#48 Guided by Voices - Alien Lanes

Matador Records, 1995

Genre: Indie

Fun story. I got to see Guided by Voices at Reading Festival, outside London, England, when I was 17. I had heard of them at that point, but wasn't really tuned in to how awesome they were, or how significant they would become in my future listening repertoire. Instead of being front row centre, I hung back and chatted with this British fellow, who flirted shamelessly, and kept trying to get me to go back to his tent. He was to be disappointed. I like reflecting on the moment, but I do regret not fully engaging with GBV. I have not had a chance to see them play again.

Alien Lanes became a pillar of my listening during university, and all of my best pals loved (or should I say "love", as this is ongoing) them as well. Some even did GBV cover bands. Game of Pricks is more than a song --- it's an indie nerd identification code. I loved when the IT Crowd called this out, some years later. "Have you heard Guided by Voices? I have. I've heard everything they've ever done."

Reminiscence aside, this record is lo fi and sometimes loud, and weird, and vulgar, and clever. There is a manic energy to GBV; not chaotic, but odd. Challenging. Unexpected. It harnesses some of the world's absurdity and takes delight in riding it around like a mad bull in a strangely melodious china shop.

GBV may not be for everyone, but I'm into it.

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#58 The Monks - Black Time

Reissue on International Polydor, 2011 60s Garage Rock, Psych Garage I picked up this album in Toronto - maybe on 2013? Around then, anyway. I was doing a deep dive into early Psychedelic Garage bands and this one came up on some archive, with a fascinating story. Apparently (and I have not done any kind of updated fact check, so I'm going on what I read back then) these guys were American GIs in Vietnam who defected and ended up in Germany, where they shaved their pates and started this rock n roll band. As far as albums go, it's an interesting piece, but not my favourite record in the genre. I like all the bass and rolling beats, but some of the lyrics rub me the wrong way. I recognize, of course, that it is a product of a time and place. Regardless, I like to spin it now and again, so it makes the cut.

#76 The Count Basie Trio - For the First Time

Pablo Records, 1975 Jazz This record has become a staple in our household. Stu and I both love jazz, so we play it often. I had forgotten I owned this, believe it or not --- it must have been gifted to me by Dad with a few other records. As such, it was a delightful surprise when I pulled out and gave it a spin. This record is banger right from the beginning. High energy, great sound, interesting variety of tunes. Count Basie is a piano master, and this album really showcases that skill. Sometimes I think trios are the best, because everyone has a chance to really shine. If you are a jazz fan, make sure to give this record a listen.

#26 Boney M. - Nightflight to Venus

Hansa, 1978 Genre: Disco This is another party classic, and made its appearance on Halloween. Who doesn't love a good dance to "Rasputin"? I think this record is remarkable in many ways, not the least of which is the catchy tunes. The situational background is also interesting: A German musician brings together a group of Carribean performers to tour Europe, make a video in the Societ Union, sing in English, and record a record that will be a huge hit in the UK and North America. There's lots of fascinating layers of culture and history there.

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