(February 2017) I have completed episode 111 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: BLONDIE. A good ride on the new wave, but mostly meh.
Favorite album: Parallel Lines
Favorite song: Heart of Glass
Best late-period album: The Curse of Blondie
Compared to expectations: ↓
(May 2016) I have completed episode 85 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: THE CARS. I rediscovered that their first couple of albums are so fun and hook-filled; almost all the songs on the first recording were radio hits. Their outputs fades as they move into the 1980s and the synths and echo drums take over.
Favorite album: The Cars
Favorite song: Just What I Needed
Worst album: Door to Door
Return to form: their 2011 reunion album Move Like This
Compared to expectations: same
(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: ↓
(October 2013) I have completed phase 15 of my “opus project,” wherein I listen to a band’s entire catalogue from start to finish. This episode: The Talking Heads.
Favorite Album: Remain in Light
Favorite song: Memories Can’t Wait
And the heat: goes on
Special sauce: Tina Weymouth
Compared to expectations: same
(June 2013) I have completed phase 4 of my “opus project,” wherein I listen to the entire discography of a band from beginning to end. This phase: The Police.
Favorite album: Ghost in the Machine
Favorite song: Invisible Sun
Best song: Don’t Stand So Close To Me.
Least favorite album: Synchronicity
Least favorite song: Wrapped Around Your Finger
Special treat: songs by Andy Summers
Special sauce: Andy Summers
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 