21. Bob Dylan "Blonde on Blonde" ★★1/2
The record starts off in a way that feels like we're showing up right as the party is getting good. Much to my surprise, I'm actually digging the party. After listening to the first few songs, we have now reached the drowsy part of the shindig. But, like with all good things, this fun time party has to end some time. The first sign of this was a seven minute song. After hearing that, I knew I stayed too long. I should have left the party earlier. To prove this point even more, the record comes to an end after an eleven minute final track.
While the album isn't completely bad, one song often bleeds into the next ... if we're lucky enough to actually make it to the next song.
P.S. Should you not be familiar with Dylan's work, but you've heard impersonations or parodies of his style of singing, it's all true.
22. Iron and Wine "The Shepherd's Dog" ★★★★1/2
The groove that Iron and Wine creates is contagious. Each song is an exercise in balance and understatement. The only thing that comes to mind that could possible help me explain how his music affects me is it's analogous to watching a wave machine. Depending on which part of the wave you're focused on, you'll see different things taking place. Are you watching the blue liquid or the clear liquid as the rectangular container tilts back and forth? When you listen to Iron and Wine, are you listening the the foreground music and vocals or the background percussion swells and accompanying instruments? There seems to always be a give and take as to which piece of the music makes its way to the front making the music not just more dynamic but also feel more like a living being.
"Carousel" has some vocal effects that are akin to a cartoon character speaking underwater, but not quite so campy. Aside from that, serene, peaceful, soothing, calming - all describe this entire album. I wouldn't suggest listening to this album while driving for fear of entering a nirvana-like state of tranquility. But as a passenger, this is perfect to watching the world disappear as it's speeding by outside your window.
23. Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bollocks" ★★★
Having never heard a single song by the Sex Pistols (save for "Anarchy in the U.K."), I honestly was expecting something raw and gritty; something like The Ramones or Rancid.(The former having next to zero recording production and the latter not having the vocals staying within key of the music.) This album was actually well produced. Sure, it's punk music, but it's punk with lead guitar, time changes, drum fills, and other junk. Oh, there's actual singing, too. Even though there's some decent production, the album isn't over polished and squeaky clean.
Have a listen to "Pretty Vacant" and think of the guy with a pig farm in "Snatch" as the person singing the song. It's nearly dead on.
24. The Tubes "Love Bomb" ★★★★
If 80s music gets you moving, this could be the 80s band you've never heard of. The opening song has 80s montage written all over it. Not a bad start at all. But it's not just a good beginning. From end to end, the entire album is poppy, synthesized, and filled with groove / funk hook-driven tunes. Typically, all of that instantly turns me off. But for some reason, I love it when The Tubes do it. I think it's their style is just different enough to make it new and interesting. I'll even venture a guess that greater than 85 percent of the people who listened to this album would agree with me. The entire record is a sold party soundtrack as well as something to listen to while at work.
Well done, Tubes. Well done.
25. Mogwai "Happy Songs for Happy People" ★★★★
Through and through, this record is very ambient, airy, flowing, and serene; it's dynamic yet not jarring. There's more than enough life in "Happy Songs for Happy People" that the music never gets boring. The quiet and swells are definitely present and the ebb and flow is gentle and never overpowering. Not including the very few instances where shrills harshly awaken your subconscious, this album is tranquility and bliss for the auditory center of your brain and soul.