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. 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.
Pink Floyd: THE PIPER AT THE GATES OF DAWN (1967)*
Like a lot of us, I spent my teenage years being TOTALLY into Pink Floyd, but never heard the whole catalog. As the years went on I got bored with them and drifted away. But, recently, I decided to work my way back to them. I saved several of my old favorites to my collection, but now am finally going through the catalog.
Ooh. This record has not aged well. Honestly, you could tell me that this was a Strawberry Alarm Clock record and I would have believed you.
Collected Tracks
- n/a
Pink Martini: SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS (2009)*
This is a fascinating jazz ensemble out of Portland, Oregon, that has a very international outlook. They do a large number of non-English, even non-Western, tracks from all over the world. And do so with aplomb.
Collected Tracks
- Ohayoo Ohio
- Splendor in the Grass
- And Then You’re Gone
- But Now I’m Back
- Sunday Table
- Bitty Boppy Betty
- Sing*
*from SESAME STREET
PJ Harvey: DRY (1992)*
I’ve been a PJ fan since I was in high school in the 90s. This record got by me, somehow. Filling in the gap.
This record is mastered at a strangely low level. I love the tracks, though.
Collected Tracks
- O Stella
- Dress
- Victory
- Joe
PJ Morton: WATCH THE SUN (DELUXE) (2022)*
The other PJ!
IMHO he’s the only respectable member of Maroon 5 and his solo work is so much more fulfilling. I wish he were better known in broader culture. His overt Christianity and Gospel tracks are still enjoyable, even if I don’t share his beliefs. It’s like when Elvis or Johnny Cash did Gospel. It’s good because it’s genuine.
Collected Tracks
- Biggest Mistake
- Please Don’t Walk Away
- My Peace
- So Lonely
- If It Wasn’t For You
The Pogues: PEACE & LOVE (1988)*
The Pogues were a band that were just a name to me for so long. I’m really happy I’ve been getting to know them now.
Collected Tracks
- Gridlock
- White City
- Blue Heaven
- Night Train to Lorca
- Train of Love
- Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
MusicHead 
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