Ice Cavern Studios

Well I promised I’d write up my opinions on the various albums I’m listening to as I go through 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die. So, after taking my time to get started, I am ready to write up the first six pack. Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer than 6 at a time, but well…you may want to get used to this…

• The first album is Shakin’ The Rafters by the Abyssinian Baptist Choir, and I must say, with a start like this, I’m actually really excited for this journey. I will be the first to admit that I don’t regularly listen to Gospel music. It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s just not something I actively seek out. But this album, well…I’m listening to this right now. It’s just so good. It’s Gospel to the fullest. It’s praising Jesus to the fullest, and these people sing with Joy (that’s right, capitol J). But what is also great is that these songs just have a great groove. The arrangements feel like they are straight out of a 60′s R&B album and they really pull you in. The rhythm section is great and the voices…well…just go listen. It’s amazing. I highly recommend this album.
• The next album is Johnny Adams Sings Doc Pomus and well…this one just didn’t grip me. It’s a good album, don’t get me wrong. It’s quite a great pairing of singer and songwriter (not to mention Doctor Jon playing behind) but…eh. Just not gripping. I’ll probably revisit this when I’m in a more sentimental or mellow mood. I found myself thinking it just wasn’t what I was feeling. If I come back and get into it, I’ll definitely write something to the effect. If you’re a blues person, you should definitely give it a listen. Otherwise, it’s not one I’d reach for right away.
• The first Jazz Album of my adventure is At the Lighthouse by the Cannonball Adderly and this was another pleasant surprise. While the artist is certainly familiar to me, this particular recording was not. And I’m very very glad I found it. While my favorite album is still the live album, Mercy,Mercy,Mercy; Lighthouse has moved into a close number two. There is just so much joy and cheerfulness in this album, it’s infecting. This is definitely a better overall example of Adderly than Mercy is, in my opinion. So I understand why this was used, and personally, I’m very glad. If you like jazz in any way, this album is not to be missed.
• Next up is Best of the Classic Years by King Sunny Ade. “World” is a genre of music I tend to have an issue with because it just seems like such a jumble of different actual types of music. It’s why I’ve often shied away from it. Regardless, this album was pretty fun, it’s upbeat, has great guitar and rhythm work and is just…moving. There’s a soulfulness and joy that’s hard to deny and it’s just kind of a good way to get you moving in the day. I found myself moving more after putting this album on while working. I recommend it as long as you keep an open mind.
• Up next is one that I’m really kind of…meh…about. Dirt by Alice in Chains just didn’t grip me. I listened to it, but by the end, I was kind of ready for it to be over. I wasn’t a huge fan of the band when they were big, and I’m not a fan now. Just…yeah. It’s a solid rock album and at moments it hits a really great rock flow. But for the most part, it doesn’t stand well next to the company of the other albums so far.
• The last album the six pack is by far the most pleasant surprise: The Allman Brothers Band live album At The Fillmore East. Hot damn, this album is awesome. While I wasn’t a huge fan of the group, I totally respected their abilities and knew they were good. But for some reason, I just kind of missed it. This album, well, it’s the first album to open my eyes so wide I want to hear more. I actually wasn’t in the mood to listen to the group when I put it on, I just kind of clicked and and before I knew it, I was rocking out in my office as I was working. I ended up listening to this on repeat for like two and a half hours. I was sucked in completely. The guitar and bass work is outstanding and …just…wow. Hours later, I’m still floored by the listening experience. If you’re only going to listen to one album from this list, make it this. You won’t be disappointed.

So yeah, that’s the first six pack. Hopefully I’ll do these consistently and without having to do as many at once, but yeah, this is going to be a fun ride.

Music