What CD are you listening to right now?

[Alloroc]

the music might be good, but that album cover ranks as an 8 on the unintentional comedy scale

That was the album cover for the North American version.

We Europeans got this 'less funny' and probably lots cooler version. :W

[wkhanna]

Is this an inverse pun on the previous "Little Feet" album?

Just kidding!!!!

[David Meek]

the music might be good, but that album cover ranks as an 8 on the unintentional comedy scale

Dozer, don't leave me in suspense - what am I missing? :huh:

[bigburner]

The Beatles - "Abbey Road"

On vinyl, complete with crackles and pops. Lovely.

[Burke Strickland]

Antonin Dvorak - Serenades, Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Myung-Whun Chung

String Serenade in E major op. 22 and Wind Serenade in D minor op. 44

Both are exquisitely played and superlatively recorded on this Deutsche Grammophon all-digital CD. It is reportedly out of print, but may still be available on line at one of the CD sales sites. An idiomatic performance even though neither the conductor nor the orchestra are Czech. Definitely worth seeking out, although there are admittedly a number of other performances (including a couple of others in my collection) that are equally pleasurable.

Frederic Chopin - 4 Ballades, Barcarolle, Fantasie played by Krystian Zimerman

Ballades No 1 in G minor op. 23, No 2 in F major op. 38, No 3 A flat major op. 47, No 4 F minor op. 52, Barcarolle in F sharp major op. 60, Fantasie in F minor op. 49

All six of these enchanting piano works are engagingly played by one of the world's foremost interpreters of Chopin. Well worth repeated listening (not necessarily in the same sitting, of course) and fortunately still readily available. This is also a Deutsche Grammophon all-digital CD. If you already have the Rubinstein performances, this one might seem redundant, but otherwise, you'll be hard pressed to find equal or better performances of all six selections. Highly recommended.

[Thelonious Funk]

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
And the DVD and the record that came along with the tote bag and tee shirt.

Lots of stuff. The reverse is true with the songs. Previous albums have featured a complex layering of sounds on top of the songs, while this one does not, it's the band, playing folk rock.

It's very good. You can hear it for free on their website as well...

http://www.wilcoworld.net/

[wkhanna]

Miles Davis & Gil Evans: The complete Columbia Studio Recordings

Every once in a while (who am I kidding, at least once every two months) I start from the beginning of the this 6 CD set and play it from beginning to end. This Friday night it seems very appropriate and timely. Like a favorite pair of jeans, or getting together with a lifelong friend you don't see as often as you wish you could because life has become so much more complicated and time-demanding as we get order, there is just something within this collection of music that comforts, rejuvenates and restores my soul.

Ahhhhhhhh..........

[PewterTA]

I bet listening to Miles on the new speakers you built also help "restore your soul!"

Listening to Rush - Snakes & Arrows so far I really like it. Definitely some good stuff in the CD, especially some of the 12 string songs and the various sounds. Crazy! It's also pretty well recorded as well.

[Russ L]

;x( Aimee Mann's Bachelor No.2 is the best! ;b> :dancenana: :dancenana: :dancenana:

:agree:

Regards, Russ

[David Meek]

Dream Theater's Images And Words

[Burke Strickland]

Samuel Scheidt: Ludi Musici

• Composer: Samuel Scheidt (1587 – 1654)
• Performer: Les Sacqueboutiers
• Label: Naive ambroisie



System-demo quality recording of delightful performances with beautifully nuanced instrumental textures. If you like “early music” played on authentic instruments (cornetts, sackbuts, shawms, in addition to violins, violas, bassoons, organ and percussion) with verve and flair, this album is worth more than one listen. Having heard it first on XM radio, I found it in stock "on the shelf" at Joel's Classical Shop in Houston. It is also available online.

1. Canzon XXVIII Super (O Nachbar Roland
2. Courant XXXII (Ad Imitationem
3. Courant XVII
4. Courant XXIII
5. Canzon XXIX Super (Cantionem Gallicam)
6. Paduan Dolorosa
7. Paduan V
8. Courant Dolorosa
9. Canzon XXX Canzon Super (Intradam Aehiopicam)
10. Galliard VII
11. Galliard XXIV (Ad Imitationem Galliard VII)
12. Allemand XVI
13. Conzon Cornetto XVIII
14. Paduan VI
15. Intrada XXII
16. Galliard XXV
17. Galliard Battaglia XXI

[Burke Strickland]

Dream Theater's Images And Words

Nice choice! That album is about 15 years old but still sounds fresh and interesting. The songs sort of flow together as a unified whole, so I'd recommend buying the entire album rather than downloading individual songs from it. It is still readily available on-line and in some local stores.

[Ovation]

Gowan--Strange Animal (an oldie from the 80s--has Peter Gabriel's 80s backing musicians on it, Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, etc.)

[hifiguymi]

Marillion - Marbles (2 disc version)
One of the best rock albums of the last few years.

Eric

[ROTCArmyHifiGuy]

Pink Floyd: The Wall Remastered

[will1066]

Insomium "Above The Weeping World," "The Day It All Came Down"

In Flames "Come Clarity"

Lamb of God "Ashes Of The Wake," "Sacrament"

[David Meek]

Jia Peng Fang - Faraway

A new artist (to me anyway) that plays primarily New Age on a Chinese stringed instrument called the niko. Beautiful, tranquil music that's perfect to listen to while sitting on the deck on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, looking at the water, drinking a glass of wine, thinking "life is good". :T

Track 4, Back To Tokyo is especially fine.

[dknightd]

Right now I'm listening to Peter Rowan "Reggaebilly". Really enjoying it. An interesting mix of reggae, folk, bluegrass.

[peterS]

http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=14910&sct=dvd

highly recommended!

[Club1820]

Andrea Bocelli - Amor

[bigburner]

Neil Young - "Living With War"

I'm going through a bit of a Neil Young revival since watching his wonderful DVD "Heart of Gold".

[Spearmint]

Charlie A’Court – Bring on the Storm.

I got this album in earlier in the week, and am enjoying it immensely.

[r100gs]

Fresh off the press, Acoustic Alchemy, "This Way" another great album by these guys. ;x(

[dknightd]

Third World. 96 deg in the shade.

[Burke Strickland]

Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced?"

I had always played this album LOUD, and it is thrilling when played that way. But today I happened to start it up with the pre/pro volume considerably lower than usual when playing this, and it was a revelation. More like a small jazz club date than a blown-out psychedelic extravaganza. "Purple Haze" has a lot of clever stuff going on under the main themes, "Foxy Lady" became more a tribute than a leer, and "Hey Joe" (my favorite song on the album) was astonishing with the subtle guitar work and the plaintive character of Jimi's voice. (I never thought I'd use the word "subtle" in the context of this album, but there it is.)

I'm going to try playing it on the alternate system (made up of hand-me-downs from the main system after the latest rounds of upgrades) to see if this newly found character of the album is more a reflection of the resolving capabilities of the upgraded system, or something that would be apparent in "any" system when played this way. Whatever the outcome of that test, I sure like what I'm hearing right now!

Burke

[bigburner]

Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced?"

I had always played this album LOUD, and it is thrilling when played that way. But today I happened to start it up with the pre/pro volume considerably lower than usual when playing this, and it was a revelation.

Burke, that's a real coincidence because I watched the Hendrix Woodstock DVD on Sunday at moderate volume and I really enjoyed it. I'd been to a gig on Saturday night where the band did a really good version of Red House, and I wanted to remind myself how Jimi did it at Woodstock. My ears had taken enough punishment the previous night, hence the reduced volume. I saw Jimi's Woodstock set in quite a different light.

Nigel.

[bigburner]

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

Thanks Mr T Funk. I like it.

[Thelonious Funk]

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

Thanks Mr T Funk. I like it.

Happy to hear it, Mr. B, happy to hear it.

After quite a few more listens, I'm leaning towards the 8th track as my favortie... Hate It Here, with Walken, the tenth track as a close second.

These guys are like the bastard sons of the Beatles, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Woody Guthrie.

[Alloroc]

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

Thanks Mr T Funk. I like it.

Yeah. A great album. Been a Wilco fan for a long time now. A.M. is still my most listened too Wilco album - although they're all great.

Mr. T Funk and Nigel, if you like Wilco and you've not already heard of Cracker - check them out. Fronted by David Lowry of Camper Van Beethoven, they possess that same great 'americana' style rock/country sound with a little punk for good measure.

[RebelMan]

Acoustic Alchemy, "This Way" another great album by these guys. ;x(

Thanks for the heads up r100gs. They'll be performing here next weekend.

[RebelMan]

I had always played this album LOUD, and it is thrilling when played that way. But today I happened to start it up with the pre/pro volume considerably lower than usual when playing this, and it was a revelation. More like a small jazz club date than a blown-out psychedelic extravaganza.

I'm going to try playing it on the alternate system (made up of hand-me-downs from the main system after the latest rounds of upgrades) to see if this newly found character of the album is more a reflection of the resolving capabilities of the upgraded system, or something that would be apparent in "any" system when played this way. Whatever the outcome of that test, I sure like what I'm hearing right now!

Hmm... interesting eh bigburner?!!! :roll:

Thanks for serving up some credible food for thought Burke, Nigel was in dire need. :rofl:

[bigburner]

if you like Wilco and you've not already heard of Cracker - check them out.

Which album in particular would you recommend?

[Alloroc]

Which album in particular would you recommend?

I'd probably start with 'Kerosene Hat'. Their second studio album, released in 1993. That will give you a real flavour for their rock/punk/country sound.

I also have a soft spot for 'Leftover Salmon' - kind of like their greatest hits that've been given a real 'hillbilly' workover. I'd probably only get htis one if you got into them and wanted to explore their 'redneck' alter ego. They somtimes play little honkytonk bars under the moniker 'Ironic Mullet'

[bigburner]

I'd probably start with 'Kerosene Hat'.

That's good Vincent because it's the CD I've decided to buy! I've been reading reviews and downloading a selection of Cracker tracks this evening while listening to Sky Blue Sky again (and again and again).

Nigel.

[JonMarsh]

Live In New York CD/DVD from Jonatha Brooke

Live In New York is a "must have" for Jonatha Brooke fans such as myself, and a possible introduction to a broad range of her music from others, including some of the better cuts from the days of the "Story" band (with Ann Marie Milazzo handing the second vocal roles of that due very well), as well as new material, in some very good live performances delivered at a Theater in New York City over a period of two weeks. Did I mention mastering by Bob Ludwig at the Mastering Labs?

Everyone in the band delivers great performances; from the very tight rhythm section of Darren Embry (bass) and Rich Mercurio (drums), to the duet/backing vocals from Ann Marie Milazzo. Goffery Moore (guitars) has grown substantially in live performance chops since he joined the band back during the writing and release of "Steady Pull" in 2001, and delivers with keen subtlety when needed and also really rocks out in a real "60's" kind of vibe on the more epic cuts- altogether surprising and satisfying.

The playing and singing uses a wide range of dynamics, and the sound is uncompressed and quite natural and clear, especially for a live location performance - sounds more like a "live" studio recording with a large audience tucked away somewhere.

There are many album cut sound clips, as well as a video trailer to judge whether this is your cup of tea. Check it out at Live In New York

[bigburner]

"Illinoise" by Sufjan Stevens

I'd forgotten how nice this album is.

[Thelonious Funk]

Yeah. A great album. Been a Wilco fan for a long time now. A.M. is still my most listened too Wilco album - although they're all great.

Mr. T Funk and Nigel, if you like Wilco and you've not already heard of Cracker - check them out. Fronted by David Lowry of Camper Van Beethoven, they possess that same great 'americana' style rock/country sound with a little punk for good measure.

Good choice... My favorite record is the Self Titled... Dr. Bernice is a fantastic song.

I've seen them in concert a few times and the never fail to delight. Good Choice.

I'd also recommend the Old 97's(check out Victoria), Ryan Adams(check out To Be Young ), and... while this is stretching it but they are so great and so rockabilly I cannot leave them out, the Reverend Horton Heat (check out Spend A Night In The Box.)

Oh and of course you have to hear the Jayhawks (One Man's Problem) And if you like Wilco and the Jayhawks, check out Golden Smog, as that is an all-star band with members of both, as well as Soul Asylum.

And LOOSE FUR, which is Jeff Tweedy. Best Loose Fur song has to be The Ruling Class.

yeah... that's all for now.

[Alloroc]

"Illinoise" by Sufjan Stevens

I'd forgotten how nice this album is.

Isn't it just.... His music has really made an impression on me. He's my most played artist over the last three to four years.

[Alloroc]

OK, here's another one I got recently and am listening to it quite a bit.

It's the new one from Nine Inch Nails - "Year Zero".

It's and interesting piece of work. I find my self conflicted at times with Reznor's work. I've found his stuff exilerating and depressing, sometimes all at once! 'Year Zero' is no different, although not fuelled from one of his infamous drink and drug binges. Behind the music (or noise, depeding on one's outlook!) are lyrics that are more poetic and philosphical in nature. They're intelligent and if one wants to invest time with him, are difinitly thought provoking.

Anyhow, that's as far as I'll go with this one as it will end up all political and that's not what I want - so please don't add fuel to the fire!

It's also a great album played loud and to thash to.

[David Meek]

Patrick O'Hearn - So Flows The Current



This album is a bit of a synthesis of New Age and Electronica. I've only had it a couple of days, but it's a very listenable, well-done hour of music. It's most impressive. :45: out of :5:

[greenhorn]

Look Sharp

Tonight I'm listening to Joe Jackson - Look Sharp.

I've had Night and Day and Greatest Hits for years, just got around to picking up this disc.

Look Sharp is a very very good listen. Catchy tunes, nice clean sound, doesn't date itself at all really. I think this is one of those odd disc's that you end up with that immediately find a place as a consistant favorite. Nice to find these missed treasures. :T

[Thelonious Funk]

Tonight I'm listening to Joe Jackson - Look Sharp.

I've had Night and Day and Greatest Hits for years, just got around to picking up this disc.

Look Sharp is a very very good listen. Catchy tunes, nice clean sound, doesn't date itself at all really. I think this is one of those odd disc's that you end up with that immediately find a place as a consistant favorite. Nice to find these missed treasures. :T

Good call... but now that song will be in my head all day.

Which was a good thread for awhile.

[eddiespaghetti]

Tonight I'm listening to Joe Jackson - Look Sharp.

:T

Was just listening to Joe Jackson's Jumpin' Jive. I'd like to see him do another one of those, but he hinted in the liner notes that it was a one time thing.

[Thelonious Funk]

The Cure - Mixed Up

Ah to be back in highschool, drooling over the girls with the black fishnets.

[jayman_1975]

"weak in the knees" by Serena Ryder. Awesome tune.