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In case anybody is wondering about the rating system I've been using for the CD Reviews, it's relatively simple. Really, anything above 6 is worth looking at. Furthermore, the ratings aren't really that reliable anyways since it mainly reflects my mood about the piece at the time I played it. The editorial is more unbiased in this matter. More detailed information after the jump.
I've rated all of the songs in iTunes with the following specifications:
1 - I loathe it
2 - I find it unsatisfying
3 - It's good music, but nothing special
4 - This music is nice. This is the minimum required for many of my playlists.
5 - Only the most spectacular music makes this rating.
The rating for the album is an average of the scores out of 10.
Under 2: This is not possible, the music would have to be horrible.
Under 4: This album is really bad.
Under 6: Unless specified, this cd probably isn't worth the bother.
Under 8: This album has some good songs, and it's not bad.
Under 10: If it got this far, the cd is really good.
If an album gets 10/10, it is so amazing you should go buy it immediately. There are only 2 albums in my collection that have this rating - Enigmatic Ocean by Jean-Luc Ponty and Genesis Live by Genesis (Pre 1976). I will post reviews of these at a later date.
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Inner Mounting Flame by Mahavishnu OrchestraGenre: Jazz, Rock, Fusion
Released: August 14, 1971
Rating: 8.8/10
The debut album of the Mahavishnu Orchestra brought John McLaughlin's vision of what fusion should be to world. This album maintains a forceful presence throughout the entire album giving each member of the band a chance in the spotlight. All of the members are high caliber players, so this is no dissappointment whether it be Jerry Goodman's violin playing or Billy Cobhams's rock solid beat.
Even the quiet "You Know, You Know," (I have done a version of this piece) there is still a special energy that is present in the music. McLaughlin, however, doesn't like to sit still. Most of the pieces include super-fast solos and themes. Throughout the pieces, McLaughlin will run a line in unison with Goodman or Hammer (on keys) that creates an especially unique tone that I've come to love in all of his music.
This is an amazing album and along with Birds of Fire, it is one of the band's best. If you are looking for a representative album of some of the style of Mahavishnu Orchestra, this is a great place to start. It also exemplifies the rock oriented side of the fusion genre and is an imperative addition to any fusion library.
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20 Good Vibrations by Beach BoysGenre: Rock, Surf
Released: November 10, 1999
Rating: 9.8/10
With their carefree attitude, the Beach Boys sing simple songs about Cars, Girls, and Surfing. Sure, you won't find the complex rhythms or melodies found in other music; but the music is catchy and speaks about everyday things and it's relatively easy to sing along.
Beach Boys 20 Good Vibrations is a great cd that showcases some of the band's more well known works such as "California Girls," "409," and "Wouldn't it Be Nice." All of the songs are light-hearted and joyful, always putting a positive spin on life.
The Beach Boys were a group that had many single hits. This album puts a large chunk of those hits into one place for you to enjoy. There is also a second volume called "20 More Good Vibrations" if you are wanting more.
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WOW 2007 by Various ArtistsGenre: Christian Rock, Gospel & Religious
Released: October 3, 2006
Rating: 6.77/10
Normally I'm not a big fan of compilations albums. I prefer to buy the original cds so I can have the artists complete original view of the work. However, sometimes a compilation album comes along that is worth the money. WOW 2007 is one of those albums.
Including artists such as Newsboys, Jars of Clay, Chris Tomlin, and Reliant K, the WOW series continually puts out uplifting Christian music. If you're looking for a collection of refreshing tunes and don't like any one particular group, WOW 2007 is a great addition to any library.
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