Classic Rock Discussion thread, including Catfish's Top 20 Lists.

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- The Moody Blues- In Search of the Lost Chord (1968) **** 1/2

Today's review is dedicated to Mike Pinder, who I belatedly found out passed away a month ago at age 82.  Pinder was an undisputed pioneer and progenitor of what is abd would become electronic keyboard.  It is well documented of his involvment with the inventors of the Moog and Mellotron, and he was the first to put this fantiastic tool to good use in popular music.  Pinder was not only a technical pioneer, and musician, but he also had many songwriting contritubitions to this criminally under-rated band.  Listen to any Moody Blues album from the 1960's.  No one was making music like this.  And they were so versatile too.  They excelled at rocking, ballads, beautiful melodic, psychadaelia, and had great pop sensibilities that set them apart from anyone else.  We've had plenty of discussions of which band started prog.  A strong argument could be made for them.   But...  it is sad to see these legends who are now dying natural deaths in their 80's falling by the wayside.  The Moody's now are just Hayward and Lodge.

And another side note for the legacy of Mike Pinder.  People seem to forget has his spoken word is included in a lot of Moody Blues material.  His voice to me,  is almost Rod Serling, James Earl Jones, powerful in nature. I am suprised he didn't get a lot of more work in narration post 1972.

Listening to any of the first say 7 or so albums, it is strikingly evident that a lot of their music is way ahead of it's time.  This was a very dedicated and talented group, that made sure that all their stuff was consitently not only great from album to album, but each individual LP is fully listenable by itself.  Any Moody Blues album is also a trip through the cerebral.  They are talent incarnate. ISOTLC was unique in that the band wasn't vaguely disgusing their foray into psychadaelia with tunes like "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds".  Hell, they were giving homage to acknowledged Godfather of LSD at the time Timothy Leary.  Also listen to "The Best Way to Travel".  There was no veiling what that meant.

I chose Chord today, on the just pure audaciousness. It is a fairly evenly dispersed project among the crew.  But it was so massively different than the prior album that, these almost sound like two different bands.  You will not go wrong, with what some critcs call the "Core 7".  All of them are excellent.  And one final editorial that I kind of touched on earlier....   The Rolling Stone/Creme/Rock and Roll Hall of Shame, waited until 2018 to put them in the Hall.  SHAMEFUL!  With ISOTLC you are getting a perfect sample of early Moody Blues, was about, and I am guessing you will enjoy it.  I always have.   And a warning:  Ranking albums like this one is not fair in some respect.  Most of even the lower ranked songs are really good too.

Fun Fact: The Moody Blues first American gig was supporting this LP in '68, opening for Canned Heat.  Ahhhh  only in the '60's huh?   

Side 1-
-------------

Departure- Mystical intro with narration that gives a fine indication of greatness to come. 

Ride My See Saw-   Excellent melodic obvious Justin Hayward type of song.  There weren't too many prog songs at the time that I would characterize as pop.  This is about as close as it gets.  Vocal harmonizatons are impeccable.  Songs rolls and flows with ease. If you are here for the guitar stuff, this is your cut. This was the only charting single from the album, and it only reached #61,  Still, What a start for this ride.   2

Dr. Livingstone, I Presume-  An obvious Ray Thomas effort, as he seemed to be the most enthusiastic of the Hallucinogenic fare. I think Thomas slightly wanted to emulate the Beatles recent efforts into nonsenical stuff of Sgt. Peppers, and Magical Mystery Tour.  On par, with them in some repsect.  5

House of Four Doors (Part 1)-  Very strange and near or at split personality for the song.  I am sure John Lodge intended some allegorical themeing around Legend of a Mind.  Song delves from standard mid rocking Moody's to majestic concert hall majesticism.  Gateway song? /s
6

Legend of a Mind-  The band's ode to Timothy Leary.  And man did they ever nail this song on every front.  Every band member contributes at the highlest level.  The song is a hodgepodge of style and key/time changes.  And the chorus vocals?, and the flute solo?, and Mellotron infusion? Easily one of my favorite top 5 tunes by the band.  Bonus:  In might be one of the earliest rock music videos, the guys do this one from an English Estate.  And I don't give a shit that it was lip synced   (below) 1

House of Four Doors (Part 2)- The back bookend of this saga.  Effective to the theme.  The point that the "Doors" are the weakest part of this LP just shows how powerfully good this LP is. 7

Side 2-
------------

Voices in the Sky- Very nice ballad  by Hayward,  that is a favorite  with some fans, just tastes I guess, but not "A" status to my liking.   This is  still a good one, on a great album.  Hayward would get much better at this in subsequent albums.  9

The Best Way to Travel- Mike Pinder's biggest contribution.  He takes psychadaelia concept to new heights.  And gives a clinic on keyboard wizardry.  A technique that would be used enmasse for the next few years by other bands who didn't do it near as well  I bet this was a fav of the trippin' hippies in the day. 3

Visons of Paradise- Same pretty much comment as with "Voices" but with an interesting Ray Thomas flute accompaniment, eastern sitar add that is kind of Beatlesque.   Hate to say it, but Hayward kept this from becoming a 5 star LP.  Just me talking though. 8

The Actor- The best effort from Justin Hayward, though it does have kind of Blue Jay feel (add Lodge).  Gives his best and most powerful voice, and I really enjoy how Pinder stretches the mellotron into full orchestraization mode.  Musical brilliance 4

The Word/ Om- Narrative and closing that is beautifully apt for this classic. Om's harmonization and eastern influenced jam is excellent.  I really don't consider this as much as a song, but a prologue to a prog album of the ages.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5UdP-SFNgY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_TbovyVOzs

[LMAO]

My dad and uncle listened to the Moody Blues alot when I was a kid and I didn't get the appeal until I was in my late teens

[catfish1957]

From a few days ago....

RIP Doug Ingle..... 

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/iron-butterfly-founder-doug-ingle-004502921.html

<snip>

The last surviving original member of American psychedelic rockers Iron Butterfly has died.
Doug Ingle was the band's lead singer, primary songwriter and organist.

Surprised I haven't done an Iron Butterfly review....    Hope to add one soon

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida  (Rock On)

[berdie]

Re: Your Broooce review, I really enjoyed it and agree for the most part. He isn't a great singer (he shouts) and some of his lyrics crack me up.

"Wrap your legs around these velvet rims, and strap your hands across my engines." Really, Dude? And a best selling song came from this? Okey Dokey.

That being said, "Secret Garden", "Philadelphia", and "Brilliant Disguise" are decent and since I like to hear writers sing their own music, I like them. Both the lyrics and his voice are pretty good.

I confess, I went to see him twice. His tickets were always affordable at the time...so why not? Clemons and to a lesser degree Little Stevie were always fun to watch and listen to. The last concert Bruce, laid on his back and preached a lengthy sermon. Kinda weird.

[catfish1957]

Re: Your Broooce review, I really enjoyed it and agree for the most part. He isn't a great singer (he shouts) and some of his lyrics crack me up.

. The last concert Bruce, laid on his back and preached a lengthy sermon. Kinda weird.

He actually was laying on his back?  That's a lot more than weird.  Inside reporting I've heard is that "The Baws" has a god or prohet complex now,  and sits in a delusional world that thinks the entire world rotates around him.

My overall impression since the early '70's was that he was a second tier artist, who got lucky.  He kind of reminds me of Peter Seller's great role in "Being There".  Bruce IMO is the Chauncy Gardener of rock, who got some powerful industry pundits  to wrongly beleive and push the perception that he was a visionary.  Honestly, I can't think of anything past 5 or 6 songs really listenable.

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Iron Butterfly- In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida  (1968) * 1/2

Earlier today, I mentioned that the Doug Ingle, the last member of Iron butterly passed away.  Ingle was that one member was 98% of the talent center of the band.  I want to be totally respectful to the band and its fans, but from my taste, they just weren't that good.  At least good past one infamous song.

But, and this is a huge one, what this band lacked in proving good music was one major contribution that can not be overlooked.  Side 2 of this album can make a significant claim that is was the first true hard rock song on an album in history.  The Title Song was more than ground breaking, it brought meter fuzz, distort and structure that not even Hendrix was providing at the exact same time.  Of course, Iron butterfly for all practical purposes was a band steeped and focused in psychedelia.  But that side (2) was an innovative approach that 100's of bands would later take, but do it so much  better.

And on another innovation, and also a new approach they would take....   In-a-gadda-divida took up an entire side of an album in length.  Personally, I tought is was bit too much on the self indulgence, but with this song, it's like a lightning bolt struck, and provided this band one moment of glory, and by god, they rode and milked this number for the rest of their brief and medicore career.   Even with the epic length,I always thought the song was 10 minutes too long.

3rd point of innovation was (I might be wrong?) that this  was one of the very first rock songs to incorporate a lengthy  solos.  Drums, organ, etc.  And I would be amiss not to say that this band was devoid of talent.  Ingle did a decent job of finely working his psychedelia laden organ into the product.  I remember some of the hippy's in the day, feeling that Iron Butterfly was a cultural phenomenon, basically marrying psychedelia to hard rock.  I think in some ways they were right.

Iron Butterfly floundered after this one, but in their defense that this a Quad platinum album in 1968, is pretty impressive.  Sadly, they lingered for 4 more, and all were patheric. 

Fun Fact: Venture a guess how many people can say they were a member of this band-  65...  Yep, 65,  and I'd say 90% were familar with the Green Signs of Holiday Inn bars. 

Side 1-
----------

All psychedelia improv filler,and 3rd rate Doors impressions.  I applaud the  lack of hook,if the music has other redeeming qualities.

Side 2-
------------

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida -17 minutes of what I  pretty much covered in body of review,  There is no arguing that this song is historic in genre creation/amending.  I always thought it was bizarre that this song, that is so good shines way above anything else they produced.  It's a great song, and worth the visit.  Even to this day, you wlll occasionally  catch the radio version of this on classic rock rotation.  And deservingly so. 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAT4nIg00t0

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Rush- Caress of Steel (1975) **** 1/2

Noticed I haven't reviewed any early Rush yet, and thought I'd take on maybe the toughest to discuss,  "Caress of Steel".  And IMO one of the strangest for me to pan or love......   from even day to day.  On certain days, I  see this as a 5 star LP, and another feel 3 instead.   It is no secret that the critics hated this LP, and from documentary account, it almost finished them as a band....   Before they threw the dice big time with "2112".  Analysis is like an abstract painting.  You hear it differently each time.

First let me give the Jekyll side of the view.  This album was the exact moment that Rush morphed from being a rock and roll band, and aptly to the Prog genre. (mid way through side 1) . Today there is a pretty good  consensus that they are almost in everybody's thinks Rush is in the top 5 of the genre.    The Necromancer was that exact moment that the band said, You know what ....  we're pretty good at what we do.....   So let's see how we can do with more of a "Yes" approach than Zeppelin; COS is Very groundbreaking...  It has moments of where you can see the seeds germinating into a brain expanse  and the wheels spinning in their head around their songwriting.  And like 2112, the band's first half of Side 1 is standard hard rock in nature.  And some very strong moments at that.

Now Hyde.....  Lamenth is a hot mess and hodgepodge of Progressive vignettes pieced sloppily into a mosaic of one big Pollock like paint slinging.  We now all know that these were the inner and earlier thoughts of the 2112.  Sure, there were nice intelocked pieces that were nice, but the epic strange transitions were boring, there is a bit of uneveness that mar the LP.    I always wondered if Rush had a little more time, could they could have focused on the music more that what appears to try to link the lyrics to strained blues (in some parts), and uninteresting lyrics  and story. Necromancer seems a little more in line what would be the norm in Rush's prog structural approach.  And as with the prior, how Peart included the cerebral content, is up there conceptually with his future.  Necromancer?  Think Lameth, but just a tad less experimental.  We can't forget that Rush weren't stars yet, and had to provide LP's on a timed basisi, based on the record company's expectations.

Like in every Rush album from 1974 to the mid 1980's, you can see an obvious gradualstep change in their musical abilites.  Rush was the gold standard as far as bands who massiviely improved as their careeer progressed.  Caress of Steel is no exception.  An in Lameth, you see something unlike they had done before.  In some respect, I think Lifeson's early 70's style reliance on shreds was a so-so awkward marriage at first.  It was like they were struggling  coming out of that genre cocoon.

Otherwise, as in several other prior reviews with Rush, I can not subdue by singing of this band's praises.  I for forever, have thought that this was Rush's most fascinating album for the very reason that my opinion of it changes daily.   As bad as this album was panned by the critics, I think we should all be thankful that they didn't abandon the prog direction.  2112 wouldn't have happened, or Rush as a prolific band either.

Fun Fact:  The Album was supposed to have a silver background to give it a steel appearance.  Printing error, and they came off Gold. And that was not corrected.   I just can't picture that album in that color anyway.

Side 1-
---------

Bastille Day-  I love Rush Anthems, and this is among their best in that area.  Great message, great playing, and worth buying the LP alone.  I was sad that Rush seemed to play this less and less as their career continued.  Peart's libertarian tunes rubbed some the wrong way, and Peart himself seems to have reversed this leanings here, and to Ayn Rand herself, too.   Too bad 1

I Think I am Going Bald-  Another racious rocker that sounds like more of what they would give us back in the debut. I always speculated that this was a bone added to make sure that some of Rush's older fans weren't put out by the big Prog turn.  4

Lakeside Park-  Nicely hooked, written, pleasant, and simply presented.  I know other Rush fans who love this one, and liked it the best.  Great song, but we are talking about Rush, and we all know how high that bar is.  3

The Necromancer- The prog journey begins.  Has its ups and downs,  The narratives are off-counter to how the music flow.  We do however first see and feel Peart's amazing ability to create a persona where the old timey rock drummer accompanies is more prounounced.  Peart's percentage of the song spotlight increases from this moment forward   And thus......  How the band the band functioned as not only as ensemble, but one who had the uncanny ability to come off as an orchestra.    One thing is for sure.... In this one, Peart raised some eyebrows.  I think we all knew he was good on Fly by Night, but by this one it is when he started really getting noticed.   And on this one,  I would be really wrong, not to give props to the chordal progression and lightness at the end, to bring it home.  If you want a prehistoric progressive sample of Rush, between Necromancer and Lamenth, I choose this one. 2

Side 2-
----------

The Founain's of Lameth- Outside of my discussion above, I think the listener should judge the content on what was intended, rather than what was presented.  I can see Peart/Lee/Lifeson almost wanting to create 2112, but with no coherent concept.  Maybe weak concept.   They did do great mythical prog numbers, but this was not one of them.  Wait....   maybe it is.    5


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYbeuri1ptY

Other TBR Rush fans.....   How and where do you place Caress of Steel in mix of Rush discography?

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day-  The Guess Who-  Share the Land- (1970). ** 1/2

In looking through the band's discography, I had to choose from about 5 late 1960's and early 1970's picks.  I was really surprised that my pick today, was after the departure of Randy Bachman.  I could have sworn that he took part in this one before starting BTO, but I was wrong.  The Guess Who churned out hit after hit from 1969-1971.  They were prolific, and I would be amiss in saying that their first '71 Greatest Hits album , is a shiny example of how a band should market their best.  I literally wore that one out in the day.  Every song is excellent. 

As, I said, I was kind of suprised that Share the Land didn't include Bachman.  Still, it seemed the Guess Who was pretty consistent in the era, of having three or so ,really good tunes, and 4 or 5 with filler.  But don't feel sorry for Randy Bachman....   he put out about 3 or 4 of his own that outsold his old band.  BTO > The Guess Who.  just my opinion.

Genreisizing the Guess Who, is pretty simple.  They were standard rocker, with a penchant of some light schmooz that gave their product that sound that was getting massive radio play circa 1970.  Their real early stuff had, like everyone else that Doors like psychadaelic edge.  As their career progressed they seemed to soften gradually, until the mid 70's when it went into a "whiney rant and lost relevance.

Pre-Share the Land, the line share of the songwriting was split between Cummings and Bachman.  Kurt Winter (anyone get this as a trivia question?) replaced Bachman, and though showing in the credits, you have to wonder actually how much did hie actually add to the band's songs.  Though you can def. see the drop off in quality, as Bachman had about a notch and a half better skills.  Writing and muscianship.

Fun Fact:  The Guess Who had ZERO platinum studio albums, which I found nuts considering the air play they got.  Guessing '45's were a cash cow for them back in the day.

Side 1-
----------

Bus Rider-  Solid standard rocker from Winter (Not Johnny or Edgar).  Has a strong '60's twinge, lyrically inane though.....  5


Do You Miss Me Darlin'-  Normal Cummings crooning device, that has some very nice melodic parts that are nice addition to the LP 4

Hand Me Down World- First of the trifecta of solid Guess Who tunes that gives this one the edge over others.  Strange as it sounds, this sounds more like a tune that Bachman would write instead of Cumming, but nope.  Even the guitar sounds like him.    Hooks a Million, but a really good one.  3

Moan For You Joe- Torchlit blues that sucks.  Full Frontal Filler.  8

Share the Land-  I don't know how many youngsters are reading this back in this era, a few hippies were congreating into communes.  The concept is downright silly....   A group of stoned, tripping kids living together in a village, sharing the spoils of their work and togetherness.      Yeah, these were communes that the rest of the country were laughing their asses at.  Peace, Love, and Harmony....   Pfffffffff!!!   This is an really good song that seems to extract the beneftis without reality.  Some of the vocal harmonization is the best the band ever did.  And Cummings does belt it out nicely.  Always wondered if he believed this silly shit as he sang it. 2

Side 2-
-----------

Hang on to Your Life-  My actual favorite song by this band, and I guess I do have to give it sleeper status. Macrabe subject for matter for the day.  Think...   Going from Peace, Love, and Harmony to a semi-document of the process of the event if "death". Song works on various levels, from guitar to absolutle chilling narrative conclusion that definitely , takes a chapter from the Doors in eery preponderances.  1

"Coming Down Off the Money Bag" / "Song of the Dog"- 50% Country? 50% Blues? , 100% silly and pointless. To me this gives a dis-service to the great delta blues acts in the past.  Part 2?  of this train wreck......, more of the same  7

Three More Days-  I hate it when a band sticks a looooong song in that stinks, and takes up a 1/4 of the album.  I think the GH saw the trend with other bands doing the long tunes too.  Thing is, if you are that ballzy and bold, at least make it a good one, instead of filler. 6


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZZ4wmR7Oug

[libertybele]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Rush- Caress of Steel (1975) **** 1/2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYbeuri1ptY

Other TBR Rush fans.....   How and where do you place Caress of Steel in mix of Rush discography?

So, I am not familiar with Rush, so, I tuned in to a couple of songs -- I'll have to listen further, but so far I feel that the drummer is phenomenal.

[deb]

So, I am not familiar with Rush, so, I tuned in to a couple of songs -- I'll have to listen further, but so far I feel that the drummer is phenomenal.

You are quite perceptive. Neil Peart was one of the very best.

[catfish1957]

So, I am not familiar with Rush, so, I tuned in to a couple of songs -- I'll have to listen further, but so far I feel that the drummer is phenomenal.

@libertybele
Peart was a phenomenal talent.  Music pundits easily recognize of his "once a generation" percussion greatness, but I have always thought his lyrical skills were among the greatest.  Very few in rock, had his talent for the cerebral, the thought provoking, and the prog story telling as him.

There is a multitude of Peart solos that just are jaw dropping on YT.  But this is the one, that I like to share to others.  Not only is this one from one of the greats...   But an actual solo that really really nails it.  And man was he on, on this night.

Pan to the 3:45 mark on this video for the fireworks......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKIc20Liw3c

Then there is this one from Frankfurt in '04, which is kind of the consensus choice of most.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWRMOJQDiLU

[libertybele]

@libertybele
Peart was a phenomenal talent.  Music pundits easily recognize of his "once a generation" percussion greatness, but I have always thought his lyrical skills were among the greatest.  Very few in rock, had his talent for the cerebral, the thought provoking, and the prog story telling as him.

There is a multitude of Peart solos that just are jaw dropping on YT.  But this is the one, that I like to share to others.  Not only is this one from one of the greats...   But an actual solo that really really nails it.  And man was he on, on this night.

Pan to the 3:45 mark on this video for the fireworks......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKIc20Liw3c

Then there is this one from Frankfurt in '04, which is kind of the consensus choice of most.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWRMOJQDiLU

Wow, I am breathless just watching him!  Thanks for posting.  How did I miss this band all these years??  They are now definitely one of my favorites @catfish1957

[catfish1957]

Wow, I am breathless just watching him!  Thanks for posting.  How did I miss this band all these years??  They are now definitely one of my favorites @catfish1957

Glad you enjoyed. 

There has always been somewhat of a running joke, that ladies generally don't like Rush, as evidence of 90+% men at their shows.
I'm impressed that you see past that. 

[catfish1957]

Really enjoyed watching these two legends who are best of friends jam, and discuss guitars. (Starting at about the 10:00 mark with Brian May of Queen) Not only immense guitar talents, but sharp guys.    Iommi is why my first guitar was an SG. 

Extra treat at 12:25, it is like a mashup of Queen and Black Sabbath


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_-Swyrtzh4

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- ZZ Top- Rio Grande Mud (1972) ****

Hearing a cut from this one from my Classic Rock station gave me a little inspiration to cover what is "what and when" most of Texans were introduced to the Top.   As a Texan, I might be a tad biased on the level of importance that this album and band has on the history of rock.  The point that Gibbons impressed Hendrix while jamming should give one all the info they need to understand the love for this group.

I have previously covered my two favorites (Tres' Hombres and Eliminator), but don't fret .....this particular album is a fingernail less great.  There are few weakness on this LP, and maybe, and only maybe why I rate this one just a tiny bit less is that I consider myself a Rocker more than a Blues guy.  I can easily see how many Top fans can see this one as their favorite, as the blues is more evident and entrenched, but no less awesome.  You often don't consider Texas an epicenter of blues, but when you realize this is the home of Billy Gibbons, Johnny Winter, and SRV........   A pretty decent case can be made.

Mud is as good as it gets, but does suffer very slightly to production values.  Suffer?  Well, maybe that should be a reverse.  The gritty, slightly more tinny sound might be more a an aura of charm than quality.  For those not from Texas, it would be hard on any given day, not to hear a ZZ Top tune blaring from someone's 8-Track in their Truck.  While drinking warm cheap Lone Star of course.    Top and the early to mid 1970's were ubiquitous in our Texas environment. Beer Drinking and Hell Raising while crusing  is Texas 101.

And a really tall assumption.  I'd guess that 9 in 10 Texans who considered themselves rockers have seen ZZ Top in concert.  These guys were tireless live performers.  The best man in my wedding was somewhat older than me, but he played guiatar in a local band at a local bar, and when late '60's Top came to town he and his band functioned as roadies, and he often got to jam with them.  What tales he told, and said these guys were the nicest, most congenial guys, you'll ever see.  Loved to hear those old stories.

As far as Mud, again to those not familar with this band, their history started as Moving Sidewalks, who really put their line into a strong blues style, as was their first few LP's as ZZ Top.  By Tres' Hombres, that style morphed (slightly) into a more rock/blues focused effort.  That continued until Eliminator, when they became huge on the same somewhat style, but tad more hooked. And though we are still sad about Dusty Hill's death.  Billy and Frank are still rocking with a box of cheap sunglasses on hand.  Haw Haw Haw!!!!!!!

Fun Fact:  LP only charted to #104.    WTF?

Side 1-
-----------

Francine- Top's first charting tune...  Only No. 69.    Very crisp and highly rocking slant to a band that busted its chops mostly on the blues side of life.  Top really didn't utlize much hook in their first LP, or their Moving Sidewalks day, so I think you are seeing some nice and needed guidance from their producer Bill Ham.  Thanks Bill. 2

Just Got Paid- One of those great great Top tunes that just defined their status as rock heros.  Even today, this song rings so true, in the vein of the poor and impovershed.  This is one of my favorites of how Dusty/Frank so masterfully augment their rhythm  lines so perfectly to produce an early 1970's rock song of the ages.  The true gem of this LP 1

Mushmouth Shoutin'- The purest bluez number on the LP, that shouts out to the old Mississippi Delta blues styles.  Great tune, but not in my wheelhouse.  8

Ko Ko Blue- Another really decent decent rocker that brings back the memories.  Where's my Lonestar man.......   4

Chevrolet- A mishmash, smashup of blues and rock that has very nice bass/guitar interplay midway.  More of an example of how consistently good this album is.  5

Side 2-
------------

Apologies to Pearly-  Instrumental, though that has that standard blues Gibbons excellence, is just not top tier.  No No No...  not filler, just a lesser song on a really good album.  9

Bar-B-Q- See above.  Though not an instrumental. 6

Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell-  I might piss off a few other Top fans, but this is my sleeper entry on this LP.  Reason?, this one by far is my favorite of theirs that is fully blues based.  Great bluez that has enormous power and feeling.  In fact the only pure blues ZZ Top number on my playlist.  It's that good.  3

Whisky 'n Mama- Got's that typical Top sound and feel.  Another strong consistent one that is the hallmark of what is top tier effort.  I remember me and my friends thinking in the day that a Top 8-Track was always a good choice, because of that "lack of filler". You could drive from Houston to Beaumont with 2 rounds of this one in  the 8-track.  7

Down Brownie- Weakest cut on a bad ass album.  10






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYhGFKIKvA

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Neil Young- Tonight's the Night- (1975) ****

Today's review is a look at a an album, that is right near the top of my favorites with Young.  Overall content is a tad lower than Rust Never Sleeps, and After the Gold Rush  But if you want one single album that has the most outpouring of emotion and grit this is one.  In fact I can't think of one album in Rock and Roll that has this level of tenor, where the artist is basically was bleeding on vinyl.  The despair in Young's voice is spine chilling, and undeniably genuine

And this is the magnificent heyday of his career. When you look at this tandem of 4 of 5 albums from 1970-1975 (After the Gold Rush, Harvest, On the Beach, Tonight's the Night, Zuma) Young massively dominated the singer-songwriter genre.  These four as a core of the best part of his career, cemented him easily again as one of 2 or 3 best in genre alone.  Young was famous for his whacked out experimental genre bending efforts that often left we fans scratching our heads in puzzlement.  Some were on target like Reactor, but then there were awful turns to like Trans, and Everybody's Rockin' (Frisbee status).  But if you are a Neil Young fan, I'd bet that there is one of these 5 LP's in your collection.  And in this period, you could often hear a tune on the radio...  esecially from Harvest. 

Even though Crazy Horse is not titled on the LP,  there are Crazy Horse perforances on the electric parts.  Including playing and vocals from Horse's  late Danny Whitten of this LP.  Most of the rocking tunes are fantastic, but still the focus of excellence is on the acoustic numbers which highlight the despair, anger, and lamentation. And the album if I can be perfectly honest, is a depressing listen when you understand it's circumstances.  A bit of this provided like a movie trailer on Harvest, with "The Needle and the Damage Done", but here where it is blaired a slap in the face.  And to the common working man....  Who didn't think they knew the Roadie, Bruce Berry after this effort.

As a general rule, I've mostly always have prefered the Crazy Horse LPs in his dicography.  But in a 80/20 kind of way.   But what you have in "Tonight's the Night" is unique to anything Young created before or after.  It's comes across almost as a musical operatic  tragedy, in meter.  And what adds to that eery feel, is that outside the title track, the rest of the album lyrically doesn't come acros that meloncoly.  It is the tone and tenor that impacts the listener.   I don't know what possesed Young to subject himself  to torture by recording these, but 50 years later, they sure stand up the test of time of greatness.   

Outside the superior songwriting, the musicanship is par with others in era. Well....with maybe a slight bit more of grit.  What does seem striking is that this is the last bastion of the original Crazy Horse which launched Young's electric aspect of his career.  And when you encounter further albums the sound is different.  I can not put a finger on exactly why.  But it does.  And one last thing.  Young's music is another catalog  that is basically controlled like an iron fist with the YT/VEVO tyrants.  So, instread....  I'll link a couple of  good cuts below the song review.

Fun Fact:  Though album was released in 1975, most of it was recorded August-September 1973.  Not sure why the delay, but I often speculated Album Company resistance due releasing such a "downer album"

Side 1-
------------

Tonight's the Night-  Heartfeld title track that honors and memoralizes Young's friends, the Roadie Bruce Berry, and fellow guitarist Danny Whitten.  A slow somewhat bluezy off key effort that masterfully sets the tone of the album.  The piano/guitar jam accentuates the feel.  5

Speakin' Out'- It doesn't get more pure blues on Young's behalf.  Again off-key, but less impactive.  11

World on a String-  Decent 4/4 rocker, the lyricaly imagery is strong, and does that classic Crazy Horse touch.  6

Borrowed Tune- First of the true heart string pullers on the LP.  Very simple solo of Yong's voice, piano, and haromica.  The pain comes across so evidently, so powerful.  More to come from the Drugs Suck story.  4

Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown-  Postmothous performance that include's Whitten's tune, with Young singing background.  On it's own this one solidly rocks.  Beautifully symetrically made.  Crazy Horse often gave Young that fantastic garage band sound, and this is a perfect example.  The point that this song is about making a drug deal just adds to macrabeness of the LP. 1

Mello My Mind-  More of the same, but filler. Young's voice on this one is like chalk on a chalkboard.  Bad on purpose, to accentuate the point I guess 12

Side 2-
----------

Roll Another Number for the Road-  Same off keyed approach, but with great charm.  You can almost see Young wasted on the side of the road waking up.  Country themed, and very effective in the approach. 9

Albuquerque- Another kind of slow blues angle that harkens a lot to a lot of Young's late 60's very early solo work. 8

New Mama- Some serious acoustic work that sounds and starts like "Old Man". Vocals are well tuned this time in kind of a CSNY style.  7

Look Out Joe-  I consider this the sleeper.  Nothing spectacular as far as songwriting or musicianship, but how the song is presented is pretty unusal for Young's style, with a different take as he provides narrative. 3

Tired Eyes-  Again another with the same narrative, but much less success.  Whiney filler. 10

Tonight's the Night (Part 2)-   I love how Young sometimes takes two approaches to the same song, with a signifant shift in style.  Much like he did with the Title Track of Rust Never Sleeps with Hey Hey, My My.  Part 2 has a great edge and feel that better captures the documnentative feel of the predecessor.   By the end of this album, you can tell that it was exhaustive to make, 2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQNjmJ7cPdk



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elKuts9Y6Ks



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JApt7fefYcI

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- AC/DC- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap- (1976, 1981 in the U.S)- *** 1/2

Ask any AC/DC fan to list their preferences of the band, you'll be suprised how many spacious seriatims you will get.  There is no right or wrong answer on which is the best or worst in the Bon Scott era.  They all work fantstically on the formula of head banging 4/4 , 3 chord bombastic classics.....  and part 2 of adding just a tad of Angus' ax wizardry.    No one did this formula better.  But from this humble reviewer perspective, DDDDC is in the mid to lower tiers.  And that is not a slam.  This album has some fantastic cuts, but does suffer justly slightly in consistency.  Pretty much all AC/DC LP's follows that  recipe, which accounts for that wild variance in preference.

I've covered the general merits of this band in pretty good detail  in the 4 previous review.  There is no need to overthink the music, lyrics, direction, or scope.  This is party rock at its utter best.  When I want to really rock, this play list is blasting away.  My Yang is covered with the likes of Yes or Rush.  And as I have often said, the bands I am sad to say, I haven't seen live, I'd place AC/DC 3rd behind Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty.  I think I had two chances when I lived near Houston, but sadly I had conflicts.

This was the really breakthrough LP for AC/DC, chronologically, though released post Scott Death.  This is the one that brought them solidified international fame.  And the fact it took 3 albums to reach this zenith, is a pretty damning of the pukes controlling the recording industry.  It just showed that this whole system is not predicated on just being good.   The industry as we learn more and more as the years pass, was even more crooked than all thought.  And even AC/DC left bread crumbs of this matter in the title songs lyrics ....   "Contracts" as a deadly weapon was sang eloquently and subtly.

I would be amiss also, to admit eating crow on the band, and was late for the party (Circa 1980)   If you happen to previously  see my "Top 20 lists" of '73-82, you will see that AC/DC made those lists pretty late.  I was wrong, and now band is  easily in my all time Top 10 now. But, as an adult early fan, I was somewhat put our with the overuse  double entendre cuts.  But....   I understand that the target demographic at the time was 13-18 year old boys.  Still, this is not a one dimensional band and deserves its mass popularity, as one of the all time greats.

Fun Fact:  This was a shocker.  Didn't realize it, but only 6 of 18 studios LP's were in the Bon Scott era.  20 of 37 songs on my AC/DC play list are from these 6.  This isn't a knock on Brian Johnson.  He pulled off the near impossible, and needs be commended for that.

Fun Fact : Well maybe observation....  I want to recognize the band's bass line musicans of the past 50 years.  These guys for the most part were highly competent, and added stealthly to the great band sound.  Everyone knows that AC/DC was a front man centristic band (Guitar and Vocals), but these other guys (drums and bass) quietly set the bed rock in fine fashion.

Side 1-
-------------

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap-  Great opening riff, and IMO the greatest "revenge rocker" of them all.  Not only is this revenge, but to the point of hiring a hit man.  Hilarious and innovative songwriting here.  The hit and the best song on the LP....period.  1

Love at First Feel-  Oops, I forgot the add the parental warning.  Odds of this being released today?  Zero.  Songs about sex with underage women is just damned creepy nowadays.  And thankfully, this is a lower tier quality song.  8

Big Balls-
9

Rocker- Band takes a more bluezy/barrel house approach with mixed results.  7

Problem Child-  After a lull of the past 3 so-so cuts,  the band cuts loose.  This song has some of Angus Young's best guitar runs.  Yeah this one is in that wheel house formula, but hits home for sure.  The slight reprise at the end, was a nice touch too. 2

Side 2-
-----------

There's Going to Be Some Rockin' -  Band goes slightly off forumla, moving to a barrel house blues direction.  Not my preference, but maybe for others- 6

Aint No Fun (Waiting 'Round to be a Millionaire)-   My Sleeper on this one.  This song actually has some melodic interplay that works very well with base AC/DC repertoire.  This one cames across as truly from the heart.  Scott's even makes points around his bad teeth, rings that this wasn't a false proclaimation.  But back to the melodic part.  I wish they had tried more of these in the '70's.  It wasn't really not until the '80's do you see more of this.  3

Ride On- You normally don't put AC/DC into the Blues category, but this as an example shows that they could have went in this direction and had some level of success. If curious, check out the Angus Young solo at the end.  No, it's not Clapton, but few other standard rockers had this level of style change ability  A semi-sleeper IMO....  And I'm not really a blues guy.      4

Squealer- Rare AC/DC song that features the bassist.  And that is pretty much the highlight of this sexualized tune. Well that, and a decent Angus solo.  5




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJFtRMbiHiA

[LMAO]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- AC/DC- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap- (1976, 1981 in the U.S)- *** 1/2

Ask any AC/DC fan to list their preferences of the band, you'll be suprised how many spacious seriatims you will get.  There is no right or wrong answer on which is the best or worst in the Bon Scott era.  They all work fantstically on the formula of head banging 4/4 , 3 chord bombastic classics.....  and part 2 of adding just a tad of Angus' ax wizardry.    No one did this formula better.  But from this humble reviewer perspective, DDDDC is in the mid to lower tiers.  And that is not a slam.  This album has some fantastic cuts, but does suffer justly slightly in consistency.  Pretty much all AC/DC LP's follows that  recipe, which accounts for that wild variance in preference.

I've covered the general merits of this band in pretty good detail  in the 4 previous review.  There is no need to overthink the music, lyrics, direction, or scope.  This is party rock at its utter best.  When I want to really rock, this play list is blasting away.  My Yang is covered with the likes of Yes or Rush.  And as I have often said, the bands I am sad to say, I haven't seen live, I'd place AC/DC 3rd behind Led Zeppelin and Tom Petty.  I think I had two chances when I lived near Houston, but sadly I had conflicts.

This was the really breakthrough LP for AC/DC, chronologically, though released post Scott Death.  This is the one that brought them solidified international fame.  And the fact it took 3 albums to reach this zenith, is a pretty damning of the pukes controlling the recording industry.  It just showed that this whole system is not predicated on just being good.   The industry as we learn more and more as the years pass, was even more crooked than all thought.  And even AC/DC left bread crumbs of this matter in the title songs lyrics ....   "Contracts" as a deadly weapon was sang eloquently and subtly.

I would be amiss also, to admit eating crow on the band, and was late for the party (Circa 1980)   If you happen to previously  see my "Top 20 lists" of '73-82, you will see that AC/DC made those lists pretty late.  I was wrong, and now band is  easily in my all time Top 10 now. But, as an adult early fan, I was somewhat put our with the overuse  double entendre cuts.  But....   I understand that the target demographic at the time was 13-18 year old boys.  Still, this is not a one dimensional band and deserves its mass popularity, as one of the all time greats.

Fun Fact:  This was a shocker.  Didn't realize it, but only 6 of 18 studios LP's were in the Bon Scott era.  20 of 37 songs on my AC/DC play list are from these 6.  This isn't a knock on Brian Johnson.  He pulled off the near impossible, and needs be commended for that.

Fun Fact : Well maybe observation....  I want to recognize the band's bass line musicans of the past 50 years.  These guys for the most part were highly competent, and added stealthly to the great band sound.  Everyone knows that AC/DC was a front man centristic band (Guitar and Vocals), but these other guys (drums and bass) quietly set the bed rock in fine fashion.

Side 1-
-------------

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap-  Great opening riff, and IMO the greatest "revenge rocker" of them all.  Not only is this revenge, but to the point of hiring a hit man.  Hilarious and innovative songwriting here.  The hit and the best song on the LP....period.  1

Love at First Feel-  Oops, I forgot the add the parental warning.  Odds of this being released today?  Zero.  Songs about sex with underage women is just damned creepy nowadays.  And thankfully, this is a lower tier quality song.  8

Big Balls-
9

Rocker- Band takes a more bluezy/barrel house approach with mixed results.  7

Problem Child-  After a lull of the past 3 so-so cuts,  the band cuts loose.  This song has some of Angus Young's best guitar runs.  Yeah this one is in that wheel house formula, but hits home for sure.  The slight reprise at the end, was a nice touch too. 2

Side 2-
-----------

There's Going to Be Some Rockin' -  Band goes slightly off forumla, moving to a barrel house blues direction.  Not my preference, but maybe for others- 6

Aint No Fun (Waiting 'Round to be a Millionaire)-   My Sleeper on this one.  This song actually has some melodic interplay that works very well with base AC/DC repertoire.  This one cames across as truly from the heart.  Scott's even makes points around his bad teeth, rings that this wasn't a false proclaimation.  But back to the melodic part.  I wish they had tried more of these in the '70's.  It wasn't really not until the '80's do you see more of this.  3

Ride On- You normally don't put AC/DC into the Blues category, but this as an example shows that they could have went in this direction and had some level of success. If curious, check out the Angus Young solo at the end.  No, it's not Clapton, but few other standard rockers had this level of style change ability  A semi-sleeper IMO....  And I'm not really a blues guy.      4

Squealer- Rare AC/DC song that features the bassist.  And that is pretty much the highlight of this sexualized tune. Well that, and a decent Angus solo.  5




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJFtRMbiHiA

“Ride On” was my favorite song from that album

[catfish1957]

“Ride On” was my favorite song from that album

@LMAO

Thanks....  Was a good one.  Where do you place DDDDC as greatness on those first 6 Scott LP's?

[LMAO]

@LMAO

Thanks....  Was a good one.  Where do you place DDDDC as greatness on those first 6 Scott LP's?

Second to “ Highway to Hell.”

The four AC/DC albums I had and currently have is Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” Highway to Hell,” and with Brian Johnson, “Back in Black” and “Flick of the Switch”

It had a couple good songs on it, but I didn’t care all that much for “High Voltage”

[GrouchoTex]

Second to “ Highway to Hell.”

The four AC/DC albums I had and currently have is Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” Highway to Hell,” and with Brian Johnson, “Back in Black” and “Flick of the Switch”

It had a couple good songs on it, but I didn’t care all that much for “High Voltage”

I think it was the album "Powerage", that had a song on it called "Riff Raft" which I remember as being pretty good.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Get ready for the Jimi Hendrix Experience once again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0FIhSEV4NE