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.

Honky Château - Elton John

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

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

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

Tug of War - Paul McCartney

Considering the 2015 reissue of this and Pipes of Peace, I decided to review this. Though that was months ago, I still think I should do this. I deserve this, and besides why not review this album. Also hopefully I'll finish the Sticky Fingers review too, soon (it also had a deluxe reissue this last summer). Now back to business, this is the third solo album credited to Paul McCartney. I'm talking non-Wings and Post-Beatles (if you include Thrillington) its the 5th but its technically only number 3 (1970-McCartney, 1980-McCartney II, 1982-this). This particular album is actually quite good, and is one of my favorites of his career. Information wise,  I'll try to do this off the top of my head, I wanna see what I remember. This is his first solo album produced by George Martin, though Live and Let Die the track was produced by Martin. This is also from 1982, and was his first Post-Lennon's Murder album. Since I could only remember 7 track (8 if you consider I couldn't remember the name but what it was) I decided to look some stuff up and I need to say it. This album is all star studded with the likes of Steve Gadd, Stanley Clarke and even George Martin plays the old electric piano. The others who played will be listed in their individual tracks. Also for the review I'm using my preferred mix, the 1993 CD version. I will also list, as a special little thing, at the bottom a few tracks from the 2015 reissue I think are worth listening to.

1. Tug of War: This is very easy to listen to, its very radio friendly. This opens with what sounds like, honestly, audio from the scene in Titanic when they are boarding and you hear the men working. Like in real life though. I know its not that, but it sounds like a factory or an old timey labor force struggling. It works for the title. Then the acoustic guitar and vocals enter with the titular phrase. It's pretty pleasent sounding to be honest. This is followed by strings and some horns and harmony vocals. This is still very nice and I just love this tune. There is a bit of a Yesterday feeling to this. Like a bigger version of the song, maybe with the other members singing on this and playing too. Once the band comes in it sort of looses that Yesterday feeling and have a Wings vibe reminiscent of Mull of Kintytre. This is a nice opening and sort of sets a mood for the record. Also great fade into the next tune. 
2. Take It Away: This is an instant favorite track. It's super damn catchy. There is the classic Macca hook that is just an earworm. It has this sort of pop reggae vibe to it. Maybe not reggae, but an island vibe. The chorus has some great harmonies and is followed by some solid horns. I love how the tune gets larger and larger with each passing verse. Oh, I have something I'd like to add, Richard Starkey drums on it. I forgot that, Damn me! And George Martin plays Electric Piano.
3. Somebody Who Cares: Digging this acoustic guitar and woodwind a intro. This is reminiscent of Wings again, but you know I like them. The highlight of the song is the chorus. I enjoy hearing it, even though I never can remember this song. Also that woodwind, not sure if organic or synthesized. The solo on this is pretty nice and that woodwind adds a texture. This is at the very least a 7. This is another song that I wasn't super familiar with, I forgot about it, but you know.... It's pretty damn solid. I really dig this.
4. What's That Your Doing: Co-written and performed with Steve Wonder. This is one of two tracks that features him. I like this track, but I'm not huge on the title. It's like having two songs, your bandmembers wrote and released on albums, titled Angel. *Cough* Christie *couch*. The intro made me laugh, this is so 80's. I'm seriously waiting for MTV to have a video going on while I listen. The vocals in the beginning can be called if Paul made Temporary Secretary a pop song. This is pretty funky, and I'm pretty sure that's a drum machine. This is a bit dated now, but it's still a nice touch. But again, I don't think this would have been made in any decade besides the 80's. I do like this tune though, and their vocals sound good together. Also it's kind of a good change of pace. Though it might run a bit long, and might quote more Beatle songs lyrics that I would have wanted. 
5. Here Today: A very touching song that feels right. For the two people reading this Paul & John had a very strong friendship and songwriting partner ship in their Beatles days. Even though they wrote the songs themselves, and would only really on occasion post-1963 write together, they still credited the songs to each other. Now around 1966 when Yoko (she wasn't the complete reason) came into the fold they had already begin to grow as musicians and artists. By the Pepper sessions their relationships were strained. It lead to people quitting, rejoining and so on until September (if I'm remembering correctly, the month) 1969. John officially left, without announcing it. Paul was the first to officially announce his leaving in early 1970. Thought 1970-1972 or 73, they'd take shots at each other in different ways, mostly songs. John retired in 1975 and then came back in 1980, shortly before his passing. It's funny how time heals all wounds, Paul talked to John before he died and they were on good terms. I believe them being on good terms may have helped, but regardless, the situation must have hurt. And this song is a very touching, not to sappy not to bitter, song about a friend who passed and can only be written when you look past all the bullshit and just look at the good times. This might be more deserving of that Yesterday comparison. 
6. Ballroom Dancing: Lyrically look at this as Paul's take on the idea of Come Dancing. You know, just a song about memories of a ballroom. Both are fun and silly, though CD has some serious parts. You know, for a title like this this sure have a big Rockabilly vibe going one. That's not a complaint, pretty solid track this is, but I just.... I just laugh. I mean I can't really describe this, it's fun and just don't take it that serious. Nice solo, of sorts, or breakdown rather. Also I love that musical breakdown. This tracks pretty cool, and fun and make me wonder if Gilmore made an uncredited appearance :). 
7. The Pound is Sinking: It took a while to realize what this song is about. Based of the title I couldn't piece it together till I remembered Pounds is currency. So, the Money is Sinking? So this has to be about money in some way, like a political track, be it satire or straight. Now it's been a longb time since I heard this track, but I think it's pretty damn solid. It has these changing sections that reminds me of Uncle Albert, but this could be the masterpiece (in terms of structure) on this record. Most are rather straight, this has changes. That whole part where he talks with an accent, I love it. The guitar here is great, and this song could be a favorite of mine. There song has a personality that for whatever reason, I love in a McCartney song. This is really a great track. All the other songs I could honest review in one listen, I know them so well and they are pretty simple, this would take multiple.
8. Wanderlust: One of my all time favorites, and still is. This song has such an epic feeling to it. I love how this follows that last track. It's just so comforting, I feel like this could just be an ending but not the end. Like a sort of floating away to go on a trip. Great example, when Rey heads out at the end of Force Awakens... If she doesnt get to her destination in the film and it ends on her just leaving and going and heading out that would be a great thing for this song. I mean, not perfect, but it feels pretty satisfying. I just love this tune, I don't know why, but I just do.
9. Get It: This track features one Carl Perkins on guitar and vocals. For those unaware The Beatles covered Perkin's on multiple occasions. Before I listen to it for the review I want to note I remember not loving this track, and it being a weaker track. Now let's see if I remembered correctly. This actually sounds like it's fit on that Russian rock and roll covers record, Снова в СССР,  or the 1999 Run Devil Run record. It isn't straight rockabilly, but there is hints and Carl sounds snug as a glove on this duet with Pauly. It's not half bad, though I prefer the other tracks. O
10. Be What You See (Link): Opening up with a Carl Perkin's laugh, this is actually a nice little link. Ah a Vocooded James Paul that sounds like he's singing Jesu. That's all I honestly have to say, but I think it's a good link. The transitions pretty solid. 
11. Dress Me Up As A Robber: I haven't heard this song in years and I can still play the titular line in my head. And it makes me wanna dance. From the falsetto to the percussion and Spanish guitar. This is a Spanish song, even if it may sound a bit robotic. This is one of the best songs here and really this is awesome. I love how you pick little things up here and there with each listen. While nothing crazy it's nice. Also the main riff that's very distorted could sound just as nice if played on horns. 
12. Ebony and Ivory: Closing the album is one of the best sings about togetherness. Featuring Stevie Wonder this song, while still a good song..... It's kinda hilarious. Also the demo is much sadder in nature. I love this song, maybe more for its cheese.... But this is the good shit. I bet in the 80's this was a solid song and the songs just so happy and harmless ..... The only reason you can hate it is if you over heard it on the radio back in the day. But honestly, this is just to damn innocent. Really, there isn't any depth beyond "Ebony" (black) and "Ivory" (white) "live together". Why don't we live together "side by side". Also I'm a sucker for the "living in perfect harmony" pun. 

Overall I have to give this album a 8/10. And early 80s record that holds up, and while not as experimental as the McCartney albums this is still a great release. I'm serious, this is probably the best solo record and maybe the last great record by the guy. That doesn't mean he didn't have anything worth listening to after this, but honestly Pipes of Peace and the following records just kind of...... this is the end of an era where Macca did no wrong (so to say). He'd never reach this high quality again after this, that's probably more accurate. Also don't frett, I have another Memorial review coming out tomorrow. 

Now here are the deluxe edition track to check out: (this is just a bonus and in no way effects the score). Dress Me Up As A Robber/Robber Riff (Demo), You Don't Know Where She Came From (Demo), 

Misfits - The Kinks

This is the 1978 album by The Kinks. In order it's number 16 and was released via Arista Records and released May 19th. It is more well liked than it's predecessor Sleepwalker. I was on the computer and I couldn't find much information about this album. I mean I found out it was recorded from July 1977-January 1978. I also have the UK LP track listing for the review up. I figured why not do this during the Super Bowl, I did it two years ago Lana Del Rey style. Beside, I already saw the Puppy Bowl so I'm set.

1. Misfits: This opens the album, and has a country twang to it. This is a pretty soft track that's easy to listen to. I also like the organ in the bridge that gives it a gospel influenced vibe to it. This is a good way to open this album and from this I think it will be a solid listen, hopefully.
2. Hay Fever: This has a ballad atmosphere to it. It opens with vox, keys and bass. Kinda like their You Never Give Me Your Money. This is actually a pretty fun song and I love the bass in the song. This sounds like it could be a new wave song. It reminds me a little of Talking Heads or some other New Wave band at the turn of the 70's to the 80's. Maybe not the vocals, but the instrumentation, and it reminds me a little of The Beach Boys to. I really like that piano key fill.
3. Black Messiah: This reminds me a little of Bryan Ferry's cover of What A Wonderful World and People Get Ready by The Impressions. This song has an island vibe to it. I love it, and it's a great surprise. You don't think that the, more or less, unloved Kinks albums would have any great tracks. This is probably my favorite track because of how sharp it is. The New Orleans influenced solo is great too. This is definitely a standout to me. It talks about race and kind of says people want to be equal, but no one's really doing anything to it. He's the only "honky living on an all black street" like it's no big ordeal. And what if God was Black. Interesting thing to think about. This is truly a great track, and a shame it's not on any comps. {9/10}
4. A Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy: This track has another gospel influenced intro. This song isn't really rock and roll, it's more soft rock. The song picks up, and I like the instrumentation on this track. This is actually a pretty song. It mentions "The King Is Dead", I wonder if that's an Elvis reference. This is a nice song to follow up Black Messiah. A spiritual themed song, followed by a spiritual influenced sound.
5. In A Foreign Land: This song starts out and reminds me a little of Come Dancing. Just the first few seconds of the song. This song is similar to that song in it's set up and structure. It's not such a dancy song though. It also kind of reminds me of Do It Again by The Kinks. The guitar reminds me of Already Gone by the Eagles. This is another decent song.
6. Live Life: This sounds like a old school Kinks song riff. It reminds me of some of their early 60's stuff, but then with a 1970's edge to it. I know they kind of lost their original sound with albums like Village Green, Arthur, and even the previous three or four albums before this one. They were opera influenced. This has that rock and roll flavor that's been needed. The solo in this tracks pretty great and is one of the best I've heard Dave play.
7. Permanent Waves: No, not the Rush song of the same name. This is another New Wave influenced track. I think this isn't really an amazing track, but I think that it's a decent track.
8. Out of Wardrobe: This track has a Drag theme to it. I like the guitar in it, the twang reminds me of raga, or at least country. This is better than the prior track in my opinion, and I think it's funny they brought this theme back after Lola. You know that "Lady-man-lady" theme. It's actually kind of a funny song in a way.
9. Trust Your Heart: The only Dave Davies penned song on this LP, the rest by Ray, and also has Dave as the lead vocalist on this track too. This is another soft song, and I could see the vocals being from Elton John. I actually like Dave's vocals for a change of things, you know. The guitar in this is pretty sick sounding too. Its reminds me a little of Night Moves. This more so reminds me of a Who song than anything else.
10. Get Up: I like the whole distortion intro. This song has a build up to it, much like what The Who do. This actually reminds me of a song from the Tommy movie. You can hear Dave singing again, not lead though. The acoustic guitar gives it a Who vibe to it. I love that the singer has a growl, damn! This is a good way to end off this album and a solid listen. It ends on a fun note.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. Some of the songs obviously have themes to them but I decided to only really talk about the immediate ones. I think that you should definitely listen to this album and I suggest it. This is still a consistent album and pretty solid listen.

Rumours - Fleetwood Mac

Well I'm Mid Next Day review so I decided to do another quickie. This is an album that I picked, kind of as a filler while I finish up the review of that album. The reason it's a "filler" is because I already know what I'm gonna give it ahead of time. I could probably do the review off the top of my head. Yes, the album I chose was the one and only Rumors by the one and only Fleetwood Mac. Now I have two copies of this on vinyl. One from Mom and one from a Cousins Husband. This is an awesome album. I could go into the specifics of what was going on, but here's a quick summary. 2nd album with Stevie Nicks (If you don't think she's sexy on that album cover and back then you might as well be gay), and Lindsay Buckingham. They had already broken up, and

1. Second Hand News: I think that this is a good way to start off the album. I really like the bass line in the song. And the acoustic guitar in the song is pretty cool sounding. This whole album is pretty much based around relationships, but I don't really want to dive into that that much. But I won't want to get the Second Hand News about my relationship and how it might be going the wrong way.
2. Dreams: This song is sung by Stevie. This song is very dreamy. I could see someone falling in love to this song. Like in a movie. Where someone would daze off and think about the person they have feeling for. It's a pretty song. I'm not huge on this song, mainly cuz I feel like there is too much of a country vibe. But then again Wing's sometimes has a country vibe like this. That's beside the point. But this is a pretty song.
3. Never Going Back Again: This is Lindsay's. I love this song. This could possibly be in my top 3 for the album. It's kind of like his Blackbird. He plays "sole", McCartney played sole. They both had acoustic guitars. But instead of about Civil Rights stuff in the 60's it's about never going back to that relationship. I love the way it sounds. I would make sex to this song. It's kind of sexy. The strings in the song make it that much  more magical. And his voice is pretty cool. {9/10}
4. Don't Stop: This is kind of an uplifting song. Don't Stop Believing in yourself. I used to LOVE this song. But then when I heard the entire album it kind of changed a little. This is still a pretty good song, solid bass line, solid drums, sick piano, sick vocals, cool guitar. But I don't think it's as good as I once did. {8/10}
5. Go Your Own Way: You really can't go wrong with this song. It's about splitting up, but it's one of the heavier tracks on the album. It's also got this guitar distortion in it that I wish I could somehow replicate. Not the playing, just the sound. And I love the acoustic guitar in there too. If you listen for the bass too it's totally worth it. The bass is just as awesome as the acoustic guitar. The solos in this song is solid. If you don't like this band, you think they are too soft, you might like this song. Either that or the title track off the 1979 double album Tusk. {9/10}
6. Songbird: This is a pretty song. I like the piano/vocal/acoustic guitar. It is a pretty song. I think it's kind of a good follow up to Go Your Own Way and a good ending for side 1.
7. The Chain: This is one of my other favorite songs. I love this one. This is a heavier track. It kind of, to me, is like the baby version, in a way, of Tusk. This is the beginning of side 2. I love the fuck out this song. The vocals in this song kind of are tight. UGH! It's amazing. I would make sex to this song too. Though there is a country flava to it, I still love it. And I think there is an organ in this song. The organ sounds awesome. The distortion on this song, guitar wise, is even cooler than on Go Your Own Way. Then the bass line in the breakdown. The guitars.... ORGASM! This song is just..... UGH! {10/10}
8. You Make Loving Fun: This is a fun song. I'm not just saying that, it is. Though it's as "Happy and Fun" as it is I remember seeing the lyrics and they aren't as fun and happy as the song is. It's kind of like a "Don't go, I don't want to leave" because "You made being in love fun" and "I don't know what I can do without you". This is a pretty song. I think that it is an awesome song. I also like the funky guitar in the song. This song also kind of have a little funky vibe at parts. An awesome, awesome song {9/10}
9. I Don't Want To Know: This song is kind of  like Dreams. In the way that it's got a country vibe to it. The guitar in the beginning reminds me of Pete Townshend's song Let My Love Open The Door and The Who song Amazing Journey off 1969's Tommy. This is another good song. I don't care for it as much as some of the others, but I still do like this song.
10. Oh Daddy: This song starts out with a kind of Medieval style. There is like a flute in the beginning. This song is soft. It kind of reminds me a little of Rainbow's track Rainbow Eyes off 1978's Long Live Rock N Roll. I like this song a lot. It's really cool. The solo at the ending to the fade is pretty sick with the organ playing.
11. Gold Dust Woman: I know this songs about Stevie's love for Gold Dust, but I never really cared for this song. I don't know why, but I just am not huge on this song. I like the way the acoustic electric guitar sounds in this song. I mean this is a good ending for this album. But I don't love it. Actually as I'm going through this song, now actually thinking about it, it ain't that bad. With the sitar sounds. That's pretty cool. And how the song gets louder and bigger and then it eventually ends. This is a perfect, a Christie Perfect ending to the album.

Overall I have to give this 1977 classic a 8/10. It's actually kind of funny, I read somewhere it's praised, partially, for the three harmony vocals. That's what helped make Abbey Road so Goddamn! Amazing! And I referenced Never Going Back Again to Blackbird (a Beatles song, not on Abbey Road on 1968's Self titled). I might not be 100% on some of the stories of the songs, but it's more through my eye's, not the bands, so to say.

Hotel California - Eagles

I have been obsessed with Frank Ocean's mixtape Nostalgic, Ultra. I should be uploading that review up on Monday. My favorite song so far is American Wedding which he pretty much reworked Hotel California, by that he took the original track and just took out the vocals. Don Henley threatened to sue him for using the song, for a free mix tape. But long story short he can't play the song live. That is a load of crap, #Beach Boys and Katy Perry. I can't stand it when people sue people because they want more money. This was, at one points, one of my favorite albums I'd ever heard. But that was pre-Bungle and before I began experimenting with music. So at that point in my life I only knew old music, it was even before I was into Avenged, I was a little, no where near as much. But I remember that this album had this over all warm feel to it. I don't remember the last time I listened to any song off this album by choice. I vaguely remember all the songs and how they go. So I am excited to review this 1976 Classic. And I don't think that I really need to give the Eagles an introduction, If you don't know who they are, google Eagles and it will probably have like 100 different links to them.

1. Hotel California: This song starts out with the acoustic guitar that everyone seems so familiar with. The bass, That I have now realized is bass is perfect sounding. I put on my headphones and this song is much better. There isn't that much open space in this song. I actually like the way this seems to be produced. The harmony vocals and everything else go together so well. This song is an instant classic, and pretty much irresistible to not like. I have given the song my time and those "Over Played Wounds" have been mended. I remember being a Scout Camp about 4 years ago and hearing this song and not being able to wait to get home to buy the song. I kept telling my self the name of that song, along with some other songs. That was when I was a "one song" type of a guy. Before I liked or would listen to a full album. This song is just so perfect and gos by so quick. It is a really quick 6:30 minute song. The bass at the ending is a fricken bad ass riff. I love that and the guitars solos are complimented by it. Everything in this song works together so well, I just can't explain it to those who haven't ever heard it, the "irony" is that everyone has. {9.5/10}
2. New Kid in Town: This is one of their country songs. I used to like this song a decent amount. I think that this song is ok. The one thing is these are some of the classic rock songs where I can't stand it anymore. The production on this song is pretty good. There is a little more open space on this song than the previous track. I think that the bass is pretty solid. This song drags a lot for me. I couldn't wait for this song to end.
3. Life in the Fast Lane: This song has this "bad ass country man" feel to it. The intro riff is a pretty cool one. I really like the distortion used on the guitar on this song. What this song is about isn't really that tricky and hard to get. But what songs about sex are. There are more songs that don't talk about sex in a clever way or try to not make it so obvious (I try to make it less obvious too, but it becomes more blunt than probably almost anyone else). The singer on this song has this raspy feel to it. The one thing that bugs me about his voice is that it sounds distorted weird. Like I don't think his voice is loud enough because if the music were a little louder than it would be over powered by the instruments. I still think the solo to this song is ok. Like I said I used to like this song more than I do now. {7/10}
4. Wasted Time: I've never liked this song. In fact I still don't, but I think that this song is a good example of how there are songs that I don't like on this album. The intro to this song tries to hard. It has strings and all this other instruments to accompany it, but It doesn't work for me. I mean someone else might like this song more than me, and might think that it's better than I do, but this is my opinion. This song also sounds like it would be a Styx love song or like some attempt, during the '80s to make an emotional power ballad, except with out the guitar part so much. The guitar solo's/fills are actually pretty buried and hard to heard. This song is a good way to end the first side though. The guitar is less buried toward the very end. But there is a part where I could barely heard it.
5. Wasted Time (Reprise): This is just an instrumental orchestral part play the parts of Wasted Time. Actually I like this one more than the non reprise version. I think that this song would be good on a movie soundtrack or score. {8/10}
6. Victim of Love: This song is a return to the heavier parts of the album. This is a pretty ok song. I don't think that it's as good as before. I think that this song is a cool song but I don't really think that I like it. I mean the vocals are ok and the instrumentation is cool to. It's just... it hasn't kept it's power from before like it used to for men. This song also kind of reminds me of the type of '80s songs where now I would make fun of them, not in a review, but in real life because of the song/video.
7. Pretty Maids All in a Row: This song starts out with piano. This is a ballad type of song. I really didn't have interest in paying attention to this song. I did and I kind of regret it. It dragged on like a bitch. So this is a big bad no good part for this album and helps give this album it's impending rating.
8. Try and Love Again: This song can join the list of boring songs. It was just... This song is boring and bores me. Like I want to skip this song and listen to the next one in order to finish up the review and post it up. This on also drags like a mother fucker, it has like a good minute outro that annoys the fuck out of me. It is pretty much drone to me, but not good drone. {4/10}
9. The Last Resort: This is a good way to wrap up a good album. Emphesis on the word GOOD. I really can't say more about it than that.

Overall I have to give this a 4.2/10.  This album is not what I hoped for. I think that it is what I thought that it would be. I knew from he start it wouldn't be a 10/10. But I was hoping for an 8/10. Looks like it's not. Also they went over board with the ballads on the album. I don't really like ballads as much as I used to. This album, as for any other if you like it, that's your opinion. But I don't so yeah. I don't like the way Glenn's voice sounds, it really bugs me. This song has the set up of a Classic Rock Album. But you can only take so much from the similar production and sounds. I have no interest in revisiting this album in any way, except for the title track. This album is a classic, just not for me.