Let's start with another review from the 100 albums that are supposedly essential. Remember that these aren't being ranked by me, I'm just numbering them so that you know how many have been done!
"Who do we call the enemy?
The enemy is poverty,
Album 41/100 - Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Armed Forces (1979)
I really like Elvis Costello. His voice and delivery are unique and he writes catchy pop/rock songs. Along with the well-known singles, "Oliver's Army" and "Accidents Will Happen" this album is a deadset classic. The production is very radio friendly and almost glossy. The lyrics present a counterpoint being often acerbic and pointed. Whilst there may be contention about what "Oliver's Army" is actually about (and Costello himself is vague about it) there is no denying the bits of social commentary combined with the ABBAesque piano riffs combined well to produce a hit. Throughout the album, however, it's the bass guitar that really surprised me. Listening through headphones I reflected on the fact that the bass line very much comes from the McCartney school of doing so much more than plodding along on the root notes. There are tons of great songs on this album but "Goon Squad" is probably my favourite. Costello manages to keep you tapping your foot while making your brain think about the issues he explores.
Elvis Costello and The Attractions - https://youtu.be/XrYGEaiu3dc
Ayreon are a Dutch band / project. It's a bit like Pink Floyd meets Dream Theater meets Queensryche meets Coheed and Cambria. Space prog rock might be a fair description. The songs are constructed in a fantasy sci-fi world which just adds to the feel of the records. There's quite a few releases and the songs range from full on guitar driven rock to introspective psychedelic musings. Good stuff.
Ayreon - 2084 - https://youtu.be/k-HeUIrgw_4
I mentioned Billy Bragg's new Live at the BBC double album a few episodes ago. It's now been released and I've listened a few times through. If you like Billy then you'll like this. Mostly it's just him and his guitar doing what he does best. On a few tracks there's a second guitar or a backing vocal but in the main it's just the man himself. The collection is career spanning which is good. Billy's early stuff is great but tracking his development as a performer and songwriter is a real treat. There isn't a whole lot of this album available to share with you (buy a copy or stream it) but here's a track done solo which is also on the album. Remember, "wearing badges is not enough, on days like these..."
Billy Bragg - The Boy Done Good (solo, live) - https://youtu.be/GW2cO_qGhUY
Lots of bands try acoustic versions of their songs. And some are actually good. This is one of them. Even though Papa is hiding behind his ever present mask, there's no hiding when you're unplugged and live. A great version indeed from one of my favourite bands.
Ghost - Dance Macabre (live, acoustic) - https://youtu.be/iYj5YP8ovEU
Buckcherry are coming to Australia. This is sure to make a lot of hard rock fans very, very happy. Their uncomplicated AC/DC / Guns n Roses / Black Crowes style music is best listened to in a car on a hot day or alternatively in a sweaty live venue. If they're playing close to you then get on down and rock out.
Buckcherry - Lawless and Lulu - https://youtu.be/RQi3QYfTrxQ
Years ago I heard a band called Danko Jones on the radio but couldn't find their CD for love nor money. Of course, it didn't help that I thought it would be filed under J for Jones...it wasn't. The album I finally got hold of, "We Sweat Blood", showcased the Canadian three-piece as masters of a groove and hard hitting rock. They've got some new songs available now and as soon as I'm finished listening to next episode's album from the 100 essential list then I'll be rocking out to Danko Jones.
Danko Jones - Fists Up High - https://youtu.be/Csj3FpCc_jk
I almost cued up the next track during the last episode but I forgot in the end. No matter, it's still available and I still like it a week later! Paul Gilbert is famous as a guitar virtuoso and for his work in Mr Big. Here, he's the guest of Martin Miller who has a first rate band. There's something inspiring in seeing jaw droppingly good musicians playing as a group rather than trying to outdo each other all the time. I love this song and this version is a lot of fun,
Martin Miller band with Paul Gilbert - Superstition - https://youtu.be/HXRh-7BJD2E
I played The Highwoman a few weeks ago. Since then I've had a chance to listen to more of their work. It's country but not the airbrushed, boring corporate stadium variety. This song is a cover of one made famous by their male namesakes, The Highwaymen.
The Highwoman - Highwoman - https://youtu.be/P3A_Mv-vYCQ
How's that then? Enough to be going on with? Stay tuned for next time. I've got to get to the new Nick Cave album as well as Brittany Howard, Liam Gallagher and, if I'm lucky, a Jethro Tull remix and re-release. One week until the house auction too; should we be nervous yet?
Rock on,
Rob
The enemy is poverty,
And the wall keeps out the enemy,
And we build the wall to keep us free.
That's why we build the wall;
We build the wall to keep us free." - Why We Build The Wall, Anaïs Mitchell ft. Greg Brown, 2010.
No comments:
Post a Comment