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.
Nat “King” Cole: Nat King Cole’s 8 Top Pops (1952)*
We all know Nat “King” Cole, but do we really know Nat “King” Cole? For me, it was “Unforgettable” and a bunch of Christmas music, but not much else. Part of the reason I do these deep dives is to find the forgotten gems of legacy artists. NKC is full of them.
Collected Tracks:
- Walkin’ My Baby Back Home
- I’m Never Satisfied
Natalie Merchant: TIGERLILLY (1995)*
Somehow I never got around to this record in all these years. I’ve always liked her music based primarily on tracks from this record, but never made the effort to listen to it. I can’t even claim sexism or toxic masculinity because I was obsessed with Tori Amos’ music from the same era at the time. Oh well. I get to do it now.
Collected Tracks:
- Wonder
- River
- Carnival
- I May Know the Word
- Where I Go
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: SOUTH OF HERE (2024)*
Here’s the thing. The name “The Night Sweats” is gross and I hate it and his melodies get repetitive, but I can’t help but love Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ music. I take an irrational pride that we’re both Missouri boys. I love his themes of mental health and when we fall short of ourselves. I feel like he struggles with a lot of the same things I do. I think if I were a musician and had a band it would sound like this, but hopefully with a better variety in my melodies.
Collected Tracks:
- David and Goliath
- Heartless
- South of Here
- Everybody Wants Something
- Center of Me
- Cars in the Desert
- I Would Like to Heal
- Call Me (Whatever You Like)
- Time Makes Fools of Us All
Neal Francis: SENTIMENTAL GARBAGE (2022)
Not the first time through this record for me, but it’s always time for Neal Francis. If you’re not familiar he’s got a strong 70’s vibe and his primary instrument is an electric piano. His tracks have a cool little funky baseline and horns and is just a good vibe every time. I do wish his vocals were a little stronger, but still, he’s a good time.
Collected Tracks:
- Very Fine, Pts. 1 & 2
- In Plain Sight
- Collage
- Can’t Stop the Rain (Parsonage Mix)
Neil Diamond: VELVET GLOVES AND SPIT (1968)*
Turns out I’m a Neil Diamond guy! I never would have guessed that.
Collected Tracks:
- Two-Bit Manchild
- Honey-Drippin’ Times
- Practically Newborn
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