Is This The Life We Really Want? by Roger Waters
Roger Waters released his fourth solo album in 2017, a mere 25 years after its predecessor
As has always been the case when it comes to Pink Floyd, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That being said, I have largely still enjoyed the solo albums of its members and the Pink Floyd albums made after the departure of Roger Waters. Although I am sure he would not like to hear it, I find this album a lot closer to the material of his former band than his previous albums. Maybe that is why I like it so much! It was a successful one too, reaching #3 in the UK album charts and #11 in the US.
Favourite track: The trilogy of “Wait For Her/Oceans Apart/Part Of Me Died” which is really a single work in three parts
Party Of One by George Thorogood
George Thorogood released his first solo album, without the Destroyers, in 2017
Choosing to release his first solo album more than 40 years into his career may have seemed a strange decision, but the proof is in the pudding. George plays all the instruments himself on largely acoustic arrangements of tracks that George has loved for most of his life. These compositions were originally performed by some of his heroes such as John Lee Hooker, Elmore James and Robert Johnson. He does them justice and if you have ever been a fan of acoustic blues I highly recommend this album.
Favourite track: His cover of “No Expectations”, a Rolling Stones original
Life Love Flesh Blood by Imelda May
Imelda May collaborated with American musician T-Bone Burnett for her fifth studio album
Deciding to have a radical change in direction from her previous rockabilly material seemed to have worked very well for Ireland’s Imelda May. The sound consisted of more acoustic and softer rock styles and was made after her divorce, itself an influence on the album’s lyrics. As I was a fan of her rockabilly material I was a little unsure when I first brought the album home but I needn’t have worried.
Favourite track: The magnificent 3rd single from the album, “Should’ve Been You”
Prophets Of Rage by Prophets Of Rage
The debut (and only) self-titled album from Prophets Of Rage, released in September 2017
Prophets Of Rage are a musical act consisting of members of Rage Against The Machine, Public Enemy and Cypress Hill. On paper this collaboration shouldn’t work, but it does. I have always liked the music and musicianship of Rage Against The Machine but have only been able to handle Zack de la Rocha’s vocals in small doses. I enjoyed their work with Audioslave, although others didn’t, because I like Chris Cornell’s vocals. My brother-in-law put me onto this band and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy this album. The group got together as a reaction to Trump which is a good enough reason for me.
Favourite track: “Living On The 110”
Villains by Queens Of The Stone Age
Villains, the 7th studio album from Queens Of The Stone Age, was released in August 2017
Villains was nominated for a Grammy as Best Rock Album and was another successful release for the Josh Homme and co.’s band. The album topped the charts around the world, including here in Australia and was supported by a world tour and the release of two singles. I got to see them on this tour as it included dates in Hobart. I was very impressed with the album as well as their live performance.
Favourite track: “Feet Don’t Fail Me”
The Slabthrower 