Category: Uncategorized

70. The Moody Blues

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(December 2015) I have completed episode 70 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography from start to finish. This episode: THE MOODY BLUES. I still hold some fondness for the early psychadelic-ish albums. They crafted good melodies, but the lack of edge (except the drummer, get it?) in the music does not help it endure over the decades. While some of the 1980s songs were radio hits, I found little of worth after 1972 (although I hold a nostalgic place for 1981’s Long Distance Voyager).

Favourite album: In Search of the Lost Chord

Favourite song: The Best Way to Travel

Best Song: The Voice

Worst Album: Strange Times

Compared to expectations: same

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69. Iron Butterfly

~ ernopepper ~ 1 Comment

(December 2015) I have completed episode 69 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s compelte discography. This episode: IRON BUTTERFLY. Don’t laugh; I’m a sucker for acid rock. Heavy guitars, psychedelic organ — guys, you had me at “iron.”

Favorite album: Heavy

Favorite song: The Iron Butterfly Theme (what, you thought I was going to mention something else? OK, here goes…)

Favorite album side: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, side 2

Compared to expectations: same

Heavy_album_cover_(Iron_Butterfly).png

68. Ringo Starr

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(December 2015) I have completed episode 68 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s complete discography in order. This episode: RINGO STARR. This episode is unique in the project, as I do not own any Ringo albums. But I made an except to my rules, as I completed the other three Beatles’ solo careers and I didn’t want to leave Ringo out. His songs are pleasant, but few are memorable. But it’s Ringo so it’s all good natured-fun.

Favourite album: Ringo (1973)

Favourite song: It Don’t Come Easy

Worst Album: Ringo the Fourth

Favourite period: 1998-2005 (three surprisingly good albums if you ignore the Christmas album)

Compared to expectations: same

ringocover

67. The Clash

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(November 2015) I have completed episode 67 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s complete discography from start to finish. This episode: THE CLASH. I came late to The Clash, but I get it, although not to the extent of naming my child after Joe Strummer (I know three people who have). The also have one of the best album covers ever.

Favourite album: London Calling

Favourite song: Death or Glory

Most tedious album: Sandinista!

Compared to expectations: ↓

TheClashLondonCallingalbumcover.jpg

66. Björk

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(November 2015) I have completed episode 66 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s full discography in chronological order. This episode; BJÖRK, with a bit of SUGARCUBES. She’s always doing something interesting.

Favorite album: Vespertine
Favorite song: Earth Intruders
Favorite period: 2001-2007

Compared to expectations: same

BjorkVespertine.jpg

65. Black Flag

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(November 2015) I have completed episode 65 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entire discography. This episode: BLACK FLAG. Their music is best summed up by the cover of their first album:

Favorite album: Damaged

Favorite song: The Swinging Man

Favorite spoken word: Family Man

Favorite instrumental: Obliteration

Compared to expectations: same

Black_Flag_-_Damaged_cover.jpg

64. OK GO

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(November 2015) I have completed episode 64 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entire discography. This episode: OK GO. This band always reminds me of my second daughter, as their debut CD was in my car as I went back and forth to the hospital when she was born.

Favorite album: OK Go

Favorite song: What To Do

Compared to expectations: ↓

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63. Swans

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(October 2015) I have completed episode 63 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography from start to finish. this episode: SWANS. If you prefer conventional song structure, then this artist may not be for you. But if you like beautiful noise, give Swans a try. The 1980s albums are severely experimental, the 1990s more accessible and song-oriented, and the 2010s richly sonic.

Favorite album: The Seer

Favorite song: The Sound

Favorite period: 2010-2014

Compared to expectations: same

Swans_The_Seer_album.jpg

62. The Stooges

~ ernopepper ~ 1 Comment

(October 2015) I have completed episode 62 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s complete discography. This episode: THE STOOGES. Amazing that I didn’t discover this music until about 5 years ago. Such great, ahem, raw power. This is what rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to sound like.

Favorite album: The Stooges

Favorite song: 1969

Not bad: the two “reunion” albums of recent years.

Compared to expectations: ↑

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61. Camper Van Beethoven

~ ernopepper ~ 1 Comment

I have completed episode 61 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography from start to finish. This episode: CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN. It mystifies me why this wasn’t my favorite band in college, or wasn’t in regular rotation after that. Still time to rectify that oversight.

Favorite album: Telephone Free Landslide Victory

Favorite song (original): Take the Skinheads Bowling

Favorite song (cover): Interstellar Overdrive. Few covers ever top the original, but this is one. And the original was one of the best things Pink Floyd ever did.

Hidden gem: Tusk, a song-for-song remake of the Fleetwood Mac album. Whaaa? Bonus points for the mere concept. And not poorly done.

Fine return to eclectic form: New Roman Times (2004)

Compared to expectations: same

Camper_Van_Beethoven_-_Telephone_Free_Landslide_Victory.jpg