What Are You Listening To?
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Dennie
Well-Known Member
A Merry Little Christmas :text-bravo:
Linda Ronstadt
2000 Elektra Records
Amazon.com
Linda Ronstadt's A Merry Little Christmas plays, in part, like an old Nat King Cole Christmas record, with orchestrated versions of classics and a knowing vocal command at work on every track. Where Ronstadt makes her departure is midway through the 14-song set, when the CD suddenly becomes an album of sacred music, complete with "The Welsh Carol," "Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming," the lesser-known "O Magnum Mysterium," and "Past Three O'Clock." Ronstadt's record also features two producers and two respectable choirs, one from Tucson, Arizona, and the other from Los Angeles, and she works well with them and as a soloist, including her take on what may be this year's most covered song, Joni Mitchell's bittersweet lament, "River." --Martin Keller
1. "The Christmas Song" (Mel Tormé, Bob Wells) – 4:24
2. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (Buck Ram, Kim Gannon, Walter Kent) – 4:15
3. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) – 4:22
4. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane) – 3:55
5. "River" (Joni Mitchell) – 4:10
6. "O come, O come, Emmanuel" (John Mason Neale) – 3:29
7. "Xicochi, Xicochi" (Gaspar Fernandez) – 2:17
8. "I Wonder As I Wander" (John Jacob Niles, Traditional) – 3:20
9. "Away In A Manger" (Traditional) – 2:08
10. "Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming" (Traditional) – 2:10
11. "Welsh Carol" (Traditional) – 3:57
12. "Past Three O'Clock" (George Ratcliffe Woodward, Traditional) – 0:41
13. "O Magnum Mysterium" (Traditional) – 3:19
14. "Silent Night" (Josef Mohr) – 3:06
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Mantovani's Christmas Favourites -- Cee Dee :bow-blue:
Mantovani & His Orchestra
1987 London/PolyGram Records
These Are the Originals!, October 3, 2006
By Thomas E. DeJulio (Bronxville, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Mantovani's Christmas Favourites (Audio CD)
There are literally dozens of Mantovani Christmas CD's out there, but the vast majority are recent recordings made by the orchestra which occasionally makes Christmas concert tours.
If you want the original recordings from 1958 and 1963, and incomparable Mantovani sound, then acquire this CD and enjoy what two prior generations have and will continue to enjoy as the best orchestral holiday music ever.
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Cool Yule-- CD :text-bravo:
Bette Midler
2006 Columbia Records
Amazon.com
She smiles, she sizzles, she coos, she swings. So goes the lively and completely charming Christmas record by the cheeky Divine one. There's never a note out of place, a chart too excessive, or the sentiments too sentimental. Plus Midler's tasty stable of producers and arrangers have packed the big band and stringed arrangements with their own musical warmth against Midler's smart song choices and contagious vocal performances. Cool Yule mixes the standard traditional pop pieces--like Steve Allen's snappy title track, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas"--with the sole hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emanuel." But nobody's picking up this stocking stuffer because they want to go to church. Bette's got merrymaking on her mind more than anything else. Her duet with Johnny Mathis on "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is as much fun as her "From a Distance (Christmas Version)" is a somber and sobering antiwar statement. How she can move from sounding girlish and playful to sophisticated and jazz-smart in the space of one note to the next may not be supernaturally inspired, but it sure is fun to hear the joyful sounds she makes. From her lips to your ears, you gotta love it. --Martin Keller
1. "Merry Christmas" (Spielman, Torre) – 3:13
2. "Cool Yule" (Steve Allen, Kornfeld) – 2:28
3. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Blane, Martin) – 3:55
4. "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" (Duet With Johnny Mathis) (Bernard, Smith/Cahn, Styne) – 2:46
5. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (Gannon, Kent) – 3:21
6. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" (Loesser) – 3:58
7. "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" (Irving Berlin) – 3:25
8. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow/Johnny Marks) - 2:47 [Bonus Track on CDs released at Target]
9. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)" (Traditional) – 3:12
10. "Mele Kalikimaka" (Robert Alex Anderson) – 2:34
11. "From a Distance (Christmas Version)" (Julie Gold/Bette Midler/Buchanan/Landers) – 5:11
12. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) – 3:20
Dennie
Well-Known Member
I forgot how much I like this one, so a little more info......
Honkin' On Bobo -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
2004 Sony Music
Amazon.com
Aerosmith are one of the few arena-sized bands still capable of playing it down-to-earth when the occasion calls. For Honkin' on Bobo, the boys return to their bar band roots (and fire a warning shot at Jack White) with this set of classic blues and soul covers generously peppered with harmonica, horns, and boogie-woogie piano. For years, Aerosmith sprinkled similar ditties on their LPs, but devoting a whole disc to material associated with John Lee Hooker, Mississippi Fred McDowell, et al? That takes chutzpah--and they've got it to spare here. "Shame, Shame, Shame" is a finger-waggin', hip-shakin' romp, while "Baby, Please Don't Go" starts out spooky, then escalates as Steven Tyler builds to a full-throttle holler with Joe Perry's guitar blazing his backside all the way. Tyler even snatches one signature song ("Never Loved A Girl") away from the Queen of Soul...at least for a few minutes. --Kurt B. Reighley
1. "Road Runner" Ellas McDaniel 3:47
2. "Shame, Shame, Shame" (Originally sung by Smiley Lewis)Ruby Fisher, Kenyon Hopkins 2:15
3. "Eyesight to the Blind" Sonny Boy Williamson 3:10
4. "Baby, Please Don't Go" (Produced by Tyler, Perry, Marti Frederiksen) Joe Williams 3:24
5. "Never Loved a Girl" Ronny Shannon 3:12
6. "Back Back Train" Fred McDowell 4:24
7. "You Gotta Move" Rev. Gary Davis, Fred McDowell 5:30
8. "The Grind" Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Marti Frederiksen 3:47
9. "I'm Ready" Willie Dixon 4:15
10. "Temperature" Joel Michael Cohen, Walter Jacobs 2:52
11. "Stop Messin' Around" (Produced by Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen) Clifford Adams, Peter Green 4:32
12. "Jesus Is on the Main Line" 2:50
Honkin' On Bobo -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
2004 Sony Music
Amazon.com
Aerosmith are one of the few arena-sized bands still capable of playing it down-to-earth when the occasion calls. For Honkin' on Bobo, the boys return to their bar band roots (and fire a warning shot at Jack White) with this set of classic blues and soul covers generously peppered with harmonica, horns, and boogie-woogie piano. For years, Aerosmith sprinkled similar ditties on their LPs, but devoting a whole disc to material associated with John Lee Hooker, Mississippi Fred McDowell, et al? That takes chutzpah--and they've got it to spare here. "Shame, Shame, Shame" is a finger-waggin', hip-shakin' romp, while "Baby, Please Don't Go" starts out spooky, then escalates as Steven Tyler builds to a full-throttle holler with Joe Perry's guitar blazing his backside all the way. Tyler even snatches one signature song ("Never Loved A Girl") away from the Queen of Soul...at least for a few minutes. --Kurt B. Reighley
1. "Road Runner" Ellas McDaniel 3:47
2. "Shame, Shame, Shame" (Originally sung by Smiley Lewis)Ruby Fisher, Kenyon Hopkins 2:15
3. "Eyesight to the Blind" Sonny Boy Williamson 3:10
4. "Baby, Please Don't Go" (Produced by Tyler, Perry, Marti Frederiksen) Joe Williams 3:24
5. "Never Loved a Girl" Ronny Shannon 3:12
6. "Back Back Train" Fred McDowell 4:24
7. "You Gotta Move" Rev. Gary Davis, Fred McDowell 5:30
8. "The Grind" Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Marti Frederiksen 3:47
9. "I'm Ready" Willie Dixon 4:15
10. "Temperature" Joel Michael Cohen, Walter Jacobs 2:52
11. "Stop Messin' Around" (Produced by Tyler, Perry, Frederiksen) Clifford Adams, Peter Green 4:32
12. "Jesus Is on the Main Line" 2:50
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Okay, this takes me right back to High School........
Live! Bootleg -- CD As far as Live Albums go.... :text-bravo: :text-bravo: :text-bravo: :text-+1:
Aerosmith
1978 Columbia Records
Real live!, October 21, 2003
By Docendo Discimus (Vita scholae) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Live Bootleg (Audio CD)
This rough, tough and rowdy live album brings together 14 recordings from Aerosmith's 1977-78 tour, plus a couple of rarities from 1973 in the form of James Brown's "Mother Popcorn" and the Yardbirds' "I Ain't Got You".
The sound is very much live, with the loud, crunchy guitars of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford at the forefront, but it is also relatively clear, and not as cluttered as "A Little South Of Sanity". It is obvious that not a lot of overdubbing was involved to fix up the tracks, which results in a refreshingly authentic representation of Aerosmith at their best.
Almost every early Aerosmith classic is included: "Back In The Saddle" opens the CD, followed by "Sweet Emotion" and a seven-minute "Lord Of The Thighs".
The band's powerful version of John Lennon's "Come Together" is here as well, as is the superb "Walk This Way", the hard-rocking "Mama Kin", and one of Aerosmith's best and most overlooked songs, Richie Supa's catchy "Chip Away At The Stone".
And "Draw The Line" is here as well, although it is unlisted (probably to tie in with the casual "bootleg" design of the album, which includes fake coffee stains on the back).
There are a couple of lesser songs as well, but most of what is here is simply excellent. "Live Bootleg" is a must for fans of Aerosmith's seventies output.
4 1/2 stars.
1. "Back in the Saddle" (Steven Tyler, Joe Perry) – 4:25
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
2. "Sweet Emotion" (Tyler, Tom Hamilton) – 4:42
* Columbus, OH, 24 March 1978
3. "Lord of the Thighs" (Tyler) – 7:18
* Chicago, IL, 23 March 1978
4. "Toys in the Attic" (Tyler, Perry) – 3:45
* Boston, MA, 28 March 1978
5. "Last Child" (Tyler, Brad Whitford) – 3:14
* The Paradise Club, Boston, MA, 9 August 1978
6. "Come Together" (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) – 4:51
* The Wherehouse, Waltham, MA, 21 August 1978
7. "Walk This Way" (Tyler, Perry) – 3:46
* Detroit, MI, 2 April 1978
8. "Sick as a Dog" (Tyler, Hamilton) – 4:42
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
9. "Dream On" (Tyler) – 4:31
* Louisville, KY, 3 July 1977
10. "Chip Away the Stone" (Richard Supa) – 4:12
* The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA, 8 April 1978
11. "Sight for Sore Eyes" (Tyler, Perry, Jack Douglas, David Johansen) – 3:18
* Columbus, OH, 24 March 1978
12. "Mama Kin" (Tyler) – 3:43
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
13. "S.O.S. (Too Bad)" (Tyler) – 2:46
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
14. "I Ain't Got You" (Calvin Carter)[1][2] – 3:57
* Paul's Mall, Boston, MA, 23 April 1973; WBCN-FM radio simulcast
15. "Mother Popcorn"/"Draw the Line"
16. (James Brown, Pee Wee Ellis)/(Tyler, Perry) – 11:35
* Paul's Mall, Boston, MA, 23 April 1973; WBCN-FM radio simulcast / Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Philadelphia, PA, March 26, 1978
17. "Train Kept A-Rollin'"/"Strangers in the Night" (Tiny Bradshaw, Howard Kay, Lois Mann)/(Bert Kaempfert, Charlie Singleton, Eddie Snyder) – 4:51
* Detroit, MI, 2 April 1978
# "Draw the Line" is featured as a hidden track at the end of "Mother Popcorn"
Live! Bootleg -- CD As far as Live Albums go.... :text-bravo: :text-bravo: :text-bravo: :text-+1:
Aerosmith
1978 Columbia Records
Real live!, October 21, 2003
By Docendo Discimus (Vita scholae) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Live Bootleg (Audio CD)
This rough, tough and rowdy live album brings together 14 recordings from Aerosmith's 1977-78 tour, plus a couple of rarities from 1973 in the form of James Brown's "Mother Popcorn" and the Yardbirds' "I Ain't Got You".
The sound is very much live, with the loud, crunchy guitars of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford at the forefront, but it is also relatively clear, and not as cluttered as "A Little South Of Sanity". It is obvious that not a lot of overdubbing was involved to fix up the tracks, which results in a refreshingly authentic representation of Aerosmith at their best.
Almost every early Aerosmith classic is included: "Back In The Saddle" opens the CD, followed by "Sweet Emotion" and a seven-minute "Lord Of The Thighs".
The band's powerful version of John Lennon's "Come Together" is here as well, as is the superb "Walk This Way", the hard-rocking "Mama Kin", and one of Aerosmith's best and most overlooked songs, Richie Supa's catchy "Chip Away At The Stone".
And "Draw The Line" is here as well, although it is unlisted (probably to tie in with the casual "bootleg" design of the album, which includes fake coffee stains on the back).
There are a couple of lesser songs as well, but most of what is here is simply excellent. "Live Bootleg" is a must for fans of Aerosmith's seventies output.
4 1/2 stars.
1. "Back in the Saddle" (Steven Tyler, Joe Perry) – 4:25
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
2. "Sweet Emotion" (Tyler, Tom Hamilton) – 4:42
* Columbus, OH, 24 March 1978
3. "Lord of the Thighs" (Tyler) – 7:18
* Chicago, IL, 23 March 1978
4. "Toys in the Attic" (Tyler, Perry) – 3:45
* Boston, MA, 28 March 1978
5. "Last Child" (Tyler, Brad Whitford) – 3:14
* The Paradise Club, Boston, MA, 9 August 1978
6. "Come Together" (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) – 4:51
* The Wherehouse, Waltham, MA, 21 August 1978
7. "Walk This Way" (Tyler, Perry) – 3:46
* Detroit, MI, 2 April 1978
8. "Sick as a Dog" (Tyler, Hamilton) – 4:42
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
9. "Dream On" (Tyler) – 4:31
* Louisville, KY, 3 July 1977
10. "Chip Away the Stone" (Richard Supa) – 4:12
* The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA, 8 April 1978
11. "Sight for Sore Eyes" (Tyler, Perry, Jack Douglas, David Johansen) – 3:18
* Columbus, OH, 24 March 1978
12. "Mama Kin" (Tyler) – 3:43
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
13. "S.O.S. (Too Bad)" (Tyler) – 2:46
* Indianapolis, IN, 4 July 1977
14. "I Ain't Got You" (Calvin Carter)[1][2] – 3:57
* Paul's Mall, Boston, MA, 23 April 1973; WBCN-FM radio simulcast
15. "Mother Popcorn"/"Draw the Line"
16. (James Brown, Pee Wee Ellis)/(Tyler, Perry) – 11:35
* Paul's Mall, Boston, MA, 23 April 1973; WBCN-FM radio simulcast / Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Philadelphia, PA, March 26, 1978
17. "Train Kept A-Rollin'"/"Strangers in the Night" (Tiny Bradshaw, Howard Kay, Lois Mann)/(Bert Kaempfert, Charlie Singleton, Eddie Snyder) – 4:51
* Detroit, MI, 2 April 1978
# "Draw the Line" is featured as a hidden track at the end of "Mother Popcorn"
Dennie
Well-Known Member
PaulyT said:Dennie said:I forgot how much I like this one, so a little more info......
Honkin' On Bobo -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
That's worth getting for $0.01 on amazon!
Well worth 10 times that much, if you ask me! Some great Blues!
bscene-drinkingcheers: :handgestures-thumbup: Dennie
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Another album from my High School "Daze" :ugeek:
at Budokon - Live -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
Cheap Trick
1978 Sony Music
The soundtrack of my sunday mornings in the early eighties, March 4, 2009
By
Jazzcat "stef" (Genoa, Italy Italy) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Cheap Trick At Budokan (Audio CD)
I remember being a kid in the early eighties and I remember I used to wake up each sunday morning very early to take place in the most comfortable armchair in my parents living room where the stereo system was, putting on the headphones and play (Loud!) the records that made me crazy in those days. The hours that I spent there, were pure magic and I still remember them very clearly and with love. One of those records was just "At Budokan!" by Cheap Trick. So I am very fond to this album. It's fantastic music, a sort of friendly american rock stravaganza, very melodic, songs that stuck on your head and remain there forever. The perfect blend of easy melodic hooks and simple but catchy arrangements made this album rightly legendary. Today I still listen to this album very much believe me. I prefer this version opposed to the Complete concert. I think it's more powerful, briefer, but better. Less is more in this case. I think that the longer concert make this music to lose impact and add nothing major. It's like Coppola's Apocalypse Now and the new Redux edition. I prefer the original version. The redux edition is simply weaker even if half an hour longer. Go for the original release (maybe just in the better remastered edition), I'm talking about this version with ten songs. I really love this album, it is a special one. One of the easiest to love rock live album ever.
Side one
1. "Hello There" – 2:27
2. "Come On, Come On" – 3:03
3. "Lookout" – 3:15
4. "Big Eyes" – 3:47
5. "Need Your Love" (Nielsen, Tom Petersson) – 9:07
Side two
1. "Ain't That a Shame" (Antoine Domino, Dave Bartholomew) – 5:10
2. "I Want You to Want Me" – 3:38
3. "Surrender" – 4:40
4. "Goodnight Now" – 2:42
5. "Clock Strikes Ten" – 4:11
at Budokon - Live -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
Cheap Trick
1978 Sony Music
The soundtrack of my sunday mornings in the early eighties, March 4, 2009
By
Jazzcat "stef" (Genoa, Italy Italy) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Cheap Trick At Budokan (Audio CD)
I remember being a kid in the early eighties and I remember I used to wake up each sunday morning very early to take place in the most comfortable armchair in my parents living room where the stereo system was, putting on the headphones and play (Loud!) the records that made me crazy in those days. The hours that I spent there, were pure magic and I still remember them very clearly and with love. One of those records was just "At Budokan!" by Cheap Trick. So I am very fond to this album. It's fantastic music, a sort of friendly american rock stravaganza, very melodic, songs that stuck on your head and remain there forever. The perfect blend of easy melodic hooks and simple but catchy arrangements made this album rightly legendary. Today I still listen to this album very much believe me. I prefer this version opposed to the Complete concert. I think it's more powerful, briefer, but better. Less is more in this case. I think that the longer concert make this music to lose impact and add nothing major. It's like Coppola's Apocalypse Now and the new Redux edition. I prefer the original version. The redux edition is simply weaker even if half an hour longer. Go for the original release (maybe just in the better remastered edition), I'm talking about this version with ten songs. I really love this album, it is a special one. One of the easiest to love rock live album ever.
Side one
1. "Hello There" – 2:27
2. "Come On, Come On" – 3:03
3. "Lookout" – 3:15
4. "Big Eyes" – 3:47
5. "Need Your Love" (Nielsen, Tom Petersson) – 9:07
Side two
1. "Ain't That a Shame" (Antoine Domino, Dave Bartholomew) – 5:10
2. "I Want You to Want Me" – 3:38
3. "Surrender" – 4:40
4. "Goodnight Now" – 2:42
5. "Clock Strikes Ten" – 4:11
Dennie
Well-Known Member
PAULY, LOOK AWAY.........I mean it.....LOOK AWAY!!
Blues -- 2 CD - 1 Live & 1 Studio :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup: -- :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
Eric Clapton
1999 Polydor Records
Amazon.com
There's a telling subtext to this retrospective of Eric Clapton blues sides. Culled from recordings cut between 1970 (the Layla sessions) and 1980 (when Clapton cut his final Polydor album, Another Ticket), these sides finds EC exploring his beloved blues while in a fragile state of mind and body. After all, he was on heroin when he concocted Layla, and though he kicked that habit in the early '70s, he continued to test his tolerance for alcohol throughout the decade. When you think of the Clapton of the '60s, you think of the fire and ice of his playing with the Yardbirds, John Mayall, and Cream. When you think of his '70s playing, it's wearier and perhaps more reflective. (It was easy to mistake melancholic for mellow at the time.) The 35 selections included on these two discs find the temporarily deflated rock superstar leaning on the blues for support as he draws on likes of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and Little Walter for inspiration. Hardcore fans will appreciate previously unreleased versions of Bo Diddley's "Before You Accuse Me," a solo take on the traditional "Alberta," a 1974 cover of Willie Dixon's "Meet Me (Down at the Bottom), and a remixed live 1976 version of "Further on Up the Road" with Freddy King sitting in. Just about anyone, however, will be able to appreciate how this music reflects Clapton's strengths as a musician... and weaknesses as a man. --Steven Stolder
Disc one (studio blues)
1. "Before You Accuse Me (Take a Look at Yourself)" (Ellas McDaniel) – 4:39 Previously unreleased acoustic outtake from Backless
2. "Mean Old World" (Walter Jacobs) – 3:50
3. "Ain't That Lovin' You" (Jimmy Reed) – 5:26
4. "The Sky Is Crying" (Elmore James) – 3:58
5. "Cryin'" (Eric Clapton) – 2:52
6. "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" (Billy Myles) – 6:51 - Derek and the Dominos
7. "Alberta" (Traditional) – 2:40 Previously unreleased outtake from Slowhand
8. "Early in the Morning" (Traditional) – 7:55
9. "Give Me Strength" (Clapton) – 2:51
10. "Meet Me (Down at the Bottom)" (Willie Dixon) – 7:04 Previously unreleased outtake from 461 Ocean Boulevard
11. "County Jail Blues" (Alfred Fields) – 3:56
12. "Floating Bridge" (Sleepy John Estes) – 6:33
13. "Blow Wind Blow" (Muddy Waters) – 2:59
14. "To Make Somebody Happy" (Clapton) – 5:11)
15. "Before You Accuse Me (Take a Look at Yourself)" (McDaniel) – 4:39 Previously unreleased electric outtake from Backless
Disc two (live blues)
1. "Stormy Monday" (T-Bone Walker) – 12:49
2. "Worried Life Blues" (Big Maceo Merriweather) – 5:57
3. "Early in the Morning" (Traditional) – 7:11
4. "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" (Billy Myles) – 7:47
5. "Wonderful Tonight" (Clapton/Michael Kamen) – 6:23
6. "Kind Hearted Woman" (Robert Johnson) – 5:11
7. "Double Trouble" (Otis Rush) – 8:02
8. "Driftin' Blues" (Charles Brown/Johnny Moore/Eddie Williams) – 6:57
9. "Crossroads" (Robert Johnson) – 5:49
10. "Further on Up the Road" (Joe Medwich Veasey/Don Robey) – 8:38 Previously unreleased
Blues -- 2 CD - 1 Live & 1 Studio :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup: -- :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
Eric Clapton
1999 Polydor Records
Amazon.com
There's a telling subtext to this retrospective of Eric Clapton blues sides. Culled from recordings cut between 1970 (the Layla sessions) and 1980 (when Clapton cut his final Polydor album, Another Ticket), these sides finds EC exploring his beloved blues while in a fragile state of mind and body. After all, he was on heroin when he concocted Layla, and though he kicked that habit in the early '70s, he continued to test his tolerance for alcohol throughout the decade. When you think of the Clapton of the '60s, you think of the fire and ice of his playing with the Yardbirds, John Mayall, and Cream. When you think of his '70s playing, it's wearier and perhaps more reflective. (It was easy to mistake melancholic for mellow at the time.) The 35 selections included on these two discs find the temporarily deflated rock superstar leaning on the blues for support as he draws on likes of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and Little Walter for inspiration. Hardcore fans will appreciate previously unreleased versions of Bo Diddley's "Before You Accuse Me," a solo take on the traditional "Alberta," a 1974 cover of Willie Dixon's "Meet Me (Down at the Bottom), and a remixed live 1976 version of "Further on Up the Road" with Freddy King sitting in. Just about anyone, however, will be able to appreciate how this music reflects Clapton's strengths as a musician... and weaknesses as a man. --Steven Stolder
Disc one (studio blues)
1. "Before You Accuse Me (Take a Look at Yourself)" (Ellas McDaniel) – 4:39 Previously unreleased acoustic outtake from Backless
2. "Mean Old World" (Walter Jacobs) – 3:50
3. "Ain't That Lovin' You" (Jimmy Reed) – 5:26
4. "The Sky Is Crying" (Elmore James) – 3:58
5. "Cryin'" (Eric Clapton) – 2:52
6. "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" (Billy Myles) – 6:51 - Derek and the Dominos
7. "Alberta" (Traditional) – 2:40 Previously unreleased outtake from Slowhand
8. "Early in the Morning" (Traditional) – 7:55
9. "Give Me Strength" (Clapton) – 2:51
10. "Meet Me (Down at the Bottom)" (Willie Dixon) – 7:04 Previously unreleased outtake from 461 Ocean Boulevard
11. "County Jail Blues" (Alfred Fields) – 3:56
12. "Floating Bridge" (Sleepy John Estes) – 6:33
13. "Blow Wind Blow" (Muddy Waters) – 2:59
14. "To Make Somebody Happy" (Clapton) – 5:11)
15. "Before You Accuse Me (Take a Look at Yourself)" (McDaniel) – 4:39 Previously unreleased electric outtake from Backless
Disc two (live blues)
1. "Stormy Monday" (T-Bone Walker) – 12:49
2. "Worried Life Blues" (Big Maceo Merriweather) – 5:57
3. "Early in the Morning" (Traditional) – 7:11
4. "Have You Ever Loved a Woman" (Billy Myles) – 7:47
5. "Wonderful Tonight" (Clapton/Michael Kamen) – 6:23
6. "Kind Hearted Woman" (Robert Johnson) – 5:11
7. "Double Trouble" (Otis Rush) – 8:02
8. "Driftin' Blues" (Charles Brown/Johnny Moore/Eddie Williams) – 6:57
9. "Crossroads" (Robert Johnson) – 5:49
10. "Further on Up the Road" (Joe Medwich Veasey/Don Robey) – 8:38 Previously unreleased
Dennie
Well-Known Member
This could be my new favorite Christmas CD!!! The mix of Old and New is a really nice touch, but the "new" are really great also! :text-bravo: :text-bravo:
Stockings By The Fire -- CD
Various Artist
2007 HEAR Music/EMI
A Christmas compilation for grown ups, December 9, 2007
By
Julia Flyte - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Stockings By the Fire (Audio CD)
I have a number of Christmas CDs which all get heavy rotation over the Christmas season, but this is my new favorite. It's a very grown up, almost sexy compilation: perfect for sipping eggnog by the fire while you read a book or chat to friends. There is a mixture of songs that are familiar (such as Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) alongside others that are more obscure. The first seven tracks are quite slow and sophisticated, then the tempo speeds up for a few tracks before slowing down again towards the end.
Some of the standout songs for me are:
1. "Baby, it's cold outside" by Ray Charles and Betty Carter - this is a great lead off single - it's super sexy.
2. "I love the bells on Christmas Day' by Sarah McLachlan - if you loved Wintersong, you'll also love this single (which doesn't appear on that album)
3. "I'll be home for Christmas" by Frank Sinatra - Frank's voice just seems so right for this time of year and this is a lovely slow and poignant song.
5. "Sleigh Ride" by Ella Fitzgerald - this has been used so much in movies but it's still a great number.
8. "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" by Jack Johnson - somehow Jack makes this familiar song sound totally new - it's a great cover version.
15. "I don't have to change" by John Legend and the Stephens Family - a gorgeous gospel number that my son said sounded like something out of Happy Feet!
16. "White Christmas" by Aimee Mann - a heart-breakingly beautiful version of this song - just this track alone justifies the price of the CD!
Stockings By The Fire -- CD
Various Artist
2007 HEAR Music/EMI
A Christmas compilation for grown ups, December 9, 2007
By
Julia Flyte - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Stockings By the Fire (Audio CD)
I have a number of Christmas CDs which all get heavy rotation over the Christmas season, but this is my new favorite. It's a very grown up, almost sexy compilation: perfect for sipping eggnog by the fire while you read a book or chat to friends. There is a mixture of songs that are familiar (such as Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) alongside others that are more obscure. The first seven tracks are quite slow and sophisticated, then the tempo speeds up for a few tracks before slowing down again towards the end.
Some of the standout songs for me are:
1. "Baby, it's cold outside" by Ray Charles and Betty Carter - this is a great lead off single - it's super sexy.
2. "I love the bells on Christmas Day' by Sarah McLachlan - if you loved Wintersong, you'll also love this single (which doesn't appear on that album)
3. "I'll be home for Christmas" by Frank Sinatra - Frank's voice just seems so right for this time of year and this is a lovely slow and poignant song.
5. "Sleigh Ride" by Ella Fitzgerald - this has been used so much in movies but it's still a great number.
8. "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" by Jack Johnson - somehow Jack makes this familiar song sound totally new - it's a great cover version.
15. "I don't have to change" by John Legend and the Stephens Family - a gorgeous gospel number that my son said sounded like something out of Happy Feet!
16. "White Christmas" by Aimee Mann - a heart-breakingly beautiful version of this song - just this track alone justifies the price of the CD!
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Dennie said:This could be my new favorite Christmas CD!!! The mix of Old and New is a really nice touch, but the "new" are really great also! :text-bravo: :text-bravo:
Stockings By The Fire -- CD
Various Artist
2007 HEAR Music/EMI
A Christmas compilation for grown ups, December 9, 2007
By
Julia Flyte - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Stockings By the Fire (Audio CD)
I have a number of Christmas CDs which all get heavy rotation over the Christmas season, but this is my new favorite. It's a very grown up, almost sexy compilation: perfect for sipping eggnog by the fire while you read a book or chat to friends. There is a mixture of songs that are familiar (such as Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) alongside others that are more obscure. The first seven tracks are quite slow and sophisticated, then the tempo speeds up for a few tracks before slowing down again towards the end.
Some of the standout songs for me are:
1. "Baby, it's cold outside" by Ray Charles and Betty Carter - this is a great lead off single - it's super sexy.
2. "I love the bells on Christmas Day' by Sarah McLachlan - if you loved Wintersong, you'll also love this single (which doesn't appear on that album)
3. "I'll be home for Christmas" by Frank Sinatra - Frank's voice just seems so right for this time of year and this is a lovely slow and poignant song.
5. "Sleigh Ride" by Ella Fitzgerald - this has been used so much in movies but it's still a great number.
8. "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" by Jack Johnson - somehow Jack makes this familiar song sound totally new - it's a great cover version.
15. "I don't have to change" by John Legend and the Stephens Family - a gorgeous gospel number that my son said sounded like something out of Happy Feet!
16. "White Christmas" by Aimee Mann - a heart-breakingly beautiful version of this song - just this track alone justifies the price of the CD!
I am listening to this one again and enjoying it even more the second time! :text-bravo:
A great mix!
When Betty Carter and Ray Charles sings "Baby it's cold outside", he sings "Betty it's cold outside", a nice touch, and they sound fantastic together! :eusa-clap: :eusa-clap:
Dennie
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Sweet and Wild -- Deluxe Edition 2 CD Set
Jewel
2010 Valory Records
Jewel is maintaining her country roots as she returns to the format with her sophomore follow-up album, Sweet and Wild. The album, written and produced by Jewel, was released on June 8. The first single, "Stay Here Forever," has been embraced by critics and the video is a success on CMT and GAC. "The theme of this album is finding what's true about you and your life, and defending it and valuing it above all else," said Jewel. "My newest country album will share so many of my personal feelings of love and happiness that I have written into the songs," said Jewel, who married her longtime boyfriend Ty Murray in the summer of 2008.
The album's deluxe edition is a 2 disc package that includes the standard album, and an album with the original live acoustic versions of the tracks.
Disc: 1
1. No Good In Goodbye
2. I Love You Forever
3. Fading
4. What You Are
5. Bad As It Gets
6. Summer Home In Your Arms
7. Stay Here Forever
8. No More Heartaches
9. One True Thing
10. Ten
11. Satisfied
Disc: 2
1. No Good In Goodbye (Acoustic)
2. I Love You Forever (Acoustic)
3. Fading (Acoustic)
4. What You Are (Acoustic)
5. Bad As It Gets (Acoustic)
6. Summer Home In Your Arms (Acoustic)
7. Stay Here Forever (Acoustic)
8. No More Heartaches (Acoustic)
9. One True Thing (Acoustic)
10. Ten (Acoustic)
11. Satisfied (Acoustic)
NOTE: Disc 1 is labeled "Sweet and Wild" and Disc 2 is labeled "Sweet and Mild" for the acoustic version. I thought that was pretty cool. :handgestures-thumbup:
Dennie
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Restless -- CD :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:
Shelby Lynne
1995 Magnatone Records
Amazon.com
Producer Brent Maher had to do something with his time after his prize clients, the Judds, broke up, and in Shelby Lynne, he has found one of the few women in Nashville who can match Wynonna Judd in vocal firepower. In 1993, Maher produced and co-wrote Lynne's Temptation, a terrific album of big-band country swing which somehow got lost in the shuffle. Lynne's sequel,Restless, is a return to the country mainstream after her left-turn detour through swing. When Lynne opens all the stops in her throat and just wails, as she does on the album's first single "Slow Me Down," there's no mistaking the sheer strength of her voice. But there's a lot more to her talent than that; she can down shift into a conversational murmur, as she does on "Talkin' to Myself," and still make you hang on every word--just by the way she maintains a full, intense tone even at the lowest volumes. Most importantly, her command of tricky rhythmic phrasing reminds one of Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and few others in country-music history. All in all, this marks the full flowering of a major country talent and stands as one of the landmark events of 1995.--Geoffrey Himes
1. "Slow Me Down" (Stephanie Davis, Shelby Lynne, Brent Maher) – 3:14
2. "Another Chance at Love" (Maher, Allen Shamblin) – 2:25
3. "Talkin' to Myself Again" (Jamie O'Hara) – 3:18
4. "Restless" (Lynne, Maher, O'Hara) – 3:05
5. "Just for the Touch of Your Hand" (Lynne, Maher, O'Hara) – 3:56
6. "Hey Now Little Darling" (Lynne, Maher, O'Hara) – 3:02
7. "I'm Not the One" (Kent Blazy, Craig Wiseman) – 3:52
8. "Reach for the Rhythm" (Lynne, Maher, O'Hara) – 2:20
9. "Wish I Knew" (Rod McGaha) – 3:44
10. "Swingtown" (Lynne, Maher, O'Hara) – 2:34
