GENESIS
SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND
This record is sandwiched between albums that were much better representations of this period for the band. It’s a good listen, but it’s far from greatness.
I've always considered SEBTP to be an equal to the greatest albums that flank it in the Genesis catalog, although never my actual favorite (used to be Lamb, is now Foxtrot).
Out of curiosity, I looked at this and other sites to see aggregate opinions.
BEA has it at the very top with Lamb second and Fox third.
Allmusic gives all three the same full five stars.
RYM has this slightly ahead of both of it's neighbors.
As a prog fan and this being a prog album, I put a little more credence in a prog site. Progarchives is much the same, putting this slightly ahead of Foxtrot and significantly ahead of Lamb.
GENESIS
SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND
This record is sandwiched between albums that were much better representations of this period for the band. It’s a good listen, but it’s far from greatness.
I've always considered SEBTP to be an equal to the greatest albums that flank it in the Genesis catalog, although never my actual favorite (used to be Lamb, is now Foxtrot).
Out of curiosity, I looked at this and other sites to see aggregate opinions.
BEA has it at the very top with Lamb second and Fox third.
Allmusic gives all three the same full five stars.
RYM has this slightly ahead of both of it's neighbors.
As a prog fan and this being a prog album, I put a little more credence in a prog site. Progarchives is much the same, putting this slightly ahead of Foxtrot and significantly ahead of Lamb.
Interesting. I haven't looked much at what other sites are thinking about these. It comes down to, I guess, where we feel they rank as individuals. Seeling England just doesn't move me in the same way as the other two. Always subject to change, of course. Good to see how someone who is more into prog than I am sees this trio of records. _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
ACCEPT
BALLS TO THE WALL
1983 – PORTRAIT
Produced By ACCEPT
1. Balls To The Wall
2. London Leatherboys
3. Fight It Back
4. Head Over Heels
5. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had
6. Love Child
7. Turn Me On
8. Losers And Winners
9. Guardian Of The Night
10. Winterdreams
11. Head Over Heels (Live)
12. Love Child (Live)
Accept may just be my favorite metal band of all time. Accept? Why? Because this band has always been about rock. Even though they were around when the hair metal power ballad days were in, and even though they are often cited as big influences on those bands, Accept didn’t do ballads. Accept stayed true to their sound, their image, and their everything. The glory days with pintsized (and short haired) singer Udo Dirkschneider are best represented on albums like Metal Heart…but especially on the 1983 disc Balls To The Wall. While other metal acts of the time were concentrating on looking pretty and singing about partying and getting laid, Accept, with this album, was playing songs about people being different…and how that’s really an okay thing.
When Balls To The Wall came out, there was backlash about the album cover and the subject matter. Accept said, “yeah”. The album WAS about people who are different. People who are gay. Who look different. Who dress different. Who are suppressed in society. They were not afraid to speak their minds. And the songs were pretty good, too. “Love Child”, “London Leatherboys”, “Balls To The Wall”…great 80’s metal songs. No power ballads to try and soothe the label. This is all about rocking, and making a statement. Accept did that better than most bands of its time, and they never caved in to label pressure. This is one of the hardest rocking albums of the 80’s, by a band that deserves more attention than what it has received.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
LINK WRAY & THE WRAYMEN
1960 – EPIC
NO PRODUCTION CREDIT
1. Caroline
2. Slinky
3. Right Turn
4. Rendezvous
5. Dixie Doodle
6. Ramble
7. Hand Clapper
8. Raw Hide
9. Lillian
10. Radar
11. Comanche
12. Studio Blues
Imagine being a teenager in the early days of rock and roll and hearing the guitar of Link Wray for the first time. Not just surf rock…Wray’s music led to the use of the power chord in rock, and his output, mostly singles, between 1958 and 1963 was stunning. There were albums as well, mostly compilations. But the first Link Wray album (with his band The Wraymen) was this little gem from 1960. Wray was a Native American (Shawnee), and grew up in the American south. He had been in the military during the Korean war and had lost a lung to tuberculosis, which was why his music was instrumental. His breakout single, 1958’s “Rumble”, has been cited as a huge influence on several great guitarists who came after him.
This first album is a gem, although, like a lot of albums from this time, it wasn’t really a studio album. It does consist of previous recordings he made between 1958 and 1960, and it does, as a result, not have a real flow to it. But fortunately, with an artist like Wray, you can have it both ways. This is historic, as it was his first full album, and there are enough excellent compilations that you can find that will fill in any gaps left by this. The bottom line is that Link Wray was one of the very best of the early guitar heroes, along with Dick Dale and Duane Eddy. There are tracks here that are interesting enough, but won’t be found on compilations of more popular material. And if you dig early instrumental surf…why would you NOT want this one? Out of print for decades, it’s now fully available.
There is NO Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame without Link Wray. Period.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
PAUL MCCARTNEY
PAUL IS LIVE
1993 – PARLOPHONE
Produced By PAUL MCCARTNEY
1. Drive My Car
2. Let Me Roll It
3. Looking For Changes
4. Peace In The Neighbourhood
5. All My Loving
6. Robbie’s Bit (Thanks Chet)
7. Good Rockin’ Tonight
8. We Can Work It Out
9. Hope Of Deliverance
10. Michelle
11. Biker Like An Icon
12. Here, There And Everywhere
13. My Love
14. Magical Mystery Tour
15. C’Mon People
16. Lady Madonna
17. Paperback Writer
18. Penny Lane
19. Live And Let Die
20. Kansas City
21. Welcome To Soundcheck
22. Hotel In Benidorm
23. I Wanna Be Your Man
24. A Fine Day
When The Beatles broke up in 1970, we all began waiting for that first really great Paul McCartney solo album. Nearly 50 years later, it’s pretty safe to say that it’s never going to come. But bless Paul for continuing to try, and for continuing to tour relentlessly. The result of his touring is that there are plenty of live albums to choose from. Paul Is Live was snatched off of his New World Tour in 1993, and because that tour was in support of his album from the same year, Off The Ground, this disc is immediately grounded in dull material from that album. It’s peppered with lesser tracks like “Peace In The Neighbourhood”, “Hope Of Deliverance” and “Biker Like An Icon”, one of those maddening songs that Paul was convinced was a major hit.
The band here, which includes his wife Linda, is a transitional one. Post Wings, and before his current solid band led by drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., this band is serviceable but bland. McCartney relies unusually heavily on Beatles material (almost half of the songs are from that period), and much less on his better solo songs. The results come down to this: Paul Is Live is, if you must have a McCartney live album, not the one to have. For the earlier years, you’ll want Wings Over America, and for his later period, Back In The USA will do nicely. The most interesting thing about Paul Is Live is the video (sold separately), which features graphic animal abuse footage (the McCartneys were big into animal rights). That, and the album cover, which updates Abbey Road and takes aim at the whole “Paul Is Dead” circus from the 60’s. Otherwise, you may want to pass on this one.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
NAZARETH
HAIR OF THE DOG
1975 – VERTIGO
Produced By MANNY CHARLTON
1. Hair Of The Dog
2. Miss Misery
3. Love Hurts
4. Changin’ Times
5. Beggars Day
6. Rose In The Heather
7. Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman
8. Please Don’t Judas Me
This Scottish hard rock / metal band was formed in 1968, and has been going non stop ever since. There’s only one original member left (bassist Pete Agnew), but that’s still quite a run. Their biggest and best album was their sixth. Hair Of The Dog sported a pair of monster hits, and is as heavy as anything you’ll find from the early to mid seventies. The best song here is the title track, a delicious piece of bad boy rock and roll that made parents everywhere cringe. The question was always…why “Hair Of The Dog”? (It’s not mentioned in the song). Well…Nazareth wanted to call the album (and the song) “Son Of A Bitch”. Their label balked, so the went with Hair Of The Dog. Because a son of a bitch is really nothing more than the heir of a dog. Brilliant.
The album also contains one of the most famous desecrations of a popular song in rock history. Just take a listen to Nazareth’s gleefully irreverent take on “Love Hurts” next to the classic recording by The Everly Brothers…THAT’S metal! You also get a Randy Newman cover (“Guilty”) and a Crazy Horse tune (“Beggar’s Day”). Also, there’s the pretty cool “Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman”. But you will have to sit through a pair of clunkers…”Miss Misery” is metal at its most dull. And the finale, almost ten minutes of the sludge infested “Please Don’t Judas Me”, almost kills it. But the title track saves the day. If you love metal and don’t love the title track, then you really DON’T love metal. Because it’s really that freakin’ cool.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
BOBBY BLUE BLAND
HIS CALIFORNIA ALBUM
1973 – ABC DUNHILL
Produced By STEVE BARRI
1. This Time I’m Gone For Good
2. Up And Down World
3. It’s Not The Spotlight
4. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right
5. Goin’ Down Slow
6. The Right Place At The Right Time
7. Help Me Through The Day
8. Where Baby Went
9. Friday The 13th Child
10. I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
One of the greatest blues singers to have ever walked the planet. Period. Bobby “Blue” Bland began his recording career in 1951, and had big commercial success in the R&B market between 1957 and the mid sixties. His California Album, from 1973, marked a comeback for Bland, with the song “This Time I’m Gone For Good” becoming an R&B top ten single. Bland, while considered a legend in blues circles, found crossover success fleeting. But his legacy is a powerful one. This album shows him in fine form, taking on some truly great material like “Goin’ Down Slow” and “(If Lovin’ You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right”. These songs show just how powerful a singer he was, and how, when given the right material, he was as good as anyone in the business.
His next (and ninth) album garnered more praise and contained more hits, but His California Album stands awesomely on its own. The arrangements here are flawless, and the soul in Bland’s voice is undeniable. This is a very strong album from an artist whose successes were, unfortunately, limited to soul, blues and R&B audiences. His gift deserves to be discovered by a wider audience for sure, and the number of successful soul and blues singers who owe Bland a respectful nod is pretty much endless. Bland made music from 1951 all the way up to his death in 2013, and while everything may not be perfect, it all deserves to be heard…and remembered. He’s in every music hall of fame there is for good reason. Take a listen!
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
ENYA
SHEPHERD MOONS
1991 – WEA
Produced By NICKY RYAN
1. Shepherd Moons
2. Caribbean Blue
3. How Can I Keep From Singing?
4. Ebudæ
5. Angeles
6. No Holly For Miss Quinn
7. Book Of Days
8. Evacuee
9. Lothlórien
10. Marble Halls
11. Afer Ventus
12. Smaointe…
The first thing that strikes me about Enya is that she does not like having her music classified as new age. The second is that her music is simply downright beautiful. This Irish artist plays almost all of the instruments and sings every one of those stunning layers of vocals you hear on her recordings. Her world is filled with haunting melodies and beautiful musical landscapes…and whether or not you like music of this kind, how can one not appreciate her vision and her art? Shepherd Moons is Enya’s third album, and it’s the follow up to her stunningly commercially successful album Watermark, which was highlighted by her unexpected hit “Orinoco Flow”. Shepherd Moons, although it did not have a hit like “Orinoco Flow”, was an even bigger seller than its predecessor. Because it’s just that good.
If you’re looking to rock, this is not for you. But if you are able to allow Enya’s drenched in echo vocal layers and her instrumental beauty into your mind, the rewards are surprising and plentiful. Shepherd Moons is as powerful an Enya album as you will find…”Caribbean Blue”, “Marble Halls”, “Book Of Days” and “How Can I Keep From Singing?” are all first rate tracks. This is one where you turn off your social media, light some candles, drop the needle and just close your eyes. This is beautiful, mellow music. That’s what Enya has always done, and her formula works every time. Shepherd Moons is a beautiful album. It’s not a sound for everyone, but if you can dig it, you are in for a real treat.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
FischmanRockMonster, JazzMeister, Bluesboy,ClassicalMasterProfile Land of Enchantment
LINK WRAY & THE WRAYMEN
1960 – EPIC
NO PRODUCTION CREDIT
1. Caroline
2. Slinky
3. Right Turn
4. Rendezvous
5. Dixie Doodle
6. Ramble
7. Hand Clapper
8. Raw Hide
9. Lillian
10. Radar
11. Comanche
12. Studio Blues
Imagine being a teenager in the early days of rock and roll and hearing the guitar of Link Wray for the first time. Not just surf rock…Wray’s music led to the use of the power chord in rock, and his output, mostly singles, between 1958 and 1963 was stunning. There were albums as well, mostly compilations. But the first Link Wray album (with his band The Wraymen) was this little gem from 1960. Wray was a Native American (Shawnee), and grew up in the American south. He had been in the military during the Korean war and had lost a lung to tuberculosis, which was why his music was instrumental. His breakout single, 1958’s “Rumble”, has been cited as a huge influence on several great guitarists who came after him.
This first album is a gem, although, like a lot of albums from this time, it wasn’t really a studio album. It does consist of previous recordings he made between 1958 and 1960, and it does, as a result, not have a real flow to it. But fortunately, with an artist like Wray, you can have it both ways. This is historic, as it was his first full album, and there are enough excellent compilations that you can find that will fill in any gaps left by this. The bottom line is that Link Wray was one of the very best of the early guitar heroes, along with Dick Dale and Duane Eddy. There are tracks here that are interesting enough, but won’t be found on compilations of more popular material. And if you dig early instrumental surf…why would you NOT want this one? Out of print for decades, it’s now fully available.
There is NO Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame without Link Wray. Period.
BOBBY BLUE BLAND
HIS CALIFORNIA ALBUM
1973 – ABC DUNHILL
Produced By STEVE BARRI
1. This Time I’m Gone For Good
2. Up And Down World
3. It’s Not The Spotlight
4. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right
5. Goin’ Down Slow
6. The Right Place At The Right Time
7. Help Me Through The Day
8. Where Baby Went
9. Friday The 13th Child
10. I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
One of the greatest blues singers to have ever walked the planet. Period. Bobby “Blue” Bland began his recording career in 1951, and had big commercial success in the R&B market between 1957 and the mid sixties. His California Album, from 1973, marked a comeback for Bland, with the song “This Time I’m Gone For Good” becoming an R&B top ten single. Bland, while considered a legend in blues circles, found crossover success fleeting. But his legacy is a powerful one. This album shows him in fine form, taking on some truly great material like “Goin’ Down Slow” and “(If Lovin’ You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right”. These songs show just how powerful a singer he was, and how, when given the right material, he was as good as anyone in the business.
His next (and ninth) album garnered more praise and contained more hits, but His California Album stands awesomely on its own. The arrangements here are flawless, and the soul in Bland’s voice is undeniable. This is a very strong album from an artist whose successes were, unfortunately, limited to soul, blues and R&B audiences. His gift deserves to be discovered by a wider audience for sure, and the number of successful soul and blues singers who owe Bland a respectful nod is pretty much endless. Bland made music from 1951 all the way up to his death in 2013, and while everything may not be perfect, it all deserves to be heard…and remembered. He’s in every music hall of fame there is for good reason. Take a listen!
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