Ghosts of Download - Blondie

This is the newest album released by New Wave legends Blondie. Their last album was released in 2011. And before that their last was from 2003. So they really don't release them very often anymore. So I was kind of looking forward to this album. They have a lot of features on this album, maybe because they are trying to make a current album. Now I know they also added the whole Blondie 4(0)Ever rerecordings with this, but why waste time doing that. I heard it, and to be honest it's ok.... not as good as the originals but I'm focusing on the new material. Actually I preferred Comeblack's rerecorded song over this album's. Although, that isn't anything special either.

1. Sugar On The Side: This track features someone called Systema Solar. I mean I like this song, and I like the accordion thingy. But I'm not huge into the chorus and how she doesn't keep up with it. Also the whole Spanish part is just OK. There is something humorous though about this track. I wish I could speak spanish, but I still do enjoy the track.
2. Rave: This track features someone named Miss Guy. I like some of the electronics on this tune. It's kind of fun to hear, and it also reminds me of a song I like a bit Prepare For The Fight by The Lovemakers.
3. A Rose By Any Name: This is another Ok song, that the worst part is the chorus. I like that Blondie isn't afraid of EDM and trying to embrace it, but you know. This song is p[retty decent, I mean I don't love it, but it doesn't hurt or bother me to listen to.
4. Winter: There is something about his tune that makes me think of winter. I'm kidding, but to be serious this isn't half bad. I like the atmosphere and I like the synths on the track. I also dig the guitars and the over all just feel.
5. I Drag You Around: I really dig this tune, it's simple but there is something that's peaceful abou it. I could kind of see my self being upset and visiting this tune to sort of come to reality. Not like insane depressed or anything like that, but sort of a "friend" to rely on down you know.
6. I Screwed Up: This track features someone known as Los Rakas. I've heard this numerous time, and the chorus is what kills it. I mean I think it could be a solid tune in the verses, but that off ness of the chorus is just.... it doesn't really work for me. I mean it sort of works better in later choruses, but that first one just ..... it takes me too out of the tune. And the rap is just..... Okay I guess. That guitar, the nylon sounding one, is pretty solid I think to the fade.
7. Relax: This is a Frankie Goes To Hollywood cover. This is a piano ballad rendition, until the ending. But to be honest, while it's different from the original, it's not nearly as good and Debbie sounds kind of bored. That is until the songs half over, then they make a techno sounding version that sounds more like the music from DDR.
8. Take Me In The Night: I don't really know what to say about this. It's okay, but I mean I'd probably skip it if not for the review. The sort of bridge is pretty solid in my opinion though.
9. Make A Way: I don't really have anything to say I didn't say in the previous track.
10. Mile High: I think this sounds like a song I would have heard in High School on the bus to Summer School. So I guess there is some nostalgia value, thought I don't love it, but I do like this tune.
11. Euphoria: This kind of sounds like a glitchy remix of The Sign by Ace of Base. I dig that tune, but I mean.... This isn't as good. Or like another song is playing in the background while I'm listening to this because I was on a Tab site or something. If you play guitar you know what I'm talking about. I like some of the 80's sounds here though. This does go a little long though.
12. Take It Back: Ehhh
13. Backroom: Not half bad but again..... I don't really know how to feel., It's okay I guess.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. This might have worked better as an EP, but I mean I don't like the 13 tracks. It isn't terrible, but I just...... I just don't really think it's as good as I wanted. I still think it's cool they tried this and did something more current, it just didn't work for me. This feels like more of a celebration album than a serious one though so.... whatever it may be, it wasn't horrible.

Part One - The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band

This is the second release by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band. I've heard of these guys before but I never really took the time to check them out. Recently (In like 2014) I thought I'd give this cover of Help, I'm A Rock a spin on the ole computer. Needless to say that inspired this entire review and I honestly need someone to know what if feel for the album. I'm not just basing it off a single cover, but that was the inspiration.

1. Shifting Sands: Opening the album we get a track that isn't half bad. I mean it isn't amazing, but it isn't bothering me. This is a pretty decent opening, and you know if you like psychedelic rock I'm sure you'd dig this. My favorite part is the guitar tone, though the sort of waltz feeling beat is pretty nice too.
2. I Won't Hurt You: This is the first track that appeared on the earlier Vol. One from 1966. This opens with a sort of heart beat and a guitar. I mean I get the whole idea of counter rhythms but I think this beat is too loud and over powers everything else in the beginning.I get this is sort of a nice short little number, or transition, but this isn't impressing me. Also when you get to the actual vocals and lyrics......... Well, let's hope the next track is better.
3. 1906: To be honest, at this point, I kind of know where this is going. This isn't horrible, it just isn't impressing me. I feel like this might as well be a loop of it's self.
4. Help, I'm A Rock: This is the real reason I started this review. Why, well this is such an underwhelming cover of this fah-nominal Zappa track of the classic Freak Out!. They didn't do this song any justice and it's, to be as nice as possible, probably the worst Mothers cover I've ever heard in my life. To be honest, I'd try to cover this cover up. :(
5. Will You Walk With Me: Let's just hope the rest of this album does a good job of not letting me revisit the prior track. Opening rather promising, it's not until the vocals come in and to be honest I could see this being a pastiche attempt at making this flower power sound baroque pop on an album like Spinal Tap or something like that. It's pleasent to listen to, but much like some of the new Coldplay record, I won't remember it once it's over.
6. Transparent Day: Oh what a happy tune, this ins't half bad but the vocals are so boring.
7. Leilya: The beginning isn't that great, but that acoustic section that fades in and is over the track is nice. But this isn't anything special. I wish that would have lasted longer.
8. Here's Where You Belong: Another song that is just Okay.
9. If You Want This Love: This track also appeared on 1966's Vol. One. Suprise, this is just okay. To be honest this sounds like it could be a re-write of Love Potion No. 9. And that solo is too short to be awesome.
10. 'Scuse Me, Miss Rose: This ain't half bad in the beginning. It has some promise. To be completely honest, get a different singer, and this would be a keeper.
11. High Goin': That as a decent closer, I was gald when I heard it.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. I mean this is pychedelic rock/pop. What do you expect, it isn't anything mind blowing or breathe taking. I'll never revisit this, and really don't care either. I think the best part is the thing that looks like a girl as Bowie on the Hunky Dory cover in that picture. The only difference is she's cute.

2001: A Sex Odyssey - Blowfly

So let's keep this train a rollin' and review another record. This is the 1996 or 1997, different sites day different dates, album by the classic Blowfly. There isn't much info that I can find on this album. AllMusic doesn't even have a review with info for this specific album. But I'm pretty sure this is from 1997 and I'm putting it as that. This was released on Hot Productions and was one of his few released on that label. One thing for certain is this is one of the first album I heard by Blowfly, and it may not be is best but is a good starting spot. Also I want to note, I don't know if all theses are parodies so.

1. 2001: A Sex Odyssey: This takes spoof of the Also sprach Zarathustra  by Strauss. It was the theme used in Space Odyssey. It's funny because this isn't the first time he's using that song, that honor goes to the appearance on Zodiac from 1975. Also for the record, I never though that was too bad.
2. Cum For Me: This could be a parody, but I'm not sure of the original. I do like the tune though. This has a DDR vibe to it, but not the annoying songs. This is pretty solid, almost a song that could be (with clean lyrics) in Night at the Roxbury. Also if Fly's correct about being the first rapper ever, he's also the only one to say he has a small member. I really like the chorus vocals, they aren't as bad as some of the other vocals one later albums (post-1980's). Also that woman is hilarious, she appears on other tracks. I got to find out who she is, I hope she is on other albums (not just Fly records).
3. Y.M.C.(G.)A.(Y.): This is pretty obvious the spoof. The Village People's hit Y.M.C.A. from the 70's. The intro to this makes it ok for him to make a track like this. I guess it does, I mean I don't need him to justify why he can I still think it's kinda funny. This is only made all the more funny now that I reviewed two of their records. 
4. Another One Learns To Fuck: I'm surprised he didn't do this sooner. This is the Queen track from 1980 Another One Bites The Dust. 
5. Insomnia: Thanks in part to AllMusic I was able to find this is a parody of the track Insomnia by a group called Faithless. I mean to be completely honest, he changed the song to being about his dick not being able to sleep because of he's "horny". I didn't like the original, and I don't care for the remake either. The upside this one has is this is almost 4 minutes, the original is over 8.
6. Planet Twat: I don't believe this to be a spoof, if it is let me know, but I can't think of a song or couldn't find one it was spoofing. Although, that part (the synths) sound very similar.
7. Fuck Is Love: some tracks he spoofed here are old, even in 1996. This makes sense since its from the 90's. it's What Is Love by Haddaway from 1991. That is one of my favorite songs ever. Not only is it hilarious, it's music video is even more so. That beat thou, so infectious. I'm glad Fly'a dirtified this. 
8. Please Don't Blow: A parody of KC & The Sunshine Band's number 1979 Please Don't Go. Now while I'm not insane about this band some of the originals and Fly parodies are pretty solid disco tunes. This on the other hand..... it is not. So honestly, I don't think he picked the best track to use you know.
9. Blue Monday (How Does It Feel?): See, based off the title I can assume this is a parody of Dylan or The Doors. But when I listen to the track, I realize I don't really care for this. Thought it does remind me of Fashion Is Danger by FOTC.
10. When Doves Cum: This is a spoof of the classic When Doves Cry off Purple Rain from 1984. The intro to this track features one of the funniest intros to a Fly song I've heard. It's him having sex and the woman is saying it's messed up. Classic.
11. We Will Fuck You: Spoofing Queen's 1977 classic We Will Rock You off News To The World. This is the full track spoof, an earlier WWFU appeared on Fuck Wars, I believe, off 1988's Blowfly For President. To be honest, I don't like the original that much so this isn't really up my alley. I prefer the abridged version from BFP.

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. Now someone who is into classic rock, or 90's electro music, may appreciate this album. This is also a good starting point for someone to maybe get into Blowfly. Outside of those two very redeeming qualities of that this album somewhat has lost it's flavor with me. And the thing with Blowfly is either I liked it at first and it grows on me, or I don't like it then it grows one me. This album has kind of done the opposite. Though I still enjoy it, it's not his best, but a good starting point. This covers songs from the 70s to 90s.

D-I-V-O-R-C-E - Tammy Wynette

I can't say I like country, it's more tracks. But I do have a bit of a crush on Tammy. I mean for one she's beautiful, and shes a pretty great singer. I contemplated reviewing her best song, Stand By Your Man, but as a while that album isn't that amazing. There were still some stand outs so I may, but who knows. I decided to review this, now, because why the hell not. I'm on a roll baby, and lets see how many I get done this month.

1. Gentle on my Mind: This is a Glen Campbell cover, which was the 1967 Title Track off that album. This has some nice finger pickin' in the beginning, and I like Tammy's vocals. This is a nice way to start off the album, and makes me want to.... It makes me feel like this might not be half bad. The drums and percussion have this sort of fun feeling to it. I mean it isn't a fun song, but it is kind of. Like I imagine if I played this it'd be sort of fun.
2. Honey: This song sort of reminds me of a song I can't quite think of the title. MacArthur's Park, the backing track if you took out the twang and country feeling. This is a cover of the Bobby Goldsboro tune from 1968. This song sort of gets larger, but it sounds good to me. It doesn't bother me. Two for two, damn Tammy you're impressing me ;)
3. Legend of Bonnie and Cylde: This is probably the wrong word, but this makes me think of skiffle. Damn, we got some nice guitar work, fills and whoever this session musician kudos bro. This is a solid ass song, all around really. Oh also this is a cover of the Title Track off another 1968 record, this time by Merle Haggard and The Strangers.
4. All Night Long: This is a slower tune, but this isn't bad. On Stand By Your Man I remember there being a few of these. This is nice that there isn't one after another after another. I might be wrong, but I think this is the first original. Even though it was written by Don Chapel.
5. Sweet Dreams: This is a cover of a tune dating back to 1955. I think it said the originally by the songs writer Don Gibson. Numerous artists would cover this Emmylou Harris, Patsy Cline, Roy Buchannon and even a collaboration between Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler are the ones I know. This isn't that bad of a tune, more or less the same thing as the last track. But it goes by fast, and it doesn't bore me.
6. Yesterday: This is a cover of the famous Help! tune by The Beatles. This is a pretty solid cover, but I think it's kind of a hard song to mess up. I mean it kind of falls in with the other covers I've heard that aren't as good as the original. But at least this has a bit of a country twang and the backing harmonies are nice. Plus, glad to hear Tammy's pipes on this tune.
7. D-I-V-O-R-C-E: Alright, this is a phenomenal track. I've never had a divorce, but I kinda of imagine this would give me comfort if I was going thought one. A great written pop song is catchy, it gets stuck in your head but it doesn't fade. It can also stick to a theme or a style and does in creatively. Now like I said I have never been divorced, I'm not even in a relationship, but this song paints a very vivid image of what it'd be like to have a young child. Be getting divorced and trying to not upset him, by way of spelling out words for him to not understand. This is a very powerful, simple musically, song. And it's odd how much it "hits home" with me, without ever having an experience for this to "hit". I think that's part of being a good writer, you make someone else feel you, feel your situation, make it seem real. It's not fairy tale, not something where everything will be alright, its the end of something.... It's life. The only thing anyone can assure you in life is death, and in which its an ending. And another reason this is great, it isn't a track that asks you to feel bad for it. It doesn't force you, you just naturally feel. It could be me, but as far as country goes this is one of the best songs ever written. 
8. Come On Home: This is okay I guess, I mean it's nothing special. I've heard it before on this record, but he singing is the only thing at this point saving this record. I really hope there aren't any tunes that are in this style after this. Give me something else to bite on.
9. Where There's A Fire In Your Heart: See this is why I love you, and upbeat dancable tune that is pretty damn fun. I'm also digging that slide guitar. The only real complaint is the fade out. It kind of happens quick.
10. Kiss Away: Another sort of slow ballad, well at least I got a change of pace. So I mean.... And this isn't that terrible. Honestly, I'm kind of suprised by how not bored I am. These vocals are killing me, in one of the best way possible.
11. Lonely Street: I wish I knew this track prior to the Magic Whip review, I could have made a "this is not a cover of the 1968 Tammy Wynette track." Although it was Lonesome...... Whatever here we get a track this is pretty nice to close this, and even though it is very similar sonically it isn't to repetitive. It's a nice little touch.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Okay I'm either loosing my mind, but I liked a country, Nashville sound, record. Yes it was Tammy but still. That music usually bores me. Maybe I'm going crazy, maybe after hearing two days at work of new country and hearing how it is more garbage bull shit than a lot of hip hop music..... I don't know. I do know this is pretty damn solid, and I think you should check it out. Maybe my next review should be Aids-a-delic:D...... By the way, I will do one of those albums, just not sure which I'll do.

Lovedrive - Scorpions

This is the sixth album by German Hard Rock band Scorpions. This is also the album where Michael came back, well at least he's credited as a guest so something like that. It is also the first to feature Matthias Jabbs and Herman Rarebell both who stuck around for a number of years (Jabbs is still in and Rarebell left was last on the 1995 Live Bites record). I decided to review this in honor the the 2015 50th Anniversary remasters that recently came out. This album is basically the beginning of their sound that would bring them the most success. Though, you could argue it appeared on earlier albums, this is when it was defined and this is basically how they'd sound for their 80's period. Also I'm using that 2015 remaster to do the review instead of my previous CD copies.

1. Loving You On A Sunday Morning: You know, this is a weird song. It's kind of fits, and makes Anybody Out There? fit also. I love this song, and how weird it is. I almost feel like this is left over, or was written with the same frame of mind, from Taken by Force. In fact, while its production and "sound" fits perfect here, the writing and musicality wouldn't be to uncomfortable on that other album. There is a psychedelia present that also sort of reminds me a tab of Lonesome Crow. Seriously, and I love the sharp guitars. Nice and loud and powerful. This is a pretty straight forward song, it's just this chorus.... damn I honestly feel if I added a few sounds, back ground sounds, this could be a trippy section. Also great solo from Jabbs and oh how by the end of the song is this chorus stuck in my head.
2. Another Piece of Meat: Ah, a phrase I use in my head when thinking about..... Well kind of to laugh. This is pretty fast paced and is just a straight rocker. There is this like wind thing that revs up before the track and it's pretty nice touch. This track makes me want to get out my Strat and just rip and shred along with the Sheckner brothers (both of who play on this tune). Plus Another solid chorus, so.... something this band is pretty great at making. Listen to Mikey shred, damn it's so tasty. 
3. Always Somewhere: A ballad, and damn is it powerful. This is one of those "best ever ballads" the group churned out even into their less rocking period. Seriously, these are some fucking amazing power ballads. I can barley do a review of this tune, it's so ingrained in my consciousness as one of those, tear jerkers/introspective tracks. Klaus and Rudolph really pull off one of the best songs by the band here. It's pretty gorgeous, to be completely straight. And that chorus, power ballad royalty. I know I said that, but I need to stress that.
4. Coast to Coast: Great song, that I love. And instrument that is pretty straight forward, but here we get another lead guitar song from Michael. There is just something about this melody that is so perfect, I mean this could have be just as powerful with lyrics, but they chose not to use any. Plus nice bass playing Francis, and I love that little "ah" that sounds like he just drank a Cold Sprite. I can only assume that sound was from Klaus.
5. Can't Get Enough: At this point I can't argue with you about that one. :) This is another rocker and damn does it have energy. This is up there with Another Piece of Meat and I love the almost shrieked refrain of the title of the track. Klaus you remind me why I'm proud to be German. This band fucking rocks. The freak out at the end sort of reminds me of the album Virgin Killer and maybe like Hell Cat, I could be remembering wrong but that's what came to mind.
6. Is There Anybody Out There?: This is a tad odd. This is the only time I think they ever did a reggae number. This is pretty reggae, and it's odd that they did it now (then). 1979 the only reggae that was existent was ska of Oingo Boingo and like The Police, in rock outside of actually reggae. And reggae was huge in Britain around 1973ish. I could be wrong, but I think it's an odd choice for them to do this, here. But that being said, it's one of their best songs they ever did. It's very simple, and at parts reminds me a tad of Taken by Force, but this is a powerful song. Like I feel like it could almost be a cover of a traditional song along the lines of a Malagueña Salerosa. Thematically that is, like a very sad tale of someone who can't love the person they want. Except here it's they are all alone and want love. Someone searching for love. But this is a really neat song that literally I never skip, even if it comes on by accident. I love this song to death.
7. Lovedrive: The title track is actually proabably the weakest tune on the album. Don't get me wrong, the chorus is up to snuff, but everything else seems like it's already been done. Also this kind of, in the choruses reminds me too much of Judas Priests' cover of the Joan Baez tune Diamonds And Rust. Although, solid solo in the tune. This is also the last track to feature lead from Mike.
8. Holiday: Closing we get one of the greatest closers of all time. While they tried to close on a ballad after this, and before, I kind of feel like this is the best one. Not best ballad, but best end. This also just like forces me to contemplate my decisions and my life up to this point. It's kind of weird. The first half is acoustic and very pretty, pleasent and almost like Born to Touch Your Feelings. Then it goes into a more rocking power chord section, with amazing backing harmonies. I can hear that gorgeous bass tone in the new 2015 version I never heard before. Damn that little Spanish fill, it is tasty. Matthas does a great job here soloing. I mean it really fits the mood and to the ending.... great. It works. Also if you want a sort of extended version, in the 2015 edition there's a 2 minute longer demo.

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. This, like every other Scorpion record is worth checking out. This is in their heyday. They have yet to make a bad record. But from 1972 to 1984 the lowest I'd have to give a record is like a 7 the highest is a 10. Every record also had a number of amazing songs on each album. While this isn't my favorite record, it's still an amazing record. These guys always get the short end of the stick to shitty bands from the 80s. I'll let you know a secret, these guys kick the shit out of most of their 80's contemporaries. Hands down, no argument, listen to this record and the ones before and maybe you'll be enlightened yourself. I'm serious, they didn't put out a bad record ever and their mediocre ones started in 1988 with Savage Amusement. 

HITNRUN Phase Two - Prince

A surprise release, dropped the 12th of December, this follows HITNRUN Phase One released earlier in 2015 (September). If you read that review, I kind of didn't really like that he did what he did there. There were previously released songs, some he remixed that led to results lesser than the original. Overall it was just kind of uninteresting. For all the interesting parts, there weren't as interesting by the end of the song. So here is Phase Two, a sequel and looking from the track listing you can tell. At least going in I know there are a few songs I like. I downloaded the album, and to be honest I didn't expect much from this.

1. Baltimore: A song that I was bummed out wasn't on Phase One. It dropped as a single around the time you'd drop a single from the album for the last one. Like this dropped in May 2015, and the first Phase dropped in September. This song is pretty slick sounding. This is honestly how I feel The Purple One'd sound today. While I'm not crazy about some parts of what he's saying, I do think the sentiment is meant for the right reasons. Getting rid of guns all together solves nothing, bad guys will still get them. If that wirks, how come they found child pornography on Jared's computer? The track seems to be about the shootings and what not as of late. You know that Police bullshit. I'm not saying that the Police are in the right, I think if they were wrong let them hang. I meant it as its bullshit its happening. This is a very well put together song, and is probably how his last three should have sounded. I love those strings at the ending. Great, great, great, great song that melts my fears away. This is easily his best song in the last decade, better than FallInLove2Nite. For whatever reason, I get a Philly Soul feeling to this track. I should note, the original relase didn't have horns or strings. It was re-relased with added strings and horns. I've heard both versions, and this is the superior.
2. RocknRoll Loveaffair: A solid track released as a single in November 2012. This version is the same as that single, well with the exception of added horns. I remembered why I never revisited this track, it sounds like a Revolution track. I mean I could swear that Lisa & Wendy or maybe Susan, spoke something on this track. The horns and strings remind me somewhat of that Under The Cherry Moon soundtrack. I don't think this is a terrific song, not as good as the last, but I do think it's a bit of nostalgia that would be nice to have. It isn't to the point of overkill, but it's nice you know.
3. 2 Y. 2 D.: Not a fan of the title. Why not do it in the fashion of a Prince song and drop the 2-Y-2-D part and just what it stands for, with the obvious 2's. These horns in the beginning are pretty awesome, and that flute. Damn, this reminded me a bit of Roland Kirk or Dolph with that flute. But this song overall would be another snug addition to Parade. This almost reminds me of Boys & Girls. While I do like this, I could totally see me getting bothered by this in years to come.
4. Look At Me, Look At U: This reminds me a ton of 70's soul. There was this record I was listening to and it sounded similar to this, 70's or 80's. I like the woodwinds on this tune and love that piano. The vocals are pretty solid and I think the bass here is nice too. This also has a nice solo in it as it's a very peaceful song. I could see this being on a contemporary Lets Get It On. 
5. Stare: Another single that seemed to drop and was an outtake. It was almost for no reason. It's also one of the few Prince songs still on Spotify.  When I looked into it I guess it was Spotify exclusive until this album. Nice slap bass starting the track out, and this is pretty funky. The horns remind me of some other song a bit. And the horn solo section, or fill rather, remind me of the "solo" in Macho Man.
6. Xtralovable: I had to check one this one. I was not sure if it was a single or not. And guess what, it's from 2011. If you are a nerd and care, this dates back to Vanity 6, written back in 1982 and demoed but scrapped. It was later rerecorded by Andy Allo to promote a tour for Prince. That version had a rap and was recorded and released in 2011, this version present here is from the 2013 release on the 3rdEyeGirl website (they dropped Andy's rap, and added horns). I'd assume with all that background info, I like the track. Why would I go through that for nothing right?
7. Groovy Potential: I believe this was dropped as a free download, if I'm correct, and I think I had it before the release of the record. I'm glad I finally get a chance to hear it. This beginning makes the think of a lullaby. With the soft guitar, and "star dust effects" make me think of that more. I mean this is a solid tune, it's just I don't feel magic. I don't want him to do what he was doing, I just want to feel the magic I felt on album like 1999, Dirty Mind, Purple Rain even Sign "o" the Times. I mean this is pretty nice and good, I just..... I don't know. I do like the jazzy, real horns here. It's like a updated Prince.
8. When She Comes: This title reminds me of The Velvet Underground's 1968 ballad Here She Comes Now. That's neither here nor there, damn I should review that record. Maybe this year... why not. Don't get me wrong, I love jazz.... but at this point..... the appeal this had has now gone.
9. Screwdriver: The last song to be released prior, this is a February 2013 single. Oh, by the way, I'm not really feeling this one. Also I want to hear another copy of this, because it sounds like it was mixed horribly. Like the mixing from the other one. There isn't really much to say, this is rather straight forward. 
10. Black Muse: This is kind of nice, but again, I mean..... I'm not ecstatic about this track. If you want it straight, my favorite part about this is it reminds me of the title Muse 2 the Pharaoh. Also there is hints of songs like Playing in the Sunshine's joy in this tune, but 7 minutes is a bit long for this. I'm completely honest, not digging this.
11. Revelation: At this point, I want to make it 4 times to listen to the entire album. I mean I get this, but this isn't interesting. Part of this reminds me of Blackstar, and I'd much rather listen to that. It would play with sort of smooth jazz vibe. I can't stand smooth jazz. What's with this month. I wanted to finish up some reviews, and most of these have disappointed me. Seriously, I can barley listen to this. I just so badly want to skip................
12. Big City: You really think this is going to fix the album...... make up for this disapoint ment. I'm sorry. It's just, the thing I love about The Purple One is he's fun... this is not.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. Out of the 12 tracks, 6 dropped prior to the record. This really functions as that Circle In the Rounds comparison. While it's nice to have tracks that are hard to find in one convenient place, that doesn't make this a good record. I guess, this could also be compared to his Chocolate Invasion and Slaughterhouse albums. I thought this would be a completely different record, but thankfully it came out not as a sequel to PlectrumElectrum, but as what he really would sound like in today's day and age. There were sounds that came from the past, and the Nostalgja is probably nice from fans from when this was coming out originally. I mean I like it, but I hope he does something new I guess. Move forward from this, but it's pretty nice regardless. Also even thought I enjoyed it, I can't really say I had fun listening to it. For whatever reason, when I returned the magic was gone. I don't remember if I mentioned but this took 3 time to listen to this entire record. It wasn't because it was had to do, it was because I wanted to listen to something else...... That isn't good for a Price record.

Also, even thought it might seem inappropriate, 

Aladdin Sane - David Bowie

The last memorial album I did didn't go over so well, so why not review an album that I consider one of my all time favorites. It is in, some what, continuous play on my iPod/Spotify/iTunes/Anything Really. And as much as it sucks he's gone, let's hope this review is positive enough, though I'm not going to lie to you, I know it'll be a fitting goodbye to one of my heroes. In past reviews I've mentioned how much he means to me as a musican/writer and there is no way I'd ever be able to pay him back, and since I need more time to dissect Blackstar, Aladdin Sane is the natural choice for this (if not counting the ones I've done and not Lodger). But anyway, here are the facts, this is album number six. This was the first of two albums released in 1973, the other the covers album Pin Ups. This was released in April of 1973 and was mainly written while David was on his American tour for Ziggy. This is looked at as Ziggy in America, and that's a great way to look at it.

1. Watch That Man: maybe not the best song here but damn is it a solid glam rocker. From the hard rock guitar and the piano and the nice ass drum beat. This song is a terrific opener. Like I said this is pretty straight forward tine, one listen basically gives you everything there. You might pick up on that piano later, but it's still a nice rocker.  Actually the backing vocals are awesome and that piano reminds me a bit of that live performance of Search and Destroy on the Legacy Edition of Raw Power. 
2. Aladdin Sane (1917-1939-197?): So we opened with a rocker, a straight forward tune. The following track couldn't be more different. With a title that hints WWIII could happen sometime in the 70's this odd European tune is one of the things I love about this album. It kind of throws left hooks. This song has some gorgeous piano from one Mike Garrison. The chorus here is as catchy as any of his other, more poppy songs. That guitar riff, and that tone (esp. During the verses, Damn!). I love the sort of freak out with the saxophone backing up the insane, almost mad man playing of the piano. I mean yes there is logic to it, but to a regular person.... WTF. I'm serious if I played the solo section for someone out of context they'd most likely be confused. This song is great and I couldn't ask for something else for this spot here. And that ending :)
3. Drive-In Saturday: A classic, and by that I'm serious. I guess this is about people in post apocalyptic.... just look it up. It's kind of interesting. Plot aside, this has a doo-wop sort of vibe to it. It isn't straight doo-wop though, like some of his best tunes.... It has this weird atmosphere to it. Seriously, I mean it almost makes no sense, but it's a solid ass fucking song. I love every second from the sax to the vocals to those backing harmonies. Plus the lyrics are pretty funny, in a kooky way. 
4. Panic In Detroit: Another rocker, though this is more of a hard rocker. I can't recall if this is about anything, like a real riot in Detroit, or whatever but I honestly don't care at the moment. This song is much better than the meaning and it doesn't need a meaning to make it good. There's a reason he played this live in the years to follow. It's a great rocker that is probably the closest The Spiders would get to TMWSTW. There are actually riffs where it sounds like it could go into the extended solos on that record. Even the opening just shouts rock and roll. I mean really. Also I should mention, this sonically sounds different from the other tracks, but not enough to not fit on this mixed bag of rock and roll tunes. I love the backing singers here too and we get to hear Mick just rip.
5. Cracked Actor: This is the only song I can say that I don't either Love. I mean it isn't bad, but compared to the other tracks I don't think it's as strong. You can almost look at this as a rewrite of Jean Genie. I mean this is a good glam rock tune, I just don't Love it you know. 
6. Time: This song starts out with a piano that is avant-gardeish. There is this vaudeville feeling to this track. I feel like this could be a cabaret number. It's very odd, there is a type of closure you get with this song.... now at least. It's got everything here that makes this album great, vocals, I love the guitar when the song gets more intense. I love how it goes back to the beginning and just feels like odd, even thought in reality it isn't the odd. Mick has some great guitar parts here that just add and, he's fucking an amazing arranger period Those backing vocals are great. I mean in reality most of what makes these songs great is on each song. The only thing is they all are different enough, to where you could call this a mixed bag of songs.
7. The Prettiest Star: A rerecorded version of the 1969 single, written about Angie Bowie. On the original Marc Bolan played lead, and Mick tried to replicate that guitar on this recording. This is a happy song, and I mean I feel like it's sort of heartfelt. It sort of reminds me a bit of Kooks or Soul Love or just a number that may not necessarily be the "insane genius theorist" he is elsewhere. I like songs that show another side to a guy, this is one of those. Nice saxophones by the way :)
8. Let's Spend The Night Together: The only cover on this album, it was originally released as a single by The Rolling Stones in 1967. Opening with a sort of weird heavy psych, feed back and then what I can describe as atonal piano hits. The songs rushes into a performance, and damn this thing fly's by. To be honest, the best performance of the song. This almost sounds like the original, but better heavier and more rockin'. 
9. The Jean Genie: What can I say about this track. It feels like a pirate is playing this. Seriously, I much prefer to think the Rebel Rebel video Bowie is singing this. This riff is just one of those, and yes you can hear it towards the ending of Width of a Circle, but here it's just so oddly perfect. I can kind of imagine people in the 70's going... what the fuck, this is really good, but still what is this. There is a reason this is as famous a song as it is. It's classic. Go Mickey Go!
10. Lady Grinning Soul: Argue with me all you will, but I believe this to be the most romantic track to ever be written... ever. You can't top this, not Marvin not Smokey, not Ole Blue Eyes nor anyone else. Keep on listing songs, you'll never change my mind. From Mr. Garrison's opening piano rolls, to David's sole vocal introduction. Listen to this thing, I mean really. Everything here sounds so damn good, and just the playing is so tight. I really can't find anything wrong here. I love the saxophones, I love the Spanish solo. The piano and guitar duet, Mick you are a genius. This word is almost too good for words, every time I listen to this I cry a bit. This song is perfect.

Overall I have to give this a 9/10. This s very much an Americanized version of Ziggy. On top of that its a great fucking album, there isn't much to complain about here. I mean really, every songs is unique, and they are all solid performances. I guess you could complain there's a cover, but that's just nit picking. Bowie my friend, you may be gone, but I know you're one of the few people to make a string, constantly great to amazing albums, from 1969 to 1980. Though I may never be able to tell you, or thank you for everything you done for me I also don't think I'd be able to either. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. I'm gonna miss you.