"We Will Rock You" was one of my first favorite rock songs.* I ordered the album "News of the World" on 8-Track with my 16 albums for 1 cent introductory offer with my Columbia Records Club membership. (Remember that club?)
"Sheer Heart Attack" confirms their brilliance: "Brighton Rock" does rock. I hereby dub it my new favorite Queen song. At least until I listen to another Queen album.
* I must admit that I was pretty annoyed by its constant companion song "We Are the Champions".
Music videos used to matter. I remember being fascinated back In 1985 by a-ha's video for "Take On Me" which featured a unique melding of animation and live action sequences. While a catchy tune, the video made more of a mark on me than the song. That is, until I heard some of these covers.
It still sounds cutting edge and experimental 45 years after release. Creative, nontraditional chords and instrumentation suggest a world so far removed from Top 40 that it would take a rocket ship to get there.
I'm really pleased to be introduced to the Dirty Projectors and this album. The falsetto and guitar licks in the upper register often stylishly touch on an Eastern or Indian feel. Nice harmonies and female background vocals compliment Dave Longstreth's crooning male lead. Rhythms, melodies, and instrumentation are quirky but very successful.
It's always good to be remInded to listen to The Kinks. This will serve as that reminder.
I didn't know Elliott Smith's work before this 1001 Albums project but if his life had not been cut short, everyone would have known that name. The music is that good.
Not surprisingly, there are some familiar, catchy tunes here which will get a daily play on a classic rock station, but as an album and as a musical group they fall short of classic in my book.
I've always been a super big fan of Ozzy's voice. He's a talent even without the reality show career. LOL
Grinding guitars. Okay vocals. But I couldn't get excited about this album. Their Dog Man Star album is better, in my opinion.