Hey! Where's my Secret Book?

[DvChWi]

I just got back from my vacation, and came home to 7 new CDs!  Add that to the two I bought while on vacation, I have 9  new CDs.
Kevin Max, Stereotype Be
Downhere, s/t
Radiohead, Kid A
Radiohead, OK Computer
U2, The Joshua Tree
U2, Athtung Baby
R.E.M., Automatic for the People
The Innocence Mission, Glow
Over the Rhine, Good Dog, Bad Dog

I'll let you know what I think of those later.  But first, where the heck is my hidden Kid A booklet?  I looked under the CD tray thing, and its not there!  I feel ripped off!  Or am I just not looking hard enough?

[Josh]

Glad to have you back, Dv, and I look forward to discussing these CDs with you; all are great albums, a few are masterpieces. And too bad about no secret booklet!

[DvChWi]

Glad to have you back, Dv, and I look forward to discussing these CDs with you; all are great albums, a few are masterpieces. And too bad about no secret booklet!

The copy of Kid A I had from the library had the secret booklet in it, but no regular booklet.  So, I have seen it before.  Right now, I only have the R.E.M. CD left to listen to.  Should be interesting.

[Josh]

Some brief comments. Tell me if you disagree.

Kevin Max, Stereotype Be

Max is quite possibly CCM's best songwriter, but he lets his influences drift toward the surface too much. the obvious Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Beatles sounds annoy me, but it's still a solid, 4-star disc.

Downhere, s/t

One of my very favorite CCM rock albums, despite a couple of lesser songs ("Making Me," "Breathing In").

Radiohead, Kid A

A masterpiece of creativity and imagination. It's a revealing and troubling look at our world, and, contrary to popular opinion, it IS NOT too negative. A Top 10 favorite of mine.

Radiohead, OK Computer

Another masterpiece and another Top 10 favorite. One of the most solidly built and complex rock albums of all time.

U2, The Joshua Tree

My all-time favorite album. Gets better with every listen. And I learn something new each time I listen, as well.

U2, Athtung Baby

My third favorite of all time. Rock's greatest reinvention.

R.E.M., Automatic for the People

Almost a masterpiece. I have a few complaints with the songwriting, but the performances and the production are all spot-on. My third favorite REM album and their second best.

The Innocence Mission, Glow

Lovely music, and encouraging lyrics. Solid 4 stars.

Over the Rhine, Good Dog, Bad Dog

Aside from Achtung and Joshua Tree, this one might be the best album in my collection. It's heartbreakingly beautiful, and I defy you not to be moved by it. A Top 5 favorite.

[DvChWi]

Kevin Max, Stereotype Be

Interesting.  Funny how much this guy sounds like one of the voices from DC Talk!   I like it, but I have only listened to it once.  You're right, some songs, especially track 4, remind me of other bands a lot.

Downhere, s/t

Good, but for some reason, the only track thats sticking with me is the silly "Rock Stars Need Money" track.

Radiohead, Kid A

Not new for me.  A classic. Don't like as much as OKC, though.

Radiohead, OK Computer

The classic.

U2, The Joshua Tree

Ditto

[DvChWi]

cont.(I can't figure out whats going on with this wimpy post size limit thing!  I've tried everything!  I can't take it anymore!)

U2, Athtung Baby

My favorite U2 album.

R.E.M., Automatic for the People

Interesting.  The lyrics aren't printed, and I'm having trouble figuring them out.  Sounds good, though.  Which songs do you think have bad song writing?  I think "Ignoreland" sounds way to political, from what I'm hearing.

The Innocence Mission, Glow

Man, this lady has an odd voice!  Love it, though.  A very nice, clean, simple sound.

Over the Rhine, Good Dog, Bad Dog

I like it better than Films.  Can't say I'm feeling the greatness as much as everyone else, but its definately a great album.  What were the two tracks that were cut in the reissue like?  I'm curious.

[Josh]

The reissue of GDBD cut "Jack's Valentine" and "Gospel Song" and added "It's Never Quite What it Seems." I prefer the new version.

As for Automatic, I think "Everybody Hurts" is a little empty, and "Ignoreland" and "Star Me Kitten" don't fit in well with the other songs, thematically.

[DvChWi]

The reissue of GDBD cut "Jack's Valentine" and "Gospel Song" and added "It's Never Quite What it Seems." I prefer the new version.

As for Automatic, I think "Everybody Hurts" is a little empty, and "Ignoreland" and "Star Me Kitten" don't fit in well with the other songs, thematically.

I couldn't understand a word of "Star Me Kitten", so I couldn't tell you about how I think it fits in.  Is there any place I can get the other two OtR tracks?  I'm curious to hear them.

[Josh]

You could probably find them on any file-sharing program, like Kazaa or WinMX. They're both fine songs, and added some levity to the original album, but I prefer the more cohesive new version.

www.remrock.com should have full lyrics, by the way.

[DvChWi]

www.remrock.com should have full lyrics, by the way.

Ooh, I think I liked it better before I found out what he was saying.    

[Josh]

For what it's worth, "Star Me Kitten" is supposed to be written from the perspective of some messed-up movie character. I forgot which film, I'm afraid, but I've been told that the song goes well with the character. Still, not one of my favorite REM tracks.