What Are You Listening To?

[Rope]

Rope

 

[Dennie]

Easy -- CD

Kelly Willis

2002 Rykodisc

Amazon.com

The complexities of love provide plenty of opportunity for rueful reflection on the deceptively titled Easy. Though Kelly Willis has shown that she can belt a country song with the best of them, she opts for a more intimate approach on this collection of midtempo ballads. The arrangements are primarily acoustic and harmony-laden (with Alison Krauss and Vince Gill among those providing vocal support), as Willis draws from the songbooks of husband Bruce Robison ("What Did You Think"), Paul Kelly ("You Can't Take It with You"), Kirsty MacColl ("Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sunny Jim!"), and Marcia Ball ("Find Another Fool"). The singer's own writing extends the artistic progression of her previous album, What I Deserve, with the bittersweet "If I Left You" and the melodic reverie of "Wait Until Dark" (written with John Levanthal) showing how much she has matured as an artist since her days as an alt-country ingénue. Willis saves the best for last with the shimmering transcendence of "Reason to Believe," a celebration of the everyday wonder a baby brings to her mother, providing redemption after all the heartbreak previously evoked. --Don McLeese

"If I Left You" (Kelly Willis) – 3:09
"Easy (as Falling Apart)" (Willis) – 4:12
"What Did You Think" (Bruce Robison) – 3:34
"You Can't Take It with You" (Paul Kelly) – 3:03
"Getting to Me" (Willis/Gary Louris) – 4:32
"Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sonny Jim!" (Kirsty MacColl) – 3:57
"Wait Until Dark" (Willis/John Leventhal) – 3:41
"Find Another Fool" (Marcia Ball) – 3:14
"Not What I Had in Mind" (Willis) – 4:07
"Reason to Believe" (Willis) – 3:17

 

[GreatDane]

:music-listening:

 

[Dennie]

Super Hits -- Remastered CD

The Manhattans

2002 Columbia Records

Ten beloved recordings from the Manhattans' CBS era. The dazzling choices include a shining version of Timi Yuro's '60s hit "Hurt," which they rejuvenate with the addendum of a killer fade. Two underrated bawlers, "Wish That You Were Mine" and "Am I Losing You," are as gripping as their mega hits: "Shining Star" and "Kiss and Say Goodbye." These are coveted male group sounds by one of the urban genre's most durable and liked vocal groups. ~ Andrew Hamilton

01. It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad

02. Wish That You Were Mine

03. There's No Me Without You

04. Kiss and Say Goodbye

05. Am I Losing You

06. Don't Take Your Love

07. I Kinda Miss You

08. We Never Danced to a Love Song

09. Hurt

10. Shining Star

 

[Dennie]

Blind Melon -- CD

Blind Melon

1992 Capitol Records

Very underrated CD by a very underrated band, November 27, 2002
By seth luke (Springfield, Oregon) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Blind Melon (Audio CD)

I remembering hearing "No Rain" when it first came out on the radio and it instantly became my childhood favorite [I was about 8 at the time]. "No Rain" is a good song and went on to be a decent hit, but unfortunately it turned out to be the only big hit by what turned out to be one of the most underrated bands of the 90's. After seeing the 'Behind The Music' on them I decided to get the cd and it wasn't a dissapointment at all. Sure, No Rain is great but so are "Dear Ol' Dad", "I Wonder", "Drive" and every last one of the songs on this album. There seriously isn't a single bad track [my personal favorite however, besides "No Rain", is "Change"]. If you like Jane's Addiction, The Violent Femmes, or heck, even Green Day then you'll probably like Blind Melon {I mean heck, I usually listen to grunge and hard rock and I still like them]. All of their albums are great and worth buying but their debut, in my opinion, is their best. So do yourself a favor and discover the wonders of Blind Melon!

Track List:

All tracks by Blind Melon unless listed.

"Soak the Sin" - 4:01
"Tones of Home" - 4:26
"I Wonder" - 5:31
"Paper Scratcher" - 3:14
"Dear Ol' Dad" - 3:02
"Change" (Hoon) - 3:41
"No Rain" - 3:37
"Deserted" - 4:20
"Sleepyhouse" - 4:29
"Holyman" - 4:47
"Seed to a Tree" - 3:29
"Drive" - 4:39
"Time" - 6:02

 

[mazersteven]

"I Wonder If I Take You Home"
"You'll Never Change"
"All Cried Out"
"This Is Cult Jam" (Full Force, Lisa Lisa, Howie Tee)
"Can You Feel the Beat"
"Behind My Eyes"
"Private Property" (Full Force, Kangol Kid)
"Take Me Home" [Rap]

Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force is a 1985 album by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam in collaboration with the band/production team Full Force. It is best known for the lead tracks "I Wonder If I Take You Home", "Can You Feel the Beat," and "All Cried Out." The third of these hits also features Full Force's Paul Anthony and Bowlegged Lou on vocals.

 

[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]

My last one for the evening.....

Soldier of Love -- CD

Sade

2010 Sony Music

Sade is back and worth the wait, February 11, 2010
By Apodaca (El Paso, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soldier of Love (Audio CD)

I have been looking forward to this release for a long time now and it was worth the wait. Sade has come along way in her song writing abilities and it shows on each new release. While some may prefer some of her earlier work because its a bit more 'catchy', it now sometimes sounds a bit artificial/synthetic in style and arrangement compared to her recent releases. Her lyrics in her last two albums have a deeper message in my opinion. As for the music, I love how this lady can incorporate DEEP bass into her music - no one does it better in my opinion. This album may not appeal for those fans still stuck in the past but Soldier Of Love is still a five star album.

1. "The Moon and the Sky" Adu/Hale/Matthewman 4:28
2. "Soldier of Love" Adu/Hale/Matthewman/Denman 5:59
3. "Morning Bird" Adu/Hale/Matthewman 3:55
4. "Babyfather" Adu/Matthewman/Janes/Nicholls 4:40
5. "Long Hard Road" Adu/Janes/Nicholls 3:03
6. "Be That Easy" Adu/Matthewman 3:41
7. "Bring Me Home" Adu/Hale/Matthewman 4:09
8. "In Another Time" Adu/Hale/Matthewman 5:06
9. "Skin" Adu/Hale/Matthewman/Denman 4:13
10. "The Safest Place" Adu/Hale 2:46
Total length:
41:58

 

[Dennie]

America Remembers.... -- CD

Johnny Horton

1992 TeeVee/Sony Records
Rally 'round the flag, boys! February 8, 2002
By Kevin Cook
Format:Audio CD

This collection showcases Johnny Horton's fantastic voice and wide range - he could sing it all, from stirring patriotic songs and historical mini-epics to moving ballads and even rockabilly. Of course, all the hits are here, like the irresistible "Battle of New Orleans" (which I listened to incessantly as a kid in the Sixties) and "North to Alaska," to name two personal favorites.

They just don't write `em like this any more, and more's the pity. You won't be able to resist singing along, I guar-an-tee it!

I regret this collection doesn't include a sentimental favorite of mine, "The Same Old Tale that the Crow Told Me," the flip side of "Sink the Bismarck." Despite that very minor quibble, this is a rousing CD, chock-full of unabashed pride and patriotism. You'll love it.

1. North To Alaska
2. Battle Of New Orleans
3. When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's 40 Below)
4. Johnny Reb
5. I'm Coming Home
6. Honky Tonk Man
7. Sink The Bismark
8. All For The Love Of A Girl
9. The Mansion You Stole
10. I'm Ready If You're Willing
11. The Jim Bridger Story
12. I'm A One-Woman Man
13. Sleepy-Eyed John
14. They'll Never Take Her Love From Me
15. Old Slewfoot
16. All Grown Up
17. Sal's Got a Sugar Lip
18. Whispering Pines
19. Johnny Freedom ('Freedom Land')
20. Comanche

 

[Dennie]

America - A 200 Year Salute In Story and Song -- Remastered CD

Johnny Cash

1972/2008 Columbia Legacy

"Man in Black" February 25, 2002
By Robert Weil
Format:Audio CD

Johnny Cash is cleary an icon in country music, but he is often neglected when the great folk singers come to mind. This album is clearly a testament to his versatility. I have been blown away by his recent releases from American Recordings. Rick Rubin seemed to call back to a period when Johnny was doing great folk cuts with a hillbilly twist (Unchained); and in this collection I see where it may have started. Big Foot, The West, and Paul Revere have an honesty that only one can display when they really care about the subject at hand. Guthrie, Elliot, and Dylan all have and had it; and Johnny Cash belongs in their category! During these patriotic times people often look to art as a window of escape. Johnny Cash does that with these songs; and I don't believe anybody loves America more than he does! Buy this with confidence. Enjoy!

1. Opening Dialogue
2. Paul Revere
3. Begin West Movement
4. The Road to Kaintuck
5. To the Shining Mountains
6. The Battle of New Orleans
7. Southwestward
8. Remember the Alamo
9. Opening the West
10. Lorena
11. The Gettysburg Address
12. The West
13. Big Foot
14. Like a Young Colt
15. Mr. Garfield
16. A Proud Land
17. The Big Battle
18. On Wheels and Wings
19. Come Take a Trip in My Airship
20. Reaching for the Stars
21. These Are My People

 

[Dennie]

Reimagines Gershwin -- CD

Brian Wilson

2010 Disney Pearl Series

Product Description

2010 album from the Rock 'n' Roll legend. Pioneering musical genius Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, has teamed up with George Gershwin, in Wilson's latest album release, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin. Featuring timeless classics like "Rhapsody in Blue," "I Got Rhythm" and "Summertime," the album makes history with "The Like in I Love You" and "Nothing But Love" - two new songs Wilson crafted from never-before-published music by Gershwin. Produced by Brian Wilson, mixed by multi-Grammy winner Al Schmitt and joined by his longtime acclaimed band, the new album features the trademark stacked vocal harmonies and orchestrations that made Wilson a towering and revered figure in popular music.

01 Rhapsody in Blue /Intro
02 The Like in I Love You
03 Summertime
04 I Loves You Porgy
05 I Got Plenty of Nothin
06 It Ain't Necessarily So
07 'S Wonderful
08 They Can't Take That Away from Me
09 Our Love Is Here to Stay
10 I've Got a Crush on You
11 I've Got Rhythm
12 Someone to Watch Over Me
13 Nothing But Love
14 Rhapsody in Blue/Reprise

 

[Dennie]

Clapton -- CD

Eric Clapton

2010 Reprise Records

Product Description

Co-produced by guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, ‘Clapton’ features an all star cast of musical collaborations started with the legendary JJ Cale, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond - and the sessions later added guests including Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint, and Derek Trucks. Clapton created a collection that touches on everything from century-old traditional brass bands to little-known country blues to brand-new originals. The result is both relaxed and revelatory, and unlike anything the guitarist has done in his legendary career.

‘This album wasn't what it was intended to be at all,’ says Eric Clapton. ‘It's actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It's an eclectic collection of songs that weren't really on the map - and I like it so much because if it's a surprise to the fans, that's only because it's a surprise to me, as well.’
Tracklisting:

01 Travelin' Alone
02 Rockin' Chair
03 River Runs Deep
04 Judgement Day
05 How Deep Is The Ocean
06 My Very Good Friend The Milkman
07 Can't Hold Out Much Longer
08 That's No Way To Get Along
09 Everything Will Be Alright
10 Diamonds Made From Rain
11 When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful
12 Hard Times Blues
13 Run Back To Your Side
14 Autumn Leaves

 

[Dennie]

Deguello -- CD

ZZ Top

1979/1990 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com

First released in 1979, Deguello was three years in the making. Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard had disappeared into the sagebrush to recharge their batteries following their grueling World Texas Tour. They returned with a new antic sense of themselves that first appeared in songs like "Cheap Sunglasses," "She Loves My Automobile," and "Esther Be the One" and came to fruition almost four years later with Eliminator. Deguello forges the last link to the band's early blues-rock years, before they became the sleeker, less threatening entity that graced MTV during the '80s. Tunes like their rendering of David Porter and Isaac Hayes's steamy "I Thank You," the salacious "Hi Fi Mama," and the boastful "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" careen on the edges of good taste, but these guys didn't give a *** who they offended as long as they entertained. And, of course, they did entertain legions of fans with their ribald lyrics, off-kilter timing, and Gibbons's daredevil guitar wizardry. But ZZ Top isn't all hard edges and pinup fantasies; the heartbreakingly beautiful intro to their eccentric love song, "Fool for Her Stockings" rivals the lyricism of Jimi Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary." --Jaan Uhelszki

Side A

"I Thank You" (Isaac Hayes, David Porter) – 3:23
"She Loves My Automobile" – 2:24
"I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" – 4:46
"A Fool for Your Stockings" – 4:15
"Manic Mechanic" – 2:37

Side B

"Dust My Broom" (Robert Johnson) – 3:06
"Lowdown in the Street" – 2:49
"Hi Fi Mama" – 2:23
"Cheap Sunglasses" – 4:48
"Esther Be the One" – 3:31

 

[Botch]

 

[Dennie]

Sunshine On Leith -- CD

The Proclaimers

1988 Chrysalis Records

Sunshine on Leith is The Proclaimers' second and best known album, released in August 1988. The album had three singles, including the title track, "I'm On My Way," and "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," which also became a hit following its inclusion on the soundtrack to Benny & Joon five years later in 1993. It is about their birthplace, Leith, and the title track Sunshine on Leith is played by Hibernian F.C. at the beginning of matches.

All Songs Written By Craig & Charlie Reid, except where noted.

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" – 3:33
"Cap in Hand" – 3:24
"Then I Met You" – 3:50
"My Old Friend the Blues" – 3:06 (Steve Earle)
"Sean" – 3:23
"Sunshine on Leith" – 5:16
"Come on Nature" – 3:34
"I'm on My Way" – 3:45
"What Do You Do?" – 3:38
"It's Saturday Night" – 3:24
"Teardrops" – 2:32
"Oh Jean" – 5:55

 

[Dennie]

The Foundation -- CD

Zac Brown Band

2008 Atlantic Records

Zac Brown Band - the Real Deal, November 19, 2008
By Matt Davis (Jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Foundation (Audio CD)

I first heard ZBB when they opened for Los Lonely Boys in October '08, just before "Chicken Fried" became a bona-fide hit. I had never in my life heard of them, yet I walked away from that show a die-hard fan. These guys are all amazing musicians, fluidly traversing across genres song in and song out, be it country, rock, reggae, or bluegrass. They have a sound all their own that is firmly grounded in southern roots. Their songs are all heartfelt and catchy, and unlike so many of the polished and overproduced pop acts that dominate the country charts that are computerized shadows of themselves, these guys are legit - truly at home on the stage. Like another reviewer stated, there's not a song on this CD that I ever skip.

In spite of not fitting the mold that mainstream country would just love to cram them into (think Rascal Flatts,) I have a feeling these guys are going to be around, on their own terms, for a long, long time. I'm already pining for the next album. That's why I think they are the "Real Deal."

1. "Toes" Zac Brown, Wyatt Durette, John Driskell Hopkins, Shawn Mullins 4:21
2. "Whatever It Is" Brown, Durette 3:29
3. "Where the Boat Leaves From" Brown, Durette 3:44
4. "Violin Intro to Free" Jimmy De Martini 1:01
5. "Free" Brown 3:48
6. "Chicken Fried" Brown, Durette 3:58
7. "Mary" Brown, J. Cline 2:50
8. "Different Kind of Fine" Brown, Durette, Stokes Nielson 3:18
9. "Highway 20 Ride" Brown, Durette 3:51
10. "It's Not OK" Hopkins 4:10
11. "Jolene" Ray LaMontagne 4:21
12. "Sic 'Em on a Chicken" Brown, Hopkins 3:51
Total length:
42:42

 

[Dennie]

Heavier Things -- SACD

John Mayer

2003 Aware/Columbia Records

Great album, great recording., September 11, 2008
By L. Milone "skykeys" (Wallingford, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Heavier Things (Hybr) (Ms) (Audio CD)

John Mayer's music hooked me the first time I heard "Room for Squares", which is truly a great album. "Heavier Things" is right up there; I love it almost as much. But even more importantly, the SACD recording playback is excellent.

More people need to experience high quality audio. It seems to me that we're getting away from it as a consequence of the convenience of MP3 players. I understand the convenience; but unfortunately many people are missing out on the dynamic listening experience that multi-channel SACD (and DVD-Audio) recordings deliver. I implore all John Mayer music lovers out there to get a universal DVD player that supports both SACD and DVD-Audio formatted discs, splurge a little on a surround sound set up, and enjoy the listening experience.

1. "Clarity" 4:28
2. "Bigger Than My Body" 4:26
3. "Something's Missing" 5:04
4. "New Deep" 4:07
5. "Come Back to Bed" 5:23
6. "Home Life" (Mayer, David LaBruyere) 4:14
7. "Split Screen Sadness" 5:06
8. "Daughters" 3:58
9. "Only Heart" 3:52
10. "Wheel" 5:33

 

[Dennie]

I finally got a copy of this one.....

Move Like This -- CD

The Cars

2011 Hear Music

Climb aboard this DeLorean time machine... May 10, 2011
By diamonddave247
Format:Audio CD

Goose bumps all over as I take a magical ride back in time to my youth. There is no substitute for the original Cars. This album is "new-vintage", and aged to perfection! A musical treat for the ears and a warm memory morsel for the heart. Do you ever wish you could do it all over again?! Well, this album lets us all "Take Another Look"! Thanks for the fond trip back to the future! A MUST addition for your Cars collection.

05/19/2011 Update: "Move Like This" debuts at NUMBER 2 on the Billboard Rock Album Charts! Congratulations to the band and thanks to all the loyal fans that made this release a success! This century wants more Cars music! This century NEEDS more Cars music!

1. "Blue Tip" Jacknife Lee 3:13
2. "Too Late" The Cars 4:01
3. "Keep On Knocking" The Cars 3:52
4. "Soon" Jacknife Lee 4:23
5. "Sad Song" Jacknife Lee 3:38
6. "Free" Jacknife Lee 3:17
7. "Drag On Forever" The Cars 3:37
8. "Take Another Look" The Cars 4:46
9. "It's Only" The Cars 3:01
10. "Hits Me" Jacknife Lee 3:51

 

[Dennie]

Storm Front -- CD

Billy Joel

1989/1998 Columbia Records

On the list of 80's guilty pleasures, April 3, 2006
By Riley (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storm Front (Audio CD)

I can't help it. I like this cd. Songs like 'I Go To Extremes', 'We Didn't Start The Fire', and 'Shameless' all bring back great memories of the closeout of one the greatest decades ever.

Joel has never been one to write serious social song as much as be a reporter of what's going on in society. So a song like 'We Didn't Start The Fire' makes no sense at all but the lyrics conjure up pictures of specific events that do mean a lot to listeners like myself. On a song like 'Downeaster Alexa' he does a very good job of painting a picture of a fishing boat captain. 'That's not Her Style' is just a straight ahead rocking type of song. It's more fun than anything else. But the song that is pure Billy Joel is 'I Go To Extremes'. He wrote this for his drummer but it has all the trademark Joel badboy wannabe lyrics we've seen and loved since 'Only The Good Die Young'.

This cd isn't going to change your life but it has some great tunes.

All songs written by Billy Joel.

"That's Not Her Style" – 5:10
"We Didn't Start the Fire" – 4:50
"The Downeaster 'Alexa'" – 3:44
"I Go to Extremes" – 4:23
"Shameless" – 4:26
"Storm Front" – 5:17
"Leningrad" – 4:06
"State of Grace" – 4:30
"When in Rome" – 4:44
"And So It Goes" – 3:38

 

[mazersteven]

Joel needs to do a "We Didn't Start the Fire 2"
:violence-torch: