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The Rotation, #8

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.

The O’Jays: BACK ON TOP (1968)*

Album cover for The O'Jays: BACK ON TOP

The O’Jays are one of those legacy groups who produced a lot of music, but of which I only know one or two songs. Like a lot of the 80’s groups I present here, this is the beginning of my deep dive into their catalog.

Collected Tracks:

  • I’ll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)
  • That’s Alright
  • I’ll Be Seeing You
  • Don’t You Know a True Love
  • Last Thing She Said

Of Monsters and Men: MY HEAD IS AN ANIMAL (THE CABIN SESSIONS) (2022)*

Album cover for Of Monsters and Men: MY HEAD IS AN ANIMAL (THE CABIN SESSIONS)

I like this band a lot and hope we get more from them. This is an unremarkable alternate live version of their debut album released for the original’s 10 year anniversary.

Collected Tracks:

  • (none)

Ohio Players: OBERVATIONS IN TIME (1969)*

Album cover for Ohio Players: OBSERVATIONS IN TIME

Just like the O’Jays, I want to get familiar with this legacy band of whom I know very little….Um, this “Mother-in-Law” song is brutal. What did she do?!

Collected Tracks:

  • Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
  • Stop Lying to Yourself
  • Cold, Cold World
  • Bad Bargain
  • The Man I Am
  • Lonely Street
  • Street Party

Old 97’s: SATELLITE RIDES (2001)*

Album cover for Old 97's: SATELLITE RIDES

Another legacy band I’ve always heard about but never really heard. They’re in the indy/alt-country vein that I like. It should be a good time.

Jangly country rock a la Uncle Tupelo with some Tom Petty in there. Definitely keeping these guys in the rotation.

Collected Tracks:

  • King of All the World
  • Rollerskate Skinny
  • Bird In a Cage
  • Am I Too Late
  • Designs on You

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