Boner presents: Great 70's albums

[Boner M]

After my last (http://matchcut.org/viewtopic.php?t=8888&highlight=banhart) attempt at a big music project turned into an elongated miscarriage, I've decided on a more manageable project this time. Nothing too grandiose; just a random selection of 70's albums that I really dig. I've tried to avoid the canonical unless I absolutely must, and I'll be leaning toward the overlooked. I'll upload/provide links to tracks from each as well. And I'll move onto the 80's whenever I can.

Whee.

[Sven]

Holy moly, yes! I'm very excited for this, as you may have construed with my list of pop songs a couple months back. The 70s, as with film, is my favorite decade for music.

[Boner M]

Terry Callier - What Color is Love?

http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/c/callie_terr_whatcolor_101b.jpg

Most of my list is decidedly rock-ist, so I thought I'd kick off with this lovely little slab of soul-folk from Mr. Callier. I find soul one of the least interesting genres to write about; it's either soulful or not, right? Anyway, this obviously is, combining the twilight-y wistfulness of Pink Moon with noir-ish jazz and standard 70's Motown stuff. The first track, "Dancing Girl", is an absolute epic, moving through all those aforementioned styles over the span of 10 aching minutes. Indescribably melancholic and just a little bit bombastic, and the one of the best album openers ever. The other 5 tracks can't match it, but are still really nice.

"Dancing Girl" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rthqm0FOoBs) (I'd recommend not watching the accompanying video unless you have the hots for Mia Sara. Which you do.)

[Sven]

Mia Sara is married to Brian Henson, who my wife went to a party with when she worked for the Henson company. I was jealous, for multiple reasons.

Great song! I will check out more.

[Boner M]

The Groundhogs - Split

http://www.thegroundhogs.co.uk/hogs/41%20pics/split.jpg

Loved by Mark E. Smith and Stephen Malkmus, and always vaguely out-of-step with current musical vogue, the Groundhogs were an uncommonly rockin' blues-rock group from Leeds. They had a minor hit with "Cherry Red", but their proclivity for raw power over melody meant they were predictably overlooked in their day and adopted by post-punk iconoclasts such as the aforementioned later on. This album sounds as Krautrock-y (particularly Amon Duul 2) as any British blues-rock band I've heard; not so much in that it's repetitive or experimental (though the solos are rather atonal), just in that it's an easily reconisably format tweaked by a slightly off-kilter sensibility that's hard to articulate. The first side is a rather kickass suite, and the quality is consistent throughout. Note to self, I need to check out their other albums...

"Cherry Red" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81M_fS0UmCE)

[Sven]

I just got Terry Callier's first album from emusic and it's gorgeous! Thanks, bone daddy!

[Boner M]

I just got Terry Callier's first album from emusic and it's gorgeous! Thanks, bone daddy!
Backatcha! I haven't actually heard that one, just WCIL and Occasional Rain. The latter is excellent, mainly for "Ordinary Joe" which is probably a top ten OAT song.

Anyway, gotta head to work; will add more later.

[Sven]

Just got Callier's Speak Your Peace as well, and I'm totally digging it. Sounds like this guy might get some major spinnage from me in the near future.

[Raiders]

Sounds awesome. I never realized how relatively unfamiliar I am with a lot of 70s music. I think my favorite album from the decade would be Bitches Brew.

[MadMan]

Cool stuff, seeing as the 70s are my favorite decade for music.

[Horbgorbler]

I lurve Terry Callier's debut, though I've somehow managed to still not hear What Color Is Love, despite having it. I'll do that now.

[Boner M]

Miles Davis - A Tribute to Jack Johnson

http://www.thelastmiles.com/gfx/interviews/eric-leeds/miles-davis-jack-johnson.jpg

There are days when I'll say that this is my single favorite album. Period. Maybe there are more ambitious or innovative albums from the Miles canon, but this is worth 10 Kind of Blue's to me. The wonderful thing is that none of the players (also Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin and an uncredited Sonny Sharrock) seem to be trying too hard. The very first notes promise that it'll be a decidedly chill & laidback affair rather than something mind-blowing, and I suppose it does deliver on its promise. The second of the two tracks even recycles a whole passage from In a Silent Way via sampling. None of this can stop the sheer alchemical wonder that occurs between these godly musicians simply chewing the fat. You get the feeling listening to it that one solo lasting a few seconds longer or shorter might just kill the whole thing (one of the reasons I don't want to seek out the giant 'Jack Johnson sessions' box set). I guess you could call it the jazz equivalent of the best screwball comedy ever made. Or Rio Bravo, which makes sense - Tarantino called that one he ultimate 'hanging out' film. And this is the ultimate 'hanging out' album.

"Yesternow" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTjJEr4NuRw)

[Sven]

My favorite Miles album. Excellent.

[Boner M]

Les Rallizes Denudes - Live '77

http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s141652.jpg

I don't know what to say about this one except for that if you like all 17 minutes of "Sister Ray", then you'll want to hear this IMMEDIATELY. Some of loudest psych jamming from the 70's, and basically the template for all heavy Japanese bands since (Acid Mothers Temple, Kousokuya, Fushitsusha, High Rise, Mainliner, etc).

"Night of the Assassin" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAz8uw5a0uM&feature=related) (not the album version, but same deal... that bassline)

[Horbgorbler]

:pritch:

One of the greatest achievements in rock 'n' roll history.

[Boner M]

:pritch:

One of the greatest achievements in rock 'n' roll history.
D'ya know of any other essential recordings? As much as I love the one I listed, I keep finding better versions of the songs on youtube. I remember a friend telling me that one called 'French Demo Tape' was their best, though I haven't been able to find it.

[Horbgorbler]

D'ya know of any other essential recordings? As much as I love the one I listed, I keep finding better versions of the songs on youtube. I remember a friend telling me that one called 'French Demo Tape' was their best, though I haven't been able to find it.

Their most famous happens to be their best, but Live 1973 is no slouch, either.Then there's the Heavier Than a Death in the Family compilation, but I think it's basically '77 Live re-packaged.

[Acapelli]

Then there's the Heavier Than a Death in the Family compilation, but I think it's basically '77 Live re-packaged.
Grabbing this now.

[Russ]

I sure hope The Third Reich 'n' Roll is on this list.

[Boner M]

Sparks - Kimono My House

http://www.nikiselken.com/photos/kimono.jpg

Ahh, gotta love that cover. Not to mention the manic glam-pop gold contained within. Queen borrowed a lot from Sparks, but they couldn't match their wit and catchiness . Every Sparks songs sounds like "Bohemian Rhapsody" if it was a kickass pop song rather than a lameass suite. Actually, I'm not sure if Queen borrowed from them or if it was the other way around, but anything to glorify the greatness of Sparks, eh? "Amateur Hour", "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us", "Here in Heaven"... practically every song is enthrallingly hook-ridden, and just irritating enough to get under your skin and make you come back for more (just listen to the outro of "Equator" and try to NOT claw your ears off - in a good way!). There's two bonus tracks - "Barbecutie" and "Lost and Found" - included with every CD, which are probably the most essential bonus tracks ever. Extra brownie points for the creepy, brooding-mugging Hitler pianist, as documented in the following video...

"This Town Ain't Big Enough For the Both of Us" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax8JYmoRhy4)

[Boner M]

Gary Higgins - Red Hash

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music/garyhiggins.jpg

An absolutely beautiful sun-baked folk record from some creepily-bearded pothead loner. Long lost for a while but reissued by Drag City a few years ago; "Thicker Than a Smokey" was also covered by Six Organs of Admittance on 2005's School of the Flower. Kinda perfect for those hazy August afternoons, or long summer coastal drives. I think I'll go on one just now!

"Thicker Than a Smokey" (http://blogfiles.wfmu.org/BT/Gary_Higgins_-_Thicker_Than_A_Smokey.mp3)

[Yum-Yum]

I love Sparks. In fact, four of my favourite movies of all-time feature songs by them.


"This Town Ain't Big Enough For the Both of Us" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax8JYmoRhy4)

Don Mael sure knows how to mug for the camera.

[Boner M]

I love Sparks. In fact, four of my favourite movies of all-time feature songs by them.
Which films would they be?

Can't promise that my entire list will float your boat. 70's were kinda dry on synth-pop and industrial. :)

[Boner M]

Sly & the Family Stone - Fresh

http://www.swampland.com/img/Image/calemine/sly5fresh.jpg

I hate to bring myself to say it, but I've just never loved There's a Riot Goin' On like I should. I dunno, it's just a little too much of a bummer, but not enough so that it fills me with the right amount of despair, nor does it move me in any sense of the word. Just can't work up much enthusiasm. So I guess that's why this 'happy' follow-up works for me so much. More blatantly commercial than it's predecessor, sure, and usually that would be something to look down upon, but not in this case, since the songs are so great and good vibes so infectious. Also includes my all-time favorite song of theirs (linked below), which I was first introduced to on a mix from Horb, so cheers Horb!

"If You Want Me To Stay" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3t9htxbIAc)

[Yum-Yum]

Which films would they be?

Heavenly Bodies - "Breaking Out Of Prison"
Valley Girl - "Angst in My Pants" and "Eaten by the Monster of Love"
The Last American Virgin - "Are You Ready For the Sex Girls?" (Gleaming Spires)
Revenge of the Nerds - "Are You Ready For the Sex Girls" (Gleaming Spires)
Fright Night - "The Armies of the Night"


Can't promise that my entire list will float your boat. 70's were kinda dry on synth-pop and industrial. :)

Nevertheless, I'll try to keep tabs on your list. After all, I do like the disco and the punk music.

[Eleven]

I was always partial to Stand!, but Fresh ain't half bad either.

[Duncan]

It's nice that Boner congratulates himself on making a fantastic attempt after every post.

/not so fantastic attempt at...something.

I really like listening to these songs. They're very good.

[Boner M]

I was always partial to Stand!, but Fresh ain't half bad either.
That one's from the 60's. And I haven't heard it.


It's nice that Boner congratulates himself on making a fantastic attempt after every post.
Well, I'm really congratulating everyone for reading the posts. And considering some of the spelling and grammar errors I'm partial to, you all deserve it.

[Boner M]

The Wipers - Is This Real?

http://homepages.nyu.edu/~alr237/wipers_isthisreal.jpg

After listening to the Wipers for the last few months, I'm starting to realise that they might be the ultimate rock band. A combination of the frenetic energy of punk, the guitar explorations and effects of psychedelic, infectious power-pop, surf-rock, and metallic roar, the Wipers have stayed in the shadows too long because of fierce independence and uncategorisability. Everyone cites the Pixies as Nirvana's primary power source, but if there's one band to trace their roots back to (and basically every band of the grunge explosion), I'd be inclined to point towards Greg Sage's power trio. Their first three albums are equally essential, and this one (their debut) has all the angst and righteous fury you could want from punk rock as well as all the attention to songcraft you'd like from pop. 'Bubblegum doom' is the best way I can classify it. Let's hope that one catches on.

"Window Shop For Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yq9ng9oaKo)

[Boner M]

Lula Côrtes E Zé Ramalho - Paêbirú

http://www.flyglobalmusic.com/fly/lula_cortes.jpg

The more I explore Brazilian music, the more weary I become of neophytes fetishizing the most kitschy bossanova stuff as a trendy accessory and never bothering to move beyond the canon. Yeah, OK, so that was a poorly veiled attempt at attacking the collective hard-on that hipsters have for Os Mutantes. Still pisses me off, especially when flat-out astonishing albums like this go largely unnoticed beyond Vinyl collectors and hardcore downloaders. An exhaustive, sprawling musical journey through a tactile jungle of varied sounds; from gentle acoustic passages and musique concrete, to full-on Can-style grooves, so evocative of dense tropical rainforest that I'm wondering if cicadas and mosqitos were sampled or if I just imagined them. The following cut contains what I consider to be the most addictive groove ever recorded (call me out if I say that again within the next few pages)...

"Nas Paredes Da Pedra Encantada" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OY3OSBG7)

[Boner M]

Anyone listen to the last song I uploaded? Feedback, peeps...

[Sven]

Anyone listen to the last song I uploaded? Feedback, peeps...

I am listening to it now and it's pretty friggin' sweet.

[Boner M]

I am listening to it now and it's pretty friggin' sweet.
Yay! Just checkin' for some signs of life. :)

[D_Davis]

The Wipers - Is This Real?



Never heard these guys before - good stuff.

[Melville]

Anyone listen to the last song I uploaded? Feedback, peeps...
Just finished listening to it. I love the sprawling variation, the rhythmic melded shifts between groups of sounds. Great write-up, too.

[Boner M]

Just finished listening to it. I love the sprawling variation, the rhythmic melded shifts between groups of sounds. Great write-up, too.
Rockin'. You're King of Kong score is rockin' too. I enjoyed it, but the love it gets is absurd.

[MacGuffin]

The Wipers - Is This Real?

http://homepages.nyu.edu/~alr237/wipers_isthisreal.jpg

After listening to the Wipers for the last few months, I'm starting to realise that they might be the ultimate rock band. A combination of the frenetic energy of punk, the guitar explorations and effects of psychedelic, infectious power-pop, surf-rock, and metallic roar, the Wipers have stayed in the shadows too long because of fierce independence and uncategorisability. Everyone cites the Pixies as Nirvana's primary power source, but if there's one band to trace their roots back to (and basically every band of the grunge explosion), I'd be inclined to point towards Greg Sage's power trio. Their first three albums are equally essential, and this one (their debut) has all the angst and righteous fury you could want from punk rock as well as all the attention to songcraft you'd like from pop. 'Bubblegum doom' is the best way I can classify it. Let's hope that one catches on.

"Window Shop For Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yq9ng9oaKo)

I'm glad someone else has heard of them.

[Horbgorbler]

The more I explore Brazilian music, the more weary I become of neophytes fetishizing the most kitschy bossanova stuff as a trendy accessory and never bothering to move beyond the canon. Yeah, OK, so that was a poorly veiled attempt at attacking the collective hard-on that hipsters have for Os Mutantes.

A thousand times yes.

Great album, to boot. I think you recommended it to me in the first place. http://icine.org/forums/images/smiles/icon_up.gif

[Boner M]

These Trails (self-titled)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/detchibe/thesetrails-thesetrails1973.jpg

Gah, so much great folk from this decade. These guys (and gals) are from Hawaii, and there's a palpable sense of calm and relaxation in the music, as well as the vague menace imposed by constant storm clouds on the horizon. Much in the same vein as the Higgins album linked on the other page, albeit more tropical/exotic, thanks to a wide variety of instrumentation (electric/acoustic/slide gutars, dulcimer, tabla, recorder, sitar, synthesizer, etc) and those lilting Hawaiian accented vocals. Really, really nice stuff... one of my favorite albums covers ever, to boot.

"Hello Lou" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OX2RQ8BR)

[Boner M]

Träd Gräs Och Stenar - Djungelns Lag

http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s24097.jpg (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/trad__gras_och_stenar/djungelns_lag_f1/)

This Swedish collective (also known as Harvester, International Harvester, Parson Sound, et al) has released all quality stuff, but this is probably my favorite and the most underrated of all their works. They began in the mid 60's as fans of the Rolling Stones and music scholars interested in the avant-garde, namely the minimalism of Terry Riley. Quintessential beginnings of any avant-rock band, though these guys deserve credit for predating krautrock and taking the influence of the Velvet Underground to extremes long before anyone else from around the world would. The sound on this live album is pretty rough, but the jamming is as transportive as ever, especially on the half-hour epic final track. This next tastebite shows what sublime masters of the rock crescendo they were...

"Sanningens Silverflod" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UXOF0SQL)

[Boner M]

Tough crowd. I guess I'll have to bring on the surefire-hits soon (when I come back from work tonight).

[Derek]

Tough crowd. I guess I'll have to bring on the surefire-hits soon (when I come back from work tonight).

I will be downloading and listening to each of these soon, but I'm defending my Master's thesis tomorrow so cut me some slack. :)

[Duncan]

Tough crowd. I guess I'll have to bring on the surefire-hits soon (when I come back from work tonight).

I listened. Reminded me vaguely of Fushitsusha. Liked it.

[Melville]

Tough crowd. I guess I'll have to bring on the surefire-hits soon (when I come back from work tonight).
The last two songs were both good, especially the first one... but especially the second one.

[Duncan]

Träd Gräs Och Stenar - Djungelns Lag
[/url] The guys actually have a MySpace page. And they're old.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc49/simson668/IMG_1675DVDreklamcopy3.jpg

[MadMan]

I haven't heard of any of these discs. I shall use this thread to enlighten thyself.

[D_Davis]

I went through a substantial Hawaiian music listening phase a few years ago. Good stuff. Never heard of These Trails, I'll check them out.

I love the lap steel in Hawaiian music, and I am sure I will be listening to more of it as I learn to play the pedal steel.

[Boner M]

Magical Power Mako (self-titled)

http://poisonpie.com/sounds/haino/images/polydor_1.jpg

I don't really like the first 5 tracks of this record. They're a little too cute and eclectic-for-eclecticism's-sake (I also dislike that term, and dislike that this album made me use it); kinda exactly what you'd expect from an obscure 70's Japanese band. But everything from "Flying" onwards is pure awesomesauce. Mako is an amazing guitarist, but rarely showboats, instead letting an assortment of pianists, varied percussionists, voice-loops, and even a children's choir take the listener on a remarkably blissed-out musical journey that is a fairly accurate approximation of the experience of flying on Atreyu through the clouds at the end of The Never-Ending Story. Mako's subsequent - and more acclaimed - Super Record is perhaps more consistent, but never matches the giddy heights on display here.

"Opening the Morning Window, The Sunshine Comes In" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EY1U5QP2)

[Sven]

...a fairly accurate approximation of the experience of flying on Atreyu through the clouds at the end of The Never-Ending Story.

I do believe you mean Falcor.

[Boner M]

Brian Eno - Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

http://trickledown.files.wordpress.co m/2007/08/tigermountain1.jpg

She clutches the tray
And then we talk just like a kitchen sink play
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Living so close to danger,
Even your friends are strangers
Don't count upon their company.

Now we're onto an absolute top-ten OAT favorite. All of Eno's 70's pop albums are uniformly great, but this is the one that really hits the spot. His cryptic lyrics and wordplay have never been more playful (almost proto-rap in spots), and the songs are all perfect and ridiculously catchy; with the rhythm section perhaps more furious than necessary and making everything just that little bit more hypnotic. Not a whole lot more to say, just listen...

"Mother Whale Eyeless" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w134m6pWfWM)

[Boner M]

I do believe you mean Falcor.
Argh, I've betrayed my childhood. :cry:

[D_Davis]

I've always wanted to like Magical Power Mako, but I could never get into it.

And of course I love the Brian Eno choice.

[Sven]

Wonderful thread, by the way. I've been listening and reading with intent. Kudos.

[Boner M]

I've always wanted to like Magical Power Mako, but I could never get into it.
Super Record was a bit of a letdown (but still good), but the s/t made me 'get' him.

And thanks i-man.

[Sven]

http://www.i-iman.com/images/iman_v_110801.jpg

You're welcome. Always willing to throw my bone a compliment.

[Derek]

Argh, I've betrayed my childhood. :cry:

At least now you know why people have been looking at you funny when you tell them your childhood dream was to ride Atreyu. ;)

[Horbgorbler]

I always heard "kitchen sink play" as "kitchen soufflé."

Sometimes the best song/album ever, though.

[Russ]

I always heard "kitchen sink play" as "kitchen soufflé."

Sometimes the best song/album ever, though.
Eno's lyrics often come with differing interpretations by fans, as he's apparently not exactly forthcoming with info. See enoweb lyrics (http://music.hyperreal.org/artists/brian_eno/lyrics.html). A good example is the song Under, from Box Set II.

Here's the one concerning your quote: And then we talk just like a kitchen sink play == And then we talk just like the kitchen's in flame (-- Enowannabe) == and then we talk just like the pigeons in May (-- Sardonicusj)

One of my favorite disclaimers: "Caution is advised with the above lyrics. Brian has chosen to sing indistinctly." :)

[Boner M]

Hmm, I would think 'Kitchen Sink play' makes the most sense, since domestic dramas were dominating British theatre as well as the British cinema of the time (or at least Eno's youth)... the fact that there is nothing in the way of realism on the album lends credence to the "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" part.

[Boner M]

Exuma (self-titled)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ME644EAVL._AA240_.jpg

The classic debut album from this Prog-folk-world-fusion master. Fun, fiery, scary... often all at once. Less talk, more listen...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EZaGYW-3qI (Exuma, the Obeah Man)

[Boner M]

Kevin Coyne - Marjory Razorblade

http://media.virginmega.fr/Covers/Large/EMI/0077778715252.jpg

So I'm kinda drunk now but I'm pretty sure this is the best album ever. It's got like a billion tracks, and by the time that the record needle's spinning or the CD player makes that brief whir/hum noise or if you're suddenly listening to another Kevin in your library, you feel like you've lived this man's life in it's entirety in all its whiskey-stained manic-depressive glory. There's some upbeat rockers as well as a whole bunch of scary hobo acoustic things reminiscent of Syd Barrett ("Dog Latin"), and the minor hit that was "Eastbourne Ladies", which is about how much he hates rich elderly women (I think)- at first you kinda think he's being a little harsh for no real reason, but at the end of the song you wanna call up yr. granny and swear at her cos he rocks it with such damn conviction. Lemon ice, lemon iiiiiiiice...

"Eastbourne Ladies" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QYDXF5WX)

[Melville]

Man, that song seriously rocks. It sounds like Van Morrison tripped out on funk and bile.

[Boner M]

Man, that song seriously rocks. It sounds like Van Morrison tripped out on funk and bile.
Great description. Yeah, the Morrison comparison (influence?) is more evident on his other songs.

"Marlene" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT_M1kMBc84) (hilarious clip & great performance)

[Benny Profane]

Lula Côrtes E Zé Ramalho - Paêbirú

http://www.flyglobalmusic.com/fly/lula_cortes.jpg

The more I explore Brazilian music, the more weary I become of neophytes fetishizing the most kitschy bossanova stuff as a trendy accessory and never bothering to move beyond the canon. Yeah, OK, so that was a poorly veiled attempt at attacking the collective hard-on that hipsters have for Os Mutantes. Still pisses me off, especially when flat-out astonishing albums like this go largely unnoticed beyond Vinyl collectors and hardcore downloaders. An exhaustive, sprawling musical journey through a tactile jungle of varied sounds; from gentle acoustic passages and musique concrete, to full-on Can-style grooves, so evocative of dense tropical rainforest that I'm wondering if cicadas and mosqitos were sampled or if I just imagined them. The following cut contains what I consider to be the most addictive groove ever recorded (call me out if I say that again within the next few pages)...

"Nas Paredes Da Pedra Encantada" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OY3OSBG7)

I just bought this. Pretty trippy.

[Boner M]

I just bought this. Pretty trippy.
Rep for the purchase. I was a little hesitant of linking that track for my capsule since I think it's the by-far-and-away highlight, but the whole thing works best listened to from start to finish, so it's all good.

[Benny Profane]

Rep for the purchase. I was a little hesitant of linking that track for my capsule since I think it's the by-far-and-away highlight, but the whole thing works best listened to from start to finish, so it's all good.

My main exposure to Brazilian music has been the City of God soundtrack, which for a year was my most played album. For whatever reason I never explored similar sounding projects.

Not that CoG and this are all that similar, but it's nice to branch out even if I can't understand the words.

[Boner M]

The Congos - Heart of the Congos

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/74/bc/26054310fca05a07e766a010._AA24 0_.L.jpg

I have to admit that any reggae album to appear on this list would in any case be a largely token choice, but even then The Congos' first album is one of my absolute favorites of any decade, so it's all good. I still have a lot to hear from the genre, but if I end up finding a more cohesive set of songs, with better production and instrumentation or vocals, I'll be very surprised. Only gets richer and rewarding upon each listen. Ch-check it out.

"Can't Come In" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bz3a1Lt_uw)

[Boner M]

Golden Earring - Moontan

http://www.whodoesthatsong.com/albumcovers/Moontan.jpeg

In spite of largely negligible r'n'r-for-dummies lyrics (maybe being a Dutch band singing in English has to something with it), this album (prog)rocks hard. The rockin' parts are pretty damn generic, and the prog-jamming is hardly progressive or adventurous... but it's all so airtight and spirited, and the whole album has such a satisfying shape and overall vibe that I can forgive any of those flaws. I guess it's a good driving record is what I'm trying to say. Also, "Radar Love". Just sayin'.

"Radar Love" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIA4gcrk-50) (lolz @ video)

[Benny Profane]

I own the Congo's album. Bought it based on a friend who gave it the HIGHEST recommendation he possibly could. I was mad into reggae at the time, esp. the laid back variety.

Gotta say, disappointing on nearly every level. The lead singer's voice was thoroughly grating on my ears, and the songs all sounded the exact same. This was about a decade ago and I haven't tried it since, perhaps because I was ticked about the dough I blew on the 2 disc purchase. Maybe now that I don't listen to as much reggae I will like it more? Either way ye have inspired me to give it another go-round.

[Boner M]

I own the Congo's album. Bought it based on a friend who gave it the HIGHEST recommendation he possibly could. I was mad into reggae at the time, esp. the laid back variety.

Gotta say, disappointing on nearly every level. The lead singer's voice was thoroughly grating on my ears, and the songs all sounded the exact same. This was about a decade ago and I haven't tried it since, perhaps because I was ticked about the dough I blew on the 2 disc purchase. Maybe now that I don't listen to as much reggae I will like it more? Either way ye have inspired me to give it another go-round.
Hmm, I like the vocals, especially the haunting harmonies. And I don't mind the songs all sounding alike, since the album flows nicely as result (it's actually the couple of more upbeat numbers that I like the least, although they work well as breathers). I think the whole album works best as a constantly shifting soundscape rather than a bunch of songs, as lame as that undoubtably sounds.

But yeah, it takes a few listens. I'd probably rather listen to Bob Marley more often though HOTC offers the richer experience, I think.

[D_Davis]

The '70s are a hot bed for awesome reggae and dub.

Hope to see some Herbie Hancock on the list:

Sextant, Headhunters, Man-Child....

This dude was on fire in the '70s.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I own the Congo's album. Bought it based on a friend who gave it the HIGHEST recommendation he possibly could. I was mad into reggae at the time, esp. the laid back variety.

Gotta say, disappointing on nearly every level. The lead singer's voice was thoroughly grating on my ears, and the songs all sounded the exact same. This was about a decade ago and I haven't tried it since, perhaps because I was ticked about the dough I blew on the 2 disc purchase. Maybe now that I don't listen to as much reggae I will like it more? Either way ye have inspired me to give it another go-round.

Have you ever heard Toots and the Maytals? Their album Funky Kingston (http://www.amazon.com/Funky-Kingston-Toots-Maytals/dp/B000003QGS/ref=pd_bbs_9?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1208884198&sr=8-9) (1973) is probably my favorite reggae album, and deserves a spot on Boner's list. If you're at all a fan of reggae, check it out. It's not in production anymore (at least I don't think it is), but it's worth the blind buy if you can find one used.

[D_Davis]

And don't forget about the 2 Tone stuff from The Specials and Madness. Both 1979.

[Benny Profane]

I am very familiar with Toots and the Maytals. Yes.

I was HUGE into reggae about a decade ago. I still listen to "The Joint," which is XMs reggae station, every once in awhile.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I am very familiar with Toots and the Maytals. Yes.

Awesome. Were you a fan? Have you heard that particular album?

[Benny Profane]

Awesome. Were you a fan? Have you heard that particular album?

Oh yes, big fan of Toots. I had that album on tape, actually. This was back when CD players in cars were not that common and I did most of my music listening in the car, like I do now. I had the re-released version, with Pressure Drop, Country Roads, and another of his big hits that I can't remember.

[Boner M]

Gene Clark - No Other

http://die-augenweide.de/byrds/pic/noother.jpg

I think I should have tags for albums that stand head and shoulders above the rest that I've listed. Taking Tiger Mountain, A Tribute to Jack Johnson, Paebiru, and now this one are among those few. Gene Clark was, for those who don't know, one of The Byrds, and had what I believe to be the best solo career of any band, ever. With the Gosdin Brothers, Roadmaster and White Light, are all fantastic albums, but with this 1974 effort, he nearly bankrupted the studios from costly fancy-pants over-production and in turn produced this lavish country-folk-rock behemoth, that would serve as the direct inspiration for Fleetwood Mac's Rumours among others. 8 amazing songs that showcase his studio imagination (the synth-and-gospel-choir-driven title track is a knockout) and his lyrical genius (Dylan once called Clark his favorite songwriter in the business, or something), No Other is both remarkably surreal and earthy, and simply crazy-addictive. Do yourself a favor.

"Silver Raven" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqbkYIGrXeo&feature=related) (live)

[Sven]

I got that album, like, a couple of years ago on your recommendation and still spin it. Excellent.

[Boner M]

Think I've pretty much exhausted this thread already. Not to say that these are the only great albums of the 70's, but I think everyone's familiar with the likes of Ziggy Stardust, Exile on Main St., Pink Flag et al.

So... what should my next endeavor be: 60's, 80's or 90's?

[Derek]

Think I've pretty much exhausted this thread already. Not to say that these are the only great albums of the 70's, but I think everyone's familiar with the likes of Ziggy Stardust, Exile on Main St., Pink Flag et al.

So... what should my next endeavor be: 60's, 80's or 90's?

I'm always looking to mine the post-punk genre, so I'll vote 80s next, then 60s, then 90s.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm always looking to mine the post-punk genre, so I'll vote 80s next, then 60s, then 90s.

This order would work for me as well. Even though I didn't post much in this thread, I was paying attention. I'm not an aficionado, so I'm mainly getting recommendations and have little to offer in commentary.

[Horbgorbler]

C'mon, you're giving up too easily! May I request a review of Eugene McDaniel's Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse?

[krazed]

Lula Côrtes E Zé Ramalho - Paêbirú

http://www.flyglobalmusic.com/fly/lula_cortes.jpg

The more I explore Brazilian music, the more weary I become of neophytes fetishizing the most kitschy bossanova stuff as a trendy accessory and never bothering to move beyond the canon. Yeah, OK, so that was a poorly veiled attempt at attacking the collective hard-on that hipsters have for Os Mutantes. Still pisses me off, especially when flat-out astonishing albums like this go largely unnoticed beyond Vinyl collectors and hardcore downloaders. An exhaustive, sprawling musical journey through a tactile jungle of varied sounds; from gentle acoustic passages and musique concrete, to full-on Can-style grooves, so evocative of dense tropical rainforest that I'm wondering if cicadas and mosqitos were sampled or if I just imagined them. The following cut contains what I consider to be the most addictive groove ever recorded (call me out if I say that again within the next few pages)...

"Nas Paredes Da Pedra Encantada" (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OY3OSBG7)

Oh man, great pick. I remember the first time I heard this I was so blown away about how much more expansive tropicalia/brazilian music could be; all I had really heard at that time was Os Mutantes. I really need to grab this again, I think I lost it when my hdd died.

Congos are another great choice, love putting that on during lazy weekends or dazed evenings. And then I don't really think I have to say anything about the Eno choice, easily my favorite of his. Rabidly attempting to find both The Wipers and Groundhogs; loved both of those tracks. Oh, and the Sparks album is fun too.

Really glad to come back to a boner list. And a bad pun. Excellent and interesting, as always. Keep it up!

[Boner M]

I'm only quitting now because I have lots of work over the next few weeks... when I get back to the list I won't be as interested. I'd have gone flaccid, etc.

[monolith94]

Wow… this is gonna take some time…

[Boner M]

Wow… this is gonna take some time…
Listening to all the songs linked? Or me starting a new thread?

[monolith94]

just digesting all of these cool recommendations in general…

[SirNewt]

It has to be 90's. I was a teen in the 90's and still can't find entire good albums from that decade. I'm absolutely baffled in that vane. Maybe, the Rollins Band?