Plainview's Musical Odyssey - 20 Pieces of Music That Deserve Your Attention.

Plainview · 05-14-2015, 10:26 AM

If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.

Welcome to my Journal. I'm going to be counting down 20 pieces of music that I think you should hear, from the popular and well known to the obscure. These are all choices that have a personal value to me, that resonate with me on an emotional level, so I hope you'll enjoy them too.

I'll keep this updated with each post as I progress.

The 20:
1. Invisible Blues - Sunny Murray
2. The Black Angel's Death Song - The Velvet Underground

Plainview · 05-14-2015, 11:20 AM

To begin this Odyssey, something suitably dramatic is needed. Having racked my brain for a worthy way to begin this Journal, I came to the decision I'd go for a slice of Sunny Murray.

For those unfamiliar with him, Murray is a highly influential free Jazz drummer, and his flowing and ever-changing style, emphasising tempo changes and texture over traditional time-keeping, makes for some really novel and exciting compositions. This is one of my favourites, although he has plenty of great pieces.

Invisible Blues has a particular energy and explosiveness that is very appealing to me. I'd recommend that any fans of experimental Jazz seek him out.

Spoiler for Number 1:

That begins the journal, stayed tune for the second pick!

Plainview · 05-17-2015, 06:41 AM

Number 2, as the explosive start to our journey gives way to something slightly more mellow. Next is The Black Angel's Death Song, an urban-industrial wash of poetry and philosophy from The Velvet Underground's debut album. Dark and atmospheric, but with a peaceful catharsis too, it is made all the more interesting by John Cale's use of the Electric Viola, and by Lou Reed's rolling yet jagged delivery that is reminiscent of Bob Dylan. The highlight of their output for me, definitely worth your time.

Spoiler for Number 2: