CLASSIC ALBUM REVIEWS

THE CULT – Electric – Album Review

December 25, 2023

No Comments

THE CULT - Electric - Album Review

Day 13 on the road to 50.

This album kicks absolute balls on every level and every track is a complete powerhouse!

This was the prominent soundtrack to my 1987 and still to this day I marvel at its raw power.

This is my own personal favourite Cult album.

Electric is possibly not the most generally popular of their catalogue but for me it holds so many memories. I first bought this on cassette at a time in my life when i was beginning to experiment with alcohol and growing an attitude. I’m pretty sure this cassette was played hundreds of times over the period of a couple of years, at annoyingly loud levels. I was just mesmerised by the edginess of their music and the songs on this album made me feel like I could take on the world (after a 2 litre of Olde English obviously)

There is no other band similar to The Cult, there is just so much gusto in their music coupled with some of the most powerful rock music hooks ever written. I still come back to this album a lot in times when i need a release and a trip back to simpler teenage times.

Sonic Temple is possibly a stronger album production wise but for me this is about the memories held within this collection.

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL THE CULT WEBSITE

https://youtu.be/fVHyoIQchJo?si=ePcCbkvC4uFh5I6z

RELATED MUSIC TO CHECK OUT ON VINYL

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=4q9B8pqGtbwabbjq

NIGHTMARES ON WAX – Smokers Delight – Album Review

December 24, 2023

No Comments

NIGHTMARES ON WAX - Smokers Delight - Album Review

Day 12 on the run down of the great 50, as penned by the owner of a record store.

For those who are just joining the party, at this stage back in 2021, in exactly 38 days i hit the big five O and to celebrate the fact, I dropped a favourite album from my life in music, every evening at 6pm.

There are thousands of more obscure albums that will sadly not see this 50 as I wanted to make this countdown about the heavy hitters all the way.

Today’s slab of perfectly formed plastic is a low slung trip hop classic.

This album brings back so many amazing afterparty memories for me. Sitting in smoke filled gaffs at 7am with the new best friends you met for the first time 12 hours previously, everything all seemed to make so much sense and the answers to some of life’s biggest questions were so eloquently answered.

From the off and the sublime ‘Nights Introlude’ right through to the parting shot of the tribal masterpiece ‘Gambia Via Vagator Beach’ this album never pretends to be anything other than it is - a relaxing, downtempo trip for all those who like to get seriously lost within their music.

Listening to this album is an experience the likes of which you rarely come into contact with these days. Each song from its reggae structures to the dubby trip hop flavours is a personal interpretation of previous music forms. Some of the layers and melodies are just so hypnotic and lock you into a dreamy world of imagination.

Many people prefer his second album ‘Carboot Soul’ as its a bit more modern / musical, but for me this one does it for the brilliant memories attached and the lifelong friends made.

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL THE NIGHTMARES ON WAX WEBSITE

https://youtu.be/C6ixa3G_tL4?si=66qhJ1C8tXyPV8G8

RELATED MUSIC TO CHECK OUT ON VINYL

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=4q9B8pqGtbwabbjq

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS – Dig Your Own Hole – Album Review

December 22, 2023

No Comments

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - Dig Your Own Hole - Album Review

Day 11 and i thought I’d drop one of my top 50 from the banger pile.

In my humble opinion Dig Your Own Hole is one of, if not ‘the’ finest breakbeat & electronica albums ever written. From the very moment you are slapped across the face with Block Rockin Beats, it’s a case of strapping yourself in for 1hr and 3minutes of twisted carnage.

There’s a completely different level of filthy nastiness going on with some of the beats in this album, and studio knob crunching that almost goes a step beyond the acceptable. How they get their tracks so big has baffled me for years.

Everyone has their own favourite Chems album and I have a few that are seriously close, Born In The Echoes is just incredible and a close second for me.

I said this recently in a post and I’ll stick to it. In my opinion the finest electronic music act of the past 20 years. Not many can appeal to the masses whilst still remaining current, cutting edge and interesting. You will always find something new with each fresh listen. The mark of a good act.

Two heroes of my world.

Have a great Saturday evening folks

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS WEBSITE

https://youtu.be/0kMfTYPzSnI?si=_Rdaow7ifL5-2qH_

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=4q9B8pqGtbwabbjq

DEF LEPPARD – Hysteria – Album Review

December 21, 2023

No Comments

DEF LEPPARD - Hysteria - Album Review

Day 10 OF 50 and this album was a complete game changer for rock music.

If ever the term “All killer, no filler” applied to a recorded collection of music, this album lays claims to that title at its very highest level.

Anyone who has ever recorded and produced a rock band in a recording studio environment will agree with me 100% when I say that they really don’t come much bigger production wise.

There’s a fascinating documentary about the making of this album and the influence that Mutt Lange had on the production. You can hear the colossal recording budget in every massive snare hit and the vocal harmonies and layering throughout are just crazy.

There are few other 80’s rock albums that come close to the sheer vastness of this production.

If you’re not a fan, please indulge me and stick a pair of good headphones on and listen to this very loudly in its entirety, I would love to hear your viewpoint. If you are a fan, step inside again and refresh yourself on the magnitude of these songs.

Absolute beastlike album of the highest order and iconic for anyone who appreciates the work that goes into studio productions.

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL DEF LEPPARD YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://youtu.be/3SluRyO4EA4?si=julSs7FjQZhiRG95

https://youtu.be/ENJGhyADs1M?si=m8s5dpYuEBEY5R0r

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=4q9B8pqGtbwabbjq

RADIOHEAD – In Rainbows – Album Review

December 20, 2023

No Comments

RADIOHEAD - In Rainbows - Album Review

DAY 9 OF 50 REVIEWS ON THE LEAD UP TO A RECORD STORE OWNER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY

Day 9 on the road to the half century and today’s staple in my collection is a complete gem.

Not many bands get two places in my top 50 but these guys are one of the exceptions.

Radiohead are without doubt one of the finest, most innovative rock bands in history and ‘In Rainbows’ is one of those albums that I continuously find myself coming back to for quite a lot of very spiritual moments within.

There’s an unusual structure to this album which oddly works, and there are no boring or weak songs like so many other band albums. Some of the complex, but highly listenable programming and beautiful synth string textures on this album are just mind blowing, I never tire of listening to this.

‘Reckoner’ and ‘Weird Fishes’ are just two of the most beautifully layered songs ever and Thom Yorke’s writing abilities are plain and simply, genius.

Like I mentioned above, this is the first of two albums to appear in my 50.

I’ll be using the word ‘genius’ probably quite a lot throughout the rest of my 50 btw, apologies in advance.

There ya go, another day closer to the big 50 and there are so many heavy hitters on their way.

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL RADIOHEAD WEBSITE

CHECK OUT THOM YORKE'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://youtu.be/_uofQD-N6UI?si=tl0Cl0NjlOZgSJjm

https://youtu.be/ejdZEe4Rd0o?si=jPf_s1G55JTbyhXS

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=4q9B8pqGtbwabbjq

STEVIE NICKS – Bella Donna – Album Review

December 19, 2023

No Comments

STEVIE NICKS - Bella Donna - Album Review

DAY 8 OF 50 REVIEWS ON THE LEAD UP TO A RECORD STORE OWNER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY

I pride myself on getting through life without developing many crushes along the way, but for this particular lady I made an exception.

I first brought this woman’s music into my home in the mid 80’s and since then she has been the perfect travelling house guest, moving with me from home to home, always there when you need a cheer up and always on hand for guidance when times get tough.

From way before I was old enough to appreciate the female voice in all of its glory I have admired this most amazing of singers on a level like very few others.

From beautiful, heartfelt ballads such as "Kind Of Woman" and "After The Glitter Fades" to absolute vocal piledrivers such as "Edge Of Seventeen" and "Stop Daggin My Heart Around" this album has everything that i could possibly need if i was stranded on a deserted island, obviously with a music player and a power source!

If you do nothing else productive this evening I urge you to take 42 minutes and reacquaint yourself with this album.

You will struggle to find a stronger collection of perfect songs and perfect vocals anywhere in the music archives.

This lady has survived drug addictions, relationship breakdowns and every form of music industry stress over the years. The fact that she's still performing at 75 years of age and looks amazing is testament to the strength of her character.

Until tomorrow

Have a lovely evening.

https://youtu.be/Dn8-4tjPxD8?si=j_AcgrMjTlaJKsA9

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=se9DejvDSVoapCht

ZERO 7 – Simple Things – Album Review

December 15, 2023

No Comments

ZERO 7 - Simple Things - Album Review

DAY 7 OF 50 REVIEWS ON THE LEAD UP TO A RECORD STORE OWNER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY in 2021

Day 7 in my 50 favourite albums is a stunning Balearic masterpiece.

I absolutely adore this album and how it pretty much created it’s own genre.

“Simple Things” has been a permanent feature on whatever turntable, CD player, car stereo or headphones I’ve owned for many years.

This beautiful collection of inoffensive, coffee shop trip hop was first released 22 years ago. The two Brits in front of the studio mixing desk, Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker have had their music compared to the French electronica style of bands like Air. I can totally appreciate there may be influences, but in the same breath i believe they’re on a much different page.

It still shocks me when i learn that friends haven’t had the pleasure of Zero 7 and I love to introduce people to their music.

If for some reason they have passed you by and you appreciate soulful downtempo music for sunny afternoons, I urge you to spend an hour or two bingeing their albums, I guarantee you will spot instrumental music that you’ve heard somewhere before but just can’t put your finger on where. Probably a tv travel show or midday property programme.

When you listen to and dissect the songs you will appreciate how many subtle parts go into the making of this album.

Some of the vocals and harmonies are just beautiful and feature two stunning performances from a young Sia, on the tracks "Destiny" and "Distractions"

Everything within this collection of soulful songs happens at exactly the right time and you grow a deeper understanding of their production skills with every listen.

Soulful, uplifting and just plain lovely.

BUY THE VINYL OF SIMPLE THINGS FROM BELFAST UNDERGROUND

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL ZERO 7 WEBSITE

https://youtu.be/mV5FhnK2UKM?si=XiPycasCLixtHQrM

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=se9DejvDSVoapCht

THE DOORS – The Doors – Album Review

December 13, 2023

No Comments

THE DOORS - The Doors - Album Review

DAY 6 OF 50 REVIEWS ON THE LEAD UP TO A RECORD STORE OWNER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY in 2021

Day 6 in my 50 favourite albums.

Today’s album choice has so many imperfections that it makes it almost perfect in my eyes.

I’ve had a fascination with Jim Morrison from my 20’s and any of the rock die hards who follow the troubled life of this man will agree that it’s about so much more than the music. There’s a story of a tormented, erratic genius at work here which a lot of people who just look on the surface don’t truly understand.

Morrison's unmistakable somber tones alongside Ray Manzarek's moody but quirky keyboard melodies all come together to create some majorly psychedelic, sonic experiences throughout the entire album.

This stunning debut album opens with the up tempo "Break On Through (To the Other Side)," which sets out the stall perfectly for what's to follow. Morrison's raw and far from perfect vocals, drag you into a world of drug fuelled chaos.

"Light My Fire" is probably the most popular classic on the album. At more than seven minutes long, it became the band's big hit. The incredibly catchy organ hook by Manzarek, and Morrison's intense vocals all work together to create a truly standout piece that still locks me in to this day.

Other heavyweight tracks include the blues influenced "Back Door Man," and incredibly haunting "The End," The album creates many different moods with its multiple twists and turns and a distinctly druggy atmosphere, showcasing the band's knack of fusing different musical elements into a package, regardless of Morrison's state at the time.

This album offers a varied blend of funk infused rock music and lyrics penned by a soul in varying degrees of consciousness. There's something for everyone in here. Pure darkness, optimism, pessimism and introspection. A timelsss masterpiece for me on so many levels.

Would this album still mean as much if Morrison was still alive? Who knows. I just know that it has stood the test of time with me. I only choose albums that I actively listen to regularly. This is the mark of a classic album in my opinion.

Until tomorrow..

CHECK OUT THE DOORS WEBSITE

https://youtu.be/VScSEXRwUqQ?si=gehE9tHwCwulAZd_

https://youtu.be/QObdI2o8teM?si=se9DejvDSVoapCht