170 of 1001 Albums: Van Morrison's Astral Weeks

History
This album blending earthly love with heaven themes, and mixing elements of jazz, blues, classical and folk music has made an a long lasting impact of future artists to arrive. The critical acclaim was positive when it released, and it has landed at number seven on Rolling Stones list of Greatest Albums of All Time. Despite the fact it has a cult fan base, and received positive attention from critics it failed to reach commercial success. It didn't receive gold until after 33 years of it's release.

My Thoughts
Van Morrison certainly has made an interesting album with this one. The instrument arrangements are beautiful, and his voice is unique. The songs have a nice romantic flavor to them including "Beside You", and "Sweet Thing". The only thing is that these songs are extremely long. They range from four minutes to nine minutes. Morrison carries it well though, and sometimes you don't even know seven minutes has passed.  This album is definitely unique in style, and might need another listen to fully grasp it all.

Rating 3 of 5.

169 of 1001 Albums: The Youngbloods' Elephant Man

History

This venture from The Youngbloods landed them at 118 on the Billboard charts from the American folk band.  This album was also the first one that featured no cover songs from other bands by the band. The mountain on the cover is actually referred to as Elephant Mountain though it is called Black Mountain. 

My Thoughts

The Youngbloods are a fun band, though their music is difficult to find. I think "Smug" was the most enjoyable song on the album with it's very folksy sound.  The others though didn't capture me as much as that song did though, which was very disappointing. I think the album is worth another listen though to find if it grows on me over time since the sound is good.

Rating 4 of 5.

168 of 1001 Albums: The Velvet Underground's Self Titled

History

This album makes it on Rolling Stones' Greatest Albums of All Time List, and marked a softer sound from the band from their previous albums. After White Light/White Heat, Lou Reed thought it would be a mistake to record a similar album. He wanted to branch out to show the band's diversity. It was their first album from MGM records. 

My Thoughts

This is definitely a more mellow attempt than when I last heard The Velvet Underground. They've become one of my favorites though, so it's difficult for them to disappoint me though. There are some good standouts on this album though like "Pale Blue Eyes". It's so mellow, but something about it pulls you in.  I personally do prefer the other sounds of the other albums, but I still found this one enjoyable to listen to too. It was also a suiting album for today that was hectic and needed a mellow album to tone it down.

Rating 4 of 5.

167 of 1001 Albums: The Temptations' Cloud Nine

History
Though The Temptations had been around before this album this was their first venture into what is known as "psychedelic soul".  Cloud Nine earned them their first Grammy Award in 1969, and it placed them at number four on the Billboard charts.  The positive critical response for this album would have them furthering themselves from the sounds of prior albums, and continuing to make music fit the new style they had experimented with on this album.

My Thoughts
I always enjoy finding a new genre through this challenge, so it was nice to mix it up today with The Temptations. When I read that they sung "My Girl" I was a little sad that this music was furthering themselves from that sound. There were some enjoyable songs on this one like "Love is a Hurtin' Thing".  The singers do have passionate, soulful voices.  The one interesting thing about that song though was how the singer's voices would change. One guy would sing really low, the other really high.

Rating 3 of 5.

166 of 1001 Albums: The Stooges' Self Titled

History

The Stooges released their debut in 1969 with it peaking at #106 on the Billboard charts. The distorted sounds on the album have it labeled as one of the best proto punk albums in existence. Rolling Stones features the album on two list, Greatest Albums of All Time, and the Greatest Guitar Riffs of All Time. This album also features the very well known punk legend, Iggy Pop, as part of the band. 

My Thoughts

Iggy Pop is already big enough for me to have known about him, but I had no idea who The Stooges were prior to this album. When I saw he was with the band I figured it had to be the very early days of punk though. I also feel embarrassed to say that I didn't know punk was already shaping in the 60s.  I thought this album resembled The Velvet Underground in some way except with a lot more guitar solos. Then I saw that there were some loose connections to the band during this album. Overall, it isn't a bad album to listen to, and it has a nice sound, but I don't know if it is what I'll take up listening to.

Rating 3 of 5.

165 of 1001 Albums: The Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed

History

Interestingly, this is the eighth British album from The Rolling Stones, and the tenth American album from them. It's the last album to have Brian Jones contribute, and the first one Mick Jones was apart of. The album was a hit in American, and the U.K.  It debuted at number one in the U.K. taking the place of The Beatles' Abbey Road. It went to number three on the Billboard charts.  It's number 32 on Rolling Stones' list of the Greatest Albums of all time. 

My Thoughts

The Rolling Stones, like The Beatles, have gotten better with time. Their music seems more together, and it's definitely enjoyable to listen to. There are familiar tunes like "Gimme Shelter", that get the album started right.  Strangely, there were even some tunes that had a country vibe to them mixed in with the rock that I've enjoyed from them. The album does seem like another step from the last one I listened to from them, Beggar's Banquet. 

Rating 4 of 5.

164 of 1001 Albums: MC5's Kick Out The Jams

History

MC5 had such a hopeful start that Rolling Stone featured them on the cover of their magazine even before their debut album was released. Oddly, Rolling Stone also gave them a negative review once it was released.  Their reputation for lively shows was captured in Kick Out The Jams. Though they disbanded in 1972, they are noted for having a huge impact on music, especially kick starting the punk rock movement.  Rolling Stone though now has featured them on their Greatest Albums of All Time list. Unlike early critics who weren't fond of the album, modern day critics have held it in high regard.

My Thoughts

The album gets started with interesting vocals, and heavy guitar playing. Instantly you realize you're about to experience MC5 live. The singer seems passionate about what he is singing, and he revs the crowd up with some motivational speech. I'm sure this album would have been a blast to see live, but I'm not sure it was something I enjoyed listening to in the morning after waking up. You can definitely see how this album helped influence punk rock with it's vibe. Perhaps, this one just wasn't too much my style though. 

Rating 2 of 5. 

163 of 1001 Albums: The Kinks' Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)

History
Interestingly this concept album was recorded for Granada Telvision by developing the story with author, Julian Mitchell.  The plot was centered around a carpet layer, Arthur. The character was based around Ray Davies brother also named Arthur. Much of the critical acclaim it received was underground with Rolling Stones saying that it was The Kinks best. Though not a huge commercial success it did help them reach the charts again, placing them at 105 on the Billboard.

My Thoughts
The Kinks are undeniably enjoyable to listen to, though I did enjoy The Village Green Preservation Society a little more this one delivers too. There are familiar tunes on this one like "Victoria", and new ones for me to enjoy like "Nothing to Say". The folkish, and British vibe would be great driving music, and I so wish I had it somewhere to listen to in my car. I am sure some of these songs will be going through my head the next day after listening to them.

Rating 4 of 5.

162 of 1001 Albums: The Flying Burrito Brothers' The Guilded Palace of Sin

History

This work continued ex-Byrd members, Gram Parsons' and Chris Hillman's, exploration into mixing country music with folk along with gospel, soul, and rock. This unique genre mix gave it a spot at #192 on Rolling Stones' Great Album of All Time list. Though this album was never a success, and still hasn't been certified gold, it has had a lot of impact on future artists such as, The Eagles, Vince Gill, Clint Black, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, and more. 

My Thoughts

I can see how these guys might have influenced artists like, Clint Black, or Travis Tritt, though they are a lot more enjoyable to listen to than the music I've heard from those guys. They have the twangy guitar that is pretty staple to a lot of the country I remember as a kid. I liked the mix of folk, and country though. It honestly didn't sound much different than Sweetheart of the Radio, though I'm sure if the remaining Byrd members weren't fond of that sound it explains the two leaving to make this album. Hopefully over time more people will realize the great sounds offered on this album since it never really turned into a huge success. 

Rating 4 of 5. 

161 of 1001 Albums: The Bee Gees' Odessa

History

This is surprisingly the sixth album from the Bee Gees. For some reason I thought they began much later like in the 70s. This album would be the last one that featured the original lineup of the band. Guitarist Vince Melouney, and Robin Gibb left over artistic differences from Barry Gibb. Robin Gibb would return the year after this album was released in 1970. The remaining members Barry, and Maurice would continue to record with Colin Peterson, but after Peterson was fired they disappeared all together until some of the originals banded again. 

My Thoughts

As soon as you get this album going it is difficult to not notice it's uniqueness. The singer has a voice that could not be everyone's preference depending on who you are. The first song is way too long for me for it to be a good start, but I focused on enjoying the other songs soon after. To say the least this album is interesting. As it continued on I found myself enjoying the sounds that could only be associated with the Bee Gees. Probably one of my favorites was "Sound of Love". It's dramatic, and definitely shoots to be a power ballad. Overall, I found it to be a quite enjoyable album.

Rating 4 of 5.

160 of 1001 Albums: The Beatles' Abbey Road

History

This album became the last one recorded by The Beatles. Let It Be was their last released album though.  Abbey Road is said to be one of their most well constructed albums, and it is at number 15 on Rolling Stones' Great Albums of All Time list.  In the U.K. it placed number one as soon as it debuted., and remained there for 11 weeks afterward. The album had the same reception in the U.S., but it crept to number one over a few weeks.  By the time they band had broke apart the album had reached 7 million sales. 

My Thoughts

I think The Beatles got better over time. Abbey Road starts out with really good songs like "Come Together", but then it drifts into something not as enjoyable for me. I liked the beats of the songs that started out the album though, and felt they had a unique rhythm. Not to say the rest of the album doesn't sound good it just didn't maintain what the first ones did for me. This album has the potential to catch non-Beatles fan, and of course if you already are you will love it regardless. 

Rating 4 of 5.

159 of 1001 Albums: The Band's Self Titled

History

This second album from The Band, also known as The Brown Album is known as a concept album. It tells of people, places, and other assorted things that are related to Americana. You'll find that "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" all deal with historic themes. TIME, an Rolling Stone have both featured this album on their Greatest Albums lists. It peaked at #9 on the Billboard at the time of it's release.  This album features some of the band's best known tunes that were critically acclaimed. 

My Thoughts

I heard the first song and got concerned I wouldn't enjoy this album, but as soon as I kept listening I got to really enjoying the songs. The genre is unique, and the sound keeps you wondering what each song will sound like next. It also isn't too bad of music to move to in an awkward sort of glitchy way. There is definitely a southern vibe to this album though that doesn't necessarily sound like country, but does sound like a branch of that huge genre. The Band has made a really fun album with this one though! Probably one of my favorite tunes was "Up On Cripple Creek". 

Rating 4 of 5.

158 of 1001 Albums: Sly and the Family Stone's Stand!

History 

This breakout fourth album by the band was bringing a new era of soul/funk music. It sold over 500,000 copies the year that it was released in 1969. The album produced several hit singles including "Everyday People", and "Stand!". Rolling Stone has it listed at number 118 on the Greatest Albums of all Time list. It is the most sampled recording in popular music history to this date. 

My Thoughts

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this band when I first started listening, but I ended up enjoying their music! "Everyday People" was the only song I recognized though, and I probably hear it every other day featured on something. I enjoy the soul/funk sound that the band has. I can see how this is going to influence so many bands that will soon be arriving in the 70s. I found it interesting though that the band's previous album were not hits. The previous album before this one was unsuccessful. This album was quite catchy though.

Rating 4 of 5. 

157 of 1001 Albums: Scott Walker's Scott 4

History

This was Scott Walker's fifth solo album, and it's his second album to appear on the list of 1001 Albums You Must Listen To, with the other being Scott 2. This album wasn't released under his name, Scott Walker, originally though. He went by the name Noel Scott Engel for this one. It was the first album he recorded of his that featured self-penned songs only. There were a few that had translations of Jacques Brel's songs, which later were featured to make an album where Scott Walker only covered Brel's songs. 

My Thoughts

Scott Walker has a very theatrical, different voice from what I've usually heard. It may not be for everyone, but considering the past few albums have been sort of bland I found his voice, and the music to be a relief even if it was something I wouldn't normally listen to. Even if you don't particularly care for his voice it's difficult to deny you can't help but notice it when you hear it. I also remember Jacques Brel's songs from previous listens, so I also liked hearing covers of the songs with a slight different take.

Rating 4 of 5. 

156 of 1001 Albums: Quicksilver Messenger Service's Happy Trails

History

Most of this second album from Quicksilver Messenger Service was recorded in two performances, one from Fillmore East, and the other from Fillmore West. The album is ranked 189 on Rolling Stones' Greatest Album of All Time list.  The song "Mona" is currently at number 88 on Rollling Stones' list of 100 Greatest Songs of All Time.  The album picked up many good reviews for their sophomore album released in 1969. 

My Thoughts

I thought the song titles were creative on this album. You have "Who Do You Love?", "How Do You Love?",  "When Do You Love?", and "Which Do You Love?".  The main thing this album revolves around is the guitar playing. There incredibly long solos on this album. "Mona" is one of the few that has very distinctive, memorable lyrics. I thought there was a lot of talent to be showcased on this album, but mostly I didn't find it something I would go back, and listen to. 

Rating 2 of 5.

155 of 1001 Albums: Pentangle's Basket of Light

History

The single "Light Flight" was used for BBC1's first drama in color, Take Three Girls.  This hit helped the rest of the album make it to number one on U.K's charts. "Once I had a Sweetheart" placed number 46 on the charts.  It is also noted that that song, "Springtime Promises", was wrote on a bus ride on a number 74 bus to Greencoft Gardens. 

My Thoughts

Pentangle put me strongly in mind of Fairport Convention when I started listening to them. I wasn't surprised to find that Nick Drake worked both with Fairport Convention, and Pentangle on his album considering all the similar sounds. Personally, thought I found the music creatively interesting, I wasn't too interested in listening.  I thought the singers switching between male, and female sometimes kept me listening, but the music sort of put me to sleep. It almost has a medieval sound to it, which was fascinating. 

Rating 3 of 5.

154 of 1001 Albums: Nick Drake's Five Leaves Left

History

Five Leaves Left was the first of three albums by Nick Drake. Members of the bands, Pentangle, and Fairport Convention, accompanied Drake for this album. The title of the album, Five Leaves Left, is a reference to the Rizla cigarette papers packet that featured a note saying "Only five leaves left" when you neared the end of the packet. The album has received a lot of critical acclaim from NME, Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, and Entertainment Weekly. 

My Thoughts

Nick Drake is a nice surprise with his folksy music. I found it to be very soothing background music to write to, or relax. I also enjoyed reading the backstory on the title of album regarding the cigarette package. My one tiff though is that though the music sounded good I didn't have one song that just stood out to me that I must listen to again. Also, I like short songs for some reason, and these songs were quite lengthy especially to have as many on the album as he did.

Rating 3 of 5.

153 of 1001 Albums: Neil Young's Everybody Knows this is Nowhere

History

This second album from Neil Young is backed by the band, Crazy Horse. It peeked at number 34 on the billboard charts, and has been certified platinum.  The reviews were mostly favorable of Neil Young's second album, with Rolling Stone saying many positive things. Over time though the reviews have moved from favorable to being more positive. It currently ranks at number 208 on Rolling Stones' list of Greatest Albums of all Time.

My Thoughts

Neil Young was an interesting listen. The music varied from the many contributions of the guitar, and violin.  The music also goes from this light, traveling music to something that seems darker, and somber. At first I wasn't sure what I thought of the album. The genre didn't seem new to me, but the way Young presented it did. As I continued listening though I began to like it more. I thought Young's voice grew throughout the record to something more interesting, and the instruments kept getting better.

Rating 3 of 5. 

152 of 1001 Albums: Miles Davis' In A Silent Way

History

This album was recorded in one day on February 18, 1969. The music featured was notable for beginning what would become Davis' electric period, shifting away slightly from the previous genre heard in his other albums. Critics didn't receive it so well though because of the experimental elements on the album. Since that time though many fans have regarded it as his best work. It peaked at number 134 on the Billboard LP charts upon it's release. 

My Thoughts

It's been since 1959 since I've seen Miles Davis! Now I'm in 1969, and another one of his releases' have made the list. Sadly, I've struggled to really embrace jazz. It's a completely different style with enjoyable elements, but I've never took up listening to it.  It's the same for this album. While it has interesting moments I couldn't find myself with the ability to keep interest too long. He is a staple jazz artist, so I really wish that would have clicked this time, but it didn't. 

Rating 2 of 5.

151 of 1001 Albums: Leonard Cohen's Songs From a Room

History

I'm surprised this is Leonard Cohen's second album since it seems like so long ago I was listening to his debut. Maybe it wasn't as long ago as it seems though. This album reached number 63 in the U.S., and number 1 in the U.K  Interestingly, the album features a jaw harp in the array of instruments on the album. You also have the fiddle, and acoustic guitar making appearances. 

My Thoughts

There are some strong songs on here that I enjoyed, but there were others I didn't get into as much. I kept really trying to imagine the feel of each song as I listened to it though since you can't really move to it nor is it really driving music. Probably one of the most memorable for me was "Partisan". I thought the use of different instruments, and the vibe made it one of the more fun songs to listen to. On a random note, Leonard Cohen, and Dustin Hoffman look a lot alike. 

Rating 3 of 5.