Amazing.

This band made it big in the 90’s with their hit, ‘Hard to Handle.’  After several more albums, along with most of their band being changed, Before the Frost… has arrived, and it’s hit hard.  They have done a great job at making a dynamic album from their opening track ‘Good Morning Captain,’ to my favorite ‘Kept My Soul.’

Don’t write this band off because they are ‘too popular,’ or because they may have been overplayed in the 90’s.  The Black Crowes have matured as a band, and I believe this is their best album yet.  I look forward to seeing how they follow such a great album.

I hate half marks, so this album is going to receive a 4/5.  But take note, it just barely falls short of a 5.

Rating: 4/5

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

]]> http://micksplaylist.com/2010/01/18/the-who-whos-next/feed/ 3 Mick Who's Next 5 Records http://micksplaylist.com/2009/12/20/neil-young-after-the-gold-rush/ http://micksplaylist.com/2009/12/20/neil-young-after-the-gold-rush/#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:10:05 +0000 Mick http://micksplaylist.com/?p=91 ]]> 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

10. Jack Johnson – Brushfire Fairytales (2001)

9. Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)

8. Once: Music from the Motion Picture (2007)

7. Sigur Ros – Takk… (2005)

6. Iron & Wine – The Creek Drank the Cradle (2002)

5. Denison Witmer: Philadelphia Songs (2002)

4. Elvis Perkins – Ash Wednesday (2007)

3. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

2. Damien Rice – O (2003)

1. Iron & Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days (2004)

Recorded with a portable studio, O is possibly one of the best albums I have encountered.  Everything from beautiful harmonies from Lisa Hannigan to the soft cello on tracks like “Volcano,” you will not feel like this album short hands you in any way.

As beautiful as the music may be, most of the lyrics are quite depressing.  While seeing the band in concert down in Louisville, KY, Damien introduced one song as possibly the only positive song he has ever written.  This was of coarse prior to his release of his latest album: 9.

Ireland based, Damien has not been doing much touring or recording as of recent, so this jewel is only one of two of this artists work.  If you have not heard this album, I suggest you get on that.  Grab a cup of coffee and take an adventure through one of the best albums of the 21st Century.

Rating: 5/5

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

For starters, I am going to be looking back at some albums from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s that are considered to be some classics.  If you have any suggestions of albums for me to check out, please let me know.  During my search for some ‘oldies but goodies,’ I will continue looking at some more modern music as well.

At this point I am still pretty amateur with the reviews, but hopefully we can grow together, both as a reviewer and you (the reader) as discussion holders.  I would really like to create some dialog over the albums posted on this site.

Thank you for visiting, and I hope to interact with all of you in the very near future.

Album Cover

Someone once told me that an accordion has no place in modern music.  This may true in the sense that polka is not longer as popular as it once was (thankfully), Annie Lynch and other artists have really done a good job at reintroducing the instrument as a vital part to modern folk.

Their style is reminiscent of Nickelcreek, which is a pretty high standard to meet.  If you are a fan of the Folk/Bluegrass genre, definitely add this to your playlist.

Eventually I could see this album receiving 5 points, as I’m sure I will continue to listen and enjoy, but for now I can only give it a 4 star rating.

Beautiful in every way imaginable.  Takk is Sigur Rós’ crowning achievement.  Coming from Iceland, this band has done wonders for ambient musicians around the world.

Do not expect to understand the lyrics in this album, for Jónsi Birgisson uses his own language called Hopelandic.  With his falsetto voice and a very dynamic accompaniment, Sigur Rós has a style of their own.  As I mentioned below I expect ambient music to take me on an adventure

Takk shows that music is not only something that is enjoyable to listen to, but an art form that can be explored over and over again. 

Rating: 5/5

Brian Beyke is not only a friend of mine from college, but a very talented musician.  Whenever I hear ambient music, my expectation is to be taken on an adventure.  Four Seasons does not disappoint.  As soon as the opening track “Winter” hits the air, you are taken to another place.

Beyke uses a lot of looping and various other effects which gives him a unique mix that is not easily replicable.  Add the talent of this young musicians guitar playing and you have a musician to look out for.  If you are looking for an enjoyable, creative experience, Four Seasons is definitely for you.

The following DIY video is taken of Beyke playing “In Blankets” and “Nine,” neither of which are on Four Seasons.  This is, however, a very good representation for the quality of music you will hear from Brian.  He walks around outside which fits the mood of the song perfectly.  Enjoy.

Rating: 4/5