| Author | Message | ||
     kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1526 Registered: 05-2005 |
Von Sudenfed - Tromatic Reflexxions. This is as brilliant as I thought it would be. Mark E Smith barking over the electro soundscapes of German duo Mouse On Mars. Will probably be my most played album of the year, time will tell if it will be the years best album for me. The Clientele - God Save The Clientele. Spence you are going to love this. It takes the template of Strange Geometry and expands on it , lots of breezy pop songs with orchestral flourishes, a few songs even have pedal steel just to top it off. The Scars - Author! Author!. I see this has just been re released in expnaded form, noticed a 5 star review in Record Collector. My 10 track vinyl will suffice for the moment. Did this post punk/pop masterpiece from these Scottish mavericks ever make it over the pond? I am guessing Hugh and Andrew from this board will own it and rate it as much as me? Githead - Profile. A friend tipped me off to the latest project from Colin Newman of Wire. Sounds pretty similar to the reformed 80s Wire, a bit like A Bell Is A Cup. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1527 Registered: 05-2005 |
Spence, what do you know about the Paul Haig album "Electronic Audience"? Cant find much info when I "google" it, apart from it comes out in June 2007. However, Napster have it already so I am gonna download it. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1528 Registered: 05-2005 |
Spence, found this at the ROL website - no real detail, pretty vague although there are a few sample tracks from the album to listen to. http://www.rolinc.co.uk/rolpromo.html As I said, I have downloaded the album from Napster - Initially I thought this was a live album, because when the title track kicked off the album there was audience applause. But its not a live album, its a fairly dance orientated album, all electronic- no guitars. I'm guessing he does it all himself, there doesnt appear to be any live instrumentation and it all seems done on computer(pro tools?), although I have only heard this once so far. | ||
| Hugh Nimmo Member Username: Hugh_nimmo Post Number: 18 Registered: 03-2007 |
Kevin, I had never heard of The Scars before you posted. At the time they released their album ( 1981 ) I was into Australian and New Zealand music in a big way and all my spare time ( and cash ) was spent seeking out albums by artists/bands from those two countries. Part of the reason for sourcing music from outwith the U.K. in those days was that I was not a big fan of the U.K. music scene during the punk and post punk eras. Enjoy your celebrations tonight. Currently listening to The Odd Church by Hell On Wheels. They are a trio from Sweden who list The Who ( Pictures Of Lily ) The Go-Betweens ( Streets Of Your Town ) and The Lotus Eaters ( The First Picture Of You ) among their influences. http://www.myspace.com/hellonwheelss | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 394 Registered: 09-2006 |
Patti Smith binge: "Horses," "Radio Ethiopia," (which at first was considered such a letdown but which today sounds potent as hell) and the second disc of the "Land" compilation. | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 397 Registered: 09-2006 |
Just got the my Sly reissues in the mail...I'm havin' fun... | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 398 Registered: 09-2006 |
"There's a Riot Goin' On" sounds amazing...free at last, free at last, thank godamighty it's free at last... | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1849 Registered: 03-2006 |
Did you get the whole set, Allen, that comes in the happenin' and stylish box? It's great shit, innit? I think "Riot" is obviously the real gem in the firmament, but it all sounds like a gazillion bucks. One thing I was a tad slow to realize, not being completely up on my Sly: there are certain great songs by him that weren't on any albums proper; they were only ever released as singles. Songs like "Hot Fun"...so it's a damn good thing this occurred to me before I traded in his greatest hits disc, as cuts like that are pretty essential... In a similar vein, I am listening to another bonafide pop and R&B genius, Prince Rogers Nelson - in the form of the "Ultimate Prince". Scarily great stuff! Before that, eclectic guy that I am, I was enjoying a Monkees comp. Cascading out of the speakers now and annoying the neighbors is "Pop Life"..."Straight hair ain't got no curl"... | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 553 Registered: 08-2006 |
"Here, My Dear" and "In Our Lifetime." Thanks for the heads up, Allen. Wow. Marvin was going somewhere remarkable when his father shot him. Damn, damn, damn. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1395 Registered: 05-2005 |
I really like the Bloc Party album. Reminds me of early 90s English indie. A good thing. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 570 Registered: 01-2005 |
Allen, I need to go on a Sly binge as well a fill out my Patti collection. I really enjoyed Patti while watching the RARHOF inductions. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 571 Registered: 01-2005 |
Allen, I need to go on a Sly binge as well aa fill out my Patti collection. I really enjoyed Patti while watching the RARHOF inductions. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 50 Registered: 01-2007 |
Anyone got the new Arctic Monkeys yet?? just curious, Wish List:The Clientele | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1534 Registered: 05-2005 |
jerry, the Monkeys album is ok, pretty similar to the last with a few slower tracks thrown in. in isolation, its a pretty good album. The Clientele are excellent, buy with confidence, especially if you like stuff like The Auteurs/Luke Haines | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1439 Registered: 05-2005 |
hi kev looking forward to hearing the clientele, i like them a lot. A new find for me!! Paul Haig's album, don't know much about it, sounds good, though must admit I am not really into elctronic music of this fashion at the moment, its ok once in a while. I guess you could let me know in a month if you rate it. He is self produced yes, he's a talented guy. I really don't think I'll bother with Arctics, Kev you ar right its an extension of the first, there really is no point. They are great, but can't be bothered. If I was 18, I'd be there. Not really listening to too much lately, nowt new. I enjoydoing compilations for people, and myself, that's fun. I think I still want to get around to exploring purchases I 've had a while and listening more, before I buy too much more. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 617 Registered: 08-2004 |
I have a penchant for Bloc Party too, Padraig. Kele seems to have his head screwed on. Recent highlights for me: Son Volt - The Search - This really is a lovely record, an instant, bittersweet classic. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga - A very good follow up. Faust - In Autumn - An epic live album VA - The Kings Of Reggae - It's all in the title. Julee Cruise - Floating Into The Night | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 399 Registered: 09-2006 |
Rob, glad to hear you're diggin' the Marvin...I'm sure there are other examples, but it's quite rare to see a combination of contractural obligation and personal pain yield such fruit. LK, unfortunately I don't have the budget to go for that killer box right now...I just got the big three - "Riot," "Fresh," and "Stand." It probably says somewhere, but what's with the numbered, limited edition thing...they are going to stay in catalog in some form after these run out, right? Michael, I really have to find time to watch the R&R HOF jam...very soon. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1397 Registered: 05-2005 |
Tyrone Davis songs from the Atlantic R&B box set. Before that, Scottish band The Twilight Sad. Do you know much of them Kevin? | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1853 Registered: 03-2006 |
Are the Twilight Sad any good? Seen their name come up a lot... I'm listening to: Nils Petter Molvaer - NP3 Boo Hewerdine - Baptist Hospital Hot Chocolate - Greatest Hits...fun to compare their original version of "It Started With a Kiss" with Paul Kelly's. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 555 Registered: 08-2006 |
Who's Boo Hewerdine? Man, that's a name for the ages. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 556 Registered: 08-2006 |
Still listening to Marvin's "Here, My Dear." Christgau was right about this one - there is hardly a discernable melody on the whole album. And yet I can't stop listening to it. I know this sounds weird, but it reminds me of Talk Talk's "Sprit of Eden," which is also lacking in the hum-ability department but is strangely engaging. Both sound like they were totally composed in the studio, just a bunch of musicians going where the day's muse takes them. Terrific stuff. | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 572 Registered: 01-2005 |
Jerry, That's great news about the new Son Volt album! I'll pick up a copy tonight. Is it as good as Trace then? | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1855 Registered: 03-2006 |
Funny you don't ask about Nils Petter, but then you wouldn't, would you, you jazz nut! Boo Hewerdine is a fairly current English folkie who's done stuff with people like Clive Gregson and Eddi Reader and has had Dick "Milkmaid Shagger" Thompson play on his records. It's fairly pretty guitar-based pop, not too far removed from the GoBees neck of the woods...He was also briefly in a group called the Bible, whose record was produced by Steve Earle, that a lot of people really dug...I think you'd like him, man. Christgau is similarly less than floored by "What's Going On" which seems more or less perfect to me. He thinks it is also short on actual tunes...thinking about it, I had to give him his due, though I still think it sounds great. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 558 Registered: 08-2006 |
Oh, I'm down with Nils Petter, LK. Love his stuff. I only have one of the new CDs, but plan to get 'em all. What can I say? Interesting about Boo Hewerdine. Sounds like something I'd like. I'm sympathetic to Christgau's take on "WGO" and "HMD." I'm sure at the time they sounded too ethereal for a guy who like his tunes tight and fast. But I think he underrated "Here, My Dear" a bit, although he did give it B plus. Sounds pretty great to me. "What's Going On," of course, is an all-time fave. | ||
| Hugh Nimmo Member Username: Hugh_nimmo Post Number: 19 Registered: 03-2007 |
LK, you can listen to a few tracks from the Twilight Sad album on MySpace. It is not released in the U.K. until 7 May but may already be available from Napster etc. http://www.myspace.com/thetwilightsad The Avalanche Quartet have released an album of Leonard Cohen songs which they have called 'Leonard Cohen Songs.' The group is fronted by Henk Hofstede of The Nits who are a Dutch band who have been around since the late 1970's. Very nice arrangements featuring mainly acoustic guitars, piano, accordian, upright bass and gorgeous male/female vocals. It came out in January on the Swiss Faze Record Label and you can read about it, listen to some sample tracks and watch a video by following these links. www.avalanchequartet.nl/AQeng/quartet.ht ml www.avalanchequartet.nl/AQeng/AQengcd.ht ml www.avalanchequartet.nl/AQeng/index.html | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 1349 Registered: 04-2005 |
Peter Perrett - Hearts on Fire (I didn't even know this existed until a week ago, then found it for $4 used on Amazon. Very good document of PP live during his brief, mid-'90s "comeback") LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver (I'm really on the fence about this one, but haven't given up on it yet) GM - In Your Bright Ray Tell me more about Nils Petter Molvaer, guys. I downloaded something by him that I liked a lot. The track I heard reminded me of a cross between Amon Tobin and Miles Davis, which works for me. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 559 Registered: 08-2006 |
Your description of Nils Petter Molvaer is pretty much right on, Kurt. I'd recommend an album called "Solid Ether" from a few years back, which is like "In a Silent Way" Miles ushered into the electronic era. But I like everything I've heard from him. Apparently, he just got signed to Thirsty Ear, which has released a bunch of his CDs seemingly simultaneously. Christgau reviews them in his latest Consumer Guide here: http://music.msn.com/music/consumerguide | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1856 Registered: 03-2006 |
Both of youse guys nailed it, I think. It's pretty much on the Miles tip, with some electronic flava mixed in. Of course, he doesn't quite have Miles' chops (who does?), but he more than makes up for it with the accessibility and tunefulness he brings to the mix. What other ones do ya have, Rob? Frustratingly, no record store in OC has anything by him... | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 560 Registered: 08-2006 |
I have "Solid Ether," "NP3" and one of the new ones, "ER." The other new ones include a comp that combines bits of "Solid Ether" and "NP3" - so I won't buy that – and a live album, which I might pick up. I really do recommend "Solid Ether," LK. I think it's still in print. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 561 Registered: 08-2006 |
Wow, I just checked on Amazon and, while they have a copy of "Solid Ether" for about $12.00, if you want to pick up "NP3" it'll cost you $299! No kidding. I thought it was a mistake, but there are three copies listed at roughly the same price. I'll have to handle my copy a little more carefully... | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 1350 Registered: 04-2005 |
Thanks for the info on Nils Petter, guys. The track I downloaded is called "Water." I'll have to look for the albums you mention. But what you said about his chops compared to Miles', LK--Miles was more about the incredible emotion, really, don't you think? I think there were lots of better trumpet players technically, but his huge genius, besides composition and his pushing boundaries, was how he made the trumpet into his real voice, much more than the one he spoke with. I was listening to "Ole! Coltrane" last night and found myself thinking, "who's the trumpet player?...he has better chops than Miles." I read later it was Freddie Hubbard. More chops, maybe...more soul, no. | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 400 Registered: 09-2006 |
Rob, I've read a couple places that (like all of us, but perhaps because of the sheer volume of music he's heard, it's even more so for him) Xgau has his moments of melancholy at knowing that are hundreds of great albums he's never going to have time to go back and listen to. But if he did I'd be willing to bet good money that his original letter grades on some albums would go up or down a notch or two - and that Marvin rekkid is a case in point...to me it reads like he's sort of wrestling with himself whether to rate it higher or not... | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1858 Registered: 03-2006 |
Kurtmeister, I guess it depends on how you define "chops" and, of course by extension, what your definition of is is... If it means mastery of your instrument, that encompasses, to me, knowing what to leave out...I think Miles could probably play virtually anything, which technical skill still informed his work, even as he got more minimalistically soulful. It's analogous to the way Picasso mastered all the strictly representational styles of art before he went on to paint all them crazy wimmens with 50 eyeballs and 20 arms... | ||
| Elizabeth Robinson Member Username: Liz_the_new_listener Post Number: 89 Registered: 10-2006 |
I have gotten a copy of Elliot Smith's XO. There is plenty of Beatlesque stuff in there - I think off hand of 'Baby Britain' - the obvious nod to McCartney - but I can also chalk up the violins in 'Oh, Well, OK' to that influence. It would be awfully simplistic to call him a more tragic shade of Brian Wilson - his voice was high though not affected, his lyrics were often on the troubled side. Smith can write catchy things - but the impression he leaves is far from 'striped sunlight.' I can't listen to him for as long a stretch as the Go-B's. ('Live in London' is a joy to listen to after moving but heavy ES) | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1535 Registered: 05-2005 |
Elizabeth, Elliott Smith was indeed a great talent. XO may well be his most consistent album, although I still have a soft spot for Either/Or which is more of a lo-fi effort and therefore has more charm I think. Apparently there is another posthumous odds and sods about to come out in June. Is the cause of his death a "closed book" now, wasnt there a theory he may have been murdered by his girlfriend? | ||
| David Gagen Member Username: David_g Post Number: 48 Registered: 02-2007 |
Elizabeth, I think "I Didn't Understand" is one of the most heartfelt laments I have ever heard. It moves me more than just about anyother song I can think of. Sadness and the despair of lost love (but no anger). Sorry I'm getting a bit melodramatic but XO is a moving experience. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 619 Registered: 08-2004 |
Michael, r.e. Son Volt, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Van Morrison - Astral Weeks The National - Boxer Warren Zevon - The Envoy Thom Yorke - The Eraser Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1536 Registered: 05-2005 |
Got to 2nd Jerry about Son Volt. Initially I thought this was pretty underwhelming - a good album but "just another Son volt album". However I find myself playing it regularly, not a duff track on it and perhaps controversially rate it well above the new Wilco. Also playing The Arctic Monkeys which is a great little pop album, but think it was Spence who summed it up best by saying something along the lines of this would be fantastic if we were 18. The National - Boxer. A definite slow burner, which I always think are the most rewarding. If you liked Alligator you should love this, a totally different album, not as rocky with brass and strings to embellish the sound. The Clientele - God Save The Clientele. Various - Down In A Tenement Yard - 2 CD comp from Trojan with songs about "sufferation and love in the ghetto" from 1973 -1980, featuring Dennis Brown, The Heptones, Gregory Isaacs,Sugar Minott, Mikey Dread and many more. Padraig, you asked somewhere if I had any info on The Twilight Sad. Have only heard the single, the best way I can describe it is like Mogwai with a vocalist. Who sings with a Scottish accent! Have seen quite a few positive reviews of the album so will download from Napster when it is released next week. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1441 Registered: 05-2005 |
Must buy The National, at some point. However, i've been good n dug oot some of my older less played stuff. Beach Boys - Smiley Smile/Wild Honey | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1443 Registered: 05-2005 |
The Ramones - Anthology | ||
| Per Stam Member Username: Matsrep Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2005 |
Doll by Doll: all 4 albums, transferred from vinyl to CD; still waiting for those reissues in the post. - Brilliant stuff. First album Remember have been under estimated by me. David McComb - Love of Will, EPs. Good all through. C.C. Sager - The Last Second Of Normal Time. Loose and groovy, funky and jazz tinged. Bricolage - two fine 7"s. I got another 2 songs from myspace that are equally good (but they are no longer available there). Bill Callahan: Diamond Dancer/Taken. Great single - have not heard the album yet. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1400 Registered: 05-2005 |
LK, I've only played it all the way through once, but I really liked The Twilight Sad album. The singer does sing in a very Scottish accent Kevin, but the music is mostly not as dense as Mogwai's. The way the guy sings reminds me of the Glasgow (I think) band Sons And Daughters, one of whose singles I picked up a couple of months back in a bargain bin. | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 51 Registered: 01-2007 |
Costello-trust then 1st half of Brutal Youth | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 57 Registered: 01-2007 |
Just bought from Amazon Strange Geometry nad Violet Hour by the Clientele, sound like should be good, not ordered the latest one yet, will wait and see | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1540 Registered: 05-2005 |
Just to show they dont always get it wrong. http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/re cord_review/42552-the-collection Speaking of reviews, some interesting ones in the new Uncut. The Wilco only gets 3 stars - I was pretty shocked at this because they really get behind Wilco normally. I must admit I agree with this rating so far, which is disappointing because I really thought this could have been a landmark album for them, I wonder if Yankee.... is going to be their albatross which they will never better. There is a full page 5 star review of the posthumous Elliott Smith, which I mistakenly thought was going to be odds and sods from his last few years but it turns out to be stuff from around the mid to late 90s. Randy, this one should interest you: there was a review of a rerelease of Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers which contains 6 unissued tracks, which they dont actually appear to write about in the review unfortunately. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 567 Registered: 08-2006 |
John Cale's excellent cover of LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends." It's a fairly straight version, but there's some short, sharp rhythm guitar in the left channel and Cale's voice creeps up the proceeding a bit, in a good way. It's here: http://www.myspace.com/dfarecords | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1408 Registered: 05-2005 |
The Beatles - Love; mmm, sacrilicious. | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 90 Registered: 05-2005 |
Inspiral carpets sampler. Brilliant. | ||
| Per Stam Member Username: Matsrep Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2005 |
Reviews (Uncut: Clark/Gosdin): I think that reissue reviews should have the same ratings as dvd reviews in some publications, that is: one rating for the movie/album, then one for the extras/b-sides-outtakes-bonuses-booklet etc. That would help the reader a lot: we all know that Before Hollywood or Swoon is a 5 star album (we also have it on vinyl, cd etc.) but are the remaster work and the extra material interesting enough to buy it again. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1543 Registered: 05-2005 |
Thats a great point Per, maybe you should email Uncut etc and suggest it. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1544 Registered: 05-2005 |
Githead - Art Pop - fantastic album from (ex ?) Wire man Colin Newman Sister - Sonic Youth , 2nd only to Daydream Nation Various - Down In A Tenement Yard - The Morwells "Kingston 12 Tuffy", Tyrone Taylors "Sufferation" and Mikey Dreads "Proper Education" make this an essential release, and thats only 3 tracks out of 30. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1545 Registered: 05-2005 |
..... and I Never Play Basketball Now, from Swoon by Prefab Sprout -although Cruel is probably Paddy's high water mark. However, should an Englishman ever utter the line "Lordy, what should I do"? Probably not. Magazine - Philidelphia from The Correct Use Of Soap. The crispiest drumming, and the funkiest bassline ever laid down by two Englishmen - see Paddy above. although they definatley pull it off. Josef K - Its Kinda Funny - the coolest countdown to a song ever....? 1,2,3,4. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1410 Registered: 05-2005 |
Gavin Bryars - Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet. Just bought it after others here (LK was one) were discussing it. Brilliant. Must play The Sinking Of The Titanic again. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1411 Registered: 05-2005 |
Nouvelle Vague. Sarah Blasko. Short lived and much missed (by me if no-one else) New York power poppers Nyack. | ||
| Hugh Nimmo Member Username: Hugh_nimmo Post Number: 20 Registered: 03-2007 |
Padraig, I have just had a quick listen to Nyack on MySpace and liked what I heard. The album ( 11 Track Player ) can be picked up quite cheaply at the moment so I placed an order for it on Amazon Marketplace. While researching the band, I came across the following information which may be of interest to you if you are not already in the know. http://www.myspace.com/thenuevos | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 403 Registered: 09-2006 |
I remember the first time I heard the Bryars...the next day was spent on a long bike trip in the country and I kept quietly singing that little hymn fragment over and over for nearly the entire course of the journey...powerful stuff. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1865 Registered: 03-2006 |
James McMurtry - The Sugar Hill Years... Makes a compelling case for young James as a major songwriter - in the songwriting world, he's probably every bit the writer his paw is... | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 58 Registered: 01-2007 |
Redlands Palomino Company-really good english country Rock in the vein of Gram Parsons, Caitlin Cary,Rockingbirds, great tunes well played. Also bought Arctic Monkeys and Brighteyes, and just arrived form Amaxzon The Clientele-Strange Geometry and The Violet Hour | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1147 Registered: 03-2005 |
Yesterday I listened to Augie March's "Moo, You Bloody Choir." I still say it would be more effective with just 10 songs. Having just spent a chunk of my afternoon fettling on one of my cars this passage went over well: "If love is a bolt from the blue then what is a bolt but a glorified screw? And that doesn't hold nothing together." | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1449 Registered: 05-2005 |
Jerry i used to love The Rockingbirds, they were really excellent live, never got the second album tho. | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 406 Registered: 09-2006 |
Eno-Byrne: My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, expanded edition. Lucinda Williams - West Captain Beefheart - Shiny Beast Howard Tate - Get it While You Can | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1451 Registered: 05-2005 |
Grant Lee Buffalo - Mighty Joe Moon. (Mockingbirds - being a real fave) Kristin Hersh - Strings | ||
| frank bascombe Member Username: Frankb Post Number: 59 Registered: 01-2007 |
Spence, the second album was good but not as good as the first,which was unrestrianed great tunes and playing,The Redlands Palomino CO is nearly up there but still very good, interestingly on of the Producers is Sean Reid who was in the Rockingbirds. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 570 Registered: 08-2006 |
Marvin Gaye - "In Our Lifetime" Wussy - "Funeral Dress" Sleater-Kinney - "The Woods" Eminem - "Encore" | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1868 Registered: 03-2006 |
Wussy are great, aren't they, Rob? I tried to big up on this site when that came out, a year ago or so, but nobody seemed to have heard of them... I've been listening to "Jewface" - "a collection of Yiddish Warblers"...it consists of old wax cylinder recordings of Jewish vaudevillian type characters doing some pretty schticky material from back in the day, features such heavyweights as Fanny Brice and Irving "Izzy" Berlin, and is just delightful. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 571 Registered: 08-2006 |
Wussy's five-star, LK. I know the Ass Ponys guys from my Ohio guys and when I heard Chuck was messing around with a "side project" I didn't have high hopes. So what a surprise when "Funeral Dress" turned out to rank right up there with the Ass Ponys' best. But boy, are they under the radar. It's hard to even find the record, and few of my music-lovin' friend have even heard their name. It didn't help that the (I think) drummer became ill right around the record's release date, so they hardly played outside of Cincy. Hopefully there'll be a follow up that will raise their profile a bit. | ||
| andreas Member Username: Andreas Post Number: 452 Registered: 04-2006 |
The Reminder by Feist Just one word: Beautiful! What are the critics about her album outside Germany? In Germany she is loved by everyone. And justifiable so! | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1869 Registered: 03-2006 |
I agree, Andreas, the new one by Feist is tremendous...Don't know about all the critics, but Pitchfork, which is a pretty tough and picky little webzine, gave it an astoundingly high rating... | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1870 Registered: 03-2006 |
Rob, I also have a good buddy from Ohio, who is into the Ass Ponys and, also hailing from there, the Afghan Whigs. I definitely had a Whigs moment there - they, at their peak, represented one of the best concert experiences around - but, seem to have lost interest in their records. My friend, a female, assures me that a lot of the allure of them is based on Dulli's sex appeal, which cracks me up. What is he? Like, 5'2", in platforms? He's shorter than Prince! But oh well - eye of the beholder, yadda yadda... The Wussy record just strikes me as an excellent, no bullshit, collection of expert songs... | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1547 Registered: 05-2005 |
Andreas, the Feist album is as beautiful as she is. Some reviews http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/ feist/reminder | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 572 Registered: 08-2006 |
Fountains of Wayne - "Traffic and Weather." Finally got my copy and I am not disappointed. It's certainly highly produced, but the writing is exemplary. They make it seem so easy they almost do themselves a disservice. These guys are the masters of the lyrical and musical mis-en-scene. I dunno if I'll love it as thoroughly as "Welcome Interstate Managers," but it makes a good first impression. | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1548 Registered: 05-2005 |
So what are the critics making of the Wilco album Stateside/Australia? In the UK its a damp squib, 3 star reviews in Uncut, Mojo and Q. Got to say I wouldn't rate it any higher than that, in fact after 2 or 3 listens I would only have given it a 2. It did improve with further listens but I havent had an urge to play it for a good few weeks now, and I am a MASSIVE Wilco fan. The same 3 magazines have given the proposterous Rufus Wainwright album of the month status. I just dont get this guy at all, and I did try with his previous albums, but its all a bit hysterical and over the top for my taste. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 622 Registered: 08-2004 |
Still can't get enough of Marvin, Rob. I like it.  The Wonderstuff - Hup Go-b's - SMAL Fun Lovin' Criminals - Welcome To Poppy's The Monkee's - The Monkee's (Deluxe) The Smiths - Meat Is Murder The Skids - The Saints Are Coming Kate Bush - The Whole Story The Maccabee's - Colour It In Tindersticks - Curtains | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1874 Registered: 03-2006 |
Miranda Lambert - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Don't wanna go out on no limbs or nothin', but this might be the best country record of the year... | ||
| Randy Adams Member Username: Randy_adams Post Number: 1149 Registered: 03-2005 |
Pale Fountains -- Longshot For You Love Triffids -- Black Swan. I had to find out what this sounds like. For some reason I was expecting it to be full of rock god guitar solos. Not at all. Sounds like proper McComb Triffids to me with pleasant little dashes of Jill Burt, but it's still waiting for a proper listen at home rather than at work. | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 1356 Registered: 04-2005 |
With a title like that, LK, it has to be the best country record of the year! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1452 Registered: 05-2005 |
The new Waterboys album. Mike Scottt shooting his pomposity pistol, its not bad, nice sounding record, very warm, the guitars are lovely, but he ain't gonna make no earthquake! Randy, hope you like Longshot. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1414 Registered: 05-2005 |
Hugh, thanks for the link. I didn't know about them. LK, I've only ever heard one James McMurtry but loved it. It's a hilarious song about his grandmother leaving him a farm and how pissed off he is about it. Do you know the one? I have it on a CMJ CD. Jerry, I played The Wonder Stuff's Never Loved Elvis the other night. Don't know what made me dig it out but I'm glad I did. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1417 Registered: 05-2005 |
Husker Du's awesome covers of Eight Miles High and Love Is All Around (the Mary Tyler Moore Theme - not the Troggs song butchered by Wet Wet Wet). | ||
| kevin Member Username: Kevin Post Number: 1549 Registered: 05-2005 |
I was listening to BBC6 at work last night and just caught the tail end of a song called something like "I love Husker Du", or "I wish I was in Husker Du" or something like that. Anybody know of this record, or was I hearing things? | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 574 Registered: 08-2006 |
Husker Du - "Flip Your Wig." Cheers, Padraig. Both the covers you mention are white-hot. "Love Is All Around" convinced me Mould actually has a sense of humor underneath that doomy exterior. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1875 Registered: 03-2006 |
Pad, that song is "60 Acres" and it is indeed a corker. The guy's take is basically, "What the f am I gonna do with 60 acres? I HATE farming". It is on the compilation I mentioned. Kurt, I think you'd dig Miranda, and not just because she's a lovely bit of blonde, blue-eyed hillbilly goodness. It's more along the lines of Carlene Carter than, say, Faith Hill, and she even has a songwriting contribution on it from Gillian Welch. | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 575 Registered: 08-2006 |
"One Two Three Four" from the latest by Feist. Found it on an MP3 blog. Lovely little folk-pop ditty. | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 409 Registered: 09-2006 |
The Best of Roxy Music - the very good one that covers their entire career in reverse chronological order Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - first album And I just noticed I forgot to mention it, Rob, but I definitely agree that "In Our Lifetime" is a killer record, too... | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 576 Registered: 08-2006 |
It IS really good, isn't it, Allen? I think - context aside - it might be better than "Here My Dear." It's definitely more of a "song" album, as opposed to HMD, which I'd call more of a concept album. It's really nice to have both of them in one set. I love those Motown/Hi two-fers. I bought one years and years ago that contained both Al Green's "Call Me" and "Living for You." I couldn't believe it. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1882 Registered: 03-2006 |
Have you ever heard Prefab Sprout's song about Marvin Gaye in heaven, "When the Angels", Rob? | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1883 Registered: 03-2006 |
And, I should say, it's more accurately about the narrator's jealousy over the angels's "taking the angel voice away"...here's a link to the lyrics: http://www.prefabsprout.net/lyrics/whent heangels.html | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 411 Registered: 09-2006 |
Rob, is that Marvin twofer a two-disc set? HMD was originally two records, and I can't imagine it'd fit on one disc with IOL without some serious editing... | ||
| Rob Brookman Member Username: Rob_b Post Number: 581 Registered: 08-2006 |
LK, no I haven't. Good? I always had a soft spot for that Marvin call-out in the Commodores' "Night Shift." I dunno why, but it always moved me when I heard it on the radio. Allen, yeah, the Marvin two-fer is a two-disc thing, unlike the Al Green CD I mentioned. They did a nice job with it packaging-wise, also unlike the Green thing. Orignal artwork and everything. | ||
| Jerry Clark Member Username: Jerry Post Number: 625 Registered: 08-2004 |
There is also the Ego Tripping Out single added to the IOL disc, which is funksome along similar lines to Got To Give It Up. Scissors For Lefty - Underhanded Romance The Horrors - Strange House The Wedding Present - Hit Parade 1 Beastie Boys - B-Sides & Bullshit Vol 2 R.E.M. - Reveal | ||
| Kurt Stephan Member Username: Slothbert Post Number: 1362 Registered: 04-2005 |
Sly and the Family Stone - Stand! My first purchase of the recent reissues; there will be more. Interestingly, the shop I bought it at had all the Sly reissues for $9.99 except for "Riot," which was $11.99. Interesting bit of selective pricing there. "Stand!" is great stuff, of course, but 13 minutes of "Sex Machine" is what I believe the dictionary defines as "filler." | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 584 Registered: 01-2005 |
LK, Miranda is a looker. I wasn't impressed with the songs I heard from her first album, so I never bought it. I take it she has improved on her second? Speaking of second country albums, I would sure like to see a follow-up to Caitlin Cary/Thad Cockrell's Begonias. That was my #1 album from 2005, even above OA. | ||
| TROU Member Username: Trou Post Number: 92 Registered: 05-2005 |
Aztec Camera : Frestonia. First time I listen to it seriously and it's excellent. Spence, you should be proud to have such a talented labelmate... | ||
| Sloan Nevidy Member Username: Rockandrollfriend Post Number: 13 Registered: 07-2005 |
Been listening to the Jayhawks. Other than the Go-B's they're my fav. Any other Jayhawks fans here? If so, what's your favorite album of theirs?? Also, I really love Marvin's "Here My Dear" recently. | ||
| Little Keith Member Username: Manosludge Post Number: 1888 Registered: 03-2006 |
MB, though I liked her first record, this one is a fairly big improvement, and yes, the songs are better. Having said that, the best on it might be the one penned by Gillian Welch, "Dry Town"...maybe I relate to it, because if you're ever been stuck in one, a dry town, that is, trying to get your groove on, it's the pits... And, yes she is a major looker, but only if you like blonde hair and blue eyes. And also, I'm a Jayhawks fan, even saw them a couple of times with their best configuration, the one with Louris, and what's his name, Olson. After Olson left though, I thought the quality of the songs started declining pretty steadily. My fave record by them is "Tomorrow the Green Grass" - it's the one that works the best for me. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1422 Registered: 05-2005 |
Van Morrison - Poetic Champions Compose. I came acrorss the cassette while looking for something else. | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1462 Registered: 05-2005 |
The Lilac Time - The Lilac Time (remastered). One of the best debuts I have ever owned. Timeless. The Correct use of soap - Magazine (remastered). Brilliant album. Always loved this third installment in the (my) Magazine trilogy. Magic comes nowhere near. Bloody awful reproduction quality and lack of attention to detail on the remastered packaging. Wrong colour, smudged typeography - and the CD is flippin pink in colour. Gimme the artwork and I'll sort it EMI! Solid Air - John Martyn (remastered). Out on its own, can't describe it. Grace and Danger - John Martyn. TROU, Frestonia was good. Rainy Season is fantastic. Altough it suffers from overblown session drumming, which isn't a bad thing, once, in a while! | ||
| spence Member Username: Spence Post Number: 1464 Registered: 05-2005 |
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky I have just heard for the first time some clips of these new songs. They are absolutely superb. As David Fricke from Rolling Stone said about yankee Hotel Foxtrot, you either get it or you don't, if you don't - tough! This band really have something, very special, a delightful bunch of gorgeous songs, I can't wait to get into it, its gonna be my summer album. i am NOT dissapointed. THIS IS QUALITY. I wouldn't be suprised if they release another album soon. | ||
| Sloan Nevidy Member Username: Rockandrollfriend Post Number: 14 Registered: 07-2005 |
LK. I too saw the Jayhawks in the glory days of Olson and Louris, once opening for Bob Dylan, and a couple of times at 1st Ave. TTGG is my favorite of theirs as well. But I love the music after Olson left the band too, especially Rainy Day Music. But I also dig Smile. You should check out Mark Olson's new songs posted on his myspace page, they're quite lovely. Incidentally, the two might be getting back together again. They played some shows last year. Spence, I agree the new Wilco album is superb, bar maybe one track. It truly is a great summer record. | ||
| Mark Leydon Member Username: Mark_leydon Post Number: 105 Registered: 05-2005 |
Sloan, I'm going through a major Jayhawks phase at the moment. For whatever reason missed out on them in their heyday so its all catchup stuff. Hollywood Town Hall is their best I reckon - its quickly established itself as one of my all time favourite albums. 'Crowded in the Wings' is simply a beautiful song. I guess I like the Louris/Olson years best. Tomorrow the Green Grass is not far behind HTH. Their early album Blue Earth is also a gem - a real Gram Parsons feel about some of the songs. Of the post-Olson albums my favourite is Rainy Day Music. I also like the Sound of Lies - although the more polished, poppy sound takes a bit of getting used to. Re the new Wilco album. Glad to hear some positive feedback on this list after some negative comments in the press. What I heard of it at their recent Sydney concert sounded wonderful so been really looking forward to it. | ||
| Bryce Member Username: Rockandrollfriend Post Number: 18 Registered: 07-2005 |
Mark, It's funny, when I signed up for this site, I wrote my name as Sloan Nevidy, an inside joke with friends, 'cause I'd never been on a message board. My name is actually Bryce. Anyways, I also really love the Jayhawks Smile. I know some of the music can have an over polished sound, and some of the lyrics are kind of dorky. But What Led Me To This Town is probably their best song. My favorite song from the Olson/Louris days is Two Angels by the way. Also, Mark Olson is on tour right now, I think headed to Europe, and he plays some of the oldies. His new songs are really amazing too. The new Wilco IS stellar, no matter what you hear to the contrary. Bryce | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 416 Registered: 09-2006 |
Declan again: "This Year's Model," album and bonus disc, and then "Taking Liberties." I don't know what the Conventional Wisdom is on EC these days, but I'd take that latter album over "Get Happy," sometimes even "Imperial Bedroom." And, since I put together a GoBees comp for my girlfriend...the GoBees. | ||
| Mark Leydon Member Username: Mark_leydon Post Number: 106 Registered: 05-2005 |
Hey Bryce. I also love Two Angels - both the early stripped back version on Blue Earth and the lush version on Hollywood Town Hall. Thanks for the heads-up on the new Olson stuff - hope he comes out to Australia some time. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1427 Registered: 05-2005 |
25 All-Time Greatest Bubblegum Hits. Thanks to whoever recommended it on this board. Was it you Allen? | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1430 Registered: 05-2005 |
The 16 Lovers Lane demos. I think I prefer this version of Was There Anything I Could Do. Well, I do right now anyway. | ||
| Pádraig Collins Member Username: Pádraig_collins Post Number: 1432 Registered: 05-2005 |
Finding You. It's been a very long time since I played it. | ||
| Allen Belz Member Username: Abpositive Post Number: 418 Registered: 09-2006 |
Regarding the bubblegum hits: I believe it was, Padraig...glad to hear that you feel your investment was not in vain... | ||
| Michael Bachman Member Username: Michael_bachman Post Number: 587 Registered: 01-2005 |
The "Live On SNAP" Quiet Heart with just Grant, Amanda and Robert is far superior to the 16LL version. Robert thought so as well and commented on it to Dierdre. I wish Robert would hire Amanda to join him in his next band. I really miss her oboe, violin and voice. Plus she van fill in on guitar when not playing the oboe or violin. |