What Are You Listening To?

[heeman]

Why settle for "Mediocre" Funk, when you can have..... :music-rockout:

Grand Funk -- 24 Bit Remastered CD

Grand Funk

1969/2002 Capitol Records

One of the top 2 or 3 blues-based rock trio albums!, April 4, 2003
By John Dewey Stewart (Park City, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Grand Funk (Audio CD)

I put this album right alongside "Disreali Gears" and "Are You Experienced". A tight, unified sound from start to finish - never mind that there weren't any radio hits on it. At that time and place, radio hits were beside the point. The music was rapidly evolving, and the power-trio format was the cutting edge of that evolution. Not as frenetic and competitive as Cream, and with a MUCH better rhythm section than the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Grand Funk Railroad was at the top of their game on this one! Led Zeppelin would take the power-trio format, add a great lead singer, and dominate the sound of the next decade. If you're into power-trios, you should DEFINITELY have this album. If you want to hear the very SOUL of Grand Funk Railroad, buy this one FIRST! You can pick up the "hits" any time, but this one is a jewel from start to finish!

"Got This Thing on the Move" – 4:38
"Please Don't Worry" – 4:19 (Don Brewer/Farner)
"High Falootin' Woman" – 3:00
"Mr. Limousine Driver" – 4:26
"In Need" – 7:52
"Winter and My Soul" – 6:38
"Paranoid" – 7:50
"Inside Looking Out" – 9:31 (John Lomax, Alan Lomax, Eric Burdon, Bryan "Chas" Chandler)

Bonus Tracks - CD Release

"Nothing is the Same (Demo)"
"Mr. Limousine Driver (Remix)"

I had this one on vinyl back in the day......."I need you right now mama, I need you right now baby....right by my side!"

 

[PaulyT]

And now from 19th century opera to something a little different:

 

[nats]

Why settle for "Mediocre" Funk, when you can have..... :music-rockout:

Grand Funk -- 24 Bit Remastered CD

Grand Funk

1969/2002 Capitol Records

One of the top 2 or 3 blues-based rock trio albums!, April 4, 2003
By John Dewey Stewart (Park City, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Grand Funk (Audio CD)

I put this album right alongside "Disreali Gears" and "Are You Experienced". A tight, unified sound from start to finish - never mind that there weren't any radio hits on it. At that time and place, radio hits were beside the point. The music was rapidly evolving, and the power-trio format was the cutting edge of that evolution. Not as frenetic and competitive as Cream, and with a MUCH better rhythm section than the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Grand Funk Railroad was at the top of their game on this one! Led Zeppelin would take the power-trio format, add a great lead singer, and dominate the sound of the next decade. If you're into power-trios, you should DEFINITELY have this album. If you want to hear the very SOUL of Grand Funk Railroad, buy this one FIRST! You can pick up the "hits" any time, but this one is a jewel from start to finish!

"Got This Thing on the Move" – 4:38
"Please Don't Worry" – 4:19 (Don Brewer/Farner)
"High Falootin' Woman" – 3:00
"Mr. Limousine Driver" – 4:26
"In Need" – 7:52
"Winter and My Soul" – 6:38
"Paranoid" – 7:50
"Inside Looking Out" – 9:31 (John Lomax, Alan Lomax, Eric Burdon, Bryan "Chas" Chandler)

Bonus Tracks - CD Release

"Nothing is the Same (Demo)"
"Mr. Limousine Driver (Remix)"

I had this one on vinyl back in the day......."I need you right now mama, I need you right now baby....right by my side!"

A lot of people who know there later radio hits have no idea how hard driving and electric there early stuff was. also loved there live album during that same era. (The song destitute and losing rocked)

 

[Dennie]

Flaming Pie -- CD

Paul McCartney

1997 Capitol Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Just when everyone has given up on Sir Paul's ever releasing another decent pop song, he turns around and surprises us all with his best album since the mid-'70s. After working on the Beatles' Anthology series, he was reminded of the standards of music he'd long forgotten and was pressed to meet them. Even Jeff Lynne, who helped on much of it, kept himself very much in the background, and let Mac do the right thing, playing and singing most everything, with some help from Ringo and guitarist Steve Miller, whose presence was a mixed blessing. Even if the songs don't scale the heights of the Glory Years, they remind us of the true talent that was McCartney once again. A pleasure to the ears. --Chris Nickson

All songs written by Paul McCartney, except where noted.

"The Song We Were Singing" – 3:55
"The World Tonight" – 4:06
"If You Wanna" – 4:38
"Somedays" – 4:15
"Young Boy" – 3:54
"Calico Skies" – 2:32
"Flaming Pie" – 2:30
"Heaven on a Sunday" – 4:27
"Used to Be Bad" (Duet with Steve Miller) (McCartney, Steve Miller) – 4:12
"Souvenir" – 3:41
"Little Willow" – 2:58
"Really Love You" (McCartney, Richard Starkey) – 5:18
"Beautiful Night" – 5:09
"Great Day" – 2:09

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits -- CD

Earth, Wind & Fire

1998 Columbia Legacy

It's time to jam, so "Let's Groove". . ., May 15, 2000
By Melissa P. Cooper "kymissyin" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

. . ."Shining Star" came out the spring I graduated from high school. During choir tours in college, someone always brought along EWF tapes to play on those long bus rides. I have fond memories of singing right along with "Sing a Song." By the time I was in my early 20s, "Boogie Wonderland," "Getaway" and "Let's Groove" were popular in the discos. And I'd forgotten about their superb remake of "Got to Get You Into My Life" which was originally recorded by four guys who answered to the names of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Twenty-five years after I first heard these great songs, I finally got this collection. Do these songs still sound like funky fun and make me feel 20 all over again? Absolutely. Are they worth keeping for the next generation? You better believe it. One of my colleagues and I are using "Shining Star" as background music for our students to write about their dreams in our college class for undecided students. And my five-year-old daughter asks me to play it as soon as we get in the car to go anywhere. Did I even mention that a cappella meisters Take 6 and contemporary Christian music's Point of Grace included covers of "Sing A Song" on some of their 1990s albums? A positive, healthy message NEVER goes out of style--especially when it's wrapped around some of the most awesome riffs ever dreamed up. The only thing more fun than listening to these guys is catching them on a cable-TV special or better yet, in person. Put the top down, slide this one into your stereo, and enjoy. . .

1. "Shining Star" 2:50
2. "That's the Way of the World" 5:43
3. "September" 3:34
4. "Can't Hide Love" 4:07
5. "Got to Get You Into My Life" 4:10
6. "Sing a Song" 3:22
7. "Gratitude" 3:27
8. "Serpentine Fire" 3:50
9. "Fantasy" 4:36
10. "Kalimba Story" 4:00
11. "Mighty Mighty" 3:03
12. "Reasons" 4:58
13. "Saturday Nite" 4:01
14. "Let's Groove" 5:35
15. "Boogie Wonderland" (ft. The Emotions) 4:47
16. "After the Love Has Gone" 4:24
17. "Getaway" 3:55

 

[Botch]

 

[Dennie]

85 Candles - Live in New York -- 2 CD Set

Marian McPartland & Friends

2008 Concord Jazz

On the day after Marian McPartland turned 85, this large group of her jazz friends got together at Birdland in New York to celebrate with her. She played piano with them in an endearing program of love songs that belie their affection for each other. Everybody loves Marian McPartland and respects her for her many accomplishments.

Concord's 2-CD set captures this event in detail. It has aired on NPR several times. McPartland enjoyed the get-together. Of the evening's effect on her, she remarked, "It was wonderful having all these people at a party and then getting to play with so many of my friends."

On 85 Candles she performs piano duets with Dr. Billy Taylor, Jason Moran and George Wein. Norah Jones sings "The Nearness of You" with McPartland's trio. Karrin Allyson sings the pianist's "Twilight World." Nnenna Freelon sings "What Am I Here For?" and Jackie Cain sings "While We're Young" with McPartland's piano accompaniment. Clark Terry and Phil Woods are on hand to participate. Roy Hargrove performs "My Foolish Heart" with McPartland at the piano, and Barbara Carroll sings "Old Friend" from the heart.

Regina Carter interprets "I Can't Believe that You're in Love With Me" with reflections of Swing. Jim Hall and McPartland create a "Free Piece" that plunges into the inner depths of musical partnership. They communicate openly and freely.

"But Not For Me" features Curtis Stigers with McPartland, Gary Mazzaroppi, and Glenn Davis. His enthusiastic swing and lively scat chorus represent a whole generation of great straight-ahead jazz. "I've Told Every Little Star" features Jackie King with the same trio. As with everyone else on the program, the guitarist tugs at our heartstrings in the spirit of the evening. His warm, fluid delivery proves memorable.

McPartland's trio interpretation of "Yesterdays" brings Bill Crow on board with drummer Davis. Together, they sashay gracefully through reflections of more than a half century in jazz. She's been performing like this since 1938, and plans to continue forever. We're fortunate to have her in our corner of the planet. By
JIM SANTELLA, Published: April 4, 2005

DISC ONE

1. I Love You 9:01
2. The Nearness Of You 5:17
3. Tangerine 8:04
4. Last Night When We Were Young 6:02
5. Twilight World 5:01
6. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me 7:13
7. Free Piece 2:36
8. Old Friend 3:00
9. Have You Met Miss Jones 2:28
10. Take The 'A' Train 4:48
11. Summertime 4:16

DISC TWO

1. All Blues 9:15
2. My Foolish Heart 5:02
3. But Not For Me 3:25
4. Memories Of You 6:56
5. Yesterdays 6:04
6. While We're Young 3:52
7. I've Told Every Little Star 5:44
8. Capricious 3:45
9. What Am I Here For 4:59
10. Onyx Mood / Soft Lights & Sweet Music / Kaleidoscope 1:00
11. Lester Leaps In 7:44

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

Moonlight In Vermont -- CD

Johnny Smith featuring Stan Getz

1953/1991 Roulette/EMI Records

A beautiful document of some of the most laidback jazz ever recorded – the sublime 50s recordings of the Johnny Smith group, done at a time when the lineup included Stan Getz! The tunes on the set feature Johnny's mellow electric guitar setting the pace, alongside wonderfully-blown early solos from Stan, plus some other tenor work from Zoot Sims and Paul Quinichette, who also sit in the tenor chair on a few of these recordings. The tunes are mostly standards, but done in a great style that's not exactly cool jazz, but which has a groundbreakingly easy groove that's simply sublime!

"Where or When" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 2:24
"Tabú" (Margarita Lecuona, Sidney Keith Russell, Al Stillman) – 2:40
"Moonlight in Vermont" (John Blackburn, Karl Suessdorf) – 3:12
"Jaguar" (Johnny Smith) – 2:28
"Jaguar"* (alternate take) (Smith) – 2:28
"I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You" (Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Young) – 3:08
"Vilia" (Franz Lehar) – 2:40
"My Funny Valentine"* (Hart, Rodgers) – 2:37
"Sometimes I'm Happy"* (Irving Caesar, Clifford Grey, Vincent Youmans,) – 2:18
"Stars Fell on Alabama" (Mitchell Parish, Frank Perkins) – 3:03
"Nice Work If You Can Get It"* (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) – 2:24
"Tenderly" (Walter Lloyd Gross, Jack Lawrence) – 3:24
"Cavu" (Smith) – 2:12
"I'll Be Around" (Alec Wilder) – 2:44
"Yesterdays" (Otto Harbach, Jerome Kern) – 2:50
"Cherokee" (Ray Noble) – 2:46
"What's New?"* (Johnny Burke, Bob Haggart) – 3:04
"I'll Remember April"* (Gene De Paul, Patricia Johnston, Don Raye) – 2:46
"Lullaby of Birdland"* (George Shearing, David Weiss) – 3:03

 

[heeman]

I didn't realize that this was their first album. Had it on vinyl, just got it on CD.

 

[Dennie]

This Time -- CD

Dwight Yoakam

1993 Reprise Records

Dwight is the best of his genre, September 30, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: This Time (Audio CD)

OK . . . Country music typicaly puts me to sleep. Each line rhymes, the beat is predictable, yadda yadda. Dwight is the exception. When all my friends were going crazy about Garth Brooks, I was listening to Dwight. I don't know much about country music, but I hear he is under-apprecated? Hello? I have nearly everything he has recorded, but this remains one of my favorites. Dwight is pure emotion, completely unpretentious, honest. My musical tastes range from Hip-Hop, R&B, POP to classical. One common tie between all of them . . . I appreciate GREAT music. This is one of Dwight's greatest, aside from his greatest hits compilations. "1000 Miles From Nowhere" and "It Ain't Over Yet" are just the tip of the iceburg of this man's enormous talent.

I can only imagine that Dwight, himself, is a wonderful person with a great heart. His music certainly reflects that. It is worth the stigma of being "uncool" for listening to country. Dwight is the best, with one of the greatest voices ever. Check it out.

"Pocket of a Clown" (Dwight Yoakam) – 2:55
"A Thousand Miles from Nowhere" (Yoakam) – 4:27
"Home for Sale" (Yoakam) – 3:35
"This Time" (Yoakam, Kostas) – 3:58
"Two Doors Down" (Yoakam, Kostas) – 3:52
"Ain't That Lonely Yet" (Kostas, James House) – 3:17
"King of Fools" (Yoakam, Kostas) – 4:05
"Fast as You" (Yoakam) – 4:45
"Try Not to Look So Pretty" (Yoakam, Kostas) – 2:52
"Wild Ride" (Yoakam) – 4:42
"Lonesome Roads" (Yoakam) – 3:05

 

[Dennie]

I didn't realize that this was their first album. Had it on vinyl, just got it on CD.

Great Choice Heeman! I really enjoy that album! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

 

[heeman]

I didn't realize that this was their first album. Had it on vinyl, just got it on CD.

Great Choice Heeman! I really enjoy that album! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

The quality of the music on this album is exceptional. Steely Dan has always been one of my favorite bands!! :banana-dance: :banana-rock:

 

[Dennie]

I didn't realize that this was their first album. Had it on vinyl, just got it on CD.

Great Choice Heeman! I really enjoy that album! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

The quality of the music on this album is exceptional. Steely Dan has always been one of my favorite bands!! :banana-dance: :banana-rock:

Yeah, like all of Steely Dan's albums, the sound quality is exceptional and the musical content is always good. You really can't go wrong with any of their albums! Top Notch! :handgestures-thumbup:


Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Okay, time to get this Labor Day Weekend off to a good start..... :happy-partydance:

Legend - The Best of -- Remastered CD

Bob Marley and the Wailers

1984/2002 Island Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Even as greatest hits packages go, this is an utter gem. Every song is inspired, in a class of its own, whether the real version of "I Shot the Sheriff," the hymnlike "No Woman, No Cry," or the sheer joy of "Jamming." Even allowing that Marley never wrote any bad material, then Legend is still the crème de la crème, the heart and soul of the Jamaican people packed into one five-inch compact disc. He was unique, and the message of this record, more than any other, is that he died far too soon. --Chris Nickson

Side one

No. Title Writer(s) Source album Length
1. "Is This Love" Bob Marley Kaya 3:50
2. "No Woman, No Cry" Vincent Ford Live! 7:08
3. "Could You Be Loved" Bob Marley Uprising 3:57
4. "Three Little Birds" Bob Marley Exodus 3:00
5. "Buffalo Soldier" Bob Marley, Noel Williams Confrontation 4:18
6. "Get Up, Stand Up" Bob Marley, Peter Tosh Burnin' 3:17
7. "Stir It Up" Bob Marley Catch A Fire 5:30
2002 Reissue
No. Title Writer(s) Source album Length
8. "Easy Skanking" Bob Marley Kaya 2:57

Side two

No. Title Writer(s) Source album Length
1. "One Love/People Get Ready" Bob Marley/Curtis Mayfield Exodus 2:52
2. "I Shot the Sheriff" Bob Marley Burnin' 4:40
3. "Waiting in Vain" Bob Marley Exodus 4:16
4. "Redemption Song" Bob Marley Uprising 3:48
5. "Satisfy My Soul" Bob Marley Kaya 3:48
6. "Exodus" Bob Marley Exodus 7:40
7. "Jamming" Bob Marley Exodus 3:31
2002 Reissue
No. Title Writer(s) Source album Length
16. "Punky Reggae Party" Bob Marley, Lee Perry single 6:52

 

[Dennie]

Fruitcakes -- CD

Jimmy Buffett

1994 MCA Records

Packaged Sunshine, March 28, 2001
By Elderbear (Loma Linda, Aztlan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Fruitcakes (Audio CD)

I know CDs aren't supposed to wear out when you play them, but I play this one enough that I worry about it. Daily. The alarm goes off. I hit snooze. I hit play. The lively beat of "Everybody's Got a Cousin in Miami" usually brings me most of the way into consciousness. "Fruitcakes" leaves me awake & chuckling. The rest is shower/dressing/breakfast/email music.

I'm not a Buffett Fan. Y'all can take Margarittaville & go Get Drunk & Screw for all I care. Most of his other stuff holds no appeal to me. But this CD is different (fans beware) & I like it. It's laid back, with just enough of a Carribean feel to be "exotic." Buffett's sense of humor shines through brightly.

Some tracks, like "Six String Music" & "Love in the Library" are unremarkable, but I find them staying with me in a lilting & upbeat way. The ode to his daughter "Delaney Talks to Statues" gets me every time, but I'm sentimental & my own daughter is growing up way too fast. I own a lot of Grateful Dead CDs (several changer cartridges full). I find his interpretation of "Uncle John's Band" enjoyable & refreshing rather than inept and blasphemous. He gets the spirit of that song & manifests it with good humor. He cracks "Apocalypso," as the ultimate existentialist joke.

Five stars for a playful, sunny masterpiece. I love it. I have it on good authority that Joe Merchant does, too.

"Everybody's Got a Cousin in Miami" (Jimmy Buffett, Michael Tschudin) – 7:19
"Fruitcakes" (Jimmy Buffett, Amy Lee) – 7:40
"Lone Palm" (Jimmy Buffett) – 4:28
"Six String Music" (Jimmy Buffett, G.E. Smith) – 3:25
"Uncle John's Band" (Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter) – 4:30
"Love in the Library" (Jimmy Buffett, Mac McAnally) – 4:40
"Quietly Making Noise" (Jimmy Buffett, Michael Tschudin) – 5:51
"Frenchman for the Night" (Jimmy Buffett, Roger Guth) – 4:30
"Sunny Afternoon" (Ray Davies) – 4:12
"Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost" (Jimmy Buffett, Roger Guth, Peter Mayer, Jim Mayer) – 4:53
"She's Got You" (Hank Cochran) – 2:46
"Delaney Talks to Statues" (Jimmy Buffett, Mac McAnally, Amy Lee) – 3:41
"Apocalypso" (Matt Betton) – 3:56

 

[Dennie]

In Hi-Fi Stereo -- CD

Mindi Abair

2010 Telarc Records

Any artist who takes his or her craft seriously will inevitably reach a point on the journey when history can no longer be overlooked. The direct line between the music of now and the music of then becomes too important to ignore, and the riches of generations past are suddenly rediscovered - and eventually reinterpreted for a new era. Saxophonist Mindi Abair has reached that critical juncture. After more than a decade of performing, songwriting and recording, she has taken a step back from the more polished sensibilities of contemporary jazz and embraced the sounds of past decades - specifically the `60s and early `70s, a period widely regarded as the golden age of R&B, soul and funk.

The result is In Hi-Fi Stereo. The album captures the raw and edgy aesthetic of that golden age, when a slab of vinyl could instantaneously put band and listener together in the same room and establish a visceral and enduring connection. Loaded with infectious grooves generated by a high-caliber crew of players, In Hi-Fi Stereo rekindles that spark for a new generation of ears.

"This album is a reflection of some of the older, more soulful records I've been listening to in the last couple years," says Abair, firing off a list of favorites that include Al Green, Alain Toussaint, Junior Walker, King Curtis, Archie Bell and the Drells, and many others. "I think it all kind of seeped into me over time. I wanted to move away from a more produced sound and just get into the studio and play. It didn't have to be perfect. It didn't have to be shiny and new. It's not an intellectual record. It's a fun, feel-good record inspired by some of those great sounds and grooves from that period, but recast for a modern audience."

Co-produced by Abair and R&B mainstay Rex Rideout (who also lays down keyboards on nearly every track), In Hi-Fi Stereo includes a roster of players representing the old school as well as the new. In addition to Abair's touring band, the album is seasoned with a number of guest players: veteran drummer James Gadson (a frequent session player for Bill Withers, Amos Lee and Nikka Costa), bassist Reggie McBride (Aretha, Rickie Lee Jones and Keb' Mo'), Mindi's Berklee classmate and friend Lalah Hathaway, nominated 2010 R&B Female Vocalist of the year, Ryan Collins and David Ryan Harris.

Start to finish, In Hi-Fi Stereo is something classic and something new at the same time. "It's a vintage sounding record, a modern take on a very classic sound," she says. "We didn't make your father's jazz record. We didn't set out to make an `old' record. It's not about doing what's been done before. It's about drawing on what and who inspires you, and bringing it into your world and making it your own - and then putting it out there for a new generation of people who love jazz and soul."
Track Listing

1. Any Way You Wanna
2. All Star
3. L'Esprit Nouveau
4. Get Right
5. Be Beautiful
6. Down For The Count
7. Girls' Night Out
8. Let The Whole World Know (Sing Your Song)
9. It's A Man's Man's Man's World
10. Take Me Home
11. Alley, The

 

[Wardsweb]

Steely Dan - AJA

1) Black Cow

This track features memorable solo performances by the late, great Victor Feldman (fender rhodes) and a young Tom Scott (tenor sax). It’s also worth noting that Tom Scott wrote ALL of the horn arrangements on Aja, the first time his unique phrasing and styling were heard outside of his solo releases. Trivia fact: drummer Paul Humphrey made his mark on the old TV show “Name That Tune”.

2) Aja

The title track is part jazz and part rock structured almost like a three part symphony; musically speaking, it has a head and chorus, but what would be the bridge features some of the most virtuoso free-form Tenor Sax (Wayne Shorter of Weather Report fame) and Drum (all-time great session drummer Steve Gadd) solos ever recorded. In fact, studying the transcribed Steve Gadd drum solo this was one of those performances you “learn” how to play your instrument from. Trivia fact: if you listen carefully, you can hear Timothy B. Schmit’s (of Eagles fame) high backing vocals in support of Donald Fagen.

3) Deacon Blues

This track became an instant classic for both its lyrics and solo tenor sax performance by Pete Christlieb. In fact, you can still find this big band jazz arrangement in the performance books of many high-school and college jazz bands. This was the lone track featuring Walter Becker on bass, quite a departure from the band’s early days where he was the featured bassist. Trivia fact: remember those screaming sax solos you used to hear from the Tonight Show band coming out of commercial breaks? That was none other than Pete Christlieb.

4) Peg

This track was one of the two “hits” (along with Josie) from Aja. It’s been described as one of the most densely layered Top 40 recordings ever, again featuring a famous guitar solo in what is essentially a 13 bar Blues. It also featured a very memorable Michael McDonald falsetto refrain, coinciding with his emergence as a driving force (and Grammy winner) with the Doobie Brothers. Trivia fact: guitar soloist Jay Graydon (another Grammy winner) later went on to write and produce for such notable performers as Al Jarreau, George Benson, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

5) Home At Last

A clever re-telling of Homer’s Odyssey (Fagen was actually an English major in college), this track is best known for Bernard “Pretty” Purdie’s driving beat that became an instant classic among drummers (if you can lay down the Home At Last groove, you can play drums!). Purdie, who also played on Deacon Blues, was nearing the end of a career as a first-call studio musician that began in the 50’s and included some of the most famous R&B hits of the 60’s. It is also the only track on this release to feature solos by both Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Trivia fact: careful listening will once again reveal Timothy B. Schmit’s perfect backing harmonies.

6) I Got The News

While arguably the weakest track on the release, it never-the-less features a solid groove and steller background vocals by the now instantly recognizable Michael McDonald.

7) Josie

The other big hit off the release, this track is considered by some to be a rock classic. It combines typically cynical lyrics with outstanding guitar solos over yet another unique drum groove provided by Jim Keltner, another first-call session drummer from the 60’s & 70’s (who played with members of Cream and the Beatles to name a few). While the steady Chuck Rainey played bass on nearly every track, Aja features 6 different drummers on 7 tracks, unique even by today’s standards.

 

[Dennie]

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

Boots Randolph with The Knightsbridge Strings -- CD

1995 Columbia Special Products

Still the best Sax, January 22, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Boots Randolph With the Knightsbridge Strings (Audio CD)

Don't want to date myself - but back when this album was released on vinyl my college roommate and I purchased two, placed them back-to-back on our turntable so we could listen to both sides without flipping the record.

Boots - and this particular album - is still the sexyist sax on record. Every cut is worth hearing over and over. Even the selections that seem tiresome when performed by others are wonderful when Boots puts his passion into the music. Don't know why the college guys never figured out that the road to our seduction was via Boots - but it's never to late to learn.

If you like sax - you'll love this album and if you are not sure what you like - this is a good start. Even my college student son agrees with me on that - hmmm ...

1. Shadow of Your Smile
2. Days of Wine and Roses
3. Yesterday
4. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
5. What Now, My Love?
6. What Kind of Fool Am I?
7. Moon River
8. Michelle
9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco
10. Unchained Melody

 

[Botch]

Steely Dan - AJA

:bow-blue: :bow-blue: :bow-blue: :bow-blue: :bow-blue:

I may have to throw that one on when Letterman's done...

 

[Dennie]

Wet -- CD

Barbra Streisand

1979/1990 Columbia Records

Crystal clear vocals!, August 23, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Wet (Audio CD)

As some other readers have mentioned, recording "Splish-splash" may have been a mistake, but the rest of the album is so great, you'll easily forgive that one poor song. From the opening "Wet" to the closing "Kiss Me In the Rain," each of the ballads are performed with the skill and class that we have come to expect from Streisand. And be sure to catch her #1 duet with Donna Summer "No More Tears," as well as her jazzy take on "Come Rain Or Come Shine." Not to be missed!

"Wet" (Sue Sheridan, Barbra Streisand, David Wolfert) – 4:23
"Come Rain or Come Shine" (Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer) – 3:49
"Splish Splash" (Bobby Darin, Jean Murray) – 4:06
"On Rainy Afternoons" (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Lalo Schifrin) – 4:20
"After The Rain" (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand) – 5:08
"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" (Paul Jabara, Bruce Roberts)
Performed by Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer – 8:19
"Niagara" (Carole Bayer Sager, Marvin Hamlisch, Bruce Roberts) – 4:37
"I Ain't Gonna Cry Tonight" (Alan Gordon) – 3:44
"Kiss Me In the Rain" (Santo "Sandy" Farina, Lisa Ratner) – 4:20