TimeOut

Hi all,

 

I used to go out of my way to find new music and to listen to different genres that may not have been immediately appealing. It may be part of the ‘middle age syndrome’, but insidiously over the last few years I have found myself reaching for the ‘old favourites’. So I am after some suggestions from you for something ‘new’.

 

I would like you to each nominate up to 5 of your favourite albums. They don’t need to be recent releases, just ones that you love. All genres welcomed. It would be great if you could tell me/us why each is special to you.

 

I offer the following for your consideration:

 

Mighty Sam McClain: Give it up to love

Audioquest AQ-CD1015 or LP1015 or JVC Extended Resolution CD JVCXR-0012-2

 

A brilliant comeback album and almost a definitive blues recording. It’s the one I play to people who tell me they don’t like the Blues. Fantastic voice, live to two-track studio recording, great backing musicians, swirling Hammond organ to send shivers up your spine. Vinyl or CD but look out for the XRCD version for that extra bit of clarity and imaging.

 

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Op. 8.

Nils-Erik Sparf with the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble

BIS CD-275 or LP-275

 

I know, I know, done to death, but Sparf plays this like no other. Believe me. I saw him perform with the Australian Chamber Orchestra many years ago and the guy literally attacks his violin. I remember one reviewer saying that this is how he imagined Vivaldi himself would play. The orchestra is subtly augmented with organ. The definitive Four Seasons. It’s an early digital recording so there is some ‘glare’, but it is quite airy and detailed. The vinyl tames this brightness significantly.

 

Patricia Barber: Verse

Blue Note / Premonition 7243 5 39856 2 2

Now this took a lot of listening, but it slowly seeped into my being. A challenging and innovative jazz pianist/singer/composer. Subtle and thoughtful accompaniment (listen to the trumpet solo on track 5). Café Blue and Modern Cool are her better known albums and more traditional, but Verse goes to a whole new place. This is the one I am most nervous about recommending, but I am confident a small number of you will find heaven in these bits. The poets amongst you will enjoy the lyrics as well.

 

John Rutter: Requiem

The Cambridge Singers with The City of London Sinfonia , Collegium COLCD 103

The Turtle Creek Chorale and The Women’s Chorus of Dallas , Reference Recordings RR-57CD

 

A sublime modern requiem mass. The Reference Recordings version is augmented with organ and is BIG and impressive in an audiophile sort of way, but I prefer the more delicate and involving Collegium release which Rutter himself conducted.

 

Holly Cole Trio: Don’t Smoke in Bed

Manhattan CDP 0777 7 81198 2 1

 

Traditional and modern jazz standards. This one is an audiophile showstopper. Holly stands 5’6” in front of you and her voice is three dimensional and resonant and you can hear her breathe. Dusty Springfield’s Look of Love and some of Lou Rawls work on “At Last” are examples of three three-dimensional imaging off vinyl, but I am talking CD here for Holly. Want to see if your digital front end is up to the challenge? Enjoy (and start with track 4).

 

Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

 

Andrew, your friendly neighbourhood audiophile (unless you live directly next door!)

This message has been edited by DRMW on 2009-03-15 23:25:31

"( )" by Sigur Rós -- IMO an experimental modern-rock masterpiece.  In my experience, people either love this album or hate it with a passion.  I've never met anyone who listened to it all the way through and came out the other side just thinking it was "okay."  Eight fairly lengthy songs (between 6-13 minutes each), all untitled, separated into two sections of four songs each by a weird 30 second pause (Which caused me to freak out the first time I listened to the album, because I thought something was wrong with my stereo.), and sung in a completely made-up language called "Vonlenska."  I know, it sounds crazy.  Musically, you'll find gentle keyboards accompanied by orchestral and electronic elements, bowed-guitars and falsetto voices, all elegantly arranged.  Track 4 is my favorite.  It's an achingly beautiful and uplifting song.

"Sea Change" by Beck -- This album had a lot of my friends, who are massive Beck fans, scratching their heads when it came out.  Beck does an album of nothing but sad, modern-folk?  What?!  My former boss who loved Beck's previous albums used to tell me to turn off this "sad bastard" music when I would listen to it in my office.  I personally am not surprised at all that Beck released an album of modern-folk.  It's clear that he is an eclectic artist influenced by everything from Brazilian jazz to hip-hop, and yes, folk music.  IMO there's not a bad song on this album.  It's one of the best break-up albums of all time...plaintive, full of longing, emotionally bare, lushly arranged but lyrically intimate.  Tracks 1, 3, and 5 are standouts.

"Live At The Avalon Ballroom 1969" by Gram Parsons with The Flying Burrito Brothers -- The story of this release is pretty interesting, and can be read in depth in the CD liner notes, but essentially there had been rumors for years that Bear Stanley, the Grateful Dead's sound engineer, had captured extraordinary Gram Parsons recordings that had never been released.  This is heady information for any die-hard fan of Parsons' "cosmic American music" (as he called it) since his career was so short-lived (dead at 26).  This CD is the result of successfully accessing those recordings.  IMO, and many others, Parsons was one of the progenitors of 60s country-rock, a sound lots of folks largely associate with groups like The Byrds (Parsons was briefly a pseudo-member) and later The Eagles.  This 2-disc set showcases live versions of Parsons' genre-blending music; part country, part honky-tonk, part rock...all genuine.  My favorite songs are "Hot Burrito #1" and "Close Up The Honky Tonks."

"Asking For Flowers" by Kathleen Edwards -- The AAA and NPR radio crowd is probably familiar with Canadian singer-songwriter, Kathleen Edwards.  I fell in love with her voice and alt-country songs on her first effort, "Failer," but this latest album may very well be the gem in her discography thus far.  Edwards has a gorgeous, expressive voice, and delivers her songs with an immediacy and intimacy that is rare in today's world of over-produced teen sensations.  She's no wilting adult-contemporary flower though.  Her songs run the gamut of subjects from politics to hockey (she is Canadian, after all) as metaphors for matters of the heart.  This is an album for all the lyric junkies out there, as Edwards is one of the best female contemporary singer-songwriters in the English-speaking world.  Best tracks are 1, 2, 3, 5 and 11.

"Car Wheels On A Gravel Road" by Lucinda Williams -- I stated above that Kathleen Edwards was one of the best female contemporary singer-songwriters in the English-speaking world.  Well, Lucinda Williams IS the best female contemporary singer-songwriter in the English-speaking world (IMO, of course.).  Other artists have been mining and recording her back catalog for years, and her lyrical prowess has evoked comparisons to Bob Dylan.  Williams' husky, whisky-honey voice has its limitations, but it's perfect for her songs...songs of uncompromising love, heartbreak, failure, lost causes and redemption.  It's hard to choose favorite songs from this album, her best IMO, because it's all good, but if forced to pick favorites I'd say highlights would be tracks 1, 4, 7, and 9.

Happy listening,

Daos

Anouar Brahem - Le Pas du Chat Noir

One of the most moving, fluid albums I've ever heard.  If a heart could be heard through the instrument, this is what it would express.

The Chills - Sunburst

Martin Phillips has that rare gift of being able to write perfectly for his voice.  This one features  Dave Mattacks & Dave Gregory, and while deceptively simple at first, it becomes richer and more satisfying with every listen.

Salif Keita - Follon

What can I say?  The rhythms, the singing, the interwoven instrumental patterns, they have a live energy like the energized words of a great book jumping off the page.  With musicianship that astounds, this is a recording I could listen to every day of my life.

Steven Bernstein - Diaspora Suite

Some of my favorite musicians got together for an afternoon, and put this Miles-ish/Hancock-ish/Bernstein-ish recording together.  It jumps, it grooves, it pulses throughout

Damien Jurado - Rehearsals for Departure

Unforgettable voice of longing, sort of Neil Young meets Elliott Smith.

...and we haven't even touched on rock or classical.

All are mainstream Rock/Metal bands and my favs!!!! And all of their albums so far rocks!!!!

Hey, I know Maynard Keynan... interesting guy with some hobbies that would be popular with the TimeOut crowd...He gave me one of his CD's and unfortunately I didn't care for it.  I do like James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins.

Regards,
ED-209

Convey my best to him and please, please ask him to re-form A Perfect Circle :P

Btw, is he keen on watches? That'd be great as well!

Cheers.

broke up in NYC, heard they're back together again...Zwan sucked.

S

Interesting sound...isn't he into wine or winemaking or something like that?

I remember hearing about an appearance at a Whole Foods relating to wine and at the time thinking....

hmm, wouldn't think a rock music artist would be so involved with wine like that.

It was definitely interesting

I really don't have favorite bands though but here are some I enjoy listening to:

Staind (rock band - they are awesome live IMO)

Ne-Yo (current hit pop and R*B artist)

Linkin Park (rock band - their new album is too tame compared to their early albums IMO)

Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order (these 3 80's electronic bands ruled my college days)

Cheers,
Anthony

....Aaron Lewis' voice is so good! Their 'Break the Cycle' album is a definitive must have for any rock lover!

Depeche Mode is cool too!

Their 1st album was da bomb IMO.  Concert was awesome too and probably the only concert I went to where I knew every single song played that night.

- AT

You must also try and listen to Hoobastank, Crossfade, 3 Doors Down, Breaking Benjamin, Keane, etc....

No message body

I don’t have any Savage Garden albums at home but know most of their songs from radio play. And there is of course the Australian connection – they were a couple of local Brisbane lads. I believe there were only two albums which spawned a large number of singles. Good stuff to sing along to – but I won’t admit to doing that!

 

Darren Hayes solo work has not been as consistent as his time with Daniel Jones.

 

Andrew

Good music is good no matter who sings it.  Heck, I'll admit that I listen to Britney Spear's Circus which plays all the time on the radio.  Even Paris Hilton's Stars Are Blind song is catchy :P

Agreed that Darren Hayes' solo work isn't as good as when he was with Daniel Jones.  I think I only remember hearing one of Hayes' songs on the radio and it wasn't that good.

- AT

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-03-14 20:49:29

Thanks Anthony, I know some of the ‘radio hits’, but I don’t have any albums. And I do like Aaron Lewis’ vocals. Reminds me a bit of 3 Doors Down - their 2002 release “Away From The Sun” was one of the best sounding DVD-Audio releases in the early days of the high resolution (SACD / DVD-A) format wars.

 

Do you have a favourite Staind album; a good starting point?

 

Andrew

Just have his hits but when Ping and I watched them live, oh my god, every song was amazing.  If you want to buy an album, I know "Break The Cycle" is good.

3 Doors Down had some good songs.  We saw them live either 2 or 3 times but the lead singer doesn't sing in tune :P  Just an average singer IMO but that gets all corrected in the recording studio :P

Cheers,
Anthony

You might enjoy another Australian band (from Adelaide) called The Superjesus. Unfortunately no longer active (although not officially split), their second album “Sumo” is the pick of the bunch. Great tunes and catchy riffs. They were good live too and Sarah McLeod (lead vocals and guitar) has a great stage presence.

 

Here is Gravity from their third album "Jet Age".

 

Andrew

Some on my playlist:

DJ Khalid feat. Akon: We taking over..

Lloyd: Get it shawty

New Edition: Hot tonight

Smashing Pumpkins: Zero

Trick Daddy: Sugar

Have you tried listening to 80's music?

-MW

1. this is 2 albums as i cant decide between the 2. Pink Floyd, Dark Side and Wish you were here, both stunning progressive rock. i was going to add the Final Cut to these, but for personal reasons it makes me cry so i've cut it out.

2. Seasick Steve, i started with nothing and i've still got most of it left. great upbeat and cheerful electric bluesey stuff that makes you laugh.

3. Phil Collins. Face Value. solo performance at his best. written when he had huge problems in his life, songs from the heart.

4. Suzanne vega. cant remember the album name, but the one with luca and marlene on the wall on it.

5. Anthony phillips. private parts and pieces. and instrumental album from one of the original genesis line up. perfect background music for dinner parties.

 

to add to this, if you like rock and classical music you should give Yangwie Malmsteen a try. possibly the best rock guitarist i've ever heard who can play classical guitar music with a fender strat in a style you would not believe.

Graham

nt

Luca was on the 1987 album “Solitude Standing” and Marlene on the Wall was from her self titled 1985 album. It refers to the actress Marlene Dietrich of course. Suzanne was a great, sometimes quirky lyricist.

 

Andrew

Unlike cars I'll limit myself to 5 humble suggestions although you have great taste yourself:

1) Oasis: Whats the Story Morning Glory: imho one of the best Brit Pop/Alternative albums of all time, was what put the band on the map and songs like Champagne Supernova and its guitar riff is the stuff of dreams

2) Nina Simone: The Tomato Collection: One of the most enduring voices ever, I discovered her through a song called Just in Time which was played at the end of a movie I really love called Before Sunset.

3) Ministry of Sound: Clubbers Guide 2009: it just came out and has a great collection of Ibiza style House techno music which I feel would be a great introduction to the genre, look out for songs 11, 12 on CD1 and 8 on CD2

4) Empire Records: OST: had a great collection of varied songs which had a very retro sound yet was unique in its own way, Mazzy Stars mellow song Yellow was the highlight for me along with the Cranberries and so on.

5) Dr. Dre: The Chronic: A landmark hip hop album which is the defacto standard of what good Gangstah rap should be especially with all these crappy new comers now, although it might be considered crass and vulgar to some people, I feel it really captures the frustration and mindset of people and resonates globally, if not anything else it is authentic and "keeps it real".

Can suggest tonnes more but you said 5

S

I saw Oasis last December in Los Angeles, and they are better than ever.  Morning Glory is a phenomenal album...with tracks like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, Some Might Say...a total classic!  Empire Records is a gem of a soundtrack.  I bought the album based on the tracklisting alone AGES before I ever saw the actual movie (which wasn't bad).

Cheers,

Daos

nt

 

nt

Thanks for the list Salman.

 

I loved that Oasis album, but the ‘modern beatles’ sound always stuck in my throat a little, and the brothers antics were rather annoying.

 

My wife was a big Nina Simone fan and thankfully she dragged me along on Nina’s last Australian tour. While her voice had lost some of its power, the emotion was as strong as ever. Brilliant and nothing else like her. Just ‘playing’ “I put a spell on you” over in my head as I type this gives me goosebumps.

 

Thanks for reminding me.

 

Andrew

nt