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Post by mightyjack on Jul 25, 2007 17:26:43 GMT -5
No it's not a departure at all. Well at least not for me. The albums were recorded pretty closely together, "Meets" additions mostly consists of the singles, with "I Saw Her Standing there" a track from Please, Please, Me. The losses are covers. The album flows seamlessly. Na, "Meet" don't depart what so ever from the musical progression. As for Epstein, that's a well documented and established fact. Trust me, for one, though I'll blunder, I don't lie or pull facts out of my ass for the fun of it. Also, I've read about everything there is to read and watched about every documentary that's been filmed. The Beatles weren't just a band but my lifeblood. Epstein stated this often. I've heard this repeated in books and from speakers at Beatlefests. He didn't feel it was fair to make the fans buy a single, and then give them that single again on an album. In the US he didn't have much say as America and Capitol, was being very difficult to deal with. I agree that as the albums progressed, they do lose some of the flow, not terribly but it's there. George Martin said that Capitol was always on him asking for anything, even if it was in the early mix. This wa still a singles market and bands faded quickly. The US wanted to get as much money before it evaporated and took anything they could get and release it. But "Meet" was early enough that it doesn't muck with anything and the bottom line. It sounds great! But, that' just my ears speaking. As for the Stone, their's is just an opinion. No better than yours or mine. Its just nice to be agreed with every once in a while. Feels good ya know. Bottom line, as I've said time and time again. This list is about the music. I don't care about fads, or if its indy, or commercial or if It rankles my politics or any of that other crap and nonsense that seems to tie other people up in knots. With the exception of Eddie Vedder (LOL) it's only and all about the music, the list reflects what I like to listen too. Steve Miller:can't speak to the Greatest Hts as I don't own it (thus it's not eligible for consideration) the only stuff here is what I've borrowed or owned. But it sounds like a winner. I liked that period of time for Steve. Which is why no Elton John, the stuff I heard through my life belonged to my sister. I haven't heard them in years (Though I might ask her if I can borrow "Madman", as I recall loving much of that album)
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Post by KGB on Jul 25, 2007 20:30:20 GMT -5
The thing is that while the Beatles could undoubtedly rip off singles with the best of them, they were the band that established the long playing album as the medium of choice for serious rock musicians. Therefore, I find it necessary to consider the integrity of the British albums, which were, for lack of a better term, the real Beatles albums, paramount. As for Meet The Beatles, the most galling bit of tinkering that Capitol did was to insert "I Saw Her Standing There". That song kicks of Please Please Me, the first song on the first Beatles album, as such it has a hallowed place in the Beatles' canon. What on earth is it doing as filler on Meet The Beatles?
Of course, I wouldn't kick Meet The Beatles out of bed for eating crackers. It's The stinkin' Beatles for goodness sakes. The problem isn't that it's cobbled together like a greatest hits album. In any top album list, I certainly wouldn't argue against the inclusion of a greatest hits album, but this is a different situation in that a different version of Meet The Beatles exists; it's just as good musically and there's something more natural and logical about it.
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Post by Hugh Beaumont on Jul 27, 2007 0:00:10 GMT -5
#161 – The Return of the Rentals, The RentalsMatt Sharp’s post Weezer project. After listening to Weezer with Sharp; and then after without. And then hearing this album… it’s pretty apparent that Sharp made a few important contributions to the Weezer sound. Rivers might very well be a control freak to the Nth Degree, but even control freaks can be influenced, just by hanging out, playing and recording with another talent. (Believe me, I’m one of those control freaks). And it works both ways: On the Rentals, you can hear many familiar Riveresque flourishes. Sharp is kind of an oddball, but he’s always had a real good ear for writing a pretty melody (as anyone who saw him do his live acoustic act can attest). The song, “Planet P”, is pure camp goodness and received airplay on MTV. Not as good as Weezer’s first 2, but better than anything they’ve recorded after. Matt is now touring with the Rentals again. In fact I’m thinking about seeing them when they hit town in August, So anyone who lives in the Washington area and wants to come to Spokane and see a show with me, raise you’re hand. I’m lonely, I need friends and I don’t want to go to a concert by my pathetic sad self damn it! While it's debatable just how much Matt contributed to Weezer through his writing, he definitely helped form the band's attitude and image. Friends influence friends' behavior. When he left, the band lost most of its charm, especially as Rivers began his, if you'll pardon me for being dramatic, descent into madness. The synthy, oddball side of Weezer was greatly defused. It warms my heart to see this album here. It hasn't held up that well over time for me, but this one is nestled deep in that same nostalgia nook that houses Pinkerton and The Blue Album. The second Rentals album, however, fails miserably when compared with this one. I'm a little confused by "Planet P," though. I think you mean "Friends of P," yes? I love the music video for that song. Especially the blonde singer. I'm glad to see the band reunited, so to speak. Sadly, it's only Matt and the amazing Rachel Haden that have returned, and Matt's lost a lot of his outgoing style of humor, but it's still good to have them back. The one new song I've heard sounded pretty good. Incidentally, they have an official YouTube channel, so there's some fun stuff up there.
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Post by mightyjack on Aug 8, 2007 20:26:56 GMT -5
I'm a little confused by "Planet P," though. I think you mean "Friends of P," yes? I love the music video for that song. Especially the blonde singer. Yeah, I was listening to the B52's "Planet Clare" when I wrote this, I got my brain scrambled.
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Post by Mr. Atari on Aug 11, 2007 18:04:14 GMT -5
#64 - The Black Parade, My Chemical RomanceBest damn record I've heard in years! It's bleak, but what a great production and performance. Draws inspiration from Sgt. Peppers and Queen in terms of making a polished epic concept album. Since you tried a few from my list, I thought I'd return the favor. This is the first one I got into. I had always expected these guys to sound like every other faux-punk, angry-pop, crap band out there. You know, like Green Day. And you know what? They kinda do. I keep reading how they're channeling Queen or Sgt. Pepper or David Bowie in terms of operatic concept albums. I don't hear it. I hear more of the standard Fall Out Boy/Killers/Green Day angry-pop. Crunchy guitars, fast drums, and whiny vocals. And talk about dark! Somebody needs to take these kids out for ice cream. With sprinkles. No one can be this bleak if they're eating ice cream with sprinkles. I will say that I enjoy a lot of the chord moves ("The End", "Dead", and "Cancer"), and at times the emotional mood works. I'll also admit to enjoying the anthems: "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Famous Last Words". The guitar playing is far superior to other similar-sounding bands. If you tilt your head just right, you might hear some Queensryche influence or maybe Dream Theater. But right when they get going that way, they're suddenly back into contemporary corporate pissy rock. I was playing this in the car with Mrs. Atari and a couple friends one night. When "Teenagers" came on, Mrs. Atari said, "This sounds just like the 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-dot Bikini' song." My friend said, "No, no. It's 'Achy Breaky Heart'." And now I can't listen to it without noticing that they're both right. To sum up: I like the parts when they let their creativity and musicianship breathe, but there's a lot that's overblown. And the world needs another gloomy, plodding band singing about death and sorrow like the Yankees need another pennant. To paraphrase Eric Idle, "This isn't an album for listening, it's an album for laying down and avoiding."
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Post by mightyjack on Aug 14, 2007 16:37:32 GMT -5
Hell Mr. A, I could have told you that "Parade" wouldn't have been your cup O' tea from the start. As for Teenagers (One of my favorites) - If U2 can steal from Sonic Youth on their last hit and still make a great song, I'll cut MCR some slack on riffing on and improving on another tune(s) as well. But I will say, you do write a great, well thought out review. In fact, yours was better than my orginal... D-OH! Ps: I can never have too much gloomy music. Hello darkness my old friend... Anyway, McCloud's thread inspired me to return to this: #165 – The Crossing, Big CountryHow could I have forgotten this album? Thankfully I got a reminder. I used to listen to this constantly when it was first released back in ’83, and I really need to buy the updated CD with bonus songs from the Wonderland EP. The album consisted of big anthems brought to colorful life by those twin lead guitars that sounded like bagpipes and an explosive percussion section. But there were also tender, soulful ballads with moving melodies as beautiful as anything done by Simon and Garfunkel.. Lyrically intelligent, earthy and heartfelt, the Crossing is essential listening. #166 – Sheer Heart Attack, Queen A little more edgy and rocking than would come in later recordings. S.H.A. is buoyed by the magnificent, “Killer Queen” #167 – Life On Other Planets, SupergrassSupergrass has struggled to match the madcap, enthusiasm of “I Should Coco”. While they’ve recorded consistently excellent albums, it wasn’t until “Life on Other Planets” that they came close to producing something that equaled their first. Though it’s a lot more polished and showing more maturity in song structure and musical arrangement. The guys never get too serious or slick. The songs rock, the mood is loose (A cough is left in the final mix) and the lyrics keep that eclectic edge (There a song about Witches) My favorite tune is the shortest, the energetic “Never Done Nothing Like That Before”. (Oh and "ZA!" should be used for a Youtube "Touch of Satan" video) #168 – No Dice, BadfingerMost Finger enthusiasts would pick “Straight Up” as the bands best, and it’s a goodie (highlighted by the songs, Baby Blue and Day After Day) But as a whole, I always liked “No Dice” better. I just dig the songs more. The harmonies are tight and while it doesn’t have the big standout hits, it does feature a timeless classic, “Without You”, which was later brilliantly covered by Harry Nilsson (and poorly rehashed by Mariah Carey) #169 – Do Clouds Taste Metallic, The Flaming LipsAs with the Beatles, there’s not much more I can add about the Lips. This is the follow up to Satellite and it’s another winner. #170 – Orphans, Tom WaitsThe gravel voiced Waits wrote a lot of songs for a lot of people. Here he takes those songs and others and records them himself. This triple disc, 54 song collection shows off the breadth of Tom’s style magnificently and if you want to sample his music and the styles he’s explored over the course of the years, this is a must have. #171 – Band on the Run, Paul McCartneyPaul, Paul, Paul… you almost had a perfect record here. But you can’t help throw in some nonsense can you (Yeah I know Anthony Hopkins dared you to put that “Picasso” crap on the album. But why did you have to listen to the silly actor?) Had McCartney added the singles, junk Picasso and put in the wonderful “Juniors Farm” for example. (And as a bonus song, maybe the forgotten rocker, “Girl School”?) I’d have been a happy lad and this might have broken into the top 100. Regardless, despite a few hiccups, this is an outstanding album. Paul’s rockers are scorching hook riddle masterpieces, “Jet”, “Helen Wheels”… Ahhh pure Heaven! And he does a killer impression of Lennon that’s mocking but as pure music, is as great a Lennon tune as one penned by Lennon himself. (Let Me Roll It) – I can love Paul’s sound so much, when he’s not adding piss away tracks (Bip Bop, Kreen-Akore… WTF!) One of these days I just need to burn me off a CD of my favorites. Paul’s solo work has brought forth some great songs, so my McCartney CD will be one of the greatest collections in rock history! (And much better than “Wingspan”)
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Post by Mr. Atari on Aug 14, 2007 18:29:20 GMT -5
Hell Mr. A, I could have told you that "Parade" wouldn't have been your cup O' tea from the start. As for Teenagers (One of my favorites) - If U2 can steal from Sonic Youth on their last hit and still make a great song, I'll cut MCR some slack on riffing on and improving on another tune(s) as well. But I will say, you do write a great, well thought out review. In fact, yours was better than my orginal... D-OH! Ps: I can never have too much gloomy music. Hello darkness my old friend... I liked it more than I thought I would, so it wasn't a bad recommendation. But I dare you to listen to "Teenagers" and not hear "Achy Breaky Heart" now that you know. I like gloomy music, too. And sometimes I like to be taken to that level of emotional depth. But at some point, doesn't it become depression for depression's sake? I think that's why I like guys like Ben Folds. He can be emotional without taking himself too seriously. After all, music is supposed to be fun.
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Post by mightyjack on Aug 15, 2007 9:41:57 GMT -5
Is it? Suppose to be fun?
After all through out history music was a way to express all emotion. Folk singers lamented the plight of the poor, the Blues spoke of heartache and pain. There are Opera's that focus on great tragedies. Music is a form of expression. From the wandering troubadours to the Emo kids.... joy as well as suffering has been fully explored.
I like fun too, I was listening to that Elvis album we listed and it put me in an upbeat, happy mood. It's fun. But damn, I do like to wallow in my misery. Just bathe in the pain. I like music that explores my suffering because I find it cathartic and afterwords I feel like I got some poison out of my system. So gloomy music helps clean me out and refresh me too.
Different stroke I suppose, but I prefer songwriters who take themselves seriosly. I like a goof (B-52's) but I get a bigger charge out of those who dig inward and examine the dark places in our souls and our society. I'll take a protest song over a goof any day.
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Post by Mr. Atari on Aug 15, 2007 11:37:08 GMT -5
But damn, I do like to wallow in my misery. Just bathe in the pain. I like music that explores my suffering because I find it cathartic and afterwords I feel like I got some poison out of my system. See, too much of it, and it feels like I'm putting poison into my system. You're right, though. A lot of great music is dark. And I love the requiems and the soul-searching and the gripping emotional stuff. And the angry protest songs and the desperate breakup songs. I just think life is too short to bathe in pain. And I rarely need help to find darkness. I usually need help to get over darkness. But what do I know? People seem to like the torture movies, too. Ice cream. With sprinkles. That's the answer.
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Post by mightyjack on Aug 16, 2007 12:46:56 GMT -5
I’ve never encountered anything so dark that it had the power to inject poison… It’s not like I listen to songs that advocate rape, molestation or genocide. And I don’t get down when someone presents his sorrow; rather I feel empathy and gain release from these shared sorrows. There is music that makes me cry, but I find tears are cleansing for me. With MCR, there’s something surreal, with a touch of that bombastic Queen absurdity within this album. (I know you disagree but the spirit of Peppers and Queen, with the big concept, production, clothing and arrangements, are very, very obviously inherent in the album) so that It’s not like these guys are just sitting in a pool of tears chanting “Pain, death, despair” – there is a touch of humor and humanity to go with the raw gloom. Back to the list: I had a bunch of covers saved already, so to save time (I’m lazy today) I’m grouping these together, further eroding my exacting numerical system #172 – Candy-O, The CarsWhile the follow up to their stellar debut isn’t as steady (the second side hits a few snags to my ear), overall Candy-O offers more of the same enjoyable rock confections that are kick ass ear candy at its finest. #173 – Different Light, The BanglesCatchy, upbeat with nice harmonies coupled to smooth musicianship and production. The Bangles released a steady stream of commercially successful pop rockers (Walk Like an Egyptian, Manic Monday are among the singles found on this album). As an aside: Susana Hoffs was cute as a button and in the studio somehow managed to translate that cuteness in her vocals. What was strange was that live, her stuff didn’t have the same impact and it was the other singers and songs that really packed a punch vocally and musically. #174 – Teenager of the Year, Frank BlackThe Pixies fearless leader has recorded a nice and varied body of solo work over the years. Though I don’t own enough of it (Dang it!) Teenager is comprised of 19 great short songs. My favorite is the heavy hooked pop rocker, “Headache” (I loved that video as well) #175 – Again, Greg KihnRolling Stone called him the “Steve Miller of the 80s”, and that sums up Kihn’s style and sound well. But before his breakout hit (The Breakup Song) Kihn toiled in quiet anonymity and produced solid albums through the mid to late 70s. “Again” is probably my favorite of those albums (In fact I found it odd that his worse album was the album that produced his first major hits) – smooth Americana, it includes a cover of a Springsteen song that the Boss liked so much he gave them another song to cover on a future lp. #176 – Live at the BBC, The Beatles I love the BBC stuff but sadly, the years weren’t kind to them. A lot of the source material was in bad shape, some of it even unsalvageable. But after a lot of work, producers were able to put together this collection of magic. In addition to a lot of old favorites, there are great covers from the Beatles early live act, including a rousing rendition of the Liverpool favorite, “Some Other Guy”, a song the Beatles played a lot in the Liverpool/Hamburg era, but never recorded in the studio. We also get to hear an original number, “I’ll Be On My Way” – Lennon hated Paul’s simplistic lyrics, which is probably why it never made it to an album, but I think he was being too cynical, as I find the (sure they’re sugary and overused, but so what) lyrical sentiment very sweet (recalling a bygone innocence) and the melody is pretty. I’m glad we get a chance to enjoy this song on CD. #177 – By Starlight, Helicopter, HelicopterThis was a band from Boston that I saw play at the Exit/In in Nashville, they were supporting the Julianna Theory, and for me they stole the show. I didn’t have much cash on me and could only afford one of their CDs, (and got the entire group to autograph it). The one I selected was their newest and I chose well. Groups that feature guy/gal vocalists don’t always work because one will stand out, and you just wish the other would shut up. But neither Chris nor Julie have particularly unique voices, they are nice, but it sounds better when they sing together rather than go solo. Solid musicians, nice harmonies aid pop rock melodies that stick with you. During the show Julie did this real cool FX thing with her guitar on “The Afterworld” that she couldn’t quiet duplicate in the studio. The song is groovy anyway. #178 – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Pink FloydFun, psychedelic and whimsical: Piper lacks a lot of the pretension found in later Floyd albums and that’s what makes it good. Barrett's quirky mind set helps make this a kick to listen to. And as much as I like gloom, a little lighthearted strangeness is good for the soul. The Bike song is an absolute gas. I love the child like lyrical content and the musical arrangement on this one. It’s a perfect cracked tune, my favorite from Floyd - and while I like a lot of Floyd songs, this is the only Floyd album I can sit through from beginning to end without skipping a lot of tracks (Though I do skip the instrumentals these days) #179 - Sleepyhead, Room Full of WaltersI don’t know much about this Kansas band or where they’ve gone. I know this album is derived from two different sessions, which is why the production values are different from one side to the other (One side sounds a little muddy). But the tunes mesh to perfection. This is catchy, indy rock, with a Christian message. Their song, “Jeffrey Dahlmer Went to Heaven” caused a stir (It puts forth that if he was sincere in his acceptance of Christ, then he’s found a place in Heaven) and most of the lyrics are reflective, sometimes quirky and use metaphor and descriptive poetic language to illustrate their point. With driving guitars and infectious hooks, The Walters created a gem of an album that’s sadly gone unnoticed in time and history. #180 – Brainwashed, George HarrisonThis is George Harrison’s first solo entry on this list. While I know most would tag “All Things Must Pass” as his best. For me, while there are glorious tracks on that triple album, there was a lot, an do I mean a lot, that didn’t click with me what so ever. Plus Phil Specter over produced the hell out that record (a fact even George would later admit to). Na, for me George’s best is sadly, his last. Reflective, mature, Harrison’s dry vocals add an edge to the enjoyable melodies. George’s son and producer Jeff Lynne put the finishing touches on the album after George’s death. It’s a beautiful work of art; a fitting final tribute to a great career. Unfortunately, it came and went without much fan fair. If you’re a Beatles/Harrison fan, don’t make the mistake of passing on this superb album
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Post by Mod City on Aug 17, 2007 19:53:44 GMT -5
#174 – Teenager of the Year, Frank BlackThe Pixies fearless leader has recorded a nice and varied body of solo work over the years. Though I don’t own enough of it (Dang it!) Teenager is comprised of 19 great short songs. My favorite is the heavy hooked pop rocker, “Headache” (I loved that video as well) Great, great choice. I think this is the pinnacle of his stuff. His debut is outstanding, as well, but I never liked his stuff as much when it became Frank Black and the Catholics. Hard to describe this album, except that it flows incredibly well and never seems to let me down. Wore out at least one cassette of this, and can't find my disc right now. Headache is great, but for my money White Noise Maker and Calistan are two of the best songs he ever recorded solo. I've got to stop reading this thread or I'm going to spend way too much money on new (and remembered) music.
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Post by KGB on Aug 17, 2007 20:29:05 GMT -5
Mighty Jack, I have a Beatles boot called Beautiful Dreamer, bought it at The Beatles Store in Tokyo, that is comprised entirely of BBC tracks. Many of the tracks are included on the commerical BBC release, but there are some others and alternate takes. This is the track listing:
Some Other Guy I'm Talking About You Youngblood Too Much Monkey Business I Got To Find My Baby Johnny B. Goode Keep Your Hands Off My Baby Beautiful Dreamer Glad All Over That's All Right Mama I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry Over You To Know Her Is To Love Her Sweet Little Sixteen Ooh! My Soul There's A Place I'll Get You Words Of Love The Honeymoon Song
A few of the songs are actually made from recordings people made at home, off the radio! But honestly, they're all of listenable quality and it's kind of fascinating to hear them that way, almost like you were sat in front of your own wireless back in 1963. I especially recommend "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry Over You," also found on the Star Club recordings but here it sounds perfect and they absolutely rock, and Buddy Holly's "Words Of Love," which also appears on the commercial release but is especially jangly here.
Anyway, I'd be glad to get you a copy if you were so inclined. Let me know.
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Post by Phantom Engineer on Aug 17, 2007 20:52:07 GMT -5
Mighty Jack, I have a Beatles boot called Beautiful Dreamer, bought it at The Beatles Store in Tokyo, that is comprised entirely of BBC tracks. In fact there is a nine disc bootleg set of BBC tracks. Sound quality varies.
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Post by mightyjack on Aug 18, 2007 10:12:27 GMT -5
Coolness - My Frank Black solo stuff is pretty thin, but Teenager was a classic.
And thanks for the BBC headsup KGB and phantom, king of the boots.
I FINALLY got that boot list you sent me to pop up (I had to send it to another email account and get on something other than the laptop) - It was very, very impressive my friend.
And "Beautiful Dreamer", is that the old Stephen Foster folk song? That would be weird and interesting to see how they covered that.
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Post by mightyjack on Aug 18, 2007 14:16:38 GMT -5
Works of great beauty edition: #181 - O, Damien RiceThis album, recorded mostly at the home of the Irish troubadour, features lush stings and moving vocals (accompanied often by Lisa Hannigan) and is simply a work of such striking beauty that it sends chills down my spine. "The Blower's Daughter" is the best known track on the album, the sweeping "Aime" is my favorite. His follow up, "9" is another winner and the best thing about Shrek the 3rd was the song "9 Crimes" (Why wasn't it included on the soundtrack album?) and when people talk to me about that movie and say... "There was this song, but I don't know the title...", they don't need to say another word, I know the song they search for. Because it is such a haunted piece that once heard, it never leaves ones mind. #182 - Solitude Standing, Suzanne VegaWhile repacking boxes for an upcoming move, I found two buried treasures... one a VHS tape titled "Skeletons in the Closet", which featured Oingo Boingo's videos, and a cassette of this album. I didn't even know I had this (It probably belonged to an old girlfriend who was a big fan) The powerful and moving, "Luka", is of course the best known number on this album, but song after song is a winner. The title track is my favorite with "Ironbound/Fancy Poultry" and "Night Vision" two other highlights. I love the acoustic based material, with it's mature, poetic lyrics. And I always found Vega's gentle vocals, kind of sexy. #183 - Good Dog Bad Dog, Over the RhineWhile talking with our own Dave Walker, he used the word "sacred" to describe what music meant to me. And no-one has put it better, music is sacred to me and when someone turns me onto something amazing, it is the most precious and remarkable gift that can be given. I've discovered and enjoyed a lot of great music due to this board. But twice those suggestions went above and beyond the norm. LMD got me listening to the brilliant "Forever Changes" by Love (Ranked #2 on this list) and Mr. Atari gifted me with this amazing treasure. If I get nothing more from my time on this board, hearing these two albums would be worth every minute spent here. There's really nothing more I can add to Mr. A's pointed review. This is a gentle, touching artistic work, and like Damien Rice's CD, it was recorded at home and features sensitive vocals that give weight and beauty (yeah, there's that word again) to each song. #184 - The Crane Wife, The Decemberists
From Portland Oregon comes this eclectic folk rock album, which is based on an old Japanese folk legend. And even with the jangly pop numbers I find something very pretty in the melodies and arrangements. I like the earthy variety of instrumentation and that they are different from the above artists, in that they are not lyrically introspective, but rather go the rout of old style troubadours and tell stories with their words. Shankil Butchers and O Valencia!, Summersong, the Crane Wife 1 and 2, Sons and Daughters stand out for me, well hell the whole albums a treasure.
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