Thoughts on my new CDs

I've had a few days now to listen to my new CDs (I think I've heard each song at least twice now). Here's what I think about them thus far:

London Calling by The Clash: Masterpiece. There are so many good or great songs on here. I love how they explore different styles (especially the ska and reggae songs) yet keep everything rockin'. The melodies are just amazing. Imagine that - melodic punk music! Well, perhaps by the third album the Clash had gone beyond punk. I certainly think so. This is a classic, and I'm so glad I bought it. I think it will become a favorite of mine.

The Best of Talking Heads by Talking Heads: Wow, this band is funky! They're just four dorky, white art school musicians, but they played songs that make you want to move! Tina Weymouth's bass guitar is the key to it all, followed closely by David Byrne's quirky yet rhythmic singing style. There are some songs on this Best Of collection ("Take Me To The River," "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" among others) that I have heard before but didn't know were made by Talking Heads. I love it when I hear a familiar song and say to myself "I didn't know this was THEM!" Talking Heads made some really fantastic songs in their career, and now I have the best of the bunch to enjoy forever.

Colorblind by Robert Randolph and the Family Band: When I first listened to this album, I was disappointed. I enjoy the two singles, but the rest of the album is far removed from the energetic, fast-paced, guitar-heavy jams on their debut. After a few more listens, I realize that my expectations got the better of me. This is a good (but not great) album, and it's simply a different album from the first one. It's heavier, funkier and more soulful. The steel guitar playing is as good as ever, but restrained compared Robert's playing on the debut. That's not a bad thing, because I think the guitar playing was a little overdone the first time around.

I think that, between the debut Unclassified and the new album Colorblind, Robert Randolph has created one great album from two good ones. You get the fast, exciting jams on the debut, and the funkier, melodic stuff on the new album. Now he just needs to combine those things into ONE album, and that will be the masterpiece of his young career.