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;
On CD:-
There are a couple of songs (among others) of David Bowie that followed me through the years and that can't be forgotten.
It's like pictures you keep in a drawer and that sometimes come up.....
First one
and then
David Gray "Mutineers"
I think this my third listen to this newly acquired album. I continue to be impressed and can recommend it.
M
Original vinyl...
Broken Bells "After The Disco"
Original vinyl...
Tarkovsky Quartet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3ZZMR2WJ6c
Can't speak highly enough of them. Their two ECM discs are exemplary.
On vinyl.
Streaming
Brandi Carlile. Eponymous debut on CD (2005). Still my favorite of her five studio albums. I've got the 2006 Sony/BMG CD with bonus tracks and it has slight changes on two tracks I find better than the original CD release. A vinyl re-release is due in a couple of weeks.
Boulez/Cleveland: Debussy Images for Orchestra & Dances, Sacrée Et Profane 1969 recording
Ravel and Debussy are often lumped in together but Debussy has much more freer and looser feel than watchmaker like precision of Ravel’s compositions. Boulez has a remarkable ability to keep the tune natural and fresh yet well organised and his intentions are very clear.
Dances, Sacrée Et Profane is a harp concerto.
Solo harp player does not let the note breath so Orchestra has more colour and expressive. Pluck of strings is softer and less defined in that it gets lost in the orchestra in some spots.
Greater dynamics and natural than the usual Columbia pressing. Low in distortion and self noise, expansive soundstage, this is one the nicest sounding Columbia vinyl I have heard to date.
Gin Blossoms. New Miserable Experience. On CD from 1992. The band's breakthrough second album had a fresh sound in its time. Maybe not so much today.
Monteux/LSO: Debussy Images for Orchestra 1963 recording
Gigues starts off with sense of mystery and anticipation. Monteux is excellent building the story up from a whisper quiet opening to a vivid imagery. Perhaps not as bouncy as Boulez but plenty playful and captivating.
This is one of my favourite for this work along with Boulez/Cleveland.
First time I think I really listen to this..
Streaming | Deezer Elite
(2014)
Really starting to like this band, perhaps its the permanent presence of Ulrich Schnuass that has made the difference.
On vinyl - a recent purchase:
Japanese CD rip.
Interesting concept, well executed...
Kevin-W posted:On vinyl - a recent purchase:
Thanks for the reminder. Playing now.
Beth Orton "The Other Side Of Daybreak"