(February 2023) Episode 471 of the “opus project” is JAMES GANG. You know them as Joe Walsh’s first band and for their eternal classic rock radio hits “Funk #49” and “Walk Away.” The first three albums (1969-71) are a good helping of enjoyable funk rock. But then Walsh left and the rest is mostly forgettable boogie and soft rock.
Favorite album: James Gang Rides Again
Favorite song: Funk #49
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: a greatest hits package will do
(March 2019) I have completed episode 208 of my “opus project.” This edition: MINUTEMEN. I did not follow them in real time, but listening in retrospect, their influence is clearly recognizable, especially in funk-punk. Notable is their sense of adventurism. I particularly like the echoes of Captain Beefheart. It’s apt that Minutemen’s early songs clocked in at about one minute each, although I don’t think that’s where their name comes from.
Favorite album: Double Nickels On The Dime
Favorite song: The Glory of Man
Favorite EP: Minuteflag
Best approximation of a Captain Beefheart song: Power Failure
Compared to expectations: ↓
(July 2018) I have completed episode 176 of my “opus project.” This edition: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. Many excellent songs. But overall, the sum does not equal the (funk + rock + punk + jazz) parts. Their early stuff was ground-breaking (esp. Get Up and Jump). Everything after Californication is boring. In the 1980s, you’d put on their latest album to show how punk you were. In the 1990s, you’d put on their latest album to show you were edgier than your friends who listened to Gin Blossoms and Dave Matthews. In the 2000s, you put on their latest album to show that you once thought of yourself as punk and edgy.
Favorite album: One Hot Minute
Favorite song: Give It Away
Special sauce: Flea
Compared to expectations: same
(October 2016) I have completed episode 97 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s full discography. This edition: LENNY KRAVITZ. Best when funky.
Favorite album: Let Love Rule
Favorite song: It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over
Least favorite album: Strut
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 