There’s been an ongoing list of albums that I have been posting about for the past few weeks. Feel free to browse thru the archives of my blog.
Getting closer to 40
I’ve made the bold and brave decision to not only disclose my age but also establish a list of my favorite albums for every year of my life…so far.
So far I have covered 1976 Thru 1991
More to come.
I post little reviews every Tuesday and Thursday
Stay tuned
In 1976, Rush released the record 2112. I chose that one to represent my “birth” record.
Then in 1981, Rush makes a strong comeback with the album “Moving Pictures.”
The album shows a meld of two styles, fusing their prog rock elements with more radio-friendly rock. While prog still has its influence, the band is showcasing what’s coming up with their next releases, that being synthesizers.
Not only is this album the most appealing to a potential buyer by having a lot of hits, it has a perfect balance between the older Rush and the futuristic Rush to come.
It also helps that every member of the band is at the top of their game on this album. Geddy Lee’s distinctive bass skills skills and vocals remain sharp as ever, Alex Lifeson’s excellent guitar work holds its own, and Neil Peart is at his best at both drumming and lyrics.
Tom Sawyer and Limelight are prime examples of terrific songs on this record.
They “progressively” moved forward with these tunes. Synthesizers, more fueled drumming, amazing guitar chords and further defining that 80’s sound.
Way to go boys!
The proceeding post is from an ongoing list of albums that represent what I feel to be the forty greatest albums to be released in forty consecutive years in a row since the year I was born.
It is based on my education, obsessions and life experiences. Through friends, family and my obsessions I found inspiration. Some factors in determining these albums are:
Ultimately this ends up being the top forty albums in my humble opinion. Sometimes the artists pay tribute; other times it is just considered their peak performances. In many ways you could say that all years since 1976 are represented. But these are more than my just favorites, they are simply amazing albums and a sample of the best list I could think of that demonstrates the BIG 40 spectacular pieces of music in my lifetime, so far…
The following list of albums represent what I feel to be the forty greatest albums to be released in forty consecutive years in a row since the year I was born. It is based on my education, obsessions and life experiences. Through friends, family and my obsessions I found inspiration. Some factors in determining these albums are: I can listen to them numerous times. Some of these artists have stand out performances. Some are based on artist’s best albums, which fall into place with the year that they originated in. Ultimately this ends up being the top forty albums in my humble opinion. Sometimes the artists pay tribute other times it is just considered their peak performances. In many ways you could say that all years since 1976 are represented but more than that it is also my favorite as well as simply amazing albums and a sample of the best list I could think of that demonstrates the BIG 40 spectacular pieces of music in my lifetime, so far……
This is a big year for me because I turn 40. I never dreamt what it would feel like to approach the “over the hill” years. But alas here I come! But before that happens, I might as well finish off my 30’s with a musical BANG!!!
For the next 20 weeks, I will post 2 blogs per week paying tribute to albums that shaped my life. I have chosen 40 albums to represent each of my 40 years. The criteria is fairly simple. I choose an album that came out in a particular year, starting off in 1976. That album basically is one that is my favorite among the top ones released within that timeframe. It is also based on how many times I have listened to it in my lifetime.
These are the records that shaped my life in one way or another!
The year was 1976. I was freshly born into this world in the late Spring, unaware of the many adventures that would start to happen. It wasn’t until much later in life that I discovered this album 2112 by the Canadian band RUSH.
But this album rocks. A lot. The monumental title song is incredible. The acoustic sections don’t drag, and the metal sections throw infectious riff after riffs at my ears. It has Alex Lifeson’s shrieking guitar solos, pounding bass, flawless drumming by Neil Peart and vocals that range from shout-whining to soaring sing-whining. But don’t get me wrong, Geddy Lee has a fine voice and is enjoyable to listen to. The 20 minutes of the title track are over quickly, and you shall find yourself trying to calm down soon after it phases out with a searing instrumental before announcing, “Attention all planets of the Solar Federation…we have assumed control…we have assumed control…we have assumed control…”
The rest of the record is equally great. There are beautiful melodies, sheets of pseudo-strings and great vocals that make this album one to remember. And remember. And remember…
WHAT A WAY TO ENTER THIS WORLD!!!
Stay tuned to find out what happens to my ears in 1977 (musically speaking)
The Music Bard 