What Are You Listening To?

[smgreen20]

Time for that metal update......

This album came out in June and I just found out about it last week. I check their site regularly and they posted no mention of a new album, let alone being in the studio, but they're the type of band that makes an album every 2 yrs and they were due in Jan.

 

[Dennie]

Time for that metal update......

This album came out in June and I just found out about it last week. I check their site regularly and they posted no mention of a new album, let alone being in the studio, but they're the type of band that makes an album every 2 yrs and they were due in Jan.

Man, "Metal" and "Prog. Rock" has some of the greatest and most interesting/creative album covers I've ever seen! :handgestures-thumbup:


Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Magic Time -- CD

Van Morrison

2005 Geffen Records

Amazon.com

Like a human infusion of chamomile tea, hearing Van Morrison's voice has the effect of instantly soothing even the most stressed listener. That said, some of his releases have been so mellow that they muted the '60s soul influences that had been a part of Van's appeal. Not so with Magic Time, a wonderful balance of groove and smoothness, with a "live off the floor" feel evident throughout the disc. Right from the start "Stranded" shows Van at his crooner best--relaxed, present, and joyful. "Celtic New Year" comes next with a very Astral Weeks feel, leading one to believe that this disc might be sedentary through and through… until "Keep Mediocrity at Bay" kicks in, a feisty blues romp proving that though in his sixties, Morrison still has the sass of his best previous days. Morrison's cover of Sinatra's brassy "This Love of Mine" and Perry Como's "I'm Confessin'" are full of cheek and charm. Morrison-as-producer has chosen stellar horn sections that elevate the music from good to great and come from an obvious deep love of classic blues and soul. He's a lover and a fighter (the disc has two references to his disdain of the music industry: "They Sold Me Out" and "Carry On Regardless"), but ultimately true to his own musical vision. This destined-to-be-classic release will please a wide variety of his fans. --Denise Sheppard

All songs by Van Morrison (unless noted otherwise)

"Stranded" – 5:34
"Celtic New Year" – 6:10
"Keep Mediocrity at Bay" – 3:44
"Evening Train" – 2:48
"This Love of Mine" (Sol Parker, Henry W. Sanicola, Frank Sinatra) – 2:42
"I'm Confessin'" (Doc Daughtery, Al Neiburg, Ellis Reynolds) – 4:29
"Just Like Greta" – 6:25
"Gypsy in My Soul" – 4:04
"Lonely and Blue" ("Black and Blue" with altered lyrics) (Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller) – 3:41
"The Lion This Time" – 4:56
"Magic Time" – 5:06
"They Sold Me Out" – 3:11
"Carry On Regardless" – 5:54

(The UK (Polydor) release has only 12 tracks (same listing order), omitting "I'm Confessin'".)

 

[Dennie]

Medicine -- CD

Tab Benoit

2011 Telarc Records

"Medicine : What The Doctor Ordered"., April 26, 2011
By M. Mariba "the teacher" (pretoria, south africa) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Medicine (Audio CD)

This is a very interesting & great CD release by the blues maestro Tab Benoit, titled 'Medicine'. Tab Benoit himself reports a magical production of this 7th solo CD release : a great collaboration with guitarist/songwriter Anders Osborne who plays/uses blues legend B. B. King's famous 'Lucille' Gibson guitar on six tracks in this great new album, most of the tracks being recorded at first takes & Tab Benoit being very completely at ease with the services of David Z, a former original Prince and the Revolution band member (at engineering & producing this album). The result is a defining album yet released by Tab Benoit (described by his recording company as a 'hipper & groovier' album than anything he has done thus far!) This great new CD (11 tracks with 7 new tracks) & opens with the title track "Medicine" : a great blues track, very rich guitar sound that is reminiscent of guitarist Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac's solo sound). Other great tracks include "Sunrise" (a slow track with a wonderful guitar & great vocals reminiscent of that of Joe Cocker's), "A Whole Lotta Soul", "Come And Get It" (great up-tempo track with great lead guitar overdrive), "Broke And Lonely" (a 'staccato' blues sound, quite melodical & great vocals), "In It To Win It", "Can't You See" (up-tempo track with great guitar/violin/vocals combination) & "Mudboat Melissa" (great duet/harmony & violin). My favourite tracks/stand-outs/gems are "Long Lonely Bayou" (a slow beautiful track characterized by great guitar/violin combination with great vocals to match), "Nothing Takes The Place Of You" (a wonderful ballad, beautiful guitar/vocals & great melody) & "Next To Me" (great guitar/vocals building to a beautiful 'cresciendo'). There is no weak track on this great CD to really talk of. On overall, this is a fantastic CD release by the talented blues musician Tab Benoit, a highly recommended CD listening.

Track Listing
1. Medicine
2. Sunrise
3. A Whole Lotta Soul, A
4. Come and Get It
5. Broke and Lonely
6. Long Lonely Bayou
7. In It to Win It
8. Can't You See
9. Nothing Takes the Place of You
10. Next to Me
11. Mudboat Melissa

 

[Dennie]

Delta Blues and Spirituals -- CD

Son House

1995 Capitol Blues Collection

Tell Me Who's That Writin', February 1, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Delta Blues & Spirituals By Son House (Audio CD)

My first introduction to Son House came in a bar just before closing time. "John The Revelator" came on the stereo I stopped mid conversation. After the song was over I had to ask, "Who the hell was that?".

It was quite simply one of the most powerful recordings I've ever heard. Full of sound & fury and signifying everything. I was blown away and it didn't take me too long to track down the exact recording, DELTA BLUES AND SPRITUALS. Which alas is now out of print. Next to Robert Johnson's complete recordings, this is one of the best Blues records I've ever heard. I've since bought other recordings by this man, but none match the sheer power of this live 1970 recording. All the grit & gristle but none of the fat. And what a voice. The man just roars to his God.

On the monlogue sequences, you can tell he's had more than a few, but when he starts into "Levee Camp Moan" or his signature, "Death Letter Blues" it's like he's never touched the stuff.

Sure, things are a little rough along the edges but that's how it should be. And though his guitar playing may not be what it used to be, he more than makes up for any "clams" with the tenacity of his delivery.

The acapella spirtual selections are awe inspiring. Once he sets into "Grinnin' In Your Face" and "John The Revelator" there's no chance you'll walk away unmoved. Quite frankly, I think this is the best recordings you're likely to find under the name of Son House. Though out of print, it's well worth tracking down.

1. Monologue-The B-L-U-E-S
2. Between Midnight And Day
3. I Want To Go Home On The Morning Train
4. Levee Camp Moan
5. This Little Light Of Mine
6. Monologue-Thinkin' Strong
7. Death Letter Blues
8. How To Treat A Man
9. Grinnin' In Your Face
10. John The Revelator

 

[Dennie]

Kamakiriad -- CD

Donald Fagen

1993 Reprise Records

Kilgore Trout meets Steely Dan! A masterwork, September 8, 1998
By rash67 (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Kamakiriad (Audio CD)

"Kamakiri", I have been told, means "Beatle" in Japanese. The "-ad" suffix as in Odyssiad, so it's journey of the beatle. The car is "not a freeway bullet or a bug with monster wheels, just a total bio-sphere." The logical extension of "Aja", "Gaucho" and other late Steely Dan. Exquisitely well thought out, cerebral, yet funky. The story of the journey of an improbable solar powered car with a vegetable garden inside! Full of clever Fagan lyrics. Rock, jazz, R&B, New age influences, impossible to classify.

A great stereo test record, spectacular recording quality!

Standout song is "Tomorrows Girls", a cautionary tale diseased about beautiful Party Girls from outer space who come to earth for a good time with Earth Guys. "A virus wearing pumps and pearls".

Listen for the fireworks when "some loser fires off a flare". Kamakiriad is chock full of lyrical, tongue-in-cheek songs, not a bad cut on the album.

Gentle non-abrasive music. A masterwork! The only thing wrong with this album is the length of time it took Donald Fagen to do it. Let's hope he does another album soon!

Kilgore Trout meets Steely Dan!

"Trans-Island Skyway" (Fagen) – 6:30
"Countermoon" (Fagen) – 5:05
"Springtime" (Fagen) – 5:06
"Snowbound" (Walter Becker, Fagen) – 7:08
"Tomorrow's Girls" (Fagen) – 6:17
"Florida Room" (Fagen, Libby Titus) – 6:02
"On the Dunes" (Fagen) – 8:07
"Teahouse on the Tracks" (Fagen) – 6:09

 

[Dennie]

I'll Get Around To It -- CD

Carrie Wicks

2010 OA2 Records

After eight years of immersing herself in the vocal jazz tradition by studying with the best teachers and getting her tail wet onstage, Carrie Wicks gathers some of Seattle's finest for her debut recording. With co-producer Bill Anschell on piano, Jeff Johnson on bass, Bryon Vannoy on drums, and Hans Teuber on woodwinds, Wicks displays a veteran's sense of pacing and repertoire to compliment her unique and understated vocal approach. Homage is paid to Blossom Dearie with Everything I've Got to Nat King Cole with I'm Lost (in six), and to Billie Holiday for her rendition of Baby, Get Lost. Wicks' angelic tone mourns the story in Lilac Wine, Elvis Costello's jazz ballad Almost Blue hits deep and Comes Love is dark and foreboding yet swinging. I'll Get Around To It is a stirring debut from an inspired new voice.

1. Everything I've Got
2. Ill Wind
3. I'm Lost
4. Moon Samba Medley: Moonlight in Vermont/No Moon at All
5. Lilac Wine
6. I'll Get Around to It
7. Comes Love
8. I'm Old Fashioned
9. Almost Blue
10. Baby, Get Lost

Personnel: Carrie Wicks (vocals); Hans Teuber (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Bill Anschell (piano); Byron Vannoy (drums).

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening...

As Serenity Approaches -- CD

Marcus Roberts

1992 Novus Records

Every one of pianist Marcus Roberts's recordings thus far are recommended. This outing has 11 impressive solo performances and eight duets with trumpeters Scotty Barnhart, Nicholas Payton and Wynton Marsalis (the latter on a fun version of Jelly Roll Morton's "King Porter Stomp"), Todd Williams on clarinet and tenor and trombonist Ronald Westray in addition to two meetings with fellow pianist Ellis Marsalis. This music finds Roberts using techniques of the past (especially stride and old-time breaks) in both his new originals and revivals of classic tunes. However he never resorts to mere copying and feels free to update elements of the music or to throw in eccentric ideas. There is a great deal for listeners to investigate on this thoroughly fascinating recital. ~ Scott Yanow

Track Listing

1. Cherokee
2. Angel
3. Slippin' and Slidin'
4. Blues in the Evening Time
5. Ferdinand Lementhe
6. Nigh Eve
7. As Serenity Approaches
8. Jitterbug Waltz, The
9. St. Louis Blues
10. I Remember You
11. Preach, Reverend, Preach
12. Tint of Blue, A
13. When the Mornin' Come
14. Where or When
15. King Porter Stomp
16. Creole Blues
17. Broadway
18. Angel
19. Cherokee

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Halos & Horns -- CD

Dolly Parton

2002 Sugar Hill Records

Dolly's done it again, August 14, 2002
By "gemini_j" (Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Halos & Horns (Audio CD)

Dolly Parton has had a slew of creative success behind her past few albums, so its no surprise once again she's turned in a commanding performance on HALOS AND HORNS her newest offering. The album opens with the title track, which has excellent harmony vocals. The album has interesting concepts, for one she covers two well known songs: Bread's "If" and Led Zepplin's "Stairway to Heaven". As well two of her own past hits get retreatment, "What a Heartache" and "Shattered Image". The remaining 10 songs are all brand new, and some of her most inspired. "Hello God" recalls 9/11 and offers peace, "These Old Bones" has Dolly role playing, "I'm Gone" is a fun quirky leave-your-man kind of song. The album's first single and video is "Dagger Through the Heart", and Dolly does heartbreak well. Overall HALOS AND HORNS is another winner, so be sure to add it to your collection.

1. Halos And Horns
2. Sugar Hill
3. Not For Me
4. Hello God
5. If
6. Shattered Image
7. These Old Bones
8. What A Heartache
9. I'm Gone
10. Raven Dove
11. Dagger Through The Heart
12. If Only
13. John Daniel
14. Stairway To Heaven

 

[Dennie]

Pan - American Journey's -- CD

Modern Mandolin Quartet

1993 Windham Hill Records

On the music of Pan American Journey, Modern Mandolin Quartet have expanded their repertoire with the appearance of new music commissioned by young American composers and more adventurous works by established writers. Featuring sounds of native people brought to the concert hall, Pan American Journey is a collection of musical travels that will transcend the boundaries of any string quartet. Artists consist of Mike Marshall on mandolin I, Dana Rath on mandolin II, Paul Binkley on mandola and guitar, John Imholz on mandecello, and Tom Miller on triangle, tamborim, shaker, brake drum, bongos and quartet of steel pans. (Yes, there are 5 on this "quartet" release.)

Redonda
Elements IV: Water
Berceuse
Ojos Brujos
Four, For Tango
Assanhado
Piano Prelude I
Piano Prelude II
Piano Prelude III
Danca/Bachianas Brasileiras # 5
The Louie Louie Variations


19427

 

[Dennie]

One of my favorites..... :bow-blue:

Warm Your Heart -- CD

Aaron Neville

1991 A&M Records

Aaron Neville at his Best, August 15, 2001
By Robert Kall "Rob Kall of Opednews.com" (Newtown, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Warm Your Heart (Audio CD)

Aaron Neville has been around a long time. This CD is an extraordinary creation, which combines some original songs and some classics. Produced by Linda Ronstadt and George Massengill, it offer lush, rich sounds which really do Warm Your Heart.

Neville's voice is at it's best. Several songs include duet vocals with Linda Ronstadt or Rita Coolidge. Ry Cooder plays guitar on several tracks.

This was the first Aaron Neville album I purchased, after first becoming a fan of his from hearing him sing on one of Linda Ronstadt's albums that he did duets on. Since then, I've purchased many more and my family knows they can't go wrong buying me an Aaron Neville CD for a gift.

As I listen to this album, writing this review, I get chills. It is by far my favorite of all his albums. I even bought a back-up copy. Maybe it's the orchestration and production of Linda Ronstadt. Maybe he just found his peak performance mode when recording these songs.

Whatever it is, this CD is one I have listened to at least 50 times, and I expect it will continue to have its staying power for me.

"Louisiana 1927" (Randy Newman) – 3:04
"Everybody Plays The Fool" (J.R. Bailey, Rudy Clark, Ken Williams) - 4:25
"It Feels Like Rain" (John Hiatt)- 4:56
"Somewhere, Somebody" (Max Gronenthal, Andrew Kastner, Larry John McNally) - 3:01
"Don't Go, Please Stay" (Burt Bacharach, Bob Hilliard) - 2:40
"With You In Mind" (Allen Toussaint) - 3:32
"That's The Way She Loves" (Allen Toussaint) - 4:45
"Angola Bound" (Aaron Neville, Neville Brothers) - 4:32
"Close Your Eyes" (Chuck Willis) - 3:10
"La Vie Dansante" (Jimmy Buffett, Will Jennings, Michael Utley) - 3:21
"Warm Your Heart" (Tom Dowd, Ahmet Ertegun, Jerry Wexler) - 3:49
"I Bid You Goodnight" (traditional) - 4:00
"Ave Maria" (Franz Schubert)- 4:41

The album utilizes many guest vocalists, musicians and session musicians. Producer Linda Ronstadt sings on four songs on the album and Grammy Award winning Rita Coolidge sings on three. Other guests include slide guitarist Ry Cooder, saxophonist Plas Johnson, Bob Seger, Dr. John, Bob Glaub and Dean Parks.

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening...

Here We Go Again - Celebrating The Genius of Ray Charles -- CD

Willie Nelson - Wynton Marsalis featuring Norah Jones

2011 Blue Note Records

It's better the second time out - Nelson is looser, Great solos PLUS there's a lady in the vocal mix., April 3, 2011
By Steven I. Ramm "Steve Ramm "Anything Phon... (Phila, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles (Audio CD)

Last year's release of the "Two Men With The Blues" - a concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center with Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis - on both CD and and DVD received lots of media attention. It was an interesting concept but didn't quite work perfectly for me. This follow-up release - which was actually released on DVD in 2009, but making its AUDIO appearance in 2011 - works much better. And, no its not because of the addition of singer Norah Jones. Nelson seems much "looser" (if that's the proper term) than on the "Blues" release. Just listen to him on "Unchain My Heart" where he actually sounds aggressive - not an adjective often applied to Nelson's laid-back style of singing. That track is one of the highlights for other reasons. Drummer Ali Jackson (a long time member of Marsalis' band) has a great percussion solo - followed by a nice trumpet solo by Marsalis - that precedes Nelson's vocal refrain. If the album had just this track and the closer - "What'd I Say" with vocals by Nelson, Jones and Marsalis - it would be worth getting. Not everything is as perfect. Nelson and Jones duet on "Cryin' time and both their vocals sound weak. But one weak track out of 12 - and all have a length that allows for instrumental solos - is not bad.

The CD is a tribute to the songs associated with Ray Charles, with more emphasis on the jazz and R&B than on his "country music period", and all the hits are hit - along with a few more obscure Charles recordings like "I Love You So Much".

This should appeal to both jazz and Nelson's "classic country"/pop music fans.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

1. "Hallelujah I Love Her So" Don Lanier, Red Steagall 4:54
2. "Come Rain or Come Shine" (featuring Norah Jones) Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer 3:52
3. "Unchain My Heart" Teddy Powell, Bobby Sharp 5:35
4. "Cryin' Time" (featuring Norah Jones) Buck Owens 4:32
5. "Losing Hand" Charles Calhoun 5:16
6. "Hit the Road Jack" (featuring Norah Jones) Percy Mayfield 7:45
7. "I'm Moving On" Hank Snow 5:44
8. "Busted" Harlan Howard 3:52
9. "Here We Go Again" (featuring Norah Jones) Don Lanier, Red Steagall 5:10
10. "Makin' Whoopee" (featuring Norah Jones) Gus Kahn 4:54
11. "I Love You So Much It Hurts" Floyd Tillman 2:52
12. "What'd I Say" (featuring Norah Jones) Ray Charles 6:11

 

[Dennie]

Hell Freezes Over -- CD

Eagles

1994 Geffen Records

Audio Nirvana -- Great "System Test" CD, March 4, 2001
By Randy Given (Manchester, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)


This review is from: Hell Freezes Over (Audio CD)
This recording is one of the best pop recordings available on CD. When analyzing high-end audio equipment, this is one of a handful that I absolutely must audition with.

Clear, tight, dynamic, you name it. Listen to the beginning of track 6, "Hotel California", especially right after 32 seconds into the track. If you have a really good system, you will probably get your hairs to stand on end.

Oh, the music itself? First class, of course. The best songs of the Eagles and all sound nice. My favorite is "Pretty Maids All In A Row" with "New York Minute" and "The Last Resort" just behind it. Of course, "Hotel California" sounds great, almost better than the original recording.

This album MUST be in your collection if you like popular music or even classic rock.

"Get Over It"* (Don Henley, Glenn Frey) – 3:31
"Love Will Keep Us Alive"* (Pete Vale, Jim Capaldi, Paul Carrack) – 4:03
"The Girl from Yesterday"* (Frey, Jack Tempchin) – 3:23
"Learn to Be Still"* (Henley, Stan Lynch) – 4:28
"Tequila Sunrise" (Henley, Frey) – 3:28
"Hotel California" (Don Felder, Henley, Frey) – 7:12
"Wasted Time" (Henley, Frey) – 5:19
"Pretty Maids All in a Row" (Joe Walsh, Joe Vitale) – 4:26
"I Can't Tell You Why" (Henley, Frey, Schmit) – 5:11
"New York Minute" (Henley, Danny "Kootch" Kortchmar, Jai Winding) – 6:37
"The Last Resort" (Henley, Frey) – 7:24
"Take It Easy" (Jackson Browne, Frey) – 4:36
"In the City" (Walsh, Barry De Vorzon) – 4:07
"Life in the Fast Lane" (Henley, Frey, Walsh) – 6:01
"Desperado" (Henley, Frey) – 4:17

*All new songs were released as studio recordings on the album, but can be seen live on the VHS and DVD versions.

 

[Dennie]

Live - 1973 -- CD

Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels

1982/1994 Rhino Records

Amazon.com

Because he was gone by age 27, any opportunity to hear Gram Parsons in action is worthwhile. This record was recorded in front of a studio audience and broadcast live on WLIR in New York in March of 1973, a mere six months before Parsons's untimely death. Most of the material comes from his two solo albums (now collected on one CD) and his groundbreaking work with the Byrds and Burritos. Still, there are a few noteworthy additions to the canon, namely an urgent reading of Merle Haggard's "California Cottonfields," a roughshod '50s-rock medley, and the relatively obscure sacred tune "Country Baptizing," which was written by North Carolina fiddler Jim Shumate, a onetime member of both Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys and then Flatt & Scruggs's Foggy Mountain Boys. Parsons's touring band, the Fallen Angels, play with fire and looseness, especially Neil Flanz on pedal steel, and, of course, the wonderful Emmylou Harris harmonizes ever so passionately with the lead Fallen Angel. --Marc Greilsamer

"We'll Sweep Out the Ashes in the Morning" (Joyce Allsup) - 3:34
"Country Baptizing" (Jim Shumate) - 3:50
"Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man" (Roger McGuinn/Gram Parsons) - 4:33
"Big Mouth Blues" (Gram Parsons) - 4:34
"The New Soft Shoe" (Gram Parsons) - 5:02
"Cry One More Time" (Peter Wolf/Seth Justman) - 5:22
"Streets of Baltimore" (Tompall Glaser/Harlan Howard) - 3:08
"That's All It Took" (Darrell Edwards/Charlotte Grier/George Jones) - 2:45
"Love Hurts" (Boudleaux Bryant) - 4:31
"California Cotton Fields" (Dallas Frazier/Earl Montgomery) - 2:32
"Six Days on the Road" (Earl Green/Carl Montgomery) - 3:04
"Encore Medley: Bony Maronie/Forty Days/Almost Grown" (Larry Williams/Chuck Berry) - 5:50

 

[Dennie]

Angel Clare -- CD

Art Garfunkel

1973/1990 Columbia Records

A Fine Debut Album, October 30, 2004
By B. J O'Connor "noonions" (Holmdel,NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Angel Clare (Audio CD)

"Angel Clare",released in 1973,showed that Artie could do very well without Paul Simon,just as Paul's excellent 1972 solo album showed he could make it on his own as well.While Garfunkel's output isn't as creative or adventurous as Simon's since Art didn't write most of his material,there's nonetheless a weath of quality music he's made throughout his career.And quality is in full supply on "Angel Clare",from the grand,lovely ballad "All I Know"(which was featured on the last first-season episode of Nip/Tuck),the jaunty Van Morrison-penned "I Shall Sing","Old Man","Mary Was An Only Child",and the traditional tunes "Barbara Allen" and "Feuilles-Oh/Do Space Men Pass Dead Souls On Their Way To The Moon?".Beautiful listening for any one with a great ear for music.Also recommended:Breakaway,Watermark,Fate For Breakfast,Scissors Cut,and Everthing Waits To Be Noticed.

"Traveling Boy" (Paul Williams, Roger Nichols) – 4:55
"Down In The Willow Garden" (Charlie Monroe) – 3:54
"I Shall Sing" (Van Morrison) – 3:30
"Old Man" (Randy Newman) – 3:20
"Feuilles-Oh/Do Space Men Pass Dead Souls On Their Way To The Moon?" (Traditional/Johann Sebastian Bach, Linda Grossman) – 3:07
"All I Know" (Jimmy Webb) – 3:43
"Mary Was An Only Child" (Jorge Milchberg, Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood) – 3:26
"Woyaya" (Sol Amarfio, Osibisa) – 3:15
"Barbara Allen" (Traditional) – 5:22
"Another Lullaby" (Jimmy Webb) – 3:29

 

[Dennie]

CSN -- CD

Crosby, Stills & Nash

1977/1990 Atlantic Records

Adult music, March 21, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: CSN (Audio CD)

Some people prefer the youthful flash of this trio's first album, some the rocknroll flash of the first one where "Y" was part of the mix, but I've always found CSN to be the most satisfying of Crosby, Stills and Nash' efforts in that particular formation. The main reason is that it sounds like three ADULTS really giving their all together; in the songwriting, in the harmonies, in every respect. Particular high points are Still's "See The Changes," a sort-of cousin musically to his earlier "Helplessly Hoping," but whose world-weary lyrics are some of the most penetrating the man ever wrote; Nash's "Cold Rain," about returning to where you originally came from and remembering why you left in the first place, with some wonderful close harmonies; Nash again with "Cathedral," a dramatic high point in the group's arrangements; and Crosby's "Shadow Captain," as potently evocative of sailing on the open seas as a song can get. This album doesn't have the "gosh-wow" factor of CSN's 1969 debut, but it's just as rewarding an album---maybe more.

Side One

"Shadow Captain" (Crosby, Craig Doerge) – 4:32
"See the Changes" (Stills) – 2:56
"Carried Away" (Nash) – 2:29
"Fair Game" (Stills) – 3:30
"Anything at All" (Crosby) – 3:01
"Cathedral" (Nash) – 5:15

Side Two

"Dark Star" (Stills) – 4:43
"Just a Song Before I Go" (Nash) – 2:12
"Run from Tears" (Stills) – 4:09
"Cold Rain" (Nash) – 2:32
"In My Dreams" (Crosby) – 5:10
"I Give You Give Blind" (Stills) – 3:21

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

Pretzel Logic -- Remastered CD

Steely Dan

1974/1999 ABC/MCA Records

Dan's Logic, June 12, 2003
By Alan Caylow (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Pretzel Logic (Audio CD)

Steely Dan's third album, 1974's "Pretzel Logic," was the last album the group made before co-leaders Walter Becker & Donald Fagen decided to quit touring altogether and make the recording studio their exclusive musical laboratory, using various top-notch session players to help them flesh out their latest creations. But first, there was still room for one more "band" recording (as well as a tour), with Walt & Don helped out by fellow members Denny Dias & Jeff "Skunk" Baxter on guitars, and Jim Hodder on drums. Without foregoing their flare for rock, "Pretzel Logic" finds Steely Dan in a looser, jazzier mode. There's an ace Duke Ellington cover on it ("East St. Louis Toodle-oo"), as well as a very hip salute to jazz great Charlie Parker ("Parker's Band"). And of course, more terrific, totally cool Dan numbers, with Fagen's trademark lyrical acid wit. The pop radio staple "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" was a big Top Five hit for the band (though I think Walt & Don are tired of it these days--they never play it live!). "Night By Night" is a classy, funky rocker. "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" is a lighter number but tremendously melodic, "Barrytown" has a great rollicking feel to it, "Through With Buzz" is brief but strong (with a clever string arrangement on top of it), and the title song is a swinging jazz throwdown. "With A Gun" is almost country, but has terrific, strumming acoustic guitar to drive it. "Charlie Freak" has a dark, almost ominous tone to it's piano line, but it certainly sticks with you, and the concluding "Monkey In Your Soul" is a great groover, with a memorable baseline that literally quakes. As always with Steely Dan, the band's musicianship cooks, the production is tremendous, and Fagen's lead vocals are soulful. "Pretzel Logic" is a classic Steely Dan album, one of the band's best. Make sure you don't lose this number, Rikki!

Side 1

"Rikki Don't Lose That Number" – 4:30
"Night by Night" – 3:36
"Any Major Dude Will Tell You" – 3:05
"Barrytown" – 3:17
"East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" (Duke Ellington, Bubber Miley) – 2:45

Side 2

"Parker's Band" – 2:36
"Through with Buzz" – 1:30
"Pretzel Logic" – 4:28
"With a Gun" – 2:15
"Charlie Freak" – 2:41
"Monkey in Your Soul" – 2:31

 

[topper]

**********************

loaded both discs and hit random song/random disc . . .

a nice combo --- (a couple hours of good tunes)

 

[PaulyT]

Not normally a huge opera fan, but ordered this after it came up in the movies thread. Listening to it now; while it's an older mono recording (1956), it's still very good quality and really quite an exciting performance. Diggin' it... :music-listening:

 

[Dennie]

Cloud Nine -- CD

George Harrison

1987 Capitol Records

Cloud Nine, June 16, 2011
By Cole Schaffner "Rockband Freak ((*J*))" - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Cloud Nine (Audio CD)

This is one of my favorite Harrison albums! Great vocals and instrumentals. also it has a great crew of musicians working on it (Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, Elton John, Ringo starr and more). Harrison really out played many of his 70's work. this record is a gem and i highly recommend.

All songs by George Harrison, except where noted.

"Cloud 9" – 3:15
"That's What It Takes" (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Gary Wright) – 3:59
"Fish on the Sand" – 3:22
"Just for Today" – 4:06
"This Is Love" (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne) – 3:48
"When We Was Fab" (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne) – 3:57
A celebration of The Beatles and the 1960s.
"Devil's Radio" – 3:52
Masters of Reality recorded their version of the song for "Songs from the Material World: a Tribute to George Harrison" album
"Someplace Else" – 3:51
An earlier version of this song appeared in the 1986 film Shanghai Surprise.
"Wreck of the Hesperus" – 3:31
"Breath Away from Heaven" – 3:36
An earlier version of this song appeared in the 1986 film Shanghai Surprise.
"Got My Mind Set on You" (Rudy Clark) – 3:52