Turn It Up To 11
@turnitupto11.bsky.social
Almost-blind-music-obsessed man. Used to write about... music (from 1995-2015). Newspapers/mags/radio. Ex Polaris Prize grand juror. LPs lover/collector. Contracts seeker. 1000s of albums, so little time. The original music nerd. 8 years on X. Year 1 here.
Take It So Hard. Boy, I loved that tune when it came out in '88. Had to buy the LP and I sure wasn't disappointed. Arguably, the best solo LP made by a member of the Stones. As an English friend of mine once said, "there's nary a duff track on this black plastic thing." Couldn’t have said it better.
November 14, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Take It So Hard. Boy, I loved that tune when it came out in '88. Had to buy the LP and I sure wasn't disappointed. Arguably, the best solo LP made by a member of the Stones. As an English friend of mine once said, "there's nary a duff track on this black plastic thing." Couldn’t have said it better.
Yesterday was Neil Young's 80th bday. Time Fades Away is not one of his most celebrated works. The fact that it's sandwiched between two bona fide classics (Harvest + On the Beach) certainly doesn't help. But it's a powerful snapshot of a deeply troubled period. A raw, honest, harrowing document.
November 13, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Yesterday was Neil Young's 80th bday. Time Fades Away is not one of his most celebrated works. The fact that it's sandwiched between two bona fide classics (Harvest + On the Beach) certainly doesn't help. But it's a powerful snapshot of a deeply troubled period. A raw, honest, harrowing document.
Music lovers usually remember Talking Heads and David Byrne but they tend to forget Tom Tom Club w/ Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of TH. I listened to their entire discography recently and most of their LPs are pretty uneven. Except maybe their 1981 debut featuring the classic tune Genius of Love.
November 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Music lovers usually remember Talking Heads and David Byrne but they tend to forget Tom Tom Club w/ Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of TH. I listened to their entire discography recently and most of their LPs are pretty uneven. Except maybe their 1981 debut featuring the classic tune Genius of Love.
I remember people saying how disappointed they were when Tunnel of Love was released, in the fall of '87. They were expecting Born in the USA part II. Only it wasn't. While the production is clearly of its time, in hindsight, the LP is not only a very personal, reflective work, it's one of his best.
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
I remember people saying how disappointed they were when Tunnel of Love was released, in the fall of '87. They were expecting Born in the USA part II. Only it wasn't. While the production is clearly of its time, in hindsight, the LP is not only a very personal, reflective work, it's one of his best.
Love this LP for many reasons. 1st, thematically, it's flawless. 2nd. Like I said, I saw Lou live on my 16th bday. Just a few weeks after New York's release. Not in a big stadium, in a small venue. Got the "deluxe" version a few years ago and that show is included. Arguably, Reed's best solo work.
November 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Love this LP for many reasons. 1st, thematically, it's flawless. 2nd. Like I said, I saw Lou live on my 16th bday. Just a few weeks after New York's release. Not in a big stadium, in a small venue. Got the "deluxe" version a few years ago and that show is included. Arguably, Reed's best solo work.
I wouldn't want to be friends with Van. But I can differentiate artist vs human being. Beside You is the very 1st tune I ever heard from him. What a shock. As a whole, Astral Weeks is a staggering LP. Especially when you consider it was made by a 23-year old man. Love this one and Moondance equally.
November 9, 2025 at 7:16 PM
I wouldn't want to be friends with Van. But I can differentiate artist vs human being. Beside You is the very 1st tune I ever heard from him. What a shock. As a whole, Astral Weeks is a staggering LP. Especially when you consider it was made by a 23-year old man. Love this one and Moondance equally.
Early Stones LPs hold a special place in my heart. The boys were hungry, creative... and rebels. An ex-partner gave me a vinyl copy of Flowers as a bday gift nearly 30 yrs ago. Still have it. Mother's Little Helper, Out of Time, Ruby Tuesday, Spend the Night Together, etc. Can't go wrong with that.
November 8, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Early Stones LPs hold a special place in my heart. The boys were hungry, creative... and rebels. An ex-partner gave me a vinyl copy of Flowers as a bday gift nearly 30 yrs ago. Still have it. Mother's Little Helper, Out of Time, Ruby Tuesday, Spend the Night Together, etc. Can't go wrong with that.
Crucial LP for me. August 1989, I saw Lou Reed live on my birthday and was entranced. A few weeks later, I heard this. Wow. What a record. Dirty, eclectic, powerful. Great stuff. Crime in the City, Rockin' in the Free World, Don't Cry, On Broadway. In hindsight, Neil Young's best album of the 1980s.
November 7, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Crucial LP for me. August 1989, I saw Lou Reed live on my birthday and was entranced. A few weeks later, I heard this. Wow. What a record. Dirty, eclectic, powerful. Great stuff. Crime in the City, Rockin' in the Free World, Don't Cry, On Broadway. In hindsight, Neil Young's best album of the 1980s.
It's not that early Steely Dan LPs are bad, on the contrary, but Katy Lied is the one where they expanded their trademark sound. Sophisticated, densely textured, pristine-sounding, it elegantly paves the way for the remarkable Aja. There are some lovely hi-fi sonic sculptures on this one.
November 6, 2025 at 7:49 PM
It's not that early Steely Dan LPs are bad, on the contrary, but Katy Lied is the one where they expanded their trademark sound. Sophisticated, densely textured, pristine-sounding, it elegantly paves the way for the remarkable Aja. There are some lovely hi-fi sonic sculptures on this one.
When it was out, in the spring of '89, Full Moon Fever did not impress me much. Glossy, it didn't sound like a Petty/Heartbreakers LP. It had Jeff Lynne's trademark sound all over it; more Wilburys than Torpedoes. Yrs later, I appreciate it for what it is: accessible, melodic with nary a duff track.
November 5, 2025 at 7:25 PM
When it was out, in the spring of '89, Full Moon Fever did not impress me much. Glossy, it didn't sound like a Petty/Heartbreakers LP. It had Jeff Lynne's trademark sound all over it; more Wilburys than Torpedoes. Yrs later, I appreciate it for what it is: accessible, melodic with nary a duff track.
Little Creatures. At its core, it's a pop record made for the MTV gen with funk and afrobeat elements but more polished and shiny. Not my fav TH album (it lacks the edge of early LPs) but a fine bunch of tunes with a killer opener (And She Was) and closer (Road to Nowhere).
November 4, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Little Creatures. At its core, it's a pop record made for the MTV gen with funk and afrobeat elements but more polished and shiny. Not my fav TH album (it lacks the edge of early LPs) but a fine bunch of tunes with a killer opener (And She Was) and closer (Road to Nowhere).
The Who's A Quick One. I see it as a transitional work. Not as satisfying as their raucous debut but there are many highlights. Moon's showcase (Cobwebs and Strange), Entwistle's now-classic Boris the Spider and the mini-epic title track that sets the stage for great things ahead (Tommy, etc).
November 3, 2025 at 9:58 PM
The Who's A Quick One. I see it as a transitional work. Not as satisfying as their raucous debut but there are many highlights. Moon's showcase (Cobwebs and Strange), Entwistle's now-classic Boris the Spider and the mini-epic title track that sets the stage for great things ahead (Tommy, etc).
It's obvious The Beatles were tired when they recorded Beatles for Sale in 1964. It's the sound of a band trying to catch its breath : 6 covers, only 8 originals. Not a perfect LP by any means (Mr. Moonlight, anyone?) but its somber tone makes it quite fascinating. Despite its flaws, it's essential.
November 2, 2025 at 6:32 PM
It's obvious The Beatles were tired when they recorded Beatles for Sale in 1964. It's the sound of a band trying to catch its breath : 6 covers, only 8 originals. Not a perfect LP by any means (Mr. Moonlight, anyone?) but its somber tone makes it quite fascinating. Despite its flaws, it's essential.
I wasn't a big fan of Eric Carmen's solo career but I loved The Raspberries. For some reason, I always compared them to Big Star: '70s power pop group with a real gift for strong hooks, started recording the same year as Big Star. Two underrated bands that deserved more recognition. RIP Eric Carmen.
November 1, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I wasn't a big fan of Eric Carmen's solo career but I loved The Raspberries. For some reason, I always compared them to Big Star: '70s power pop group with a real gift for strong hooks, started recording the same year as Big Star. Two underrated bands that deserved more recognition. RIP Eric Carmen.
Rust Never Sleeps. The first acoustic side is contemplative and quite splendid. But the electric side is where things get really good. Powderfinger alone is worth the price of the LP. One of Young's best works and a landmark rock album. Period. Still stunning in 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Rust Never Sleeps. The first acoustic side is contemplative and quite splendid. But the electric side is where things get really good. Powderfinger alone is worth the price of the LP. One of Young's best works and a landmark rock album. Period. Still stunning in 2025.
The 1st Crosby, Stills & Nash LP is a bona fide classic. The thought of it always bring me back to my record-selling job in the early '90s. It's clearly a product of its time but the quality of the material and the lovely vocal harmonies transcend a few dated elements. Judy Blue Eyes is a highlight.
October 30, 2025 at 6:22 PM
The 1st Crosby, Stills & Nash LP is a bona fide classic. The thought of it always bring me back to my record-selling job in the early '90s. It's clearly a product of its time but the quality of the material and the lovely vocal harmonies transcend a few dated elements. Judy Blue Eyes is a highlight.
Like Jimi, Iggy, Bolan, Phil Lynott was a born rocker. His early passing at the age of 36 sure left a void in the world of rock 'n roll. On Jailbreak, Thin Lizzy got their famous "twin-guitar" sound right and, arguably, deliver their strongest collection of tunes. Tight, brash rock. Really great LP.
October 29, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Like Jimi, Iggy, Bolan, Phil Lynott was a born rocker. His early passing at the age of 36 sure left a void in the world of rock 'n roll. On Jailbreak, Thin Lizzy got their famous "twin-guitar" sound right and, arguably, deliver their strongest collection of tunes. Tight, brash rock. Really great LP.
On the surface, Station to Station may seem like a scattershot/messy affair : ballads, groovy disco-funk tunes, prog leanings and even oblique avant-garde bits. But the small miracle is that somehow all the pieces of the puzzle fit together pretty seamlessly. An elegantly menacing near-masterpiece.
October 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
On the surface, Station to Station may seem like a scattershot/messy affair : ballads, groovy disco-funk tunes, prog leanings and even oblique avant-garde bits. But the small miracle is that somehow all the pieces of the puzzle fit together pretty seamlessly. An elegantly menacing near-masterpiece.
Starless and Bible Black. Sandwiched between Larks Tongues in Aspic and Red, it is harder hitting and more "vocal" than the former and weirder, more ambitious than the latter. In hindsight, it's arguably KC's most balanced LP. Superb performances all around. Bruford is especially impressive here.
October 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Starless and Bible Black. Sandwiched between Larks Tongues in Aspic and Red, it is harder hitting and more "vocal" than the former and weirder, more ambitious than the latter. In hindsight, it's arguably KC's most balanced LP. Superb performances all around. Bruford is especially impressive here.
Hejira. For some, this LP is Joni's Taj Mahal. The high point of her career. For me, it's a spacious, comfy hotel room. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Not her most melodic work. Takes a few spins to warm to it; a real grower. Love the jazz elements and the presence of the great Jaco Pastorius.
October 26, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Hejira. For some, this LP is Joni's Taj Mahal. The high point of her career. For me, it's a spacious, comfy hotel room. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Not her most melodic work. Takes a few spins to warm to it; a real grower. Love the jazz elements and the presence of the great Jaco Pastorius.
Gabriel's first solo LP was always a fascinating item for me. Fresh out of Genesis, the man was searching high and low and clearly showed why he needed to fly on his own. He tries hard. Maybe a bit too hard? What the LP lacks in focus, it makes up in fearlessness. A flawed but very promising debut.
October 25, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Gabriel's first solo LP was always a fascinating item for me. Fresh out of Genesis, the man was searching high and low and clearly showed why he needed to fly on his own. He tries hard. Maybe a bit too hard? What the LP lacks in focus, it makes up in fearlessness. A flawed but very promising debut.
When I 1st heard Doolittle, in early May '89, I thought it was a quirky, fun little indie rock record. Nowadays, it's hard to imagine the whole grunge movement of the '90s without it. It redefined the boundaries of alt rock, shaped indie rock and remains one of the most important LPs of the eighties
October 24, 2025 at 2:48 PM
When I 1st heard Doolittle, in early May '89, I thought it was a quirky, fun little indie rock record. Nowadays, it's hard to imagine the whole grunge movement of the '90s without it. It redefined the boundaries of alt rock, shaped indie rock and remains one of the most important LPs of the eighties
Fear of Music. Eno's 2nd stint as producer with Talking Heads and the LP that got me hooked on the band in the mid 1980s. I Zimbra's coda was used as the theme for a well-known local comedy group. It caught my ears and I became a fan then and there. Heaven + Life During Wartime are also noteworthy.
October 23, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Fear of Music. Eno's 2nd stint as producer with Talking Heads and the LP that got me hooked on the band in the mid 1980s. I Zimbra's coda was used as the theme for a well-known local comedy group. It caught my ears and I became a fan then and there. Heaven + Life During Wartime are also noteworthy.
Last wk, I got my hands on a vinyl copy of King Crimson's In the Wake of Poseidon. Hadn't listened to it in over 20 years. Only thing I remembered was the creepy cover art. It creeped me out as a kid. Sure, it's no In the Court but it's still a fine LP; bit jazzier, more cohesive w/ a superior prod.
October 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Last wk, I got my hands on a vinyl copy of King Crimson's In the Wake of Poseidon. Hadn't listened to it in over 20 years. Only thing I remembered was the creepy cover art. It creeped me out as a kid. Sure, it's no In the Court but it's still a fine LP; bit jazzier, more cohesive w/ a superior prod.
I had a few Chris Rea LPs in my collection but recently, I got 8 more for a few bucks. Loved his '91 Auberge album but never had the occasion to listen to The Road to Hell. Superb record. Conceptual. Great songcraft. Guitar-playing that reminds me of Mark Knopfler. And that distinctive, deep voice.
October 21, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I had a few Chris Rea LPs in my collection but recently, I got 8 more for a few bucks. Loved his '91 Auberge album but never had the occasion to listen to The Road to Hell. Superb record. Conceptual. Great songcraft. Guitar-playing that reminds me of Mark Knopfler. And that distinctive, deep voice.