In Snake's Collection:
Blood on the Tracks - Bob Dylan:
This one is listed first because I feel it is the best of the collection and Dylan's best album ever. I had always heard this referred to as his last great album until 'Time Out of Mind' was released. It feels like a return to form for Dylan relying on acoustic guitars and blues/country rhythms. My favorite Dylan songs always seem to frame around his heartbreak rather than his political views. I listen to this album and feel this is his best vocal work. He seems more in control of his voice and the sadness really presses through at times. 'Tangled Up In Blue' is my all time favorite and kicks off this album with a bang. He tells stories throughout the album rather than making points. 'You're a Big Girl' and 'You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome' are fantastic songs, but 'Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts' is the gem of the album. This nine minute story built on a classic country rhythm with an old west setting is full of imagery and hidden meaning. I still can't quite figure the whole thing out. Red should really just read the lyrics to that song.
Black Sabbath Vol. 4 - Black Sabbath:
The more I listen to this album, the more I love it. As it was previously pointed out, big drug use during this time. 'Snowblind' is a cocaine reference that had to be edited because Ozzy shouted cocaine after every verse. The heavy stuff is in there, 'Snowblind', 'Tomorrow's Dream' & 'Supernaut'. They also began experimenting with different sounds. 'Changes' is more of a soft ballad with a very heartfelt performance from Ozzy. 'Laguna Sunrise' is a hidden gem, an acoustic instrumental that is very soft and sweet sounding like it is from Led Zeppelin III. 'St. Vitus Dance' has this amazing hook in it that isn't necessarily dark, but just amazing guitar playing. Frank Zappa has said this is the greatest rock album ever, because he loved the guitar throughout.
Blonde on Blonde - Bob Dylan:
Seems like most people consider this to be Dylan's greatest. There are alot of hits on here and it was a pivotal time for Dylan as a follow up to coming out electric. 'Absolutely Sweet Marie', 'Visions of Johanna', & 'Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again' are pure gold. Probably the one issue is that it is a double album. It is alot of information to consume. This album also highlights the formation of 'The Band' behind Dylan. It is an amazing album, I just connect with 'Blood on the Tracks' better.
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath:
This started it all and became a framing point for so many metal bands to come. 'The Wizard' is probably my all time favorite Sabbath song, influenced by Gandalf from the "Lord of the Rings". They came out firing with some dark subject matter and the suggestion at the occult probably was a better buzz builder than not. The album was recording live in 2 days adding to the overall vibe and sound. They nailed it the first time.
Got It Right
Blind Faith - Blind Faith
I've always read and heard the buzz around this album and the super group behind it. I have it and it isn't anything special at all. It was always just about buzz and controversy from a stupid cover. I am glad this one did not make the list.
Transformation
Blood Sugar Sex Magik - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This album marked the height of their creative genius in the early 90's. This would be the heaviest they ever got and kick out their biggest commercial success. Then, it marked the end of the era for them. John Frusciante quit the band. He would later return and spurn a rebirth of the Pepper's and probably their best work by far. But those albums will come later.
This Shit Is Messed Up
Bitches Brew - Miles Davis
This is a landmark Fusion/Progressive album. I give Miles all the credit he is due as a genius. I enjoy 'Birth of the Cool' and 'Kind of Blue'. I tried to listen to this once and man was it F'd up. It was crazy and over my head. Of course, alot of the stuff I listen to now made me feel that way earlier in my youth. Maybe I would get it now, but it is out there. Unlike anything you've ever heard and pretty amazing if you can grasp it.
Snake's Homework
Black Monk Time - The Monks
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde - The Pharcyde
Black Metal - Venom
I like what Red wrote about these. I wish I had more time this week to prepare and give these a better listen. I am gonna have to keep tabs on my homework assignments and try to revisit them down the road. These sounds pretty interesting.
Final Thoughts (a la Jerry Springer)
'Be good to each other' just kidding! Overall this was a half and half group. Half really good and half kinda 'eh'. Still this was the most personal experience I have had with a single group, so that was fun.
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2 comments:
The book mentioned how "Blood on the Tracks" in often reference point when Dylan's releases a new album. "The best since..." theory.
It got me thinking a few years back, and I don't remember the band or album, but this particular band released a new album and I heard someone reference it as their best album since a previous album. Once I got to thinking about it, that band hadn't released any albums in between those two. So I guess that is one case when that statement was completely accurate.
Did you know that Black Sabbath IV was initially going to be title "Snowblind" but the record company wouldn't allow it?
Sorry it took me so long to respond, it was a busy few days.
I read that about Vol IV when I was doing some research. I had always thought at first it was maybe a tribute to Zep, but then figured it had to be some issue with the record company or them not caring because of their drug use. I;ve never really liked that song anyway.
It is amazing how much that "Best album since" crap gets used to no point. We just talked about it last year with all this 'Death Magnetic' is the best Metallica album since 'And Justice For All'.
It is all crap reviewers use to build hype for the album, most of it totally baseless.
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