Pretty Bad Experiment

Bob Dylan- Tempest:  3.5

Wow- the dude is 71 years old and I finally like his voice. Trust me you'll never mistake him for Pavarotti but his raspiness fits these songs to a tee. Not only that, but this is the guy's 35th record. AYFKM? Not only that, but he still has something to say. Not only that, but it's still vital. I'm not a huge Dylan fan and this is not his best, by any means, but it's good. So many times we see artists hit the scene with a great record and then subsequent recordings never quite hit the same mark. The fact that the guy can put out something this good for his 35th record is remarkable.

The O.A.E- The Witch's Whispering Tomes: 2.0

I don't think  the experiment worked.  At least, it doesn't work for me. This stuff is ok to put on for some background noise while you're working on a soduku puzzle or something like that, but to actually listen to it from start to finish is painful. I couldn't do it. There are some decent songs here and the cd does have some redeeming qualities, but I think you have to be stoned to fully realize them. 

Anti-Flag- A New Kind Of Army: 3.0

Well, well- aren't these guys full of piss and vinegar?  Talk about The Clash meets Green Day. How about it! As the first song started- I thought oh no. Punk music is not my favorite thing in the world. But, by the time That's Youth (track 4) came around they had me.  Not only that, but being an old hippie activist- I like what they stand for and I like what they're saying. Thanks to whomever (Ken?) for submitting this because I had never heard of these guys and now I'm a new fan. Minus 0.5 point for the annoying "buried" nonsense on the last track.

The Allman Brothers Band- 5.0

Legendary recording. If there can be any complaint of mine about this record it is that it is too short.

GHits- The Cult

I never got into The Cult. I think they started as a post-punk goth rock kind of band- not my favorite genre for sure. So I never really gave them a shot.  It's nice to have a sampling of their music that is not necessarily the "mainstream" hits. Maybe it's time to revisit these guys. Thanks Greg.

Discussion:

1Gomez  2Dr Dog  3Wilco 4The Band 5Collective Soul 6My Morning Jacket 7Beck 8Jayhawks 9Modest Mouse 10Black Crowes

First song by #5: December 

Fav lyrics #6:  "Touch me, I'm going to scream if you don't" off the album Evil Urges

Most memorable moment #8:  Driving to my parents up in Utica, NY with all the kids in the car and blasting Hollywood Town Hall much to everyone's total enjoyment.

Impact #1 on my life:  Gomez per se-nothing earth shattering. It's music that has impacted my life. Plato said it all a long time ago:

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."

When did you get into #2: Heard a concert on NPR- Live from WXPN in Philadelphia  in 2006. Next to Wilco- probably the band I listen to the most. I have everything they've ever done and their 2012 EP Wild Race is awesome.

How did I get into #3: Lineage.  Uncle Tupelo-Son Volt-Wilco

Fav song #4: Can I say every song on my favorite record of all time? Music From Big Pink. If you make me pick a single song then it's The Weight; no- I Shall Be Released; no, wait a minute Chest Fever tied with We Can Talk; scratch that Tears of Rage or Caladonia Mission.  Alright, alright,  I'm done.

Seen #9 Live: Never

Fav album #7:  Sea Change. The guy is a genius and this record is an absolute masterpiece. I never tire of getting lost in it.

Fav song #1: Oh boy! Here we go again. I guess today it's Devil Will Ride off of Liquid Skin. Tomorrow could be a different answer.