Something Old...Something New (#32)
"Aladdin Sane" - David Bowie (released 1973)
Bowie follows up the zeitgeist-tapping perfection of "Ziggy Stardust...'' with his hardest rocking album. Written during the craziness of his 1972 American tour (a lad insane) it's his final LP with the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson-gtr, Trevor Bolder-b, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - dr) and released at the commercial peak of the Glam scene. The Stonesy rocking opener "Watch That Man" gets things off to a rollicking start (you can picture Mick and the boys tearing into this one)! When Bowie encouraged pianist Mike Garson to let loose his avant-garde style he unleashed a mind-blowing one-take solo on the title track! Garson's inventive skills are also on full display in the glittering theatrical ballads "Time" and "Lady Grinning Soul". "Drive-in Saturday" and "The Prettiest Star" portray Bowie's pop/rock side to perfection with the latter highlighted by another terrific Ronson solo! Mick Ronson is the unsung architect of Glam. His arrangements, guitar tones and solos for all Bowie's work throughout this period is impeccable! An infectious Bo Diddley vibe drives "Panic in Detroit" deep into your reptilian brain before the grinding sleaze of "Cracked Actor" ends side one. The stomping swagger of "The Jean Genie" closes with a stuttering swell of guitars and a place in classic rock history! Let's not forget the iconic album cover that's every bit as inspired as the music. Most critics were disappointed but aside from relegating "Let's Spend the Night Together" to the "Pin Ups" covers album which came out later that year I wouldn't change a thing. Still brilliant 50 years on!
"Chime School - Chime School (released 2021)
San Francisco's Andy Pastalaniec is Chime School. A drummer for local bands Odd Hope, Sealbite and Cruel Summer he was inspired to create his own music when his girlfriend gifted him a 4-track Tascam Portastudio. He them proceeded to write record and produce this utterly charming debut album at home. A long time fan of jangly rock with upbeat melodies from the 60s (Byrds) and 80s (the C86 scene in Britain began with the release of a cassette by the New Musical Express in 1986. It showcased new indy bands and labels in the UK) he took these influences and ran with them! This album is a winner from beginning to end. An effortless barrage of hooks and melodies that are at once familiar but at the same instant fresh and exciting! With his ringing 12-string jangle and hints of dream pop he fashions one happy/melancholy pop gem after another. "Wait Your Turn", "Dead Saturdays", "Radical Leisure", "It's True", "Calling In Sick", the ten tunes fly by and it's impossible to choose a favorite as the guitar driven energy and breezy vocals make every song irresistible! Pick up this album and Chime School will always be in session. RIYL Young Guv or The Reds, Pinks and Purples (and you should!)
