Music Monday

My Music - A to Z

August and Everything After - Counting Crows (1993)
This is one of my favorite albums - the song order, the pacing, the mix of styles, the lyrics. I like most of the songs independently, but prefer to listen to it as a whole. Adam Duritz does not have perfect pitch, but I can't imagine anyone else singing these songs. I saw them live once when I lived in Memphis, after the second album came out. They were good, but not as good as they are on this album. And I haven't really liked much of what they've done recently. But did I mention how much I like this particular album?

Faves - Round Here, Sullivan Street, Anna Begins, Mr. Jones

The Trinity Session - Cowboy Junkies (1988)
This is a really good album to listen to late at night. But probably not when driving late at night. It's MELLOW - in the best way. The arrangements are incredibly sparse (probably because it was all recorded in a church around a single mic), but that only emphasizes Margo Timmins's vocals. It's also a little bit melancholy. And it definitely works as a whole. Like the above album, I actually prefer it that way. There is an anniversary edition out there with musical guests, but I don't think I'll mess with a good thing.

Faves - Misguided Angel, Sweet Jane, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

Easy - Cowboy Mouth (2000)
The two CDs in my collection with Cowboy as part of the artist's name could not be more different. Easy is pretty much the polar opposite of The Trinity Session. Cowboy Mouth is loud and irreverent and fun. Especially live. The lead singer is also the drummer and he sweats like a madman. He also breaks his drumsticks - a lot. And throws them to the audience. These guys are better live, but the album reminds me of the show and can always put me in a good mood.

Faves - Everybody Loves Jill, Marianne, Let Me Hold It Open

Photographs and Memories - Jim Croce (1975)
What is it with all these artists whose last names begin with C dying early? Jim Croce was another one that left this world too soon. This is his greatest hits album and it is truly great. I actually listened to it twice last Friday because I'd forgotten just how good it was. He could sing a love song and tell a story and make you laugh. And really play the guitar. His songs were part of my childhood and I will share them with my children.

Faves - Bad, Bad Leroy Brown; Time in a Bottle; New York's Not My Home; Lover's Cross