What You Would Think About December's Records If You Were Smart Like Me.

Everest - One of my, indeed our, challenges is approaching music with a totally open mind. On a certain level, it’s almost impossible as everything we think is inherently a product of our previous experiences and prejudices. I know what I like, but do I listen to certain records with a more open mind than others? I pondered that as I listened to this for the first time. It starts out great – song one sounds like the Jayhawks in their prime, so I would give this a chance no matter what, but the fact that Neil Young likes these guys and invited them to open for his latest tour probably meant that I would give the slower songs – clearly the weakest part of the record – a chance and not immediately dismiss those songs as halfway between the Eagles and America. As it turns out, further listens do those songs justice and on most songs these guys know exactly where to put the guitar breaks that bring these songs their flavor. Like the Jayhawks, though, it almost sounds too good at times. You all know I like my rock a little more ragged, but on balance this is an intelligent, well done country rock album. 4.0

Yayhoos – Two guesses on whether I like this or not. Sort of like Slobberbone without the brains, but who cares about brains. This doesn’t need brains. It’s just a bunch of guys who got together and decided to rock. They took a country rock model, turned it up a notch, added some bluesy touches and you’ve got a killer record that sounds like a party from start to finish. Ah, the finish. Wasn’t sure Dancing Queen was necessary, but as a closet Abba fan, I thought the choice was somewhat inspired. Although I tend to think they chose it for affect more than anything. 4.5 for now, but it will probaably settle in as a 4 because I'm not sure it has staying power.

Blitzen Trapper - Had it, lost it, had it again, then couldn’t find it. Clips on Amazon sound great. I’ll get back to you on this one.

Whitesnake – Who Knew? Well, I guess D’Arcy did. Is it just me (and my ignorance of 80’s rock in general showing through) or is this a genre defining record? I don’t necessarily relate to the general smarminess of it all, but it’s guitars that rock with hooks that work and there is no denying that 80% of these songs are sing-a-long anthems on a certain level. Don’t know enough about their 80’s counterparts – except to know I really don’t care for the genre in general – but it’s hard to imagine any of the bands they get lumped in with put out anything this consistently good. 4

Golden Smog - In general, they rule, both in principle and on record. Eclectic, interesting and usually smart music. Nice collection, but I recommend that you buy all of their CDs.

Topic
First record I ever owned was either Monkees Headquarters or Blood Sweat and Tears second record. Haven’t listened to either and don’t know if I even still own them. Got Blood Sweat and Tears for my birthday I think and then bought Headquarters later in the summer. Headquarters has some good songs and it was the first Mokees record to feature them playing instruments. I asked for BS&T because of the hit Spinning Wheel.