Ivan Neville ‘If My Ancestors Could See Me Now’
Today’s Cool Album Of the Day (#1016 in the Series) is Ivan Neville, If My Ancestors Could See Me Now. If My Ancestors Could See Me Now is a fantastic album by a fantastic musician, Ivan Neville. Ivan is a multi-instrumentalist and the son of the great singer, Aaron Neville. It was released in 1988. I guess you could describe it as two parts funk, one part new wave and one part rock and roll. Toss in a little blues as well. It did well but nothing special, sales wise. It did much better with the critics. Unfortunately something went bad shortly thereafter. There was a fall out between Ivan and his then label Polydor. Due to that...
Chic “C’est Chic”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#998 in the series) Chic, C’est Chic (Atlantic) I have a feeling that this post might take a few people by surprise. What’s he doing here, isn’t this disco? Well, yeah, Chic indeed did have some disco hits, some huge disco hits. Who can forgot “Good Times” or “Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah? Or from this album, “Le Freak?” The reason I bring a Chic album to this party is for one reason, talent. Not long ago I mentioned that Fleetwood Mac had a great rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. I do think that was one of the best for pop and of course for blues as well. However, if you want...
Missing Persons “Spring Session M”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#983 in the Series) is Missing Persons,Spring Session M. (Capitol) I don’t know many bands that would 100% fill the term “Cool” better than Missing Persons. Not only did they have the “look” but they definitely also had the “chops” to go with it. They were one of the original bands that received a huge boost by MTV. The hot look of lead singer Dale Bozzio had a ton to do with that, especially when the ex-bunny dressed in only bubble wrap. Hot looks only take you so far without musicianship however, and as good as they looked, they played even better. Dale Bozzio’s “other half” was drummer Terry Bozzio. This man...
Daft Punk ‘Random Access Memories’
Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Lose Yourself To Dance” by Daft Punk So Daft Punk has released a ‘70s Disco album and everybody is going nuts. Daft Punk fans are going nuts because there are real instruments and, gasp, real voices on this record. Critics are going nuts because the group has made a ‘70s disco album, and a ‘70s disco album stands out because it’s the antithesis of the loud-soft dynamic of today’s EDM. This gives critics something to write about, which in turn makes them excited, resulting in amazingly positive reviews. Mind you, these are some of the same critics who back in the ‘70s, wouldn’t have been caught dead listening to a...
A Flock of Seagulls “A Flock of Seagulls”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#569 in the Series) is the self-titled debut from A Flock of Seagulls. A Flock of Seagulls were always one of my favorite “new wave, techno-pop,””what have you” bands of the early eighties. Why did I like them? I think it was because I always felt a little connection to the progressive rock bands that I was listening to at the time. The biggest difference was the obvious, most of their music was played over a straight up dance rhythm, but I really believe that in the body of a dance band layed the heart of a prog band. Why do I feel this way? The main reason would be guitarist Paul...
Howard Jones ‘Human’s Lib’
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#441 in The Series) is Howard Jones, Human’s Lib I actually started a write up for Howard’s second album, Dream Into Action when I started doing some research. I wanted to know the usual, chart positions, songs I may have forgotten, how many other albums the artist had etc. So I saw it was his second and I took a peak back at the debut. I remembered how much I liked that album and called an audible! So now we’re going to do Human’s Lib. Not as successful as Dream Into Action, chart-wise, but a very good piece of music. Two songs received most of the airplay. They were, “New Song” and “What is Love.”...
The The “Soul Mining”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#303 in the Series) is The The, Soul Mining Matt Johnson is to The The, what Roddy Frame is to Aztec Camera, and what Karl Wallinger is to World Party. They’re really solo careers without putting their names up front. In each of these cases, our star surrounds himself with different sidemen for each studio recording. Soul Mining was The The’s second most popular album. I think Mind Bomb edged it out for number one. This one featured their hit ‘This is the Day.” You’ve heard it. If not, listen to it within the playlist below. As mentioned on a few of the comments on facebook, make sure you check out Jools Holland’s great piano...
Swing Out Sister “It’s Better To Travel”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#284 in the Series) is Swing Out Sister, It’s Better to Travel. We’re going with another of a little ‘change of pace’ entry for today. I have a feeling that some of you are familiar with Swing out Sister. How can I explain them to those that don’t know of them? I’ve heard them described as anything from ‘Sophisti-pop’ or ‘synth-pop’ to even few others. They had some success with It’s Better to Travel. Getting the most play were ‘Breakout’ and ‘Twilight World.’ I felt that another track, ‘Fooled By a Smile’ was the strongest of the bunch. The band has continued on to this day with few changes in personnel. They did...
Average White Band “AWB”
Today’s Cool Album Of the Day (#278 in the Series) is Average White Band, AWB. The Average White Band, what a perfect mix of soul, funk, R + B, rock with just enough jazz tossed in. All of this from a band from………Scotland!? Yeah, many people have forgotten that fact over the years, but yes indeed. Founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are from Dundee. As were the other original members, Malcolm “Molly” Duncan, Roger Ball and Robbie McIntosh. Hamish Stuart was from Glasgow, he would play a major role with Paul McCartney in later years. Do not confuse this Robbie McIntosh with the man with the same name who was a long time ‘Pretender.’ Same name, different person....
