What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (VOL V)

Eric Wood

I'll join with:

On the Black Stuff!

quote:

By the way, how is the Sviatoslav disc?

Regards,

Haim

Haim, I've only listened to discs 3, 5, 7, & 9 so far. There is nothing I would ever find to criticize Richter about; everything he does just sounds so right. Richter is of a stature that I find I can even overlook any recording flaws (sound & environment), for instance. Listening to the Bach and the odd cough, I find after the first listen, one doesn't hear the audience noise anymore. The playing is sublime and really transcends all else. I've never heard a better interpretation of Prokofiev's, Visions fugitives. I just wish I could find a complete recording but for now I'll gladly settle for the 3 little "encores" given here. This applies to the Well-tempered Clavier as well. I've seen complete recordings but they are usually pretty expensive. When my funds recover I think I'm going to try some of the Decca "Richter, the Master..." sets.

Regards,
Doug

Bill Deasy

Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know - Mum

In the Country - Whiteout


Another thoroughly beautiful album from Norwegian alt. jazz trio In The Country, led by Morten Qvenild of Susanna & The Magical Orchestra, The National Bank and The Shining. This time around the trio (completed by bassist Roger Arntzen and drummer Pal Hausken) is augmented by Qvenild's former Jaga Jazzist bandmate Andreas Mjos, who steps in as producer and additional multi-instrumentalist. Although Qvenild's deliberate, melancholy piano keyings remain the driving force behind the group's sound, there's a lot more detail worked into the backgrounds on Whiteout, whether that be subtle programmed elements, analogue synthesizer, tuned percussion, violins or electric guitars. Midway through the album, 'Ursa Major' moves into unusual and progressive territory, far away from the band's jazz-ballad default setting, instead embracing the sort of complex interlocking arrangements you'd most likely find on a record by the aforementioned Jaga Jazzist, and even indulging in a soaring guitar-and-piano coda that out post-rocks just about everything this side of Sigur Ros' ( ). Beautifully played, lovingly recorded and often incredibly subtle, Whiteout is another Rune Grammofon gem.

quote:

Originally posted by Florestan:

Haim, I've only listened to discs 3, 5, 7, & 9 so far. There is nothing I would ever find to criticize Richter about; everything he does just sounds so right. Richter is of a stature that I find I can even overlook any recording flaws (sound & environment), for instance. Listening to the Bach and the odd cough, I find after the first listen, one doesn't hear the audience noise anymore. The playing is sublime and really transcends all else. I've never heard a better interpretation of Prokofiev's, Visions fugitives. I just wish I could find a complete recording but for now I'll gladly settle for the 3 little "encores" given here. This applies to the Well-tempered Clavier as well. I've seen complete recordings but they are usually pretty expensive. When my funds recover I think I'm going to try some of the Decca "Richter, the Master..." sets.

Regards,
Doug

Thanks, Doug.

When opportunity comes I will look for some of his work. The only recording of Richter that I have is his playing of Brahms second piano concerto with the Chicago Symphony which my mother insisted years ago that I should have.

Haim

quote:

Originally posted by Blueknowz:
I'll join with:

On the Black Stuff!

On the silver disc.

Fleetwood Mac

John Prine-John Prine

quote:

Prine's 1971 self-titled debut set the tone for the rest of his career. A critical smash and a commercial disappointment, the record contains many of his best known compositions. Proving himself capable of tackling folk balladry, country and rock with ease, Prine seems to spring into being as a fully formed singer-songwriter at age 24. Lyrically diverse, Prine offers topical songs such as "Sam Stone", the tale of a drug-addicted Vietnam vet; achingly sad songs, such as the oft-covered "Angel from Montgomery", and, of course, his trademark wit gets ample time in the spotlight. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Hall and Oates), the record is understated, letting Prine's comfy voice drive things. When needed, the famous house band at American Recording Studios in Memphis kicks in tasteful backing. --Ian Landau

Selected tracks from...

David Gray

A more Jazzy Cinematic Orchestra, Burnt Friedman's the man behind this.






Dean...

Chris Whitley

Fever Ray


New Order - 3 16

Second play of this disc and I have to say it is rather fine.

I have seen it in the shops for a while now and was put off it because of the many references made about it saying it is the new Fleet Foxes. Finally took the plunge today and glad I did.

Happy to report it is nothing like Fleet Foxes - far far better. Worth checking out if you want some laid back Americana.

quote:

Originally posted by Lontano:

Because of the news Noel Gallagher has left the band (again!)...



Regards,
Michel

I'm pleasantly surprised, this is quite good. Bizarrely they seemed to add vinyl associated noises on one track.It also doesn't seemed to have the faders to the wall either