The primary way I build my digital music collection is by maintaining a playlist called, “The Rotation.” On this list I load albums of artists I’m interested in hearing, mostly new-to-me artists or albums. Because I need some organizational principle to conduct this survey I go by the alphabetical listing of the artist. I typically move from earlier records to later records, although there are exceptions, and if I’m excited to hear a new album by a favorite artist I’ll add it in an apparent random placement to hear it sooner than later. From this list I’ll select tracks to add to my collection. It’s rare that I DNF a record, and uncommon for me to not select a single track from it. I’ve been doing this for a while and am currently on my 9th trip around the alphabet. Below are the albums heard in a given session and what thoughts, if any, I have about them. These are mostly first impressions, so don’t expect in-depth analysis.
Asterisks (*) after the album title indicate that it is a new-to-me record.
The Milk Carton Kids: I ONLY SEE THE MOON (2023)*
There are several acts out there who took Simon & Garfunkel to heart and ran with their torch. While I may feel that their band name is dumb, these two are at the top of that heap. Their eternally pleasant duets may not not be as harmonically tight as they could be (see Kings of Convenience for the best S&G heirs apparent), the warmth and deep-seated folk tradition of their music carries them through.
Tracks I took:
- When You’re gone
The Mills Brothers: SOUVENIER ALBUM (1948)*
Forgotten by most people today, The Mills Brothers were highly successful in their day and a personal favorite group of Dean Martin. Dean was such a big fan that he recorded several of their songs and those include some of his biggest hits that are remembered as his songs, rather than The Mills Brothers.
Tracks I took:
- Paper Doll
- You Always Hurt the One You Love
- You Never Miss the Water Till the Well Runs Dry
Mofro: LOCHLOOSA (2004)*
Swampy and bluesy goodness. What else can I say?
Tracks I took:
- Fireflies
- Ten Thousand Islands
- Six Ways from Sunday
The Monkees: CHANGES (1970)*
Just Mickey and Davey on this one. The older I get, the more my esteem for Mickey Dolenz increases. His voice is the lead on so many great songs. And he’s still out there doing it. This man has worked since he was 6 years old. All of his bandmates are dead. Let this man do whatever he wants! I think this is the first Monkees record without Mike Nesmith, and his absence is felt.
Tracks I took:
- 99 Pounds
- Tell Me Love
- Midnight Train
Monty Python: ANOTHER MONTY PYTHON RECORD (1971)
Not my first time through this record, but it’s always time for more Monty Python
Tracks I took:
- N/A
MusicHead 
Leave a comment