Classic Albums Listening Log

A systematic, chronological retrospective of the "album era," initially guided by the user-weighted database of RateYourMusic, starting around the definitive inflection point of 1967. However, this odyssey is entirely organic—if a detour into 1970s jazz fusion presents itself, the structured remit goes out the window. These are unvarnished, analytical first listens to seminal records, separating the genuinely brilliant engineering and songwriting from the historically over-hyped filler.

King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)

Epitaph really reminds me of a certain part from Tyr's Erik the Red album. Nice! I bet they listened to it. However, as Epitaph goes on, it becomes self-indulgent. It's too long. It could be good for a stoned teenager, but that's about it.

Moonchild is taking an extremely long time to get going. I can see the seminality of it all. The Mellotron is strong. However, it's just not that pleasurable to listen to. 2 minutes in and nothing's happened. You could say the same of a drum and bass track, I suppose. It's all about the immersive experience. But we live in a different era.

Anyway, Moonchild also has the classic ridiculous middle section with bullshit, which is directly reflected in Dream Theater's 'Metropolis Part 1' 23 years later. People laughed at it openly then when I played it to them, and I felt outraged, though part of me knew they were right. What's the point of it, really? It's a rotten, though minor, strand of musical history. What purpose does it serve, functional or artistic? None. I'm sure much more comprehensive and devastating critiques could be launched at long masturbatory passages with surface resemblance to this in art music, but we're not talking about art music here.

Funnily enough, this is only the fourth King Crimson track I've ever listened to, and it has by far the most insufferable passage I've heard from all the UK progressive groups through the 1970s – granted I haven't listened to shedloads, but I must have listened to 8 or 9 Yes, Genesis, Rick Wakeman and Gentle Giant songs each. Overall, Moonchild was truly shite. Waste of time listening to it.

The title track starts well. But overall, haven't heard anything I'd listen to again yet. I can certainly see links with what came later. Fates Warning, for instance. Lots of Mellotron! [Must get that Arturia stuff working again!] Overall, clearly the best track on the album, at least to that point. Including the lovely organ part near the end. The finale is also everything you'd expect – bombastic, headbanging.

The Beatles – Abbey Road (1969)

Come Together sounds like it's simply hankering after an original blues sound, perhaps more stripped-down, in the way that eg Kanye West subverted fuller hip-hop sounds on 808s and Heartbreak. Somehow it seems that stripped-down tunes are often seen as seminal.

The "I don't know" in 'Something' really sounds like it inspired Ozzy Osbourne! Also the guitar solo afterwards. Remarkable!

Even 'Here Comes The Sun' has its very interesting psychedelic part, with the circle of fifths, and some lovely textures and sounds.

YNGMYM has some remarkable parts, it sounds like a potpourri of things that would be rifled through later for all later artists! In particular, there is one part which really reminds me of some other song. I forget what. Around 2:40. Then another one straight after!

It's very interesting as an album. Polythene Pam sounds like proto-punk! There's some seriously emotive singing, as well. It can be difficult to tell if it's serious, or not. But I think, generally, it is. As in Golden Slumbers. Carry That Weight clearly has that famous melody in it (also in YNGMYM), too. I suspect these will be popping up all over the place. By the end of The End, it all sounds so ridiculously experimental – almost like Genesis, or something!

Nick Drake – Five Leaves Left (1969)

Wow, the first track was incredible.

[UNFINISHED]

Robben Ford – The Inside Story (1979)

OK, a bit outside the initial remit (almost), but still a brilliant album as I listen to it for the first time ever. A keeper. Fusion with heart. It's amazing how there seems to be an endless supply of musical works which are considered legendary but which you had overlooked. Gemini says the songwriting draws comparison to Steely Dan (who Beato mentions ad nauseam), so perhaps they should be next. In fact, perhaps this whole album listening odyssey should be less structured.

[UNFINISHED]

Steely Dan – Can't Buy A Thrill (1972)

Sounds a bit familiar for sure. Good to give it the proper listen. First song was famous but not that great, to be honest. Dirty Work, on the other hand, is concise, fantastic, and has some great chord changes, singing, and a killer chorus. Reelin' In The Years sounds familiar but I think that's because Thin Lizzy seem to have stolen the sound. Change of the Guard certainly has a great solo. Also, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again has a really great middle section. It goes all over the place. Would like to hear more of their songwriting. Will certainly listen to later albums.

Steely Dan – Countdown to Ecstasy (1973)

Not a bad listen overall, but Your Gold Teeth is awful. My Old School has the most listens on Spotify, but again, it's not setting my world on fire. King of the World has a very cool intro. Good song in general! AI tells me: "So, to cut a long story short, it's not a dud. Far from it. It's a key part of their evolution and packed with brilliant tunes. It might not have grabbed you by the bollocks straight away, but give it a few more spins."

Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic (1974)

So far, this is a much better album than CtE. Any Major Dude Will Tell You is a highly interesting and engaging song. Very good indeed.

[UNFINISHED]

Fairport Convention – Liege & Lief (1969)

Rockier than I expected. I can hear the roots of folk metal if I listen carefully. Matty Groves is epic, and it really holds the attention. Can certainly hear links with Slough Feg. The fourth track is also really nice. Great singing and makes me want to check out The Mamas and the Papas. Tam Lin definitely dragged a bit though. Or actually, a lot. The last song was also not inspiring on first listen. However, the bonus CD reissue track Sir Patrick Spens was very pleasing. Final song is a dirge and no guilt at not listening since it wasn't on the original release.