No Doubt: Rock Steady (Day 59 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Alain Johannes played on Jason Falkner's debut solo record.  He was an engineer for 'Rock Steady'.)

My first real tire spin where I had a guy floating around for 3 records.  Still keeping up with the rules but I found an out for tomorrow.  

This album wasn't fun to listen to.  Too much production.  Too contrived.  Some decent songs (singles) but way too much for me to enjoy in one sitting.  There's one song that I never heard before that will tie into tomorrow so...

Songs: 2.0 Ds

Performance: 2.5 Ds

Influence: 1.0 Ds

Overall: 2.0 D's

Jason Falkner: Presents Author Unknown (Day 58 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

(Connection to previous album: Alain Johannes recorded songs for Them Crooked Vultures and sang backups.  He also played some guitar on 'Presents Author Unknown.)

Jason was a wonderful guitar player for Jellyfish.  He only played on the first album then he did The Grays and had a fistful of solo records.  His solo stuff isn't as pleasing to me but it was fun listening to this one. The Jellyfish tentacles are many in Albums365. 
 

Songs: 2.25 Ds

Performance: 2.25 Ds

Influence: 2 Ds

Overall: 2.25 D's

Them Crooked Vultures: Them Crooked Vultures (Day 57 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: John Paul Jones is the bass player for Led Zeppelin.  He's also the bass player for Them Crooked Vultures.)

A pretty decent album.  It's got some filler on the ass end of it I didn't really care for.  Production was solid.  Man, if you want to describe how a bass sound is 99% in the fingers, listen to Jonesy.  He sounds like Zeppelin.  

Songs: 2.75Ds

Performance: 3.25 Ds

Influence: 2 Ds

Overall: 2.75 D's

Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffiti (Day 56 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Robert Plant is the singer of Led Zeppelin.)

Missed the 48th anniversary by a day.  

Probably my favorite Zeppelin album.  Probably in my top 10 all time albums (I've been saying that about certain records for years. I wonder if I'm consistent or is my list of 10 albums like 40 albums long now.  I should actually think about exploring that)

I don't like that the songs on the album are from different eras but you can't write an 82 minute album in one shot.  It always bugged me that 'Houses of the Holy' was not on the album with that name. "Ten Years Gone" and "In the Light" are my favs on the record. 

Songs: 4.5 Ds

Performance: 4 Ds

Influence: 4.75 Ds

Overall: 4.5 D's

Robert Plant: Pictures At Eleven (Day 55 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Phil Collins was the drummer for Genesis. He drummed on 'Pictures At Eleven.)

A really excellent solo album.  Phil Collins AND Cozy Powell?!! Yeeesss!

Parents bought this when it came out.  I remember Zeppelin fans grabbing anything they could after they broke up. The song 'Burning Down One Side' is clever and catchy.  There's a certain style Plant had singing his solo stuff that is featured here for the first time. 

Songs: 2.75 Ds

Performance: 3.0 Ds

Influence: 3.0 Ds

Overall: 3.0 D's

Genesis: Invisible Touch (Day 54 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Hugh Padgham was co-producer and engineer for '...Nothing Like the Sun'. He produced and engineered 'Invisible Touch'. )

Arguably a better album than 'Abacab'.  This era of Genesis (the 3 piece) was my favorite.  So many great musical moments and so many good songs.  The Simmons drum fills on this records are iconic.  Neil Peart, Alex Van Halen and Phil Collins ushered in a new form of rock drumming with electronic drums. 

Songs: 3.25 Ds

Performance: 3.5 Ds

Influence: 3.5 Ds

Overall: 3.5 D's

Sting: ...Nothing Like the Sun (Day 53 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Manu Katche played drums on 'Robbie Robertson.  He played drums on '...Nothing Like the Sun'.)

Not as good as his first and not as good at Ten Summoners. It did have a good polish on it.  'We'll Be Together' sound so dated now.  Icky. Very great production.  His albums never disappoint in that category. 

Songs: 2.25 Ds

Performance: 2.75 Ds

Influence: 1.75 Ds

Overall: 2.25 D's

Robbie Robertson: Robbie Robertson (Day 52 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

(Connection to previous album: Daniel Lanois produced 'So'. He also produced 'Robbie Robertson')

In that era of Peter Gabriel's 'So' album, there were several that tried to repeat that sound.  Robbie put his own spin on it with his lyrics but he had quite the all star group of sessions. 'Showdown at Big Sky' is one of my favorite songs from this era.  It's a great chorus with Sam and Kurt from the BoDeans singing. I think he had 2 singles on Wisconsin radio. Thought he'd have more with U2 doing 2 songs with him. 

Songs: 2.25 Ds

Performance: 3.0 Ds

Influence: 1.25 Ds

Overall: 2.25 D's

Peter Gabriel: So (Day 51 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Tony Levin is the bass player for Liquid Tension Experiment. He was the bass player on 'So.)

An album that's over 35 years old and it still sounds fresh.  There are things I heard in the mixes tonight that I never heard before.  Good albums have those moments and it's a real treat to hear. The 'making of' documentary of this album is a good watch.  Great albums are hard to make. 

Songs: 4.25 Ds

Performance: 4.25 Ds

Influence: 4 Ds

Overall: 4.25 D's

Liquid Tension Experiment: Liquid Tension Experiment 3 (Day 50 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: John Petrucci is the guitar player for Dream Theater.  He is also the guitar player for Liquid Tension Experiment.)

The most super of super groups in terms of wankery and chops.  The 3rd album from them in 23 years and this is by far the best of the 3.  Their version of 'Rhapsody In Blue' is enough to make this record a must-listen for any musician or music fan. The first time I heard that song by these guys, I got chocked up.  Tony Levin is the bass player.  If you ever heard a Peter Gabriel song, you've heard him playing bass. 

Songs: 3.0 Ds

Performance: 4.5 Ds

Influence: 3.25 Ds

Overall: 3.75 D's

Dream Theater: Distance Over Time (Day 49 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Ben Grosse co-produced Filter's 'Title of Record'. He mixed 'Distance Over Time'.)

A very solid and concise progressive album from one of my top 5 favorite bands of all time.  No gas-guzzling 10+ minute songs.  If a progressive metal band can write chorus' that stick in your head, then they're a cut above and Dream Theater has been doing that for 30+ years. 

Songs: 3.75 Ds

Performance: 4.25 Ds

Influence: 3.5 Ds

Overall: 4.0 D's

Filter: Title of Record (Day 48 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Richard Patrick was the singer of Army of Anyone.  He was the singer of Filter.)

First time I listened to this record all the way through.  It was satisfying.  I could really get into imagining Richard trying to make the best album he could at the time and it was a successful endeavor. I don't really like his personality but he's a hard worker.  The music isn't something I would play for inspiration but I would use it as a marker for how a great album should be made. Great album title btw.  I get it. 

His brother is Robert Patrick. T-1000

Songs: 2.5 Ds

Performance: 2.5 Ds

Influence: 1.0 Ds

Overall: 2.25 D's

Army of Anyone: Army of Anyone (Day 47 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

(Connection to previous album: Bob Ezrin produces Deep Purple's 'Whoosh!' album.  He produced 'Army of Anyone'.)
 

This was the first time I listened to this album all the way through.  I'm a fan of the DeLeo brothers. I was mildly surprised how good the album sounded.  It had that STP sound but the drums brought it up a notch.  Ray Luzier is a great drummer.  

Songs: 2.25 Ds

Performance: 2.25 Ds

Influence: 1.25 Ds

Overall: 2.0 D's

Deep Purple: Whoosh! (Day 46 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Steve Morse was the guitar player in The Dregs.  He was the guitarist in Deep Purple.)

A decent album.  Not their greatest work but for a bunch of old rockers, it's a solid release. Steve is a little more subdued in his soloing.  It still sounds like him but not as quick. 

Songs: 2.75 Ds

Performance: 2.75 Ds

Influence: 2.0 Ds

Overall: 2.5 D's 

The Dregs: Industry Standard (Day 45 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 (Connection to previous album: Eddy Offord was the engineer for ELP's debut. He co-produced 'Industry Standard'.)

The Dixie Dregs (or the Dregs, they did a name change) were one of the greatest musical finds of my late teens. Thank you Calvin and Dennis from Electric City Music for introducing me to the live album 'Bring 'Em Back Alive'. 

I didn't know of these guys until 1992/1993.  I think it's because they were an instrumental band.  Ironically, there are a couple songs with vocals on this record.  

Songs: 3.50 Ds

Performance: 4.0 Ds

Influence: 3.5 Ds

Overall: 3.75 D's 

Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Day 44 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: Eddy Offord was the producer for "Close to the Edge". He was engineer for ELP's self-titled release.)

Eddy Offord in yet another one of those producer/engineer guys who had a great impact on the music I grew up with.  He was responsible for Yes and ELP's sound.  He ended up retiring and living on a sailboat...floating around the world.  

This record is fantastic.  "Trilogy" is my favorite ELP release but this is 2nd.  Bunch of 20-somethings making music NOBODY heard before.  Imagine the ambition and the decision to venture down the path they did...and it worked.  Oh, 'Lucky Man' is on this record for those who only listen to AOR radio. 

Songs: 3.75 Ds

Performance: 4.25 Ds

Influence: 3.75 Ds

Overall: 4.0 D's 

Yes: Close to the Edge (Day 43 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: Bill Bruford was the drummer for King Crimson.  He was the drummer for Yes on this record.)

37 minutes of great music.  Always liked the sound of Chris and Bill on this one.  Bass is clear and drums are crisp.  Can't say too much else about it.  Title track is filled with hooks. 

Songs: 3.5 Ds

Performance: 3.5 Ds

Influence: 3.75 Ds

Overall: 3.75 D's

King Crimson: Larks' Tongues In Aspic (Day 42 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: John Wetton played bass and sang for Asia. He was the bass player and singer for King Crimson on this record.)

My favorite era of of KC and my 2nd favorite KC lineup.  Unfortunately, it's my least favorite record of the 3 albums put out from the lineup.  The title track is a 2-parter and the 2nd part is phenomenal. Easy Money is also good. It's not like the record is slop, it just comes in 3rd place.  

Songs: 3.5 Ds

Performance: 3.25 Ds

Influence: 3.75 Ds

Overall: 3.5 D's

Asia: Alpha (Day 41 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

  (Connection to previous album: Mike Stone was the producer for 'Frontiers' album. He was the producer for this Asia album.)

Asia's first album was fabulous.  Came out at a time when it should have flopped but it didn't.  It sold 4 million records in 1982.  This record was the 2nd release and sold only 1 million.  It was also the last to feature the  original lineup.  Alpha had only a few moments where it was fun to listen to.  

Oh, and Mike Stone is another one of those super-producers. He worked with a ton of bands I liked.  I didn't realize his discography was so immense.  Check him out.  

Songs: 2.0 Ds

Performance: 2.25 Ds

Influence: 2.25 Ds

Overall: 2.0 D's

Journey: Frontiers (Day 40 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: Steve Smith drummed on Shaw Blades album.  He was the drummer for Journey on the 'Frontiers' album)

Great album.  Great lineup.  Possibly the best Journey lineup.  Steve Smith is an iconic drummer. Saw him live with Journey and with Vital Information. 

This album has some really, really rippin' guitar tracks.  Never really listened to how fast Neal played but there are some great shredder moments.  Backups, don't believe the credits.  They're all Steve's voice.  

Songs: 3.0 Ds

Performance: 3.0 Ds

Influence: 2.5 Ds

Overall: 3.0 D's

Shaw Blades: Hallucination (Day 39 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades were in Damn Yankees.  They were also in Shaw Blades.)

Jack Blades is a cool guy.  Met him once and he's positive as hell.  Good dude.  I haven't heard bad things about Tommy Shaw.  Once of my childhood music idols.  Loved his stuff with Styx. 

This album is way different than the Damn Yankees stuff.  This is like 2 almost middle aged dudes doing a record and trying to make it sound current. Not bad.  Remember that band Del Amitri? Or...whatever a band was from 94/95 and was on the radio.  They made the album sound like that. 

Unfortunately forgettable but only in music.  Can't forget the band name and can't forget the guys on the album cover.  

Songs: 1.75 Ds

Performance: 2.0 Ds

Influence: 1.25 Ds

Overall: 1.75 D's

Damn Yankees: Damn Yankees (Day 38 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: Ron Nevison engineered and mixed "Bad Company".  He produced "Damn Yankees")

THIRD album in a week that's named for the band and has a song named after the album! 

The radio hits from this album are pretty good.  The rest of the album is pretty cliche 1990 radio rock.  There is some good shredding towards the end of the album. Nice job Ted.  

Songs: 2.25 Ds

Performance: 2.5 Ds

Influence: 1.75 Ds

Overall: 2.25 D's

Bad Company: Bad Company (Day 37 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

 (Connection to previous album: Paul Rodgers was the singer in The Firm.  He was also the singer in Bad Company)

It's the 2nd album in 3 days where a band named the album the band name and named a song after the album...after the band name. Blue Murder and Bad Company. 

As much as you get sick of hearing Bad Company on the radio, playing the album as a whole really makes it sound better.  It's an awesome first record.  I don't know the RIAA numbers but I bet this records sold well over 5 million.  

Songs: 3.25 Ds

Performance: 3.0 Ds

Influence: 2.25 Ds

Overall: 3.0 D's

The Firm: Mean Business (Day 36 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 (Connection to previous album: Tony Franklin played bass in Blue Murder. He also played bass in The Firm.)

Not as good as their first album but there were some decent songs on this one.  You can tell what songs Page wrote because they sound like unrecorded Zeppelin riffs.  I love Tony Franklin's bass playing (The Frettless Monster) but sorta like Billy Sheehan, the signature tone isn't always enough for the low end.  Tony's sound worked better for Blue Murder than The Firm.  Still, what a great super trio.  That's 2 in 2 days.  

I didn't plan this path of this journey.  Now, I'm lingering in the moment and not trying to forecast where this adventure will take me.  

Songs: 2.25 Ds

Performance: 2.5 Ds

Influence: 1.75 Ds

Overall: 2.25 D's

Blue Murder: Blue Murder (Day 35 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 No computer available. Will detail tomorrow.

(Connection to previous album: Carmine Appice played on Ronnie Wood's '1234' album.  He was the drummer for Blue Murder.)

John Sykes is a rock god.  He's such a good guitar player and singer.  It's a shame he's way too weird and hard to work with. 

This album is really great.  Great drums by Carmine. The singing is great, the hooks are really cool.  It probably came a year or two too late to have more success.  Hey, and why not have a song named 'Sex Child' with lyrics to entertain the most conservative of the PMRC.  

Songs: 2.5 Ds

Performance: 2.75 Ds

Influence: 2.0 Ds

Overall: 2.5 D's

Ronnie Wood: 1234 (Day 34 of Albums: 365 Mkll)

 

(Connection to previous album: Andy Johns produced the Chickenfoot record.  He also produced '1234'.)

Album starts out as a real clunker.  There are some good songs buried in the record. This is one of those albums where a bunch of famous people help make a record for a famous person.  Good list of friends he has on this one.  First time I've listened to a Ron Wood solo album.  

Horrible album cover.  He looks like he designed the cover while going through his freebasing addiction. 

Songs: 2.0 Ds

Performance: 2.75 Ds

Influence: 1.0 Ds

Overall: 2.0 D's