Rocket to Russia

Rolling Stone Rank: 105

Fun album to listen to, RS had a great line calling their tour the "Gospel of Three Chords", not a lot of substantial music, but another giant leap for the development of punk music. One of the first albums that was able to bottle the energy you felt inside CBGB's, and gave listeners all over the county a feeling for what was going on in the New York. The countdown has begun, as far as Justin's last days in the apartment. I wish him well on his journey up north.

Stats

Album: Rocket to Russia
Artist: The Ramones
Year: 1977
My Favorite Song: Love their cover of Do You Wanna Dance?
Next Up: Sam Cooke

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music

Rolling Stone Rank: 104

Why doesn't this get easier? My friends give me lousy advice, y'know? Or at least it feels like they do. Still up at 3:30, ugh. Anyway, I listened to this album earlier in the week, it's great. Charles has this fantastic and beautiful ability to communicate so much emotion in his voice, it really is an experience, and one that I wish I could have seen live in my life. Not sure that seeing the movie Ray really did it justice.
Well, Goodnight.

Stats

Album: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Artist: Ray Charles
Year: 1962
My Favorite Song: Half as Much
Next Up: Ramones

Sweet Baby James

Rolling Stone Rank: 103

Surprising album, at first listen. I was expecting a nonstop assault of acoustic guitar, singer-songwriter, soft singing, boring songs. Totally the opposite, and totally surprising.

btw, Food Network just went off-air for the night, I had no idea they weren't 24 hours. When they go off, they have this pretty neat graphic that says "good night". That was cool.

Ok, anyways, Fire and Rain, is so awesomely powerful, that it really sets the tone for the entire album. Taylor also plays a fair amount of blues, and even sings to an electric guitar on Steamroller blues. You can tell he's still looking for his voice though, he did a lot of experimenting with style and color throughout the album, like his arrangement of the Stephen Foster classic Oh Susanna.

Neat story about the final song, Suite for 20 G. Taylor didn't have enough songs to finish the album, but the record company had paid him twenty thousand dollars for the album, so he strung a few unfinished songs together, and gave it the appropriate title.

Stats

Album: Sweet Baby James
Artist: James Taylor
Year: 1970
My Favorite Song: Fire and rain
Next Up: Ray Charles

Giant Steps

Rolling Stone Rank: 102

Great listening, and a huge step in the jazz movement of the late 50s. I listened to this one on my way to and from golfing this afternoon, which got me thinking about how much I love the weather we had today. It was a perfect overcast day today. Not cold enough to force long sleeves or pants, but I didn't break out a sweat once today. This is kind of weather that you think of when you're thinking about fall. The kind of weather where at night, you can put on a long sleeve shirt or a sweatshirt, but you're not going to be shivering throughout the night. It's the kind of cold where you can sit hugged to your significant other, without it getting too hot or uncomfortable. Know what I mean? Maybe not, but that's what I think of when it's like this. can't believe that we're getting this in August though...

Stats

Album: Giant Steps
Artist: John Coltrane
Year: 1960
My Favorite Song: Spiral
Next Up: James Taylor

Fresh Cream

Rolling Stone Rank: 101

A great album from an awesome power trio. To be fair, Clapton could take any group to unbelievable heights, but combined with the jazzy drumming of Ginger Baker, and the melodic bass and voice of Jack Bruce. Clapton's playing shines through, he is the focal point of the group. A completely different sound than his big band sound he would conquer later. A wonderful start to the next 100, I Feel Free being a perfect song to start the 100.

Stats

Album: Fresh Cream
Artist: Cream
Year: 1967
My Favorite Song: I Feel Free
Next Up: Coltrane

In The Wee Small Hours

Rolling Stone Rank: 100

Man was this a great album. From beginning to end, this album stays with it's theme. A collection of melancholy anthems, said to be sung by Frank after his breakup from Ava Gardner. But, y'know have you seen Ava Gardner? She's definitely worth an album. Well, Mr. Sinatra, I feel for ya. Actually when you think about the background behind their relationship, you might not be all that empathetic towards the power couple. Ava had come from two previous marriages, and Frank left his famous wife Nancy for their 6 year relationship. I understand that Hollywood relationships are different from normal ones, but it's always a little bit harder to swallow for me. On the other hand, neither married again, so maybe their love was a bit more romantic

Musically, there's a lot to like, a lot to enjoy on this album. If I had a complaint, it would be that there's a bit too much Celeste. It's not my favorite instrument, and I like percussion.

Anyway, I loved it and 100 albums. Too many compilations, but I doubt I could have put together a better list. Could you?

Stats

Album: In The Wee Small Hours
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Year: 1955
My Favorite Song: Glad to Be Unhappy
Next Up: The Next 100

Not Quite 100

Hey all,

No, I'm not through Sinatra yet. I tried three times this weekend. But, well the weekend didn't go the way I thought I would. Anyway the album is emotional, to say the least, and I just haven't been in the mood to get all the way to the end. With school starting though, I know my mind will float back into order. Hey, have a great week.