Back in 2020, on Facebook, I responded to a “10 albums in 10
days” challenge that my sister-in-law tagged me in. I came across it recently
and decided to share it here. I’m also working on a new list for 2025 (although
it’ll take me longer than 10 days.)
The rules are you post 10 albums,
1 every day. The original way was to leave no explanation, but the explanation
is the fun part!
It does NOT have to be a “best of
all time” album, just an album you think is noteworthy for whatever reason, be
it personal or musical.
1. The Flirtations – Three
The final album by the final incarnation of this LGBT a
cappella group. As in their earlier work, Three continued to both celebrate gay
culture with fun and clever songs (e.g., Food Chain; Fun, Fun, Fun; Mister
Sandman) and to call to action in the AIDs crisis and homophobia (Breaths, On
Children, Do Not Turn Away, Everything Possible)
The harmonies and complicated arrangements are stunning. If
you think Pentatonix is good, you should hear the Flirtations.
This album is particularly special to me because it includes
my favorite song, Everything Possible, which takes the point of view of a
parent talking to a child about how the parent will always love the child, no
matter:
You can be anybody you want to be,
You can love whomever you will
You can travel any country where
your heart leads
And know I will love you still
You can live by yourself, you can
gather friends around,
You can choose one special one
And the only measure of your words
and your deeds
Will be the love you leave behind
when you're done.
How I wish I had heard this song
when I was growing up. While I know now that my parents love me, gayness and
all, it was something I could not imagine when I was growing up.
Metallica – “Load”
One of my favorite Metallica albums. I also think it is
underrated. While I love their early thrash albums, I find Load to be a good
mix of their heavier side with the radio-friendly aspects of the Black album.
In addition, this album contains my favorite Metallica track
"Bleeding Me". I love the lyrics of this song, the way James Hetfield
sings, and Kirk Hammett’s guitar solos. I was in graduate school when this
album was released, and I was struggling with what I wanted to do with my life,
mental health issues, and the process of continuing to come out. “Bleeding Me”
is a song about struggling that resonates deeply with me.
I also remember taking my daily walks listening to this
album. The first two tracks (“Ain’t My Bitch,” “2 X 4”) were great for setting
a pace for my walk.
Another standout track for me is "The Outlaw Torn",
another song about struggle.
Pantera – “Vulgar Display of Power”
This is one of my all-time favorite albums. I remember when
I first heard it. I was in graduate school, but was home for spring break. One
evening, after my parents went to sleep, I decided to play this new cassette I
got. I had to play it quietly on my boom box, because I had no headphones. I
was transfixed by the album. I knew a few tracks in that this would become a
classic album. “Vulgar Display of Power” has a heavy sound, but also has a
groove to it, thanks to the work of drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Rex Brown.
Guitarist Dimebag Darrell could really shred it, with intricate, original
leads. His rhythm work also added to the groove. Phil Anselmo’s vocals range
from screams and howls to more conventional singing.
One of the things I love about this album is how it – in
some songs – brings positive messages about standing up for oneself, such as on
“A New Level” and "Fucking Hostile". “Rise” makes a case for creating
a society that does not hate, that is based on pride and mutual respect.
Of course, an album of this genre wouldn’t be complete
without a dark song or two. “This Love” is from the point of view of a man who
seduces a woman into a creepy, abusive relationship. “Hollow” is about a man
whose best friend is in a comatose state. The song starts fairly softly, but
transforms into a howl with the lyrics “mad at God” repeated.
10 albums in 10 days, Day 4 (Yes, I’m a little late with
this. Sorry)
Melissa Etheridge – “Your Little Secret”
While not as commercially successful as her previous album
(“Yes I Am), I have a sweet spot for this album. For one thing, the title song
rocks and Melissa performs one of the best screams of any vocalist I’ve ever
heard.
This album also reflects the influence of Bruce Springsteen
on Melissa, in songs like “Nowhere to Go”, “I Want to Come Over” and "Shriner's
Park".
Melissa’s band on the album is really tight. John Shanks
really shreds on guitar, Mark Brown is rocking on bass, and Kenny Aronoff tops
it off with some awesome drumming.
10 albums in 10 days, Day 5
ABBA – Super Trouper
In addition to being a big ol’ metal head and a rocker in
general, I love ABBA. I have since I was introduced to them when I was about 10
or so. I love the harmonies, the over-the-top-choruses, the layering of sounds.
Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus wrote some snazzy tunes, and Agnetha Fältskog
and Frida Lyngstad really delivered on the vocals.
Super Trouper is my favorite ABBA album. “The Winner Takes
It All" is the best known song on the album, but there are other gems,
such as the title track (with its particularly over-the-top chorus), "On
and on and On" (with its rollicking chorus and clever lyrics), and “Andante,
Andante" (a tender song about making love).
Other standouts include “Me and I" (which explores the
dual parts of the protagonist a la Dr. Freud), "Happy New Year" (the
end of 1979, with wondering what “lies waiting down the line in the end of
‘89”), "The Piper" (a Pied-Piper attracting adults to dance their
lives away) and "The Way Old Friends Do”.
Bon Jovi – “New
Jersey”
Bon Jovi is one of my favorite bands. I enjoy their music
from back in the day, as well as recent releases (special shout out to “Burning
Bridges” and “This House Is Not for Sale”).
But for my Bon Jovi selection, I have to go old school with
“New Jersey”. This album is classic 80s hard rock. The tunes are catchy, there
are great hooks, the vocal harmonies between Jon and Richie are outstanding,
and the musicianship of the entire band is excellent.
It is hard to pick out highlights from this album because
all the tracks are so good. My particular favorites – excluding the excellent songs that were
singles – are "Wild Is the Wind" (I love the contrast between the
chorus and the verses) , "Stick to Your Guns" (another in Bon Jovi’s
line of songs about sticking up for yourself) and "Love for Sale" (a
track that simulates jammin’ during a songwriting session).
10 albums in 10 days, Day 7 (yeah, I’m behind, sorry)
Janis Ian – “God & the FBI”
I was turned on to Janis Ian by a friend from my church when
I was in grad school. She convinced me to go with her to a Janis Ian show at
Cain Park. The only song I knew of Ian’s was “At Seventeen”. I was transfixed
by Ian’s performance. Her vocals were amazing, her guitar playing was spot on,
and the songs were varied and excellent.
“God & the FBI” is one of my favorites of Janis Ian’s
albums. It has all the things I love about her music: her classic lost love
songs (“She Must Be Beautiful”), amusing songs with clever lyrics (“Jolene”, “Boots
Like Emmy Lou's”), political songs (“God & the FBI”), songs of a spiritual
nature (“On The Other Side”).
To get the story behind the album, as well as lyrics, see
this link: https://www.janisian.com/albums/god.php
10 albums in 10 days, Day 8
Peter, Paul, and Mary – “A Holiday Celebration”
This entry is a twofer for me, encompassing my love of
PP&M and my love of Christmas music.
This album is a companion piece to the PBS holiday special
by PP&M (along with The New York Choral Society and a full orchestra). I actually
like the PBS special more than the album, because the former had more songs in
it.
As far as PP&M, I love their intricate harmonies and
arrangements, on display especially in “A Soalin’”; “The Cherry Tree Carol”;
and with the choir on “Children Go Where I Send Thee” and “Hayo, Haya”. I’m
also impressed by the guitar work of Peter and Paul, particularly on “A
Soalin’”. I also love their songs dealing with social justice and change (which
are not really showcased on this album, except for the inclusion of “Blowin’ in
the Wind”.)
My love of Christmas music might puzzle some, as I no longer
believe much of what I was taught about religion growing up. Nevertheless, I
like the joy, happiness, and optimism of this music. While my thoughts about
Jesus have changed, I still find him to be an amazing teacher and prophet, and
celebrating his birth feels right to me.
10 albums in 10 days, Day 9 (better late than never)
Damageplan – “New Found Power”
After the breakup of Pantera, brothers Dimebag Darrell
(guitar) and Vinnie Paul (drums) formed Damageplan, which recorded this one
album before Dimebag Darrell was killed by a member of the audience during a
concert promoting the album.
“New Found Power” sounds a lot like Pantera’s albums – and
particularly “Vulgar Display of Power” – which is why I like it so much. Like
Pantera’s work, this album has a heavy sound, but also has a groove to it.
I’ve read that this album was about the demise of Pantera
and the eventual moving on and discovering new strengths. I agree with this
assessment. Songs such as “Fuck You” and “Explode” seem to be directed at Phil
Anselmo (whose drug addiction and erratic behavior led to the breakup of
Pantera), while "Reborn", "Wake Up", and "Breathing
New Life" are about new beginnings.
10 albums in 10 days, Day 10 (I never said which 10 days)
Studio 30 – “Ain’t No More”
The second, and last, release by Studio 30, my brother’s and
sister-in-law’s band Studio 30, a solid classic rock outfit with excellent
hooks, grooves, and atmospheric playing.
“You’re Not Mine” – great bass line by Rich Mascio,
supported by excellent drumming by Dave Huba. And Karen’s vocals are on point,
as is the guitar solo by Glenn Anderson and rhythm guitar by Mike.
“In Another Life” – great atmospheric playing and vocals in
the verses, supported by strong classic rock vibe in the choruses and guitar
solo.
“Why Did You Leave Me” – full of grooves and excellent
guitar solos, plus Karen’s on point vocals.
“Never Ending Love (Part 2)” – a sentimental favorite. There
is a “Never Ending Love” part 1. Mike wrote and recorded that song as a gift
for my parents’ 35th wedding anniversary. “Part 2” continues the
story through Mike and Karen.
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