(July 2018) I have completed episode 173 of my “opus project.” This edition: ROXY MUSIC. The review confirmed my impression that much of Roxy’s music is unremarkable. But it did introduce me to their first two superbly glam-tastic albums — the ones with Brian Eno (because everything Eno touches turns to gold).
Favorite album: For Your Pleasure
Favorite song: The Bogus Man
Least favorite album: Flesh + Blood
Nostalgic album: Avalon
Compared to expectations: ↓
(March 2017) I have completed episode 113 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: T. REX. Marc Bolan started out with bongo-infused psychedelic folk and helped define glam rock with the fabulous Electric Warrior, but then kinda just repeated himself after that.
Favourite album: Electric Warrior
Favourite song: 20th Century Boy
Compared to expectations: ↓
(March 2016) I have completed phase 78 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s complete discography. This edition: SUPERGRASS. Never understood why this effervescent, talented British alt-band with a sense of humor never gained wider attention. Try it.
Favourite album: Life on Other Planets
Favourite song: Alright
Compared to expectations: same
(March 2016) I have completed phase 77 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s complete discography. This edition: DAVID BOWIE. Catalyzed by his passing, this effort newly exposed me to the wide variety and creativity of his work. While not every recording has aged well, Bowie never settled on a patented sound; rather, he kept innovating until the end.
Favourite album: The Man Who Sold The World
Favourite song: Ziggy Stardust
Favourite period: 1969-1973, which also speaks to the guitar and arranging talents of Mick Ronson
Also great with a very different sound: the ‘Berlin Trilogy,’ 1977-79, which shows that what Brian Eno touches is gold
Worst albums: the 1980s
Special sauce: Mick Ronson
Compared to expectations: ↑
(February 2018) I have completed episode 74 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s complete discography from start to finish. This episode: QUEEN. As a fan, I’ve always been puzzled by the critical scorn. After this run-through, I see their point. Lots of empty calories. However, few bands can offer a Greatest Hits collection that is a more fun, sing-with-the-windows-down glamfest than Queen. I love Brian May’s innovative work (in the 1970s), and Freddie’s voice of course. Just don’t bother with anything from the 1980s or later.
Favourite album: Night at the Opera
Favourite song: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite heavily-layered mini-opera that is not Bohemian Rhapsody: The March of the Black Queen (from Queen II)
Favourite Period: 1973-75
Worst Album: Flash Gordon (soundtrack)
Worst Album that is not a soundtrack: anything after The Game (1979)
Special sauce: Brian May
Compared to expectations: ↓
(January 2016) I have completed episode 73 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This episode: PULP. Fine glam Britpop. Common People is one of my all-time favorite songs.
Favourite album: Different Class
Favourite song: Common People
Compared to expectations: ↓
(March 2015) I have completed phase 49 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artist’s complete discography. This edition: BRIAN ENO. This was a long one; more than 50 albums. (If I had included the hundreds of albums which he produced, it would have taken me a year.) My favorite period is the mid-1970s, when he simultaneously put out eclectic glam-adelic rock albums and essentially invented ambient music. He continued (and continues) to innovate in many directions.
Favourite album (rock): Here Come the Warm Jets
Favourite album (ambient): Music for Airports
Favourite album (collaboration): Evening Star (with Robert Fripp)
Favourite song: Needles in the Camel’s Eye
Compared to expectations: ⇑
Opus Project 