Motley Crue: Live - Entertainment Or Death

 

I have been a die hard Motley Crue fan since I was in Jr. High, and Dr. Feelgood came out. I can remember my eyes being glued to the TV for a track from the Crue to come on. Luckily I never had to wait very long, because these guys were all over back in 1989. The first album I owned was their debut, "Too Fast For Love", and I played the hell out of that cassette. Now as an aging ginger-head man, I find myself loving the band just as much.

These days their live shows, and even the band itself, is covered in controversy. From backing tracks, to new guitarists, it seems like trashing this classic has been the internets favorite pass time. Say what you want about them now, I still love them. And I love their live shows, and so I figured it was finally time to pick up their first live album.

The first thing you need to know about this album is that it isn't just one live show, but many ranging from 1982, all the way through 1999. That being said, you know that this album is packed full of the songs that made Motley Crue one of the greatest hard-rock bands of all time. Hit after hit, this two CD set has something for nearly every era of the band. Sadly, the Corabi years were not represented here. But what is here are all of the band's biggest songs.

I don't know how much studio magic was used to clean these songs up, but whatever they did, to my ears this set sounds fantastic. Not a dud in the entire bunch. From "Live Wire", to "Primal Scream", the classic line-up of Motley Crue doesn't let me down for a single moment. This is a great set, and one I'm happy to finally have in my somewhat large collection.

Within Temptation: Let Us Burn - Elements & Hyrdra

 

Note: This album is not a part of Apple Music's Top 100 list challenge (a challenge I think I might have failed...)

This fantastic set is actually made up of two concerts. The first disc is from 2012 and is heavy on the new (at the time) material from "The Unforgiving", the album that not only made me a fan of this wonderful band, but is also my favorite still to this day. It's a concept album, so having the running order broken up, and placed throughout the set could have been odd. Thankfully, the songs worked great with tunes from their back catalog, and made for a fantastic show.

The second concert is from 2014, promoting the "Hydra" album. Luckily for the continuity of the set, "Hydra" wasn't meant to be taken as a lyrical concept album. The album was meant to showcase every facet of the bands sound, and did so wonderfully, making a live show spotlighting not only the material, but the older stuff a wonderful listening experience.

Both concerts are stellar, and sound just amazing. The band are on fire, and Sharon sounds as great as ever on vocals. This is definitely a set that any symphonic-metal fan should pick up. Great band. Great album. And as a bonus, you get a DVD of both shows as well, which is a visual feast!

Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster (Deluxe)

 

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:
089 - Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster (Deluxe Edition)

Lady Gaga is an artist I am familiar with, and I find her to be pretty talented, she's just outside any of the genres I generally listen to. When I saw that the version of the album on this list was a two disc, I was a bit sad. That's a lot of extra Gaga to sit through. 

First thing, there are some great melodies on this album, and I am a sucker for a good vocal melody. The problem is that this album just feels so repetitive. I guess that's the point, since it is dance music, but I just was not feeling this album. That's not to say there weren't any redeeming tracks. "Speechless" was a fantastic song. It had an old, classic rock sort of feel. "Brown Eyes" was a great tune as well.

The album was not bad. As a whole, it was entertaining, this just isn't my type of music.

AC/DC: Back In Black

 

So far in this list, this is the album that I know the best. I'm pretty sure I could play this one without putting the CD in (yes, I play CDs). My only confusion is how it ended at #90, and not a hell of a lot closer to #1. 

"Back In Black" is a classic album, that I'm sure most people have at least heard of. Personally, I love every single track on this album. Maybe it's because my dad, and my uncle played this plenty when I was growing up, or maybe it's because they are just fantastic songs.

The music on the album sounds much like the next AC/DC album (and the ones to follow), but I feel like this is where their future sound was born. The Bon Scott stuff had a different sort of feel, and swagger. Brian Johnson is a fantastic vocalist, and he delivers the stuff on this album beautiful, as does the rest of the band. This is just a damned good album, and one I am positive I'll play again, and again.

George Michael: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:
091 - George Michael: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

This is an artist that I have spent much of my life avoiding, but I really couldn't tell you why. To be honest I have liked the majority of music I've heard from him. The first track was so good, I just had to keep going. I mean, that and the fact that I don't want to cheat my way through this challenge. 

The writing on this album is so well done, and he's got such a charasmatic voice, there really was nothing to not love here. "Something To Save", and "Mothers Pride" were pure beauty, with a beautifully played piano performance. The album is rooted in pop-rock, but there's a bit more going on than that; "Cowboys And Angels" is a sort of jazzy-swing song, "They Won't Go When I Go" is a piano driven ballad. I think "Waiting For the Day" is the stand out track for me, a very nice ballad, with some organs, and fantastically delivered vocals. 

I would say that I'll play this again some day, though I can't promise when. This was a good album.

Tyler, the Creator

 

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:
092 - Tyler, the Creator: Flower Boy

Let me start this off by saying that I did not hate this album. I was prepared to, as I really don't think I care much for rap, but for some damn reason this sort of clicked with me. There were moments I didn't really care for, but it was a decent listen. As far as rappers go, I guess he must be good to be on this list. 

There was plenty of singing here, and he (or whoever is doing the singing) has a pretty good voice. I will admit that the "N" word was thrown around so much, I had to have headphones on, but I always have headphones on. 

There were some really nice moments on the album, "See You Again" was a particularly good song, that I could see putting on a playlist. "Boredom" was pretty good as well. I think "I Ain't Got Time!" was my favorite; it felt heavier than the rest of the album, though "Enjoy Right Now, Today" was a good, chill closing track. Again, 

I came into this album not expecting much, but I enjoyed much of it. I may play it again, I may not. Who knows?

Solange: A Seat At the Table

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:

093 - Solange: A Seat At the Table 

Another artist on the list that I had never heard of, I pushed play, and hoped for the best. Right off the bat, I sort of liked the music. The piano on the first track sounds pretty, and there are even some keyboards. 

Musically, there is a lot to enjoy on this album, lots of keyboards, and piano, even some great bass playing. There are times when the music can get a bit repetitive, but it's actually better than I thought it would be, a lot of the time. But I guess it's the vocals that are supposed to be the focal point on this singer/songwriter album. Luckily, I enjoy those too. She's got a fantastic voice, and it melds quite beautifully with the music. 

Lyrically, there are some great parts, and some that I really just don't care for. There is some rapping on the album (which I have never been a fan of), but I'm not even mad at it. Overall, I really doubt I ever play this album again, but it wasn't a bad listen.

Burial: Untrue

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:
094 - Burial: Untrue

This is the first album on the list that I had never heard of. I didn't know a thing about this album when I pushed play. To be honest, I really don't get how this is on this list, and so many other greats aren't. But, it's not my list, so I guess I had to check it out. The first track really is nothing, just some wind. So I'll call "Archangel" the first track. It's a very electronic percussion driven song, with some oddly disjointed vocals thrown in. And from there, another song played, but I didn't realize it. 

It's an album full of very repetitive percussion, and soundscapes. I didn't hate it, but I can't imagine I'd put it on again. Like, who makes these lists? I don't get it. Nor do I understand how this makes the list when so many better albums don't. I get that the artist was creating something for himself, and I applaud his ambition, but again, this album is just not my thing.

Usher: Confessions

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:

095 - Usher: Confession

Okay, so I'll admit now, this is the first album that I was genuinely dreading. What I have heard from it (and it has sadly been a few tracks), I have never cared for. Still, I'm a professional, and have to suck it up, and power through this one. 

After a brief intro, we get to one of the songs I don't want to hear, "Yeah!". Just as I thought, this song still does not resonate with me. The title track has a good vocal melody, and I like the music, but the lyrics are just so annoying. Immediately following that is the second part of the title track, and I know this one. And once again, I wish I didn't. I think my biggest gripe about this album is that he oversings. Like, just take it down a notch, Mr. ADHD, and let the song breathe a bit. That, and it seems like he really just likes to break up with people... a lot.  

Sorry, Usher, but this album is full of misses for me. I listened to the entire album, in the hopes that I would find something that I enjoyed, but it's just not for me. There are some great vocal melodies, but I just don't care for the music they are put to. No offense to those that like it. My confession: this album made me want to go all Thomas James on a bees nest.

Lorde: Pure Heroine

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:
096 - Lorde: Pure Heroine 

Next up on the list is an album by Lorde. Unlike the two other non-rock albums on the list so far, I have heard some of this one ("Royals" in particular, a song I really don't care for). The album is a bit on the mellow side, but that's a good thing for the most part, although I did have moments of wishing that it would pick up the pace a bit. 

I've always loved her voice, even if the music isn't my usual go to. It's a nice pop oriented set of tunes, with lyrics that actually mean something more to me than some of the other albums from this genre. There are moments on the album that are pure brilliance, and I really enjoy this one as a whole. That being said, there are some moments I really don't care for (like the weird repeated "Yeah" during "Tennis Court". 

Overall, while I did enjoy it, I'm not sure if I'll return to this one. It's not bad, just drags a bit for me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna take a bit of a nap before the next album.

Rage Against the Machine: Self-Titled

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:

097 - Rage Against the Machine: Self-Titled

Once again, I continue on through the list by following up something I don't exactly know, with something that I know, and love. From the first song, "Bombtrack", all the way through to the end, this is an album full of classic metal songs! Tom Morello is an amazing guitar player (and so insanely creative/innovative), and that shines through on every song. But it's the rhythm section that really drives this fantastic album, for me. As far as I'm concerned, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk do not get enough recognition for being incredible musicians. And while I'm not usually into the yelling sort of style of vocals, Zack de la Rocha delivers the goods. This album is complete perfection. 

I'm glad that it was put on this list, because I needed some metal this morning. For a debut album, it's angry (which I typically don't care for), it's raw, and it's a lot of fun. Obviously I'll play this album again, and I'll love it like the first time, each and every time I play it.

Travis Scott: Astroworld

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:

098 - Travis Scott: Astroworld

This is the first one I was worried about. I am not a big rap fan, so this is the first album on the list that is completely out of my comfort zone. That being said, right off the bat, the vocals are kind of annoying me. It's full of auto tune, which I'm not a huge fan off. When he sings, I do enjoy his vocals, which kind of surprised me. There are some decent melodies here, though, and I really enjoy some of the music. So it's not all bad. 

Lyrically is where I struggle the most.  Maybe it's because this is not my usual genre, but some of the lyrics really are awful. There are some pretty cringy lines here, and why does he think he's "my boy"? He's really not. All kidding aside, I think if he would sing/rap less, the music would be pretty chill to listen to. I really enjoyed a lot of that aspect of the album. Standouts would be "Sicko Mode", & "Wake Up" (though some of the lyrics were VERY cringy). 

Overall, I enjoyed parts of the album. There were a few times I really wanted to stop it, but I made it through the disc. I can't promise I'll play it again, but I'm not angry that I played it this time.

The Eagles: Hotel California

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:
099 - The Eagles: Hotel California

After the pop flair of Robyn's "Body Talk" album, it was nice to have some rock playing in my ears again. Number 99 on Apple Music's Top 100 Albums, "Hotel California" is a classic album from The Eagles. I'll be honest, I'm not sure how many times I've played through this album, so it was cool to hear some of the songs I'd not really heard a million times before. 

Of course you have the classic tracks ("Hotel California", & "Life In the Fast Lane"), but it was the songs you don't really hear that often, that I really enjoyed here. "Wasted Time" is a fantastic tune, "Pretty Maids All In A Row" is classic Joe Walsh (Joe has one of those voices that I could listen to any time), and "The Last Resort" is a great song to end the album. 

Overall, this was definitely more in my wheel-house than the last album, and a great way to spend 45 minutes. I would definitely play this one again.

Robyn: Body Talk

Rob's Crazy Trip Through Apple Music's Top 100 Albums List:

100 - Robyn: Body Talk

The journey of 100 albums starts with Robyn's "Body Talk" album. Who is Robyn? I honestly have no idea. Straight off, I do enjoy the vocals. She's got a great voice. The music is very electronic, and poppy, but I rather enjoyed it. 

"Dancing On My Own" started the album, and hooked me from the start. I've always liked a bit of pop. Though I have to say that I wanted to stop the album at "Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do" (I mean, it really was awful!), and "We Dance To the Beat" (the "vocals" got irritating, but there were some musical ideas that I did enjoy), but I made it through the entire thing, and found a few songs to enjoy ("Dancing On My Own", and "In My Eyes" were the standouts). There were times that the music felt a bit repetitive and irritating, but overall it was a decent listening experience. 

Would I ever play it again? Well, maybe. I mean, Snoop did show up, and Snoop is bad-ass (even if the lyrics of the track he's on were a bit rough). I always say to try everything twice, so who knows.

Apple Music's 100 Best Albums

Apple recently compiled what they found to be the 100 Best Albums, and while there is probably a lot missing (no Rush?!), I thought I would listen to each album, and give them all a fair shake. I was inspired to do so by a friend who decided to do the same. If you know me, you know I'm not a fan of rap, or R&B, and there seem to be plenty of it on this list. That being said, I'm going to listen to each and every album, and give them all a fair listen. Yes, even Eminem (and I really don't want to!). 

My next post will be album #100 on the list, and I hope you'll follow me on my journey, and read what I have to say about each and every album. Until then, thanks for watching, and I'll see you very soon

Apple Music 100 Best Albums