Sequentia (performing works by Hildegard von Bingen) - Canticles of Ecstasy (1994)

Sequentia are a European music ensemble devoted to recreating music from the medieval period, works by the German abbess Hildegard von Bingen in particular. The music on this album was composed in the 12th century. Good news: Still holds up! There is a beautiful and austere simplicity to the music and its arrangements here that lends the album an ability to work as more than a religious/devotional listening experience. Mostly a capella female vocals with a solitary harmonium drone or "medieval fiddle" dropping in once in a while. There is a lot of space to the sounds created here, the music takes its time to work but it really envelops the listener and creates a strong feeling of suspension. It's a relaxing listening experience but it won't put you to sleep because her music is very involved and engrossing at the same time. Hildegard von Bingen was an incredibly interesting person and it feels like her Christian Mysticism makes a strong impression into the music she created. The words are in Latin. I don't know Latin. You don't need to know Latin to enjoy this album on any level. I'm no religious scholar by any means or really know too much about the sentiment behind these compositions, I just like to listen to good music that can transport me. This album accomplishes that flawlessly.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6hRd5GEi2VWMkT4MBLfDe6

Cameo - Alligator Woman (1982)

Most folks today know Cameo from the song "Word Up" (not to mention the lead singer's unfortunate red codpiece in the music video) and that's about it. But seriously people, Cameo has had a long career with 9 gold-selling albums! 9! This is one of them, when they were shifting with the times and going from being a horn-led funk band to a synthy electro-funk band. And it's good! Short-but-sweet at 30 minutes, Cameo gets to the goods quickly and stays there. Cameo may not be a revolutionary band, but they made a lot of solid funk albums that are well worth your time. And yes that is Vanity on the album cover.
https://open.spotify.com/album/3AeZ6AMl1Ysi2Abhs0LLKg

New Year's resolutions

I started this blog last year with the intention of updating several times a week with new reviews. Then things got in the way (i.e. laziness), and in the last few months my updates have become more and more sporadic. Well, I am here today to say no longer will that be the case! New year, new Justin, new outlook on life, new Every Album on Spotify. I have returned from my self-imposed hiatus stronger and more determined than ever before. Every album on Spotify will be reviewed. Let's do this!