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

 

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

 

 

 

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)

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

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. 

My Music Collection #9: Blue Oyster Cult (Self-Titled)

 This is Blue Oyster Cult's debut album which was released on January 16, 1972. I had this on cassette when I was a teenager decades ago. The group was a rock radio mainstay at the time. The one track that I remember was "Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll". I lost or donated the cassette long ago. I recently replaced it with CD version which adds some bonus tracks. It's not a bad album and if you're into BOC  it's worth it if you like deep tracks. For myself, the tunes "Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll" and "The Came the Last Days of May"(they liked long song titles), are the ones that stand out. 

Song List:

1. Transmaniacon MC
2. I'm on the Lamb but I Ain't no Sheep
3. Then Came the Last Days of May
4. Stairway to the Stars
5. Before the Kiss, a Redcap
6. Screams
7. She's as Beautiful as a Foot
8. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll
9. Workshop of the Telescopes
10. Redeemed
11. Donovan's Monkey*
12. What is Quicksand?*
13. A Fact About Sneakers*
14. Betty Lou's Got a New Pair of Sneakers*

*CD Bonus Tracks (2001)

Produced by David Lucas

My Music Collection #7: Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles

 

Magical Mystery Tour was The Beatle's follow-up project to the much acclaimed Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. It is a combination soundtrack/singles compilation album. The film was first shown in the UK in December 1967. The film wasn't well received at first. It probably didn't help the first showing was in black and white, it was later shown in color the next month. It wasn't seen in the US until 1974 when it was released to theaters. 

In the UK the soundtrack was in EP form with the songs used in the film. The US version was expanded to a full album including singles released by the group in 1967. It would be available in the UK in the 70s and when released in 1987 for CD it became the core version of the album. 

 

I originally got this in vinyl as a teenager in large part it had so many iconic Beatle's songs on it like I am the Walrus, Hello Goodbye, All You Need is Love, Penny Lane and Strawberry Field's Forever. It wasn't until later I learned it was a combination soundtrack and compilation album. The title track is rocking opener that I always included in mix tapes when when I wanted something with a lot of energy. The Fool on the Hill and Your Mother Should Know seems to be Paul be whimsical and sentimental which he excels at. Flying is a rare instrumental credited to all four Beatles. George is waiting for his friend's on Blue Jay Way probably enjoying something herbal. If you enjoyed Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band you'll certainly enjoy this follow up. The CD version has mini-documentary promo video too which can be seen on your computer. It is one of my favorite go-to Beatle albums.

Track List

1. Magical Mystery Tour
2. The Fool on the Hill
3. Flying
4. Blue Jay Way
5. Your Mother Should Know
6. I am the Walrus
7. Hello Goodbye*
8. Strawberry Fields Forever*
9. Penny Lane*
10. Baby You're a Rich Man*
11. All You Need is Love*
    

 *US Album

Produced by George Martin 

Released:

US LP November 27, 1967

UK EP December 8, 1967