Pink Floyd D S o t M

I use Dark Side of the Moon as a reference to break in new gear, and I bought a new turntable. Therefore, I played this album. I wouldn’t even venture a guess of how many times I have played this album in its various formats. It would easily be in the hundreds. It hasn’t lost any of its lustre for me. I love to turn up the volume just a wee bit, sit back with a book or with nothing, and let the music wash over me. The mixing on this album is impressive. When Clare Torrycomes in, her vocals are absolutely spellbinding. Roger Waters made the mix of sound effects on Money, and once again, the production kept the standard high. The lads, including Richard Wright and Nick Mason, all contributed. I suggest listening to this album and pay attention to the keyboards and percussion. They blend into the mix and create a strong backboard on which Gilmour and Waters build. The four of them work so well together that it is easy to forget Richard Wright and Nick Mason are there. Gilmour and Waters get the front of the stage spotlights, but Mason and Wright are holding them up. Dark Side of the Moon remains my gold standard for all other recordings.

Bee Gees Best of Bee Gees

Best of Bee Gees was the first full-length album that I bought with my own money. It is still near and dear to my heart. The vocal harmonies were exquisite, and the lyrics were engaging while moving out of the standard love song ideation with songs such as New York Mining Disaster, and I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You, which brought a couple of Johnny Cash songs to mind most notably 25 Minutes to Go. Such good songs and top-shelf music that hasn’t grown old for me, I have, though.

The Steve Miller Band – Book of Dreams

A friend named Steve Miller jumped in my Rambler station wagon with me and we drove to Mexico doing the big circle. Down to L.A. through Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, then back up using the coastline highway most of the way to Seatle and a right turn to bring us back to Alberta. Hinton for Steve, I never saw him again. I tried to find him, but Alberta has a lot of Steve Millers. I phoned every Miller in the Hinton phone book with no hits. I guess that chapter has drawn a close.

Where was I? Oh, yeah, the Steve Miller Band, we listened to that album on cassette as we drove. We also got to hear Wolfman Jack live on the radio. We never had a clear station with him on it in Aberta.

The Mighty Diamonds – Changes

Che, Che Changes. NO! Not that one. Changes is the song from The Mighty Diamonds of Jamaica. This album was my in-law’s record, and I feel a tug at my heartstrings every time I play this record.

The Mills Brothers – Golden Anniversary

Golden harmonies. Harmonies seem to be popping up all over my listening lately. I’m not complaining about that. I love the shared singing.

Hank Mobley – Workout

Workout is a jazz album with Hank on saxophone. His style of playing and arranging is called Hard Bop, and this album will show up high on any jazz genre list featuring Hard Bop or saxophone players. Workout is a workout of talented musicians sharing their passion for music.

Mr. Mister – Welcome To The Real World

Pure 1980’s synth/pop. It is easy listening that doesn’t stray too far away from the 3-minute radio-friendly pop of that period. Welcome To The Real World is a good record showcasing Mr. Mister’s take on the music of that place and that time. 

Gerald Mitchell – The Hunt And Other Songs Of Labrador

In 1969, my Dad took a job at Churchill Falls, and we moved there shortly after. Churchill Falls is featured on a song from this album. Gerald Mitchell serves up some fantastic folk music on The Hunt And Other Songs Of Labrador. Accompanied by only his guitar, Gerald Mitchell sings and plays songs showcasing what folk music used to sound like.

The Kinks – The Kinks

The Kinks is a recording full of top-ten hits. I put this CD in my car and listened to it several times while I drove about. I like The Kinks, and I like this album.

Modest Mouse – Strangers To Ourselves

Strangers To Ourselves is the only album I have from Modest Mouse, but it is a good one. Strangers To Ourselves is a double album that gives us close to an hour of music. Lead singer and founding member of Modest Mouse Isaac Brock has a unique singing delivery. You have to hear it. I can’t write how he sings. I nominate Strangers To Ourselves to my island records and a year-end favourite.

So there we have it, my week in music. They are all good albums, but if I had to choose a favourite, it would probably be The Hunt And Other Songs Of Labrador.