Sail Away - Randy Newman

So I am using this month to finish up some albums that can be finished either fast, or are in various stages of completion and are..... Basically I'm cleaning out my draft folder on the site. That doesn't mean I'm shitting out reviews, I am just doing ones I know I don't need to spend as much time on or i have spent the time and just need to type it out. The album I picked first is this. This is the only, besides possibly Trouble in Paradise, Randy Newman record I'll ever review. The reason being I like the title track and Political Science.  That's really the only reason, I guess that and to give this maybe another chance, considering how much I love PS. And honestly, that the only reason to do this review. Oh yeah this is album number 4th studio album.

1. Sail Away: For this record, I feel this to be a great tone setter and terrific open to the record. It's got that wit, and the cynic inside me loves the tone. So basically this song's story is a slave trader talks to the slaves, on the boat, about how great America will be and all the great things that lie ahead. The one thing he decided to leave out, is the fact they won't get any of those opportunities because they are slaves. Kinda dark, he doesn't have an aside or anything, he just withholds that part. It makes you think a bit, I wonder if they actually did that to make the slaves less irritable or more willing to submit. I don't know, and you probably don't either (we weren't there). But still, if a song can make you think, and not about something stupid, Damn! Man I wish I came up with that. The strings on this thing are great and it just feels American, it feels like it could fit in as a Nationalist type song, though it's not really. I don't know, I just know I love it. Also Ray Charles actually did a solid more gospel inspired cover of this tune, which I'm not sure if I prefer to this version, off his 1975 record Renaissance. If I do a review of that I'll go into more detail about the song, on the Ray side of things. 
2. Lonely at the Top: Hahaha, this was written for Sinatra. I do quite like the creeping feeling of this song. There is also a cabaret feeling to the song, if I'm not mistaken. I think this works, unlike that one song... *cough* Who Needs the Young *cough*. I wish I had more to say, but I do quite like this track and think it works for what it is. Plus this is some what smarter than some of the other songs Sinatra would sing. And it doesn't seem that pityful. I mean I like No One Cares and other tracks like that, but look at that cover.
3. He Gives Us All His Love: Originally written for a movie, and I don't think the joke works unless you have the back story. Unlike God's Song or Sail Away this is not as clear what its about. In the movie they were saying this and it was kind of point out the foolishness of believing. I don't really know how to explain it without you looking it up or making it sound like I don't believe in God. I do, but I love this song. It has a very strong standard feeling and I think it should be. While the lyrics are simple its kind of supposed to be. 
4. Last Night I Had a Dream: There is a slide guitar, played by Ry Cooder, present. This is a solid song, but his vocals remind me of what I think he's funny to laugh at. But this is an odd enough rocker that I think if someone else did it it'd be fucking phenomenal. Maybe someone with a larger range of vocals. Really everything else works here. I love the guitar ton, the building feeling and the anticipation I feel in my blood when the song builds to the chorus. This is also a rocker.
5. Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear: This song is about a guy who, by use of dancing bear. There's more to the story, but I feel like this has a sort of fun feeling to the song. The piano playing is very impressive and I like the changes in rhythm. While its not as grand as I could picture it, or rearrange it in my head, it is solid. I'm not completely sold on the track, but I do enjoy it. I really think the worst part of the song is the vocals, there's a part at the end that hurts my ears. Also I guess its a bit of a let down that there aren't other instruments like horns or woodwinds and strings. That would certainly add to the track. 
6. Old Man: I assume this is about an old man or his old man. I think ths song is a pretty sad song, and I has to have some personal meaning to it. There is something in the inflection if his voice where it sounds like a child singing to his father who is on his death bed. Honestly I could see this being a Sinatra, the string arrangement is beautiful enough to be on In the Wee Small Hours or another of his best records/ballads. There is something's very touching about this and the sole piano and vocals for one verse then the next having strings makes it more effective. I read somewhere he said after his father passed, years later, he revisited this song and pictured his father. Its funny because I hvemmave written songs where they either came true or they were more insightful of my ownself than I could have imagined. 
7. Political Science: Quick, straightforward and to the point, possibly Newman's best song. Really, another hit to Americas ego. This is how good Rednecks should be, but it isn't. This song makes me laugh more and more with each listen. There is a sort of Toy Story feeling tie this track, but I like this a lot. I cove the brushes and the horns that are in the background. A favorite part of mine is the Australia part. This really is a phenomenal track and the ending gets big and just works so fucking well. Great, funny, and on point.
8. Burn On: and on and on and on and on and on. This is a very piano oriented in the beginning and it has this weird cabaret feeling to it. Then the other instruments come in and I really like the um pa feeling I'm getting form the arrangement. The string/woodwind/brass arrangement on this is spectacular. Honestly I can't find flaw in it. It really is a fucking great track and I think his vocals even work well for this track. This is a pretty silly feeling song but I am pretty sure there is a son what deeper meaning. Maybe it was a topical song about Cleveland like Baltimore. 
9. Memo to My Son: I am surprised that I would love this thing, but I do. There is a sort of country vibe to this track. I can't exactly point my finger on what to call it but I do quite like it. It has a sort of honky tank piano and a rocking back and forth feeling. Like I could see this being in a movie from the 70s, maybe in a sort of flashback sequence. Or it could be the theme to a TV show about a single dad who has a son. It has a sort of sentimental feeling too it. I don't have a really reason why but I just can. There is also for whatever reason, Eagles pop in my head.
10. Dayton, Ohio - 1903: You know, this title pisses me off. It's not a bad song, it's actually quite sad, but it's also a sort of predecessor to Baltimore. This is a very mellow song and it kind of reminds me of Short People if it was depressed. I don think its that great, but it aint half bad. I could see it being in a movie or something when its someone pondering something maybe. He isn't the greatest player but he is far better than I. 
11. You Can Leave Your Hat On: I never liked this title, that's not saying the sing it self is bad. Just my feelings of the title. There is a sleezy feeling to this song, but I kind of like that. I like guitar in this and the sort of bar band feeling with the piano. Like a sort of piano blues feeling to it. Though I woukdnt say its exactly like Eddie Boyd or someone like that. Its nice and it is not half bad. I like guitar on the track or whatever is playing that sort of motif in the verses. The bass? I don't know for certain but the only real complaint is it goes a bit long for what actually happens in the song and looking at the length of the other tracks. 
12. God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind): Funny idea, but I guess I feel like this is pretty dark. Its kind of like God does these horrific things to us, but we still love him. I understand that its probably pointing out people are foolish but I think its worth pondering. I also think the music is perfect for this and its a great opposition to the opening. The opening was much more cheerful and hopeful, in feeling not message. This is just a dreary and kind of straight forward song. Like it is kind of fucked to imagine like God just doing stuff to fuck with us because he doesn't actually care. I mean I myself don't think people should find value in themselves to the point if them being above someone else, but there is a part of me that makes me feel like yeah. I don't really think God owes us anything. That's a bit of a way off front the song. But the music is phenominal and his singing works very well. A great track that grows with each listen. 

Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. I don't care for Randy, his albums are structured in a similar way and his music is very samey. There are some songs here that are okay, but most are average or boring elsewhere in his discography. But the upon meditation, and the cynicisizing (?) of my heart I kind of grew to love this. It's far from the greatest thing ever, but I laugh at it and contemplate what it talks about. It's funny, it's satire, it good. The only negative is these aren't really the definitive versions of some of these songs for me. But the template here is great, and the songs are all solid and have high potential to be re-imagined. I know most of these have been redone or covered in the last 40-50 odd years, but still. This album is great and its got solid song writing, but there are other versions of the songs far more realized. I hope that nukes sense, but ill say this. If I can make something as good as this ill be happy you know. So, yeah, as we all know, Randy Newman's the best. Also as a side note, I think I might do a De La Soul review. I mean I was disappointed by The Chronic and Reasonable Doubt, so maybe their debut will fill that void. But hopefully up next was a surprise favorite of mine from last year. I was not expecting to dig it as much as I did and continue to. 

Honky Château - Elton John

So its May, and this is my favorite month. Later next month I'll have a 50th anniversary review, and maybe another one too. But for now I'm just gonna do this to so it, and since I've been listening to it why not. This being the fifth studio album by famous British pianist and singer/songwriter Elton John. The LP was released in May 1972, following Madman Across The Water, released 6 months prior in November 1971. The title of the album is named after the location it was recorded, Château d'Hérouville in France. A number of people recorded at the location and a number of albums were recorded there, mostly in part. Some include Low, Long Live Rock n Roll, The Idiot, The Slider, Obscured by Clouds, Mirage, Pin Ups and Elton's next two studio records following the this.

1. Honky Cat: This tune happens to be a personal favorite of mine. It's songs like this that show country and western honky tonk can have a fun side. The song automatically pulls you in and I love that banjo, played by Davey, and the other string instruments here. I also love the acoustic guitar and how the keys compliment the bass and everything.... Everything works here. It all isn't exactly the same thing and the brass just rocks. Lyrically the song is a perfect song in the vein of a Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. This really is a fucking amazing song and has some tasty vocals from John. I also should mention, I fucking love this arrangement. Really really really really really great. I wouldn't cut a single second to be honest. Even those little rolls, the work in this song and add to it. 
2. Mellow: Opening with piano, this feels like a song like maybe Your Song. It actually really reminds me of, but with a weird drum beat sort of. Upon first listen the song dint flow as well as some if the other songs here. Like there are parts that could work, but its too abrupt and doesn't have time for the parts. I want to mention upon multiple listens though, the chorus also reminds me a bit of Shine Your Light but a lesser version of said song. The solo section has a violin played by my boy Jean-Luc and Sir Elton plays plays an organ. While I think this kinda works, it doesn't really. I hate to say this but this songs a bit of a hot mess. It's not terrible, but I feel like this should have been left on the cutting room floor and not on the record. It doesn't feel up to the other songs I love on here. I think the problem is the song doesn't have enough time for the parts to breathe or flow and just work naturally. It's not like the organic way the song was almost. It's almost like it was planned not like it just evolved into that. Or maybe they didn't practice it enough. Who knows. 
3. I Think I'm Going to Kill Myself: You know, considering how PC I am I don't think I can listen to this without cringing and finding Mr John and Taupin very inconsiderate people. But if your someone who isn't an idiot, you'd know it's tongue-in-cheek. I mean really, there's a fucking tap dancer on the track from the Bonzo Dog Do-Dah Band. So when I finally got to the song it has its actually a great song. There is a novelty honky-tonk feeling but the arrangement is awesome. Really, listen to the bass and the piano and the other instruments and their rhythms. I love it and its really how you make a pop song interesting. This is kind of a perfect song, the harmonies and contrasts in the sections and the instrumentation. This is another top notch pop song from the John/Tapin camp. Plus its lyrically hilarious, talking about a teenager who doesn't get his way so he acts dramatically. Very tongue-in-cheek. I also love the inflection he uses in the chorus its damn fucking kooky. 
4. Susie (Dramas): This sort of reminds me of another song by this guy, off the bat. The chorus isn't half bad, but I'm not sure if it works so much or not. I mean it fits snugly on the record, but as a track. After a few listens I do like the chorus more than I did, but that being the high light.... Is that enough. It's a decent tune but not a stand out. 
5. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time): Probably the best known song off the album, it is. There is a very very sad feeling to this song. I mean, lots of outer space song have this sort of undercurrent of sadness but yeah. The harmonies in that pre-chrous are haunting and in the refrain are amazing. The slide adds to the atmosphere and really, can you find a problem here. It kind just is crafted quite fucking well. Then an ARP (synth) comes in, played by engineer David Hentschel, and it adds another texture to the song in such a successful way. It's so good. There's also great use of the acoustic guitar in this track. I also think it was smart to have the bass less present in the mix. Plus while strings would add to it, I think the slide and ARP do a well enough job. So it wouldn't be all that necessary. 
6. Salvation: This song... I didn't know really. I mean it ain't half bad, but I couldn't make heads or tails time 1. I liked the guitar tone, and like the epic feeling... But was it warranted. Like I feel like its kinda like pushing this big feeling on me.  About a minute in I feel like this could be the middle or ending and not just the beginning. I actually felt like a part of the song was missing from the song. Where was the build to make this gospel feeling supposed to pay off. I mean there is a quite part, but like..... Is it long enough o get me invested in the track. The second time around maybe it worked better, in terms of the second part where it repeated after the soft part. I don't know. But then it still felt that way after a number of listens. 
7. Slave: Again at it with theses trigger words, how dare you sir. This song is pretty decent, I like the hand drums in the chorus I'm hearing. There is a country vibe with the acoustic guitar and the slide guitar. I mean it's not amazing but it ain't half bad. The only thing is that solo I felt like should have been the ending. Like a fade out during that maybe. 
8. Amy: Of the last few song this is kind of drawing my attention again. There is something about it that is fun. There is also this feeling of a song, that reminds me if Bob Seger, but i cant recall the title. There also appears to be a violin and judging on the solo, Jean Luc? Yeah, I've heard Over-Nite Sensation so many times and its so ingrained in my consciousness I was waiting for the solo to play that solo. Also, before I look a fool and forget to mention the nice conga work from Mr. Ray Cooper. Look him up, he's been on some decent records including No Secrets and a number of Elton records. This is a kinda hard ticket but its got a bit more to it than most straight hard rock. It's a pretty solid number that takes a number of listens to dissect. I do enjoy the guitar on this track and think it's put together well and while not perfect it works quite well. This is a pretty solid tune. I really like this tune, how many times have I said that :'D. 
9. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters: This title made a smile a bit, it's pretty tongue in cheek. So I assume that the song may as well be too. Now to the detriment of that atempt of feeling superior, the things is, I couldn't be wronger. I assumed it to be a fun song, and this is more a ballad. This is pretty nice and has some pretty piano, the only complaint is maybe the harmonies. I'm not 100% sold on them. It kinda took me out of the song the first few listens (though they work better, or more forgivable, with each listen). I also love how the instruments are added in, and I love the guitar apreggios in thia thing. Tasty, in a tasteful way. I also like the fact that it kind of builds, but it doesn't explode. There's a sort if build and a beauty, but it doesn't ever turn EPIC. Its nice penultimate track. Thumbs up. I mean I could see it doing that, but the simplicity, kinda, works and I don't know. It's utterly satisfying as a penultimate number. Lyrically, there a few phrases I think could be cut or cleaned up, but its still a solid number. 
10. Hercules: This thing,  well I originally heard the Here and There live version. When I finally sat down to hear the studio version.....  Well, the live version is much more engaging and exciting if I'm being frank. Now there are a number of reasons why, but a major one might lye in the fact that the main riff (that pulls you into the tune) is played on an acoustic guitar. Giving it less force and power, in a raw sense of the word. Though, there is some nice slide work, for the solo, but it still isn't nearly as fun. I guess you could say this, the closer, is a rocker that doesn't really rock. Now okay, it fits in the context of the album. It'd almost be out of place with a electric guitar playing the riff, but still. I will also mention, yes this works as the closer and is satisfying. My complaints are more in preference not in if it works or not. I mean it isn't amazing, even live, but there is a feeling that I'd wanna join in on the live version. This isn't quite at the level that a song like Honky Cat, Love Lies Bleeding or maybe even Crocodile Rock are at in terms of engaging numbers. This version, just isn't that fun. Even David's ARP, which does add a nice texture, but ultimately goes go where if I'm being frank... Again. I do like Gus' whistle on the track. So to be clear, it works on in terms of context and sound, but its just I'm not as pulled in as I'd want. All though..... Amy..... What it that had some violin on it bru. 

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. This album is pretty good, sadly its just kinda okay when its not at its highs. There are moments here I love, but then there are hot messes and songs that underwhelm. Is this his best record? In all honesty, sadly no. Is this worth checking out? I can certainly say, it definitely is. It's kinda long, 45 minutes or so, but maybe listen in chunks. But yeah, this is a classic era record by this flamboyant piano playing talent, of course it'll be worth the listen.

Santa Dog - Residents, Uninc.

Since Christmas is tomorrow I decided to indulge myself. In a good, and great way. I've been listening to this group a ton lately and even watched the Demons Dance Alone DVD today. Tomorrow, or later on tonight, I might watch Eskimo. Well anyway, this is the debut release by The Residents. At the time of the release, had yet to be named. Each track was credited to a different artist, in a kind of sampler-esque way. It was released as two 7" vinyl records. I recognize the name Arf & Omega from Vilness Fats, which is also mentioned in the liner notes this is "from" that film which is "coming soon to a theater near you". For those who don't know the move was never released, and was never finished. This was sent out to some hundred people and legend has it, it was sent back by Richard Nixon. "The Residents" name thought, came from a similar thing but it was the Warner Brothers album that was sent back to "The Residents". I could go on forever, espically since I've read up lately on the Pre-sidents history.

1. Fire: This track is credited by Ivory & The Braineaters and written by Wanda Play. The song starts out with an awesome bass riff and the words "Santa Dogs a Jesus Fetus". For being "failed movie makers" this song is very fleshed out. I mean it's great and for two minutes there's quite a bit that happens. I love the backing vocals; and I also love how it's has three parts before it returns to the head, so to say. Trust me, you wont be able to get this out of your head.
2. Explosion: This track is credited by The College Walkers. Unlike the last track, most people might want to skip this after the quote in the beginning. This song opens with a quote from Jingle Bells, but it sounds like Jingle Bells from Hell. Well, at least by 1972 standards. This really sounds like an explosion, and I love the strings in this track.
3. Lightning: This is a track credited by Delta Nudes. This opens with whisteling and seems friendly enough. The music on this is reminicent of their later 70's electronic music, before turning into something off Fingerprince. Then a guy comes in and starts talking in a very Residents simple way. Except it sounds like its on a megaphone, then an epilouge that reminds me a little of maybe an early version of Not Available's ending.
4. Aircraft Damage: This is by Arf & Omega with guests The Singing Lawnchairs. The song starts out with this march type vibe. Then some vocals come in. For whatever reason the singer on this track reminds me a little of Eddie of Flo & Eddie. I don't know why, but he does. Later it's a very well assembled musique-concrete type piece that I wish I could assemble this well. At least that's the feeling I'm getting parts sound backwards and forwards. The Singing Lawnchairs sound like they are singing backwards.

Overall I have to give this double single a 9/10. There is nothing wrong with this, and if you don't like it it's only like 15 minutes long. This is a great way to start off such an amazing legacy, and it sounds like they got their stuff together. I love this, my biggest problem was I didn't get a copy back in 1972.

Clear Spot - Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band

This is the album seven by Beefheart. This is the follow up from The Spotlight Kid released earlier in 1972. This was released in October and recorded in Autumn of that year. This is a part of his unloved period and I decided why not take a crack at it. I know that TSK wasn't all that bad, so why not do the album that it has since been paired up with on CD reissues of the album. And after this will probably be.... well a surprise. The album was, for commercial reasons, co-produced by Don Van Vliet and Ted Templeman. It was also released in October 1972 on Reprise Records.

1. Low Yo Yo Stuff: This song is kind of cool. It's kind of slick. I think it has a groove to it. It's a good way to start out the album. It has a drive along the lines of Bat Chain Puller. 
2. Nowadays a Woman's Gotta Hit a Man: The drum beat in the beginning of this thing reminded me of Ballroom Blitz by Sweet. Then comes in that harmonica. This song isn't anything special that isn't kind of redundant after hearing The Spotlight Kid. The solos kinda cool in this song. 
3. Too Much Time: This sounds like it could be Beefheart backed by Chicago. Then the female vocals in the background damn, I see how he "denounced" these albums. This is very radio friendly and I could see angering the Trout fans. This is a decent song though that I could play for my mom with few complaints though. 
4. Circumstances: This guitar reminds me of that one commercial in the beginning. Then the harmonica takes over. Then during the normal verses I can honesty say it feels like it never quite lined up, but that drum roll. I think that's kinda cool they did that, and love the guitar distortion. The harmonica reminds me a little of Bat Chain Puller. I really like the drum roll part. 
5. My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains: The best part of this song is definitely the vibes. Other than that little thing that reminds me of Ruth than there isn't really much positive I can say. In all 100% honesty based off this album, and this song, this is the type of artist I'd only listen to the album once and probably never regret never hearing it more than once. Forgot to mention that The Tubes covered this in 1977 on their album Now, which Don also plays on the track Cathy's Clone.
6. Sun Zoom Spark: This is a little more colorful with the vocals, bass, and cowbell thing. The cowbells keeping the rhythm of the song, and this song is more in the vein of Circumstances. It's interesting, but probably because its on this album were there isn't much to keep one's interest. 
7. Clear Spot: The title track, and well I  don't know what to say. After 7 tracks deep I can't say much good about this LP. The chorus is kind of cool when it sounds "bad" and out of sync. I like that, and that beeping in the background. I also like the guitar and bass. I like it, not love. 
8. Crazy Little Thing: This song could be a cover of Funk #49, but with female backing vocals in the track. I'm literally not kidding on the sound, the solo is neat up against the James Gang idea, but yeah, it's charm might only last so long. To be honest, this is the only track I'm keeping thus far. 
9. Long Neck Bottles: This song is pretty epic power chords in it that remind me of 21st Century Schizoid Man or some other where it has a powerful strum. Won't Get Fooled Again is another example, though I can't quite pick what song it reminds me of exactly. This album is starting to pick up its slack. 
10. Her Eyes Are a Blue Million Miles: This is kind of pretty, it's got a neat acoustic arpeggios that kind of remind me of Spanish flamenco music. This is a decent track, definitely one of the best here. Part of it reminds me of Dear Prudence. 
11. Big Eyed Beans from Venus: The guitar is pretty current sounding. The mix I'm listening to sounds like what a blues guitar sounds like today. I do think its neat this is kind of heavy, like conventionally heavy. This gives me hope for his other hated albums, there are hidden gems in the rough. I can tell I'll love this [track] with a few more listens. 
12. Golden Birdies: This seems like an outtake from a more ambitious Captain. The guitar and marimba harmony is just great. It is also in that Zappa vein. Possibly he best song here on The Clear Spot.

Overall I have to give this a 6/10. Damn Capt why did you do this to me. There isn't much for me to say about this thing. I know it was headed in a more commercial direction, but you kind of have up your personality in the process. Don't worry, I actually am a fan, just not huge on these ones. Though it starts to pick up towards the end. PS figured get the bad ones off my iPod first. Oh yeah, it's only this high because of the second half. Oh yeah, Roy Estrada and Art Tripp from The Mothers played on this album.

Lou Reed

In the wake of this whole Lou Reed thing I decided to do a review in memory of him. I'm not a huge fan, but you know, why not to remember him. But Bowie loved him, he collaborated with Metallica, he made fucking Metal Machine Music, and he sang Perfect Day. Those are huge accomplishments in my book. So in honor of the litta' bastard from Brooklyn I decided to review an album I've been wanting to do, but was to lazy to, but now have an excuse. But seriously at the end of the day, if you could be half as important to music as Lou Reed then I salute you. Now enought talking and let's get down to the review.

1. I Can't Stand It: This song is pretty solid to start off the album. I like the women backing singers. This song appeared on The Velvet Underground's live album 1969. I like this version more then the VU version from the outtakes LP released in '85. This is a fun and good way to start out an album. The drums in the beginning remind me of the drum intro to the David Bowie song from 1970 The Supermen. This is in the same vein as Vicious but that doesn't make it bad. This version has more soul to it. The solo's also pretty solid for the track. The tone is great and I like it overall. This is the best version.
2. Going Down: In essence this is a ballad. This is a pretty good song, the only complaint it that I can't really hear Lou and the song drowns him. Other than that it's a great song. This song is really upbeat and is a fun short listen.
3. Walk and Talk It: This riff reminds me of BTO or another riff driven classic rock band. This song has a classic riff leading it and has those female backing singers again. This is a good song. When you compare it to the VU version it's faster and more exciting. It is a demo but more in the vein of the Grateful Dead or The Rolling Stones. This is the superior version.
4. Lisa Says: This song has that soul vibe to it that the rest of the album has. It's a pretty good song, but I'm starting to run out of other words to say for these songs. I hope that changes a little. The song seems to change after a drum "fill"  into Goodnight Ladies. Not lyrically, but musically. Minus the horns. It's a pretty great song to dance to. For me to dance to at least. Then repeats to the beginning of the song until the end. It's long, but it's length is justified.
5. Berlin: Later rerecorded as the title track for his 1973 album, this originally appeared here. On this version it's longer, by like two minutes. The version on Berlin is kind of like a piano/vocal sole song. It's got an avant-garde feel to it there. This version has more of a jazz feel to it. This song feels like it might be played in a jazz club. This is a pretty relaxing song. This is a pretty great ballad, and is better than the titular track version. Damn, this is another great solo that fits the song.
6. I Love You: This sounds like Never Going Back Again. That song didn't come out until 1977 on Fleetwood Mac's classic Rumours. There is a country vibe to this song that is just missing the twang. But I like that there isn't a twang. That'd kind of be overkill.
7. Wild Child: This is song reminds me a ton of Let Me Sleep Beside You. That's an unreleased, at the time, song by David Bowie from 1968. It's very eerie how similar they are. The pre-choruses melodies are very similar. You need to listen to them back to back and then tell me what you think. This is a good song, but I kind of like the "Bowie" version more. The bass line in this song though is sick. I like the gallop of it. 
8. Love Makes You Feel: This is a love song. I don't think it's amazing, but I do like the drums in the chorus. This is a fun song, but it's not the best on the album. I also like the acoustic guitars at the end.
9. Ride into the Sun: This has a funky intro, and kicks the Velvets demos ass. This is a pretty great song that would probably be fun to play. The song kind of goes down hill for me, but the solos good. Maybe it's because I'm tired, but still.
10. Ocean: This track was another outtake from Loaded that Reed reused. The outtake isn't that bad. If you have to compare it to the official version its not as powerful. This track closes Reed's first solo album. This is a pretty song and its pretty tough. It doesn't seem like it's gonna pussy out on you. The piano sounds sick and the arpeggios in there. This kind of paints a picture of an ocean with the sounds. Great ending for the album and kind of makes me want to listen to Transformer in whole. This has an epic finish feeling to it. I also like the outro of the song. You'll have to see yourself.

Overall this album gets a 7.4/10. What do I think about reusing outtakes for solo albums, well The Beatles did it. Not Guilty, Teddy Boy, Jealous Guy, Circles, All Things Must Pass, and more than just that. So yes, it's kind of cheap, but if it's good, it's good. Also how could you say no to that cute little bird on the cover. Yes this isn't as good as Transformer, but it is essentially a first solo album. Starting his own thing, but also taking use of his past to try and make himself. If we can learn anything from Lou it's that "your going to reap just what you sow". So all I can say to that is Goodnight Ladies, Goodnight Lou, Goodnight world. Lets look forward to a better tomorrow. :)

The Spotlight Kid - Captain Beefheart

This is the, in his lifetime, only album credited to a sole Captain Beefheart. This followed the more mature Trout Mask the 1970 album Lick My Decals Off, Baby. (Note in 1971 Mirror Man was released, but that's hardly an album, it's of outtakes from the 60's). This is a HUGE change of pace from Lick My Decals. By a more mature Trout Mask Replica I meant it's even odder and more developed. It's Aladdin Sane is to Ziggy as Decals is to Trout.

1. I'm Gonna Booglarize You Baby: The way this song is it reminds me, vaguely, of Ice Cream For Crow. I do like the growl vocal thing he's doing. That also reminds me of Boris The Spider. This is a slick song. It's pretty easy to listen to compared to Trout, as called by the BBC1 Doc I saw, or Lick My Decals. He does do a Beafheartian vocal, but only vaguely. If the entire albums like this, it won't be that terrible.
2. White Jam: This reminds me of Blue Jeans & Moonbeams. This is a, kind of, pretty song. At least in the beginning. This song has, in his voice in the beginning, some muffin remnants of She's Too Much For My Mirror. You can use your white jam all you want. As long as its not Raspberry Jam, because Lone Star already has that taken Don. 
3. Blabber 'n Smoke: This is actually a great track. I really was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I like this songs title. This song has a drive to it. I also like the way he sings this song. I think the xylophone sounding instrument is cool. I saw the Family Guy the other day where Louis models. The part when she "plays" her ribs cuz she's so skinny. It's at the end of the episode. Regardless, that reminded me of that. But I also like how it's kind of weird.
4. When It Blows Its Stacks: You can always expect bizarre, I did that on purpose, song titles on Beefheart albums. I love that though. This track isn't as good as the two it's between, but that's ok. This song is solid. I like the crunch of the guitar in this song. 
5. Alice in Blunderland: I like the title to this track. I think it's pretty cool. This is an instrumental, featuring that xylophone I was mentioning before. But get this, there's a Zappa-esque guitar solo in this track. It's really cool hearing this. Damn!, and this goes by too fast. This could be part two of the previous track. The melody could actually be a Zappa melody. This could be one of his songs from the Zappa / Mothers period, from '73-'75. This is a great song. It's cooler though as a follow up from the last track. 
6. The Spotlight Kid: The title track to this LP comes in the middle. Though this album is technically slower and simpler, that doesn't mean there isn't anything happening. Like on this track, it's odd. This seems like he found that xylophone and tries to use it as much as possible. (I've done that before). Also I  do like how the instruments do play the same notes. It sounds sick. 
7. Click Clack: This song has a harmonica and is fast. It's kind of upbeat and exciting. But at the same time it's kind of overwhelming. That's whats great about him. Lots of his songs make you feel confused. I like the train vibe to it and also the megaphone thing he did. 
8. Grow Fins: A great box-set of outtakes and live recordings Beefheart songs is named after this track. I like this track too. The lyrics in this song are ok. I think that this is a good track too. I don't really know how to describe it different from any of the other tracks. This song has a type of like island thing I'm imagining. Kind of, but that's just me.
9. There Ain't No Santa Claus on the Evenin' Stage: As the title suggests there are sleigh bells in the song. This is an odd track. I could see this being on Shiny Beast. Though this is easy to listen to, it has that weird guitar slide thing Don loves. I like the "ho ho ho's" in the song. It's kind of funny. And it's not too long. It's a pretty quick track too. 
10. Glider: This closes the album. I'm glad I'm finally getting this up. This track kind of drags for me, but that probably because its almost over. 

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. For a more commercial direction this ain't that bad. This is "slower" (in terms of tempo) and "simpler" (in terms of performance) but still good. I'd suggest this to people who aren't, and probably never will be, into avant-garde. Blame the sound on his wife, she contributed in writing (she's credited at least). The album gets better as it progresses. Art Tripp and Elliot Ingber both play on this album.

Transformer - Lou Reed

This is the sophomore solo album by ex-Velvet Underground lead singer, Lou Reed. Now I watched the Classic Albums doc on this and I gained a new appreciation for it. Before that this was one of those "I'll listen to it eventually" albums. Even though I knew that David Bowie produced the album. I heard a few songs from it and decided to do a review.

1. Vicious: I don't know if there is a specific reason, but I keep listening to this song. I don't think it's the best song on the album, but there is something about it that makes it catchy. This is a good way to start out an album. It gets your attention and it kind of keeps it. I like how the drums sound like a "metrognome". The lyrics are kind of dark. Not sadistic, but the type of dark that reminds me a little of One More Minute by "Weird Al". Tongue-and-cheek dark.
2. Andy's Chest: I guess this is about how Andy Warhol was shot. This is a decent song, I mean that I don't think it's mind blowing, but it's ok. I think that this track does have some significance to Lou. But you know, I just am not super into it. The more I hear it the better it gets, but for right now, I'm not in love with it.
3. Perfect Day: I was just, before I started the review, listening to Duran Duran's cover of this song off their Thank You album. The more I listen to it the better it gets. The more "perfect" it gets. Here are the legendary Mick Ronson strings. Damn, if I could have ever had the chance meet this guy. But I can't, :(. This song though has this pretty piano and the strings that go along with it. I mean, Damn.
4. Hangin' 'Round: This is a total Bowie song. I could almost see this being an outtake from Ziggy Stardust sessions. It's kind of uncanny about how much this is like one of those tracks. I'm assuming that it sounds like that because Bowie helped, but still. This reminds me of a song off that album.
5. Walk On The Wild Side: I love the way this song is. I don't love it, how it turned out, but it's amazing. That contradicts itself but I love the way this song is, the instrumentation, just the overall. I love the lyrics and love the way it IS, but I'm not in LOVE with it, if that makes sense? I think the way the instrumentation is and the whole overall idea about it is awesome, but I'm not crazy about how it turned out? I like it, but I wish it was a little more exciting. This is a relaxing track. I guess you could compare it to Soul Love.
6. Make Up: I'm not a huge fan of this song either. I get what it's talking about, but I don't think it's anything special. If I had a choice I'd probably skip this track, but it's not horrible.
7. Satellite Of Love: This song is just... it took me by surprise. I never really cared for The Velvets but after this song, I decided to check them out. They aren't as bad as I though, and I plan on reviewing one of their albums I've yet to touch later this month. This is by far my favorite song by Lou that I've heard. I heard a demo of this song from the Loaded deluxe album. Only that demo. It's not as good as this version. I do like it tough. It has one of my favorite chord progressions and is one of the funnest songs I know how to play. The whole "I've been told". This is my favorite part and it's so much fun to play along with. The ending that is like ad-libbed, it's great. I love David's high notes in that outro. Something I don't think he used enough on his, if at all, Next Day.
8. Wagon Wheel: This song reminds me of The Velvet Underground. I'm not huge on that band, but you know, it's not that terrible of a track. It's hard to live up to that last track.
9. New York Telephone Conversation: This is a fun song. I can honestly say I never though Lou Reed would do anything like this. Maybe David had an influence on him, but still. This is a silly song, and probably the most silly. I love this song, it's so weird that I don't think it could ever work unless Davey had something to do with it. This is a very fun song and I hope I could write a song almost as fun as this is to listen to.
10. I'm So Free: This song is a little more return to this sound of glam rock, more so than that last song. It actually reminds me of the Wagon Wheel track a little.
11. Goodnight Ladies: This is a great ending to this album. It's a bizarre and it's an awesome ender. It's like a glammed up version  of Good Night off 1968's self titled album The Beatles. Its a great track and if you've never heard it, I'd definitely listen to this first or second to Satellite.

Overall I have to give this album a 8.6/10. I understand this thing. Lou Reed seems like a guy who is dirty and one of those Factory Kids who hung with Warhol, but this is a silly album. It is the opposite of the dark Velvet Underground albums. Just listen to any track off this album, then any track off The Velvet Underground & Nico. David definitely know how to work magic. Most of this album is amazing, though there are some Ok parts, nothing is terrible or boring or bad.

The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars - David Bowie

This is, though it came out in June, my review for this album. I figure with The Next Day on the trail only 3 days away why the fuck not review one of my Favorite albums ever. I could go on forever about Bowie and how him, and this album especially, helped influence my taste and songwriting. I wrote out an album, that was scraped, but was heavily Ziggy-era Bowie influenced. Frankly I want to start this review, so here is a quick factual bio. Released June 6th, 1972. First to feature Ziggy persona. Album number 5. Possibly his most famous album.

1. Five Years: This song starts out with a fade in of drums. Then guitar and Davie and piano comes in. This song is an awesome tone setter for the rest of the album. The chorus on this song, and the entire album, are so damn amazing. The piano in this song is very pretty. And when the strings come in and get louder. This song kind of "fades in" throughout the entire song. As the song progressively gets louder and everything comes in for the chorus.
2. Soul Love: I like the way this song starts out kind of slower. There is sax in the song. I like that this is different than the last song. It isn't completely repetitive like other albums by some bands. I'll leave that up for your interpretation. I like the way that David sings this one. The sax in this song is kind of "sexy"? I hope that makes sense. I could see someone dancing to this at a wedding. "Sexy" might not be the right word, but I still think that is could be considered "Romantic" sounding. I love the moans in the background. Then I love it how the song goes into more of a Ziggy sound. This song is a pretty cool, sick, smooth second track.
3. Moonage Daydream: I was reading that this is, story line wise, one of the most important songs. The guitar in this song is sick and the drum fills in between the "Moonage Daydream". UGH! The woodwind solo there is awesome. I think that the strings too. There is also a sick echo in this song. The solo pretty much blows my mind. The way the guitar in the solo is, it reminds me of something Pink Floyd might have done for the song Comfortably Numb or any song post Dark Side.
4. Starman: This song is more of an eargasm. Now I don't really know if I can tell you how much I love this song. The song is such a build up. This is one epic song. The guitar right after the chorus is awesome. I also think the chorus in the song is so..... YES!. The piano in between the verses and chrous that gives you a little suspense right before the chorus begins.
5. It Ain't Easy: It kind of bugs me when people cover songs for a concept album. Ah-la Eyesight To The Blind on the 1969 Who classic Tommy. It's a good song, but that's just my view on it. None the less, this is an awesome song. This song, along with the other songs, has such an epic chorus. The harpsichord in the verses and the stringsplosion that shows up in the chorus. Damn! 
6. Lady Stardust: Now, this is the only spot on the album where, in the beginning, kind of has a little dent. I think that this song is pretty sick, but it's probably my least favorite song. I know this sounds bad, but this is probably my only problem with this album. But, I don't think it would be the same without it. This song is more of a ballad and doesn't have that epicnessness to it. The piano is awesome in the song, but it doesn't really go anywhere.
7. Star: I don't know why he used the word star so many times in the tracklisting. None the less, this song is a pretty cool song. It isn't a Rock 'N' Roll Suicide but it's an awesome song. I like the instruments and the way they all play. I think the ending of the song is pretty sick, not quite "epic" but sick.
8. Hang On To Yourself: Here's an upbeat song. By that I mean it's more dance-able than the last two. This is a total song that I imagine Ziggy playing. This song is also super catchy. The bass line in this and the guitar solo that kind go hand and hand. It's sick. The band that David was using for this album is just a gift from God.
9. Ziggy Stardust: This song, instrumentally, is just so different, for me. I heard this, then was reintroduced to it in Guitar Hero. I think that this isn't quite a "ballad" but it isn't weird. It is just different type of "ballad". The refrains in this song are amazing. The slight "uh" during the refrains are pretty funny, but I think add to the song. The ending of this song is an awesome finish and perfect.
10. Suffragette City: I could kind of see T. Rex playing this song. They style, not the specific song. This song is a fun song. You can dance to this. The guitars tone in the solo is awesome. I love it so much. The piano in the background is pretty cool to. I love it so much.
11. Rock 'N' Roll Suicide: I don't know why, but I never really thought about this song being this song. I knew this song and thought it was awesome, but didn't realize it was Rock 'N' Roll Suicide. You know what I mean. This song is so epic. The way it starts out very calm and quiet after the last song, which was a pretty fast "exciting" song. The build in this song is just like, for me, Life On Mars? off 1971's Hunky Dory. The strings, by Mick Ronson?, are so Damn beautiful for both songs. I love the way the bass sounds in the 2012 Remaster. And the strings at the end. I would make love to this song playing in the background. This song is truly "Wonderful". 

Overall I have to give this album a 9.7/10. I love it. This has, not just memories, but an awe to it. I don't know how to explain it enough unless you experience this album. Damn, this 2012 Remaster is better than the dumb 'ole 1999 Version I got off iTunes 4 years ago. Part of what I think makes this album so awesome is every song on the album is epic. From the build ups to the strings to the choruses. I tip my hat to you Bowie in making one damn amazing album. I don't know enough descriptive words to explain how awesome this is. That's part of the reason I don't review Jazz, sorry Miles. If you want to make a decent album or make a decent song visit this album a few times first.

No Secrets - Carly Simon

I'm been completely and utterly obsessed with Carly Simon. I've tried to listen to all of her 70's album, and plan on listening to her 80's and 90's and 2000's stuff to. This is her third album and this has one of the sexiest album covers I've ever seen, in my opinion. She is fricken beautiful, not so much today, but this picture is one of my favorite album covers of ever. Nobody Does It Better is my cousin's favorite Bond theme. And after hearing it a couple times and seeing The Spy Who Loved Me, with the beautiful Barbra Bach, who is the wife of Ringo since 1980, I've been obsessed with Carly's discography.

1. The Right Thing To Do: This song starts out as an easy listening song. I could see this being played in a bar scene in a movie. I could actually see this being a Bond theme. This song is a pretty song that also kind of reminds me of Linda's vocals and the music to Get On The Right Thing off Wings 1973 sophomore effort Red Rose Speedway. This song came out first though.
2. The Carter Family: This song reminds me of Red Rose Speedway but without Paul's vocals. Kind of like a cover off that album. It's actually bizarre how similar theses albums stylistically sound and resemble each other.
3. You're So Vain: The song starts out with this bass riff thing. It surprised me when I first heard it, and I thought that it was a different song. Its kind of creepy sounding. But then the song starts up. This song is a really cool sounding. It's a country song, but it has this Bad Ass feeling to it. It's supposedly about one of three people. I don't know exactly if that's true, but I love the idea about it. And during the chorus if you listen you can hear an uncredited Mick Jagger backing vocals. The lyrics in the song reference a solar eclipse. That's insane to me. Most country artist would reference like a beer or a breakup, nothing really special. She referenced a fricken' Solar Eclipse and where it occurred at. The more I hear this song the better it gets.
4. His Friends Are More Than Fond Of Robin: This song is a pretty song. It is more soft and pretty sounding than You're So Vain. There is this synthesizer sound that sounds really sweet. I don't really know how to explain it more than just it's a pretty sounding song.
5. We Have No Secrets: This song starts out, and kind of reminds me of, T Swift. The guitar part. This is more of an upbeat song, but it's kind of eerie to me. Especially since it is upbeat and its about sharing secrets in a relationship, and that she didn't want to know all of them. I think that's a neat angle to look at. I don't know anyone else who has a song about sharing secrets, and kind of regretting knowing some of them.
6. Embrace Me, You Child: I think that this song is a pretty beginning. It kind of reminds me a little of the beginning of Uncle Albert off 1971's Ram by Paul & Linda McCartney. Just the beginning though. I think that the chorus to this song is really cool to. I think that the strings help make this song sound calm. The line "The Devil Doesn't Get To You" in the chorus is sick, I love the way it does that. This song lyrics are pretty to. This song has a type of epic feeling. But the level of epic isn't achieved as much as it could have been
7. Waited So Long: This is a honky tonk vibe to it. It kind of reminds me a little of Honky Tonk Woman. I think that the way her vocals sound in the chorus is pretty cool. I guess it says that James Taylor did backing vocals for this song. And supposedly James Taylor is one of the three in the You're So Vain song could be about.
8. It Was So Easy: This is a sweet and cute little ditty. I could see a little kid walking in the park or something like that happening in a movie to this song. Like a possible reflection about her childhood. I think its a cute song, and I like it for that.
9. Night Owl: Funny enough, you know how I've made some Red Rose Speedway comparisons, well Paul and Linda actually did backing vocals for this track. James Taylor made another appearance to this album. He wrote this song. This is a cool song. I think that James did a good job on this. You can tell Paul and Linda in there. This is a gospel type of song. This song reminds me a little of Roadrunner by Bo Diddley. Just the way the chorus is and the song is. I don't not like the song for that, but I think that it's a good song. Not amazing though.
10. When You Close Your Eyes: This song is a good way to wrap up the album. I think that this is the best way to end an album like this. I think that this is one of my favorite songs on the album. I don't think that it's an AMAZING ending though. I wish there was a tiny bit more excitement going on here. This is a pretty song though.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I like this thing. This is the 2nd time I've heard this in full. And I think it's better the second time through. This is a solid listen, and a decent album. I don't think that you have to necessarily like country to like some songs on this album. I think it's funny that I've made a few Wings comparisons. Another funny fact is that this album has Klaus Voormann on bass for all but 3 tracks on the album. Klaus helped out John, George, and Ringo, among other artists. He even did the artwork to The Beatles Anthology's and 1966 album Revolver's album cover. I am still going to buy this album on vinyl though. Maybe over time this will grow on me more.