Author: ernopepper

26. Frank Zappa

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(May 2014) I have completed phaze 26 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to the entire discography of an artist from beginning to end. This episode: another great Italian, FRANK ZAPPA. This was a looooooong one, the longest I will do by a non-exclusively classical composer. 90+ albums, almost 6 months. But very engaging, funny, and illuminating. I learned a lot. Highly recommended.

Favorite album (Mothers era): We’re Only In It For The Money
Favorite album (solo): You Are What You Is

Favorite song: Peaches en Regalia

Favorite period: original Mothers of Invention (1966-69)

Low point: Thing Fish

On the menu: baby octopus, creamed corn, muffin rem-nants

What’s happening: Becky?

Special sauce: Muffin Utility Research Kitchen

Compared to expectations: same

Zappamoney2

24. Ludwig Van Beethoven

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(March 2014) I have completed phase 24 of my “opus project” in which I listen to the complete works of an artist. This episode: LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN.   This was the biggest yet by far. I was able to listen to 329 of 478 catalogued works, representing more than 90% of total performance time. Of this, I captured 99 percent of his major works (those with opus #s).

Favorite work (and symphony): Symphony #5

Favorite symphonic first movement: #5

Favorite symphonic slow movement (and overall): #7

Favorite symphonic scherzo movement: #3

Favorite symphonic fourth movement: #9 (choral)

Favorite piano concerto: #5 (Emperor)

Favorite string quartet: #14

Favorite piano sonata: #8 (“Pathetique”)

Favorite song: Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend (op. 98 no 1)

Compared to expectations: same

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22. Yes

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(March 2014) I have completed phase 22 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artists’ full discography, from beginning to end. This episode: YES.

Favourite album: Close to the Edge
Favourite song: Gates of Delirium
Favourite period: the song-as-album side years (’72-’76)

Low point: most everything from the 1990s (esp. Open Your Eyes)

Hidden gem: the fist two, more earthy, slightly psychedelic, albums

Special sauce: Chris Squire

Compared to expectations: same

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21. Metallica

~ ernopepper ~ 2 Comments

(January 2014) I have completed phase 21 of my ‘opus project,’ in which I listen to a band’s entire discography. This episode: METALLICA.

Favorite album: Kill ‘Em All

Favorite Song: Whiplash

Best period: the 1980s

Worst period: the 1990s

Hidden gem: the rawness of St. Anger

Special sauce: Lars Ulrich

Compared to expectations: same

Metallica_-_Kill_'Em_All_cover

20. The Beatles

~ ernopepper ~ 3 Comments

(December 2013) I have completed phase 20 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entire discography from start to finish.* This episode: THE BEATLES. This was a long one, and the most special (I have done this a few times before).

Favourite song: Strawberry Fields Forever
Favourite album: Revolver
Favourite period: 1965-67

Worst song: Mr. Moonlight (I skip every time)

Under-rated songs: You Won’t See Me, I’ll Cry Instead, It’s All Too Much, Hey Bulldog, Savoy Truffle

Over-rated song: All You Need Is Love, Twist and Shout, Lady Madonna, Birthday

Special sauce: Paul’s bass

Compared to expectations: same

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* I listen to Yellow Submarine, White Album, Let It Be, and Abbey Road in that order, to reflect the order in which they were recorded, not released. Also, the list includes the Anthologies, Past Masters, Live at BBC and Love.

Ten favourite songs*:
1. Strawberry Fields Forever
2. Tomorrow Never Knows
3. Here Comes the Sun
4. Something
5. I Am the Walrus
6. Across the Universe
7. Yesterday
8. Help!
9. In My Life
10: I Should Have Known Better

* If the Abbey Road medley counted as one, it would be somewhere in 5-7.