32. Oasis

(July 2014) I have completed phase 32 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entire discography in chronological order. This episode: OASIS.

Favourite album: Definitely Maybe
Favourite song: Keep the Dream Alive
Started strong with two excellent albums, finished strong with two good albums, with the weaker ones in between

Compared to expectations: same

OasisDefinitelyMaybealbumcover.jpg

 

31.Olivia Tremor Control (with The Sunshine Fix and Circulatory System)

(July 2014) I have completed phase 31 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entire discography in chronological order. This episode: OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL with spin-off bands THE SUNSHINE FIX and CIRCULATORY SYSTEM.

Favorite album: Music from the Unrealized Film Script, Dusk at Cubist Castle
Favorite song: I Have Been Floated

Compared to expectations: same

olivia_tremor_control_-_dusk_at_cubist_castle

 

26. Frank Zappa

(May 2014) I have completed phaze 26 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to the entire discography of an artist from beginning to end. This episode: another great Italian, FRANK ZAPPA. This was a looooooong one, the longest I will do by a non-exclusively classical composer. 90+ albums, almost 6 months. But very engaging, funny, and illuminating. I learned a lot. Highly recommended.

Favorite album (Mothers era): We’re Only In It For The Money
Favorite album (solo): You Are What You Is

Favorite song: Peaches en Regalia

Favorite period: original Mothers of Invention (1966-69)

Low point: Thing Fish

On the menu: baby octopus, creamed corn, muffin rem-nants

What’s happening: Becky?

Special sauce: Muffin Utility Research Kitchen

Compared to expectations: same

Zappamoney2

22. Yes

(March 2014) I have completed phase 22 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an artists’ full discography, from beginning to end. This episode: YES.

Favourite album: Close to the Edge
Favourite song: Gates of Delirium
Favourite period: the song-as-album side years (’72-’76)

Low point: most everything from the 1990s (esp. Open Your Eyes)

Hidden gem: the fist two, more earthy, slightly psychedelic, albums

Special sauce: Chris Squire

Compared to expectations: same

Yes-close.jpg