I Have a Fever, and the only CURE is DISINTEGRATION!

 

Artist: The Cure

Album: Disintegration   

Genre: Alternative rock, Gothic rock, Post-punk, New wave, Dark wave, Dream pop, Art rock

Release date: May 2, 1998

Description: 

    Welcome to the Eighth record by The Cure. Disintegration brings us back to the classic Cure we know from the early 80s. With their Gothic Rock style coming in for a big presence on this release, it was clear they wanted to get back to their roots as a band. The group had been facing much popularity due to their pop success of the decade.  Due to the stress of the popularity put on the band to follow this up with more mentally strenuous work, Robert Smith ended up going back to his abuse of hallucinogenic drugs, which had a strong influence on the shaping of this album. The album became a critically acclaimed success for the band commercially. It topped the UK charts at number 3 and the US charts at number 12! it was ranked number 116 ont he Rolling Stone to 500 albums of all time list.

Favorite Track: Lovesong

Reason: The intro begins with a great organ sound and straight rock style rock beat that drives the song along. The keys and synth style instrumental breaks between verses keeps the listener engaged in this piece. The lyrics in the chorus tell of a character explaining, no matter whatever happens, they are to be true and loving to their partner. We get a little solo on the guitar that breaks up the song for a moment until we are brought back to a verse that leads into another run of the chorus. Then the songs does a short instrumental measure or two to end the song. Very straight forward and simple the song.

Album Rating: 8.0/10

The album is a great return to the basics for the Cure. The band gets to go back to their early 80s roots. The gothic nature of this release is a much-needed revival for what they are best known for in their style of playing. The fact that this album starts off with a wind chime heavy into and ends in a melodica style sound is very unique. Although a very popular album, I like a bit more oomph in my pop-rock, gothic rock albums.  

The Cure: Disintrigation review

Artist: The Cure

Album: Disintegration

Genre: Alternative rock, Gothic rock, Post-punk, New wave, Dark wave, Dream pop, Art rock

Relase date: May 2nd 1989

First impressions: Lots of synth-pop type beats, but an easy listen album for sure. Definitely can tell it was recorded in the 80s.

Favorite song: Disintegration

Has some good beats and the vocals are great to. A little hard to understand what they are singing but I think I get the gist of it.

Overall rating: 7/10

With its synthetic beats and easy melodies this is for sure an album I could listen to again. Not my personal favorite but definitely worth listening to.

The White Stripes: Elephant album review

Artist: The white stripes

Album: Elephant

Genre: Rock, Alternative rock, Garage rock, Indie rock, Blues rock, Post-punk revival, Punk blues

Relase date: April 1st 2003

First impression: This has a nice mix of different rock styles and you can't go wrong with 7 Nation army.

Favorite song: The Hardest Button to Button

The drum beats to this song and the catchy lyrics make this a fun song to listen to.

Overall rating: 8/10

Like I mentioned this album has a good mix of different rock styles and it makes it a pleasant listening experience without being over powering.

Let's Talk About The ELEPHANT [Playing] In The Room

 

Artist: The White Stripes

Album: Elephant

Genre: Rock, Alternative rock, Garage rock, Indie rock, Blues rock, Post-punk revival, Punk blues, Garage punk

Release date: April 1, 2003

Description: Are you going to Wichita? If so, take this Grammy winning White Stripes album with on your travels! Released on April Fools' Day 2003, this 14 track Alternative album showcases the best of this group in under 1 hour! Many critics hailed this album as a best for the decade! When this was initially released, it received a Metacritic score of 92. This album also saw a special 10th anniversary release on Vinyl as well!

Favorite Track: Ball and Biscuit

Reason: The southern charm of the guitar tone gives this song its legendary sound profile! This song also has a big low end once the solo comes over the speakers. I love the Sing-Talk style of the vocals on this track as well. The squeaky grind of the guitar tone on the solo is so addicting. The song may go on for a while, but it's a great telling of the instrumental abilities of The White Stripes.

Album Rating: 9.0/10

This album has it all. A guitar.......

.... and drums.

Need I say more? This also has one of the most classic CHANT songs of all time. By that I mean, you go to a big celebration or sporting event and you are sure to hear people going OH, oh oh oh, ooooooh ooooh to the man riff of Seven Nation Army! Along with that song, you have many other favorites. This album is a showcasing of the best of this group. The expressiveness of the instruments and vocals with such limited a lineup is amazing. Not many groups pull off the guitar and drums experience like they do!. 

Arcade Fire: Funeral album review

Artist: Arcade Fire

Album: Funeral

Genre: Indie rock, Alternative rock, Art rock, Baroque pop, Chamber pop, Post-punk revival

Release date: September 14, 2004

First impression: I have heard of the band arcade fire before but haven't sat down to listen to a whole album by them. I really like the laid back vibe that they bring to this album.

Favorite song: Nieghborhood #4 (7 kettles)

The overall beat to this song mixed with the soft vocals of  the band make this one of my favorites. 

Overall score: 9/10

I am starting to enjoy indie music, it is much different than the standard mainstream pop that I usually listen to. The smooth beats and everything make this a chill album to listen to.

Neighborhood #5 (Reviews) : A Funeral Perspective

 

Artist: Arcade Fire

Album: Funeral 

Genre: Indie rock, Alternative rock, Art rock, Baroque pop, Chamber pop, Post-punk revival

Release date: September 14, 2004

Description: An album of much success for this Canadian Indie-Rock Group. This being the first studio release of theirs, it gained critical acclaim immediately, with 5 total singles coming from this. The group saw success at number 19 on the UK singles charts from the track Rebellion(Lies). Being the unique group they are, Arcade Fire recorded this album at Hotel2Tango in Montreal, Quebec. This is a very interesting studio being that it is a 24 track all analog studio. They went for a very pure sound with their instrumentals on the album. With many of the band members losing family members within a little over a year of the album release, the name made so much sense for the release. 

Favorite Track: In The Backseat

Reason: THE VOCALS! I can never say no to a good female vocalist. As the lead female vocalist for the band, Régine Chassagne has a wonderful range. The start of the song with strings and her voice just puts chills down my spine! The ominous beat of the drums in the back end of the piece draws you along with the melody of the piano. You then get the punchy guitar that comes on through within the first 1/3 of the song and elevates the whole song for just a brief moment before the strings and piano take over once again. Once you reach just about halfway through the song, the drums break into their edgy Alt-Rock style beat and the guitar starts its punchy crunch style sound to round out the entire ensemble of instruments. The strings keep moving, while all of a sudden the horn sneaks out from behind the massive cast of instruments to brings another layer of wonder to the song.  Finally, the track starts to mellow out, with the strings ending the piece with a light plucky bounce that ends in a fade to silence. 

    The entire time I kept feeling more and more excitement along this wonderful recording! I was drawn to every little movement within it. The vocals caught me off guard right away. The classical sound of the strings and horn were a vibrant change of pace for the track. Then the heavy rock break in the middle of the song keeps the energy going. Finally, the song simplifies into a bare element of classical strings flowing through the melody until they switch to their light and plucky ending and then... silence.

Album Rating: 9.6/10

This album is one of my favorite early 2000s Indie-Rock albums. I've always found myself to be an Indie/Alternative Rock fan. It's a big part of what make me the musician I am. I can recount many times hearing tracks from this release and the feeling of excitement and uplift I get from them. I find the use of the strings within the songs so pleasant and exciting. With a great opening into what was a new and exciting time for music with this album and other's like it, this work of art brings the listener into a whole new style of punchy rock instrumentals mixed with elegant and exciting strings. The album makes you rethink the use of classical and Rock together in a new era for music in the 2000s. Overall, what brings me to rate this album as good as I do is the fact that not once with this album did I find a disappointing track at all. I'm still searching for the best album ever, but this certainly hits high on this guy's charts!

The House full of ACID (MUSIC): A Screamadelica Review

 

Artist: Primal Scream

Album: Screamadelica 

genres: Alternative

Release date: August 10, 1991

Description: Being this the third record from the band, this departure from their normal sound was a unique transition into a new style for them. After rocking the indie style for a while, they wanted to try something new. That's just what they did. They ended up incorporating LSD and MDMA into their process and got much of their influence from House Music. The album peaked at number 8 on the UK music charts, and it also won the first Mercury Music award in 1992.

Favorite Track: Damaged

Reason: This country styled piece is a much welcomed change to the already interesting track listings. With a break from the regular House style music of the album, this track resonated with me greatly. A very simple guitar and piano opening leads into the very mellow vocal track. The drums are not overpowering in this song at all. They use brushes to bring a more subdued styling to the beat they contribute. Around half-way through, the guitar switches to a more heavy electric low-end tone with a bare-bones solo. The song rolls around back to the chorus before fading out with another solo from the guitar to round out the piece. 

Album Score: 8.0/10

The album is a very fascinating one indeed. With the move to a more House style music choice for this one, it brings a new tone for the band. Many instrumental changes to the styling were made. The opening track reminds me very much of a George Michael Freedom style piece. The album takes many strange turns as it explores the house scene. With the bizarre siren sounds and the bouncy synth tones, it then moves into some slower house-trance beats along its middle section. We also get into some happier, upbeat pop rock themes as well. With a break for country ear the end, the album ends on a very bizarre note with the track :Shine Like Stars." Overall, an interesting album with many styles across the track listing.

 

Primal Scream: Screamadelica review

Artist: Primal Scream

Album: Screamadelica 

genres: Alternative

Release date: August 10, 1991

First impression: when I read the title of this album I thought it was gonna be a screamo/heavy metal type album. I was WAY OFF, the beats and the vocals make this album fun to listen to and groove too

Favorite song: Damaged

It has a low and calming beat despite the title name. Good lyrics and nice instrumental backing.

Overall rating: 9/10

I was VERY suprised listening to this album and what to expect. My personal favorite song was Damaged but some of the other tracks are decent as well.

Bollocks, This Album Rocks: A Never Mind The Bollocks Review

 

Artist: The Sex Pistols    

Album: Never Mind The Bullocks, Here's The Sex Pistols

Genre: Punk Rock

Release date: October 28th, 1977

Description: Released in October of 77 (in the UK) and November of 77 (in the US), this only studio release for the band was chalked full of hits. With hits surrounding themes of anarchy and pure raw energy, the band had many hits on this release. The album saw a slew of various members and a big mix of who played what for the recordings. The original bassist for the band was Glen Matlock. Although he is credited as writing all but two of the tracks, he only recorded on one track, Anarchy In The UK. Sid Vicious ends up stepping in to replace Matlock on bass. Unfortunately, with little to no skill on the instrument, guitarist Steve Jones ends up playing on most of the bass tracks. 

    By the time the album was released, the band was already in hot water with the public. Being a rather controversial group, many listings on the charts were left blank for the band. Many people found the album title to be crass and distasteful. Most shops refused to have any inventory of the album as well. They said, with the controversy surrounding the album, it makes sense as a better move for business. The album did end up at number one on the charts in the UK and the RIAA certified it as a Platinum release. 

Favorite Track: Liar

Reason: The song tells the angering story that no band wishes to go through. It tells the story of dishonesty and manipulation by a person full of greed when introducing a young musical group to the adult world of the industry. The group also fought manipulation from the outside as well. While telling this tale, they brought an awesome guitar intro with a fast-paced hi-hat to lead right into the chorus. Overall this song is very fun and exciting.

Album Rating: 8.0/10

As a punk album, this is great. This brings all the original ideals of punk that we have grown to love. The album is very standard with rhythms, but the lyrics are what really bring the feeling of true anarchy style punk to the front. The band brings the hits on this only studio album. The drums and guitar are a big presence instrumentally. The lyrics do tell the tale of the anger and fight against a regime and oppressive/abusive leaders int he industry and government.  

The Sex Pistols: Not a porno movie

Artist: The Sex Pistols

Album: Never mind the Bollucks, here's the sex pistols

Genre: Punk rock

Release: October 28,1977

The name of this artist sounded familiar to me but i haven't heard any of thier songs that I know of. Well it is definitely punk for sure, not really a whole lot of actual singing but almost like talking in a nasalily voice.

Favorite song: God save the queen

I like the punk spin on this song and the lyricism is good to explain the anarchy of the queen of England at this time. 

Overall score 4/10

It has a decent vibe to it but I also get a hint of people just siting around, smoking weed and writing songs with ridiculous lyrics. It is interesting indeed but not a personal favorite of mine

Massive attack: Daydreaming for hip hop

Artist: massive Attack

Album:Blue lines

Genre: Soul music, Trip hop, British hip hop, Alternative hip hop

Release date: April 8, 1991

I was honestly suprised when me and my boyfriend put this one on. We both didn't know what to expect, I haven't heard of the artist nor the album so I went in blind. It gives off hip hop vibes without being too heavy and it reminds me of low-fy a bit or something more mellow.

Favorite song: Daydreaming

It has some fun nods to other songs like here comes the sun and rich girl. And the beat was good as well. Just an interesting song in my opinion 

Rating: 9/10

As someone who isn't a huge fan of hip hop, this was a good introduction to the genre in a way that wasn't too overpowering, and the lyrics are easy to understand. And the beat isn't too bad either

a Massive Attack on the Eardrums and the Soul: A Blue Lines Review

 Artist: Massive Attack

Album:Blue lines

Genre: Soul music, Trip hop, British hip hop, Alternative hip hop

Release date: April 8, 1991

Description: A welcome breath of fresh air to these 100 days of album reviews, Blue Lines is a deep dive into the lo-fi, R&B, Trip-Hop scene that comes to us from across the pond. As a debut release for Massive Attack, this album is a culmination of many tracks and ideas throughout their careers as musicians. The album brings a lot of inspiration from groups such as Pink Floyd, Public Image LTD, Issac Hayes and more. Many have said this album is one of the best in the 90s, if not history, including Rolling Stone having it on their "Top 500 Albums Of All Time" list in 2003, 2012, and 2020! 

Favorite Track: Title track Blue Lines is the choice for this album. Very minimalistic in its instrumentals, this song brings a smooth drum and bass line to the mix. The keys are on point with a smooth yet simplistic sound. The lyrics fly at you with such finesse and flow so smoothly. It's not always about the intricacies of a busy song that makes it best. With this track, the base simplicity is what makes this such a favorite with me. It's easy to get into, and you get hooked right away.

Album Rating: 9.2/10

I really do appreciate a good Hip-Hop style album. When there is a good beat to hook me right away, I'm always in! This album has all the makings of both a chill vibe album, but also one you want to dive right into and explore every melody, rhythm, and phrase as it all comes at you. I am not always one to listen to a debut album from a group, but with this one being handed right to me, it's a nice change of pace to be introduced with the very first release. Along with the supporting vocals of Shara Nelson and Horace Andy, the group brings some amazing lyrics to the table. I know for sure this album is on my favorites list now and will sure show up in a mix or two, no matter the ocasion!

This Album Contains No Noise Polution: A Back in Black Review

 

Artist: AC/DC

Album: Back In Black

Genre: Heavy metal, Hard rock, Blues rock, Arena rock

Release date: July 25th, 1980

Description: With a release in the 2nd half of 1980 this first feature for newly appointed singer Brian Johnson brings a lot of energy to the group's already successful library of songs. This album was riding the coattails of success that came from their previous album, Highway To Hell. Taking only 7 weeks to record, this album was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who had previous success with the group on their last production. At initial release, this album brought success the likes of which the band could never expect. Selling a whopping 50 Million+ copies, this was one of the best in the group's history.

Favorite Track: You Shook Me All Night Long

Reason: The Classic opening of the guitar with its unique tone starts off this famous hit. With a catchy rhythm and instrumental melody, this song is a must for every rock enthusiast young and old. The guitar solo rings out loud in this hit. Along with the memorable lyrics of the chorus, this hit is a chart topper for sure.

Album Rating: 8.6/10

This album is chocked full of hits one after another. The album is a great start for Brian Johnson. Along with the great rock sound from all the members, this Australian band's chart topper is a must for any classic rock entusiast. 

 

AC/DC: Hells Bells of an album

Artist: AC/DC

Album: Back In Black

Genre: Heavy metal, Hard rock, Blues rock, Arena rock

Release date: July 25th, 1980

Another day, another album this ACDC album specifically has a lot of good tracks like back in black and  you shook me all night long. I personally feel that this album is quintessential 80s metal.

Favorite song: hells bells

The opening to the song with the church bells has an eerie feeling that fades quickly when the guitar and drums hit and begin the melody. It is definitely a good song with interesting lyrics for sure and it is different which is why I like it

Overall rating: 6/10

As good as this album is I personally don't rank it high up there. I personally feel that all the songs sound similar with the drum beat and lyrics, not to mention how hard it is to understand the lyrics as to what they are singing. I would listen to it again but there are better albums out there.

And In The End... It's Abbey Road at its Finest

 Artist: The Beatles

Album: Abbey Road

Genre: Rock, Rock and roll, Pop rock, Hard rock, Progressive rock, Blues rock, Art rock

Release Date: September 26, 1969

Description: Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, this album has all the classic makings of the Beatles. With a fantastically intricate drum beat to start off this album, Abbey Road is a classic for any generation. With a total of 16 tracks (plus one hidden track) there is plenty to enjoy on this. Nobody ever thought that this would be the last recording for the group. Having many conflicts between the band members with the recording, including disdain for one of it's many classic tracks, "Maxwell's Silver Hammer." This would mark an end of an era, with John leaving the group and Paul not long after. 

Favorite Track: Maxwell's Silver Hammer

Reason: This track has all the unique characteristics of a great song. Although this song had such dislike from members of the band, it was a necessary piece to make this album more popular amongst a wide variety of listeners. This song has a unique use of the MOOG synth and wonderfully fun and pop-like melody. The song is of course filled with the metallic clank of the hammer on the anvil (played by long time roadie, Mal Evans). As said by other members of the band, they considered it to be "granny music," however Starr and McCartney agreed its presence was much needed. Overall, this fun little jaunty tune brings a bright sound to the album with many fun vocal harmonies and instrumentals that make this a classic hit for the ages. 

Album Rating: 9.5/10

I grew up on this album and have the most fond memories of my mother playing it for me over and over growing up. We always used to recant Maxwell's Silver Hammer over and over. I also remember a great memory of going to The House On The Rock in Spring Green, WI and seeing the attraction featuring Octopus's Garden and going, "this is why their music is so amazing, because it can inspire so much creativity.

Come Together: An Abbey Road review

Artist: the Beatles

Album: Abbey Road

Genre: Rock, Rock and roll, Pop rock, Hard rock, Progressive rock, Blues rock, Art rock

Release Date: September 26th, 1969

It is the 1960s, there is a lot of interesting things that have happened in this decade. One of which the Beatles formed and released this iconic album. I know of the Beatles and some of thier more well known songs but this album is definitely worth a listen to

Favorite song: Oh darling

The lyrics and the simplistic melody make this track something special. It is light hearted and cute as the lyrics tell a story of admiration towards a young woman and a young man.

Overall rating: 8/10

The album has some good mainstream hits but also a nice variety of songs. Like octopus garden is a goofy song but then you have a song like come together which is just that Coming together. I would definitely listen to this album again and maybe some of thier others as well.

"Peeing your Pants Is Cool!" - Miles Davis: A Kind of Blue Review

Artist: Miles Davis

Album: Kind of blue

Genre: Jazz, Modal jazz, Hard bop, Cool jazz, Post-bop

Release Date: August 17, 1959

Description: “You Like Jazz?” I know I do. That makes Barry B. Benson and myself very lucky to have Miles Davis and his classic Kind of Blue streaming today!

This 5 track masterpiece truly encompasses all that makes jazz the great genre of the ages. We start off with a smooth piano and bass line to open our selection for the day. Our ears are then blessed with the wonderful, warm and bright timbre of the saxophone. Finally, the trumpet joins in on the chorus of our first piece to round out the grouping of instruments. Each instrument gets its time to shine across the brilliantly composed work of musical genius. More than just background music, this album allows the listener to move along with the warm groove of the upright bass, all while the drums effortlessly fill into each new section of the songs. Miles Davis brings the master of his musical chops to each song, with each note he sophisticates from his trumpet. Overall, this album is a must for jazz aficionados and music explorers alike. 

Favorite Track: Freddie Freeloader (Feat. John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Wynton Kelly & Paul Chambers)

Reason: The wonderfully plucky sound of the piano keys on the overall arching solo make this a classic jazz piece. The leading Rhythm of the Bass is a much welcomed addition to the song. The addition of multiple saxophones gives this a warm timbre and feel that pulls you right into the piece. With Miles Davis on his signature trumpet, the song soars along its winding melodies and tones, giving this its legendary style you expect from a Miles Davis piece.

Album Rating: 9.3/10

I'm a sucker for jazz. I grew up with jazz throughout most of my schooling years. Being a student of the jazz drums, I always love a moving rhythm lead by a fantastic Bass player. The Warm Timbre of the horns and saxophones gives this album its classic feel that Miles Davis is well known for. With a short but elegant track listing, this album, it is surely to delight anyone looking for a fun afternoon listen while reading, writing, or enjoying your favorite warm drink on an old day!

Miles Davis: Kind of Jazz

Artist: Miles Davis 

Album: Kind of Blue

Genre: Jazz, Modal jazz, Hard bop, Cool jazz, Post-bop

Release date: August 17, 1959

Do you like jazz?? Well as someone who knows the genre but doesn't listen to it a whole lot, I guess I do enjoy it. I mostly think about the easy, laid-back lounge. With a cocktail in-hand.

Miles Davis is definitely a good trumpet player and this album highlights all off the good notes

Favorite song: 

I actually don't have a favorite song, all of them are good and they all blend together in a good way

Overall rating 7/10

As someone who doesn't listen to jazz that often it was a good album, but I actually fell asleep listening to it. Kind of Blue definitely has that relaxed vibe, so much so I could fall asleep to it or use it as a wind down album

More Than an Album: A Saturday Night Fever Review

Artist: Bee Gees / Various Artists

Album: Saturday Night Fever

Genre: Disco

Release Date: November 15, 1977

Description: Being the soundtrack to the Critically acclaimed movie, this 16x Platinum album is a must, being commissioned as a Bee Gees masterpiece along with David Shire. The Music accompanies the story of Tony Manero a New York local residing in Brooklyn. Dealing with disillusionment and social tension of his life, he gets by with drinking and dancing away at the local dance clubs of the era. This album features many other artists of the era that made it big in the disco scene.

Favorite Track: Manhattan Skyline

Reason: This song's instrumental nature brings a fun, edgy guitar to the front of the piece. It then brings in a very 70s style orchestral feel with the woodwinds and horn section. The strings bring a very upbeat and bright pop style sound to the track, taking you on a fun exploration through the Title Town of Manhattan. The high notes of the synth bring you along for the bridge melody, while leading you back into the “chorus-style” instrumentals of the horns. This track makes me think of those classic television shows of the era with their situational dramedy style plot lines and theme songs. 

Album Rating: Overall, this classic Library of Congress approved and Culturally Significant labeled album is one I can listen to over and over. As a drummer, I love the rhythms this music brings to the table. I was tapping the rhythms out the entire time I was listening along! The mix of the Disco, and the Latin vibes is a much-needed breath of fresh air for this musical adventure. The melodies and rhythms just make you want to get up and dance! I couldn't help but break out into a mini disco dance session with my girlfriend during this album play through! I would recommend this album to anyone that wants a reason to get excited and wants a reason to SHAKE THAT BOOTY! 

How deep is your disco moves: Bee Gees Saturday night fever review

Artist: Bee Gees/other artists

Album: Saturday night fever

Genre: Disco

Release Date: November 15th 1977

When people think of the 70s they probably think of this iconic John Travolta film, or they think about disco. Either way this album accompanies the classic film of the same name.

Favorite:  more than a woman

This ballad has the perfect mix of soul and disco, and the lyrics just speak about a woman and falling in love with not just her beauty but other aspects as well

Overall rating: 7/10 

I liked this album but it wasn't an OMG amazing album. There were some funky songs that did a good job of encapsulating the 70s. The mix of the bee Gees as well as other artists makes this album a fun little gem.

Everything Is Matter: The Black Album Perspective

Artist: Metallica

Album: Metallica

Genre: Heavy/ Thrash Metal, Hard Rock

Release Date: August 12, 1991

Description: Being the 5th in the band's catalog, this album (commonly referred to as The Black Album) brings a more radio ready sound to the lineup. The band found themselves wanting to explore a new production style with the album. Following the success of several other bands (including Mötley Crüe with Dr. Feelgood) they pushed for Producer Bob Rock. 

    The band decided simplicity was a big factor in this record. With previously recorded material, they felt they had some longer songs that just wasn't what they were going for this time around. The group decided that with this album they wanted a “get the point across method” with their songs. Something that didn't drag on and only took two minutes and two riffs to play. Hatfield took from his life experiences to really dig deep into the lyrics this time around. From nightmares discussed in Enter Sandman, to discussing the loss of his mother and her beliefs in The God That Failed, the band was really becoming a more well-rounded recording group. Even missing his girlfriend while on tour, as in Nothing Else Matters, made this evident. 

    

Favorite Track: The God That Failed

Reason: The dark tale of this song rings strong. Expressing the torment of losing his mother to cancer, Hatfield reflects on her refusal to seek modern medicine and instead rely on her faith to be her only source of healing. The solo work on this song stems from several sessions of recording in two whole octaves (rather than the originally sought after harmonic styling). Another great part of this song is the fact that in the inception of this track, they actually tuned a half-step down for what is a first of many original recordings. 

Album Rating: 8.0/10

This is definitely a great album for the band. The snappier approach to songwriting and composition is a much welcomed breath of fresh air. Although I find myself not always moving toward metal music, this is a fun album to listen to with the many straightforward rhythms and instrumentals. The lyrics are a story for any listener to enjoy while also banging your head along to the heavy styling that follows. Overall, this album is another success for the band and certainly spun off some great singles for them to get some much-needed representation on the charts!

Metallica: Nothing else matters than Heavy metal

Artist: Metallica

Album: Metallica 

Genre: Heavy metal, Thrash Metal, hard rock

Release Date: August 12 1991

Very hard metal, almost screamo but not quite. I personally am not a huge fan of heavier metal but this album is a good mix of ballads and hard rock. I also grew up playing rock band and a version of guitar hero that was a Metallica version so I knew a lot of these songs already. Definitely can feel the emotions especially with the song the unforgiven.

Favorite song: The unforgiven

With a lot of the heaviness that this album provides the unforgiven is a great ballad to even out the hard rock that is Metallica as a whole, not to mention the smooth almost whisper like singing that Lars provides makes the song that much more sentimental

Overall rating: 9.5

I grew up on listening to albums from the 80s so I would listen to Metallica a few times and play enter sandman on the video game rock band. Other than that I think it is a good album and a decent introduction to metal for those who are trying to expand thier music tastes 

Fleetwood Mac: Rumors or the truth?

Fleetwood Mac, where to start. It is definitely a good band I have heard more of thier mainstream songs (dreams, go your own way, etc.) However listening to the rest of the album definitely made me appreciate the bands melodies and the lyricism

Favorite song: the chain

Reason: good lyrics and a good mental picture, I literally am imagining a person running through the woods with the ex partner looming over them almost yelling at them as to why they "broke the chain" of the relationship

Personal rating: 8/10

It had some good hits on the album with some hidden gems, Songbird being one of them, would definitely listen again

(I Will Be) Going Back Again: A Fleetwood Mac Rumors Perspective

 

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Album: Rumors

Genre: Pop, Rock, Folk

Release Date: February 4, 1977

Description: This is the 11th studio album for Fleetwood Mac. This album follows the great success of their previously released self-titled album from 1975. After several breakups within the band and several stints of drug abuse, they took to writing lyrics based off of these events. 

    While composing this album, the band was focusing on a more “pop rock” tone towards the majority of its tracks. They really wanted to reach a more broad audience and decided to use more upbeat drumming, bright keys and organs, along with countless moving bass lines aimed at enticing listeners along this album's journey. This album was the first time the band saw commercial success on the UK charts, topping the number one spot. This album also spun off many singles getting into the top 10 of the US charts, including a number one singe with their song Dreams.

Favorite Track: The Chain

Reason: This song starts off with a very eerie guitar picking melody. This is accompanied by a looming bass kick from the drums. The vocal harmonies in this song send shivers down your spine as the guitar continues to pick alongside the drum's constant beat. The percussive rhythms continue to build in this song as the electric guitar enters within the chorus. The song then breaks down to its original structure of acoustic picking and vocal harmonies. 

    Later you break down into a rhythmic bass line that walks along the deep dark notes of its lower end. The snare and low tom of the drum set begin to start their eighth note build as the bass gets louder. The drums suddenly crash into a 4/4 beat, while the electric guitar screams into a background solo. The vocals then roar in harmoniously, sending you on a frenzy of a journey. The song then fades out while you can still hear

harmonies in the distance. 

Album Rating: 9.5/10

This is another great album from an already very successful Fleetwood Mac. The pop melodies and instrumentals give this rock roots band a breath of fresh air and earns them many well deserved positions on the charts. The songs are sure to be stuck in your head for days after listening along to the album. You can truly understand the inspiration this album gets from each band members' life experiences. This is a must for anyone who enjoys the classics!

Mal's Dark side of the moon review

Artist: Pink Floyd

Album: Dark Side Of The Moon

Genre: Progressive Rock/ Psychedelia

Release Date: March 1, 1973

favorite song: on the run had a sense of urgency, reminds me of a dystopia society

Album as a whole was a very good experience, psychedelic without being too heavy on the psychedelic effect 9/10 would definitely listen again

A Conscious Fight for Sanity

Artist: Pink Floyd

Album: Dark Side Of The Moon

Genre: Progressive Rock/ Psychedelia

Release Date: March 1, 1973

Description: The album is as much a journey for the listener as it is for the cast of characters the music weaves through it's many instrumental melodies and harmonies. The music tells a story of a man going through his struggle of fighting the societal turmoil of conforming to the means of a regime and their doctrine or way. The character learns of what is essentially two mental status in which he fights between in his conscious mind. One being his warped sense of reality and purpose of the regime and the other his own true personality that is slowly being taken away and covered by this "dark side of the moon" or his "new warped personality" that is taking over. This all leads to a very similar idea much like 1984 and also the 1984 ad from Apple Computer. He fights so hard to break his tether to this new rule and regime but in the end realizes his mind is not strong enough to break free of this and ultimately gives onto it in saying "I'll see you on the dark side of the moon..."

Favorite track: Us and Them

Reason: The Melodic journey the saxophone brings you on tells you of our character really exploring his own consciousness and how he is starting his transformation of mind and personality to conform to the regime's ways while also trying to enjoy his last days being of individual personality and mindset.

Album Rating 9.5/10 

Definitely a must for everyone to hear and explore their own mind. Great melodies, excellent instrumental composure, and the vocal harmonies send you on a journey to places your mind has never been.

Introduction

Hello and welcome to this musical journey! We found this poster while up in Stillwater, MN. We figured it would be a fun musical experience to share with everyone and let you follow along. As we go along this journey, we will be sharing our notes we are posting in our shared Google Keep notes we have for each day/Album. We hope you enjoy this blog, and look forward to everyone's thoughts as well!