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

Playing now on the HDX, captures some of the raw energy of the band.

On vinyl

When I first got into music this was one of the first albums I bought, on vinyl of course. Strange Brew and Sunshine of your Love were leading songs then. Lost my LP very many years ago but today I thought I'd buy the album again, this time on CD.  Yes, you can tell the recording is old but it's still enjoyable and I now remember how much I liked the songs Tales of Brave Ulysses and We're Going Wrong, too. Ginger could really play those drums. 

The original vinyl still sounds so good. 

Even better in Mono. 

Excelent album. Back on form and their best since Sonic Temple. Double vinyl!

Nice to see some Warren on here. 

Graham.

I really like this album a mix of styles and some excellent guitar from Robby.

Vinyl

I'm spinning my 1980 reissue, Capitol green label. I always loved Lennon's interpretation of these songs, though I could do without Phil Spector's production on the four songs he contributed to. The 2004 CD remaster is remixed and and strips away the wall of sound. More overall clarity and a truer sounding bottom end. I think it's a big improvement over the original vinyl mix.

I do like that John Lennon Rock 'n Roll album.

As for me this evening, more Wagner. Tonight Seigfried / Levine. As I said the other day, this version is rapidly winning me over.  Less energetic than Solti and great sound. 

Yes, I prefer the Mono version. I have listened to stereo version for forty years and mono version for about 4 years now. It is easy to hear that the stereo recordings were an afterthought. 

Walls and Bridges         

Blood, Sweat & Tears. Child Is Father To The Man. On vinyl from 1968. Bought recently s/h, my first listen to the band's debut LP.

This is the only vinyl I have of Has Richter-Hasser. Always liked his Diabelli Variations. He gives such a comfort and friendliness similar to Edwin Fischer.

Holly Cole trio: Don't Smoke in Bed

On vinyl.

He studied under Brendel and share the same bold approach to this piece but his is a much friendlier earth bound rendition. Youthful and carefree it is less fussy and simple directness to Lewis’ playing in that It feels more right than taking an intellectual approach. Emotionally more outgoing he does not hesitate and wears heart on his sleeve.

His Vivace & Allegro ( var. 27-28 ) are particularly refreshing going outside of a boundary letting it all hang out. Clever way of transitioning from Fuga to the final Minuet as if waking up from 'Alice's Adventure'. This is well planned out from the begining to the end and played with vigor and enthusiasm.

Lucky strike extra is that this recording is beautifully close mic’d with atmospheric air. ( or judicious use of reverb? ) Good warm tonal balance, inviting midrange, excellent top and bottom extensions are all well packaged.

Kuma, I will join you for some Paul Lewis.

You're right, MDS. COTC is a nice LP. Perhaps for me, it's more a matter of having a limited tolerance for Roger Hodgson's voice. It can become a bit whiney after two sides of an LP.

One from last night - Pure Pleasure Vinyl.

Eweman wrote

Try his 49th and Melancholy album you might like.

Thanks Eweman. I'll check that one out!

Working from home again today, so need some music in the background that won't distract me too much. I find this music pretty relaxing (and funnily enough never have the urge to attempt to sing along).

This is a 6 CD set streamed from my NAS in FLAC.

Not sure I'll have the stamina to listen to all 6!

Ozric Tentacles -  Live Underslunky -   on cd  Sounding very Hillage/Gong on this album.

Frank Zappa -  in new york  -  2 cd. Why?  Punky's Whips, that's why.