107. Earth Wind & Fire

January 13, 2019April 3, 2020 ~ ernopepper ~ 2 Comments

(January 2017) I have completed episode 107 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: EARTH WIND & FIRE. Classic funk, soul, rock and much else, always in a sunny and uplifting spirit. This was my go-to music whenever I felt depressed in high school (I listened to a lot of EW&F in high school). 70s is peak EW&F, 80s and 90s are pretty awful, but in the 00s and 10s they get their groove back.

Favorite album: All ‘n All

Favorite song: That’s the Way Of the World

Sentimental favorite song: In the Stone

Least favorite song: Boogie Wonderland

Compared to expectations: same

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102. Prince

January 13, 2019April 3, 2020 ~ ernopepper

(November 2016) I have completed episode 102 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s full discography. This edition: PRINCE. I now have greater appreciation of the depth and breadth (39 studio albums!) of his work (beyond the 80s albums). To me, the artist he most resembles is Frank Zappa: prolific, diversity of musical styles, idiosyncratic, social commentary, guitar virtuoso, but most of all, both successfully insisted on control of their music and business, and on doing things their own way. He was a genius. Best when funky. Best when falsetto.