What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

The Collection -- CD

John Denver

2002 Denon Records (Import)

Track listing

1. Annie's Song
2. Take Me Home Country Roads
3. Rocky Mountain High
4. Flower That Shattered The Stone
5. Sunshine On My Shoulders
6. Country Girl In Paris
7. Eagles And Horses (I'm Flying Again)
8. Children Of The Universe
9. Windsong
10. Postcard From Paris
11. Raven's Child
12. Eagle And The Hawk
13. Rocky Mountain Suite
14. Calypso
15. Earth Day Every Day (Celebrate)

 

[Dennie]

Blue -- CD

Joni Mitchell

1971/1990 Reprise Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Joni Mitchell would go on from this '71 recording to make more popular, more ambitious, and more challenging albums, but she's never made a better one. Working with minimal accompaniment (Stephen Stills and James Taylor are two of the four sidemen), the Canadian thrush summoned an involving song cycle of romance found and lost. Though Blue is an uncommonly intimate representation, it's also astonishingly open and gracious. Songs such as "All I Want," "Carey," "California," and "A Case of You" work equally well as poetry and pop music. --Steve Stolder

All tracks composed and arranged by Joni Mitchell

Side A

"All I Want" – 3:32
"My Old Man" – 3:33
"Little Green" – 3:25
"Carey" – 3:00
"Blue" – 3:00

Side B

"California" – 3:48
"This Flight Tonight" – 2:50
"River" – 4:00
"A Case of You" – 4:20
"The Last Time I Saw Richard" – 4:13

 

[Dennie]

Brothers In Arms -- SACD

Dire Straits

2005 Mercury Records (Import)

SACD Review, June 23, 2005
By Michael R. Zwarun "phenker" (Thornhill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Brothers in Arms (20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

I've waited a long time for this album to be available on SACD. The wait was definitely worth it. This is reference quality audio that beats any vinyl in my collection.I dare you to listen to Money for Nothing and not get chills. The surround mix is fantastic,using all speakers to great effect.
My advice, rush out and buy this one. It may be the best SACD out there.

1. "So Far Away" 5:12
2. "Money for Nothing" (Knopfler, Sting) 8:26
3. "Walk of Life" 4:12
4. "Your Latest Trick" 6:33
5. "Why Worry" 8:31
6. "Ride Across the River" 6:58
7. "The Man's Too Strong" 4:40
8. "One World" 3:40
9. "Brothers in Arms" 7:00

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening...

Time (The Revelator) -- CD

Gillian Welch

2001 Acony Records

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The considerable promise carried forth on Gillian Welch's first two albums is thoroughly fulfilled on Time (The Revelator). Welch has traded the guidance of her previous producer, T Bone Burnett, for the sympathetic studio skills of her longtime guitarist-harmony singer David Rawlings, who loosens the reins just enough to allow moments of spontaneity to sparkle within the duo's spare, eloquent playing. "Revelator" is an instant classic, perhaps the first great folk song of the 21st century. "I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll" is three minutes of Louvins/Everlys-style bliss. "April the 14th, Part 1" haunts its historical context with an achingly melancholy melody. It all leads up to the epic 14-minute "I Dream a Highway," one of the finest closing tracks ever put on record. --Peter Blackstock


All songs written by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

"Revelator" – 6:22
"My First Lover" – 3:47
"Dear Someone" – 3:14
"Red Clay Halo" – 3:14
"April the 14th Part I" – 5:10
"I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll" – 2:51
"Elvis Presley Blues" – 4:53
"Ruination Day Part II" – 2:36
"Everything Is Free" – 4:48
"I Dream a Highway" – 14:39

 

[topper]

:handgestures-thumbup:

 

[PaulyT]

Hopefully I haven't biased you too much... sorry. Yeah, it's the standard (only?) release AFAIK. I even tried playing the CD on my BD player instead of the squeezebox, thinking that maybe my recent software upgrade did something funky, but no, sounds the same, and other stuff on the SB is just fine.

I see what your saying Pauly. From the first note on Track #1, "The Pearl", it is almost like a "Fuzz Box" is hooked up or something. I have noticed it before, now that I hear it again, but like you say, her beautiful voice comes through clearly.

I guess I focus on her voice, more than the fuzzy/distorted music and that is what allows me to enjoy this great album. But I can see where, if someone was focused on the music, it could be a deal breaker.

I'm listening to "Red Dirt Girl" now and that fuzzy guitar is playing away, but her voice, to me, overshadows the music and I am enjoying it very much. It is one of my favorite tracks on the album.

I say, give it another chance and don't pay attention to the music, if you can and focus on her beautiful voice. It helped when I turned it up some and just focus on her voice and harmonies.

It would be nice to have an Acoustic version of this album!


Dennie

Listening to Red Dirt Girl again, and I really love the music on this album. Great, great songs. Once I made a conscious decision to not listen to the details of the instrumental accompaniment, I was able to get through the whole album and I do enjoy it. It's just a shame, IMHO, that I can't enjoy this album on every level.

 

[heeman]

Wow.....it's been a while like many years since I have listened to this complete CD!!!!!

:text-bravo: :music-rockout: :music-rockout:

 

[heeman]

:music-rockout:

Now Playing!!

The Bass Part on Marathon is FFFAAAANNNNTTTTAAAAASSSTICCCC!

 

[Dennie]

Southern Girl -- CD

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

1996 Cema Special Products

At a mere seven tracks, 1992's SOUTHERN GIRL might not seem like a sensible purchase for a best-of compilation, but fans of Frankie Beverly and Maze won't be disappointed. The tight groove of the title track, and the lengthy workout "Back in Stride" are worth the album's budget price by themselves, but the smooth "Travelin' Man" and the sweet ballad "Never Let You Down" are icing on the cake. Fans of late 1970s/early `80s smooth R&B (that doesn't skimp on funk and jazz influences) will find much to appreciate here.

Track listing

1. Southern Girl
2. Back in Stride
3. Never Let You Down
4. Joy and Pain
5. I Wanna Be with You
6. Travelin' Man
7. Too Many Games - (CD only)

 

[Dennie]

Experience: 826+ (LIVE PLUS!) -- 2 CD Set

Jill Scott

2001 Hidden Beach Records

Amazon.com

Anyone who's seen Jill Scott live knows she's the real deal--a down-home diva more concerned with working a melody or getting her groove on than Britney-fied glitz or Badu-style pride. So it's no surprise that the singer's warmth translates beautifully on Experience, a collection of 11 live tracks recorded at Washington D.C.'s Constitution Hall, plus 6 previously unreleased cuts. With the Headhunters-esque intro of "A Long Walk" that opens the double disc, Scott and her more-than-capable backing band, Fatback Taffy, establish a heartfelt rapport with the audience that comes through not only in their reinterpretations of the singer's tunes, but in the pauses in between. This is apparent throughout, like when Scott notices a pregnant woman in the crowd and says with a giggle, "I see that baby in that belly over there--what's that baby doing?" Or when the Philly native belts the bridge on "Love Rain," intoning the line "You broke me, but now I'm healing" in lush, redemptive timbres. As for the new studio tracks, Scott offers up a set of solid originals that should leave fans plenty satisfied till her new album drops. Tracks like "Gimme," a funk-heavy dance track, and the drum & bass-driven "Gotta Get Up," are about as infectious as they come, while "Be Ready" features Scott's voice at its most gorgeous, her rich alto punctuating the song's syncopations with grace and ease. --Sylvia W. Chan

Disc One (826)

"Show Intro (Alright Man, It's Time for You to Move)" – 1:33
"A Long Walk (Groove)" (Jill Scott, Andre Harris) – 6:18
"Love Rain (Suite)" (Scott, Vidal Davis) – 12:30
"Slowly Surely" (Scott, Darren Henson, Don Thompson, Kamaal Fareed, Malik Taylor, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, James Yancey, Towa Tei, Bebel Gilberto) – 3:50
"One Is the Magic # (Redux)" (Scott, Davis) – 6:19
"Do You Remember" (Scott, Harris) – 8:40
"Gettin' In the Way" (Scott, Davis) – 7:42
"It's Love" (Scott, Henson, Keith Pelzer) – 7:36
"The Way" (featuring Mike Phillips) (Scott, Harris) – 8:26
"Fatback Taffy" (Scott) – 2:15
"He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat) (Movements I, II & III)" (Scott, Pelzer) – 9:02

Disc Two (+)

"Free (Prelude)" (Scott, Harris) – 1:31
"Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" (featuring 4hero) (Scott, Mark Clair, Brad Munn) – 4:58
"One Time" (Scott, Davis, Eric Roberson) – 3:55
"Sweet Justice" (Scott, Davis, Henson) – 5:20
"Thickness" (Scott) – 11:02
"High Post Brotha" (featuring Common) (Scott, Ivan Barias, Lonnie Lynn, Dale Warren) – 3:41
"Gimme" (Scott, Barias, Randy Muller) – 3:33
"Be Ready" (Scott, Ted Thomas, Jr., Jay Chattaway) – 3:13
"Free (Epilogue)"/"Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" (Minnie Version featuring 4hero) – 16:18

 

[Dennie]

"Naste" -- CD

Roy Ayers

1995 RCA Records

The title is Naste` but the music is wonderful!, November 18, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Naste (Audio CD)

I purchased this on cassette when it came out in 1995. I love it!! It's one for the collection and I'm now going to purchase it on CD so I won't wear out my cassette!! I don't think Roy Ayers has put out a "bad" cd. The tunes are smooth and showcase his unique style. If you like Roy Ayers, you will love "Naste".

Track Listing
1. Nasté
2. Mama Daddy
3. Your Love
4. Treasure
5. Swirl
6. Fantasy
7. Olé José
8. Baby Set Me Free
9. No More Trouble
10. Satisfaction
11. I Like It Like That
12. Last XT
13. Nonsense

 

[heeman]

Sounds good so far!

 

[Dennie]

Illusions -- CD

George Duke

1995 Warner Bros. Records

Possibly the most representative Album of George Duke, November 13, 2000
By hayesjam@bloomberg.net (London) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Illusions (Audio CD)

The man is a complete musician : good songwriter, arranger, producer and...performer. Wether he hoes on the Grand piano or through his massive samples library, Duke has fully integrated sixty years of Jazz music into one album. Some of the songs are pure jazz rock, instrumental beauties(specially "No greater love" with Dennis Chambers on drums), some others are funk grooves with vocals, but lean towards nicely harmonised melody lines (check "411" and "money"). If you like Quincy Jones's "Back on the block", then you'll love this CD.

Track listing

1. Genesis
2. 500 Miles to Go
3. 411
4. Love Can Be So Cold
5. Illusions
6. Simple Things, The
7. Life and Times
8. Look What We Started Now
9. C'Est la Vie
10. Buffalo Soldiers
11. Money
12. No Greater Love
13. So I'll Pretend

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits -- CD

Bill Withers

1990 Columbia Records

Bill Withers Lives On!, May 7, 2007
By The Capster "mr_rick_007" - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

What a time to be alive. I remember in 1971 driving around in my buddys Dodge Charger listening to the song Use Me. It was a great song and still is, and there are many others on this album that will live forever as well. Ain't no Sunshine When She's Gone, Sunny Day. Hey, if you like a smoother dreamier MoTown type sound, even if you never heard this album before, pick it up!

Track Listing

1. Just the Two of Us
2. Use Me
3. Ain't No Sunshine
4. Lovely Day
5. I Want to Spend the Night
6. Soul Shadows
7. Lean on Me
8. Grandma's Hands
9. Hello Like Before
10. Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?

 

[Dennie]

The Collection -- CD

Undisputed Truth

2002 Spectrum Music

Album Notes
The Undisputed Truth: Joe Harris, Billie Calvin, Brenda Evans, Tyrone Berkeley, Tyrone Douglas, Calvin Stephenson, Virginia MacDonald, Taka Boom.Producers: Norman Whitfield, Clay MacMurray.Recorded from 1971-1975. Includes liner notes by Michael Chapman.All songs written or co-written by Norman Whitfield except "Girl You're Alright" (P. Sawyer/C. MacMurray).This compilation presents the greatest hits of the Norman Whitfield-produced 1970s Motown band Undisputed Truth, including their most well-known song "Smiling Faces Sometimes."As is usually the case, Motown's European division and its licensors have been more active than their American counterparts, which is why this 19-song, 78-minute compilation surfaced in 2002, a year before the U.S.-issued 12-song Smiling Faces: The Best of the Undisputed Truth. All 14 of the singles that were issued in America are represented, along with selected B-sides and album tracks, for a slightly more comprehensive overview of the group's output -- "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" and "Poontang" are missing, but in their place are some equally worthy cuts, mostly notably the group's poignant nine-minute rendition of "What's Going On." Obviously, along with being a cross-section of the group's sound, this compilation gives us a good look at Norman Whitfield's altering sensibilities, and the changes that American soul underwent during the four years represented. By 1972, the Undisputed Truth had moved into louder, bolder, more funk-oriented sounds (with the exceptions of "Smiling Faces Sometimes," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and their version of "What's Going On"); away from socially significant songs, and into more of a pure dance mode -- not that these aren't extraordinary dance productions; they are. Most notable is "Law of the Land," with its pounding, larger-than-life rhythm section and swooping, soaring orchestral accompaniment. The sound is excellent throughout, especially on the later cuts. The solo electric guitar on "What's Going On," with its mix of trills and rhythm fills, is virtually isolated on its own separate channel, and is almost worth the price of the disc by itself. Its presence here is also a subtle tribute to Whitfield's influence on Motown: he was, after all, responsible for convincing Berry Gordy that there was room for two different hit versions of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," when Gordy thought there wasn't room for one, and the original "What's Going On" was another case of Gordy almost missing the boat on something new, daring, important, and wonderful, and here was a sincere attempt to reshape that song from the bottom up. Only on the later tracks, such as "UFO's," "Higher Than High," and "Boogie Bump Boogie," do inspiration and subtlety seem to desert the band's sound, but they get it back for "Let's Go Back to Day One." ~ Bruce Eder

Track Listing

1. You Got the Love I Need
2. You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth
3. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
4. Girl You're Alright
5. Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don't Say No)
6. Law of the Land
7. I'm a Fool For You
8. Spaced Out
9. Higher Than High
10. Boogie Bump Boogie
11. Save My Love For a Rainy Day
12. Smiling Faces Sometimes
13. What It Is
14. Help Yourself
15. What's Going On
16. Lil' Red Riding Hood
17. Ufo's
18. Got to Get My Hands on Some Lovin'
19. Let's Go Back to Day One

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

A One of a Kind Love Affair - The Anthology -- Remastered 2 CD Box Set

The Spinners

1991 Atlantic Records

ONE OF A KIND LOVE AFFAIR: THE ANTHOLOGY runs the gamut of the Spinners' output, focusing briefly on their early years at Motown (they had a hit with "It's A Shame," which was produced by Stevie Wonder), before moving on to their teaming with famed Philly Soul producer Thom Bell, who matched the Spinners' superb vocal talents with top-tier production and smooth, richly imagined arrangements (see: "I'll Be Around").
Thankfully, the bulk of this excellent two-CD set focuses on their spectacular 1970s work (when the group also benefited from the soaring, soulful tenor of Philippe Wynne), before giving cursory attention to their early-'80s tunes. This is arguably the best Spinners comp on the market, and is perfect for anyone looking to get acquainted with either the Philly Soul sound or one of its greatest practitioners.

Track Listing
DISC 1:
1. That's What Girls Are Made For
2. I'll Always Love You
3. It's a Shame
4. I Wish I Could Sleep, (Oh Lord) - (previously unreleased)
5. How Could I Let You Get Away
6. I'll Be Around
7. Could It Be I'm Falling in Love
8. One of a Kind (Love Affair)
9. Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You
10. Ghetto Child
11. Mighty Love
12. I'm Coming Home
13. He'll Never Love You Like I Do
14. Love Don't Love Nobody
15. Then Came You
16. Living a Little, Laughing a Little
17. Sadie

DISC 2:
1. Games People Play
2. I Don't Want to Lose You
3. Honest I Do
4. Love or Leave
5. Sweet Love of Mine
6. How Could I Let You Get Away
7. Wake up Susan
8. Rubberband Man, The
9. Me and My Music
10. You're Throwing a Good Love Away
11. Heaven on Earth (So Fine)
12. Working My Way Back To You / Forgive Me, Girl
13. Funny How Time Slips Away

 

[heeman]

I love Joan's style and voice!

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music....

Medusa -- CD

Annie Lennox

1995 Arista Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Post-Beatles, the virtues of deft song interpretation have been consistently devalued in favor of self-contained composer-performers, seldom more so than in the initial response to this sequel to Annie Lennox's triumphant solo debut, Diva. That album's gripping originals deserve acclaim, but the lush Scottish alto remains one of the most riveting pop singers of the past two decades, and this smartly chosen, meticulously arranged collection of cover versions boasts its own abundant charms in her selection of obscure gems and bona fide classics from Al Green, Procol Harum, Neil Young, the Clash, the Temptations, Paul Simon, Bob Marley, and the Blue Nile. The songs are the rightful stars here, and Lennox brings passion and nuance to a set that plays beautifully. From the cinematic heartbreak of "No More I Love Yous" to the faithful recreation of the Blue Nile's "Downtown Lights," this is ravishing pop. --Sam Sutherland

1. "No More I Love You's" Joseph Hughes, David Freeman 4:51
2. "Take Me to the River" Al Green 3:31
3. "A Whiter Shade of Pale" Keith Reid, Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher 5:17
4. "Don't Let It Bring You Down" Neil Young 3:36
5. "Train in Vain" Mick Jones, Joe Strummer 4:38
6. "I Can't Get Next to You" Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong 3:09
7. "Downtown Lights" Paul Buchanan 6:42
8. "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" Richard Poindexter, Robert Poindexter, Jackie Members 5:53
9. "Waiting in Vain" Bob Marley 5:40
10. "Something So Right" Paul Simon 3:54
11. "Heaven" (Japanese bonus track) Richard Butler, Tim Butler 4:58

 

[Dennie]

I love Joan's style and voice!

:text-+1:


Joan has SOUL!!!! Nice Choice Heeman! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

 

[heeman]

I love Joan's style and voice!

:text-+1:


Joan has SOUL!!!! Nice Choice Heeman! :handgestures-thumbup:



Dennie

It was one of you guys here that played this one and I said "gotta have it" glad it did! I only other one I have from her is Relish.....any other suggestions would be appriciated!!!!!!