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Elvis Costello – This Year’s Model – Rhino (1978)

Favorite Song: (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
Favorite Song I’d Never Heard:  Little Triggers

Finally, an album with songs I’ve heard before.  I love Elvis Costello.  I’m not entirely convinced there’s anyone in the world cooler than this guy.  Not only does he write extremely catchy songs that sound like they could have been written yesterday, but he makes weird cameo appearances in shows like “30 Rock” and movies like “Talladega Nights.”  Seriously, go get a dictionary, look up the word ‘cool’ and I guarantee you there’s a picture of him.  This album contains some of his best known songs (“Radio, Radio”, “Pump it Up”, “Chelsea”), though is missing my favorite Costello tune “Good Year for the Roses.”  I was actually shocked to read that this album came out in the 70′s.  It sure as crap doesn’t sound like it.   “Chelsea” is easily my favorite song on the album.  It serves as the opening song on my as yet unwritten and unshot short film about a single male teacher/coach who lives alone in a town where he doesn’t know anybody (no idea where that idea came from, these things just pop in my head people).

Bottom Line:  Uh, yes please.
Final Grade: A-

Sly and the Family Stone – There’s a Riot Goin’ On – Epic (1971)

Favorite Song:  Luv & Haight
Other Notables:  Spaced Cowboy,  Thank You for Talkin’ To Me, Africa

 I’ve never really given funk more than the occasional listen, and one of the points of doing this project is to expand my musical horizons, so I went into this album with a little hope and a little trepidation.  The only song I can name by Sly & the Family Stone is “Everyday People” which has been ruined by commercials.  Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed this album.  Sly has a smooth voice and all of the wah effects start to grow on you.  There’s even a little harmonica and yodeling on “Spaced Cowboy.”  I will admit that I’m a sucker for a sweet bass groove and this album is chock full of them (of course, that’s pretty much what funk is). Listen to “Thank You For Talkin’ To Me, Africa” for an especially awesome one.  Also, I’m pretty sure if you look like this, it’s impossible to make terrible music:

Bottom Line:  Thank You For Going Easy On The Clarinet, Sly
Final Grade:  B

As stated previously I’m going to be listening to the top 100 albums of all time (according to Rolling Stone) and posting my thoughts on them here.  Obviously, the order is very very debateable, but this is the list I’m going to go by.  So without further ado, number 100.

Frank Sinatra – In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning – Capitol Records (1954)

Favorite Song:  In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Favorite Song I’d Never Heard:  In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest Sinatra fan on the planet, but can handle small doses when in the right mood.  I much prefer Dean Martin, and truthfully, if I’m listening to any Rat Pack music, it’s probably December, and I’m listening to “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”  So it goes without saying, this was a tough listen for the first album of this blogoseries.   The title track is easily the strongest and after that it all starts to blend together.  “Can’t We Be Friends” stands out for it’s enjoyable loungeyness.  I felt like I was sitting in a hotel lobby smoking a cigarette and drinking a martini.

This is a great album for a romantic dinner with your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend, listening to late at night, or just when you’re feeling a bit melancholy and enjoying it.  Not exactly my cup of tea, but I can appreciate it.

Bottom Line:  Too many woodwinds.
Final Grade:  C+

P.S.  I don’t want to beg, but please comment and let me know what you think.

In order to force myself to blog more often, I’ve assigned myself a project. After recently browsing over at rollingstone.com, I discovered they have a list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.  After acquiring a Zune Pass today, it became economically feasible to listen to these albums ($15 a month, unlimited downloads).  So here’s what’s going to happen.  I’m going to listen to the top 100 albums on this list and blog my thoughts about them.  I’ll do them in 3-5 album posts, listing my favorite tracks, favorite track I’ve never heard, and my thoughts on the album.  Stay tuned…this will be coming soon.