The Album Review Club - Week #147 - (page 1942) - Blonde On Blonde - Bob Dylan

[PragueBlue]

I also vote not to have another Czech 14th century classical offering; running is a bit of struggle to that - but I will of course give anything a go

Funnily enough the 2 left in are both artists that I really don't like generally speaking and only have one album by each.

Edging towards option 2 but it is a bit long at over and hour and a half.

 

[threespires]

Because I know it is Rod Stewart and he hasn't written much on it, I wouldn't normally listen.
If it came up on here I would listen and judge accordingly, but he'd definitely lose points for not writing most of the songs.

You may have noticed in my review of Lucinda Williams' album I made a point of calling out the cover version - fortunately it was an excellent performance and one cover on an otherwise superb album is fair enough. However, if there would have been two or three covers, or the one cover that wasn't that great, this would definitely have lost her one or two points.

I like to think I'm harsh but fair (and maybe a bit weird when it comes to my general dislike of covers!)

Very interesting perspective. I know it's a different kettle of fish but how do you feel about what the likes of Norman Whitefield, Barret Strong, the Holland bros and Lamont Dozier did in terms of writing for a stable of artists? Personally, I would struggle to see some of their great songs being of less artistic merit because they were performed by other voices.

 

[threespires]

If it appeared on this thread, Copperhead Road would be a 10 from me.

It's not perfect, but for me, a 10 means that it's above a certain threshold and that album ticks so many boxes.

The title tracks is in my top 5 songs of all time - a genuine jaw-dropper that has everything and I can still remember the first time I heard the late Roger Scott play it. The first half of the album is perfect, not a note wasted, brilliant songs, superb production - shotgun drums, guitar that really bites and the story songs/lyrics are the best I've heard in the genre.

The second half can't live up to the first but is more than good enough.

If that album consisted solely of the title track it would still have been worth the money, fortunately the rest of it's not too shabby.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Oh bugger. Give me an hour or two to make my final decision. I've been agonising over my choice for a few weeks now but wasn't sure when my turn was coming round.

Will either be another of my favourite classical pieces, an old favourite playing this particular artist's well known songs in a very different way, or something very, very different from my usual taste!

All are fantastic in their own way and for very different reasons. Just can't decide which to go with. Suggestions for which of the 3 to choose are welcome!

No 3.

 

[Saddleworth2]

The third sentence is maybe another reason I don't like Rod Stewart so much -- he kind of fucked over The Faces.

I will listen though. As I said, I do like the title track, just not Maggie May.

Mate I can’t stand Rod Stewart either. D’ya think I’m sexy - fuck off rod.. Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy that album.

 

[Coatigan]

Far's the clues?

 

[PragueBlue]

Far's the clues?

They'll be along shortly, once I have made my mind up. I have done write-ups for both of them as whichever I don't choose this time, will be my selection next round (should I get the chance to have another go).

Clues won't be great and will be very easy as there isn't much I can really think of for either.

 

[RobMCFC]

Very interesting perspective. I know it's a different kettle of fish but how do you feel about what the likes of Norman Whitefield, Barret Strong, the Holland bros and Lamont Dozier did in terms of writing for a stable of artists? Personally, I would struggle to see some of their great songs being of less artistic merit because they were performed by other voices.

I like some of the classic soul/Motown tracks (is that the right genre?) but it's not really my thing in terms of albums.
I couldn't imagine listening to a whole album of this type of song, it would be too much for me.
It's just that I prefer artists who write their own material. Like I said, there are wonderful artists in all genres, some who write, some who perform, some who do both.

 

[PragueBlue]

If you can cope with over an hour and a half (don't worry it's not classical or opera), I'll nominate option 2 but if people think that's too long, then I'll go with option 3. Thoughts?

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

If you can cope with over an hour and a half (don't worry it's not classical or opera), I'll nominate option 2 but if people think that's too long, then I'll go with option 3. Thoughts?

We had Zep and Kate Bush clocking in at long run times.