July's self-indulgent, irresponsible musings

Robert Palmer – An overlooked artist, regrettably remembered for his cheesy videos. However, this is not his best work (see “Riptide”). First 3 numbers hit like the proverbial ton of bricks, but it’s a pretty precipitous drop from there. Closing track is about 8 minutes too long. Even the best tracks sound a little dated. Highlight for me is the title song. 3 stars

Love and Rockets – The first 6 minutes sound like the kids who ride the short bus took a field trip to the studio. It gets better, but not much. Some of the songs, like “Kundalini Express” have a really nice groove, but just drag on too damn long. Disc suffers from an incredibly tinny, big-drum 80’s mix that really dates it and gives it a cold, mechanical sound that left me with a headache each time I listened. “Ball of Confusion” is the keeper, despite being 4 minutes too long. 2 stars

Plant/Krauss – In the year-end rush, I think I short-changed this one. After spending more time with it, I really like what’s going on here. Both artists are forced out of their comfort zone in that Plant never has to sing harmony on his own stuff, and Krauss’ other efforts never really get out of the bluegrass mode. This paring in combination with T-Bone Burnett’s flawless production makes for really good listening. Not a bad number on here, but “Please Read the Letter” is the highlight. Upping my Y-Keep review slightly. 4 stars.

Wolf Parade – I just didn’t get it. There’s nothing here that grabbed me in any way. The songs just seem to meander somewhat endlessly and didn’t have any kind of a hook that drew me in. There was nothing patently wrong with it that I could identify, but in the end I just wasn’t moved in any way. 2 stars

Big Star – We need to come up with a polar opposite for “guilty pleasure”. I know I’m supposed to like these guys and that they’ve influenced a multitude of bands I love from REM to Wilco to Drive By Truckers. However, I just can’t get excited listening to them. I’ve tried and tried, but with the exception of “September Gurls”, nothing knocks me out. All the pieces are there: clever lyrics, nice poppy tunes, good vocals, but I find the majority of their songs rather interchangeable. Not bad mind you, just not great. I’ll chalk it up to a personal defect, as I’m sure Jay will.

Discussion Question

“Wish You Were Here” – Pink Floyd – God do I hate Pink Floyd. However, this straightforward, no BS tale of a relationship gone sour has realism musically and lyrically that is completely different from the rest of their crap.

“Desperado” – The Eagles – I’m convinced Warren Zevon wrote this one and gave it to Henley & Co to settle a drug debt. Beautifully written, sung and produced. This cannot be said about any other Eagles track.

“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac – A band I don’t have much use for, but this song is great. Great harmonies, great lyrics and one of my favorite guitar solos ever as the song fades out.

“Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne – I despise everything about Ozzy. His “work” both solo and with Sabbath is ridiculously overrated. However, there is no denying the incredible riffing on this one, and his normally shite vocals don’t miss the mark this time.

“Epic” – Faith No More – I shan’t delve into Mike Patton’s lengthy litany of lameness, but this song kicks ass.