Album 187/1031
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (1975)
All lyrics written by Roger Waters.
| Side one | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Music | Lead vocals | Length |
| 1. | "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I–V)" | Gilmour, Wright, Waters | Waters | 13:32 |
| 2. | "Welcome to the Machine" | Waters | Gilmour | 7:32 |
| Total length: | 21:04 | |||
| Side two | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Music | Lead vocals | Length |
| 1. | "Have a Cigar" | Waters | Roy Harper | 5:24 |
| 2. | "Wish You Were Here" | Gilmour, Waters | Gilmour | 5:40 |
| 3. | "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI–IX)" | Waters, Wright, Gilmour (Parts 6–8) Wright (Part 9) | Waters | 12:29 |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wish_You_Were_Here_(Pink_Floyd_album)
Golf's verdict: The high water mark for Floyd. Dominated by Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Wish You Were Here, both plaintive tributes to the bandmate they lost. Yet it's highly unlikely if Syd Barrett had stayed put that any of the material Pink Floyd are most famous for would ever had been created. It's a funny world.
Maire's verdict: NOTHING HIDDEN ABOUT THIS GEM: If you haven't listened to this, why not? You've been missing out in a work of pure genius. Do yourself a favour: stop whatever you're doing and listen immediately - you won't regret it!
Album 188/1031
Japan - Quiet Life (1979)
All tracks written by David Sylvian, except for "All Tomorrow's Parties", written by Lou Reed. All songs arranged by Japan.
| Side A | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Length |
| 1. | "Quiet Life" | 4:53 |
| 2. | "Fall in Love with Me" | 4:31 |
| 3. | "Despair" | 5:56 |
| 4. | "In Vogue" | 6:30 |
| Side B | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Title | Length |
| 1. | "Halloween" | 4:24 |
| 2. | "All Tomorrow's Parties (Reed)" | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Alien" | 5:01 |
| 4. | "The Other Side of Life" | 7:26 |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiet_Life
Golf's verdict: I was a bit obsessed with Japan as a 17 year old, particularly their first 3 albums. This (third) one was when they first mastered the Sylvian baritone, liquid fretless bass and European electronica sound that brought them the most success. Having not listened to this album in about 20 years, it was a welcome find. Quiet Life and The Other Side of Life bookend it very nicely.
Maire's verdict: I'm not sure I've listened this before despite having the vinyl at home. If you love Roxy Music (and I do) you'll like Japan. Also reminded me a touch of Duran Duran but realise they came after. All in all a very enjoyable listen.
Album 189/1031
Blur - Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
All songs written by Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree.
- "For Tomorrow" – 4:18
- "Advert" – 3:43
- "Colin Zeal" – 3:14
- "Pressure on Julian" – 3:30
- "Star Shaped" – 3:25
- "Blue Jeans" – 3:53
- "Chemical World" – 4:02
"Intermission" – 2:27 - "Sunday Sunday" – 2:36
- "Oily Water" – 4:59
- "Miss America" – 5:34
- "Villa Rosie" – 3:54
- "Coping" – 3:23
- "Turn It Up" – 3:21
- "Resigned" – 5:13
"Commercial Break" – 0:56
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Life_Is_Rubbish
Golf's verdict: Originally rejected by their label until they came back with more 'hits'. Their second go added 'For Tomorrow' and 'Chemical World': two highlights in an album which - largely retrospectively - established Blur as the most lauded British guitar band of their generation. (Unlike Radiohead, Blur will always be a guitar band: Graham Coxon is too good to waste.) The intent is clear: capture the sound and attitude of the mid-60s Kinks/Small Faces/ Who axis and repackage it for the e-generation. Whilst Parklife, which followed this, may have made them huge, this is the first of many great albums from Blur.
Maire's verdict: I was at uni during the Britpop years and loved most of the bands associated with it (Supergrass is an exception). A great album, albeit not my go-to for Blur.
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