What are you listening to? (MKII)

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 --

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

shack wrote:

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 . 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

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 **** keyboard sound. Most of his mix is violins, cellos and other string instruments and when mixed with the heavy **** 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 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

shack wrote:

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

MacLeod wrote:

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.

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

lanion wrote:

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 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

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BlueMDPicker

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BlueMDPicker

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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)

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...

hydrobud

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
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

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

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.