Bob Dylan - Blonde On Blonde (1966)

[Classic Rock]

In his own words, Blonde On Blonde is the 'thin wild mercury music' Dylan heard in his head in the mid-1960s. It is a proclaimed masterpiece by many music fans, and whilst it isn't my favourite album of his from the period, I can't deny the scope and depth. Dylan effortlessly switches between rock, folk, blues, ballads, and even Dixieland jazz on this eclectic double album - in fact the first double album ever released in popular music - and his third released in a year. Songs like the soppy 'Just Like A Woman' and the up-tempo 'I Want You' would be become radio standards of the 60s, but I don't think anything on this album reached the heights of his previous album opener 'Like A Rolling Stone'. 'Visions Of Johanna' does come close though, and 'Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again' is a great representation of his music from the period. All in all a great listen.

Grinspoon - Guide To Better Living (1997)

[Alternative Rock]

Aussie alternative scene was now huge mid-90's. So much so that Government funded broadcaster JJJ put together the 'Unearthed' concept, where the 'weekend warriors'/'garage bands' had the opportunity to submit an original song with potential stardom awaiting. The very first one in 1995 saw Lismore locals Grinspoon win the competition. Some cash and a recording contract. The side note to this competition is arguably they were the best product of this competition over the years. A couple of E.P.'s later and we have Guide in 1997. Fist pumping, neck snapping, in your face not so much heavy rock. It's more than that. They get called post-grunge. Reality is it's 16 tracks in 42 minutes of thick/crunchy guitar, with some tasty solo's, heavy-handed drumming and then there is Phil's sometimes deranged singing style, covering all the important topics such as DCx3 (Dead Cat x 3) and of course Sickfest, that won them 'Unearthed'. In 1998 they signed to a record label in the States and off they went. Heck of a ride in under 4 years of existence. I think Kylie Minogue is still trying to make it in the States.