The Jones Experiments

Disc #50: Coldplay (Viva La Vida)

2011-01-26T21:22:00.005-05:00

Artist: Coldplay
Album: Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends
Released by Parlophone in 2008

This album came out shortly after another milestone in my life, the birth of my first child, Lily. Being a new parent, I spent lots of time at home in the first month or so, just being quiet and watching our new baby. This album was often the soundtrack of those moments.

Before I make the next few comments, I want to distinguish the difference between "favourite" and "best". Favourite is a much more subjective adjective, whereas best should be used as a more objective term (though it is still subject to subjectivity, if you will).

In my opinion, this album is by far Coldplay's best work. It has been masterfully composed, compiled, and produced. The songs are intellectually challenging, and if you know me, you are aware that that is a very positive comment. I bore easily of music that isn't challenging to listen to.

I also feel that the band has pushed its experimental limits further than before on this disc. I will give a portion of that credit to the production efforts of Brian Eno, who lent some musical support on X&Y, but has returned here as a co-producer. For all you fans out there, it is rumoured that he is helping produce Coldplay's next release, which should come out later this year.

There are so many highlights to this album, it's hard to know where to start. I can't even pick a favourite song. I think it's a toss-up between "Violet Hill" and "Lost". These two grabbed me the most at first. That being said, every track on this album is amazing. It really is a great joy of mine to put on this album.

If you are not yet a fan of Coldplay (and you all should be), I don't recommend starting with this album. You probably would like it, but as I mentioned earlier, it is challenging to listen to. It's best that you start from the beginning and work your way to Viva la Vida. By the time you get here, you will love it that much more.

As we near the end of the Coldplay reviews, I'd love to hear some feedback from you regarding this band. Do you have a favourite album or song? Does anything about Coldplay remind you of a certain time or event in your life? Do you have a crush on Chris Martin? Anything would be great. I'd love to hear more from the readers.

There are so many facets of this album that are amazing. I've been debating it for several days, but I've finally decided how to score it. On the Mike Jones Scale of Disc Awesomeness, I award this disc, for the very first time, a score of:

10

I was going to score it a 9.5, just as Parachutes, but it's just so much better in so many ways. I still think that Parachutes is my favourite, and I am more emotionally attached to it, but this album is just too brilliant to score any lower than 10. Well done lads.

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with our final review of Coldplay with Disc #51: Coldplay (Prospekt's March EP).

Disc #49: Coldplay (X&Y)

2011-01-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Coldplay
Album: X&Y
Released by Parlophone in 2005

I always remember when this album was released because it was so close to our wedding. We were married on a Saturday, and it came out on the Tuesday following. Even though we were on our honeymoon, I insisted that we pick it up. Luckily, my wife is also a fan, so she was on board. One thing that my new bride was yet to learn about me was that I can listen to a new album over and over, for a very long time. By Thursday she had heard enough of it to last for months. As for me, I still can't get enough.

I find this album very similar to Parachutes in terms of its listenability; they are both very easy to listen to. Yet with every album, Coldplay seems to develop more and more. You can hear much more electronic elements on this album than its pre-decessors, especially on the first track, "Square One", which is one of my favourites.

As a newlywed, I was immediately captivated by the lyrics on "What If".

What if you should decide
That you don't want me there by your side?
That you don't want me there in your life?

It is said that you don't know what you've got till it's gone. This helped my meditate on how blessed I was to have what I did, and still helps me enjoy it to the fullest. Thank you Nora.

The first single off the album was "Speed of Sound", which I liked when I first heard it, but hoped that the album would have a little more to offer. It just reminded me too much of "Clocks". As I had hoped, it is, in my opinion, one of the weaker songs on the album. Another big hit was "Fix You". I loved this song from the beginning, but it will never sound the same again after seeing the documentary, "Young at Heart". Please watch this movie about a group of senior citizens in a choir whose director chooses music that is much younger than they are. You will never hear this song again without shedding a tear.

Once again, Coldplay has put out a masterful album. I really can't think of anything negative to say about it. So, it will receive a score of:

9

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #50: Coldplay (Viva La Vida).

Disc #48: Coldplay (The Scientist [single])

2011-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Coldplay
Album: The Scientist (single)
Released by Parlophone in 2002

I am fairly confident that this is the only single I have ever bought. I was browsing around in Wal-mart with some friends in Huntsville, Ontario. Like a good young lad, I took some time to peruse the CD rack. I didn't really have much money to spend at the time, nor did I really have my eye on anything in particular. Once I saw that I could spend a very small amount of money and add just a little bit more Coldplay to my collection, the next step was a no-brainer.

This disc consists of three tracks. The single, of course, was a huge hit. I will also make the point of adding that the music video to this tune may be one of the very best I have ever seen (and I saw a lot while I was in high school and had no social life).

In my opinion, the other two songs, "1.36" and "I Ran Away", really fit in well with the general sound and feel of "A Rush..." I understand that at some point you have to draw the line when you're recording tracks for a new album, but I think these could have slipped on there no problem. I especially like "I Ran Away". I wish it was on the album so I could listen to it more often. It has everything I love in a Coldplay song, and I recommend giving it a listen.

I'm not really sure how I should score this disc, since it's not a full-length album, or even an EP for that matter. In terms of listenabiliy (did I just make up a word?), I love it. However, its total value is somewhat limited due to its length. Therefore, I feel somewhat obligated to bump this score down to a:

7

Trust me, if it was longer, it would be right up there with the others.

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #49: Coldplay (X&Y).

Disc #47: Coldplay (A Rush of Blood to the Head)

2011-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Coldplay
Album: A Rush of Blood to the Head
Released by Parlophone in 2002

Welcome back to the Jones Experiments as we continue reviewing Coldplay with their second release, "A Rush of Blood to the Head". If you're just tuning in, I'm working my way through listening to my entire CD collection, and reviewing each disc as I go. If you want to read what I had to say about Coldplay's first release, "Parachutes", click here.

When this album was released, my friends and I were so excited. I don't remember being this excited for an album to be released at any other time (except maybe for when John Mayer's "Continuum" came out in 2006). I explicitly remember the first time I heard the first single from the album, "In My Place", on the radio. We were picking corn in Tillsonburg, Ontario, and I think I made everyone stop working so I could hear the tune properly. I loved it at once and couldn't wait for the album to be released.

The day that it came out, someone was going to town for lunch and it seemed like everyone handed out cash for a copy of the disc. She may have come back with 6 albums, and we couldn't get to the car fast enough at the end of the day to give it a listen together.

Upon hearing the first few bars of "Politik", I didn't really know what to think. This album certainly is heavier, more electric, and a littler darker than the first, so I think that it caught me off guard at first. Of all their releases to date, I would say that this one took me the longest to warm up to. That being said, it is phenomenal.

You take all the elements from "Parachutes" that made that album great, then you just let it mature a little bit, add some more electric guitar, and you have yourself a dynamite sophomore album. When "Clocks" was released as a single, I felt like I was hearing it everywhere I went; television, radio, movies, advertisements... you name it. The album is just packed with hits like that.

The one thing that has always bothered me a little bit about "Parachutes", how short it is, was redeemed on this disc. It has one more track than its predecessor, and the songs themselves play out a little longer.

At the end of it all, I think that I am still a little more emotionally attached to their first album, but that doesn't change the fact that I would listen to this disc pretty much any time. Thus, I have no problem at all handing out a score of:

9

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #48: Coldplay (The Scientist [single]).

Disc #46: Coldplay (Parachutes)

2011-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Coldplay
Album: Parachutes
Released by EMI Records in 2000

I was fleeting with the idea of not even listening to this album before writing the review, only for the fact that I know it so well. It is possibly the most listened-to album in my collection (unfortunately, I haven't kept track of that sort of thing over the years, as I would love to have those stats handy). Since I love it so much, the obvious decision was to listen to it, and it has made me realize what a fool I would have been not to. If you have this album in your possession, listen to it any chance you get.

To the reader: as one of my most listened-to albums, this could also be one of the longest reviews to date. Now that I've included the disclaimer, let's start at the very beginning; the first time I heard their big hit off this record, "Yellow", on the radio. I loved it right away, but who was this band? I initially wrote them off as a no-name group with a catchy hit and a career that would never get off the ground.

It wasn't until about six months later that I heard more from them. A few of my corn picking buddies had the album, and it frequented the CD player that summer (2001). I fell in love with the album quickly, and it wasn't long before I purchased it myself, not that I really needed to own it, because I heard it all the time. However, I just wanted to have it for myself. In those days, I always went to sleep with music on. For the next few years, it was always a toss-up between "Parachutes" and John Mayer's "Room for Squares" as to which album would lull me to sleep that night.

Now on to the music. My first suggestion is to listen to it yourself before reading the review. I think you'll be able to appreciate it more if you do. If you already have it, put it on right now. If you don't have it, go get it, download it (or however you Internet thieves do things these days) or borrow it from me. I'll wait until you do that.

Seriously, go do it now, then come back an read this. It will still be here when you get back, so just do it.

I'm not joking. Listen to this awesome album. Trust me, it will be worth the time and resources spent acquiring the disc.

See? You're welcome. Now we can talk about the music together. It's much more beneficial for you this way. The first track, "Don't Panic", was my favourite for a long time. I love the way it fades in, and totally sets the tone for the rest of the album at very least, if not the musical style of the band for albums to come.

Three things are heard in this first song that remain evident through the rest of the album and are signature Coldplay sounds:

1) Simple guitar or piano rhythms
2) Ambient or atmospheric electric guitar sounds
3) Chris Martin's utilization of his falsetto range

Not to give too much away, but this is what will become the foundation for almost everything that Coldplay produces over the next ten years of their career. This is very significant as I believe that the success and longevity of a band in today's musical climate has much to do with that group's ability to adapt to current musical trends while maintaining some sort of common thread from album to album. If you look at the plateau of success that Coldplay sits on right now and think about how many other bands are up there with them, you can see that this is something that not many are able to accomplish. This first album, from the first note to the last, set them off in the right direction.

Every track from here to the end is solid. There's not one that I don't enjoy listening to. They are well-written, exhibiting musicality both in the rhythmic arrangements and the lead and melodic components. I think that almost every song has been my favourite on the album at one point in time or another. The recording and production value is also of very high quality.

One thing I love about Coldplay is the way that you can hear the influence of each of the musicians as the songs are played. For example, I love the bass playing in the chorus of "Sparks". This song would have been great without this nice touch, but it's probably the part of this song that I will audibly sing along with the most. In many ways, that added touch is what makes the song as great as it is.

I feel like I could review each song in detail, but I will spare you that. However, I will comment on one more track, and that is the secret track, "Life is for Living". I love this song and think that it really caps off the album well. I still don't understand what the deal is with secret tracks on albums. If it's a real song, and not just some silly or creative bit of recorded material, then just call it a track and have it on the album. Perhaps it's some sort of political thing with record labels that restricts artists to a certain number of official tracks based on a contractual agreement. Who knows. All I know is that this song fits right in with the album and I consider it to be just as much a part of the disc than any other tune.

In conclusion, there's so much more positive criticism that I could add regarding this album. The only negative thing that I would say about it is the length. Coming in at about 41 minutes, it makes for a shorter album. That being said, perhaps the length is just right. If an album is made to be too long, it can just become redundant, repetitive, and redundant. Still, I always want more when it's over. Usually, I just listen to it again to remedy my craving.

Well, I'm very excited to have reviewed this album, and look forward to reviewing several more Coldplay albums next. Now for the rating. I give this album a score of:

9.5

I know I haven't given out a 10 as of yet, but I'm still very hesitant to do so. I was fairly lenient with the scores when the experiment began, and I'm still trying to curb that trend. Still, I feel that this album deserves more than a 9 as it is one of my all-time favourites. There may be a 10 just yet...

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Coldplay's sophomore recording on Disc #47: Coldplay (A Rush of Blood to the Head).

Disc #45: Bruno Mars (Doo Wops & Hooligans)

2011-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Bruno Mars
Album: Doo Wops & Hooligans
Released by Elektra Entertainment Group in 2010

I got this CD for my wife this Christmas, and I decided early on in the experiment that if I acquired any discs during the experiment that should have already been reviewed (alphabetically speaking) I would deal with them right away so they don't get left behind. Hence, we are back in the Bs. However, we would have had to wait until the Ps if Mars went by his real name, Peter Gene Hernandez. I think he made the right choice.

There are a few things to be said about Mr. Mars regarding this album. First of all, the guy does have an amazing voice, with quite a range in the top end. Second, he writes all his songs, which is always impressive, and has written some famous songs for others as well. Keep your eye out for him at the Grammys this year.

The general feel of the album is light and poppy, with some reggae sounds on a few of the tracks. Some of the songs I really enjoy, while others are just the soundtrack to a world of pop that's out there.

It sort of reminds me of John Mayer's first album, "Room For Squares". It was a great album, but it was pop music. After that album, John Mayer blossomed into something much larger than many had anticipated. I could see that happening to Mars. In my opinion, this album is comprised of a collection of concise pop tunes that don't thrill, but there is loads of potential lurking beneath the surface of this performer.

Overall, it doesn't blow me a way, but it's a good listen. I'm very curious to see what next for Mr. Hernandez. Thus, I will give it a score of:

5

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #46: Coldplay (Parachutes).

Disc #44: Benny Goodman (The King of Swing)

2011-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Benny Goodman
Album: The King of Swing
Released by Sugo Music & Design/ Sony Music Entertainment in 1998

This disc was mixed in with the "Cs" in my collection, so yet again we're back into the "Bs" with Benny Goodman. This album is a compilation of some of his greatest hits. This clarinetist, songwriter and bandleader is considered to be one of the most influential jazz artists of all time, especially when the popularity explosion of jazz music in the late 1930's is considered.

When I listen to this album, I feel like I could get a date with any 90 year-old woman I choose. It's just empowering that way.

Honestly, I don't know what else to say. The guy was awesome, the music is entertaining and relaxing all at the same time. If you like it, you know what I'm talking about. If you've never heard it before, you probably never will and don't care. So enough said, on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS, this album gets a solid:

5

which in my opinion is just as good, if not better than a sloppy 6.

Please join me next time as we take our last listen (hopefully) to the Bs with Disc #45: Bruno Mars (Doo-Wops & Hooligans).

Disc #43: Christina Aguilera (Back to Basics - Disc 2)

2011-01-13T00:00:00.003-05:00

Artist: Christina Aguilera
Album: Back to Basics (Disc 2)
Released by Sony BMG Music Entertainment in 2006

Welcome to the second installment of Christina Aguilera's "Back to Basics". As I mentioned in the review of the first disc, I like this second disc the least of the two. If any of the entire album is a concept album, it's this disc. It seems to tell the story of the rise to fame and the consequences that follow, both positive and negative. I find it dark, overtly sexual and a much harder listen that the first disc. Although this doesn't always entail a bad album to follow, I will explain why I don't like it.

As far as story goes, it flows as a story should; beginning, middle, end. Musically, however, I get lost from one song to the next. Furthermore, I find it very dark. On some albums, this is great, and can be very powerful. On this disc, I didn't find that it enhanced the story that much. The sexual content just seemed to be indulgent, and almost silly at times. Maybe it doesn't bother everyone, but for some reason, it bothered me.

Perhaps I just couldn't get into this disc. After all, the first disc is really catchy, and this one requires a little more intense listening (but not that much more). I give it a score of:

4

Join me next time as the experiment continues with a trip back into the swing era on Disc #44: Benny Goodman (The King of Swing).

Disc #42: Christina Aguilera (Back to Basics - Disc 1)

2011-01-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Artist: Christina Aguilera
Album: Back to Basics (Disc 1)
Released by Sony BMG Music Entertainment in 2006

After an extended break, it's great to be back folks. Life is very good, but very busy. I don't know how long it will last, so let's enjoy the ride while we're on it.

The next disc to review is the first off of Aguilera's 2006 double-disc release, "Back to Basics". I don't know if I would go as far as to call this a concept album, although there are some recurring themes throughout. Aguilera's idea for the album was to pay tribute to some of the greats of the jazz and blues era. This is heard through the sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop beats, blended with classic sounds such as horns and samples of recordings from that era.

This feel really comes through on the album. Without giving too much about the second disc away, I like this one much more. The songs are catchier and it flows much nicer. I think that the first disc could stand alone as an album by itself.

One of the highlights is of course the huge hit-single "Ain't No Other Man". This is a great tune, and even though it was majorly over-played, I still bop along to it. My personal favourite is "Back in the Day". This song is the literal personification of the tribute to the heroes of the music industry. It includes loads of samples and is really fun to listen to. As some names are being spoken during the intro, you can hear Christina say the name of her own personal inspiration, Etta James.

This isn't the type of disc I would typically throw on for a good listen, but it was entertaining and well produced. It's also a lot of fun, and she should have stopped with these tracks. I will give it a score of:

6

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #43: Christina Aguilera (Back to Basics - Disc 2).

Disc #41: Christina Aguilera (My Kind of Christmas)

2010-08-26T22:00:00.000-04:00

Artist: Christina Aguilera
Album: My Kind of Christmas
Released by BMG Entertainment in 2000

Listen, I'm willing to give anyone a shot. It's Christmas music, so it can't be that bad, right? In other words, don't knock it it 'till you've tried it.

The great thing about this blog is that once I've tried it, I get to knock it all I want.

To give you some perspective, let's have a brief look at the timeline of Aguilera's career, just in case you're not that familiar. She released her debut album in 1999, and it was a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard charts and containing two #1 hit singles ("Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants"). In 2002, Aguilera released her second studio album, along with unveiling a rather controversial new persona, "Xtina". In between these two albums, someone at BMG decided that there was a lot of money to be made of this new rival to Britney Spears. Hence, a Christmas album was throw together, and I really mean it when I say, "thrown together".

It's quite obvious that someone arranged and recorded a bunch of Christmas tunes, some traditional and others more contemporary, and said, "You're singin' these songs!" How could the new contender for Pop Princess say no?

Anyways, concerning the album itself, it's not completely horrible, but I suppose I should explain my generally negative tone. The first thing to note is the inconsistency of genres. I'm all for diversity and versatility, but this disc just had me confused. From R&B to blues to funk to traditional hymns to house to pop... I hardly knew who I was listening to at times.

There are a couple of traditional Christmas hymns on the album, but they didn't so much inspire me to sing along. "Oh Holy Night" almost had me question my faith. The Christina as I know her is the girl from "Stripped" and "Back to Basics" who is anything but modest and quite comfortable with her body image and sexuality. To hear that same woman speak the Lord's Prayer during one of my favourite sacred Christmas hymns was fairly disturbing and somewhat confusing. It's like when a lifetime smoker tells you to quit smoking because it's harmful to your health, just as they take another drag. You know they're speaking the truth, but it just doesn't make any sense to find what they're telling you convincing.

There were also a couple of highlights. Vocal talent, for one. Say what you will about Xtina, the girl's got a set of pipes. It's interesting to see her career unfold, because she certainly has been gifted with an incredible voice, and that was at least somewhat entertaining to listen to, even if it was repetitive at times.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear a very recognizable male voice on the blues tune "Merry Christmas, Baby". The guy who takes the second chorus is none other than Dr. John (Mac Rebennack). Most rock and roll fans would know exactly who I'm talking about. His vocal and piano contributions are fitting on this enjoyable blues tune. My favourite track on the album is "This Christmas", which you will probably hear on CHFI in Toronto starting November 25th about twelve times a day. Even still, it is a wonderful funk tune with a full band that fills out quite nicely. If the whole album had more tunes like these two, it would have been a great disc.

At the end of it all, it's really not a memorable album, and certainly not one I would put on at a Christmas party. There were some enjoyable moments, but there was far to much fluff in between to drown them out. I have no choice but to give this album a score of:

4

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #42: Christina Aguilera (Back to Basics: Disc 1).

Disc #40: Chris Tomlin (Hello Love)

2010-08-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Artist: Chris Tomlin
Album: Hello Love
Released by Sparrow Records in 2008

Well, this is another solid effort by contemporary Christian worship leader, Chris Tomlin. One of the many things that I love about Tomlin's albums is that he always seems to hit you hard with a brilliant first track. I said some similar things about the first track on his previous album, which I recently reviewed, and you can listen to that opening track here. I then want you to listen to the first track from this album, "Sing, Sing, Sing". I find that they are perfect prefaces to what is to come on the rest of the disc. They just draw me right in and leave hungry for the remainder of the tracks.

I always like to pick a favourite tune when I review an album, but it has been pretty difficult on this one. There isn't one track that I do not thoroughly enjoy. I think that it's a toss-up between two tracks. The easy pick would be a song called "With Me". This is the classic Tomlin sound, full of distorted electric guitars and Tomlin belting it out vocally. I love the dissonance on the guitar chords. These ambient elements, which are all over this album, really remind me of many sounds that U2 has produced over the years, especially on some of their more recent albums. As far as I'm concerned, that's a massive compliment.

The track that competes with it is "Praise the Father, Praise the Son". I love traditional hymns, both to listen to and to sing. Therefore, I get very excited when contemporary artists write new songs in the style of traditional hymns. This tune can definitely be classified as a "contemporary hymn". The lyrics are reverent, yet accessible, and the song is simple enough to sing along to without much difficulty. These to me are important elements of a well-written hymn. I hope to do this one in the near future at my home church.

I mentioned in my previous review that Tomlin's music is very inspiring. It inspires me to worship God and draw nearer to Him. These are the very things that I ought to do, according to my belief system, so it may seem redundant or unnecessary that I need to be inspired to do such things. However, I'm nowhere near perfect, even when the things I want to do are concerned. Therefore, I need to be inspired by something. I have several things in life that inspire me: my wife, my kids, my church family, just as a few examples. This music is another thing that inspires me and reminds me of my identity.

Here's a question for you (since I'm not going to let you just read these reviews with out a little work on your part). What inspires you? What do you believe in, and what encourages you to continue believing those things? Maybe you don't know, or have never even considered it. I recommend that you find something to inspire you. It could be a person in your life, or maybe you respond to music in the way that I do. If you can't think of anything, try this album out. Go and grab it, or listen to it online. If you want it in your hands, just ask me and I'd be happy to lend you mine. Whatever you do, find some inspiration in your life. I think that it is extremely important, regardless of what you believe in.

So comes again the time to award a score. Although I think I like this album a little bit more than its predecessor, I think that I will give it the same score of:

8

I would hate to think that Tomlin's albums couldn't keep getting better and better.

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #41: Christina Aguilera (My Kind of Christmas).

Disc #39: Chris Tomlin (See The Morning)

2010-08-19T19:41:00.001-04:00

Artist: Chris Tomlin
Album: See The Morning
Released by Sparrow Records in 2006

First off, I'm a big fan of Tomlin's music. This is the first album of his that we acquired, and hats off to Nora's brother, Ben, for giving it to us. It's been very inspiring. When the first two tracks are so dynamite, how could it not be? They were both big hits, at least in Christian music circles, and perhaps even outside the Christian loop (at least in the United States).

You start off with "How Can I Keep From Singing?", which is a great song about expressing praise to God. It is then followed by "Made to Worship", a call to believers in terms of our identity and purpose.

I'm a big guitar fan, and this album is full of great guitar rock. The sound is not heavy, just full of warm, rich electric guitar tones, blended with full-bodied acoustic guitar sounds on rhythm. The first two songs contain this type of sound, but my favourite on the album is definitely "Rejoice", which contains the title lyric. This song also illustrates Tomlin's incredible vocal ability, which is evident in both his range and tone.

This is truly an inspiring album, both lyrically and musically. I will touch on this a little more when I review his next CD. For now, I will simply give him a score, once again abiding by the extremely strict parameters of The Mike Jones Scale of Disc Awesomeness:

8

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #40: Chris Tomlin (Hello Love).

Disc #38: Chantal Kreviazuk (Colour Moving and Still)

2010-08-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

Artist: Chantal Kreviazuk
Album: Colour Moving and Still
Released by Sony Music Entertainment in 1999

When I first threw this disc in the player, I was immediately reminded of a time in the late nineties when girls had just stopped wearing brown plaid shirts over all their outfits and they all looked forward to Lilith Fair every summer. Not an overly strong period in recent Western pop-culture, but a stepping stone noe-the-less(I'm sure).

Lilith Fair jokes aside, this album is not so bad. The problem for me is that it's just not my cup of tea. I can certainly appreciate Chantal's musicality and song-writing ability. There were one or two tracks where her vocal ability really made me raise my eyebrows. She writes some good songs, but I guess this specific style of music is not my thing.

The song you are probably most familiar with from this album is "Before You". As I reviewed this video, I remembered that I really liked it when it came out. It wasn't because I loved her music, though I always have enjoyed this tune, or because I had a huge crush on Chantal (which was often the case with videos that I loved featuring female artists). I specifically remember enjoying the deep greens in the forest scenes, and I always thought that the whole TV screen concept linking the different settings together was a great idea.

At the end of it all, I really have nothing negative to say about this album. If you like Chantal or other artists like her, you will enjoy this album. You have the Mike Jones guarantee on that one. As for me, I'm not overly thrilled with it, so I am forced to give it a score of:

6

I was going to give it a 5, but I bumped it up because of some special appearances by her husband, Raine Maida, and the drummer from his band, Our Lady Peace, Jeremy Taggert. I love it when artists collaborate with each other, and I'm kind of addicted to reading the liner notes of an album to find out who popped up on the disc as a special guest.

Please Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #39: Chris Tomlin (See The Morning).

Disc #37: Casting Crowns (Lifesong)

2010-08-10T21:32:00.000-04:00

Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Lifesong
Released by Provident Label Group in 2005

Before you begin reading this post, click on this link to the title track for this album. I think it sums up the general feel of the album, and can double as the soundtrack for today's review. A big thank-you once again to Mike and Jan for getting us these wonderful discs.

This album is the band's sophomore disc, and is of course the follow-up to my last review , which was of their debut album. In my mind, this disc is a direct continuation of their first, if not a step forward into something new. If the first disc was mainly focused on pointing out the short-comings of the church, this one suggests how we might respond to those challenges.

However, it wouldn't really be a true Casting Crowns album without reminding us at least a little bit of how we're messing things up as a group of people. "Stained Glass Masquerade" and "While You Were Sleeping" are probably the most direct of these types of songs on the album. Though it may just seem like non-constructive criticism to some, the band refers to it as "a ministry of discipleship". I think it's very important to point out the problems in the way me live as a body of believers, but it is almost more important to try and find a solution and take steps towards it.

If you're going through a tough spell in life right now, listen to "Praise You in This Storm". If you like, you can check out the lyrics here. This song depicts an individual who is overwhelmed by the storms of life, yet in his trials, he still looks to the one who is with him. Just remember, there's always someone there for you, no matter what you're going through.

Musically, the overall sound of this album is much bigger than their debut. You will hear more tracks with string arrangements and heavy power chords from distorted electric guitars than on their first disc. The sound isn't much more complex than it's predecessor, but its got more depth.

All being said, I think I like this album about the same as the last one. in fact, I might like the music a little more but the lyrics a little less. That being said, it's not by much. Therefore, I will give this album the same score as the last on The Mike Jones Scale of Disc Awesomeness:

8

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #38: Chantal Kreviazuk (Colour Moving and Still).

Disc #36: Casting Crowns (Casting Crowns)

2010-08-06T20:35:00.009-04:00

Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Casting Crowns
Released by Beach Street Records in 2003

If I could use one word to sum up this album, it would be: refreshing. I've listened to it before, but not in quite a while. I'd forgotten how well done it is. I owe a huge thanks to my in-laws, Mike and Jan, for giving this album to us. It's very encouraging. It's a pretty strong mix of self-examination, both as individuals and as the Body of Christ as a whole, and sincere worship of the Father.

As the disc starts out, it seems pretty harsh. The first two songs criticize the Church at large for not praying ("What If His People Prayed") and not reaching out those coming into the Church from the outside("If We Are The Body"). I don't actually believe it's all that harsh; I think it's realistic. Even if we are doing our best to follow the example that Christ has set out for us, which most of us aren't, we still fall short of the mark.

It lightens up a little bit after the first two tracks, but still challenges us to examine ourselves and realize that we're not as great as we often like to think we are. Lyrically, I think that I can relate the most to "Who Am I". It is a good reminder for me when I do something that I think is really awesome, that it's not by my strength that I can do it; it's only through the Lord. In addition, it humbles me by reminding me that Jesus didn't die for me because I deserved it. I truly don't deserve it, but He died for me because He loves me. It is His death that makes me great, not the things I do.

Not because of who I am

But because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

Musically, this album is quite simple, and that is not meant to be a negative statement. I believe that the powerful part of this album is the convicting and uplifting nature of the lyrics. The music is solid and engaging, but it doesn't distract what really draws me in to this disc. i find the music quite enjoyable, but not challenging like many other artists and genres that I enjoy.

My favourite song on the album is the last track, "Your Love is Extravagant". Even though I know that they did not compose this song, and usually that would bug me on an album, I think they've done a fantastic job with the tune. I find it so relaxing, and it gives me such a peace when I listen to it. Whether you believe in the same things that I do or not, I recommend this tune to if you feel at all tired, weary, depressed, lonely, or afraid. Hopefully it will give you the comfort that you need.

I'm a big fan of this album, and there's never a time that I've had it on and I don't feel good afterwards. Though I usually look for something a lot more complex, musically speaking, the power of the lyrics makes it highly enjoyable and uplifting. I'm quite confident in giving this album a score of:

8

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #37: Casting Crowns (Lifesong).

Disc #35: Capstone (Integreality)

2010-08-04T20:20:00.003-04:00

Artist: Capstone
Album: Integreality
Released by Capstone in 1999

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised upon listening to this CD. I have heard these guys live before at least once. I remember them coming to Tyndale College during frosh week of my first year. I enjoyed their music, but wasn't really into them or that circle of artists in the way that many of my peers were. The one song I do remember is "You Are My Rock". Since these guys were a few years prior to the YouTube days, it was hard to find anything on them. However, I was able to find an amateur video of lead singer Joel Auge singing this song solo in 2007. It's a great tune and one that has for some reason remained in my memory.

The first thing that I noticed on this album was the mixing. At first I felt that the rhythm section was mixed way too loud and that I could hardly hear the vocals. As the tracks went on I found that some tracks were the opposite, and some were mixed just right. The word that sums it up is inconsistency. I was initially disappointed, but as I listened to the disc a few more times there was something that distracted me from this technical flaw: musicality.

These four guys are incredible musicians. Not only that, but the songs are very well written. Some tunes, like "You Are My Rock", are simple and catchy. Others are rather deep and complex, such as "Invention", and my favourite on the album, "Never Let Go". Eventually, I didn't even notice the mixing problems anymore. I was simply able to enjoy the great music that these guys have produced. All being said, it's a half-decent job for an independent (and probably very low-budget) release.

As far as Christian worship music goes, I find it to be raw and very sincere. It's very much focused on the Lord. Some lyricists tend to point out the flaws in ourselves as imperfect human beings and direct us to how we ought to live. There is value in that and we all need to hear it at some point during our life, no matter what we believe in. This music however, generally focuses on praise of the Father. I find that this is the best place to start when worshipping. We always have stuff going on inside, whether good or bad, but He NEVER changes, so we can always worship him for who He is: the un-changing Rock.

Due to the mixing problems that I pointed out, I cannot give this album as high of a score than if it were mixed more professionally. None-the-less, it is a very inspiring album created by some extremely talented musicians. Because of how much I enjoyed it, I will award it a score of:

7

All the best to the members of Capstone, in whatever opportunities you may be pursuing at this time, musical or otherwise. Please join me next time as the experiment continues with disc #36: Casting Crowns (Casting Crowns).

Disc #34: Bryan Adams (11)

2010-07-27T22:15:00.003-04:00

Artist: Bryan Adams
Album: 11
Released by badman Ltd. in 2008

During the same visit to Deja Vu discs in which I picked up the latest Ben Folds album, I also picked up Bryan Adams' 2008 release, "11". My recent blogging has rekindled my wife's love for BA, so I decided to pick up this disc as a Mothers' day present. Needless to say, it went over very well.

As far as the album goes, I don't think I have very much to say. I recently reviewed its predecessor, "Room Service", and as I think about the two albums, I have a hard time separating one from the other. The music is still very good and he definitely knows how to write catchy pop songs and romantic ballads. There just weren't many moments when I thought, "Wow, that sounds awesome." I enjoyed it, but not that much.

If you want to get a good sense of what the album is like, just listen to the lead single, "I Thought I'd Seen Everything", which you have probably heard on the radio. That pretty much sums up the general feel of the whole disc. In fact, it kind of sums up the last 15 years of Bryan's career. Now, just before you go and accuse me of going on a major BA bashing spree, let me reiterate the fact that I do very much enjoy this album and his music in general. However, I also enjoy being surprised and challenged musically, and this disc did neither for me.

At the end of the day, it was a decent listen. If you're a big BA fan, you will love it. It's everything you could hope for in a BA album. Is he starting to slow down? Who knows! Apparently he still puts on a great live show. All that being said, I will award this disc a score of:

6

Join me next time as we continue our trip through the "C"s with Disc #35: Capstone (Integreality).

Disc #33: Ben Folds (Way To Normal)

2010-07-26T22:31:00.013-04:00

Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Way To Normal
Released by Sony BMG in 2008

A few things to note about this album before I begin. First, you may remember that this disc was featured in The Lost Albums: Part 1. Well, I missed it so much that I just had to go out and grab it. I'm so glad that I did. Second, you may have noticed that this takes us to a previous letter in the alphabet: "B". I have decided that if I acquire a disc during the experiment and we have already passed it alphabetically, I will just review it right away so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Also, I just wanted to listen to this awesome album again. Over and over and over in my car.

In my opinion, this may very well be Ben Folds' finest work. It is also his most obscene. Ben has never been one to shy away from vulgarity, and it shows on this album. Even though I would like it so much more were it not for the frequent bomb-dropping, it's still such a great album.

Once again I'm quite taken by the way he's able to illustrate complex domestic themes of stagnancy and apathy in long-term relationships. The pictures he paints seem far too familiar (not personally, but socially speaking). The big single from this album, "You Don't Know Me", captures it quite well. The other track that does it is another one of my favourites from the album, the closing track, "Kylie From Connecticut". The core of Western culture is very much rooted in the strength of the family unit. It seems that society has been rebelling from it in secrecy for years, but rising divorce rates and increasing accounts of family dysfunctions are bringing it more and more to the surface. I believe that Folds has hit the nail on the head when it comes to emulating the deep-seated frustrations and emotions behind the break-down of the common family unit. It doesn't so much offer a solution, but at least it brings light to a problem that so many people face.

Amidst all the heaviness however, there are many lighter moments. Beautiful song-writing and humorous lyrics are matched up nicely in one of the funniest tunes on the album, "Effington". I chuckle every time I hear, "Effington could be a wonderful Effing place." Another sunny moment for me is the light satire found in "Brainwascht". Not only is this song funny, but it really reminds me of the Ben Folds Five sound. In fact, of his three solo albums, this is the one that I believe sounds the most like the old "Five" albums. I recently had a dream in which I was in some body's basement and Ben Folds was there playing this song. We all sang along and then I asked him what his favourite song was which he had wrote. He said that it was "Trusted", which is so convenient since that is one of my all-time fave BF songs. I hope to return to that dream some day. Somebody get Leo on the phone for me.

So, we must once again say good-bye to Ben Folds, but there are a few more albums of his that I don't own, so perhaps we will meet again. Even with your dirty potty-mouth, you never let me down. Hats off to you, and enjoy your score of:

8

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #34: Bryan Adams (11).

Disc #32: Cake (Comfort Eagle)

2010-07-25T21:32:00.006-04:00

Artist: Cake
Album: Comfort Eagle
Released by Columbia Records in 2001

Once again, massive apologies for the 6 week sabbatical. The PC took another bad pill but she's back in service. I sincerely hope this doesn't happen again so that the experiment can continue to run smoothly.

Without further ado, we will continue our journey with a much anticipated review of one of my very favourite albums: Cake's Comfort Eagle. If you're not a big Cake fan, you may have no familiarity with any of the tracks on this album. Hopefully, you have at very least heard "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" as it is the theme song for the TV show "Chuck". "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" was in fact the only successful single from this album. They were about to release the title track as a single, but decided against it due to some of the lyrics lining up a little too close with the events of 9/11, which had just occurred. They released "Love You Madly" instead as the second single, which did not appear to burn up any charts. That's a real shame because it's a fantastic song and a pretty funny music video concept.

Sometimes I can't decide if I like this album so much because it's awesome, or because it brings back so many good memories. In the summer of 2002 we were picking corn in the States, and this was definitely part of the soundtrack of the summer. Being a relatively short CD (about 40 minutes), we were able to get through it a large number of times. The opening track, "Opera Singer", has some great hand claps in it. Hand claps were a big deal in the corn field. We loved singing songs together in their entirety, with full instrumentation being emulated as we picked corn. You add hand claps to that song and you've got yourself a winner in the field.

Memories aside, I think that this is a fantastic album. Musically, it's clever and well put together. I love the feel of the types of instruments they use on this album. The guitar sound is one of my favourites on the album. It sounds like he usually uses some sort of Gibson hollow-bodied electric guitar; probably an ES-330. It produces a wonderful funk sound in this rock band that makes some fairly funky rock music.

Lyrically, I find that there is great balance on this disc. Some of the tracks are straight-forward, like the two singles I mentioned earlier. Many others are cryptic and metaphorical, such as "Opera Singer", "Commissioning a Symphony in C", "Long Line of Cars", and "World of Two". The liner notes don't say explicitly who penned the lyrics, but my suspicion is that it was lead vocalist John McCrea. If so, he is a double-threat on this album as his way with words combine quite nicely with his creative use of vocal expression.

I could go on for a lot longer, but the best thing for you to do is just go out and get the album. You won't be disappointed. I've put a couple other friends onto this disc over the years with zero complaints thus far. I'm still trying to curb my generosity with the scores I give out, but I just can't ignore how much I love this album every time I put it on. Thus, I must give it a score of:

9

I hope you will join me again shortly as the experiment continues with Disc #33: Ben Folds (Way To Normal).

Disc #31: Cadet (Cadet)

2010-06-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

Artist: Cadet
Album: Cadet
Released by BEC Recordings in 2001

This was a new one for me, as I've never heard any music by Cadet before. I may have heard of the band when I was younger and more in tune with Christian music circles, but none of my friends had any of their music. Come to think of it, I don't believe Nora has ever mentioned even owning this album. I think I have just discovered why.

After listening to this album once through, I came to an interesting conclusion. It wasn't bad music, nor did I hate what I was listening to, I just wasn't inspired at all. There wasn't one moment that either disgusted, or excited me. It is perhaps the most apathetic I have ever felt.

The only really annoying thing about this album is the second track, "God-Man (Jesus is My Superhero)". I can live with calling The Lord your "superhero", as there are many teens who might relate to that on some level. After the chorus, when they shout out, "It's God-Man!" now that's disrespectful. It's not controversial, it's just straight-up rude and immature. Did no one on the record label stop and think about the implications of the lyrics on this track? I guess not.

I don't know what else to say about this disc. This is probably because there really isn't much to say at all. Their only saving grace is the fact that they are promoting a very positive message. For that, I will bump Cadet's score up to a:

3

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #32: Cake (Comfort Eagle).

The Lost Albums: Part 1 (A-B)

2010-06-16T00:01:00.002-04:00

I've prepared a little treat for you all. As I've been going through my discs, I've been thinking about the CDs that I used to have but have been lost, stolen, traded or sold at some point over the years. Periodically throughout the experiment we will explore these discs. I won't go into the contents in great detail, but it will be fun to discuss them briefly.

Artist: Aerosmith
Album: Big Ones
Status: Traded

I'm pretty sure I traded this one to Ben, but I have no idea what I got in return. This is one of the first CDs I ever owned. It played and played. I guess I grew tired of it. I'm not a big Aerosmith fan, but it would be a good one to still have in the collection.

Artist: Alanis Morisette
Album: Jagged Little Pill
Status: Sold

I sold this one to my sister once I though it wasn't cool any more. I think I sold it to her for 7 bucks, I probably thought that I was ripping her off, and was proud of myself. Sarah, I'm sorry I used to be a jerk. I'm not sorry I don't have this CD anymore.

Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Maybe You Should Drive
Status: Traded

Another one that went to Ben, and I think it was in the "Dumb and Dumber Trade". It was the first BNL album I owned and I should have kept it. I may go pick it up again. I want to hear "Jane" again. Oh Wait! I hear it every day at work on CHFI!

Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Way To Normal
Status: Lost

My sister-in-law got me this album just the other year, and I have no idea where it has gotten to. I thought it was one of his best so I hope to get it back someday soon. Perhaps I will take matters into my own hands...

Artist: Blink 182
Album: Enema of the State
Status: Sold?

I think I sold this one to Deja Vu Discs, but I can't remember. I might have just tossed it one day in an effort to be more pure. I don't know if it helped, but it did blow some of the chaff out of my collection. I loved these guys in high school. The big difference between me and the band is that I have matured since then.

Artist: Busta Rhymes
Album: When Disaster Strikes
Status: Discarded

Everybody makes mistakes, right? I found $40 one day in the mall parking lot when I was a young teenager (so young, so stupid). I went and bought two albums. This was one of them. I'm so sorry. I threw it out only the other year because I hate throwing away CDs, but I just couldn't bring myself to sell it to Deja Vu Discs. Why would I want to tempt someone else to make the same mistake I did? It was only logical to give it the ol' heave-ho. It should have happened years ago.

So that completes the first installment of The Lost Albums. I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #31: Cadet (Cadet).

Disc #30: Bryan Adams (Anthology-Disc 2)

2010-06-15T18:40:00.000-04:00

Artist: Bryan Adams
Album: Anthology (Disc 2)
Released by Badman Limited/ A&M Records in 2005

My apologies once again for the lengthy hiatus. On the Mike Jones Scale of good/sucky, computer viruses score SUCKY, every time. The good news is that I'm back online and it's going to keep on coming. We're on our 30th disc, and there's lots more to go, so I've got to keep the pace up.

We must return with Mr. Adams one more time as we look at the second disc of his "Anthology". Right off the bat I'm going to say that I didn't enjoy it as much as the first disc. There are still a large number of large hits, but they are much more sappy in general. That being said, it's still a gong show, with massively successful singles such as "Please Forgive Me", "All for Love", "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?", and that's just the first three tracks!

I love "The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You", but every time I hear it I can't help but remember how nasty he looked in the video. He may be a heart-throb, but this video made him look gross. However, this disc also contains two tracks that I've already reviewed from "MTV Unplugged", and they are "I'm Ready" and "Back To You". These are two of my favourite BA tunes ever.

I have two complaints about this disc that I would like to highlight at this point. First, I've never been a big fan of artists releasing a greatest hits compilation shortly after a studio album comes out, and putting a bunch of those new tracks on the disc. It's one thing if the track is already a huge hit single, but that's not the case here, as at least two of the "new" tracks he has put on this album are not hit singles. They're decent tunes, but how can you know that they will have the impact and longevity of some of the other massive hits on this release?

Second, and this one really bugs me, is the selected recording of "When You're Gone". The original release of this tune is a wonderful due,t with Mel C, formerly of The Spice Girls. Before you criticize, listen to the track because it's loads of fun. On this disc, however, a version has been recorded not with Mel C, but none other than Pamela Anderson. What? Pamela Anderson? You're joking right? Well, maybe she can sing. I'll listen to the track before I judge.

Yeah, that's what I said to myself, trying not to be a judgemental person. Have you ever been to a karaoke bar, and some chick gets up there and tries to act like she knows what she's doing? If she was drunk, it might make sense, but she's totally sober. She sort of hits all the notes, but her tone makes you develop a facial tick. That's what Pamela Anderson's vocal talents are like. I have no clue how this decision was made, but that person needs to be fired. ASAP. PA certainly has one or two assets, but neither one of them are singing.

At the end of the day, this is still a great album, chalked full of mega-hits. I had fun listening to it, despite a few draw-backs. Therefore, this disc will receive a score of:

7

Join me next time as the experiment continues with a little surprise...

Disc #29: Bryan Adams (Anthology-Disc 1)

2010-06-03T21:59:00.005-04:00

Artist: Bryan Adams
Album: Anthology (Disc 1)
Released by Badman Limited/ A&M Records in 2005

First off, a big thanks to Ben Wideman, who took us to one of America's largest independent music stores the last time we were visiting L.A. We took a lengthy tour through Amoeba Music and picked up this gem, along with a couple other classic albums that we will come upon later. If I had been living near this store during my bachelor days, I would have way more school debt, because all of my money would have gone to Amoeba. We will meet again, and hopefully I will have more disposable funds.

One thing that I really like about greatest hits compilations is that, unless you are already a massive fan, you get to hear some songs you aren't familiar with, along with the big hits you love. For example, the first track on this disc, "Remember", is one that I have never even heard before. It is from an early demo that Bryan did, but it's still something new, and I'm glad that a few tracks like this made it onto his anthology.

This first disc is comprised mainly of his hits from the 80s, with a few from the very early 90s. It's a healthy blend of all-out rock tunes with some strong rock ballads. There's not a whole bunch of big guitar solos, but I love some of the riffs. One of my faves is in the duet with Tina Turner, "It's Only Love". This tune starts with a great rock riff, and is one that any of you budding electric guitarists could pick up pretty easily.

You know I love a good sing along, and this CD certainly has many of these. There are a few songs I'm less familiar with, but I was wailing along with Bryan's raspy vocals through the majority of the tunes. There are some huge hits on this first disc, such as, "Heaven", "Summer of '69" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You". These are international super-hits which almost anyone can hum along to. That's not what impresses me about this album, but it sure gives me some respect for just how influential his music has been. You've made your country proud Bryan!

This album has great hits, great rock, and is loads of fun to sing along to. It would be great at any party you could throw (keep that in mind as BBQ season is now fully upon us). All that being said, I'm gonna be bold and give this one a score of:

8

Join me next time as the experiment continues with the other half of this compilation with Disc #30: Bryan Adams (Anthology - Disc 2).

Disc #28: Bryan Adams (Room Service)

2010-06-02T21:31:00.000-04:00

Artist: Bryan Adams
Album: Room Service
Released by Badman Limited in 2004

Since I bought Nora this album for Christmas several years ago, I haven't really given it much of an opportunity. However, I have to say that it is really easy to listen to. It took me a few days to figure out why I really liked this album. It's much more rock-y than most of his earlier stuff. Well, it's pop-rock really, but way less love-ballad and more rock guitar.

I will briefly skip ahead to the next disc, Adams' "Anthology", only to mention the DVD that comes with it which features a concert in Lisbon, Portugal, from the "Room Service" tour. He and his band are definitely portraying the rock and roll guy image, all wearing blue jeans and tight black t-shirts. It's a fun look, and they really do rock out.

I think that is a fitting illustration of the feel of this album. It's a good blend of up-beat tunes and slower jams, but all rock. I'm a big fan of "This Side of Paradise" and "Open Road", both of which you may be familiar with. I also love the opening track, "East Side Story", and think that it's a great way to kick off the album (please ignore the horrible Harry Potter video and just enjoy the song). Even though I'm not a huge BA fan, and don't have any of his previous studio albums, I was still able to get into this disc fairly easily.

He may not be the heart-throb that he was 15 years ago (or maybe you still think he is), but he still knows how to put together a solid album. It has just enough cheese that I'm not sick to my stomach, unlike many of his earlier hits. Due to the amount of enjoyment this album produced in me, I will give it a score of:

7

Join me next time as the experiment continues with another BA album on Disc #29: Bryan Adams (Anthology - Disc 1)

Disc #27: Bryan Adams (MTV Unplugged)

2010-05-30T22:11:00.005-04:00

Artist: Bryan Adams
Album: MTV Unplugged
Released by Badman in 1997

How do you make cheesy love ballads even cheesier? Just add strings to an all-acoustic set. Cheesy as he is, I do have a soft spot for Mr. Adams. As mentioned a few posts ago, "So Far So Good" was one of the albums I grew up on, so there's always a place for Bryan in my (musical) heart).

This album is pretty much a live greatest hits collection, minus the electric guitars and plus strings and other interesting instruments such as the tin whistle, Irish bagpipes, and the dobro (steel blues guitar). All the tunes are familiar and fun to sing along to. I've found in the past that even people who wouldn't say they are Bryan Adams fans will recognize and sing along to his popular songs. I guess that's the true sign of a well established international artist.

As far as I know, this is the only legitimate recording of "Back to You" that has been released, and that's one of my favourite BA songs. He also does a fun, bluesy rendition of "Let's Make a Night to Remember" and a great bluegrass version of "I Think About You."

I'm not going to say to much more here, because there's a double-disc greatest hits compilation coming up and I will talk a whole lot more about BA when we get there. I like BA, but he's not my favourite to listen, although I always find myself singing and bopping along. Therefore, since this album finds itself on the lower side of good, I will award it a score of:

6

Join me next time as the experiment continues with another BA installment on Disc #28: Bryan Adams (Room Service).

Disc #26: Blue Rodeo (Five Days in July)

2010-05-27T21:50:00.006-04:00

Artist: Blue Rodeo
Album: Five Days in July
Released by Blue Rodeo Productions in 1993

This is one of those sleeper albums that I wasn't introduced to until long after it was released. In my defense, I was ten years old when it came out, but I still never really had much interest in Blue Rodeo for about another decade. This was definitely an album that was listened to a lot in the summers picking corn. I owe much of my music listening experience to my buddies from the corn field. Thanks guys. I think it was either Jeff or Dustin who had this one. Perhaps it was both. I remember for sure listening to it in Dustin's old powder blue Pontiac 3000. That was one heck of a corn car. Right up there with the Cutlass Classic (AHEM).

There's something so relaxing about the music on this album. The song writing is great, and the instruments they use compliment the songs so well. I've never been a big country music fan, especially at the time I was introduced to this album, but I love their use of instruments that are typically classified as "country". The pedal steel, when you take it out of its country context, is a gorgeous sounding instrument. This album is the perfect blend of folk, rock, and country. I think that anyone who likes rock, but not country, would still love this music.

I always have a hard time deciding which song is my favourite on this album. I usually flip flop back and forth between "5 Days in May" and "Hasn't Hit Me Yet". That being said, there are so many other tunes that I love on this album, such as "Bad Timing", "English Bay" and "Head Over Heels". I also love the addition of Sarah McLachlan's backing vocals on "What is This Love", "Dark Angel" and "Know Where You Go/ Tell Me Your Dream". She fits in perfectly on this album.

Outside of this album, which unfortunately is the only one that I have from these guys, they have a whole load of hits. I highly recommend checking them out. I have been told by a number of people, and I agree with them, that this disc is a great place to start. As far as I'm concerned, this album is very deserving of a score of:

8

It's full of great music that inspires me, it brings back lots of memories and is great fun to sing along to, alone or with old friends. I'm offering a free barbecue for the first person who tells me they want to come and hang with me to sing this album together. That's how much I like it. Plus, I love barbecue, so it's really a win-win-win situation for me.

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #27: Bryan Adams(MTV Unplugged).

Disc #25: Bing Crosby (20th Century Masters: The Best of Bing Crosby - The Christmas Collection)

2010-05-26T22:00:00.000-04:00

Artist: Bing Crosby
Album: 20th Century Masters: The Best of Bing Crosby - The Christmas Collection
Released by MCA Records in 1999

Before I begin this post, I would like to extend sincerest apologies to my faithful followers. I'm sorry the posts have been a little sparse of late, and hope to get back on pace this week. The half-dozen of you are VERY encouraging. Thank you so much for your support and comments!

So here we are with yet another Christmas album. Only 25 discs in and we hit our third one. It was weird having air-conditioning and Christmas music on at the same time, but they're both so good that I was able to get over it quickly.

Because it is so obviously seasonal, Christmas music has it's limitations. However, can you really go wrong when you get Bing Crosby to sing some of the most memorable and well known songs of the 20th Century? The answer is no. This album is enjoyable any time of the year. Especially in "the most wonderful time of the year".

Of all the classic male vocal performers, Bing is probably my favourite to listen to (followed extremely closely by Frank Sinatra). His tone is so warm that it makes me feel like I'm under an afghan by a warm fireplace in a ski-resort chalet. If that image doesn't make you feel cozy, you need to listen to more Bing.

It's great to hear someone sing a lot of the classics again. I don't need to revisit that atrocious BNL album that I reviewed a little while ago. You can read it yourself if you want to. I'm also still scarred from a whole month of listening to nothing but CHFI's all Christmas music broadcast last season. Only Bing has been able to ease the pain of that memory.

Well, I haven't said much about the music itself, but what is there to say? Love-able music sung by a legendary vocalist; it's always a great listen. All that being said, it does have it's place, and driving down a sunny highway with the windows down is not it. Therefore, I will award The Old Groaner a score of:

6

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #26: Blue Rodeo (Five Days in July).

Disc #24: Billy Joel (52nd Street)

2010-05-20T20:44:00.006-04:00

Artist: Billy Joel
Album: 52nd Street
Released by CBS in 1978

There are certain songs and albums that just bring back a lot of memories. This is one of them. When my parents first split up, my dad had something that I had never seen before, and always looked forward to when we visited him: a CD player. Not everyone in the early 90s had one, so it was somewhat of a novelty. His collection was small at first, but we played those discs over and over on the weekends. Some of the first ones I remember are Rod Stewart's "Downtown Train", Supertramp's "Breakfast in America", Bryan Adams' "So Far So Good", Billy Joel's "Piano Man", and of course, Billy Joel's "52nd Street".

It's hard to tell why I liked this album so much. Why do you still like something that you listened to when you were younger? Do I like it because it's good or because it's familiar? In this case, maybe both.

Before we continue, I must tell of the acquisition of this album into my personal collection. In my fourth year at college, they decided to get rid of the old juke box, and were selling off the CDs. I couldn't help but take a jaunt through the collection, outdated as it was. The discs were selling for one or two dollars each, so when I saw one of my childhood favourites, it was a no-brainer.

Although it is full of late-seventies cheese, this is a well composed album, consisting of many catchy tunes. I played this album a couple times through in the car, and did my best version of karaoke Billy Joel. The weather's getting a little nicer, so I had the windows down. I then found myself turning down the volume as I got to a red light. Sorry Billy, it was just instinct. I didn't mean to do it. It was just an autonomous reaction. Does that mean that deep down I really don't think that it is good music?

For time's sake, let's say that the answer is "no". Everybody loves at least a little bit of Billy Joel. Some memorable tracks that you may know are "Big Shot" and "Honesty". Even my sister-in-law got in the car and said, "Hey, 'My Life!' I love that song!" So do I, Anna, and who doesn't? I just wish the album was longer. It's quite short, and probably only runs at about 45 minutes.

All cheese aside, this is a fun album to listen to. I'm not sure how much you would like it if you didn't grow up with it like I did, because it's pretty dated. Putting all of this into consideration, I think that I will give this one a score of:

7

I know that I might take some criticism for that score, but go ahead with your own life. Leave me alone.

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #25: Bing Crosby (20th Century Masters: The Best of Bing Crosby - The Christmas Collection).

Disc #23: Bille Holiday (Love Songs)

2010-05-17T21:49:00.004-04:00

Artist: Billie Holiday
Album: Love Songs
Released by Columbia in 1996

I think that for this review it is fitting to start with my summary of the album. Overall, I feel so relaxed when I listen to this disc. On many of her other recordings, Billie Holiday is so profound and can stir many different emotions. Here, however, she just makes me feel at peace.

Her voice is unique, yet soothing. It's not jarring or startling like it has the potential to be. She had quite the talent. This album is packed to the brim with classic jazz standards, including "All of me", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Them There Eyes", and "Let's Do It", to name just a few of the sixteen classics on this compilation. In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with Billie. As it says on the back cover, "Lady Day could sing any song."

The other thing I found interesting while listening to this music was the skill of the backing musicians (who include Count Basie and Roy Eldridge). Holiday is obviously showcased on these recordings as she is the lead vocal, but the musicians are so ridiculously talented. You never hear skill like this on the radio today. It's a real shame. Still, these guys take the back seat and let Lady Day do her thing. We need this again. I wish I grew up in that era (either that or the seventies).

This isn't the type of album I would put on while cruising down the highway, but it sure is nice to curl up to on the couch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I'm not over the moon about this disc, but I certainly have no complaints. I will award a score of:

6

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #24: Billy Joel (52ND Street).

Disc #22: Bif (I Bifficus)

2010-05-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

Artist: Bif aka Bif Naked
Album: I Bificus
Released by Aquarius Records in 1998

Before the comments start flying, it should be made known that I am quite embarrassed that this album is in my collection. I can't even blame it on my wife. I should have tossed it years ago, thus avoiding this situation. However, this is all part of the experiment.

I started listening to it on my way to work this morning. I had just finished listening to "Songs For Silverman" for the second time through, so I threw on the next CD in line, Bif. What a dichotomy. I was so sad. Going from beautiful piano arrangements and compelling lyrics to... something I don't even really know how to describe.

Here's what's been happening to me recently. I listen to great music on the way to work, and then I get to work and listen to crappy music on the radio. Now, some radio stations are good, but not the ones that have been chosen at my work place. So, by the end of the day, I'm really looking forward to getting into my car and listening to some great tunes. Especially lately, since I've had BNL, Beck, and Ben Folds, all in a row. This was not how I felt at the end of the day today. I wanted to stay at work and listen to crappy pop music. Anything would have been better than what was waiting for me in the car.

There are so many things that I could rant about. I think I'll feel better if I just let it all out. First of all, some thing's wrong with the mixing of her voice. There were several times that I could barely hear the vocals over the instruments, and I almost turned it up, but then I remembered that I didn't care. I assume that when you're making an album, you want your fans to hear your voice properly, what do I know about mixing? I do know that even good mixing wouldn't help the over all quality of this recording one iota.

If you've ever heard Bif naked before, you know that her vocal ability is less than savoury. She sounds like an even more strung out version of Alanis Morrisette. I kicked a cat in the barn once and it made a more pleasing sound. Maybe that explains the mixing.

The lyrics, which are totally uninspiring, are a healthy blend of teen angst and potty humour, with a large dollop of immaturity thrown in there for good measure. Adding the lyric "You peed my name in the snow" to a love song, does not enhance the emotional value of the tune. If it was any one else, I would have called this satire, but I'm not giving her that much credit.

In terms of genre within the album, she's all over the map. It goes from punk to alternative to goth to dance, all in just a few tracks. If I wasn't already totally turned off intellectually, I would have been confused.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I got to hear two songs over again in the form of remixes by none other than The Boomtang Boys. Oh Yippee! You may remember the "big" hit, "Spaceman". In the late 90s, just about anyone could produce a hit. The dance version of that song might have been even bigger, at least in dance clubs. Needless to say, it lacked longevity.

If you think I'm being too harsh on poor Bif, let me give you some insight into my thought process. Part way through the album I said to myself, "You're just being biased from the start. You should give her a chance and focus on the music in order to extract the positive points from the songs." That was 100% unsuccessful. I obviously never listened to it after I first bought it because there is nothing good on this album. Once or twice a song would start up and it sounded promising. Ten seconds into it she had already dashed any hope of creating good music.

I was planning to give this album a score of 2, but then my clever wife asked me what in our collection is worse than Bif Naked. I couldn't think of anything, which gives me sound reason to award the lowest score possible on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS:

1

I will be tossing this disc, or maybe giving it one more shot at Deja Vu Discs before throwing it out. If for some weird reason you want it, let me know quickly. Also be warned that I might never speak to you again.

Please join me next time as the experiment continues and we enjoy some incredible vocal talent with Disc #23: Billie Holiday (Love Songs).

Disc #21: Ben Folds (Songs For Silverman)

2010-05-12T21:55:00.000-04:00

Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Songs For Silverman
Released by Epic in 2005

I have to be honest with you; when I first got this CD, I didn't love it. It's not that I didn't like the music, because I love pretty much everything that Ben Folds does. It's just that nothing really jumped out at me. So, after a few listens, it pretty much sat on the shelf. Until now...

After giving it another go, I'm starting to hear the things that I missed earlier on. Of all Folds' albums, I think I like the piano playing the most on this one. There are a number of songs where it sounds like he touches every key on the manual. The two songs that illustrate this the most are "You To Thank" and "Trusted". Give it a listen.

Although the songs on this album are growing on me, something seems to be missing here that his other albums have. Perhaps it's his always interesting social commentary. No, that's here too. Well, I'm still not sure exactly what it is, but I like the other albums better.

All that being said, this is still a brilliant album that I highly recommend. Start with the single, "Landed". It might be a familiar place to spawn some interest in the rest of the disc. The video is pretty funny too, but don't let that distract you from the music!

So, it's about time that I break my tradition of handing out "8s" to Mr. Folds. After several minutes of review with my "Idiot's Guide to THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS" close at hand, I have decided to give this album a score of:

7

I know, it's only one less, but it's still some great music, and I just couldn't bring myself to lower it any closer to the dreaded "5" mark.

Join me next time as the experiment continues, we say good-bye to Ben Folds, and say hello to Disc #22: Bif (I Bificus). Yuck.

Disc #20: Ben Folds (Ben Folds Live)

2010-05-11T21:24:00.005-04:00

Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Ben Folds Live
Released by Epic in 2002

This disc marks another first for the experiment: the first live album. This one is unique because it was recorded on Folds' "Ben Folds and a Piano" tour, which was just as it's title describes it. So, he has three albums worth of material with his band, plus another album of solo stuff (on which he played almost all the instruments), and he decides to do a whole tour with just a piano. Brilliant.

Ben Folds fans are the type that know all the words and love to sing along, so this tour was very successful, and has produced an amazing live album. One of my favourite things about his live performances is his tendency to get the audience involved musically. He teaches them some parts to "Not the Same", and it sounds beautiful. I saw him in the spring of 2009 and it was amazing to be a part of that with him and so many other fans.

He also splits the crowd into two groups and gets them to do the sax and trumpet parts on "Army". The track on the album also includes Ben teaching the audience how to do sing the parts, as a trial run before he gets them to do it during his actual performance of the song. Again, loads of fun.

Because I only have one of his three studio albums (and one out-takes album, "Naked Baby Photos") with Ben Folds Five, some of these songs were unfamiliar to me, but I've grown to love them from this live album. However, it's quite amazing how he transforms the band tunes into solo acts. If you had never heard the recordings before, you would have no idea they weren't written for just one piano and a vocal.

One of my favourite songs from "Rockin' the Suburbs", "Fred Jones Part 2", is performed on this album. Not only that, but Ben is joined by the same guy who lent his backing vocals on the studio album version of the track: John McCrae of Cake. He has a warm, yet eerie tone to his voice which I find so fitting for the song, and I'm glad he appears on this live version.

Everything about this album makes it a wonderful sing-along, except for the cursing. Once again, it's my only negative comment. I can get over it, but I would enjoy it just that much more if it was absent. So, as is my tradition, I will award Ben Folds yet another score of:

8

Join me next time as the experiment continues with another BF album on Disc #21: Ben Folds (Songs for Silverman).

Disc #19: Ben Folds (Rockin' The Suburbs)

2010-05-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Artist: Ben Folds
Album: Rockin' The Suburbs
Released by Epic in 2001

Even though this debut album is not really a debut album, it`s still an amazing debut album. This was Ben Folds' first album as a solo artist, but he did have the experience of three studio albums with Ben Folds Five under his belt going into it. None-the-less, what a way to break into the music world on your own.

We listened to this album a whole lot in the summer after it was released (and many summers after that). Sometimes albums get really overplayed during corn season. This one might be runner up only to Cake's "Comfort Eagle" (that one is coming up shortly, once we get to the "C" section).

A common trend while singing songs in the corn field is the hand clap. Who doesn't like clapping? Everyone can do it. You don't have to be a good singer, or even have a great sense of rhythm to just clap on the beat. The first track on this album, "Annie Waits", has some great claps at the start. Go and try it for yourself! It's fun, isn't it? It's even more fun in a car full of guys driving around the American country-side. I think about it every time I put the album on. The only times I don't actually clap along to this song are when I'm driving, and even then I try to squeak one or two in there.

I could probably go on for a long time about this album, and comment on every song. It's a great one for sure. I will mention again that I don't care for the cursing, but I just don't sing them when I'm rocking along.

I will comment on one beautiful song. My bride walked down the aisle to "The Luckiest" on our wedding day. I think of her every single time I hear it. If it's on when we're together, we always exchange a glance and a smile. It brings back great memories of that day, and every day after. Thank you, Ben, for the song. More importantly, thank you, Nora, for making everything in my life something worth living for.

If you're not yet convinced that you should have some form of Ben Folds' music in your library, now is the time to go get an album. Start with this one. You won't be disappointed. Once again, I will award Ben Folds a score of:

8

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #20: Ben Folds (Ben Folds Live).

Disc #18: Ben Folds Five (Whatever and Ever Amen)

2010-05-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

Artist: Ben Folds Five
Album: Whatever and Ever Amen
Released by Sony Music Entertainment in 1997

When I first sat down to type out this particular review, I had total writer's block. I was quite surprised that I had nothing to say about this, one of the gems in my collection. What could explain this lack of inspiration? A day or two later, I realized what had happened.

When listening to this album, it didn't feel like the experiment at all. I've had this one for so long, and it's one that is so familiar to me, that it was not a strain to listen to at all. I loved every song on the album. Sometimes I sung along, and other times it just became the soundtrack to my thoughts. There's not much I don't enjoy about this album, but I can't just leave it at that, can I.

In case you're not familiar with the band, Ben Folds Five is a group that was fronted by pianist Ben Folds. This album is the second of three studio albums the band released. Ben Folds then went on to do a number of solo albums, just as Ben Folds. It seems that some people who are unfamiliar with this history assume it is just one group or person for all his albums. This is most certainly untrue.

Though Folds writes all the songs on this album, and most of them exclusively, the other two members of the band (bassist Darren Jesse and drummer Robert Sledge) lend a major influence to the sound of the trio. Sledge has a unique jazz/rock style of drumming, and Jesse uses a particular "fuzz-tone" on his bass which gives Ben Folds Five one of it's signature sounds.

This album has a wonderful blend of up-beat rocking tunes and mellow, pensive, slow ones. I love the opener, "One Angry Dwarf and 2000 Solemn Faces"; it's a fabulous way to kick off an album. It took me a while to get into them, but the last two tracks, "Missing the War" and "Evaporated", are beautiful ballad-type tunes. Folds really is a wonderful composer.

The big hit from this album, and possibly one of the biggest of his career, is "Brick". This simple but beautiful song is Folds' reflection on his own personal experience of having to abort a child with his girlfriend in high school. Although the plot isn't overly cryptic, the lyrics never explicitly say what it's about. I think this song caught people's attention not only musically but also emotionally.

There's an element of "raw-ness" that I love about this album. It was recorded in Folds' apartment, and he often leaves in little comments from various individuals at the end of a track. My favourite "blooper" is right near the climax at the end of "Steven's Last Night in Town". There's a big crescendo, and then a complete silence before starting up again. If you listen closely, you can hear some one's cell phone go off right in the middle of the break. For whatever reason, they left it in, and it always makes me laugh.

The only thing I really don't care for about this album (and all of Ben's music, for that matter) is his tendency to be a bit of a potty-mouth. It never bothered me when I was younger, but as I've grown up and tried to cut cursing out of my vocabulary almost entirely, especially since having children, I find myself wishing that my favourite artists would cut it out too. Ben likes to throw the "bombs" around quite frivolously at times, and that bugs me. It's something I'm willing to overlook somewhat in this case, because I love the music, but it just means that I won't put it on when the kids are around, which is a shame because I love letting them listen to all types of music.

I have a lot of great memories associated to this album. It's one that most of my peers are familiar with, so it's a great one to put on with old friends. If you've never heard it, I highly recommend you sample it in whatever way you can. It's the type of music that can bring people in from across the barrier of genres. Check out "Kate" if you want another good track to sample.

Well, the moment of truth comes again. This album is truly worthy of a score of:

8

on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS.

Join me next time as the experiment continues with another one from Mr. Folds in Disc #19: Ben Folds (Rockin' The Suburbs).

Disc #17: Beck (Mutations)

2010-05-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

Artist: Beck
Album: Mutations
Released by Geffen records in 1998

In the late '90s, I didn't quite have the income that I had in the early 2000's picking sweet corn. Therefore, when I bought a CD, it was usually a pretty safe buy. Either I had a lot of singles to go on, or a friend had the album and I knew I would like the majority of the tunes. The former is the reason I bought Beck's "Odelay". "Mutations", on the other hand, only had one single ("Tropicalia") which I liked, but usually wasn't enough to go grab an album. However, I loved "Odelay" a whole bunch, so I went out and got "Mutations" based on its predecessor.

How disappointing. First of all, "Mutations" is nothing like "Odelay". "Tropicalia" is really the only song that resembles "Odelay" in any way. For the most part, the album is super-chill. I don't have a problem with music that is chill, in fact there are times that it's all I want to listen to, but for some reason I just can't get into this album.

In addition to the album feeling kind of sluggish, it doesn't have that same experimental element that I loved on "Odelay". It's still evident, but not to the extent that "Odelay" is.

There's one thing you must remember about Beck: he beats to his own drum. He will record and release the kind of music he wants to, when he wants to. Some rumours I've heard suggest that he released "Odelay" to intentionally have some radio hits, but then did "Mutations" because it was the kind of music he wanted to record, even though he knew it wouldn't have the same commercial success. He then repeated the pattern with "Midnite Vultures", followed by "Sea Change". This behaviour reminds me of Neil Young, which is a huge compliment to you, Mr. Hansen.

I don't need to tell you to get this album. If you're a Beck fan, you've already got it, because most Beck real fans are 100%. If you're not a fan, you wouldn't like it. It's not catchy enough for you. Trust me.

The music is good, and I have great respect for Beck in those regards, but it just doesn't do it for me. Perhaps this is the reason I never bought another Beck album again. Therefore, I shall award "Mutations" by Beck a score of:

5

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #18: Ben Folds Five (Whatever and Ever Amen).

Disc #16: Beck (Odelay)

2010-05-01T20:57:00.009-04:00

Artist: Beck
Album: Odelay
Released by Geffen Records in 1996

I don't listen to this album very often, but I throw it in now and then. It seems to me that every time I do, I am surprised that I've forgotten how much I like it! I bought it several months after it had been released, probably after a few singles were already getting overplayed on MuchMusic. I thought that some of the tracks were really weird, but I still loved it and knew every word.

As I've re-listened to it over the years, it's not just the catchy tunes that make me enjoy it so much; it's the weird stuff that really impresses me. Looking back at the music that was being produced at the time, I can clearly see how much of an innovator he was, not to mention a brilliant musician, composer and producer.

It is the innovation itself that is the common thread throughout this album. The tracks are musically diverse, but there's an element of experimentation, creativity, and randomness that is evident in every song. There are some catchy hits that really stand out, such as "Devils Haircut", The New Pollution", and "Novacane". Of course, what child of the '90s could forget the classic hit, "Where it's at"? If I said to you, "I got two turn-tables and a microphone," what would you say back to me? You would say, "Where it's at!" Anyone would.

If you want to sample another really cool track that wasn't a radio single, check out "Hotwax". It's probably my fave on the album (followed closely by "Where It's At"). I want to call it funk, but it's more like he just took the best elements of funk music and then did his own thing to make a really cool song.

I don't usually bring music videos into this but it's a part of the culture and we all watched them growing up, and maybe some of us still do. I just watched the video for "Where It's At" on Youtube because I remembered watching it a lot on TV when the single was popular. I have a question for those of you who still watch TV. Are music videos still this weird? I have no idea what's going on in this video (this was a trend in the '90s if you ever saw a video from that era). I thought it was cool at the time because it was a little out there. Now I just think it's weird. Beck, it works in the music, but not in the video man.

I know I'm trying to curb my score giving, but I love this album so much! I was grooving so hard in the car on the way to work for two days straight. According to THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS, that deserves a score of:

8

Join me next time as we take one more look at Mr. Hansen with Disc #17: Beck (Mutations).

Disc #15: Barenaked Ladies (Snacktime!)

2010-04-29T21:57:00.004-04:00

Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Snacktime!
Released by Desperation Records in 2008

I am saddened by the fact that this is the last BNL album I will be reviewing. At least it will end on a high note. My apologies to any hard-core BNL fans that I upset with my last post. It's not my fault their Christmas album is so messed up! Hopefully I can make up for it here.

In late 2007, BNL set out to release a collection of songs aimed at children. The result: Snacktime! We bought it in the spring of 2008 with the anticipation of the birth of our first child pending in June. To be honest, I think I listened to the album more before she was born than since. I'm not ashamed to say how much I love it.

Lots of other people loved it too. The album was so well received that they had a big contract with Disney to do a number of shows, and possibly some cruises as well. Unfortunately, just before the large and highly anticipated tour was to begin, front man Steven Page was arrested on alleged cocaine possession. Disney pulled out, the band cancelled their tour, and they decided (mutually) that Page should leave the BNL. I think about this every time I pick up the album, and even though it doesn't change how great it is, I can't help but feel that it is somewhat tainted because of the real life incidents.

Drug charges aside, this album is super fun! Even though it is very juvenile in content, I find it to be more mature over-all than their Christmas album, or even something like "Gordon". It's hard to know what to comment on specifically. The tunes are diverse but they all fit together so well. It isn't short either, with 24 tracks and about an hour of music.

I think my favourite is "Pollywog in a Bog", sung by bassist Jim Creegan. It's nice to hear a different voice for a change, and his is well suited for this tune. The video is lots of fun too.

Check out the title track, sung by Gordon Lightfoot, for some special guest celebrities sharing their favourite snack foods.

For most kids' albums, you really only listen to it if the kids are around. I would listen to Snacktime! anytime! I think that ages 6-11 will get the most out of this album. Them and 27 year-old men with young children. The only thing holding this album back is that it's probably not one you want to throw in while you're cruising around with your buddies. Not cool. Other than that, it's wonderful, and deserves a score of:

7

Join me as the experiment continues and we journey back into the mid-nineties with Disc #16: Beck (Odelay)

Disc #14: Barenaked Ladies (Barenaked for the Holidays)

2010-04-28T23:33:00.002-04:00

Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Barenaked for the Holidays
Released by Desperation Records in 2004

Before I begin my tirade about this album, I want to remind everyone that I do love BNL. I really do love them. I just thought you should know at the beginning of this post, because you might not believe me if I wrote that at the end.

This has got to be one of the most frustrating albums I've ever had to listen to. It is such a hodge-podge of different types of holiday songs. This is not an album you can just throw on when you've got some people over during Christmas. You go from a really sensitive, classic Christmas tune, to some ridiculous rendition of a holiday song. Or, my favourite, you listen to a very gentle original composition, and then jump right into "Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young!" sung to the tune of "Deck the Halls". If that confuses you, I mean that they literally just sing those five words to the tune.

If this was just a kids fun album, I would have nothing to complain about. I would even be happy if they split the album into two halves. One could be for goofy stuff, and the other for more serious hoiday tunes.

In BNL's defense, the album is titled "Barenaked for the HOLIDAYS", not "Sacred Christmas music by Barenaked Ladies". That still doesn't change the fact that I popped this thing out of the player as fast as I could once the last track was finished.

If there is a highlight to this album, it is definitely their medley of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" with Sarah McLachlan. This tack is light, fun, and snappy, but I still find it respectful. I can not say the same for Kevin Hearn's "Napoleon Dynamite"-esque rendition of "O Holy Night".

These tunes on their own are OK, but the album is a mixed up mess. If it wasn't Christmas music, which I love, the score would plummet extremely low. However, there are some enjoyable moments scattered amongst the ridiculous. Therefore, I will award this smorgus-board of a Christmas album a score of:

4

Join me next time as the experiment continues with our last listen to this band (so far) on Disc #15: Barenaked Ladies (Snacktime!)

Disc #13: Barenaked Ladies (Maroon)

2010-04-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Maroon
Released by Reprise Records in 2000

First, I need to confess that I am rather embarrassed that this is chronologically the next BNL album that I own. I did at one point own their second album, "Maybe You Should Drive", but I forfeited it in a previously mentioned trade. Bad move. To make matters worse (for my reputation as a BNL supporter) this disc comes not from my original collection, but from Nora's.

But let's put the past behind us because I am glad this CD is in our library. Now, jumping ahead three albums means that there are some major differences between "Maroon" and "Gordon". First, unrest in the band before the release of their third album lead to the departure of keyboard player Andrew Creegan. At the end of the tour for that album, he was replaced by Kevin Hearn, a friend of drummer Tyler Stewart. To make things more complicated, Kevin, who was well received by both the band and the fans, was diagnosed with leukemia just as their fourth album was released, and needed some time to recover after (successful) treatment.

So, the band has been through a lot to get to this, their fifth studio album. If they were babies when they recorded "Gordon" they have now reached maturity in the world of pop music. This is a catchy album, but I feel that it kind of loses steam about half way through. The singles are dynamite, but all three of them are finished by the fifth track. "Too Little Too Late" is a great opening tune, with great energy, but that energy seems to wane after the fifth track.

Lyrically, this album is clever, as usual, but fairly inverted, and sort of depressing. Many of the tunes seems to chronicle people who are finding their lives to be somewhat meaningless and empty. All the songs were written by Robertson and Page, so it's hard to say if one was more influential than the other in terms of lyric writing. Personally, I found it difficult to get past the musical downer in the latter half of the album to really get into the lyrics. It doesn't help Maroon's case that I'm generally not a lyrics guy. Nora always listens to the lyrics first, but they are the last thing that I will focus in on. It's all about the music baby!

I haven't had a good rant in a few discs, so I guess we're due. You know what really bugs me in the music industry? I'll tell you: the "radio edit". Although I'm familiar with several of the tunes on this album, particularly the radio singles, I had never given it a full run-through. I was listening to "Pinch Me", a song I had heard on the radio hundreds of times, and was quite surprised when it got to the end. I thought the song was over, because it always ended there on the radio, and then Ed Robertson goes into a pretty sweet little guitar solo that I had never heard before. To make me even crankier, the solo had been recorded and then played backwards, which sounds really cool and is very hard to play and make it sound like it fits. I felt like I had been robbed every time I heard the song for the past ten years. I give the radio edit a score of 1 on the Cool/Not Cool scale (1 = Not Cool). Rest assured, I will rant about the radio edit many more times as the experiment continues.

To conclude, BNL has crafted a decent album in "Maroon", but not one I find easy to listen to without skipping from one track to another. Therefore, according to the strict rulings laid out in THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMNESS, I award this album a score of:

5

Join me next time as the experiment continues and we get festive with Disc #14: Barenaked Ladies (Barenaked for the Holidays).

Disc #12: Barenaked Ladies (Gordon)

2010-04-26T19:47:00.000-04:00

Artist: Barenaked Ladies
Album: Gordon
Released by Sire Records in 1992

Before we start, I will comment on the two album covers that I've posted. The one with the guys on it is the cover from the original 1992 release. By the time I got around to purchasing the album, somebody had decided to change the cover, perhaps for a more marketable image (you can only sell those nerdy, early-nineties looks for so long). The cover may have been changed in the late '90s (97 or 98) when the album was released in the United States for the first time by Reprise Records.

Even if you grew up in the '90s and you don't have this album, you probably know a good chunk of the tunes. My first memories of this album are from when I would borrow the cassette tape from the public library. I would listen to it for two weeks straight, take it back, then pick it up again a month later. I wasn't a huge music fan yet (in fact, I wasn't even in high school yet, and didn't yet have the income to buy CDs for myself) but I loved the album. A lot of the songs are quite humorous, even silly, and that was right up my alley at the time.

Unfortunately, as my taste in music changed over the years, Gordon took the back seat and I never did purchase it until the early 2000s. At the end of high school and beginning of university, I blew a lot of $ on CDs in the summer. Thanks again Rouge River Farms! I'm pretty sure I got this Cd during a 3 for 20$ sale, or some deal like that. I figured that it was one I needed in my collection, and I was right.

It is true that many of the tracks have a silliness to them, but these guys are pretty talented musically, and this is showcased many times throughout the album. One of the elements that gives BNL their signature sound (at least on this album) is Jim Creegan's double-bass, which he plays exclusively on the album. You don't hear that in pop music a whole lot these days (or even those days).

Although I will admit that this album is sort of all over the map musically, I love pretty much all 15 tracks. It's difficult for me to pick a favourite, but I'll mention some highlights.

"Grade 9", a fairly silly song, was my very favourite growing up. It's not so much any more, but it's still loads of fun. It gets huge props for having portions of 2 Rush songs in it.

Even though it gets sort of intense near the end of the tune, "Brian Wilson" is a beautiful song. I love listening to it. It's almost "Hey Jude"-ish in the way that it starts out so soft and gentle, and ends in a bit of a frenzy. If you're into downloading, try and get your hands on the live version of this tune where they perform with Brian Wilson (of the Beach Boys) himself.

Here's an interesting fact I discovered while looking up some info for this post. During the recording sessions, the guys were having trouble with "The King of Bedside Manor". Somebody suggested recording it naked, and the guys took it seriously. They even made the producer and engineer dis-robe. Apparently it worked, and it's a technique that has been used occasionaly on subsequent albums. Now that's creative freedom (in so many ways). Just thought you should know.

Of course, I couldn't go without mentioning "If I had $1000000". This song is infamous in Canada, the US, and probably many other countries as well. It breaks through demographic boundaries, and is recognized by people of all ages. It is, like many others on the album, a little silly, but a classic for sure.

If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the closing tune, "Crazy". There are lots of wonderful bits of music happening on this track, and some great vocal harmonization as well. I often find myself clicking the repeat button on this one.

Albeit dated, this album is a must have for Torontonians, Ontarians, Canadians, and most importantly, Scarberians. I love listening to it, and it brings back a flood of memories. There are several more BNL albums to come, so I will give it a score of:

7

I was real tempted to give it an 8, but I'm still struggling to curb my over-zealous score giving.

Join me next time as the experiment continues and we jump way into the future with Disc #13: Barenaked Ladies (Maroon).

Disc #11: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO's Greatest)

2010-04-24T15:57:00.004-04:00

Artist: Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Album: BTO's Greatest
Relesed by PolyGram Records in 1986

As I mentioned in the blog about Yes' greatest hits compilation, these albums are a great way to get into a band if you're not sure what album to purchase. After you find out what you like, you can start buying some studio albums. However, in some cases you might not need to go any further than the "best of" album.

I picked up this album, second-hand, during my stint of 70s music a few years back. In my opinion, it's a must have for any Canadian Rock 'n Roll fan. It contains massive hits such as "Lookin' Out For No.1", "Roll on Down the Highway", "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet", and "Let it Ride". Not the least of these is one of the most recognizable Canadian rock tunes of them all, "Takin' Care of Business". I doubt there is a Canadian over the age of 15 who hasn't heard this song.

All these songs are great and I enjoyed listening to them. After the first run-through (this time around), of which I am dedicated to listening to the album in its entirety, I found myself skipping from hit to hit, avoiding the other tracks. It's not that they weren't familiar to me, it's simply that they're just not that catchy.

I want to return to my previous comment about not needing to listen to more than a greatest hits album for some artists. This is a band that I believe fits into that category. Over the course of about 10 albums, they had just a handful of hits. Understood, these hits were huge and are worth listening to, but there's not much else going on. Unless you're a huge BTO fan, this album is all you need.

I like most of this album, but I'm really only lookin' out for the number ones. The rest of the tracks can just let it ride. On THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS, BTO scores a:

5

Join me next time as the experiment continues and we take care of more business in the "B" section with Disc #12: Barenaked Ladies (Gordon).

Disc #10: Audio Adrenaline (Some Kind Of Zombie)

2010-04-22T21:30:00.000-04:00

Artist: Audio Adrenaline
Album: Some Kind of Zombie
Released by ForeFront Records in 1997

This is a first for the experiment, as this is a CD that I have never listened to at all. It's a pretty old one from Nora's collection, and it's just never made it into the player since we've been together. After listening to it a few times, I think that's a real shame! According to Nora, this is one of their "weaker" albums, and if this is so, I can't wait to listen to some more.

After a few times through, I heard what I needed to hear, but it was a very satisfying album. There's a great mix of up-beat 90s rock tunes, along with some mellower rock to go along with it. I had the main riff of the opening track, "Chevette", stuck in my head for days. It's pretty smokin'!

From a spiritual point of view, I found this album to be very uplifting. Which brings us to the second first for the experiment that this album holds. This is the first Christian album in my collection that we've come to. I believe that a person's collection of media says an awful lot about who they are and what they believe in. I am, and have been for a long time, a believer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Just to clarify, this means that Jesus, the Son of God, died and then rose from the dead as a sacrifice for my sins, and my Salvation from them. I have chosen to follow Him and the teachings of the Holy Bible.

I don't intend for this blog to be a platform for my religious views, but as I mentioned, the music you listen to is often a product of your beliefs. You will probably not buy and listen to something that contradicts your belief system. So, as it will not be the main focus of the experiment, it will definitely come up from time to time, as will many of my opinions and view points.

Lyrics aside, I found this album enjoyable. It wasn't amazing, but it was encouraging. Although I feel I could use a little more time with this album, I will give it a score of:

5

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #11: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO's Greatest).

Disc #9: Wolfmother (self-titled)

2010-04-21T22:30:00.000-04:00

Artist: Wolfmother
Album: (self-titled)
Released by Modular Recordings in 2005

Before I begin this review, I have to announce some changes. First, I have decided to just listen to the CDs in alphabetical order, top to bottom. I stated in the first post that I would take one from the top, one from the bottom, and meet somewhere in the middle. Apparently, this is already confusing me, as you may have noticed that Wolfmother should not be after Yellowcard, and I should be listening to a CD from the top of the alphabet. I didn't even notice I had gone out of order until after my last post, where I announced Wolfmother would be next. Since I already announced it, I will follow through so as not to disappoint all you Wolfmother fans out there, eagerly waiting.

Second, after reviewing a number of discs so far, I feel that I have been too generous with the scores. It seems as though I may not be leaving much room at the top. Therefore, you may see scores that are a little lower than before. It is also possible that I will give a future disc a score that is lower than one of the first 8 discs, but I may like it more. I suppose only I will know.

Now that you've been filled in, let's move on to Wolfmother's debut full-length album. If you're not familiar with this hard rock band from Down Under, they are very much reminiscent of 1970's hard rock. I recently described them to a friend like this: It's as if Led Zeppelin and The White Stripes met at a party one night, hooked up, and the love-child produced from their one-night stand was Wolfmother.

I received this album for Christmas in 2006 from my good good buddy, Rob Jones. He was home for the holidays from a year in Australia (the first of five) and thought that I should have some authentic Australian rock music. I thank thee, Rob, as its presence has blessed my collection.

In many ways, I find the music to be quite simple. The band is a three-piece, so you get the standard guitar, bass, drum and vocal combo, with the occasional organ or synth added in for depth. The riffs and solos are not overly complex, but are very effective. For hard rock, head-bangin' music, it's pretty easy to listen to (in my opinion).

My favourite tune on this album is "Joker & The Thief", hands down. Start off with a catchy, repeating, "tapped-on" riff, then add some heavy power chords with some low bass and organ. Once you get to Andrew Stockdale's screeching vocals, you're already in for quite a ride. I may be quoted as saying, "This song makes me want to drive fast!"

The album isn't incredibly diverse, but it's super fun to listen to. Also, this album would be a great one to play along to if you're getting into electric guitar. An average player could probably pick up the chords, riffs, and even some of the solos without too much difficulty. Go pick up your axe and give it a shot!

I don't think I would listen to this one every day of the week, but it certainly is an enjoyable listen every now and then, and it's great when you just want to turn it up to eleven and rock out! Although the old Mike might have wanted to give this album an eight or nine, the new Me will grant it a score of:

7

on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS. They released another album last fall which I do not have. Anyone want to take a trip to Deja Vu Discs with me? They might have a copy by now. Or someone could just donate it to me (that's a long-shot, but you must have known it was bound to happen sooner or later).

I hope you'll join me next time, despite the changes (or maybe because of the changes) as the experiment continues with Disc #10: Audio Adrenaline (Some Kind of Zombie).

Disc #8: Yellowcard (Lights and Sounds)

2010-04-19T20:42:00.007-04:00

Artist: Yellowcard
Album: Lights and Sounds
Released by Capitol Records in 2006

I think this is my first listen to Yellowcard's "Lights and Sounds". If not, it's the first serious run-through, and the only time it has been for a spin since we acquired it. Yes, acquired, since we didn't actually purchase this one. Nora works at Sick Kids Hospital and sometimes gets extra donations if the people organizing the gifts feel they are not appropriate for the age group or the specific interests of the kids that are there at the time. Thus, we received this album.

I realized pretty soon into the album why we never played it after the initial listen. I wouldn't say that it is bad in terms of music, or production value. It's just not memorable. I listened to the whole album once, then again, and really didn't want any more. I wasn't artistically offended, but I wasn't fed either.

The album itself is meant to be an informal concept album, based on negative feelings towards the city of Los Angeles (where the band is based). I got that from some of the tracks and isolated lyrics, especially the tune titled, "City of Devils". However, I don't find the congruity that I enjoy in a concept album, let alone a good "regular" album, which typically has considerably less amounts of common threads holding it together.

I will say that I did enjoy the lyrics of the politically charged "Two Weeks From Twenty", which tells the tale of a young man who feels he doesn't fit in, joins the army, and is then killed. This metaphorically, but directly, points the finger at "the man to blame", and is obviously referring to the States' current military campaigns overseas. I always enjoy it when artists of this present apathetic generation say something (anything!) about how they feel regarding the current state of affairs (in any context: political, social, religious, etc.).

You already get my feelings on this album, but there's one more thing that really bugs me. On the first listen to, I immediately recognized that the lyrics to "How I Go" are an almost word-for-word plot outline of the 2003 film "Big Fish". As soon as I got home I ripped open the liner notes to see if any credit was given to the film: none. I thought I had better look into it a little further before I ranted about it here. As far as I could search (and keep in mind that I am not very good at Internet), I couldn't find any reference to any lawsuits or copyright infringement accusations. I guess it's not a problem, but I still think it's dirty pool.

This raises a number of questions. Is it OK to use someone else's creative ideas for your own artistic work and benefit? Is there a percentage of ideas you can use that are acceptable before you get sued? Or, did Yellowcard just fly under the radar? Like I wrote earlier, even if it's a non issue, I think it's bad form. At very least you should acknowledge where you stole the ideas from, especially when they come from copyrighted material (for your own liability's sake).

Well, I think that's quite enough. I might have loved this album ten years ago, but it doesn't do anything for me now. Even with some political mustering, I've come away in want. And if you really want to write a song that ticks me off, go ahead and steal some one's ideas and not give them credit for it. I feel passionate about giving this album a score of:

3

on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS. Before I wrote this blog, I was going to give it a 4 or 5, but I'm even more ticked now after writing about it. Tough luck guys. At least you have thousands of dollars more than I do. That should cover the counselling you need after being crushed by reading my blog.

Join me next time as the experiment continues and we recover from the worst score so far with Disc #9: Wolfmother. (insert any air-guitar move here)

Disc #7: Andy Mckee (Art Of Motion)

2010-04-17T22:26:00.006-04:00

Artist: Andy McKee
Album: Art Of Motion
Released by Candyrat Records in 2005

What can I say about the spell-binding music of solo acoustic guitarist Andy McKee? I should start from the beginning. I first heard his music when I was forwarded a link to a YouTube video of Andy playing "Drifting". It was sent to me by Dean Westacott, who received it from Tony Rossi (guitarist from the Daniel band). It seems as though a few other people got that link as well, since the video has had well over 29 million views to date. Here's the link to that first video I watched:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4&feature=related

If I'm remembering correctly, he has won awards for his "fingerstyle" based on the performance of this tune. I was blown away instantly, and I immediately watched all the other videos of him that I could find. I found them to be just as impressive, even though he uses a fairly unique style of playing on "Drifting". Before I watched the others, I wondered if this guy would just be a one-trick-pony, but that idea was quickly exacted from my mind as I heard and viewed more of his playing.

My wife, being the intuitive and thoughtful woman that she is, saw my interest in Andy and picked up his most current CD at the time (the one I'm reviewing now) for my upcoming birthday. In addition to the tracks I had already viewed on the Internet were several other tunes, all just as enjoyable.

Although I have my favourites on this album, I enjoy all the tracks very much. I find some of the tracks intense and thought-provoking, while others are very soothing and relaxing. I sometimes find myself getting emotional when listening to different tunes, which is in the absence of lyrics, since his music in strictly instrumental.

I think that "Drifing" is my favourite track on the album and it was the one that initially drew me to Andy's music. A very close second is "The Keys to the Hovercar" which is loads of fun to listen to. I watch him play these songs, and it still makes me wonder how he actually accomplishes it. His talent is astounding.

There are very few times that I would object to listening to this album. If you're not familiar with Andy, check him out on YouTube. There's lots there to see, but start with the two that I've mentioned. I definitely need some more of his albums in my collection, as this is the only one I possess.

I have no other choice but to give Andy a score of:

9

I know that I have given two 9s already, but don't worry; The average will drop soon enough.

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #8: Yellowcard.

Disc #6: Yes (The Ultimate Yes: Disc 3)

2010-04-16T00:01:00.002-04:00

Artist: Yes
Album: The Ultimate Yes:
35th Anniversary Collection (Disc 3)
Released by Warner Strategic Marketing in 2004

We can give an obligatory round of applause to the marketing guys for this, the third disc in The Ultimate Yes compilation. As is often the case in these greatest hits sets, there are a bunch of "previously unreleased" tracks thrown in there to reel in some extra cash. A three-disc set is always better than a two-disc right? You usually end up with one or both of the following scenarios. Either you get the "alternate takes" of familiar songs, or you get unreleased crappy tracks that got cut from other albums. Both are present here on disc 3.

First, there are only 5 tracks on the disc, which is a bit of a rip. Two of them are acoustic versions of other tunes ("Roundabout" and "South Side of the Sky"). The acoustic version of "Roundabout" is a fun, "swinging" version of the tune. "South Side" is also done well, but these were already good songs, and it just seems that they're trying to milk their value from the hardcore fans. I suppose it's been effective, since I own it, and I'm not even hardcore.

The other tunes aren't really that memorable, especially bassist Chris Squire's arrangement of "New World Symphony", based on Dvorak's "Symphony No. 9 in E Minor". In my defense, I didn't buy this album for the bonus disc (though I was hoping for a little more). Hence, this album receives a score of:

4

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #7: Andy McKee.

p.s I'm super stoked to write about this next one, and it may also contain the first video of the experiment.

Disc #5: Yes (The Ultimate Yes: Disc 2)

2010-04-15T21:53:00.002-04:00

Artist: Yes
Album: The Ultimate Yes:
35th Anniversary Collection (Disc 2)
Released by Warner Strategic Marketing in 2004

I find Disc #2 of this compilation very different from the first. The lead track is from an early 70s album, followed by a few more tracks from albums later in the 70s. These are followed by some big hits from the early 80s, and then some select tracks from albums spanning the next 20 years. You can hear that distinct Yes sound throughout, but as a group of songs, it's pretty scattered.

The first disc is spread out over a 3 year period, so you really get a sense of where the band was at musically in that time. I find it a lot more difficult to get into disc #2 because it is so spread out.

This album has a lot of decent tunes on it, but there is one song that stands head and shoulders above the rest. This is of course the biggest hit in Yes' entire career: 1980's "Owner of a Lonely Heart" from the album 90125. I heard this song on the radio today at work, and it's so much fun to listen to. I am often surprised when I think about that, because the instrumentation and technology used in the song are so very specific to that era of music (of which I'm am not typically a big fan). However, this song always puts me in a good mood. In my opinion, some songs are so good that it does not matter what the instrumentation is.

My wife and I have an ongoing debate regarding whether art is objectively beautiful, meaning there are specific universal markers that make art good or bad, or whether its beauty is subjective (left to the eye of the beholder). I've typically been on the objective side of the argument, and although I'm positive she will disagree with me here, I think "Owner" helps my case. This is in the sense that I typically don't like the sounds used in the song, but love this song, which would suggest that there are elements of music that are universally "good", and they are present in this song. Nora hates this song. So it doesn't really matter how I argue here; she will be on the subjectivity side.

If you grew up in the 80s, you will probably like this disc. I think it's OK, but I usually opt for the 1st disc. If I put it in the player, I most likely just want to hear "Owner" again. Therefore, on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS, this disc receives a score of:

6

Join me again as the experiment continues and we tackle the third installment of this compilation with Disc #6.

Disc #4: Yes (The Ultimate Yes: Disc 1)

2010-04-13T21:08:00.006-04:00

Artist: Yes
Album: The Ultimate Yes:
35th Anniversary Collection (Disc 1)
Released by Warner Strategic Marketing in 2004

If you're a music lover (and you're still in to buying actual pieces of plastic, not just files on iTunes), here's a tip for you. Always take time to go into a used CD store, should you come across one. You never know what you can find when you invest some time in there. I snagged this beauty at a new/used CD store in Tallahassee, Forida. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the sweet corn industry was very good to me and fueled much of my CD purchasing in the early part of the Millennium. So, when you're in Florida picking corn and you have very few expenses and you're being paid very well, you always spend some time (and money) in a used CD shop.

A greatest hits or compilation CD is a great way to get into any band. I only knew a few Yes tracks at the time and I knew I was digging their sound, but I wasn't ready to take the plunge and get one of their albums. Enter the greatest hits collection (for a discounted price).

I was absolutely blown away. I had already found a liking with bands such as Rush, Genesis, and even the sounds of guys like Dream Theatre. Yes slid in there real nice. I am always happy to give this disc a spin.

As you may have noted at the top of this post, I'm only going to review this compilation one disc at a time. I will do this for all multi-disc albums, but it's especially fitting here where the tracks follow somewhat of a chronological order. This could get a little scattered if I were do it all at once. Plus, who wants to read a blog that is already longer than it should be, and then add two more discs worth of ranting.

I hardly know where to start when reviewing this disc. Let's begin with time. Most of the tracks on this disc come from the early 70s. This is one of my most favourite eras of rock music, and is the main reason that I like it so much. At times I'm bobbing my head, grooving along to the jams. At other times I'm mesmerized by the musical complexity and the sheer talent of the players.

Pretty much every track on this disc is a winner in my books. I just can't get enough of it. I was recently telling a friend about it, to whom I intend to loan the album to, and the word of advice I gave to him was "endure". Some of these tracks are extremely long, with more than one of them clocking in at over ten minutes. Most people aren't ready for that type of stuff yet. but if you can hang in there, you're in for a real treat.

The gems here are of course the big hits. "Roundabout", "Starship Trooper" and "I've Seen All Good People" are most likely the biggest. They are amazing, but I believe that the only thing they've got that the other tracks don't is familiarity.

I could go on, for a very long time, but I will tell you one thing. If you're a big music fan, and you are fond of the progressive rock movement of the 70s, you must listen to Yes. You will enjoy it. If you can't decide on what album to get, pick this one up, or get your hands on some other compilation out there.

I think it will come as no surprise when I give this disc a score of:

9

on THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS. This music may not be your cup of tea, but I love it to pieces (in the most masculine, rock-and-roll way possible).

I hope you will join me next time as both the experiment and our journey into the extensive career of Yes continues with Disc #5: Yes.

Disc #3: Amy Swift (A Christmas Gift of Song)

2010-04-12T22:59:00.005-04:00

Artist: Amy Swift (and Friends)
Album: A Christmas Gift of Song
Released by Amy Swift in 2008

Before I begin my rantings(as my sister has labelled them), I want to point out two things. First, you might have noticed this, the second CD at the top of the alphabet, is Amy Swift, which means that my collection is alphabetized by first name. This was not my decision, and I was appalled when Nora organized the CDs. However, it was something I just hadn't gotten around to doing, and was grateful that she had done it. After I got over the initial shock, which was mostly music snobbishness, it really didn't bother me at all. If you know what method your CDs are organized in, it's not hard to find what you want. I don't really care that they're not organized by last name. We will revisit this issue once again when we get to the "The" bands.

Second, you will also notice that all our Christmas CDs are mixed in with the rest of the collection. That of course means that I will be listening to all of them during this experiment, despite the fact that it is the middle of April. This creeped me out at first, but as soon as I put this CD on I simply remembered that I love Christmas music, especially when it's not being butchered 24/7 on CHFI 98.1 for 30 days straight. Just had to make those two things clear. On to Amy's CD.

According to my all-remembering wife, this CD was a fundraising exercise her cousin (Amy) was doing at Christmas time in 2008. I don't know how much funds she was able to collect, but I think it was a great idea as it seems to have paid of in a number of ways. Amy is now attending arts school in New York City, has already appeared in at least one off-Broadway production, and is currently touring the U.S. with a children's production. Go Amy!

Amy has a wonderful voice, perfectly suited for music theatre. I was impressed with her tone, pitch control, and the timing of her switch to vibrato. You can tell that the background tracks are pre-recorded, and there's really not a whole lot to the arrangements. Nonetheless, it was still a very enjoyable listen. You can get away with that sort of thing when you're doing familiar songs that everyone enjoys singing along to.

I wasn't a huge fan of the male a-capella quartet that does a couple tracks on the album. I love this style of vocal music and I'm rather skeptical when I hear it, so don't take it too personally boys. They seemed to be in pitch with each other for the most part, but I found the arrangements to be rather shallow at times. The parts often over-lap each other. In some instances I think it was intentional, but at other times it just sounds lazy (on the part of the person who arranged it, who remains unknown).

All in all, this was an enjoyable listen, and quite suitable for any Christmas gathering. If Amy has improved even a little bit during her time at school, I think she has a wonderful career in music ahead of her. Even though I liked this CD, the amateur nature in which it was produced forces me to give it a:

5

on the MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS. And yes, I do recognize the nature of the production and the reason behind it, which justifies how it was made. However, it is what it is, and it will remain in my collection and probably take a spin this Christmas season.

Join me next time as the experiment continues and we dive into the marvelous world of 1970's rock with Disc #4: Yes.

Disc #2: Zealand (2)

2010-04-12T00:01:00.006-04:00

Artist: Zealand
Album: 2
Released by Zealand in 2002

At some point early in my early University days, I visited a coffee shop in Uxbridge with some friends during summer break. It was probably after a long week of corn picking. The place was called "Beanz" and there was a guy doing some solo acoustic stuff in one of the rooms. He was playing a lot of familiar radio tunes, mostly songs I grew up with, and I really enjoyed it. The sweet corn industry was always very good to me, so I bought one of his CDs. I recall giving it a listen, but it never grew on me.

A year or so later, Christmas break 2004, to be exact, I was having a drink with a friend at "The Lion" in Stouffville. She said that her friend Chris would be playing some songs after the game was over. He came over to talk to us a few times, and I recognized him right away as Zealand. I can't remember if I told him I had one of his CDs or not, but I certainly did not tell him that I had barely listened to it.

But I have now, and for an indee album, it's pretty decent. It's a fairly easy listen, mostly driven by acoustic guitars and a basic four piece rock band, with some innovative sounds from Toronto based guitarist Kurt Swinghammer. If I had to give it a label, I'd say it's like Blue Rodeo with a hangover. Less country but more depressing, if that's even possible.

I did enjoy it, and will probably give it another listen, though it might have to wait until after the experiment. There are way too many discs to get through to do replays at this point.

On THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS, Zealand receives a score of:

6

Join me as the experiment continues with Disc #3: Amy Swift (no relation to Taylor, but relation to me)

Disc #1: 54-40 (Trusted By Millions)

2010-04-11T18:39:00.001-04:00

Artist: 54-40
Album: Trusted By Millions
Released by Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) in 1996

We kick off Experiment #1 with a real gem of 1990's vintage Canadian rock. I don't think I've listened to this one in over 10 years. To be honest, I recall trying to sell it to Deja Vu Discs a number of years back, but they didn't want it because they already had too many copies that they couldn't move.
I acquired this CD in a trade with Ben Wideman (see the link at the bottom for his blog). I believe I gave up the Barenaked Ladies' "Maybe You Should Drive" and the Dumb and Dumber soundtrack and also received I Mother Earth's "Dig". Remember, this was a relatively fair trade back in the '90s.
As I recollect, I don't think I've listened to it much at all since that time. I might have listneed to it a number of times upon receiving it, but not much since then. There are some huge hits on the album, such as: "Love You All", "Crossing a Canyon", and especially, "Lies to Me". I think that most Canadians growing up in that time would at least remember the last tune, even if they can't place the band.
You know what, it's not that bad, and it's a little heavier than I remember it being. It almost crosses over to the Alternative/Grunge side of Rock. The singles certainly stand out on the album, but the rest of the tracks accompany them well. Some of the tunes are more challenging to listen to, but I like that in an album.
A particular memory of this album is of myself trying to play "Crossing a Canyon". It is quite a simple song, consisting of only 3 chords, but I was just learning to play guitar at the time. A few of my peers (Steve Burkholder, in particular) could play it without issue, but I could never get it quite right! Maybe that's why the album didn't grow on me.

Since this is the first disc I'm reviewing, I thought it would be a good idea to set up some sort of rating system. Nothing too complicated, just a way to compare the albums. This should do the trick:

THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS:

1= HORRIBLY UN-AWESOME
5= NOT HORRIBLE, BUT NOT AWESOME
10= THE MOST AWESOME

This was an enjoyable listen, but not something I would come back to frequently. This is mostly due to the change in my musical palate over the past 15 years.
Therefore, based on the rules and regulations as they are stated in THE MIKE JONES SCALE OF DISC AWESOMENESS, I hereby award this disc a score of:

6

Join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #2: Zealand.

Experiment #1: The CD Collection

2010-04-10T23:08:00.000-04:00

I was looking at all my CDs the other day and thought to myself, "Do I listen to most of this stuff? Do I even like it anymore?" I then decided to do something I should have done a long, long time ago: deliberately listen to EVERY SINGLE CD IN MY COLLECTION.

As soon as my brain had the thought, my mind was right on board. We were all in agreement. Then some other part of myself piped up, "Are you really sure you want to do that? Some of those things should be left on the Ikea CD rack, their melodies just a shadow of your former self." Despite this retort, the rest of us over-ruled and decided to proceed with this, the first experiment.

So here's the deal. My commute to work is roughly one hour (round trip) every day, so that's where almost all of my listening will happen. I value my marriage far too much to try this at home. Just to keep things interesting, I will take a CD from the beginning of the alphabet (yes, I have it alphabetized), and then one from the end, until I've listened to all of them. Each disc will get its own review. I don't have an official count at the moment, but it is probably 200 CDs strong. I will get an accurate figure soon.

Another interesting twist to the experiment is the amalgamation of collections. The two shall become one upon marrying, and the same has been so for our CD collections. Of course, I know which ones are "mine", but there is no physical separation in terms of their location on the shelf. Also, some of them were a "Team Jones" purchase.

This will be especially interesting since I haven't even listened to some of my wife's CDs before. However, we are the same age and have grown up in a similar demographic, so I am familiar with almost all of her collection, with very few exceptions.

When the alphabet is completed, I will move on to soundtracks and compilations, and if I dare, children's CDs.

Before it all begins, let me make a few things very clear. I am not claiming to be some sort of profound music critic. Nor am I claiming to have an overly extensive or impressive collection, based on any criteria. I will simply be commenting on the Disc, and share insights and stories that it reminds me of, memories of the music (gag), and perhaps the exact time and location of the purchase. If I decide that a particular disc really stinks, and my wife isn't attached to it, I may offer it up to the ravenous masses (providing anyone ever reads my posts).

So, without further ado, let Experiment #1 commence!