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

The new Low album

My main listening for the last week since I haven't been on here much

Damn good.

G

Streaming | FLAC

(2000)

I just fancied listening to Chrissie Hynde's voice and this quick trip through their hits is soothing the itch.

A brilliant collection of artists superbly recorded. Masterful.

G

Lera Auerbach: 24 Präludien mit postludium für violoncello und Klavier

Ani Aznavoorian (cello)

Lera Auerbach (piano)

also,

Camille Thomas (cello)

Beatrice Berrut (piano)

The highlight of my week was picking up the Lera Auerbach score that I ordered in July.  Composed in 1999, the first performance of this music was first in 2008 with Alisa Weilerstein on cello and Lera Auerbach at the piano.

Lera Auerbach had the following to say about this cycle, which also exists in a version for violin and piano: "The special character of the pieces lies in regarding familiar things from an unexpected perspective and discovering that these things are not what they may seem to be at first glance. The context and order of the Preludes are very important for their comprehension."

At the piano this morning, I was again struck with the familiar notion that it is so much easier to have others bring music to life and so why not continue to simply put on the album and absorb it that way for ever?  I always think this at the beginning of every hard journey though.  The temptation is always to take the easy road out.  After the usual blood, sweat, and tears this feeling subsides.  In the beginning, with all music that interests me, I tend to listen a great deal only at the beginning.  Slowly the transition happens (after you learn the notes and can technically play it) where I make it my own and finally to find yourself in the wonderful position of playing more and listening less to others. 

It is funny how I grew to love these preludes from a small sampling from the Thomas/Berrut CD.  Then, after listening dozens and dozens of times, I now have listened to the composer and Ani Aznavoorian play these works.  The differences are not minor and clearly obvious, yet, one finds out more about the music while looking at it in different ways.  

I like both versions, however, I did find myself being haunted by a certain ghost of the past who would strongly state that the style trumps all and the composer must have wanted it a certain otherwise they wouldn't play it that way.  Well, with Bach we have no proof or evidence how Bach might have played something.  None of us for centuries have had this privilege.  This is a great example for me that proves how true it is that music is not a static book of rules.  I doubt that the composer here has an arrogant attitude to all except her own?  Just like everyone has a unique fingerprint and every snowflake is unique, so too is the gift of music to those who desire its marvellous power for us.

I'm glad these ghosts have been snuffed out, as this is unhealthy anyway.  Both versions are awesome and equally hold there own with much imagination and self-affirming life. 

Streaming | FLAC

(1980)

Their music accompanied me for a number of years from the mid seventies onward, this was not their best album but nonetheless it was pretty good and very enjoyable. I always think that Bob Seger has a perfect voice for rock. 

Thanks for posting it, sounds refreshing after not playing it for over five years. When I am in a Hancock mood I usually go for his 'Maiden Voyage' or 'The Piano'. 

After a run, waiting for the RPMs to go down:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=757sIdrq8eQ

Having enjoyed her Songbird album earlier this weekend I thought I give this a play. Excellent it is, too 

New to me, first listens.  Have more recent albums by Sharon Jones & Dap Kings, so added these.

Dap-Dippin' with ...

CD (2002)

Naturally

CD (2005)

And now this 2 CD album.

(2005)

Just some fun music. 

This morning during my workout a very good progressive rock album...

This morning 1st listen, will need another round to really listen to it, as it was background music..

Now listening to this, I like the music and the execution is also decent...

Grew up with these guys. I found Garrett's posturing and the overt polticism to be a real turn off. I was unusual in not revering them.

Queen, Greatest Hits, prompted by the thread discussing the awful Queen branded turntable, a bit of fun from my youth. Flac via audirvana/hugo

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Raising Sand, something a little different and very classy.  flac via audirvana/hugo

Kate Bush, 50 Words For Snow.  Didn't get on with this the last time I tried it so a second attempt.  So far so good, enjoying the mood of the song and not quite as irritated by the repetition.  flac via audirvana/hugo 

Nope, I still think this is a truly dismal and awful album.  I'm clearly not hearing what everyone else is.