What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol.IX)

The Beatles. The Beatles. On vinyl, purple label with large Capitol logo, 1978 pressing.

Now I've recovered from the initial shock of Gardiner's *Historically Informed Performance* with period instruments. Extremely fast tempoed and hurried 1st movement as if someone is talking really fast. Not much feelings or emotional appeal. Rather, I can almost imagine the Beethoven conducting his own premier. It is similar to Stravinsky's conducting his own work is always brisk and without much frills communicating straight and direct. The score sounds a bit hurried but perky and dynamic. I can hear a lot of layering of textures coming through.

Throughout the score there are strong timpani accents yet they do not overpower the rest of the music due to quick settling time. 2nd movement sounds timid and fussy compared to the standard interpretation. There isn't much of story telling aspect at all as Gardiner never lets the note breath. Yet its unadulterated direct presentation is compelling and perhaps fitting for the composer's volatile no nonsense temperament.

Beating out Toscanini's already lightening fast timing by 4 min. 4th movement is compact and swift. It is punctuated well with use of staccato more than legato. Almost *Kodo* drums like timpani. Vocalist can't do much in a given time but they sing with gusto and sheer power.

This is one economical sounding 9th but got the power of its own to spare.

Very interesting.

Pity that this remaster could be a lot better. Thin and thread bare tonally. Instruments are stripped of colours and No real low frequency contents. Chorus breaks up and there is a glare in uppermidrange, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbM30Kd4Hqw

Absolutely intriguing music - a recommendation for people who want to explore outside the normal piano pieces, while it doesn't need advanced appreciation skills 

First play of this album. A great mix of styles making for an interesting listen!

(CD ripped to HDX)

Philip Aaberg - Out of the frame. Coffee, papers, the forum, such is Sunday

Chris

Julian Lennon "Everything Changes"

I like this album very much and on this day, a nod to his father. My own dad

died on December 8, but in 1962. An inauspicious coincidence.

Peace and love.

In memory of John

it was 33 years ago today.

Richard

Keith Urban "Get Closer"

deluxe version w/4 additional tracks

Just watched Viva Hysteria on Blu-ray and rather amazing to hear the leppards perform this heavily produced album for real live. This is the real deal, something the youngsters of this generation should try an emulate. Joe Elliott hits all the high notes, no cheating, no cutting the song to avoid those notes, no messing around.

In fact the best live show I have ever seen was theirs back in 2000.(second best was Metallica)

Listening to this on Vinyl now, and a masterpiece of Rock Music.

Prelude to a snow fall.

Peter Gabriel

You really like him Jeff maybe I oughta give him another chance as I just couldn't get into his music.

Fancied a bit of TYA. This is their best album in my view.

On Spotify, premium trial:-

Rael Jones "Mandrake"

recommended by Denis A, good stuff

A bit of light "half time" listening before the 2nd half starts. Come on Arsenal!!