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.

Foreigner - Cat Stevens

Okay, so recently I've been on a Cat Stevens kick. I honestly don't know why, I'm not a fan outside of tracks here and there and the whole spiritual seeking aspect of some of his music. Now I don't plan on listening to anything Yusef before his pop music return, outside of A is for Allah (I'm not Muslim, and I  honestly wouldn't get anything out if it other than a curious listen). So when it came to picking a review I knew I had to do the album with one of the best A side long tracks ever. This album, number seven, was released on July 25th, 1973 and recorded the prior March. So I guess he was really moved by "black music" and because he was an outside attempting to make this music he called it Foreigner (but also because he was in tax exile). This album is also notable for having a number of musicians I am suprised to see on a record by this guy, Phil Upchurch, Bernard Purdie and Patti Austin.

1. Foreigner Suite: Sitting at 18:17 I've as of this review sat through this over 50 times, play counter in last.fm, and I'm still not tired of it. This is one of those tracks I don't see going anywhere and will probably stand the test if time, for me. He also pulls out all the stops on this thing, using an electric piano, fender rhodes, and an acoustic guitar. This song starts out pretty strong, and pulls you in. There's an epic feeling to the piano and vocals lead. This also has drums and bass but is followed by the first instrumental section which completely changes the tone from epic ballad to upbeat and happy. When he comes back on the song continues to be upbeat and happy and is pretty great. I am pretty sure a Rhodes is played here. I love the keyboard sounds on the track and I love how the song builds. While the vocals aren't amazing I think they fit really well, and damn this thing has so many transitions and little turns and sections 10/10. I love the little turns and the sort of swirling part. I kinda feel like its being played on a carousel. I love the sort of James Bond instrumental with the funky guitar and fucking solid drums and tight as fuck. I also love the woodwinds and horns. This section could pass as a Bond theme, honestly. I love the four on the floor and the wahs of the keys. After the instrumental section it comes to reality with a soulful section. There are some phenomenal backing vocals from Patti Austin, Barbara Massey and Tasha Thomas in the choir part. I love it so fucking much. The idea that love is a liberating force is something I can whole heart-ed-ly get behind. This is probably my second favorite part for the fact of how large and marching and epic it is. The song gets spacey and reverb before coming back with a sort march of sorts, or at least I feel I could march to it. I love this part too, and I love the drum fills I assume are played by Gerry Conway (his only performance on the record). The man must fight for freedom is possibly more epic than the last epic part, and I love the strings here. Back to that instrumental before a fade out with a great string arrangement. Really I honestly can't believe anyone could make something this great. The song goes to a bit of a call back to the beginning, except this time the piano (electric?) And vocals really feels very emotional. It sort of builds the dies down, then builds up. There is a momentum to this part and it gets me excited for what's next. This part is amazing and, I know I'm sucking his dick, it I honestly love this. Guess what it changes again, but this time is a refrain (recall) of the introduction. I love that, the intro feels so much more powerful after going through that journey and experiencing all that we just did. There is a gospel feeling to this part, and this song is just so liberating. I feel like how did America not adapt this as a national anthem or pervert it as the women being America. This feels like it could fit that bill, but yeah. Like I just wanna salute Yusef during that part of the song. With 4 minutes left I really wanna listen to this thing again :D seriously. The "will you" part kills me because it transitions into the famous "Viva La Vida" section. This works so much better here, to be honest, but this is my favorite part of the song and it has this gallop to the drums. Its like you got here, you made it. There is a bit of a refrain before going full on into the finale. It continues this way till the end with him yelling out things here and there and then becomes an instrumental to the fade. This song is gorgeous, and 10/10. I love it so, and lyrically I eat it up like honey. It's so fucking good. All the little nuances and touches that happens than make it not a straight loop for 18 minutes, kudos Mr. Stevens. Sadly, this wouldn't be continued for the rest of the album. 
2. The Hurt: Following the moster that is Foreigner Suite, we get this. I hear the soul influence here, but I don't dig it as much as the other track. I do like the atmosphere set by the electric piano on this track, but there is like a disconnect. Where the last track pulls you in I think this would have to be more along the lines of say, Win by David Bowie, in order for it to pull me in. Like I said this isn't that bad of a track, and the drums are pretty great on here, but there's just a disconnect for me.
3. How Many Times: I guess this is the Herbie Flowers track that he has to play on for the record. This isn't that bad of a track, but again the steam was kind of spent on the title track. This also, which I found out to be true, seems like a rewrite of sorts of The First Cut is the Deepest. I prefer the New Masters track over this, but it isn't too bad. The worst part is it isn't that memorable.
4. Later: The drums in the beginning remind me of a Paul Simon track, I can't quite think of. They also reminds me of, the more obvious, Shaft or funk sounds this was inspired by. I like the The girls, come back for a third time. And this is probably the most interesting track outside of title track. There is a sort of, he kind of nailed the urgency of the blacksplotation theme. I don't dig the transition as much, but it doesn't ruin the track for me. Now I don't think he nailed the magic of the blacksplotation theme, but he certainly did a great job of sonically copying it. Well it's more of a homage than a copy or stealing it. It is worth checking out. I do enjoy the string section though, it doesn't have the same impact as on the first track. I know I shouldn't compare, but it's still the same album.
5. 100 I Dream: this track features on guitar synthesizer and clavinet, plus the good old acoustic guitar from Cat. There is a bit of a country twang to this, and it has a bit of soul to it. There is something that I can't quite put my finger on for this track, but I do like it. I think this is a solid tune, but like I said this took a few listens to click exactly with me. Like this is the closest it comes to begin great. I really think the combination of this sound and the "black music" come together pretty well here.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I like what he's going for here, it's just that it doesn't work that well outside of the title track for me. There are moments, but a lot of the rest of the record is just okay. There is a possibility of a review for Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat, Catch Bull at Four and maybe Izitso. I am looking at the first one listed as the most likely candidate. If you wanna check this out, go ahead. For sure check out the first track though.

Hard Nose the Highway - Van Morrison

Today happenes to be St. Patrick's Day. The made up holiday that is an excuse for Irish people to get drunk. I'm very Irish, something like 30-40% maybe more. Its the biggest chunk of what I am. So I decided why not celebrate my heritage with a quick and easy review. And I was gonna save the Thin Lizzy one for next year. This album I chose happens to be the seventh studio album by Irish singer/songwriter George Ivan Morrison (better known as Van Morrison). This is notable for it's fucking amazing album art, seriously look at this picture. And then look on Discogs for the full artwork. Which I couldn't find a decent version if the cover. While I like this album, I'd buy it alone based on the artwork. The other notable thing is the fact that this is the first album he released as a solo artist with a song not written by him. Okay, so now that that bull shit is taken care of, let's review this often considered low point and mark decline in his peak years.

1. Snow in San Anselmo: One of my favorite songs I ever heard the first time I heard it. It's also the first song by this guy I heard and I was confused by. I mean I have been impressed by how I like or respect some of his songs. But this is a completely different feeling. The song features the Oakland Symphony Chamber Chorus and it's kind of..... The way the sound and their use is one of the oddest I've ever heard for a choir. It also makes me envoys because there is no way in hell I could have ever came up with anything like this. The only logical thing I can get from this is I read it was written when he saw snow in that place. And I think it's in California. So for it to snow in California would cause panic and confusion. That is this song.
2. Warm Love: Some consider this to be a sequel to Crazy Love. This actually sounds like a sister song to that, but like a lesser version or re-write of it. There is more woodwind and I mean I dig some of the stuff, but I can't really say it's great. I think it works after the cool off from the epic that was prior to this,
3. Hard Nose the Highway: This isn't that terrible of a song, it sort of reminds me of something that I could hear on a prior album. I can't really complain about this, I mean it isn't amazing, but it's about the same level of most of the songs by him I think are just okay. Like they aren't amazing, but they aren't terrible. They are fun to hear and pretty decent listens.
4. Wild Children: This song is about post-war children growing up in other countries and getting their source of role models from American anti-heroes. The wikipedia page makes more sense for explaining it. I guess that makes sense, but I'm more interested in the music first, then the message. Ehhh, it's a chill song. I can't say I'm getting into it though. I mean it's not gorgeous, or mind blowing. There are bits and pieces I can say reminds me of this or reminds me of that. I don't know, just kind of chill. Nothing special in my opinion. Good playing though. Also, for whatever reason, I don't like his use of name drops.
5. The Great Deception: This is a political song, and once I read what it was about it inspired me to out write it. Okay, yes the last song and this song are different, but they are similar in mood. They are both jazzy chill easy to listen to songs. This happens to be a bit more upbeat, but I mean it isn't anything mind blowing either. I mean I honestly like listening to this, but I'm not sure if I'll revisit it. I mean it's better than the last tune, maybe a 7, but yeah.
6. Bein' Green: This is a cover of the Joe Raposo track that is from Sesame Street. I though this was an odd choice, but you know, I don't know. In the context of the record I guess this would be the one to do it on, and the style is very fitting. But is it necessary? Yes it's a nice touch, but is it necessary.
7. Autumn Song: This is 9 minutes, and yeah it's nice. But I want something else. I want to be thrilled, I want to feel something rather than a stroll through the park smoking my cigarettes in New York. Give me something please, this isn't bad it's just so samey. About 4 minutes in and I've very bored. There really is no need for this to be 9 minutes long. At all, maybe 3 or 4 tops.
8. Purple Heather: This cover of the traditional song of Scottish Origin. Other artists who have done versions are Thin Lizzy (as a part of Roisin Dubh), The Cheiftans (2001), Joan Baez (1965), The Bryds (1966), Mark Knopfler (2002), Judy Collins (1961),  Bob Dylan and last one I'll list is Marianne Faithful (1966). Now this might work as a finale to the record, it maybe have a sort of soft ending to what opened on such a high note, but this version of the song is just boring. I mean it isn't terrible, but it's just it's like the other tunes. Kinda pretty, not gorgeous, but just....................... SAME!

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. It's funny, I can't say I love this guy, his vocals often get on my nerves. But when he has a solid track T.B. Sheets, Wild Night, Snow in San Alsemo, I've Been Working, The Way Young Lovers Do and so on there are a ton of other okay songs. This album is very consistent in it's underwhelming-ness. I mean I don't hate it, it just doesn't live up to that title track. I'd suggest Moondance as the album to check out.

Help! - The Beatles

This is late, like it should have been up last month, but whatever it's up now. Something I wish i would have done is review these in honor of their 50th. All The Beatles albums, why? Their my favorite and most influential artist on my taste and writing. The worst part is I did their debut as a 50th so its not like I started doing reviews and it was already the 50th for Revolver. I was doing the prior to the first album. So whatever,  this is the sixth studio UK studio, and second soundtrack, album by The Beatles. Well it coincided with the movie of the same name, only the first side of the album songs featured in the movie. In the US version, it was a straight up soundtrack. It featured the movie songs, and also the instrumental tracks from the movie. I've also researched the movie for the hell of it to remind myself how they work into the story. I have it on DVD so that was no problem.

1. Help!: A classic theme song that sticks in your head very easily. I may not love this track, but I like it. If was originally supposed to be slower and more depressing, but they made him change it to upbeat. I wish the early version would have made it to the Anthology. That has more of a blatant, "help me I'm depressed and not getting better" (which is what its meant to be). This is more of a lighthearted" help I'm a damsel in distress and will ultimately be saved, this is an episode of a sixties show with  shenanigans". But regardless of the end products "meaning", I  love the descending guitar line. Also how it then arpeggiates.... *Fancy Person Rating Restruant Kiss Finger Thingy* Ah. This song has a really solid arrangement. I don't know if Martin was responsible, but the shifts, and the little spirts of change make this a classic.
2. The Night Before: One of my personal favorites is this track. I love this thing. Paul sings this, and wrote it, but I love how catchy it is. I also think its better and stronger than the prior track. There isn't a single second of this that isn't a 10. I love the harmonies that both back up and call and response to Paul, the hammond organ (actually a Hohner Pianet), the bass line, the double tracked lead vocal. Then drum heavy refrain and the guitar tone that is one to aspire to in that solo. This is how you make a frickin flawless rocker. I can't not listen to this without singing along. It's seriously impossible.
3. You've Got to Hide Your Love Away: This is a decent song. I mean it isn't of the quality the last two were, but it isn't of the quality the next one is either. This is actually, thought I never realized it, a perfect track to fit this spot. Now I don't think it's as good as the two before it, but it's at lest a 7 or 8. But it's slower, it doesn't keep chugging away at the quick rockers that the first two were. This also uses the flute to a masterful effect. 
4. I Need You: This has a weird minor feeling to it. I feel like I should look up these chords. Now I want to note this is one of the first times Georgie wrote a song. The first is one of my favorites Don't Bother Me, frickin' instant classic no matter what he though of it in later years. This, this is more in that lane of... I kinda feel like this should be the song that was his first time writing a song on an album. I mean in the movie it works for it's scene, but on the album I kinda think it doesn't. I like the strum pattern, the kind of spanish (?) one. I think the thing that really bothers me, or hurts the song, is the fade in fade out guitar lead. This doesn't really seem like the type of song that this would work for. Maybe if it was an organ and they notes were a little longer, but the guitar just.... I don't like it's mymic job you know. I looked it up, and now I understand why it doesn't click. But I'll never tell. Mostly because I didn't figure it out on my own, but also because it'd be very bad.
5. Another Girl: Easily one of the best songs by the group in my opinion, it was penned by Sir McCartney and features him on lead fills and lead vox. This is very similar to The Night Before, It's very fun and makes me want to get up and play along. I really love this and I really can't find much to say about it that I didn't say earlier in this review.
6. You're Going To Lose That Girl: Not huge on the fact there's another long track that could work as being lines in each others songs. I don't know why, but this isn't that bad. I mean, I know all the words to this track, it makes me want to play along. And that's kinda the magic of this group. They always have solid drum beats, catchy vocals, great bridges, tasty licks and at this period some nice sharp guitar tones. If the guitar was mixed louder I'd almost think it was taken from Roxy & Elsewhere or at least that 1973-1974 period where he used "razor blades" to play. It's hard to hate any of their songs. I do like the intro to this song, and love that bongo.
7. Ticket to Ride: I never got this. The first Beatles CD I had, my cousins burned it on my computer, was 1. There was songs I skipped, and never really liked to listen to. To my recollection all have either grown, or degrown (but not to the point of not liking it) on me, except this track. This honestly was the same from day one, in terms of feelings. Few tracks are like that. I know its a popular Beatles song, but I'm not into liking things just because they are popular. I like what I do because I do. Let's hope the chord structures unique or interesting. I mean I guess I can look at the sheet music and see if I like the way it's voiced. I mean I didn't see anything that I thought was mind blowing, but I do like the ending. I kinda wish that didn't fade out of the best part, but you know.
8. Act Naturally: This is a cover of a song by Buck Owens and The Buckaroos, sung by Ringo. This song is so Ringo, you kinda can't hate it. And this is also the perfect song to be on this album, it's almost self aware. It wasn't written for this, but this is the soundtrack, Side 1, for their second movie and it talks about "Acting Naturally" while being in the "Movies". It's a country diddy that fits very well too. I do like the 
9. It's Only Love: This is a sequel of sorts to Your Gonna Loose That Girl, but where that song is fun this is more sad or low. This sounds like an outtake from, honestly, Beatles For Sale. It's kind of a romantic feeling to it, but I don't know. I really am kind of out of things to say about it. I mean, I really can't think of anything I haven't said earlier, or later, here that is different. Not that it's not different, just I don't have anything to say.
10. You Like Me Too Much: This is another just okay song. This is much better than I Need You, but it still kinda reminds me of that, but also mixed with some other songs on this album. The piano reminds me a little of a saloon, but the pianet reminds me of the other songs with it used on it. This could almost be looked at as George's take on The Night Before. This is more relaxed, or loose rather. I don't think those are the right words but where TNB is urgent and fast, this is took a toke and played the same song. Does that make sense?
11. Tell Me What You See: See this is another track that would be snug on Beatles For Sale. And I... Damnit what song. This reminds me a lot of Every Little Thing or maybe What You're Doing, though that little post chorus sections with the really cool "fill" is sick. Not mind blowingly sick, but sick enough. But that's the only really interesting part. And the thing is even the lesser songs on Beatles For Sale have something going for them, interesting arrangements or instruments. Or the fact there is a cover or two, so if a cover's not exciting I don't really hold it against the bad. And both of those song listed earlier are notable better than this. And the change is more.... they flow better.
12. I've Just Seen A Face: A song that touches me every time I hear it. It's so innocent, I mean it has a skiffle feeling to it, and it's also a country song. This is like All Together Now, except this is a love song. From the drum sound (achieved with "brushed snares" I looked it up), to the vocals (not double tracked), to the solo that is works and never sounds a bit off. This is also a great song to get you into the full effects of the next track. There isn't much here to comment about, it's just a really great song that's infectious as hell. Much like some of the other greats on this album.
13. Yesterday: This really is worthy of being a standard. Being the most covered song ever, officially, its gorgeous. The original is the best but its such a well written song its one of those, every version is either, good great or above. Songs like Autumn Leaves and Summertime are like this. I've yet to hear a bad rendition if this, or those. There obviously lesser version, but I haven't come across a totally bad version. It's got the gentle touch of a solo song that is just so intimate. The string arrangement reminds me a little of a variation of the Family Way soundtrack that was arranged by George Martin also, and was written by Paul. This is how arrangents should vs the sometimes over-arranged (at parts) Let It Be album, though I do think it'd be siginficatly better if it's wasn't so "wall of sound" 
14. Dizzy Miss Lizzy: This is a cover which I'd assume was rather dizzying back in the day. Now it is still kinda, bug not so much. It's not half bad, but it's also not that amazing. It's a rocker that closes the album, but the sharp tone might be mixed a little too loud without not enough power. Like there are parts where it sounds like it's not synced up. Like the double track isn't matched up close enough. That kinda sucks about it, but I wish the guitar also was more intresting. Not just that same riff. Play little fills and licks, not "Da Da Da DaDeLa Da Da".

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Of the 14 only 4 in my mind are flawless. At the end of the day one of the weaker albums in my opinion. But saying that doesn't take away from this being one of the best albums on the 60's. Maybe I'm biased, I mean there are songs here I haven't heard in a few years that I am picking up on things I try to do in songs. But I try to look passed my biases. This is where they started trying new things, not to the extent of Rubber Soul but seriously. There isn't another album by the group that sounds that similar to this, if you look past the songs that are "outtakes". But the worst part here is that the songs are so short and go by so fast, it's hard to get all my thoughts out. TBH that's kind of a good "flaw". If you get a chance check out the mono version of this, it's worth it.

American Beauty - Grateful Dead

This is possibly the best known album by The Grateful Dead. You know I got this thing on vinyl from my moms cousins husband. And honestly, I didn't care first time through. Now I'm older and more mature and have been craving the following artists/genres The Dead, 20th Century Classical, Free Jazz, Jazz, Bowie and a little hip hop/pop to add flavor so it doesn't get dull. I'm 100% serious when I say that so I may be going insane or I may just give this thing another shot. After all, it is a classic.

1. Box of Rain: This opens up this album, and you know it isn't that bad. The thing that turned me off was the harmony vocals before, but you know this is a pretty decent track. The more I hear this song the more I think that I enjoy it. Maybe it also has something to do with Eugene, but that's also a little irrelevant. It's a pretty song and it's relaxing.
2. Friend of the Devil: This is a pretty fun song. I always kind of liked the bass line in it. This is a fun song that I may want to write a song like. I mean this 
3. Sugar Magnolia: Now this song is a song that kind of gets on my nerves. I mean, it's not terrible, but there is a type of magic that is keeping me from hating this thing. Usually I can't stand bluegrass or country unless it's done a certain way or with a little flavor. This album is able to keep my interest and make me wanna review this. I think the drums on this a pretty cool sounding. Its also very happy and kind of "brainwashes" you into wanting to have fun too.
4. Operator: This song reminds me a little of Big Yellow Joint or the real version Alice's Restaurant. This is a fun song that I think may also grow on me with time. This is a pretty fun time and a jolly way to sit back drink a beer. Thought I don't drink, nor will I ever, this is something I imagine would go great with it.
5. Candyman: This is pretty much on the same boat as Operator with the whole beer things. This song is just relaxing, but I like the guitar fills in there. This album has a central focus. I think that this shows great maturation on the part of the band, why? Well they were willing to go from that psych sound on their debut to this folk/country feeling on Working Man's Dead and further expand it more with this album. I'm actually surprised that those 6 minutes were actually pretty fun.
6. Ripple: This is a very country sounding song. I mean even as the album progresses I am opening up to the songs more. This is pretty and relaxing I just want to kick back and write a bunch of these songs after hearing this song. 
7. Brokedown Place: There isn't really anything that crazy complex going on, other than these guys are really into the song. They are able to make boring songs have heart and honesty. The vocals here are pretty great, and they make me wanna listen to this thing again after listen to it once. This proves that simplicity isn't always a bad thing. I also like the honky tonk piano fill thing. It's pretty great.
8. Till The Morning Comes: Now this is a song that I think, after the last track doesn't really stand up. This album uses a lot of very similar sounding songs and they probably reuse a few chord progressions, but the songs are still pretty great. This song has a cool thing that reminds me a little of I Can't Explain's main riff. I also like the chiming sounds and what not at the end.
9. Attics of My Life: This is a more relaxed song. This actually reminds me of The Beach Boys. One of their songs that would be sunshine pop. A good example too would be Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles off 1966's Revolver. Now I always found an irony in the genre because it's always felt kind of dark even though it has "sunshine" in the title.  Just an underlining darkness in there. Though this doesn't necessarily do it for me, that may change over time.
10. Truckin: This closes this LP, and a pretty great ending too. Just keep on Trucking and keep calm. This whole album is relaxing and I think that this kind of wraps up the whole feeling of sit back and kick you shoes off to a T. It's also probably the song that has the more things going on. This is also just a great way to end the review and album

Overall I have to give this bluegrass/rock n roll classic a 7/10. The title fits, country is from America and if you think about it then you can know why it fits. Thought I may not think this is my favorite album by the group, this is still a pretty solid album. Now I may not always see the genius or the classicness of this, but one year has done maturation and let me enjoy this a little more, maybe in a year from now I'll like it even more. I am positive though, that I WILL be returning to this album if I plan on doing a country influenced album, song, ep whatever. I don't want to say this is genius or even a classic, but it's pretty great and a great place for inspiration.