What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Searchin' For A Rainbow -- CD

The Marshall Tucker Band

1975/1990 Capricorn/AJK Records

Old West dreams meet Southern memories in the tracks of Searchin’ for a Rainbow, The Marshall Tucker Band’s fourth album. Released in 1975, this song collection found the group refining its multi-faceted sound into an appealing country-rock essence. Still present were the jazz and blues-based elements that had always made Marshall Tucker a distinctive unit. By dressing up their music in Western garb, the band found a way to reach a huge new audience—all it took was a little "Fire On The Mountain" to light the way. "We’d found a bit more direction on how to design songs for a record," says lead singer Doug Gray. "Our record company Capricorn had always said, ‘Try to give us something that would work on the radio.’ We tried to do that, and at the same time please each other. We were known as a jamming band. This was the first time we really tried to give them Marshall Tucker’s interpretation of what a hit song was." Helping to spur things on was "Fire On The Mountain," the lead track off Searchin’ for a Rainbow. Released as a single in the fall of ’75, the tune reached #38 on the pop charts. A vivid, Old West, lyric-storyline combined with bluegrass-tinged instrumental licks and an ear-grabbing chorus brought Marshall Tucker its first Top 40 hit.

Side One

"Fire on the Mountain" (George McCorkle) - 3:53
"Searchin' for a Rainbow" - 3:48
"Walkin' and Talkin'" - 2:25
"Virginia" - 4:54

Side Two

"Bob Away My Blues" - 2:42
"Keeps Me from All Wrong" - 4:13
"Bound and Determined" - 4:20
"Can't You See" (Live) - 6:25 <----- One of my Favorites! :music-rockout:

 

[Dennie]

Workingman's Dead -- CD

Grateful Dead

1970/1990 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Workingman's Dead and its successor from later in 1970, American Beauty, are the Dead albums even non-Deadheads embrace. With these two new-decade statements, the group reigned in its demonstrative instrumental side in favor of a pithier presentation of prize tunes. The opener, "Uncle John's Band," signaled that this was a relatively streamlined Dead. "Dire Wolf," "Cumberland Blues," and "Casey Jones" hammer the point home: The Grateful Dead could set aside the jams for a while and make a great album. --Steven Stolder

Side one

"Uncle John's Band" – 4:42
"High Time" – 5:12
"Dire Wolf" – 3:11
"New Speedway Boogie" – 4:01

Side two

"Cumberland Blues" (Garcia, Hunter, Lesh) – 3:14
"Black Peter" – 5:41
"Easy Wind" (Hunter) – 4:57
"Casey Jones" – 4:24

 

[Dennie]

Saxuality -- CD

Candy Dulfer

1990 Columbia Records

A listening experience like no other, September 12, 2005
By Joseph Tidline (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Saxuality (Audio CD)

The first time I exeperienced Candy Dulfer's music was on the Batman Soundtrack back in 1989. The song was Partyman by Prince and at the time I found myself focusing more on the person playing the sax instead of Prince's singing. Little did I know it was a woman playing sax and boy could she play. I later found out that woman was Candy Dulfer and a few years later I picked up this album after hearing the incredible track Lily Was Here. This track alone is worth the price of the CD but the rest of the album is just as good. Candy Dulfer plays with such passion and sexuality that it stirs up emotions within you. Listening to her music is like being transported to another time and place. Candy Dulfer is a great musician who does not get the attention and respect that she deserves. I highly recommend this CD and her other titles as well.

"Pee Wee" (Ulco Bed) – 3:45
"Saxuality" (Ulco Bed, Candy Dulfer) – 4:27
"So What" (Miles Davis; arr. Bed/Dulfer) – 4:54
"Jazzid" (Ulco Bed, Candy Dulfer) – 4:21
"Heavenly City" (Ulco Bed, Candy Dulfer) – 6:03
"Donja" (Ulco Bed) – 5:17
"There Goes The Neighbourhood" (Ulco Bed) – 3:55
"Mr. Lee" (Ulco Bed) – 4:52
"Get The Funk" (Ulco Bed) – 4:16
"Home Is Not A House" (Hans Dulfer, F Batta; arr. Bed) – 4:10

 

[Dennie]

Southland of the Heart -- 20 Bit CD

Maria Muldaur

1998 Telarc Records

Gospel According to Maria Muldaur, January 21, 2002
By Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Southland of the Heart (Audio CD)

This is a great set of Muldaur songs, tinged with her gospel influences and religious understandings. "Ring Me Up" opens with a propulsive beat, bright background vocals & an addictive melody to make it a great CD opener. "Get Up, Get Ready" is a slow jazz gospel, "I'm gonna see my friends, I'm gonna see my Savior when this highway finally ends." The title track is a bit softer with horns and an interesting lyric, "When the sun comes up an enemy & nothing gives you shame." "Latersville" is a smoky jazz homage to good times late at night. It's got a great electric guitar part. Cymbals tap on the slow, passionate "Think About You." "There's A Devil on the Loose" is a peppy number with a laundry list of the world's ills including teenage pregnancy, murder and drugs. "Fool's Paradise" is a driving jazz blast. A beautiful piano plays as Maria sings, "I want to spend my life loving you" on "One Short Life." "If I Were You" is a soulful tease with a great beat, "No one will love you like I do." "Someday When We're Both Alone" is a slow mournful blues about unrequited love. "Blues Gives a Lesson" is a slow lounge tune that sways, "You might be a playboy, a big time Romeo." Maria Muldaur is in great voice with great soul jazz gospel influences. Enjoy!

Track listing

1. Ring Me Up
2. Get up, Get Ready
3. Southland of the Heart
4. Latersville
5. Think About You
6. There's a Devil on the Loose
7. Fool's Paradise
8. One Short Life
9. If I Were You
10. Someday When We're Both Alone
11. Blues Gives a Lesson

 

[Dennie]

Now listening to this on the Big System...... :bow-blue:

Slow Turning -- CD

John Hiatt

1988 A&M Records

Rock and Roll For Grownups, June 22, 2003
By Ken Carroll "Ken Carroll" (Eastman, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Slow Turning (Audio CD)

If you want to explore John Hiatt -- and you should -- start here. If you're a fan without this CD, what in the world are you waiting for? It just doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

John Hiatt writes about real life. There are no sappy teenage love songs, but there is a great song, "Drive South," about two lovers with "heads in the clouds, just a little off-course" and one more chance to make it work.

"Trudy and Dave" aren't your average couple, but their descriptions (and the baby's) are laugh-out-loud funny. "Tennessee Plates" has a great, catchy guitar riff and an even better storyline: a lonely, desperate man; a female Elvis fan who's "been living in-between" and a car theft in Memphis.

"Georgia Rae" is a song about Hiatt's daughter and fits in well with everything else here. The title song is Hiatt's view of the world: unbowed, but realistic. "Is Anybody There?" will put chills down your spine with its mass choir effect and deep lyrics. "Feels Like Rain" paints a beautiful, languid picture of lovers in the Deep South and the music fits as perfectly as the lovers do.

If you like meaningful lyrics, melodies that linger in your head and you still don't have this CD, then you need to do something about it right now. You won't believe how great this is.

"Drive South" – 3:55
"Trudy And Dave" – 4:25
"Tennessee Plates" – 2:57
"Icy Blue Heart" – 4:34
"Sometime Other Than Now" – 4:25
"Georgia Rae" – 4:26
"Ride Along" – 3:31
"Slow Turning" – 3:36
"It'll Come To You" – 3:29
"Is Anybody There?" – 5:01
"Paper Thin" – 3:35
"Feels Like Rain" – 4:51

 

[Dennie]

The Very Best of -- CD

Elvis Costello and The Attractions

1994 Rykodisc

A welcome introduction to Elvis,
August 31, 2000
By Mike Stone
This review is from: The Very Best Of Elvis Costello And The Attractions (Audio CD)

So I'm listening to the radio station at work, and "Watching the Detectives" comes on. Now, Elvis Costello had never made a big impression on me -- he was always off in the periphery of my attention, being smarmy and intellectual and lightweight (perceptions I've since abandoned). At the end of the second verse I hear the lines "I don't know how much more of this I can take/She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake". And the hair stands up on the back of my neck. And I get a chill down my spine. And then at the end of the song, when he sings "Even if it took a miracle to get you to stay/It only took my little finger to blow you away", I jumped out of my chair and did cartwheels down the hall (okay, not really... but I felt like it). And I thought to myself "This is what good pop-songwriting is supposed to be: catchy, upbeat melodies that, upon closer inspection, hide ridiculously morbid but lucid imagery". Reminds me a lot of the Police's best singles ("Every Breath You Take", "Roxanne", "I Can't Stand Losing You"). Mania hidden behind faux-reggae rhythms.

So I get the album for that one song, only to discover that it holds several more nuggets, some of which I am semi-familiar with but never paid close attention to. "Allison" literally hurts to listen to, it's so close to the bone. In the vocals to "I Don't Want to go to Chelsea" you can hear Elvis' snarled lip and clenched teeth. "Radio Radio" has great energy (and is fun to bang out on a guitar). "What's So Funny...?" brushes off the idea that a pop-song needs to rhyme, and is so good you think Elvis actually wrote it himself (kudos to Nick Lowe, who is the most recent addition to my list of favourite pop-bass players). "Everyday I Write the Book" gets caught up in crappy '80's-style production, but manages to be beautiful nonetheless.

So it's apparent that I'm an Elvis-newbie, and have spent much of my time with this album listening to only the popular singles. I admit it. And why not? They're all great songs. That's what a greatest hits album is for: a quick introduction to an artist's work, which should eventually lead to an immersion in their whole catalogue. Anyway, what I've found so far is pretty *** good. And I should mention that the Attractions were a great band, off of which thousands of derivatives were spawned in the eighties.

1. Alison
2. Watching the Detectives
3. (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea
4. Pump It Up
5. Radio, Radio
6. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?
7. Oliver's Army
8. Accidents Will Happen
9. I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down
10. New Amsterdam
11. High Fidelity
12. Clubland
13. Watch Your Step
14. A Good Year for the Roses
15. Beyond Belief
16. Man Out of Time
17. Everyday I Write the Book
18. Shipbuilding
19. Love Field
20. Brilliant Mistake
21. Indoor Fireworks
22. I Want You

 

[Dennie]

In Session -- CD

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan

1999 STAX Records

Outstanding, August 23, 1999
By political idiot (california) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: In Session (Audio CD)

Rarely does an album get released where teacher and student aren't too shy to cut loose. I didn't have high expectations for this one but this release is clearly an an exception to the rule. AK and SRV are having a great time and while SRV is in awe of the master bluesman he doesn't take the back seat on this one because around Albert, that WOULD be disrespectful. AK and SRV go at it with great respect for each other and the music. The result is a firey session that is sure to satisfy every fan of these two artists. SRV is clearly the only guitar player to copy AK's licks perfectly and it is a real treat to hear them together. The CD is peppered with dialogue between to two and AK acknowledges SRV as the future of blues as if to pass the torch. But the music is the meat here and it is wonderful. Recording quality is very good and the disc is about 60 minutes in length. If you are an Albert King and/or an SRV fan this one will be on the top of your favorites list for a long time.

(Call It) Stormy Monday (Aaron "T-Bone" Walker) - 9:00
Old Times - 1:15
Pride and Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughan) - 5:59
Ask Me No Questions (B.B. King) - 5:01
Pep Talk - 0:52
Blues at Sunrise (Albert King) - 15:10
Turn It Over - 0:51
Overall Junction (Albert King) - 8:20
Match Box Blues (Blind Lemon Jefferson) - 7:39
Who Is Stevie? - 0:44
Don't Lie to Me (Hudson Whittaker) - 8:57

 

[Dennie]

Mr. Lucky -- CD

John Lee Hooker

1991 Charisma/Point Blank Records

All Star Cast, June 12, 2001
By Russell Diederich (Littleton, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Mr Lucky (Audio CD)

When one of the most revered blues guitarists asks for help on his album, there is no shortage of great talent to show up. The likes of Santana, Ry Cooder, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, John Hammond, and Robert Cray (to name just a few) come out in support of "Mr. Lucky", the follow up guest album to "The Healing". But, John Lee Hooker doesn't need all of this talent to put out a great blues album.

Robert Cray shows up on the title cut of this album providing some great leads to Hooker's rhythm. A tune that makes Hooker "... feel a little better". Albert Collins steps in for "Backstabbers" providing a powerful presence that only he was capable of. All you have to hear is one note of Collins to know it's him. "I Cover the Waterfront" is a haunting tune with Van Morrison taking over the guitar work and Booker T. Jones on organ. Morrison's voice complements the low-boom of Hooker's. Another highlight is Santana's work on "Stripped Me Naked".

Hooker's Delta Blues sound is hypnotizing, and his deep voice is lazy and sweet. There are very few that have shaped the sound of music, especially the blues, as he has. This album, a tribute of sorts, is a must for blues lovers. To hear so much talent gathered in one place playing with a legend like Hooker gives me the chills.

Except where otherwise noted, all songs composed by John Lee Hooker.

"I Want to Hug You" (Hooker, Al Smith) – 2:52
"Mr. Lucky" (Hooker, Al Smith) – 4:38
"Back Stabbers" (Hooker, Smith) – 5:01
"This Is Hip" – 3:23
"I Cover the Waterfront" – 6:39
"Highway 13" – 6:32
"Stripped Me Naked" (Hooker, Benny Rietveld, Carlos Santana, Chester Thompson) – 4:18
"Susie" – 4:23
"Crawlin' King Snake" (Tony Hollins, Bernard Besman, Hooker) – 3:20
"Father Was a Jockey" – 4:58


Kenny Baker – saxophone
Gaylord Birch – drums
Bowen Brown – drums
Albert Collins – guitar
Tom Compton – drums
Ry Cooder – guitar
Richard Cousins – bass
Robert Cray – guitar, vocals
Maurice Cridlin – bass
Steve Ehrmann – bass
Terry Evans – vocals
Jeff Ganz – bass
William "Bill" Greene – vocals
Jim Guyet – bass
John Hammond, Jr. – harmonica, slide guitar
Kevin Hayes – drums
John Lee Hooker – guitar, vocals
Johnnie Johnson – piano
Booker T. Jones – organ
Deacon Jones – organ
Tim Kaihatsu – guitar
Jim Keltner – drums
Bobby King – vocals
Nick Lowe – bass
Scott Mathews – drums
Van Morrison – guitar, vocals
Michael Osborn – guitar
Karl Perazzo – timbales
Jimmy Pugh – organ
Raul Rekow – conga
Keith Richards – guitar
Benny Rietveld – bass
Carlos Santana – guitar
Larry Taylor – bass
Chester Thompson – keyboards
Johnny Winter – guitar

 

[Dennie]

Mr. Lucky -- CD

John Lee Hooker

1991 Charisma/Point Blank Records

All Star Cast, June 12, 2001
By Russell Diederich (Littleton, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Mr Lucky (Audio CD)

When one of the most revered blues guitarists asks for help on his album, there is no shortage of great talent to show up. The likes of Santana, Ry Cooder, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, John Hammond, and Robert Cray (to name just a few) come out in support of "Mr. Lucky", the follow up guest album to "The Healing". But, John Lee Hooker doesn't need all of this talent to put out a great blues album.

Robert Cray shows up on the title cut of this album providing some great leads to Hooker's rhythm. A tune that makes Hooker "... feel a little better". Albert Collins steps in for "Backstabbers" providing a powerful presence that only he was capable of. All you have to hear is one note of Collins to know it's him. "I Cover the Waterfront" is a haunting tune with Van Morrison taking over the guitar work and Booker T. Jones on organ. Morrison's voice complements the low-boom of Hooker's. Another highlight is Santana's work on "Stripped Me Naked".

Hooker's Delta Blues sound is hypnotizing, and his deep voice is lazy and sweet. There are very few that have shaped the sound of music, especially the blues, as he has. This album, a tribute of sorts, is a must for blues lovers. To hear so much talent gathered in one place playing with a legend like Hooker gives me the chills.

Except where otherwise noted, all songs composed by John Lee Hooker.

"I Want to Hug You" (Hooker, Al Smith) – 2:52
"Mr. Lucky" (Hooker, Al Smith) – 4:38
"Back Stabbers" (Hooker, Smith) – 5:01
"This Is Hip" – 3:23
"I Cover the Waterfront" – 6:39
"Highway 13" – 6:32
"Stripped Me Naked" (Hooker, Benny Rietveld, Carlos Santana, Chester Thompson) – 4:18
"Susie" – 4:23
"Crawlin' King Snake" (Tony Hollins, Bernard Besman, Hooker) – 3:20
"Father Was a Jockey" – 4:58


Kenny Baker – saxophone
Gaylord Birch – drums
Bowen Brown – drums
Albert Collins – guitar
Tom Compton – drums
Ry Cooder – guitar
Richard Cousins – bass
Robert Cray – guitar, vocals
Maurice Cridlin – bass
Steve Ehrmann – bass
Terry Evans – vocals
Jeff Ganz – bass
William "Bill" Greene – vocals
Jim Guyet – bass
John Hammond, Jr. – harmonica, slide guitar
Kevin Hayes – drums
John Lee Hooker – guitar, vocals
Johnnie Johnson – piano
Booker T. Jones – organ
Deacon Jones – organ
Tim Kaihatsu – guitar
Jim Keltner – drums
Bobby King – vocals
Nick Lowe – bass
Scott Mathews – drums
Van Morrison – guitar, vocals
Michael Osborn – guitar
Karl Perazzo – timbales
Jimmy Pugh – organ
Raul Rekow – conga
Keith Richards – guitar
Benny Rietveld – bass
Carlos Santana – guitar
Larry Taylor – bass
Chester Thompson – keyboards
Johnny Winter – guitar

John Lee and Van Morrison are trading lines on "I Cover The Waterfront" and it is worth the price of admission alone, in my humble opinion! :eusa-clap:


Dennie..... :text-bravo:

 

[Dennie]

I'm starting with Disc # 2, 'cause I don't always get to it..... :music-rockout:

A Night In San Francisco -- 2 CD Set

Van Morrison - recorded live at the Masonic Auditorium

1994 Polydor Records

If you're wondering "what kind" of Blues this is? This review should answer that question.... :text-lol:


WOW, September 24, 2008
By L. E. ALPERT "The Happy Wanderer" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Night in San Francisco (Reis) (Audio CD)

Fabulous CD with great Blues! I mean Terrific Awesome BLUES! A must have for a complete Van Morrison collection.


Disc one

"Did Ye Get Healed?" – 4:18
"It's All in the Game/Make It Real One More Time" (Charles Dawes, Carl Sigman)/(Morrison) – 4:19
"I've Been Working" – 3:24
"I Forgot That Love Existed/All Along the Watchtower" (Morrison)/(Bob Dylan) – 6:17
"Vanlose Stairway/Trans-Euro Train/A Fool for You" (Morrison)/(Morrison)/(Ray Charles) – 6:55
"You Make Me Feel So Free" – 3:14
"Beautiful Vision" – 4:11
"See Me Through/Soldier of Fortune/Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" (Morrison)/(Morrison)/(Sylvester Stewart) – 10:18
"Ain't That Loving You Baby?" (Ivory Joe Hunter, Clyde Otis) – 4:44
"Stormy Monday/Have You Ever Loved a Woman?/No Rollin' Blues" (T-Bone Walker)/(Billy Myles)/(Jimmy Witherspoon) – 6:08
"Help Me" (Sonny Boy Williamson) – 6:10
Organ solo from "Green Onions" (Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Lewie Steinberg, Al Jackson, Jr.)
"Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" (Sonny Boy Williamson) – 3:33
"Tupelo Honey" – 4:01
"Moondance/My Funny Valentine" (Morrison)/(Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) – 9:09

Disc two

"Jumpin' With Symphony Sid" (King Pleasure, Lester Young) – 4:47
"It Fills You Up" – 4:43
"I'll Take Care of You/It's a Man's Man's Man's World" (Brook Benton) / (James Brown, Betty Newsome) – 16:23
"Lonely Avenue/Be-Bop-A-Lula/4 O'Clock in the Morning (Try for Sleep)/Family Affair/You Give Me Nothing but the Blues/When Will I Become A Man?/Sooner Or Later/Down the Line" (Doc Pomus) / (Gene Vincent, Bill Davis) / (Morrison, John Platania) / (Sylvester Stewart) / (Morrison) / (Erica Ehm, Tim Thorney) / (Vernon, Ross, Shaw) / (Roy Orbison) – 14:51
"So Quiet in Here/That's Where It's At" (Morrison) / (James Alexander, Sam Cooke) – 5:00
"In the Garden/Real Real Gone/You Send Me/Allegheny" (Morrison) / (Morrison) / (Sam Cooke) / (Bill Staines) – 9:41
"Have I Told You Lately" – 3:51
"Shakin' All Over/Gloria" (Johnny Kidd) / (Morrison) – 11:29

 

[Botch]

Too long after the fact, I finally retrieved the slips of paper from Bat's GTG, where I had written down a bunch of "check-these-out" artists, mostly from Pauly and Zing, but probably a couple others too. Made a big order to Amazon, box came Friday afternoon but I had to leave for Reserves, finished up my Fiscal Year obligations today and after a long hot shower and nursing strained muscles and numerous arm cuts, am enjoying the new tunes. First up:

Very intimate voice, extremely clever and obscene songwriting, and weird, Barnum-n-Bailey meets Jellyfish music; I'm going to be digesting this one for awhile.
I also got:
Da Phatfunk Clique - Audiophile Advisory
Who - Who's Next
Heart - Dreamboat Annie
Corrine Bailey Rae - self-titled?
Paul Desmond/Gerry Mulligan - Two of a Mind
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
Oleta Adams - Very Best

...plus one book, Medium Raw, by Anthony Bourdain

Wish the weekend was a few days longer...

 

[Dennie]

Late For The Sky -- CD

Jackson Browne

1974/1990 Asylum/Elektra Records

STILL HIS BEST, February 6, 2000
By "craig_paul" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Late for the Sky (Audio CD)

After 26 years, LATE FOR THE SKY still stands as Jackson Browne's finest effort, and this a monumental statement, considering the body of work Browne has produced. The intensely personal lyricism evident here was virtually uncharted territory in 1974.

The classic title track, "Fountain Of Sorrow," the tear-jerking "For A Dancer" and the brilliantly phrased "The Late Show" are all examples of Browne's willingness to pour out his heart for the world to hear.

It was my pleasure to give this CD to a young musician friend, who was only vaguely aware of Jackson Browne, a couple of years ago. Since then, he has devoured all of Browne's recordings, as have many others over the past three decades.

This is an absolutely essential album by one of the great talents of our time.

All songs by Jackson Browne

"Late for the Sky" – 5:36
"Fountain of Sorrow" – 6:42
"Farther On" – 5:17
"The Late Show" – 5:09
"The Road and the Sky" – 3:04
"For a Dancer" – 4:42
"Walking Slow" – 3:50
"Before the Deluge" – 6:18

 

[Dennie]

Too long after the fact, I finally retrieved the slips of paper from Bat's GTG, where I had written down a bunch of "check-these-out" artists, mostly from Pauly and Zing, but probably a couple others too. Made a big order to Amazon, box came Friday afternoon but I had to leave for Reserves, finished up my Fiscal Year obligations today and after a long hot shower and nursing strained muscles and numerous arm cuts, am enjoying the new tunes. First up:

Very intimate voice, extremely clever and obscene songwriting, and weird, Barnum-n-Bailey meets Jellyfish music; I'm going to be digesting this one for awhile.
I also got:
Da Phatfunk Clique - Audiophile Advisory
Who - Who's Next
Heart - Dreamboat Annie
Corrine Bailey Rae - self-titled?
Paul Desmond/Gerry Mulligan - Two of a Mind
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
Oleta Adams - Very Best

...plus one book, Medium Raw, by Anthony Bourdain

Wish the weekend was a few days longer...

Nice Score Botch! I don't know what that "Book" thing is, but the rest of it looks great. :handgestures-thumbup:

Thanks for your Service! bscene-drinkingcheers:

It hurts, just to think about taking a P.T. test again.... :doh:


Dennie

 

[Dennie]

Between The Lines -- CD

Janis Ian

1975/1990 Columbia Records

The Complete Package, November 27, 2009
By T. Peyton (Central CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Between the Lines (Audio CD)

This has been one of my favorites since its original release. I've purchased it on vinyl, cassette and CD. Ms. Ian's lyrics are timeless and introspective, sometimes painfully so. It doesn't matter whether you were a "rich relationed hometown queen" or one of "those whose name was never called when choosing sides for basketball", the words to "Seventeen" will mean something to you. Many of the songs have the poignancy of someone who has too often experienced the underside of human relationships. Her lyrics could stand alone as poetry, but since the music is enjoyable and takes some unexpected turns, this is the complete package.

Track Listing

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

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening...

Collection -- CD

Tracy Chapman

2001 Elektra Records (Import)

A good album, August 22, 2003
By Christoph Walter "Felix Krull" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Collection (Audio CD)

All the important hits from Tracy's first 5 albums are featured on "Collection". I sometimes wonder where people like Tracy have gone...people who talk about things that are uncomfortable. She does that for example in her fantastic songs "Fast Car" and "Subcity" (my favourite song on the album), not to forget the superb "Talking 'Bout a Revolution".
Moreover, her great lovesongs "Baby Can I Hold You" and "The Promise" are among the most romantic ever written.
She taught us that all that we have is our soul...Tracy Chapman has plenty of it.

"Fast Car" - [Tracy Chapman 1988] 4:58
"Subcity" - [Crossroads 1989] 5:12
"Baby Can I Hold You" - [Tracy Chapman 1988] 3:14
"The Promise" - [New Beginning 1995] 5:28
"I'm Ready" - [New Beginning 1995] 4:56
"Crossroads" - [Crossroads 1989] 4:13
"Bang Bang Bang" - [Matters Of The Heart 1992] 4:22
"Telling Stories" - [Telling Stories 2000] 3:58
"Smoke and Ashes" - [New Beginning 1995] 6:39
"Speak the Word" - [Telling Stories 2000] 4:13
"Wedding Song" - [Telling Stories 2000] 4:36
"Open Arms" - [Matters Of The Heart 1992] 4:34
"Give Me One Reason" - [New Beginning 1995] 4:29
"Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" - [Tracy Chapman 1988] 2:40
"She's Got Her Ticket" - [Tracy Chapman 1988] 3:56
"All That You Have Is Your Soul" - [Crossroads 1989] 5:15

 

[Dennie]

It is hard to believe 10 years have passed, as it seems like yesterday.

I'll never forget! :flags-usa:

This album was recorded that day, 10 years ago....

As Sting wanted to put together a concert in his home, he enlisted a group of musicians to practice and perform this concert with him. The events leading up to the night of the performance were filmed, and within these events on the day of the performance, the New York terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred, and the assembled group of musicians was made aware of this. Due to the tragedy, Sting offered all the opportunity to step down from the concert. None did, and the group performed the concert as originally intended, although Sting indicates on the DVD documentary the tone of the evening was quite different from how it was originally intended. Additionally, the "Desert Rose" performance featuring vocalist Cheb Mami was canceled due to the same circumstances. The concert was directed by Jim Gable and edited by Scott C. Wilson and Jeff Doe.

As a result of the tragic events, the concert was dedicated to those who lost their lives that day. Inside the CD booklet, upon the first page, is stated, "This album was recorded on September 11, 2001, and is respectfully dedicated to all those who lost their lives on that day." Thereafter, the lyrics for the included song "Fragile" are also transcribed; of the full song list comprising the CD, only the lyrics for this one song are within the booklet; this too seems a testament to the tragedy of September 11.

...All This Time -- CD

Sting

2001 A&M Records

Stellar Sting!, November 21, 2001
By Ish (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: ...all this time (Audio CD)

Recorded on 9/11/01 & dedicated to all of the lives lost on that day, Sting delivers new renditions of his classics with jazzy bass, world-beat rhythms, cellos and tender vocals. "Fragile" opens this 15 track set, and reeling in the events of that day, the words are heartfelt and wrought with meaning. "Don't Stand So Close To Me" gently glides into "When We Dance" and is hauntingly delivered with more warmth of feeling than ever before. Equally enjoyable are the reworks of "Roxanne" and "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You". Even his latest work "Brand New Day" has a brand new sound. Sting's creative rearranging brings some surprising twists to familiar songs and makes one wonder while listening, "why wasn't the song recorded like this originally?"... they are that good! Listening to this cd is an experience and makes us realize (to quote Sting) "how fragile we are".

All songs written by Sting, except where noted.

"Fragile" – 4:35
"A Thousand Years" (Kipper, Sting) – 3:02
"Perfect Love...Gone Wrong" – 4:11
"All This Time" – 5:20
"The Hounds of Winter" – 4:29
"Mad About You" (not included on the US edition)
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" – 2:15
"When We Dance" – 4:52
"Dienda" (Kenny Kirkland, Sting) – 3:12
"Roxanne" – 3:36
"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" – 4:57
"Brand New Day" – 4:46
"Fields of Gold" – 3:50
"Moon over Bourbon Street" – 2:55
"If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" – 4:31
"Every Breath You Take" – 5:04



God Bless America! ray:

 

[Botch]

That'll be a great one to throw on tonight; thanks for the reminder, Dennie!

 

[Dennie]

That'll be a great one to throw on tonight; thanks for the reminder, Dennie!

:handgestures-thumbup:




Dennie

 

[Dennie]

I recently picked this one up at a greater expense than I usually pay, because it is out of print.

But once again, I was swayed by the album cover, This time, not a Hot Chick, but an American Landmark......

Christmas In Manhattan - Elegant Holiday Instrumentals -- CD

Various Artists

1996 Unison Music

CAN'T DO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. SMOOTH AS EGG NOG. RIVALS THE GRP HOLIDAY STUFF., October 27, 2005
By VINCENT P TARSITANO (PORT ORANGE, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Christmas in Manhattan (Audio CD)

I picked this up a few years ago in a "bargain" bin. Boy, was I rewarded. Knowing what a gem this collection is, I'd gladly pay full price!

CHRISTMAS IN MANHATTAN is just a title here, as this set was recorded in Nashville, by some of that city's finest, under the direction of David Huntsinger. Very tasty versions, featuring saxes, flugelhorn, trumpet, great keyboard/string work, with a lot of originality, but also quite faithful to the composers' intent, I believe.

While listening, however, you could easily imagine that you are in a Manhattan jazz club during the holiday season [how cool would THAT be!].

"I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day," is probably the most dazzling instrumental version I ever heard of that tune, featuring a full, acoustic, orchestral sound, with a great jazzy underscoring vibe. "The Christmas Song [Chestnuts Roasting...]" is very beautifully executed, as well, as is "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." This ensemble's version of "Pat-A-Pan" is wonderfully novel and jazzy through-and-through. The medley of "Deck The Halls/O Come All Ye Faithful" is brilliant, as it combines the best new age/jazz/and classical feels.

This collection is clunker-free, and very enjoyable from start to finish.

DON'T PASS UP THIS ONE! [...Even if you have to write to UNISON MUSIC, Nelson Place @ Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.]

1. Christmas Song
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
3. Jolly Old St. Nicholas
4. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
6. Deck the Halls (With O Come All Ye Faithful) [Medley]
7. Pat-A-Pan
8. What Child Is This?
9. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (Medley With Angels We Have Heard and Go, Tell it on the Mountain
10. How Far Is It to Bethlehem?

 

[Dennie]

Sing It! -- CD

Marcia Ball - Irma Thomas - Tracy Nelson

1998 Rounder Records

SING IT! was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

A trio of R&B divas: Thomas, a long-time New Orleans songstress; Ball, a native Louisianan crooner; and Nelson, lead singer for the blues-rock group Mother Earth since the mid 60's-- team up on this solid collection of dance and sultry soul numbers. Employing Atlantic/Motown-style arrangements and girl-group backing harmonies, these three bring sophisticated craft and well-seasoned throats to the mic for such groove-inducers as "Love Maker, " "I Want To Do Everything For You," and the rhythmic strut of "Woman On The Move."
Vocal duties are distributed evenly to showcase the expressive capabilities of each, particularly on smokey ballads like "He's Mine" and "You Don't Nothin' About Love," so Ball, Thomas and Nelson each get the chance to display their gifts as vocalists, to exercise their individual phrasing, intonation, and timbre. Their interaction as a trio is excellent as well, churning out thick harmonies with slinky syncopation over the solid grooves of their fine backing band. SING IT! is a rare example of the disappearing entity: a real soul album. Nominated for a Grammy in 1999.

Track Listing

1. Sing It
2. I Want to Hold You
3. In Tears
4. Lovemaker
5. Yield Not to Temptation
6. Heart to Heart
7. People Will Be People
8. Please No More
9. If I Know You
10. Woman on the Move
11. He's Mine
12. Shouldn't I Love Him
13. You Don't Know Nothing