willhines.net

So, both Communique and Brothers In Arms were far better than I had expected, especially Communique. There were indeed albums — a consistent sound, and very soothing to have on in the background. I’m not one to really pay a lot of attention to the guitar in songs. But so many people have raved about Knopfler’s guitar work that I did try to pay attention. It seemed much more economical then I expected — not very many notes, at all — although many songs ended with an extended-ish jam. The jams I rarely liked, but the elegant playing before that was really great.

Arthur by The Kinks was really really great. Fun, catchy, and well, FUN. FUN FUN FUN. The Kinks always sound like they’re a bunch of normally-depressed guys who are having fun for the hell of it just for the duration of the album. Or they sound like a drunk bunch of hooligans. The Replacements now sound like The Kinks to me, you know?

Working my way through Justin’s albums — Aja was great — but are there double tracks on that album or did Justin just give me double copies of Peg and Black Cow and others? Red House Painters did not hit me, but Loveless by My Bloody Valentine definitely did. I loved it. I already had and loved Lucinda Williams eponymous (and I like Car Wheels better too, Justin), and P.J. Harvey’s Stories From The City (and I agree that it’s amazing! Way better than the far-more-hyped To Bring You My Love). Listening to DJ Shadow right now, that punk.

The Delivery Man by Elvis Costello. Well, it didn’t really hook me — just sounded like another competent, responsible work from an immensely hard-working songwriter. Elvis Costello long-ago achieved permafrost status in my muscial taste so it would be hard for me to dislike anything he did. And while I did not dislike it, I can’t as I’m sitting here remember any of the songs.

I am trying to get through at least one suggestion from everyone. If you want add more here, let’s have no more than 3 per person if possible. No lectures, I promise.