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The Rotation, #19

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. 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.

Rickie Lee Jones: PIRATES (1981)*

She had a great hit with “Chuck E.’s in Love” on her debut album, but never had a pop hit after that. However, she kept going and made herself a respected singer/songwriter. She’s released 16 albums between 1979 and 2023. It’s passed time I found out what the fuss was about.

Collected Tracks

  • We Belong Together
  • Woody and Dutch on the Slow Train to Peking
  • Pirates (So Long Lonely Avenue)

Riders in the Sky: HORSE OPERA (1980)*

Like me, you may remember these guys from television (I swear it was PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE, but I can’t find confirmation) and their contribution to Pixar soundtracks. I’ve always enjoyed their music but it’s only now that I’m making an effort to dive in.

Collected Tracks

  • Texas Echo
  • What Would I Do Without You

Rival Sons: BEFORE THE FIRE (2009)*

They’re just a really good band!

Collected Tracks

  • Tell Me Something
  • Lucky Girl
  • Angel
  • I Want More

Robert Ellis & Courtney Hartman: DEAR JOHN (2017)*

I like Ellis’ songwriting more than his singing, but he still puts out great records. I don’t know anything about Hartman.

Collected Tracks

  • Here I Am in Love Again
  • Howard Hughes Blues
  • Morning Bugle
  • Up on the Hill Where They Do the Boogie

Robert Finley: GET IT WHILE YOU CAN (2017)*

This dude was an AGT contestant who actually made something of himself.

Collected Tracks

  • Get It While You Can
  • Medicine Woman
  • If You Forget My Love
  • Honey, Let Me Stay the Night

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