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.
Ringo Starr: STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES (1981)*
I have serious concerns about anyone who cannot find joy in Ringo Starr.
Collected Tracks
- Wrack My Brain
- Attention
- Dead Giveaway
- You Belong to Me
- Nice Way
Wilco: LIVE (ORANGE) (2025)*
First time hearing one of the two recent Wilco live records. I’m generally not a big fan of live records, but they’re my favorite band and I’ve seen them in concert 4 times. Don’t know when I’ll get back to a show, so I’ll listen here.
Collected Tracks
- Art of Almost
- Impossible Germany
- Casino Queen
- Spiders (Kidsmoke)
The Rutles: THE RUTLES (1978)*
I’ve been aware of this for some time, but only now experiencing it for myself. Having not seen the film, I’m struck with how unfunny the songs are, but amazed at how close they came to the sound of early rock, The Beatles, and other British Invasion bands. Seems like any of these songs could have been on the charts during the time period. Reminds me of the soundtrack to A MIGHTY WIND.
Collected Tracks
- Love Life
- Cheese and Onions
- Get Up and Go
Sam Rivers: CONTOURS (1967)*
I wrote about Sam Rivers and my connection to him here. It’s been a long time since I delved into his work, though. As much as I like this music, I’m probably not going to collect many, since they tend to be 10+ minute tracks. Those are really better for album listening than randomized listening.
Collected Tracks
- Point of Many Returns
- Mellifluous Cacophony
The Secret Sisters: THE SECRET SISTERS (2010)*
Again, I’ve been aware of this group for some time, but I’m only now delving in. Their later song “He’s Fine” (2017) has been in my rotation for a good long while.
Collected Tracks
- Tennessee Me
- Something Stupid
- I’ve Got a Feeling
- All About You
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