Monday, August 28, 2023

Album Highlight #14: Hotel California - Eagles

Hotel California - Eagles



The Eagles 5th studio album released December 8, 1976 (CD October 1984)

Track Listing:

  1. Hotel California
  2. New Kid in Town
  3. Life in the Fast Lane
  4. Wasted Time
  5. Wasted Time(Reprise)
  6. Victim of Love
  7. Pretty Maids all in a Row
  8. Try and Love Again
  9. The Last Resort
Band Members:
Glenn Frey 
Don Henley
Joe Walsh
Don Felder
Randy Meisner
 
Produced by Bill Szymczyk
Label: Asylum




If you turned on a rock station in the late 70's early 80's you probably heard the title song within in an hour or so. I think only Satirway to Heaven surpasses it in complaints of being overplayed on the radio. It was even played at my senior prom in the mid-80's. Needless to say it was popular. Even I've gone periods of time where I don't play it because of this but then when I play the whole album I'm reminded of just how great this album is from start to finish. 

Hotel California was an attempt by the group to move away their country-rock sound to more mainstream rock. Much of this had to do the addition of Joe Walsh(James Gang) after founding member Bernie Leadon's departure. It would go on to sell over 32 million copies worldwide and win 2 Grammy's. 

Fast Facts:
  • #37 on Rolling Stones 500 All-Time Greatest Albums(2020)
  • Cover photo by David Alexander is of the Beverly Hills Hotel




 

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

My Music Collection #13: Sheryl Crow by Sheryl Crow

 

 



 Sheryl Crow by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow's 2nd studio album

Released September 24, 1996

Label: A&M Records

Format: Compact Disc

Track List:

  1. Maybe Angels
  2. A Change Would Do You Good
  3. Home
  4. Sweet Rosalyn
  5. If It Makes You Happy
  6. Redemption Day
  7. Hard To Make a Stand
  8. Everyday is a Winding Road
  9. Love is a Good Thing
  10. Oh Marie
  11. Superstar
  12. The Book
  13. Ordinary Morning

Produced by Sheryl Crow

 

 



This was one of my favorite albums of the 90's. Went through some stuff that decade and this really helped get me through. This is another album I enjoy straight through. I was thrilled to see her open for Heart in 2019. A Change would Do You Good, If it Makes you Happy and Everyday is a Winding Road are still favorites.

The album has sold over 3 million worldwide. It also earned two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for If it Makes You Happy(1997). It would peak at #6 on the Billboard 200. It also appeared on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time at #475(2020). 

Trivia:

  • Got an early break doing backing vocal's on Michael Jackson's Bad tour (1987-1989)
  • Sang the theme song for the James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies.
  • Sheryl Crow was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023

 


 

 

Saturday, August 12, 2023

My Music Collection #12: Moody Blue by Elvis Presley

 Moody Blue by Elvis Presley 

Moody Blue - Elvis Presley (2000 CD Reissue album cover)



Original album released July 19, 1977

CD version released in 1993

My CD is the 2000 Reissue with bonus tracks.

24th studio album and the last before Elvis passed away shortly after.

Song tracks:

  1. Unchained Melody
  2. If You Love Me(Let Me Know)
  3. Little Darlin'
  4. He'll Have To Go
  5. Way Down
  6. Pledging My Love
  7. Moody Blue
  8. She Thinks I Still Care 
  9. It's Easy For You
  10. Hurt*
  11. Never Again*
  12. Blue Eyes Cryin' in The Rain*
  13. Danny Boy*
  14. The Last Farewell*
  15. For The Heart*
  16. Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall*
  17. Solitare*
  18. Love Coming Down*
  19. I'll Never Fall in Love Again*
Producer: Felton Jarvis

Format: Compact Disc

*CD Bonus Tracks (2000). Originally Released on From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(1976)

Note: The song "Let Me Be There" was on the original album but was omitted from CD reissue due to being released on another CD album.





I think it's easy for many of my generation(Gen X) and later to know or realize that Elvis was still putting out albums long after the 50s (and his comeback in the late 60s). The recent Elvis biopic has in a way spurred my renewed interest in him and his work. This album was released just a short time before he passed away(He was the first major celebrity death I remember as a kid.). The CD reissue I have here is a compilation of Moody Blue(1-9)  and From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee(10-19) which was released in 1976. Both studio and live performances are used. Much of the studio work was done in a home-built studio in Graceland. The album hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts shortly after his death and would go on to sell over 2 million copies. 

The album is typical Elvis of the period which is a mix of country, pop, and rock.  It's all those elements passed the filter of Elvis's voice and larger-than-life persona. At the time he may have been battling health problems with prescription drugs, weight, and personal issues it didn't seem to have much negative effect on his voice. He could still go from an almost whispering tenor to a booming baritone with ease. I bought this on a whim recently and has been in my rotation frequently as of late. If you're a fan of Elvis or are curious about him this would be a very good choice. 

Trivia: 

  • When originally released the vinyl was a translucent blue which was unusual in those days for a major artist release. It switched to black vinyl but after he passed away it was switched back to blue again. It is said the black vinyl version is the rare version. 
  • The album cover was changed for CD released with a larger picture of Elvis used. If you flip over the booklet the original cover is seen. 

    Original album cover (1977)

Saturday, August 5, 2023

My Music Collection #11: Garbage by Garbage

 



Garbage by Garbage

Released: August 15, 1995

Label: ALMOS Sounds - AMSD-80004

Format: Compact Disc


Produced by Garbage

Track List:

  1. Supervixen
  2. Queer
  3. Only Happy When it Rains
  4. As Heaven is Wide
  5. Not My Idea
  6. A Stroke of Luck
  7. Vow
  8. Stupid Girl
  9. Dog New Tricks
  10. My Lovers Box
  11. Fix Me Now
  12. Milk



Band Members:
Shirley Manson - Vocals, Guitar
Steve Marker - Guitar, Bass, Loops, Samples
Duke Erickson - Guitar, Keyboards
Butch Vig - Drums, Loops, Noise, EFX




This is one of my favorite albums of the 90s. It could make it into my top 10 albums of all time. The sound is raw yet has a layered polished sound. This is one of those albums that has no dead weight. I can play this one straight through without skipping anything. Then there is lead singer Scottish-born Shirley Manson with her distinct vocal ability. In songs such as Vow, Stupid Girl, and Only Happy When it Rains she is rebellious, powerful, and no-nonsense. Then she can dial it back and seduce you with her voice in songs such as Queer and Milk(at least it does for me). 

The album was released in the summer of 1995 and was well-received critically. It would peak at 20 on the Billboard 200(US) chart and 6 on the UK Album Chart.  The song "Stupid Girl" would be nominated for two Grammy Awards(Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group). As of 2019, it has sold over 4 million worldwide. 

Interesting notes:

  • Drummer Butch Vig not only co-produced this album he also produced the legendary album Nevermind by Nirvana
  • The record label ALMOS Sounds was created by well-known musicians Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss. Both of whom also had created A&M Records. Herb Alpert is also known for the famous titillating album cover of Whipped Cream & Other Delights with model, Delores Erickson, all covered in whipped cream. 
  • The song "As Heaven is Wide" appeared in the popular Playstation game Gran Turismo







Tuesday, August 1, 2023

My Music Collection #10: The Best of The Mamas and The Papas (20th Century Masters / Millennium Edition)

The Best of The Mamas and The Papas (20th Century Masters / Millennium Edition)




The Mamas and The Papas



Format: Compact Disc

Released March 21, 1999

Track List:

  1. California Dreamin'
  2. Monday, Monday
  3. Creeque Alley
  4. Dedicated to the One I Love
  5. Twelve Thirty(Young Girls are Coming to the Canyon)
  6. Words of Love 
  7. Look Through My Window
  8. I Saw Her Again Last Night
  9. Dancing Bear
  10. Make Your Own Kind of Music (Mama Cass)
  11. Dream a Little Dream of Me
All Tracks were Produced by Lou Adler, except "Make Your Own Kind of Music" Produced by Steve Barri




The  Mamas and The Papas distinct harmonies are among the most indelible 1960s pop music sounds coming out of California. Their first single "California Dreamin'" is an incredible example of this. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is an amazing heartwarming vocal performance by Mama Cass(aka: Cass Elliot). The autobiographical song "Creeque Valley" is a favorite.