THE 50(ISH) GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
Kind of Red
Album #38 : Miles Davis — Kind of Blue
Ok, here’s the plan for this weekend — train straight home on Friday night, get up early as we have tickets for the England v India test match at Old Trafford cricket ground, then hop over to Old Trafford football ground to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United, then BACK to the cricket, a couple more beers as the end of play looms, tram home, family time, curry, bed.
But first, Friday morning, listen to this album. Jazz is a bit rubbish isn’t it? They just make it up as they go along — there’s no structure to these songs, just mindless repetition, noodling about. It is all a bit pretentious, really. Plus this record is, what, 45 minutes long? It’s over before it has even started.
Ah, ok, here’s the first spanner in the works. The cricket is cancelled. The plan has changed — not a problem, we’ll just go to the football. Maybe meet someone for a beer beforehand now.
Oh, speaking of beers, some people are having beers in town on Friday night. Maybe we should meet them? I mean, we don’t have to get up first thing anymore, so what harm could it do?
Also, mum isn’t here tomorrow. She’s at another wedding! So you won’t see her unless you get up early. No problem, we’ll see her on Sunday.
So, a nice relaxed morning instead. But, ah, ‘are you in?’ says the text, ‘we have your wedding rings here!’ So, now, suddenly, the morning is full of excitement and, lets be honest, nerves. Your friend who made your wedding rings is coming round to drop them off — they are now your responsibility. Keep them safe.
Ok, that’s that. But what’s the plan for before the match then? Do we want to meet people? They’re going to that pub, but you prefer this one. Tell them where you’ll be, if they’re bothered they’ll come meet you.
Oh, by the way, people are coming to ours later, after the united match, if you want to join? Tempting. You did say this weekend was for family stuff, but it could be fun. No, let’s keep it a family weekend.
Right then. Finally back at Old Trafford — weirdly, this is the first time all weekend you’ve really been able to stop and take it in. And what a feeling it is to be back in a full football stadium. The atmosphere is electric, not just because of Ronaldo’s return but because Manchester United are back to being a potent attacking force — there is anticipation in the air every time they take the ball forward. Get up out of your seat, enjoy the moment.
Then home; are you going out again? Should we get the curry now or wait a bit? How hungry are you? If you’re staying in what film should we watch?
You’re staying in. Curry now. Film. Exhausted.
Then, Sunday, the one part of the weekend that is a rigid plan — catch the train home. Maybe have another listen to this album; slow down, actually take it in. Really, you knew this already but it isn’t just repetition, is it? It is a genius at the peak of his powers. But you have to pay attention.
You have to stop and take it in.
After all; we are all just making it up as we go along, and its over before it has even started.
Thanks for reading — over the course of 2021, I’ll be reviewing 50(ish) of the greatest albums ever recorded. You can see the list here:
There is also a playlist featuring the best song from each album here.
