482: Steve Earle, "Guitar Town"

Before: I think he's referenced in the lyrics of a song or two that I know. And I think my parents like him. That's all I got.

After: I feel ready to hear of alcohol-tinged, country-voice, middle aged rock 'n' groove sort of trip that will take me within smelling distance of Jimmy' Buffet's Margaritaville. I also sense some Billy Joel, triggered by the moments given to the piano to shine. I have a feeling that this is going to feel like a very long album, even though I'll make an effort to appreciate something in each song. But still... UGH! This is NOT my jam! This song is literally called "Hillbilly Highway". Really?

"Just when I knew that every ray of hope was gone..." This song has all the possible cheese factors in it to make me abhor it: that twang in the background that sounds like a sulking, jealous child. That tear-choked-sounding voice. The soft female accompaniment that sounds like a girlfriend trying to be the guys's girlfriend and mother because he's so broken. The really dumb line "my old friend the blues". YUCK.

(HALFWAY DONE: PHEW.)

I don't know if I could be friends with this guy because his voice is so treacherously tacky. He just keeps talking about the same overcooked subjects I hear so often in country music: "this small old town", heartbreak, the blues, pickup trucks, meager incomes, marriage problems, alcohol... the list goes on. But I guess mainstream music, in many of its genres, also focuses on heartbreak and alcohol, so maybe I should rethink how I define country music. Nah, I dislike it too much. Besides Taylor Swift (barely country anymore) and some Kacey Musgraves (she's actually amazing and you should check her out), along with some oldies country. But even then, it's usually mixed with folk or singer/songwriter genres.

Actually, this hyper-twang-electronic thing about two min into "Fearless Heart" is actually affecting me. I don't feel I can relate to this guy like he's my girlfriend, but I do identify with having a heart that seems to have an agenda of its own. Maybe he isn't as tacky as a bulletin board... he just speaks in a dialect that makes me cringe. But his feelings are understandable. (Wow, I related to this guy in a less-than-ugly light!)

Oh wait, now he's talking about Arkansas and said "little guy". Ugh.

I can imagine listening to "Little Rock 'N' Roller" as a five year old boy and feeling so loved and excited for the future. It's sweet. But still twangy.

The last song, "Down the Road", has an optimistic feel to it. It's bearable.

As soon as I finished the album (only 30 minutes, but 30 minutes of torture), I cleansed my mental musical palate with some King Charles' "Ivory Road". But it's like eating vegetables- I still did it!

483: Gang of Four, "Entertainment!"

Before: Who?
My expectations are raised slightly because of the inclusion of the exclamation point. I hope this gang can bring what they promise.

After: The first song, "Ether", sounded like a more mediocre, watered-down version of the Talking Heads. It wasn't much except for when that syncopation jerked me back into its just-above-average beat.
I'm no music historian, but has there been a shift in history from when people were satisfied with very repetitive, "simple" musical designs to having a thirst for constantly changing, vibrant music? I feel that this music is comparable to visual art that isn't flashy on the surface but satisfies with patience. I'll insert the spoonful of sugar analogy here: In the past, people could swallow medicine straight. Nowadays, we're less disciplined and need a sweet thing to help it along.
Or maybe that's just musical taste that varies among listeners?
Maybe I'm listening to this sound and comparing it to what I know in 2014: The Talking Heads, The Strokes. At least the latter is a lot newer and possibly has more "modern" sounds? So in order to really get the full appreciation of this band, I'd have to have as much musical experience as everyone in 1979, when the album came out?
"I Found That Essence Rare" is actually pretty groovy! I can imagine it being played at a dance party.
But overall, I'm having a hard time appreciating this album. Sorry to everyone who likes this type of thing, but I think it's pretty on mark of "eh".
"Anthrax": What is this????? This song is an example of where my definition of music meets its border. Sounds very experimental.
Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh please make the last 3 minutes of this album go by quickly! This is so bland!!
Well I'm glad that's over.