Low - David Bowie

Yes, the time has come for me to review his "master work". The album considered by many as one of the best albums ever. Now when I say this, I'm referring to the 11th studio album by David Bowie. Now I personally love the hell out of this album, cover :D. This is supposed to be based off a promo poster for the movie he was in "The Man Who Fell To Earth". There's pretty much where The Thin White Duke is from (the film). This album is the first in the Berlin Trilogy, all of which were made with Brian Eno. I've actually enjoyed this thing from the first time I listened to it, but it wasn't until he passed that I really could say there was a connection with me and that record. Maybe I know what it was like to be at a low, there was other stuff besides just his passing going on. I mean life gets you there from time to time, but you learn and grow. One thing for sure I can disclose right now is, I can't say how many times I listened to the first half (or the entire thing as a whole) in the car while I drove to and from school. It's like a lot. So without further a due, does this live up to the hype? Is it a bunch of hipster bullshit that is buying in to a subpar record? Is Eno responsible for its level of brilliance? Am I qualified to review albums? This and many more will all be revealed to you below. So please feel free to say I'm full of shit, as I delve into this master piece of ambient/avant-pop/.

1. Speed of Life: This opens the album and sort of takes you to another place entirely. Like really, even though Bowie has since said (paraphrased) "Station to Station is just a rock version of what we were trying to do on Low", it still sounds pretty different. I guess I can see that comparison, but this is so different at the same time. The textures here are gorgeous, so are on the others, but this really just makes me want to dance. There are rarely instrumental intros that get me pumped and basically an immediate feel to sit through it, once it clicks. It just works so well as this albums opener I don't really know what to say. I love the dance feeling to the track and I love those icy synths that send shivers down my spine. The player are really doing something here that and I really just wanna re-listen to it once it's over. It also have a feeling of driving, like a broken up car is speeding down a highway or something. At least in my mind.
2. Breaking Glass: Where the last track was sort of bittersweet, there was a joy but it was mind of damaged, this is more of the damaged man trying to find joy. But he is sort of disillusioned by his fears and anxiety. Now I'm not saying that what it's about, that's what I'm saying it sounds like. This is also more "jagged" and abrupt and loud. I mean this isn't Merzbow territory or Boredoms but this definitely is less poppy than say some of his other stuff. Though I still love it.
3. What In The World: What do you expect when you get Iggy to contribute harmonies on this. I've heard this song at least 20 times and I still can't figure out that like Mario sound in the beginning. This track is another fast track, but I really like Pop's echoed backing vocals. I also really like the harpsichord sounding synth on the track. The textures on this thing, and whole album are great but still. I also really like the chaotic feeling and almost disoriented feeling you get towards the ending of the track. I think it's pretty damn good.
4. Sound And Vision: This is my favorite track off this album. This is also the track that I think is key to understanding this album as a whole. It's quite literal, it's not cryptic, it's like about as straight forward as you could possibly lyrically without taking the time to explain it in the song. This is both upbeat, but the way it's sung makes it haunting. It's happy, but it's also kind of down. It also has some great synths, very poppy feeling and that sigh in the beginning is so fucking great. Also I couldn't not mention that lead guitar playing the melody, fucking great shit. Mary Visconti, or Hopkins, comes in and is the female backing vocalist on this track. I really like her little thing she does and then Bowie comes and there's this vocal, then distorted vocal, I don't know if that's just on the CD or if it's also on the vinyl. Fucking phenomenal. Plus that saxophone, damn.
5. Always Crashing in the Same Car: A favorite of mine, its so smooth and chill. Very laid back and fun. The more I listen the more I love this thing. There is the obvious literal interpretation of him  crashing the same car continuously. This song also has meaning to me, because while it's about literally crashing a car over and over, I still cry when I go.... wow I'm doing the same shit over and over again. There is also a mellow feeling to the track that is almost deceiving. Well not almost, it is deceiving. There is also a top notch solo on this track that thank God for Carlos.
6. Be My Wife: This was to Angela, his wife, the two of which were going through problems. I guess he left America then went to France, or Switzerland, and one live in one place and the other... I don't exactly remember but there was just shit going down I guess. This song was looked at as his final plea to keep his marriage alive. Sadly they were divorced by 1980. But as for the song it's much more of a rock song and is pretty straight forward, hahah. No it's not to crazy or complex, though I do loves me some four on the floor. There is great playing from everyone once again and it's a great tune.
7. A New Career In A New Town: This is a great tune to close side 1 and is just fun. There really is a feeling that its like going through somewhere for the first time and feeling that feeling of a new beginning. I love the distant synth and that drum beat keeping time. It's so fucking good, and it's just like once it starts and that harmonica comes in.... I can imagine exactly what the title suggests. A hopeful song, but also shy and unsure of itself. The playing here again, thought much better than the last track, is still amazing.
8. Warszawa: Opening side two we get something entirely new for him. Nothing on any of his prior albums remotely resembled this. Eno is supposedly responsible for the chords to the track, but damn if this isn't barren. I mean I could see if Chernobyl happened in the 70's this song being written about and for that. Don't get me wrong this is amazing and can send chills down your spine, but its also gorgeous at the same time. There is a haunting beauty to the chord progression, the sounds, the textures and the everything basically. This could be the most realized song of the style on this album. Like the albums masterpiece, which isn't something new. It's crazy to think the only things used were a minimoog, piano and Chamberlain played by Eno, and of course David's vocals. I guess the lyrics were based on the recording of Helokanie by "Polish folk choir" Śląsk. I still love the fuck out of this and also this kick the shit out of anything John Carpenter could even try to do. That being said, this was written by Eno with the vocal stuff from Bowie. Also the 8 minutes don't drag on at all, honestly, they are well earned.
9. Art Decade: I like the little electronic flares that pop up in the beginning. This feels almost like its underwater and really has some amazing textures. There are these like sleigh bell things and then these little flashes that sounds like something darting by. The title is a play on the words "Art Decayed" and I assume "Art Deco". I could be wrong, but I doubt its "Decade" as in 10 years. I don't have a ton to say about this track but I really is hypnotic and relaxing. Not as much on edge as the last.
10. Weeping Wall: This is basically a variation on the song Scarborough Fair, which that kind of does bother me a bit but I guess it makes sense. I mean I love this instrumental none the less, but that does deduct some points there. I personally love percussion, especially pitched percussion. I wonder if Reich inspired this track, if not for the lead synth I'd say this is very minimalist. It is very repetitious, but I still love it. I also love what I'm assuming is treated guitars. This is also very hypnotic, and I'm kinda waiting to ear the song progressively disintegrate as Come Up to Show Them Does.
11. Subterraneans: Closing we get the whole band back together. I really like the bass in the beginning and this very much feels like a Residents track. This is very quiet and I almost feel like was supposed to have strings. There is a ending feeling of this and that saxophone kinda of reminds me of 80's music, but not like in a bad way. It feels very sad and this feels just distant. I would like to see the track get nice and confident and grow, but this is more realistic. You don't just get out of it right away, even once you've accepted it. It takes time to heal and this is the ending. I also smile when I hear echoes of futures songs and ideas on later records by him in this.

Overall I have to give this album a 10/10. Okay, do I think this is the masterpiece everyone else seems to claim it is.... I mean if you mean in terms of nothing wrong, then yes. I mean the more I listen to this the less I find error. I have to actively seek out negative aspects in the songs. There really is nothing wrong with this album. Sadly I have to say I agree with this being one of the best albums ever. I think part of what the appeal of the record lives in the fact he was at the lowest point in his life. While that might be lower than I'll ever sink, everything is relative, you can probably relate using your lowest point. A drug addiction for someone may be rock bottom, where as depression may be for another or divorce even cheating. All those and many more it just varies from person to person. The fragmented and broken lyrics and music on side A are very transparently relate-able. A broken man trying to write and basically get his life together. There is a comfort knowing that you yourself, regardless of the dilemma, are not alone. When I listened to this record I sort of got a sense of comradely (hopefully that's spelled right) in Bowie. As much as the world sucks and is really pointless (outside of music) there is a sense of peace that once it clicks you feel. I can kind of understand why people hold this in such high regard. I don't think it's the best record ever, as with his other material during his prime it is amazing none the less, but it's not far from it. I also want to say, along with that comfort, there is a sense of hope in these songs. This really is great. 

The Sinking Of The Titanic - Gavin Bryars

This is the 1975 album by Gavin Bryars. It's very out of print, thanks for Spotify I was able to find it. Both pieces on this record happen to be his best know works , and they are for a reason. This also happens to be his debut album, one which I have to say is a pretty great one at that. Considering how Easter is today I decided to publish a review with some religious tones or themes in the album. Why not, I decide if I want to or not. So without further a due I give you the review for the album aforementioned in the title of this post.

1. The Sinking Of The Titanic: While I didn't enjoy this as much as the next track I can none the less say its impact on me. The theme in the song is fricken great. One thing i should point out is I've also heard the hour long version from the 90's or 2000's. There is a beauty to the swells in this track. It moves slowly, but has a feeling of, to be honest, death. Like I know that the title might help set up what's happening, but there is a feeling that this would be perfect at the sinking of the Titanic in Titanic. This almost sounds like a variation of Amazing Grace (at parts). Through it's 24 minute run time, it feels like it's..... I feel like it's like, I fell like this kind of is what it'd be like to know your going to die. This was inspired by the fact the band supposedly played until they sunk, they knew they wouldn't make it out. So it's like they are playing to the end.There is a moment in there where it sounds like they went under water, about 8 minutes in, but then the strings come back again. There is a muffled sort of ambiance surrounding the piece. Kind of like your underwater, or the adrenaline (like in movies) is "slowing time down". I don't think it's as good as the next piece, but it's still worth the listen.
2. Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet: This song is famous for it's title and story. A homeless man on the street said this and they recorded it and looped it. But his voice makes it so touching, and when the strings come it it sounds like something that I could see being in a Disney movie. It's a very pretty simple arrangement, but the feeling of the slowly moving orchestra makes it get louder and more intense. Not in the way that it's angry, but in the way that it's touching. when the acoustic guitar (played by my boy Derek Bailey) comes in the background it's great and adds to it even more. There are numerous versions, the original 25 minutes LP version (because of limitations), but it was in it's entirety 40 minutes. Then he made a 60 and 74 minutes version. For some reason, though I doubt I'd listen to it one an endless loop, it isn't that bad of a 25 minutes to spend on a song. It's very simplistic an pretty. Sometimes the prettiest stuff is the simplest. This this is slow it's definitely worth the listen.

Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. While I prefer the second track, I can't deny this album has had an influence on me. This thing is actually a pretty solid listen and it doesn't feel like the songs drag on much, or at all. The songs build and don't over stay their welcome. This isn't Einstein on the Beach. I actually prefer this to Ambient 3 (even though there were some interesting sounds on it). 

Here Come The Warm Jets - Brian Eno

Here's #3. Not my third favorite, but the third album for this reviews thingy. There is something about Brian that mesmerizes me. Maybe that he "invented" Ambient music, or at least the "rules" for it. This thing, when I first heard it, mesmerized me. I think it could be a favorite of mine. Only time will tell, but this thing is great. Now, I mentioned something about this album in my John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album review. I still want to hear (No Pussyfooting) because I love that word, since no one seems to know what it means (except me). And I use that term a ton, because of reference to the album. I've done so decent research on this "PeeNo" guy, and well he's worked with Fripp and just about everyone else.

1. Needles In The Camel's Eye: This song starts the album. This thing grabbed my attention. This sounds like a glam song. When I hear it I imagine Davey and Mick singing Starman together. Or at least something along the lines of that. This is a good song, but it is definitely not the best. Which is funny, since this track pulled me into the album. The keys on this are awesome. And the vocals are pretty sick too. The harmonies are tight. Not Abbey Road tight, but tight enough.
2. The Paw Paw Negro Blowtorch: Brian sings that is like he is eccentric. This is a weird song. This isn't as strange as the next track though. The solo in the song is pretty much a squeak  that if you can't tolerate sounds, it would drive you nuts. The sound reminds me of them oiling up a squeak Duck and then squeaking the fuck out of it.
3. Baby's On Fire: This song, more so than the last, has weirder vocals. I could see this being an 80's New Wave song. If you listen to this is it actually, pretty much, a stereotypical 80's New Wave song. Supposedly this song talks about starting a baby on fire. That's what I read somewhere. If so, then it's obviously tongue and cheek. That's probably, somewhat, the way MGMT got their influence for their songs Brian Eno. The solo in this song is pretty long. It's not bad, but it might drag a little if you're reviewing it.
4. Cindy Tells Me: This next song reminds me a little of Grease. I don't know why exactly, but it just kind of does. I could see this being a number that didn't make the cut. You know Danny singing about a girl named Cindy?. I hope that makes sense. Well anyway, this is one of my favorite tracks for the fact that it's so different than the last track. It has a whole different vibe to it. The chorus is pretty sick
5. Driving Me Backwards: The way that the vocals are on this track reminds me of Pink Floyd. The song in particular I'm thinking of is 1975's Welcome to the Machine. The music to it almost seems like it could be a Pink Floyd song. It's kind of a darker song. I could see someone being afraid if they heard this. The whole piano part reminds me a little of the synths on that Floyd song too
6. On Some Faraway Beach: The beginning of this song reminds me of Still The Same. You know off Stranger in Town. That's one of my favorite albums, and I hold it close to me. This song is an instrumental (mostly) and the instrumental, towards the middle more, reminds me a fuck load of Low. That's the first of the Berlin Trilogy by David Bowie and Brian Eno helped a lot. The singing on this song even reminds me of Bowie. Kind of like an outer space type of singing. Then, the piano at the end, DAMN!!! It's so sick. It's kind of like the ending of Epic, but not as epic. But it's still really sick.
7. Blank Frank: This song reminds me a little of Magic Bus, but there are parts in there where is sounds like lasers are about to explode. There is maracas in the background that reminds me of the intro to The Who's 1968 track. And I think I hear a little tape loops, I might be wrong, but I would be surprised since this is Eno. There is also a little hint of like Bowie but if he had Jean Genie with Raw Power distorted guitars.
8. Dead Finks Don't Talk: The vocals on this track reminds me so much of David in his Glam Era. I could see this being on any album between The Man Who Sold The World to Diamond Dogs. The right around the 3 minute mark actually, more specifically, reminds me of Golden Years. Either that or the whole vibe from Station to Station album. And I love the ugly ending that is an awesome intro flow into the next track. I like the distortion on the guitar in the solo. The fuzz.
9. Some Of Them Are Old: This song is awesome. This reminds me of The Beach Boys. Like Pet Sounds era. This is a pretty epic song to be in the ending. This also reminds me of Memory Of A Free Festival's organ in the beginning. The harmony vocals is the Beach Boys idea. There is like a fuzzed kazoo sound towards the end. This is a pretty dreamy song.
10. Here Come The Warm Jets: The first thing I have to say is I do not support what this title is in reference too. I don't really know for sure if you do, but I don't. This is kind of an instrumental continuation of the last track. It's a pretty exciting ending for the album. I think when the drums start to come in it's pretty sick. And vocals start to come in.

Overall I have to give this a 8.6/10. When I was younger I had the idea for a concept album where every song would be a different genre. I realized that would be boring to hear, and too inconsistent. Well, God Only Knows how, but Brian pulls this feat off on this album. I don't think I will ever be able to understand how he was album to do this. You know what, since I'm gonna be 18 in July, why not do a bunch of, or at least more, of my favorite albums too, but instead this is older albums. So nothing from after I was born. That's July 21st 1995. I think that I could use some old time music to help me out, you know. I still have a shit load of stuff I need to hear by Eno, but yeah. Then I'll have to do one month for my favorite album covers. But anyway, the next review is an album that the band has even, basically, disowned the album. It's from the 1960's, and it's the most this band has ever experimented.

Mylo Xyloto - Coldplay

This is the 5th album by alternative band Coldplay. I'm not a huge Coldplay fan but I like this album a lot, and also A Rush Of Blood To The Head and Parachutes and Live 2003. I don't know everything about these guys and I'm not the number one fan either, but some stuff (ie. not Viva La Vida) is really good. Now I found out about this album either The day before or two days before. I knew the pictures but I didn't know they were releasing this album. I remember staying up on October 24th, on the computer and torrenting this album. Then later that day going out and buying it at Sam's Club. This album has songs that everyone likes but do they like the album. What I have to say is there is only one bad song, and it is the collaboration with S&M singer Rhianna. But what I noticed after buying this is Brian Eno helped produce and co-wrote all the songs on the album. This album reminds me of Drivers Ed my Junior year. That wasn't necessarily an amazing class, with the kids and stuff, but one good thing is that I'll have more love songs from it. It reminds me of the good feeling of the class which I can't describe exactly. I don't like their whole style nowadays, as in appearance and artwork, just their music.

1. Mylo Xyloto: This is the instrumental opener to the album. Something I like it that there is instrumental "fillers" in between to "link" songs together. I also love the kind of rush you get as this song builds up to Hurts Like Heaven.
2. Hurts Like Heaven: This is the reason I wanted to buy the album so bad. There was something about this song that hit me. The electronic beat and the simplicity of it made it so catchy. Now this album hasn't had an El Camino effect on me (I'll give my voice on that album later). This is one of my favorite songs of many on this album
3. Paradise: The violins at the beginning and atmospheric feel to this songs intro is one of just awe. This is something that I imagine would play in movie where it is "some type of a miraculous cure" (FZ reference). The chorus to the song and the verses are just a type of feel of relax, sit back and dream about good things. I remember buying a food in the food court, not the grill the court, at school and hearing it and hearing someone sing it under their breath. That kinda hit me because it wasn't just me who liked the song. The ending with the piano type solo sounds like they didn't even try to make it like so fast.
4. Charlie Brown: Another great song, same as the last, the atmosphere is the key to the album. This album, espically this song, reminds me of a surrealistic teenage life. Like one that would be one of adventurous and free. I could picture to teens running in the fields and holding hands and loving each other. This song just is one of immature, but in a good way, as if he wrote this as a teenager... in love. And the ending reminds me of the TV cartoon Charlie Brown piano song
5. Us Against The World: This song gives a good vibe to drift off and dream of what it's like to be in love.
6. M.M.I.X: This is the instrumental intro to Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall. it is good and same thing about the last intro
7. Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall: This is another song that reminds me of Drivers Ed. Sitting there in the backseat waiting for my turn and drifting off while looking at the Illinois praries and playing with my chin. It has such a good thing going I think that it should be a best song of 2011. This also reminds me of moving my neighbors lawn after getting this, and at night because I'm lazy and sweating.
8. Major Minus: I don't know what to say about this song. It is good and I really like it but I don't know. The chorus is pretty cool and the verses are good. This is a slick song in my opinion. I could this being a song they would play in a musical for a slick guy singing to a girl or the bad and/or good guy. A modern James Bond/West Side Story mash up.
9. U.F.O.: This is the soft acoustic song that I believe needs to be on a Coldplay album, #with strings and synths
10. Princess of China: This is my only complaint. This song kind of sucks... bad. I don't like it, the electronics are heavier on this then the rest of the album and it just stinks.
11. Up In Flames: This is not amazing either, better than that Rihanna shit but not as good as the beginning
12. A Hopeful Transmission: The instrumental lead into another, not amazing but good, song
13. Don't Let It Break Your Heart: This song makes up for Up In Flames and Princess of China songs previously. Overall this is just a fun song. You can tell at this part in the album that it's gonna end soon. And the ending fits into the coda perfect.
14. Up With The Birds: This is an pretty ending for an awesome album. This reminds me of a classic Coldplay songs, before they experimented and stuff. There isn't much to say except this is the best ending to this album as there can be

I think that this album deserves a 9.3/10. This is a really good album to listen to, at least for me, to have be memories. This would be a good soundtrack for a teenage memories. The album though does go a little down hill after U.F.O. Upon relistening I think it sould get an 8