Down in Los Angeles watching baseball this weekend but I did manage to find 2 great records down here at Amoeba which for as big as it is, is pretty picked through. They did have some MFSL Beatles albums i may regret not getting but nothing else really leapt out at me. Anyway I'll update this post and the last few when I get back. Go Team USA!
Mirror Ball
This is a pretty cool album that I'm a bit disappointed in myself for passing up for so long. I remember when this album came out back in 1995 and at the time I LOVED Pearl Jam (still do when they aren't being political). I didn't get really into Neil Young until fairly recently so back then I just bought the companion Merkin Ball which is basically a Pearl Jam single that Neil played on (it's definately worth a listen). This album substitutes Pearl Jam for Crazy Horse and is muddy, raw, and wonderful. The album was basically recorded live and it shows. It feels like somebody rolled tape on a jam session and this is the result. Pearl Jam is energetic and raw behind Neil's strong vocals. The album doesn't really break new ground for either performer but since Neil is considered the granddaddy of grunge and Pearl Jam perhaps the most successful artist to come out of the Seattle grunge scene, they mesh very well. The first track "Song X" sets the tone of muddy distorted guitars and chanted background vocals and is a great rocker. "Downtown" is also a great track. All in all something to consider if you're a fan of either of these artists. I will say that I hate the packaging. If you're going to have a double vinyl record, have space to put both records. A standard one opening jacket just doesn't cut it.
Vinyl NM/Cover NM
Elephant
I'll start off by saying I'm a huge Jack White fan. The Raconteurs are one of my favorite bands and he just has such a classic rock vibe to him, it's awesome. The White Stripes are obviously his more well known band with ex-wife Meg White. Everytime I listen to this album I can't imagine 2 people performing it live. I'd kill to see a White Stripes show. Anyway, this is my favorite Stripes album. It just feels more complete and less haphazard then the others and it has some awesome tracks. The whole album is great yet, the songs that really jump out at you are the songs that begin each side. "Seven Nation Army" is probably the most radio played song on the entire album and it deserves it, it's great. Yet, the best song on it is "Ball and Biscuit." This is straight up classic rock up there with Zeppelin, The Who, The Yardbirds and any other band hell bent on playing blues songs with harder more pounding riffs. I love it. If you've never heard it go buy this and skip side one and go right for side 2. You'll thank me. This album is also pretty cool because of the colored vinyl (which I took a picture of above, yes I own 2 of these) that features one white disc and one red disc. Later versions are pressed on normal black vinyl so be aware.
I'll start off by saying I'm a huge Jack White fan. The Raconteurs are one of my favorite bands and he just has such a classic rock vibe to him, it's awesome. The White Stripes are obviously his more well known band with ex-wife Meg White. Everytime I listen to this album I can't imagine 2 people performing it live. I'd kill to see a White Stripes show. Anyway, this is my favorite Stripes album. It just feels more complete and less haphazard then the others and it has some awesome tracks. The whole album is great yet, the songs that really jump out at you are the songs that begin each side. "Seven Nation Army" is probably the most radio played song on the entire album and it deserves it, it's great. Yet, the best song on it is "Ball and Biscuit." This is straight up classic rock up there with Zeppelin, The Who, The Yardbirds and any other band hell bent on playing blues songs with harder more pounding riffs. I love it. If you've never heard it go buy this and skip side one and go right for side 2. You'll thank me. This album is also pretty cool because of the colored vinyl (which I took a picture of above, yes I own 2 of these) that features one white disc and one red disc. Later versions are pressed on normal black vinyl so be aware.
Vinyl NM/Cover NM
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