What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Brothers In Arms -- 20th Anniversary Edition SACD :text-bravo:

Dire Straits

2005 Mercury Records (Import)

Featured in Kalman Rubinson's Music in the Round in the January 2006 issue of Stereophile!

2006 Grammy Award Winner for Best Surround Sound Album!

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits, one of the best known rock albums of the '80s and one of the most sought after rock albums for a Surround Sound edition, is now available on 5.1 Super Audio CD! Brothers In Arms features 9 songs written by Knopfler, including one that was co-written by Sting who provides guest vocals on the album as well. It was originally released in 1985 and this SACD marks the albums 20th Anniversary. The SACD of Brothers In Arms follows last year's release of Knopfler's most recent album entitled Shangri-La in Surround Sound SACD and DVD-A + CD Double Disc.

Propelled by Mark Knopfler's literate songs, gruff vocals, and spidery guitar work, Dire Straits had overcome initial skepticism for their resistance to '70s new wave accents in favor of their rootsy traditionalism. This 1985 album captures the band consolidating a far more epic style than the concise shuffles and ballads that the original scrappy quartet had reeled off, their ambitions fueled by the larger canvas afforded by the compact disc. One of the first albums to exploit the format's longer playing time, Brothers in Arms was initially released in separate versions for CD/cassette and edited LP, and the band became digital poster boys on a world tour sponsored by CD hardware interests.

Critics that had once warmed to the band sniffed at the marketing, but the album remains their best known, noteworthy for the MTV staple "Money for Nothing" and the breezy rock shuffle "Walk of Life," as well as for the wistful "So Far Away," the plot-driven narratives of "Ride Across the River," and the title song of course. The album is an amazing mix of styles and moods, but produced without a fault all the way through. This was the showpiece album for this group of hard working musicians, and proved Mark Knopfler one of the worlds greatest guitarists. And now for the 20th anniversary of the album we get a limited edition SACD version that sounds incredible and reeks of sonic integrity.

Features:
• 20th Anniversary Edition
• Re-Mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound

Selections:
1. So Far Away
2. Money For Nothing
3. Walk of Life
4. Your Latest Trick
5. Why Worry
6. Ride Across the River
7. The Man's Too Strong
8. One World
9. Brothers In Arms

 

[Dennie]

My Baby Don't Tolerate -- CD

Lyle Lovett

2000 Lost Highway Records

Amazon.com

Maybe it was that thigh-splitting encounter with a belligerent bull, but whatever put him there, Lyle Lovett is in a nostalgic mood on My Baby Don’t Tolerate, his first studio album of all new and original songs since the country-minded The Road to Ensenada in 1996. This is a mixed blessing--several songs sound like retreads from Lovett’s earlier efforts, even as a listener welcomes the reprised syncopated, hep cat, Louis Jordan-meets-Sister Rosetta Tharpe signatures that help define his quirky style. While a key tune, "In My Own Mind," turns around a family man who seeks solace from a busy household, drawing restorative power from nature ("no rain, just the sunshine"), the album finds itself when Lovett begins revisiting dark places in his mind. Forget "Cute as a Bug," a by-now formulaic song of hottie lust, and get right to the bleak antagonist who narrates the confused loss of the elegantly jazzy "You Were Always There," the snaky blues of the title song, the pointy-toed send-up of bygone Music City hillbillies ("Nashville"), and the sly portrayal of the bribes of luckless blacks ("Election Day") in the old-time South. As the infectious, if repetitious gospel numbers prove, the man with "Eraserhead" hair isn’t breaking any new ground. But he still fuses country, blues, jazz, folk, big band, and pop like no one else on the planet. --Alanna Nash

"Cute as a Bug"
"My Baby Don't Tolerate"
"The Truck Song"
"In My Own Mind"
"Nothing But a Good Ride"
"Big Dog"
"You Were Always There"
"Wallisville Road" (Ray Herndon)
"Working Too Hard"
"San Antonio Girl"
"Nashville"
"Election Day" (Blaze Foley)
"I'm Going to Wait"
"I'm Going to the Place"

 

[Dennie]

This is my last one for the evening....

Melancholy Baby -- CD

Jaimee Paul

2011 Greenhill Records

Jazz vocal maven, Jaimee Paul, lends her sultry, bluesy pipes to an eclectic collection of jazz, blues and pop standards. While delivering impressive tributes to the likes of Billie Holiday ("Don't Explain", "You've Changed"), Etta James ("Don't Cry Baby", "A Sunday Kind of Love"), Nina Simone ("I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl"), Paul also puts her unique spin on such contemporary classics as U2's, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", Curtis Mayfield's, "People Get Ready", and Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine."


1 Don't Cry Baby
2 Ain't No Sunshine
3 Come Rain Or Come Shine
4 I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl
5 You've Changed
6 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
7 A Sunday Kind Of Love
8 Big Spender
9 Don't Explain
10 What'll I Do
11 People Get Ready
12 Smile
13 My Melancholy Baby (feat. Beegie Adair)

 

[Dennie]

Still Life (Talking) -- CD

Pat Metheny Group

1987/2006 Nonesuch Records

15 years later... not just "still good" but BETTER!!, November 4, 2006
By jason_francisco "jason_francisco" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Still Life (Talking) (Audio CD)

i owned this music in both the original CD and cassette formats. however, i was willing to spend $15.99 to check out what this "remastered reissue" is all about. the result was astounding. i listen to most of my music with a Bose system in my vehicle. the difference between the original CD and the reissued CD is significant. first off, the "width" of the music seems to be wider, deeper. an analogy would be like, the original CD produced a listening effect as if you are listening the music in a small room, good music and rich music nonetheless. however, the reissued remastered CD produces an effect as if you are sitting in a concert hall, much wider tha deeper in terms of the acoustic dimension.

Secondly, a lot of the little notes (the percussion, the cymbals) that did not come thru' in the original CD all came out beautifully. if you are a devotee of acoustic elements in jazz, you will be very much rewarded to be able to hear all these. and you said to yourself, "gee, i did not know they played those little notes before."

by the way, i already purchased the Letter from Home CD which has the same high quality results per this review.

"Minuano (Six Eight)" (Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays) – 9:27
"So May it Secretly Begin" (Metheny) – 6:26
"Last Train Home" (Metheny) – 5:41
"(It's Just) Talk" (Metheny) – 6:17
"Third Wind" (Metheny & Mays) – 8:37
"Distance" (Mays) – 2:45
"In Her Family" (Metheny) – 3:18


12581

 

[Dennie]

Letter From Home -- CD

Pat Metheny Group

1989/2006 Nonesuch Records

Amazon.com

A jazz-fusion classic from Pat Metheny's mid-30s, steeped in joy and sensuality. The guitarist's singing, soaring, shimmering sound is tinged with yearning, occasionally sadness--that's a crucial, overlooked aspect of his musical voice. The talented lineup flies assuredly with the brilliant leader, who mans several varieties of acoustic, electric, and synthesized guitars. The electronics of keyboardist Lyle Mays, straight from American front parlors and chapels, brings just the right amount of twist to Metheny's lacings of folk and rock. More shadings and fire come from Mays's accordion and trumpet, and the versatile Pedro Aznar's vocals, marimba, vibes, charango, melodica, and percussion. All but two tracks are by Metheny. His ability to write complex but accessible tunes is undeniable, and his arrangements are inspired. --Peter Monaghan

"Have You Heard" (Pat Metheny) – 6:25
"Every Summer Night" (Metheny; dedicated to the Montreal International Jazz Festival) – 7:13
"Better Days Ahead" (Metheny) – 3:03
"Spring Ain't Here" (Metheny; dedicated to and inspired by Stanley Turrentine) – 6:55
"45/8" (Metheny, Lyle Mays) – 0:57
"5-5-7" (Metheny, Mays) – 7:54
"Beat 70" (Metheny, Mays) – 4:55
"Dream of the Return" (Metheny; Spanish lyrics by Pedro Aznar) – 5:26
"Are We There Yet" (Mays) – 7:55
"Vidala" (Pedro Aznar) – 3:03
"Slip Away" (Metheny) – 5:25
"Letter from Home" (Metheny) – 2:33

 

[Dennie]

We Live Here -- CD

Pat Metheny Group

1995/2006 Nonesuch Records

Metheny delves into Acid Jazz!, May 9, 2006
By smoothjazzandmore (Ogdensburg, NY USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: We Live Here (Audio CD)

This CD has to be the most satisfying of all his releases. Not only does he satisfy the Metheny fan, he makes new fans out of those who enjoy hip grooves. Take your pick on this CD. Title track, To the End of the World, Red sky, The Girls Next Door; Metheny and his band gives the right touch to this release. One of my favorite CD's!

All of the following songs were composed by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays, except "Episode d'Azur", which was composed by Lyle Mays.

"Here to Stay" – 7:39
"And Then I Knew" – 7:53
"The Girls Next Door" – 5:30
"To the End of the World" – 12:15
"We Live Here" – 4:12
"Episode D'Azur" – 8:45
"Something to Remind You" – 7:04
"Red Sky" – 7:36
"Stranger in Town" – 6:11

 

[heeman]

Hey Dennie,

I see you are listening to some Pat Matheny.

I have 2 of his concerts on DVD, but no CD's. What do you recommend??

I do listen to a Pat Matheny Pandora Station.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Dennie]

Hey Dennie,

I see you are listening to some Pat Matheny.

I have 2 of his concerts on DVD, but no CD's. What do you recommend??

I do listen to a Pat Matheny Pandora Station.

Thanks for the input!

Hey Heeman, that is a tough question. He did so much work in different bands that it is tough to pick one group/era.

I really like his trio work. But....I also like his solo work.....but also, I Like his Duet work

Owe, I don't know........ I think you should determine which era/group you like and look into it. The Pandora station should help with this.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but he's done so much, with so many, it is hard to pick one place to start.


Dennie

 

[Dennie]

One more from the "Group".......

Speaking Of Now -- CD

Pat Metheny Group

2002 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com

Throughout its 25-year history, the Pat Metheny Group has consistently had the power to reinvent itself, developing an ever-broader musical vision. Speaking of Now reflects substantial changes since the band was last assembled. The core remains intact, with Lyle Mays, Metheny's composing partner since the beginning, still contributing keyboards and some eloquent acoustic piano. Bassist Steve Rodby is here as well, but there are some new additions. Mexican-born drummer Antonio Sanchez is a creative fountain of rhythm, while Richard Bona, from Cameroon, has joined the band on vocals and percussion. There's an unearthly serenity in Bona's high-pitched vocals and they've clearly shaped some of the composing here. Trumpeter Cuong Vu's presence marks the first time a horn player has been a member of PMG, and his laconic, airy trumpet is a perfect complement to Metheny's guitar. The Group has always had the ability to fuse elements from different cultures into a graceful and floating whole, but this version sets new standards for sheer sonic beauty, like the welling orchestral breadth that underscores Bona's voice on "You." Highlights seem to abound, but the guitar solos on "Proof" and "A Place in the World" testify to Metheny's inspiration. --Stuart Broomer

"As It Is" (Metheny/Mays) – 7:40
"Proof" (Metheny/Mays) – 10:13
"Another Life" (Metheny) – 7:08
"The Gathering Sky" (Metheny/Mays) – 9:22
"You" (Metheny) – 8:24
"On Her Way" (Metheny/Mays) – 6:04
"A Place In The World" (Metheny/Mays) – 9:52
"Afternoon" (Metheny) – 4:43
"Wherever You Go" (Metheny/Mays) – 8:04

 

[Botch]

Heeman, I have three of the four releases that Dennie posted. Dennie's right, there's so much out there its hard to recommend just a couple. If I had to start my collection over the first two would be his early American Garage, and Offramp.

I also need to find the video of his Orchestrion stuff, a fascinating, Rube Goldberg mechanical sequencer (I'll probably post a separate thread).

 

[Dennie]

Like Minds -- CD

Burton, Corea, Metheny, Haynes, Holland

1998 Concord Jazz

Amazon.com

Vibist Gary Burton has been collaborating with pianist Chick Corea and guitarist Pat Metheny since the mid-'70s, and it shows. The three have a strong intuitive sense of each other's lines and sound and can enhance the music in myriad, subtle ways. Having a great rhythm section doesn't hurt either, and bassist Dave Holland and drummer Roy Haynes are two of the very best. On Like Minds they have created an excellent CD: a no-frills, straight-ahead jazz album, crisply recorded, full of energy and imagination. With the exception of the George Gershwin piece, "Soon," the disc features all original compositions, with considerable thought given to distinguishing each soloist despite the surface similarity of their nimble, bouncy styles. Like minds, perhaps, but each possesses a singular voice and the ability to merge it creatively with others. --Wally Shoup

"Question and Answer" (Metheny) – 6:24
"Elucidation" (Metheny) – 5:21
"Windows" (Corea) – 6:17
"Futures" (Corea) – 10:41
"Like Minds" (Burton) – 5:50
"Country Roads" (Burton) – 6:26
"Tears of Rain" (Metheny) – 6:33
"Soon" (Gershwin) – 6:24
"For a Thousand Years" (Metheny) – 5:23
"Straight Up and Down" (Corea) – 9:02

 

[Dennie]

Warning: SUPERGROUP! :bow-blue:

GRP ALL-STAR BIG BAND - 10th Anniversary -- CD

GRP All-Star Big Band

1992 GRP Records

Words Can't Describe, January 10, 2003
By "jedimasterhoss" (Springfield, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Star Big Band (Audio CD)
Wow! I first heard this album ten years ago while a fledgling jazz musician in high school. This album went on to become the best of my collection - I even spun it so many times in my player that I had to buy another copy of it. What makes this album so amazing is not neccessarily the setlist, but the musicians! GRP assembled some of their great label performers and got them together for this project (with a few more to follow). All of the musicians are incredible, but you'll notice some standout performances from Eric Marienthal (Alto Sax), Arturo Sandoval (Trumpet), Randy Brecker (Trumpet), and Bob Mintzer (Tenor Sax). I read somewhere that music is the closest thing to magic there is, and after listening to this album, you'll see why.

"Airegin" sets the stage nicely, followed by a perfect rendition of Coltrane's "Blue Train", with the best 24 bar blues solo I've ever heard from Bob Mintzer on Tenor Sax. "Donna Lee" features some blistering solo work by Nelson Rangell, Gary Burton, and Eddie Daniels. "Maiden Voyage" is easy and laid back, leading right up to one of the true gems of this album, "Sister Sadie", a crowd-pleaser if ever there was one. Marienthal's amazing Sax work still knocks me back every time I hear it! Up next is "The Sidewinder", and this is an excellent arrangement that Randy Brecker lights up on Trumpet. The next three tunes take it down a notch - "Seven Steps to Heaven" features a great (and rare)Marienthal Tenor Sax solo, and "I Remember Clifford" stands out as the album's premeire ballad. Sandoval is inhumanly good as always, and leads right up to an amazing climax! "Footprints" follows, featuring some great jazz guitar by Lee Ritenour. The last great showstopper of the album is next - Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca". Across the board amazing performances by the ensemble, featuring Dave Valentin (Flute), killer Piano by the Killer Kenny Kirkland, and the ultimate Trumpet battle royale by Sandoval and Brecker! The album is rounded out with more great work on Sax by Ernie Watts on " 'Round Midnight", and closes with a smooth version of Chick Corea's "Spain".

I have a very diverse music collection, and I'm proud to seat this album up at the top with other masterpieces of rock, jazz and classical music. I challenge you to listen to this CD and try- just try not to enjoy it. I dare you!

01. Airegin - 5:14
02. Blue Train - 4:39
03. Donna Lee - 4:18
04. Maiden Voyage - 6:37
05. Sister Sadie - 6:53
06. The Sidewinder 6:43
07. Seven Steps To Heaven - 6:03
08. I Remember Clifford - 5:36
09. Footprints - 6:58
10. Manteca - 7:00
11. 'Round Midnight - 7:04
12. Spain - 5:19

GRP Band members were all big-name musicians in the 1980s and 1990s jazz scene. Few to none were no-name, and many led their own band. Members include:

Arturo Sandoval - Trumpet
Chuck Findley - Trumpet
Randy Brecker - Trumpet
Sal Marquez - Trumpet
Byron Stripling - Trumpet
George Bohanon - Trombone
Timmy Capello - Saxophone
Eric Marienthal - 1st Alto sax

Nelson Rangell - 2nd Alto sax
Bob Mintzer - 1st Tenor sax
Ernie Watts - 2nd Tenor sax
Tom Scott - Baritone sax
Phillip Bent - Flute
Dave Valentin - Flute
Eddie Daniels - Clarinet
Russell Ferrante - Piano
Dave Grusin - Piano
David Benoit - Piano
Kenny Kirkland - Piano
Gary Burton - Vibraphone
Alex Acuna - Percussion
Lee Ritenour - Guitar
John Patitucci - Bass
Dave Weckl - Drums

 

[Dennie]

Heeman, I have three of the four releases that Dennie posted. Dennie's right, there's so much out there its hard to recommend just a couple. If I had to start my collection over the first two would be his early American Garage, and Offramp.

I also need to find the video of his Orchestrion stuff, a fascinating, Rube Goldberg mechanical sequencer (I'll probably post a separate thread).

Ya know, my first thought was "...Garage", "Off Ramp", "First Circle", all of which I have on vinyl and love it, but I "KNEW" they were out of print on CD.

Well....ahhh...ya see..... :confusion-scratchheadyellow: I was wrong!

This may be the first time ever, so make note! :liar:

Amazon has 'em and that is where I started with Pat. But since you've been listening on Pandora, I will stick with my first recommendation. Find a "Group/Era" of Pat that you enjoy and go from there.


Dennie

 

[Dennie]

“This album of music performed so superbly by Bobby Militello, Michael Moore and Randy Jones closely reflects the kind of program the quartet gives in concert—a mix of the familiar and the new, in what we hope you will find to be a stimulating brew (no pun intended) recorded live at Starbucks." —Dave Brubeck, from the liner notes

Park Avenue South - Live at Starbucks Series -- CD

Dave Brubeck Quartet

2002 Telarc Records

Jazz has always been one of those simple yet sophisticated pleasures in life. So has coffee. Maybe that’s why the two go together so well.

Following up on the Ray Brown Trio’s highly acclaimed Live at Starbucks in 2001, Telarc serves up another steaming and satisfying cup in the Live at Starbucks series with the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Park Avenue South. As the title suggests, the album was recorded in an intimate evening session in front of an exclusive audience in a Starbucks coffeehouse on Park Avenue in Manhattan in July 2002. Despite the highly unconventional setting, the album is “a mix of the familiar and the new” from one of the most influential jazz pianists of the last half century and his talented crew.

“Throughout my years with Telarc I have recorded in many different situations,” says Brubeck in the liner notes. “Live in a night club, in a cathedral, in concert halls, and of course, in several different studios. The experience of recording on Park Avenue in Manhattan at a Starbucks coffeehouse was something unique and a challenge for musicians and sound engineers alike.”

All acoustic, atmospheric and engineering issues aside, the final product is on a par with Brubeck’s other fine Telarc recordings of the past decade. The opening track, “Sunny Side of the Street” is tailor-made for bleary-eyed commuters seeking that first cup of high-octane java when the doors open at 6 am. Other well known standards include “Love for Sale,” “Love Is Just Around the Corner” and “Slow Boat To China.”

In addition to the standards, Brubeck also serves up a few original compositions, including the poignant “Elegy,” a piece written for and dedicated to the memory of Randi Hultin, a Norwegian jazz critic and a longtime friend of Brubeck who died of cancer before she could actually hear the quartet perform it. On the lighter side is “Crescent City Stomp,” an ode to New Orleans with an infectious mix of melody, harmony and backbeat that reflects the rich musical and cultural tapestry of the Big Easy.

Also from the Brubeck pen come the easygoing “Don’t Forget Me,” inspired by a conversation with a longtime friend and associate, and the lighthearted “I Love Vienna,” written on a train ride from Switzerland to Austria. A compelling rendition of “Take Five,” the quartet’s signature piece, carries just as much of a syncopated jolt as the original recording of more than forty years ago, and reminds us why Brubeck is still one of the most innovative jazz pianists of his generation.

Comfortable and stimulating at the same time, the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Park Avenue South is a place worth checking out. Jazz never tasted so good.

1. On the Sunny Side of the Street 7:45
2. Love For Sale (Live) 8:37
3. Elegy 4:54
4. Don't Forget Me 11:01
5. Love Is Just Around the Corner 8:18
6. On a Slow Boat to China 4:47
7. I Love Vienna 6:42
8. Crescent City Stomp 6:15
9. Take Five 6:54
10. Show Me the Way to Go Home 6:17

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

The Very Best of Supertramp -- CD

Supertramp

1990/2001 A&M Records

Amazon.com

In the midst of the late 1970s punk/new wave revolution, England's Supertramp tore a page from the Genesis playbook, suffusing their previously overwrought prog-rock influences and bittersweet hippie optimism gone sour with muscular pop hooks. They eventually became one of the world's foremost rock acts--and later a rich source for contemporary TV commercial music. But while Supertramp peaked quickly, they nonetheless spawned at least two bona fide classic albums--Crime of the Century and Breakfast in America--and a slate of FM radio staples, all of which are included on this near 80-minute anthology. Fully three-quarters of Crime is represented, and rightly so. That 1974 album both stripped down and reinvented the band's sound, centering it around the songs of Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson, pulsing electric piano chords, and distinctively reedy vocals on tense, spare songs like "Bloody Well Right" and "Dreamer." But by the time of the multiplatinum Breakfast, they had refined their edgy prog sensibility to virtual extinction with well-crafted pop hits like "The Logical Song" and "Take the Long Way Home." This well-chosen collection spans a decade, but focuses intently on the five great years that cemented Supertramp's reputation. --Jerry McCulley

All songs written by Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies except where noted.

School - 5:35
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson & Rick Davies. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
Goodbye Stranger - 5:48
Lead vocals: Rick Davies. Producer: Supertramp & Peter Henderson
The Logical Song - 4:09
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson. Producer: Supertramp & Peter Henderson
Bloody Well Right - 4:32
Lead vocals: Rick Davies. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
Breakfast in America - 2:40
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson. Producer: Supertramp & Peter Henderson
Rudy - 7:18
Lead vocals: Rick Davies & Roger Hodgson. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
Take the Long Way Home - 5:08
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson. Producer: Supertramp & Peter Henderson
Crime of the Century - 5:31
Lead vocals: Rick Davies. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
Dreamer - 3:31
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson & Rick Davies. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
Ain't Nobody but Me - 5:07
Lead vocals: Rick Davies. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
Hide in Your Shell - 6:48
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson. Producer: Ken Scott & Supertramp
From Now On - 6:08
Lead vocals: Rick Davies. Producer: Supertramp
Give A Little Bit - 4:08
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson. Producer: Supertramp
It's Raining Again - 4:22
Lead vocals: Roger Hodgson. Producer: Supertramp & Peter Henderson
Cannonball - 7:37 (Rick Davies)
Lead vocals: Rick Davies. Producer: David Kershenbaum & Supertramp


12610

 

[PaulyT]

Really getting into this one:

 

[Dennie]

Feels So Good -- CD

Chuck Mangione

1977/1990 A&M Records

The man with the flugel horn sure can play!!, December 15, 2000
By Glenn "Glenn98" (Bergenfield, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Feels So Good (Audio CD)
The Grammy winning title cut "Feels so Good" is what turned me on to Chuck Mangione's music. But this CD goes much further than that. ALL of the recordings here are excellent. And they are arranged alternating the fast and slow pieces in a pleasing way. "Maui Waui" and "Last Dance" are nice and relaxing. "Theme from Side Street" is short but meaningful. "Hide and Seek" is a catchy piece that will have you tapping to it. And "The XIth Commandment" is a brilliant end to this great CD.

This is by far Chuck's best recording. If you're in a qundary about which Chuck Mangione CD to buy, THIS IS THE ONE!

Feels So Good - 9:42
Maui-Waui - 10:13
Theme From 'Side Street' - 2:05
Hide & Seek (Ready Or Not Here I Come) - 6:25
Last Dance - 10:54
The XIth Commandment - 6:36

 

[Dennie]

Full Moon Fever -- CD

Tom Petty

1989 MCA Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Ten years had passed since Petty's last solid outing (Damn the Torpedoes in 1979), and Full Moon Fever fully resuscitated the artist's career, which--some would say "arguably"--had been losing steam. With the album's four major hits and rave reviews from the critics (these things do not always go hand-in-hand), Petty must have breathed a sigh of relief. He left the Heartbreakers behind, hooked up with musician, writer, and producer Jeff Lynne, and rocked out with "Runnin' Down a Dream," got mellow and introspective on "Free Fallin'" and "A Face in the Crowd," and paid tribute (finally) to the Byrds with a cover of "Feel a Whole Lot Better." He perfected the sing-along guitar-pop song on "Yer So Bad" and had a wild time on "Zombie Zoo." Pure Petty perfection! --Lorry Fleming

All songs written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, except as indicated.

"Free Fallin'" – 4:14
"I Won't Back Down" – 2:56
"Love Is a Long Road" (Mike Campbell, Petty) – 4:06
"A Face in the Crowd" – 3:58
"Runnin' Down a Dream" (Campbell, Lynne, Petty) – 4:23
"I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" (Gene Clark) – 2:47
"Yer So Bad" – 3:05
"Depending on You" (Petty) – 2:47
"The Apartment Song" (Petty) – 2:31
"Alright for Now" (Petty) – 2:00
"A Mind with a Heart of Its Own" – 3:29
"Zombie Zoo" – 2:56



Note by Dennie: I have this version... :handgestures-thumbup:


"Hello, CD listeners…"

Early pressings of the album on compact disc contain a hidden track at the beginning of track 6. The interlude, which is referred to in the album credits as "Attention CD Listeners", features a brief tongue-in-cheek monologue by Petty, over a background of barnyard noises:

Hello, CD listeners. We've come to the point in this album where those listening on cassette, or records, will have to stand up, or sit down, and turn over the record. Or tape. In fairness to those listeners, we'll now take a few seconds before we begin side two. [pause] Thank you. Here's side two.

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

Between The Lines CD

Janis Ian

1975/1990 Columbia Records

Grammy Winning Masterpiece, December 27, 2009
By Kathleen A. Brogan (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Between the Lines (Audio CD)

Everyone should own this album. I was first familiar with Janis because I bought "Stars". I saw her on the "Mike Douglas Show". I remembered "Society's Child", but didn't know who did it, and I did not buy this album because of "At Seventeen". I bought it because I loved "Jesse" and it came out right after her "Stars" album was finally released in the U.S. The best songs are "Bright Lights & Promises", "Tea & Sympathy" (gorgeous string arrangement) and "In the Winter", which was the best Live performance I've ever seen. You'd do well to also check out "Live in Japan & Austraila to see that. Although this isn't even my favorite of her albums, (I have a huge collection of everything she's ever done), I still say it's her masterpiece and she deserved all the awards it ran off with!

1. When the Party's Over
2. At Seventeen
3. From Me To You
4. Bright Lights and Promises
5. In the Winter
6. Water Colors
7. Between the Lines
8. The Come On
9. Light a Light
10. Tea and Sympathy
11. Lover's Lullaby

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

His Band and the Street Choir -- CD

Van Morrison

1970/1990 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com

His Band and the Street Choir appeared at a time--1970--when Van Morrison was building on the great critical successes of Astral Weeks and Moondance. His third Warner Bros. album contains a number of radio-friendly tracks clearly aimed at the singles market and few clues of the serious, brooding melancholy of Astral Weeks. Kicking off with the jaunty "Domino," the album is generally dominated by uptempo swingers such as "Call Me Up in Dreamland," "Give Me a Kiss," and "Blue Money." The cover photography and liner notes by then wife Janet Planet reveal a smiling Morrison and hint at a newfound personal contentment. This mood did not last long after Van left the artists' community of Woodstock. But even here, in "I'll Be Your Lover Too" and "Crazy Face," there are moments that are essential listening for fans of his sullen splendor and mysticism. --Rob Stewart

Side one

"Domino" – 3:06
"Crazy Face" – 2:56
"Give Me a Kiss (Just One Sweet Kiss)" – 2:30
"I've Been Working" – 3:25
"Call Me Up in Dreamland" – 3:52
"I'll Be Your Lover, Too" – 3:57

Side two

"Blue Money" – 3:40
"Virgo Clowns" – 4:10
"Gypsy Queen" – 3:16
"Sweet Jannie" – 2:11
"If I Ever Needed Someone" – 3:45
"Street Choir" – 4:43