What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Renee Olstead -- CD

Renee Olstead

2004 Reprise Records

Outstanding new vocalist, May 25, 2004
By Wilfred555 (Nowhere Special)

This review is from: Renee Olstead (Audio CD)

Renee Olstead could turn out to be the discovery of the decade. With a voice as nuanced, versatile and downright charming as they come she's about to set the musical world on fire with the release of her first major-label album.

The fact that Renee's still in high school (!) may give her extra credit, but she doesn't need it. This jazzy-bluesy torch singer can easily hold her own with the big gals like Norah Jones and Diana Krall while evoking the young Doris Day and even Roberta Flack.

"Renee Olstead" has several break-out tunes which stay in your head for hours, including her spellbinding and swirly "Summertime," her impeccably voiced "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" and her deliriously beautiful remake of Maria Muldaur's signature song, "Midnight at the Oasis."

Unlike other famous musical wunderkinds whose precocity (and notoriety) is much more apparent than their artistry, Renee Olstead doesn't overachieve in the slightest. Rather, she is utterly convincing as an assured and adept stylist with an affinity for music given to few.

After hearing this extraordinary album I can fully understand the raves it's been getting from professional critics as well as their collective disbelief that this is "just a kid" singing.

1. "Summertime" (Gershwin, Gershwin, Heyward) ? 4:12
2. "Taking a Chance on Love" (Duke, Fetter, Latouche) ? 3:31
3. "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" (Austin, Jordan) ? 3:20
4. "Someone to Watch Over Me" (Gershwin, Gershwin) ? 4:26
5. "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" (Greenfield, Sedaka) ? 4:11
6. "A Love That Will Last" (Foster, Thompson) ? 3:32
7. "Meet Me, Midnight" (Manilow, Sussman) ? 2:56
8. "Sunday Kind of Love" (Belle, Nye, Prima, Rhodes) ? 4:34
9. "On a Slow Boat to China" (Loesser) ? 3:16
10. "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" (Adams, Grever) ? 3:27
11. "Midnight at the Oasis" (Nichtern) ? 3:21
12. "Sentimental Journey" (Brown, Green, Homer)

 

[Dennie]

The Truth About Love -- CD

Pink

2012 RCA Records

Seriously, People are actually mad about the swearing? September 19, 2012
By Zackwlsn5
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

First off, I'd like to say this is a great album. From start to finish I was never bored or like, hmm, this song sounds like a filler. She's got stuff to say and yes, we've heard it before, the relationship angst and what not. But how predictable would it be for P!nk to put out an album full of cutesy songs about her daughter? She would've been slammed so hard. Instead she let us know she's here to stay, and I'm thrilled.

Now on the swearing subject. DO YOU GUYS NOT KNOW WHO P!NK IS? HOW DARE YOU BUY A P!NK ALBUM AND BE OFFENDED BY THE F WORD? SHE HAD A SONG CALLED "F****** PERFECT". It's like buying a lemon and being like "oh my god, this lemon, i just didn't realize it was going to be sour". durrr, lemons are sour, p!nk says the f word. Let's move on.

"Try" is a standout song. It's actually one of my favorite P!nk songs in her 6 album career.

1. "Are We All We Are" Pink, Butch Walker, John Hill, Emile Haynie Walker, Hill, Haynie 3:37
2. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" Pink, Greg Kurstin Kurstin 4:15
3. "Try" Busbee, Ben West Kurstin 4:07
4. "Just Give Me a Reason" (featuring Nate Ruess) Pink, Jeff Bhasker, Ruess Bhasker 4:02
5. "True Love" (featuring Lily Rose Cooper) Pink, Kurstin, Cooper Kurstin 3:50
6. "How Come You're Not Here" Pink, Kurstin Kurstin 3:12
7. "*** Like You" Pink, Max Martin, Shellback Martin, Shellback 3:42
8. "The Truth About Love" Pink, Billy Mann, David Schuler Mann, Schuler (co) 3:48
9. "Beam Me Up" Pink, Mann Mann 4:27
10. "Walk of Shame" Pink, Kurstin Kurstin 2:42
11. "Here Comes the Weekend" (featuring Eminem) Pink, Khalil Abdul Rahman, Pranam Injeti, Erick Alcock, Liz Rodrigues, Marshall Mathers DJ Khalil, Chin Injeti 4:24
12. "Where Did the Beat Go?" Pink, Mann, Jon Keep, Steve Daly Mann, Tracklacers (co) 4:18
13. "The Great Escape" Pink, Dan Wilson Wilson 4:24

 

[Botch]

The Truth About Love -- CD

Pink

2012 RCA Records

She did two songs on The Daily Show Wednesday night, and I gotta say I was impressed. Great showmanship, you could tell it wasn't Autotuned, especially on the second song which was just her and an acoustic guitar. I may have to pick that one up. :handgestures-thumbup:

 

[Dennie]

The Truth About Love -- CD

Pink

2012 RCA Records

She did two songs on The Daily Show Wednesday night, and I gotta say I was impressed. Great showmanship, you could tell it wasn't Autotuned, especially on the second song which was just her and an acoustic guitar. I may have to pick that one up. :handgestures-thumbup:

I've always liked Pink, she's real! If you like her, you'll like this new album. :handgestures-thumbup:

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND seeing her.....

Dennie ...

 

[Dennie]

The Absence -- CD

Melody Gardot

May 29th, 2012 Verve Records

Absence makes the heart grow fonder... May 29, 2012
By Nse Ette TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Audio CD

Jazz chanteuse Melody Gardot's new CD "The Absence" is produced by Brazilian composer and guitarist Heitor Pereira, adding a Latin lilt to her soft breezy sound.

Opening is the sunny "Mira", with Gardot scatting and singing to rhythmic guitars. In a similar vein is closing number, the celebratory "Iemanja" which is sung in Portuguese (with a hidden instrumental jam after a 10 minute wait)."Amalia" is Folky, "So Long" is a tender acoustic piece, while "So We Meet Again My Heartache" is an achingly beautiful ballad with lush strings and emotive vocals - my favourite. "Lisboa" starts with chiming bells leading to a Jazzy guitar-driven ballad.

Everything stands out really; "Impossible Love" (with enchanting guitar, clarinet and strings, and some spoken vocals with Gardot flitting between French and English as she tries to share her frustration at trying to get an affair to work), the prowling "If I Tell You I Love You" (with some Eartha Kitt-style purring and growling), the horn-sprinkled slow shuffle "Goodbye", and the spare hushed "Se Voce Me Ama" (with tenderly plucked guitar and some harmonising). Regally understated and beautiful!

HIDDEN TRACK ALERT.......

Track Listing
1. Mira
2. Amalia
3. So Long
4. So We Meet Again My Heartache
5. Lisboa
6. Impossible Love
7. If I Tell You I Love You
8. Goodbye
9. Se Voce Me Ama
10. My Heart Won't Have It Any Other Way
11. Iemanja /Chegue Journeyman [Hidden Track]

 

[Dennie]

Autumn - 20th Anniversary Edition -- CD

George Winston - Solo Piano

1980/2001 Windham Hill Records

Amazon.com essential recording

The precursor to 1982's commercial breakthrough, December, George Winston's 1980 Windham Hill debut boasts all the lyrical power and poignancy of its follow-up. A simple, clear recording for solo piano, Autumn finds Winston developing simple melodic motifs with studied left-hand underpinning, on hypnotic pieces like "Woods," which moves from a brisk rhythmic figure to rubato minor-key runs. Leaving pauses and breaths in all the right places, Winston suggests the play of color and light, the comfortable melancholy, and the encroaching slow-down that characterizes the fall season. Full of memorable themes, sure pacing, and whiffs of classical grandeur, Autumn is a timeless album that belongs to the firmament of the new age canon. --James Rotondi

Product Description

George Winston first received international recognition with Autumn, the solo piano album of his original compositions recorded in 1980. This 20th Anniversary Edition of Autumn includes a new bonus track, retrospective liner notes, and sheet music to Longing/Love, on an enhanced CD.

Colors/Dance (10:24)
Woods (7:45)
Longing/Love (9:49)
Road (4:13)
Moon (8:43)
Sea (3:42)
Stars (6:50)
Too Much Between Us (8:10)

 

[Dennie]

Rise and Shine -- Limited Edition CD/DVD

Randy Travis

2002 Word Records

Excells 5 stars October 19, 2002
By Dolores Guyer
Format:Audio CD

Randy seems to have found peace and gradification in the country gospel arena. His first offering "Inspirational Journey" introduced us to a side of Randy that had been hinted at now and then,throughout his country releases. Now with "Rise And Shine" the whole of Randy's soul is exposed.

This is one stunning collection. A compilation of country-gospel offerings that weaves a tapestry of humanity in all its manifestations. From the joy in "Iam Ready" to the inner conflicts of "Valley Of Pain" The worry of parenthood with "Mama Prayed" The beautiful, but gut wrenching bedside farewell of a beloved grandfather,in "If You Only Knew". "Three Wooden Crosses" is a story of God's grace and ultimate blessings.

This disc has a good mixture of uptempo tunes, as well as the heart wrending ballads, that Randy excells at. This is an album of sheer delight and enjoyment. Every choice here is steller, both in it's vocals, as well as the production. Be it country or gospel that you prefer, this will more than satisfy either appetite.

"Raise Him Up" (Robb Royer, Rivers Rutherford) – 4:03
"Rise and Shine" (Randy Travis, Michael Curtis) – 3:02
"When Mama Prayed" (Paul Overstreet, Rory Lee Feek) – 4:42
"I'm Ready" (Travis, Ron Avis) – 2:56
"Three Wooden Crosses" (Kim Williams, Doug Johnson) – 3:21
"That's Jesus" (Travis, Curtis) - 2:57
"Pray for the Fish" (Phillip Moore, Dan Murph, Ray Scott) – 3:01
"Jerusalem's Cry" (Travis, Lance Dary, Pastor Matthew Hagee) – 3:56
"Keep Your Lure in the Water" (Travis, Michael Curtis, Pastor Jeff Perry) – 3:02
"If You Only Knew" (Rob Mathes, Phil Naish) – 4:13
"Everywhere We Go" (Travis, Curtis) – 2:32
"The Gift" (Scott, Moore) – 3:11
"Valley of Pain" (Rob Mathes, Allen Shamblin) – 4:04

 

[Dennie]

Time (The Revelator) -- CD

Gillian Welch

2001 Acony Records

One of the greatest recordings I have ever heard., July 18, 2007
By J. Billings "Bookish" (Boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Time (The Revelator) (Audio CD)

In a lifetime of listening to music, in the wake of thousands and thousands of albums sat with, there are perhaps 50 that are so self-assured, so complete, and so beautifully executed that there is nothing to say other than... "don't let another day pass without listening to this." Finding records like this is the whole reason I listen to music in the first place.

Sunset on a decrepit back porch with a glass of whiskey... :music-listening:

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

 

[Dennie]

Blue Country Heart -- CD

Jorma Kaukonen

2002 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

Singer and guitarist extraordinaire Jorma Kaukonen was a devoted aficionado of early-20th-century rural music long before he cofounded Jefferson Airplane in 1965 and Hot Tuna some years later. On his new solo album, Kaukonen has found an imaginative setting to remind listeners how a fusion of styles and influences from both black and white musicians defined American country music in its formative decades. Included here are gems, both familiar and obscure, by the likes of Jimmie Rodgers, the Delmore Brothers, Jimmie Davis, Cliff Carlisle, and other country musicians who were clearly inspired by their blues cousins. Backed by the Nashville All-Stars, a supersonic string band comprising bluegrass masters Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Béla Fleck (banjo), and Byron House (stand-up bass), all playing on vintage 1920s and '30s acoustic instruments, Kaukonen revives and vividly reinterprets these blues-drenched country classics for a new generation of listeners. --Bob Allen

"Blue Railroad Train" (Lionel Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore) – 3:44
"Just Because" (Hubert A. Nelson, James D. Touchstone) – 4:16
"Blues Stay Away from Me" (L. Delmore, R. Delmore, Henry Glover, Wayne Raney) – 3:28
"Red River Blues" (Jimmie Davis) – 3:25
"Bread Line Blues" (Bernard Slim Smith) – 4:38
"Waiting for a Train" (Jimmie Rodgers) – 3:26
"Those Gambler's Blues" (Rodgers) – 3:07
"Tom Cat Blues" (Jelly Roll Morton) – 3:05
"Big River Blues" (L. Delmore) – 3:01
"Prohibition Blues" (Clayton McMichen) – 4:13
"I'm Free from the Chain Gang Now" (Lou Herscher, Saul Klein) – 3:28
"You and My Old Guitar" (Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams) – 2:45
"What are They Doing in Heaven Today?" (Traditional) – 3:20


Jorma Kaukonen - guitar, vocals
Sam Bush – mandolin, fiddle, background vocals
Jerry Douglas – dobro, weissenborn
Byron House – bass, background vocals
Béla Fleck – banjo on "Just Because" and "Bread Line Blues"

 

[Dennie]

Old Ways -- 24k Gold CD

Neil Young

1996 MFSL Ultradisc II

"Young is countrified & having a ball", August 8, 2000
By J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Old Ways (Audio CD)

A straight ahead country album from Neil Young featuring Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings - "OLD WAYS", originally released in 1985- is traveling down the road again with a country band International Harvesters.

Guest appearances by some notables as - Bela Fleck on banjo, Hargus "Pig" Robbins on piano, Rufus Thibodeaux on fiddle, Ralph Mooney on steel guitar, Marty Stuart on mandolin and Terry McMillan on harmonica, plus his usual sidemen Ben Keith, Spooner Oldham, Tim Drummond and Karl Himmel.

This re-mastered album is pure fun, sounds better than ever. Give a listen and see if you don't agree - "OLD WAYS" is a real down-home barn-raisin' time!

Side one

"The Wayward Wind" – (Herb Newman, Stanley Lebowsky) 3:12
"Get Back to the Country" – 2:50
"Are There Any More Real Cowboys?" – 3:03
"Once an Angel" – 3:55
"Misfits" – 5:07

Side two

"California Sunset" – 2:56
"Old Ways" – 3:08
"My Boy" – 3:37
"Bound for Glory" – 5:48
"Where Is the Highway Tonight?" – 3:02

 

[Dennie]

God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise -- CD

Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs

2010 RCA Records

2010 release, the fourth album from the Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter. Entirely self produced, the album was recorded in two weeks at LaMontagne's home in the woods of western Massachusetts. The newly restored historic home served as a homemade recording studio for Ray and his fellow musicians. With Ray's vocals at the forefront of the songs and a loose, almost live sounding recording, the album stands as a testament to a band at the height of their powers. The newly coined 'Pariah Dogs', consists of Jay Bellarose (drums), Jennifer Condos (bass), Patrick Warren (keyboard), Eric Heywood (guitar) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar).

1. "Repo Man" 6:08
2. "New York City's Killing Me" 4:13
3. "God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise" 3:10
4. "Beg Steal or Borrow" 4:32
5. "Are We Really Through" 4:59
6. "This Love Is Over" 3:30
7. "Old Before Your Time" 4:04
8. "For the Summer" 3:52
9. "Like Rock & Roll and Radio" 6:05
10. "Devil's in the Jukebox" 3:59

 

[Dennie]

Love's Been Rough On Me -- CD

Etta James

1997 RCA Victor

Life is betta with Etta, January 13, 2003
By S. Beauvais "Fool For Dancing" (Snoqualmie, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Love's Been Rough on Me (Audio CD)

This CD is on the top of my all-time favorites list for great music to dance or listen to and, in my opinion, her absolute best to date. Etta James is truly a mistress of the blues.

1. The Rock
2. Cry Like A Rainy Day
3. Love's Been Rough On Me
4. Love It Or Leave It Alone
5. Don't Touch Me
6. Hold Me
7. If I Had Any Pride Left At All
8. I Can Give You Everything
9. I've Been Lovin' You Too Long
10. Done In The Dark

 

[Dennie]

REPTILE -- 24-bit HDCD Import

Eric Clapton

2001 East Record & Tape Company

"Reptile" - as in "Lizard Lounge" and it's Great!, April 5, 2001
By Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 100 REVIEWER) (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Reptile (Audio CD)

For those expecting the rock of "Layla", the variety of "Pilgrim" or the funkiness of "461 Ocean Boulevard", you might be disappointed, but "Reptile" is a masterpiece. All fourteen songs are what you might expect from a personal concert in a small cafe from Eric Clapton. Rythym and Blues are the mainstay here and it shows with classic covers of Ray Charles', "Come Back Baby", James Taylors' "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" and Stevie Wonders', "I Ain't Gonna Stand For It". This collection stands out for consistency and pure love of 'feel good' club music. Granted, Clapton does push more energy on "Superman Inside", almost 'out-blues' himself on "Got You On My Mind" and pulls at your heartstrings with the lovely instrumental, "Son & Sylvia". Each of Clapton's albums vary from time to time and usually for the better. This is a 'low key evening by the fire' collection. It's just one of the things Clapton does the best.

"Reptile" (Eric Clapton) – 3:26
"Got You on My Mind" (Joe Thomas, Howard Briggs) – 4:30
"Travelin' Light" (J. J. Cale) – 4:17
"Believe in Life" (Clapton) – 5:05
"Come Back Baby" (Ray Charles) – 3:55
"Broken Down" (Simon Climie, Dennis Morgan) – 5:25
"Find Myself" (Clapton) – 5:15
"I Ain't Gonna Stand for It" (Stevie Wonder) – 4:49
"I Want a Little Girl" (Murray Mencher, Billy Moll) – 2:58
"Second Nature" (Clapton, Climie, Morgan) – 4:48
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" (James Taylor) – 4:47
"Modern Girl" (Clapton) – 4:49
"Superman Inside" (Clapton, Doyle Bramhall II, Susannah Melvoin) – 5:07
"Son & Sylvia" (Clapton) – 4:43
"Losing Hand" [Bonus track from Japanese release] (Jesse Stone) – 4:18



Eric Clapton – vocals, guitars, producer, album sleeve concept
Steve Gadd – drums
Billy Preston – hammond organ, piano, harmonica
Nathan East – bass
Doyle Bramhall II – guitar
Pino Palladino – bass on "Reptile" and "Second Nature"
Andy Fairweather Low – guitar
Tim Carmon – piano, hammond organ, synthesizer
Paul Carrack – keyboards, wurlitzer, hammond organ
Paul Waller – drum programming
The Impressions – backing vocals
Joe Sample – Wurlitzer, fender rhodes, electric piano (08,11,14), piano (11,14)
Paulinho da Costa – percussion
Nick Ingman – string arrangement

 

[Dennie]

Fantasia -- CD

Eliane Elias

1992 Blue Note Records

A lovely lady with a tremendous talent, June 18, 2001
By Joachim Detlef Hansen (Boston, Mass.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fantasia (Audio CD)
I make my living as a classical pianist. For fun, I teach music at the local community college and Church. I was in Des Moines, Iowa to perform a concert with the Des Moines Symphony, and I was offered caught Ms.Elias at the Civic center. Just the site of her takes a man's breath away, but once she started playing,it was incredible. I've bought several of her albums since, and I am not disappointed with any of them.

This Brazilian beauty,in my opinion, is one of the greatest pianists I have heard in a very long time.

TRACKLIST
01. The Girl From Ipanema (6:31)
02. Wave (3:45)
03. Milton Nascimento Medley (7:50)
04. Sabe Voce (Do You Know) (5:27)
05. Bahia (Na Baixa Do Sapateiro) (5:50)
06. Fantasia (To Amanda) (2:28)
07. No More Blues (Chega De Saudade) (8:41)
08. Ivan Lins Medley (7:04)

 

[Dennie]

Midnight In San Juan -- CD

Earl Klugh

1991 Warner Bros. Records

Excellent smooth Jazz with a Brazilian Jazz twist !!!, January 30, 2003
By Papetti "papetti" (Mexico City) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Midnight in San Juan (Audio CD)

Earl Klugh has always been recognized as a fantastic Jazz guitarist (following the school of Wes Montgomery & George Benson)and this album in particular is one of his best. Earl adds a super cool technique of Brazilian touch with compositions like: 1. <Kissin' on the Beach> where he's accompanied by Abraham Laboriel on Bass Guitar and Paulinho DaCosta on Percussions and 2.<Take you there>
also accompanied by Abraham Laboriel, Paulinho DaCosta, by the superb pianist Eliane Elias and Toots Thielmans on Harmonica.
Overall is a great album, don't miss it if you really like Jazz.

"Midnight in San Juan" - 5:53
"Every Moment with You" - 3:57
"Kissin' on the Beach" - 6:07
"She Never Said Why" - 4:32
"Movimientos del Alma (Rhythms of the Soul)" - 4:40
"Jamaican Winds" - 3:44
"Theme for a Rainy Day" - 5:26
"Take You There" - 7:06

 

[Dennie]

Dancing On The Water CD

Bob James

2000 Warner Bros. Records

Dancing on the Water features a collection of solo piano performances by Bob James plus duets by James with a diverse array of artists, including bassist Dave Holland, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and pianists Keiku Matsui and Joe Sample. James wrote nine songs on the CD -- everything except "Alone Together" and "Last Night When We Were Young." Four songs ("The Green Hour," "Bogie's Boogie," "Hum Drum," and "Modesty") receive the benefit of James performing solo on acoustic piano. His duet with Keiko Matsui, "Altair and Vega," is an eight-minute masterpiece featuring exceptional interplay between the pianists. The sweet melodies along with fine, balanced technique and tremolo earn this duet high marks. Piano and bass duets by James and Dave Holland are featured on "Last Night When We Were Young" and "Autumn Nocture"; both songs strike an artful balance with rhythmic improvisations that reflect the duo's award-winning jazz styles in a complementary setting. Chuck Loeb expands his awareness of jazz guitar on the title track, "Dancing on the Water." His joyful interpretations and subtle surprises make the music of the acclaimed jazz pianist sound fresh and new. Two tracks with Joe Sample, "Alone Together" and "Tapawingo," exhibit the emotive and superbly inventive bebop-based compositions at the hands of two masters. Their crisp, flowing lines and intricate melodic voicings reflect the influence of such jazz icons as Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner. This is an excellent CD and Bob James continues his exceptional musical dialogues with more pronounced affection for traditional jazz styles than on previous releases. ~ Paula Edelstein

Track listing

1. Alone Together - (with Joe Sample)
2. Green Hour, The
3. Bogie's Boogie
4. Altair & Vega - (with Keiko Matsui)
5. Hum Drum
6. Last Night When We Were Young - (with Dave Holland)
7. Dancing on the Water - (with Chuck Loeb)
8. Modesty
9. Tapawingo - (with Joe Sample)
10. Autumn Nocturne - (with Dave Holland)
11. Duo Oto Subito - (with Keiko Matsui)

 

[Dennie]

Dark Side of The Moon -- 24k Gold CD

Pink Floyd

1973/1990 Mobile Fidelity Ultradisc II (UDCD 517)

The Dark Side of the Moon - MFSL Gold Version,
April 4, 2007
By Bret A. Dagostino "BD"
This review is from: Dark Side of the Moon (Audio CD)

This recording speaks for itself in terms of production quality; this is a long-standing reference recording. The MFSL Gold CD version of this CD is EXCELLENT. I have been a part of the ultra high-end audio industry for over 30 years and only listen to reference quality systems; this transfer is incredibly well done. There are no gain (volume issues) or any lack of resolution in any area. I don't think the performance advantages over the standard and SACD versions are subtle. This is well worth the investment, and becoming rare. Buy it while its available ~

Side one

No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocals Length
1. "Speak to Me" Mason Instrumental 1:30
2. "Breathe" Waters, Gilmour, Wright Gilmour 2:43
3. "On the Run" Gilmour, Waters Instrumental 3:36
4. "Time" (containing "Breathe (Reprise)") Mason, Waters, Wright, Gilmour Gilmour, Wright 7:01
5. "The Great Gig in the Sky" Wright, Clare Torry[nb 12] Clare Torry 4:36

Side two

No. Title Writer(s) Lead vocals Length
1. "Money" Waters Gilmour 6:22
2. "Us and Them" Waters, Wright Gilmour, Wright 7:46
3. "Any Colour You Like" Gilmour, Mason, Wright Instrumental 3:25
4. "Brain Damage" Waters Waters 3:48
5. "Eclipse" Waters Waters 2:03

 

[Dennie]

The Greatest of The Guess Who -- Remastered CD

The Guess Who

1990 RCA Records

A good collection, but. . . ., May 13, 2000
By John A. Kuczma "RogueUlfric" (Marietta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Greatest of (Audio CD)

This is a very satisfactory collection of The Guess Who's hit recordings, highlighted by the extended version of American Woman and the classic Clap for the Wolfman. The mastering is excellent. The only drawback is that a few of the group's popular earlier efforts, must notably, No Sugar Tonight, are missing. For a truly good collection of Guess Who hits, add both this disc and the Best of the Guess Who to your collection.

Track listing

1. These Eyes
2. Laughing
3. Undun
4. No Time
5. American Woman
6. Hand Me Down World
7. Albert Flasher
8. Glamour Boy
9. Star Baby
10. Clap for the Wolfman
11. Dancin' Fool
12. When the Band Was Singin' "Shakin' All Over"

 

[Dennie]

Welcome To VH1 Storytellers -- CD

Various Artists

2000 Interscope Records

Amazon.com

It's difficult to fathom the thinking behind this overview of VH1's popular Storytellers series. Begin with the fact that the actual stories are expunged from the recording. If you want the tales behind the songs, you'll have to read the booklet. So the music is left to stand on its own, but with each of the 15 artists allowed one selection to make their mark, even those that stand tall don't stand for long. David Bowie brings a tremendous focus to "China Girl"; Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks mix their voices in "Strong Enough" to striking effect; and the Eurythmics's "Here Comes the Rain Again" improves upon the hit original. On the downside, Jewel's caterwauling in "Who Will Save Your Soul" (the singer gets tangled up in a ball of yarn as she meows into the mic) makes one want to use "scat" in the feline rather than the Fitzgerald sense of the term. --Steven Stolder

1. China Girl - David Bowie
2. Edge Of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks
3. Back On The Chain Gang - The Pretenders
4. Rain King - Counting Crows
5. Crash - Dave Matthews
6. Who Will Save Your Soul - Jewel
7. Stay - Lisa Loeb
8. Regarding Steven - John Popper
9. Mexico - James Taylor
10. Strong Enough - Sheryl Crow
11. Here Comes The Rain Again - Eurythmics
12. Carnival - Natalie Merchant
13. Jack & Diane - John Mellencamp
14. Just A Memory - Elvis Costello
15. How Deep Is Your Love - The Bee Gees

 

[Dennie]

The Last Waltz -- 2 CD Box Set

The Band

1978/ 1990 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com

"As you might have heard, we got a couple of friends joining in with us tonight," mutters Robbie Robertson dryly. Recorded at San Francisco's Winterland on Thanksgiving Day 1976, the Band's swan song is a rousing celebration, not a bittersweet eulogy. The friends in question: Ronnie Hawkins, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Ron Wood, Ringo Starr. Add studio sequences featuring the Staples and Emmylou Harris, and you have a pretty formidable supporting cast for the Band, who always did quite well on their own. All involved have done better work elsewhere, but that's far beside the point, which is that anyone who wasn't there should be very, very jealous. --Marc Greilsamer

Side one

No. Title Writer(s) Singer/Guest Performer Length
1. "Theme from The Last Waltz" Robertson 3:28
2. "Up On Cripple Creek" Robertson Levon Helm 4:44
3. "Who Do You Love" McDaniel Ronnie Hawkins 4:16
4. "Helpless" Young Neil Young 5:47
5. "Stage Fright" Robertson Rick Danko 4:25

Side two

No. Title Writer(s) Singer/Guest Performer Length
1. "Coyote" Mitchell Joni Mitchell 5:50
2. "Dry Your Eyes" Diamond, Robertson Neil Diamond 3:57
3. "It Makes No Difference" Robertson Rick Danko 6:48
4. "Such A Night" Rebennack Dr. John 4:00

Side three

No. Title Writer(s) Singer/Guest Performer Length
1. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" Robertson Levon Helm 4:34
2. "Mystery Train" Parker, Phillips Paul Butterfield, Levon Helm 4:59
3. "Mannish Boy" London, McDaniel, Morganfield Muddy Waters 6:54
4. "Further On Up the Road" Robey, Veasey Eric Clapton 5:08

Side four

No. Title Writer(s) Singer/Guest Performer Length
1. "The Shape I'm In" Robertson Richard Manuel 4:06
2. "Down South in New Orleans" J. Wright, J. Anglin Bobby Charles, Dr. John 3:06
3. "Ophelia" Robertson Levon Helm 3:53
4. "Tura Lura Lural (That's An Irish Lullaby)" Shannon Van Morrison, Richard Manuel 4:15
5. "Caravan" Morrison Van Morrison 6:02

Side five

No. Title Writer(s) Singer/Guest Performer Length
1. "Life Is A Carnival" Danko, Helm, Robertson Levon Helm, Rick Danko 4:32
2. "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down" Davis, von Schmidt Bob Dylan 3:00
3. "I Don't Believe You" Dylan Bob Dylan 3:23
4. "Forever Young" Dylan Bob Dylan 4:42
5. "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down (reprise)" Davis, von Schmidt Bob Dylan 2:46
6. "I Shall Be Released" Dylan Bob Dylan, Richard Manuel 6:22

Side six

The Last Waltz Suite written by Robbie Robertson
No. Title Singer/Guest Performer Length
1. "The Well" Richard Manuel 3:27
2. "Evangeline" Rick Danko, Emmylou Harris, Levon Helm 3:17
3. "Out of the Blue" Robbie Robertson 3:03
4. "The Weight" Levon Helm, Mavis Staples, Pops Staples, Rick Danko 4:38
5. "The Last Waltz Refrain" Richard Manuel 1:28
6. "Theme from The Last Waltz" 3:22