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

Hi Dave,

What do you think? I really like it and having seen them last week in Hoxton, I can say that the new songs sound great 'live'. The vinyl had side '4' etched.

Denis

Live, Throwing Copper on CD.

Another DSD file

Del Amitri, A Hat Full of Rain.  Brilliant song writer and one of the best bands I've ever seen live.  Flac via Audirvana/Hugo

The DSD SQ is far superior to the CD rip.

Brilliant album, was playing it last night with my son.  He's a really cool guy too

Another superb album, on vinyl...

Rush, Roll the Bones, I sometimes neglect the 90s albums but I'm enjoying this very much and it sounds superb too.  24 bit flac via Audirvana/Hugo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9uMd1ap51A

Paul Weller-Live From the Roof of the Hayward Gallery on vinyl.

Continuing with the Paul Weller this evening.

Neil Young. Harvest (1972). On HDCD from 2009. Fantastic album, and there's a notable passion in Young's vocals.

Max, How lucky you are to hear not only Celi's live concerts but you have watched how the man works to create the magic.

I have read that his live performance is legendary and can be a life altering experience. And that those who went to see him told me that none of the recording doesn't do any justice. ( well that's almost all the symphonic music recording! ) As he says in the below interview, microphones can possible capture the reality of what's happening in a real time. Never mind the down stream playback equipment. He's got the point that the recording soft is flawed from the top.

I do not understand all he's up to but he sure sounds convincing, doesn't he? . 

A friend sent me this CD a few years back. The Scheherazade isn't my fave but I decided to listen to it one evening. I was shocked how great and captivating it was!

I have several more of his recordings but I haven't gone through them all yet. But certainly I am going to listen to his Brahms. I do quite like his Bruckner.

Two Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 with Haitink. I am surprised that they sound so different.

A bit of a Mozartian bubbly feel. Sunny pageantry all the way. Fluid overall presentation and the orchestra and piano are working tight together altho, at times the piano blends into the orchestra. Perahia’s gliding finger work is beatifully deliniated keeping each note clear yet has a oily shiny sheen. What’s missing is a bit of fire. A bit of chip on his shoulder daring outlook. 

Interestingly, his later 1994 recording with Solti(!) is more heart felt than this ticking clock rendition.

And this is a 1964 recording with Arrau.

Surprisingly this is much bolder and stronger orchestration by Haitink. More urgent with much better involvement factor. Arrau’s a wee bit more insistent than gentler Perahia. Earthy and confident at times even crass. Ending 1st movement cadenza is frighteningly determined as if the piano sounds a few ft. away. This set is much more piano lead rendition than 50/50 arrangement of later Perahia set. Arrau stands strong and roaming through like an aging lion.

Rondo is less rambunctious than the 1st movement. Unfortunately they can’t carry through the same level of excitement till the end so it is a bit of a let down.

Neil Young. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969). On HDCD from 2009. Continuing my NY listening.

Serkin/Ormandy Beethoven PC5 1950 recording.

This original mono pressing is a complete bonker lo-fi sound. 

But whatever the reason this is much more engaging. Foot tappin’ and singing along! And this is even with Mr. Lush Ormandy! This has a lot more sense of adventure and fun.

I have a better sounding later 6 Eye pressing, but I could not pass up this delightful Steinweiss design cover.

Bjorn Riis, Lullabies in a car crash. Amazon download as the CD is in the post.

Streaming | Deezer Elite

(2014)

Well recorded and excellent sound quality.