472. Tom Waits - Heartattack and Vine

Release Date: 1980
Label: Asylum

I wish I liked Tom Waits more than I do. But his voice is all wrong. Don't get me wrong, there are times I can tolerate unorthodox vocals - but not this time.

Rating: 6/10

354. Eagles - Hotel California

Release Date: 1976
Label: Asylum

A few years ago I watched a BBC4 documentary about the Eagles, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. By that time I'd owned a copy of their greatest hits, but it made me curious to explore their back catalogue. As things stand, I've never got round to that, but I think we can start by buying this album. It's a significant step up from their self-titled debut, where almost every song is as good as the last.

Rating: 10/10

352. Joni Mitchell - Hejira

Release Date: 1976
Label: Asylum

There's in no doubting that Joni Mitchell is a talented songwriter. Her ideas are often original and creative, but they don't always come off. When she's good, she's brilliant; but on occasions, she is prone to overthinking the creative process. I'm sure there are some brilliant songs somewhere in this album, but they're hidden to deeply

Rating: 6/10

339. Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner

Release Date: 1975
Label: Asylum

The first thing you'll noticed about this record are the laid-back jazz vibes. The second thing to get your attention with be the voice. A voice memorably desribed like "it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car." or "barking like a bullmastiff in a barn fire."

Yes, the album is a little too long, and of course his voice is rough, ragged and aquired taste. But, the songs are good and so is the atmosphere.

Rating: 7/10

338. Joni Mitchell - The Hissing of Summer Lawns

Release Date: 1975
Label: Asylum

Joni Mitchell surprised me last time out with the beautiful 'Court and Spark'. This time round she disappoints me. By the time we get to this album, Joni has ditched her sweet, accesible music and melodies for something more experimental and jazz-influenced. It isn't terrible, in fact, some of it is quite nice, but compared to Joni's ealier works it pales. Perhaps it is one of those albums that need to grow on you. 

Rating: 7/10

321. Gene Clark - No Other

Release Date: 1974
Label: Asylum

Back in January, I confessed I wasn't too impressed with Gene Clark's first solo offering in this book; suggesting it had nothing new to offer amongst the other singer/songwriter albums of the time. As such I was apprehensive about this album - especially as I considered Gene Clark would be past his best by now. I was wrong, very wrong. This was such a discovery, and another one I knew from the first twenty seconds I'd like. I don't think there was a bad track on the album, and it's suprising that it was such as commerical/critical flop at the time of its release.

Rating: 10/10

308. Joni Mitchell - Court and Spark

Release Date: 1974
Label: Asylum

I have owned 'Blue' for about ten years now, but my lack of enthusiasm for it has stopped me from listening to any of Joni Mitchell's other albums. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate it - I actually like it- but I've never loved it enough to want to explore her back catalogue. This album is arguably so much better than its predecessor though. It was a perfect end to a Friday night, and now I can't wait to see what else Joni has to offer.

Rating: 8/10

260. Eagles - Eagles

Release Date: 1972
Label: Asylum

America: Coca-Cola. Hollywood. Eagles. Whilst guests in England can stay at Fawlty Towers, visitors to America are welcome at the Hotel California. Mind you, a good review on Tripadvisor isn't going to be forthcoming from either establishment. Anyway, if you're aware of the Eagles, this album is what you'd expect from the. Great harmonies, good music, ok songs. I liked it - in fact I'd probably listen to it again. I'm not sure I'd want to buy it though.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Peaceful, Easy Feeling