R. Dean Taylor - The Essential Collection

Genre
Soft Rock
Pop Rock


year: 70 - notes: His initial fame came from ghost-writing hits for the Motown greats like The Four Tops, The Supremes and The Temptations. He also worked along side Holland-Dozier-Holland. Berry Gordy put him in the studio and produced his all-time hit 'Indiana Wants Me', which became a Top 40 smash. Taylor continued with success overseas with 'Gotta See Jane' and 'There's A Ghost In My House'. This disc marks the first time Taylor's work has been collected.

Daniel Johnston - Artistic Vice

Genre
Lo-Fi / Indie
singer songwriter
pop rock


year: 91 - info: ARTISTIC VICE was the first album on which Daniel Johnston fronted a band. On earlier works, the spare songs received musical accompanied from either a single keyboard or guitar. Johnson's first recordings were made a available in a series of primitively made self-released cassette tapes. These were later compiled onto several albums, including the highly recommended YIP/JUMP MUSIC. Notoriety paved the way for Johnston's first album (titled 1990), which was recorded in a true studio. For this set, which was recorded in a house in West Virginia, Johnston assembled a six-piece band (four of whom are guitarists). It's a testament to Johnston's own innate musicality that the songs lend themselves so perfectly to the casual accompaniment heard here.

Mad Season - Above

Genre
Grunge rock


year: 95 - review: Most of Above is quite somber, surpassing the meditations of Temple of the Dog in its dour tone. Staley's voice has always worked well in this setting, yet he frequently has had more compelling material than the webs of guitars that form the basis of Above. Much of the music on the album meanders without much direction, yet there are flashes of invention, particularly in Staley's work, with McCready contributing a few tasty licks. However, it commits the fatal flaw of a side project -- it sounds like one.