Let's start the day with Britain's loudest band! What I should have done was just pulled out some of my favourite lyrics, because sometimes when you are paying attention to these songs carefully, there is just a great line or two that just makes me laugh. Anyways, this is mostly re-recordings of older Spinal Tap songs. David St Hubbins sounds older, for sure, but the songs still rock. And are a lot of fun. I didn't need them doing reggae, though. Fun fact: I've never been a fan of Stonehenge as a song; it works in the movie as a skit, but as a song, it really isn't much to listen to.
Highlights: Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight, Rock & Roll Nightmare, Big Bottom, Heavy Duty
6/10
6/10
Back In Memphis - Elvis Presley
While not nearly as strong an album as From Elvis in Memphis, this follow-up still features that beautiful soulful sound that is found in all these sessions. Other than a few standout songs, this is all the fairly middle-of-the-road tracks that just couldn't make the cut, so the original album on its own does not actually score so well. Like, it's fine, but nothing special. But I have the reissue, which contains a bunch of mono singles from 1969. Which are almost all completely awesome. One of the few times I will be all 'Gimme the bonus tracks!'.
Highlights: Without Love (There is Nothing), Suspicious Minds [Mono], Kentucky Rain [Mono]
6/10
Back to Basics - Christina Aguilera
I forgot how good this album is. I'm not sure a 2 minute song with an almost chorus counts as an interlude? Oh, now I remember why I forgot how good this album is... because it isn't. The first half is amazing, but that ghastly fan appreciation 'song' is the turning point? It's all just completely self-congratulating and kills the vibe of the album. Far be it from me to tell an artist what they should do - that's only the purpose of my bLog - but this album should have been 1 disc and all the wannabe big band songs cut. They are just not good. I started off excited but ended up wanting to hit the skip button
Highlights: Makes Me Wanna Pray, Ain't No Other Man, On Our Way
6/10
Back to Bedlam - James Blunt
You're Beautiful is a good song. Shiizz, I ain't afraid of you mofos!
Highlights: You're Beautiful
5/10
Back to Black - Amy Winehouse
Some absolute brilliant songs in here. I love how straight up and raw these lyrics are. Winehouse had no issues telling you that she was talking about drugs and alcohol, or that you are a dick. Absolutely no poetical-political nonsense going on here!
Highlights: Rehab, Me and Mr. Jones, Back to Black, Addicted
7.5/10
Back to Black [Bonus Disc] - Amy Winehouse
I prefer the studio version of Valerie, otherwise this is almost like listening to a ska album. I don't know how else to describe it.
Highlights: Gettin' yo' skank on?
5.5/10
Back to the Light - Brian May
Bah gawd this album is fantastic. The title track alone is the most bombastic epic rock song you could ask for - definitely the most Queen sounding song on the album. Cozy Powell's drumming is huge. Dude was a beast. My only criticism would be the orchestration on Too Much Love Will Kill You. It's all a bit cheesy with the horns and whatnot. Still a great song. This album just rocks in general; you have the 'heavier' stuff, then the light-hearted rocking numbers, and some pop-rock, and your ballads. Overall, just a strong hard rock album from one of the greatest guitarist/songwriter/singer in hard rock.
Highlights: Back to the Light, Love Token, Resurrection, Rollin' Over
8.5/10
Starting with a fake British hard rock band and ending with a legit British hard rock legend perfectly wraps up this day.
"Albums" listened to so far: 114
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