Guided By Voices has one of those staple 90's sound in it, and they seem to be the ones who drove it into existence. There are some obvious other bands from the 90's that seem like they took a note from their book and followed suit. Guided By Voices though has some really catchy sounds that stick to this raw formula. While I wished they would have cleaned it up a bit I think they sound good, and keep it chill.
History: The album has some of the most mixed reviews I've seen thus far on the list. With some claiming it was a huge failure, and others noting that it is one of the best albums of the 90's. I'm sure the musicians are happy with the turn out of the album though considering they claim that it cost more than a few dollars to make, and they earned all their money back and then some from the album.
I know many, if not all, will disagree with me, but Joseito Fernandez is a bit more my speed of what I enjoy. Cuban music is a whole lot of fun, and with the recent reunited relations with Cuba between American, and needing a warmer song in this cool climate this seemed the perfect song to warm it up!
History: The beginnings of this song are sort of patchy, but Fernandez gets the main rights, if not all the attention for composing the song. For Cuba this is a hugely patriotic song, and it's better known song from the country in other places. The song has been covered many times, with a popular version coming along in the 60's of the tune. The lyrics are rather intriguing for the song as well, and worth looking up to learn a bit about the tune.
I had a lot of fun listening to this tune, and it might be one of the longer older tunes I've heard. Most only run around three minutes, but this one went a bit over four. I love the composure of the song though. Even though I can't understand the language of the lyrics, I do hear a lot of the emotion from the singer performing the song enough to enjoy the tune, but what I really enjoy are the instrumentals.
I love the instrumentals on the album. You have a variety of brass and drumming instrumentals that bring out the flare of the song. I could have even just listened to these bits without the lyrics. The lyrics add a lot of emotion that wouldn't otherwise be there though.
While I'm sure this song was released sometime in the early 40's, I wasn't able to find any exact date this song came on the radar. It's odd considering they give a date for the covers. Perhaps it is because Joseito Fernandez claims this tune was made over time instead of all at once.
If you're up for a listen of something different and a classic, then I do recommend this one. I have always loved music like this, and it makes me want to explore Cuban music more as well. This song also has been restored very well, and this brings out all the different enjoyable elements that make this song unique. I love how even the song opens with some acoustic playing, and the sound of the drums. It makes the song stand out, and have a lot of personality.
I also can't help but wonder if I heard this song on Dexter? It sounded familiar the entire time I was listening.
I have an open love for music from the 80's. The middle of the decade brought some of the best music of that time, including Tears For Fears' Songs From The Big Chair. I hadn't heard the whole album till I got the record for Christmas, and it now stands as one of my favorite albums I've heard.
History: This album spawned many singles including the popular ones, "Shout", and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." It was a hit in multiple countries, and it was received well by critics a like. This album goes carefree in sound, and meshes all types of genres and instrumentals to compose an album that is unique from other new wave bands' directions at the time. You never know what is coming next on this album. Also, I do recommend looking up the meaning behind the title of the album...
One of the singles I enjoyed from the album was, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." This song is still a popular one from them, and it has modern elements to the tune that keep it appealing even to listen to today. The guitar arrangement is one of my favorite parts, especially at the opening, and I like how the drumming beat of the tune rolls in the rest of the song with the new wave effects. Overall, the song is upbeat, but it's also easy to relate to in a serious way.
Another favorite single from the song is "Head Over Heels." This is a song I hadn't heard from the group before, and immediately liked when it came on. It has a lighter, 80's vibe, that I enjoy in 80's songs. The single, "Mother's Talk", is also a good tune, and their first single from the album.
The most popular song from the album might be, "Shout." Before having the album it was the only one I knew was from Tears For Fears. The song is dramatic, and unlike the other tunes not easy listening outside of a certain mood, but I love it. The pounding of the drums, the jazzy saxophone, make this song come together to have intense emotion.
There is a bit of everything on this album, and it will be unexpected. You kick off with the serious and dramatic song, "Shout," and end with a more culturally drive song, "Listen." In between there is an array of sound and themes that will provide more than much 80's music of the time. It's not a bunch of light beats and romantic lyrics, but instead a bit of rebellious hit back from the band.
When you think about it Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around a very long time. There career actually spans back before I was even before. These guys have been making music since 1983, and are working on an 11th album now. One of their most popular albums, and arguably the most popular at that, is Californication. Even at the age of 11 I remember the hits that came from this album.
History: Dave Navarro leaving the band must have let loose a lot of pent up creative energy they wanted to disperse that they hadn't been able to since John Frusciante had departed the band after Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The album seems to emerge with a lot more maturity than even that album, and it channels sounds that sound more intentional. It would spawn many hit singles as well including "Californication" and the one I remember most clearly, "Scar Tissue".
Vocals: Anthony Keidis are very noticeable whether he is singing fast, or in a more serious tone. While I can hear the appeal of faster tracks like "Parallel Universe" I'm more into the tracks where not only the instrumentals slow down a bit, but also the vocals. Some of the favorite tracks where I thought the vocals were some of the highlights were "Around the World" or "Otherside". There seems to be a lot more burst of emotion throughout as well. You can't forget "Scar Tissue" though, which features some of the most impressive vocals because without the little emphasis on certain words you wouldn't have near as memorable a song that stuck with you after listening, which is also why it was such a memorable single.
Instrumentals: I assume that most fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers were very glad to have the guitar work of Frusciante back. While the various other musicians are good the other unique signature of Red Hot Chili Peppers is the way the guitar sounds. With the darker themes on the album the guitar still has a more upbeat vibe that just doesn't quite match the lyrical content of what ranges from drugs to suicide. For the listener it provides some introspective thoughts while also not getting us down in the dumps listening to the album.
Did I hear any tunes from this album prior to listening?: I was vaguely familiar with this album before listening, but this isn't one of the albums I had listened to as I had other albums from the band. It lives up to expectations though from the one single I had heard, "Scar Tissue". There were many songs that kept catching my attention on the album, to be honest though I still don't prefer the faster ones though and remain a fan of the slower tunes.
I think any album like this could be enough to convert a person into a fan of the band. There is a reason this band has found longevity in their music. It's remained consistent over the years in making music that stays in line with what fans know from the band, but always keeping it unique. This album provides a different offering with each tune, but regardless of what you like it sounds like the band.
I do enjoy 80's music, but the past couple of albums have been some underwhelming 80's music. There was The Style Council and now The Triffids. They have the 80's sound, but there is something missing that completely gets me into it. The Australian singer even has a good solid voice. The album has it's moments though, but maybe it was the 17 songs on the album that made it lull.
History: This song was the fourth album the band, The Triffids, and despite the sound of the 80's this album explores themes that are quite deep within in the lyrical content. The sounds are more upbeat than the message itself. Several singles would generate from this album, and not only would fans like the album, but critics would as well. The album also took place in several recording places instead of one.
I do really love 80's music, and for some reason I was expecting The Style Council to sound a lot different than they turned out sounding. Instead of just new wave or rock, you get a bit of jazz fused in as well. It sounds good, and catchy, but it's not some of my favorite from the 80's so far, but there is something still unique about the sounds.
History: This album was at first a huge hit in the U.K. It would reach number two on the charts there before finding itself a hit in other countries. Oddly, after it became a hit in the U.S. they even changed the name of the album so it was more appealing to Americans. The album though would prove a success for the band that was trying out new sounds that included more jazz and soul than the straight up pop they dealt with.
In 1997 this music was huge and I'm sure at 10 I loved the tunes, though I don't remember listening to Mariah Carey as much. I found some tunes that might have appealed to me on it then. Nowadays though the album sounds incredibly 90's. As I enjoy the sounds of the 80's, I am sure the 90's pop sound is enjoyable to others. There is one thing that can't be denied though, and that is that Mariah Carey has an amazing voice.
History: This was the 6th album for Mariah Carey, and it showed her music growing in a positive way. The album was a direction for her that continued her growing into the hip hop and R&B genres, which also complimented her voice very well. Critics gave the album mostly positive reviews as well. The album also debuted as well with it being a chart topper.
I often see that Dinosaur Jr. is playing in a nearby city, but yet I had never heard what the band sounded like before. Today they made an appearance on the list as I was reading through to see what was next, and I was finally going to give a listen. I can definitely see why they have a strong appeal to the Athens, Ga scene. They are very indie sounding. The songs are raw, but show case the talent of the band.
History: This album is from the alternative rock band, and is the third one. The band released this in 1988, and honestly it sounds so different from the sounds associated with the 80's. The band is getting in gear for more of the 90's sound I'm familiar with. The album has mostly positive reviews from critics as well. If you're not familiar, the album also falls under the category noise rock.
So if you grew up in the south as I did, then you probably were around a lot of country music. Maybe your parents left the radio station on it, or perhaps you even rode a bus to school that played it on the radio. It might have even just been your peers that listened to it, or well you were probably the fan yourself. I was a fan of country music in the style of Yoakam when I was a little kid. This is also the first album on the list so far where I heard country music like this.
History: Dwight Yoakam was already having hits with his music from the first two albums, but once again his third album, Buenes Noches From A Lonely Room would be number one on the Billboards once again. He even had country classic, Buck Owens, on the song "Streets of Bakersfield." The album would be a definite hit with fans of his music, and get some good critical feedback.
I know there are a lot of Elvis Costello fans out there, and I can see the appeal, but honestly the more I listen to Costello the more I don't enjoy hearing it. With Brutal Youth Costello is veering out of the sounds from the 70's and 80's, and taking his talent into the 90's, and while it may not be my thing the guy is good about finding a style that he sticks with and carrying it over decades.
History: The last album I listened to was Blood and Chocolate, and well since that last time I listened to it, it was also the last album that Costello recorded with the band The Attractions until this one, in 1994. The albums reviews though would be very mixed though. Some would give it a positive review, while others would give it a mix one. The album would do well with the public, but it would't quite achieve the billboard success others had.
I haven't heard an album that sounds this sexy since Marvin Gaye. The sounds are very 1995, and I have to say they are quite catchy. It's some of the most relaxing music I've heard. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but the mood is good for winding down to if you've had a long day, or you're looking for something to be a backdrop to your romantic dinner.
History: The debut album from D'Angelo would land in 1995. The sound of the album does remind you of older hip hop and the mix of what was modern in 1995, and this can be attributed to the fact that D'Angelo mixed the vintage recording with the modern electronic ones. D'Angelo was multi-talented enough to handle most the aspects of recording this album. He could perform several instruments, and had the vocal talent that was inspired by his gospel music upbringing. Most critics really loved the album, and the album would become a chart hit upon it's release as well.
Dire Straits is easy to see why people find appealing musically. They have a lot of instrumental talent that is blended with the sounds of the 80's that would have heavily appealed to that audience at the time. There is some great guitar playing, and I wish the keyboard sounds had been turned down a bit just so I could hear them better.
History: Something very cool and very notable about this album from Dire Straits is that it was the first channeled to the CD market. Cassettes and vinyls were still heavily around in the 80's, but the fact they were already channeling stuff in that direction is pretty cool. It also would be one of the albums to outsell it's vinyl version, and make more CD sales of the album. While audiences were really enjoying the album critics were mixed in their reception of the album. Some would rate it very positively while others were mixed.
The thing to like about Radiohead is how they can vary their sound yet you know it's Radiohead when you here their music. Amnesiac is a great album, but actually not one of the bigger know ones like say Kid A. There are some great songs, and the sounds particularly on the last song, "Life In A Glasshouse", is just amazingly beautiful. I wish more songs with a a jazz fusion had been on the album.
History: Radiohead would release their 5th album only a year after they released Kid A. Most the songs on Amnesiac actually were recorded in the same sessions as Kid A as well, which isn't surprising considering the close release dates. The album would still be very comparative in good quality to the previous album. Admitting, critics did't believe it to be as good as Kid A, but definitely one that was a stand alone great album.
The Black Keys would find a lot of popularity with their album Brothers, when it released in 2010. I'm sure you've heard the popular tunes like "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' For You" that are on the album, but the album has a lot of songs that are enjoyable probably even more so than the singles they would release off this album. It mixes the alternative rock sound with some old school bluesy sound that projects the talent, but also gives it a modern vibe.
History: This album was a massive success. The band already had released five studio albums prior to Brothers, but this one would bring commercial and critical fame. It would win three Grammy awards the following year as well. The album comes during a rough time for the band and after there was a near break up. The serious lyrics that deal with heartache and other emotions reflect the own happenings in the band. The album though would get a lot of positive reviews though, and be a hit on the charts.
It was unexpected, but there were some catchy songs on the album. I even had "United" stuck in my head all day as well today. I was walking through my workplace with that song on repeat in my head. Judas Priest though thankfully left a lot of their darker lyrically themed music behind for this one. I don't like that sort of music, and it would have just made me more hesitant to listen. This album is a little more safer for the mainstream audience.
History: It's 1980 and Judas Priest would release their sixth album. The sound they would return to for this album would be classified as more commercial, and for the fans who enjoyed their darker metal stuff, this would be drawing away from that. The album would also feature some new musician lineups. The reviews for this album are quite positive with critics.
Silver Jews doesn't have a ton of information out there about this album, and I assume many haven't heard of Silver Jews. They are a nice discovery though, and there are some good gems on this album that made for an enjoyable listen. The country channeled guitar and the mix of indie rock make for a flare that sounds unique. The slack vocals contrast all the care of the instrumentals with little effort though.
History: The album was released in 2001 and would be the fourth album from Silver Jew. The album was first proceeded by an EP with the song Tennessee on the album as well. The album is quite short as well, and released on an indie record company, Drag City. The album is a huge representation of indie rock that is out there. The band was founded by one of the members of Pavement.
Grime music isn't one I'm familiar with, and this might the first I've ever heard of it. Dizzie Rascal though is a lot different than other hip hop that I've heard. His beats are a bit different and the sound arrangements are quite unique. The album though does have some groundbreaking sounds, and some songs that sound really good, but there were some songs I struggled through.
History: Dizzie Rascal was only seventeen when this album was released, and it does sound beyond his time. The album was a critical hit as well. It even ranks in the top 100 of MetaCritic's top rated albums. The album was looked up to by many critics, and also would be a hit with audiences that discovered the album as well. The album also achieved awards, but seemed to be overlooked by the Grammy's.
Pixies have some of the best guitar riffs I've heard in an album on their album, Bossanova. The singer also has a great voicing, and the instrumental arrangement was enjoyable. They also seemed to go with the space theme that is prominent on the album cover. I've heard of the Pixies before, but I hadn't ever listened to them, so hear is my first listen from the Pixies.
History: Pixies are an American band that released their fourth album on a British label. This would bring the album to be a hit in the U.K where it was marketed. The album as it's roots in space and surf rock with an uniquely combined sound. The album would spawn a couple of singles, and would hit the charts in the U.S., but not quite as powerfully as it did in the U.K. Critics mostly would give the album positive reviews, but there were some who weren't as receptive to the album.
Modest Mouse was already releasing albums like The Moon and Antarctica before I discovered them in high school. To be honest though the only song I had heard of from them was "Float On", which I liked better at 25 than I did when I was 17. The question would be though would I enjoy their older work before Modest Mouse became more known?
History: This third album from Modest Mouse would cause a stir among the fans and critics as they progressed to a major label. Some reviewers would give the album very negative feedback while many would rate it very positively. The band members would encounter their share of problems while recording including an attack on the lead singer that left him without the ability to sing for some time. Knowing their fans the band did take their time to let everyone know that becoming more mainstream with their label wouldn't change the music they enjoy performing though.
Bruce Springsteen might be one of the most popular artist spawned from the U.S.A, and with this album Springsteen has made almost a tribute to American music with the variety of sounds and music involved on the album, and he shows he has the voicing to flow with it all. The consistent vibe of the 80's is very strong, and with it being 1984 the 80's sounds were at their peak.
History: Bruce Springsteen would release another hit with his seventh album. The album would be a bit of a change up for Springsteen who would go to a lighter sound in this album that had a message filled with more hope. It's obvious just by the beat what the tone of the album was. The album would also finally give Springsteen a lot of fame. This would be his best selling album, and the best seller of the year 1985. The album would also be a hit with critics who put it on chart lists, and well reviewed the album, and it's popularization of the type of rock he was performing.
