It has been a week of some heavy weight listening, let me tell ya. There are some new gems out there to be sure, and along with the new, the rediscovery of some older delights made the week’s turntable usage quite memorable.   Here is a sample of what these ears gave listen to this week:

 

Bryan Ferry – Avonmore (2014)

This is unexpected. Not only do we have a new recording by Bryan Ferry, but one which follows in the footsteps of Roxy Music’s Avalon (1982) and Ferry’s Boys and Girls (1985) and Bete Noire (1987) – while also bringing another level of tuneful maturity to the occasion. After all, and despite the 80’s era picture on the cover – Ferry is pushing 70, and any additional insights and nuances to his best period are welcomed. Those insights just helps us appreciate those older recordings all the more. Recommended.

 

Peter Green – The Anthology (2008)

Listening to all four discs took a bit of time, but it was well worth it.  Covering every period of Green’s career – including his time with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and the early recordings of Fleetwood Mac – The Anthology is a treasure trove for Bluesheads and Green aficionados alike.  Recommended.

 

Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood – Madison Square Garden (2008)

Middle of the road performances by two icons of the Classic Rock era. Not bad at all, but not inspiring either.  It is good to see Hendrix represented well in this set (Voodoo Chile, Little Wing, Them Changes) as well as Blind Faith (Can’t Find My Way Home, In the Presence of the Lord, Had to Cry Today, Well Alright) and Traffic (Glad, Pearly Queen, No Face, No Name, No Number), but I expected more in the way of emotional content, and remain underwhelmed by the performances. Ho Hum.

 

Monster Magnet – Milking the Stars: Re-imagining of The Last Patrol (2014)

So… Monster Magnet decided to rework The Last Patrol (2013) and take the music to a place more in line with late 60’s psychedelia.  The first release showed the band in good stoner/metal/sludge form – and this reworking shows the band to be as adept at Psych as ever.  Which do you prefer?  If you like the band, you will more than likely enjoy both versions. At some point in the future, these albums will be sold as a twofer. Should have been that way from the start. Recommended.

 

Bongripper – Hippie Killer (2007)

There is always room at my table for a solid Stoner/Doom Metal outing, and this does not disappoint. Worth a listen. Or two.

 

Manu Dibango – Africadelic (1973)

African soul and pop from Cameroon, recorded in 1973, one year after Dibango’s Soul Makossa made such a big impact on the U.S. charts.  Powerful rhythms flow through the record making it a glorious listen – Soul, Pop, Jazz and Highlife stirred into one heady brew.  Only 33 minutes in length and worth every penny needed to procure a copy. Recommended.

 

Bo NIngen/Savages – Words to the Blind (2014)

Experimental, psychedelic, avant-garde, post rock drama out of Japan. A 37 minute work which will cause many a listener to reach for the bong. Evocative, engaging, thrilling and at times confounding, Words to the Blind will take you to a new place with each listen – no matter where you happen to be at the moment.  Recommended. 

 

Robert Wyatt – Different Every Time (2014)

A compilation of Wyatt’s work, stretching from the early 70’s with Soft Machine (Moon in June) and Matching Mole, to the present.  Presented mostly in the context of his collaborations with other artists, such as Brian Eno and Michael Mantler.   The set Includes 17 tunes on 2 CD’s – nowhere near the depth of his 14 disc Box Set  from 2009 –  but one which can serve as a focused introduction to the man and his work across multiple decades.  Recommended.

 

Art Department – Natural Selection (2014)

Electro-Synth rhythm pop which sometimes sounds as if it’s lost looking for the 80’s, and other times looking for the exit to a post apocalyptic future. Either way it is grey, moody and atmospheric.  Sunny days need not apply.  “Just use the key to open the door..” Recommended. 

 

Manilla Road – Crystal Logic (1983)

A classic recording from the world’s premiere underground metal band. From Wichita, Kansas to the world – rarely touring the States, but intensely followed by a dedicated fan base all across Europe who come out in droves to see them.  Metal heads all know who they are, now it’s your turn.  Highly Recommended.

 

Until next time, have fun and keep those turntables spinning.   The music must flow…

Jazzmanblue