John Banrock

I must confess that I've never heard this album before, or for that matter, any of the other albums by this Brisbane formed band.  When an album is recommended to me by someone who's musical opinion I respect however, I am eager to dive in.  Thus is the case with The Friends of Rachel Worth by The Go-Betweens.  Although I now have the album in my possession, I am holding off listening to it until the 15th of October when "Album Night" kicks off for its 14th installment.  It's often nice to have something to look forward to, isn't it?

Performing some basic research, primarily to satisfy my curiosity, has left me intrigued as to what I will find on this album.  From a chronological standpoint this album comes 12 years after their previous effort.  Reunited after splitting up and pursuing solo careers, The Friends of Rachel Worth (released in September 2000), must be a fascinating reunion of previous bandmates who have had more than a decade to mature and hone their crafts.  To reunite after such a break is, if nothing else, a compelling story in its own right.  And there must have been positive factors encouraging such a project to come together, presumably both by creators and fans.  So I guess you could say I have some pretty loft expectations for this record.  I don't think it will disappoint me. And what really fascinates me is the fact that it will be something totally new to me.  In what way it will impress me is yet to be determined.  But therein lies the excitement!

Whether or not you've heard this album before, I hope you can join me on Wednesday, October 15 for The Friends of Rachel Worth by The Go-Betweens. Happy listening!

If it were possible for an album to make a listener float through the sky like a hot air balloon, I think Moon Safari would be the album to make it happen.

This 1998 release by Air is phenomenal.  After listening to the album you know the band's name could be nothing other than what it is.  The duo of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel really indulges your senses and captures your imagination as you slowly float across a dreamy landscape of sound.  Anyone for safari? Trip to the moon? How 'bout both?

Moon Safari + Wed, Sep 17, 9pm EDT =  "Album Night" 

See you then!

When you think Grateful Dead, you think live concert.  It makes sense. But their studio material obviously cannot be forgotten either.  American Beauty is a testament to that.  Released in 1970, it contains some of the most beloved Dead songs of all time including "Brokedown Palace", "Box of Rain", "Sugar Magnolia", "Friend of the Devil", "Ripple" and "Truckin'". Quite a list of classics for just one album!

Rolling Stone has it ranked as 261 on their list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".  Should it be higher? Should it be lower?  Join me on Wednesday, September 3 at 9pm EDT and make your case! See you then!

I have to admit that when I first heard this album I didn't like it. Now I look back and wonder "What the heck was I thinking?". This album is a masterpiece by the king of cool himself.  If you put some if these slow songs into someone else's hands they might just come off as cheesy or sappy. But in the hands of a master, they come through with passion, brilliance and purity.

This album was released way back in February of 1970. 34 years later we'll take a spin and discover the intimate world Van Morrison paints so vividly for us.  Join "Album Night" on Wednesday, August 20 at 9pm EDT for a chance to share your thoughts and reflections on this gem. See you then!

This is a fun and quirky album.  The Holy Modal Rounders were an interesting duo prior to this effort, and teaming up (though minus Steve Weber, hence "Unholy") with Michael Hurley and Jeffrey Frederick & The Clamtones turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. I can only laugh at some off the lyrics (especially on Slurf Song) on this LP, but the album goes much deeper than what some of the silly lyrics may suggest. Join me on Wed, August 6 for a closer look/listen and to discover (or rediscover) the uniqueness that really really sets this album apart.

I find it difficult to put Tom Waits' music into any genre, which I think highlights just one of the many reasons I love his work.  His raspy voice. His brilliant writing. His unique arrangements. His adventurous spirit. They all help paint the portrait of a true artist.

His 1973 release Closing Time is a very intimate record in many ways.  When listening to it I often have the impression that I am sitting somewhere in the country amongst close friends truly enjoying life.  No worries, just good friends and good times.  And Tom is the storyteller.  He tells his tales of "Martha" and "Rosie" and eventually the melancholy heartbreak of the "Grapefruit Moon", as he slips "just like the stars into obscurity".  And then before the sombre mood becomes too much, it's "Closing Time"...

These are just a very few broad strokes that barely illuminate the brilliance of this record.  Join me on Wednesday, July 23 and let this album reveal itself to you in its entirety.  With Tom Waits as your guide, there's little chance you'll be left feeling disappointed!

Let me start by saying that I've never heard another album like Forever Changes.  I suspect that even if someone were to purposely set out to make a comparable album, they would surely fall short of capturing the brilliance contained in this 1967 release.  Arthur Lee's writing (and Bryan MacLean on two tracks) paired with sensational string arrangements make for an album that is best left to purposeful listening rather than attempted verbal or written praise.  Res Ipsa Loquitur - the thing speaks for itself.

Join me on June 18th as we make the journey from "Alone Again Or" to "You Set The Scene" and attempt to describe what it is that makes Forever Changes one of the greatest albums of all time.  

White Light/White Heat is probably the least well known of the four studio albums by one of the most influential bands of all time. The Velvet Underground's second album was released in 1968 as a follow up to their debut '67 debut The Velvet Underground & Nico.  White Light/White Heat was the last album of the VU lineup that included John Cale.  Despite tensions between he and Lou Reed, however, the group managed to put together an album that remains totally raw and brilliant to this day.  The  17+ minute closing track, "Sister Ray" says it all. Four musicians with their instruments turned up to the max, to 'eleven' if you will.  Whereas the other three albums have more "classic" hits, White Light/White Heat may be the most honest and accurate depiction of a band whose influence is still heard almost 50 years later.

I hope you can join me in listening to this work of art on June 4. Is it truly exceptional or is it less spoken about for a reason?  I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts!