This Christmas, I received a book called "1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die". I immediately wanted to know how my music collection added up. So on my family's annual trip to Detroit to see relatives, I looked up most of the contents of my iPod. I made some interesting discoveries.
Coldplay is not listed! The band referred to as "The Second Coming of U2" does not get an entry in this book. What on earth?!
I've always found it odd that there's an instrumental song on Janis Joplin's album "Pearl". I knew she died of a heroin overdose at age 27, but didn't think her work was affected by this. According to the book, the track is instrumental because she died two days before she was slated to record vocals on the track. The title of this track? "Buried Alive in the Blues" Damn, Janis!
Rick James is a real recording artist! (Though I need to point out he is NOT on my iPod) I knew people made jokes about him, "I'm Rick James, bitch!" but I had no idea why. And then I saw his picture. Sporting a Jerry Curl, this 1989 chart-topper lears at the camera in all his Gold's Gym glory. He really is a Super Freak!
Billie Holiday is the contemporary of Bessie Smith who is the contemporary of Ma Rainy.
Robert Johnson is NOT the birth of the blues, even though Eric Clapton called him "the most important blues singer that ever lived". Johnson is a contemporary of Son House and Charley Patton. Johnson also died at age 27.
So did Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, the most recognizable members of the "Forever 27 Club".
I'm excited to learn more about the music I listen to and the music I shouldn't miss. Does anyone have any other suggestions to expand my repertoire?
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