1001 Albums (371-385): Highway 61 Revisited - Hot Rats

Note: We spend a lot of time in the 70s here. It's a better group then last week, but it falls off pretty badly about halfway through. But there's enough good before you get to the fodder to keep everyone entertained. We have a few more "H" albums before we get to "I."

In Red’s Collection

Hot Fuss (2004) by The Killers

I’ll be the first to admit that I have to take a closer listen to this album. It was one that joined my collection when I got married. I know the singles and they are for sure catchy and guitar-driven. I just need to spend more time with the other tracks to see if I can find some gold there.

The Good

Highway 61 Revisited (1965) by Bob Dylan

Dylan plugged in a month before the release of this album and was jeered at the Newport Folk Festival. This album turned Dylan from folk artist to rock star. Gone were the catchy 3-minute, chorus driven tunes. Enter driving 6-minute epic poems set alongside electric guitars and the drone of Dylan’s voice.

Highway to Hell (1979) by AC/DC

This was the first international breakthrough for the boys from Australia and the last album with Bon Scott as lead singer. The blueprint for even more success later is found on these tracks.

Hotel California (1976) by Eagles

There is probably not much more to say about the title that hasn’t been brought thousands of time. It’s a tune with layered meanings. There are a half dozen other “hits” here. I’ve always enjoyed the last song “The Last Resort.” It’s sort of a hidden gem.

The Middle

Honky Tonk Heroes (1973) by Waylon Jennings

A former Cricket and longtime studio musician in Nashville, Jennings took to producing here and along with songwriter Billy Joe Shaver created a stripped down, landmark country album.

Horses (1975) by Patti Smith

Patti Smith is an icon among female rock stars. She’s raw and this is her debut, which was produced by Velvet Underground alum John Cale. You can here bits of underground in there.

Hot Buttered Soul (1969) by Isaac Hayes

Hayes, like the cartoon character he would portray decades later, had one thing on his mind and in his music. Sex. He made make-out music like no other. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Hot Rats (1969) by Frank Zappa

Zappa couldn’t afford the Mothers of Invention anymore, so he broke up the band and brought in new musicians to record this instrumental jazz/blues album.

The Best of the Rest

H.M.S. Fable (1999) by Shack

Drug addict brother’s Mick and John Head made this album after several failed bands and projects. The music is a like a humbled version of Oasis. The artistry isn’t quite there, but neither is the pomp.

The Rest

The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975) by Joni Mitchell

Mitchell is starting to reach the ranks of Eno in terms of number of albums needlessly popping up here.

Histoire De Melody Nelson (1971) by Serge Gainsbourg

I think this might be the first French album we’ve had. At least, it has that going for it. Basically, sounds like some old guys trying to bag a hot younger girl by making this album.

The Holy Bible (1994) by Manic Street Preachers

I think we’ve seen these boys before. This is essentially the sound and self-loathing style that Radiohead has made millions with.

Home Is Where the Music Is (1972) by Hugh Masekela

Soul jazz, bop grooves and all kinds of things I don’t really understand happening on this South African album.

Honky Tonk Masquerade (1978) by Joe Ely

Here’s another supposed start of alt. country. I think we get one a week. Interestingly, the Clash picked him to open for them after he recorded this album. Their fans didn’t quite get the pick.

Homework (1997) by Daft Punk

Well here’s another French album. Aren’t we lucky today? Plus, it’s dance music. That’s double super.