The Best Albums Ever... honest

Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings

Columbia C2K 46222 CD

Robert Johnson's life, death, and music are shrouded in mysterious legend. Despite recording only 29 tracks before his untimely death at the age of 27, his impact on the blues genre is undeniable. Songs like "Hellhound On My Trail" and "If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day" capture the essence of a lifetime filled with broken promises, blood, and booze. Often hailed as the father of the blues, Johnson's unconventional guitar style and haunting lyrics make it evident why his legend lives on. Rumors of a pact with the devil surrounded him, with tales of crawling on all fours at crossroads. His music, showcased in The Complete Recordings, remains coated in a silvery mist of static, as if beaming across the decades from eternity.

Television: The Blow Up

ROIR RUSCD8249 2xCD

New York City's Television burst onto the punk scene in 1973, making CBGB's a hub for groundbreaking sound alongside the Ramones and Patti Smith. While categorized as punk, Television's unique guitar playing, courtesy of Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, extended beyond the boundaries of the genre. Marquee Moon, their debut studio album, showcased their complex compositions, combining poetic imagery with eloquent group playing. However, it was their live prowess that truly showcased their talent, captured in The Blow Up. This official bootleg, originally released in 1982, immerses listeners in the energy and brilliance of Television's final tour, with tracks like the 15-minute version of "Little Johnny Jewel" delivering an unforgettable experience.

John Fahey: Return of the Repressed

RHINO R2 71737 2xCD

American Primitive guitarist John Fahey possessed a unique and haunting musical style. Despite his troubled personality, his music conveyed an incredible warmth and beauty. Return of the Repressed is a comprehensive collection of Fahey's work, spanning from the early 1960s to the 1990s. His innovative guitar techniques combined folk-blues picking, atonality, and lush chords, solidifying him as an American original. Despite his personal struggles, his music remains among the most life-affirming ever made, capturing emotions that he sometimes struggled to express in his everyday life. Fahey's ability to evoke deep feelings through his compositions sets him apart as a true musical genius.

Neu!: Neu '75

EMI 5307822 CD

Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother, collectively known as Neu!, epitomized the sound of European road-music. Through their metronomic drumming and guitar work, they created a propulsive and distinctive Euro-rock hybrid. Neu '75 is their most ambitious album, characterized by atmospheric tracks that immerse listeners in a landscape of sound. From the electronic beauty of "Isi" to the motorway-inspired intensity of the second side, this album captures the essence of Neu!'s unique and influential sound. Their contribution to the European music scene is immeasurable, paving the way for countless bands to explore new sonic territories.

MC5: Back in the USA

Atlantic 8122710332 CD

MC5, a high-energy rock group from Detroit, embodied the rebellious spirit of the late 1960s. Their debut album, Kick Out The Jams, displayed their revolutionary fervor and fusion of genres, covering free-jazz tracks alongside energetic rock 'n' roll. Although their confrontational approach hindered their commercial success, Back in the USA, their sophomore album, remains a teenage classic. Songs like "High School" and "Looking At You" capture the essence of youth and rebellion, solidifying MC5's status as one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their music continues to inspire generations of musicians to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

The Real Kids: Grown Up Wrong

Norton CED-231 CD

The Real Kids, Boston's punk gang, embodied the raw energy and attitude of garage rock in the late 1970s. Led by singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Felice, the band captured the essence of classic rock 'n' roll while infusing it with a punk sensibility. Grown Up Wrong, a posthumously released live album, captures their exuberant energy and showcases their ability to write hooky, infectious songs. The Real Kids' sound, reminiscent of Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, and the Velvet Underground, is a testament to the enduring power of rock music. Their uncompromising attitude and lack of pretension set them apart as one of Boston's greatest bands.

Tiny Tim: God bless Tiny Tim

Reprise wpcr-1994 CD

Tiny Tim, the greatest maverick American genius, captivated audiences with his honest and unique approach to music. His signature song, "Tip-Toe Through The Tulips," charmed America in 1968 and led to his signing with Reprise, Frank Sinatra's label. God Bless Tiny Tim, his debut album, showcased a collection of songs that felt out of step with the prevailing musical trends of the time. However, the counter-culture embraced him, and he became a symbol of true authenticity. Despite his unconventional appearance and approach, Tiny Tim's music transcended genres and resonated with people until his passing in 1996. His legacy lives on as a testament to the power of individuality in music.

Spacemen 3: Perfect Prescription

Taang! CDs

Spacemen 3, hailing from Rugby, England, were pioneers of psychedelic rock. Their album Perfect Prescription, released in 1987, captured the essence of their unique sound, referencing the greatest moments in psychedelic rock history while forging their own path. The album unfolds with a relentless, otherworldly logic, evolving through droning, hypnotic tracks that transport listeners to another dimension. Walkin' With Jesus and Transparent Radiation showcase the band's ability to create ecstatic and mind-altering music. Although their collaboration eventually dissolved, both Jason Pierce (Spiritualized) and Peter Kember (Sonic Boom) went on to make significant contributions to the music world, but none could quite replicate the magic captured on Perfect Prescription.

Hotels and Music: A Perfect Combination

When it comes to immersing oneself in the world of music, staying at a hotel that celebrates the artform can enhance the overall experience. Many hotels around the world have embraced music as a theme, offering guests a unique and memorable stay. Whether it's through themed rooms, live performances, or curated music selections, these establishments understand the powerful connection between music and travel.

Creating an Atmosphere

Hotels that focus on music often go the extra mile to create an atmosphere that reflects the vibrancy and creativity of the industry. From the moment guests step foot inside, they are greeted by music-themed decor, artwork, and carefully chosen background melodies. The ambiance is carefully crafted to transport guests into the world of music, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the experience.

Curated Playlists and Live Performances

Music-themed hotels often curate playlists that showcase the destination's musical heritage or feature specific genres or artists. These customized soundtracks can create a sense of place and open guests' ears to new sounds and artists they may not be familiar with. Some hotels also offer live performances by local musicians, providing guests with an opportunity to enjoy an intimate concert within the comfort of their accommodation.

Collaborations with Artists

Hotels that prioritize music often collaborate with local and international artists to create unique experiences for their guests. This can include hosting album launches, organizing art exhibitions featuring music-inspired artwork, or even providing recording studios for musicians to use during their stay. These collaborations not only benefit the guests but also contribute to the local music scene, fostering creativity and innovation.

Themed Rooms and Amenities

For music enthusiasts, staying in a hotel with themed rooms can be a dream come true. These rooms often pay homage to legendary musicians, iconic albums, or specific music genres. From Beatles-inspired suites to sleek and modern rooms equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, these accommodations offer an immersive experience for music lovers. Some hotels even provide instruments for guests to play, giving them a chance to engage with music on a more personal level.

Music-Focused Events

Music-themed hotels often organize a range of events and activities that cater to guests' musical interests. This can include DJ nights, vinyl record fairs, songwriting workshops, or even dance parties celebrating specific eras or genres. These events encourage guests to connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting memories around their shared love for music.

Celebrating Music's Universal Language

Hotels that embrace music as a central theme recognize its universal language. Music has the power to connect people across cultures and generations, providing a shared experience that transcends all boundaries. By incorporating music into their establishments, these hotels create a space where guests can come together and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the artform.