Josef Haydn — Symphony No. 103 and Symphony No. 1

• Artist: Josef Haydn
• Title: Symphony No. 103 and Symphony No. 1
• Year: 1978
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: No one knows
• Acquired: It’s a mystery

With classical recordings I’m never quite sure how to categorize things. Should it be by composer? Orchestra or star musician? The conductor? This record is a performance of Josef Haydn’s “Symphony No. 103” and “Symphony No. 1” by der Münchner Symphoniker, or the Munich Symphony Orchestra to you, Yankee. It’s good. I felt relaxed.

Yesterday I saw an ad on TV for the “Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World…Ever!” For real? How can they be sure? Maybe this Haydn record is the most chill classical album… ever. Did they think about that? I report. You decide.

Joe Jackson — Will Power

• Artist: Joe Jackson
• Title: Will Power
• Year: 1987
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1987 – Promo Mary got when she worked at Plan 9 Records in Richmond, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

The first time I played Joe Jackson’s instrumental album “Will Power” the other day I didn’t quite get it. And I couldn’t help thinking it was going to take some will power to play it again. Since then I’ve played it a number of times and like most good, but challenging, music it has grown on me. I don’t know if I’m sophisticated enough to describe it accurately. This isn’t The Joe Jackson Band; he’s working with a full orchestra here. Let’s call it “symphonic.”

I think the original album artwork was just the pattern of red and blue circles on fabric, but at some point the label must have insisted on that circular sticker with his name on it. Or, maybe it’s just that way on the promo since they don’t usually come with shrink wrap.

More about Joe Jackson at Wikipedia.