What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. X)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2013
On the cusp of 2014, we start a new thread...
Anyway, links:
Volume IX: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...16#22826037054683416
Volume VIII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...nt/12970396056050819
Volume VII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...6878604287751/page/1
Volume VI: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878604097229
Volume V: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605140495
Volume IV: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605795042
Volume III: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607309474
Volume II: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878606245043
Volume I: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607464290
On vinyl...
With the Chicago Symphony conducted by Claudio Abbado.
An exceptional vinyl in terms of performance as well as sound quality. The label is the famous Ken Kreisel's RealTime Records.
Everybody's Talkin'
Horowitz is on *show* mode and much more buttoned up than Kempff. Big sound and huge dynamic contrasts.
But on balance, He is keeping it rather simple and not going totally out on the limb.
Same goes for his Clara Wieck Variations.
Generally this is a lot more laid back and reflective even *objective* rendition and less theatrical and overly dramatic than his prior recordings. A sign of maturity perhaps.
On CD:-
It took me quite a while (decades!) to start to get into the last couple of RVW symphonies, thinking them pale and weird. How wrong I was!
The 8th is an old man having a bit of fun, the 9th is a magnificent summation of his work.
This Haitink recording is very good, both in terms of performance and recording, but I guess if I was limited to one 9th I'd go for Handley.
MDS originally posted:
"Having advocated this album on the 'best live recording' thread yesterday evening and noted that the neighbours are out this I had to give a play. Oh yes, it's rocking." 
I agree - definitely a contender for best live recording/performance.
One specific award is not up for debate, though - they walk the 'most manic guitarist' award!
Streaming | FLAC rip
James Taylor "That's Why I'm Here"
Eagles "Eagles"
Jackson Browne "I'm Alive"
Bonnie Raitt "Fundamental"
Earlier...
On vinyl...
Then...
On vinyl... 
On vinyl...
Streaming | FLAC rip
Joan Armatrading "Me Myself I"
Real Estate "Atlas"
Streaming | FLAC rip
From way back when one of the beards was just in its infancy.
On CD:-
On CD:-
Stevie originally posted:
"From way back when one of the beards was just in its infancy".
I refuse to believe that these guys are ZZ Top. It's just not right!
Stevie originally posted:
"From way back when one of the beards was just in its infancy".
I refuse to believe that these guys are ZZ Top. It's just not right!
Oh but they are! 
.... and It's a very good album, they really do know how "to do the blues" and make it rock. Highly recommended to anyone that doesn't know their blues background.