Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums
Let's chat.
Rolling Stone released an updated version of their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. I love these lists, because there's so much discovery to be made. I always walk away with an album or two I've never really listened to that I end up falling in love with.
That said, these lists always piss me off too (lol). I mean, not a single Brazilian record on here (Caetano, Jorge, Gilberto, Gal, Tim...pick one I don't care)? There's like...10 country records and half of them are greatest hits comps? In what world is Harry Styles on this list but Aphex Twin isn't? It's insane and infuriating. Boards of Canada's Music Has the Right to Children isn't on this list so I guess we can throw the whole thing out, IMO.
Pretty decent list though, I guess. What record didn't make the cut that sets you off? What made the list and you have no idea why? What's the best album of all time?
I'll be making two physical copies of September's mix, In the Grey of the Morning, once we're allowed to leave our apartments. Hit me up, as always, if you want it. <3
In the Grey of the Morning
Created for the good kind of gloomy.
Every October I think about the Celtic origins of Halloween, and I end up listening to a lot of Irish music. It's one of two times a year (the other is March, go figure) when I tend to dive in. I think part of that is because October tends to be a little grey, it tends to be cool, and Irish music on occasion feels very much in line with that.
I think of the Irish coast. I think of seafaring songs. I think of moments of brightness and warmth among the grey.
This month's mix is loaded with Irish, Scottish, and English music (and others as well) that I think captures those grey, semi-gloomy mornings in the fall when you're a little slower moving. Maybe a little more contemplative. Maybe cozy, but not necessarily warm.
I don't know. Maybe I just like people singing with accents too.
Love you all. Hope you enjoy!
Join Me: Listen to Spooky Music
Everyone knows "Monster Mash." What a jam, right? But there's a WHOLE WORLD of novelty tunes that capture the spooky season really well. One of my all time favorites comes from one of my all time favorites: Buck Owens.
He brought out his Buckaroos for a goofy romp with all your favorite monsters.
I downloaded some compilation off a music blog way back when called "The Ultimate 50's & 60's Rockin' Horror Disc". And while Buck's song isn't on there, it's chock FULL of real werido oddities and certified rock gems. It's incredible. Hit me up if you want me to send you a download link.
Listen to Buck Owens's "(It's A) Monsters Holiday".
RIYL: novelty songs, Halloween, fun
Here, you can listen to the full "The Ultimate 50's & 60's Rockin' Horror Disc" right here on YouTube.
Other Spooky Music That I Love
(that you might love too!)
John Carpenter's Lost Themes - The legendary filmmaker/composer has released two compilations of "lost themes" that are naturally evocative of all of his best work. They're wonderful to listen to anytime, but especially this time of year.
Sunn O)))'s Black One - Don't know how into doom metal y'all are, but this shit is genuinely scary. I think it's a pretty incredible dark soundscape/nightmare fuel, if you're into listening to that sort of stuff. I saw these guys live once, and it was one of the most surreal experiences of my life.
Hillbillies in Hell - These vinyl compilations are consistently my favorite pickups whenever they come around. They're full of incredible deep cuts from country music's dark side. Absolute must listens.
Boards of Canada's Geogaddi - This album should've been on the list too, dammit. I'm genuinely bothered by this if you can't already tell. Anyways, this album is perfect and creepy and loaded with subliminal messages and twisted, real world samples.