What are you listening to? (MKII)

[RuSsMaN]

A. Proper Forum.

2. Old thread is TOO long to browse.

D. Let's kick it up a notch.

Mark Knopfler - The Ragpicker's Dream

Warner Brothers - 9 48318-2

Review (bmgmusic.com):

With his second post-millennium album in just two years, Mark Knopfler has already equaled his meager (non-soundtrack) output for the '90s. And while he isn't reinventing himself, "The Ragpicker's Dream" is a pleasant, classy, often inspired effort whose unassuming charms are best appreciated after repeated listenings. The memorable riffage that fueled Dire Straits' most radio-friendly material has been discarded for a more pastoral approach, making this a perfect album for a rainy Sunday morning. Like his Notting Hillbillies side project, it isn't entirely unplugged, yet there is an emphasis on acoustic accompaniment to its predominantly ballad slant. Instead of leaving space for traditional soloing, Knopfler weaves his snake-like guitar between the words. This infuses a tense, edgy quality in even the most bucolic tracks, resulting in the crackling but still low-boil atmospherics of "Hill Farmer'S Blues" and "Fare Thee Well Northumberland." "Marbletown" is an unaccompanied folk/blues that sounds as if Knopfler was born and raised in the Mississippi backwoods. He taps into the patented insistent lazy, shuffling groove on the spooky "You Don'T Know You'Re Born." It's the most Straits-like track here featuring an extended, winding, yet subtle solo. "Coyote," a mid-tempo sizzler -- lyrically based on the "Road Runner" cartoons -- is propelled by a walking bass figure and Knopfler's homey, lived-in, talk-sung vocals. Again, the guitar pyrotechnics are interspersed throughout the verses with overdubbed sounds employed to provide ambiance and mood. The authentic honky tonk swing of "Daddy'S Gone To Knoxville" could have come off a Wayne Hancock album, and the "King Of The Road" melody from "Quality Shoe" is a tribute to Roger Miller. As an homage to the American roots music he's always admired and a desire to retreat further from the stadium rock of his Straits days, "The Ragpicker's Dream" is a restrained success, at least on its own terms. It may not please some of Knopfler's old "Money For Nothing" fans, but at this stage, he's obviously not trying to.


Cheers,
Russ

[shack]

I'm in. What are you listening to WITH a mini review. No DSOTM or stuff everyone has heard a million times. Something NEW. Give it a little thought. Good idea Russ.

I'm listening to something now....review tomorrow.

[gregure]

Nice review. Sounds like the style on this album is very much in the same vein as "Sailing to Phildelphia," an album I like quite a bit. I'll have to try to pick up a copy.
Does "The Ragpiper's Dream" feature guest duets as Philadelphia does?

[RuSsMaN]

No. Post 'Sailing', great album too.

[TroyD]

DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED - Moody Blues

London LP DES 18012

IMO, had this album been released in 1966, it would have been talked about with the near reverence that 'Pet Sounds' and 'Sgt. Pepper' were. As a concept album, I think it's as ambitious if not quite as well executed.

Days follows a man through a normal day and along the way spawns some of the Moody Blues most notable songs such as Forever Afternoon and Knights in White Satin. Recorded with the London Festival Orchestra, well, I just don't think THAT was pulled off as smoothly as planned. It's almost like listening to a rock band with filler by an orchestra. It works in places better than others.

The album itself is pretty well recorded, I've heard better and I've heard worse...although the LP is able to convey a sense of depth and nuance that the CD does not. In fact, I'd go out on a limb and say that it's hard to take away the same experience from CD that the LP gives. This is also, as a side note, a GREAT SDA demo album.

Ok, while the whole album doesn't QUITE work in some places you can't help but feel that you are listening to something powerful and important and that alone is enough to strongly recommend it.

BDT

[heiney9]

Btw RuSs nice choice. It might help others to link where you copied your info from in case they want to furthur explore the artist. AllMusic is a great site.

I posted this list in another thread, but it's totally appropriate here as well. This is a partial list of great music that should make your system shine.

Jewel-Spirit great vocals that can really test the coloration of mid-range on system. It seems hard to get her voice to sound just right.

J.Mclaughlin/A.DiMeola/P.DeLucia-One Night In San Francisco This disc is awesome just for the playing. Three acoustic guitars dueling each other in an unplugged live environment. The spatial cues and soundstage cues from this cd are breath taking if your system is up to it. The playing is beyond phenomenal.

Talking Heads-Stop Making Sense great analog to digital transfer; want to know what the terms sense of rhythm and pace mean? listen to this cd; very open and dynamic;i t shows what can be done with a top notch analog recording if the engineers leave their damn hands off twiddle knobs!

GRP-Live in Session some great jazz musicians from an all digital label that cared to get it right. This is a group of the label musicians live in the studio. The 1:45 drum workout is fantastic. Maybe not the most realistic recording in that toms pan left to right, an obvious studio trick that would not happen in real life. But the impact of the drums should make the hair on the back of your head stand-up. The tone and timbre of each tom should be distinct and different.

Erin McKeown-Grand her music is described as folksy pop or quirky folk. I first heard her on NPR. She is a young singer/song writer with unusual pop/folk sensibilities that touch on country/pop/folk/bluegrass and occasionally big band era influences. Top notch production and a very pretty voice make this a great listen every time.

Dave Brubeck-Time Out Classic in every sense of the word. Unique time signatures, great production and timeless music. Every system I've owned/auditioned has had this played on it. Get it period.

Billy Cobham-Spectrum Generally acclaimed as fusion’s best drummer. Has explosive technique, amazing dexterity, jazz complexity with r-n-r aggression. generally high-quality compositions make this fusion set a standout, a strong mixture of rock-ish rhythms and jazz improvising. Great fun!

Holly Cole Trio-Best Of Acoustic bass, light drum rhythms and a spectacular jazz voice. Great listening and can be very demanding of a system. The simplicity is deceptive and a lesser system will falter.

The Who-Live at Leeds Three words….Drums….Drums….Drums. Great dynamics and elements of the rock opera style the Who did so well in the early days. Turned up it should be like you are right there!

Led Zeppelin-In Through The Out Door A production masterpiece giving glimpses of where the band may have been heading. Top notch recording listen for the songs All Of My Love and Fool In The Rain.

H9

[Jstas]

Disciplined Breakdown -- Collective Soul

Format: Compact Disc (07567829842)
Release Date: Mar 11, 1997
Original release year: 1997
Label: Atlantic (USA)
Producer: Ed Roland
Engineer: Greg Archilla
Guest Artists: Luis Enrique; The Memphis Horns
Stereo: Stereo
Studio/Live: Studio
Pieces in Set: 1
Catalog #: 82984
Desc: Performer

Collective Soul: Ed Roland (vocals, guitar); Ross Childress, Dean Roland (guitar); Will Turpin (bass); Shane Evans (drums).

Additional personnel: The Memphis Horns (horns); Mike Childers (organ, Clavinet, background vocals); Luis Enrique (percussion).

Collective Soul's third album shows off a newfound confidence and newly rich and complex musical textures. As always, the tunes are melodic and the arrangements thoughtful, and Ed Roland provides searching lyrics that range in tone from the deep sadness of "Maybe" ("This blessedness of life/Sometimes brings me to my knees") to the unabashed optimism of "Full Circle" ("One fine morning I'll awake/To love's return...I believe love goes round and round"). DISCIPLINED BREAKDOWN is brimming with layers of vocal harmony, sometimes verging on the ethereal (the spirit of the Beatles is present on "Crowded Head"), while edgy guitar riffs enliven most of the tracks, occasionally providing glimpses of '70s hard rock, funk and dance beats. It all blends together into undeniably catchy rock songs.

Editorial Reviews:
Musician (6/97, pp.85-88) - "...every bit as current as Beck--yet this natural born folkie hasn't gone hip just for the hell of it. Rarely have lyrics been set in such appropriate--and diverse--contexts....few artists have managed to stretch this far with such grace, humor and utter lack of pretense..."




Also of special interest from Collective Soul, incase anyoen isn't familiar with them:

Collective Soul -- Collective Soul

Format: Compact Disc (07567827452)
Release Date: Mar 14, 1995
Original release year: 1995
Label: Atlantic (USA)
Producer: Ed Roland; Matt Serletic
Engineer: Greg Archilla
Guest Artists: Luis Enrique
Stereo: Stereo
Studio/Live: Studio
Pieces in Set: 1
Catalog #: 82745
Desc: Performer

Collective Soul: Ed Roland (vocals, guitar); Ross Childress, Dean Roland (guitar); Will Turpin (bass, background vocals); Shane Evans (drums).

Additional personnel: Jerry Miller, John DiPuccio (violin); David Chappel (viola); Steve Sidgursen (cello); Janet Clippard (acoustic bass); Luis Enrique (percussion); Becky Russell, William Brown, Bertrum Brown, Jackie Johnson (background vocals).

Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida; Kiva Studios, Memphis, Tennessee; Streeterville Studios, Chicago, Illinois; Granny's Studio, Reno, Nevada.

This self-titled album from the group that surprised even itself with the success of its premiere release, HINTS, ALLEGATIONS & THINGS LEFT UNSAID, represents Collective Soul's first complete manifestation as a cohesive band. COLLECTIVE SOUL is a true rock and roll effort, full of hard-edged, rhythmic guitar work, tempered by dips into the musicians' reserve of metal, blues and radio-friendly pop.

Ed Roland's songs are simple and strightforward, yet searching--as in "The World I Know," an unpretentious observation of good and evil, laden with questions like "Has the sweet breeze blown?/Has all the kindness gone?" Vigorous riffs, a full-bodied '70s radio-rock sound, and an essentially optimistic outlook on life characterize this record, though there is the occasional surprise like the final track, "Reunion," a contemplative, gospel choir-backed blues tune.

Editorial Reviews:
Rolling Stone (6/15/95, p.83) - 3 Stars - Good - "...With COLLECTIVE SOUL, the band proves it has the goods to continue to shine on brightly..."

Entertainment Weekly (3/17/95, p.88) - "...Soul's second album focuses the group's modest mission on breezy pop songs buffed with uniquely resonant guitars....the combination of ringing pop and lowbrow riffs could well turn them into the Bachman-Turner Overdrive of their generation..." - Rating: B

Q (6/95, p.132) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...most of these 12 tracks....are topped with phased, harmonised vocals and choruses which ring with something approaching pop genius."



All info and reviews were found on Tower Records website: http://www.towerrecords.com

[shack]

Bernie Leadon - Mirror

Really Small Intertainment, LLC - 592016

Released March 2004

http://www.echotunes.com/mmTHEECHOPLEX/Images/bernie_leadon_mirror.jpg

As some of you may know Bernie Leadon was one of the original Eagles. Since leaving The Eagles just before Hotel California was released he has been mainly a session studio player and vocal backup for many artists such as Randy Newman, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Emmylou Harris, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt, David Bromberg, Michelle Shocked, Stevie Nicks, Stephen Stills, Bob Neuwirth, Pam Tillis, Travis Tritt, The Jayhawks and many more. Prior to The Eagles, he started as a bluegrass musician but gravitated to rock and eventually became part of Linda Rhonstadt's backup band. He was then with the Flying Burrito Brothers for a while and then rejoined the Ronstadt band where he met Glenn Frey and Don Henley. They started The Eagles and the rest is history. Joe Walsh replaced Leadon in the band. Walsh was great with The Eagles but I really liked the early work with the heavy county rock influences...much of which was attributed to Leadon.

I always liked Leadon's work with The Eagles and The Flying Buritto Brothers. When I came across this CD I decided to give it a spin. The best way to describe the style is "Ameicana/country/blues". Sort of a John Prine style. He is not in Prine's league...but it was a pretty good listen. The album starts out with "Vile and Profane Man" and it IS pretty profane. (As I was listening I looked out for the dark clouds expecting lightning to strike any min.). After that the album went laid back and basically stayed there. Some of the opening rifts were VERY familiar and given the wide range of musicians he has played with it is not really suprising that some of their influences are apparent. "Backup Plan" and "Rich Life" are cuts that I liked quite a lot. Emmylou Harris was a backup on a couple of tracks (I recognized her voice immediately). From an artistic standpoint this CD is ok to good. Not outstanding but worth a listen if you like the genre/style. If you are an Eagles fan it is a good addition to the colletion. His guitar/instrument playing is superior to the vocals and lyrics.

Sound quality and recording is excellent. He stated in the liner notes that the recording path was 100% analog (if that is important to you). He had some comment as to the vinyl pressing technique that supposedly mades the LP extremely good sonicly and sells for $50 ea. He did all the recording, producing, editing etc... on his own with no studio backing. For you guitar freaks out there, he lists the specific guitar he plays and how it is tuned for each track.

All and all, since I was a Bernie Leadon fan before I bought the CD it was a wothy addition to my collection.

[aaharvel]

Tori Amos -MP3-
Norah -SACD-
Episode III Soundtrack (John Williams) -CD-

[shack]

Tori Amos -MP3-
Norah -SACD-
Episode III Soundtrack (John Williams) -CD-


D. Let's kick it up a notch.


What Russ said. Don't just "list" stuff on this thread (use the old thread for that)...Tell us about it.

[aaharvel]

What Russ said. Don't just "list" stuff on this thread (use the old thread for that)...Tell us about it.

oh. ok. sorry. Next time then. :)

[PolknPepsi]

Helffgott as I type this......he's very gooooood.

The man knows how to play a piano and if your speakers can reproduce this you should be very happy.... :cool:

[heiney9]

Talk about getting your groove on. Had some people over tonight and pulled this out. Haven't listened to it in a very long time.

Red Hot Chili Peppers-Blood Sugar Sex Magik

1991-Warner Brothers-Produced by Rick Rubin

In a few words...Infectious Groovy Sweaty Funk that puts a big grin on your face :cool: The band went through a lot of personnel changes and battles with drug addiction by more than one member. Having Rick Rubin at the helm certainly helped to keep the band focused. Some of their earlier stuff had flashes of greatness but in the end turned out to be a bit to disjointed and ragged, IMO. Another thing that makes this a great listen are the different moments of emotion conveyed in some of the songs, going from hard core sex drenched lyrics to well meaning ballads. Just the right mix. I need to add this to my regular rotation now that I re-discovered this gem.

Notes from cdnow:

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Anthony Kiedis (vocals); John Frusciante (guitar); Flea (bass); Chad Smith (drums). Additional personnel includes: Brendan O'Brien (Melltron); Pete Weiss (Jew's harp); Gail Frusciante (background vocals). With BLOODSUGARSEXMAGIK the Chilis produced the defining moment of funk rock and the high point of their career. Raunchy and explicit from the first, the lyrical content was not for the easily offended and frequently strayed into misogyny. Musically, it straddled metal and funk with ease; in addition to the stomping, infectious rockers ("Give It Away," "The Power Of Equality") and the downright funky ("Mellowship Slinky," "Apache Rose Peacock"), all underpinned by Flea's virtuosic but unselfish basslines, the band also showed themselves capable of writing surprisingly melodic ballads ("Breaking The Girl," "Under The Bridge")

Certified 7 x platinum by the RIAA featuring 'Under The Bridge', 'Breaking Girl', 'Funky Munks', 'Suck My Kiss', and 'Give It Away'. 1991 release produced by Rick Rubin.

Another must have for every collection. Enjoy the music....it's what makes life worth living sometimes ;)

H9

[gregure]

I could list a million but the ones that I've discovered or rediscovered lately, or simply in the mood for are:

1. Jeff Buckley-Grace
I truly love this album. He had such a cool voice-smooth, articulate, and spanning many octaves. The mix of songs is ecclectic, and sort of off the beaten path from usual rock or pop albums. A few highlights:
Lilac Wine-a nice, slow song with a great melody, and punchy bass drum.
Hallelujah-the overused, yet still superb cover
Lover, You Should've Come Over-probably my favorite song on the ablum
Dream Brother-a cool, trippy song, with some ethereal echo dubbing

2. Best of Faces
Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood-awesome music. Some nice blues and some familiar favorites. Some of the songs aren't recorded that well, but overall some great stuff. Highlights:
1. Flying-good beat, melody and excellent drum work
2. Sweet Lady Mary-a great melody-Rod Stewart at his best IMO
3. Ooh Lah Lah-a great song, the original is by far the best (but I'm a sucker for anything w/ acoustic guitar)

3. Mark Knopfler-Sailing to Philadelphia
A lot of great music w/ a lot of the same stylistic qualities Russ mentioned regarding his new album. I like the guest duets on Sailing, especially The Last Laugh w/ Van Morrison, and the last two tracks are great, very moody, and excellent speaker demos.

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[TroyD]

Mike, the visual of your ass shakin' is really WAY more than I need..... :D

BDT

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[nellis8166]

Russ,
Have you ever seen Mark live??? I just saw him a couple of months back in Boston. Certainly one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. He played a version of "Telegraph Road" that still sends shivers up and down my spine just thinking about it.

[shack]

Motown: The Classic Years

Motown / UTV Records 159456

I rarely buy a "Greatest Hits" album by a single artist (I can only think of about a dozen in my entire collection) and this is the ONLY "Greatest Hits" I own by multiple artists. I bought this CD because I wanted some classic Motown without having to buy multiple CDs. This particular 2 CD album has 40 great Motown classics from the 60s and 70s including 23 #1 billboard R&B and/or Pop hits. After hearing this one I wish I had spent the $ for one of the comprehensive Motown Box Sets. As good as this CD is...it only scratches the surface of the body of work of Motown. Here is the list of tracks from the CD:

1 Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong
2 Shop Around - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
3 Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes
4 Do You Love Me - The Contours
5 You Beat Me to the Punch - Mary Wells and The Love Tones
6 Fingertips, Pt. 2 [live] - Stevie Wonder
7 (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave Martha & the Vandellas
8 My Guy - Mary Wells
9 Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes
10 Dancing in the Street - Martha & the Vandellas
11 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) - Marvin Gaye
12 My Girl - The Temptations
13 Shotgun - Junior Walker & the All-Stars
14 Stop! In the Name of Love - The Supremes
15 I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - The Four Tops
16 The Tracks of My Tears -The Miracles
17 Uptight (Everything's Alright) - Stevie Wonder
18 Going to a Go-Go - The Miracles
19 Ain't Too Proud to Beg The Temptations
20 What Becomes of the Brokenhearted - Jimmy Ruffin
21 You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes
22 Reach Out (I'll Be There) - The Four Tops
23 Jimmy Mack - Martha & the Vandellas
24 Your Precious Love - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
25 I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Gladys Knight & The Pips
26 I Heard It Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
27 My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) - David Ruffin
28 I Can't Get Next to You - The Temptations
29 I Want You Back - Jackson Five
30 Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross & the Supremes
31 Up the Ladder to the Roof - The Supremes
32 Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - The Temptations
33 Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder
34 It's a Shame - The Spinners
35 War - Edwin Starr
36 Tears of a Clown - Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
37 What's Going On Marvin Gaye
38 Smiling Faces Sometimes - Undisputed Truth
39 Papa Was a Rolling Stone - The Temptations
40 Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) - Gladys Knight & The Pips

I pulled this one off the rack tonight because last night I watched one of my favorite music DVDs...Standing In The Shadows of Motown...The Story of the Funk Brothers (A great DVD BTW) and I wanted to hear more from this talented group of musicians. All the Motown songs you KNOW are here. I could go through the list...but it is safe to say each cut is a good listen.


If this album won't get your ass shakin', your ass is broken!
Applies here as well! Hell...I want to get up and dance like Michael in his Jackson 5 days...and that's not a pretty sight... :o

Whoever mixed and remastered this CD should be commended. Sound quality is excellent considering the age of this music. Stereo separation is wonderful and on the SDAs the soundstage seems to be 30 ft wide. If you want to hear/own a collection of some of the best Motown of the era, you would be hard pressed to find one better than Motown: The Classic years http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[beardog03]

I said it once , I`ll say it again....

BlueMDPicker knows how to post..
He puts a way to actually find the music to listen to ,
and purchase..

Thanks man...my collection thanks you also...

You guys are all doing great actually...
This is the best way to get my musical learn on...

Russman, thanks for the thread...

Bear

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[nellis8166]

BlueMDPicker, this is totally off the subject but your two channel system is a work of freakin' art.

[BlueMDPicker]

Well, thanks so much!

[TroyD]

The Kinks - Word of Mouth

Arista LP

Yeah, yeah, yeah....'80's pop garbage. I know, I know....

I've always had a soft spot for the Kinks but there are a few Kinks tracks that I really like, Do it Again and Living on a Thin Line on this album are two that I dig. The rest is pure 80's fluff. One of the big problems I have with the Kinks is the recording on thier CD's is borderline unlistenable. The LP isn't a WHOLE lot better but Living on a Thin Line isn't the worst I've ever heard.

On the whole, for 50 cents for a minty LP, I can't complain.

BDT

[TroyD]

Mozart Symphonies 25,29,32 - Colin Davis & London Symphony Orchestra

LP - Philips PHS900-133

Another great find by Dave (DAGLJAM)......the recording on this LP is phenomenal. I've yet to be disappointed, in terms of recording, by a Philips LP. While everyone is scoffing up the Merc's and RCA LS (which they should)...there are a TON of great Philips recordings.

Now, the great part about this LP is Symphony #25. You don't see it that often recorded (or at least I don't) and it's one of my favorites. The only other copy of it that I have (where I heard it first) is on the Amadeus soundtrack. This version is far superior.

25 is very easy to listen to, listening to some classical music is like doing calculus homework, tiring. If you can find it, get it!

BDT

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[Jstas]

Pearl Jam -- Binaural

From Tower Records: http://www.towerrecords.com/product.aspx?pfid=1867549

Binaural
Pearl Jam
Format: Compact Disc (07464636652)
Release Date: May 16, 2000
Original release year: 2000
Label: Epic (USA)
Producer: Tchad Blake; Pearl Jam
Engineer: Matt Bayles
Guest Artists: Mitchell Froom
Stereo: Stereo
Studio/Live: Studio
Pieces in Set: 1
Catalog #: 63665
Desc: Performer

Pearl Jam: Eddie Vedder (vocals, guitar); Stone Gossard, Mike McCready (guitar); Jeff Ament (bass); Matt Cameron (drums).

Additional personnel: April Cameron (viola); Justine Foy (cello); Mitchell Froom (harmonium, keyboards); Pete Thomas, Wendy Melvoin (percussion).

Recorded at Studio Litho, Seattle, Washington.

"Grievance" was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Amidst predictable pre-fabricated teen sensations and saccharine-loaded pop, the sturdy severity that Pearl Jam embraces on its sixth studio album almost seems quaint and archaic. But this stubborn refusal to assimilate makes for some challenging, and eventually rewarding, listening.

Hearing Eddie Vedder bellow on the Who-like bashing of "Breakerfall," and the pounding "God's Dice," shows how much Bush's Gavin Rossdale and Creed's Scott Stapp looked to this San Diego native for inspiration. Former Soundgarden drummer and longtime friend Matt Cameron replaces the departed Jack Irons, and also composes the music for the choppy "Evacuation." Other non-Vedder contributions include the ethereal slide and glide of Stone Gossard's "Of The Girl," and the sparse poignancy of Jeff Ament's "Nothing As It Seems." About the only time Pearl Jam repeats itself is with "Thin Air" a mellow number that could pass as the sequel to the J. Frank Wilson hit "Last Kiss" that the band recorded for the 1999 Kosovar refugee benefit album NO BOUNDARIES. Oddest of all is "Soon Forget," a frothy number that finds Vedder doing a clenched teeth impression of Nick Drake, while making like Arthur Godfrey and accompanying himself on ukulele.


Editorial Reviews: Top
Rolling Stone (6/8/00, pp.117-8) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...A warts-and-all album...it comes across as part of an extended conversation among the band....delving into jumpy post-punk and somber meditations, tightly wound folk rock and turbulent, neopsychedelic rockers..."

Spin (7/00, p.149) - 7 out of 10 - "...[They] relax into rock's postures and refine them....Everything you want is still there - goofy experimentalism, guitar frenzy, Eddie's self-abusive wail. It's just more solid, more clear..."

Entertainment Weekly (5/19/00, p.74) - "...Features more vulnerability than anger in its probing words....featuring the most forceful riffs since their best work, VS..." - Rating: B+

Q (7/00, p.121) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Easy to listen to....When Pearl jam gel...it's close to special....Grunge may have died, but Pearl Jam it seems will never be slayed..."

Magnet (8-9/00, pp.86-7) - "...Near-brilliant...[they] are bravely going into the woods....jolts of psychological amphetamines [and] smoldering slabs of sonic complexity..."

CMJ (5/29/00, p.3) - "...The group delivers a well-rounded work of earthy rock....confidently vacillating between epic power rock, slower, and experimental spacious tracks....[proving] Pearl Jam is still capable of sheer brilliance..."

NME (5/13/00, p.33) - 9 out of 10 - "...It's a seething, furious album; a declamatory statement against cynicism and passivity and the simple injustices of everyday life....An object lesson in rock'n'roll from some true believers, [it] burns with the intensity and desperation of a last stand..."



Pearl Jam, love them or hate them, one can't deny that thier mastering is top notch and thier recordings are some of the best in quality on the market. I have all of the Pearl Jam albums but this one has always struck me as very different and more complex than the others. The same brooding, introspective and plain odd stylings of Pearl Jam are apparent but there are subtle nuances to the songs on this album that are like no other Pearl Jam album. Sometimes it can be hard to hear but they are there. Overall though, not thier best work musically but a solid performer worth a listen and a good example of the progression of "grunge rock" into the 21st century. Alot has changed since Nirvana and since the demise of Kurt Kobain, Pearl Jam has taken over top spot as the most influential band to alot of the more modern acts like the aforementioned Bush and Creed. This album is defintly worth a listen. Virtually none of the songs hit the top 100 on the Billboard charts eventhough "Greivance" was nominated for a Grammy. It's not very mainstream but I often find that with bands like this, the work they do that hits the mainstream is not thier best work. This album is worth a listen, especially if you have a set of SDA's at home. It's a quality recording from a band with talent in all aspects from writing/composing to performing and it doesn't fit the cookie cutter mold that seems to be churning out rock band after rock band after rock band that all sound and look the same. These guys are originals. They are the roots of "grunge rock" and influence pretty much all of the current offerings from rock today. Pick this album up, borrow it, whatever, just give it a listen.

[nellis8166]

Couldn't agree more Jstas...I've been a Pearl Jam nut since it all started. Nice post.

[sda2mike]

pink floyd...animals....dogs, actually......88.5 out of philly has been playing the top 885 albums as voted by their listeners....animals came in at #79 i think...if you don't have it buy it....if you don't like it, sell it :p i'm not good at album reviews...btw you can listen to the countdown at www.xpn.org
i listen all day at work :cool:

[bobman1235]

Agreed, Animals was one of the first albums I ever heard on vinyl (found it in my mom's record collection.) Fantastic album.

[sda2mike]

actually, it made it to #71, not #79...throughout the countdown the station has played 3 selections from each album...that's all but 1 minute short of the whole animals cd!...btw, the top 25 will play the whole albums!

[heiney9]

Everclear-Songs From an American Movie vol. 1: Learning To Smile
Capitol 97061 released Jul 11, 2000.

Reaching back for something fun that I haven’t listened to in awhile. This cd reminds of the sparkling catchy tunes of Cheap Trick, the simplicity and harmonies of the Beach Boys and the conceptual pace of the Grease soundtrack. It has some great power pop driven songs but some have a post-grunge edge which contrast nicely with the softer acoustic songs. Production is excellent and the whole “concept� flows nicely. Mostly, the songs are fun and full of energy that will lift up your spirit despite the deep lyrical content about meeting someone. Features a very charged cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl�, a pop friendly song called “AM Radio�. There is a Volume 2 that continues, with the story of divorce as Volume 1 is about the courtship. Don’t get me wrong this no sappy love song cd.

AllMusic Review:

If the two-part title weren't enough of a tip-off, let's make this clear: Songs From an American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How to Smile is a concept album, based on Everclear leader Art Alexakis' divorce. Many pop musicians have mined this territory before, but Alexakis pulls off an ingenious move by dividing his divorce album in two parts and two records, separating falling in love from the fallout. Learning How to Smile is the courtship album, painting a picture of when everything was wonderful. He goes back further than that, returning to his childhood, specifically the sparkling, catchy late-'60s and '70s pop that provided the soundtrack to his coming of age. It's all innocent, from the sounds and melodies to the aesthetic; at first, it's hard to tell that this music was made in the wake of a divorce. As the album unfolds, certain themes of regret, sadness, and longing run to the surface, but they're all coated in glittering pop melodies and big rock riffs that mask the emotions of the songs. And, make no mistake, Alexakis is digging deep into his psyche, especially at the end of the record as the romance begins to fall apart. What makes Learning How to Smile work -- and an album this ambitious could easily have collapsed under its own weight -- is that the songs are strong and smart and are given savvy productions that make them sound even smarter. Very few of Everclear's peers could have pulled off an album that skillfully balances such an arty concept with such strong, strikingly revealing songs. Songs From an American Movie, Vol. 1 is the band's best, most consistent effort to date -- and certainly whets the appetite for the sequel.



Everclear-Songs From An American Movie vol. 2: Good Times for a Bad Attitude
Capitol 95873 released Nov 21, 2000

This is fun in a different way. This cd continues with the conceptual idea, this time it’s about the break-up and associated feelings. It’s much edgier and has a grungier sound, and in some places is a full sonic assault like on the song All F**ked Up, than Vol. 1 which is much more pop orientated in its arrangements. These songs are angrier, heavier and sometimes use explicit lyrics to get the point across. Both are great listens but really contrast each other, much like our emotions would be, going from courtship to divorce and starting over.

AllMusic Review:

Everclear separated their double album into two different records, isolating the poppier songs (thematically, the courtship songs) onto the first album, leaving Songs From an American Movie, Vol. 2: Good Time for a Bad Attitude as the hard rock record (thematically, the divorce songs, or, as Art Alexakis puts it, "When It All Goes Wrong Again"). This may have concentrated their talents a little bit too much, but it does result in two pretty dynamic, effective records -- albums whose connections only become apparent through close listening, which is a compliment. If Good Time pales slightly to its predecessor, it's because it isn't as sonically varied as Vol. 1, even if it's still quite catchy. And this is the great thing about Everclear's advanced age, compared to their peers -- they not only have a greater musical reach, they are stronger craftsmen, not afraid to give their big riffs big melodies and pacing the record well, even if it winds up being heavy on hard rockers. Yes, sometimes they seem a little out of step -- the Spike character on "Babytalk" seemed just as out of date when Tom Petty wrote about him on 1986's Southern Accents -- but this is still a stronger post-grunge record than most, heavy on heavy rock, fine songcraft, and lyrics. If Alexakis occasionally delves into inadvertent misogyny, he balances it with sharp wit and warm humanity, plus fine riffs and melodies.

Enjoy the music

H9

[Ricardo]

Larry Carlton - Sapphire Blue

Bluebird - Release: 2004

http://www.bmgmusic.com/catalog/product/cd_detail.jhtml;jsessionid=PQHK1BZ1C4NHACTI0UWSFFA ?productId=56291

Review:
Larry Carlton may not have been issuing records in the United States with any regularity, but "Sapphire Blue" proves he hasn't been sitting on his hands, either. It's Carlton's first blues-oriented album in many years. Featuring a large band with a complete horn section, Reese Wynans on B-3, Matt Rollings on Rhodes piano, Terry McMillan on piano, and others, Carlton is in fine, even understated form here. This group plays like a band with a soloist at its center, not like a bunch of paid hacks backing up a guitar whiz. Witness the gorgeous horn charts by Jim Horn on "Friday Night Shuffle," and the triple melody line in "A Pair Of Kings." The laid-back, jazzy blues feel of "Night Sweats," with a memorable groove and minimal horn punctuations, leaves Carlton's guitar room to jam inside a warm space. The title track is a B.B. King-style groover -- Ã* la 1970 -- with a stinging, slightly distorted guitar sound from Carlton. This isn't the blues, it is blues, played soulfully and with considerable musicianship that forgoes flash for feeling, albeit muted by pristine production. Carlton's fans may puzzle over this one a bit because of its concentration on aesthetic beauty and relative purity, but those who weren't paying attention should sit up and take notice. [The China import features the bonus track "335."] ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

[shack]

Just a thought...and you guys can do whatever you want. I could really care less about the All Music or other editorial reviews. I can find that stuff any time with a few keystrokes. I've read lots and lots of music reviews and they can be helpful...but then again they are by "Music Reviewers/Writers". I am interested in YOUR thoughts....not what you can cut and paste.

Again it's just my opinion...and others may want to see the "editorial reveiws". If so carry on...

[heiney9]

Just a thought...and you guys can do whatever you want. I could really care less about the All Music or other editorial reviews. I can find that stuff any time with a few keystrokes. I've read lots and lots of music reviews and they can be helpful...but then again they are by "Music Reviewers/Writers". I am interested in YOUR thoughts....not what you can cut and paste.

Again it's just my opinion...and others may want to see the "editorial reveiws". If so carry on...

I try to do a bit of both.....some people are lazy ya know :D . To me this thread is more about the discovery of good music and it's a nice 1 stop thread. Get a little input from me...and a little input from a review. Mostly I concur with the review and if I didn't I would paste it. That's the way I look at it anyways :).

[MacLeod]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000C506H.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Ive been digging Nightwish for a while now. They are a Sweedish (or Finnish) band and are kind or a throwback to the 80's heavy metal. They all have long hair, wear spandex and have great guitar solos. All the musicians are extremely talented and highly skilled.

Their songs are very heavy but also very melodic. They have a keyboardist but he doesnt use that lame ass keyboard sound. Most of his mix is violins, cellos and other string instruments and when mixed with the heavy ass guitar sound great.

The singer is a classically trained chick. She has an amazing voice and hearing it with the heavy guitars and slamming drums is awesome!

This isnt their newest album but its about my favorite. If youre into the 80's type heavy metal and would like a little something different, you should definitely check them out.

Here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002ZYE1Y/qid=1129266958/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-7064295-6419122?v=glance&s=music) is a link to the CD now page with their newest CD on there. This is the only one that has samples you can listen to.

[TroyD]

Just a thought...and you guys can do whatever you want. I could really care less about the All Music or other editorial reviews. I can find that stuff any time with a few keystrokes. I've read lots and lots of music reviews and they can be helpful...but then again they are by "Music Reviewers/Writers". I am interested in YOUR thoughts....not what you can cut and paste.

Again it's just my opinion...and others may want to see the "editorial reveiws". If so carry on...

+1

BDT

[SWFalken]

Joy Division - Substance 1977-1980 This is a really good representation of their catalog. The music, while sometimes inconsistent is not as dark and gloomy as it first appears. Joy Division can be a little hard to get into because they dont' make the most melodic music in the world but they do reward critical listening with skillful and intelligent playing. I can't really comment too much about the recordings original quality because the copy that I have is college radio station promo copy vinyl and it's been played to death.

David Bowie - Young Americans I like David Bowie alot. Considering that it was recorded in 1975 it does have that overproduced sound that was prevalent in recordings of the era. That said it is still an very listenable album with alot of emotion and stylistic variation.

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Ella and Louis Together Again Still the most amazing duets ever commited to record. Her perfect pitch smoothness and his plumbing the depths lowness were just so right together. Best song on the disk, Autumn in New York, close your eyes and you are there on a bench in the park and it is good.

Robbie Robertson - Robbie Robertson Just a great album. He collaborates with U2 on a couple of tracks and the result is very good. The best song on the album however is Broken Arrow. This is the original version of the song that he wrote, not that pathetic bastardization of a recording that Rod Stewart made in the 90's. Roberstson's version actually has some heartfelt emotion behind it and as such it has a much greater emotional impact. The music on this album was recorded and mixed very well.

[lanion]

Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die.

If you have a bone in your body that likes folk music, buy this CD now. The recording job is awesome, so the CD sounds fantastic, plus the music is the best folk I have heard in a long time. It sort of does to Bluegrass what Loreena Mckennitt does for Celtic. It is traditional, but has some modern elements. A great cd.
_______________________________

Pelican - The Fire in our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw

Coolest album name ever for one. I couldn't find the CD so got it off itunes for about $7, so I can't say much about the sound quality of the CD, but from the AAC file I'm listening to I think its safe to say it's about average. Anyway, this CD is all rock instrumental music with no vocals. It's kind of like Pink Floyd's CD Meddle (like Echoes, One of these days). Music goes from pretty heavy guitar riffs with drums and all that to solo accoustic guitar, so it is fairly dynamic. It is pretty well down and can stand up to some decently critical listening at times, so I recommend it.

[lanion]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000C506H.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg



Hahaha these guys are awesome. Started laughing when I heard the first the sample of Dark Chest of Wonder though, kind of like when I first heard Rammstein. It sounds good, just a bit over the top. Will probobly check it out.

[MacLeod]

Nemo is the best track on that album.

[lanion]

I just ordered a copy of Once by Nightwish, thanks for the recommendation. :D

[MacLeod]

My pleasure!

Check out the rest of their stuff. Once is their best CD yet but the others are damn good as well (if you can find them).

[Jstas]

Stevie Wonder - Song Review: A Greatest Hits Collection

http://www.towerrecords.com/product.aspx?pfid=1204537

Personnel includes: Stevie Wonder (vocals, harmonica, piano); Paul McCartney (vocals); Michael Jackson, Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Jamil Raheem, Betty Wright, Kurt Carr Singers (background vocals).

Producers: Stevie Wonder, Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul, William "Mickey" Stevenson, George Martin.

Includes liner notes by Daniel Levitin.

In 1961, discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles, he was signed by Berry Gordy of Motown Records. His voice broke in 1964 but he re-emerged in 1965 with a worldwide hit, 'Uptight (Everything's Alright)'. His contract expired in 1971 and Wonder financed two experimental albums, playing almost all instruments. He pioneered the synthesizer's use in black music, and addressed racial and spiritual questions. Where I'm Coming From and Music Of My Mind put him at the forefront of black music. Talking Book (1972) provided hits with 'Superstition' and 'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life'. Innervisions (1973) consolidated his success while Talking Book gave the hits, 'Living For The City' and 'Higher Ground'. Songs In The Key Of Life (1976), perhaps his most ambitious album, displayed musical virtuosity. The highly successful Hotter Than July (1980) included a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, 'Happy Birthday', and a study in reggae, 'Masterblaster (Jamming)'. After Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I (1982), Wonder composed The Woman In Red (1984). It included his biggest-selling single, 'I Just Called To Say I Love You'. In Square Circle (1985) and Characters (1987) returned to accessible melody. Wonder's image as a statesman of black music, and champion of black rights, was boosted by his successful campaign in the 80s to mark the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King with a national holiday.



What can I say? It's Stevie Wonder. Long considered a musical genius he has a career that is still going strong after more than 40 years. This album is a 2 disc set and it pretty much showcases all the songs from Stevie that you have heard enough to know the words to. The recordings are rematsered from original tracks and they end up being sparklingly clear and vibrant. The music itself is catchy and very well done, the mark of a true talent. On top of that, you can hear these songs every day for a month, get completely sick of hearing them and put the album away for a month. In another month, you'll be listening to them again! If you have any Stevie Wonder albums in your collection already then this album probably covers them. The difference is that the records are so well done in the mastering stage that it's like you are listening to the song for the first time all over again.

I'd comment about Stevie Wonder himself but there really isn't anything to say that hasn't been said millions of times before. You don't have to like him, you don't have to hate him but you can't help but respect him.

[mldennison]

Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die.

If you have a bone in your body that likes folk music, buy this CD now. The recording job is awesome, so the CD sounds fantastic, plus the music is the best folk I have heard in a long time. It sort of does to Bluegrass what Loreena Mckennitt does for Celtic. It is traditional, but has some modern elements. A great cd.

have you listened to their other discs? i loved the first but was so put off by the second that i have not listened to them in quite a while. hopefully this one is better, maybe i will have to check them out again.

[John K.]

For someone interested in learning the Dvorak symphonies the complete set of nine conducted by Suitner has been probably the best buy recently. Formerly sold as single discs at full-price, they've been re-compiled into a five disc box listing for about $20, which is quite a good buy, but I just noticed that J&R (http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4042964)is offering it at a remarkable bargain price(they also have a $5.99 sale on many excellent Naxos discs).

These are fine performances in fine sound, generally comparable to any available. Along with his Slavonic Dances and Cello Concerto the 7th, 8th and 9th(New World)symphonies are essentials for a collection. The earlier symphonies aren't quite as distinguished, but certainly have many enjoyable moments and are well-worth having, especially when they're practically included for free. My favorite in the set is a wonderfully rhythmic performance of the 8th, with the 4th and 6th also getting exceptional readings. None are less than very acceptable, however, and this is a remarkably inexpensive way to own this great music.

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[BlueMDPicker]

....

[PolknPepsi]

Walter Trout?
I'll have to keep an eye out for him and a few others posted here.

I quite often listen to Acoustic Alchemy....something about the steady guitar playing without vocals are what I like best. My speakers image best with vocals..blah, and guitar music. When the music is floating in between the speakers it's fascinating.

[Billm57]

Can - Future Days

[sda2mike]

allman bros......live at fillmore east
in memory of elizabeth reed

no review required :cool:

dickey betts will be at the 'garlic festival' this sunday in delray beach, fl
little feat will be there friday
should be a blast! :)

[aaharvel]

Dan Fogelberg Live: Greetings From The West

What can I say about this guy that's not been said already. One of the best singer/songwriters ever. He performs LIVE just as good if not better than in a studio. Not many artists can claim that; The Eagles/Don Henley come to mind. Fogelburg was huge in the 70's/80's. Up there with John Denver and James Taylor imo in rewriting the Singer/Songwriter genre in America. 'Leader Of The Band' is a part of American music culture.

Some of the selections are weak, but the ones that are good more than make up for it.
Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000283N/ref=ase_theclassicrockco/002-5416935-0044009?v=glance&s=music

[Danny Tse]

Toto - The Seventh One

This is an album from the late 80s and featured the single "Pamela". I think most people stop paying attention to the group after "Africa" and "Rosanna", but the group is still together (new album coming out February 2006). This is one of the last Toto album featuring the late Jeff Porcaro on drums and Joseph Williams (son of movie composer John Williams) as lead vocalist. Excellent performance throughout from the band, plus guest appearances by Jon Anderson of Yes, Patty Austin, Linda Ronstadt, Andy Narell (on steel drums) and David Lindley (on lap steel). There are rockers and, of course, ballads with female names such as the forementioned "Pamela" and "Anna". Steve Lukather is surely one of the most underrated guitar players around and Jeff Porcaro was in top form. Digitally recorded but never remastered, the sound quality could be improved. However, it's the performances that shine. I am not sure whether it's out-of-print, but I highly recommended this CD.

[Tour2ma]

The thread on a possible Genesis reunion got me thinking about...

The Tubes (self titled) (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:o7jleaz04xd7)

Bay Area Glam/ Performance Rock produced by Al Kooper. Not rock solid through and through, but the trio of "Mondo Bondage", "What do You Want from Life" and "White Punks on Dope" were worth the price of admission to me.

And I love the album cover...
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drg600/g663/g66382bm0s5.jpg

[hydrobud]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y224/hydrobud/B0009NSE1K.jpg

[PolkThug]

My Head's in Mississippi - ZZTop

[-justin-]

Let's keep on topic, no need to fuel the fire.

~JB

[sda2mike]

I never really noted what came out.
Here's an hour's worth :D
artist song album
george benson....so this is love?.... breezin'

tchaikovsky .... track #23.... sleeping beauty - russian natl orch

bob marley.... don't rock my boat .... satisfy my soul

bb king.... gotta be a change.... box set

the who.... i don't even know myself ....who's next

zappa.... wind up working in a gas station....zoot allures

bob marley.... one love.... legend

george benson....i got a woman .... i got a woman & some blues

elton john..... whole lotta shakin' .... good rockin tonight collection

bach.... track #7.... sonates en trio lond. symph

pink floyd..... on the turning away.... prism 9-19-87 bootleg

keith richards.... it means a lot.... talk is cheap

van morrison.... not supposed to break down....the philosopher's stone

pink floyd.... careful w that axe, eugene....relics

variety is the spice o' life :D

[Jstas]

Stone Temple Pilots -- Purple

Release Date: June 7, 1994
Original release year: 1994
Label: Atlantic (USA)
Producer: Brendan O'Brien
Engineer: Brendan O'Brien; Nick DiDia
Guest Artists: Paul Leary
Stereo: Stereo
Studio/Live: Studio
Pieces in Set: 1
Catalog #: 82607
Desc: Performer

Product Notes: Top
Stone Temple Pilots: Scott Weiland (vocals, guitar, percussion); Dean DeLeo (electric & acoustic guitar, percussion, drums); Robert DeLeo (bass, guitar, percussion); Eric Kretz (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Paul Leary (guitar); Brendan O'Brien (percussion, guitar, mellotron).

Recorded at Southern Tracks, The Record Plant, Paisley Park and Harptone Studios between May 1993 and March 1994.

PURPLE includes "12 Gracious Melodies," an uncredited hidden track at the end of the record.

Stone Temple Pilots' second album, PURPLE, meshes guitar rock with grunge, and forges deeper into hard rock territory. Lurching out of the speakers with aggressive bottom-heavy rock, PURPLE is an example of what brought guitar-oriented rock back into the spotlight in the nineties. The 5 songs are driving, stripped to the basics of guitar, bass, and drums. PURPLE exemplifies straight ahead rock.

Embracing styles from grunge to late-1960s hard rock, Stone Temple Pilots are a band accomplished at writing abrasive rock songs, but aren't afraid of quieter acoustic melodies. The album starts with the menacing "Meat Plow," with the lyrics, "Fine place for a day full of breakdowns," leaving the listener to wonder if PURPLE is an analogy to a bruise. But as the bruise begins to fade, so does STP's over-wrought aggression. "Interstate Love Song" shows their sensitive side both lyrically and musically, and Scott Weiland's vocals are pushed beyond his hard rock growl into a near-sensitive croon.

What makes Stone Temple Pilots click is their ability to write basic, riff-heavy guitar rock. PURPLE finds Stone Temple Pilots comfortable in their hard-rock medium, but also willing to take the chance on their softer side.

© Muze/MTS Inc.
Editorial Reviews: Top
Rolling Stone (7/94, p.106) - 3 Stars - Good - "...[Stone Temple Pilots] play arena rock in the tradition of long hair and pot smoke. There is nothing grungy or alternative about STP's palatable suburban riffs..."

Spin (7/94, p.68) - "...Stone Temple Pilot's clumsiness is itself a sign of life, a sign that there's still more weird energy in heaven and Earth than is dreamt of in Punk Rock 101..."

NME (6/11/94, p.34) - 3 - Average - "...Stone Temple Pilots throw every influence from Traffic to Hawkwind in the pot and finally come up with something good..."




This was thier 2nd album and probably thier most popular with 4 of the 12 songs hitting the charts. It is, arguably, Scott Weiland's best work and that includes the current Velvet Revolver work. However, this album was made when Scott's drug problems started becoming an issue. The next album manifests the drug problems and the 4th album suffers from it. However, this 2nd album shines for not only the technical accuracy but also the creative direction that took grunge to a level beyond a fad. Stone Temple Pilots wer easily one of the best bands to hit the charts in the 90's and this is the best exampel of thier work. The talented musicians suffered due to Scott's antics but it does make for an incredible experience. Production value is top notch too. It is especially apparent on SDA's because the sound stage full of support instruments is wide and deep until that growling lead guitar comes in, front and center and in your face! Depending on the song, Scott is singing just to the left, just to the right or dead center and on some of the tracks he is just haunting.

No matter how you look at it, this album has impact in many ways. When it came out, it shook the rock world and was the biggest reason outside of Nirvana that people in the rock world sat up and took notice of grunge rock. This album was a coming of age for that "Seattle Sound" and just furthered the success of similar bands and bands that brought grunge rock to the mainstream. The band's life was short lived and last I heard, the reason they broke up was because Scott Weiland couldn't get clean and stay clean. In that short life though, they made a tremendous impact and produced 4 excellent albums plus a Greatest Hits album. All of them are worth owning but the album Purple is at the top of list as an example of thier best work.

http://www.towerrecords.com/product.aspx?pfid=1054085

http://art.towerrecords.com/coverart.asp?S=1054085&X=178&Y=178

[audiobliss]

What'd I miss here? Why'd bluemdpicker erase all his posts?

Thanks everyone for the reviews. I've taken note of several to look into.

[audiobliss]

Bruce Hornsby - Here Come the Noise Makers

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/dre300/e325/e32520oa4ma.jpg

RCA Records - 69308



Bruce Hornsby was 32 when "That's the Way It Is" hit number one and made him a star in the winter of 1986-1987, and he has used that stardom differently from the way a 22-year-old might have. You might say he's deliberately dismantled his popularity, gradually dispensing with the Range, the backing band he used to bill on his records, and with his brother John, who used to write his lyrics, while making progressively less song-oriented records that have traced a steadily declining sales curve to the point that his sixth album, the 1998 double-CD Spirit Trail, spent only two weeks in the charts. Or you might say he's used his popularity, spending it on musical legitimacy by turning away from pop music, indulging in side projects such as his part-time membership in the Grateful Dead. Here Come the Noise Makers, a two-CD live album drawn from concerts in 1998-2000, is, he says, a gift to "our fans, our true fans," which is to say those who have stuck with him. His gift includes renditions of his biggest hits, "That's the Way It Is," "Mandolin Rain," and "The Valley Road," as well as hits he wrote, "Jacob's Ladder" and "The End of the Innocence," embedded in lengthy arrangements with lots of invocations of his musical influences -- the Dead, George Gershwin, Samuel Barber, Bill Evans, Bud Powell, and Bob Dylan among them. Hornsby is determined to create a hybrid style that encompasses rock, jazz, and classical music within a jam band mentality. If he doesn't succeed, it may be because there aren't enough "true fans" out there to follow him, or it may be because he is so impressed with his own showoff-ish virtuosity that he hasn't bothered to write music compelling enough to support his goals.

When I bought this CD, the only contact I had previously had with Bruce Hornsby's work was on the radio (soley The Way It Is and The End of the Innocence) and Dad's Big Mon: The Songs of Bill Monroe CD (a tribute to the man arranged by Ricky Skaggs and filled with great artists - a great CD to own) - Darlin' Corey. That song could easily be my favorite song of all time. So, I didn't know much at all about Bruce Hornsby, but I liked what I had heard from him.

When I listened to the CD, I was quite disappointed. I was expecting those great hits The Way It Is and The End of the Innocence just like I had heard them on the radio, but they were different. To me it seemed as though they had lost all their 'oomph'; I had no desire to listen to them. As a result I put the album away for a while.

Thank goodness, though, I took it back out and gave it another listen after a whle. I'm glad I did! I learned to stop expecting those songs I had heard on the radio, and instead anticipated a remarkable display of talent expressed through the piano - an instrument I'm partial to since I play it. When I did this, I really was amazed and thrilled. Some of the passages are a little busy and admittedly get on my nerves a bit, but overall this album has a great live, relaxed atmosphere, at every turn there's a great stretch of Hornsby tearing up the piano.

I really can sit down and listen to both CD's all the way through, so it's hard to pick favorite tracks, but I'd have to say I really like the first track The Great Divide, The Road Not Taken, and Mandolin Rain. But as I said, each track is just awesome, and the shortest one is 4:22, the longest 12:30, and the average length is 7:33.

I highly recommend this album!!




I also just finished listening to Mark Knopfler - Ragpicker's Dream, which Russ did a write-up for on the first page.

[aaharvel]

Annie Lennox's Bare.
Just bought it. Unfortunately the high-res version was completely sold out. :rolleyes:

i'll post some comments about her later- so far it's very good.

[audiobliss]

Jewel - This Way

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drf000/f017/f017593wrwh.jpg

Release Date: 11/13/2001
Label: Atlantic
Catalog # 83519


Jewel came dangerously close to drowning in her own solemnity and good intentions with her second album, so it comes as a great relief that This Way, her third effort, finds her lightening up and sharpening her focus, creating an album that never feels as somber or polished as Spirit. In fact, it's her first genuine step forward, since it finds her enhancing the latent folk and country influences in her music, attempting to add grit to her songs and performances, while retaining the pop sense of Pieces of You's studiocraft that made Spirit a more sonically satisfying record than her debut. Consequently, this is probably the best record she has cut to date, even if she still is very quick to indulge in silly, naïve lyrics (it's not just her save-the-world sentiments -- who on god's green earth has pictures of Randy Newman strewn across the floor?). Nevertheless, Jewel sounds looser, more comfortable than she ever has, and the music matches her attitude. The same problems may still remain, but her strengths have been enhanced and, at its best, This Way offers some fine, sweet adult alternative folk-pop -- maybe it has some dull stretches, and maybe she still takes herself a bit too seriously, but it's a classy adult pop record all the same.

I thought I'd pull this CD out and give it a listen again as it's been a while. I can't exactly say as Jewel is my style, or that I'm particularly fond of her work or this CD, but there certainly are a few intriguing tracks on this CD and one that I do like.

The first track, Standing Still, is my favorite. I guess it's a bit 'tame' in comparison to the others, and is thus why I like it. The message, music, voice all work together here to produce something (probably some would call bland) that I like.

Mostly from there on out it's songs I don't really like, but just about every one of them is, umm, 'ineteresting'. I guess most would say she's witty and clever in a lot of her lyrics, but since the message in about all of the songs conflicts with my beliefs, I would disagree.

However, the arrangement and musical accompaniment (shoot, even her voice) is so different and out of the ordinary (at least to me) that it's worth listening to every now and then.

Though it's been a while since I've listened to it, I can remember that Serve the Ego is very interesting (in the immediately aforementioned aspects).

That's about all I can think of in regards to this CD before I listen to it again. I sure do feel stupid putting down my thoughts about this stuff...like, who in the world wants to know my thoughts? Anyhoo...there they are...

[Shizelbs]

Nelly - Grillz

[danger boy]

Howie Day - Stop All The World Now.

I think this has been out for a while now.. but I was in Target today trolling for some music.. and ran across this for $9.99

this one is the limited edition with 4 bonus tracks.. two of which are acoustic.

I dig acoustic music. I find that while playing acoustic most singer can't hide behind dubs, remixes, and things like that.. if they can't sing. it's gonna come out loud and clear. Well, luckily Howie Day can sing.

Very happy with this purchase.

Oh yeah. it sounds very good on the SRS's. ;)

[swerve]

DJ Shadow - The Private Press
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drf200/f268/f26864hv7de.jpg
Allmusic.com - Review by John Bush


Five years on from his breakout Endtroducing..., hip-hop's reigning recluse showed he still had plenty of tricks up his sleeve -- as well as many more rare grooves left for sampling. Shadow had kept a low recording profile during past years, putting out only a few mix sets alongside a pair of collaborations (Psyence Fiction by U.N.K.L.E. and Quannum Spectrum). That lack of product actually helps The Private Press display just how good a producer he is; the depth of his production sense and the breadth of his stylistic palette prove just as astonishing the second time out. His style is definitely still recognizable, right from the start; "Fixed Income" and "Giving Up the Ghost" carefully layer wistful-sounding string arrangements overtop cavernous David Axelrod breaks (the latter a bit reminiscent of "Midnight in a Perfect World" from Endtroducing...). From there, though, DJ Shadow seldom treads the same path twice, switching from strutting disco breaks ("Walkie Talkie") to melancholy '60s pop that sounds like the second coming of Procol Harum ("Six Days"). "Right Thing/GDMFSOB" is pure breakers revenge, boasting accelerating, echoey electro breakbeats and enough confidence to recycle Leonard Nimoy's "pure energy" sample and make it work. Later, Shadow turns to pure aggro for the hilarious road-rage comedy of "Mashin' on the Motorway" (with Lateef the Truth Speaker behind the wheel), then summons the conceptual calm of a David Axelrod classic on the very next track with solo piano and a vocal repeating Bible text. Fans may have grown impatient waiting almost six years for the second DJ Shadow LP, but a classic like The Private Press could last at least that long, and maybe longer. [Initially, most copies of The Private Press on sale in America included a track available for download as a bonus.]

[keith allen]

Im in some Bluegrass right now,is there anything better than good ole "Rocky Top"....Rocky Top Tennessee

[Billm57]

Above - Mad Season

[RuSsMaN]

Van Halen's "1984" is arguably the best and most defining rock release of the '80s. Eddie Van Halen's guest appearance on Michael Jackson's massive 1983 hit "Beat It" introduced VH to the pop audience, which the band attracted in droves with this expertly crafted set of hard rock with pop leanings, not to mention its imaginative accompanying videos. Musically, "1984" was a gamble that paid off massively -- Eddie Van Halen was finally given the green light by his bandmates to incorporate keyboards into their sonic palette, resulting in the number one single "Jump" and the almost new wave-ish Top 15 love song "I'Ll Wait." But wisely, the keyboards weren't overpowering, and all of the other selections were typical VH hard-rocking heavies -- the perennial radio favorites "Hot For Teacher" and "Panama," as well as the highly underrated album tracks "Top Jimmy," "Drop Dead Legs," "Girl Gone Bad," and "House Of Pain." While the strong and instantly memorable songs were obviously the main ingredient for the album's success, a string of imaginative and humorous videos really introduced the band to a whole new audience (the hilarious clip for "Hot For Teacher" has to be one of the all-time best). "1984" also opened up the floodgates for many faceless, identical pop-metal bands (something VH was the complete opposite of), who suddenly realized that adding synths to heavy metal could increase their chances of commercial success. Still, it didn't tarnish the fact that "1984" is a timeless hard rock masterpiece, which eventually sold a staggering ten million copies. Unfortunately, the album would be the last Van Halen recording to feature David Lee Roth, who surprisingly left in 1985 at the height of the band's popularity. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide

The last offering from Van Halen, as the true fans know it. Diamond Dave, Eddie, Alex - and that fat dude that played bass, in their absolute finest, rare form. The remastering is substantial, this is a VERY polished recording. I'd put it right up there with Nivana's Nevermind. EXTREMELY well done. Low noise, and it appears that someone paid attention to phase at all frequencies. A great stereo experience, with a ton of dynamic range.

From the gradual intro of '1984', right into 'Jump' and 'Panama' - I dare you to keep a straight face, much less resist banging your head and running around the room playing air guitar or trying to mimic Roth's famous high kicks - when you pop this 5 inch HDCD into your transport.

Drop Dead Legs is hard hitting, pure rock and roll bliss. It was my 7th grade year, and oh, sweet sweet clean Amy Smith. The images and memories this songs congures up, give me that feeling that all of the sudden everything is right with the world.

You need this disc in your collection.

Warner Remasters HDCD
Van Halen - 1984
Warner Bros. 9 47741-2


Cheers,
Russ

[George Grand]

Jimmy Dean made better records.

[heiney9]

Decided to raid the cd racks tonight. I have many many cd's that don't get much play (ie; not in my regular rotation).

Curve-Come Clean-released in 1997. Very similar to the group Garbage. They were popular around this time. The songs on this cd are produced by Flood, Tim Simenon and Alan Moulder. These were highly sought after producers in the late 80's and 90's for the Alternative type of industrial tinged synth style of music. I doubt there is a real instrument (guitar is real) on this cd as it's pretty industrial and almost all synth and noise driven programming. The singer sounds eeriely like Shirley Manson from Garbage. This is a euro duo that was riding the wave of success from bands like Garbage and Prodigy among others of that time. It's strangely hypnotic and energizing at the same time. Slow electronic groove, just the right combo of dark guitar noise and airy melodies.

Liking all types of music is my style and while this doesn't get heavy play it's very enjoyable to go back in time a bit to experience some old music I used to listen to. I encourage all to have as wide an interest in all types of music as is possible. Don't be afraid to experiment and get out of the rut once in awhile.

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drd100/d198/d1983265uw6.jpg

[TroyD]

Jimmy Dean made better records.


VINTAGE George Grand.

BDT

[RuSsMaN]

Wordsmith, of the highest order. I'd love to see it in a review here, can you imagine? Victory at Sea maybe? THAT would be a good read.

Back on track.

[dorokusai]

Anything with Mark Lanegan (http://www.marklanegan.com). He's the former lead singer and founding member, of the now defunct Screaming Trees, if anyone remembers them. He was also a member of Queens of the Stone Age, first album...as was Dave Grohl.

BillM57 - Nice call on that Mad Season album.... Mark + Layne Staley(Alice in Chains), Mike McCready(Pearl Jam) and Barrett Martin(Screaming Trees).

The ST years are more Seattle-ish while the ML stuff is alot slower, darker and introspective. His voice, DEFINES male vocal, HEAVY midrange representation for demo's...always good to have handy. Bubblegum(NEW) - Track 4 - Methamphetamine Blues, is a really cool demo.

My suggestion for the interested would be, Mark Lanegan - Whiskey for the Ghost. If you don't dig that album, then it's just not for you.

[Billm57]

I had not heard anything by Screaming Trees until just recently but had Mad Season since its release..go figure :)

In the cd player today...
Agitation Free - At The Cliffs Of The River Rhine

[TroyD]

Beethoven's 5th

Everyone knows it, everyone has heard it. So had I until I listened to the version by Herbert Vnn Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic. It's a Deustche Grammophon (2531105) LP pressing.

IMHO, THE performance of the 5th to own. Reiner? Dorati? Chumps. THIS is the one to own and listen to. Throw the others in the trash. I really don't know what else to say other than it's superior in terms of recording (secondary) and performance (primary) than any other version I've heard.

BDT

[Billm57]

Gentle Giant - Aquiring The Taste

[seo]

George Winston - Linus & Lucy: The Music Of Vince Guaraldi :D

[seo]

Anything with Mark Lanegan (http://www.marklanegan.com). He's the former lead singer and founding member, of the now defunct Screaming Trees, if anyone remembers them. He was also a member of Queens of the Stone Age, first album...as was Dave Grohl.



Great under rated Seattle (actually Ellensburg I think) band. Also good but not so well known from Seattle, the Fastbacks and The Young Fresh Fellows.

[Tour2ma]

Beethoven's 5th
Deustche Grammophon (2531105) LP pressing.

IMHO, THE performance of the 5th to own. Reiner? Dorati? Chumps. THIS is the one to own and listen to.This year I need to bring my vintage George Szell and the CSO to PTF-II...

[TroyD]

Joe Bonamasa - So It's Like That

GD RIGHT it is.

Man, I LOVE this disc. I hope the neighbors have enjoyed as much as I have because today, the music is LOUD.

The AR-9's are getting a WORKOUT.

Seriously, this is a sleeper GREAT disc for the bluesy rock crowd. See my review of it in the Polk Paper a few issues ago...

BDT

[zombie boy 2000]

Senor Smoke -- Electric Six
(these guys have to be seen to be believed -- best rock show i've been too in a long, long time)
and my god, Stop Making Sense (the Talking Heads) makes my system sound so, so nice...
the remastered version of this masterpiece is a testament to how good a live-recording can really sound if done right

[Nicjedi]

talk about getting your groove on. Had some people over tonight and pulled this out. Haven't listened to it in a very long time.

red hot chili peppers-blood sugar sex magik

1991-warner brothers-produced by rick rubin

in a few words...infectious groovy sweaty funk that puts a big grin on your face :cool: The band went through a lot of personnel changes and battles with drug addiction by more than one member. Having rick rubin at the helm certainly helped to keep the band focused. Some of their earlier stuff had flashes of greatness but in the end turned out to be a bit to disjointed and ragged, imo. Another thing that makes this a great listen are the different moments of emotion conveyed in some of the songs, going from hard core sex drenched lyrics to well meaning ballads. Just the right mix. I need to add this to my regular rotation now that i re-discovered this gem.

notes from cdnow:

red hot chili peppers: Anthony kiedis (vocals); john frusciante (guitar); flea (bass); chad smith (drums). Additional personnel includes: Brendan o'brien (melltron); pete weiss (jew's harp); gail frusciante (background vocals). With bloodsugarsexmagik the chilis produced the defining moment of funk rock and the high point of their career. Raunchy and explicit from the first, the lyrical content was not for the easily offended and frequently strayed into misogyny. Musically, it straddled metal and funk with ease; in addition to the stomping, infectious rockers ("give it away," "the power of equality") and the downright funky ("mellowship slinky," "apache rose peacock"), all underpinned by flea's virtuosic but unselfish basslines, the band also showed themselves capable of writing surprisingly melodic ballads ("breaking the girl," "under the bridge")

certified 7 x platinum by the riaa featuring 'under the bridge', 'breaking girl', 'funky munks', 'suck my kiss', and 'give it away'. 1991 release produced by rick rubin.

another must have for every collection. Enjoy the music....it's what makes life worth living sometimes ;)

h9

i love red hot chili peppers great album!

[Bababouey]

A great new album to check out..
Widepsread Panic.. Dirty Side Down

[PrazVT]

Bob Dylan - Slow Train Coming

http://images2.wax.fm/bob_dylan_slow_train_coming-CBS86095-1266590887.jpeg