What Are You Listening To?
- Thread starter Rope
- Start date
Kazaam
Well-Known Member
Botch said:Oh, Duh! Is that a new release from the Red Hot Chili Peppers?!? :banana-dance:Botch said:Kazaam said:RHCP - I'm With You
That is probably the most unique and clever album cover I've ever seen! What's the music like?
Yeppers! It doesn't officially release for about a week, but they're streaming the whole album in iTunes right now for free, a promotion of sorts. If you've got an Airport Express you can listen to it on your home theater. Sound quality isn't the greatest---practically mono and fairly loud (according to a snippet I loaded into Audacity)---and I don't know if the actual CD will fare any better, but maybe? That said, I really like the first single "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie", but as for the rest of the album, well, I am thinking it's going to be more enjoyable than Stadium Arcadium but not as good as Californication (my favorite).
Dennie
Well-Known Member
My last one for the evening....
Blue Country Heart -- CD
Jorma Kaukonen
2002 Columbia Records
Mighty fine, August 27, 2002
By John S. Ryan "Scott Ryan" (Silver Lake, OH) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Blue Country Heart (Audio CD)
I assume any reader of this page will probably know who Jorma Kaukonen is. (Just in case, though: it's pronounced YORE-ma KOW-ko-nen, he used to play with the Jefferson Airplane, and he founded Hot Tuna with his pal and co-Airplaner, bassist Jack Casady.)
I don't think he's capable of recording bad music, so you can't go wrong with any of his stuff. But this CD is probably the best one he's released in two, maybe three decades.
The plot: Jorma's settin' around Fur Peace Ranch here in Ohio, playin' some old-timey country blooze with some friends. (Actually, the CD was recorded in Nashville. But there are lots of photos from the ranch, and the music has that nice front-porch-jam-among-friends feel.) The outcome: a laid-back hippie hoedown.
Still not sold? All right -- the friends Jorma is jamming with are Jerry Douglas (resophonic guitar), Sam Bush (mandolin and backing vocals), and Byron House (bass), and Bela Fleck sits in with his banjo on two of the tunes. _Any one_ of these folks would be sufficient to guarantee a maximally cool CD. But _all five together_ . . . oh, my. I'm just glad I lived to see the day, that's all.
(On the off-chance that you haven't heard of these people, search for their names at your earliest convenience and prepare to hear some of the best music you've ever heard. Also check New Grass Revival and Strength in Numbers, both of which feature some of the same personnel. While you're at it, look for David Grisman, Tony Rice, and any of the various acoustic releases by Jerry Garcia and his friends -- not only the Dead but also Almost Acoustic and Old & In The Way.)
Anyway, they just don't come any cooler than Jorma; on the Coolness Meter, he registers somewhere around Willie Nelson and J.J. Cale. He's very good at this acoustic stuff and he's been doing it for a long time. Put this baby on your CD player and set yerself down on the porch.
"Blue Railroad Train" (Lionel Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore) – 3:44
"Just Because" (Hubert A. Nelson, James D. Touchstone) – 4:16
"Blues Stay Away from Me" (L. Delmore, R. Delmore, Henry Glover, Wayne Raney) – 3:28
"Red River Blues" (Jimmie Davis) – 3:25
"Bread Line Blues" (Bernard Slim Smith) – 4:38
"Waiting for a Train" (Jimmie Rodgers) – 3:26
"Those Gambler's Blues" (Rodgers) – 3:07
"Tom Cat Blues" (Jelly Roll Morton) – 3:05
"Big River Blues" (L. Delmore) – 3:01
"Prohibition Blues" (Clayton McMichen) – 4:13
"I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now" (Lou Herscher, Saul Klein) – 3:28
"You and My Old Guitar" (Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams) – 2:45
"What are They Doing in Heaven Today?" (Traditional) – 3:20
Blue Country Heart -- CD
Jorma Kaukonen
2002 Columbia Records
Mighty fine, August 27, 2002
By John S. Ryan "Scott Ryan" (Silver Lake, OH) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Blue Country Heart (Audio CD)
I assume any reader of this page will probably know who Jorma Kaukonen is. (Just in case, though: it's pronounced YORE-ma KOW-ko-nen, he used to play with the Jefferson Airplane, and he founded Hot Tuna with his pal and co-Airplaner, bassist Jack Casady.)
I don't think he's capable of recording bad music, so you can't go wrong with any of his stuff. But this CD is probably the best one he's released in two, maybe three decades.
The plot: Jorma's settin' around Fur Peace Ranch here in Ohio, playin' some old-timey country blooze with some friends. (Actually, the CD was recorded in Nashville. But there are lots of photos from the ranch, and the music has that nice front-porch-jam-among-friends feel.) The outcome: a laid-back hippie hoedown.
Still not sold? All right -- the friends Jorma is jamming with are Jerry Douglas (resophonic guitar), Sam Bush (mandolin and backing vocals), and Byron House (bass), and Bela Fleck sits in with his banjo on two of the tunes. _Any one_ of these folks would be sufficient to guarantee a maximally cool CD. But _all five together_ . . . oh, my. I'm just glad I lived to see the day, that's all.
(On the off-chance that you haven't heard of these people, search for their names at your earliest convenience and prepare to hear some of the best music you've ever heard. Also check New Grass Revival and Strength in Numbers, both of which feature some of the same personnel. While you're at it, look for David Grisman, Tony Rice, and any of the various acoustic releases by Jerry Garcia and his friends -- not only the Dead but also Almost Acoustic and Old & In The Way.)
Anyway, they just don't come any cooler than Jorma; on the Coolness Meter, he registers somewhere around Willie Nelson and J.J. Cale. He's very good at this acoustic stuff and he's been doing it for a long time. Put this baby on your CD player and set yerself down on the porch.
"Blue Railroad Train" (Lionel Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore) – 3:44
"Just Because" (Hubert A. Nelson, James D. Touchstone) – 4:16
"Blues Stay Away from Me" (L. Delmore, R. Delmore, Henry Glover, Wayne Raney) – 3:28
"Red River Blues" (Jimmie Davis) – 3:25
"Bread Line Blues" (Bernard Slim Smith) – 4:38
"Waiting for a Train" (Jimmie Rodgers) – 3:26
"Those Gambler's Blues" (Rodgers) – 3:07
"Tom Cat Blues" (Jelly Roll Morton) – 3:05
"Big River Blues" (L. Delmore) – 3:01
"Prohibition Blues" (Clayton McMichen) – 4:13
"I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now" (Lou Herscher, Saul Klein) – 3:28
"You and My Old Guitar" (Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams) – 2:45
"What are They Doing in Heaven Today?" (Traditional) – 3:20
Dennie
Well-Known Member
His Band and The Street Choir -- CD
Van Morrison
1970/1990 Warner Bros. Records
Hippie Soul( :banana-dreads
, February 20, 2002By Kurt Harding "bon vivant" (Boerne TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: His Band and the Street Choir (Audio CD)
Van Morrison has made so many albums, many vastly different from the one preceding, that it would be hard for a new fan to know where to start. I have a recommendation: get Moondance then get His Band and Street Choir. Together these albums provide the listener with the essential expression of Van Morrison's love of American rhythm and blues.
Most of us have heard Domino and Blue Money. Good as they are for top 40 tunes they are hardly the best songs on the CD. The insouciant swing of Give Me A Kiss and Call Me Up In Dreamland are in stark contrast to the morose introspection that imbues some of his later masterpieces. The hard-driving sax on I've Been Working makes it impossible not to want to dance. If I Ever Needed Someone gives voice to Morrison's deep spirituality and Street Choir seems a scolding antidote to the anti-Americanism that was rife at the time of recording.
Put this CD on, and it will lift you right up no matter how down you are feeling. Out of all his albums, I rate this in the top 5. It is upbeat, it is rock, it is jazz, it is blues, and it is hippie soul at its best.
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
Dennie
Well-Known Member
:bow-blue:
Moondance -- CD
Van Morrison
1970/1990 Warner Bros. Records
Amazon.com essential recording
Van Morrison went a long way towards defining his wild Irish heart with his first two classic albums: the brooding, introspective Astral Weeks (1968), and the expansive, swinging Moondance. If the first was the work of a poet, its sequel was the statement of a musician and bandleader. Moondance is that rare rock album where the band has buffed the arrangements to perfection, and where the sax solos instead of the guitar. The band puts out a jazzy shuffle on "Moondance" and plays it soulful on "These Dreams of You." The album includes both Morrison's most romantic ballad ("Crazy Love") and his most haunting ("Into the Mystic"). "And It Stoned Me" rolled off Morrison's tongue like a favorite fable, while "Caravan" told a tale full of emotional intrigue. Moondance stood out in the rock world of 1970 like a grownup in a kiddie matinee. --John Milward
Side one
"And It Stoned Me" – 4:30
"Moondance" – 4:35
"Crazy Love" – 2:34
"Caravan" – 4:57
"Into the Mystic" – 3:25
Side two
"Come Running" – 2:30
"These Dreams of You" – 3:50
"Brand New Day" – 5:09
"Everyone" – 3:31
"Glad Tidings" – 3:13
Moondance -- CD
Van Morrison
1970/1990 Warner Bros. Records
Amazon.com essential recording
Van Morrison went a long way towards defining his wild Irish heart with his first two classic albums: the brooding, introspective Astral Weeks (1968), and the expansive, swinging Moondance. If the first was the work of a poet, its sequel was the statement of a musician and bandleader. Moondance is that rare rock album where the band has buffed the arrangements to perfection, and where the sax solos instead of the guitar. The band puts out a jazzy shuffle on "Moondance" and plays it soulful on "These Dreams of You." The album includes both Morrison's most romantic ballad ("Crazy Love") and his most haunting ("Into the Mystic"). "And It Stoned Me" rolled off Morrison's tongue like a favorite fable, while "Caravan" told a tale full of emotional intrigue. Moondance stood out in the rock world of 1970 like a grownup in a kiddie matinee. --John Milward
Side one
"And It Stoned Me" – 4:30
"Moondance" – 4:35
"Crazy Love" – 2:34
"Caravan" – 4:57
"Into the Mystic" – 3:25
Side two
"Come Running" – 2:30
"These Dreams of You" – 3:50
"Brand New Day" – 5:09
"Everyone" – 3:31
"Glad Tidings" – 3:13
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Getting ready to cross the street.....
Abbey Road -- CD
The Beatles
1969/1990 Apple Records
Amazon.com essential recording
The Beatles' last days as a band were as productive as any major pop phenomenon that was about to split. After recording the ragged-but-right Let It Be, the group held on for this ambitious effort, an album that was to become their best-selling. Though all four contribute to the first side's writing, John Lennon's hard-rocking, "Come Together" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" make the strongest impression. A series of song fragments edited together in suite form dominates side two; its portentous, touching, official close ("Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight"/"The End") is nicely undercut, in typical Beatles fashion, by Paul McCartney's cheeky "Her Majesty," which follows. --Rickey Wright
Side one
No. Title Lead vocals Length
1. "Come Together" Lennon 4:20
2. "Something" (George Harrison) Harrison 3:03
3. "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" McCartney 3:27
4. "Oh! Darling" McCartney 3:26
5. "Octopus's Garden" (Richard Starkey) Starr 2:51
6. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" Lennon 7:47
Side two
No. Title Lead vocals Length
1. "Here Comes the Sun" (Harrison) Harrison 3:05
2. "Because" Lennon, McCartney and Harrison 2:45
3. "You Never Give Me Your Money" McCartney 4:02
4. "Sun King" Lennon, with McCartney and Harrison 2:26
5. "Mean Mr. Mustard" Lennon 1:06
6. "Polythene Pam" Lennon 1:12
7. "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" McCartney 1:57
8. "Golden Slumbers" McCartney 1:31
9. "Carry That Weight" McCartney with Lennon, Harrison and Starr 1:36
10. "The End" McCartney 2:05
11. "Her Majesty" McCartney 0:23
Abbey Road -- CD
The Beatles
1969/1990 Apple Records
Amazon.com essential recording
The Beatles' last days as a band were as productive as any major pop phenomenon that was about to split. After recording the ragged-but-right Let It Be, the group held on for this ambitious effort, an album that was to become their best-selling. Though all four contribute to the first side's writing, John Lennon's hard-rocking, "Come Together" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" make the strongest impression. A series of song fragments edited together in suite form dominates side two; its portentous, touching, official close ("Golden Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight"/"The End") is nicely undercut, in typical Beatles fashion, by Paul McCartney's cheeky "Her Majesty," which follows. --Rickey Wright
Side one
No. Title Lead vocals Length
1. "Come Together" Lennon 4:20
2. "Something" (George Harrison) Harrison 3:03
3. "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" McCartney 3:27
4. "Oh! Darling" McCartney 3:26
5. "Octopus's Garden" (Richard Starkey) Starr 2:51
6. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" Lennon 7:47
Side two
No. Title Lead vocals Length
1. "Here Comes the Sun" (Harrison) Harrison 3:05
2. "Because" Lennon, McCartney and Harrison 2:45
3. "You Never Give Me Your Money" McCartney 4:02
4. "Sun King" Lennon, with McCartney and Harrison 2:26
5. "Mean Mr. Mustard" Lennon 1:06
6. "Polythene Pam" Lennon 1:12
7. "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" McCartney 1:57
8. "Golden Slumbers" McCartney 1:31
9. "Carry That Weight" McCartney with Lennon, Harrison and Starr 1:36
10. "The End" McCartney 2:05
11. "Her Majesty" McCartney 0:23
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Le Noise -- CD
Neil Young
2010 Reprise Records
This eight-song album is a collaboration between the acclaimed rock icon and musician, songwriter, and producer Daniel Lanois, known for his work with U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, The Neville Brothers and many others. As producer or co-producer Lanois won Grammy Awards in 1987, 1992, 1997, 2000, and 2001.
Young and Lanois have crossed paths musically over the course of many years, including Lanois' performances at Young's Bridge School Benefit Concert and Young's performance at Farm Aid when Lanois was Willie Nelson's music director, but this is the first time the two have recorded together. Recorded in Lanois' home in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles, ‘Le Noise’ features Young on acoustic and electric guitars with Lanois adding his trademark sonic textures, creating one of the most sonically arresting albums Young has ever recorded. No band, no overdubs, just ‘a man on a stool and me doing a nice job on the recording,’ as Lanois puts it.
‘Neil was so appreciative of the sonics that we presented to him,’ Lanois says. ‘He walked in the door and I put an acoustic guitar into his hands - one that I had been working on to build a new sound. That's the multi-layered acoustic sound that you hear on the songs 'Love and War' and 'Peaceful Valley Boulevard.' I wanted him to understand that I've spent years dedicated to the sonics in my home and that I wanted to give him something he'd never heard before. He picked up that instrument, which had everything - an acoustic sound, electronica, bass sounds - and he knew as soon as he played it that we had taken the acoustic guitar to a new level. It's hard to come up with a new sound at the back end of 50 years of rock and roll, but I think we did it.’
All songs written and composed by Neil Young.
"Walk with Me" – 4:25
"Sign of Love" – 3:58
"Someone's Gonna Rescue You" – 3:29
"Love and War" – 5:37
"Angry World" – 4:11
"Hitchhiker" – 5:32
"Peaceful Valley Boulevard" – 7:10
"Rumblin'" – 3:39
Dennie
Well-Known Member
The Union -- DVD/CD Set
Elton John - Leon Russell
2010 Decca Records
GREAT MUSIC::
VD is a WASTE OF TIME & MONEY, October 24, 2010By Herb Decordova "HerbSpeaks" (Flushing, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Union [includes Making of DVD by Cameron Crowe] (Audio CD)
When I pre-ordered this selection, I needed to decide between the CD only or the CD/DVD set. After giving it some thought, factoring-in that Cameron Crowe directed the DVD, and that I hoped it would add to the overall experience, I opted for the set. What a buzz-kill. The DVD is all of 6 minutes (okay...maybe it's 10 minutes) long. That's it! You hit the >>>PLAY button and see/listen to Elton speak about how he loves Leon and Leon was one of his earliest influences and that he's pissed-off that "people" seem to have forgotten Leon, and that while travelling on an African Safari (with David) he contacts Leon and T-Bone and runs the idea past everyone and they're all on- board and they go to the studio, and hug and we see them play together for about 53 seconds and the DVD ends. What the....?
The CD is awesome. Great collection of original songs...most written by Elton and Bernie Taupin with selections/contributions and collaborations with and from Leon and T Bone. The CD booklet is also excellent. Great to read, great photos and great tributes. You can tell the entire project was a labour of love...all the way around. I just wish the DVD was an hour longer...and, with a project of this depth and feeling, it should have been.
P.S. The "Live from The Beacon Theatre" concert was excellent. I did hope that, at minimum, Joe Cocker would have joined-in for a rousing Delta Lady....but, no such luck : (
All songs by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.
"If It Wasn't for Bad" (Leon Russell) – 3:43
"Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes" – 3:23
"Hey Ahab" – 5:39
"Gone to Shiloh" (Ft. Neil Young) – 4:50
"Hearts Have Turned to Stone" (Leon Russell) – 3:47
Moved to 12th track on some CD copies.
"Jimmie Rodgers' Dream" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin, T Bone Burnett) – 3:34
"There's No Tomorrow" (Elton John, Leon Russell, James Timothy Shaw, T Bone Burnett) – 3:45
"Monkey Suit" – 4:46
"The Best Part of the Day" – 4:45
"A Dream Come True" (Elton John, Leon Russell) – 5:07
"I Should Have Sent Roses" (Leon Russell, Bernie Taupin) – 5:21
"When Love is Dying" – 4:51
"My Kind of Hell" – 3:16
Bonus track on iTunes Digital Deluxe LP, Deluxe CD and vinyl only
"Mandalay Again" – 4:54
Bonus track on Deluxe CD and vinyl only
"Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody)" – 4:58
"In the Hands of Angels" (Leon Russell) – 4:43
Dennie
Well-Known Member
My last one for the evening....
...Nothing Like The Sun -- CD
Sting
1987 A&M Records
Sting at his Best, August 4, 2001
By Kevin Caffrey (Fredericksburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Nothing Like the Sun (Audio CD)
For the majority of people who believe Sting was better with The Police, _Nothing Like The Sun_ pretty much proves this theory wrong. Surrounding himself with excellent musicians such as Manu Katche, Kenny Kirkland, Branford Marsalis, Andy Summers, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and many others, this is Sting's strongest set of songs. The album also contains some of Sting's best lyrics and best vocal performances. The album feels like Sting at his most free - he's definitely making music for himself here as opposed to his recent work that often seemes to cater to the mainstream. _Nothing Like The Sun_ also has a little bit of everything; songs like "The Lazarus Heart", "We'll be Together", and "Little Wing" simply rock and "The Secret Marriage", "Fragile", and "Sister Moon" are soothingly beautiful. The production is top-notch and this rather long album has absolutely no filler. Pick this one up if you prefer the serious side of Sting.
Side one
"The Lazarus Heart" – 4:34
"Be Still My Beating Heart" – 5:32
"Englishman in New York" – 4:25
Side two
"History Will Teach Us Nothing" – 4:58
"They Dance Alone" – 7:16
"Fragile" – 3:54
Side three
"We'll Be Together" – 4:52
"Straight to My Heart" – 3:54
"Rock Steady" – 4:27
Side four
"Sister Moon" – 3:46
"Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix) – 5:04
"The Secret Marriage" (Eisler, Sting) – 2:03
...Nothing Like The Sun -- CD
Sting
1987 A&M Records
Sting at his Best, August 4, 2001
By Kevin Caffrey (Fredericksburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Nothing Like the Sun (Audio CD)
For the majority of people who believe Sting was better with The Police, _Nothing Like The Sun_ pretty much proves this theory wrong. Surrounding himself with excellent musicians such as Manu Katche, Kenny Kirkland, Branford Marsalis, Andy Summers, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and many others, this is Sting's strongest set of songs. The album also contains some of Sting's best lyrics and best vocal performances. The album feels like Sting at his most free - he's definitely making music for himself here as opposed to his recent work that often seemes to cater to the mainstream. _Nothing Like The Sun_ also has a little bit of everything; songs like "The Lazarus Heart", "We'll be Together", and "Little Wing" simply rock and "The Secret Marriage", "Fragile", and "Sister Moon" are soothingly beautiful. The production is top-notch and this rather long album has absolutely no filler. Pick this one up if you prefer the serious side of Sting.
Side one
"The Lazarus Heart" – 4:34
"Be Still My Beating Heart" – 5:32
"Englishman in New York" – 4:25
Side two
"History Will Teach Us Nothing" – 4:58
"They Dance Alone" – 7:16
"Fragile" – 3:54
Side three
"We'll Be Together" – 4:52
"Straight to My Heart" – 3:54
"Rock Steady" – 4:27
Side four
"Sister Moon" – 3:46
"Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix) – 5:04
"The Secret Marriage" (Eisler, Sting) – 2:03
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Today's work truck music....
Tracy Chapman -- CD
Tracy Chapman
1988 Elektra Records
Absolute perfection, May 27, 2002
By Ms Diva "cycworker" (Nanaimo, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tracy Chapman (Audio CD)
I genuinely don't think this disk could be any better. There is not a single song on here that isn't a work of art. I owned this on tape initially, but I had to get the CD because the tape was getting worn out, because I listened to it constantly - particulary to Baby Can I Hold You, Why, and Talking About A Revolution.
Chapman's voice is stunning, particularly on the a capella Behind The Wall, which never ceases to bring a chill down my spine. I always thought I didn't like folk music, but Chapman has made me reconsider that belief. Her lyrics are meaningful, and the collection of songs come together to form an overall feel, a mood, that is extremely moving and empowering. She exemplifies how music can bring people together and be an impetus to change, ala the greats like Bob Dylan. Make no mistake -- this is a political album and Chapman wears her left wing leanings like a badge of honour. If you can't tolerate her political views, you probably won't like the album as much as her core fans. That said, her voice and the music itself may make it possible for you to give it at least an intial listen. Chapman is more than a singer and musician - she's a poet, and her message is one that I believe we all need to heed.
I highly reccommend this album to everyone. Even if you don't agree with her politics, hopefully she'll make you think. At the very least, you'll be listening to one of the purest, best voices in modern folk/r&b/soul around today.
All songs were written by Tracy Chapman.
"Talkin' Bout a Revolution" – 2:39
"Fast Car" – 4:56
"Across the Lines" – 3:24
"Behind the Wall" – 1:49
"Baby Can I Hold You" – 3:14
"Mountains o' Things" – 4:39
"She's Got Her Ticket" – 3:56
"Why?" – 2:06
"For My Lover" – 3:12
"If Not Now..." – 3:01
"For You" – 3:09
Tracy Chapman -- CD
Tracy Chapman
1988 Elektra Records
Absolute perfection, May 27, 2002
By Ms Diva "cycworker" (Nanaimo, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tracy Chapman (Audio CD)
I genuinely don't think this disk could be any better. There is not a single song on here that isn't a work of art. I owned this on tape initially, but I had to get the CD because the tape was getting worn out, because I listened to it constantly - particulary to Baby Can I Hold You, Why, and Talking About A Revolution.
Chapman's voice is stunning, particularly on the a capella Behind The Wall, which never ceases to bring a chill down my spine. I always thought I didn't like folk music, but Chapman has made me reconsider that belief. Her lyrics are meaningful, and the collection of songs come together to form an overall feel, a mood, that is extremely moving and empowering. She exemplifies how music can bring people together and be an impetus to change, ala the greats like Bob Dylan. Make no mistake -- this is a political album and Chapman wears her left wing leanings like a badge of honour. If you can't tolerate her political views, you probably won't like the album as much as her core fans. That said, her voice and the music itself may make it possible for you to give it at least an intial listen. Chapman is more than a singer and musician - she's a poet, and her message is one that I believe we all need to heed.
I highly reccommend this album to everyone. Even if you don't agree with her politics, hopefully she'll make you think. At the very least, you'll be listening to one of the purest, best voices in modern folk/r&b/soul around today.
All songs were written by Tracy Chapman.
"Talkin' Bout a Revolution" – 2:39
"Fast Car" – 4:56
"Across the Lines" – 3:24
"Behind the Wall" – 1:49
"Baby Can I Hold You" – 3:14
"Mountains o' Things" – 4:39
"She's Got Her Ticket" – 3:56
"Why?" – 2:06
"For My Lover" – 3:12
"If Not Now..." – 3:01
"For You" – 3:09
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Roll another one, just like the other one...... bscene-smokingweed:
Waiting For Columbus -- Remastered 2 CD Set
Little Feat
1978/2002 Warner Bros. Records
Amazon.com essential recording
Few rock concert documents can match this 1978 live album for sheer musicianship, or for its full-blooded representation of one of the best live bands ever. Little Feat's turbulent '70s pilgrimage had been studded with commercial detours when its second incarnation as a swampy, blues-rock sextet clicked musically, and these English and American dates, beautifully recorded by George Massenburg, capture the band in all its rowdy, precise glory. The late Lowell George's influence had been damped down in the studio, deferring to his bandmates' writing and singing, but Columbus is dominated by his gruff, lyrical vocal presence and the mercurial tang of his indelible slide guitar. With the Tower of Power Horns aboard to inject razor-sharp horn work, this romp through the Feat songbook of southern-fried rock represents a satisfying summation of the band's best works, every bit as engaging as their studio models. This is simmering, smart music measured by an honor roll of great songs with no lapses. The only caveat--and a minor one--is the deletion of two tracks to squeeze the original two LPs onto a single CD. --Sam Sutherland
2002 "Deluxe Edition" double CD
This edition not only restores all the original tracks, but includes several additional tracks recorded at the same appearances where the original tracks were recorded. Disc 1 has all the tracks from sides 1, 3, and 2 (in that order) of the original LP release. Disc 2 opens with side 4, continues with several previously unreleased tracks (6 through 12), and concludes with the three tracks that appeared on Hoy-Hoy!.
Disc one
"Join The Band" (Traditional) – 1:54 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 10, 1977
"Fat Man in the Bathtub" (George) – 4:53 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"All That You Dream" (Barrère, Payne) – 4:29 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Oh Atlanta" (Payne) – 4:20 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Old Folks' Boogie" (Barrère, G. Barrère) – 4:26 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Dixie Chicken" (George, Kibbee) – 8:53 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 3 & 4, 1977
"Tripe Face Boogie" (Hayward, Payne) – 7:09 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2 & 3, 1977
"Rocket in My Pocket" (George) – 3:57 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2, 1977
"Time Loves a Hero" (Barrère, Gradney, Payne) – 4:19 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Day or Night" (Payne, F. Tate) – 5:30 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Mercenary Territory" (George, E. George, Hayward) – 4:36 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2, 1977
"Spanish Moon" (George) – 5:36 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
Running time: 60:02
Disc two
"Willin'" (George) – 4:42 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Don't Bogart That Joint" (E. Ingber, L. Wagner) – 1:01 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"A Apolitical Blues" (George) – 3:51 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 3, 1977
"Sailin' Shoes" (George) – 6:23 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 10, 1977
"Feats Don't Fail Me Now" (Barrère, George, Kibbee) – 5:35 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"One Love Stand" (Barrère, Gradney, Payne) – 4:27 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"Rock and Roll Doctor" (George, Kibbee) – 4:17 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"Skin It Back" (Barrère) – 5:40 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2, 1977
"On Your Way Down" (Allen Toussaint) – 6:25 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 10, 1977
"Walkin' All Night" (Barrère, Payne) – 4:12 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Cold, Cold, Cold" (George) – 5:18 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Day at the Dog Races" (Barrère, Clayton, Gradney, Hayward, Payne) – 12:12 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"Skin It Back" (Barrère) – 4:40 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Red Streamliner" (Payne, F. Tate) – 4:59 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Teenage Nervous Breakdown" (George) – 4:12 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
Running time: 77:54
bscene-smokingweed:
Waiting For Columbus -- Remastered 2 CD Set
Little Feat
1978/2002 Warner Bros. Records
Amazon.com essential recording
Few rock concert documents can match this 1978 live album for sheer musicianship, or for its full-blooded representation of one of the best live bands ever. Little Feat's turbulent '70s pilgrimage had been studded with commercial detours when its second incarnation as a swampy, blues-rock sextet clicked musically, and these English and American dates, beautifully recorded by George Massenburg, capture the band in all its rowdy, precise glory. The late Lowell George's influence had been damped down in the studio, deferring to his bandmates' writing and singing, but Columbus is dominated by his gruff, lyrical vocal presence and the mercurial tang of his indelible slide guitar. With the Tower of Power Horns aboard to inject razor-sharp horn work, this romp through the Feat songbook of southern-fried rock represents a satisfying summation of the band's best works, every bit as engaging as their studio models. This is simmering, smart music measured by an honor roll of great songs with no lapses. The only caveat--and a minor one--is the deletion of two tracks to squeeze the original two LPs onto a single CD. --Sam Sutherland
2002 "Deluxe Edition" double CD
This edition not only restores all the original tracks, but includes several additional tracks recorded at the same appearances where the original tracks were recorded. Disc 1 has all the tracks from sides 1, 3, and 2 (in that order) of the original LP release. Disc 2 opens with side 4, continues with several previously unreleased tracks (6 through 12), and concludes with the three tracks that appeared on Hoy-Hoy!.
Disc one
"Join The Band" (Traditional) – 1:54 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 10, 1977
"Fat Man in the Bathtub" (George) – 4:53 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"All That You Dream" (Barrère, Payne) – 4:29 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Oh Atlanta" (Payne) – 4:20 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Old Folks' Boogie" (Barrère, G. Barrère) – 4:26 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Dixie Chicken" (George, Kibbee) – 8:53 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 3 & 4, 1977
"Tripe Face Boogie" (Hayward, Payne) – 7:09 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2 & 3, 1977
"Rocket in My Pocket" (George) – 3:57 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2, 1977
"Time Loves a Hero" (Barrère, Gradney, Payne) – 4:19 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Day or Night" (Payne, F. Tate) – 5:30 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Mercenary Territory" (George, E. George, Hayward) – 4:36 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2, 1977
"Spanish Moon" (George) – 5:36 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
Running time: 60:02
Disc two
"Willin'" (George) – 4:42 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Don't Bogart That Joint" (E. Ingber, L. Wagner) – 1:01 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"A Apolitical Blues" (George) – 3:51 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 3, 1977
"Sailin' Shoes" (George) – 6:23 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 10, 1977
"Feats Don't Fail Me Now" (Barrère, George, Kibbee) – 5:35 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"One Love Stand" (Barrère, Gradney, Payne) – 4:27 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"Rock and Roll Doctor" (George, Kibbee) – 4:17 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"Skin It Back" (Barrère) – 5:40 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 2, 1977
"On Your Way Down" (Allen Toussaint) – 6:25 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 10, 1977
"Walkin' All Night" (Barrère, Payne) – 4:12 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Cold, Cold, Cold" (George) – 5:18 - The Rainbow Theatre London England August 4, 1977
"Day at the Dog Races" (Barrère, Clayton, Gradney, Hayward, Payne) – 12:12 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
"Skin It Back" (Barrère) – 4:40 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Red Streamliner" (Payne, F. Tate) – 4:59 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 8, 1977
"Teenage Nervous Breakdown" (George) – 4:12 - Lisner Auditorium Washington D.C. August 9, 1977
Running time: 77:54
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Joshua Judges Ruth -- CD
Lyle Lovett
1992 MCA Records
Lyle's Masterpiece,
September 27, 2002
By Fred McGhee "fredmcghee"
This review is from: Joshua Judges Ruth (Audio CD)
This gospel inflected, subtle, mature, sublime, and beautiful recording was one of the best releases of the 1990's. "Joshua, Judges," and "Ruth" are consecutive books in the bible, and his clever use of those titles are in some way a microcosm of the multi-layered approach he uses here and in all of his music.
"Church" is a wonderful and engaging piece of music that fully displays Lovett's musicianship, exceptional writing, and subtle wit. "She's Already Made Up Her Mind" is one of the best songs Lyle has ever written and is also one of the best SONGS ever written, ranking right up there with the best of Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and others who have written country-influenced singer-songwriter material. This is a wide-open, West of the Mississippi, haunting and beautiful song, that not only speaks truth, but is filled with longing and sentimental emotion. "North Dakota" is similar in nature; this music is as wide open as the American West. John Denver's influence is evident in these songs, but these are definitely LYLE's themes and motifs, not John's.
A brief note on the sound and engineering of this record: job well done. The silences of this music are as important as the notes, and every single spin of this CD on your player is as professionally processed as a German meatcutter. Gorgeous work, that is properly respectful of this piece of American art by Lyle.
All songs by Lyle Lovett, except "North Dakota" by Lyle Lovett and Willis Alan Ramsey.
"I've Been To Memphis"
"Church"
"She's Already Made Up Her Mind"
"North Dakota"
"You've Been So Good Up To Now"
"All My Love Is Gone"
"Since The Last Time"
"Baltimore"
"Family Reserve"
"She's Leaving Me Because She Really Wants To"
"Flyswatter/Ice Water Blues (Monte Trenckmann's Blues)"
"She Makes Me Feel Good"
Lyle Lovett – vocals, guitar
Kevin Dorsey – bass, background vocals
Ray Herndon – guitar
Leo Kottke – guitar
Russ Kunkel – drums
Jay Dee Maness – guitar, pedal steel guitar
Edgar Meyer – bass
Dean Parks – guitar, slide guitar, background vocals
Matt Rollings – organ, piano, Hammond organ
Johnny Lee Schell – electric guitar
Leland Sklar – bass
John Hagen – cello
Emmylou Harris – background vocals, harmony vocals
Rickie Lee Jones – background vocals, harmony vocals
Arnold McCuller – background vocals
Kathy Hazzard – background vocals
Willis Alan Ramsey – background vocals, harmony vocals
Francine Reed – background vocals
Sweet Pea Atkinson – background vocals
Sir Harry Bowens – background vocals
Greg Smith – baritone saxophone
Larry Williams – tenor saxophone
Dan Higgins – alto saxophone
Plas Johnson – tenor saxophone
Billy Williams – guitar, trombone
Dennie
Well-Known Member
The Very Best of Dr. John -- CD
Dr. John
1995 Rhino Records
THE AMBASSADOR OF NEW ORLEANS: DR. JOHN, February 20, 2003
By S. Finefrock (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Very Best Of Dr. John (Audio CD)
Dr John (aka Mac Renneback) has helped popularize the many exciting sounds of New Orleans over the years. This collection shows what makes Dr John a special performer. The gumbo of styles that make New Orleans music so joyful are expertly rendered by the good Doctor's peppery piano and bluesy vocals. From his funky classic hit Right Place, Wrong Time to the pyschedelic voodoo classic Walk on Gildeded Splinters, there is not a weak track here. One could quibble that some of the songs covered here are done better by their originators, but these are all fine performances. Use this as a springboard to discover more of the great more artists that have made New Orleans a musical capital such as The Meters, Professor Longhair, etc. Enjoy!
Track Listing
1. Right Place, Wrong Time
2. Such a Night
3. Mama Roux
4. Junko Partner
5. Wash, Mama, Wash
6. Loop Garoo
7. Iko Iko
8. Tipitina
9. Jump Sturdy
10. Qualified - (bonus track)
11. What Comes Around (Goes Around)
12. Mos' Scocious
13. I Walk on Guilded Splinters
14. Honeydripper - (bonus track)
15. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
16. Goin' Back to New Orleans
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Harbor Lights -- CD
Bruce Hornsby
1993 RCA Records
Jazz-influenced pop that's an adult alternative to pop, December 30, 2003
By Glen Engel Cox (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Harbor Lights (Audio CD)
Although both emerged from similar roots, the cross-pollination of rock and jazz is fairly limited. There's the heavy horns of 70s groups Chicago, Tower of Power, and Blood, Sweat and Tears; the cool jazz fusion of Steely Dan; and the modern mix-it-up hip-hop of Us3. The only other jazz-influenced rock artist to make much of a name for himself in the general public is Bruce Hornsby, who combines the better aspects of jazz-lounge piano (like Dave Grusin or Keith Jarrett) with the folk-rock sound of Jackson Brown and James Taylor.
After his debut with the massive hit, "The Way It Is" (from the album of the same name), Hornsby has released successive albums that build upon the formula that worked for him so well in that first single: a rock rhythm section with a standout piano that takes both the melodic part and also adds the gracenotes to the lyrical lines (think of how "The Way It Is" has the three-note-three-note touches after the line, then switches to taking on the full melody between chorus and verses).
For me, Hornsby's best album to date is not that first one, but 1993's Harbor Lights. The jazz solos are much longer, and stronger, than on previous releases ("China Doll"), while the folky lyrics of philosophical musings have a touch more poeticism ("Fields of Grey," "The Tide Will Rise"). The best songs, though, are the ones that reveal Hornsby's funky side, like the horn-laced chorus of "Rainbow's Cadillac" (complete with wonderful backing vocals by Bonnie Raitt) and the infectious rhythmic drum on "What a Time." My favorite song is "Talk of the Town," about a mixed-race couple in a small town told in the first person with a medium speed, yet driving drum track.
If your only exposure to Hornsby has been his 80s hits, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this album, by his increasing musicianship, and the maturity of his lyrics. This isn't teeny-bopper pop, but truly adult alternative music.
All songs written by Bruce Hornsby
"Harbor Lights"
"Talk of the Town"
"Long Tall Cool One"
"China Doll"
"Fields of Gray"
"Rainbow's Cadillac"
"Passing Through"
"The Tide Will Rise" (Bruce Hornsby, John Hornsby)
"What a Time" (Bruce Hornsby, John Hornsby)
"Pastures of Plenty"
Personnel: Bruce Hornsby (vocals, accordion, piano, organ); Phil Collins (vocals, bongos, tambourine, background vocals); Bonnie Raitt (vocals, background vocals); Pat Metheny (guitar, sitar); Jerry Garcia, John Bigham, Tony Berg, Waddy Wachtel, Wayne Pooley (guitar); Laura Roelofs Park (violin, balloons); John McLaughlin Williams (violin); Beverly K. Baker (viola); William Conita (cello); Branford Marsalis (saxophone, soprano saxophone, horns); Dr. Alex Paterson, Philip Koslow, Alan B. Paterson, George Harple, Adam Lesnick (French horn); Roy Muth, George A. Gailes III (horns, background vocals); Tim Struggle, Glenn Wilson, John D'earth (horns); Dave Duncan (midi); Omar Hakim (drums, percussion); Jeff Lorber (drums, programming, loops); John Molo (drums); Lamont Coward (percussion); Debra Henry, Tim Streagle, Laura Cramer-Dunville, Larry Williams , Laura Satterfield, Pauline Wilson, Phillip Ingram, Jean McClain (background vocals)
Dennie
Well-Known Member
The Nightfly -- CD
Donald Fagen
1982 Warner Bros. Records
A "Desert Island" Disc,
March 28, 2002
By Kurt Harding "bon vivant"
This review is from: The Nightfly (Audio CD)
I was a late bloomer when it came to succumbing to the charms of Steely Dan. Oh, there were a few songs I liked, but I always viewed them as an essentially top 40 band. It was their masterpiece Aja that finally got me to appreciate the sheer genius of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen.
Then came Fagen's solo effort Nightfly. I can think of few other albums that I could listen to daily without tiring of them. Every song is masterfully arranged. The album is upbeat, suave, romantic and an impeccable blend of jazz and rock.
The narrator of this magnificent theme album is flush with optimism throughout for both his own possibilities and for the possibilities of society at large, fueled by the efflorescence of the technological age.
The only hitch in his utopian panorama is the obvious reference to the communist takeover of Cuba in The Goodbye Look.
My favorites are the forward-looking IGY, the wistful Maxine, the hopeful New Frontier, and the tropical feel of both The Goodbye Look and Walk Between the Raindrops.
Special mention should be given to the title track. How many of us actually wish there were stations like WJAZ? I would think that all lovers of non-commercial music yearn for such a station. Only a few of us are lucky to live in a place where a good independent station plays non-commercial jazz.
Donald Fagen has earned his wings with The Nightfly. Not only is he a masterful lyricist, but he is a virtuoso musician.
I own thousands of CDs, tapes, and LPs and if I were allowed to bring only ten to a desert island exile, Nightfly might well be one of them.
All songs by Donald Fagen, except where noted
"I.G.Y." – 6:03
"Green Flower Street" – 3:42
"Ruby Baby" (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller), Arranged by Donald Fagen – 5:39
"Maxine" – 3:49
"New Frontier" – 6:21
"The Nightfly" – 5:47
"The Goodbye Look" – 4:50
"Walk Between Raindrops" – 2:38
"True Companion" (Bonus Track, from The Nightfly Trilogy MVI Boxed Set) - 5:09
"Green Flower Street (Live)" (Bonus Track, from The Nightfly Trilogy MVI Boxed Set) - 4:25
"Century's End" (Bonus Track, from The Nightfly Trilogy MVI Boxed Set) - 5:33