What Are You Listening To?
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Dennie
Well-Known Member
Death Of A Ladies Man -- CD
Leonard Cohen
1977/1990 Columbia Records
Leonard Cohen's Death of a Ladies Man, June 25, 2010
By Mary Cahill "the researcher" (Dolton, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Death of a Ladies Man (Audio CD)
Music is such an individual preference that it's the one place where reviews are most difficult. I bought this album because it mentioned Frankie Laine - now how many of you are going to do that?
This album doesn't contain any of Mr. Cohen's more popular numbers, and it's a bit somber, even depressing, and very artsy. While it may be a "must" if you have a Leonard Cohen collection going, it's not likely to be an album you play that often, unless you're the artistic type and need to "suffer" for your craft - then, this is a winner, for sure!
For the couch potato who hasn't the zeal to explore the many places Mr. Cohen has gone, this might be an eye-opener into another reality. And, for those of us who lack the raw nerve to expose our inner-most self with the casualness that Mr. Cohen does...well, again, it's an education waiting to be had. As usual, there's a certain blunt, painful and revealing quality to the work - what else? It is, after all written and performed by a truly great Master; a living Icon to many.
While I wouldn't recommend this as the first "get acquainted with Leonard Cohen" album, sooner or later, if you're a true fan, it's likely to find itself inside your collection.
All songs written by Leonard Cohen and Phil Spector.
Side one
1. "True Love Leaves No Traces" – 4:26
2. "Iodine" – 5:03
3. "Paper Thin Hotel" – 5:42
4. "Memories" – 5:59 (Outro includes a quotation from The Shields' 1958 single "You Cheated, You Lied" and a reference to classic-era pop singer Frankie Laine.)
Side two
1. "I Left a Woman Waiting" – 3:28
2. "Don't Go Home with Your Hard-On" – 5:36
3. "Fingerprints" – 2:58
4. "Death of a Ladies' Man" – 9:19
LINKY ---> http://www.amazon.com/Death-Ladies-...r_1_19?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298153387&sr=1-19
Dennie
Well-Known Member
September Morn -- CD
Neil Diamond
1990 Columbia Music
Released at the dawn of the 1980s, SEPTEMBER MORN is very much an update of Neil Diamond's 1960s roots, with a (perhaps ill-advised) disco version of the Motown classic "Dancing in the Street" and a remake of his own "I'm a Believer," heard here complete with faux-reggae rhythm and synthesized steel drums. The album also looks to the past in cuts like producer Bob Gaudio's timeless "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" and the vintage blues song "Stagger Lee." But Diamond shows he's still a master of sentimental balladry in his delivery of songs like the title track and "The Shelter of Your Arms," with an almost chanson-like delivery that blends classic Tin Pan Alley schmaltz with French-style romance.
Track Listing
1. September Morn
2. Mama Don't Know
3. That Kind
4. Jazz Time
5. Good Lord Loves You, The
6. Dancing in the Street
7. Shelter of Your Arms, The
8. I'm a Believer
9. Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore, The
10. Stagger Lee
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/September-Mor...=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298157631&sr=1-2
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Some Devil -- Limited Edition 2 CD Set
Dave Matthews
2003 RCA Records
Dave Matthews is a Lyrical Genius, October 4, 2003
By "chiggin13" (Eugene, OR) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Some Devil (Audio CD)
Although most Dave Matthews Band fans love the gut renching, note belting songs like Dont Drink the Water and All Along the Watchtower that the band is notorious for, there is another side to the band that compliments very well. The meolodic ballads such as Crash Into Me and Space Between are some of the band's best songs. This new solo album of Dave's is definitely ballad driven, and this is why some people dont like it. They want to hear some loud, energy filled tunes that are just not possible without the band. This is why Dave did a solo album, to put some songs out that didn't exactly fit with the band's direction, and quite honestly are some of the best lyrics I have heard in a while. Although all the songs on this album are ballad like, I feel its an excellent compolation of his best creative genius. And if you need the loud, energetic songs, just pop in one of his live cds. Personal favs on this CD: Dodo, So *** Lucky, Stay or Leave, and Oh. Definitely buy this album if you like such songs: Crash, Space Between, Typical Situation ...
All songs by Dave J. Matthews unless noted.
1. "Dodo" – 4:57
2. "So *** Lucky" (Matthews/Harris) – 4:34
3. "Gravedigger" – 3:53
4. "Some Devil" – 4:04
5. "Trouble" (Matthews/Harris) – 5:44
6. "Grey Blue Eyes" (Matthews/Anastasio) – 3:01
7. "Save Me" – 4:33
8. "Stay or Leave" – 4:02
9. "An' Another Thing" – 5:30
10. "Oh" – 2:48
11. "Baby" – 2:19
12. "Up and Away" – 4:19
13. "Too High" – 5:38
14. "Gravedigger (acoustic)" – 3:52
Also recorded but cut from the album is "Cigarette Lit."
The Second CD is "Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Live At...." which includes the songs:
1. Grey Street
2. When The World Ends
3. Jimi Thing
4. Stay or Leave
5. Seek Up
* Dave Matthews — Guitar, vocals
with:
* Tim Reynolds — Guitar
* Trey Anastasio — Guitar, piano
* Tony Hall — Bass
* Brady Blade, Jr. — Percussion, drums
* Stephen Harris — Producer, keyboards
* Dirty Dozen Brass Band — Horns
* Alex Veley — Hammond Organ
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Some-Devil-Li...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1298158534&sr=1-2
Dennie
Well-Known Member
topper said:
Hey Topper, thanks for letting me know you "check in" and see what I am listening too. I often wonder if I am wasting my time posting what I am listening too. You too Botch and Rope.
Yes, I do have an enormous music collection and I am very proud of it. The greatest thing is being able to pick out the right music for the mood, at the time. My Record collection is still larger than my CD collection, but I am having Turntable problems again and saving up for a Brand New one, unless a really good and reconditioned used one comes along.
Also, I am fortunate to have hooked up with a "Dealer/Connection" a couple of years ago and he gets most of the credit for what I'm listening too. He actually watches one of the forums that I post regularly on and try's to find music he thinks I would like. Twice a week he sends me an email with CD's/Lp's/DVD's that he's found and thinks I would like, with the price, condition, and comments on the music. Then I place an order for what I want and within and hour or so, the music is delivered! It dosen't get much easier than that.
As most of you know, I am a Disabled Veteran and I've found collecting/listening to music to be a very rewarding hobby.
I always enjoy seeing what you and the rest of the forum are listening too also. Botch just turned me on to "Scott Hamilton" the Sax player, not the ice sk8er, and I am really enjoying his Tenor Sax playing. The other night I listened to his "East of the Sun" CD twice, with the room completely dark and my Horn's reproducing his "Horn" and it just took me to a different place! WOW! I treasure those moments!
Almost every night before bed, when I post "My last one for the evening....", I fully recline my chair and turn all the lights out and just listen and I mean REALLY listen to the music. It is one of the most relaxing/calming/moving experiences I have ever had. It is GRAND!!
Dennie
Dennie
Well-Known Member
This is my first "Ben Harper" CD and I am really enjoying it....
Welcome to the Cruel World -- CD
Ben Harper
1994 Virgin Records
Breathtaking, February 4, 2000
By Music Lover (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Welcome to the Cruel World (Audio CD)
Let me start by mentioning Geoffrey Himes, the Amazon editorial reviewer: how does one so full of his self-importance get to be a reviewer? I thought a review should be an objective look at what is on the CD, but Himes chooses to use the review as a vehicle for his own ego. Go back and have another listen to this CD, Geoffrey; this time without any preconcieved ideas or biases.
What will be heard then is a CD that is moving, thought provoking, inspirational, and brimming with talent. Himes says that Harper has modest talent. If Ben Harper is posessed with modest talent, then that leaves a great many other musicians in the unskilled bracket! I find that Harper's voice is very unusual and with great range (trying singing along Geoffrey!) and his guitar playing is brilliant without being flashy...kind of heart-felt. And the rest of his band make this CD groove on the accompanied tracks.
You must listen to this album. It is breathtaking.
All songs written by Ben Harper except as noted.
1. "The Three of Us" – 2:35
2. "Whipping Boy" (Darrow) – 5:31
3. "Breakin' Down" (Harper, Plunier) – 4:00
4. "Don't Take That Attitude to Your Grave" – 4:25
5. "Waiting on an Angel" – 3:53
6. "Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now" – 2:29
7. "Forever" – 3:23
8. "Like a King" – 4:18
9. "Pleasure and Pain" – 3:44
10. "Walk Away" – 3:49
11. "How Many Miles Must We March" – 3:07
12. "Welcome to the Cruel World" – 5:36
13. "I'll Rise" (Maya Angelou, Harper) – 3:35
* Contains the hidden track "...By and By I'm Going to See the King"
LINKY ---> http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Cruel...=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298165581&sr=1-1
Welcome to the Cruel World -- CD
Ben Harper
1994 Virgin Records
Breathtaking, February 4, 2000
By Music Lover (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Welcome to the Cruel World (Audio CD)
Let me start by mentioning Geoffrey Himes, the Amazon editorial reviewer: how does one so full of his self-importance get to be a reviewer? I thought a review should be an objective look at what is on the CD, but Himes chooses to use the review as a vehicle for his own ego. Go back and have another listen to this CD, Geoffrey; this time without any preconcieved ideas or biases.
What will be heard then is a CD that is moving, thought provoking, inspirational, and brimming with talent. Himes says that Harper has modest talent. If Ben Harper is posessed with modest talent, then that leaves a great many other musicians in the unskilled bracket! I find that Harper's voice is very unusual and with great range (trying singing along Geoffrey!) and his guitar playing is brilliant without being flashy...kind of heart-felt. And the rest of his band make this CD groove on the accompanied tracks.
You must listen to this album. It is breathtaking.
All songs written by Ben Harper except as noted.
1. "The Three of Us" – 2:35
2. "Whipping Boy" (Darrow) – 5:31
3. "Breakin' Down" (Harper, Plunier) – 4:00
4. "Don't Take That Attitude to Your Grave" – 4:25
5. "Waiting on an Angel" – 3:53
6. "Mama's Got a Girlfriend Now" – 2:29
7. "Forever" – 3:23
8. "Like a King" – 4:18
9. "Pleasure and Pain" – 3:44
10. "Walk Away" – 3:49
11. "How Many Miles Must We March" – 3:07
12. "Welcome to the Cruel World" – 5:36
13. "I'll Rise" (Maya Angelou, Harper) – 3:35
* Contains the hidden track "...By and By I'm Going to See the King"
LINKY ---> http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Cruel...=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298165581&sr=1-1
Dennie
Well-Known Member
On and On -- CD
Jack Johnson
2003 Universal Music
Amazon.com
Jack Johnson has found himself a groove. Indeed, the Hawaiian surfing champion turned alternative pop-folk star really hasn't changed things one iota for his sophomore release. Fans of Brushfire Fairytales should be delighted with the results. The groove is a mellow one--most of the 16 tracks here are semi-acoustic--and that easy-going spirit filters into Johnson's lyrical philosophies. "What will be will be / And so it goes" he sings on "Times Like These," the opening track. Thankfully, Johnson is never too mellow, and there's a "Don't worry, be happy" vibe to most of his music. "The Horizon Has Been Defeated" even has a pseudo-reggae feel to it. Although classified as an alternative musician, the singer-songwriter's compositions owe much to past hits. "Traffic in the Sky" is reminiscent of Jim Croce's "Operator" and Looking Glass's one-hit-wonder, "Brandy." On the splendid "Taylor," Johnson sounds an awful lot like Donovan. And "By The Way" recalls the Lovin' Spoonful. -- Bill Holdship
All songs by Jack Johnson, except where noted.
1. "Times Like These" – 2:22
2. "The Horizon Has Been Defeated" – 2:33
3. "Traffic in the Sky" – 2:50
4. "Taylor" – 3:59
5. "Gone" – 2:10
6. "Cupid" – 1:05
7. "Wasting Time" (Johnson, Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski) – 3:50
8. "Holes to Heaven" – 2:54
9. "Dreams Be Dreams" – 2:12
10. "Tomorrow Morning" – 2:50
11. "Fall Line" – 1:35
12. "Cookie Jar" – 2:57
13. "Rodeo Clowns" – 2:38
14. "Cocoon" – 4:10
15. "Mediocre Bad Guys" – 3:00
16. "Symbol in My Driveway" – 2:50
LINKY ---> http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Johnson/dp/B00008NG5V/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298168428&sr=1-4
Dennie
Well-Known Member
This is one of those albums that should be in your collection.... :text-bravo: (IMVHO)
Live at Blues Alley is an album by American singer Eva Cassidy, originally self released in May, 1996. This live album was recorded at the Blues Alley in January, 1996. It is the final album by Cassidy before her death.
Live at Blues Alley -- CD
Eva Cassidy
1998 Blix Street Records
Amazon.com
When Eva Cassidy is swinging her way through "Cheek to Cheek" and getting down and bluesy on "Stormy Monday" on this live set from 1996, it's nigh impossible not to get swept up in her voice's vast, barreling force. Her full range, though, becomes most obvious--and soul-shaking--on the slower side, as with Paul Simon's "Bridge over Troubled Water," Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Tall Trees in Georgia," and "What a Wonderful World." On these latter tunes, Cassidy's mix of aching clarity and rich warmth has a melting quality, speaking through the body to some evanescent presence that she seems to know all too well. She improbably makes Sting's "Fields of Gold" an emotional powerhouse just as easily as she makes Billie Holiday's "Fine and Mellow" an offhand declaration of feeling equal to nearly anything in the jazz vocal canon. In doing so she earns her place among the great singers--artists who could take any song and stamp it indelibly as their own. What Eva Cassidy had in her short life was an unbelievably perfect voice and a musical soul that grasped gospel, folk, blues, jazz, and all points in between as if they were mere stops on a single train ride. Alas, her ride ended in 1996, tragically early. --Andrew Bartlett
1. "Cheek to Cheek" (Irving Berlin) – 4:03
2. "Stormy Monday" (T-Bone Walker) – 5:49
3. "Bridge over Troubled Water" (Paul Simon) – 5:33
4. "Fine and Mellow" (Billie Holiday) – 4:03
5. "People Get Ready" (Curtis Mayfield) – 3:36
6. "Blue Skies" (Berlin) – 2:37
7. "Tall Trees in Georgia" (Buffy Sainte-Marie) – 4:05
8. "Fields of Gold" (Sting) – 4:57
9. "Autumn Leaves" (Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prévert) – 4:57
10. "Honeysuckle Rose" (Andy Razaf, Thomas "Fats" Waller) – 3:14
11. "Take Me to the River" (Al Green, Mabon "Teenie" Hodges) – 3:51
12. "What a Wonderful World" (Bob Thiele, David Weiss) – 5:50
13. "Oh, Had I a Golden Thread" (Pete Seeger) – 4:46 [Studio recording]
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Live-Blues-Al...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1298171885&sr=1-1
Live at Blues Alley is an album by American singer Eva Cassidy, originally self released in May, 1996. This live album was recorded at the Blues Alley in January, 1996. It is the final album by Cassidy before her death.
Live at Blues Alley -- CD
Eva Cassidy
1998 Blix Street Records
Amazon.com
When Eva Cassidy is swinging her way through "Cheek to Cheek" and getting down and bluesy on "Stormy Monday" on this live set from 1996, it's nigh impossible not to get swept up in her voice's vast, barreling force. Her full range, though, becomes most obvious--and soul-shaking--on the slower side, as with Paul Simon's "Bridge over Troubled Water," Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Tall Trees in Georgia," and "What a Wonderful World." On these latter tunes, Cassidy's mix of aching clarity and rich warmth has a melting quality, speaking through the body to some evanescent presence that she seems to know all too well. She improbably makes Sting's "Fields of Gold" an emotional powerhouse just as easily as she makes Billie Holiday's "Fine and Mellow" an offhand declaration of feeling equal to nearly anything in the jazz vocal canon. In doing so she earns her place among the great singers--artists who could take any song and stamp it indelibly as their own. What Eva Cassidy had in her short life was an unbelievably perfect voice and a musical soul that grasped gospel, folk, blues, jazz, and all points in between as if they were mere stops on a single train ride. Alas, her ride ended in 1996, tragically early. --Andrew Bartlett
1. "Cheek to Cheek" (Irving Berlin) – 4:03
2. "Stormy Monday" (T-Bone Walker) – 5:49
3. "Bridge over Troubled Water" (Paul Simon) – 5:33
4. "Fine and Mellow" (Billie Holiday) – 4:03
5. "People Get Ready" (Curtis Mayfield) – 3:36
6. "Blue Skies" (Berlin) – 2:37
7. "Tall Trees in Georgia" (Buffy Sainte-Marie) – 4:05
8. "Fields of Gold" (Sting) – 4:57
9. "Autumn Leaves" (Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prévert) – 4:57
10. "Honeysuckle Rose" (Andy Razaf, Thomas "Fats" Waller) – 3:14
11. "Take Me to the River" (Al Green, Mabon "Teenie" Hodges) – 3:51
12. "What a Wonderful World" (Bob Thiele, David Weiss) – 5:50
13. "Oh, Had I a Golden Thread" (Pete Seeger) – 4:46 [Studio recording]
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Live-Blues-Al...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1298171885&sr=1-1
Dennie
Well-Known Member
I loved a girl who loved this album, hence, I now love this album....
Running On Empty -- CD
Jackson Browne
1977/1990 Elektra Records
Amazon.com
Recorded onstage, backstage, in three different hotel rooms, and on a Continental Silver Eagle tour bus during a cross-country 1977 tour, Running on Empty is a paean to life on the road. Jackson Browne's sense of camaraderie extended to the road crew, if "The Load Out," a love song to his roadies, is to be believed. Browne is much more blithe here than in his earlier outings. But Empty also represents a fleeting lighthearted moment for the singer-cum-poet whose concerns became more political than personal after its appearance. Beneath its flippant surface, this disc is a look at the lengths Browne and his friends went to avoid facing the demands of the touring life. What with the frequent drug references, misogynistic references to on-the-fly pairings with women, and the sobering line in the title track--"I look around for the friends I used to pull me through / Looking into their eyes, I see them running, too"--one realizes that Browne was much more comfortable on the road than off. --Jaan Uhelszki
1. "Running on Empty" (Browne) – 5:20
* Recorded live (8/27/77), Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
2. "The Road" (Danny O'Keefe) – 4:50
* Recorded in room 301 (8/27/77), Cross Keys Inn, Baltimore, MD (first — 2:58) and live (9/7/77), Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
3. "Rosie" (Browne, Donald Miller) – 3:37
* Recorded backstage (9/1/77) "in the big rehearsal room," Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Doug Haywood and tour photographer Joel Bernstein sing harmony.
4. "You Love the Thunder" (Browne) – 3:52
* Recorded live (9/6/77), Holmdel, NJ
5. "Cocaine" (Browne, Reverend Gary Davis, Glenn Frey) – 4:55
* Recorded in room 124 (8/17/77), Holiday Inn, Edwardsville, IL
6. "Shaky Town" (Danny Kortchmar) – 3:36
* Recorded in room 124 (8/18/77), Holiday Inn, Edwardsville, IL
* Danny Kortchmar sings harmony.
7. "Love Needs a Heart" (Browne, Valerie Carter, Lowell George) – 3:28
* Recorded live (9/17/77), Universal City, CA
8. "Nothing but Time" (Browne, Howard Burke) – 3:05
* Recorded "on a bus (a Continental Silver Eagle) somewhere in New Jersey" (9/8/77)
* Russ Kunkel is credited as playing "snare, hi-hat, and cardboard box with foot pedal." The song was recorded aboard the band's Continental Silver Eagle tour bus (hence the lyrical reference to "Silver Eagle") while en route from Portland, Maine to their next gig in New Jersey. The bus's engine is audible in the background throughout, and its downshift and acceleration can be plainly heard during the bridge.
9. "The Load-Out" (Browne, Bryan Garofalo) – 5:38
* Recorded live (8/27/77), Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
10. "Stay" (Maurice Williams) – 3:28
* Recorded live (8/27/77), Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Running-Empty...=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298174789&sr=1-4
Running On Empty -- CD
Jackson Browne
1977/1990 Elektra Records
Amazon.com
Recorded onstage, backstage, in three different hotel rooms, and on a Continental Silver Eagle tour bus during a cross-country 1977 tour, Running on Empty is a paean to life on the road. Jackson Browne's sense of camaraderie extended to the road crew, if "The Load Out," a love song to his roadies, is to be believed. Browne is much more blithe here than in his earlier outings. But Empty also represents a fleeting lighthearted moment for the singer-cum-poet whose concerns became more political than personal after its appearance. Beneath its flippant surface, this disc is a look at the lengths Browne and his friends went to avoid facing the demands of the touring life. What with the frequent drug references, misogynistic references to on-the-fly pairings with women, and the sobering line in the title track--"I look around for the friends I used to pull me through / Looking into their eyes, I see them running, too"--one realizes that Browne was much more comfortable on the road than off. --Jaan Uhelszki
1. "Running on Empty" (Browne) – 5:20
* Recorded live (8/27/77), Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
2. "The Road" (Danny O'Keefe) – 4:50
* Recorded in room 301 (8/27/77), Cross Keys Inn, Baltimore, MD (first — 2:58) and live (9/7/77), Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
3. "Rosie" (Browne, Donald Miller) – 3:37
* Recorded backstage (9/1/77) "in the big rehearsal room," Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
* Doug Haywood and tour photographer Joel Bernstein sing harmony.
4. "You Love the Thunder" (Browne) – 3:52
* Recorded live (9/6/77), Holmdel, NJ
5. "Cocaine" (Browne, Reverend Gary Davis, Glenn Frey) – 4:55
* Recorded in room 124 (8/17/77), Holiday Inn, Edwardsville, IL
6. "Shaky Town" (Danny Kortchmar) – 3:36
* Recorded in room 124 (8/18/77), Holiday Inn, Edwardsville, IL
* Danny Kortchmar sings harmony.
7. "Love Needs a Heart" (Browne, Valerie Carter, Lowell George) – 3:28
* Recorded live (9/17/77), Universal City, CA
8. "Nothing but Time" (Browne, Howard Burke) – 3:05
* Recorded "on a bus (a Continental Silver Eagle) somewhere in New Jersey" (9/8/77)
* Russ Kunkel is credited as playing "snare, hi-hat, and cardboard box with foot pedal." The song was recorded aboard the band's Continental Silver Eagle tour bus (hence the lyrical reference to "Silver Eagle") while en route from Portland, Maine to their next gig in New Jersey. The bus's engine is audible in the background throughout, and its downshift and acceleration can be plainly heard during the bridge.
9. "The Load-Out" (Browne, Bryan Garofalo) – 5:38
* Recorded live (8/27/77), Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
10. "Stay" (Maurice Williams) – 3:28
* Recorded live (8/27/77), Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Running-Empty...=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1298174789&sr=1-4
Dennie
Well-Known Member
My last one for the evening...
Plains -- 2 CD Set
George Winston - Solo Piano
1999 Windham Hill Records
from Solo Piano Publications, May 5, 2000
By Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Plains (Audio CD)
I'm very late in writing a review of George Winston's latest album for the simple reason that I was very disappointed in his 1994 release, "Forest", and didn't expect much from "Plains". Lowered expectations can be very helpful at times, as I found "Plains" to be a very pleasant surprise. Winston isn't breaking any new ground here, but the selection of pieces is a blending of his original music and covers from a diverse group of sources including Hawaiian slack key guitar, Philip Aaberg, Chet Atkins, and Sarah McLachlan. Winston often claims to be a "folk musician", and this album seems to be more clearly in that direction than some of his previous releases. In keeping with the title of the album, many of the pieces have that open expansive feel that Winston is so good at without some of the repetition that drives me nuts on some earlier work ("Okay! We get it! Let's get onto another note! "). This collection also contains some bluesier work that Winston is noted for in concert but hasn't been recorded much.
Of the original pieces, I like "Rainsong (Fortune's Lullaby)" the best. The introduction sets an introspective tone, and then the flowing main part of the song comes in - gently rolling and easy-going. "Plains (Eastern Montana Blues)" is also especially nice with lots of open space between the phrases of the melody. Though not particularly bluesy, there is a melancholy mood. On second thought, maybe this IS the blues out on the plains with nothing and no one around.
Winston makes no bones about his admiration for Phil Aaberg's music (I'm a big fan, too!), and while he does an admirable cover of Aaberg's "Before Barbed Wire", Aaberg's wistful sadness and masterful subtlety aren't there. "The Dance" by Tony Arata was featured on Garth Brooks' first album. I`m not familiar with the Brooks version, but Winston makes this one his own.
While I'm not jumping up and down over "Plains", it is a very good album, and I've enjoyed listening to it a lot. Not terribly challenging or radical in any way, it's still a very pleasant experience and I can see why it was such a huge commercial success.
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Plains-George...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1298183667&sr=1-1
Plains -- 2 CD Set
George Winston - Solo Piano
1999 Windham Hill Records
from Solo Piano Publications, May 5, 2000
By Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE)
This review is from: Plains (Audio CD)
I'm very late in writing a review of George Winston's latest album for the simple reason that I was very disappointed in his 1994 release, "Forest", and didn't expect much from "Plains". Lowered expectations can be very helpful at times, as I found "Plains" to be a very pleasant surprise. Winston isn't breaking any new ground here, but the selection of pieces is a blending of his original music and covers from a diverse group of sources including Hawaiian slack key guitar, Philip Aaberg, Chet Atkins, and Sarah McLachlan. Winston often claims to be a "folk musician", and this album seems to be more clearly in that direction than some of his previous releases. In keeping with the title of the album, many of the pieces have that open expansive feel that Winston is so good at without some of the repetition that drives me nuts on some earlier work ("Okay! We get it! Let's get onto another note! "). This collection also contains some bluesier work that Winston is noted for in concert but hasn't been recorded much.
Of the original pieces, I like "Rainsong (Fortune's Lullaby)" the best. The introduction sets an introspective tone, and then the flowing main part of the song comes in - gently rolling and easy-going. "Plains (Eastern Montana Blues)" is also especially nice with lots of open space between the phrases of the melody. Though not particularly bluesy, there is a melancholy mood. On second thought, maybe this IS the blues out on the plains with nothing and no one around.
Winston makes no bones about his admiration for Phil Aaberg's music (I'm a big fan, too!), and while he does an admirable cover of Aaberg's "Before Barbed Wire", Aaberg's wistful sadness and masterful subtlety aren't there. "The Dance" by Tony Arata was featured on Garth Brooks' first album. I`m not familiar with the Brooks version, but Winston makes this one his own.
While I'm not jumping up and down over "Plains", it is a very good album, and I've enjoyed listening to it a lot. Not terribly challenging or radical in any way, it's still a very pleasant experience and I can see why it was such a huge commercial success.
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Plains-George...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1298183667&sr=1-1
Dennie
Well-Known Member
Look What I Did! - Anthology -- 2 CD Box Set
Joe Walsh
1995 MCA Records
Joe Walsh at his best!, January 6, 2004
By Gerry Lehn (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Look What I Did (Anthology) (Audio CD)
As with most anthology's, there's bound to be a few tracks missing. We all have our favorites, which sometimes miss the cut. "Confessor" is inexplicably absent, and there's no "Eagles" stuff here. All of that would require a third CD. No, J.W. is the number one attraction in all of these songs, as the collection highlights Walsh's tremendous, unmistakable guitar work, and lyrical creativity. One of the bright spots includes a full length version of "The Bomber". This 2 CD collection also includes a simple song - by - song review, in booklet form, by Joe himself, that is quite interesting, and adds a bit of explanation to many of the tunes.
If you're a new Joe Walsh fan, this collection is a perfect place to start, and if you're an aging boomer (like myself), these tunes will bring back memories, and possibly introduce you to a few worthwhile bits you overlooked. I'm a tough grader, and this is a "5".
Disc 1
1. "Tuning, Part 1" (James Fox, Bert DeCoteaux, Bill Szymczyk) – 0:40
2. "Take A Look Around" – 5:55
3. "Funk #48" (Walsh, Fox, Tom Kriss) – 2:46
4. "The Bomber (Original Complete Version)" (Walsh, Dale Peters, Fox, Vince Guaraldi, Ravel) – 7:02
5. "Tend My Garden" – 5:29
6. "Funk #49" (Walsh, Peters, Fox) – 3:56
7. "Ashes, The Rain & I" (Walsh, Peters) – 4:57
8. "Walk Away" – 3:33
9. "It's All the Same" – 4:11
10. "Midnight Man" – 3:29
11. "Here We Go" – 4:58
12. "Midnight Visitor" – 3:09
13. "Mother Says" – 5:53
14. "Turn To Stone" (Walsh, Terry Trebandt) – 5:15
15. "Comin' Down" – 1:52
16. "Meadows" – 4:37
17. "Rocky Mountain Way" (Walsh, Joe Vitale, Kenny Passarelli) – 5:40
Disc 2
1. "Welcome To The Club" – 5:09
2. "All Night Laundry Mat Blues" – 1:00
3. "County Fair" – 6:44
4. "Help Me Thru The Night" – 3:37
5. "Life's Been Good" – 8:03
6. "Over And Over" – 4:49
7. "All Night Long" – 3:32
8. "A Life Of Illusion" – 3:30
9. "Theme From Island Weirdos" (Walsh, Vitale) – 3:20
10. "I Can Play That Rock & Roll" – 3:02
11. "I.L.B.T.'s" (Walsh, Vitale) – 2:52
12. "Space Age Whiz Kids" (Walsh, Vitale) – 3:41
13. "Rosewood Bitters" (Michael Stanley) – 3:28
14. "Shut Up" – 3:15
15. "Decades" – 12:13
16. "Song For A Dying Planet" – 2:01
17. "Ordinary Average Guy [Live]" – 6:03
LINKY ----> http://www.amazon.com/Look-What-I-D...2OVY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298217842&sr=1-1
Dennie
Well-Known Member
heeman said:
Hey Heeman, that "Plains" album is fantastic. My favorite may be "A Winter Solstice"....
Or "December".....
But I found "Plains" to be very enjoyable!
Hey Thanks for the offer of the Philips turntable. But I am not sure I want to go with an '80's used table again. I have a stack of "those" turntables, a Marantz 6100, 6300 a couple of Garrards A couple of Pioneers and an Elac Miracord 40 and they all need to be gone through/reconditioned/rewired tonearms etc.
Or go with a "New" one. New ones start at about $500 and if I want a "decent" one, it will be more like $800-$1000 for a good entry level table. :scared-eek: But, it will have a warranty and should last many years before needing work. So, as of now, I am saving up for a new or reconditioned one.
Or maybe Wardsweb has one that he's willing to let go cheap. :music-listening: :handgestures-thumbup:
I just think I want to get away from the "old" tables that need work, but I really appreciate the offer!
bscene-drinkingcheers: Dennie