#479: Richard and Linda Thompson's I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight

On the one hand, Linda's mournful folky earnestness seems the perfect counterpoint to Richard's brogue and instrumental virtuosity. On the other hand, they eventually divorced and many of these songs got a better treatment, down the road, from Richard on his own. Their union may well have been more than the sum of its parts, but I tend to think that Richard emerged from it all a bird with wings unclipped. However you look at it, though, this is one fantastic record, its influence confirmed by the fact that acts as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Ocean Colour Scene, Sleater Kinney and Elvis Costello have covered its various tracks...

Some other thoughts:

#483, Notorious B.I.G.'s Life After Death: Most ink spilled over this record revolves around one of two facts: That it was released just weeks after Biggie's death, or that it's the only hip hop record thus far to be certified Diamond (more than ten million units sold). I'll just say this: Biggie wasn't the most technically gifted MC out there, but he did far more with what he had than most do. Sample heavy, mainstream friendly production makes for an eminently listenable record, and his self effacing humor emerges just often enough to cut through an at times tiresome braggadocio. On the whole, an enjoyable record.

#482, Elvis Costello and the Attractions' Armed Forces: A beloved blast from the past. This one spawned two of Costello's most enduring classics, "Oliver's Army" and "Peace, Love and Understanding." Interesting fact: Costello's first recording gig was a lemonade commercial. He provided back up vocals for his father on "I'm a Secret Lemonade Drinker."

#481, The Smiths' The Smiths: Listening back to this record, I have to say it holds up pretty well. Johnny Marr's guitar work still sounds fresh, and as a bass player (okay, a bass owner), one thing that stands out is how versatile a bassist Andy Rourke was. He was never particularly showy, but a close listen reveals that he could move from rhythm section robotics to jazzy walking bassline to funky octave play on a dime. Can't help but appreciate that.

#480, George Michael's Faith: Listening to this record taught me that I need to approach this project with a bit more of an open mind. I fully expected, and wanted, to not like this. But "I Want Your Sex" notwithstanding, much of Faith is actually quite good. While "Hard Day" and "Hand to Mouth" are throwaways, "One More Try" showcases Michael as an awe-inspiring singer, and "Faith" is as catchy a pop song as could be hoped to find. Oh, and "Father Figure," it has to be said, takes me back to my tentative slow dance ass grabs in junior high...