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Son of JayJamJah · 09-25-2007, 10:46 PM

62.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)
The Pinnacle of the Chili Peppers discography is this Rick Rubin produced 75 minute foray into the personal torment and eccentric compulsions of Anthony Kiedas, the aggressive bass play of Michael “Flea” Balzary the now refined drumming of Chad Smith and the passion of super fan turned lead guitar player John Frusciante. Blood Sugar Sex Magik marks a progression into a more funk driven alternative rock style for the band with songs like “Give it Away” a Grammy award winning punk anthem born out of a jam session and “Suck My Kiss” containing one of several sexually charged lyrical efforts. Daring from the outset with the raucous opening track “Power of Equality” and groove laden tracks mixed with the somber “Breaking the Girl”. The acoustic motivated “I Could Have Lied” is a stand out song demonstrating the range the now polished band has. Fleas Bass lines are perhaps the most resounding mark this album makes, the intro to “Apache Rose Pea****” (for fucks sake they bleeped out cock in the context of the animal) will stick in your head for hours. “Sir Psycho Sexy” is the heaviest and grimiest funk effort on the album and solidifies the funk as the defining sound for the compilation. Despite this undoubtedly the crowning achievement of the album is “Under the Bridge” which has become a sort of Magnum Opus for the band. Now more then 15 years old it remains there most popular and revered song. The ballad is of course a first hand account of Heroin addiction from Kiedas’ point of view. A defining album for one of the most unique bands of the modern era and always a good listen cover to cover so to speak.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****

Favorite Song: Under The Bridge

61.

Incubus – Morning View (2001)
The third mainstream effort by Incubus marked a further departure, for better or worse, from their modern metal roots into a more expressive intricate style while sill maintaining a good portion of the tranquil aggression. Regardless of preference the album demonstrates further the massive variety of influence that Incubus incorporates into their sound. The first highlight is the introductory riff in the albums second track “Circles” one the albums stronger songs featuring a solid vocal performance by Brandon highlighted by a harmonious chorus and a nonchalant mellowing bridge. Now track better illustrates the evolution from organic Incubus to all grown up better then “Just a Phase” which is layers and layers of contentment and intrigue that lulls you into a sense of security comfort. With intentionally ironic metaphorically lyrics and an enjoyable musical cadence complete with a looping pre-chorus that explodes the second time around into a traditional Incubus symphonic audio experience. The rough edged “11 am” follows telling the story of one particular morning from a first person perspective. “Blood on the Ground” is a more traditional Incubus effort featuring up-tempo lyrics and intense hard rock riffs. “Mexico” is a surprise to steal the show as a chilling acoustic ballad demonstrating Brandon’s outstanding range as a singer and developing ability as a song writer. “Warning” is a true gem with an ambient light hearted melody and outstanding lyrical phrasing. Among Incubuses finest song writing efforts before or since; a favorite moment is the understated piano in the songs final movement. The subsequent song “Echo” serves as both a bridge between Incubuses styles a sort of prelude or foreshadowing to the albums final track the glorious middle-eastern stringed experiment in relaxation “Aqueous Transmission”. “Are you in” serves as a respite from the intensely poignant (either musically or vocally) tone of the album while continuing the soothing theme established throughout. Morning View, on the whole, its greatest detriment is coming on the heels of two outstanding efforts previous and additionally is victimized in terms of consistency as a result of the evolving musical direction the band was taking at the time. It is still a uniquely good album and a frequent disc in my rotation.
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: *****
Impact: ***

Favorite Song: Warning

60.

The Rolling Stones – Exile on Mainstreet (1972)
Retrieving Review File
Musical Content: ****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****

Favorite Song: Tumbling Dice

59.

Van Morrison – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972)
Opening with a rousing tribute and concluding with a dynamic ten minute opus, Saint Dominic’s Preview is seven thrilling R&B and folk rooted tracks jammed in between two more generic efforts in Van’s discography. Often overlooked and underestimated by the casual fan, its allure is undeniable when its rhythm is laid upon you. As with most of Van’s albums Saint Dominic’s Preview is best listened to and therefore reviewed in its attentive order. So…“Jackie Wilson Said” is the afore mentioned opening tribute track and the most notable single from the album is a snappy upbeat jam that does its muse proud. The gripping “Gypsy” is a step by step accent into the esoteric, a burgeoning theme for the album. The tour of homage continues with the jazzy “I’ll be there” as Van provides praise for Count Basse. Following next is the mind relocating first side finale “Listen to the Lion” with a very Vanesque improvisation, streaming outro. Like in his previous release, 1968’s Astral Weeks, the careful rhythm lifts you into the world of imagery the lyrics create as you experience the dream as it pours from Van. At more then eleven minutes it is the longest track on the album. The eponymous side two opener “Saint Dominic’s Preview” is a seemingly autobiographical ballad as evidenced by the reference to cleaning windows in the songs opening lyric. With a personal message and some of Van’s most epic lyrics, the intricate fills of the verses and the swelling momentum of the exclaimed title chorus make this one of my favorite songs ever. This song both in it’s context and as Van improvises outside the box is further evidence of Morrison’s amazing ability to say the same words over and over again without ever saying the same thing twice. On the heels of that masterpiece “Redwood” seamlessly combines country\folk\funk\jazz\gospel\soul and pop elements into another indubitable masterpiece of childhood memories and simplicity. Concluding the album a superfluous but brilliant intro bleeds into the plot of “Almost Independence Day” as Morrison and Ron Elliot duel on guitars behind the anticipatory lyrics and more direct metaphorical imagery. One of five Van Morrison albums that qualify as more of an experience than an album and the first of four on my list; Saint Dominic’s preview will draw you in with it’s jazzy charm and grab a hold of you with it’s poignant spirit. An essential listen.
Musical Content: *****
Artistic Content: ****
Impact: ****

Favorite Song: Saint Dominic’s Preview

09-25-2007, 10:46 PM	#53 (permalink)
Son of JayJamJah Occams Razor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: End of the Earth Posts: 2,472	Albums 59-62 62. *Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik* (1991) The Pinnacle of the Chili Peppers discography is this Rick Rubin produced 75 minute foray into the personal torment and eccentric compulsions of Anthony Kiedas, the aggressive bass play of Michael “Flea” Balzary the now refined drumming of Chad Smith and the passion of super fan turned lead guitar player John Frusciante. Blood Sugar Sex Magik marks a progression into a more funk driven alternative rock style for the band with songs like “Give it Away” a Grammy award winning punk anthem born out of a jam session and “Suck My Kiss” containing one of several sexually charged lyrical efforts. Daring from the outset with the raucous opening track “Power of Equality” and groove laden tracks mixed with the somber “Breaking the Girl”. The acoustic motivated “I Could Have Lied” is a stand out song demonstrating the range the now polished band has. Fleas Bass lines are perhaps the most resounding mark this album makes, the intro to “Apache Rose Pea” (for fucks sake they bleeped out cock in the context of the animal) will stick in your head for hours. “Sir Psycho Sexy” is the heaviest and grimiest funk effort on the album and solidifies the funk as the defining sound for the compilation. Despite this undoubtedly the crowning achievement of the album is “Under the Bridge” which has become a sort of Magnum Opus for the band. Now more then 15 years old it remains there most popular and revered song. The ballad is of course a first hand account of Heroin addiction from Kiedas’ point of view. A defining album for one of the most unique bands of the modern era and always a good listen cover to cover so to speak. Musical Content: ** Artistic Content: Impact: Favorite Song: Under The Bridge 61. Incubus – Morning View (2001) The third mainstream effort by Incubus marked a further departure, for better or worse, from their modern metal roots into a more expressive intricate style while sill maintaining a good portion of the tranquil aggression. Regardless of preference the album demonstrates further the massive variety of influence that Incubus incorporates into their sound. The first highlight is the introductory riff in the albums second track “Circles” one the albums stronger songs featuring a solid vocal performance by Brandon highlighted by a harmonious chorus and a nonchalant mellowing bridge. Now track better illustrates the evolution from organic Incubus to all grown up better then “Just a Phase” which is layers and layers of contentment and intrigue that lulls you into a sense of security comfort. With intentionally ironic metaphorically lyrics and an enjoyable musical cadence complete with a looping pre-chorus that explodes the second time around into a traditional Incubus symphonic audio experience. The rough edged “11 am” follows telling the story of one particular morning from a first person perspective. “Blood on the Ground” is a more traditional Incubus effort featuring up-tempo lyrics and intense hard rock riffs. “Mexico” is a surprise to steal the show as a chilling acoustic ballad demonstrating Brandon’s outstanding range as a singer and developing ability as a song writer. “Warning” is a true gem with an ambient light hearted melody and outstanding lyrical phrasing. Among Incubuses finest song writing efforts before or since; a favorite moment is the understated piano in the songs final movement. The subsequent song “Echo” serves as both a bridge between Incubuses styles a sort of prelude or foreshadowing to the albums final track the glorious middle-eastern stringed experiment in relaxation “Aqueous Transmission”. “Are you in” serves as a respite from the intensely poignant (either musically or vocally) tone of the album while continuing the soothing theme established throughout. Morning View, on the whole, its greatest detriment is coming on the heels of two outstanding efforts previous and additionally is victimized in terms of consistency as a result of the evolving musical direction the band was taking at the time. It is still a uniquely good album and a frequent disc in my rotation. Musical Content: Artistic Content: * Impact: * Favorite Song: Warning 60. *The Rolling Stones – Exile on Mainstreet* (1972) Retrieving Review File Musical Content: ** Artistic Content: Impact: Favorite Song: Tumbling Dice 59. Van Morrison – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972) Opening with a rousing tribute and concluding with a dynamic ten minute opus, Saint Dominic’s Preview is seven thrilling R&B and folk rooted tracks jammed in between two more generic efforts in Van’s discography. Often overlooked and underestimated by the casual fan, its allure is undeniable when its rhythm is laid upon you. As with most of Van’s albums Saint Dominic’s Preview is best listened to and therefore reviewed in its attentive order. So…“Jackie Wilson Said” is the afore mentioned opening tribute track and the most notable single from the album is a snappy upbeat jam that does its muse proud. The gripping “Gypsy” is a step by step accent into the esoteric, a burgeoning theme for the album. The tour of homage continues with the jazzy “I’ll be there” as Van provides praise for Count Basse. Following next is the mind relocating first side finale “Listen to the Lion” with a very Vanesque improvisation, streaming outro. Like in his previous release, 1968’s Astral Weeks, the careful rhythm lifts you into the world of imagery the lyrics create as you experience the dream as it pours from Van. At more then eleven minutes it is the longest track on the album. The eponymous side two opener “Saint Dominic’s Preview” is a seemingly autobiographical ballad as evidenced by the reference to cleaning windows in the songs opening lyric. With a personal message and some of Van’s most epic lyrics, the intricate fills of the verses and the swelling momentum of the exclaimed title chorus make this one of my favorite songs ever. This song both in it’s context and as Van improvises outside the box is further evidence of Morrison’s amazing ability to say the same words over and over again without ever saying the same thing twice. On the heels of that masterpiece “Redwood” seamlessly combines country\folk\funk\jazz\gospel\soul and pop elements into another indubitable masterpiece of childhood memories and simplicity. Concluding the album a superfluous but brilliant intro bleeds into the plot of “Almost Independence Day” as Morrison and Ron Elliot duel on guitars behind the anticipatory lyrics and more direct metaphorical imagery. One of five Van Morrison albums that qualify as more of an experience than an album and the first of four on my list; Saint Dominic’s preview will draw you in with it’s jazzy charm and grab a hold of you with it’s poignant spirit. An essential listen. Musical Content: * Artistic Content: Impact: Favorite Song:** Saint Dominic’s Preview Last edited by Son of JayJamJah; 10-08-2007 at 08:49 PM.