OK – So we’ve been away for a while.  I know… but fear not…  Your wait is over!

The Listening Station at the Jazzmanblue.com enclave is always busy, so it’s really just a matter of getting a representative sample posted to the site – After all, folks are clamoring to know which artists are getting the bulk of our attention, and why keep them waiting any longer?

 

 

Tiesto – A Town Called Paradise (2014)

Considering the powerful influence Trance artists display within popular music, it’s a wonder crossover attempts like this have not occurred more often.  Still, Trance giants like Tiesto should stick to what they do best.  We found this release to be a disappointment. But hey – maybe you will hear it differently.   We just don’t think so.

 

 

Neil Young – Psychedelic Pill (2012)

Whatever your feelings about NY’s view of the world outside of music, put it all aside to listen to this gem.  Neil hit a 500 foot homer with this release- and his ability to go for the long ones is as strong as it ever was.  Driftin’ Back is almost 30 minutes long, and not a second is wasted. Like Psych?  Here’s a release for the Pantheon.  Recommended.

 

 

Deadmau5 – while 1<2 (2014)

A departure in mood and tone for Deadmau5, this will get a lot of play from his fan base, many of whom may wonder what’s going on here.  Two CD’s worthy of multiple listens. We like it.  Recommended.

 

 

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 – A Long Way to the Beginning (2014)

There is no way to replace Fela, and the world misses his unique stand on issues inside and outside of music. Afrobeat has not been the same since his passing, but son Seun carries on – and along with his father’s band, does a nice job of bringing new energy to the genre.  Recommended.

 

 

Hopper/Dean/Tippet/Gallivan – Cruel But Fair (1976)

Dedicated listeners to artists of the Canterbury scene will likely enjoy this record to the max.  Not well known or easy to find, but now available on a number of online listening sites. Fans of Soft Machine, Caravan, Hatfield and the North, and Centipede will be happy to have this one available again.  Recommended.

 

 

Black Keys – Turn Blue (2014)

Another quality outing for these guys. Always worth a listen.

 

 

Soundgarden – King Animal (2012)

It was damn good of these guys to come back together again. Took ’em long enough.  It’s not Superunknown, but it is Soundgarden. We are happy.

 

 

Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters – Good News (2014)

Clean, bluesy, R&B. Where have you been?  Right here, apparently.  Great outing for this band. Play, play, play it and have some fun – you won’t be able to avoid it. Then play it some more – it’s good for you.

 

 

Krokofant – Krokofant (2014)

A fine debut for this Norwegian ensemble.  Jazz, fusion and avant garde rock in a blend that loses no focus or interest from beginning to end.  Recommended.

 

 

Beck – Morning Phase (2014)

His legions will buy this no matter what anyone says.  Will you? (I didn’t)   Worth a listen.

 

 

The Antlers – Familiars (2014)

An under the radar release from this Brooklyn based trio. Unique and off the beaten path (slightly) we think it will please those ready to hear it.  Recommended.

 

It’s good to be back!

Keep those MP3 players humming. We still prefer pure Class A equipment, but time and technology move on (and sometimes comes back.)

We’ll be back in a week or so with a new list of things we listened to. If you think a release to be worthy of our attention, just send us your recommendation to: mingus@ jazzmanblue.com

jazzmanblue