1001 Albums (86-100): Bitches Brew - The Blueprint

Note: I struggled thinking of things to write this week. I think overall it's a pretty strong group. Just not one that I have a lot of experience with. 

In Red’s Collection

None – This makes me a sad panda.

Red’s Shameless Plug

Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) by the Red Chili Peppers

I pop this on here because I remember when this album came out and for briefly the Peppers were the biggest band in the world. Didn’t it seem then that this would be about as good as it gets from this group. I mean, they were kind of gimmicky with wearing nothing but socks over their dongs on stage and such. But we were wrong, they plastered up a couple good albums after this and solidified their spot in Rock’s upper echelon.

Two for One (A couple artists make the rare double appearances in the same group)

Black Sabbath (1970) and Black Sabbath Vol. 4 (1972) by Black Sabbath

I’ll probably let the Snake handle these two albums. He got more into Sabbath than I ever did. The first album here seems to be a no brainer as the first heavy metal album. The second seems to pay homage of how a great band can make great music even when severely altered by drugs and alcohol.

Blonde on Blonde (1966) and Blood on the Tracks (1975) by Bob Dylan

Blonde on Blonde is a staple album in the rock world with iconic songs like “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” “I Want You,” and “Just Like a Woman.” Dylan’s beginning to change his sound here and it comes during the backlash from his using the electric guitar. Nearly 10 years later, Dylan released Blood on the Tracks after a few albums that were poorly received. This album is said to be a conversation with his then wife Sara, as their marriage starts to fall apart. Great tunes like “Tangled Up in Blue,” and “Shelter from the Storm” highlight this album.


No Doubters

Bitches Brew (1970) by Miles Davis

This group picks up where we left off last week with Mile Davis twisting jazz, be-bop and a long list of other musical genres and fusing them together. Another classic album from the father of fusion that is worth giving a listen too.

Remember that one time

Blood, Sweat, and Tears (1969) by Blood, Sweat, and Tears

This won album of the year in 1969 with its hooks and classic tunes like “Spinning Wheel,” and “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.” This is a band with a lot of controversy surrounding it that hit it big with an album.


Up for Grabs (I am not sure where to pop these)

Blue (1971) by Joni Mitchell

Mitchell is a legendary folk songwriter, but I haven’t spent much time listening to her stuff. Sometimes, though her voice wears on me a little. I am not sure what it is about it, but I can’t stand it for very long.

The Blueprint (2001) by Jay-Z

This album was released on September 11, 2001, and managed not to get lost in the frantic events circling the country. Jay-Z seems to be a rapper with a sound business plan and he knows how to make an album that’s a cut above the rest of the rap crowd.

The Best of the Rest

Black Monk Time (1966) by The Monks

This is the precursor to punk with a lot of the future movement ideals evident in the lyrics and some punk hooks.

The Rest

Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde (1992) by The Pharcyde

This is rap that doesn’t take itself so seriously. This album also has skits on it that might be worth a listen.

Black Metal (1982) by Venom

Purposely heavy and dark, although unlike the groups that followed they meant their dark undertones as jokes.

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady (1963) by Charles Mingus

This is some more jazz, which if that is your cup of tea, then you might like this.

Blood and Chocolate (1986) by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

This doesn’t sound like an album that even Elvis Costello really liked. Figure that out.

Blue Lines (1991) by Massive Attack

The book makes this sound like the second coming of Jesus. I think they shot a little too high with their evaluation.