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.
The Pointer Sisters: HAVING A PARTY (1977)*
When I was younger, like, before last year, I always thought of The Pointer Sisters as kinda cheesy. But going through their catalog I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their quality and variety.
Collected Tracks
- Having a Party
- I Need a Man
- Waiting On You
- I’ll Get By Without You
- Lonely Gal
Pokey LaFarge: POKEY LAFARGE (2013)*
I’d call him the “Pride of St. Louis,” if I’d ever heard anyone in St. Louis talk about him. It’s a shame, though, because he’s got a classic sound that pulls from country, blues, and old-time jazz that should make any St. Louis music fan proud.
Collected Tracks
- Central Time
- The Devil Ain’t Lazy
- What the Rain Will Bring
- Won’tcha Please Don’t Do It
- One Town at a Time
- Day After Day
- Close the Door
- Home Away from Home
Pretenders: BREAK UP THE CONCRETE (2009)*
I’m wholly ignorant of late-period Pretenders. Looking forward to finding some gems that I won’t hear on “classic rock” radio.
Collected Tracks
- Boots of Chinese Plastic
- The Nothing Maker
- Love’s a Mystery
- Break Up the Concrete
Prince: LOVESEXY (1988)
Time for a relisten of this one.
Collected Tracks
- Glam Slam
- When 2 R In Love
- I Wish U Heaven
The Proclaimers: LIKE COMEDY (2012)*
There’s not a bad Proclaimers record. It’s a shame that most Americans only know “(I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles.”
Collected Tracks
- Whatever You’ve Got
- Spinning Around In the Air
- Like Comedy
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