well.

The Good

Elvis Presley (1956) by Elvis Presley

It’s Elvis with “Blue Suede Shoes” and such. That’s the extent of it.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969) by Neil Young with Crazy Horse

I don’t really know this album other than “Cinnamon Girl,” but I would wager it’s pretty solid.

Every Picture Tells A Story (1971) by Rod Stewart

Only The Rutles were bigger than Rod. This album knocked out hits like “Maggie May,” “Reason to Believe” and the title track.

Exile On Main St. (1972) by The Rolling Stones

This is Keith Richards baby and it’s an album entrenched in Rock ‘n Roll. Supposedly the band hated the music, which seems like a weird thing to me.

The Middle

Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) by Wu-Tang Clan

The eight-man clan spawned the careers of rappers like Method Man and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Exile in Guyville (1993) by Liz Phair

Phair became a cult hero among women with this album. It was straight in your face kind of stuff, quite a bit different from the pop she reappeared with a decade later.

The Rest

Emergency On Planet Earth (1993) by Jamiroquai

I only know one song from this guy and it isn’t on this album. Eh, I think the Brits were wild about this guy.

Emperor Tomato Ketchup (1996) by Stereolab

Female led band reminiscent of Nico and the Velvet Underground.

Endtroducing (1996) by DJ Shadow

More rap that’s what you need to know here.

En-Tact (1990) by The Shamen

This was a pshychedelic band in the 1980s. I think they missed their opportunity by 10 years.

Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge (1991) by Mudhoney

Seems like I should know Mudhoney, but I don’t know. I guess there good, just never hit it big. I’ve heard that story before.

Below the rest (I just don’t have anything clever to say)

Entertainment (1979) by Gang of Four

Eternally Yous (1978) by The Saints

Everything Must Go (1996) by Manic Street Preachers

Evol (1986) by Sonic Youth