The Great Al***s
Posted by: Guido Fawkes on 13 April 2007
We are often inundated with programmes on CH4 that do top 100s. Wondered if anybody would like to contribute to a list of truly great albums - no restrictions: if you think it's truly great then it should be in the list. Describing it's content and saying why you think it is truly great would be helpful.
Released at the height of 'flower power' in 1967, We Are Ever So Clean is widely considered to be the finest popsike album ever recorded. Produced by Giorgio Gomelsky (Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds), it's a fascinating amalgam of whimsical pop, music hall humour and acid rock. Much-bootlegged over the years, this is its first official re-issue, timed to coincide with its 40th anniversary. Produced with the band's full involvement, it's presented with no fewer than ten bonus tracks, encompassing non-LP singles, demos, out-takes and live performances, and comes complete with a full-colour 12-page booklet incorporating many rare photographs and a comprehensive band history, as well as an introduction from the band's leader, Brian Godding.
Sunbeam Music - SBRCD5035
Fantastic album - now available on a re-issued expanded CD - the re-mastering is superb.
It sounds like early Floyd meets Sgt Pepper meets Nirvana (the really Nirvana that is - the one with Patrick Campbell Lyons, not that grunge outfit) meets the Kinks - with a bit on Bonzos thrown in.
If you like the Beach Boys then you'll like this - think Pet Sounds, only this is better - it's far more inventive (and I don't mean any disrespect to Pet Sounds which is a fine album).
This was originally released in October 1967. I'd go as far as to say this is one of the best re-issued I've ever got hold of.
If you like psychedelia then don't miss out on this, which would be the equivalent of going through life without ever hearing SF Sorrow; it is bound to be deleted before you know it.
Well I may be talking complete nonsense, but if you don't get to hear this masterpiece of pop psych then you'll never know if I'm mad or if this really is as good as I think it is.
ATB Rotf
PS - It's also available on vinyl as a double album - I've ordered a copy to see if it's even better than this CD - not sure how it could possibly be. Blossom Toes - We Are Ever So Clean (Sunbeam Music - SBR2LP5035) - 180 gram double LP version of the album
I started a thread on her yesterday and it was the suggestion of Sloop John B that this should be included in with the great albums, to which I completely agree
Especially good if you can get the vinyl edition with the demonstration disc. Demonstration covers the whole album as she wrote them....mostly acoustically.
Its a raw record but the recording isn't that bad and sounds great on vinyl, but the song writing is what makes it.
Ryan
Especially good if you can get the vinyl edition with the demonstration disc. Demonstration covers the whole album as she wrote them....mostly acoustically.
Its a raw record but the recording isn't that bad and sounds great on vinyl, but the song writing is what makes it.
Ryan
What a great hive of musical information this forum is 
. Since buying my system, my love for music has increased substantially. I am now looking for all types of music, regardless of genre to listen to.
This particular thread has been very valuable. Whilst I was bored in work last night, I read through this thread, and ended up ordering five new CD's.
1. David Bowie "Station to station"
Already a Bowie fan, although never heard this album.
2. Van Morrison "Moondance"
Never really listened to Van Morrison before, so thought this may be a good start.
3. Scott Walker "Tilt"
Never heard of him
4. Josh Rouse "Nashville"
Never heard of him
5. Blossom Toes "We are ever so clean"
Never heard of them
I think this was the original intention of ROTF starting this thread, to allow people an insight into the many artists out there that you may never think to listen to. I will have to try and post something worthwhile about some of the music I listen to.
Long may my musical journey continue with you guys, all courtesy of my new Naim system
Regards,
Martin
. Since buying my system, my love for music has increased substantially. I am now looking for all types of music, regardless of genre to listen to.This particular thread has been very valuable. Whilst I was bored in work last night, I read through this thread, and ended up ordering five new CD's.
1. David Bowie "Station to station"
Already a Bowie fan, although never heard this album.
2. Van Morrison "Moondance"
Never really listened to Van Morrison before, so thought this may be a good start.
3. Scott Walker "Tilt"
Never heard of him
4. Josh Rouse "Nashville"
Never heard of him
5. Blossom Toes "We are ever so clean"
Never heard of them
I think this was the original intention of ROTF starting this thread, to allow people an insight into the many artists out there that you may never think to listen to. I will have to try and post something worthwhile about some of the music I listen to.
Long may my musical journey continue with you guys, all courtesy of my new Naim system
Regards,
Martin
suggested By munch and he's right - this is a superb effort by the Bonzo's forty years on.
1. Rule Britannia
2. Hunting Tigers
3. My Brother Makes The Noises
4. Doorstep
5. Little Sir Echo
6. Ali Baba's Camel
7. Falling In Love Again
8. Watermelon
9. Lookout There's A Monster Coming
10. Whispering
11. By A Waterfall
12. Sheik Of Araby
13. Hello Mabel
14. Jollity Farm
15. Equestrian Statue
Disc: 2
1. Cool Britannia
2. We Are Normal
3. Strain
4. Sound Of Music
5. Exodus
6. Trouser Press
7. My Pink Half Of The Drainpipe
8. I'm Bored
9. Sport (The Odd Boy)
10. Mr Apollo
11. Humanoid Boogie
12. Tent
13. Can Blue Men Sing The Whites
14. Look At Me I'm Wonderful
15. San Francisco
16. Rhinocratic Oaths
17. Mr Slater's Parrot
18. Monster Mash
19. Urban Spaceman
20. Canyons Of Your Mind
Thesea are the first new Bonzo's recordings for 35 years. The 2CD set has some their best loved songs recorded live on the 28th January 2006 at the London Astoria. Of course, no Viv, but Neil Innes, Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater, Vernon Dudley Bohay Nowell, Sam Spoons, Bob Kerr (Whopee) and Legs Larry Smith are all there with cameos from Stephen Fry, Phil Jupitus, Adrian Edmondson and Paul Merton (but they don't spoil it too much). This a great way to get in to the band if you haven't already done so. If you had then this is a very welcome addition.
IMO, the Bonzo's finest album was Keynsham though all of their output is of high quality.
So I guess if you've not go any of there albums then I'd start with Keynsham and then I'd follow it with this collection ..... guaranteed to cheer you up.
And when you've got the entire Bonzo's catalogue and only when you've got the entire Bonzo's catalogue then you may want to try
and enjoy gems like My Baby's Wild About My Old Trombone.
quote:Originally posted by Chris Kelly:
ROTF, by coincidence I played the recent remastered CD of "Gorilla" earlier. Sublime. I still laugh out loud at some of it. "Intro and Outro" is just great. "General de gaulle on accordion.....Adolf Hitler on vibes.....the Count Basie Orchestra on triangle....Roy Rogers on Trigger..." It made me laugh as a schoolboy and it still makes me laugh. Not much progress for me in 40 years then!
Val Doonican as himself, "Hello Dere"
Mr Eric Clapton on Ukulele
All looking remarkably cool, of course
40 years ago I thought they were wonderful, and now I think they were much better than that. It's pure entertainment from the Ginger Geezer and his mates and I always sympathised with Viv, because like him I could never figure out why Teddy Boys Don't Knit.
quote:Originally posted by ROTF:quote:Originally posted by Chris Kelly:
ROTF, by coincidence I played the recent remastered CD of "Gorilla" earlier. Sublime. I still laugh out loud at some of it. "Intro and Outro" is just great. "General de gaulle on accordion.....Adolf Hitler on vibes.....the Count Basie Orchestra on triangle....Roy Rogers on Trigger..." It made me laugh as a schoolboy and it still makes me laugh. Not much progress for me in 40 years then!
Val Doonican as himself, "Hello Dere"
Mr Eric Clapton on Ukulele
All looking remarkably cool, of course
40 years ago I thought they were wonderful, and now I think they were much better than that. It's pure entertainment from the Ginger Geezer and his mates and I always sympathised with Viv, because like him I could never figure out why Teddy Boys Don't Knit.
Ah but Can Blue Men Sing the Whites?
As Rasher reminded me, the Turtles what a super band.
The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands
The Battle Of The Bands
The Last Thing I Remember
Elenore
Too Much Heartsick Feeling Listen Listen
Oh, Daddy
Buzzsaw
Surfer Dan
I'm Chief Kamanawanalea
You Showed Me
Food
Chicken Little Was Right
Earth Anthem
Sound Asleep (CD only)
The Story Of Rock And Roll (CD only)
This is a fantastic concept album. The Turtles take on the guise of 14 different bands and present a sort of hit parade of their own.
The Turtles always said they were goofy musical subversives an not legendary pop stars - they were right and all the better for it.
The final album Turtle Soup produced by none other that Ray Davies is another worth exploring as are the early efforts It Ain't Me Babe and Happy Together.
Later Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan became the Phlorescent Leech & Eddie and then simply Eddie and Flo or Flo and Eddie - Jeff Simmons and Jim Pons were involved too. Check out these albums together with Frank Zappa's Chunga's Revenge - the adventure with Frank culminated in 200 Motels which is a fine if strange collection.
However, I prefer the early Turtles albums - especially BOTB.
The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands
The Battle Of The Bands
The Last Thing I Remember
Elenore
Too Much Heartsick Feeling Listen Listen
Oh, Daddy
Buzzsaw
Surfer Dan
I'm Chief Kamanawanalea
You Showed Me
Food
Chicken Little Was Right
Earth Anthem
Sound Asleep (CD only)
The Story Of Rock And Roll (CD only)
This is a fantastic concept album. The Turtles take on the guise of 14 different bands and present a sort of hit parade of their own.
The Turtles always said they were goofy musical subversives an not legendary pop stars - they were right and all the better for it.
The final album Turtle Soup produced by none other that Ray Davies is another worth exploring as are the early efforts It Ain't Me Babe and Happy Together.
Later Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan became the Phlorescent Leech & Eddie and then simply Eddie and Flo or Flo and Eddie - Jeff Simmons and Jim Pons were involved too. Check out these albums together with Frank Zappa's Chunga's Revenge - the adventure with Frank culminated in 200 Motels which is a fine if strange collection.
However, I prefer the early Turtles albums - especially BOTB.
My name is Burtram, I am a redneck.
All my friends, they call me Burt.
All my family from down in Texas
make their livin' diggin' dirt.
Come out here to Californy
just to find me some pretty girls.
Ones I seen gets me so horny
ruby lips,
n'teeth like pearls.
Wanna love 'em all.
Wanna love 'em dearly.
Wanna pretty girl,
I'll even pay ...
I'll buy 'em furs. I'll buy 'em jewelry ...
I know they like me. Here's what I'll say.
I'm lonesome cowboy Burt ( Speakin' atcha!)
Come smell my fringe-y shirt ( Reekin' atcha!)
My cowboy pants my cowboy dance
my bold advance
On this here waitress ...
I remember Frank being interviewed on the BBS and suddenly producing a pornographic magazine - he said some people will see this and get turned on, others will see it and be disgusted, me: I just think there's got to be a good song in there somewhere.
The late Don Sugar Cane Harris (above), the jazz/blues violinist said Frank gave him the most complex thing he'd ever played and then insisted on him shouting om tiddly om pom, pom, pom. He did 'cos it was Frank - he made me do it.
The late Don Sugar Cane Harris (above), the jazz/blues violinist said Frank gave him the most complex thing he'd ever played and then insisted on him shouting om tiddly om pom, pom, pom. He did 'cos it was Frank - he made me do it.
It's new but it's great - probably as good an album as I've heard this year.
Some artists/albums you hear and straight away you know it is one you'll want to play over and over - this is up there with This Is The Ice Age (M&TM), Come On Come On (MCC), Faultlines(KP).
Oh My Darling
Before I Knew
I Was A Daughter
Little Waltz
December
Snakes And Ladders
Oh My Darling
Little One
Why Can't It Be Mine
Pilgriming Vine
La Da Da
Birds Of Paradise
Secret
It is folk music with a difference - some very incise arrangements that enhance the songs from an excellent group of musicians. 12 strong tracks: each with enough musical surprises to keep you glued without ever becoming over complex. And she's a great singer ... also a very nice person by all accounts.
You can listen to excerpts on line here, but be warned once you've heard a couple of tracks, you'll want a copy.
Although it is in all our good shops, it will not be released in her native Canada until September, but Basia's recorded an extra track for the Canadian release because our friends in Canada had to wait for the album
Some artists/albums you hear and straight away you know it is one you'll want to play over and over - this is up there with This Is The Ice Age (M&TM), Come On Come On (MCC), Faultlines(KP).
Oh My Darling
Before I Knew
I Was A Daughter
Little Waltz
December
Snakes And Ladders
Oh My Darling
Little One
Why Can't It Be Mine
Pilgriming Vine
La Da Da
Birds Of Paradise
Secret
It is folk music with a difference - some very incise arrangements that enhance the songs from an excellent group of musicians. 12 strong tracks: each with enough musical surprises to keep you glued without ever becoming over complex. And she's a great singer ... also a very nice person by all accounts.
You can listen to excerpts on line here, but be warned once you've heard a couple of tracks, you'll want a copy.
Although it is in all our good shops, it will not be released in her native Canada until September, but Basia's recorded an extra track for the Canadian release because our friends in Canada had to wait for the album
quote:Originally posted by JWM:
Regular visitors to this Forum will have got a handle on what I enjoy listening to!
But for my first nomination as a great album I would nominate:
To get it, you do have to have a spiritual bone in your body, because this great record is in fact a prayer - articulated not in words, but in music. A profound encounter between man and the eternal.
James
Just happened to be listening to this at the moment, and I agree wholeheartedly. The same can be said of much of Coltrane's work after this album - there seems to be always a searching, spiritual element, and it's why his post 1965 period was my favourite.
quote:Originally posted by Michael Trotz:quote:Originally posted by JWM:
Regular visitors to this Forum will have got a handle on what I enjoy listening to!
But for my first nomination as a great album I would nominate:
To get it, you do have to have a spiritual bone in your body, because this great record is in fact a prayer - articulated not in words, but in music. A profound encounter between man and the eternal.
James
Just happened to be listening to this at the moment, and I agree wholeheartedly. The same can be said of much of Coltrane's work after this album - there seems to be always a searching, spiritual element, and it's why his post 1965 period was my favourite.
My favourite piece of non-sacred 'spiritual music' is the 2nd movement of Greig's Piano concerto. Small sample here
It may sound weird (me - not the music)but I also think of it as being intensely sexual. (I'll get my coat)