Catherine Wheel split up after a full decade of great music and near misses in 2000. All of their albums are worth seeking out…but Ferment is the best of the lot.
Thanks for this writeup! But I'd have to say that most of us die-hard CW fans ("Wheelheads") would agree with the BEA ranking that puts Ferment at #2 and Chrome at #1. At the same time, almost nobody would agree with the overall rank of Adam & Eve at #3 and Happy Days at #4, with the latter having only half the ranking points — those should be reversed. (I think it's mostly because one BEA member, NJstixx, ranked the former as the #5 album of all time but didn't rank the latter at all.) 🧱
Thanks for this writeup! But I'd have to say that most of us die-hard CW fans ("Wheelheads") would agree with the BEA ranking that puts Ferment at #2 and Chrome at #1. At the same time, almost nobody would agree with the overall rank of Adam & Eve at #3 and Happy Days at #4, with the latter having only half the ranking points — those should be reversed. (I think it's mostly because one BEA member, NJstixx, ranked the former as the #5 album of all time but didn't rank the latter at all.) ](*,)
I can appreciate that! Chrome is excellent as well! _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
ANGEL WITCH
1980 – BRONZE
Produced By MARTIN SMITH
1. Angel Witch
2. Atlantis
3. White Witch
4. Confused
5. Sorcerers
6. Gorgon
7. Sweet Danger
8. Free Man
9. Angel Of Death
10. Devil’s Tower
11. Loser
12. Suffer
13. Dr. Phibes
14. Flight Nineteen
15. Baphomet
16. Hades Paradise
17. Sweet Danger (Live)
18. Angel Of Death (Live)
19. Extermination Day (Live)
20. Angel Witch (Live)
In the mid seventies, Angel Witch was formed as part of what was called the new wave of British heavy metal. Following the “first wave” successes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, the new wave bands saw initial success fleeting (punk was getting more attention in the UK), but eventually bands like Def Leppard, Iron Maiden and Motorhead were able to break through and have long fruitful careers. And then there were bands like Angel Witch. One of the pioneers of the movement, and noted as a big influence on later metal bands, Angel Witch never quite made it. This is their debut album from 1980, which was seen as highly promising, but after its release the band almost split up, having to reform 2 years later with new members. They were never the same, and never reached the level of stardom that many thought they would.
As for this album, the title track could have been a big hit…but wasn’t. Other tracks, while not as solid, are heavy and loud, a headbanger’s dream. “White Witch”, “Angel Of Death” and “Sorcerers” are worthwhile. This album was highly regarded, but the loss of momentum after their debut cost them. Despite never having broken through, Angel Witch is still out there, playing festivals and touring all these years later. They ended up making only five albums, and they are mostly forgotten. This version, which is the 25th Anniversary reissue from 2005, contains an additional ten bonus tracks, 4 of them live, making this really the only album by Angel Witch that you’ll ever need. An important slice of what influenced modern metal.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
P.O.D.
SATELLITE
2001 – ATLANTIC
Produced By HOWARD BENSON & P.O.D.
1. Set It Off
2. Alive
3. Boom
4. Youth Of The Nation
5. Celestial
6. Satellite
7. Ridiculous (Feat. Eek-A-Mouse)
8. The Messenjah
9. Guitarras De Amor
10. Anything Right (Feat. Christian Lindskog)
11. Ghetto
12. Masterpiece Conspiracy
13. Without Jah, Nothing (Feat. H.R.)
14. Thinking About Forever
15. Portrait
There was once a time when the mention of Christian rock brought to mind a couple of kids with acoustic guitars singing Kumbaya. That’s not what Christian rock is at all. P.O.D. (which stands for Payable On Death) is a metal band. Not power ballad metal…these guys are heavy, loud and exciting. The lyrics may be of a spiritual nature, but the sound of this band is pure metal bliss. Satellite is their fourth album, and is their best selling effort. For good reason…this record includes metal wonders like “Boom”, “Youth Of A Nation”, “Alive”, and the excellent title track. You also get pure molten metal tracks like “The Messanjah”, a track which, by itself, will leave you wanting more of this band.
Musically, this group has great musicianship. Sonny Sandoval is positively menacing as a vocalist. Marcos Curiel is a beast of a guitarist. And the rhythm section of Traa Daniels and Wuv Bernardo are as good as any. P.O.D. has released eleven albums to date…probably not as famous as they could be because they are a Christian band. Regardless of what you think of their choice of subject matter and faith, this is a pretty terrific group. It’s nice to think that Jesus is cool with rocking like this. P.O.D. is worth checking out, and Satellite is as good a place as any to start with them. You want to rock? This rocks. I’m good with that.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
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Of dying history
FischmanRockMonster, JazzMeister, Bluesboy,ClassicalMasterProfile Land of Enchantment
ANGEL WITCH
1980 – BRONZE
Produced By MARTIN SMITH
1. Angel Witch
2. Atlantis
3. White Witch
4. Confused
5. Sorcerers
6. Gorgon
7. Sweet Danger
8. Free Man
9. Angel Of Death
10. Devil’s Tower
11. Loser
12. Suffer
13. Dr. Phibes
14. Flight Nineteen
15. Baphomet
16. Hades Paradise
17. Sweet Danger (Live)
18. Angel Of Death (Live)
19. Extermination Day (Live)
20. Angel Witch (Live)
In the mid seventies, Angel Witch was formed as part of what was called the new wave of British heavy metal. Following the “first wave” successes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, the new wave bands saw initial success fleeting (punk was getting more attention in the UK), but eventually bands like Def Leppard, Iron Maiden and Motorhead were able to break through and have long fruitful careers. And then there were bands like Angel Witch. One of the pioneers of the movement, and noted as a big influence on later metal bands, Angel Witch never quite made it. This is their debut album from 1980, which was seen as highly promising, but after its release the band almost split up, having to reform 2 years later with new members. They were never the same, and never reached the level of stardom that many thought they would.
As for this album, the title track could have been a big hit…but wasn’t. Other tracks, while not as solid, are heavy and loud, a headbanger’s dream. “White Witch”, “Angel Of Death” and “Sorcerers” are worthwhile. This album was highly regarded, but the loss of momentum after their debut cost them. Despite never having broken through, Angel Witch is still out there, playing festivals and touring all these years later. They ended up making only five albums, and they are mostly forgotten. This version, which is the 25th Anniversary reissue from 2005, contains an additional ten bonus tracks, 4 of them live, making this really the only album by Angel Witch that you’ll ever need. An important slice of what influenced modern metal.
GUNS N’ ROSES
LIVE ERA ’87-‘93
1999 – GEFFEN
Produced By DEL JAMES
1. Nightrain
2. Mr. Brownstone
3. It’s So Easy
4. Welcome To The Jungle
5. Dust N’ Bones
6. My Michelle
7. You’re Crazy
8. Used To Love Her
9. Patience
10. It’s Alright
11. November Rain
1. Out Ta Get Me
2. Pretty Tied Up
3. Yesterdays
4. Move To The City
5. You Could Be Mine
6. Rocket Queen
7. Sweet Child O’ Mine
8. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
9. Don’t Cry
10. Estranged
11. Paradise City
By 1999, it was pretty apparent to many that Guns N’ Roses was over as a band. Except for a rather unfortunate album of covers, they hadn’t released a real album of new material in 8 years…not since the Use Your Illusion 2fer in 1991. The worst part was, it didn’t look like there was going to be anything in the near future, either. (It was another decade before G N’ R, in name and lead singer only, put out the highly overrated Chines Democracy). The only thing that Geffen Records could do was to put out a live album to help fill the void. And thus, we have Live Era ’87-’93. This is, not surprisingly, their worst selling album. It has more problems than great moments, and is easily the least important part of their discography.
Despite its title, only three of these tracks were from the 1980’s. The rest were all from the Use Your Illusion tours between 1991 and 1993. The band played everything as close to the studio versions as possible, so there’s next to nothing added to the originals beside crowd noise and some rude banter by Axl Rose. And had anyone cared about the quality of the product they were putting out, they could have at least attempted to make it sound like a real live show instead of chopping and stopping with dead silence between every track. The only real positive here is that Rose is actually in good voice on these selections…something that was iffy during this period. Stick to the studio versions…there’s nothing new or important here.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
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Of dying history
1. Liquid Swords
2. Duel Of The Iron Mic (Feat. Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Masta Killa & Inspectah Deck)
3. Living In The World Today
4. Gold
5. Cold World (Feat. Inspectah Deck)
6. Labels
7. 4th Chamber (Feat. Ghostface Killah, Killah Priest & RZA)
8. Shadowboxin’ (Feat. Method Man)
9. Hell’s Wind Staff / Killah Hills 10304
10. Investigative Reports (Feat. U-Good, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah)
11. Swordsman
12. I Gotcha Back
13. B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
GZA, also known as Genius, is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and has maintained a successful solo career as well. He’s called Genius for good reason…he steps outside of standard rap subject matter by writing lyrics about philosophy and science, which makes him interesting and refreshing. And his music still manages to sound great: GZA always has well crafted musical tracks to go along with what he has to say. Liquid Swords is his second album (his debut, Words From The Genius, was released prior to the success of Wu-Tang Clan, and went pretty much unheard), and is the one that made him a household name outside of his group.
While this is musically very good, the main point of interest is GZA’s lyrics. His stories of street life are much more literate than what we’re used to hearing, and his storytelling abilities are exceptional. He’s been called not only Wu-Tang’s greatest lyricist, but one of the best in hip hop. Liquid Swords is helped out by a slew of Wu-Tang guest appearances, including Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah and producer RZA. It’s long been considered as one of the finest hip hop albums of the 90’s, and it’s certainly a shining star in the Wu-Tang Clan’s crown. This is a smart and captivating album by one of the best. Well worth hearing and highly recommended.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
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And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
LIFE AFTER DEATH
1997 – BAD BOY / ARISTA
Produced By THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G., SEAN “PUFFY” COMBS, THE HITMEN, BUCKWILD, CLARK KENT, DJ ENUFF, DJ PREMIER, STEVIE J, EASY MO BEE, HAVOC, JIV POS, DARON JONES, KAYGEE, PARAGON & RZA
1. Life After Death Intro
2. Somebody’s Gotta Die
3. Hypnotize
4. Kick In The Door
5. Fuck You Tonight (Feat. R. Kelly)
6. Last Day (Feat. The LOX)
7. I Love The Dough (Feat. Jay-Z & Angela Winbush)
8. What’s Beef
9. B.I.G. Interlude
10. Mo Money Mo Problems (Feat. Mase, Puff Daddy & Kelly Price)
11. Niggas Bleed
12. I Got A Story To Tell
1. Notorious Thugs (Feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony)
2. Miss U (Feat. 112)
3. Another (Feat. Lil’ Kim)
4. Going Back To Cali
5. Ten Crack Commandments
6. Playa Hater
7. Nasty Boy
8. Sky’s The Limit (Feat. 112)
9. The World Is Filled…(Feat. Too Short, Puff Daddy & Carl Thomas)
10. My Downfall (Feat. D.M.C.)
11. Long Kiss Goodnight
12. You’re Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)
Yeah, It’s a posthumous album. By 16 days. Life After death was supposed to have been released in 1996, but was delayed. It ended up being a different kind of album after The Notorious B.I.G. was murdered in a drive by shooting in Los Angeles. Sad. This album has two overriding themes: death, and beef. As in problems with fellow hip hop artists. Which is believed to be what led to his premature death at the ripe old age of 24. Lesson to be learned? Don’t dwell on what other people say about you. Who knows what his career could have shaped up to be otherwise? B.I.G. was a talented guy who had an unfortunate obsession with what others thought of him. Sad shit, really.
Aside from that…Biggie was great, and this double album should have been the one that cemented his career as a hip hop great for years to come. It’s loaded with great tracks, inventive ideas, and catchy as hell beats. This guy was a huge talent on the cusp of being a monster star. Two discs of hip hop from one artist? He pulls it off easily. “Hypnotize”, “Sky’s The Limit”, “Mo Money Mo Problems” and especially “Going Back To Cali”, despite it’s references to feuds with other artists, show what a force Biggie Smalls was on the cusp of becoming. His short career of two albums show an artist who could have gone really far. Instead, he fell victim to his subject matter. Still…the music he made is mostly really great and always worth hearing.
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MERCURY REV
YERSELF IS STEAM
1991 – COLUMBIA
Produced By DAVID BAKER, JONATHAN DONAHUE, DAVE FRIDMANN, GRASSHOPPER, SUZANNE THORPE & JIMY CHAMBERS
1. Chasing A Bee
2. Syringe Mouth
3. Coney Island Cyclone
4. Blue And Black
5. Sweet Oddysee Of A Cancer Cell T’ Th’ Center Of Yer Heart
6. Frittering
7. Continuous Trucks And Thunder Under A Mother’s Smile
8. Very Sleepy Rivers
9. Car Wash Hair (The Bee’s Chasing Me)
Mercury Rev has been compared to The Flaming Lips a lot over the years, and for good reason: they share a similar sound, guitarist Jonathan Donahue played in both bands for a brief period, and they’ve shared producer Dave Fridmann. In the early days of Mercury Rev, their sound was considerably darker than that of the Lips, thanks to original singer David Baker. Yerself Is Steam (think your self esteem) is their debut album from 1991, and it was not a hit. It’s a very raw album, dark, and the sound of a band just getting touch with their ideas. It’s become known more as a shoegaze album than a psychedelic rock record, a period the band would soon move away from.
The packaging of the album contains some slightly annoying gimmicks: the track run times are all incorrect, and “Very Sleepy Rivers” is split over 91 different tracks. The highlight here is “Chasing A Bee”, and there are several other cool tracks…enough to make this worthwhile. Mercury Rev still had its best days way ahead of them at this point, but if you’re a fan, you’ll want this as a point of where it all got started. And they are one of the more interesting bands of the time. The wall of guitars and trippy beats make for a good listen, but if this band doesn’t grab you, then you might not find it as interesting. The best years of Mercury Rev are between 1998 and 2008. If that suits you, then this may as well.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
SUZANNE VEGA
1985 – A&M
Produced By STEVE ADDABBO, LENNY KAYE & STEVEN MILLER
1. Cracking
2. Freeze Tag
3. Marlene On The Wall
4. Small Blue Thing
5. Straight Lines
6. Undertow
7. Some Journey
8. The Queen And The Soldier
9. Knight Moves
10. Neighborhood Girls
Suzanne Vega is a folk-rock singer who has never been afraid to take chances. Her self titled debut album from 1985, however, showcases her playing her excellent songs in a straightforward manner. She would have greater successes down the road…”Luka”, “Left Of Center”, and the intriguing a cappella hit “Tom’s Diner”, but this album is Vega at her most pure. It’s a favorite of many, and while it doesn’t have the bigger hits of her later albums of the late eighties to early nineties, it helped to establish her as a creative force. It’s not a perfect record…Vega has never released a true masterpiece…but this is about as fine as you’ll get with her.
The best track, and the one that got her the most attention, is the pretty “Marlene On The Wall”. But there are other gems. “Cracking” is a fine opener. “Straight Lines” and “The Queen And The Soldier” are also worth repeated listens, and make this definitely worth having. You can also hear the groundwork being laid for her more successful albums to come, Solitude Standing and Days Of Open Hand. Suzanne Vega was a fairly big star in the late 80’s and early 90’s, but she doesn’t really get her due these days. Any of her work is deserving of attention, including this one. Going back to where it all got started can be a very good thing.
Link _________________ I'm leaning on the threshold
Of her mystery
And crashing through the walls
Of dying history
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