Behind Closed Doors [Remastered] - Charlie Rich

Advantages: Good songs, technologically ground breaking
Disadvantages: A very dark album

...that this was a difficult time for the band, and listening to these songs now I sense some of that in the mood that this album takes, although I was not particularly aware of it at the time. Following the critically acclaimed release of the band's debut album, Three Imaginary Boys in 1979 The Cure already had a further 30 or more songs that they had been performing live and it is a selection of these that we find on this trilogy of releases. As the band squabbled and fought with one another internally, behind closed doors and away from public view, the record company, keen to cash in on the success of the debut release were largely responsible for putting together these songs. Smith would later tell us that Pornography was their darkest moment, recorded at the point where drugs, alcohol and fame had all combined to create an evil monster. There was only... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderful, classic Bowie album
Disadvantages: Song for Bob Dylan

...Stalking Time for the Moon Boy... Ch-Ch-Changes Those who have been waiting for David Bowie's follow-up to his last album, Reality, are having their patience severely tested. It's over four years now since his 2003/2004 Reality world tour came to an abrupt end due to Bowie's health problem but although he reportedly made a swift recovery his output since has been limited to some fairly small screen parts and a few appearances with other artists as a guest vocalist. He's 61, rich beyond most people's dreams, apparently happily married with a young daughter and he received a sharp reminder of his mortality a few years ago; just a sample of the reasons he might be finding not to work too hard. Roll back to 1971 and it's a very different story. The 24 year old Bowie had already fronted several bands, been through numerous... Read review

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Advantages: Great Lyrics, great story telling, excellent production
Disadvantages: Interlude track of BIG having sex

...'Ready To Die' is the debut solo album from now deceased New York rapper The Notorious BIG (RIP) aka Biggie Smalls aka BIG aka Frank White. The album was released on September 13th, 1994, a date I only recently noticed but hit a chord as BIG's fierce rival and former friend Tupac Shakur died 2 years later on Sept 13th 1996. The album went multi-platinum and was credited for revitalizing East Coast hip-hop which had fallen behind the gangster sounds of California and the West Coast. It has since been named in countless 100 greatest albums of all time lists, albums to hear before you die lists, and Biggie is usually in the top 3 of any greatest rappers of all time lists (usually battling it out with 2pac, Run DMC or Eminem). The album was originally supposed to be recorded on Uptown Records where Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs... Read review

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