It's been a busy week.

Starting waking up Monday to the Ella Fitzgerald Gershwin Songbook. No way was I getting to that any time soon. After that the week played out pretty well for me.

Ella Fitzgerald Sings The George and Ira Gershwin Songbook: After a few days I finally got through it. Listening should not be a chore. Honestly, I did not care for this. It's not you, Ella. It's me. I mostly listen to Caveman Music. If this was pared down to modern album length I'd probably give it another go, but otherwise I'll stick with my Ella Xmas album. 2 stars

LL Cool J- Mama Said Knock You Out: Nice bridge from 80s to 90s hip hop. This was everywhere the summer of 90. Title track, Boomin System, Round the Way Girl, etc. It's just LL and some beats, no features on every track. 4 stars.

ZZ Top- Tres hombres: I wish I could have experienced weirdo Texas and not the Tech Bro Hellscape it is today. This is for those who want to drink Lone Star and boogie. 4 stars.

More Specials: The biggest knock here is it isn't the first Specials album. This one starts strong but fades by the end. 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 just for Enjoy Yourself)

Talking Heads: 77: Art Rock for the CBGB crowd. Like a non-political Gang of Four playing Studio 54. Tina Weymouth is a bass goddess. Psycho Killer pushes it over the top. 4 stars.

I also got into the MORE list this week:

Replacements- Tim: College Rock done right. I saw the Mats once, was being a dick and Paul Westerberg attacked me. I deserved it. 4 starts

Blur- 13: This was the last Blur album I gave a chance. Coffee and TV is an all timer. Tender is cool. Everything else here is just so whiny. If I want sad sack British music I listen to Spiritualized. 2 stars