Now Hear This
Here is our playlist for this week. This is by no means complete, but it does give our readers the gist of what made it onto our turntables and CD players over the last seven days. An appearance on this list is not a recommendation of any kind unless clearly stated in the accompanying comments. We listen to many recordings over the course of a week, and our opinions of those recordings will naturally vary.
June 22, 2012
It’s been a busy week, but the weekend is here, along with our listening choices for the last seven days. A few surprises this time around, with the return of an old favorite…
Smashing Pumpkins – Oceania (2012)
Am I happy with this recording because it’s good, or because the Smashing Pumpkins are back? Maybe both. I feel good today…!
Metric – Synthetica (2012)
Our staff is split on this. Still a bit poppy for some of our tastes, but it is well done. It opens as honestly as it possibly can: “I’m just as fu**ed up as they say….”
I believe you honey, really I do.
The Bottle Rockets – The Brooklyn Side (1994)
An older release that still sounds good. The group did not record a better album than this in my opinion. Now… where did I park that thousand dollar car…
The Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire (1972)
With the release of The Complete Columbia Albums Collection, a 5 disc motherlode for lovers of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra and their jazz/rock fury, we gave our favorite release some extended listening. This recording belongs in every serious rock collection.
Weather Report – Black Market (1976)
Sony just released a 6 disc retrospective of the years that featured Jaco Pastorius on bass titled The Columbia Albums 1976 – 1982. With that, we immediately went to our favorite recording from that period, Black Market, and gave it an extended listen in celebration of that long overdue compilation. Zawinul and Shorter brought Jaco into the group and this was the first release they issued together. Highly recommended.
Billy Cobham – Crosswinds (1974)
Cobham’s solo work outside of his stint with the first Mahavishnu Orchestra was always an interesting listen. Crosswinds was his second solo outing, and in our opinion, it remains his best work. John Abercrombie and the Brecker Brothers lend a hint of what Dreams might have sounded like had they all been able to stay together. Recommended.
McCoy Tyner – Infinity (1995)
One of many fabulous recordings by Tyner, it contains a watermark version of Coltrane’s masterwork: Impressions. Michael Brecker never sounded or played better. Recommended.
Screaming Trees – Last Words: The Final Recordings (2011)
We miss Screaming Trees, and are happy to finally hear this album. Good stuff from the pacific Northwest.
Deuter – Silence is the Answer (1981)
See our Album of the Week section for more information.
Till next week…. keep those card and letters comin’!
jazzmanblue
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June 15, 2012
It’s been an interesting week in our NYC office, with the new releases coming in and many of our older favorites hitting the turntable. This is a taste of what reached our ears over the last seven days:
Japandroids – Celebration Rock (2012)
Aptly named. Sloppy but infectious shouting from this Vancouver based duo. We expect this release to be a big deal among the late teenage to early 20s crowd.
Gaslight Anthem – American Slang (2010)
Punk based roots rock via New Jersey circa the Springsteen Highway. Thought I saw the band screaming at high speed down Thunder Road, but might have been mistaken. No, I wasn’t.
Social Distortion – Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (1992)
Feeling a bit out of sorts this week, and decided a dose of SD was the best thing for it. We were right.
Social Distortion – White Light, White Heat, White Trash (1996)
Not up to par with Between Heaven and Hell, but can be just what the doctor ordered under the correct circumstances.
The Stooges – Fun House (1970)
Rough edged proto punk (is there any other kind?) that still holds up. Always a good listen when the Rx calls for it.
Buzzcocks – Operators Manual (1991)
A good early retrospective of the band.
Metric – Fantasies (2009)
While we wait for Synthetica to arrive, this filled the spot. Well done synth rock, but a bit poppy for some of our crack staff. Worth a listen.
ZZ Top – Texicali (2012)
Four tune digital EP released this week. The faithful will not be disappointed, and others will just shrug and say: “more of the same.” We say: 25 lighters on my dresser, yessir…I got to get paid… Works for us.
Pat Metheny – Unity Band (2012)
A marvelous new release by Metheny, which after many years features tenor sax, as well as soprano and bass clarinet, all brilliantly played by Chris Potter. For many listeners, this is long awaited return to a post bop style Metheny does so well. Recommended.
Titus Andronicus – The Monitor (2010)
A well done second release by this New Jersey outfit. The additional instrumentation and guest artists make this a step up from their debut. Recommended.
The Strokes – Angles (2011)
A tip of the hat to Sean for recommending we give the band a listen. Not a unanimous favorite among the staff, but this NYC unit has their songwriting edge down pat on this release. Edgy, poppy, punky, new wave influenced rock. Worth an extended listen at the very least.
John McLaughlin – Belo Horizonte (1981)
Because the head of our crack staff can’t get enough of what he considers to be the best guitarist seen and heard in the last forty years.
Have a great weekend. Keep those MP3 players hummin’, and keep music alive.
jazzmanblue
June 8, 2012
Neil Young – Americana (2012)
Another unexpected release from ol’ Neil. Back with Crazy Horse after many years, they record covers of old American classics, like Clementine, Oh Susanna, Gallows Pole and even a version of God Save the Queen (traditional). Yikes.
Joe Walsh – Analog Man (2012)
He may be analog at heart, but we would bet our bottom dollar this is a digital recording. Crisply produced by Jeff Lynne, there is not much new here in a musical sense, but it is nice to have Joe back as a solo artist.
Patti Smith – Banga (2012)
Once upon a time, Smith was punk’s raging poet queen. Banga is a reflection of the mind of a mature artist. Recommended.
Chambers Brothers – People Get Ready (1965)
This album has always been a good listen. Prior to their rock/psychedelia phase, the Brothers did the Blues quite well.
Jade Warrior – Floating World (1974)
See our Album of the Week section.
The Bee Gees – 1st Album (1967)
With the death of Robin Gibb, we gave this album a listen once again. Prior to their “disco” period, the group did surprisingly good work. The psychedelic stylings, along with the songwriting, hold up well. Requiescat In Pace.
Pelican – Australasia (2003)
Instrumental metal from a group that has grown to become masters of the craft. Recommended.
Black Sabbath – Headless Cross (1989)
Riffmaster Iommi made a valiant return on this release. Tony Martin (Vocals) returned as well.
Herbie Hancock – Crossings (1971)
Brilliantly executed electronic excursions by Hancock’s pre Headhunters group. Highly recommended for jazz and fusion heads.
Return to Forever – Romantic Warrior (1976)
Solid work by the classic lineup of the band. (Corea, Clarke, White, DiMeola). Recommended.
That will do if for this week. Our playlist was really quite packed this week, and we expect more of the same going forward. Keep playin’ that funky music… until we meet again next week…
jazzmanblue
June 1, 2012
Amon Duul ll – Wolf City (1972)
A tour de force of psychedelic krautrock. Once on the turntable, it will likely not be removed for some time.
Hawkwind – Chronicle of the Black Sword (1985)
Being a fan of Michael Moorcock’s Elric saga, we can’t resist listening to this every so often. Good, but not Hawkwind’s best offering. If you like the Elric series as well, by all means give this a listen.
Hawkwind – Quark, Strangeness and Charm (1977)
One of the best in the Hawkwind discography. Space rock lives – Thank goodness.
Slash – Apocalyptic Love (2012)
We always look forward to any new offering by Slash. Nothing replaces the old Guns and Roses, but this will do.
The Tedeschi – Trucks Band – Everybody’s Talkin’ (2012)
An interesting take on some well known tunes. Nicely done.
Silversun Pickups – The Neck of the Woods (2012)
We also find Silversun Pickups to be an interesting listen. This one is a bit of a mood change from the first two recordings. Recommended.
John McLaughlin – Electric Dreams (1979)
Another solid outing from a master guitarist.
John McLaughlin – Floating Point (2008)
A change of pace for this artist. Nicely done, as usual. McLaughlin is often on our playlist, simply because you can’t get too much of a good thing.
Comments and recommendations are welcomed. Please send to:
mingus@jazzmanblue.com
Life is short enough, so listen with gusto, and share the good things you find.
jazzmanblue
May 25, 2012
Sopwith Camel – The Miraculous Hump Returns from the Moon (1972)
Sopwith Camel arrived from San Francisco in the late ’60s, then disappeared until this 1972 release. Issued on CD in 2006, it holds a pleasant collection of light hearted psychedelia.
Pearls Before Swine – Balaklava (1968)
See our Album of the Week feature.
Slash’s Snakepit – Ain’t Life Grand (2000)
Because we still miss the original Guns and Roses, and Slash keeps things going. The new release is on deck for next week.
Deuter – D (1971)
Krautrock from the early 70’s, from an artist who became a “New Age” icon in the 80’s. He later released some amazing psychedelia which should not be missed. More about Deuter will appear in an upcoming article.
Fat Mattress – Fat Mattress (1969)
Noel Redding vehicle from the late 60’s which allowed him to record those many tunes he wrote as a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. In a similar vein to Little Miss Strange from the Electric Ladyland album.
Kimbra – Vows (2012)
A new pop icon (?) arrives on the scene with this debut recording.
The Shins – Chutes too Narrow (2003)
Recommended listening from the indie vein.
The Pentangle – Cruel Sister (1970)
We take this out a few times a year for a full hearing. Jack Orion remains an old favorite.
Fleetwood Mac – Fleetwood Mac (1967)
Peter Green’s first appearance with the band changed a few things, especially the direction of British Blues. Always a good and interesting listen.
Steve Hackett – Beyond the Shrouded Horizon (2012)
Steve Hackett continues to release new and interesting material. Those with a taste for progressive rock will be pleased with this one.
The Memorial Day weekend is upon us once again! We never forget those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, and extend our best wishes to all veterans and their families, especially those who currently serve in Afghanistan and other combat areas.
A great holiday weekend to all! See you next week…
Jazzmanblue