Sunday, September 23. 2007
The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of The Parts
With the advent of file sharing sites and then iTunes, more and more music is being consumed at the track or song level. This saddens me as I have always been quite fond of the long play format. For me there are some albums that just have to be listened to in their entirety. There is a flow and continuity that is created and carries through the whole experience.
I don't necessarily mean the obvious ones - concept albums and rock operas like Dark Side of the Moon, Misplaced Childhood, Tommy, The Wall etc.. In these examples a story is told, or songs segue into each other creating a musical cohesion or theme.
The ones I am thinking about are more subtle. A mood is created and, while the songs are not connected, they just fit and flow together.
So here are 5 albums that really must be listened to in their entirety. Individually the songs are great - together they make for an unforgettable listening experience. This isn't a top list or a best of list and there are certainly others that fit the criteria, so consider this the first in a series.
Jellyfish - Spilt MilkNo single stand out track here, just an impeccably produced collection of pure pop / rock perfection where each song just clicks together. One of my favorite albums.
Gov't Mule - Gov't MuleNo secret to anyone here that I'm a fan of Gov't Mule. While I don't necessarily think this is the album that contains their best songs, as a collected work this is quite possibly the best rock record ever made. The opening rawness of Grinnin' In Your Face bleeds into Mother Earth and then just keeps moving forward. Trane, Mule, a cover of Free's Mr Big,... and when the mournful World Of Difference ends the album it is on just the right note. I really couldn't recommend this one more highly.
Lyle Lovett - I Love EverybodyLyle Lovett has always been an expert at writing a witty, catchy tune that defies genretization. This collection is particularly eclectic - each song a puzzle piece that fits together perfectly to expose an amazing image when viewed as a whole.
The Clash - London CallingStanding alone they are outstanding, but collectively the diversity of the music propels this album to greatness - from the opening of "London Calling" to the hidden "Train in Vain". Mixing Punk, Rock, Reggae, Ska and more, The Clash hit all the right notes here.
Little Feat - Dixie Chicken
Lowell George and the guys sure hit their stride here - and in a big way. An exceptional set of songs, great musicianship, and a funky feeling holds this collection together. It's not a concept album, but you can hear a story being told. One of success, failure, love and lust. Brilliant!
So there they are - what would you add?
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Lyle Lovett is an amazing musician. Ever try to pick-up one of his tunes on the guitar? Good luck. Geeze, the dudes outrageous.
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Phil
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2007-11-13 06:39
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In preparation for November's National Blog Posting Month (or na-blah-blah as I am affectionally calling it), Gina and I both independently prepared a list of the things that we are thankful for. We thought it would be an interesting exercise to see how
Tracked: Oct 28, 20:51