CDQuest: Radiohead - In Rainbows

OK, so this isn't strictly a cd (yet). Downloaded it (5 quid if you're asking), gave it a listen, and I like it. Need to have a couple more listens but first impressions are good.

CDQuest: Johnny Cash - American IV

I have a playlist on my iPod that covers songs that are guaranteed to make me cry. It includes older songs such as Danny Boy and Going Home, as well as some newer ones such as Sometimes you can't make it on your own by U2. This list also includes the heart breaking Hurt by Johnny Cash, arguably one of the best cover songs ever.

I first came across the music of Johnny Cash in the film "Walk the Line". I purchased his Greatest Hits, which contained Hurt. I've since purchased most of the American Recordings series, and finally managed to get my hands on American IV - The Man Come Round. I think I may be adding one or two more songs to my sob story playlist.

The album starts with The Man comes round, a song full of imagery from the book of Revelations. It continues with Hurt, and then Give my love to Rose. Other notable tear jerkers include covers of Simon and Garfunkels Bridge over Troubled Water, The Eagles Desperado, and the classic Danny Boy, finishing with We'll meet again. This album is sad, and yet there is always an element of hope. He had a good life, and at the end of it, it is not surprising that there is an element of sadness and acceptance of death in this album.

Rating: 9/10. Note to self, don't listen to this album while driving again - it's very difficult to drive when you can't see through the tears

CDQuest: Led Zeppelin - IV

Led Zeppelin IV, 1971. The album was actually untitled, but has conventially been referred to by IV. What can you say about an album that has Stairway to Heaven on it, arguably one of the greatest rock songs ever released. But that would be ignoring The Battle of Evermore, the Tolkien inspired epic, the hauntingly beautiful Going to California and the thematic Rock and Roll. I really don't think a better album has been released (although I'm still getting to Physical Graffiti, which contains my all time favourite Led Zeppelin song - Kashmir).

Actually there isn't really much more I can say. Great album. Love it, and I am now going to go and listen to it again.

Score - A decided 10/10. An album that really should be in everyone's collection.

CDQuest: Oleta Adams: Circle of One

In 1989 British band Tears for Fears released their album The Seeds of Love. One of the hits released of that album was Woman in Chains featuring Oleta Adams. While not a huge hit, it did lead to the start of Adam's successful solo career. There had been two albums released prior to Circle of One, but they were not commercially successful.

Circle of One was released in 1990, with it's biggest hit being Get Here which was a Top five hit in both the States and the UK, with the album going to No. 1 in the UK. The album was produced by the members of Tears for Fears, who also co-wrote some of the tracks on the album. Musically it's very much a laid-back, jazzy sound; perfect for background listening. It's not really a Tears for Fears sound. Highlights of the album include Get Here (unsurprisingly!), Circle of One, and I've got to sing my song. So, it's the perfect album to put on in the background and just chill out to. Probably 6.5 / 10 tending towards a 7. Not a fantastic album, but not one I regret buying.

CDQuest: The Quest for the perfect album

I love music. I spend way too much money on albums each month, which get ripped and stored. Consequently I have a lot of CD's sitting around gathering dust. However, the direness the local radio station has given me an incentive to start listening to CD's again on my drive to and from work. It's also a chance to start thinking about what are my top albums. There are a couple that immediately leap to mind such as Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti, as well as Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon. There are also some newer ones, U2 – How to dismantle an atomic bomb, and Joss Stone – Introducing. So let's get started.....