Two albums I bought today, and one I forgot to write about:
Eagles — Long Road out of Eden
The much acclaimed new album of the Eagles. A two CD set, it comes in one of those stylish yet impractical cardboard sleeves. 20 tracks in total.
I cannot completely agree to the euphoric critiques. Don't get me wrong, it is a good album. However, the first CD is too much of easy listening. Labeling it elevator music would be too harsh, but I caught myself stop listening more than once. It has two or three really good tracks, but that's it.
I was starting to get disappointed, but then I heard the second CD. What a difference! Rock, complex arrangements, various different styles, and all that perfectly produced. Bravo!
Johnny Cash — The Man Comes Around
The last album by the late Johnny Cash that was published in his lifetime. How could I have been so stupid, so ignorant to not buy it earlier? Every single tracks gives me shivers down my spine. Because of its sheer excellence. Never mind that Cash's voice was already breaking, it just makes it even more intense. Everyone knows his great cover of NiN's Hurt, but all the other songs are at least equally good. Wow. Just wow.
Lee Hazlewood — Cake or Death
Another great musician who's not among us anymore. I already bought the album a while ago. Like Johnny Cash, Lee Hazlewood knew that he didn't have much time left while recording the album. Both albums end with a good-bye song. While Cash's version of We'll Meet Again is a calm and optimistic song about death, Hazlewood's This Old Man literally is a tear jerker. But put in context with Cash's album (which Hazlewood knew quite well) it is just another example of his cynicism. Other examples of his wicked humour is the track where he lets his granddaughter Phaedra sing the chorus of Some Velvet Morning. Or just listen to his deconstruction of Boots.
Of course, some serious stuff as well. Lyrics against the US Republican party and its followers, a song about brutalisation of soldiers at war. It's like giving his political opponents the finger, which is not quite what you'd expect from a terminally ill person.
There is also some bubble-gum pop on the album. The First Song of the Day, a hilarious duet with German singer Bela B. of Die Ärzte, for example, or Come to Boston.
But regardless the topic, the album contains wonderful compositions, excellent recordings and perfect production. A true testament of Lee Hazlewood's music.
Comments
brokkentwolf.livejournal.com 16 years, 5 months ago
I was debating getting the new Eagles album. I just might based on your recommendation.
Link | Replyfootpad.livejournal.com 16 years, 5 months ago
Cake or Death? Sounds like a computer game I played recently.
The Cash sounds wonderful. I think I shall get a copy.
Link | Replylynard-.livejournal.com 16 years, 5 months ago
Hm... could be the soundtrack to portal *G*
Link | ReplyNew Comment