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

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  Yes- The Yes Album  (1971)  *****

This is the abum that introduced me to Prog.  And is arguably the most influental LP in the genre's history.  Masterpiece musicanship that clicked in an uncanny manner.  Where prog was previously  stodgy, spacey, and Pink Floydish before.  Yes, introduced a more melodic classical vibe that though not as classically structured as ELP, made it much more listenbable.  In choosing a Yes album, it was between this one and Fragile.  Both are outstanding, but I went with this one becuase of it's groundbreaking status.

I ask you to truly focus on the bass work of Squire.  This is a standard and benchmark of musicanship that so perfectly jives with Howe's fret work, what maestros there were, and at such a young age. Don't forget, this is pre-Wakeman.  Not that Tony Kaye was no slouch, he wasn't, but I do have to admit that Wakeman's wizardry does add a special dimension to future albums.

As usually cuts are ranked in blue of my preference.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y6oPS4aLk8

Side 1
-------

Yours is No Disgrace-  Yes comes out rocking big time in the first cut.  This song and Roundabout are what I call the ultimate Squire Bass lines.  His bass work slaps you in the face like a 2x4. What a great band.-3

The Clap- Howe accoustal ditty that pretty much is not my thing.  Yeah, he's a great guitar player, but this is not what people want to hear from Yes.-6

Starship Trooper- (Subsetted into 3 parts- Life Seeker, Disillusion, Wurm)  Best stongwriting on the Album.  Best compliation of showcasing all band members talents.  Last 4 minutes, (Wurm) does a nice cressendoingly explosion of work that speaks volumes of how the talent of this band gels. -2

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

I've Seen All Good People- (Subsetted into Your Move and All Good People)- Greatest cut, and easily most recognizable from airplay.  First half of song, has great melodic play from Jon Anderson.  Spectaular.  Latter, ups the rocking angle, and ends with a unique fantastic gradual organ drenched chromatic chorus step down at the end, that is truly trademarked to Yes.  It doesn't get much better than this- 1

A Venture- I admit that Anderson is not my favorite songwriter/maker in the Band, and this one has his fingers all over it.  Not exactly filler, but a reversion to some of their earlier less stellar work.-5

Perpetual Change-  A favorite in the Yes catalog among many.  And a great finale to a great album.  Bruford's best effort in percussion, really adds to this tune that weaves in and out complexity and tenor.  The fact I see this as the 4th best song on this  album, is true testament of its greatness  -4

There is no doubt, that Prog and the likes of Dream Theatre among others would not exist with this album.  It is an icon.

[sneakypete]

Where prog was previously  stodgy, spacey, and Pink Floydish before.

You think Pink Flold was stodgy and spacey,and that Yes was better?

You need to get your meds checked.

[catfish1957]

You think Pink Flold was stodgy and spacey,and that Yes was better?

You need to get your meds checked.

Wow, sorry that you are so much a classic rock expert than I am.   

[sneakypete]

Wow, sorry that you are so much a classic rock expert than I am.   

@catfish1957

I am no expert,and neither are you. I just know that I enjoyed all the Yes music I listened to when it was new,and am STILL enjoying PF. PF is timeless.

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

I am no expert,and neither are you. I just know that I enjoyed all the Yes music I listened to when it was new,and am STILL enjoying PF. PF is timeless.

Well, bud, how about an objective narrative about even one album, how about it?  Didn't think so.

Are you even a musician?  I play 11 instruments, and was in my university marching band for 4 years.

Pffffff...   I gave half a thought about reviewing DSOTM, but f 'em.

[sneakypete]

Well, bud, how about an objective narrative about even one album, how about it?  Didn't think so.

Pffffff...   I gave half a thought about reviewing DSOTM, but f 'em.

@catfish1957

Yeah,just like YOU are going to be "objective".

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

Yeah,just like YOU are going to be "objective".

From my POV, and understanding as a musician.....yeah.

You haven't given a definitive review of anything. Let' hear one. 

[sneakypete]

From my POV, yeah.

You haven't given a definitive review of anything. Let' hear one.

@catfish1957

I have to wait until I get get an injection of "pompous".

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

Yeah,just like YOU are going to be "objective".

Let's hear one...   DSTOM?  Meddle?,  Animals?, The Wall?   

Go through their merits, cut by cut.

[Kamaji]

Seriously?  The two of you are going to get your panties in a mutual twist over Pink Floyd vs. Yes?

[catfish1957]

Seriously?  The two of you are going to get your panties in a mutual twist over Pink Floyd vs. Yes?

Asking if I got my meds checked just becuase I gave a sepcific contrast of timing and style change within  the band.  The point was not even to insult PF.  It was to highlight the artistic growth of Yes, and how it impacted the Prog Genre.  I can't help that he doesn't understand that.

For some reason he thinks the Classic Rock world revolves around PF.  Wierd if you ask me.

[sneakypete]

Let's hear one...   DSTOM?  Meddle?,  Animals?, The Wall?   

Go through their merits, cut by cut.

@catfish1957

I am going to let you in on a little secret,bubba. Music is subjective,and only pompous fools proclaim something like "THAT album is stodgy,etc,etc,etc,compared to MY favorite."

I do know this to be true. I hear PF songs played all the time on the radio,and rarely hear anything by Yes.

[Kamaji]

C'mon guys ....

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

I am going to let you in on a little secret,bubba. Music is subjective,and only pompous fools proclaim something like "THAT album is stodgy,etc,etc,etc,compared to MY favorite."

Okay, let's hear a substantive "subjective" analysis  a Pink Floyd Album.....    Track by track.   There's 15 to pick from.  Love to hear your opinion.  That's a better approach than wildly flailing at me, slamming my opinion

Also check the very early posts of this thread.  I always said that music was subject to tastes, and there was  no such thing as best or even better.  To some people even rap qualiies as music.

. 

I do know this to be true. I hear PF songs played all the time on the radio,and rarely hear anything by Yes.

True, but Rush gets twice the air play on classic radio that Pink Floyd gets.  Does that make them better?  (False premise)

[catfish1957]

C'mon guys ....

I love debate around music.  In 1974 my best friend and I had a knock down, drag out one around better guitarist.......Jimmy Page vs. Ritchie Blackmore.

I made him so mad, he busted his Led Zeppelin III LP. 

[Kamaji]

I love debate around music.  In 1974 my best friend and I had a knock down, drag out one around better guitarist.......Jimmy Page vs. Ritchie Blackmore.

I made him so mad, he busted his Led Zeppelin III LP. 

Fair enough!

My very undereducated take on it is this:  Pink Floyd is awesome, and have some unique strengths, but Yes was the more complex of the two and also has its own strengths viz Pink Floyd.

I love listening to both, although not always in the same mood or frame of mind.

[Free Vulcan]

Pink Floyd may or may not be better than Yes, but I could never get into them.

OTOH, I really liked Yes, and their 80's stuff over the 70's. They have an almost forgotten album Big Generator that came out my college freshman year. Shoot High Aim Low is one of my all time favorite songs.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER_nbf-fKRk

[sneakypete]

Pink Floyd may or may not be better than Yes, but I could never get into them.

OTOH, I really liked Yes, and their 80's stuff over the 70's. They have an almost forgotten album Big Generator that came out my college freshman year. Shoot High Aim Low is one of my all time favorite songs.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER_nbf-fKRk

@Free Vulcan

As always with the arts,it is subjective. It is even possible to like one group the most one day,and another group more the next day.

[Free Vulcan]

@Free Vulcan

As always with the arts,it is subjective. It is even possible to like one group the most one day,and another group more the next day.

And you know, PF is an excellent talented band with iconic songs. But there are just some bands where you just can't catch the vibe. I don't down them, just let others enjoy them. 

[catfish1957]

Pink Floyd may or may not be better than Yes, but I could never get into them.

OTOH, I really liked Yes, and their 80's stuff over the 70's. They have an almost forgotten album Big Generator that came out my college freshman year. Shoot High Aim Low is one of my all time favorite songs.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER_nbf-fKRk

Fantastic tune, and my favorite on the album too.  I consider 90125 and Big Generator as the "Trevor Rabin" era, as he composed most of their best music of this timeframe with Yes. 

Rabin has continued with great fame, more for soundtrack work.  He is maybe most known for the NBA theme, and one of my favorite soundtracks, National Treasure.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbs9C4vgayY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9HGRnfzZdE

[sneakypete]

And you know, PF is an excellent talented band with iconic songs. But there are just some bands where you just can't catch the vibe. I don't down them, just let others enjoy them. 

@Free Vulcan

Exactly. I would rather be beaten with a whip than forced to listen to punk rock. I know,or at least knew,people who LOVED punk rock,and can't even begin to guess why.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  Creedence Clearwater Revival- Willy and the Poor Boys (1969). *****

If you take the factor of longevity out of the equation, there can be a strong argument made that Creedence Clearwater Revivial may be the  greatest American rock band in history.  Try listening more than any 15 minute periode from 1968-1970, and  not hear at least one of their massive hits.  In that short period of time they charted 19 singles, and 5 of their 6 (7) albums chartedd in the Top 10.  (Mardi Gras shouldn't count as it made the list on CCR name alone, and was not of their usual quality)

Picking one as an example was really tough. Any of the middle 5 of their catalog would have sufficed, I chose Willy and the Poor Boys, for the fact it has two of my favorite CCR tunes, "Down on the Corner" and "Fortunate Son".  OTOH, if any of you countered with Cosmos Factory, or Green River, you'd be just as right. As one detractor here says....   Musical taste is subjective, and I have always agreed, and always will.   Any preference to any music, is up to the listener.   This is just one's reiviewers opinion.

But there is one negative aspect of CCR, that I have a serious beef about......   In fact I have covered a number of times on this thread...   It is what I call the Creedence Effect.  For a band with such a short life...   3 years and 7 albums ostensibly.  How can its legacy be so abused that it results in 41 compliation albums.  With that, I have lost a huge amount of respect for John Fogerty, and what he has done to CCR's name in that respect.

But, there is no question, no band incorporated traditonal blues, country, and great harmonies with as much as CCR  No great musicanship here, just great simple tunes that many ways defined an era.  Great songwriting, and a muscial signpost of what this era of life was like.  It's hard not to smile while listening to a CCR album.  Again,  track ranking (IMO) in blue


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEBRtHAYA7c

Side 1

Down on the Corner- Try not to tap your toes to this simple but classic hit.  John Fogerty's voice was never stronger.  The harmomies just click into what may be the ultimate late 60's party song.  Love the street band imagery. 2

It Came of the Sky-   Hilarious parody of the UFO thing.  Nice rockabillly tune, and some of the best Fogerty guitar work on the LP.  A lot of back slided politcal commentary of the day included. Though that theme was much more evident later in the album with Fortunate Son. 7

Cotton Fields- Hugely popular old Leadbelly blues covered song, that was mostly by country acts.  CCR did it nicely too.   Little back story on this one.  As a TX/LA kid who was obsessed with attention to detail, it used to piss me off that people would  sing about a ficticious place.   There was no where in Louisana that was a mile from Texarkana. OH well....   8

Poorboy Shuffle =  Short instrumental of a harmonica/washboard ditty that augments well with the theme of the album.  6

Feelin' Blue- This tune is one of the reasons I chose this album to review.  Terribly underplayed and underappreciated in their catalog.  Very soulful blusey tune that IMO focused more on content that commerical appeal. 3

Side 2

Fortunate Son-  Forrest Gump effectively included this tune in its soundtrack.  Song was pure and true in its nature that Vietnam war was not equitable in choosing its particpants.  Great rocking song.  My favorite by this great band. 1

Don't Look Now-  Elvis-ish rock-a-billy attempt.  Maybe the weakest cut on the LP. 10

Midnight Special-  Oft covered song, that CCR does very well.  Stuff like this why Creedence was always listenable.  Consistence. 5

Side of the Road-  Instrumental giving John Fogerty a forum with his best solo work on the LP.  Always wondered how Fogerty would do if he had taken an SRV approach in his solo career and focused on blues alone. 9

Effigy- Another hidden gem not covered normally in CCR playlists. This song almost has a "Hey Joe" Hendrix feel to it.   Very simple, short but eery lyrics.  I think they are worth covering in this era. 4

Verse 1- 
Last night
I saw a fire burning on
The palace lawn
O'er the land
The humble subjects watched in mixed
Emotion

Verse 2-
Last night
I saw the fire spreading to
The palace door
Silent majority
Weren't keeping quiet
Anymore

Verse 3-

Last night
I saw the fire spreading to
The country side
In the morning
Few were left to watch
The ashes die

CCR's legacy  has gotten kind of lost through time.  But there was no doubting their impact.  Try to imagine Modern Country music without the roots of Creedence and the early Eagles.

[Free Vulcan]

Bands like CCR, Skynyrd, etc., are as much culture as they are music.

Penthouse Pauper is another little hidden gem of theirs.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Wife gave me a ... record player. Damn kids and your new fangled contraptions. In my day music was digital dag nabbit! Songs cost what Steve Jobs said they cost dammit!

[catfish1957]

Classic  Album of the Day-  Alice Cooper- Billion Dollar Babies (1973)  ****

I have made the fact pretty well known that I felt that rock had gotten very formula, predictable, and overwrought with hippy, flowery, groovy bands.  What the Beatles had created with Sgt. Peppers/Magical Mystery Tour had degraded into things like Strawberry Alarm Clock and other like tepid bands.

That is why I guy like me about 13-15 in the early '70's pretty much laughed off the worn out psychadelic stuff that was hitting up to then.  When Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper hit (near the same time) in 1970, it sounded like nothing else.  It was hard, it was edgy, and best of all it is was the antithesis of flower power.  Evil, and decadent blasting at 110 decibels was cool.  We went from peace signs to the welcome theatrics of biting off the heads of bats and chickens.   And theatrics it was.  We all knew it.  And it was a welcome blast of cool air.

Alice Cooper, who is the original shock rocker cannot be underestimated in impact.  Without him, there would be no Kiss, Gwar, Nine Inch Nails, among others.   His original band were good, but not outstanding musicans.  But they did have the "hook" skills, and decent songwriting prowess.  What really set Alice apart though was the theatrics.  A show of his was a journey into the macbre.  He effectively augmented his songs into skits and effects that used guillontones, snakes, gallows, and other wild elaborate effects.  I first learned about AC on KAAY Beaker Street in about '71.  Ballad of Dwight Frye was a big staple on their late night fare.  I got my first acutal look at his show on the inaugural "In Concert" Series that ABC ran back in the day......  Suprisingly, a copy of that  show is available on YT.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb4Cmxv2ifs

Was an easy decison choosing an AC album.  Was released at the height of his popularity, and especially contains maybe his two best songs.....   Choice has  to be Billion Dollar Babies....   Honorable Mention Killer and School's Out.


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

Side 1-

Hello Hooray-  My favorite AC tune.  There is a reason he used this one opening so so many of his shows......   Fine songwriting.  Natural tune to set the tone.  Final minute has a beautiful intertwined mellotron and chime included with a wide array of background blended guitar gives me shivers, a minute of beauty in an overall tour of decadence. 1

Raped and Freezin' - Think a song about rape could get played in 2022?  Good song that has some fine guitar work.  I remember reading long ago, that some of it was by session men since regulatory guitarist Glen Buxton, was mostly on a drug bender during recording. Song uses nice effect with horns and Mexican touches.  Them of song is uh....   what can happen when the sexual tables are turned.- 5

Elected-  Wow, this one rocks, basically paraodying our electoral processes.  Hey McGovern was running....  why not. More great infusion of horns.  This song may have generated maybe the first rock video of all time too.  2

Billion Dollar Babies- AC's foray into the mental.  On stage he would rips dolls heads off in effigy.  Song itself has some of the best instrumental work.  6

Unfinished Sweet-  From POV, this is one of the band's strangest tunes of all.  Song is basically a ditty on a dental visit. If you hate going to the dentist, you might want to skip.  Band does a nice job of blending styles, even Spagetti Western flares. 7

Side 2-

No More Mr. Nice Guy-  This was the biggest hit on the album  Very sound representiave tune.  Used strongly on stage presence to further the AC persona.  Is this Alice Cooper or is this Vincent Furnier?  I think this was a backhanded effort on his part to say sometimes in real life it is tough for folks to understand that this was an act.  4

Generation Landslide-  AC's foray into describing a Dystopian future where genetic children rise and take hold of the future.  Such a good tune too.  I have to say that this album is one of the most even and consitently good albums in the early '70's.  At least through these first 7.  Then decline is dramatic. 3

Sick Things-  The band now starts, and following 2 subsequent tracks starts  delving into the darkness they like to portray in their stage act.  This is the best of the 3.  Very innovative use of tempo, chordal progression.  8

Mary Ann-  If there was ever filler this in the one.  Kind of a Scott Joplin like piano romper that alludes that Mary Ann is a Man and an object of affection. 10

I Love the Dead-  Fizzling at the end sadly,   Band used it as a theme of necrophilia,  In 1973, when you are pushing the edge of shock for attention , I can see their intent.  But almost 50 years later, it comes across downright silly. Little or no musical value either - 9

[catfish1957]

Wife gave me a ... record player. Damn kids and your new fangled contraptions. In my day music was digital dag nabbit! Songs cost what Steve Jobs said they cost dammit!

I was like a kid in a candy store about 10 years ago, when I got one.  I had about a 1000  albums that I bought 1965- 1985 that had been dormant for a long time.  Was a blast getting to hear them again.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- The Ramones- Self Titled (1976). ****

One of the most interesting aspects of rock music has been its ability to morph when the formula gets tired, and diluted.  Here's a brief and loose synopsis of its history up to todays example:

Rockabilly 1954-1963
Beatlemania- 1963-1967
Post Sgt Pepper's Psychadelic 1967-1971
Shock Rock and Heavy- 1971-1976
Punk 1976-1980

Punk's pioneers can be singled out to the Ramones and The Sex Pistols.  The record buying public was tiring (sadly) to the AOR that typically had a hit or two, but included way to much filler as well.  These two bands blasted into the scene almost simutaneously. But in many ways were as different as black and white.  The Sex Pistols had a vulgar anger that focused on the outrage, and less on the music.  Also nixing The Sex Pistols was the fact they  only made one album.  These guys just took their anarchy filled gibberish too seriously.  And thus they flamed out as quick as they arrived. 

The Ramones OTOH, enjoyed significant longevity with 14 albums over almost 20 years.  Considering their influence, I found it amazing that none of these 14 ever cracked the Top 40.  But few can claim the crazy amount of influence on the music industry.  Just look at the post punk late 1990's early 2000's.   Bands like Social Distortion, Green Day, and every other band of that era owes homage to this band.

As far as the band.   Are they good musicans- nope, Thoughtful Songwriters- LMAO- No.  These guys in fact take the 3 chord thing to extreme.  Harmonies are often off key, percussion entirely static with no variation.  They are basically a garage band having fun.    So what makes The Ramones so Iconic?  As I earlier mentioned with AOR, prog, and some sappy singer/songwriters like Neil Young....   Rock Music had entirely starting taking itself too damned serious.  The guys tool the minimalistic approach, added some humours lyrics, decent hooks, and tough leather jacket personal, then soared with it.  Here's another mind boggling stat about the Ramones-  There have been 48 Tribute Albums (from other bands or compliations of bands) issued.

This album is best by far of their catalog, and contains some of their most widely known tunes.  I am not goiing to give commentary on each cut, as there really isn't anything outside what I have already discussed to add.  To the uninitiated, you will find that a lot of their songs sound just alike.  But enjoy the raw energy and fun.       

Instead, I will provide my 5 favorites at the end.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLzDw_1Y97I

1. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
2. Blitzkrieg Bop
3. 53rd and 3rd
4. Beat on the Brat
5. Judy is a Punk

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day-  Z Z Top- Tres' Hombres (1973). ****

Before being asked to give up my Texas Card, I figured I'd better cover one bad ass Rockin' Blues outfit from my home state here.  Z Z Top.
Billy Gibbons absolutely shreds as a rock blues guitarist.  Almost all of their albums are great, but  this one is awesome, and by far my favorite.  Being from here, we ALL were Top fans.  Though Billy steals the show obviously, Frank and Dusty aren't slouches either.

And in this particular LP, there really aren't any weak cuts.  Ranking the middle and lower tier preference of these is a tough task indeed.  Well, here goes.....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BNjy4LRWo8

Side 1

Waitin' On the Bus-  Have Mercy!!!!!   Get ya' Brown Paper bag and get ready.....   What a song...  Song comes out like a ditty, and them slams you with harmonica and bad ass blues riffs.  Song is so iconic in Texas.....   And you can't play this one it without blending into.........  (Texas Rock Sacralige) 2

Jesus Just Left Chicago- The boys really put on their old timey blues hats on this one.  Got to wear sunglasses while listening hear folks.  How many times in this review do I get to say "bad ass".  Great blues riffs on this one.  3

Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers-  The Top changes gears and rocks out.  When I hear this one, it conjures bar memories galore.  Juke Boxes wore this one out.  5

Master of Sparks-  ZZ Top's first hand account of some of their youthful craziness.  Somewhat of downshift rocking wise, but not bad at all.  For S & G's, I have added the wikipedia blurb on the song.  What a hoot. 6

"Master of Sparks" is a song by American rock band ZZ Top from their 1973 album Tres Hombres.

The song tells the true story[1] of Billy Gibbons and his friend R.K. Bullock who with a workman, welded together a steel ball cage with a seat and seatbelt fitted inside. They placed the cage into the bed of a truck and at night, after reaching a speed of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h), on Highway 6 near Houston (also known as Jack Rabbit Road), rolled the cage out the back with the hapless narrator and friend taking a ride inside. The cage generated a tail of sparks on the road but in its crushed condition stopped rolling. Still moving at high speed, the now egg shaped cage crashed into a fence. Both occupants survived relatively unscathed and were awarded the title "Master of Sparks" by the cheering crow.

Hot Blue and Righteous - Slow blusey ballad.  Maybe the weakest cut in a fantastic album  Some love it, me....not so much. 10

Side 2-

Move it Down the Line-  Another great rocking tune. This is one freaking consitently good LP.  4

Precious and Grace-  MOR rocker again.  Good, but not their best. 9

LaGrange-  HAW HAW HAW!!!!!!! Ahhh...  the definitive Top tune.  And my favorite by them.  Where's my air guitar, some of Gibbons most compeling blues work too.  Love when he does this live.    Of course, when I first heard this when I was 15, I had no idea this song was about a brothel.  1

Sheik- A little Tejas infusion in this tongue in cheek song about....Yeah being a sheik, and some random mindlessness.  Hey but shit's got rhyme doesn't it.    7

Have You Heard-  More standard bluesy fare.  8

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- Kansas- Leftoverture (1976). ****

If I were asked right now, what is the absolute biggest omissions in the so called sham of a rock and roll hall of fame, I would have to overwhelming say that it is the band Kansas.  These guys are top tier talent, and have great songwriting chops too.  The 2 album tandem alone with this one, and subsquent "Point of Know Return" are enough by themselves to enshrine them more than half the sludge that has been wrongly added. 

But what has happened with the Hall, and the limp dicks who review records at Rolling Stone, is unless a band is edgy, highly political, and kisses the brass ring, they will be swept away.  But the fact these dispshits didn't understand is the mid American rock band lover really enjoyed these albums.  In fact these two albums made it to No.'4 and 5 in the album charts during a period when it was highly competitive for the LP Dollar.  Kansas did a great job of mixing a couple of radio friendly tunes like Dust In the Wind and Carry On Wayward Son to appeal to a broad spectra of fans.  These hit were fine, though overplayed, but the real gems were the other tunes, that featured a great amount of mix of rock, classical, and melodic fanfare. 

I  love these two albums equally, but chose Leftoverture, because the arrangement were a littles stronger technically.  This whole band is a treasure trove of excellent musicans.  Technically, they are prog, but they really don't come across that way in essence on the speakers.   Want a good laugh?  Rolling Stone Album Guide gives this LP 2 Stars.   What a joke-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5jom_YYeGU

Side 1-

Carry On Wayward Son-  The song that really put Kansas on the map.  Great anthem.  Have to admit, I tired of hearing back in the day,  It dominated radio airplay in '76-'77.  Walsh's voice is about as strong as it was in their career.   Many of you will likely rank it higher. But..... 4

The Wall-  Love the harpiscordic sounding accompanyment. Not a fan of ballads, but they pull this one off nicely. 6

What's on My Mind- Great guitar interplay on this semi-balladic rocker. Last half of the song really shreds it.  Fine guitar work by Livgren. 3

Miracles Out of Nowhere-  One of the best song on the album, Almost a wind/dust early feel, synth nicely intertwines.  Some of the best violin work on the album too.  Almost a planned blend of the best of all aspects of Kansas.  2

Side 2-

Opus Insert- More excellence.  How many bands can compose a 19th century feeling march into a prog song?  Blended with synth in a beautiful manner.  This is one damned great consisitent album. 5

Questions of My Childhood- My favorite tune on the LP-  Some of the best rock songwriting of the era. How this one did not get more attention and air play was a mystery. 1

Cheyenne Anthem- Maybe the weakest cut on the LP, but still a really good tune. 8

Magnum Opus- 9 minute 6 part, piece.   If you want a musically tour-de-force, all hell breaks out Kansas song....  This is the one.  But IMO not one of the better cuts- 7

Again, if you enjoyed this one, I'd be remiss not suggesting that you listen to this one too.  About equally as good.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LepSiqpC6hA

[deb]

Have you listened to Kansas album, “Masque”? It’s my favorite. Came out before their commercial success.

[catfish1957]

Have you listened to Kansas album, “Masque”? It’s my favorite. Came out before their commercial success.

Very very good album.  The technical aspects are there,  but just a tad before their really honed their songwriting skills (IMO...of course)

[deb]

Very very good album.  The technical aspects are there,  but just a tad before their really honed their songwriting skills (IMO...of course)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTEo2yHVTSo

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  The Moody Blues- Seventh Sojourn (1972)  **** 1/2

The Moody Blues never made a bad album.  Especially the 1st 8.  I wanted to share one, and as far as classic status, I feel I had to pick one of three.  This one....Threshold of a Dream, and In Search of the Last Chord.  Album No. 8 here, is maybe the most conistent listenable of the 3.  But please don't ignore the other 3, as they are more spacious  in the absolutely phenomenal lush pyschadelia arrangements. 7th S has a tad better radio persona.  But I guess if you really want to hear some roots of true prog, the Moody Blues were true pioneers.

I have spent many hours bashing the sily ridiculous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  Maybe the most heinous of their oversights, was not allowing the Moody blues to join until 2018.  These guys are great song writers, great musicans, and put together a product that truly expound and show the talent of the best of psychedelia.....

So partake of substance of choice, and enjoy a ride of musical excellence......


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

Side 1-

Lost In a Lost World- Strong opening tune from Michael Pinder.  Since it is his tune, you'd know it'd feature some awesome mellotron.  Of course Pinder pioneered the instrument.  And its use help give MB's that lush beautiful sound. 6

New Horizons- Justin Hayward had one of the better voices in all rock in the '60's.  This is a beautiful song, with beautiful content.  3

For My Lady-  Song has a rich nautical feel.  I usuallly don't dig love songs.  But Thomas does a nice job here.  Maybe the most pop oriented song. 5

Isn't Life Strange-  2nd best Cut on LP IMO.  Starts with light strings and flute i too, but explodes into psych- riffing harmonies that scream talent.  The song writing talent in this one can not be understated. 2

Side 2-

You and Me-  Lusicous mellotroned tinged hooked classic. My favorite on the album.  In many ways this is the perfect Moody song.  Perfect harmonies,  every band memeber clicking like a perfect progged machine. Slow rolling Hayward solo at the end?  Ahhh. perfect!!!!!  1

The Land of Make Beleive- More super strong vocalization from Justin Hayward.  Very good tune. 6

When You are a Free Man-  I won't exactly call this filler, but Pinder's addition isn't exactly a great addition to what is this band's best work- 8

I'm Just a Singer In a Rock and Roll Band-  The most recognizable song on the album.  Tune got a lot of air play in the early '70's.  Maybe the most minstream sounding work they ever did too.  From my POV, the piece seems forced and not in their vein or style.  Others migh like it, but a lower tier vs. the other spectacular work on the album.  7

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  Blue Oyster Cult- Agents of Fortune (1976). ****

BOC has had a long and solid career, with most of their LP's collectable and listenable.  I feel this one is the strongest and just seems to have this aura of surreal indulgence that marked what was their high water mark as a career.  For me it contains my 1st and 4th favorite BOC tunes , Reaper and ETI.

One thing that also marks BOC, as I noticed them in concert.  They are a very very tight musically sound band.  One of the very best in the hard rock genre. The mix of Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom created magic with one of the last tandems of dueling mixing guitar work



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aOKnEAcYzY

Side 1-

This A'int the Summer of Love-  BOC harkens to some of their early '70's type licks on this classic.  Solid Solid, opening to the album- 5

True Confessions- A change of pace, the boys run a perky '60's like rinky tinky piano piece.  Good song, maybe a lower tier, but just goes to show how strong this LP is. 7

(Dont Fear) The Reaper-  BOC's signature song, and my favorite.  In many cases some argue it is terribly overplayed. That may be true, but I never tire of this one. Great great song writing, tight composition, and playing.  Harmonies... Spot on,   Song is probably most famous for the SNL Skit.  MORE COWBELL BABY. 1

ETI (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)- At my first count, I think BOC made at least a half dozen songs about Aliens.  This is the best one by far.  (Honorable Mention- Take Me Away)  Love the guitar work at the end.  Boom!!!!! 2

The Revenge of Vera Gemini- Haunting song that had effective help from Patti Smith. Another of those songs that have than sinister aura that gives BOC that strange appeal. 4

Side 2-

Sinful Love- More of the sinister from the guys.  Many of us '70's guys loved the meme at the time, when dealing with the opposite sex.....   I love You Like Sin, but I won't be your pigeon. This is one good consistent album. 6

Tatoo Vampire- Big Rocking Tune- Band really amps it up on this one. Song plays like a horror movie in the max.  Also realize that women with tattoos in 1976 were non exisistant. Exotic, and scary.  8

Morning Final- Great melodic tune, with some fine songwriting.  Maybe the most underapprecated tune on the LP.  Beautiful guitar work.  Buck at his best. 3

Tenderloin- Weakest cut on the LP.  Nothing of real value. 9 out of 10 sure a'int bad though. 10

Debbie Denise-  BOC wasn't big into ballads, but this one works nicely.  You don't think of band using synths that much, but here they do it nicely in almost a melotron fashion. The same eerie feel, and the albums slams the theme home nicely at the end. When I hear this album, my memores drift significantly.  I pretty much wore this 8 Track up.  7

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  The Car- Candy O (1979). ****

Bands like The Cars, The Police, Elvis Costello, among another put a big dent into the AOR Arena Rock era, that everyone of couse identifies as New Wave.  So we ditched our long hair and Tee shirts for sunglasses and skinny ties for a short manner.  There could be arguments of one of a half dozen bands which were the best, or best reprsented the era.  IMO...  The Cars fit the bill there. 

Picking an album was really really tough between the 1st 2.  And to me they are almost equal in worth.  If you want stylistic splash and the height of their Harmonies, Id go with the debut album.  But for pure song writing skills, I have went with Candy-O.  Here the Orr- Ocasek collaboration seems to click the best.  The album art of including a Playboy artis (Vargas) was a nice touch too. 

Also of interest is how lopsided by side this LP was.  Side 1 is so overwhelmingly better.  Never understood why the guys didn't mix it up better.  In any case, especially enjoy Side 1, and a trip back to 1979-1980.  And as usual, I have ranked and preferenced my preferences in blue


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TurGm4aowP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TpQKh18760

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEFiid5UkDo




Side 1-

Let's Go- Neuvo Wavo right out the gate-  Start seems much like the '78 gem. Heavy syn, and strong new wave beat.  Huge hit after release. Topping out at No. 14  Orr's voice was never stronger- 3

Since I Held You- Same theme, syncopated rthyms effective.  Vintage Cars, for certain- 4

It's All I can Do.-  My all time favorite Cars tune, and a masterful exercise of song writing- There is a point half way through the song, where there are 4 very specific and intricate melodic lines are blended in, like none I have ever heard before. Absolutely incredible song, and a must have to anyone with a Cars "Play List"- 1

Double Life- Wow, what a followup-   Slow rhtymic melodic roll, when Ocasek's voice beautifully and hauntingly focused at first distal to mic. Harmonies are first rate too.  What a great side 1- 2

Shoo Be Doo-  Synth Gibberish-  Didn't say this album was perfect either- 11

Candy-O - Solid Rocker, that has some traditional rocking licks, while obviously incorporating new wave tinges- 6

Side 2-

Night Spots- Maybe the best song on the weaker album side- Ocasek fare, with some of the better synth and guitar work on the LP- 5

You Can't Hold Too Long-  Weak Filler (next)- 10

Lust for Kicks-  Organ based ditty-  Not bad, Not great either- 8

Alot on My Head-  Chaotic upbeated and unnecsessary-  9

Dangerous Type-  Thankfully the Cars closed with a strong tune.  Nice intertwining of guitar and synth at points in the tune. 7

[Hoodat]

Dangerous Type

[Gefn]

Dangerous Type

That’s my favorite song on that album too. And it is my favorite album cover by the Cars or the solo albums of Ben Orr and Ric Okasic


It’s so cool the way “I’ve got a lot on my head” segues into “Dangerous Type”
Sort of like the way “Moving in Stereo” goes into “All Mixed Up” in the debut album

@Hoodat

[Hoodat]

@Gefn

I went to a dentist once for some oral surgery (bone graft work).  This particular dentist offered his patients headphones to wear and a selection of music to listen to while your teeth were being worked on.  For my visit, they had to put me under, but they offered me the headphones anyway.  I picked a Cars album.  Right after "Since Your Gone" started up, I felt the pin pr*ck on my arm and that warm narcotic feeling flowing to my head.  Less than a minute later, I was out.

Every time I hear that song now, I think of that.

[catfish1957]

Random Saturday Night Musings.....

Remember way back with 8 Tracks when they had difficulty putting complete songs on 4 channels.  Which meant usually at least one song had to pause during the channel change?

Thankfully in most cases, the record company had the sense to do the dirty deed on album filler.

However, there is one instance in which this crime was applied to the band's greatest tune.

To this day, when I hear this,  I can  only visualize/hear the pause when it is played.  What idiots.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKSUQ9ANoOE

Any others out there?

[Hoodat]

Any others out there?

Boston's first album.  'Hitch a Ride' was split between two tracks.  In the video below, there was that sucky pause-click-pause that occurred at the 2:30 mark of this video:

[sneakypete]

Any others out there?

@catfish1957

I am not entirely certain anything Pink Floyd put out would qualify as as "Classic Rock",or not. Guess it would all depend on who you were talking with. If it was a time traveler from the 25th Century,he or she would say "Hell,YEAH!"

I already posted this one on another thread,but will post it here again just in case there is someone here who has never heard these awesome vocals.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWZ6hmHj2MA

[sneakypete]

I started preparing these list in July 1973, then December 1973 and pretty much monthly afterwards for several years....

July 1973
================

1. Alice Cooper Band
2. Uriah Heep
3. Black Sabbath
4. Three Dog Night
5. Grand Funk Railroad
6. Chicago
7. Led Zeppelin
8. Black Oak Arkansas
9. Deep Purple
10. The Guess Who
11. Rare Earth
12. Allman Brothers Band
13. Rolling Stones
14. Yes
15. Eric Clapton
16. The Who
17. Jethro Tull
18. J. Geils Band
19. Elton John
20. Edgar Winter Group

Albums bought:

Uriah Heep- Live
Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies
================================

The Live ABC "In Concert" event really blew me away with that era of Alice Cooper.  For those into history, You Tube- "Elected" for one of what I consider one of the earliest Music Videos of that format.  Not that I disliked the "hippy formula" that worked in rock for more than 5 years butt.......   Hearing acts like Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath seemed ground breaking and refreshing

@catfish1957

BTW,you can count me as being a MAJOR "Uriah Heep" fan. Probably saw them in concert more than anyone else. Bought their first album while in college,and saw them on their first tour. Incredible musicians and song writers!

[LMAO]

Random Saturday Night Musings.....

Remember way back with 8 Tracks when they had difficulty putting complete songs on 4 channels.  Which meant usually at least one song had to pause during the channel change?

Thankfully in most cases, the record company had the sense to do the dirty deed on album filler.

However, there is one instance in which this crime was applied to the band's greatest tune.

To this day, when I hear this,  I can  only visualize/hear the pause when it is played.  What idiots.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKSUQ9ANoOE

Any others out there?

I had BTO’s Greatest Hits and it did that on the song “ Hey You.”

On Kiss Rock and Roll over it did this on “ Ladies Room.”

[LMAO]

Have you listened to Kansas album, “Masque”? It’s my favorite. Came out before their commercial success.

Ahh, my first Kansas album


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kesio4k-dMU

[LMAO]

Classic Album of the Day-  The Car- Candy O (1979)

Bands like The Cars, The Police, Elvis Costello, among another put a big dent into the AOR Arena Rock era, that everyone of couse identifies as New Wave.  So we ditched our long hair and Tee shirts for sunglasses and skinny ties for a short manner.  There could be arguments of one of a half dozen bands which were the best, or best reprsented the era.  IMO...  The Cars fit the bill there. 

Picking an album was really really tough between the 1st 2.  And to me they are almost equal in worth.  If you want stylistic splash and the height of their Harmonies, Id go with the debut album.  But for pure song writing skills, I have went with Candy-O.  Here the Orr- Ocasek collaboration seems to click the best.  The album art of including a Playboy artis (Vargas) was a nice touch too. 

Also of interest is how lopsided by side this LP was.  Side 1 is so overwhelmingly better.  Never understood why the guys didn't mix it up better.  In any case, especially enjoy Side 1, and a trip back to 1979-1980.  And as usual, I have ranked and preferenced my preferences in blue


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TurGm4aowP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TpQKh18760

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEFiid5UkDo




Side 1-

Let's Go- Neuvo Wavo right out the gate-  Start seems much like the '78 gem. Heavy syn, and strong new wave beat.  Huge hit after release. Topping out at No. 14  Orr's voice was never stronger- 3

Since I Held You- Same theme, syncopated rthyms effective.  Vintage Cars, for certain- 4

It's All I can Do.-  My all time favorite Cars tune, and a masterful exercise of song writing- There is a point half way through the song, where there are 4 very specific and intricate melodic lines are blended in, like none I have ever heard before. Absolutely incredible song, and a must have to anyone with a Cars "Play List"- 1

Double Life- Wow, what a followup-   Slow rhtymic melodic roll, when Ocasek's voice beautifully and hauntingly focused at first distal to mic. Harmonies are first rate too.  What a great side 1- 2

Shoo Be Doo-  Synth Gibberish-  Didn't say this album was perfect either- 11

Candy-O - Solid Rocker, that has some traditional rocking licks, while obviously incorporating new wave tinges- 6

Side 2-

Night Spots- Maybe the best song on the weaker album side- Ocasek fare, with some of the better synth and guitar work on the LP- 5

You Can't Hold Too Long-  Weak Filler (next)- 10

Lust for Kicks-  Organ based ditty-  Not bad, Not great either- 8

Alot on My Head-  Chaotic upbeated and unnecsessary-  9

Dangerous Type-  Thankfully the Cars closed with a strong tune.  Nice intertwining of guitar and synth at points in the tune. 7

I bought this album in the summer of 1980 and probably worn out my needle on my record player on it

[Gefn]

Ahh, my first Kansas album


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kesio4k-dMU

I remember buying Point of No Return for my first and only Kansas album

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

BTW,you can count me as being a MAJOR "Uriah Heep" fan. Probably saw them in concert more than anyone else. Bought their first album while in college,and saw them on their first tour. Incredible musicians and song writers!

Great early '70's band. Somehow,even through the volume of concerts I attended, I somehow missed them.  Thinking about, def.  need to give some props to this highly talented, but almost forgotten band.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of Day-  Uriah Heep - Demons and Wizards (1972)  ***

Uriah Heep was huge back in the early 1970's.   And many ways maybe had the greatest hooks of the era.  Picking their best album was easy.  Demons and Wizards surpasses anything else they recorded.  But still a nod to Magicians Birthday, which ws releasd later in the yer in 1972.  UH never really charted high, but had a large and loyal following that ripped the the 1970's with some really good Rock and Roll.  Maybe the one detraction to UH, was the lineup changes which by the mid '80's had taken its toll on the sound and mostly song writing.  What really killed them was the loss of Ken Hensley who wrote the majority of their '70's classics.  They also Spinal Tapped at the drums.  6 different drummers during their life of a band.

Here are the really good cuts on what is a very fine consistent album.   Ranked in blue.

1. The Wizard-  Beautiful acoustical, following by great work.  Band clicked nicely, and along with Sweet Lorraine, from Magicians Birthday, my favorites by the band.  Main memory of the song was listening to it on Beaker Street late at night.   They were a solid staple of anybody's band list during the time.

2. Circle of Hands-  Very lush Hammond work with great songwriting too.  Byron's vocals are maybe some of the best he does on this cut.

3. Easy Livin'-  This one got the most airplay on the LP.  Good stuff.

4. Traveler in Time-  Band sticks with the mystical theme, it what could be considered their best effort toward a concept LP. 

The other 5 tuners aren't exactly filler, but when you see what this band did with Side 1 on this work, they had cemented themsleves outside of back up band status for  most of the decade of the 1970's.  In any case, if you are a classic rock afficando, this one is an almost "have to have"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjTHfKjNI7g&t=703s

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

I am not entirely certain anything Pink Floyd put out would qualify as as "Classic Rock",or not. Guess it would all depend on who you were talking with. If it was a time traveler from the 25th Century,he or she would say "Hell,YEAH!"

I already posted this one on another thread,but will post it here again just in case there is someone here who has never heard these awesome vocals.

Like I have said at least 3 or 4 times on this thread,  I as a musician, consider 4 bands as the ultimate creme'ed le' creme as far as musicianship.  This claim on my part does not necessarily mean they are the greatest bands...   but...

An argument could be made for any of these 4 bands (in no certain order)  ELP, Rush, Pink Floyd, Yes.

My favorite Pink Floyd tune is one of their newer ones.  It is powerful, beautiful, and almost mesmerizing.  Gilmour's solo is almost hypnotic in its delivery.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEMy34qhQe4

[sneakypete]

Like I have said at least 3 or 4 times on this thread,  I as a musician, consider 4 bands as the ultimate creme'ed le' creme as far as musicianship.  This claim on my part does not necessarily mean they are the greatest bands...   but...

An argument could be made for any of these 4 bands (in no certain order)  ELP, Rush, Pink Floyd, Yes.

My favorite Pink Floyd tune is one of their newer ones.  It is powerful, beautiful, and almost mesmerizing.  Gilmour's solo is almost hypnotic in its delivery.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEMy34qhQe4

@catfish1957

The ONLY think I don't like about PF is that in MY NSHO,the backup musicians just don't get the recognition they deserve. This is especially true of the drummers. "Awesome" is NOT too strong a word to use.

Then again,with Gilmore out there fronting them with such awesome keyboard and guitar work,it would be hard for any other  individual to get noticed.

BTW,I have a standing offer to pay Gilmore 100 bucks for that old,worn-out red guitar. Given how hard it has been ridden and then put up wet,not to mention strained,stretched,and strummed to the limits,you know by now all you could get out of it would be a cough when you take it out of the case,and a request for a cigarette.

Think 100 bucks is too generous and he hasn't answered because he thinks it might be a scam?