What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XI)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 31 December 2014
On the cusp of 2015, we start a new thread...
Anyway, links:
Volume X: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...-be-interested-vol-x
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
More contemplative so far then his solo albums before, but interesting... Still haven't got till the end...
I have two sets of Perahia's Mozart concertos: the original 1991 issue, and the 2012 remasters. Today, comparative listening to nrs 22, 23 and a few others revealed the remasters to be free of the original's digital glare and also a bit more consistent between recordings, but unfortunately Sony threw out the baby with the bathwater - the originals have more presence and sound far more entertaining. Even my significant other and her sister, totally not interested in these matters, could hear it immediately. So much for the remastering of old recordings - it can help but just as often doesn't.
EJ
Prelude to his upcoming concert on Sunday. It is going to be strictly French piano music but unfortunately Chabrier will be missing.
On vinyl.
Here's a record I haven't listened to for a while.
Whilst this isn't Monteux's best effort, I always have a soft spot for his lyrical ballet like rendition.
I think I've concluded that this is may favourite Tori Amos album. Indeed, having played it all the way through once I immediately hit the 'play' button and listened to it again!
Freakishly good record. She's bonkers, of course.
Yes.Fragile. On the original Atlantic vinyl from 1972. Still a very fresh, stylized sounding album some 40+ years later.
Al Stewart. Time Passages. On the original vinyl from 1978. Al Stewart got a lot of radio play back in the day. Unfortunately, his music is essentially non-existent in the current Seattle radio market. Nice to play his warm, relaxing sound. Seems to me the title song here and 'Year Of The Cat' ought to be FM radio staples. Maybe not enough "beats per minute" 
More contemplative so far then his solo albums before, but interesting... Still haven't got till the end...
Forgot it was coming out next week along with his Bartok and Barber Piano Concerto album.
More contemplative so far then his solo albums before, but interesting... Still haven't got till the end...
Forgot it was coming out next week along with his Bartok and Barber Piano Concerto album.
Both are already out as downloads.
...this artist has already made a number of interesting album, also this Schubert has a interesting style, an enrichment on the already existing recordings
This! This is just fantastic. Shades of Witchseason and John Martyn and Nick Drake. If that is your thing then I urge you to search it out. Quite wonderful and on repeat play at the Lutyens abode.
^ What kept you?! 
C.
Awesome conducting in this Tannhäuser (for me, Solti's best Wagner effort) and with René Kollo in his best recorded role. He never had a seductive sound, but he has sufficient power, and projects intensity and personality in ways that many of his peers aren't. Helga Dernesh is a powerful Elisabeth, giving her pre-echoes of Isolde. All other singers are fine, and best of all, everything gels into a coherent performance. Sound of this transfer is on the edgy side.
EJ
Early Dad Rock.
Chris
Streaming | FLAC ripped CD 1 of 3
Dream Theater ~ Live Scenes From New York (2000)
This 3 CD box set of their live performance runs to over 3 hours, capturing the emotions of this long (exhausting) gig very well.
Streaming | FLAC ripped CD 1 of 3
Dream Theater ~ Live Scenes From New York (2000)
This 3 CD box set of their live performance runs to over 3 hours, capturing the emotions of this long (exhausting) gig very well.
One of my favorite live albums (top 5)
Streaming | CD FLAC rip
Porcupine Tree ~ Fear Of A Blank Planet (2007)
"As usual, the band explores a variety of shades of heaviness and complexity. A larger-than-usual proportion of slow, soft sections (including a couple of whole songs predominantly in this style) might cause some fans of heavier Porcupine Tree to lose interest, but to me the album never becomes dull and is kept alive by Steven Wilson's haunting vocal lines and imaginative soundscapes. In contrast, the album also incorporates the heaviest music the band have recorded, and they pull it off brilliantly." - An Amazonian commenter
Streaming | Spotify Premium
Rae Morris ~ Unguarded (2015)
An impressive debut album from this undoubtedly talented young Lancashire lass. Strong distinctive voice, good songs and tunes; what's not to like from this girl who started playing piano at 4 years old.