Friday, April 29, 2011

Volume One & Volume Three - Traveling Wilburys (29 April 2011)


Released in 1988, Volume One became the surprise hit of the year, selling two million copies within six months in the United States. Although the single Handle With Care did not scale the pop charts (it stalled at US #45), the album did, reaching #16 in the UK and an impressive #3 in the US. With over fifty weeks on the charts, the album was later certified triple-platinum. While Harrison and Petty had had recent successes, Dylan, Orbison (who would die suddenly of a heart attack on 6 December 1988) and Lynne had not seen an album climb that high in several years. At the time, no Dylan album had ever achieved two million in sales. As one critic put it, it was "one of the great commercial coups of the decade."

Released in 1990 it was their second release, the album was mischievously titled Vol. 3 by George Harrison. According to Jeff Lynne, "That was George's idea. He said, 'Let's confuse the buggers'.
As the dynamics within the band had shifted with Orbison's passing, the four remaining members all adopted new Wilbury pseudonyms: Spike (George Harrison), Clayton (Jeff Lynne), Muddy (Tom Petty) and Boo (Bob Dylan). With Harrison and Lynne producing again, the sessions were undertaken in the spring of 1990, with an additional track, a cover of "Nobody's Child" being set aside for a charity compilation album.





Don't Ask - Tina Arena (28 April 2011)


Released in 1994 this was Arena's second studio album. It was hugely popular in Australia and went to number one on our charts. Arena co-wrote all of the songs on the original release of the album which was produced by David Tyson. The album spawned six successful singles Chains, Sorrento Moon (I Remember), Heaven Help My Heart, Wasn't It Good, That's the Way a Women Feels and the cover version of Maria McKee's song Show Me Heaven.


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Greatest Hits - The Fugees


Released in 2003 The Fugees only had 2 studio albums but managed to put together a greatest hits album - I always find that amusing. 

The group members were Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel. 

I bought this album for one song only and that is their version of Killing Me Softly. They also do a great version of No Woman, No Cry.


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Union - Toni Childs


Released in 1988 this ws Child's debut album. Great songs - Don't Walk Away, Zimbabwe, Hush and my favorite Stop Your Fussin. I have seen Toni Childs live 3 times and she is brilliant - such a strong voice and great entertainer.

Why you look so sad when the sky is perfect blue
And you're getting everything you ever wanted to?
Let's no talk about the bad times
we've been thought that before
It's not right for making love anymore.

So stop your fussin'
boy
please
stop your fussin'
boy
Your time will come
yes
your time will come.

Can you lay me down in meadows soft and green?
And can you lay me down and talk to me of things
Like stars that burn into the night
And moons that turn with purple lines. That's what I want!

Can someone tell me why it is
How we could spend so many lonely years.
There's a light at the end of life

It's enough
it's enough
it's enough
it's enough to try.

We can see it in your lifetime - we can see the light -
We can see it in your lifetime - we can feel the warmth -
We can see it in your lifetime - we can see it shine -
We can see it in your lifetime - we can see it all -
We can see it all in our lifetime.

Why you look so sad when the sky is perfect blue
And you'e getting everything you ever wanted to?
So stop your fussin' boy
please
stop your fussin' boy

For your time will come.
We can see it in our lifetime - yes
your time will come -
We can see it in our lifetime -.
Can't you just stop your fussin'
boy
please
stop your fussin'
boy


Monday, April 25, 2011

Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby - Terence Trent D'Arby


Released in 1987 my second year of High School and boy did I love this album - I actually owned the cassette!!! D'arby's debut album sold a million copies worldwide within three days of going on sale. So many great songs - If You All Get To Heaven, If You Let Me Stay, Wishing Well, Dance Little Sister and Sign Your Name.


Sunday, April 24, 2011

Achtung Baby - U2


Released in 1991 this has to be one of the best albums of all time. The abum went to number one on the Australian, Canadian, Dutch, French and US charts. 

Most the songs on the album are brilliant including - Zoo Station, Even Better Than The Real Thing, One, Until The End Of The World, Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, So Cruel, The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World and Ultraviolet. 

Can't believe I've waited this long into the year to listen to this album.


Saturday, April 23, 2011

On Every Street - Dire Straits (23 April 2011)


Released in 1991 this was Dire Straits sixth and final studio album. The album went to number one on the Australian, Italian, Swedish, French and UK charts. It only reached number 12 on the US charts. Lots of great songs on this album - Calling Elvis, On Every Street, The Bug, Ticket To Heaven and When It Comes To You.


Baby Animals - Baby Animals (22 April 2011)


Released in 1991 the self titled debut album of Australian group the Baby Animals. The album debuted at number six on the ARIA Album Charts and spent six weeks at number one, eventually going eight times platinum and becoming the highest-selling debut Australian rock album of all time (until the release of Jet's album, Get Born 12 years later).


Magic - Bruce Springsteen (21 April 2011)


Released in 2007 Springsteen's 15th studio album. The album came in at Number 2 on Rolling Stone's list of Top 50 Albums of 2007. The album went Number 1 on the charts almost worldwide including Europe, UK and the US but only number 2 on the Australian charts. I love Radio Nowhere - one of my favorite songs.


The Story - Brandi Carlile (20 April 2011)


Released in 2007 this is Carlile's second album. Love this album!!! Great songs - The Story, Turpentine, Wasted, Cannonball and Josephine. 

The song, The Story, was used in an episode of Grey's Anatomy. A video was created, first airing on the season 3 recap episode, Every Moment Counts. The video helped boost sales and downloads of the album increased. 
The Story was also used in ads promoting the Australian drama series, McLeod's Daughters. On 25 April 2008 Carlile performed The Story and Turpentine on the BBC2 show Later...with Jools Holland. 
The song The Story was also used in the 2008 Super Bock commercial, the most popular beer in Portugal, which has made the album The Story reach number 4 on the Portuguese Album chart. 
The song is currently used in a General Motors television commercial aired on American and Canadian television showcasing their new line-up of more fuel efficient cars. Due to the ad airing heavily during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the song increased in downloads.
The song The Story was used in a montage of Penn State football coach Joe Paterno during the opening and closing of the Ohio State-Penn State football game on ABC on October 25, 2008. The song is currently used in a Tracker television commercial aired on South African televisions Network.


All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I’ve been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don’t mean anything
When you’ve got no one to tell them to
It’s true I was made for you
I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
Yeah you do and I was made for you
You see the smile that’s on my mouth
Is hiding the words that don’t come out
And all of my friends who think that I’m blessed
They don’t know my head is a mess
No, they don’t know who I really am
And they don’t know what I’ve been through but you do
And I was made for you
All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I’ve been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don’t mean anything
When you’ve got no one to tell them to
It’s true I was made for you
Oh yea, it’s true I was made for you

The Times They Are A-Changin' - Bob Dylan (19 April 2011)


Released in 1964 Dylan's third studio album. Had to listen to a Dylan album on Tuesday as we went to see him that night. So glad I did listen to the album because his performance was pityful :(

I'm not sure if he can talk or just refuses to but this man comes out and sings non stop not one acknowledgement to the audience! I'm not sure if he even realises we are there - very sad. I have seen him twice now and the only words I have heard him say are "Goodnight Adelaide"!!!


Missing...Presumed Having A Good Time - The Notting Hillbillies (18 April 2011)


Released in 1990 this is the first and only album released by The Notting Hillbilies.  A country music project formed by Mark Knopfler, who was then lead guitarist and singer of the Dire Straits, with Brendan Croker, Steve Phillips, and Knopfler's bandmate Guy Fletcher.


Kristofferson - Kris Kristofferson (17 April 2011)


Released in 1970 this was Kristofferson's debut album. Many of the songs had been previously released by other artists including Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin and Waylon Jennings. The album was not very succesful commercially but was rereleased in 1971 named Me & Bobby McGee - the album became an instant hit. 

Some of my favorite songs - Blame It On The Stones, To Beat The Devil, Best Of All Possible Worlds, Help Me Make It Through The Night, The Law Is For Protection Of The People, Casey's Last Ride, Just The Other Side Of Nowhere, Darby's Castle and Sunday Morning Coming Down. 

This album got a lot of airtime in the Davidson household on Sunday mornings in fact I cant remember a Sunday morning growing up without Kristofferson on. 

We went to see Kristofferson live in Melbourne and it was worth every penny. I would love to see him again.


Friday, April 22, 2011

Quench - The Beautiful South (16 April 2011)


Released in 1998 this is their sixth album but the only one I own. I love this album it has great songs on it - Perfect 10, The Slide, The Table and Window Shopping For Blinds. 

I have never heard any of their music on Australian radios I don't understand why - you would think their hits would be big world wide!


Fearless - Taylor Swift (15 April 2011)


Released in 2008 Swift's second studio album. Yes I know I can't believe I'm admitting to owning this album and listening to it but even worse I have seen her live. Maybe one of the most painful nights of my life with the audience average age being about 8! There were lots of squeels and by the end of the night I was pretty happy that I don't own children!!!!


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Ten - Pearl Jam (14 April 2011)


Released in 1991 this was Pearl Jam's debut album and I think one of their best. The album has sold over 9.8 million copies in the US alone and has been certified Diamond. It remains the groups most succesful commercial album. It has some classics on it - Jeremy, Alive and Evenflow.


Little Bird - Kasey Chambers (13 April 2011)


Released in 2010 this is Chambers 6th studio album. I have only listened to the album a couple of times but I really like it. Need to listen to it a few more times I think but not sure if I will get a chance this year - that's the only damn issue with this challenge!


Lipstick, Lies & Gasoline - Fred Eaglesmith (12 April 2011)


Released in 1997 this is Canadian Country singer Eaglesmith's 8th album. This man is so funny. I just love listening to his lyrics. 

I first heard Eaglesmith at a Kasey Chambers concert - he was the opening act. I loved his music and went out and bought a whole bunch of his albums. 

My favorite song is Water In The Fuel but some of the funnier songs are Time To Get A Gun, Spookin' The Horses and Alcohol & Pills.


Romanza - Andrea Bocelli (11 April 2011)


Released in 1997 this was Bocelli's first greatest hits album and it went to number one on all the European charts. This is a great album and I could listen to Time To Say Goodbye on repeat. Haven't listened to it in ages and really enjoyed it.


Saturday, April 16, 2011

Smile...It Confuses People - Sandi Thom (10 April 2011)


Released in 2006 this was Thom's debut album. I wish I was A Punk Rocker got a lot of airtime on my stero and boy did I love singing along - and apparently I still do! The album went to number one on the UK and Irish charts. Thom has released 2 albums since this one but this one had the greatest commercial success.


One Of These Nights - The Eagles (9 April 2011)



Released in 1975 I love this Eagles album. Lots of great songs - Take It To The Limit, Lyin Eyes and One Of These Nights. Lyin eyes won the Grammy that year for Best Pop Performance by a Group. Would have to be up there in my Top 50 favorite songs of all time.

On A Clear Night - Missy Higgins (8 April 2011)


Released in 2007 this was Higgin's second studio album and my favorite. The album went triple platinum in Australia and number one on the Australian charts. My favorite songs are - Where I stood, 100 Round The Bends and Steer. 

I have seen Higgins live twice - she is a freat performer and I can't wait for her next album - it's been a while Missy!


Coco - Colbie Caillat (7 April 2011)


Released in 2007 this was Caillat's debut album. They played the Bubbly song on the radio all the time and I loved it so I bought the album. The whole album is great to listen to. 

I saw Caillat live at The Governor Hindmarsh 7 October 2008 - what a great night - really enjoyed her show - she did an incredible version of Killing Me Softly. Will never forget that night.


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Boy - U2


Released in 1980 this was U2's debut album. Boy is the only U2 album from which every song (as well as every B-side) has been performed live at least once by the band. 

Haven't listened to this album in a really long time but really enjoyed listening to it today.


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Pornograffitti - Extreme


Released in 1990 their second album and the only one I own! I was surprised to see they are still making music and their last album was released last year! 

I haven't listened to this album in a very long time probably because there are really only 2 songs I love on it - More Than Words and Hole Hearted. I used to just play those songs on repeat a lot. So I thinlk today might be the first time I have ever listened to this whole album without skipping a track!


Monday, April 4, 2011

Affirmation - Savage Garden


Released in 1999 this is Savage Garden's second and final studio album. The boys from Brisbane broke up officially in 2001. This album was a massive success selling over 13 million copies worldwide. It reached number one on the Australian charts but also top 10 on the US and UK charts. 

I love most the songs on this album - Affirmation, Hold Me, I knew I loved You, Crash And Burn, The Animal Song and I Don't Know You Anymore. 

Darren Hayes released 3 solo albums after the break up and is due to release another this year. I haven't heard any of them but I must get onto that!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Cosmo's Factory - Creedence Clearwater Revival


Released in 1970 this was CCR's 5th studio album. The name of the album comes from the warehouse in Berkeley where the band rehearsed. Bandleader John Fogerty was so insistent on practicing (nearly every day) that drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford began referring to the place as "the factory". 

The first CCR song I remember hearing is Up Around The Bend in the '80's. This album would have to be one of their best with hits like - Travelin' Band, Lookin' Out My Back Door, Run Through The Jungle, Up Around The Bend, Who'll Stop The Rain and my favorite Long As I Can See The Light. 

I saw John Fogerty live at The Adelaide Entertainment Centre 17 November 2005 - he was bloody brilliant - what a rocker! 


Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Sellout - Macy Gray (2 April 2011)


Released in 2010 another brilliant Gray album I would say up there with her debut album. I saw a movie that played Beauty In The World in the closing credits and knew instantly it was Gray. The song was so catchy I googled it instantly and went and bought the album straight away. It has some excellent songs on it including - The Sellout, Lately, Still Hurts, Beauty In The World, The Comeback and my favorite Kissed It.


Original Sin - INXS (1 April 2011)


Released in 2010 this is a tribute album to the late Michael Hutchence. The remaining band members have teamed up with a number of artists including Rob Thomas, Ben Harper and John Mayer. I've never really been a big INXS fan but I do like this album and the re-invented versions of their classics.


Changing Horses - Ben Kweller (31 March 2011)


Released in 2009 this was Kweller's fourth studio album but the first one I ever heard of his. I'm not sure who told me to listen to Kweller's music but I know one of my friends did and I'm glad they did. I'm also glad this is the first album I chose. It has a slightly more Country feel than the othersand I really love the whole album. Well worth a listen to.


Desireless - Eagle Eye Cherry (30 March 2011)


Released in 1997 this was the Swedish singers debut album. The album did better than expected going platinum in the US and selling over 4 million copies worldwide. Save Tonight is my favorite song off the album. Cherry has released 4 albums since but this album has been his greatest success.


Reckless - Bryan Adams (29 March 2011)


Released in 1984 - I was still in primary school but still I love this album. The album did well on the charts and has sold over 13 million copies worldwide to date. 

Six singles were released from the album: Run to You, Somebody, Heaven, Summer of '69, One Night Love Affair and It's Only Love. All six singles made the top 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, a feat that at the time had been accomplished previously only by Michael Jackson's Thriller.