February 2012
24 posts
2 tags
Delicate Steve - "Wondervisions"
Do not overlook Delicate Steve. An odd name and an even odder sounding guitar. This is completely instrumental (which may be my first). I love it. It’s fun and exciting. And Arpeggios Galore! The album can be played a different times of the day because it’s sound is so versatile. I was fortunate to find this at Origami Records in LA. Inscribed on Side B is “Have A Happy...
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Death From Above 1979 - "You're A Woman, I'm A...
This vinyl is extremely rare (it’s out of print) and probably has one of the highest values in my collection. They only made so many of these and the band stopped playing together (although recently reunited). This was not an album that I only started to like recently. I love how it’s just a bass player and a drummer. It’s aggressive and groovy all at the same time. I love...
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The Dead Weather - "Sea Of Cowards"
Jack White continues to amaze me as I get older. I couldn’t stand The White Stripes at first and I didn’t understand The Dead Weather at first either. It took someone to sit down and point out it’s influences before I started catching on. This is their second album released quickly after their debut. I have to say they have added some very interesting aspects to this brand...
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Cage The Elephant - "Thank You Happy Birthday"
Love Them or Hate Them! Cage The Elephant has a lot of energy. And they know how to focus it. This album shows their ability to write radio hits, barn burners, slow jams. They can be pop or noise in the blink of an eye. This band is a lot of fun to listen to. You can either choose to believe they are phonies & rip-offs or you can choose creative & original. I’ve chosen...
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Bright Eyes - "Cassadaga"
I purchased this while visiting my friend Matt Campbell. I have been trying to find this for some time and I found it at Backside in Burbank, CA. The album is pressed on two 180 gram vinyl records and comes with an lyrics sheet and a “spectral decoder”. The lyric insert as well as the front and back cover reveals hidden artwork when looked at through the decoder. One of the...
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Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
What a great Valentine’s Day gift! I found this before work this year for V-Day. I was very excited and listened immediately after work. The songs and sounds created by Justin Vernon are some of the most intimate I’ve heard. I can really feel myself in the cabin where he wrote these songs. This was a great addition to my collection as well as another amazing gift from my...
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Blink-182 - "Neighborhoods"
They’re Back!!!! I have to commend Blink-182 for their return. Not only did they get me feeling nostalgic, but they also surprised me with pushing themselves as musicians and writers on this album. This is a double….wait triple gatefold! Both LPs come in a light blue with white splatter. Bands take notice, this is how you reunite. Bravo Blink Bravo!
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The Black Keys - "El Camino"
After the first listen I could tell, El Camino is a force to be reckoned with. The Black Keys have certified themselves as one of the best bands of my generation. This double gatefold was given to me as a christmas gift along with floor seats to see them in Indianapolis from my girlfriend. Unfortunately for her, I also was given tickets for Cincinnati for christmas as well (awesome for me)....
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The Black Crowes - "Croweology"
I spent many late nights up with my friend Carl Wyatt. I remember this one particular one, because we sat and listened and starred in amazement in this incredible vinyl release. I was never a fan of The Black Crowes, until now. I purchased this while in LA at Origami Records. It was under the used/clearance section, and I couldn’t resist. It’s a greatest hits record that is...
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Bayside - "Sirens & Condolences"
I’ll admit I didn’t like Bayside for a long time because of some of these songs. Mostly because of the similarities at the time they shared with Alkaline Trio. I’m Alkaline fan first and foremost in this situation. After rediscovering this band a few albums later, I learned to appreciate this album so much more. I’m glad I wasn’t too stubborn to not give them a...
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Alkaline Trio - "From Here To Infirmary"
My first exposure to ALK3 was this album. This actually my first time purchasing this album, my friend Matt burnt me the original. It was dark yet catchy. I didn’t understand why I liked it so much at times. Since then, I’ve gone on to celebrate their entire catalog. This one is a reissue with a clear green vinyl.
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ZZ Top - "Eliminator"
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I imagine this album is being played somewhere in the city at all times. It oozes sex, drugs, and rock n roll. It’s also jammed pack with hits. I’m not sure if this stuff is as timeless as some of their older stuff. This was my first ZZ Top album that I got with the original album sleeve at the Peddler’s Mall in Richmond, KY. Check out...
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ZZ Top - Degüello
This album is the reason I never pay over $5 for sunglasses. I only wear “Cheap Sunglasses”. I’ll be honest my dad practically raised me on the Top (do people call them that? they should). ZZ Top are known for their beards, crazy outfits and even crazier guitars. But before that, they were a blues rock band first and foremost. I purchased this album at Pop’s Resale...
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Neil Young - "Harvest"
One of the best folk rock albums ever? I may not be educated enough to say that. Either way, I have enjoyed this album so much ever since I purchased it a few years ago. Unfortunately, this album is in rough shape along with the actual record. The static can get very annoying at times, but I often try to push through and imagine it as a part of the nostalgic country feel to the record. It...
5 tags
The Who - "Quadrophenia"
There is without a doubt a level of genius that goes into creating a concept album let alone a rock opera. The Who, largely because of Pete Townshend, were able to create two. Being a fan of Tommy, I decided to try and listen to their second concept album. This album never really caught fire with me. I find it to be there most challenging album. I do enjoy the song “Love, Reign...
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The Who - "Who's Next"
Unless someone shows me otherwise. This is The Who at their best for me. All four of them straight kill. I never knew until I purchased this album that they were zipping their pants after peeing all over the statue. Extra cool points. Oh and “Baba O’Riley” has to be the most mistaken song title in the history of rock. It’s “Baba O’Riley” not...
4 tags
Wings - "Wings Greatest"
I purchased this early on in my collection. I knew very little regarding Sir Paul’s solo career with Wings. This record, which came with the original album sleeve, is a nice sampler of his career after The Beatles. I can’t say I enjoy all of his work in the later 70’s. I always wonder how awkward it is for Paul after his divorce with Linda to look back on these times when...
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The Young Veins - "Take A Vacation"
I enjoyed Panic At The Disco and especially their last album, Pretty. Odd. It was heavily influenced by The Beatles, which is always kind of cool. After their lead guitarist and chief song writer (Ryan Ross) left with the bassist (Jon Walker) and started The Young Veins, I had to take interest. I purchased this album on Record Store Day 2011 at Galaxy CD’s. It was at a very low price...
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Yellowcard - "Ocean Avenue"
This album was HUGE in 2003. A classic pop punk album now. You couldn’t get away from Ocean Avenue that summer. It never left my cd player. It was leaps and bounds better than their previous EP. They deserved all the attention they got from this album. It was too bad they could never replicate the success they had with the rest of their career. Take trip down memory lane with me and...
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Yellowcard - "The Underdog EP"
This was a very recent vinyl reissue. I was pretty excited about this instantly due to my past history with Yellowcard. This record got me into them and has a lot of early high school memories for me. It was a blast listening to it again on vinyl and remembering how crazy it was to hear a violin on a punk rock song. Below is the original album cover for super fans.
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William Elliott Whitmore - "Animals In The Dark"
My friends who have seen William Elliott Whitmore live have described his one man act as a religious experience. Although I haven’t seen him, his albums are proof enough. His voice has so much soul and history in it that it’s hard to believe he’s 33 year old white man. The album is filled with traditional folk and blues played through banjo, acoustic guitar, or sometimes...
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The Wild - "Set Ourselves Free"
An underated and unknown band that deserves more attention. They create fun roots rock influenced music that doesn’t ever feel too political. “Together Underground” is a perfect example. Everything about this band feels DIY to the bone. The album is produced by Bomb The Music Industry!’s frontman Jeff Rosenstock and The Queer’s Joe Queer. I purchased this on...
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The White Stripes - "Under Great White Northern...
I regret not seeing greatness in The White Stripes earlier. I partially blame this on their noisy introduction and their heavy artistic reliance on three colors (which now seems to have a genius to it). I purchased this a couple months before the announced their break-up. It’s fitting since it’s my only record I own. It’s a heavy double gatefold with 2 180 gram vinyl LPs...
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We Were Promised Jetpacks - "In The Pit Of The...
It’s too early to tell where WWPJ’s sophomore effort ultimately stands with me. Their debut brought a response that I had not gotten from music in a while. What I do know now, is that the band trims the band and sounds more prescise without losing their energy and aggression. And a cooler album cover.
January 2012
26 posts
2 tags
We Were Promised Jetpacks - "These Four Walls"
I haven’t heard so much passion and energy in an album in a long time. That’s why this was one of my favorite albums of 2009. I’ll make an uneducated statement and say that this is the best album to come from Scotland ever. The band creates an epic and emotional tone that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the album is over. And then you wanna play it again. I dare...
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We Are Scientists - "With Love And Squalor"
This band always interested me, but I became a fan because of my girlfriend Erin. She deserves the credit. I like this album because it sounds like the Scientists are always on the attack and they do it so easily. The vinyl release includes bonus songs “History Repeats” and “Mucho Mas”. I kept a sticker that was on the packaging that reads “Records. They’re...
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Wavves - "King Of The Beach"
Coolest Album Cover Ever? This album turned from the soundtrack to my summer 2010 to one of my favorite albums of 2010. The trippy surf rock meets pop punk sound is addictive. Crank it up and chill out. Enjoy this alien inspired video and the MTV News’s John Norris cameo for “Post Acid”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFuIEnMTiYg&feature=channel_video_title
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Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - "Couldn't...
I find myself connecting more with Stevie Ray Vaughan and his guitar sound more than most guitar players. I only recently purchased this album at a Flea Market near the Dayton Air Show. It was overdue. I also learned that his cover of “Tin Pan Alley” was done in one take. Which is just insane. I always suggest listening to “Scuttle Buttin” if you think blues guitar is...
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Van Halen - "1984"
What’s cooler than being cool, synthesizers! Some say this is a misstep, while others say this is their funnest. Either way it was their last with David Lee Roth. He ran wild all over this record. I purchased this at Pop’s Resale in Lexington and includes the original album sleeve. For some reason the back cover is up side down. 1984 is Van Halen showing their personality and...
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Van Halen - "Women And Children First"
This was a gift from either my girlfriend or her sister K! They bought it at Phil’s Records that used to be close to their home. Women and Children First feel like the band flexing their muscle. It doesn’t have the commercial success as some of their other records, but could be one of the band’s strongest efforts. It was the first time where they did not rely on covers. If...
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Van Halen - "Van Halen"
This should be everyone’s first Van Halen album. It’s there first and best. It was their most definitive. The cover of The Kink’s “You Really Got Me” and “Running With The Devil” could have made this a classic alone. But Eddie Van Halen’s wrote himself into the history books 10 songs into their career with “Eruption”. His playing...
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Vampire Weekend - "Contra"
After the highly regarded debut, Vampire Weekend was one of the most anticipated albums at the time. The album was the first ever to debut at #1 without any past or present ties to a major label. The vinyl release comes with a poster of the album cover. I read that this album was lyrically influenced off of The Clash’s Sandinistas! It’s fun to listen back and hear The Clash in...
1 tag
Vampire Weekend - "Vampire Weekend"
I didn’t think I would wind up loving this album as much as I did the first time I heard the debut single “A-Punk”. It wasn’t punk, screw that song and band. But I couldn’t get away from it, it was too catchy that was just the single. The album is a whole other beast. I love the reggae and world fused sounds are what sold me. The band’s use of percussion...
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Valient Thorr - "Stranger"
Stranger is a step in a different direction for the bearded aliens from Venus. Stranger is their most straight forward and brutal record yet. Leaning more towards social commentary, the band leans away from classic metal acts and towards a more accessible sound for modern metal fans to date. The album is a double gatefold that comes with a black/clear split record. Below is a few videos the...
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Valient Thorr - "Immortalizer"
“You Know What I’m Talking About?” Immortalizer could be my favorite from Valient Thorr (I don’t think I can even honestly say I have one favorite though). The band’s Earth influences are shown here from bands like Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, and AC/DC. It could also be seen as their most experimental album. The release is a double gatefold with 2 clear blue LPs. They...
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Valient Thorr - "Legend Of The World"
Legend of the World is Valient Thorr’s first big step into world domination. The band is as tight as ever and Valient Himself’s message on the War on Terrorism and the Bush Administration are as clear as ever. Especially on “Exit Strategy”, check out the video below. The song “Fall Of Pangea” earned them a well deserved spot on Guitar Hero 2. Guitar Heroes...
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Valient Thorr - "Total Universe Man"
Alahoy! The Rock ‘N Roll Champions of The Universe and Venutian (from Venus) band is here to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes on Earth and to set us on the path of the righteous. I had no idea what I was getting into when I first heard the hyper speed intro of “Man Behind The Curtain”. The video for the song below sold me on this band. Their live show is...
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U2 - "The Unforgettable Fire"
After War, U2 had arrived at the top of rock music. They decided to take a drastic leap to more experimental and ambient sounding songs. This was their first time working with Brian Eno producing and was the basis for the sounds on later albums as well as influencing Eno’s recent work with Coldplay. I purchased this at Pop’s Resale in Lexington, KY and came with original album...
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U2 - "War"
As soon as the drums start to snap during the opening track “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, U2 have the listener joining up in protest. It’s unbelievable to see an Irish band from the 80’s be so relevant to music and the world like War was in 1983 and today. This was my second record from U2 and it came in a double gatefold. And as much as people today want to hate Bono or The...
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George Thorogood & The Destroyers - "Maverick"
“I Drink Alone” is the sound of George Thorogood solidifying his blues guitar legacy. The Destroyer’s sound is beefed up with their saxophone player. This album was purchased at Phil’s Records in Northern Kentucky (not sure if they are still open). There are a few covers from Johnny Otis, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, and more. Some of these...
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George Thorogood & The Destroyers - "Move It On...
I purchased this early on in my collection at the Peddler’s Mall in Richmond, KY. There is something about Thorogood’s blues guitar that has more attitude and fun to it than most players similar to him. There aren’t any originals on his sophomore effort. Covers include Hank Williams, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and more. His take on “Who Do You Love?” is amazing.
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Steppenwolf - "16 Greatest Hits"
This was purchased for me by my father on my birthday at Omega Music. What can I say about Steppenwolf that can’t be described after listening to “Born To Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride”. Ear Fun?
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Scorpions - "World Wide Live"
One of the best hair metal bands from the 80’s came from Germany. This is a best of live album from their 84-85 world tour. The album is a double gatefold 2LP with original album sleeves. You can hear the arena sound fill the record. “Rock You Like A Hurricane” never sounded so good.
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Bob Seeger & The Silver Bullet Band - "Nine...
I could not choose which Bob Seeger record I wanted. So I went for the very popular double gatefold 2LP live album. This album is filled with hit songs recorded in 1980, right in the middle of the Seeger Fever (doubt that was a real name or thing). I should probably be getting more from him soon. This was too fun not to.
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Reo Speedwagon - "You Can Tune A Piano, But You...
Quite possibly one of the most ridiculous album titles ever. My dad got me into Reo Speedwagon. They are pretty fun band that gets way too much bad credit for some reason. I really like the opening song “Roll With The Changes” and the bass lead “Time For Me To Fly”. I purchased this from a vendor at Peddler’s Mall in Richmond, KY that contains the original album...
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Rainbow - "Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow"
I went through a strong Dio phase, which I’m very thankful for. I enjoyed when Dio played “Man On A Silver Mountain”, so I got Rainbow’s first album that included the original song. Rainbow is a lot brighter than I thought it would be considering it’s Ritchie Blackmore and Dio’s band. It’s a fun record none the less that I purchased at Pop’s...
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Bruce Springsteen - "Working On A Dream"
Bruce’s most recent album was given to me as a gift my girlfriend Erin. It’s a 2LP on 180 gram that includes some great songs along with a small booklet of artwork and lyrics. The opening track and personal favorite is the cowboy epic “Outlaw Pete”, which may be one of his most daring songs to date. The title track was a staple song for Obama’s presidential...
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Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band -...
This was my second album I purchased from The Boss. It’s a massive 5 LP live album that includes Bruce and the band at their best. It comes with a 34 page booklet that includes lyrics, photos, set lists, and a note from Bruce. Mine also includes the 5 original album sleeves. It’s amazing to hear the band play together in small clubs and arenas. Some of the songs include Bruce...
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Bruce Springsteen - "Nebraska"
For some strange reason I always thought this was one of his earlier albums, but it was actually after a large portion of his success. The reason is the decision to release 4-track cassette home demo recordings meant for a full band album with The E Street Band. You can tell after hearing “Atlantic City” live what the album should have sounded like. It’s shows...
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Bruce Springsteen - "The River"
It’s difficult to pinpoint my feelings towards The River. It’s a huge double album with 20 songs pressed on a 2LP. My copy contains original lyric booklet and album sleeves. It definitely has a more adult theme compared to his earlier more youth inspired records. The River consists of joyful and solemn songs that highlight life as an adult and marriage. I recently read that his...