What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 01 January 2016
2016 has arrived today, so time to start this thread afresh.
Last year's thread (and links to previous years) can be found here;
Johannes Brahms: Marie-Elisabeth Hecker (cello) | Martin Helmchen (piano)
"Sonaten für Klavier und Violoncello" (Hey Alpha Productions - these are Sonatas for Piano and Cello - humph)
No. 1 in e minor Op. 38 | No. 2 in F major, Op. 99
Martin Helmchen - a very lucky young man to have as his partner (musically and in life) Marie-Elisabeth Hecker - a match made in heaven from my view. Astounding chamber intuition - sure it is cliche to say they must already read each others minds - but I cannot think of anything more apt to say. Initially, years ago I would have said that the e-minor sonata was my favourite (as it just is more accessible without much effort). Since working on the F major sonata now myself about 2 years ago I would say my love of these works is equal or maybe that the F major now has the lead in my heart. For the pianist, typically brutal with exceptional challenges. Helmchen notes in the booklet that it may be the most difficult in this repertoire. I won't disagree. I think this can apply to most of Brahms chamber works and may boldly suggest they are harder (at least for the pianist) than most chamber works of similar genre preceding them. I would say, only outdone by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky, maybe?
Anyway, exceptional playing from both pianist and cellist here. A real joy to listen to. Below is a photo of the couple around the time of this recording (not sure if slightly before or after). Lucky baby to have such a wonderful exposure to Brahms (and good music) for nine months and probably everyday now...
MM Vinyl
Can't sleep so first discs up for today
Streaming | WAV | Download from Bandcamp
(2013)
One of the better modern Berlin School style bands self-admittedly heavily influenced by the sounds of Tangerine Dream in the early 70's, Attalus is another very goodt sequencer driven album from them.
Earlier enjoying the new Melco
The Beatles. Abbey Road (1969). On CD from 1987. More listening to my original issue Beatles CDs. Quite the swansong. Still get that big "amen" feeling at the end.
Eric Clapton. Reptile. On HDCD from 2001. Musically varied tracks. Some EC originals, some from among his favorite artists. Overall a warm and mellow groove and funk to the sound.
Borders Nick posted:Gianluigi Mazzorana posted:
A fantastic track Gianluigi - one of my favourites from Mr Hiatt.
That and Lipstick sunset! 
Comparing the original songs with the 'revisited' album.
80's pub rock at it's finest.
Streaming | WAV | CD rip
Recently acquired this original 1986 Jive Electro label CD which is sounding pretty good before it was later remastered in '95.
Streaming | Tidal
(2012)
Some might say it's a little early in the day for this, but she is sounding mighty fine.
Big Big Train, on vinyl...thanks John for the recommendation. 
More 80's UK pub rock.
Saw this band several times last century..............boy, they were a great live band.
dave marshall posted:
80's pub rock at it's finest.
I haven't listened to this for ages. Great fun. Must give it a spin sometime. Thanks for reminding me of this one, Dave.
On vinyl...
To echo my comments earlier, this collection of live recordings shows just how good they were.
Tony2011 posted:dave marshall posted:
80's pub rock at it's finest.
I haven't listened to this for ages. Great fun. Must give it a spin sometime. Thanks for reminding me of this one, Dave.
+1 I remember listening to the John Peel 10pm show back in the day and really getting into this album.. Dancing the Night Away - what a track. Lost faith after they went pop-synthy with "Airport" etc.
Keith Urban - "Ripcord" (2016)
80's fest anyone? 
Carrie Underwood - "Storyteller" (2015)
dave marshall posted:
80's fest anyone?
Maybe the 80's started in 1977...