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.

Mona Bone Jakon - Cat Stevens

So I've been super busy and haven't had time to do reviews. So I figured I'd do an album I could knock out pretty fast. So I picked the third studio album by beloved singer/songwriter Cat Stevens. Released on April 24th 1970, this was recorded after he almost died because he contracted TB. No really, look it up, he was in a hospital for like a year I believe, and he wrote songs there.
Also as a side note, Who Can I Be Now? [1974-1976] is fucking great.

1. Lady d'Arbanville: This opens the album, with a completely different Cat Stevens. A much more mature and grown up version. sort of dirge, there is a Spanish feeling to the song. I really like the percussion in the track and this is one of his best. The song is very bare and it really has a close feeling, there is a driving force with the percussion that I love and the two guitars sound fucking great together. I love the organ, I wanna say, that accents the guitar later on in the song and how it progressively gets louder. I think it's a pipe organ. This really is a fucking great tune and it you just feel the feeling in it. I also dig the double tracked vocals, and it just takes you there you know.
2. Maybe Your Right: This feels like a bit more of a busy version of say, If You Wanna Sing Out. Now I dig the piano in the track, and I think this is a solid tune none the less, it's just I feel there's a lot happening and there's stuff that can distract maybe. It's not like it adds to it though, I think it kinda is just there. I do like that piano roll though, fucking nice sounding. I do like the brushes used and I like the strings. While this is decent enough, I feel like it's a deep cut more than a stand out.
3. Pop Star: From what I've read, this is a satire about the triviality of celebrity and what not. I can get with that, I mean fuck everyone. Now because I'm not fucking retarded, I know satire isn't usually funny and it more points out the short comings of people. Based on the lyrics, I guess I can say it's satirical. I like the song, though it kinda reminds me a bit of Six String Orchestra, especially the part where the band comes in and plays. I also wanna say, Fuck! that double bass... I love it. This is a solid tune, thought I wish maybe it was a different take. Like it doesn't feel as confident(?). There something missing from keeping this phenomenal you know, but I'm thinking it's probably the fact this is the first time they've done this.
4. I Think I See the Light: The second this starts I go, White Stripes? This so could be a White Stripes song, you know a piano or more novelty try songs. Not to say this is a novelty song, but that's to get in your mind. I mean this is way more interesting and has a ton more going on than one of theirs would have, but it's pretty great. I also like the motif that plays as an instrumental during the choruses. I also gotta say, great organ solo. It's a solid track.
5. Trouble: A soft song, also one of my favorite songs he's ever written. Elliott Smith did a great cover of this, but I gotta go with the original. So I guess this song is written about death, and pushing it away. I could see that, there is a very somber feeling to this track. The harmonies in the background are great, and I love they mostly guitar and vocals. The double bass and drums are there, but they aren't as prominent, I wanna say.
6. Mona Bone Jakon: Slang for a hard on, I really like the percussion in this track. There is some type of bongo or animal skin thing being played. And there sounds like he might be hitting his guitar. This song is kinda filler, and it's a bit disorienting, but I still can dig it.
7. I Wish, I Wish: This song is just okay, I mean it isn't anything new but there is a bit of a different feeling to it. I do think the highlight though is the solo that is either double tracked or a duel lead. It's pretty great. The piano also sound pretty great, this has a nice energy to it.
8. Katmandu: Fun fact, that flute was played by Peter Gabriel. There is a great relaxing, sort of Moonshadow feeling to this song. That flute is really great by the way, but I think this is a pretty romantic sounding track. I think this is about the town or city, but I could just as easily see this being a love song. I also love the atmosphere. It's pretty beautiful and one of his best I think.
9. Time: This is an introduction to the next track, and I really like the sort of Pink Floyd vibe to the track. Like maybe a slightly less progressive version of something like Dogs. Like the acoustic part or something like that. I do dig this though and I love how it's so short and sweet. Plus that ending, damn.
10. Fill My Eyes: While I wish the chords held over into this track from the last, this is a great second part to it. Maybe it's just my copy but it didn't do that well with it. I mean it worked, but not perfect. But that aside, this is another solid tune Cats. I love when the piano comes in, thought I wish it didin't leave as quick as it came. I would have possibly rearranged the track, but that's me.
11. Lilywhite: Closing the album is a ballad, that to be honest isn't anything you haven't heard earlier in the tracklisting. I mean the strings really work well here, but it isn't anything that crazy. But that being said, I gotta say, this still works. I love the feeling of the strings and how they play and could almost be floating. The vocals are a great and I think I'm out of things to say :D. But It's solid. The best part tough, is the ending with the string arrangement by it's self. It kinda reminds me of minimalism a bit. With the droning one.

Overall I have to give this album an 8/10. This is a solid record, and I think you should check it out. Really good singer/songwriter tunes and it's not a boring listen. It kinda moves pretty fast and has memorable songs. It's pretty damn good if I do say so myself.

Brand New Morning - Bob Seger

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

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

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

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.

Darkness on the Edge of Town - Bruce Springsteen

I wanted to review Lucille but I haven't gotten to it, but I plan on it. I also will get Cherry Bomb done. Maybe next week or something. Well anyway lets start this let down. This is the follow up to Born to Run, so this is album number 4. It took over a year to finish that album, about 15 months, this one took 6 months. The thing is that it was about two years before it could be recorded, and three in between the release of the albums. The reason for it was because of a legal battle between Jersey Devil and Mike Appel (his first manager). Appel sued Springsteen after dropping him as his manager in favor of the man who said Bruce was the future of rock and roll Jon Landau, who also was an editor for a magazine. The battle lasted, I believe, within the time in between these albums. This album was recorded as a whole band instead of overdubs. The thing that I think is neat is that there were 70 songs written for the album, 50 of which were recorded (though some where incomplete). Now the interesting this is tracks not used for the album include Fire, Independence Day, Because The Night, Heart of Stone, Rendezvous, Point Blank and many others. Note: I refuse to call him The Boss, I read somewhere he didn't like that name and I sure don't. Now let's get started.

1. Badlands: This opens the album and it's a rocker. The biggest problem is his inflection. I mean the "oh oh oh oh" almost takes me out of the song. This is a track that is a great opener, but I just can't get with it once I've heard it a few times, it's just not as good as some of his other tracks period.
2. Adam Raised A Cain: Another rocker, more rocking than Badlands. Now this is a pretty solid track, the only problem here is that I don't like the chorus at all. The chorus is probably supposed to make it like an anthem, but it just makes me, honestly..... It makes me loose interest in the entire song. Like other than for this review, I doubt I'll ever listen to this again. Maybe part of the album is its crafted and :(
3. Something in the Night: The beginning of this song is odd, and a little off. Off in a good way, to be clear. Now where does this song kind of not reach what I want. Well tracks one and two were straight, and this is a straighter version of a song on Born to Run. And well, no.
4. Candy's Room: Far superior to Candy's Boy, an early verison of this track. I do really think that drum thing is pretty cool and so far this is the most interesting song on the album, and I think that's kind of good. Like my ears perked up when I heard the intro. Now I really like the piano rolls and think the chimes help it. This is song, at first seems kind of cluttered, but who knows, maybe upon multiple listens it will unclutter a lah E Street Shuffle.
5. Racing in the Streets: I recently read somewhere that this has been, called by critics, Bruce's best song. The best songs he's made are Rosalita, Blinded By The Light, The River, Thunder Road, among others. Well actually if I could only pick one it'd be between Jungleland and Rosalita. It's funny I mention Thunder Road because this song most resembles it in the beginning. And while this is a very touching song. I dig the chorus, but for whatever reason it's not connecting with me. This is the superior version of the song, well at least I can take it more. This is one of the tracks with a repetitive chorus that isn't so bad.
6. The Promised Land: Even that organ doesn't save this song for me. Sounds like all the other songs.
7. Factory: This isn't that bad of a song, but again.... It doesn't have that Magic I desire from him.
8. Streets of Fire: "in a real death waltz, between what's flesh and whats fantasy". This has a very very very bare organ and vocal intro. Which when the part that follows shouldn't have surprised me, but completely kills the mood of hope for this song to be true-lee great.
9. Prove It All Night: This is ............ The chorus is the same as Adam Raised A Cain and most of the other songs here where it's just a repeat of the title. And it works on songs like Purple Rain is because it's full of building and full of emotion. This is just too repetitive.
10. Darkness on the Edge of Town: This song opens with something that is promising, and to be honest the first time I heard it I didn't care. Now after hearing in the context of the album, it's not half bad, and the fact that the chorus isn't just pasted in and cut out, it actually has changes instead of a loop. Possibly the best song on the album.

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. At one point the only song on here I liked is Badlands, but you know to be honest there isn't anything about any of these songs that I like enough to out way the thing I don't like. It's basically an album of Backstreets. He said he wanted to bring this album to it's barest elements, but I love albums that are very bare and straight forward. Examples are Either/Or, Draw the Line, John Wesley Harding, Double Vision, The Rolling Stones Ep,  Please Please Me and Five by Five ep to name some. Those are all great albums that are very straight forward, and this isn't great. I think he goes for the mature grown up version of Born to Run and it's not working for me. I think Born to Run is more engaging. It's more real, this is just like an old fogy talking about shit that he's too old to have the energy or emotional connection to. And He did a better job on tracks on the next album. Now critics said this was a more mature album, so I looked at the music, no there. Then I looked at the lyrics, and I really looked. I read every single word and dissected the album. I realized that the themes where all themes I could connect with directly at this point in my life. And seriously..... I feel nothing. I feel very bad, why? Well Independence Day was a track that he didn't use for this album. Now I think the best version of that song is a live version with the piano on it. I bet he would have played that version of it if it were here. Now would that hurt The River's impact on me, Yes. Would it help this album be easier to take, Hell Yes. I don't know, I guess it's better than the unbearable Nebraska (though that albums title track is better than anything here). The albums is just medium, average, nothing special. Also the track Give The Girl A Kiss is better than all but the other two bloded tracks on this album, and it was recorded back as an outtake and released on the 1998 comp Tracks.

On the bright side look forward to reviews for Cherry Bomb, At.Long.Last.A$AP, Just Like You, Either/Or, The College Dropout, Ok Computer, Sol Invictus, To Pimp A Butterfly, The Magic Whip and some others. Not all theses (besides maybe OC will be up by 2016).

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band

This is the "debut" solo album by John Lennon. Now we all know, hopefully, about Unfinished Music No. 1, Unfinished Music No. 2, The Wedding Album, and Live Peace in Toronto 1969. So, actually, this is album no 5. It was also released, December 11th 1970, the same day as Yoko's solo "debut" album Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band. I'vent heard that yet, but I kind of want to. I like Unfinished Music No. 1 a lot. I like how it is really not amazing. It's musique-concrete, kind of like Revolution 9 off the 1968 Self-titled album. Which Two Virgins also came out that year. (Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins). Now, John wasn't as weird of a guy as everyone thinks. He didn't name an album after a particular type of shower, one from which you gain sexual gratification. I'll review that album some time in the future, maybe this month. Well anyway, I don't have time to rant, let's just get this review going. Note; I did this through my iPod, so I might not have everything annotated when this goes up right away

1. Mother: This song is a good song. I don't know why, but this. The drum beat on this song is solid. Johnny is singing pretty solid on this song. This is a pretty emotional song if you listen to it. It is kind of touching. I know he had a messed up childhood, but you know, I think he could have learned from his past and been a better person. And that scream at the fade
2. Hold On: This is kind of a seductive song. I like the way the guitar sounds. It has this jazzy feeling to it.
3. I Found Out: This song reminds me of Gimme Some Truth or Yer Blues. I love the distortion. The verses remind me of his 1975 Rock 'N' Roll album. I don't care much for that, but it has some good songs on it. This is a pretty solid song though.
4. Working Class Hero: This is my favorite song off this album. I think it's actually, not probably is, the most relevant song of his today. When your in the working class you might not be looked as highly upon as the rich, but at least you "try". You aren't living off the government  you aren't a Democrat. No but in all seriousness, you need to take care of you and your family, not rely on some group of people to do it. If you can try to take care of the family, that will make you a hero. "If you'd like to be like the ones on the hill", "The Fool on the hill". Is that a Paul dig.
5. Isolation: For some reason I forget about this song. And, well, it's probably one of the best. The beat and the piano makes this a song that I feel touched by. This song, a stretch, reminds me a tad of Happiness is a Warm Gun. One of my favorites off the Self Titled.
6. Remember: I can't remember the last song. No but seriously, you know, I am not nuts about this song. The chorus is solid though. I don't know, this song just seems like its just there, for me at least. There's a surprise at the end.
7. Love: This is probably a song most people know. You know, this reminds me of the Real Love acoustic demo. But without the chorus.
8. Well Well Well: This is a bluesy song. I feel like this isn't as interesting as Hold On. It's kind of annoying. He does make a Revolution reference though.
9. Look At Me: I can't say I remember this song either. It's been a while since I heard it last. And this totally reminds me 100% of Julia. It is a pretty song though.
10. God: You could argue this is the most quotable song by John's solo material. Either this or Imagine. This is the song where he says "I don't believe in Beatles", and David Bowie's response 31 years later was "I believe in Beatles" from the 2002 song Afraid. He also lists a bunch of things that he doesn't believe. He only believes him and Yoko. It's kind of poetic. At least he has some type of faith.
11. My Mummy's Dead: For being the shortest song it's kind of a weird way to end the album. With a radio type of feeling. I like it. But you already talked about your mom.

Overall I really don't care for Johnny. I kind of don't like the type of person he was, and I think Post-Beatles, he wined too much. But this album, this album is different. I don't exactly know why, but the complaining doesn't get too much for me on this album. I think that Paul was a better poet, but that's just me. But this album gets a 8.7/10. I feel like this is Overrated, but it is still a good album. The next album, thought from 1974, is a new favorite of mine. The hint to you is that it's referenced in the above paragraph with the intro. And it's not a Beatles one. FYI, Band On The Run is better Rolling Stone Magazine.

Elliott Smith

This is the sophomore solo effort by singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. I found out about this guy by google searching albums that came out on July 21st. One other album was Appetite For Destruction, and though I think it's a good album, I like this one more. I actually think that this is a really good, solid album. But I listened to it and, well, I'll explain more in the review. I've been pumped to do this thing since I first started doing reviews, and I have planned on doing this one on my birthday.

1. Needle in the Hay: This is a depressing song, and along with the others, have Elliott playing acoustic guitar and singing. This is a dark song, and it is kind of pretty to. This song is a good song, and honestly remember able, at least for me, chorus.
2. Christian Brothers: This song kind of makes me think that the name fits it. Like the music that goes along to the album. This song has a country flavor that kind of makes me think of Simon & Garfunkel.
3. Clementine: This song could actually be a song that was composed by Paul Simon. Like maybe be on his Paul Simon Songbook from 1965. The album that was released after the first "break up" of Simon & Garfunkel duo. It was released after their 1964 debut Wednesday, 4 A.M..
4. Southern Belle: This song kind of reminds me of a song on 1966's Sound of Silence. That is also one of my favorite albums of all time. I really dig the vocals on this song and how it has an aggression the rest of the songs don't really have. The best part is the ending with the vocals where he sings loud and almost enraged, in his whisper quite vocals. 
5. Single File: This is also another songs where it is kind of reminds me of the 1966 Sound of Silence album.
6. Coming Up Rose: This sounds like other people are playing on the song. I think that it might have accordion in it. The guitar solo in it is also really cool sounding. This song sounds like there is an entire band playing. This song has a type of, after thinking about it, a Grateful Dead vibe kind of. Like one of their softer songs.
7. Satellite: I think that this is a pretty sounding song. I don't think that there is much for me to say beyond that 
8. Alphabet Town: I think that there is a harmonica in this song.
9. St. Ides Heaven: This songs sounds like it feature a full band.
10. Good To Go: This is also a pretty song. It sounds like this is a heartfelt feeling, if that makes sense.'
11. The White Lady Loves You More: I don't know exactly how to explain this song. This is a songs that sounds like, at least to me, a weird chord progression. I don't know, I might be crazy. 
12. The Biggest Lie: I think that this is a good way to end the album. Also a good song.

Over All I have to give this a 9/10. This thing is like a more depressing, solo album of a guy whole sounds like the Simon & Garfunkel duo. It's a shame that he died, I wish that he didn't. I almost feel bad for how dark sounding this is, not evil, but dark. This thing has textures and isn't just one recording. He made it sounds very pretty. I couldn't think of it at first, but it kind of has this folky Grateful Dead vibe going on in it too.

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.

A Wasteland Companion - M. Ward

I am subscribed to the She & Him email list, so I got an email that informed me about this album in an email dated 1.27.12. This is probably the same day that he made it public, like it's not anything exclusive. I did thought get an email about a week ago that said there is a website were I could stream the album in it's entirety. Well I was too lazy to do it. So when I finally decided to listen to it. This is the review I gave it. But before the review here is some background info. This is M. Ward's seventh solo studio album. It's set day for release is April 6th in New Zealand and it's release date in America is April 10th, the same day as Stacy from Eisley's solo album A Minor Bird. Now in all honestly I didn't think much of this guy. I really didn't think I would be that impressed in this song. I thought that it would get an average, probably a 6/10. Oh one last thing. I didn't listen to the album in order, because it wasn't like a... what ever. Just thought I'd bring that up.

1. Clean Slate: This song starts out with this skiffle type of feel to it. This song is a very country vibe going through it. His voice is very clear in the mix and is over everything. This song has twangs and banjos. This song is a pretty song, but it just doesn't blow me away. I think that this song might grow on me, but as for now it is not.
2. Primitive Girl: This song has this sixties up beat feel to it. I could see this song being in a movie set in the 60's. That's not really my type of movie but still.
3. Me and My Shadow: The vocals on this, in the beginning, sound like they are being played on the radio. This song is a pretty neat song, I with that this was a little better but it has parts that kill it. The instrumentation, at parts, are cool, but the whole idea of the radio/non-distorted vocals doubled hurt this song. This song is a good song, if you over look that. And another thing is the distorted guitar just sounds not good. I think that it might sound better as a live song, but not as a studio album. This is a well needed change on the album. It's faster and more exciting. This is my 2nd favorite, behind the title track. {7.4/10}
4. Sweetheart: This song reminds me of Arcade Fire. I think that this song could be on The Suburbs. It sounds like Zooey is on this track to. This also kind of sounds like it could be a She & Him song. It has all the things that are present in on of those songs. I'm not huge into them, but I'm always willing to listen to something new. I do think it fits that she's on the song though. It is called sweetheart after all.
5. I Get Ideas: This song is kind of like a Bob Dylan song that would be on Highway 61 Revisited or maybe Bringing It All Back Home. It has this electric folk feel to it. His voice even kind of sounds like Bob's voice on something off Self Portrait or Nashville Skyline. I like that this is a different feel to the album, so to say.
6. The First Time I Ran Away: This song starts out with this acoustic feel. I don't like the feel of this song. This also continues that atmospheric feel with the strings and keys and everything backing him up. The things though is. I just don't like it that much.
7. A Wasteland Companion: This song kind of starts out with the type of a feel that I would get from the acoustic songs off The legendary 1968 album known as The White Album. This song also gave me, in the beginning, a feel of For You Blue off the 1970 Let It Be album, by that same band. If you don't know what band shame on you. And go crawl in a hole and don't come out till you know who The Beatles are. In the middle of the song there is the atmospheric feel to where it sounded like people cheering, but it was just wind. This song is perfect for the title track, and for the name of the song. So it think it gets a {7.6/10}
8. Watch the Show: This song is defiantly a song that has movie feeling lyrics. I could see this being a follow up album, or at least this song,  by Jed Whedon & The Willings. This song also has that Arcade Fire lyrics that are memorable on The Suburbs.
9. There's A Key: This song reminds me of a song that would be on the radio. This son is kind of pretty, but it continues that Arcade Fire feel but in a bad way. I LOVE Funeral, I haven't really heard many songs of Neon Bible, and I only like a couple songs of The Suburbs. But I could never sit through that album front to back. It's just painful to try to stay awake. Like I want to fall asleep to that, and I don't see how this is any different.
10. Crawl After You: This is just like the rest of the song on the album. I noticed more piano on this song, I might just be crazy, but still who knows, what ever. I know that I don't really like this song and that's all that matters. I guess... This is not terrible, but it's just not very interesting to me. There is like a violin solo in the song. With songs like this I could see Ward making a really popular album with this, if this was the soundtrack to a movie.
11. Wild Goose: This song has this country feel to it. It kind of reminds me of the title track. I'm not huge on this track. I don't really like the way it sounds like. It kind of reminds me of The Suburbs, and as of yet I'm not into that album.
12. Pure Joy: This song is the ending, and would make a very good ending to a movie. I can see this playing along with the credits of a movie. This would probably be a movie I wouldn't be crazy, but I might enjoy it. It has that ending feel to it.

Overall this is the first M. Ward solo album I've heard, so it's the first one to get a 6.4/10. This was defiantly different than what I expected. I had never expected any thing that I could compare to The Beatles. FYI those Beatles are, well.... MY FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the White Album comparisons. Like the strings and the atmosphere in this album is pretty, but I am just not really into that. I do think that this would be a good novelty soundtrack to a movie. It is in that same type of thing of History of Things Forgotten by Jed Whedon and the Willings. I reviewed that album before in February of this year. It was for my friends birthday. The production of M. Ward's album really kills this thing for me. It is just like new novelty, but in a bad way. I just have to say this would work as the soundtrack to some coming of age movie, as I said the same for Jed's album. I'm glad I got to hear it early so I don't waste my money on this album. Sorry M. nothing personal, I'm just not into novelty music so much.