What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

History - America's Greatest Hits -- CD

America

1990 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com

This is about as treacly as pop can get, yet something about it endears and endures. Forget the Neil Youngish banality of "Horse with No Name." The best America songs feature a delicate yet intricate interplay of acoustic guitars that creates a tableau for sweeter-than-sweet vocalese. Just try not to sing along to "Ventura Highway" or "Sister Golden Hair." Try not to be suckered into sentimental reminiscence when listening to "I Need You" or the superb "Daisy Jane." And if your heart hardens when listening to the low-key lope of the "Muskrat Love," you must be cold-blooded. --Tod Nelson

1. Horse With No Name
2. I Need You
3. Sandman
4. Ventura Highway
5. Don't Cross the River
6. Only in Your Heart
7. Muskrat Love
8. Tin Man
9. Lonely People
10. Sister Golden Hair
11. Daisy Jane
12. Woman Tonight

 

[Batman]

Muse: Black Holes & Revelations

 

[Botch]

Muse just played on the "Live 8" disk I'm watching, very interesting group!

 

[Batman]

^ Nice :handgestures-thumbup:

 

[Batman]

 

[Batman]

 

[Batman]

Watermark -- CD

Enya

1988 Reprise Records

Sail away, sail away, sail away!, October 13, 2002
By
Daniel J. Hamlow (Narita, Japan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)


This review is from: Watermark (Audio CD)
Simply lovely piano instrumentals such as the title track and "Miss Clare Remembers" glide with a calm majesty. They are emotional paintings in an audial museum, tugging at the listener with a sense of wonder.

The haunting Latin "Cursum Perficio" was inspired by an inscription written on the portico of the Brentwood house Marilyn Monroe died in. Loosely translated, it means "my journey ends here." The frenzied part of the song and chorus reflects the whirlwind way in which Marilyn's life ended. "Eternum" is sung four times, and then comes that final chord, signalling her last breath.

The lush instrumentation in "On Your Shore," "Exile," and "Evening Falls" really highlight Enya's vocals. A flute breaks the silence in the second song as a deep contrast from the strings. It really does paint a stark portrait of an exile, especially with the lyrics: "I'll wait the signs to come/I'll find a way/I will wait the time to come/I'll find a way home." Somehow, the exile will come home to his (her) family and friends. These three songs alone is reason enough to get this album.

The lush "Orinoco Flow," which became a #1 single in the UK stands out with its plucked pizzicato strings and vibrant sound. It evokes waterfalls, springs, and sailing into a wondrous fantasy-land. Sail away, sail away, sail away!

"River" is a gentle melodic keyboard instrumental that highlights Enya's talents in other ways. She provides all instrumentation on this album.

The Celtic-sung "The Longships" does evoke the image of the said ships sailing across the Irish Sea, with the pounding drum serving as the beater's drum, which sets the stroke of the oars striking the water.

"Na Laetha Geal M'oige," also sung in Celtic, is a forlorn song, with pipes lending the melancholy atmosphere.

"Storms In Africa II" begins with a clap of thunder and is also sung in English. There's a lot more drumming in this version, and also a part where she sings, accompanied only by the rhythmic pounding of African drums. This is also the version on her Moonshadows video collection. It's better than the first version on the album. Both have that exotic "na-na-na, ne-ne-ne" sound.

A giant leap from the understated Enya album (now called The Celts), Watermark is a watershed and benchmark for the former Clannad vocalist. Enya probably has THE best female vocal ever, even surpassing Sarah Brightman at her best. Watermark only hinted at better things to come.

1. "Watermark" 2:24
2. "Cursum Perficio" 4:06
3. "On Your Shore" 3:59
4. "Storms in Africa" 4:03
5. "Exile" 4:20
6. "Miss Clare Remembers" 1:59
7. "Orinoco Flow" 4:25
8. "Evening Falls..." 3:46
9. "River" 3:10
10. "The Longships" 3:36
11. "Na Laetha Geal M'óige" 3:54
12. "Storms in Africa (Part II)1" 3:01

Whether you love or hate Enya, what is the general consensus regarding the recording quality of her albums/CDs in general, I thoroughly enjoy her music when in the right mood and have several of her CDs. I also wonder if the "golden ear" types consider them material that will bring out the best in ones system? Although I generally try to just enjoy what I'm listening to, I'm trying to determine which CDs in my collection from various genres I can measure others against...As I am still continuously trying to learn what I should consider my personal demo material within my own library...The very best of my favorites so to speak :think: I feel like I have come a long way from a musical sense when really listening, but readily admit I have a long way to go, especially considering my music preferences lean heavily towards alt and alt rock.

 

[Batman]

 

[Batman]

 

[Kazaam]

Drive -- OMR - SACD

Bela Fleck

2005 Mobile Fidelity/quote]
Whoa, didn't know that existed; added to the list! :handgestures-thumbup:

FYI... stereo SACD only, no surround. Still decent music, though.

 

[Rope]

Rope

 

[Dennie]

"Come On Home" -- CD

Boz Scaggs

1997 Virgin Records US

Amazon.com

Having sat most of the '80s out, Boz Scaggs returns in the mid-'90s as an urbane blues crooner, effectively bringing his music full circle from the sleek, disco-friendly pop of his '70s commercial zenith to the purer R&B of his late '60s debut. Come Home is a soulful valentine to the same models that informed that first outing, juxtaposing solid new originals against venerable songs from Jimmy Reed, Earl King Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Mitchell, and other blues and soul masters from Memphis, Texas, and Chicago. Scaggs, always a model of taste (who else could have produced disco hits that still sound stylish), juggles two blue-chip rhythm sections with strategic infusions of soulful brass, greasy organ, and Scaggs's own deep-fried guitar work sustaining the set's bluesy accents. --Sam Sutherland

1. "It All Went Down the Drain"
2. "Ask Me 'Bout Nothin' (But the Blues)"
3. "Don't Cry No More"
4. "Found Love"
5. "Come On Home"
6. "Picture of a Broken Heart"
7. "Love Letters"
8. "I've Got Your Love"
9. "Early in the Morning"
10. "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)"
11. "T-Bone Shuffle"
12. "Sick and Tired"
13. "After Hours"
14. "Goodnight Louise"

 

[Batman]

anyone see my ? about enya?

 

[Botch]

anyone see my ? about enya?

I missed it the first time.
Her recording style is to use a lot of effects like echo, reverbs, chorusing etc. That can be real "ear candy" but I wouldn't use it to show off my system to any "golden ears" (family and friends may be different). I like to hear a stick hitting a cymbal at different spots, the squeak in a kick pedal, the damper on a piano; and she polishes all that stuff out.
I have one Enya album and listen to it occasionally, but I don't really feel the need for any more. She has a completely unique sound but one disc's worth is enough for me. :music-listening:

 

[Zing]

anyone see my ? about enya?

I did.

 

[Dennie]

Watermark -- CD

Enya

1988 Reprise Records

Sail away, sail away, sail away!, October 13, 2002
By
Daniel J. Hamlow (Narita, Japan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)


This review is from: Watermark (Audio CD)
Simply lovely piano instrumentals such as the title track and "Miss Clare Remembers" glide with a calm majesty. They are emotional paintings in an audial museum, tugging at the listener with a sense of wonder.

The haunting Latin "Cursum Perficio" was inspired by an inscription written on the portico of the Brentwood house Marilyn Monroe died in. Loosely translated, it means "my journey ends here." The frenzied part of the song and chorus reflects the whirlwind way in which Marilyn's life ended. "Eternum" is sung four times, and then comes that final chord, signalling her last breath.

The lush instrumentation in "On Your Shore," "Exile," and "Evening Falls" really highlight Enya's vocals. A flute breaks the silence in the second song as a deep contrast from the strings. It really does paint a stark portrait of an exile, especially with the lyrics: "I'll wait the signs to come/I'll find a way/I will wait the time to come/I'll find a way home." Somehow, the exile will come home to his (her) family and friends. These three songs alone is reason enough to get this album.

The lush "Orinoco Flow," which became a #1 single in the UK stands out with its plucked pizzicato strings and vibrant sound. It evokes waterfalls, springs, and sailing into a wondrous fantasy-land. Sail away, sail away, sail away!

"River" is a gentle melodic keyboard instrumental that highlights Enya's talents in other ways. She provides all instrumentation on this album.

The Celtic-sung "The Longships" does evoke the image of the said ships sailing across the Irish Sea, with the pounding drum serving as the beater's drum, which sets the stroke of the oars striking the water.

"Na Laetha Geal M'oige," also sung in Celtic, is a forlorn song, with pipes lending the melancholy atmosphere.

"Storms In Africa II" begins with a clap of thunder and is also sung in English. There's a lot more drumming in this version, and also a part where she sings, accompanied only by the rhythmic pounding of African drums. This is also the version on her Moonshadows video collection. It's better than the first version on the album. Both have that exotic "na-na-na, ne-ne-ne" sound.

A giant leap from the understated Enya album (now called The Celts), Watermark is a watershed and benchmark for the former Clannad vocalist. Enya probably has THE best female vocal ever, even surpassing Sarah Brightman at her best. Watermark only hinted at better things to come.

1. "Watermark" 2:24
2. "Cursum Perficio" 4:06
3. "On Your Shore" 3:59
4. "Storms in Africa" 4:03
5. "Exile" 4:20
6. "Miss Clare Remembers" 1:59
7. "Orinoco Flow" 4:25
8. "Evening Falls..." 3:46
9. "River" 3:10
10. "The Longships" 3:36
11. "Na Laetha Geal M'óige" 3:54
12. "Storms in Africa (Part II)1" 3:01

Whether you love or hate Enya, what is the general consensus regarding the recording quality of her albums/CDs in general, I thoroughly enjoy her music when in the right mood and have several of her CDs. I also wonder if the "golden ear" types consider them material that will bring out the best in ones system? Although I generally try to just enjoy what I'm listening to, I'm trying to determine which CDs in my collection from various genres I can measure others against...As I am still continuously trying to learn what I should consider my personal demo material within my own library...The very best of my favorites so to speak :think: I feel like I have come a long way from a musical sense when really listening, but readily admit I have a long way to go, especially considering my music preferences lean heavily towards alt and alt rock.

Hey Batman, Always good to see you.

I think "Enya's" recordings are "generally" regarded as good to very good quality recordings. One thing I've found out though, and this pertains to most recordings, is that it depends on "which" version you have.

Take Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" for example. The original CD dosen't sound very good and most people will tell you the SACD is the way to go. Well, I happened upon a 24k Gold Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Original Master Recording and to me, it blow the SACD out of the water. The CD runs about $10, the SACD is about $20 and the Mofi disc used is $100 - $250, because it is OOP (Out Of Print) and a "Stellar" Recording.

So, the version seems to make a big difference. That is why I usually post what year and record label I am listening to. It can mean the difference between a horribly compressed reissue with 10 "Bonus Tracks" or the original CD with much less compression and higher sound quality. I am in no way saying that all reissues with bonus tracks suck. Some are outstanding, take the Beatles remasters for example. They sound much better than the originals.

Again, using "Dark Side of the Moon" as an example. With the Mofi disc, I have to turn the volume way up to hear everything. There is very little, if any compression. As a matter of fact, this is one of the few disc's I can crank the volume near max and the music is just beautiful and clear and dynamic. With the original CD, I can't hardly turn it half way up without chasing myself out of the room. Lots of compression and very little dynamics.

As far as determining which recordings "you" consider "Demo" material. All I can suggest is listen, listen, listen. Sort of like the way you get to Carnegie Hall, Practice, Practice, Practice! :eusa-clap:

Also, check out the Thread "Stellar Recordings" here and on other forums. Audiokarma is a great place to research music and see what others consider "Demo" material. But the truth lies in your ears. If it sounds great to you......it is great and that is all that really matters.

Do you have Dire Strait's "Brothers in Arms" SACD? It is widely considered a "Stellar" recording. Clean, Crisp, Dynamic. You can compare the sound quality of this to other recordings you have.

Keep listening and above all else......Enjoy the Music! :music-listening:

Oh, I wanted to ask, have you heard Eva Cassidy's version of "Fields of Gold"? I think it is better than Stings version. Just my humble opinion.

Dennie

PS I listen to all music in Stereo

 

[Dennie]

I knew this was going to happen, whenever I refer to it, I end up listening to it! :bow-blue:

Brothers In Arms -- 20th Anniversary Edition SACD :text-bravo:

Dire Straits

2005 Mercury Records

Featured in Kalman Rubinson's Music in the Round in the January 2006 issue of Stereophile!

2006 Grammy Award Winner for Best Surround Sound Album!

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits, one of the best known rock albums of the '80s and one of the most sought after rock albums for a Surround Sound edition, is now available on 5.1 Super Audio CD! Brothers In Arms features 9 songs written by Knopfler, including one that was co-written by Sting who provides guest vocals on the album as well. It was originally released in 1985 and this SACD marks the albums 20th Anniversary. The SACD of Brothers In Arms follows last year's release of Knopfler's most recent album entitled Shangri-La in Surround Sound SACD and DVD-A + CD Double Disc.

Propelled by Mark Knopfler's literate songs, gruff vocals, and spidery guitar work, Dire Straits had overcome initial skepticism for their resistance to '70s new wave accents in favor of their rootsy traditionalism. This 1985 album captures the band consolidating a far more epic style than the concise shuffles and ballads that the original scrappy quartet had reeled off, their ambitions fueled by the larger canvas afforded by the compact disc. One of the first albums to exploit the format's longer playing time, Brothers in Arms was initially released in separate versions for CD/cassette and edited LP, and the band became digital poster boys on a world tour sponsored by CD hardware interests.

Critics that had once warmed to the band sniffed at the marketing, but the album remains their best known, noteworthy for the MTV staple "Money for Nothing" and the breezy rock shuffle "Walk of Life," as well as for the wistful "So Far Away," the plot-driven narratives of "Ride Across the River," and the title song of course. The album is an amazing mix of styles and moods, but produced without a fault all the way through. This was the showpiece album for this group of hard working musicians, and proved Mark Knopfler one of the worlds greatest guitarists. And now for the 20th anniversary of the album we get a limited edition SACD version that sounds incredible and reeks of sonic integrity.

Features:
• 20th Anniversary Edition
• Re-Mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound

Selections:
1. So Far Away
2. Money For Nothing
3. Walk of Life
4. Your Latest Trick
5. Why Worry
6. Ride Across the River
7. The Man's Too Strong
8. One World
9. Brothers In Arms

 

[Dennie]

I keep my "Stellar" Recordings on a separate shelf and came across this one while digging out "Brothers In Arms"...

Hasten Down The Wind -- Limited Edition #2905 24k Gold CD :text-bravo:

Linda Ronstadt

2009 Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Ultradisc II

In addition to original material, Linda covers Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day" and emerges with sure-fire hits.

Released in the middle of the singer's prime output, 1976's Hasten Down The Wind is one of Linda Ronstadt's most powerful, mature and yes, adventuresome albums she was to undertake. Drawing on mostly ballads and using crafted arrangements to emphasize vocals (many featuring gorgeous a capella sections); never to-date had she delivered such a song-to-song concentration of emotion. Continuing to find her muses in writers as diverse as the late Warren Zevon ("Hasten Down The Wind"), Ry Cooder ("The Tattler"), Willie Nelson ("Crazy") and truly Karla Bonoff ("If He's Ever Near" and two of the strongest cuts: "Lose Again," "Someone To Lay Down Beside Me"), this collection was the artist's first to go platinum and captured her a Grammy for the year's Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her cover of Buddy Holly's "That'll Be The Day" charted at #11 on the Singles Chart, while "Crazy" peaked at #6. The album itself topped the Country Chart and went to #3 on Pop. Support comes from many of her regulars; Andrew Gold, Russ Kunkel, Waddy Wachtel, Kenny Edwards and Dan Dugmore plus guest harmony vocals on the title tune by Eagle Don Henley.


Features:
• Numbered, Limited Edition
• 24 Karat Gold - Ultradisc II

Selections:
1. Lose Again
2. The Tattler
3. If He's Ever Near
4. That'll Be The Day
5. Lo Siento Mi Vida
6. Hasten Down The Wind
7. Rivers Of Babylon
8. Give One Heart
9. Try Me Again
10. Crazy
11. Down So Low
12. Someone To Lay Down Beside Me

 

[Botch]

Do you have Dire Strait's "Brothers in Arms" SACD? It is widely considered a "Stellar" recording. Clean, Crisp, Dynamic. You can compare the sound quality of this to other recordings you have.

I heartily Second that. :bow-blue: :bow-blue: :bow-blue:

 

[Dennie]

Simple Dreams -- Limited Edition #575 24k Gold CD

Linda Ronstadt

2009 Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Ultradisc II

Linda Ronstadt just couldn’t lose. Another of her interpretive masterworks, 1977’s stunning Simple Dreams continued a creative streak that found the singer turning out album after album of incredible material at an astonishing one-per-year rate until she finally began to come back down to earth in the early 1980s. Featuring an expanded palette of styles and cutting-edge narratives, Simple Dreams may go down in history as Ronstadt’s greatest work.

Achievements:
• Grammy Nomination for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female
• Five consecutive weeks as the No. 1 record on the Billboard Album Chart
• Two Top 10 Singles

Paired again with expert producer and arranger Peter Asher, Ronstadt delves into even deeper emotional waters to convey the feelings associated with loss, fantasy, risk, and romance. Her choice of material is simultaneously appropriate and bold. The singer’s smash cover of Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou”—which remains the definitive version—sits alongside an edgy reinvention of the Rolling Stones’ “Tumbling Dice.” As she does on the latter, Ronstadt also turns the tables on a smoking rendition of Warren Zevon's “Poor Poor Pitiful Me.” With her strong female presence, she puts a woman in the power position on a male-dominant song. On Simple Dreams, she not only joins the elite boy’s club—she runs it.

Electrifying country-rock threads run throughout the album, which features a host of top-notch musicians that include fiddler David Lindley, Neil Young associate Spooner Oldham, guitarist Waddy Wachtel, and a superb horn section. As all great session performers do, they invisibly blend into the song, and allow Ronstadt's singing to carry. And it’s not just her voice but her way with words, phrasing, and tones. She takes every song personally. Whether conveying sympathy, sadness, loneliness, or—as on her remarkable roots duet with Dolly Parton on the traditional “I Will Never Marry”—proud independence, the feelings are her own. Every note brims with conviction, passion, and understanding.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered limited-edition 24K Gold CD marks the first time that this timeless classic has been presented in any kind of remastered form. Intimate, immediate, and detailed, the pressing brings Ronstadt’s seven-octave range to the fore. As a result, these songs have never sounded so emotional, rich, pure, or, in a word, human.

Features:
• Numbered, Limited Edition
• 24 Karat Gold - Ultradisc II

Selections:
1. It's So Easy
2. Carmelita
3. Simple Man, Simple Dream
4. Sorrow Lives Here
5. I Never Will Marry (w/Dolly Parton)
6. Blue Bayou
7. Poor, Poor Pitiful Me
8. Maybe I'm Right
9. Tumbling Dice
10. Old Paint