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 Raconteurs: BROKEN BOY SOLDIERS (2006)
It’s always a good time for The Raconteurs.
Collected Tracks
- Steady, As She Goes
- Hands
- Broken Boy Soldier
- Level
- Store Bought Bones
- Yellow Sun
- Blue Veins
Radiohead: AMNESIAC (2001)*
A lot of self-indulgent soundscapes. Moreso than other Radiohead records.
Collected Tracks
- n/a
Ramones: SUBTERRANEAN JUNGLE (1983)*
Also, it’s always a good time for Ramones. Going in, I don’t think I know any of these tracks. Having heard it, I’m feeling like this is an underappreciated classic from them.
Collected Tracks
- Little Bit O’ Soul
- I Need Your Love
- Outsider
- Psycho Therapy
- My My Kind of Girl
- Everytime I Eat Vegetables It Makes Me Think of You
- Bumming Along (Demo)
Raspberries: RASPBERRIES (1972)*
I can’t remember if I ever heard this one, or not. Making sure to do it now. It was a surprise to me to learn that Eric Carmen was a member, here. I only knew of him as a somewhat cheesy solo artist in the 80s. Cheese pervades this record, but with a few worth keeping.
Collected Tracks
- Go All the Way
- With You In My Life
Ray Charles: THE GREAT RAY CHARLES (1957)*
Ray Charles is the most famous, and possibly the best, transitional figure from jazz to R&B/Soul/Rock. It’s easy to forget how great of jazz pianist he was in his own right.
Collected Tracks
- Dawn Ray
- Music, Music, Music
- Black Coffee
- Undecided
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