#78 Miles Davis - Bitches Brew

Columbia, 1970

Jazz Fusion

This record may not be for everyone, but I love it. It's intense and weird and wonderful, and can be appreciated on so many levels.

My friends and I discovered this album in high school, courtesy of Mr. B's excellent teaching. Juele managed to rip a cassette somewhere, and we'd tour around in her parent's van. Listening to this record late at night driving rural roads is pretty surreal. Complimenting our own night travels, the music seems to encapsulate thousands of years of history. There is beauty and strength and pride and sorrow and anger. This album is an experience.

I taught African Canadian Studies a couple of times in recent years, and I feel like that experience (an incredible experience) has added a new dimension to my listening when I play this record. I felt like I knew a fair amount of history beforehand, but I learned so, so much more; and when I listen to this album, I feel some of that same thrill of discovery and amazment at the truly wonderous history of Africa and peoples of African descent. Of course, I can only speculate about Davis' intentions. Suffice it to say, this is a unique and really exciting album, and is well worth keeping in the collection.

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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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