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

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957


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

I have heard that if someone came forward and offered the broken neck of Hendrix' Strat he used at Monterey after Wild Thing, it might fetch One Million Dollars at auction. That for a half a broken guitar.

The record for memoribillia for Pink Floyd, is the orginal artwork (painting) of "The Wall" went for $1.85M.

You might want to up your offer for Gilmour's ax a tad.   

[sneakypete]

I have heard that if someone came forward and offered the broken neck of Hendrix' Strat he used at Monterey after Wild Thing, it might fetch One Million Dollars at auction. That for a half a broken guitar.

The record for memoribillia for Pink Floyd, is the orginal artwork (painting) of "The Wall" went for $1.85M.

You might want to up your offer for Gilmour's ax a tad.   

@catfish1957

You trying to harsh my buzz,dood?

Words like your gets back to Gilmore,who is so rich he probably hasn't counted out money for anything in years,100 bucks might seem like a good deal.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- Steve Miller Band- Book of Dreams (1977). *** 1/2

As you may have noticed in my Top 20 lists, I was never a great fan of Steve Miller.  Good music, but not one of those bands that had me clamoring at my record store for the next new release.  However, this band hit pay dirt with one particular work that was 3-4X better than anything else in the category.  Book of Dreams was pulled out of the ass, with some songwriting prowess that sure wasn't present in anything or after by the band.

Album did very well, hitting No.2 on billboard during the height of Disco-mania.  1977 airwaves were filed with this album.  About 6 songs got serious air play.  Ranked in blue, these are the recommended cuts:  (Also sorry for the cracking album, this was the only YT video that  had it in it'z entirety. Now let yourself get lost back to 1977, with some fine songwriting. In fact to give you an idea.  SM's Greatest Hits Album has 7 cuts from this LP


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvbW_e6icJo

1. Swingtown- 08:42- 12:31- Super Rocking Tune that has memsmerizing repeitive drum line starting and finishing that seems to soothe into some absolutely classic hooks.  Maybe's SM's best Moog work too for melodic beauty.

2. Threshold/Jet Airliner 0:00- 05:40-  More just legendary hook.  Miller rocks, and this tinue is just another example of consistence that was absent from all his other works.  Steve Miller had other good songs and hits, but this is the one you want if pressed.

3. The Stake- 28:30- 32:19-  Awesome blusey song that may actually the best musicanshp on the LP.  How many of us told our girlfriends  singing along.....   "Nobody Loves You Like I Do". SM didn't do much solo guitar on this album, but with the exception of this tune,  and it comes off nicely.

4. True Fine Love- 12:32- 15:14 Standard stock rocker- Good stuff.

5. Wintertime- 05:42- 08:40- Slow rocking and very listenable.  Augments well with the other tracks.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- Green Day- American Idiot (2005). ***

Since we are kind of on a theme of once in a career inspirational gems.  Here is another sterling example.  Honestly, I think 90% of Green Day's music is shit. Uninspired formulaic punk music, and unfunny when the intent was to be funny.  Add to the fact these POS' are flaming vocal socialist liberals doesn't endear me to their standing or legacy.

Still, I do have to give props, when they are due, and this once in a lifetime work is maybe the best Rock Opera prepared since The Who, Tommy/Quadrophenia era. In some cases it seemed the boys actually got some music lessons.  Time and Key changes, midphasic melodic transitions, and a number of other neat music treats and tricks that actually make this a really good album.  GD fans may slam me, but I almost suspect they didn't compose this album.  Too Good, Too different, and some actual intellect put into the lyrics, and melody building.

Incredibly there is not one weak track on the album.  Zero filler.  And thus this in my opinion might be the best modern rock LP out there, along with Blink's Enema of the State.

The whole albums is very listenable, but if you want the very best, listen to the 2 long opus'  Homecoming and Jesus of Suburbia.  For familiarity, you might want to listen and remember the track Wake Me When September Ends.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60CRF5yIvso

[catfish1957]

Watched an Elizabeth II documentary, and saw where McCartney help emcee the Jubilee Celebration in 2012.

The same Paul McCartney who composed this piece on Abbey Road in 1969:               

         Her Majesty

Her Majesty is a pretty nice girl
But she doesn't have a lot to say
Her Majesty is a pretty nice girl
But she changes from day to day

I wanna tell her that I love her a lot
But I gotta get a belly full of wine
Her Majesty is a pretty nice girl
Someday I'm gonna make her mine, oh yeah
Someday I'm gonna make her mine.

Considering his Knighthood too, I guess QE2, wasn't into grudges.

[Gefn]

I wonder which Beatle QEII liked best.

I’m guessing Paul snd Ringo

[LMAO]

Classic Album of the Day- Styx- Grand Illusion. (1977)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Paz-DMs2EY

If you have watched the Top 20 lists, you will notice that I really enjoyed late '70's Styx.  The 3 album consecutive tandem of Equinox- Crystal Ball- Grand Illusion-Pieces of 8, was about as good as it got in the era. Styx was a commerically tinged Prog act, who had a great lineup, and really blew it away during these 3 of 4 albums

But here is the rub, the band's artistic direction during their hay day, devolved into a battle between James Young and Dennis DeYoung.  JY wanted to take and keep the band on the hard rock track.  DeYoung OTOH, was hell bent on taking them down the shitty path of soft rock and crappy ballads.  In the end DeYoung won that battle,  and why now Styx's legacy was overall tarnished.

To go from Equinox-Grand Illusion-Pieces of 8 to....  Cornerstone-Paradise Theatre-Killroy was Here, was suicidal.   

I could have picked any of the 3.  Equinox was the most edgy, but most uneven,  Pieces of 8 the most progged, but with more filler.  So I decided to go with Grand Illusion, which filled many many hours of listening in 1977-78.  What is nice too, is the album is spread nicely between their 3 excellent songwriters (Dennis DeYoung-James Young-Tommy Shaw)  And as usually, tracks are ranked in.
blue.

Side 1- 

Grand Illusion- Title Track hits home nicely Strong majestic organ/guitar.  Great harmonization, that becomes a major trait of the album too. Such an upbeat song too. Love the final almost promenade type ending that has fantastic organ/guitar interplay.  This is my 3rd favorite Styx song behind Suite Madame Blue, and I'm Okay.  1

Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man).  Tommy Shaw takes center stage. Melodic wonder in 6/8 Time.  Musical shifts are masterful, and takes so  many forms and fashions.  5

Superstars- Group collaboration that hits on all cylinders.  Really good feeling song.  And folks, this is an incredibly consistent good album to listen too. 4

Come Sail Away-  Maybe Styx's most famous and popular song in their entire catalog.  If you in into ballads, this is a really good.  Personally, this got so much damned air play in the day, that I got sick of it.  The majority of you probably will rank this song much higher on the LP.  6

Side 2-

Miss America-  Fantastic JY tune.  Beside's his social commentary around the beauty pagent industry.  Young puts together most rocking tune on the LP.  Great searing synth and guitar solos mid song are worth price of admission. 2

Man in the Wilderness- Not that this is tepid, but not really Shaw's best work.  90% is MOR balladish, but the final minute of the song rocks with some good solo work though. 7

Castle Walls- A Dennis Deyoung ballad that balances synth and guitar, much like the earlier Shaw number.  Maybe the weakest cut on the LP. By now you kind of get an idea of how the band differences are turning this band into Jeklyll/Hyde persona  8

The Grand Finale-  Excellent and powerful , though short summation of end of a great album.  Styx knew they nailed this. 3

Again, I can not express how big an ass hole Dennis DeYoung is for destroying Styx.  Today, they are a mostly forgotten band.  In the land of classic rock, legacy has to do with how true to your fans you were.  DeYoung wrongly thought the band's fan base was 14 year old girls who love sappy crappy love ballads.  Was he ever wrong, and it has sadly cost them. 

I thought it was interesting that the  (3/5) remaining band members (minus DeYoung and Panzo) decided in 2012 to play live Grand Illusion and Pieces of 8 live in album order for nostalgic purposes.  I loved it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9QfV55XOLg

Your opinion of Styx was the same as mine and my friends at the time. Love those albums that you listed. And then when Kilroy was Here came out, it was a huge letdown

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Bloodrock- Bloodrock 2 (1970). *** 1/2

If I was conducting the Top 20 lists 3 years earlier,one of the top bands listed would have been this one - Bloodrock-  Bloodrock was a Dallas based hard rock and blues ensemble who dominated underground rock in the very early 1970's.  Bands like this one, Grand Funk, Black Sabbath, and of course Led Zeppelin weaned Rock listeners from the grips of Sgt. Pepper/Magical Mystery Tourish like Beatle like clones that absolutely flooded the airwaves in the mid to late 1960's.

It was a mystery how this particular band's legacy faded, while the other bands I mentioned still have stlll enormous aiplay on classic rock stattions.  What I especailly loved about Bloodrock was their perfection of the wailing dual guitaring that was similar to the Clapton/Duane Allman stuff happening about the same time.

But why?  Seems their chops, especially in the songwriting  area, really went weak, especially after Blood Rock 3.  And to be honest, 2 and 3 are really the only classics in the catalog.

The albums controversial claim to fame was D.O.A. the 8 1/2 chronicle of a plane crash that goes into gory painstaking detail.  Was it an albm sales gimmick?  Maybe, but to a 13 year old kid, I thought it was pretty damned cool.  But again, this LP has some great hard rock hooks, intertwined with some insane dueling guitar work.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mab_M1d2zX4

Side 1-

Lucky in the Morning- Really good solid opening tune that has some of the best percussion midway.  -3

Cheater- Though the tempo slows the searing ax rings out though most of the song.  Lee Pickens was definitely on his game on this one- 5

Sable and Pearl-  Terrible strangled sounding singing in a hodgepodge of styles.  I think the band in the vein of trying to sound versatile, really missed the mark.  Filler?  Yep.  7

Fallin'- Great tune-  Band hits on all cylinders and each instrument almost in synce lets all hell break out.  The solo mix of  guitar shreds with the hammond just is bad ass.  1

Side 2-

Children's Heritage- Solid Solid rocker, with that rolling drum beat that you just knew the band would use this as their radio piece- 4

Dier Not a Lover-   Another great tune that takes a chaotic rock blend of great organ  and guitar.   Song has veryntypical type Terry Knight production.  You can hear a lot of Grand Funk (And Knight produced band) in it -2

D.O. A. -  In 1970, i thought this was unique and ground breaking.  50+ years later, I and probably almost everyone else sees this as nothing but a "novelty" tune. 6

Fancy Space Odyssey- Band needlessly tries to captiualize on the 2001- A Space Odyssey. Some might find the hooks a tad catchy, but IMO filler classifiation- 8



As a bonus, i have found on YT, maybe the only single known clip of Bloodrock playing live early in their career.


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

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  James Gang- Rides Again (1970). ****

This is such a great iconic LP, that was so far ahead its time.  Walsh is no doubt one of the greatest slide guitarist ever, and this album by far showcases that talent immensely.  This was the pinnacle of his career as a band leader.  And the fact he gave the Eagles (finally) a rock and roll edge, has impacted rock and roll history more than anyone realizes.

This album had several tunes that got FM airplay, and I can remember so many of them on Beaker Street back in the day.

Side 1-

Funk #49- The Gang's first signature song, and a hell of a rocker. Was the '45 on the album.  Looking it up, it only rached #59 on the charts.  Of course, The James Gang never really a band of mainstream rock success.  Walsh did much better commercially as a solo act later in the decade.  3

Asshton Park- 2 minute instrumental  blusey ditty that has pretty much signature meter and technique Walsh is known for- 6

Woman- Another solid rocker, taken a slight notch down.  Really solid bass lines, Walsh's supporting cast often did not get their due. 4

The Bomber/Closet Queen/Bolero'/Cast Your fate to the Wind- Walsh's greatest tune.  An absolutely song writing tour de' powerful, with great riffs, mesmerizing slide guitar solos, and even a infusion of Ravel's Bolero that just make this song one of the greatest of the very early 1970's.  I mean wow, this was actually recorded in 1969, released 1970.  This song never gets old, and is timeless. 1

Side 2-

Tend My Garden-  On most other bands, this would be #1 song.  Band beautifully uses Hammond to season this classic.  Listen to the riff lines, seems Scholz and his band Boston may have lifted a little too much on More Than a Feeling.  Hmmmm  maybe, maybe not.  This is a ballad of greatness, and I don't say that too often. 2

Garden Gate- Guthrie like short tune, that is not in the Gang's wheel house.  Maybe the weakest on what is a pretty damned good album- 8

There I Go Again-  Didn't give this song much thought in the day, but it seems to have found some resurgence in Classic Rock era. 7

Thanks- Sure there had to be some filler.  Weak work. 9

Ashes and Rain and I- Nice ballad that incorporates strings in very innovative and simple ways.  Straight mandolin and acoustic blended with orchestral backing, very odd, but effective.  5


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aug9x4VF0Qs

[berdie]

I hadn't thought of that album in years! It was one of my favorites back in the day. I wore out an 8 track playing it.

Thanks for posting!

[catfish1957]

I hadn't thought of that album in years! It was one of my favorites back in the day. I wore out an 8 track playing it.

Thanks for posting!

@berdie

Wasn't it a great album?  I know every album can't have the consistency of Led Zeppelin IV, but you got to give kudos to bands who can at least fill over half an album with solid rock and roll.  The high point for me was Walsh's incredibly innovative way of incorporating Bolero into a great rock and roll tune.

I do have an interesting Walsh tale.....

Back in about 1977 or 1978 I guess, Walsh while solo, did a concert in my town.  I don't think I went because I had to study for a test the next day    Well, at 2 am, that night me and a group of friends went to our favorite  24 hour coffee shop to caffiene up for more cramming, and guess who we saw there... Four tables over....  Joe Walsh and his band. 

What I saw was quite a spectacle.  Walsh was eating his oat meal with his hands, and all kind of food was spread all over everwhere at their table.  These guys were major league wasted.  He had food on his face, hair......everywhere.  They couldn't even talk...  they were grunting and snorting.  At the end of their meal, their Limo driver had to basically carry them out.  Heck one had even passed out.

Life's Been Good.....   (I guess?)

[berdie]

No doubt about it, Joe was a mess at one time.

My brother worked at an upscale hotel. One of the few in the city that would let him stay. Most people got wake up calls. He got "time to go to bed now" calls. He always, good naturedly would say...okay. I do think they finally had to ban him, lol.

It's always been amazing to me how he (and some others) could maintain such musical ability under such circumstances.

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Def Leppard - Hysteria (1987)   ****

Def Leppard was an anomoly by being stuck in an era where prepice of mainstream arena rock and roll had become much formula and tired.  OTOH, this band put together this gem, whcih is is maybe the best LP of the late '80's. The band had put together a good run throughout the '80's, but this one particular LP is their best and most consistent.

What set DL apart and unique was their homage to the glam era, but plastered almost in a metal base that was so powerful.  This particular album sold 17M units.  Huge, popular, and massively played in the late '80;s.

I'll leave the general commentary off this time, and just say that there are 6 absolutely fine tunes worth a listen or relisten if you remember.  I don't think you'll be disapointed....

Track 2- Rocket- Specific tribute to their late '60's and early '70's glam rock roots.
Track 3- Animal
Track 4- Love Bites
Track 5- Pour Some Sugar on Me- Arguably DL's greatest tune.
Track 6- Armageddon It
Track 8- Don't Shoot Shotgun
Track 10- Hysteria

Crazy is that ls that all 7 of these cuts get airplay in classic rock radio today.  That is how big a classic Hysteria was....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz46SJm5Kp0

[Gefn]

Def Leppard is without a doubt one of the best bands from last century, and I recall buying both records and cassette tapes of “Pyromania” and “High and Dry” from Sam Goody.

Nice synopsis @catfish1957

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- Chicago Transit Authority (1969)  *** 1/2

As a musician, and primarily a trombone player (high school/university) I had a huge affinity and love for early Chicago.  Well at least the first 8 albums.  With a significant infusion of jazz in their style, I understand that this is not every rock fans cup of tea.  But I envisioned myself as James Pankow and even attenuated my horn in his style.

Not many can claim Chicago's longevity, 38 studio albums at last look. Not much of a fan, post 1980....  But they did put some great tunes that parlayed every style in the 1970's.  To demonstrate their legacy, here is a paragraph from Wikipedia with their resume'

To date, Chicago has sold over 40 million units in the U.S., with 23 gold, 18 platinum, and eight multi-platinum albums.[8][9][10] They have had five consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard 200[11] and 20 top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100.[12] In 1974 the group had seven albums, its entire catalog at the time, on the Billboard 200 simultaneously.[13] The group has received ten Grammy Award nominations, winning one for the song, "If You Leave Me Now".[14] The group's first album, Chicago Transit Authority, released in 1969, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.[15] The original line-up of Chicago was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.[16] In 2017, Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm, and James Pankow were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame for their songwriting efforts as members of the music group.[17][18] Chicago received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on October 16, 2020.[19][20]

I chose this album because it had some of its most iconic early songs like Beginnings, Does Anyone Know What Time Is?, Questions 67 and 68, and I'm a Man.  OTOH, there are dozens and dozens of minutes of solo work that kind of does give this double album a prententious feel.   But to the uninitiated, the first album is your best sample.  The next 8 or 9, all have the characteristic of having 2 or 3 really good songs, but obviously with filler too. Post 1980?..numerous lineup changes (23 in their history) hurt the sound and continuity of the band's intent.  I usually hate and don't recommend compliation or Greatest Hits Albums, but Chicago is a good band for that type of consumption.

I also like the fact that these guys were really ahead of their time, and gave rise to several "like" bands like Blood Sweat and Tears, Ides of March, et. al.  In any case, if you were around back in '69, this one is sure to resurrect some memories......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4dQcjoVUfE

[Gefn]

@catfish1957

Have you ever though5 of publishing your music reviews professionally?

They’re good, interesting , informative and a pleasure to read.

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

Have you ever though5 of publishing your music reviews professionally?

They’re good, interesting , informative and a pleasure to read.

Very kind and generous comment.  Thank You.

But there are a whole lot others out there more knowledgeable, and better writers than I on this subject.  This is just for fun.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- Led Zeppelin III- (1970).  *****

This album and I have had a strange and up and down POV throughout the years.  Way way back when this was released, almost all of us based our album purchases on what we heard from the band on the radio.  And when I first heard "Immigrant Song" I was blown away.  Here was more of the bombastic heavy stuff we heard and loved on I and II.

So when when this 13 year old unwrapped his copy of the LP I was sickened by what I thought was an alter-ego or joke of what was the greatest rock band in the world.  Even into the late 70's, early '80's with the abrupt end of Zeppelin, I considered this by far their worst work.  But boy howdy after a decade or 2 that view changed.  I finally realized this was music of the genius, flexibility, and breadth of Jimmy Page.  Now, I see this as the second best album after IV.

It took easy 20 years to appreciate the wide range of strings and styles that Page used to create some of the most unique music of the early '70's.  Yes, it was strange and eclectric, but OTOH, it hit every box that every Zep fan loves.  There's heavy metal, traditonal British folk, Back breaking blues....   Yes ladies and gentlemen ...   this is the ultimate Zeppelin album.  And is with IV,  there is no filler.  Every cut is awesome.  Another point in almost a concept thread is how Page partioned this LP.  Side One favored more tradional Rock and Blues, while Side 2 went hog wild into British Traditonal Folk.

And this album, along with Rust Never Sleeps, is why my favorite instrument to play by far is the 12 String.

Here is the synopsis of the LP, and ranking.  All the songs are great. Enjoy, and see why so many people consider this band the GOAT.

Side 1-

Immigrant Song-  Awwwyeeeawww Awwwww  Awwwyeeeawwww Awwwww!!!!!!  No mistaking or missinng this great heavy classic.  The one that got airplay.  And the one cut that best mimicked earlier Zep work.  1

Friends- Folksy, Bluesy, rocky ditty with what comes across almost a mellotronish filler that gives a haunting feel to this one.  Plant intentionally screnches his voice up up half an octave.  Very strange song, but effective in giving the mysterious Zep aura.  9

Celebration Day-  Which then awesomely phases half chromatically via slide into maybe the straightest rocker on the LP.  Wow...  6

Since I been Loving You.- I know many who consider this the greatest Zep blues tune in  their career.  Even better than some of the classics that dominated I and II.   Page throws in a fantastic shredder solo mid way.  I am not an obsessive fan of pure blues, but this is damned good even for rockers. 8

Out on the Tiles-  Anoter fantastic rocking song when awesome hooks. Bonham's drums are sadly overlooked by critics on most of this LP, due to Page's showcasing. But if you listen pretty closely, there is some damn hard to do drumming going on right here. 2

Side 2-

Gallows Pole-  Traditonal UK folk song that Page transcribed into a clinic on strings....   Guitars, Mandolins, 12 Stings, even Banjos.  Yeah folks its all there. And it is a toe tapping tribute to versailty and genius of Jimmy Page.  I hated this and most of side 2, 50 years ago.  Now there is no to underestimate it's greatness. 3

Tangerine-  Page's most beautiful ballad for Zep.  The 12 string blending in and switching with wah wah is incredible.  The solo blend of JPJ and Page at the end is magnificent. 5

That's the Way- Ever hear and have a song that ever throws you back into time and retrospection? This beautiful tune is like a 1972 time machine for me.  I don't know or understand why, but for some reason, I have difficulty holding back the tears when listening.  Maybe its the melancholy tone or message. 4

Bron-Y-Aur Stomp- Band puts on their Celtic traditonal fare- Love that they haven't forgotten their roots, when in 1970, that probably wasn't viewed as very cool.  10

Hats Off To Roy Harper-  This song eptimozies the absolute talent of Zep.  Plant and Page basically put together a tribute to 1920's and 1930's Delta Blues by recreating the sound, as it would have came across recorded then.  Complete with fret distortion, and voice inflection of a tin can microphone.  Newbs would think this sucks.  I recocognize the genius. 7


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85xPrpGOhao

[sneakypete]

@catfish1957

Directed to everyone else,as well.

Led Zepllin is back on tour and tickets are for sale now.

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957

Directed to everyone else,as well.

Led Zepllin is back on tour and tickets are for sale now.

I know..... I know.....   You made me look (Google)

[Hoodat]

@catfish1957

Directed to everyone else,as well.

Led Zepllin is back on tour and tickets are for sale now.

The last time I bought a Zeppelin ticket, the drummer died shortly after.

[Hoodat]

Classic Album of the Day- Led Zeppelin III- (1970)

Celebration Day is one of my favorites.

[catfish1957]

In honor of the late Christine Perfect McVie who died yesterday at the age of 79.

In tribute, I am providing what I felt was her finest example of song writing.  A song that pretty much has been overlooked through time.  This one was from 1979s Tusk...

Written and sung by her.

Haunting and soulful delivery with a eery band fade feel in the background.  This tune brings back so many memories.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz4ixHvXl5g

[Free Vulcan]

This is what I loved about her songwriting. Everything she did was laid back, like a lazy carefree Sunday summer afternoon on a Monday-holiday weekend. Stuff that you could just groove to.

Always such a nice pairing to the mega-powerhouse hits.

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day- Foreigner- IV- 1981  *** 1/2

I don't think you will find many now days, who feel that Foreigner was one of the greatest or even part of the upper echeleon of 1970's Rock's golden age.  Honestly, they were highly formulative, corporate, and  uninspiring in a good line share of their catalog.  Still, out of the lot, IV was a hook making machine.  It didn't have any tunes as good as "Hot Blooded", but as far as consistence, and what I call "minimal filler", this LP loosly qualifes as a legit classic.

There is no denying the populatiry of Foreigner....   All 5 of their first 5 LP's all made the U.S. Billboard, including this one that reached No. 1. And their only one to reach No.1.  Part of the chemistry issues, is that like Asia, Foereigner was formed from the fragments of these bands...  Spooky Tooth, King Crimson Black Sheep, others.  Not that childhood commradary is a prerequiste for being a great band, but life experiences in the earliest always seems to gel these bands.  This particular album also included one of the greatest sax session men of all time grinding it on "Urgent".  And Larry Fast, synth extrondinarre.  And finally, it sure didn't hurt to have Mutt Lange producing this thing.  Lange has a extensive portfolio of classic albums that include the lights from Def Leppard, AC-DC-, and The Cars. 

Side 1

Night Life-  Banging rocker, and first with awesome hooks and licks.  4

Juke Box Hero-  One of the Great Foreginer Tunes of all.  Song tells a fantastic story of rock stardom, while deep mysterious bass lines intertwined with successive power chords.  1st tune of the LP that gets substantial air play on Classic Rock Stations. 1

Break it Up-  Gramm slows it down thinking the tune starts into balladville but rocks on to conclusion. 6

Waiting for a Girl Like You- Now here is the ballad, and Foreigner nails it.  Beautiful and soulful.  Graham's voice meshes well with it's understated accompaniment.  Synth background almost gives it an etheral feel too. Not really into Rock Ballads, but this one works so well on so many levels. 5

Luanne- This is the sleeper on the LP.  Very simple rock ditty.  3 chords, simplistic, almost dumb lyrics.  But for some reason, this one was  always one of my favorites on the album. 3


Side 2-

Urgent- Big Hit for the band.  Maybe the best overall instrumentalization of the work.  As mentioned earlier, Junior Walker's solo on this song is worth of the price of admission by itself.  Never heard such great gutteral shredding sax on a rock sound ever, or since. 2

I'm going to Win-  Maybe the heaviest feel of a song on the LP.  Harkens more of the sound of the 1st 2 albums.  This one really sounds like it could have been on their Self Titled, or Double Vision.  Seems out of place, and thus rates lower than others. 8

Women in Black- Another excellent song.  At this point while listening, you have come to the conclusion you sure have gotten you money's worth. Also you sure see that Lou Gramm is a helluva vocalist. 7

Girl in the Moon- Closest thing to filler on this LP. Next......  10

Don't Let Go- Band finishes the album on a somewhat better note,- Some good instrumental interplay.  But lower tier I guess. 9






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

[Hoodat]

This will always be my favorite Foreigner song, back before they went commercial.

[deb]

This will always be my favorite Foreigner song, back before they went commercial.

That’s my favorite, as well.

[libertybele]

Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is   (One of my favorite Foreigner tunes)


www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Pr1_v7hsw

[catfish1957]

Classic Album of the Day-  Rush- Moving Picture (1981) *****

First a  disclaimer.  Rush is my favorite band, but you might be surprised, as far as ranking as favorites, I have it at #5 or #6 in their cataglog.  Which puts me in the extreme minority of the huge universe of Rush fans.  Seems almost everyone else has Moving Pictures #1 or #2, usually behind 2112. Why?  From 1981-1983 this LP got way way overplayed, almost to the point I got sick of it.  Used to get laughs when people would come up to me, and ask if heard this new Band Rush, when in essence, I had been loving them 6 years already.

But I will have to admit, this album has their best songwriting of their 19 studio albums, (plus no. 20 if you include their Feedback album of '60's Covers). 5 of the 7 songs on this album get airplay of classic rock stations.  Not many bands can make that claim of one album's success.  This was especially groundbreaking for the band, as it was the first one that Geddy starting truly infusing synth into a line share of the band's product.  Some Rush purist decry that as a departure from the 2112/Permanent Waves epic sound.  But of course, with all music, tastes differ, and one thing that could be said about this band.....   They were not afraid to experiment with new styles and sounds, and at least 60-75% it worked to their advantage in stature as legendary band.

And remarkably....   This album has zero filler.

Side 1

Tom Sawyer- There is no mistaking the phasic power synth chord that starts on the Band's signature song.  Song got massive FM radio play in the day.  And honestly I got sick of it.  Song has drum work that is considered the benchmark of difficulty.  Song was well received for its comments on social commentary, but......... 6

Red Barchetta-  Talk about a prophetic song.  One about banning gas burning cars.  Plus this tune absolute rocks, with some of the greatest syncopative Lifeson/Lee  guitar dueling in their career.  Drumming is insane too.  VROOOOM!!!!!!  3

YYZ-  The bands most famous instrumental.  Name of the song corresponds to their homage to the Airport code of their hometown -Toronto, Canada. Drum/Bass/Ax interplay is incredible.  Some of Geddy's bass lines, and of course the tune was always a fixture at their concerts. 4

Limelight-  Yes, this was overplayed like Tom Sawyer, but at least for me, aged better as an enjoyable song.  Peart was infamous for his privacy, and he chose this song to communicate that fact to his fans.  Maybe the best hooks of the LP too.  If you listen to Classic Rock stations in this era, you'll hear it at least once weekly.  A solid solid pick, as among their best. 1

Side 2

The Camera Eye-  A very much more obsscure tune, if you do not have this album.  But make no mistake, this song loses nothing on content, and sheer talent.  Was kind of unusual for Rush to have "2" instrumental tunes on one album, well this song is 90% instrumental.  Just because this is the lesser of the two, does not diminish its greatness. 5

Witch Hunt-  This is the true super sleeper on this album.  I just absolutely love the dark, deep, and forboding feel of this song. Lyrics so much now embody what supression and persecution we are now witnessing from the left wing socialist woke faction in this country.  I don't think Peart meant it to be the ultimate intent.  But it hits close to home now 2

Vital Signs- At this point, you realize that there isn't a weak moment on the LP.  This one probably most closely mimicks meter and style of earlier Rush, than the rest of the album.  And still it sounds 100 light years of what we remember from 1974 Rush. 7

In any case, if you are a rock fan, and never heard this album in its entirety, you are in for a treat.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAIxUvd8gWo

[Hoodat]

Red Barchetta

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day-  Kiss- Destroyer (1976). ***

How about a curve ball?  Expect me to come out with a Kiss Album.  Well first the negatives...   Kiss were atrocious musicans.  Everything from 1973-1975 was a garage band crap. 10,000  other garage bands could have made any complation of drivel that came from this group early on.  So why was this one of the biggest bands in the Country in the mid 1970's.  They took the shock schtick mantle from Alice Cooper, and exploited it, like no had ever before. 

But....

The boys borrowed who I feel is the most underated Producers all time for their 1976 work.  Bob Ezrin.  Ezrin previously took an gawd awful "Prettys for You" era Alice Cooper, and made them respectable, on every angle of song writing, musicanship, with that flare for showmanship. The album Destroyer almost seems like a once in a lifetime creative epiphany for the band, and they put together this very solid effort.  As with all Kiss albums, there are massive amounts of innuendo, and lyrical sharing of the Rock and Roll lifestyle.

So with that, here is a producer inspired band, who infused some great production values, and backed off the amps from "11" to "10". And since this has some of the most innovative "hooks" (thanks to Ezrin), I'll spare the song details, and rank the tunes that aren't filler.

Side 1-

Detroit Rock City- 3
King of the Nightime World- 1
God of Thunder- 7

Side 2-

Flaming Youth- 5
Sweet Pain- 4
Shout it Out Loud- 2
Do You Love Me- 6



Filler -

Great Expectations (Side 1)

Beth (Side 2). Yes, this was their biggest hit on the LP, but is one awful syrupy crappy ballad.  Who bought this shit? 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m50uOTpfib0

[Hoodat]

The only KISS song I ever liked was Firehouse, but only because it makes me laugh every time I hear it.  WOO WOO!

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day-  Deep Purple- Machine Head (1972) **** 1/2

Before Eddie Van Halen set the bar for being the ultimate Ax narcissist, there was Richie Blackmore.  Back in the day, there weren't many bands bigger than Deep Purple. In fact they held No. 2 billing in the 1974 California Jam behind ELP.  Very talented band that suffered from the iron fisted control of Blackmore.  That fist caused unfortuate lineup changes.  But this one in particular, was them at their pinnacle.
If he'd had any care for the legacy of this band, there wouldn't be any Rainbow tangents, or other temper tantrums.

Purple, still had to live in the shadow of Led Zeppelin, and from what I read at the time really grated on Richie Blackmore. What really makes me dig this era of Purple, was Jon Lord, (again IMO) behind Emerson and Wakeman, the greatest rock keyboardsman of all time.  And in this particular album he smokes it.    In any case, if you want an example of Deep Purple at its best, this is the trick.

Side 1

Highway Star-  Right out of the gates rocking- Great tune, with all members clicking on all cylinders. Jon Lord's (example 1) organ solo is fantiastic.  Blackmore does some nice solo work at the end too. 3

Maybe I'm a Leo- Funky Blusey number that if you put Morrison's voice on it, you might think it was the Doors. Another solid effort- 5

Pictures of Home- Another good one.  This one particular highlight's Paice's excellent percussion runs. I love how Giliam interphases sub-screams, sometimes in almost Robert Plant fashion.  Sometimes you wonder how much the Yardbirds/Zep truly influenced Deep Purple. Glover does a fine solo at the end too.  This is maybe the best tune on the LP showcasing the band's talents.  Not the best written one, but maybe the best technically 6

Never Before- Another foray into a funky-blusey arena. Might be the weakest of a super strong album.  And that is no knock on this tune, it rocks as does the others. - 7

Side 2-

Smoke on The Water-  Opening power riffs are the most recognizable in the entire history of Rock.  If you don't recognize those riffs or this song, you have probably wandered into the wrong thread.  Bad ass song, but like many in my opinion grate on you after hearing it 50,000 times.  Glover's thunderous bass work often gets overlooked in this mainstay of classic rock radio. 4

Lazy-  I mentioned earlier that I felt Jon Lord was the 3rd best in rock history on the ivories.  But given the fact the other two are better (Emerson and Wakeman) are highly prog driven, and peg out the pretentious factor.  Jon Lord in this particular effort made what I feel is the greatest straight out hammond organ driven blues rock in roll song in history. 2

Space Truckin'- Lost in the catalog of Machine behind SOTW, is what I feel is the gem of the entire career of Deep Purple. Song has aged great through the sands of time.  This one brings out the Beavis and Butthead in us.   YEAH!!! YEAH !!! YEAH!!! SPACE TRUCKING!!!!!! 1


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMCVe0cs4DI

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- The Doors- The Doors (1967) ***

Never was ever really a big Doors fan, but one can not discount that no one ever sounded like them before or after.  Their signature sound centered around Ray Manzariak's mesmerizing Hammond, and of course the enigmatic, and ultmate lyricist Lizard God...  Jim Morrison.  The Doors had an absolutely ground breaking LP with their debut effort in 1967.  Though the bad had subsequent albums and hits, they never ever were able to duplicate the creativity and impact of their first.  Many claim that Morrison's destrucitve lifestyle was why.  I in essence, I pretty much agree. 

There is filler on this album including:

Crystal Ship, Alabama Song, End of the Night, and Take it as it Comes.....

The rest of the album, have all had a lot of air play, classic, and back in the time.  Almost everyone should recognize "Light My Fire", which is pretty much considered the band's signature main stream hit.

But the song I want to highlight is "The End"

As a 14 year old kid, I was listening to Beaker Street on KAAY late one night, this 11 1/2 minute epic came on.  THe DJ's supposedly like to take breaks  .  And how better than spin a tune like this one, or Alice's Restaurant.

As a naive kid, what I heard from Morrison, was beyond strange, beyond comprehension, beyond social understanding.  I did not think a mind would or could delve into such levels of despair and sickness.  Funny, how 50+ years of perspective can change the understanding of lyricism.   Relating beyond the literal, into literary imagery was not in the mindset of a 14 year old.  I hear it now, though no less sick, is a poetic masterpiece. Who knows what went into the interpretation of this Morrison piece, and to best of my knowledge, he never did any synopsis of its intent or what he meant.  Hell, it may have been a drug induced psychodelic vision, all we know.   But we will never know. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl-htFNTDKk

[Hoodat]

Soul Kitchen (Live)





The Doors were a decade ahead of their time.

[Hoodat]

When the Music's Over

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day-  The Beatles - Sargent Pepper's Lonley Hearts Club Band (1967)  *****

My great interest in Rock started on Christmas 1965, aged 8 when I received as a gift Meet the Beatles.  Can't remember whether it came from my parents or my Aunt and Uncle, but I flat out wore that LP to a crackling mess.

As a rock band, none can probably claim to be more iconic as The Beatles.  Their history is well documented in so many places, it would be pointless for me to cover. From '62 to most of '66 the Band took a formula of fabulous songwriting rockers and ballads that made them not only a charting band, but a chart dominating band.  I understand there was a point in their early history that they held all 5 of the billboard top spots.  Uncanny pretty much in the era of vinyl, and '45's.

But something historic happened on May 26, 1967.  The Beatles produced an album, so different, so strange, so bizarre, that the mainstream crtics went nuts, and mostly panned as a self destructive move intended to alienate their fan base.

But, what actually happened was the birth of Psychedelia. In modern rock review, this now is considered a top 5 GOAT.  This album has a hypnotic mesmerizing feel to it, that transverses anything close that they had ever done before.  Yes, a few months earlier Rubber Soul and Revolver touch a slight bit on what was to come, but  this was the full fury of massive change of direction musically.

And damn...   every song is a classic.  And sadly, because the Beatles catalog is monitored like a speed trap on YT, there is no chance of providing an entire copy of the LP for listening.

So, instead I will include what I feel are the 3 greatest, most iconic songs for this classic.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usNsCeOV4GM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naoknj1ebqI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtXl8xAPAtA

And what was so exciting about this era, The Beatles came up with an extension of this genre with Magical Mystery Tour.  an Icon in its own right.

[Hoodat]

Lovely Rita

[berdie]

I truthfully wasn't as plugged into the Beatles after Rubber Soul and Revolver. I however paint pictures in my mind (no drugs involved) to go along with the music. Sgt. Peppers was one of the best to paint along with. That says a lot for the lyrics.

[Hoodat]

I truthfully wasn't as plugged into the Beatles after Rubber Soul and Revolver. I however paint pictures in my mind (no drugs involved) to go along with the music. Sgt. Peppers was one of the best to paint along with. That says a lot for the lyrics.

In that regard, Magical Mystery Tour is underrated.

[catfish1957]

In that regard, Magical Mystery Tour is underrated.

I almost consider Magical Mystery Tour as a continuation album of Sgt. Peppers.  Same meter, same psychodelic theming, same nonsensical theming and intent.  A masterpiece, just a hair of notch less than its predecessor.

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Aerosmith- Toys in the Attic (1975). ****

Most rock fans have a particular favorite of theirs when it comes to the "Coming of Age Topic".  Yeah this was blaring on the 8 track and soundtrack during my youthful indoctrination into sin and debauchery.  Aerosmith has had a long and illusterous career.  It has been uneven ride, but there was a period of time in '74 and '75 with "Get Your Wings and this one, that there was no doubt, they were among the royalty of Rock bands at the time.

Toys is more consistent and less filler than Get Your Wings, but I will have to admit their remake of Train Kept a Rollin' is my favorite in their catalog. In any case, this is a fantastic album, and if you want one that best exemplies their talents as hard rockers.....   This is the one.

Side 1

Toys in the Attic-  Bombastic, Chaotic, and bad ass.  The band awesomely and innovatively syncs 2 guitars and a bass into one hook induced riff meister. Perry also does some fantastic solo work mid way 2

Uncle Salty- Boys take it down a couple of notches, in a semi-bluesy tune, that has some decent late song harmonies.  Not near the best on the LP, but not filler either. 7

Adam's Apple- Another Solid Rocker, but as far as overall quality with the full album, lower tier.  6

Walk this Way- Vocal gymastics from Tyler, in this very famous tune.  As far as I know this was the first sampled rock song by the Rap community 4

Big 10 Inch- Band decides to try without success to do a 40's swing number that is just mostly silly sexual innuendo.  Worst part of the LP- 9

Side 2


Sweet Emotion-  This one very song almost defines Rock in 1975.  Even the movie Dazed and Confused played it in its entirety.  For every BeeGees and KC and the Sunshine song, this one was there to counter the stench.  The reversed sounding percussion added to the bombing melody line are unique.  And are permanently ingrained into our pscyhe of the era. 1

No More No More-  After being winded after Sweet Emotion, this Boogie Woogie based keyboards perfectly augments this awesome hard rocking tune, just keeps the buzz going.  3

Round and Round- Another really good solid rocker. Really good Perry solo work, under almost a metal like base, and bass for that matter- 5

You See Me Crying-  All of you know that with a few exceptions, I am not into Rock Ballads.  Unfortunately this is what we get at the close of the LP.  There is some redeeming solo work by Perry at the end of the song.  But meh...  for the most part.  8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKEx9R0w5nI

[Hoodat]

This was the first album I bought as age 11.  On 8-track.  And these two songs are still my favorites of Aerosmith:

[catfish1957]

This was the first album I bought as age 11.  On 8-track.  And these two songs are still my favorites of Aerosmith:

Great Tunes...  Here is my favorite in their entire catalog.  Recorded a year earlier on "Get Your Wings"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EvGn22Mplg

[Hoodat]

Great tune.

[catfish1957]

Blowing the Dust off the Vinyl- Decades later-  Aerosmith- Rocks (1976). *** 1/2


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1Tqsm0Wlg

I know I just reviewed Toys in the Attic, but got a little curious about others.  I bought this album in 1976, and remember being highly disappointed.  Looking at my vinyl record it is almost pristine.

So, I decided to slap it onto the turntable   for the first time it probably 40+ years.  To might surprise, it is dang good, and a lot better than I remember. I am guessing that the bar must have been pretty high then.  Yes, was there a drop off in quality after "Toys In the Attic"?  Yeah, but there aren't too many albums more iconic than that one in that era.  What really strikes me, is that Steven Tyler's voice becomes and sounds so much commanding than in previous efforts.  It is well documented that this was in the absolute height of their drug abuse era, but is sure doesn't reflect in the sound of the band.

The entire album is quite good, but suggested cuts IMO of greatness......

(1) Sick as a Dog
(2) Back in the Saddle
(3) Lick and a Promise (Perry Guitar work)

As far as radio air play, Last Child is probably the only one you might remember.

[catfish1957]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon (1973)  ****

First the disclaimers...  (1) I have always liked Pink Floyd, (2) have considered them in my four legged chaired stool of the greatest congregate musicans in rock history that includes....  (Rush, Emerson Lake, and Palmer, Yes, Pink Floyd) (3). With that, I was never really a stoner, so maybe there are aspects of PF that went unappreciated on my behalf.  (4)  Yes, they are among the pioneers of prog.  (5) Finally, and I say this with respect, I think the "P' in Pink Floyd stands for Pretentious.  Sometimes I felt band took their spacy, etheral prog to unnecessary heights that really lost the common listener.

Pink Floyd has a pretty extensive catalog, and they were very prolific in the late '60's and early '70's.  But no album of theirs ever reached this level of titanship as DSTOM.  Many view this album loosly as an early concept LP, I guess the theme of mental degredation due to modern technology could be inferred, but IMO, this work was mostly for "Trippy" value.

Stylisticly, they are all over the map, in a pretty spectacular fashion.  It is a masterpiece, as in the fact that this is the longest charting album in rock history.  It was on the Top 200 from March 17, 1973 to July 15, 1988.  Consecutively charting for an incredible 741 weeks.  No one has even come close to that feat. 

So slap on the headphones, and get ready for the trip......

Side 1-

Speak to Me- Stoner's prep....  SFX starter to get them in the mood I guess. Not sure how this enters into the equation.  Maybe someone might share? 7

Breathe- Nice balladish tune soft rocking, and a notice that PF has upped their orcherstral skills in production.  I have friends who say this song was like their Sgt. Pepper moment. 4

On the Run- Even without the herbal  aids, this piece is trippy as hell. Eyes closed and headphones on, you just might find yourself witnessing a Roswell ship crash.    2

Time- The phase in from On the Run, to Time, is the highlight of the album.  As the chimes toll, you are treated to muscial tour-de-blast.  Gilmour's solo work on this tune is special, and really seals the deal. Their early fusing of a soul chorus was so innovative at the time.  And now so copied.  1

The Great Gig in the Sky-  The Soul choir grinds it further,  Huge PF fans loved it.  I wished they had stuck with the script.  Just me I guess. 5


Side 2-

Money- The hit tune everyone remembers.  Really like the song- Very innovative pre-funkish feel and masterful musical chops here.  Message was awesome too.  For a concept album that was to. focus on technological dangers to life,  they sure liked to wander off.   Hey, but who doesn't want a rock band to preach to us about the dangers of monetary excesses. 3

Us and Them- PF fans might slam me for this, but as much as a classic they like to think this tune to be, it is a lullaby for me.  ZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!  No doubt, great musical feat, but not my cup of tea. 10

Any Colour You Like- More instumental more of the same, some jazz influenced sync stuff too.  Meh. 6

Brain Damage- Ditto, with summation 8

Eclipse-  Effective finale.  But still, if you aren't a hard core fan, I like to listen to Side 1, Money, and then put the vinyl back into sleeve. 9


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh1Xyvu68P0

[sneakypete]

Classic Rock Album of the Day- Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon (1973)

@catfish1957

Pink Floyd,Blues from the 25th Century.

The group Pink Floyd and the individual named "Steve Winwood" are,in MY opinion,the finest musicians that have ever lived.

Sure,there ARE others who have produced excellent music,and some of it even approached being a good as SOME of  what PF and Winwood put out,but nobody topped them when it came to musical genius and creativity.

[Maj. Bill Martin]

Your opinion of Styx was the same as mine and my friends at the time. Love those albums that you listed. And then when Kilroy was Here came out, it was a huge letdown

Styx songs are properly ranked in inverse order of Dennis DeYoung's presence.  One of the most annoying voices in "rock".  Glad to see he's rightly despised!

[Maj. Bill Martin]

Blowing the Dust off the Vinyl- Decades later-  Aerosmith- Rocks (1976)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1Tqsm0Wlg

I know I just reviewed Toys in the Attic, but got a little curious about others.  I bought this album in 1976, and remember being highly disappointed.  Looking at my vinyl record it is almost pristine.

So, I decided to slap it onto the turntable   for the first time it probably 40+ years.  To might surprise, it is dang good, and a lot better than I remember. I am guessing that the bar must have been pretty high then.  Yes, was there a drop off in quality after "Toys In the Attic"?  Yeah, but there aren't too many albums more iconic than that one in that era.  What really strikes me, is that Steven Tyler's voice becomes and sounds so much commanding than in previous efforts.  It is well documented that this was in the absolute height of their drug abuse era, but is sure doesn't reflect in the sound of the band.

The entire album is quite good, but suggested cuts IMO of greatness......

(1) Sick as a Dog
(2) Back in the Saddle
(3) Lick and a Promise (Perry Guitar work)

As far as radio air play, Last Child is probably the only one you might remember.

Nice review! Back in the Saddle is one of my favorite Aerosmith tunes.   Great mix of blues/rock with a hint of funk.