Guy's Gallivant Into Music

Bulldog · 07-25-2009, 06:20 AM

Some interesting albums you've highlighted here. With the exception of the Darkness (really can't stand them I'm afraid), there are some names I should investigate a little further. Oddly enough, I don't actually have that Burning Spear album myself, so I'll definitely track that one down soon enough. Good call on Songs Of Leonard Cohen too - you've just reminded me that I need to update my discography thread on him very soon, so cheers for that

Just gonna download that Prime Circle taster now. I'll post back and let you know what I think of them.

zeppy111 · 07-25-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Some interesting albums you've highlighted here. With the exception of the Darkness (really can't stand them I'm afraid), there are some names I should investigate a little further. Oddly enough, I don't actually have that Burning Spear album myself, so I'll definitely track that one down soon enough. Good call on Songs Of Leonard Cohen too - you've just reminded me that I need to update my discography thread on him very soon, so cheers for that

Just gonna download that Prime Circle taster now. I'll post back and let you know what I think of them.

Somehow I knew that The Darkness wasn't going to go down well. Oh well. I think it is pretty cool purely on his voice, not on the actual spirit or talent of the music, as it lacks both to some extent.

If it is going to be anything like Costello's thread, it should be damn good and you should definitely get that thread going.

Cheers.

zeppy111 · 08-01-2009, 12:39 AM

Album: 1. Lou Reed - Transformer
Year: 1972
Genre: Rock/Glam-Rock

After his debut S/T album that was a commercial failure to most people, Reed released this peach of an album, Transformer. I know that it is arguably his most well-known album, and that most people already have it, and generally love it, this shout out is for the people that have never been blessed with the solo work of the ex-Velvet Underground guitarist and singer.

The album is a fine example of what Reed brought to VU and why they were such a success, such a talented guitarist and vocalist, although it could be argued that the drugs could have been the main contributors. Some of the songs such “Andy’s Chest” and “Satellite Of Love” were either released or linked to his VU days in some way, but sometimes branching away from the popish sounds, to a more adagio based set of songs/ballads. As well as Lou Reed, musicians such as David Bowie and Mick Ronson were involved in the project. Honestly, what is there to not look forward to?

Highlight: Satellite of Love

Album: 2. Damian Marley – Welcome To Jamrock
Year: 2005
Genre: Reggae

When I come to think of it, if your surname was Marley, and you had a father named Bob, you were blessed with some pretty spectacular genes. Damian is one of the many Marley’s, who have been a driving force in the reggae scene for the past 50+ years. Revolving around the regular topics of poverty and politics, this album is not on passion or lyrical insight. The most recognisable aspect to Damian and how you could tell him apart from his many siblings, is the use of the vocal technique of “toasting,” which in a nut-shell is when the artist either speaks or chants the lyrics over the beat or music. It may have been un-intentional at the time, but this album is almost foreshadowing his new release with Nas. This ranks right up their as one of the finer reggae albums I have heard, and you should too and if you think that he has a free-ride because of his father, you will be very surprised.

Highlight: Welcome to Jamrock

Album: 3. A Silver Mt. Zion - He Has Left Us Alone but Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corner of Our Rooms…
Year: 2000
Genre: Post-Rock/Experimental Rock

The debut album from the ever changing band which for this album was called A Silver Mt Zion… What a debut it was. It is predominantly an instrumental album, which lyrics/vocals only appearing on two of the tracks, which really showcased musicians in their zone. The whole album is a concoction of delightful sounds ranging from soothing piano to violin to clarinet, which makes up for the lack of vocals. I would compare it to records such as, “GY!BE – Lift Your Skinny Fists…” or “Maudlin Of The Well – Part The Second.” Although it shows characterises of these albums, it does not mimic, or sound boring even to someone who has listened to both of them more than 20 times, which definitely shows that their originality and zest.

(On a side note this album is challenging the top 3 spots for album of the decade personally. Behind the two mentioned above and The White Stripes – Elephant.)

Highlight: Blown-out Joy from Heaven's Mercied Hole

08-01-2009, 12:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
zeppy111 16, so? Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Africa Posts: 630	Weekly Albums #4 Album: 1. Lou Reed - Transformer Year: 1972 Genre: Rock/Glam-Rock After his debut S/T album that was a commercial failure to most people, Reed released this peach of an album, Transformer. I know that it is arguably his most well-known album, and that most people already have it, and generally love it, this shout out is for the people that have never been blessed with the solo work of the ex-Velvet Underground guitarist and singer. The album is a fine example of what Reed brought to VU and why they were such a success, such a talented guitarist and vocalist, although it could be argued that the drugs could have been the main contributors. Some of the songs such “Andy’s Chest” and “Satellite Of Love” were either released or linked to his VU days in some way, but sometimes branching away from the popish sounds, to a more adagio based set of songs/ballads. As well as Lou Reed, musicians such as David Bowie and Mick Ronson were involved in the project. Honestly, what is there to not look forward to? Highlight: Satellite of Love Album: 2. Damian Marley – Welcome To Jamrock Year: 2005 Genre: Reggae When I come to think of it, if your surname was Marley, and you had a father named Bob, you were blessed with some pretty spectacular genes. Damian is one of the many Marley’s, who have been a driving force in the reggae scene for the past 50+ years. Revolving around the regular topics of poverty and politics, this album is not on passion or lyrical insight. The most recognisable aspect to Damian and how you could tell him apart from his many siblings, is the use of the vocal technique of “toasting,” which in a nut-shell is when the artist either speaks or chants the lyrics over the beat or music. It may have been un-intentional at the time, but this album is almost foreshadowing his new release with Nas. This ranks right up their as one of the finer reggae albums I have heard, and you should too and if you think that he has a free-ride because of his father, you will be very surprised. Highlight: Welcome to Jamrock Album: 3. A Silver Mt. Zion - He Has Left Us Alone but Shafts of Light Sometimes Grace the Corner of Our Rooms… Year: 2000 Genre: Post-Rock/Experimental Rock The debut album from the ever changing band which for this album was called A Silver Mt Zion… What a debut it was. It is predominantly an instrumental album, which lyrics/vocals only appearing on two of the tracks, which really showcased musicians in their zone. The whole album is a concoction of delightful sounds ranging from soothing piano to violin to clarinet, which makes up for the lack of vocals. I would compare it to records such as, “GY!BE – Lift Your Skinny Fists…” or “Maudlin Of The Well – Part The Second.” Although it shows characterises of these albums, it does not mimic, or sound boring even to someone who has listened to both of them more than 20 times, which definitely shows that their originality and zest. (On a side note this album is challenging the top 3 spots for album of the decade personally. Behind the two mentioned above and The White Stripes – Elephant.) Highlight: Blown-out Joy from Heaven's Mercied Hole __________________ My Blog (album of the day): http://musicfromthesouth.blogspot.com

07-25-2009, 06:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Some interesting albums you've highlighted here. With the exception of the Darkness (really can't stand them I'm afraid), there are some names I should investigate a little further. Oddly enough, I don't actually have that Burning Spear album myself, so I'll definitely track that one down soon enough. Good call on Songs Of Leonard Cohen too - you've just reminded me that I need to update my discography thread on him very soon, so cheers for that Just gonna download that Prime Circle taster now. I'll post back and let you know what I think of them.