Tag: Imago

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“Whatever” by Aimee Mann (No. 18)

Album cover for "Whatever" by Aimee Mann

Album cover for "Whatever" by Aimee MannA word of caution before listening to Aimee Mann‘s Whatever – it may very well cause you to recalibrate your standards for songwriting. If you’re setting your standards by this album, it’s almost unfair to most other bands. Almost.

Released in 1993, Whatever was Mann’s first solo album – but certainly not her first time to take a hand at songwriting. Mann recorded three studio LPs with ‘Til Tuesday, and an EP with her first band The Young Snakes. Continue reading ““Whatever” by Aimee Mann (No. 18)”

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“The End of Silence” by Rollins Band (No. 25)

Album cover: "The End of Silence" by the Rollins Band

Album cover: "The End of Silence" by the Rollins BandThe End of Silence is the kind of music that would make construction crews call about noise violations. If Spinal Tap turns it up to 11, then the Rollins Band takes it to 13. It’s an abattoir for eardrums. What I’m saying, kids, is this is a loud one and in no way subtle.

Weight shows the Rollins Band as accessible as they get. The End of Silence is every bit as well-produced as Weight, but there are no compromises to a wide audience. You’re in, or you’re out. I’m in.

The End of Silence was my introduction to Henry Rollins and the Rollins Band. I might have run into Black Flag at some point before, but I don’t specifically remember when. I first caught up with the Rollins Band with the video for “Low Self Opinion.”

Continue reading ““The End of Silence” by Rollins Band (No. 25)”