Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison

Today I finally sat down and decided to review, or finish, this album. I've heard songs and parts but here it is, front to back, in all its glory. This is the fifth studio effort by famed Irish songster George Ivan Morrison. This album was released in October 1971 and is the only album not on Spotify he's released. What the hell bro, there has to be a reason for that. Legal stuff most likely, but I like to think of it like this. Either the albums a hidden gem, or it's a piece of shit. There are also a number of notable musicians whom I know like Ronnie Montrose, Ted Templeman (who also produced this), Luis Gasca and Connie Kay.

1. Wild Night: I genuinely love this tune. The first time I heard it, I feel in love. This is one of those just, if you can't feel it I don't know. Remember Sir Duke, what's the line "You can tell right away from the letter A, When the People start to move. They can feel it all over". That could be incorrect, but this is one of those songs. The backing band is so damn amazing I kind of, I wish I could find players to be this nice tight and make it sound as if it was on the spot as this. It's kind of the perfect opening and its kind of a flawless track. Even when I get into the arrangement of the bass line and the guitar notes it still works quite well and I'm glad that it is what it is. The horns even accent what they're supposed to and add an extra texture that makes the song more interesting than just a straight forward rocker. I wouldn't and you shouldn't, change a thing about this. While I prefer my radio when I hear this, the guitar seems louder and the horns are a bit more subdued, I still think this works. Plus that saxophone solo is something that I'm glad wasn't a guitar solo, but could have been you know.
2. (Straight to Your Heart) Like a Cannonball: I like this title, and think it's rather funny. The song it self has a very country twang to it, but it's not straight country. John McFee (I checked he plays the pedal steel) has a sort of bar band sound to his guitar, but I like the added acoustic guitar and the sort of extra vocal harmony part. I really like the flutes in the track and it's nice. I wish the track was maybe a bit slower, not much but just a bit to sort of let you soak everything in possibly. I don't think it's the greatest track ever, but I do think it works and keeps me listening the whole time.
3. Old Old Woodstock: This track's refrain very much reminds me of Caravan. Not the one with the drum sola, but the one he did two albums prior. I do like the laid back feeling of this track, but I don't think its really does all THAT much for me on my initial listen. It doesn't really go anywhere, but it's not terrible.
4. Starting a New Life: This has a sort of nice country shuffle to it. I like the bouncing bass line, and the drums sound pretty solid. I also like the chord progression, I mean it isn't anything that crazy, but I like it. The harmonica sounds pretty good, not phenomenal, but it fits the tone of the track. There's something about this that appeals to me, kinda like the same way Country Dreamer (outside of the musicality) does. I know the idea of starting a new life with someone very special and being able to just be with the pulls a chord with me. But I don't know for sure. 
5. You're My Woman: This song has a nice vibe to it, but there is a feeling to it that reminds me of maybe Chicago, or something. Soft rock, that isn't a complaint just an observation. The only thing is the beginning of the song doesn't do much for me. Yeah I like the build and the tension that happens in the pre-chorus, but it still doesn't completely pay off for me. I mean I like the vibe, but I just don't think it really pays off so much. Plus it's kinda long, in the same way the following song is long.
6. Tupelo Honey: On paper, and lyrically, this look like a great tune. I've actually hear other versions and it is a great tune, sadly the thing about this is just...... I don't think it's the tune everyone says it is. At least based on the sole performance used on this album. To be honest, I couldn't even listen to the whole thing at first. It took multiple tries to even get a minute in.... Honestly. Once I heard it I liked it, but the reused Crazy Love melody hurts it a lot for me. I mean it's great tune, just no click for me. I prefer Crazy Love if I'm being honest. But for being as praised as it is..... I don't get it. Then again the only song that "doesn't fit" on Astral Weeks is my favorite, and only one I like. So.... I once read that Bob Dylan said this song has always existed and Morrison was the only who happened to have the song go through him, that's a load of bullshit. At no part in the performance do I feel it needs to be 6 minutes or do I feel elevated. Fuck, Wild Night is more natural and flowing than this track. I mean it does flow in one ear and out the other, but I don't get it. I just ain't diving his version bru. I mean as time has passed I've warmed up to it, even to where I can forgive the CL thing, but it's still not the master piece people say it is in my mind. Lyrically though, I do enjoy the imagery and I like the sax solo. It's more when he sings and what not where I can't get behind the track. The instrumental sections are gorgeous and I wish there was more moments like that. When the vocals come in something just isn't right. I guess it might not work as well if there was no words, but I just don't feel when he's singing. Maybe its a drop out or a mixing problem or editing problem more noticeable on the CD version, but I don't know. Also I feel the song could have ended at around the 4:30 mark and it could have slowed down or faded out but this feels like a live jam that lasts too long. You know those, where they keep going or ad libbing. I'm just not as sold on the song as some others I guess. Also once I played it on guitar I was like, this reminds me a lot of People Get Ready. But whateva... also I'm not sure if the organ, played by Ted, is all that necessary.
7. I Wanna Roo You (Scottish Derivative): This song makes me wanna do a country jig or whatever it's called. I'm actually surprised that this isn't a Dylan song, like if it was slowed down I could see it being on one of the early 70's albums, or one with The Band backing him. This isn't a terrible song, and I kinda like the change of pace. This isn't the best song ever, but it's well enough.
8. When That Evening Sun Goes Down: I really like the piano in the beginning, the kind of ragtime/honky-tonk. It's also nice that it's only 3 minutes long and not 6. This is a country number that kinda actually wouldn't sound out of place if played by The Stones. I mean, if you like Exile or Beggars you might like this track. I like the latter, I'ven't heard the entire former. Also I fucking love this title. 
9. Moonshine Whiskey: This is another driving country tune, that again isn't that bad and feels kind warm.This is a decent song, the only problem is it keeps going for almost 7 minutes. I do like this track, but really like what the fuck. This song could have so easily been edited to the three main sections being condensed to 4 or 5 minutes.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I guess you could compare this to a Nashville Sky or a more country folk record. It isn't that, but there is a sort of secluded and more mature, less fiery feeling I am getting here. It's easy to listen to and comfortable, and that's not a bad thing. As if he's at peace with life. I mean, like Cat Stevens, I find their beliefs and song topics more interesting than the music itself. While I've grown more found of Stevens I've also grown more found of Morrison. But I like Cat more.

Even thought I felt as I do I still feel I should review the first string of records to at least Common One, or maybe up to Veedon Fleece and then some albums that I think are worth after that. But I can't imagine myself really reviewing anything post The Philosopher's Stone, or Back on Top.

Brand New Morning - Bob Seger

This is the first solo album by American singer/songwriter Bob Seger. Released in October 1971, this is his fourth overall album, the first three being by The Bob Seger System. This is an acoustic album and its one of the early records he seems to not really like. I know everything I've heard from this period I like, so lets hope this is as good as the others.

1. Brand New Morning: This song opens pretty interesting. I mean if you'd hear him before, its odd to hear him with an acoustic guitar. Now I do think the vocals here are great and I like the up feeling of the song. I mean this is a pretty simple song, but it works. And this sets a feeling that this might not be that bad of a record. 
2. Maybe Today: This opens with him playing piano, and for whatever reason this reminds me of Cold Spring Harbor. I like what I'm hearing, I mean it isn't as grand as some of those songs, but its pretty bare. I do think this works here though and 2 for 2. I like the vocals and damn that guys doing a great job on piano. 
3. Sometimes: This is a ballad, with acoustic guitar. This isn't anything to write home about, but I do like it. For whatever reason I could picture Cat Stevens singing this. Maybe it's late, and I've got a buzz, but I can see that. I guess the only complaint is I wish it wasn't so sparse. Like the song gets louder, I wish there was a bass or percussion or piano. Something to add an extra texture to this specific song. 
4. You Know Who You Are: Alright, maybe I'm a sucker for this CSH sound, but I really kinda wanna cry. I mean this is kinda sad, and I really like the song. Though I do really appreciate how the song gets uplifted. This is a solid tune and I like the changes. 
5. Railroad Days: This song has a nice acoustic feeling to it and I like how it could be a folk tune. Like I could very easily picture this, maybe with some different instrumentation, being a song that the rail road men would play on their banjos or whatever while they were on break. The only real complaint is the guitar kind of over powers stuff, and when he sings with his soul its muddy. I mean I'm listening to a vinyl rip, but I wish it was clearer. But then at the same time then it'd lose some of the atmosphere. I don't know, maybe turn the volume down a but would fix the problem. It does feel a little long. Maybe cut a verse, but I still like it. I get why it became popular after he blew up. Plus I feel some chord progression similarities to Still the Same? Maybe I'm wrong, but who knows. 
6. Louise: I really like the rock and roll feeling to this song. It's a nice change of pace and I like the foot stomp. It's fun and works so much better than that one song on that one album. *cough* Open All Night *cough*. This is also nice and short and sweet. 
7. Song for Him: This kinda feels, to me, a proto-We've Got Tonight. I do dig this, and like how its quieter. There is a nice atmosphere to it and it works. The only complaint is it would be so much better if the album wasn't like this.  It gets louder, but whatever.
8. Something Like: This is a good way to end, and feels like the end. Other than that I've kinda of ran out of things to say about this album if I'm being honest.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Okay, so this things pretty great. Now I read on wikipedia it was compared to Nebraska. These songs are not only better, but they are also far less samey than that fucking album. Check this thing out if you can, I recommend it. If I find it for the right price, I'll probably pick up a copy.  But if I don't then I won't be too disappointed. Hopefully I'll have Pet Sounds, Torture Time!, Born to Run and possibly Blood On the Tracks out this month.

Sticky Fingers - The Rolling Stones

In honor of the deluxe edition being released I decided to review this. I also  reviewed Help! for it's 50th, back in August (and have a special review for its 50th in August and June). This album follows their 1969 classic Let It Bleed. That albums great and it is the best Rolling Stones album. Now I go back and forth between my favorite being that and Her Majesty's but I think the songwriting is the most focused and fleshed out on that album (LIB). Moral of the story, this album has a lot to live up to. This is also their first album on their very own Rolling Stones Records. The album that was right before this, 1970's 'Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! which was a live album, but that isn't a studio album so it's you know what ever.

1. Brown Sugar: This is the album opener. And this is a great opener and sets the tone for the harder tracks. It's a great time, but not for the lyrics. When you find out they were supposedly about Claudia Lennear you kind of lose some respect. I mean look her up, 10/10, plus she can sing. Bowie also wrote a tune for her, Lady Grinning Soul. There's a big difference in tone and substance. Where this is straight forward, starts and finishes, Lady sort of takes you on an adventure of romance and passion. The better song is the latter, but that doesn't matter really. This is a fun song, with great horns and a great riff. There is a fun feeling to it and the backing vocals are pretty good here also. It's got enough grit to it, but it's also got a punch.
2. Sway: I much prefer Stay, but I guess Sway will have to do for now. This almost sounds like it could be a song on Beggars Banquet, but a tad more trippy. There is a sort of trippy vibe I get from this tune. This is pretty well put together, and isn't pretty enough to sound "lame" that this band is playing it. And those strings towards the end, nice. (thumbs up emojii)
3. Wild Horses: This is an acoustic, country sort of ballad. You know, this song isn't terrible, it's just..... I remember hearing so many songs like this when I was into classic Woodstock rock stuff. At this point in my life this is kind of a boring song. I used to dig it more, but I mean..... I really can't say I like it that much.
4. Can't You Hear Me Knocking: This is a great track that still boggles my mind they played that solo (the jazzy section). It sounds like Santana came in and had his band play the end (well a slowed down band, or played it in a slower time signature). The story goes they just let the tape keep going and the solo section wasn't planned. On its own merit, without the solo, its still a solid track. I mean that riff and chorus still get you into the song enough for that other part to work even better. As much as I praise the latter half, the first is just as crucial to the song working. I mean ever one here is playing top notch and I don't think this song could have anything changed to make it better. It's one of those instances where, it just works as is. WHY THE FUCK DONT YOU GIVE ME MORE OF THIS KEITH. Wait Keith did not play lead? Well on the part that I LOVE at least, oh yeah that was Mick. Probably the best thing to happen to the band..... what. If you haven't head this song, it's one of those that is well deserving of being on a best classic rock tunes ever list. Like seriously, I'm cutting the bullshit 90 % of tunes on those are shit, this is among the truly great 10-20%.
5. You Gotta Move: A cover of a track by Mississippi Fred McDowell. 33 years later one of my favorite bands Aerosmith made a bad covers album and covered this version of the song for it. I actually prefer this to the Honkin on Bobo version. While I don't normally like this type of song, I do have a bit of an affection for this. It's kind of a straight tribute to their heroes, you can't really knock someone for that. And it isn't consuming the entire album. This is probably the best version I've heard of the song.
6. Bitch: This is another good track from this LP. While that intro might sound odd, because I do like most of this album, this track stands out as a track I revisit. I mean the pre-chorus isn't as great as I remember, but those horns make up for it. One thing I do think is a shame is I prefer the extended version from the deluxe edition more. I assume that's the full length version which was cut for time for the album. It's a shame, get it..... ahahahaha. Maybe they could have cut a track like Wild Horses or I Got The Blues rather, for this to be longer. Actually the math works out to where it'd fit. I also like the energy more. But regardless, it's the same track so it just the uncut version.
7. I Got The Blues: This song made me laugh for whatever reason, I imagined a sort of "Weird Al" parody of a bluesy 50's tune. I mean this isn't terrible, I like it, it's just I don't think it works that perfect along with the rest of what was present. Yeah I looked it up, I couldn't think of his name, but I totally agree with the Otis Redding comparison, sort of Stax Records vibe. This also reminds me a ton, a ton, of Aerosmith on maybe What it Takes or another ballad, Amazing?
8. Sister Morphine: This track was co written with Marianne Faithful. Marianne performed a version first in 1968 and I haven't heard it yet. A quick, unrelated personal note, thing that's funny is whenever I hear the word Morphine this song pops in my head. This acoustic intro reminds me a tad of Van Morrison's best song off Astral Weeks, The Way Young Lovers Do. This is a nice song that I think fits and it pretty great to be honest. I mean I don't revisit it often, but it's got some nice shit going on.
9. Dead Flowers: This may come as a surprise, but this is one of my favorite tracks here. It's chord progression is so fun to play and it's easy. I really enjoy this song and it brings back memories for me. It is just a fun song over all, even though it's topic might not be that fun. Great tune that I LOVE.
10. Moonlight Mile: Closing the album we get a tune that was, according to Jagger, "All Mick's". I guess he had the idea and "the band just figured out how to play it". That's pretty cool to be honest. The strings here are great, and this just feels like a closer. Great tune. It sort of harkens back to the days of Last Time, but more grown up. More mature, much more wise. I don't know, that's what I get.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. As much as I make fun of the group, I this is a great record. While I really don't love all the tracks that are more country sounding, for what ever reason this works for me. Actually I do remember I really like Beggars Banquette and this is kind of part two for that album. That albums more rootsy this is more country with grit at parts.

Now I will plug, of my own doing, RateYourMusic. I love that site, I have uploaded everything I've released to that site information and I rate albums almost daily on there. And for the most part the rating on there, double it and that's out of ten. Some albums may be up for discussion (tagged revisit), but for the most part the ratings are how I truly feel. And if I feel unsure or need a bother listen or two. Even if I don't understand what's going on, I tag the album "revisit". If I see potential in it being one of my favorite albums ever I tag it " candidate". And if I have a review in this site of it, I have it tagged "review" though some artists in the free download section aren't on the site. 

Ram - Paul & Linda McCartney

This is, depending on how you look at The Family Way, the 3rd solo album by Paul McCartney. This is also the only album credited to Paul & Linda. This was from 1971 and is one of my favorites. I though that this could be the first review of my favorite month of reviews. May is my favorite month, so I'm gonna do a bunch of my favorite albums and reviews of them this month. I am not really gonna do one a day, but I will do a bunch. I've picked out the ones I want and I'm ready to post these. Most of these will be classic albums too, but yeah. Like older albums. And also, this album came out May 17th, 1971. This month is May. I know it took 4 days to get this up, but #2 WILL be up tomorrow. One last thing, he is my favorite member of The Beat Brothers.

1. Too Many People: This song is supposed to be about Yoko. He is kind of saying, through my interpretation, "hey John, it was originally just us 4 and now we got this chick telling us what's up". She's a Hilary Clinton. This is honestly an exciting way to start this album. I think that it kind of draws you attention in and makes you wanna check out the rest of the songs. This is a very catchy song too. The chorus is so pretty sounding. And the harmony vocals Linda does with Paul, just perfect. I love the tone on the guitar too. I had to check who did the solo on this song
2. 3 Legs: This is more of a country song. This song reminds me a lot of the same kind of set up, for the most part, as Bip-Bop. This is an awesome song, and shows that Paul could also write some pretty sick country songs.
3. Ram On: If I'm correct James Paul uses the ukulele on this. This was before it was cute to use one. By that I am referring to Zoey. This song is still good though. The main part, without all the other instruments, reminds me of Dance Tonight off his 2007 album Memory Almost Full.
4. Dear Boy: This is actually a pretty sad song. It makes you kind of "depressed" after hearing it. It is kind of like the feeling that I get when I listen to Tomorrow off the Wings debut album Wild Life that came out later that same year as this album. Actually, if anything, I could see this being a psychedelic Beach Boys song. This song kind of reminded me of the "trippiest" part of Good Vibrations. But it is no where as emotional as Wild Life album.
5. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey: This song, ah this one. This is definitely my favorite song on this whole album. I think that this is one of the most experimental songs that Paul did through out his solo career. I mean 1970's Kreen-Akrore, or 1973's Loup (1st Indian On The Moon). There are obviously some more I didn't mention, but I wanted it to be more relevant to this release. You know, McCartney to Red Rose Speedway. This song is so catchy, and so odd. I mean, I've heard odder, example Boredoms or Naked City, but for the most part, any Beatles. This is an actual song though. Unlike concrete experiments. I love the rain that they used in the song.
6. Smile Away: This is a harder song. By that I mean it's more "rock oriented". It actually kind of reminds me a little of Oo You off McCartney. I like this song, but I really don't know what to say about it.
7. Heart Of The Country: This is a good song to maybe get into McCartney solo stuff. This is a pretty fun song. It's a country esque song and it's fun to sing and play along with and listen to.
8. Monkberry Moon Delight: This song, when I first heard it, is different. I don't know why, but I thought Paul's singing on this song is just kick ass. This was actually kind of a scary song. If you think about it, the last song was upbeat country song. Now this one is him yelling. I like the way it sounds too. I don't know what they did, probably not what they did with David Bowie's voice in "Heroes" but he is yelling and it isn't overpowering. The guitar distortion is also sick on this song. And Linda's voice kind of gives it that aspect of a female presence, but you still feel Paul's energy in the song.
9. Eat at Home: This is a pretty cool song. I am not as crazy about this song, as some of the others, but I still do like the solo tone on this song.
10. Long Haired Lady: I love this song. The ending where it goes "Love is Long" is one of the coolest things. This is another experimental esque song. I love that Paul wasn't afraid to experiment. And when he did experiment, it was good. The ending with the whole fanfare type feeling. EPIC! 
11. Ram On (Reprise): I can't imagine that this isn't a great way to fade into from the last song. There is also a lyrical quote from Big Barn Bed in the ending. Which that song wouldn't come out until 1973's Red Rose Speedway. It's kind of like the end of the song Cry Baby Cry off 1968's album The Beatles.
12. The Back Seat Of My Car: When I was younger and heard this album for the first time, so about 4 years ago, I thought this was a cool title for a song. I was 14 and I thought that "SEX" was the coolest thing. I'm more mature and don't really think it's as cool as I once did. I won't just be whipping it out any chance I get. I think this is a good way to end this album. This is a song I would play if I was in the back seat of my car. If you catch, what I'm saying..... SEX! The horns in this song are pretty epic too. This is just an awesome ending to an awesome album.

Overall, this album, gets a big fat 9/10. The way that Paul made this album. It just sounds this is a very good album to hear. If you like The Beatles and you wanna hear any of the solo albums I'd check out Ram, All Things Must Pass, Concert for Bangladesh, Band on the Run, Imagine, McCartney, Wings Over America. And for, well my next review, I'll be doing another Beatles solo album. One that I didn't mention up above there. Here's my quick hint, it came out in 1970 and was, overall, his 5th solo release.