Snake's Encore: Hot Shots II - If Only I Could Remember My Name

In Snake's Collection:

Hybrid Theory - Linkin Park

This album really sticks out as a turn of the century time piece. Like they finally got the rock/rap formula right and made some good songs. The problem is they didn't change that formula and have since faded it seems. I like this album, alot of anger and pain in the lyrics.

Hunky Dory - David Bowie

This is easily the most important, influential album in this group. This represents the transitional period for Bowie from the early Rock N Roll roots to the glam rock that he would basically invent. The music is more laid back, but the lyrics are deeply expressive and directly lay out Bowie's new career direction. The first track, 'Changes' puts it all out in the table from the start. "Strange fascinations, fascinating me. Changes are taking the pace I'm going through." The gem of this album will forever be 'Life On Mars?' The lyrics are cut up, imaginative and give everyone a different impression of what is going on. The tune grabs you and makes it want to sing along, but you are forced to listen hard to the words and decipher what it means to you. When I first heard this song a couple years ago, it was a transcendent experience. It is the single best example of Bowie's genius. 'Oh, You Pretty Things' is a catchy interesting tune in which Bowie sings of the ending of the Homo Sapien race in favor of the Home Superior, saying "Earth is a bitch". There is something in the way he says bitch that seems to always catch my ear. 'Quicksand' also deals with the influence of Nietzsche's idea of the Overman. The majority of the album is based on tributes or stylings from the various musical/artistic influences in Bowie's life. 'Kooks' is a song for his newborn son that is in the style of the early 70's Neil Young record he was listening to. 'Queen Bitch' is a tribute to Velvet Undergound and their style. 'Andy Warhol' and 'Song for Bob Dylan' are self explanatory tributes although I read that Andy Warhol didn't like his song because he thought Bowie was poking fun at his physical stature. Bowie somehow takes all these influences in his life and weaves them back into this tapestry that is all his own. True Genius.

Good Stuff

Hysteria - Def Leppard

It is hard to deny this song line-up that reads more like their greatest hits. Tragedy seems to bring out the best in rock groups (a la "Back In Black"). Although I still hear more people talk about "Pyromania" than this album. I really don't know why.

BIGGEST SNUB THUS FAR

Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin

This is probably my second favorite Zep album and represented a major turning point for the band as it was the first with completely original material, displayed a new direction using more studio techniques and most obviously, the first not named after the band. 'The Crunge' is the best hidden gem among Zep albums. The funky bass line and musical style of this song is like nothing else in their catalogue. 'Over The Hills And Far Away', 'Dancing Days', 'The Song Remains The Same', 'D'yer Maker', and 'The Ocean' are still staples of classic rock radio. 'No Quarter' is epic. 'Rain Song' is beautifully done. This album and LZ IV represent the height of their musical prowess. No one should ever over look or under credit this album!

Other Notables

Human Clay - Creed

This album was everywhere! Literally, even one had a copy of this album. 'What If', 'Higher' and 'Arms Wide Open' were so good it pissed me off, because I had already taken the stance in high school that I didn't like Creed. It seems like the kind of album that would be in this book.

Hypnotize - System of a Down

This was the second half of the split double album, the first half being "Mezmerize". This album seemed to go even deeper with their lyrics and message as it was heavily built by Doran Malakian. The songs seem to flow better and are less frantic, most of the time. And I know Red liked 'Lonely Day' which I think sets up nicely for 'Soldier's Side' to finish the album and tie it back together with "Mezmerize" which featured 'Soldier's Side' as a short intro track. The album is still heavy and powerful when it needs to be, like the first song out the gate 'Attack'.

I Get Wet - Andrew W. K.

This frantic debut was a large part of my musical life for probably two years. It is a good time and all the songs just get into your blood and make you wanna sing, dance and go crazy. The album cover is awesome, too. It really sets a good stage for the rough ride ahead. And then just as fast as Andrew hit the big time, he faded back into obscurity. But man it was a wild ride.

Icky Thump - The White Stripes

This was a return to their roots after "Get Behind Me Satan". 'Rag And Bone', 'Little Cream Soda', 'Catch Hell Blues' and 'Effect and Cause' represent those blues roots (Baby Brother is actually a bonus track). There is a great cover of 'Conquest' on this album that is kind of a treat. 'You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told)' is another one of those quintessential White Stripes songs. 'I'm Slowly Turning Into You' is a slow, whiny heart breaking song that seems to be a Stripes staple as well. 'St. Andrew (This Battle Is In That Air)' is an interesting Scottish influenced tune. A very good album all around.