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.