CD#339 Joni Mitchell - Song To A Seagull
Her debut, the vocals recorded while she sang into the space above the strings of a grand piano (producer David Crosby's idea).
CD#340 Little Steven and The Disciples Of Soul - Men Without Women
Miami Steve Van Zandt's first solo album. Not a huge commercial success but I really like it.
CD#341 The Jam - Sound Affects
Great fun from start to finish.
CD#342 The Smiths - Hatful Of Hollow
Mostly BBC sessions plus a couple of singles - as good as anything they did.
CD#343 R.E.M. - Green
Stand is my favourite track, but there's not much I dislike about this.
CD#344 Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True
The debut album, backed by country rock band Clover but none the worse for that.
CD#345 XTC - Black Sea
Probably my favourite, there are some cracking songs on this.
Tuesday 31 May 2016
Monday 30 May 2016
Day 77
CD#333 Elvis Costello and The Brodsky Quartet - The Juliet Letters
Despite exchanging rock band for string quartet, there are still two people named Thomas - Michael and Jaqueline instead of Bruce and Pete.
CD#334 XTC - Oranges And Lemons
For a long time I only had this on cassette, and didn't think much of it. It's worth hearing it for The Mayor Of Simpleton alone but there's a lot more here I like these days too.
CD#335 Terrorvision - Regular Urban Survivors
Perseverance is brilliant.
CD#336 Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Some people rate this above Dark Side Of The Moon, but not me. I do like it though.
CD#337 Stereophonics - Performance and Cocktails
I'd forgotten how many good songs there are on this.
CD#338 R.E.M. - Document
One of their finest.
Despite exchanging rock band for string quartet, there are still two people named Thomas - Michael and Jaqueline instead of Bruce and Pete.
CD#334 XTC - Oranges And Lemons
For a long time I only had this on cassette, and didn't think much of it. It's worth hearing it for The Mayor Of Simpleton alone but there's a lot more here I like these days too.
CD#335 Terrorvision - Regular Urban Survivors
Perseverance is brilliant.
CD#336 Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Some people rate this above Dark Side Of The Moon, but not me. I do like it though.
CD#337 Stereophonics - Performance and Cocktails
I'd forgotten how many good songs there are on this.
CD#338 R.E.M. - Document
One of their finest.
Sunday 29 May 2016
Day 76
CD#329 R.E.M. - Automatic For The People
I don't know if it's familiarity from listening a lot or that they reached peak R.E.M. on this, but it always sounds slightly different to their other albums to me. Whatever the reason it's a fantastic piece of work.
CD#330 Meshell Ndegeocello - Peace Beyond Passion
Meshell's most successful album, and a cool way to relax on a Sunday morning.
CD#331 Pink Floyd - A Momentary Lapse Of Reason
Not too far from being a Gilmour solo album, nevertheless it's still worth a listen.
CD#332 Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Trust
This is one of his best, though "his best" in this case covers nine albums.
I don't know if it's familiarity from listening a lot or that they reached peak R.E.M. on this, but it always sounds slightly different to their other albums to me. Whatever the reason it's a fantastic piece of work.
CD#330 Meshell Ndegeocello - Peace Beyond Passion
Meshell's most successful album, and a cool way to relax on a Sunday morning.
CD#331 Pink Floyd - A Momentary Lapse Of Reason
Not too far from being a Gilmour solo album, nevertheless it's still worth a listen.
CD#332 Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Trust
This is one of his best, though "his best" in this case covers nine albums.
Friday 27 May 2016
Day 75
CD#325 Robbie McIntosh - Unsung
This album came about due to the persistence of, of all people, Douglas Adams. A collection of (mostly) solo acoustic instrumentals, some familiar, most original.
CD#326 Muse - Absolution
Overblown, hysterical nonsense, but great fun and almost impossible to resist nodding a head to.
CD#327 The Wonder Stuff - If The Beatles Had Read Hunter. . . The Singles
I've got a couple of Wonder Stuff albums on cassette, but only this on CD.
I once made Miles Hunt laugh.
CD#328 Richard & Linda Thompson - I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Superb.
This album came about due to the persistence of, of all people, Douglas Adams. A collection of (mostly) solo acoustic instrumentals, some familiar, most original.
CD#326 Muse - Absolution
Overblown, hysterical nonsense, but great fun and almost impossible to resist nodding a head to.
CD#327 The Wonder Stuff - If The Beatles Had Read Hunter. . . The Singles
I've got a couple of Wonder Stuff albums on cassette, but only this on CD.
I once made Miles Hunt laugh.
CD#328 Richard & Linda Thompson - I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Superb.
Thursday 26 May 2016
Day 74
CD#322 Steve Lawson & Jez Carr - Conversations
Bass and piano improvisations - there's some live looping on bass, and post recording a little bit of reverb added before final mastering, but otherwise each piece is recorded live with no cuts or overdubs, or prior rehearsal.
CD#323 Sam Brown - Of The Moment
The title was a fan's suggestion via Sam website when it was realised (or discovered) that her previous album titles were spelling out her name (as long as you ignore the 43 before Minutes). Sadly due to voice problems it looks as if the pattern will never be completed as this is currently her last album.
CD#324 Massive Attack - Collected
I'm not an avid listener or collector of this kind of music, and I got this singles compilation from points collected through use of a credit card. Despite that it's been listened to more than just the once before today, which is more than some CDs I've spent money on.
Bass and piano improvisations - there's some live looping on bass, and post recording a little bit of reverb added before final mastering, but otherwise each piece is recorded live with no cuts or overdubs, or prior rehearsal.
CD#323 Sam Brown - Of The Moment
The title was a fan's suggestion via Sam website when it was realised (or discovered) that her previous album titles were spelling out her name (as long as you ignore the 43 before Minutes). Sadly due to voice problems it looks as if the pattern will never be completed as this is currently her last album.
CD#324 Massive Attack - Collected
I'm not an avid listener or collector of this kind of music, and I got this singles compilation from points collected through use of a credit card. Despite that it's been listened to more than just the once before today, which is more than some CDs I've spent money on.
Wednesday 25 May 2016
Day 73
CD#318 Juliet Turner - Season Of The Hurricane
Third studio album of four, it's way past time there was another one.
CD#319 R.E.M. - Around The Sun
I like it more than Peter Buck - "...(it) just wasn't really listenable, because it sounds like what it is, a bunch of people that are so bored with the material that they can't stand it anymore."
CD#320 Donald Fagen - The Nightfly
If you're the main vocalist in a band - one of a duo who have written and produced a number of popular albums (using a large number of session musicians) - and you make a solo album with a producer and an engineer who've worked with the band before, and with musicians who are mostly ones who have worked with the band before, then the result is quite likely to be similar to the albums made by the band.
Sometimes this isn't a bad thing at all.
CD#321 The Jam - Setting Sons
Great stuff, part of the soundtrack of my youth. I was 16 when this was released and they were probably my favourite band at the time.
Third studio album of four, it's way past time there was another one.
CD#319 R.E.M. - Around The Sun
I like it more than Peter Buck - "...(it) just wasn't really listenable, because it sounds like what it is, a bunch of people that are so bored with the material that they can't stand it anymore."
CD#320 Donald Fagen - The Nightfly
If you're the main vocalist in a band - one of a duo who have written and produced a number of popular albums (using a large number of session musicians) - and you make a solo album with a producer and an engineer who've worked with the band before, and with musicians who are mostly ones who have worked with the band before, then the result is quite likely to be similar to the albums made by the band.
Sometimes this isn't a bad thing at all.
CD#321 The Jam - Setting Sons
Great stuff, part of the soundtrack of my youth. I was 16 when this was released and they were probably my favourite band at the time.
Tuesday 24 May 2016
Day 72
CD#312 Jonatha Brooke - Steady Pull
More delightful tunes from the lovely Jonatha.
CD#313 Be Bop Deluxe - Futurama
Maid In Heaven, 2mins 26s of pop perfection.
CD#314 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Punch The Clock
One of his best.
CD#315 Pink Floyd - A Saucerful Of Secrets
Described by Nick Mason as a cross-fade from Syd to Dave.
CD#316 Boo Hewerdine - Anon
Songs of delicate beauty sweetly sung.
CD#317 Counting Crows - Hard Candy
Angst-filled magnificence from one of my favourite bands.
More delightful tunes from the lovely Jonatha.
CD#313 Be Bop Deluxe - Futurama
Maid In Heaven, 2mins 26s of pop perfection.
CD#314 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Punch The Clock
One of his best.
CD#315 Pink Floyd - A Saucerful Of Secrets
Described by Nick Mason as a cross-fade from Syd to Dave.
CD#316 Boo Hewerdine - Anon
Songs of delicate beauty sweetly sung.
CD#317 Counting Crows - Hard Candy
Angst-filled magnificence from one of my favourite bands.
Monday 23 May 2016
Day 71
CD#308 Fischer-Z - Fish's Head
Apparently the video for the single Say No was banned by the record company for fear it would endanger its employees worldwide. For a song whose message is "It's time we stopped fighting and started being nice to each other".
CD#309 Thomas Leeb - Upside Down
More slapping and tapping on acoustic guitar, playing tunes that are occasionally familiar - great fun to watch live but as I've said before, lacking something when all you have is the audio.
CD#310 Nirvana - Nevermind
It'll be 25 years old this year, which makes me feel ancient.
CD#311 Rilo Kiley - The Execution Of All Things
Their second album, full of all the things I love about Rilo Kiley.
Apparently the video for the single Say No was banned by the record company for fear it would endanger its employees worldwide. For a song whose message is "It's time we stopped fighting and started being nice to each other".
CD#309 Thomas Leeb - Upside Down
More slapping and tapping on acoustic guitar, playing tunes that are occasionally familiar - great fun to watch live but as I've said before, lacking something when all you have is the audio.
CD#310 Nirvana - Nevermind
It'll be 25 years old this year, which makes me feel ancient.
CD#311 Rilo Kiley - The Execution Of All Things
Their second album, full of all the things I love about Rilo Kiley.
Saturday 21 May 2016
Day 70
CD#303 The Clash - London Calling
Their finest hour.
CD#304 Deacon Blue - When The World Knows Your Name
Despite buying Raintown and Fellow Hoodlums (on cassette!) this passed me by for a long time. Maybe it was because of the line "I'll do what I should have did" in Real Gone Kid. ;O)
CD#305 R.E.M. - Out Of Time.
One of my favourite R.E.M. albums.
CD#306 Steely Dan - Katy Lied
Not an album I've listened to often, but I'm really enjoying listening to it tonight.
CD#307 Mull Historical Society - Loss
Quirky but fun.
Friday 20 May 2016
Day 68
CD#299 Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
If you like Led Zep then there's a lot to listen to here.
CD#300 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Armed Forces
A big favourite of mine to celebrate reaching 300.
CD#301 Suede - Suede
Followed by my favourite Suede CD, a cracking album.
If you like Led Zep then there's a lot to listen to here.
CD#300 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Armed Forces
A big favourite of mine to celebrate reaching 300.
CD#301 Suede - Suede
Followed by my favourite Suede CD, a cracking album.
Thursday 19 May 2016
Day 67
CD#295 Stiff Little Fingers - Get A Life
One of my favourite memories of SLF was seeing them live sometime around 1982. There were lots of calls from the audience for them to play Suspect Device and finally Jake Burns addressed this, explaining that they'd moved so far away from the time that encouraged the writing of the song that they no longer felt able to play it. Once this was done they started playing it, and it took 3 or 4 bars before the crowd realised what was going on and cheered.
CD#296 Pink Floyd - The Final Cut
A remarkable howl of anguish at the loss of his father and the war-mongering of the government at the time, nothing much has changed, sadly.
CD#297 XTC - Nonsuch
Dave Mattacks on drums, fitting in pretty well. It took a while before I bought this as, like a lot of artists do, they settled into a groove which wasn't as interesting as they were at their height. It's ok, but nothing special.
CD#298 Aerosmith - Honkin' On Bobo
This is my only Aerosmith album, and I have no idea why I bought it. It's pretty good fun though.
One of my favourite memories of SLF was seeing them live sometime around 1982. There were lots of calls from the audience for them to play Suspect Device and finally Jake Burns addressed this, explaining that they'd moved so far away from the time that encouraged the writing of the song that they no longer felt able to play it. Once this was done they started playing it, and it took 3 or 4 bars before the crowd realised what was going on and cheered.
CD#296 Pink Floyd - The Final Cut
A remarkable howl of anguish at the loss of his father and the war-mongering of the government at the time, nothing much has changed, sadly.
CD#297 XTC - Nonsuch
Dave Mattacks on drums, fitting in pretty well. It took a while before I bought this as, like a lot of artists do, they settled into a groove which wasn't as interesting as they were at their height. It's ok, but nothing special.
CD#298 Aerosmith - Honkin' On Bobo
This is my only Aerosmith album, and I have no idea why I bought it. It's pretty good fun though.
Wednesday 18 May 2016
Day 66
CD#290 R.E.M. - Fables Of The Reconstruction/Reconstruction Of The Fables
Recorded in London, full of songs about the southern US.
CD#291 Bob Marley & The Wailers - Babylon By Bus
An excellent live double album from 1978.
CD#292 The Wallflowers - Bringing Down The Horse
Their biggest seller, songs by Bob's lad Jakob, guest appearances from a number of people I like, including Mike Campbell, Adam Duritz and Sam Phillips.
CD#293 Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
Magnificent.
CD#294 Richard & Linda Thompson - Shoot Out The Lights
Much to my surprise, wiki says this album was produced by Joe Boyd, who was also responsible for the first album of the day, Fables Of The Reconstruction.
Recorded in London, full of songs about the southern US.
CD#291 Bob Marley & The Wailers - Babylon By Bus
An excellent live double album from 1978.
CD#292 The Wallflowers - Bringing Down The Horse
Their biggest seller, songs by Bob's lad Jakob, guest appearances from a number of people I like, including Mike Campbell, Adam Duritz and Sam Phillips.
CD#293 Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
Magnificent.
CD#294 Richard & Linda Thompson - Shoot Out The Lights
Much to my surprise, wiki says this album was produced by Joe Boyd, who was also responsible for the first album of the day, Fables Of The Reconstruction.
Tuesday 17 May 2016
Day 65
CD#286 Jonatha Brooke - Ten Cent Wings
Whilst discovering a new band or solo artist at a point where they've already released lots of albums is great, it's all too easy to not give every album the time you would if it was the only new thing you have. With Jonatha I've more than once picked up the Live In New York album to listen to again instead of one of the albums that it takes songs from, partly because it's such a great album to listen to (I do the same with Juliet Turner's live album). This means that albums like this don't get listened to as often as they should, which is something I'll have to remember.
CD#287 Red Hot Chili Peppers - Mother's Milk
The first RHCP album with the "classic" line up of Kiedis, Flea, Frusciante and Ferrell.
CD#288 Buckcherry - Time Bomb
This is their second album and the last with the original line-up, apparently. It's very shouty.
CD#289 Gene - Revelations
All the way back on Day 6 I said that I only have one Gene album, but I was wrong, I have two.
Whilst discovering a new band or solo artist at a point where they've already released lots of albums is great, it's all too easy to not give every album the time you would if it was the only new thing you have. With Jonatha I've more than once picked up the Live In New York album to listen to again instead of one of the albums that it takes songs from, partly because it's such a great album to listen to (I do the same with Juliet Turner's live album). This means that albums like this don't get listened to as often as they should, which is something I'll have to remember.
CD#287 Red Hot Chili Peppers - Mother's Milk
The first RHCP album with the "classic" line up of Kiedis, Flea, Frusciante and Ferrell.
CD#288 Buckcherry - Time Bomb
This is their second album and the last with the original line-up, apparently. It's very shouty.
CD#289 Gene - Revelations
All the way back on Day 6 I said that I only have one Gene album, but I was wrong, I have two.
Monday 16 May 2016
Day 64
CD#282 Blondie - Parallel Lines
Still my favourite, wonderful stuff.
CD#283 Beth Orton - Central Reservation
I wasn't sure about this the first time I listened to it and haven't picked it up since, but this time I'm really enjoying it.
CD#284 Blur - Parklife
Mostly great, and it has my favourite Blur song (End Of A Century) on it.
CD#285 Pixies - Wave Of Mutilation (Best Of)
This is my second listen to this (picked up on a whim from Exmouth Market) and I'm not any more impressed than I was first time.
Still my favourite, wonderful stuff.
CD#283 Beth Orton - Central Reservation
I wasn't sure about this the first time I listened to it and haven't picked it up since, but this time I'm really enjoying it.
CD#284 Blur - Parklife
Mostly great, and it has my favourite Blur song (End Of A Century) on it.
CD#285 Pixies - Wave Of Mutilation (Best Of)
This is my second listen to this (picked up on a whim from Exmouth Market) and I'm not any more impressed than I was first time.
Sunday 15 May 2016
Day 63
CD#276 Placebo - Placebo
Not heard this for ages, I thought there were only two tracks worth listening to and that Nancy Boy was a lot faster, I was wrong on both counts.
CD#277 XTC - Go 2
Their second and the last one with Barry Andrews, before Dave Gregory joined and the sound moved away from thin and quirky to something richer and quirky.
CD#278 Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf
Another one not listened to for a while. My favourite version of No One Knows is a live acoustic performance found on YouTube, particularly Nick Oliveri's bass tone.
CD#279 Marillion - Fugazi
More prog shenanigans from Fish and the boys.
CD#280 Terrorvision - How To Make Friends And Influence People
Bought because of the single Oblivion which is a great song and far and away the best thing on this album.
CD#281 Travis - The Man Who
Another mystery, as I love this album but it's the only Travis album I own.
Not heard this for ages, I thought there were only two tracks worth listening to and that Nancy Boy was a lot faster, I was wrong on both counts.
CD#277 XTC - Go 2
Their second and the last one with Barry Andrews, before Dave Gregory joined and the sound moved away from thin and quirky to something richer and quirky.
CD#278 Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf
Another one not listened to for a while. My favourite version of No One Knows is a live acoustic performance found on YouTube, particularly Nick Oliveri's bass tone.
CD#279 Marillion - Fugazi
More prog shenanigans from Fish and the boys.
CD#280 Terrorvision - How To Make Friends And Influence People
Bought because of the single Oblivion which is a great song and far and away the best thing on this album.
CD#281 Travis - The Man Who
Another mystery, as I love this album but it's the only Travis album I own.
Saturday 14 May 2016
Day 62
CD#275 Gram Parsons - GP/Grievous Angel
His two solo releases, the second one posthumous. There are flavours of all sorts of other bands, some contemporaries (Big Star) and some who came later (The Jayhawks) in a mix of straight country, country rock, alt country etc.
His two solo releases, the second one posthumous. There are flavours of all sorts of other bands, some contemporaries (Big Star) and some who came later (The Jayhawks) in a mix of straight country, country rock, alt country etc.
Friday 13 May 2016
Day 61
CD#272 Steely Dan - Pretzel Logic
The most upbeat, chirpy Steely Dan album so far.
CD#273 Pink Floyd - The Wall
This is the time I really became aware of Pink Floyd, with the release of Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2. I'd heard Dark Side Of The Moon at a friend's house but before I'd really started to get into music, so it hadn't really registered with me.
CD#274 Monsieur Pantin - Ma Rosalie
Anglo-French, mostly (16/19) instrumental folk shenanigans, featuring pipes. woodwind, guitar and mandocello.
The most upbeat, chirpy Steely Dan album so far.
CD#273 Pink Floyd - The Wall
This is the time I really became aware of Pink Floyd, with the release of Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2. I'd heard Dark Side Of The Moon at a friend's house but before I'd really started to get into music, so it hadn't really registered with me.
CD#274 Monsieur Pantin - Ma Rosalie
Anglo-French, mostly (16/19) instrumental folk shenanigans, featuring pipes. woodwind, guitar and mandocello.
Thursday 12 May 2016
Day 60
CD#265 Pink Floyd - Animals
I was reminded while listening to this of a song by The Leyton Buzzards called No Dry Ice Or Flying Pigs, which I'm currently listening to on YouTube - great fun!
CD#266 Fairport Convention - Fairport Convention
Their first album, and quite different from their other work. Sandy Denny joins after this and they write a lot more of their own songs, moving away from US folk rock to something a little more British.
CD#267 Black - Wonderful Life
Tinged with sadness due to his recent demise, this kicks off with the title track - which is a lovely song and one that means it'll be a long time before he's forgotten. R.I.P. Colin Vearncombe.
CD#268 Iggy Pop - Lust For Life
My all-time favourite Iggy album, one I used to listen to a lot as I used to put it on my bedroom stereo cranked up full and drum along to it.
CD#269 Show Of Hands - Roots: The Best Of Show Of Hands
I saw them once playing to about 50 people behind a pub in Lympstone, Devon - huge fun.
CD#270 Various - Now That's What I Call Northampton Vol 1
A collection of tunes from Northampton's finest.
CD#271 Moses - Golden Flatts
Last to be played and their last album. It's just as good as the first, and a pretty good way to sign off.
I was reminded while listening to this of a song by The Leyton Buzzards called No Dry Ice Or Flying Pigs, which I'm currently listening to on YouTube - great fun!
CD#266 Fairport Convention - Fairport Convention
Their first album, and quite different from their other work. Sandy Denny joins after this and they write a lot more of their own songs, moving away from US folk rock to something a little more British.
CD#267 Black - Wonderful Life
Tinged with sadness due to his recent demise, this kicks off with the title track - which is a lovely song and one that means it'll be a long time before he's forgotten. R.I.P. Colin Vearncombe.
CD#268 Iggy Pop - Lust For Life
My all-time favourite Iggy album, one I used to listen to a lot as I used to put it on my bedroom stereo cranked up full and drum along to it.
CD#269 Show Of Hands - Roots: The Best Of Show Of Hands
I saw them once playing to about 50 people behind a pub in Lympstone, Devon - huge fun.
CD#270 Various - Now That's What I Call Northampton Vol 1
A collection of tunes from Northampton's finest.
CD#271 Moses - Golden Flatts
Last to be played and their last album. It's just as good as the first, and a pretty good way to sign off.
Wednesday 11 May 2016
Day 59
CD#261 The Costello Show featuring the Attractions and Confederates - King Of America
The first without (apart from one song) The Attractions - it's none the worse for that, despite my preference for most of his work with them.
CD#262 Thelonious Monk - Monks Moods
69 tracks on 4 CDs covering his career from 1947 to 1955.
CD#263 The Vapors - Turning Japanese (The Best Of The Vapors)
This includes all of the excellent first album (which I have on vinyl) and some of the second album (which I don't), plus my favourite Vapors B-side - the live version of Here Comes The Judge.
CD#264 Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds
Wonderful, magical, remarkable - as a youth I used to put my vinyl version of this on my stereo in my bedroom and turn the light off so I could concentrate on listening. A superb cast (and band) performing a brilliant piece of work
The first without (apart from one song) The Attractions - it's none the worse for that, despite my preference for most of his work with them.
CD#262 Thelonious Monk - Monks Moods
69 tracks on 4 CDs covering his career from 1947 to 1955.
CD#263 The Vapors - Turning Japanese (The Best Of The Vapors)
This includes all of the excellent first album (which I have on vinyl) and some of the second album (which I don't), plus my favourite Vapors B-side - the live version of Here Comes The Judge.
CD#264 Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds
Wonderful, magical, remarkable - as a youth I used to put my vinyl version of this on my stereo in my bedroom and turn the light off so I could concentrate on listening. A superb cast (and band) performing a brilliant piece of work
Tuesday 10 May 2016
Day 58
CD#257 Joni Mitchell - Hejira
A chilled start to the day.
CD#258 Little Monkeys - Live at the Marquee
Clive Murray (from Day 24) playing guitar with Little Monkeys at, if the title is to be believed, The Marquee.
CD#259 Marcus Miller - Silver Rain
Marcus Miller slapping and popping away as he does. I saw him at The Jazz Cafe a few years ago and my abiding memory, apart from the heat, was a harmonica player who appeared to have written the wrong keys down on his setlist. There was a keyboard solo toward the end of the night which started with a repeated single note (in the right key) for about 8 bars that I cheered for its tunefulness relative to the harmonica.
CD#260 R.E.M. - Reveal
Impossible to hear Imitation Of Life without remembering the clever video that accompanied it.
A chilled start to the day.
CD#258 Little Monkeys - Live at the Marquee
Clive Murray (from Day 24) playing guitar with Little Monkeys at, if the title is to be believed, The Marquee.
CD#259 Marcus Miller - Silver Rain
Marcus Miller slapping and popping away as he does. I saw him at The Jazz Cafe a few years ago and my abiding memory, apart from the heat, was a harmonica player who appeared to have written the wrong keys down on his setlist. There was a keyboard solo toward the end of the night which started with a repeated single note (in the right key) for about 8 bars that I cheered for its tunefulness relative to the harmonica.
CD#260 R.E.M. - Reveal
Impossible to hear Imitation Of Life without remembering the clever video that accompanied it.
Sunday 8 May 2016
Day 57
CD#250 Kris Delmhorst - Five Stories
More acoustic singer-songwriter loveliness with backing vocals from another singer recently listened to, Jennifer Kimball.
CD#251 David Bowie - Heathen
An interesting mix of originals and covers, including I Took a Trip (On a Gemini Spaceship), originally by The Legendary Stardust Cowboy (Paralyzed would have been more amusing to hear, but you can't have everything).
CD#252 Sam Brown - Box
More loveliness from a beautiful voice.
CD#253 Neutral Milk Hotel - On Avery Island
Lo-fi fuzztastic indie folk-pop, apparently. This is the debut album, the next one (on the way) is supposed to be the masterpiece.
CD#254 Roy Harper - Stormcock
Prog-folk! No idea why I don't have more than just this album.
CD#255 The Jam - The Gift
Released not that long before they split up, with songs like Precious and Trans-Global Express being cited as the cause of the split (I'm not a fan either). Despite this the good songs are as good as anything they did and not a bad way to sign off.
CD#256 Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II
Mighty stuff with a decidedly live feel to it.
More acoustic singer-songwriter loveliness with backing vocals from another singer recently listened to, Jennifer Kimball.
CD#251 David Bowie - Heathen
An interesting mix of originals and covers, including I Took a Trip (On a Gemini Spaceship), originally by The Legendary Stardust Cowboy (Paralyzed would have been more amusing to hear, but you can't have everything).
CD#252 Sam Brown - Box
More loveliness from a beautiful voice.
CD#253 Neutral Milk Hotel - On Avery Island
Lo-fi fuzztastic indie folk-pop, apparently. This is the debut album, the next one (on the way) is supposed to be the masterpiece.
CD#254 Roy Harper - Stormcock
Prog-folk! No idea why I don't have more than just this album.
CD#255 The Jam - The Gift
Released not that long before they split up, with songs like Precious and Trans-Global Express being cited as the cause of the split (I'm not a fan either). Despite this the good songs are as good as anything they did and not a bad way to sign off.
CD#256 Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II
Mighty stuff with a decidedly live feel to it.
Day 56
CD#246 Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells
I heard this once or twice in my youth but obviously wasn't listening very closely as I was quite surprised by the CD when I bought it a few years ago. Far more ragged and strange than I recalled, much more interesting though.
CD#247 Supergrass - I Should Coco
Great tunes, great fun.
CD#248 Suede - Dog Man Star
Often considered their masterpiece, it's third on my list, but what do I know.
CD#249 Tich Vango - As The Crow Flies
Local singer-songwriter, I won this in a raffle.
I heard this once or twice in my youth but obviously wasn't listening very closely as I was quite surprised by the CD when I bought it a few years ago. Far more ragged and strange than I recalled, much more interesting though.
CD#247 Supergrass - I Should Coco
Great tunes, great fun.
CD#248 Suede - Dog Man Star
Often considered their masterpiece, it's third on my list, but what do I know.
CD#249 Tich Vango - As The Crow Flies
Local singer-songwriter, I won this in a raffle.
Saturday 7 May 2016
Day 55
CD#243 R.E.M. - Up
Not as popular as some of their albums but I really like it.
CD#244 Kula Shaker - Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts
Bought because of Shower Your Love, the rest is ok but my favourite hasn't changed.
CD#245 Mark Hollis - Mark Hollis
Once of Talk Talk, this is his first and probably last solo album.
Not as popular as some of their albums but I really like it.
CD#244 Kula Shaker - Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts
Bought because of Shower Your Love, the rest is ok but my favourite hasn't changed.
CD#245 Mark Hollis - Mark Hollis
Once of Talk Talk, this is his first and probably last solo album.
Friday 6 May 2016
Day 54
CD#239 Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
Fuzz-tastic guitar and crashing drums mixed with quiet moments of delicate beauty.
CD#240 Pink Floyd - Meddle
Mostly enjoyable mellow prog-rock, plus a howling dog.
CD#241 The Who - Who's Next
If this was on vinyl then my liking of 33 1/3 % of it would be appropriate.
CD#242 Cheap Trick - The Greatest Hits
It starts with a (previously unreleased) cover of Magical Mystery Tour, which is an odd choice for a greatest hits album. I bought it for one of my favourite songs, the live version of I Want You To Want Me.
Fuzz-tastic guitar and crashing drums mixed with quiet moments of delicate beauty.
CD#240 Pink Floyd - Meddle
Mostly enjoyable mellow prog-rock, plus a howling dog.
CD#241 The Who - Who's Next
If this was on vinyl then my liking of 33 1/3 % of it would be appropriate.
CD#242 Cheap Trick - The Greatest Hits
It starts with a (previously unreleased) cover of Magical Mystery Tour, which is an odd choice for a greatest hits album. I bought it for one of my favourite songs, the live version of I Want You To Want Me.
Thursday 5 May 2016
Day 53
CD#230 Syd Barrett - Barrett
The last album from what was left of Syd.
CD#231 The Felice Brothers - The Felice Brothers
Ramshackle country/folk rock from the Catskill Mountains.
CD#232 Extreme - II: Pornograffitti
I hadn't noticed before, but the bass player is called Pat Badger, which amused me more than perhaps it should.
CD#233 Jonatha Brooke - Careful What You Wish For
A little more beefed-up in places but underneath that it still has lovely songs beautifully sung.
- - - - - - - - - -
With the number of CDs I currently have (or am expecting in the post any day) I've now passed half way, so only another 231 and I'll be nearly done ( I doubt I'll get there without buying one or two more ;O) ).
- - - - - - - - - -
CD#234 Counting Crows - Recovering The Satellites
The second album, the first with Dan Vickrey, it doesn't suffer from being the second album in part due to it being released three years after August And Everything After, with most of that time being spent touring and writing the songs that fill the album, whereas some second albums are filled up with songs that didn't make the first one and can be a bit hit and miss as a result.
CD#235 Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska
I lost interest in Springsteen after The River, especially the Born In The USA stuff, and missed this completely at the time of its release, probably as it's not particularly radio friendly. Despite that it's an interesting album, though not one of my favourites.
CD#236 Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue
I don't have much in the way of jazz on CD, but it's difficult to avoid the gateway drug of jazz albums unless you refuse to ever listen to jazz. I have listened for pleasure a number of times since I bought it, so this isn't being played just because I have to listen to all my CDs, and I'm sure I'll hear it again.
CD#237 Fairport Convention - What We Did On Our Holidays
Folk music, with electric guitars, sitar and robots.
CD#238 Steely Dan - Aja
The one I listen to most often, though I've no idea if it's my favourite or not.
The last album from what was left of Syd.
CD#231 The Felice Brothers - The Felice Brothers
Ramshackle country/folk rock from the Catskill Mountains.
CD#232 Extreme - II: Pornograffitti
I hadn't noticed before, but the bass player is called Pat Badger, which amused me more than perhaps it should.
CD#233 Jonatha Brooke - Careful What You Wish For
A little more beefed-up in places but underneath that it still has lovely songs beautifully sung.
- - - - - - - - - -
With the number of CDs I currently have (or am expecting in the post any day) I've now passed half way, so only another 231 and I'll be nearly done ( I doubt I'll get there without buying one or two more ;O) ).
- - - - - - - - - -
CD#234 Counting Crows - Recovering The Satellites
The second album, the first with Dan Vickrey, it doesn't suffer from being the second album in part due to it being released three years after August And Everything After, with most of that time being spent touring and writing the songs that fill the album, whereas some second albums are filled up with songs that didn't make the first one and can be a bit hit and miss as a result.
CD#235 Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska
I lost interest in Springsteen after The River, especially the Born In The USA stuff, and missed this completely at the time of its release, probably as it's not particularly radio friendly. Despite that it's an interesting album, though not one of my favourites.
CD#236 Miles Davis - Kind Of Blue
I don't have much in the way of jazz on CD, but it's difficult to avoid the gateway drug of jazz albums unless you refuse to ever listen to jazz. I have listened for pleasure a number of times since I bought it, so this isn't being played just because I have to listen to all my CDs, and I'm sure I'll hear it again.
CD#237 Fairport Convention - What We Did On Our Holidays
Folk music, with electric guitars, sitar and robots.
CD#238 Steely Dan - Aja
The one I listen to most often, though I've no idea if it's my favourite or not.
Wednesday 4 May 2016
Day 52
CD#224 Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Rust Never Sleeps
I've got other NY albums, but this is my only CD.
CD#225 Presumed Innocent - Where Clouds Cried Acid Tears
More local music - two of the three were bandmates of mine what seems like a lifetime ago - great days!
CD#226 The Mavericks - Trampoline
Great fun, every home should have a copy.
CD#227 Rush - Feedback
The sound of Rush having fun, it's not the worst thing they've ever done ;O)
CD#228 Frank Zappa - Sheik Yerbouti
I do like a bit of Frank, and there's lots on here.
CD#229 The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
More fun, frolics, murder and mayhem with Colin and the gang.
I've got other NY albums, but this is my only CD.
CD#225 Presumed Innocent - Where Clouds Cried Acid Tears
More local music - two of the three were bandmates of mine what seems like a lifetime ago - great days!
CD#226 The Mavericks - Trampoline
Great fun, every home should have a copy.
CD#227 Rush - Feedback
The sound of Rush having fun, it's not the worst thing they've ever done ;O)
CD#228 Frank Zappa - Sheik Yerbouti
I do like a bit of Frank, and there's lots on here.
CD#229 The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
More fun, frolics, murder and mayhem with Colin and the gang.
Tuesday 3 May 2016
Day 51
CD#219 Juliet Turner - People Have Names
Her most recent (2008) and possibly her last, which would be sad. Having said that she's done some great work, so I shall be grateful for that.
CD#220 The Smiths - The Smiths
I remember being stunned by this album when I first heard it, not sure quite to make of the amazing contrast between the music and the vocals/lyrics which were like nothing I'd heard before. Superb and unsettling in equal measure.
CD#221 McAlmont & Butler - Bring It Back
This is their second and probably final album, 7 years after the first, though Wiki says they played some gigs together last year, so you never know.
CD#222 Bruce Springsteen - The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle
Depending on my mood (and also which one I'm listening to at the time) this is either the best or second best Springsteen album. Either way it's always good to hear it.
CD#223 Steely Dan - The Royal Scam
Whenever I get round to listening to Steely Dan I always enjoy it, so it's puzzling I don't do it more often.
Her most recent (2008) and possibly her last, which would be sad. Having said that she's done some great work, so I shall be grateful for that.
CD#220 The Smiths - The Smiths
I remember being stunned by this album when I first heard it, not sure quite to make of the amazing contrast between the music and the vocals/lyrics which were like nothing I'd heard before. Superb and unsettling in equal measure.
CD#221 McAlmont & Butler - Bring It Back
This is their second and probably final album, 7 years after the first, though Wiki says they played some gigs together last year, so you never know.
CD#222 Bruce Springsteen - The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle
Depending on my mood (and also which one I'm listening to at the time) this is either the best or second best Springsteen album. Either way it's always good to hear it.
CD#223 Steely Dan - The Royal Scam
Whenever I get round to listening to Steely Dan I always enjoy it, so it's puzzling I don't do it more often.
Monday 2 May 2016
Day 50
CD#216 Pink Floyd - Atom Heart Mother
It's not in my top 5, but it does have Fat Old Sun on it, so it's not all bad.
CD#217 Gil Scott-Heron - Ghetto Style
A compilation which appears to be a passable summation of his career up to the time of its release - the only album (ignoring remixes and a posthumous release) it misses out is 2010's I'm New Here, which I like a lot.
CD#218 The Elected - Me First
The main man of The Elected is Blake Sennett, once of Rilo Kiley, this album has the drummer Jason Boesel too. Not unsurprisingly this sounds a lot like the quirkier Rilo Kiley stuff which was often written and sung by Blake, surprisingly I like some of it more than I do one or two of his Rilo Kiley offerings.
It's not in my top 5, but it does have Fat Old Sun on it, so it's not all bad.
CD#217 Gil Scott-Heron - Ghetto Style
A compilation which appears to be a passable summation of his career up to the time of its release - the only album (ignoring remixes and a posthumous release) it misses out is 2010's I'm New Here, which I like a lot.
CD#218 The Elected - Me First
The main man of The Elected is Blake Sennett, once of Rilo Kiley, this album has the drummer Jason Boesel too. Not unsurprisingly this sounds a lot like the quirkier Rilo Kiley stuff which was often written and sung by Blake, surprisingly I like some of it more than I do one or two of his Rilo Kiley offerings.
Sunday 1 May 2016
Day 49
CD#210 R.E.M. - New Adventures In Hi-fi
I put this in with the thought that I've never liked it (or listened to it) much. It's better than I remember but not hugely memorable, it mostly just meanders along with no particular highs or lows.
CD#211 Matt & Kim - Grand
From hi-fi to lo-fi, it's another from the lucky dip of Exmouth Market. It's a little giddy for a Sunday morning, but a nice contrast to the sounds of New Adventures In Hi-fi nevertheless.
CD#212 Blur - 13
Not sure about this one, there are some great tunes and some noise, and a couple of others are ok, but it's a bit neither one thing nor another.
CD#213 Silver Sun - Neo Wave
A mixed bag today, but this will make things better. I love this album.
CD#214 Steve Lawson & Theo Travis - For The Love Of Open Spaces
I was going to attempt a fruit and cream based metaphor but wasn't sure I could get away with it, so this is Steve with added Theo, delicious.
CD#215 Radiohead - Ok Computer
Not bad at all.
I put this in with the thought that I've never liked it (or listened to it) much. It's better than I remember but not hugely memorable, it mostly just meanders along with no particular highs or lows.
CD#211 Matt & Kim - Grand
From hi-fi to lo-fi, it's another from the lucky dip of Exmouth Market. It's a little giddy for a Sunday morning, but a nice contrast to the sounds of New Adventures In Hi-fi nevertheless.
CD#212 Blur - 13
Not sure about this one, there are some great tunes and some noise, and a couple of others are ok, but it's a bit neither one thing nor another.
CD#213 Silver Sun - Neo Wave
A mixed bag today, but this will make things better. I love this album.
CD#214 Steve Lawson & Theo Travis - For The Love Of Open Spaces
I was going to attempt a fruit and cream based metaphor but wasn't sure I could get away with it, so this is Steve with added Theo, delicious.
CD#215 Radiohead - Ok Computer
Not bad at all.
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