Complete Collection Countdown

Tamla Motown, 1973 Soul This album is really above my judgement, and I don't have special memories attached, so I will keep this short. When I listen to this record, I feel simultaneously happy and sad. It tugs at the heart strings, and makes me feel both hope and melancholy. It's a work of art. It's staying.

Philips, 1965-69 (release country uncertain) Peruvian Folk I picked up this album at Rainbow's End in Wolfville for $2.99, and it was money well spent. Traveling in Peru, I became fond of Peruvian rhythms and songs. They're not easy to find here, and this is an excellent example. Also, having been recorded in the 60s, it's a very straight interpretation, which is a plus in my books. I'm certainly open to modern interpretations, but there's something very invigorating about hearing folk in its traditional modes.  A+ purchase. 

Reader's Digest, year of issue unknown  Various Genres I don't know how I came by this box set, and I'll admit, I didn't have high hopes. It sat on the shelf, waiting for me to judge it. One night when I was going through the collection, I put it on, figuring it wouldn't sound great and I'd have a good excuse to put it on the discard pile. I was wrong.  Not only is the sound quality good on these records, there is also a very diverse blend of genres and artists. Each record has a theme, and some of the themes reflect genres where my own collection is weak (like Latin music, for example). After spinning a couple, Stu and I unanimously decided it had to stay. It's a keeper  - good job, Reader's Digest!

Warner Brothers, 1977 Folk, Folk Rock I got this record from a giveaway box at some apartment on Agricola Street. Pretty sure someone was moving and this was their scratch box. Well you know what they say: one person's trash is another person's treasure. And so this was for me. I didn't know much about this before I grabbed it, but I recognized the names. It was a delightful surprise to hear the excellent vocal harmonies and engaging range of tunes that this album offers. I do like Folk, so this is perhaps particularly suited to me, but I am happy to have it in my collection. 

Virgin, 1980 New Wave Pop Rock I have waxed nostalgic about XTC before, so I won't go too in depth with this one, but I will mention a few details.  Black Sea is the first XTC record I ever heard. Andrew G played it for me when I was hanging at he and Brad Luk's apartment in Quinpool Court on Monastery Lane circa 2004. Megan and I lived upstairs in the same building, and there was much coming and going. I was immediately hooked by the whistling and the tempo of "Generals and Majors" in particular, and it would remain a party staple for me.  This album is super fun and really solid, and I always enjoy spinning it. 

Polydor, 1969 Blues Rock I never listened to John Mayall growing up, but Dad has always sung his praises. He recently gave me this album, along with a few others. And let me tell you, Dad was right. This is wicked good. I enjoyed the whole thing, and will definitely be spinning it again. I don't have a tonne to say about it now, except thumbs up.