365, Album of the Day 2014

One Year, 365 Different Albums.


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#365AOTD Year in Review

collage-2014-12-20

In the fall of 2013, I got the idea in my head to listen to a different album every day for a year and write about it. In this day and age, that is called blogging, Annette. Having only one membership in a social media site, Facebook, I needed to broaden my horizons a bit. At the suggestion of my friend Hannah, I joined Twitter and this site, the wonderful WordPress.Com. My thinking was that I would use WordPress as my actual blog and then advertise for lack of a better word on FB and Twitter. It turned out that I ended up incorporating my Twitter tweet into the blog itself. This proved to be like getting an extra scoop of ice cream in your sundae. I loved this added bonus to the blog. So having the social media and blog site in place, I began. My dear friend Lisa celebrates a birthday on the first day of the year. She is a huge Leonard Cohen fan, so in honor of her birthday, the very first album I listened to for this project was his “Ten New Songs” from 2001. What have I gotten myself into? An album a day for 365 straight days? Am I crazy? Yes, yes I am.

If you haven’t figured it by now, I LOVE music. I have a passion for it that is really unmatched with anything else in my life. So I was excited about taking on this musical adventure. One of my goals, was to listen to artists I hadn’t really heard before. To some extent, that happened. I did hear bands or peeps for the first time, but more often than not, I listened to people I had already known. The exception to this would be hearing new material from a band or artist that was released in the past year. So, it doesn’t come to any surprise to me that I ended up, for the most part, staying within my comfort zone. Even still, I listened to something different EVERY DAY. And with great pride I can say that I didn’t miss a day for the entire year, not a one. Yay for me. Let’s look a little closer at how the year paned out.

At the start, I created a spreadsheet, I love me some spreadsheet, with at least 365 different artists, bands and composers so that I knew I could have something to choose from throughout the year. Wouldn’t you know, I actually ran out of time for some artists. More on that later. So I had a blueprint of sorts as a loose guide for the year. Another thing that I knew I would do was to listen to at least one album from each year that I have been alive. Success. Not only did I accomplish that goal, I covered the past 64 years in music. Yes, I heard something from each year between 1950-2014. I also heard five releases from the 1940s, the oldest being Edith Piaf’s 1940 “Hymne à l’amour.” Here is a break down by decade:

2010-14= 32
2000s= 59
1990s= 87
1980s= 69
1970s= 52
1960s= 41
1950s= 20
1940s= 5

The year with the most albums represented is 1994; I listened to 16 LPs, 1999 was second with 14 and 1997 with 13. What a decade for music. I was in my 20s during the 90s and consumed greatly by Jam Rock kings the Grateful Dead and in the latter part of the decade, Phish. So even with my distraction elsewhere, it was nice to appreciate such a great ten years. As far as types of records goes, I did 20 live albums, 14 compilation discs and 12 soundtracks or original cast recordings. And then there were the genres. Counting sub-genres as well, I clocked approximately 120 different styles or types of music:

Acoustic, Adult Alternative, Adult Contemporary, A Cappella, Alt Country, Alt Hip-Hop, Alt Rock, Alternative, Ambient Techno,
Art Rock, Avant-Garde, Be-Bop, Big Band, Blue Eyed Soul, Blues, Big Band, Britpop, Calypso, Chanson, Choral, Classical Choral, Comedy Rock, Cool Jazz, Country, Country Rock, Dance, Dance Pop, Dance Punk, Dance Rock, Disco, Downtempo, Dream Pop, Dub, Easy Listening, Electronic, Electronica, Electro Funk, Experimental Rock, Exotica, Flamenco Rumba, Folk, Folk Rock, Folktronica, Funk, Funk Rock, Glam Rock, Go-Go, Gothic Rock, Grunge, Hard-Bop, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Hindustani, Hip-Hop, House, Indie Rock, Irish, Jangle Pop, Jam Rock, Jazz Folk, Jazz Funk, Jazz Fusion, Jazz Hip-Hop, Jazz Rock, Krautrock, Livetronica, Lounge, March, Musical Satire, Musical Theater, Neo-Psychedelia, Neo-Psychedelic, New Folk, New Wave, Nu Jazz, Opera, Polka, Pop, Pop Country, Pop Rock, Pop Reggae, Post Disco, Post Punk, Progressive Bluegrass, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Pop, Psychedelic Rock, Punk, Punk Rock, Radio Broadcast, Rap, Reggae, Rock, Rock and Roll, Rock Hip-Hop, Shoegazing, Ska, Soft Rock, Son Cubano, Soul, Soul Rock, Southern Rock, Swing, Symphonic Rock, Synth Pop, Techno, Texas Country, Traditional Pop, Trip-Hop, 20th Century, Vocal, Voice, Western Swing, World and Worldbeat!

Having compiled this list, there are two glaring genre omissions that I can’t believe didn’t make it this year. Can you find them? I’ll help you with one of the two, first I never did a proper bluegrass record. I did listen to Béla Fleck & The Flecktones which is more of progressive bluegrass. I also gave a listen to Jerry Garcia and David Grisman’s “So What” LP. But this has more of a jazz feel to it than traditional bluegrass. There is another genre that completely got overlooked, give up? Gospel.

Sometime in September I took an inventory of days left in the year and bands/artists I had yet to feature. At this point I realized I wasn’t going to be able to do everyone who was on the list. This is how gospel didn’t make the cut. In fact, many people didn’t get selected, many more than I had originally expected. I feel I owe an apologetic shout-out of sorts to some of these folks. Check out some of these neglected folk: Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Al Green, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt, Little Walter, Fats Waller, Shirley Bassey, Shirley Horn, Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Ramsey Lewis, Django Reinhardt, Stan Getz, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Diane Reeves, Dexter Gordon, Pat Methaney, Sarah Vaughn, Esperanza Spalding, Terence Blanchard, Wynton Marsalis, Brandford Marsalis, John McLaughlin, Anita O’ Day, Charlie Byrd, The Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Buddy Guy, Solomon Burke, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Ry Cooder, Harry Sweets Edison, Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Bette Midler, Anikulapo Kuti & Africa ’70, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Debussy, Britten, Strauss, Mahler, Schuman, Berlioz, Steve Reich, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Beyoncé, Arrested Development, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, Bobby Brown, Midnight Star, Run DMC, Black Eyed Peas, Notorious B.I.G., Queen Latifah, Eminem, Wilson Pickett, Taj Mahal, The Impressions, The Neville Brothers, Everly Brothers, Peter, Paul and Mary, Raphael Saadiq, Janelle Monae, Bruno Mars, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Parliament, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, The Shins, Modest Mouse, Postal Service, The Books, Mumford and Sons, Bob Schneider, The Black Keys, Antibalas, Wilco, All Mighty Senators, The Specials, Book of Love, The Pixies, Bauhaus, Brian Eno, The Stranglers, Exene Cervenka, Depeche Mode, The Replacements, JJ Cale, New York Dolls, Roxy Music, Television, Chicago, King Crimson, Cheap Trick, Zero 7, Air, DJ Shadow, RJD2, Little Dragon, Morphine, Tortoise, Nick Cave, The Roots, Alanis Morrisette, Liz Phair, PJ Harvey, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge, Eva Cassidy, Diana Krall, Tom Waits, John Prine, John Hiatt, Jamie Cullum, George Winston, Foster the People, Devendra Banhart, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Florence and the Machine, Ásgeir, Donavon Frankenreiter, The Rolling Stones (I left them off on purpose!) and The Who. Whew, let me catch my breath for a minute. Even managing to do 365 different artists this past year, look at how many were excluded!? And, we know there are still many, many more that could have been chosen.

Now don’t go getting any bright ideas like how I should do it all over again. Wrong! I must say, I have greatly enjoyed these past five days without any pressure to select an album, listen to it and then post something about it. Still, this project was a true labor of love for me. It gave me a much needed creative outlet and was more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. Even with a few things I wished I had done differently, I have no regrets and am just overjoyed that I took on such a lofty endeavor. Having said that, I have created a new blog for the new year. That’s right, tune into http://365photooftheday2015.wordpress.com/ for: 365, Photo of the Day 2015; One Year, 365 Different Photos. I also wouldn’t be surprised if I picked up another project somewhere along the way to blog about. I am a sucker for lists so I could see a list blog in my future. Until then, check out the POTD. Today’s photo of the day, naturally, is the above collage of album covers. I mean, how could it not be?

PS. I have a couple of extra tidbits of my own about the blog to add:

-Excluding a few jazz musicians that played on more than one disc, people who were producers and special guests on other records, there were eleven people who appeared twice in some capacity or another on the list. They were:

1. Paul Simon, solo and with Simon and Garfunkel.
2. Donald Fagen, solo and with Steely Dan.
3. Jerry Garcia with David Grisman and with the Grateful Dead.
4. George Harrison, solo and with The Beatles. He is the only Beatle to have this distinction.
5. Sting, solo and with The Police.
6. David Byrne, solo and with Talking Heads.
7. Thom Yorke with Atoms for Peace and with Radiohead.
8. Mick Jones with Big Audio Dynamite and with the Clash.
9. Julie Andrews on “Mary Poppins” OMPS and on “The Sound of Music” OMPS.
10. John Eliot Gardiner conducting “Brahms: Eine Deutsches Requiem” and “Handel: Messiah.”
11. Stephen Sondeheim, lyricist for “West Side Story” OMPS and composer and lyricist for “Company” OBCR.

-Here is some #365AOTD trivia. How many different albums where featured on the blog? The obvious guess would be 365. If you chose 365 as your answer, you would be wrong. Leave it to Prince to release two albums a day apart in 2014, “Art Official Age & Plectrumelectrum.” I did both for the price of one, #365AOTD 292. Thus, the answer is 366.

PSS. WordPress compiled some data regarding my past year. Check it out:

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,700 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 45 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.


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#365AOTD 365 “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” The Beatles 1967

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Ladies and gentlemen, the number 7 proudly presents the last album in the 365, Album of the Day 2014 blog, drum roll please:

The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Applause Applause.

Gonna try with a little help from my friends.

It has taken 364 days for us to arrive at this moment. As I have mentioned in other posts throughout the year, #365AOTD 112 and #365AOTD 221, my Mount Rushmore of bands consist of Talking Heads, Phish, Grateful Dead and today’s final entry, The Beatles. It only seemed fitting to end my year long project with the greatest band ever and greatest album ever made. Don’t even try to argue against “The Greatest” moniker because it is a factual truth. I have been referring to a couple of the Rolling Stone Magazine’s Greatest, fill in the blank, lists, particularly the 500 Greatest Albums List, for this blog. Yes, there are many occasions where they are dead wrong and I get annoyed at them. But there is zero doubt in my mind that they were not mistaken when they gave The Beatles the top slot, that’s number one people, in both the Greatest Album of All Time and Greatest Artist of All Time Lists. And if that isn’t impressive enough, let’s look a little closer at the 500 Greatest Albums List, shall we? They have ten records that make the list; 2 in the top 100, 1 in the top 15, 1 in the top ten, and 3 in the top 5. Excuse me? 4 total in the top ten of greatest albums ever? 3 IN THE TOP 5, including number 1? Holy Nitro Glycerin, Batman! And if this doesn’t blow you away, here are some other Beatles’ stats to chew on: “The best-selling band in history, the Beatles have sold between 600 million and (at EMI estimates) over 1 billion units worldwide. They have had more number-one albums on the British charts, fifteen, and sold more singles in the UK, 21.9 million, than any other act. As of 2012, they hold the record for most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with twenty. The Recording Industry Association of America certifies that the Beatles have sold 178 million units in the US, more than any other artist. ^ Still not convinced? Then I shall make this argument instead. Even if you just don’t care for their music, they are the most influential band in history. There are no contemporary musicians who haven’t been impacted by The Fab Four. And I just don’t mean rock or pop music either, I mean everything from Country to Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B and even classical. From 1963, the year of their first record, “Please, Please Me,” until 1970, they not only changed the game drastically, they did it twice. When they burst onto the music scene in the early 60s their music was fresh and new. Their song structures could be non-standard, however they were still catchy pop tunes and they monopolized the charts. Many of these numbers are iconic and are etched in millions upon millions of peoples’ consciousness. Then, in 1965, they met Dylan. This meeting changed the course of music history forever. And I am not overstating this. Bob Dylan introduced them to marijuana. Whether you believe in drug use or not, I personally have been sober for ten years, the fact remains that The Beatles’ music changed because of their subsequent drug use. From their 1965 release, “Rubber Soul,” and until their ultimate break-up in 1970, their musical output was nothing short of amazing. I am in awe of the entire Beatles’ catalogue of work, but those five years leave me pretty speechless. During the midst of this extraordinary creative period, the monumental “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” was released. Nothing was ever the same again.

For the benefit of Mr. Kite, there will be a show tonight on trampoline.

A conceptual album featuring a fictitious band and consisting of 13 tracks, “Pepper” showcases why The Beatles are held with such high regard and esteem. The record’s sound is versatile and covers many musical landscapes like pop, psychedelic rock, art rock, classical and Hindustani. Each song is a narrative of sorts and offers why Lennon and McCartney were two of the greatest songwriters to ever compose. Shout out to Harrison’s writing contribution to “Pepper” with the often under appreciated Within You, Without You. I have always been drawn to the lyrics of this song:

“…When you’ve seen beyond yourself then you may find
peace of mind is waiting there
and the time will come when you see we’re all one
and life flows on within you and without you.”

The rest of the Lennon and McCartney numbers are a potpourri of perfect pop: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, Lucy in the Sky With Diamond, Getting Better, Fixing a Hole, She’s Leaving Home, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, When I’m Sixty-Four, Lovely Rita, Good Morning Good Morning, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) and A Day in the Life.

What else can I really say about this legendary masterpiece? It belongs in a museum with other fine works of art. Luckily we can touch, taste, smell, see and hear “Pepper” and all Beatles’ music for that fact any time we want. This is one of the greatest blessings of the technological ages we live in. For this I am extremely grateful. I can carry in my pocket or purse The Beatles and the rest of my Mount Rushmore of bands plus anything else I want and listen at leisure, will or necessity. Praise God.

My mother had The Beatles’ self titled record, “The White Album,” when I was kid. This was my introduction to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. I was a fan at the age of 7. She also had many other worthy albums in her collection of vinyl. I owe a great deal of my passion for music to her. As this project comes to an end, I can’t help but think about her and others’ musical influence on me. Music is like water for me. Without it, I will die. Thus, this year doing an album every day has been, amongst a myriad of things, quite quenching. I will be writing a #365AOTD year in review in the next day or two. Until then, I will take a minute to announce #365, Photo of the Day 2015; One Year, 365 different photos. I have to do this again every day for a year? What am I thinking?

Goodbye 2014.

^http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles#Awards_and_achievements


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#365AOTD 364 “OK Computer” Radiohead 1997

OK Computer

Today’s album of the day is brought to you by the number 7.

I’d show them the stars and the meaning of life, they’d shut me away but I’d be all right. All right.

About a decade ago my friend Justin tried to get me into Radiohead. He made me two worthy mix CDs of their music. I remember listening but not really giving it my all. One song grabbed me and still hasn’t let go–the wonderfully rich and layered Planet Telex. I just let out a purely satisfying and positive sigh at the thought of Telex. But as things go, I pretty much pushed Radiohead aside (yes I realize the error of my ways). When their incredible “In Rainbows” came out I started paying a lot more attention. Speaking of “In Rainbows,” I am of the ilk that it is one of Radiohead’s finest albums. Many folk were not pleased with the direction the band took with that release. I say to them, “are you out of your mind?” “In Rainbows” is extraordinary. I absolutely love the turn Radiohead took with that record. It’s one of my all time favorite discs, period. Here’s another question to ponder, are there even any bad RH albums out there? I think the answer is yes. Wait, I mean no. It’s a matter of preference and flavor. I always come back to the ice cream analogy, all of it is good I just like some flavors better than others. And that is Radiohead. They have got the “good” in spades. They are one of the most prolific and sincere bands of the past 20 years. So whilst I get people not liking the taste of “In Rainbows,” I think they are silly to dismiss the new horizons the group has undertaken in the past two releases. Thank God bands like Radiohead want to keep exploring new thoughts and ideas. I wouldn’t appreciate them nor respect them as much if they kept on doing the same ol same ol. The bands that I  have most loved always pushed themselves into new territories. And whether I like where an artist or band stops from time to time, none the less I like that they change the scenery. Here is my ranking of Radiohead’s 8 studio albums: At number 8 is a tie; “Amnesiac” and “Hail to the Thief.” To me these records belong together as one. And just because they are last on my list doesn’t mean there isn’t some fine material on them. We tend to overlook this pair in the world of RH. The band’s 1993 debut “Pablo Honey” makes my 6 slot. At their rawest, “Pablo Honey” is its own kind of gem. Next up for me is really another tie, but I will make the tough choice and put “The Bends” at 5. I feel like I have given that disc the cold shoulder by putting it in that ranking, however in this moment, I’m picking “King of Limbs” as number 4. I know what you are thinking, “King of Limbs,” that high? Yes. Do not underestimate the short but oh so sweet offering that is that album. Now we have come to that part of the show that everyone has been waiting for, my top 3 Radiohead records. I realize that many feel my number 3 is Radiohead’s best among the best, “Kid A.” Hey, I really love “Kid A,” too. But If I am honest with myself, then I put “In Rainbows” above “Kid A” at number 2. You have obviously figured it out now which record makes the top of my list. Even if you prefer chocolate over vanilla, you can’t deny the tour de force that is “Ok Computer.”

1997 saw the release of Radiohead’s third studio album, the highly regarded and critically acclaimed “Ok Computer.” Author of the book “Welcome to the Machine: OK Computer and the Death of the Classic Album,” Tim Footman writes, “Not since 1967, with the release of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,’ had so many major critics agreed immediately, not only on an album’s merits, but on its long-term significance, and its ability to encapsulate a particular point in history.” ^ Sidebar, remember that quote tomorrow. Everyone who is anyone raves about this record; fellow musicians, critics, scholars and dentists, four of five, incidentally, recommend “Ok Computer” along with flossing and brushing. I can’t overstate how much this record has influenced and impacted people. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked it as the third best album of the 1990s and 162 on their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It deserves all of the praise and thrown flowers at it that it gets. This some good ass shit here.

Creating an atmospheric pallet of sound, lyrical imagery of themes like alienation, globalization, technological isolation and even death, and providing a continuing fluidity throughout the record, gives “Ok Computer” its lush feel and texture while still serving the sunny afternoon’s melancholy tea. This album has depth of observation and musical motifs that conjure up everyone from Miles Davis and the Beatles to Pink Floyd, DJ Shadow and Nirvana.

In the next world war, In a jackknifed juggernaut, I am born again.

The first track, one of my favs, is Airbag. From the opening fuzzy guitar intro and then the start of the verse, the bar has been set high for the rest of the record. Really. Airbag is the perfect beginning to the next 53 minutes of “Ok Computer.” I also I love how the bass line doesn’t really enter until the 12th measure of the song. The bass plays hide and seek throughout this one. Without taking a breath, Paranoid Android arrives at the station; “Ambition makes you look pretty ugly.” Without sticking with the track order of the CD, let me next mention Let Down. There is something bright and jangly about this one. Some of the album’s darker tunes, Lucky, Climbing Up The Walls and the almost haunting Exit Music (For A Film), compliment a song like Let Down or No Surprises. Speaking of, No Surprises may be the most simplistic song on the record, but check out some of these great Thom Yorke lyrics:

“A heart that’s full up like a landfill
A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won’t heal

You look so tired unhappy
Bring down the government
They don’t, they don’t speak for us

I’ll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide

And no alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
Silent, silent…” ^^

On the subject of  lyrics, a modern-day, techno revolution, spoken word concoction, Fitter Happier, actually best captures the overall statement of the record poetically:

“more productive
comfortable
not drinking too much
regular exercise at the gym (3 days a week)
getting on better with your associate employee contemporaries
at ease
eating well (no more microwave dinners and saturated fats)
a patient better driver
a safer car (baby smiling in back seat)
sleeping well (no bad dreams)
no paranoia
careful to all animals (never washing spiders down the plughole)
keep in contact with old friends (enjoy a drink now and then)
will frequently check credit at (moral) bank (hole in wall)
favours for favours
fond but not in love
charity standing orders
on sundays ring road supermarket
(no killing moths or putting boiling water on the ants)
car wash (also on sundays)
no longer afraid of the dark
or midday shadows
nothing so ridiculously teenage and desperate
nothing so childish
at a better pace
slower and more calculated
no chance of escape
now self-employed
concerned (but powerless)
an empowered and informed member of society (pragmatism not idealism)
will not cry in public
less chance of illness
tires that grip in the wet (shot of baby strapped in back seat)
a good memory
still cries at a good film
still kisses with saliva
no longer empty and frantic
like a cat
tied to a stick
that’s driven into
frozen winter shit (the ability to laugh at weakness)
calm
fitter, healthier and more productive
a pig
in a cage
on antibiotics.” ^^

Spend a few minutes with those words why don’t ya. The most driving piece of the pie comes on the heels of  Fitter Happier, and is the delicious Electioneering. That’s the Radiohead you remember from their first two vinyls. For those of you who are “OK Computer” aficionados, I haven’t forgotten about Karma Police. Of all of the, for lack of a better word, popular Radiohead tunes, I am not so into this one. Still, it fits like a glove along with the mellow, the store soon we be closing, last exit, The Tourist; It bookends Airbag nicely.

The breath of the morning, I keep forgetting the smell of the warm summer air.

I purposely saved the gorgeous Subterranean Homesick Alien to speak of last because I fucking LOVE this song. Everything about it is divine. As soon as I hear the first notes of this song, I am excited for the grand entrance;  the downbeat of the fifth measure is worth the price of admission alone. A slow, yet shuffling, bubbly, slow boil, dripping sweet nectar in a 6/8 time signature, is how Subterranean establishes itself. From here, outer-worldly texts and tones adorn us. My ears love the sound of the song so much that its like a soft pillow for a weary head. Along with Planet Telex, which I mentioned at the very beginning of this AOTD, Subterranean Homesick Alien is my go to Radiohead song. And if I had a gun pointed to my head, I may give it the edge over Telex and make it my all time fav Radiohead tune.

Here’s a little interesting piece of breaking news from earlier today to throw into our broadcast: As I was listening to the Special Collector’s Edition of “OK Computer” on my phone today, I dosed off. Let me assure you that I did hear the whole album later today. That has always been my rule of AOTD, I must listen to the album in its entirety on the day I feature it. I am happy to say that I have held to that standard all year. Anyway, as the second disc was playing, I awoke to a song I had never heard before called Lull. I liked it instantly and think it was no coincidence that I would wake up to it; the tune was so great it forced me conscious. It’s only a couple of minutes in length, but those minutes are musically glorious. I have been so taken by it, that it may have already landed a place on my top ten RH songs. Since this is my second to last day of my blog, I shall share them for you, after all I can do whatever the fluck I want! In no particular order, these are my Radiohead idols:

The National Anthem
Morning Mr. Magpie
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Blow Out
Airbag
Bodysnatchers
House of Cards
Subterranean Homesick Alien
Planet Telex
Separator

Okay, I guess Lull didn’t make it, but it’s near by smoking a cigarette and drinking a diet coke along with 15 Step, Everything In Its Right Place and Black Star. Yes Virginia, there are many more RH songs that I dig on. In fact, this band has become one of my all time favorites. And on a day like today they reach the highest spot on that list outside of my Mount Rushmore of bands, number 5. Although considering the “7” theme that has been happening these last few days, they could have been there. Ha.

I finally had a chance to see Radiohead live in 2012 with a couple of good people including Justin. I may have discovered RH on my own, but credit must go to Justin for planting the Radiohead seed and watering it once in awhile. However I came to this group, I am grateful as hell that I did and allowed myself to experience the music of truly wonderful artists. Thanks J-Man.

^http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Computer#CITEREFFootman2007

^^All songs written and composed by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway. Lyrics by Thom Yorke.


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#365AOTD 363 “The Stranger” Billy Joel 1977

The Stranger

The number 7 is pleased to bring you day 3 of our 6 days left in 2014 countdown.

Brenda and Eddie would always know how to survive.

Considered Billy Joel’s best release, “The Stranger” is not only my favorite Joel disc, it’s one of my favs from anyone; it’s on my top 100. Rolling Stone Magazine has it ranked 70 on their 500 Greatest Album List. It is definitely worthy of its critical acclaim and accolades.

Nine songs grace “The Stranger,” and all are solid. Okay I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of the LP’s two major ballads, but She’s Always a Woman is indeed beautiful and Just the Way You Are garnered the ’78 Grammy for both Song and Record of the Year. For me, it’s everything else on this one that I love. I shall name the remaining 7, which seems more than appropriate considering the day’s sponsorship: Vienna, Only the Good Die Young, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), Get it Right the First Time , Everybody Has a Dream and the title track. I think Joel’s songwriting skills shine both lyrically and musically with “The Stranger.” Plus, it’s just a good ol fashioned enjoyable listen.

With just a few days remaining in this year long project, the light at the end if the tunnel is bold and bright. Yipee.


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#365AOTD 362 “Because of the Times” Kings of Leon 2007

Because of the Times

The last six days of 2014 are sponsored by the number 7. Today is day four.

Homegrown. Rock to the rhythm and bop to the beat of the radio.

In the early winter of 2009, my friend Jaye and I were driving to Pittsburgh to see the AFC Championship game between the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. For those who may not know me that well, I am a die-hard Pittsburgh fan, bleed black and gold and DESPISE the Ravens. My life is made more frustrating since I live about 16 miles from the Charm City line. This is my home. I was born in DC, graduated high school in PG County and consider myself a Maryland girl. But, I grew up in Western Pennsylvania. And for as long as I have been here, you would think I would get used to all the Ravens bullshit that surrounds me. After all, this is their land. No. I still get annoyed seeing the purple stuff in the stores and people wearing their Raven’s paraphernalia everywhere. UGH! Back to the AFC Championship game, the Steelers won, having beaten the Ravens for the third straight time that season, and went on to win their sixth Super Bowl. Represent. I believe it was on the drive back from the Burgh when Jaye put in a Kings of Leon CD. Another friend of mine’s daughter had also been telling me about this band for a few years and suggested I listen to them. I’ll admit, I wasn’t paying that close of attention to them until the
song Manhattan came on. I said to Jaye, “Hey, I really like this one.” She ended up burning me a copy of that disc and my love for KOL was born.

Manhattan is from KOL’s highly successful fourth studio album “Only by the Night;” you know the one with Use Somebody, Sex on Fire and Be Somebody on hit. Well, I ended up really liking “Only by the Night.” It makes my top 100 albums list and secures these favorite KOL songs of mine: Crawl, I Want You and the aforementioned Manhattan–“gonna show this town how to kiss these stars.” “Only” is a fantastic record. Because of my heavy liking of it, I naturally sought out the rest of KOL’s catalogue. The earlier stuff is raw and rockin. Shout-outs to these KOL tunes from their first two LPs: Four Kicks, California Waiting, Holy Roller Novocain, The Bucket, Red Morning Light, Taper Jean Girl and Slow Night, So Long. Extra credit for Joe’s Head and Molly’s Chambers. I heart those two tunes. When it came down to which KOL disc would make the AOTD, at first it was going to be “Only by the Night.” Do to the number 7’s involvement in these last few days of the year, “Because of the Times” was the clear-cut choice. It is also a pretty damn good record.

Don’t waste a tear on me, this is my disease.

KOL’s third studio output, “Because of the Times” brings a more produced sound to the band and songs that explore more of the scenery along the highway than just keeping on the road. The album feels darker than the previous two and offers a baker’s dozen of interesting, reflective and still KOL edgy music. I embrace these wonderful bags of groceries: Fans, My Party, Trunk, Ragoo, Camaro, McFearless and The Runner. “BOTT” is my friend Heather’s favorite Kings of Leon LP. She also enjoys Fans and Camaro but fancies the opening Knocked Up and the closing Arizona:

“That taste
All I ever needed
All I ever wanted
Too dumb to surrender.”

Add Arizona to my list. And don’t think I have overlooked Black Thumbnail. It gets its own sentence. I take a shower in Black Thumbnail–hot and wet.

I have also enjoyed KOL’s more recent records, “Come Around Sundown” and “Mechanical Bull.” Still, there is just something that draws me to this period in KOL’s career. I will keep following the Leon boys, Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew Followill,
with interest and hope they will continue to bring us their highly enjoyable music.


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#365AOTD 361 “Ella and Louis Again”* Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong 1957

Ella and Louis Again

Only five days left in 2014. These last six days are being brought you by the number 7.

Savoy, gives happy feet a chance to dance.

Here we have a two for one special that is worth the price of ten. As I was starting to inventory the remaining days left in the year a few months back, I saw I wasn’t going to be able to do everyone I originally wanted. Well, you can’t leave these peeps off the itinerary; Yay, I can do both Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong together. Score. First, these two are both legends among legends. The impact of Louis Armstrong on music, specifically jazz in the United States is immeasurable. He has influenced everybody in jazz who has come after him. Let me say that again and make it very clear for you, when I say everybody, I mean EVERYBODY. This is not some over the top statement nor am I being melodramatic. Jazz starts with Armstrong. In some circles, he is considered the greatest trumpeter that has ever lived. I can hear your arguments now, but Satchmo is on the Mount Rushmore of cats who could blow, you can bet your money on that. And lest us not forget that he was a pretty fine singer as well. Combine this with his showmanship and his depth as a musician, and you get one of our most treasured artists. Speaking of treasures, Ella Fitzgerald is the diamonds in the pirate’s chest of jazz singers. I think it is also fair and just to say that Ella’s influence amongst jazz singers, both men and women, was and still is profound. Considered the “First Lady of Song” and the “Queen of Jazz,” no one was like Ella. Even if we put Billie at the number one jazz singer ranking, there is doubt that Ella’s scatting ability has never been remotely matched. Her phrasing and intonation are simply wonderful. ^ Now put Armstrong and Fitzgerald together and you have got pure gold.

Capitalizing on the success of Ella and Louis’ first Verve release together, “Ella and Louis,” “Ella and Louis Again” is a double album filled with solo efforts by both singers, duets and a fantastic quartet led by Oscar Peterson as the duo’s band. Armstrong also contribute his terrific trumpet playing on a few of the tracks. Featuring a healthy helping of classics from the Great American Songbook. Check out some of the whose who of standards that Ella and Louis present on this LP: Love is Here to Stay, Autumn in New York, I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Gee, Baby, Ain’t I Good to You, Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love, Willow Weep for Me, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Makin’ Whoopee, I Get a Kick Out of You, A Fine Romance and Stompin’ at the Savoy. Props to some of the great composers on “Ella and Louis Again:” George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. There is nothing like listening to this old music; this album was a joyous, foot tappin’, sometimes mellow but smilin’ assortment of good song after good song. I always feel like I am listening to something a little extra special when I hear the likes of people like Fitzgerald and Armstrong, they just don’t make them like that any more.

*”Ella and Louis Again” personnel:
Louis Armstrong – vocals, and trumpet on tracks 5, 7, 9, 13, 17 and 19.
Ella Fitzgerald – vocals
Ray Brown – double bass
Herb Ellis – guitar
Oscar Peterson – piano
Louie Bellson – drums ^^

^http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Fitzgerald

^^http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_and_Louis_Again


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#365AOTD 360 “Faith” George Michael 1987

Faith

I will be the one who loves you –
Until the end of time

Ladies and gentlemen, there are only six days left in the year! That means, I have just six albums left to do! Thank God and all things that are holy that we are in the home stretch. I can’t tell you how happy I am about this. I will be doing a year in review thing or something but for this Boxing Day I’m ecstatic that the end is in sight. One other thing to note is the last six days of 2014 are being brought to you by the number 7.

One of the biggest albums of all the 1980s was George Michael’s first solo effort after Wham called “Faith.” Released towards the end of 1987,
It charted six top five singles and took the Grammy for Album of the Year. Now you may not peg me for a George Michael kinda gal, but when you are a teenager and you hear a song on the radio called I Want Your Sex, you go out and by the cassette single for it. It was many moons later that I finally got the entire record. As far as pop music goes, “Faith” is one of its masterpieces.

When I was in college I was driving on the street the school was located on; back then it was Montileu Avenue. Just pass the school, houses line both sides of the two lane only street. On this particular, sunny afternoon, a car was backing out of a driveway and they didn’t see me. In my head I’m saying to myself, surely he is going to stop. By the time I laid on my horn, I knew he was coming with confidence. My only play was to swerve to my left in order to miss hitting him. If you have the visual, this meant crossing into the other lane; yes a car was heading right for me. Thankfully they swerved too and any major accident was avoided. Father Figure was playing on my radio when this near tragedy occurred. As you can see, I still haven’t forgotten that. There was an even more frightening almost accident about five years later that would have undoubtedly been fatal if I hadn’t gotten out of the path of an 18 wheeler. That one was near miss that was beyond close. For that occasion, I was listening to a Grateful Dead bootleg from New Year’s Eve, 1990. For that near death experience, Wharf Rat was the song emanating from my car speakers. Now I am leery of both songs.

“Faith” has something for everyone: awesome dance tracks; Hard Day, I Want Your Sex (Parts 1 & 2), Monkey, melodies and beats in a couple of power ballads; One More Try and Father Figure, a light on the sauce title track, a sweet piece of candy in Kissing a Fool and a thoughtful offering in Hand to Mouth. Extra shout outs to the bonus tracks: Hard Day (Shep Pettibone Remix) and A Last Request (I Want Your Sex Part III)”

I’ll say it again, “Faith” is a potpourri of perfect pop, pop rocks. It stands up 27 years later and it stands up tall. For the day after Christmas, “Faith” was the optimal choice for the continued festive happenings and errands.


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#365AOTD 359 “Merry Christmas” Andy Williams 1965

Merry Christmas Williams

Hang up the stockings and let’s have a holiday today.

I mentioned just two weeks ago in my #365AOTD 345, that I have two favorite Christmas albums. One is the discs I spoke about a fortnight ago, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The other, and I may like it a smidge more, is today’s present under the tree, “Merry Christmas” by Andy Williams.

If you could only pick one Christmas crooner out of a line-up, Bing, Sinatra, Como, Cole, Martin and Tormé, which would it be? Well, you guessed it, my selection is Andy Williams. I’d take him over all of those great names each and every time. That’s EVERY time. He is my guy. I heart Andy and absolutely LLLLOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE his hit holiday record, “Merry Christmas.” Growing up, we listened to a handful of LPs each and every Christmas. The one that was my favorite and has stuck with me the deepest is this one. For me, it’s not the holidays without Andy Williams. There is obviously an emotional connection to the fond memories of yesteryear with this one. But I also just enjoy the hell out of this album. Let’s take a closer, Christmas morning look at it.

Side one was always my most preferred side. It features a half-dozen modern tunes that swing, stroll and soar, and is a little more user friendly than side two. The opening Sleigh Ride might be favorite number on the whole fruitcake. I can’t tell you how much I dig Andy singing Sleigh Ride. Next up is the slower, but endearing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The gay and cheery pair of Winter Wonderland and Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! always make me smile. What has become a holiday number, My Favorite Things, follows. As I just mentioned in #365AOTD 352, “The Sound of Music,” My Favorite Things is one of my favorite things. Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings… The deep track from the first side of the vinyl is Christmas Holiday. Written by Craig Vincent Smith, one of Andy’s Good Time Singers from “The Andy Williams Show.” Speaking of deep tracks, Mr. Smith composed one for the Monkees called Salesman. Naturally I am aware of this Monkees’ tune. I give it a shout out in my #365AOTD 167. You can also check it out here. I’m getting off topic again. Wait, it’s Christmas!

Flip the album over, you get a more serious side of Andy’s Christmas LP. With the exception of Silver Bells and the hit single Do You Hear What I Hear?, Some Children See Him, Little Altar Boy, Mary’s Little Boy Child and The Bells of St. Mary’s highlight what a great singer Andy was. Lest we forget. These songs are tender and beautiful.

Do you remember the Simpson’s episode called “Bart on the Road?” Bart, Martin, Milhouse and Nelson depart on an auto adventure. The best part is Nelson becomes all excited and acts like a school girl when they see his favorite singer, Andy Williams. Well, I may not get all kinds of crazy for Andy like Nelson, but I have the most sincere regard for Andy Williams, especially his Christmas music and his career. I was saddened at his passing two years ago and made that year’s Christmas CDs in honor of him. Lastly, Williams has been a part of my Christmases as long as I can remember. I take great comfort in listening to Andy year after year. This Christmas morning has been a little extra special because of it. 🙂


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#365AOTD 358 “Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture; Capriccio Italien; Nutcracker Suite etc. (1880, 1880, 1892) Charles Dutoit 1999

Tchaikovsky

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, get it nuts, laugh out loud, The Nutcracker? of today’s AOTD, I shall tell a story about an entirely different Tchaikovsky piece. Picture it, it was about two and half years ago when I caught this special on PBS: “To celebrate Tanglewood’s 75th Anniversary, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, and Tanglewood Festival Chorus will all appear, along with conductors John Williams, Keith Lockhart, Stefan Asbury, Andris Nelsons, and David Zinman; soloists Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Peter Serkin, James Taylor, and Anne-Sophie Mutter. The program will be wide-ranging and will include works by Tanglewood legends including Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.” ^ It was absolutely wonderful. I had more than one moment where I got the chills, got teary or just plain felt the power. But the performance that moved me the most was Yo-Yo Ma and The Tanglewood Youth Orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile for Cello and Strings. The second movement from Tchaikovsky’s 1871 String Quartet No. 1 in D major, the Andante Cantabile (B♭ major) was so beautiful it took my breath away. I cried. And when I say I cried, I mean I cried. The emotion I felt from this piece was overwhelming. I felt sadness. I felt joy. I felt wonder. I felt awe. This is why I LOVE music with so much intensity and passion; music is apart of my soul.

Having had such an experience with the Andante Cantabile, I thought I would do an album featuring that number. Ah, but given that it is Christmas Eve, I went with a record that featured a holiday tradition for many, The Nutcracker. Bonus, I got a few extra Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s pieces as my own presents for the day. Yay for me. The first holiday that is represented on this excellent collection by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, conducted by Charles Dutoit is the much loved work that we Amercians associate with Fourth of July, The 1812 Overture (cue the cannons). Why not have a little Independence Day on Christmas Eve? Next up was a work that I first heard in sixth grade when my music teacher led the high school strings and band in a performance of the Capriccio Italien. This was certainly an ambitious choice. And let’s be real, they didn’t nail it. Still, the gorgeous melody of this piece stayed with me for all of the years. I spoke about a similar experience in my #365AOTD 124, “Peter and the Wolf.” Again, the great mightiness of music has had such an impact on me, both subtle and strong, and a lot else in between, that melodies, verses, or even notes stay with me for years and years. Next on this well-performed album are excerpts from Casse-Noisette Suite. I do recall seeing this ballet once when I was maybe six or seven. It was a school field trip. Now that’s how you do field trips, you take the children to the Pittsburgh Ballet. Even though I am not a big ballet gal, the music for The Nutcracker transcends the stage. Cleary today’s holiday was appropriate for this piece. The album ends with the grand Slavonic March Op. 31 (B-flat minor). Not a bad closer if I do say so myself.

When I think of Tchaikovsky’s composing, particularly in the works found here like 1812, Capriccio, Marche Slave and The Nutcracker, I think of three Rs: Rich, Romantic and Robust. His music is full, deep and splendid while also being at times fun and playful. Now how can you beat that combination? You can’t. And that is why Tchaikovsky was such a fantastic composer.

A few more presents to wrap, a playlist to compile and a much needed shower; now on to the Christmas Eve festivities…

* “Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture (1880); Capriccio Italien (1880); Marche Slave (1876); Suite ‘Casse Noisette’— ‘The Nutcracker’ (1892) Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Charles Dutoit, Conductor 1999 Decca Label

^http://www.bso.org/brands/tanglewood/features/tanglewood-75th-telecast-in-europe.aspx

Here’s a performance of the Andante Cantabile by Yo-Yo Ma with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Opening night gala concert, October 2005. Sir Andrew Davis, conductor


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#365AOTD 357 “Half the City” St. Paul & The Broken Bones 2014

Half the City

That old heartache, it won’t stop the rain.

Think of today’s AOTD as a quarterback changing the play at the line and calling an audible. I had all the intentions of doing a different record today, but yesterday late in the game, a good friend, let’s call her Mama Dee, gave me the CD, “Half the City” by St. Paul & The Broken Bones. She was filled with excitement about this band, a group I had yet heard of. She was turned on to these guys from one of our local, excellent radio stations, 89.7 FM, WTMD out of Towson State University in Towson, MD. As soon as she heard the amazing singer from the group, she rushed to find a paper and pen to jot down their name. Yes, people still listen to the radio and write down something they hear that touches them on the airwaves, then seek the music out later like back in the day. About two months ago, Dee, her hubby Chris and a friend also got the opportunity to go see St. Paul & The Broken Bones live.  She exclaimed, “they were awesome.” “His voice gives me chills,” Dee added. So without giving away the genre of the disc, and also knowing how passionate she was about the album, I listened to it on my way home from work. Right off the bat, I understood why she loved them so.  Wow.

The first thing about this group that grabs you is the lead singer Paul Janeway; the Paul in St. Paul. His amazing voice is a cross between Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Al Green. I can also hear a touch of Van Morrison when you hold it up to the light just right. His and the six members of The Broken Bones’ sound harkens back to yesteryear; southern soul, gospel, blues and that old school Motown vibe all mixed into one. Another recent artist that seems to capture a slice of this sweet potato soul pie is Raphael Saadiq. Even though Saadiq seems more Motown to me, he came to mind when listening to “Half the City.” Back to this St. Paul cat for a minute. His singing seems to come from a deep, deep place and can knock your socks off. He is absolutely the real deal. You wanna hear some fantastic soul music, then look no further than this wonderful assortment of song. I will gladly give some shout-outs to a few numbers from the LP: That Glow, Call Me, It’s Midnight, Like a Mighty River, I’m Torn Up, Grass is Greener, Don’t Mean a Thing. Broken Bones and Pocket Change and the title track. Oh yes.

Going against the original playbook, choosing “Half the City” was exactly what was needed for this mild, rainy and foggy, two days before Christmas, late morning. I highly recommend checking out St. Paul & The Broken Bones and their debut record. And even though they should be around for a while, you will want to get to this party on time so as to not miss anything that could happen. Pssst, they are that good.