It appears my torrid 2008 posting pace has slowed, but I'd like to assure you that I have new content in the works. The 5 year anniversary of this blog is coming up in a couple of months, and it's my goal to reach review #200 by then.
So I have a couple of reviews of new albums percolating, as well as a brand new feature. I haven't settled on a title, but contenders include "When Good Artists Go Bad" and "Rock Bottom". The basic premise is this: Pick a really good, established artist, find out (via actual research) what their consensus worst album is, listen to it, and share my thoughts. There were some limits, as the following types of albums don't count: 1) b-sides or remix compilations, 2) live albums, 3) albums recorded when the band was missing a principal member, and 4) forays into a different genres (i.e. classical).
I've done this accidentally a few times already, including here and here. But now look for 13 more, based on research and my own humble opinion. These are the artists I've chosen: The Beach Boys, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Monkees, Tom Petty, Prince, R.E.M., The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and XTC.
Keep reading and listening!
So I have a couple of reviews of new albums percolating, as well as a brand new feature. I haven't settled on a title, but contenders include "When Good Artists Go Bad" and "Rock Bottom". The basic premise is this: Pick a really good, established artist, find out (via actual research) what their consensus worst album is, listen to it, and share my thoughts. There were some limits, as the following types of albums don't count: 1) b-sides or remix compilations, 2) live albums, 3) albums recorded when the band was missing a principal member, and 4) forays into a different genres (i.e. classical).
I've done this accidentally a few times already, including here and here. But now look for 13 more, based on research and my own humble opinion. These are the artists I've chosen: The Beach Boys, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Monkees, Tom Petty, Prince, R.E.M., The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and XTC.
Keep reading and listening!
Comments
I would pick Around the Sun though. Yikes.
However, according to my research, Around the Sun is definitely the worst-reviewed album; I reviewed it back when it came out (http://3min49sec.blogspot.com/2004/10/53-rem-around-sun-2004.html) and don't agree that it's the worst. The other poorest reviewed contenders are Out of Time, Monster, Up, and Reveal. Stay tuned to find out which one gets the prize.
I'll be interested in seeing these worst-of's.
By the way, I love the blog. I especially liked the 12 thing you were doing. Good stuff. I especially love that it come from a fellow Minnesotan.