A true lost classic.

White Mansions: A tale from the American Civil War 1861-1865

This is a hidden gem and definitely something we never saw enough of, a country concept album. The premise is simple, it’s the tale of several characters as they live through the American Civil War. The characters are played by Jessie Colter, Waylon Jennings, John Dillon and Steve Cash. I didn’t know until I looked it up, but Steve Cash is a founding member of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Waylon and Jessie I know, but I still don’t know who John Dillon is. Bernie Leadon and Eric Clapton are also part of the band and it was written by some dude named Paul Kennerley. 

Regardless, the album is fantastic! Some of the songs would sound out of sorts on their own, but as a cohesive album, they work great. There are some great songs as well, “Dixie: Hold On”, “The Union Mare and Confederate Grey”, “The Last Dance & Kentucky Racehorse” and a song that you wish would last forever, “Story To Tell”. 

Not only the music, but the package is incredible, including a 27 page book with photos that tell the story. They’re great photos with full sets in mansions, on the battlefields and plantations where the music takes place. All of the characters look the part and everything looks incredibly authentic. The story is laid out perfectly too, with the circumstances surrounding the Civil War explained to help give the album context. Then the story is explained before the lyrics, you couldn’t for a better way to listen to a concept album. 

Unfortunately, not an easy album to find, you have to look for it. But, it is definitely worth a search, even if you have to pay the shipping on ebay.

The other influential Reed

There's just something about Jimmy Reed. It's that voice, haunting and full of soul. The 50's production with all that reverb compliments his voice perfectly. Mick Jagger was influenced a lot by Jimmy Reed, not only his singing but harmonica style. Not only did he Stones cover a lot of Reed, but songs like "The Spider and Fly" are direct descendents. He's not as revered or well known as the likes of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters or Howlin Wolf, but should be. I never get tired of listening to Jimmy Reed.

Take me anywhere

Tin Machine - Tin Machine
I love this record. All of the Tin Machine stuff I'm a fan of, but the first record is so good. My affinity for it has to do with timing as well. I was there when it happened, 17 years old and following Bowie for a couple of years already. It was so new, so loud, so cool, so brilliant. I was never a fan of the way the 80's sounded, especially then. Things were so drab, that's why I ended up digging back into music history. 
This is one of those records that just sounded good. It's a little reverb heavy, but nothing that drowns the music. And that music is so good, the fresh energy that inspired the project is in full effect. To me, this was the new Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, they were just called Tin Machine.

Keep your hands off!

Slade - Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply
"Run Runaway" and "My Oh My" are two fantastic songs! I've always loved those tunes since I first heard them back in 1984. For some reason though, I never owned the album. I went through a mini Slade phase a few months back and finally picked up the record. Unfortunately, it's not a great album, but those two songs more than make up for any slights on the rest of it. A pretty cool cover too, simple and to the point.

Hear the record, drink the wine!

We picked up some "Dark Side Of The Moon" wine the other day and there's no better way to enjoy than by listening to the record at the same time.

I like it, yes I do.

The Rolling Stones - It's Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)

Although the title track of this album is a well known classic, the rest of it has been left behind as "album tracks". I always thought of it as a "murky" album, it has a mysterious, sludgy kind of vibe to it. Of course, being 1974, a lot of that probably had to do with drugs. Just check out the crazy Guy Peelaert painting on the cover.

It was also a transitional time for the band, Mick Taylor left during the recording and doesn't play on 3 of the tracks. Plus, it was the first Stones record to be produced by "The Glimmer Twins", Mick & Keith. Over time, the songs have been overtaken by the Stones myth and sheer cultural dominance of the title track. 

Of course, I really like the record! Tunes like "If You Can't Rock Me", "Luxury", "Time Waits For No One", "Short & Curlies", "Dance Little Sister", "Till The Next Goodbye" and their second Temptations cover, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" are all fantastic! Then there's "Fingerprint File", my personal fave. It's dark, funky, weird and catchy as anything. Only the Stones could get away with a song like that.

"It's Only Rock and Roll" is a great album that you should listen to right now!

Mask is on

Bauhaus - Mask
A friend of mine recently went to New York City and came across a Peter Murphy concert. He bought me a T-shirt and that naturally sparked a desire to listen to some 'haus. This album has always been a favourite, with some great songs, "Kick In The Eye", "In Fear Of Fear", "Hollow Hills" and of course the title track with it's crazy video! It's also one of my favourite Bauhaus album covers, with the mysterious Daniel Ash drawing. I've always wondered if it's a band portrait as he saw them.