Favourite Sophomore Albums [Updated]

After reading a recent list of the Best Debut Albums in Melbourne's Herald-Sun paper, I decided to come up with a list of my favourite follow up albums. These are all albums where the 2nd album was better than the debut, which in some cases was not hard to do. Quite often a band releases an excellent debut and then have nothing left for the 2nd album, The Strokes being a good example of this. I have found that some of my favourite artists though have released their best album on their second release. These are my Favourite Sophomore Albums, most of which are unapologetically chosen from the 90's.

1. Ben Harper - Fight for your Mind

My first choice was not a difficult one as Fight for your Mind is my 2nd favourite album of all time after Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It is a masterpiece in my opinion and the best album Ben Harper has ever made and most likely will ever make. Although the album shifts through many genres including rock, folk, blues, funk and gospel, it flows perfectly and even goes straight from blues rock anthem "Ground on Down" to the beautiful, sad acoustic number "Another Lonely Day" and somehow makes it work. Other highlights include "Gold to Me", "Exuse Me Mr", live favourite "Burn One Down" and the epic gospel song "Power of the Gospel" featuring a string quartet and a beautiful three-minute instrumental opening. Ben Harper's guitar work is at it's best on this album whether its acoustic on "By My Side, "Please Me Like You Want To" and "Another Lonely Day or Weissenborn on "Ground on Down", "Gold to Me" and the funky "Fight For Your Mind". Juan Nelson bass lines also add some depth to the album especially on before mentioned title track, "Burn One Down" and "Exuse Me Mr". What makes this album destined to become a classic for all generations are the amazing lyrics penned by Harper. For those who don't own this album, head straight to your local and get yourself a copy. Now.

2. You Am I - Hi Fi Way

The second album by Australia's best and most underrated band was Hi Fi Way but it was the one I bought first. I saw "Cathy's Clown" on rage and went out and bought the cassette the next day. It's fair to say it didn't leave my walkmen for months and have been a massive You Am I fan ever since. It is my favourite Australian album ever and every song on it is a classic. The quiet moments on the album are as strong as when the band rocks out and there is plenty of both to be found over the fourteen songs. It also managed to top the ARIA charts when it came out in March 1995 and is still a critics favourite in Greatest Australian Album Polls. Tim Rogers as at his songwriting best here, especially on "Purple Sneakers", "Handwasher", "How Much is Enough" and "Jewles and Bullets". Sadly, even after consistently releasing quality albums, You Am I have not achieved the same success as some of the bands they have inspired but they remained a favourite of mine.





3. Stone Temple Pilots - Purple

Even though Core, the debut from Stone Temple Pilots, was an excellent album, it was Purple that made the world take notice of the American four-piece and it still holds up as one of the best albums of the 90's. The album begins with devil salute inspiring riff of "Meatplow", preparing the listener for sonic onslaught that lays ahead. It was word of mouth that led me to buying this album, and I in turn recommended it to anyone who would listen. "Interstate Love Song" is a rock classic with a great riff and a catchy melody and "Big Empty" had a catchy chorus but had a more atmospheric tone. The album tracks "Still Remains","Lounge Fly" and Kitchenware & Candybars" are as strong as the singles and made Purple an album you could listen to from start to finish. The album finishes nicely on the secret track "The Second Album" which sounds like a lounge band fronted by Johnny Mathis who is name checked. The artwork and hand-written lyrics in the booklet are also excellent and albums title only appears as a japanese symbol on the cover and never throughout the booklet. 12 Gracious Melodies.

4. Pearl Jam - Vs.

Pearl Jam's 2nd release is a much more consistent effort than their much hyped debut Ten and has kept it's appeal over 15 years after it's release. Like the previous three choices, this album features great songs on both ends of the volume dial from the louder "Animal", "Rearviewmirror""Go" and "Blood" to the quieter "Indifference", "Daughter" and "Elderly Woman". Producer Brendan O'Brien should probably also take some credit and has produced most of Pearl Jam's albums as well countless other artists over the past twenty years. The artwork and booklet features some great photos and hand drawn art included within the lyrics, with "Elderly Woman" including the guitar chords to strum along to. The albums title, like Purple, does not feature anywhere on the original artwork, disc or booklet.


5. Radiohead - The Bends

What makes this album so great, apart from flawless tracklist, is the change in quality from first album Pablo Honey to second album The Bends. "My Irong Lung" was released first as a 5 track EP and prepared the world for Radiohead's new sound featuring some beautiful vocals and loud distorted feedback driven guitar. Thom Yorke's beautiful vocals also sound great with gently strummed acoustic guitar on "Fake Plastic Trees" and"High and Dry" with closing track "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" played over perfectly finger-picked chords. Radiohead get the balance perfect on the albums fourth single "Just" with a great intro and catchy chorus accompanied by a baffling film clip. Johnny Greenwood's guitar sound was vastly improved on this album, especially on the acoustic songs. A flawless album and just ahead of Ok Computer in my opinion.

6. Tool - Ænima
This album was so good that people who don't even like heavy music couldn't help but  it. I recall a friend of mine who's CD collection consisted entirely of ganster rap and Ænima. I was a relative latecomer to this album but was hooked after one listen and have never tired of it. Opening with the anthem "Stinkfist", perhaps one of the best opening tracks of all time, starts the album at full throttle before settling down for a few slow burning epics in "Eulogy" and "H". No band builds a song better than Tool and they are at their best on this album. Excellent stop motion claymation film clips for "Stinkfist" and "Ænima" were created by guitarist Adam Jones as well as some great album artwork. The other highlights of the album are on "Forty Six & 2", "Hooker With a Penis", "Pushit" and "Jimmy" and there are some great interludes to link the songs. Another masterpiece sophomore album from the 90's.


file:///Users/Yonsy/Pictures/Photos%20Library.photoslibrary/Thumbnails/2015/08/08/20150808-151801/p87frqbjRMuNdmAlv9A2ZQ/thumb_ea8438930eabe68e06d17eace60313a2ae85ffde_1024.jpg  7. Queens of the Stone Age - Rated R
"Feel Good Hit of the Summer" is the perfect song to kick off this powerhouse of an album. It was also my first taste of one of my favourite bands. It took me a while to give this album it's proper attention but once it got me, it never let go. "Better Living Through Chemistry" is the epic masterpiece album track that elevates this album to classic status. Like Tool, QOTSA's ability to build momentum in a song is amazing and this track is the perfect example with the quiet bongo intro that leads into the funky guitar riff. Josh Homme's vocal delivery and lyrics are also impeccable. The other two singles released from this album "Monsters in the Parasol" and modern rock classic "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret" still sound as good as they did when released. "In the Fade" is another high quality album track. This album was my favourite until their latest effort "...Like Clockwork" came out, hard to beat that one!

10. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
This album is one of the best of this decade and still gets plenty of listens by me. It took a while for me to get this album as well but after hearing "Intervention" I was convinced to get the album and was addicted to it for months. The opening organ of "Intervention" always gives me chills and after witnessing the band at 2008's Big Day Out has become one of my favourite songs. "Keep the Car Running" channels early Springsteen for another one of the albums many highlights and "No Cars Go" features a great drum beat. "Windowsill" features some great lyrics and a builds to an epic finale "I don't wanna see it at my Windowsill" is repeated over and over. The dual vocals work best on "The Well and the Lighthouse" and "No Cars Go" and a list of over 30 contributors are featured to great effect on the album. Lets hope they can continue to produce this kind of gold for their 3rd album which they are currently working on.

Triple J Hottest 100 of all Time

Triple J have once again decided to poll their listeners on their favourite songs of all time and have decided to have it over a whole weekend over July 11th and 12th instead of the annual Australia Day event. It's not what I'd call a great idea as it makes it hard to plan a bbq around but I am still looking forward to the event and curious as to what will take out the top spot. The safe guess would be "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as it was the winner of the previous countdown in 1998 and still one of the most popular songs ever among Triple J listeners. The playlist at Triple J has changed a lot though in the last 10 years and it is easier than ever to vote so it will likely receive entries from a lot people who don't necessarily listen to the station. I grew up listening to Triple J and still consider it Australia's best radio station, even though I don't listen to it as much as I used to. It is the only radio station that plays most of my favourite artists and their excellent live music recordings have kept me listening in recent years.

The big question is then, Will the countdown refect the music Triple J has played over it's illustrious history or will new music be featured heavily in it's place? After all 100 songs isn't a lot and there will be some great songs that miss out. I am finding it to be an impossible task to pick my Favourite 10 songs out of over 15,000 that are currently in my music library. Whatever the result, I am sure we will be treated to some great music over the weekend and we'll have an indication of what songs from the past 20 years or beyond are still relevant to the majority of listeners. I have picked 10 from my favourites shortlist to vote for in a poll on my blogs main page so cast your vote. Click this link to vote in Triple J's Hottest 100 of All Time and to see previous years countdown's. http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_alltime/voting/.

Here are some of the great live videos that I have been watching from the fantastic Triple J website.

AC/DC to Tour Australia and NZ (New Dates Added)

AC/DC have finally announced dates for Australia and New Zealand on their Black Ice World Tour. All dates announced so far have been about a week apart allowing for extra shows in each city which will no doubt sell out quickly. The last time AC/DC toured Australia was in 2001 on their Stiff Upper Lip Tour which I witnessed in Melbourne and was blown away by the energetic performance from these rock legends.

Tickets go on sale Monday 25th May 9am from Ticketmaster. Prices have been kept fairly reasonable compared to other touring legends ranging from $99 to $150. Supporting AC/DC for the whole tour of Australia will be Wolfmother. The setlists for their current European tour have been the same for each show which is the way AC/DC usually tour so it is expected that the same setlist will be bought to Australia. It includes 4 from the latest album Black Ice and a selection of their classics. (see below).

Dates so far are:
January 30, 2010 - Wellington, venue to be confirmed
February 6, 2010 - Auckland, venue to be confirmed
February 11, 13 + 15, 2010 - Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
February 18, 20 + 22, 2010 - Sydney, ANZ Stadium
February 25 + 27, 2010 - Brisbane, Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre
March 2, 2010 - Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
March 6 + 8, 2010 - Perth, Subiaco

Setlist
Rock n Roll Train (from Black Ice, 2008)
Hell Ain't a Bad Place To Be (from Let There Be Rock, 1977)
Back In Black (from Back In Back, 1980)
Big Jack (from Black Ice, 2008)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (from Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, 1976)
Shot Down in Flames (from Highway To Hell, 1979)
Thunderstruck (from The Razors Edge, 1990)
Black Ice (from Black Ice, 2008)
The Jack (from TNT, 1975)
Hells Bells (from Back In Back, 1980)
Shoot to Thrill (from Back In Back, 1980)
War Machine (from Black Ice, 2008)
Anything Goes (from Black Ice, 2008)
You Shook Me All Night Long (from Back In Back, 1980)
TNT (from TNT, 1975)
Whole Lotta Rosie (from Let There Be Rock, 1977)
Let There Be Rock (from Let There Be Rock, 1977)

Encore:
Highway To Hell (from Highway To Hell, 1979)
For Those About To Rock (from For Those About To Rock, 1981)

Here are some live AC/DC clips.

New Music - May 2009

It's been a good year for music so far with plenty of excellent releases on the schedule for the next couple of months including newies from Eels, Paul Dempsey (Something for Kate), Placebo, Eskimo Joe, Kasabian, Phoenix, Lemonheads(cover album) and the debut album by Passion Pit. Here are the film clips for some of the tracks that I have been listening to lately. My favourite song at the moment is "Eid Ma Clack Shaw" by Bill Callahan from his great new album Sometimes I Wish I Were an Eagle but unfortunately there is no clip for this song as yet.

Ben Harper and Relentless7 - White Lies for Dark Times - Album Review

1. Number With No Name
2. Up To You Now
3. Shimmer And Shine
4. Lay There And Hate Me
5. Why Must You Always Dress In Black
6. Skin Thin
7. Fly One Time
8. Keep It Together (So I Can Fall Apart)
9. Boots Like These
10. The Word Suicide
11. Faithfully Remain
Rating: ****1/2

Ben Harper's new band Relentless7 has given Harper a new spark and he is showing some of the passion of his earlier releases. The album begins with "Number With No Name" featuring some trademark Harper slide which is good to hear again, especially with distortion. White Lies for Dark Times is Harper's heaviest album to date with his lyrics illustrating some of the anger that the title hints at. "Shimmer and Shine" shows off the talents of his new band with drummer Jordan Richardson adding some excellent percussion fills. As good as his slide is to hear again, Harper's greatest instrument though is his voice which is in fine form as usual. "Keep it Together (So I Can Fall Apart)" has Harper wailing over his wah driven slide which is featured again on "Boots Like These". The slower numbers like "Up To You Now", "The Word Suicide", "Faithfully Remain" and "Skin Thin" work on the album to show off Harper's songwriting talents. " The bluesier rock numbers "Why Must You Always Dress in Black", "Boots Like These" and "Lay There and Hate Me" have Relentless7 in their comfort zone and are a perfect fit for Ben Harper's style. White Lies for Dark Times is a return to form by one of the best musicians of our time and hopefully it will not be the last we hear from Relentless7.