Friday, May 23, 2008

Featured Album

Laz called me late last night, and we were reminiscing on old times, and he reminded me of a time back in 1999, when I was a summer intern in Chicago, and a waitress from a deli in Evanston picked me up one Sunday morning after church. And by “picked me up” I mean I was eating alone, she gave me her number, and we met for dinner and drinks that evening. At the time, I was 23 and she was 34 and much too fast for me, but I rolled with the situation. The only reason I was even in Evanston was that I was house-sitting for my boss over the 4th of July weekend, so I took the waitress back to his house, which I promptly passed off as my own. The whole experience had a very “Risky Business” air to it.

In that same time frame, my buddy Meno was living in New York City, and I looked to him for musical suggestions. He had suggested that I pick up Massive Attack’s Mezzanine album, which I remember buying at a music store on Rush street. As it turned out, not only was it a great album, but it turned out to be, in my opinion, the single sexiest album that I’ve ever owned. Serendipitously, I happened to have the album with me as the deli waitress seduced me at my boss’ house, and since that day, I have to say that Mezzanine has been the soundtrack to about 75% of first-time sexual encounters to which I have been able to control the music.

I admit that my musical taste has stagnated since around 2002, but the only real album that has vied for “closer” status in my CD player is Goldfrapp’s Black Cherry. The beauty of Mezzanine is that it comes on slow, sets the stage, and guides you through the obstacles and inevitabilities of a romantic interlude much as a road map in a foreign city. You’re sitting, having a cocktail while “Angel” rhythmically lulls you into the mood. The seamless flow into “Risingson” begins a crescendo, which captures and placates any anxiety one may have about moving forward. At the same time, Mezzanine doesn’t have the goofy, forced feeling of, say, a Marvin Gaye album. By the time that “Teardrop” comes on, if you’re not hooking up, it’s just not going to happen. If you’ve made it to first base, though, then damn the torpedoes. . . the rest of the album will get you through to the end.

6 comments:

bonnie said...

I will check these out on itunes, even though I'll only get a 30 second blurb. I am attracted to and collect only very sexy and sultry music. Except for Anthony Hamilton's Twisted, it's all female. If I hear anything familiar in your selections, perhaps I'll have some recommendations.

bonnie said...

Love the Massive Attack, I'm adding it to my Pandora.com. You ever listen to Sia or Zero Seven? Electronic. Unbelievably sexy.

Jack Gordon said...

I got into Zero Seven after Frankie and Jamm-O-Rama recommended them a while ago. I haven't really listened to Sia, though I'm aware of her. I will check her out!

Jamm-o-rama said...

I will definitely check this out. I have never really listened to Massive Attack but it sure sounds like I need to start. I'll let you know what I think.

Jack Gordon said...

Jamm, if I remember correctly, Unconscious is a fan. I remember commenting about MA on your blog a long time ago.

Jamm-o-rama said...

Oh, you're right. I guess I forgot to check it out back then.