Paul McCartney - Ram (1971)

 

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For his 2nd solo record Paul wrote some of his catchiest and in my opinion, best material. Despite backlash and shotty critics handing out poor ratings, I think this record stands up pretty well, even 50+ years after its release. Each track is carefully constructed and catchy enough to get stuck in your head for weeks. My personal favorites are Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, Ram On, and his most playful tune on the record, Monkberry Moon Delight. 

Ram

The Essence - Nothing Lasts Forever (1991)

 

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There's something so familiar about this record. Besides the obvious comparisons, The Essence still hold their own and produce some very haunting, beautiful, and sometimes mournful music. I've been finding this one in heavy rotation, and especially the track September as the most pleasing on the record. It's probably all the snow we've been seeing the last week or more. It's been a nice accompaniment for this winter. 

Nothing Lasts Forever

The La's - The La's (1990)

 

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I listen to this record at least 3 times a month. It's a pleasant slice of 90's alternative music that's filled jangly guitars, good vocal harmonies, and a bit of psychedelia sprinkled throughout. My absolute favorite track on this record is Freedom Song. It has a very Mojo Risin vibe and makes me want to smoke loads of weed in a park with my Wife on a glorious summer's day. 

The La's

The Flaming Lips - American Head (2020)

 

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I've been on the fence with the Lips forever. I dig their music, but honestly Wayne's voice kills the mood for me sometimes. It works well for this set, and I will say, this is definitely one of the saddest records I've heard in a long time. It deals with typical Lips themes. Drugs, Space, Loneliness, Death. This year in a fucking nutshell. So if you're looking for a little more pain, and a little more psychedelia, give this a spin.

American Head

David Bowie - Station to Station (1976)

 

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I like to move through Bowies work whenever I can. He never stuck to one sound, but if you heard something in passing you'd immediately know that was him. Recently Station to Station has been in heavy rotation. It's really easy to move to this record. My favorite part of the history of this album is that Bowie had little to no memory of the production, yet the music and vocals are so tight, you'd swear he was there in person the whole time.

Station to Station