Album Notes - RIP Bill Walton
In the spirit of a true legend who passed away a few days ago, a man known for making his name in sport while being so closely associated with a certain musical group, we could honor the one of a kind Bill Walton by sharing a Grateful Dead record, perhaps the delicious Dick's Picks 12 recently released on vinyl for the first time. But that's too "normal." It wouldn't quite be Bill Walton enough. For a man known to mix mediums, genres, decades, boundaries, and realms, let's call on Bill from the great beyond with a little help from modern technology.
We'll take a look at three recent albums whose two shared through lines are that the artists have been featured here before and none is their best work. So, with that ringing endorsement and some prompts into ChatGPT on what Big Red would think about each of them, buckle up...
Andrew Bird Trio - Sunday Morning Put On
ChatGPT Bill Walton:
Well, folks, gather 'round for a cosmic journey through the universe of sound, because the Andrew Bird Trio's "Sunday Morning Put-On" is like a triple-shot espresso for your eardrums! It's like they've bottled up the sunrise and infused it with jazz, folk, and a sprinkle of intergalactic stardust.
Listening to this album is like taking a ride on a rainbow slide straight into a pool of pure musical bliss. Andrew Bird's virtuoso violin skills are like sonic acupuncture, hitting all the right spots and leaving you in a state of euphoric relaxation.
But wait, there's more! The trio's chemistry is tighter than a pair of yoga pants on a marathon runner. They groove together like a well-oiled machine, effortlessly weaving intricate melodies and rhythms that'll make your head spin faster than a Frisbee in a hurricane.
And let's not forget Bird's vocals – smooth as silk and soulful as a sunrise over the Grand Canyon. He sings with such passion and sincerity that you can't help but get swept away in the emotion of it all.
So, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of "Sunday Morning Put-On" ASAP. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just someone who appreciates good music, this album is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Erickson's brief review:
Well, other than being just slightly hyperbolic, classic Walton, by the way, he's not wrong! And few album titles have been more spot on: it is perfect for a Sunday Morning Put-On. This is Bird (Andrew, not Larry) running through standards as opposed to originals, and while some fare better than others, at its worst, it's still Andrew Bird. At its best (the closing "Ballon de peut-être"), it's glorious.
Cage the Elephant - Neon Pill
ChatGPT Bill Walton:
Hey there, fellow music voyagers! Get ready to strap yourselves in for a wild ride through the psychedelic wonderland that is Cage the Elephant's latest masterpiece, "Neon Pill"! It's like taking a trip to the moon on a unicorn made of rainbows and guitar riffs!
From the moment you hit play, you're catapulted into a sonic whirlwind of electric energy that's more electrifying than a lightning storm at a disco party. These guys aren't just pushing boundaries, they're smashing through them like a bulldozer on a rampage!
Each track on "Neon Pill" is a sonic kaleidoscope, blending elements of rock, funk, and pure unadulterated groove into a musical gumbo that'll have you dancing like nobody's watching – and maybe even like everybody's watching, 'cause why not?!
Frontman Matt Shultz's vocals are like a rollercoaster ride for your soul, soaring to dizzying heights one moment and plunging into the depths of emotion the next. And the band's musicianship? Let's just say they're tighter than a pair of skinny jeans on a sumo wrestler.
But what really sets "Neon Pill" apart is its fearless sense of experimentation. These guys aren't afraid to push the envelope and explore new sonic territories, and the result is an album that's as refreshing as a dip in a mountain stream and as exhilarating as a bungee jump off the Empire State Building.
So, if you're ready to take a walk on the wild side and experience music like you've never heard it before, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "Neon Pill" today. Trust me, your ears will thank you, and your soul will be forever changed!
Erickson's brief review:
I don't know whether I actually like this album or merely tolerate it. I've long enjoyed Cage the Elephant but was shocked to see the venues they were slated for on their jaunt to promote Neon Pill. (Yes, they toured 20,000+ capacity sheds back in 2019, but at least they were joined by Beck.) Judging by the ticket sales for my hometown show, I'd venture to say my surprise is not unwarranted, although I don't see the tour getting nixed the way that of the producer of their fourth album's recently was. All of this to say, Neon Pill sounds like a band booking a tour and then trying to write songs to fill the size of those rooms. Musically, it's very Cage the Elephant, and some tracks I truly enjoy, but much of it feels forced. Cumulatively, it's short on verses, heavy on repetitive choruses, and I'm afraid their sixth record is representative of what their catalogue is increasingly becoming with each passing release: a mixed bag. Agree to disagree with ChatGPT Bill on this one.
Chick Corea & Béla Fleck - Remembrance
ChatGPT Bill Walton:
Whoa, folks! Bill Walton here, and I've got to tell you about this incredible album I've been grooving to lately. It's none other than the Chick Corea & Béla Fleck Remembrance. Let me tell you, it's like a slam dunk straight into the heart of jazz and bluegrass fusion!
From the opening notes, you're transported into a realm where musical boundaries blur, and innovation reigns supreme. Chick Corea's piano mastery dances effortlessly alongside Béla Fleck's virtuosic banjo wizardry. It's like watching Magic Johnson and Larry Bird team up for an electrifying performance!
Each track on Remembrance is a journey in itself. Whether it's the intricate melodies of "Bugle Call Rag" or the soul-stirring harmonies of "Senorita," every note is like a fast break down the court, leaving you breathless and craving for more.
But what truly sets this album apart is the synergy between Corea and Fleck. It's like they're speaking a secret language, each understanding the other's moves before they even make them. It's teamwork at its finest, folks!
So, if you're looking for an album that'll take you on a musical adventure like no other, look no further than Chick Corea & Béla Fleck's Remembrance. It's a slam dunk, a home run, and a touchdown all rolled into one!
Erickson's brief review:
Um, other than "Bugle Call Rag" and "Senorita" not existing on this album, ChatGPT Bill Walton is 100% spot on.
RIP Bill Walton. Few could have said it better. None could have said it other.
