Mick's Playlist » Classic Rock

The Who: Who’s Next

Mick — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:20:34 +0000

To be quite honest, The Who are responsible for my new fascination with classic rock. It all started because of the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago. My parents took us there, and while waiting for our food my dad walked around with me and looked at all the memorabilia. What stood out the most was a guitar that Pete Townshend smashed. It was a Fender Telecaster to be exact, which is the same guitar I play.

After doing some research on the band, I can to the conclusion that this album should be my first exposure. What a great decision! I not only enjoyed their style, but their lyrics were just great. That says a lot coming from someone who rarely listens to the lyrics on the first play.

The song that stood out the most was ‘Going Mobile.’ Why? Because if that song were written today, Al Gore would have a heart-attack. Check out these lyrics:

I don’t care about pollution
I’m an air-conditioned gypsy
That’s my solution

There goes green peace. Anyways, I enjoyed this album very much. It not only lead me to listen to more music by one of the monsters of rock, but spun me off to explore a genre I had know little about. Even 45 years after their formation, they are still winning fans. Enjoy this video of one their most famous songs: Baba O’Riley.

I give this album the top rating without any question.

Rating: 5/5

Neil Young: After the Gold Rush

Mick — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:10:05 +0000

Let’s face it, Neil Young has one of the most annoying voices on the planet. His high tones remind of what a eunuch would sound like if they were to sing. But Neil Young has a gift for songwriting and makes that ridiculously high voice work to his advantage. It just goes to show that you don’t need to have the most beautiful voice in the world to be a successful musician; which brings hope to people like me.

If I could describe this album with one word, it would be ‘raw.’ Some of Young’s later works sound over-produced and too blocky. While listening though the album you’ll hear Young playing guitar, piano, and harmonica, all of which add a singer/songwriter feel to his music. This album is one Young’s best by a long shot.

After the Gold Rush was originally released in 1970, just a few months after Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s album Deja Vu. This album went gold only two months after its’ release, and then in 1986 it went double platinum. Though Harvest is helped make Young known to the world, Gold Rush may be considered his crown jewel.

Rating 5/5

Rolling Stones: Exhile on Main St.

Mick — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:29:16 +0000

The only other album I have listened to so far of the Rolling Stones has been Big Hits. To be quite honest, I never really got into the Stones, mostly because Mick Jagger rubbed me the wrong way (not literally). I love Big Hits. And the only reason I ever got it was because it was only $3 at a Half Priced Book Store.

After listening to Exhile on Main St., I have a new found respect for the music of the Rolling Stones. This album was acutally their tenth, being released in 1972. Even though it’s #10 in release, this album is considered by many to be the bands best work. In fact, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked this album seventh in a list of the top 500 greatest albums of all time.

The dynamics from song to song keep you engaged and looking for more. When all is said and done, this album get’s the top rating this site can give. Well done Rolling Stones (the band, not the magazine… or the Bob Dylan song).

Rating: 5/5

Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall

Mick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:20:56 +0000

Neil Young’s Live at Massey Hall is part of his private archive collection that has been released in recent years. This recording dates back to 1971 and was finally released to the public in 2007. I was never a fan of Neil Young, not because of distaste but from lack of exposure. While working at Starbucks when this album was released I had no choice but to listen. What had I missed out on all these years?

Since that time my Neil Young collection has expanded because of this one album. Where most times Young is with his band, Crazy Horse, Live at Massey Hall features a solo performance in the most laid back of ways. You are transported to the audience as everything is captured; from a comment about dropping a pick to detuning his guitar to a drop-D position, to stories about the origins of several songs.

This album is recommended for both fans of Neil Young and people who are not quite sure if they will enjoy his music. If you are a fan of the modern folk or singer/songwriter genres, this is definitely worth a listen. After going through this album, it is evident why Neil Young has the popularity and reputation that still thrives today.

Rating: 4/5