What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol.VIII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 29 December 2011
With 2012 almost upon us, it's time to start a fresh thread. I've gone back to an earlier thread title because often the "why" is the most interesting part of the post.
Anyway, links:
Volume VII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...6878604287751/page/1
Volume VI: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878604097229
Volume V: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605140495
Volume IV: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605795042
Volume III: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607309474
Volume II: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878606245043
Volume I: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607464290
On (slightly scratchy) vinyl:
Otto Klemperer / Philharmonia orch no.5 in C minor Op.67 ~ me too!
I always get an involuntary anticipation feeling of the ELO coming in soon after the start with a loud electric guitar plus rock band continuo… 
However, after getting over my mental lapse in reason this 1955 recording is imho very easy and enjoyable to listen to, seems more warmly focused than my vinyl LP version of Otto with the Phil Orch which has a produced date of 1960 so i’m not sure if this maybe the same said recording (?) but from what I hear it doesn’t quite sound the same.
The no.6 in F major “Pastorale” a live recording from Wien 1960 follows on nicely, beginning steadfast with control and power to pleasantly grip one’s attention.
Playing disc no.8 of 10x CD box-set...
All very nice but i find my fill satisfied after 2 LvB symphonies… time to move on.
Debs
Alfred Brendel's third and last set of Beethoven sonatas, recorded during the first half of the 90s. I have the original issue, presented in a very thick cardboard slipcase holding two cap boxes (discs in paper envelopes with the original artwork), and a bound book with the very readable essays written by William Kinderman for the original single disc releases. (The music is good, too)
Cheers,
EJ
From today's charity shop hop. More nice vinyl.
CBS 1969 Vinyl. I especially love the Hendrix inspired 'I Love Everybody'. Otherwise it's full of great powerhouse blues guitar.
....and this Mercury Living Presence set too.....
Woohoo!! And, the verdict so far is....??
tpia,
+1 Would also like to hear what you think?
Stu.
Well I am a sucker for this type of historical box set, having bought the Living Stereo set as soon as that appeared. From a technical point of view, to think these recordings were made 60 years ago, and yet they come down to us with such clarity, space and dynamic range, indeed with such Living Presence,is a little marvel and it certainly helps bring the historical performance within reach.
The choice is eclectic, with a good number of Russians. Again, that suits me just fine; these being something of a fav in this house. The Balalaika favourites album raises a smile, but then again at least this is not just the run-of-the mill symphonic stodge. (I bought the Bernstein for that !). No, it is a genuinely interesting selection to dip into. ,Listening to a crystal clear rendition of Night on Bald Mountain is somehow rather apt in this sub-zero part of Montmartre tonight .
Tim
I bought a new phono stage the other day and so have been revisitng some old and newer vinyl favourites - amazing to hear great music even better - one of the stand outs below was the glorious guitar playing of Nick Drake on Pink Moon, really outstanding. A mellow evening...
On original vinyl. it's taken a hammering over the years but still sounding very fresh and alive. Indeed, undead...
Equally early vinyl, sounding good.
Bought this a couple of weeks ago in a s/h shop and I am absolutely loving it. Back in the day I was a big faithless fan, but at some point I thought they lost their way. I must have missed this one when it was first released ... it is a cracker.
Gary
I am a big Leonard Cohen fan and was lucky enough to see him twice on his recent tour (that's a young Leonard leaning against the tree). I have to admit that his charm largely lays in his lyrics and voice (and the female backing singers of course), and the music itself is often laughably straightforward. To me though, this has some beautifully played music on it - violins; trumpets; oud [my personal highlight]; accordian; saxaphone; oboe and so on and so on. All helped in a large measure by Jennifer Warnes matchless backgournd vocals. Not a duff track on here and rarely mentioned among his best work, for some reason. On original vinyl then and so about 33 years old.....
On Vinyl
On Vinyl
On Vinyl
If you hanker for a bit of ambient elctronica then Alphawezen usually hit just the right spot. All their releases are very strong, but this one is still the most special for me.
On Vinyl