Alan's Great Gig In The Sky

Placebo. Battle For The Sun-2009
Interesting name. In my business a placebo is a pill that does absolutely nothing for you. I can’t say this cd did absolutely nothing for me. It just doesn’t do enough for me. There are some good songs, for sure. Ashtray Heart. For What It’s Worth. Speaking In Tongues. Kings Of Medicine, and The Never Ending Why are good tunes. But even these are not enough to make me want to go out and buy more Placebo cd’s. Although, like a placebo- if you take enough of them and believe that they are going to help you- they just might. Who knows; maybe if I listen to enough Placebo I might start to believe! Placebo’s Battle gets a solid 2.5

Cracker. Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey-2009
I like Cracker. I like their weirdness. I like their humor. This is a solid record and a very enjoyable listen. Lowry’s voice is as strong and assured as ever and the band plays with focused intensity and energy. I enjoy every tune- often. A great record. Cracker gets a solid 4.0

Modest Mouse. The Moon And Antarctica- 2000
Another band I really like. This cd opens up with probably my favorite MM track. In fact the first 5 tracks are stellar. It’s not that I don’t like the next 4 tracks- I do; they’re just a little more reflective, maybe even brooding. But it fits the album as a whole. And just when you start to get a little tired of it they pick things right up with Wild Pack of Family Dogs and close it out with another great tune- What People Are Made Of. For sure this cd is a little bit of a complex listen—but it’s so worth it. MM gets a solid 4.0

Herbie Hancock. Man-Child-1974
It may not be Head Hunters (a classic) but this is a solid, groove oriented jazz/funk fusion record that had my toes tappin and my head bobbin from beginning to end.
Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Bennie Maupin, Wah Wah Watson. What’s not to like? D’Arcy? Herbie gets a solid 3.0

Otis redding. G'Hits
This guy's wonderfully grainy voice and galvanizing stage presence made him one of the greatest male soul singers of all time. Great compilation- thanks Alan!


Question 1.
Pretty Girl Why- Buffalo Springfield
Live, Love And Learn- Jess Roden Band
Be With Me- The Butts Band
House Of Cards- Radiohead
Fearless- Pink Floyd
Mandolin Wind- Rod Stewart
Cleaning Windows- Van Morrison

Question 2.
Roll a fatty and listen to Wharf Rat- Grateful Dead Live at Winterland 12/31/1978
followed by Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon and right about when The Great Gig In The Sky is playing it’ll be lights out… so long cruel world! Thanks for this question Alan. I think I’ll go have a good cry now.