(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: ↓
(January 2016) I have completed episode 72 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s discography from start to finish. This episode: THE DOORS. This band is special, and unique; no one has sounded like them before or since. Amazingly, they released the six albums with Jim Morrison in 4.25 years, and all of them are good. And, yes, my Jim Morrison mancrush remains strong.
Favorite album: The Doors
Favorite song: L.A. Woman
Song that should be on every Greatest Hits collection but isn’t: Peace Frog
Special sauce: Robbie Krieger
Compared to expectations: same
(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
(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
(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
(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: ↓
(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
(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: ↓
(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
(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: ↑
Opus Project 