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The Rotation, #3

stack of lp records close up

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.

Mudcrutch: MUDCRUTCH 2 (2016)*

Album cover for Mudcrutch 2

This was Tom Petty’s side project. There’s no such thing as too much Tom Petty. When he first passed, my reaction was, “Huh, sad.” But over the years his loss has meant more to me. I liked living in a world with Tom Petty in it. Fortunately his music will live forever even if he didn’t.

Tracks taken:

  • Dreams of Flying
  • Beautiful Blue
  • I Forgive It All
  • The Other Side of the Mountain
  • Hope
  • Welcome to Hell
  • Save Your Water
  • Hungry No More

Muddy Waters: …SINGS “BIG BILL” (1960)*

Album cover of Muddy Waters: ...Sings Big Bill

As a native St. Louisan, I’m slightly embarrassed by my lack of knowledge of Blues music. I’m ignorant of the music of even the most well-known artists. Fortunately I get to remedy that gap on this journey.

Tracks taken:

  • Tell Me Baby
  • Southbound Train
  • Just a Dream (On My Mind)
  • Double Trouble
  • I Feel So Good

Naked Eyes: NAKED EYES (1983)*

Album cover for Naked Eyes self-titled album

Another thing I like to do on this journey is take an artist I think of as a one- or two-hit wonder and do a deep dive to see what else they had. I had great success with this with Simple Minds, but less so with Human League. It’s Naked Eyes’ turn, now.

Tracks taken:

  • Always Something There to Remind Me
  • When the Lights Go Out
  • Promises, Promises

Nanci Griffith: LATE NIGHT GRANDE HOTEL (1991)*

Album cover for Nanci Griffith: LATE NIGHT GRANDE HOTEL

Nanci Griffith is an artist I mostly know only by reputation. Years ago, I ripped a copy of OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS from a CD I found at the library. That record is all covers from male songwriters. It’s nice to hear her original music, now.

Tracks taken:

  • It’s Too Late
  • The Power Lines
  • Hometown Streets
  • Sun and Moon and Stars
  • San Diego Serenade

Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley: NANCY WILSON & CANNONBALL ADDERLEY (1962)*

Album Cover of Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley

Nancy Wilson is someone I’ve also known more by reputation than product. I’m 3-4 records in to here catalog now and have enjoyed every one. This one is interesting in that it appears (as I’m streaming it and don’t have the LP on the turntable) that Side A was songs with Nancy, and Side B was all Cannonball and his band. It’s making me want to add Cannonball to the rotation.

Tracks taken:

  • The Old Country
  • Happy Talk
  • A Sleepin’ Bee
  • Teaneck
  • I Can’t Get Started
  • One Man’s Dream

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