I thought turkeys could fly....

Van Morrison – So many critics point to “Astial Weeks” as Morrison’s defining disc, and for the life of me I don’t know why.  This album is 1000 times better, simply perfect from start to finish.  Morrison’s ability to project his own version of spirituality over a 4-5 minute well-developed pop song never got better than this.  Every song is great, but “Caravan” and “Into the Mystic” are timeless, beautiful songs that still give me chills.  I appreciate the bonus tracks, but unlike some of Dylan’s extras, it appears that Van absolutely had the right take of each of these songs on the original. 5 stars

Velvet Underground – Not their strongest IMHO, but certainly a classic in every sense.  While the album suffers a little from the lack of Mo Tucker’s presence, this is certainly the most accessible and polished VU record.  Lou wrote his most succinct batch of songs, musically and lyrically, and they really do stand the test of time, particularly “Rock and Roll” and “Sweet Jane”, two of my favorite songs by anyone.  As swan songs go, this one is about as good as they get. 4 stars

Eureka Machines – First three songs hit like a ton of bricks.  It doesn’t maintain that start, but this is a really good power pop-punk album.  Some hints of Green Day and Cheap Trick sprinkled throughout, with the occasional ELO flourish.  Nothing here not to like, fat hooks, crunchy guitar riffs and clever lyrics.  The kind of stuff that should be on mainstream rock radio, but isnt.  3.5 stars

Sky Ferreria – I’m inclined to like girly pop, and there are a few numbers on here that aren’t terrible.  Overall though, I just don’t care for the heavily synthesized stuff that makes up most of the album.  She’s got a good voice, and there are some nice hooks on here.  I think if she were given an actual band to play with, she might be pretty good.  1.5 stars

Caspan Shafts – A challenging listen.  There are tracks that are really good, like “Versus the Sad Cold Eventually”.  But for every song that’s fleshed out and feels complete, there’s another one that sounds half-assed, as if they couldn’t be bothered to finish it.  I’m all for keeping things brief and to the point, but there’s a fine line between a quick-hit lo-fi song and a glorified demo, and too often they cross it.  Only about half of this saved for posterity, but definitely an interesting selection by Poobah. 

 Discussion Topics:

1) Automatic Purchases:

The Old Trinity (Springsteen, Dylan, Young)

The New Trinity (Wilco, DBT, My Morning Jacket)

Fountains of Wayne

Gaslight Anthem

Tom Petty

Avett Brothers

Hold Steady

Southern Culture on the Skids

Two Cow Garage

Willie Nelson

Todd Snider

Lucinda Williams

The Decemberists

2) Guitar Solos – I may ride solo on this, but I think guitar solos are completely an “in the monent” thing, and I don’t believe there is a sacred cow solo that has to be replicated note by note.  As long as its recognizable, let the player surrender to the vibe, man.

3) Mongillo – Utterly unpredictable.  I have no idea where he will stand on any disc, with the exception of female pseudo-folk singers.  I do know that he will be brutal in his honesty.  Tends to submit indie rock discs for new selections and borderline classics for old.

D’Arcy – The harder, faster and Limey-er it is, the more likely that he gives it a positive review.  Consistently has the most thoughtful and well written reviews, but is tight with his stars.  Low tolerance for twang, but not completely disgusted by it, as opposed to…..

Greg –  Who is completely disgusted by it,and will slam anything remotely country.  Fairly unpredictible as might be expected from someone who likes both Tom Waits and Journey.  Adds 2 extra stars to any artist with nice boobies.

Sandy – All about the groove, man.  Sandy is an old school hippie-type who respects the elders and embraces the new without bias. I would say he is the closest we have to a blank canvas when it comes to reviews.

Alan – Has Alan ever written a negative review?  I’m not sure he has.  Definitely has a preference for power pop and white-boy blues and soul.

Jay – Jay’s taste are most like my own.  At least that’s what I gather from the 3-4 times hes posted reviews in the last 10 years.  Old school punk, power-pop and the twang are in his wheelhouse.

Fearless Leader – Likes different for the sake of being different, regardless of whether its good or not.  Attempts to prove his machismo by over-embracing noisy discs, yet perversely he also over-rates sissy, Euro-disco technocrap albums.  Drives me batty by comparing discs against the artists other albums instead of rating as an independent piece of work (see “Altered Beast” & “Who By Numbers”).  Plays a mean zipper.