If you had included live albums, where would your current favorite rank?
And that’s another interesting question, thanks for asking. Unfortunately, my answer won’t be as interesting. My initial reaction would be “nowhere near top-10”. I know some of them are great, the problem is I’ve never spent much time with them. To put things into perspective, I might have listened Blonde On Blonde 50 or so times. The Bootleg Series Vol. 4 ? No more than two or three times, so it’s hard to compete. I mean, if you ask me which one is my favourite of the bunch, I’d have a hard time giving you a definitive answer, I barely know them – the only reason I used Vol. 4 as an example is because it’s highly acclaimed. And it’s not that I intentionally avoided them so far, it’s just that I had access to pretty much all of his studio albums while growing up, it was only a matter of availability. Of course, I’d like to fix that – being a longtime listener, it’s overdue. I thought of including them in this countdown, but it would be too much to cover, not to mention I wasn't sure how I could compare them with the rest of his discography. At some point – probably not in the near future - I’d like to expand and add his live albums as well. May I ask if you have any favourite out of his live albums? _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Didn’t post anything so that I wouldn’t break the flow, but I’ve been listening to some 1963 albums in the meantime, now it’s time to get back on track.
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James Brown - Live At The Apollo
First of all, fantastic album cover. James Brown is a legend and this is quite possibly the best place to start exploring his greatness. The live setting suits him like a glove, what a performance. However, I have to admit he is one of those massively influential artists who never made it to my favourites. I would put him in the same category as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, VU, Dr.Dre, etc., all prime examples of me enjoying the influenced more than the influencer. Coming back to this album, it’s way too rough for me, not to mention some parts endlessly drag on. On the other hand, the energy, the passion, you can’t help but admire him.
6/10.
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Jimmy Smith - Back At The Chicken Shack
Maybe you can already tell by the album cover, but this makes for family friendly music, everything is very light. The main characteristic of the album is the organ, which takes central place. This is a funky way of using it and I’m sure someone might find it interesting. Well, not me. If that’s the best this artist has to offer, I don’t see me coming back for more, it was a good one-off, nothing else.
6/10.
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Joe Henderson - Page One
(This was posted in the "You must listen to the album below" you thread as well.)
This album is full of vivid colours, it is extremely evocative, immediately transports you to a different place and time, perfect for a hot summer night, enjoying your drink in Cuba or a similar setting, you know what I mean. Relentless energy without a single wasted moment and the piano adds a level of class that allows the record to take the next step.
7.5/10.
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The Oscar Peterson Trio - Night Train
This does feel like a night album, though I didn’t have the chance of listening to it on a train, who knows how that might work out. It’s a fine effort, but I think the final outcome would have been significantly better were it more focused and didn’t constantly change its mood. For example, the opening track - Happy-go-lucky Local (Aka Night Train) – is too cool for its own good, then C-jam Blues is a blast of energy. This back and forth of sorts keeps going throughout its entirety. Georgia On My Mind takes it easy and so does Bags' Groove, while Moten Swing makes for a bouncy comeback. Easy Does It relaxes, immediately followed by The Honeydripper, which is the swiftest of them all. Band Call is nice, it’s almost approaching funk/ r & b territory. Hymn To Freedom is a fittingly gentle closer.
6/10.
There’s more, but I’d rather avoid flooding the thread, I’ll save them for later. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
baystateoftheartNeil Young as a butternut squashProfile Massachusetts
And that’s another interesting question, thanks for asking. Unfortunately, my answer won’t be as interesting. My initial reaction would be “nowhere near top-10”. I know some of them are great, the problem is I’ve never spent much time with them. To put things into perspective, I might have listened Blonde On Blonde 50 or so times. The Bootleg Series Vol. 4 ? No more than two or three times, so it’s hard to compete. I mean, if you ask me which one is my favourite of the bunch, I’d have a hard time giving you a definitive answer, I barely know them – the only reason I used Vol. 4 as an example is because it’s highly acclaimed. And it’s not that I intentionally avoided them so far, it’s just that I had access to pretty much all of his studio albums while growing up, it was only a matter of availability. Of course, I’d like to fix that – being a longtime listener, it’s overdue. I thought of including them in this countdown, but it would be too much to cover, not to mention I wasn't sure how I could compare them with the rest of his discography. At some point – probably not in the near future - I’d like to expand and add his live albums as well. May I ask if you have any favourite out of his live albums?
And if you ever do a loooong project of all non LP Dylan, the bootleg series 11, 1-3, 14 and 8, and 11 are solid. No, they’re great. _________________ -Ryan
Thanks for the recs, I don't think I've ever heard Gaslight 1962, the others are above average indeed, from what I remember at least. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Peter, Paul And Mary - Moving
Lovely harmonies, excellent song selection, I could hardly ask for anything more, this is pop heaven.
7.5/10.
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Peter, Paul And Mary - In The Wind
Just as gorgeous as the above, I’d say it’s slightly more consistent in terms of the atmosphere it tries to create and as a result it carries a heavier emotional punch. And of course it keeps me in the Dylan mood.
8/10.
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Kenny Burrell - Midnight Blue
Kenny Burrell is a legendary jazz guitarist, which instantly reminds me of the discussion that took place a couple of months ago, namely how jazz and guitar don’t quite fit together and something feels a bit off in many cases. Here it’s not as striking, maybe because it’s close to the blues as well, not to mention there are signs of Django’s influence, so it’s not your typical jazz guitar album. As its title suggests, midnight is a good time to give it a try.
6/10.
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Miles Davis - Seven Steps To Heaven
When Miles Davis is at his most forward-thinking or edgy, I find it hard to follow. Something like this, on the other hand, where the giant is casually stretching, is easy to like. If there’s one thing that makes this album really stand out, it’s Ron Carter’s performance, an excellent bassist. When it comes to individual tracks, Joshua is the clear highlight. Also, the cool jazz description feels a bit off, not sure where this came from.
6.5/10.
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The Beach Boys - Little Deuce Coupe
There was an interesting progression up to this point in their career and they had already shown some potential, but this has to be viewed as a minor setback, the lack of inspiration is evident. Their previous records had their fair share of “filler”, but at the same time featured one or two standout tracks. Sadly, the same can’t be said about Little Deuce Coupe. If you forced me, I would have to name the self-titled track. Still, they can do much better.
6/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
The Albert Mangelsdorff Quintet - Tension
That’s an appropriate album title, there’s a lot of tension indeed. It’s slightly reminiscent of early – late ‘50s – Mingus in that regard. I mean, this album doesn’t take a second to breathe, it’s relentless, you better be ready. Maybe that explains why the closing ballad is exactly what the doctor ordered, even though it’s hardly spectacular on its own. There's quite a bit to digest here, so I can see this growing on me after repeated listens.
6.5/10.
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Johnny Cash - Blood, Sweat And Tears
I appreciate that this plays out like a concept album, filled with work songs. The problem is Johnny Cash has too big of a presence to convince me that life is hard, I don’t buy it, not to mention some tunes here are way too soft and poppy – which would be fine by me generally speaking, but they don’t fit the themes of the album. Still, I have to say I found it surprisingly tolerable considering my overall relationship with the man. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed the opening track, it felt as if it had some purpose, a rare moment where it wasn’t all about Johnny Cash, he wasn’t the centre of attention for once. Also, it’s short enough to keep you engaged. I will go on to say it’s my favourite album of his that I’ve listened so far.
6.5/10.
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Johnny Cash - The Christmas Spirit
Now that we’re at it, let’s give this a try. After all, it’s that time of the year again. I love Christmas, so it’s hard for me to say anything negative about an album of this kind. In the first half of this record there are some spoken word parts that could lead to interesting directions, but they weren’t explored in as much depth as they should. For example, Here Was A Man is simply a classic and Christmas As I Knew It isn’t that far behind, I wish more of the songs here were like that. The second part is more traditional. In theory, his overwhelming style should perfectly fit the commercialised version of Christmas that dominates our times. It didn’t work as well as expected, but there were a few fine moments. The closing track is a return to form and a top-3 song here. Overall, I consider it slightly weaker than Blood, Sweat And Tears, but this one has 3 songs I really, really like, so I’ll give it the same score.
6.5/10.
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The Kingsmen - The Kingsmen In Person
Rock and roll is all about the energy. Unfortunately, this was severely lacking in that department and it has no other redeeming qualities to make up for it, a completely dated and forgettable record, sorry.
4.5/10.
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John Coltrane - Impressions
Coltrane and Dolphy is a match made in heaven and this is probably my favourite collaboration of theirs, they are on fire. You know, I’m starting to think maybe Coltrane’s live albums are easier to like than his studio ones. To be fair, this one is a bit of both, but it’s the two live tracks that make up the bulk of the album and India is the clear highlight for me.
7.5/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
Sam Cooke - Night Beat
I’ve already brought up a few of his albums in this diary and this is another great addition. A crystal clear voice that’s instantly likeable and can easily connect with any listener thanks to his passion. The songs ain’t half bad either, but everything’s overshadowed – I don’t mean that as a criticism - by Sam Cooke’s wonderful performance.
6.5/10.
Gerry And The Pacemakers - How Do You Like It
Closer to pop than rock, which is exactly how I like music of this kind, this album wants to make sure you’ll have a good time while listening to it and it undoubtedly succeeds, it’s party time! I know some people have a problem with Gerry’s vocals, definitely not me. And of course I can’t help but address the elephant in the room, every LFC fan has a reason to love this album, You’ll Never Walk Alone, quite possibly the most iconic football anthem. If you are fan of early Beatles, I guess this album will be right up your alley.
7.5/10.
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Wes Montgomery - Boss Guitar
I’m slowly getting accustomed to his style, but I still have a long way to go. However, this one is relatively easy to like, there’s more energy compared to some of his previous records, the groove is irresistible. The organ is a welcome addition and all of his albums that I’ve listened so far have featured excellent drumming, this one is no exception.
6/10.
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Frank Sinatra - Sinatra's Sinatra
Not quite sure why I keep listening to these albums instead of simply accepting that Sinatra is not for me. I hope I might discover something different this time around and then reality kicks in. On the bright side, he is reasonably restrained here, some parts – a couple of tracks in the first half of the album - were actually tolerable, nothing special.
4.5/10.
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Bobby Vee - I Remember Buddy Holly
Another album that promises – and delivers – tons of fun. Despite his tendency to approach melodramatic territory, he’s got enough swag and his youthful energy makes up for it, keeping the balance. Overall, he’s very entertaining and more than adequately captures the spirit of the songs. Of course, he isn’t Buddy Holly – can’t blame him for that, no one is.
7.5/10. _________________ Bob Dylan Charles Mingus
If you had included live albums, where would your current favorite rank?
Interesting question. There are a lot of great live albums out there and throughout history. Most probably don't get charted too close to the upper area, but the ones below are good enough for a top twenty-five, in my opinion.
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