What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Retrospective - The Best of Buffalo Springfield -- CD

Buffalo Springfield

1969/1990 ATCO/Elektra Records

Amazon.com

Only a handful of bands have made a greater impact with fewer recordings than the short-lived Buffalo Springfield. Their history is told in the titles of their three albums: 1967's eponymous debut was followed by the peak-performance Again later that year, which was followed by 1968's Last Time Around. While their entire recorded career encompasses a mere two years, the Stephen Stills-Neil Young-Richie Furay-led quintet produced a number of '60s rock classics. Stills chipped in "For What It's Worth" and "Bluebird"; Furay's "Kind Woman" is one of the touchstones of country-rock; and Young fired off the likes of the raucous "Mr. Soul," the gentle "I Am a Child," the ambitious "Broken Arrow," and the breathtakingly pretty "Expecting to Fly." They're all on this 12-song overview, a suitable option for anyone who isn't up to stocking up on the entire catalog. --Steven Stolder

Side One:

"For What It's Worth" (Stills) – 2:37
Recorded December 5, 1966, Columbia Studios, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Stephen Stills. Bass: Bruce Palmer. Producers: Charles Green and Brian Stone. Running time incorrectly listed on the album's cover as 3:00.
"Mr. Soul" (Young) – 2:35
Recorded April 4, 1967. Lead vocal: Neil Young. Bass: Bruce Palmer.
"Sit Down I Think I Love You" (Stills) – 2:30
Recorded August 1966, Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Stephen Stills. Bass: Bruce Palmer. Producers: Charles Green and Brian Stone.
"Kind Woman" (Furay) – 4:10
Recorded February-March 6, 1968, Atlantic Studios, New York City & Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Richie Furay. Bass: Jim Messina. Producer: Jim Messina.
"Bluebird" (Stills) – 4:28
Recorded April 8, 1967, Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Stephen Stills. Bass: Bobby West
"On the Way Home" (Young) – 2:25
Recorded November 15-December 13, 1967, Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Richie Furay. Bass: Bruce Palmer.

Side Two:

"Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" (Young) – 3:26
Recorded July 18, 1966, Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Richie Furay. Bass: Bruce Palmer. Producers: Charles Green and Brian Stone.
"Broken Arrow" (Young) – 6:13
Recorded August 25 & September 5-18, 1967, Columbia Recording Studios & Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Neil Young. Bass: Bruce Palmer.
"Rock and Roll Woman" (Stills) – 2:44
Recorded June 22, August 8 & October 8, 1967, Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Stephen Stills. Rhythm guitar: Jim Fielder. Bass: Bruce Palmer.
"I Am a Child" (Young) – 2:15
Recorded February 5, 1968, Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Neil Young. Bass: Gary Marker. Producer: Jim Messina.
"Go and Say Goodbye" (Stills) – 2:19
Recorded July 18, 1966, Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Stephen Stills. Bass: Bruce Palmer. Producers: Charles Green and Brian Stone.
"Expecting to Fly" (Young)– 3:39
Recorded May 6, 1967, Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, California. Lead vocal: Neil Young. Arrangement: Jack Nitzsche. Note: Neil Young is the only member of the group who appears on this recording.

 

[Dennie]

Eric Burdon declares "WAR" -- CD

Eric Burdon/War

1970/1992 Avenue Records

War declares a classic February 11, 2001
By Oliver Imkamp
Format:Audio CD

I recently heard "Tobacco Road" being played at a local record store and could not believe how unbelievably funky and inspiring the tune was. I had heard the all time classic "Spill the Wine" and its definitely was of my favorite War tracks however the other songs on this album make it an all time classic War album that I think many have overlooked. "The Vision of Hassan" is not only educational and thought provoking but has a incredible piano riff that sets the stage for this great organic album obviously recorded on a whim with spontaneous conviction. "Tobacco Road" with its 14+ minutes of congo laden groove is one of the most honest funk songs I've heard and can definitely get a dance party started in the right direction. I would not hesitate to add this steller album to your collection.

Side one

"The Vision of Rassan"
"Dedication"" – 2:33
"Roll On Kirk" – 5:07
"Tobacco Road"
"Tobacco Road" (John D. Loudermilk) – 3:47
"I Have A Dream" – 6:39
"Tobacco Road" (Loudermilk) – 3:58

Side two

"Spill the Wine" – 4:38
"Blues for Memphis Slim"
"Birth" – 1:31
"Mother Earth" (Peter Chatman) – 2:46
"Mr. Charlie" – 3:05
"Danish Pastry" – 3:18
"Mother Earth" (Chatman) – 2:28
"You're No Stranger" – 1:55

 

[Dennie]

Great Gonzos -- CD

Jerry Jeff Walker

1991 MCA Records

Amazon.com essential recording

It's ironic that the man who made his reputation by writing "Mr. Bojangles," one of the most enduring and oft-covered tunes of the late 20th century, succeeded in his career as a performer by singing the works of others, but that's the case. Walker has always been a fine judge of material, and over the years, picked up on some great stuff, such as Billy Joe Shaver's "Old Five and Dimers Like Me," Guy Clark's "Desperados Waiting for the Train" and "L.A. Freeway," Gary Nunn's "London Homesick Blues," Ray Wiley Hubbard's "Up Against the Wall Redneck," and Rusty Weir's "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance." This set gathers those remarkable cuts together with some of Walker's own songs, such as the party anthem "Sangria Wine," "Railroad Lady" (written with Jimmy Buffett), and, of course, "Bojangles." Great Gonzos gives you the flavor and the laid-back aesthetic of Jerry Jeff's seminal work of the '70s. There's more to the story, but this is where it all began. --Daniel Durchholz

Track listing

1. Gettin' By
2. Sangria Wine
3. Mr. Bojangles
4. Desperados Waiting for a Train
5. Pick Up the Tempo
6. Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother
7. London Homesick Blues
8. Takin' It as It Comes
9. Backslider's Wine
10. Old Five and Dimers Like Me
11. Charlie Dunn
12. Railroad Lady
13. L.A. Freeway
14. Don't It Make You Wanna Dance?

 

[Dennie]

...Nothing Like The Sun -- CD

Sting

1987 A&M Records

Sting's best,
January 30, 2011
By Eugene Axe
This review is from: Nothing Like the Sun (Audio CD)


I believe that "...Nothing Like the Sun" is the pinnacle of Sting's solo career. Back when I was in college, this was one of my top 5 albums. Not a bad song on here. I find that even after 20+ years this album still sounds fresh and undated. Sting's fusion of jazz, rock, and pop here is distinctive. Not that this is an upbeat album by any means, but after this record his music turned a little bit too droning and brooding for my liking.

The classic songs "Fragile" and "We'll Be Together", stand out (of course), as do "Sister Moon" and "History will Teach Us Nothing". If I had to pick a favorite song, it would be his cover of Hendrix's "Little Wing". But like I say above, there isn't a bad song on here. You can't go wrong with this album...

All songs by Sting except as noted.

Side one

"The Lazarus Heart" – 4:34
"Be Still My Beating Heart" – 5:32
"Englishman in New York" – 4:25

Side two

"History Will Teach Us Nothing" – 4:58
"They Dance Alone" – 7:16
"Fragile" – 3:54

Side three

"We'll Be Together" – 4:52
"Straight to My Heart" – 3:54
"Rock Steady" – 4:27

Side four

"Sister Moon" – 3:46
"Little Wing" (Jimi Hendrix) – 5:04
"The Secret Marriage" (Eisler, Sting) – 2:03

 

[Botch]

 

[Dennie]

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]

Legend - The Best Of -- CD

Bob Marley and the Wailers

2002 Def Jam 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

Product Description
1. Is This Love
2. No Woman No Cry
3. Could You Be Loved
4. Three Little Birds
5. Buffalo Soldier
6. Get Up Stand Up
7. Stir It Up
8. One Love/People Get Ready
9. I Shot the Sheriff
10. Waiting in Vain
12. Satisfy My Soul
13. Exodus
14. Jamming

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits Live 2 CD Set

Boz Scaggs

2004 Gray Cat Records

Looking Back, July 22, 2010
By P. Goode - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Greatest Hits Live (Audio CD)

By 1976, Boz Scaggs had established a steady base of musically aware fans who appreciated his brand of blue-eyed soul/R&B (including me). Scaggs broadened the base with the immensely successful Lowdown, which added disco to the mix and took advantage that genre's use of electronic drums and synthesizers. As a commercial decision, Scaggs hit a home run, and indeed Lowdown is an excellent album featuring some of his best material.

But the steely meticulousness of Lowdown sacrificed the warmth and looseness of the early albums, and his original fans missed the easy charm of Moments, And Band, My Time, and Slow Dancer. Greatest Hits Live offers something of a return to those days with intimate, mature renditions of the old songs and easy, more natural versions of the new material -- all without sacrificing the precision that has come to signify Scaggs' music. Terrific extended jams of Loan Me a Dime and Running Blue show the basis his early appeal, and the superb production will make any sound system shine.

Usually I'm skeptical of live greatest hits albums, but Boz Scaggs Greatest Hits Live offers an intriguing look at the career of a successful artist who gained a larger audience by altering his approach without losing his integrity.

DISC 1:

Lowdown
Slow Dancer
Heart Of Mine
It All Went Down The Drain
Harbor Lights
Jojo
Ask Me 'Bout Nothin' But The Blues
Breakdown Dead Ahead

DISC 2:

Look What You've Done To Me
I Just Go
Georgia
Miss Sun
Lido Shuffle
Runnin' Blue
Loan Me A Dime
We're All Alone

 

[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]

Tommy -- 2 SACD Set

The Who

1969/2003 Geffen Records

A Review From Someone With SACD Player..., December 30, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Tommy (Deluxe Edition) (Hybrid SACD) (Audio CD)

okay... i normally don't review too many albums on amazon, but was i amazed to read all these reviews from people who chat about the album but then go on to say "but i haven't heard it on SACD yet." so i thought someone might benefit from reading about the surround mix in SACD...

well, it is simply amazing, especially for having been mixed by the near-deaf townsend (surely its a joke!).

the most amazing thing about the 5.1 surround mix is how present and powerful keith moon's drumming is. i have always pointed to "quadrophenia" as the shining example of his frenetic hammering of the drums. but now i can more fully appreciate his drumming on "tommy." the drums sound amazing on this SACD surround mix. no other words can describe it.

one of the reasons for the drums being more powerful is the ability to follow keith's "live in the studio" drumming more closely. you see, all the "accentuating" drum parts (tympani, gongs, cymbal splashes) are all separated from keith's drums in the mix... it wasn't as clear in the stereo mix which drums keith is playing, and which drums are over-dubbed elements.... but here, they are coming at you from different sides of the room. this makes for some amazing parts, particularly during "sparks" and "overture", where keiths keeps pounding out a rhythm, then the tympani drums build up to a crescendo.

also, pete and roger's vocals are sometimes separated in the mix. pete's first words on the alubm came as a shock. he sings, "captain walker didn't come home. his unborn child will never know him." and he's coming from the rear right speaker (mostly) and roger and all come in later, together chanting "a son, a son, a son" from the front speakers. its pretty powerful stuff from the get-go.

i could go on and on. but the most amazing thing truly is the fidelity... i hear things i've never heard before, and i thought i was prety intimately familiar with the album. subtle touches now are given such depth and prominence... and the separation that is achieved with surround sound allows the listener to follow a particular part or a particular instrument...
you can hear pete breathe in before singing... you can hear the sound of his pick against the acoustic guitar. you can hear a few of keith's dud hits on the snare (thought they are few, and always charming to hear).

another reviewer said, "reason alone to buy a SACD player."
i agree.

thanks for reading.

All songs written by Pete Townshend, except where noted.

Side one
No. Title Length

1. "Overture" 3:50
2. "It's a Boy" 2:07
3. "1921" 3:14
4. "Amazing Journey" 3:25
5. "Sparks" 3:45
6. "Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker)" (Sonny Boy Williamson II) 2:15

Side two
No. Title Length

1. "Christmas" 5:30
2. "Cousin Kevin" (John Entwistle) 4:03
3. "The Acid Queen" 3:31
4. "Underture" 9:55

Side three
No. Title Length

1. "Do You Think It's Alright?" 0:24
2. "Fiddle About" (Entwistle) 1:26
3. "Pinball Wizard" 3:50
4. "There's a Doctor" 0:25
5. "Go to the Mirror!" 3:50
6. "Tommy Can You Hear Me?" 1:35
7. "Smash the Mirror" 1:20
8. "Sensation" 2:32

Side four
No. Title Length

1. "Miracle Cure" 0:10
2. "Sally Simpson" 4:10
3. "I'm Free" 2:40
4. "Welcome" 4:30
5. "Tommy's Holiday Camp" (Keith Moon) 0:57
6. "We're Not Gonna Take It" 6:45

Bonus disc

The first twelve tracks are out-takes and demos and the last five are stereo-only demos.

"I Was" – 0:17
"Christmas" (out-take 3) – 4:43
"Cousin Kevin Model Child" – 1:25
"Young Man Blues" (Version one) (Allison) – 2:51
"Tommy Can You Hear Me?" (alternate version) – 1:59
"Trying to Get Through" – 2:51
"Sally Simpson" (out-take) – 4:09
"Miss Simpson" – 4:18
"Welcome" (Take two) – 3:44
"Tommy's Holiday Camp" (band's version) – 1:07
"We're Not Gonna Take It" (alternate version) – 6:08
"Dogs (Part Two)" (Moon) – 2:26
"It's a Boy" – 0:43
"Amazing Journey" – 3:41
"Christmas" – 1:55
"Do You Think It's Alright" – 0:28
"Pinball Wizard" – 3:46

 

[Dennie]

No Stranger To Shame -- CD

Uncle Kracker

2002 Lava Records

Amazon.com

Uncle Kracker might have rap-rock numbskull Kid Rock to thank for putting him on the map, but with the release of his solid sophomore set, the Michigan mauler can stand up and take a bow. For not only is Uncle Kracker the most Southern-sounding musician ever to emerge from the edge of the Great Lakes, he's also one of the most versatile. As such, No Stranger to Shame is by turns country, rock, soul, blues, and sometimes a vigorous mix of the lot. The horn-section-goosing opening track "I Do" is pure Stax with a little '70s-era thwacketa-thwacketa guitar menace; "Thunderhead Hawkins," with its drawling vocals and slide guitar, is pure Arkansas front-porch boogaloo; "Memphis Soul Song" is just that; "To Think I Used to Love You" could have been torn from the Merle Haggard songbook; and "Keep It Comin'" is fierce hip-hop. A ballad, "Letter to My Daughters," is sweet if unnervingly sappy (think Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses"), while Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath adds negligible freight to the title track. But No Stranger to Shame's finest moment is a borrowed one--a faithful cover of Dobie Gray's inspirational rock & roll love letter, "Drift Away." An underappreciated classic from the early '70s, "Drift Away" still sounds relevant, and Kracker's soulful version--featuring Gray himself--will do much to spotlight that comforting old chestnut. --Kim Hughes

1. Keep It Comin'
2. Thunderhead Hawkins
3. In A Little While
4. I Wish I Had A Dollar
5. Drift Away
6. Baby Don't Cry
7. I Do
8. Memphis Soul Song
9. I Don't Know
10. To Think I Used To Love You
11. Letter To My Daughters
12. No Stranger To Shame
13. Bonus Track 1

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits Plus -- CD

Ricky Van Shelton

1992 Columbia Records

Wonderful country ballads, November 9, 2007
By Ronald Van Scherpenzeel (Madrid, Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)


Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ricky Van Shelton - Greatest Hits Plus (Audio CD)

Ricky van Shelton is one of those artists that are rather unknown
in Europe, although if they were promoted correctly, he could have
reached the same popularity as others did like Garth Brooks or The
Mavericks. Here we have 8 wonderful ballads most of which went to #1
+ two good old rockers (Elvis' "Wear My Ring... and Ned Miller's
"From A Jack To A King"), a duet with Dolly Parton that also became
a number one hit and the remaining three songs made it into the
top 5. This really deserves the "greatest" hits mentioning! If you
don't possess this beauty, GET IT!!

"Just as I Am" (Larry Boone, Paul Nelson) - 3:08
previously unreleased
"Wild Man" (Rick Giles. Susan Longacre) - 3:17
previously unreleased
"Somebody Lied" (Joe Chambers, Larry Jenkins)- 3:21
"I've Cried My Last Tear for You" (Tony King, Chris Waters) - 2:29
"I'll Leave This World Loving You" (Wayne Kemp) - 3:06
"Statue of a Fool" (Jan Crutchfield) - 3:04
"I Am a Simple Man" (Walt Aldridge) - 3:26
"Life Turned Her That Way" (Harlan Howard) - 3:23
"Keep It Between the Lines" (Russell Smith, Cathy Louvin) - 3:49
"Rockin' Years" (Floyd Parton) - 3:25
duet with Dolly Parton
"From a Jack to a King" (Ned Miller) - 2:21
"Living Proof" (Steve Clark, Johnny MacRae) - 3:22
"Don't We All Have the Right" (Roger Miller) - 2:36
"Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" (Bert Carroll, Moody Russell) - 2:11
previously unreleased on studio album

 

[Dennie]

The Essential Hank Snow -- CD

Hank Snow

1997 RCA Records

The Singing Ranger!,
December 20, 2003By Mcgivern Owen L
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Essential Hank Snow (Audio CD)

Hank Snow, the late Singing Ranger from Liverpool, Nova Scotia had 65 Billboard hits from 1949-1974. All were on the RCA label, which must have made it a bit easier to assemble such a worthwhile compilation. "The Essential Hank Snow" spans his golden years from "I'm Movin' On" (1949) to "Hello Love" (1974). EACH of the 20 tracks was a top 10 Billboard selection! All of Hank's 6 # 1 songs are here including the epics, "I Don't Hurt Anymore" (1954) and "I'm Moving On". Both stayed on the charts for over 40 weeks (!).What's not to like here? Personal favorites are highly subjective but this reviewer loved "Would You Mind?" from 1955, "The Wishing Well" from 1965 and the aforementioned "Hello Love". Other reviewers have helpfully noted that short of buying an expensive box set, this CD is the best way of owning a solid, if not completely inclusive selection of Snow's work. On a related note, serious country fans should pay very close attention to the "Essential" series for reliable albums of the best music from our past heroes. The EHS is good, solid classic country as its' best. It is long beyond saying that they are not making any more Hank Snows and never will again. This reviewer would also bet that Mr. Snow was a true gentleman in real life, eh.

Track Listing
1. Rhumba Boogie, The
2. I'm Movin' On
3. Golden Rocket, The
4. Unwanted Sign Upon Your Heart
5. Music Makin' Mamma from Memphis
6. Gold Rush Is Over, The
7. I Don't Hurt Anymore
8. (Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I
9. Gal Who Invented Kissin', The
10. I Went to Your Wedding - (alternate take)
11. Would You Mind?
12. Lady's Man
13. Yellow Roses
14. Miller's Cave
15. Beggar to a King
16. I've Been Everywhere
17. Ninety Miles an Hour (Down a Dead End Street)
18. Let Me Go Lover
19. Wishing Well (Down in the Well)
20. Hello Love

 

[Dennie]

Risin' Outlaw -- CD

Hank Williams III

1999 Curb Records

Amazon.com

This is what rockin' country is supposed to sound like. Shelton Hank Williams, grandson of the country music icon, shows everything he's got on "I Don't Know," his debut's opening track: breakneck fiddle; fancy picking, equal parts Nashville and Macon; flexible rhythm section; wounded, piercing vocals; and unforgiving songs of rage, recklessness, and rejection. He then spends the rest of the CD refining it, song by song. As a writer, he has a real flair for imagery and the sturdy hook, and he also has good taste in remakes. Yes, there is some posturing; occasionally it feels like his nose for trouble, sense of despair, and wild eyes spring from listening to all the right records rather than out of anyone's real life. But for the most part, Hank III seems to come by these things the old-fashioned way: he earns them. Already. If he doesn't earn too much, he's going to do great things. --John Morthland

"I Don't Know" (Howard) – 3:23
"You're the Reason" (Edwards, Fell, Hanley, Ives) – 2:49
"If the Shoe Fits" (Denny, Williams) – 2:54
"87 Southbound" (Hancock) – 2:52
"Lonesome for You" (Miller, Miller) – 3:17
"What Did Love Ever Do to You" (Kostas, Miller) – 3:01
"On My Own" (Williams) – 2:55
"Honky Tonk Girls" (Kostas) – 2:42
"Devil's Daughter" (Pleasant, Kostas, Williams) – 3:17
"Cocaine Blues" (Arnall) – 3:53
"Thunderstorms and Neon Signs" (Hancock) – 4:21
"Why Don't You Leave Me Alone" (Hancock) – 5:03
"Blue Devil" (Williams) – 3:19

 

[Dennie]

Play -- CD

David Ball

1999 Warner Bros. Records

With his third release, PLAY, David Ball has created an accessible, modern album of potential hit songs, while remaining true to his traditional country roots. While Ball's vocal style is heavily influenced by George Jones and Lefty Frizzell (and even a bit of George Strait), his songwriting, the arrangements and production keep everything up-to-date. There seems to be something for everyone on PLAY--unabashed romanticism ("What Do You Say To That"), a drinking song ("A Grain of Salt"), my-baby-left-me laments ("Lonely Town," "Watching My Baby Not Coming Back") and even some Mexican spice (the excellent "Hasta Luego, My Love"), One standout is "Going Someplace to Forget," a hard-core weeper in which Ball calls a travel agent, trying to buy a one-way ticket to anywhere his ex's memory won't haunt him. The best track, though, may be "When I Get Lonely," in which the narrator tells his girlfriend how much he misses her, while threatening to cheat on her if she doesn't get back soon and give him some lovin'. Bad pun of a title aside, PLAY deserves to follow Ball's debut THINKIN' PROBLEM to platinum status.

Track Listing
1. Watching My Baby Not Coming Back
2. I Want to with You
3. What Do You Say to That
4. Hasta Luego, My Love
5. Grain of Salt, A
6. Lonely Town
7. Going Someplace to Forget
8. For You
9. I'm Just a Country Boy
10. When I Get Lonely

 

[Dennie]

Sometimes, it seems I could go on forever! :angelic-green:

Right?!!!! bscene-drinkingcheers:


Dennie :eusa-whistle:

 

[Dennie]

The Best of Hootie & The Blow Fish (1993 Thru 2003) -- CD

Hootie & The Blowfish

2004 Atlantic/Rhino

Long Time Coming April 23, 2004
By Brian Baisden
Format:Audio CD

Finally Hootie and the Blowfish have released their greatest hits disk. And the track list is solid up and down, all the big hits from cracked rear view are here, also the big hits from Fairweather Johnson are represented, also i was truley impressed the gorgeous track "Innocence" off their newest studio album was included, as most of you know record companies sometimes leave off the newest material on the greatest hits packages. It is a solid compilation of HATB hits and powerful songs from the very unfortunate unpopular follow albums. perfect for the novice Hootie fan. The only reason for a 4 star rating is that I would have liked to see "Can't Find The Time To Tell You" from the Me Myself and Irene soundtrack make it to the list. But it still can earn a worthy place in your cd Collection.

1. Hold My Hand
2. Only Wanna Be With You
3. Time
4. Let Her Cry
5. Not Even The Trees
6. Old Man & Me (When I Get To Heaven)
7. Hey Hey What Can I Do
8. Tucker's Town
9. I Go Blind
10. Sad Caper
11. Be The One
12. Use Me
13. I Will Wait
14. Innocence
15. Space
16. Only Lonely
17. Goodbye Girl

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

Tenderness -- CD

Al Jarreau

1994 Reprise Records

A jazz/pop master teams up with an opera great, and more, August 4, 2003
By Sandy Smith "Exile on Market Street" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)


This review is from: Tenderness (Audio CD)

This live album showcases Jarreau's versatility as a jazz and pop vocalist, including a heart-melting rendition of his ballad "We Got By" and a beautiful performance of "My Favorite Things" featuring soprano Kathleen Battle. He takes on a number of Broadway and jazz standards here, including "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" and a sprightly, energized version of "Mas Que Nada". Jarreau fans need this album in their collections; for everyone else, it's a good way to hear a master of vocalese at work in the raw.

Track Listing
1. Mas Que Nada
2. Try a Little Tenderness
3. Your Song
4. My Favorite Things
5. She's Leaving Home
6. Summertime
7. We Got By
8. Save Your Love for Me
9. You Don't See Me
10. Wait for the Magic
11. Dinosaur
12. Go Away Little Girl

 

[Botch]

BT: This Binary Universe:

... in 5.1 Surround :music-listening:

 

[Rope]

BT: This Binary Universe:

... in 5.1 Surround :music-listening:

Great album!

Rope