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

Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2013

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Jeff Anderson

James Taylor "October Road" (cd rip to iTunes)

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by MDS

Originally Posted by J.N.:

Originally Posted by MDS:

My second favourite Genesis album and that's down to the track The Battle of Epping Forest which I have never warmed to. Very unusual for me to skip a track but I do with that one. Otherwise there's some great songs on here, in particular Firth of Fifth.

Nice one MDS. I've just picked up an immaculate Japanese Black Triangle disc which sounds superb - just like a flat analogue master-tape transfer.

Harold Demure from Art Literature!

I sometimes mused that the hunt for rare and exotic vinyl pressings of classic albums must add an extra dimension of enjoyment, John, especially when the quality is found to be high. Something vinyl certainly has over CDs, I think.

MDS

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by MDS

After SEBTP I just had to put what I regard as the number 1 Genesis album.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Sorren

In Absentia

In Absentia by Porcupine Tree. A range of styles, all well done. Still my favourite PT album. Streaming FLAC.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Haim Ronen

Markus Stockhausen, trumpet, flugelhorn – Ferenc Snétberger, classical guitar – Arild Andersen, bass – Patrice Héral, drums, percussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODq5wTztEvQ

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Tony2011

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Bert Schurink

delightful...

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Richard D

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Char Wallah

pixies - At The BBC - on cd.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Bert Schurink

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Jeff Anderson

Brett Anderson "Wilderness" (cd rip to iTunes)

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Tony2011

Out the blue came the inspiration...

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by Haim Ronen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfkpObyxIGQ

Two outstanding musicians I was fortunate enough to see them perform (separately) live.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by kuma

My very first time listening to Elgar's Cello Concerto.

This latest Harmonia Mundi release is impecable in recording and production. Natural ease of a big orchestra and grand styling yet intimate with all the textures of the instruments coming through. Excellent balance with the soloist. I wish all the recordings were this good.

As for the tunes, it's romantic and pretty. Weeping Adagio intro is expressive and forlone from the start. There seems to be always a tinge of sadness even when the sun is shining. A touch of Tchaikovsky sweetness and self pity. Warm and mellow tone of cello swiming around in a grown up large scale orchestra backdrop. Belohlavek's direction is grand and dignified but judiciously restrained so that the score does not get overly dramatic and corny. Hard to imaging this tune was a flop at the premier as there's nothing objectionable or difficult about it.

I like Queyras' easy going style.

I remember him from his striking resemblance to young Beethoven.

In contrast, Yo Yo Ma/Previn's '85 recording is cold blooded and fussy. This is a good example of a bad early digital recording with harsh and dry sound emerging from a stark black background stripped of all colours.

Oddly it's less objectionable on the Walton piece.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by joerand

Bruce Springsteen. Born To Run. On vinyl from 1975. Inspired by the listening chain.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by joerand

The Who. It's Hard. On original Warner Bros vinyl from 1982.

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by naim_nymph

Originally Posted by kuma:

My first exposure to both Shostakovich's 24 Preludes and Fugues as well as the pianist Tatiana Nikolayeva.

I am liking these tunes very much. Even hypnotic and comforting under the façade of austerity. Nikolayeva does not beat around the bush much and there is a cool objectiveness similar to Richter. Her direct communication penetrating straight to the core essence of the tunes. Remarkably there are plenty of colours and expressions in her short and curt phrasing.

Deb,

If you are reading this post, the sound of this CD is pretty good. Close mic'd studio recording but decent for the 80s digital. Natural and minimum distortions and good dynamics.This set was recorded all digital in 1987 originally by Melodiya but I see on the CD container that this reissue has been remastered by Paul-Arden Taylor. No other production credits are given but safe to say, this set sounds better than your Kempff Mono box set.

Kuma,

I’m very glad you’re happy with the Regis set : )

I have a Hyperion 3cd set [recorded in London 24-27 September 1990] which has some noticeable reverb issues which unfortunately distances the listener from some of the emotion imho. To add insult to injury i’ve only just realised my hyperions are rather bronzed with 2 discs completely dysfunctional : (

However, i also have the 1987 recording on the Melodiya set which are very fine!

A few years ago my first listen merely brought about intrigue and some bewilderment but a few days later - after returning home in the quiet of dawn from my night-shift job, and choosing to unwind with my second listen to a disc of op.87 the pleasure of the hit was so intense and blissful i needed to listen to all three. One of those magical occasions when a tired and relaxed mind can subconsciously mingle and infuse with every note and vibe.Your are right about hypnotic and comforting, such an excellent description.

When i click my fingers you will wake up! : )

Debs

Posted on: 22 March 2014 by naim_nymph