Musical Flavor #493, Marvin Gaye, 'Here, My Dear' (1978)

  #493- Greatest Albums of All Time

Everyone knows Marvin Gaye songs. "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" was a favorite as a kid--thanks California Raisins! "What's Going On" is still too relevant and, of course, "Let's Get It On" & "Sexual Healing" will live forever. But I don't know a LOT of Marvin Gaye songs and I didn't know much about him as a person. 

This particular album is interesting here on the 500 because it didn't do well. After his marriage failed he wrote this hoping that it would fund his alimony. He owed millions in taxes at the time and his addiction to cocaine was...not going well.  

Interesting side note: his marriage may have failed, in part, due to the fact that he had a child with his wife's very underage niece. #Problematic! The girl was also the niece of Motown founder Barry Gordy. Marvin's wife, who was unable to get pregnant, adopted the child and he was named Marvin III.

I also did not know that Marvin was killed by his own father (a minister), who had abused Marvin for his whole life. His father was given a reduced charge due to the discovery of a brain tumor. Dr. Dre is said to be working on a biopic that will come out in 2023. It'll be quite a story. 

The best (non-tragic) thing I learned in doing some research was that he was greatly influenced by Frank Sinatra. 

What a brutal life. Yet, a voice so sweet. 

Would I listen again? Meh...this album is not music I enjoy actively listening to. It was great background music for reading about his life but I wouldn't be likely to put it on for fun. 

I don't dig it so much, but it's been fascinating. I suspect I'd enjoy the words in their poetic form more so than as songs. He was going THROUGH some things. 

I did dig most of the 8 minutes of "A Funky Space Reincarnation", that one I'd listen to on purpose. 

Musical Flavor #494, The Ronettes, 'Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes' (1964)

 #494- Greatest Albums of All Time

This is the definition of oldies pop. I don't know what makes it stand out against the maaaany other similar albums and groups of the time, but it gets the job done if you're in the mood for a milkshake at the bar wearing your pointy bra. You'll recognize many of the songs unless you're simply too young or have voluntarily lived under a rock. 

Chapel of Love is simply iconic.

{I have thoughts about how Ronnie's multiracial family influenced her musical talents, while her melatonin was subdued enough to soothe white listeners and how a lot of "oldies" were coopted Black music made palatable for white people. But that's like a whole different blog.}

Veronica, aka "Ronnie", just died a couple weeks ago. If it wasn't due to her relationship with her producer, Phil Specter (who regularly threatened to kill her, squashed her career, and once "surprised" her with twin children for Christmas...wtf) she would have probably done a lot more really amazing things. But she did a lot with what she had and she influenced generations. 

Would I listen again? Of course. 

I dig it. 

Rest in peace and power, Ronnie. 

Musical Flavor #495, Boyz II Men, 'II' (1991)

 #495- Greatest Albums of All Time

Boyz II Men, 'II' (1991)

Oooooh yeah...this one takes me back. The majority of these so far have been things I've never even heard of, this though...this I've listened to maaaany times. This was one of the first CDs I ever owned. I think I got it for my birthday in high school when I got a badass stereo. (I also got Madonna's Bedtime Stories, that year, and I bought myself my first CD--Michael Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I .)

"Yesterday" was by FAR my favorite song on the album. I listened to it on repeat. My mom might even remember this album for that reason. It's a good song already, but their version was just amazing. 

It's a nice variety and mix of pop and R&B and it's just a nice time. 

Would I listen again? I haven't listened to this since maybe high school but it was nice to revisit. I don't imagine I'll seek it out often, but I definitely enjoy the throwback. 

I dig it, I have for a long time. 

Musical Flavor #496, Shakira, 'Dónde Están los Ladrones' (1998)

 #496- Greatest Albums of All Time

Shakira, 'Dónde Están los Ladrones' (1998) 

I guess now is the time to admit that I'm really not much of a Shakira fan, but this is likely because I've heard all of one song about 5 million times. (And I don't even dislike that song, necessarily.) 

 This album is solid though. I have no complaints. It's upbeat and fun and I have no idea what the lyrics are. The standout song for me is the last one, "Ojos Asi", because it seems to have the most fusion of different styles. The Lebanese influence definitely comes out in this one and I like it. 

I imagine I'd like it better if I understood it. Maybe? The music is still fun though. Definitely dance-worthy. 

Would I listen again? I wouldn't reject it...and I've already listened to that final song multiple times, so I guess so! 

I dig it.  

Musical Flavor #497, Various Artists, 'The Indestructible Beat of Soweto' (1985)

 #497- Greatest Albums of All Time

Various Artists, 'The Indestructible Beat of Soweto' (1985)

 

This is a great time. It features Ladysmith Black Mambazo and other artists from South Africa. I listened to it many times over in my office because it's worth it. (If you listen to YouTube Music it will also play similar music, but tends to return to replay the album. This is how I learned that Dolly Parton and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, covered Knockin' On Heavens Door! I had no idea.)

If you want something upbeat this is what you need. It's full of joy. 

Would I listen again? Definitely! 

I dig it. 

Musical Flavor #498, Su*c*de, 'Su*c*de' (1977)

 #498- Greatest Albums of All Time

Su*c*de, 'Su*c*de' (1977)  (The algorithms seem to not like the word so I've edited for posting.)

Another band I've never heard of and definitely a genre I don't listen to much. This band is considered punk, new wave, electronic, synth-pop, and more. It's not screamy like one might think if you're not a punk fan. It's quite the opposite, for the most part. It's mostly mellow and has a bit of a random oldies pop feel to it. None of this really fits with the title so don't let that scare you away.

I get Jim Morrison meets Bowie meets Eraserhead vibes. (If THAT scares you away then...maybe for the best.) It has a steady background vibration throughout making it feel like one long-ass song. I have no idea what they're talking about so I might have to defer to my honey for that since he's the one that listens to the lyrics. 

The whole album is only about 40-someting minutes so check it out if you're not sure if you'd like it. It's dark but delightful. It's charming and weird. (It lists "Bela Lugosi's Dead" as similar music--which some may remember was played at our wedding.)

It reminds me of True Romance, which is awesome. 

Does this album make me wish I was on drugs and wearing scarves? Yes. 

Would I listen again? I already have. It's weirdly rhythmic and meditative...like I accidentally joined a cult. 

I dig it. 

Musical Flavor #499, Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan, 'Ask Rufus' (1977)

 #499: Greatest Albums of All Time

Rufus, featuring Chaka Khan, 'Ask Rufus' (1977)

This is definitely a genre of music I don't listen to very often. It's a mood. One I guess I'm just never quite ready for. I enjoy it, for sure, I just don't seek it out. I have the same relationship with soup and raspberry flavored things. 

What I know of Chaka Khan is, of course, "I'm Every Woman" & "Tell Me Something Good." This is exactly the kind of thing that makes me enjoy this project I've assigned myself. She deserves more space in my head than 2 songs. 

Does this album make me want to roller skate and fluff up my hair? Is it smooooooth like a dang milk shake? 

Yep! Egyptian Song is a treat awaiting you at the end.

Would I listen again? Yes. I may not think to go listen to it often but I wouldn't kick it off a playlist.

I dig it, it's groovy.  

Musical Flavor: Intro and #500: Arcade Fire, 'Funeral'

I thought it might be fun to explore some new music. It's not that I don't have a very eclectic assortment of favorites already, but I'm definitely not any kind of audiophile. I like what I like and it may or may not have anything to do with what it's about or whether it's actually any good. I'm very lowbrow and I'm totally ok with that. But why not branch out?  

To accomplish this, I've decided to listen to the 500 greatest albums of all time, according to Rolling Stone. I aim to provide some kind of commentary on each but don't expect me to do them justice. I don't know squat about lyrical content or musical composition. It will largely consist of whether I dig it or not. 

Now, Rolling Stone has updated this list a few times. I started on an older version so I listened to half of Aquemini, by Outkast. (Which was pretty cool and I'll finish it eventually. Maybe I'll throw it in as a bonus--if it's not still on the list, I haven't figured that out yet.) The newest list update is from 2020, so it's pretty up to date. 

#500 is: 

Arcade Fire, 'Funeral' (2004)

I've never heard of this album or the band, so I didn't know what to expect. Generally, I don't really know what's exceptional about it. It's not bad and it has a lot going on without being too scattered. They utilize a ton of different instruments and styles. The beginning didn't excite me a lot, but a few songs in it definitely gets a bit better. It has moments where it makes me think of Velvet Goldmine, which is a good thing. (Crown of Love, for sure, but it happened a couple other times.) 

I'd recommend headphones (which, is usually the case with anything worth listening to, right?) because there is a lot going on in the under current that I think you just won't hear otherwise. It's kinda...delicately arranged. Or something.  

Did I bop my head? Yes. 

Would I listen again? Yes, I would. There's more to it than you can glean in one listen. I predict it'll grow on me. (Especially if Jason takes a liking to it because then it'll be played to death in my house.) 

I mostly dig it.