Ramblings & Musings
 

So I am trying to get more active on MB & I figured a Member's Journal would probably do the trick. Now I am not quite as deep into music as the rest of you. But I am well on my way. Most of my knowledge extends to the classic rock & blues of the mid 60's to the early 80's. I also know a little of 90's alternative. But I am here to expand my horizons so feel free to help out. Also I don't really play an instrument ( I am learning bass but I wouldn't even consider my self a novice at this point) so I have a hard time picking out individual instrumentation usage in some songs/bands. So if I make a mistake, please correct me.

As for content of my Journal I am not quite sure what I will fill it with yet. But I will try to put a myriad of ideas most likely. I will tell you of some newer stuff that is unknown where I live. And I will try to drum up some obscure older stuff if I can. So here goes nothing!

I have decided to kick off my journal with a review of one of my favorite albums of all time that many of you may not know. This is also my first review ever.


My Rating: 9.5/10

I only give it 9.5 because I wish there were a couple more tracks.

Of the 11 tracks on this disc, 10 of them I listen to frequently. Paris Sunrise # 7 is a slow going instrumental. It is a good one, but I don't listen to instrumentals a whole lot. However, this song is on my Ipod list I play when I am sleeping.

There is a mix of upbeat rock, slow acoustic & even a wiessenborn only song. I love all these tracks. I have a hard time comparing this album to anything else I have ever heard. I would call them roots/bluesy rock. With real soulful vocals with a lot of conviction. I would recommend this album to anyone. The Innocent Criminals are amazing in their own right. This was a great collaboration. This was recorded after a Tour instead of vice versa and I think you can really tell by their chemistry on the record.

1. Fight Outta You - Acoustic Guitar driven. Great lyrics that pertain to the average person. 10/10

2. In The Colors - Slower song. Good lyrics. Just a fun slow song. 8/10

3. Fool For A Lonesome Train - Bluesy song, good harmonica and acoustic guitar. Great vocals. 10/10

4. Needed You Tonight - Slow and Fast song. This song is up and down quite a bit, but I don't think its overdone. Real personal vocal delivery I feel. 9/10

5. Having Wings - Mid Tempo fun song. 8/10

6. Say You Will - I love the vocal solo opening. Good Piano too. Very fun song. 9/10

7. Younger Than Today - Real slow soulful song. I love the line You'll never be younger than today" 9/10

8. Put It On Me - Real upbeat song. A lot of conviction in Ben's vocals on this one. Possibly my favorite track. 10/10

9. Heart Of Matters- Upbeat rootsy song. Good vocals. 8/10

10. Paris Sunrise # 7 - Instrumental. Slow tempo. Very relaxing. 7/10

11. Lifeline - Very slow tempo. This is Ben solo on the wiessenborn. 8/10

Definitely one of my favorites of all time. I own this album so if anyone is interested I could have a link up in a day or so.

Really looking forward to this journal because I know you love the blues. <3

And...you encouraged me to check out Ben Harper. Haven't checked this album out, but I did download White Lies for Dark Times and really loved "Fly One Time".

Cheers on starting a journal man!

Thanks! This album is less bluesy that White Lies for Dark Times. But I find his vocal delivery really bluesy.

My favorite track of White Lies is Number With No Name

Your write up on Lifeline was great. Like how you rated the album and then the songs individually. It gives people a good idea of where to start, if they want a specific point.

If the vocals are as soulful on this album as you say they are, then I'm sure to love it. On the DL now.

Thanks Glad you liked it.

Ya I have always enjoyed when people have rated the individual songs as well. With Ben the thing that really drew me in were his vocals. He is probably my favorite vocalist of the last decade.

So in the last couple of months I have spend every extra cent on CD's lol.

Here's what I've obtained lately.

Warren Zevon - S/T & Excitable Boy
ZZ Top - Fandango & Tres Hombres
Jackie Greene - Giving Up The Ghost
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - S/T, Damn The Torpedoes & Full Moon Fever
Little Feat - Dixie Chicken
The Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street
Jimi Hendrix - Valleys Of Neptune
Jack Johnson - Brushfire Fairytales & In Between Dreams
Primus - Sailing The Seas Of Cheese
Coheed & Cambria - Year Of The Black Rainbow

Pretty big list for the last 2 months or so.

I'm not into a lot of that, but Sailing the Seas of Cheese is great. Hope you're enjoying it (and everything else).

I'm kind of a Coheed fan, but I didn't really like Year of the Black Rainbow too much. I feel like they've been going downhill for the past couple of releases.

Ya I love Primus. Theyre awesome. As for Coheed my favorite album is In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3

Quick update, I have started a RYM account. Its not complete yet but I will keep updating it. The Link's in my Sig if your interested.

Thanks!