That’s What I Am by Eric Gales
Child prodigy Eric Gales released his first solo album at the ripe old age of 27
Having released two albums with his band in 1991 and 1993 respectively and another with his brothers in 1996, it was surprising that his first real solo album didn’t come until later. Primarily showcasing his guitar chops the album also features hip-hop style vocals, turntable scratching and a fiery cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxey Lady”, an artist he is often compared to. He is much funkier here than was indicated on his previous releases.
Favourite track: “Insane”
Lateralus by Tool
The album arrived five years after its predecessor mostly due to legal issues with their label
Lateralus is quite epic in its scope compared to previous Tool releases and even includes one three track song cycle that totals more than 23 minutes in length. As a big fan of Tool I was always going to like this although I still prefer Ænima. It rewards repeated listening, as does much of their work, not least due to the complexity of the rhythm changes and the album’s dynamic sound.
Favourite track: Album opener “The Grudge”
Watching The World by Primary
Primary was my first taste of the vocal stylings of Connie Mitchell, it would not be my last
Before a brief stint with Machine Gun Fellatio and joining Sneaky Sound System, Connie Mitchell performed vocals out the front of Primary. The Fonti brothers, previously members of Caligula, formed techno rock group Primary with Connie. I enjoyed their debut album This Is The Sound, but I thought their sound had improved markedly on this one and loved it right from the first listen.
Favourite track: “Not For Me”
Gold by Ryan Adams
Released in September 2001, Gold was the second solo studio album by Ryan Adams
I was never really a fan of Whiskeytown, which featured Adams on lead vocals and guitar, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy this album. I hadn’t heard his first solo album and so this was the first of his releases I had ever listened to in its entirety. Released only two weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the single “New York, New York” did well for the singer accordingly. His intent was to create a modern classic and he originally intended for it to be a double album, but sadly his record company didn’t agree.
Favourite track: “Enemy Fire”
Strange Little Girls by Tori Amos
Four different album covers were available representing four different tracks from the album
Amos released Strange Little Girls as a concept album reinterpreting songs written and performed by males, from a female perspective. If you didn’t know these songs otherwise you’d be mistaken for thinking them her own compositions so unique are her interpretations. I have been a fan of Tori’s work since her debut so I soon as I heard which songs she’d be covering I knew I would have to get my hands on it.
Favourite track: Her unusual take on Slayer’s thrash metal classic “Raining Blood”
The Slabthrower 