July 2020 Record Challenge (The Raffle Strikes Back)

July 17: Let the Music do the Talking

Eluvium - Copia

1595005537349623809940854291798.jpg

Over 60 records for me to choose for this day's challenge, so I went with Discogs randomizer with my jazz/ambient folders combined. This modern classical release is commonly referred to as one of Matthew Cooper's (Eluvium) best works. Also wonderful to see that he is from Portland!
 
JULY 17
LET THE MUSIC DO THE TALKING
Play something instrumental

Magnolia - Original Motion Picture Score by Jon Brion

D2E9DBDC-B510-4BDB-B9CC-9880D2124E2F.jpeg
Everyone knows about Aimee Mann’s
fantastic songs from Magnolia, but the score from Jon Brion is pretty great, too. This 3LP set not only features the songs on the first LP but also 2 discs featuring the haunting score.
 
Day 17: Instrumentals

I had plenty of other choices if I wanted to go with a score to a movie, but I felt that a true instrumental version was a better choice, as I played a few soundtracks/scores yesterday. I also haven't listened to this in a while.

Made up of mostly instrumental versions of The Fragile tracks, it also has "alternate versions" and some unreleased tracks.

Nine Inch Nails ‎– The Fragile: Deviations 1
Nothing Records ‎– B0026309-01, 2017

Cut by John Golden at Golden Mastering
Pressed at Pallas

b716Dy.jpg

UXcIMY.jpg
 
DAY 17 - INSTRUMENTAL

I had trouble picking... did I want to play the new album I got in the mail early this afternoon, which is a jazz quartet consisting of flute, harp, bass, and drums? Or did I want to play something punishingly loud, in the vein of bands like Melvins?

I chose both. It's been a weird night.

MVIMG_20200717_222621.jpg
IMG_20200717_214912.jpg
 
JULY 18
POETRY IN MOTION
Play an album with great lyrics

Pete Townshend is a genius.

For most, writing great music and playing a pretty mean guitar is enough. But Pete has a knack of capturing everyday life and emotion in words that paint such a vivid, engaging picture the listener becomes an integral part of the song.

Exhibit A - this two song cycle...





The Who - Quadrophenia

20200717_234230.jpg
 
DAY 18
POETRY IN MOTION
Jeff Rosenstock - Worry.
I love me some Jeff Rosenstock. And his writing I think is pretty underrated, it's not necessarily that he weaves complex wordsmithery but he knows how to write very directly and cut out the bullshit. Rosenstock's music, especially his current solo material, operates heavily on an emotional sincerity and no-nonsense, upfront approach to both music and lyrics that you will either find endearing or ridiculous. And I think his 2016 album Worry. is his best both from both a lyrical and musical standpoint. I love how throughout the album he delves deep into the topics of relationships, gentrification, police brutality and just generally watching the world around you go to shit without ever losing the personal touch and genuine feelings needed to make these songs come to life. The song "Wave Goodnight to Me" might be one of my favorite songs ever written. I'm psyched to get his new album in the mail next week, which is very close in quality to this one, if not a little better in some ways.
20200717_232146.jpg
 
Day 18 - POETRY IN MOTION: Play an album with great lyrics

Common - Be

This was the first album that came to mind for me as a whole, but Chi-City also has the lyric: "Poetry's in motion like a picture now showin'. It's the city." so it fits in many ways haha. Common is definitely one of my favorite lyricists, and this is one of my all-time favorite albums!

 
JULY 18: Great Lyrics

I never look at inner sleeves, booklets, or online to learn the lyrics to songs. Usually the last thing I care about are the actual words a singer is singing. I used to really only learn them by listening to the album over and over again. I don't have the time or desire to do that anymore.


Both Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding from XTC have had tracks with great lyrics.

XTC ‎– Skylarking
Ape House ‎– APELP113, 1986/2018

Cut by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering

kG3zRP.jpg

vg3MJP.jpg
 
Back
Top