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

In between binge episodes of 'House of Cards'.

G

Streaming wav slowly growing on me this one

Superior isn't the word I'd use - although repertoire of Norman and Janowitz overlapped to a certain extent (e.g. both sang Sieglinde), they were (are) very different singers. Norman's rendition of the songs is aloof, big and booming (her huge voice also caused some distortion in the recording), Janowitz's is brilliant and clear. Norman pierces the orchestra (Flagstad, Stemme do the same), Janowitz floats above it (like Schwarzkopf, Studer and to a certain extent Fleming). All these are very much worth hearing.

EJ

Yes, you are of course right. I used the wrong words talking about superior. I should have written that I like her voice more given the more dramatic appeal......., but anyhow both are a worthwhile listen, and that's also why I have them both besides some other which I like less.

Bruckner's most underrated symphony, in some respects a rather weak work but with one of his most beautiful slow movements, receives a beautiful performance by the Dutch Radio Symphony Orchestra (unlike its implied name, a truly first rate orchestra) and Jaap van Zweden. Finally available in high res for those of us without access to an SACD player.

EJ

Todd Rundgren: Runt 1970 recording

Todd's solo debut album is surprisingly holding up well. Unlike his subsequent pop light rock offering this album's got more gritty feel. 

It contains the hit single 'We Gotta Get You a Woman'  but my fave is his slow ballad 'Believe in Me'.

Rich harmony and subtle textures are now coming through. Todd's ballads were satisfying to play on piano.

I've long lost my original US pressing but this later German reissue isn't bad. ( could be better as usual reissue artefacts show up on sibilance ) Curious about Friday Music's recent US reissue but I am skeptical. 

Yes thanks for the tip just found it on an interesting website spirit of turtle....., I will definitely have a look....

Or HDtracks; 'only' the 24/96 files, but interesting in combination with one of their many discount offers.

Ivan Moravec : Debussy & Ravel pieces 1967 recording

In memory of Moravec who passed away a few days ago.

I will join you, Kuma.

Haim,

I don't care for everything he recorded but his Ravel's Sonatine is wonderful.

If you have a chance give it listen. Connoiseur Society vinyl must be one of the few outstanding solo piano recording I have heard.

Thanks, Kuma.

Never heard that performance before. I always admired the musical depths Moravec could achieve despite his very light touch. 

Haim,

That's what's remarkable about his Ravel's Sonatine.

These miniatures might not match the composer’s more ambitious pieces but there are plenty of charm and comfort listening to a child-like day dreamy tunes. Moravec shows a fine sensitivity depicting those split second moments when one wonders off from a reality.

I don't like most of his Beethoven Sonata ( too civilised ), but his Piano Concerto 4th with Vienna Symphony is one of my reference.

Along with DSOTM, I was so ODed when I was in the high school, I rarely listen to this classic Todd Rundgren's Something/Anything. It's probably at least 5 years or so since I put this on a turntable. I can still sing along most of the tunes.

Still looking for a clean original pressing. 

Wow. He does not look like a mushroom in a dark any more. Will check out his Bruckner.

Roxy Music: Flesh + Blood  1980 release.

Started to get into the *Avalon* like sound. 

I tried other Roxy Music album but these are the only two I care to own/listen to.

Streaming | Deezer Elite

Santana III (1971)

Some mixed reviews when this one was first released, I like its rather harder edged rock to the latin rhythms. 

Todd Rundgren: faithful 1976 release

I remember I was disappointed with the Side A which is all cover of rock/pop classics from Dylan, Lennon McCartney, Hendrix etc..

I love his cover of Good Vibrations, tho. 

His tribute to Motown album.

Spin Doctors. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. On CD from 1991. What you might consider to be the title track is actually entitled "Jimmy Olsen's Blues". That, "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "Two Princes" really rip. The other tacks, while having a distinct Spin Doctors sound with a polished and concise groove, quickly become long in the tooth.

Todd Rundgren: Hermit of Mink Hollow  1978 release

Last of his analogy type album. All composed, played, produced by Rundgren. A hit 'Can we still be friend' which get covered often by others came out of this album but I just love his very last tune off the Side B 'Fade Away'. 

The Very Best Of Deep Purple. On CD from 2000. The back cover states it's 'Remastered in Rhinophonic Authentic Sound'. Seems to me to retain an authentic measure of that AM radio sound

Vinyl.....  had this superb album on cd since its release first play on vinyl, how much better way way better.

This is the latest in Angela Hewitt's excellent series of Beethoven sonatas. It's amazing value as a download from Hyperion: £9 for the 24 bit version, or £7.20 is you subscribe to the newsletter.