170 - The Who - Live at Leeds

I listened to the original six-song version of this album and not the more recent CD reissues that include many more songs from the concert (or all of the songs, depending on version). On the original vinyl pressings, the album was divided with four tracks on side one (of which three are covers) followed by a medley-filled “My Generation” and a rambling version “Magic Bus” on the opposite side.

The first side went by quickly in a flurry of rampaging drums and cranked-up guitar. The listener is exposed to the power of The Who's live sound that rattled the audiences' teeth. You get a bit of between song banter from Roger as he quips about the success of the songs in the charts. When the four songs are over, the silence is too much to take and you either listen to the side again or flip that thing over.

“My Generation,” with its medley of songs and tangential musical themes broke through to me after the quick run-through of songs in the first half. The same could be said about the wandering, but engaging "Magic Bus."

Songs I Knew I Liked: I knew the original versions of several of these songs, but wasn't familiar with the live versions.

Songs I Now Like: “Substitute”

Songs I Don't Want to Ever Hear Again: None

169 - Bob Marley & the Wailers - Exodus

Exodus was recorded after the attempt on Bob's life and his relocation to England. This collection of songs is less varied than earlier recordings. Each song has a similar reggae shuffle that maintains a steady pace throughout the album. While Bob talks about social justice, he sounds more like a wise man laying plain the truths of the real world and less like a revolutionary demanding attention to various issues.

I tend to enjoy reggae and world music while doing chores around the house. I had commented when I reviewed Natty Dread that I doubted that I had put that album on while doing chores because how much several of the songs jumped out and surprised me. Exodus contains five songs that are ingrained in my noggin from years of listening to the Legend greatest hits collection. And the other songs on the album fit into a basic formula which seemed to help this album become background music for me. So, while this album has better songs that Natty Dread, the consistency of sound does come across as a bit formulaic.

Songs I Knew I Liked: “Exodus,” “Jamming,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Three Little Birds,” “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” and “One Love”

Songs I Now Like: Nothing new

Songs I Don't Want to Ever Hear Again: None

168 - Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True

Quick note: Listening to the original release that didn't include the single “Watching the Detectives.”

Like Todd Rundgren, Elvis Costello is greatly liked by much of the XTC fandom of which I'm a member. Like Something, Anything?, I have a vague knowledge of Elvis's singles through the years but hadn't really explored his albums...other than Spike shortly after it came out. I've always thought Elvis was okay, but hadn't felt compelled to go deep into his music. This session of listening to My Aim Is True reinforced my ambivalent approval of his music.

One thing to keep in mind is that much of the album fits more into “pub rock” than it does “new wave/punk.” The blues of “Blame it on Cain” and roots rock of “Mystery Dance” were a bit of a jolt for me. I think this album is a good snapshot of a talented songwriter on the verge of solidifying his voice. While this album may not stray much from the pub rock sound of the time, the attitude and overall consistency could certainly hook someone into loving the album or eager to hear what Elvis would record next.

There is one more thing I feel a need to comment on. I understand that the album was recorded for just 1000-2000 British pounds, but the sound on the copy I listened to was very tinny and small. It was a harsh difference going from Exodus into this and then on to Master of Puppets with Elvis sounding like he's at the bottom of a coffee can.


Songs I Knew I Liked: “Alison”

Songs I Now Like: “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes”

Songs I Don't Want to Ever Hear Again: None that I feel a need to avoid.