A World Tour Of My Very Own

[David Meek]

Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstacy
:45:

One of the finest things to come out of Nova Scotia , this is the high-water point of Sarah M's albums. Smooth, ethereal, deeply moving music and words make this an album to enjoy over and over. Definitely one of my desert islanders.

[wkhanna]

Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstacy
:45:

One of the finest things to come out of Nova Scotia ...........

I am sure you meant next to George Bellefontaine, obviously! :W

[Bent]

I'd like to have Sarah on island too.
I hear she's available again....

She was adopted - just like me.
Also, she went to school with my sister.

[David Meek]

My deepest friendship and respect go to Sir George, but if it came down to a "you have to choose" moment . . . Sarah, where are you?

[Bent]

Sarah, where are you?

I've been known to say the same thing on occasion.

[Chris D]

Just picked up the Sarah album at Wal-Mart. Thanks!

[iiaudio]

Sarah McLachlan - Fumbling Towards Ecstacy
:45:

One of the finest things to come out of Nova Scotia , this is the high-water point of Sarah M's albums. Smooth, ethereal, deeply moving music and words make this an album to enjoy over and over. Definitely one of my desert islanders.

One of my all time favs!!! Both the music and production are top notch!! :T

[greenhorn]

I got to flip flop Tusk and Sara. I somewhat enjoy the erratic nature of Tusk. It a great hot tub disc. Pop that bugger in the player and you get a nice long playing disc with plenty of variety.

[David Meek]

Hi all, the tour bus has been in the shop for a few days and won't be back on the road until Tuesday. See you then.

[David Meek]

Tangerine Dream - Phaedra
:3:

Electronica is a niche that people generally like or don't - there isn't a lot of equivocation going on. I'm one of the former in that I like it, and with respect to Tangerine Dream I'm more of a fan of their later works. Phaedra is considered one of the three seminal Tangerine Dream works from their early years along with Rubycon and Stratosfear. Phaedra moves you through a mixture of synthesized sounds and musical passages laced with guitar and piano. It's somewhat similar to the Pink Floyd song Echoes (although much further towards "the edge") from Meddle. While not for everyone, if you give it the time and consideration it deserves it can be very rewarding in the depth, complexity and textures of the music it offers.

Tangerine Dream - Rubycon
:35:

Rubycon is very similar to Phaedra, but with a bit more focus on coherency and musicality it's an easier listen.

Tangerine Dream - Stratosfear
:4:

Stratosfear continues the move towards a more coherent and musical presentation. The synthesizer is still the instrument of choice, but even more guitar, piano and background "mood" vocals are evident.

[Johnloudb]

I really like Tangerine Dream. I've got a box set of their music around here somewhere, that I need to dig up. Just have too many CDs around, not organized!

[crytklmass]

Wanting some opinions on blu ray vs. old fashioned dvd

I guess I had some time to waste tonight so I played a dvd in or course, my samsung dvd upconvert 1080 converter. I must say the picture was quite an upgrade from a normal dvd player. I then decided to play the same disc on my samsung blu ray player. I noticed alittle difference. maybe 10-12% better. Perhaps If I were watching starwars I would think different. I remember Star wars on Laser Disc. Wow that was a huge leap from vhs and the first mono dvd's. Anyways back to my question, Is it worth the extra money to purchase a Blu Ray player and pay $10.00 or more per movie. Maybe on certain movies, but do think they will overtake regular dvd's? especially if it upconverts to 1080. that the best we have now. Am I misunderstanding something?

[David Meek]

Crytklmass, you need to post this as a new thread in the Primetime A/V Forum as you'll have more people interested in Blu-Ray/DVD questions there.

[David Meek]

Better Than Ezra - Deluxe
:25:

Not a terribly strong album, there are some good songs on the middle and late portions of this disc that do work for me like, The Killer Inside and Porcelain. Otherwise it's pretty much standard alternative-pop mixes. Worth a listen, but do listen before buying.

[David Meek]

Blondie - The Best Of Blondie
:2:

I'm not a fan of "Best Of" albums. I like to hear the full story the artists' were telling at the moment (unless I'm in the car when I'm looking more for something to keep me occupied). Jenice IS a fan of them however so you'll see some mixed in here. This album is too pop for me. I do like Rapture but that's about it. There are a half-dozen songs you'll recognize from radio-play, so your enjoyment of this one may be a lot different than mine.

[planitismetal]

Opeth - Damnation
:3:

Traditionally thought of as a metal rock band, Opeth was a suggestion from my daughter (not a metal-head at all) who heard one track, My Time Of Need, on the radio and called me up. I bought it blind and I have to admit I've come enjoy most of this album. It's not metal rock as I think of it. This is more melodious and thoughtful in its music, but in spots it can get a bit pretentious.

Just for fun: Listen REM - Accelerate track n.5 (Houston) and then listen to Opeth - Blackwater Park - Harvest!!

[David Meek]

Brother Cane - Seeds
:35:

A good rock album if I do say so. Seeds has a touch of grunge and a dash of alternative seasoning a lot of straight-ahead rock. Uh huh. :righton:

[mjb]

Okay, I'm a Pink Floyd fan-boy. I admit it. This is one of their great achievements, showing the full depth and darkness of Roger Waters' vision in the writing and the amazing guitar-work of David Gilmour. As much as I like this disc, I do have to admit it's probably not a "starter album" for someone that's not familiar with Pink Floyd.

Dave, just curious, what would you suggest as a good "starter album" then? Ummagumma, or Piper at the Gates of Dawn?? Its actualy all great stuff ;-)

[David Meek]

Its actualy all great stuff ;-)

Yes it is, isn't it? ;x(

If I had to suggest a Pink Floyd starter album (boy could I get flamed for this or what? : ) it would be one with some play-time on more mainstream radio in order to get the casual listener a bit more involved. At first thought I'd go with Dark Side or The Division Bell.

[David Meek]

The Pat Metheny Group - The Falcon & The Snowman
:45:

The soundtrack from a fine movie (with Sean Penn and Timothy Hutton), this is another one of those albums that grabbed me from the very first listen and has never let go. It's an amazing blend of Metheny's progressive jazz, choral, classical and even a bit of a more mainstream song which features no less than David Bowie on vocals. Highly recommended (not to sound TOO much like the Stereophile pros... )

[David Meek]

Mogwai - The Hawk Is Howling
:45:

I've only recently discovered Mogwai and I'm glad I have. This is the only work I've heard by the group, but I've got more on order. An instrumental album that's Tangerine Dream meets metal, with much less synthesizer and more of a focus on layering guitar, piano, bass and percussion. Throw a dash of quiet solos and some almost orchestral moments in every so often and there you have it. If you haven't heard The Hawk Is Howling, sit back, listen up and give it a spin. I think you'll like it. :T

P.S. Yes, I know that's an eagle on the cover, not a hawk.

[bigburner]

My deepest friendship and respect go to Sir George, but if it came down to a "you have to choose" moment . . . Sarah, where are you?

Yeah, but what's her DVD collection like?

Nigel.

[David Meek]

Yeah, but what's her DVD collection like?

I'm more concerned about her CDs and vinyl (clothing too : ) collections.

[David Meek]

Live - The Distance To Here
:3:

I'd shoved this album off in a mental corner with a "lightweight pop" label and left it there gathering dust. My bad. There are some worthwhile songs on this disc, for example: Dolphin's Cry, Vodoo Lady, Face & Ghost, although I have to admit that by the end, with the similarity of each of the songs to the ones before and after, I'm ready to move on to something else.

[David Meek]

Sarah Brightman - La Luna
:35:

This album is a mixture of popular and classical covers, and new material. Broadway star Ms. Brightman's voice is soft, airey and seductive with the high point coming in on track 12 - This Love. The music is easy to get into, not only because of the choices but also because of very high production values and quality artists. Definitely an album to put on late at night with a good glass of wine and dim lights. Oh yes.

[David Meek]

Catherine Wheel - Like Cats & Dogs
:3:

Their second-from-last album, this is actually a compilation of B-sides. I'd never heard their music before so these were all new tunes for me. It's an alt-rock album that's musical, restrained (for alt rock) and a very pleasing listen. I've heard this style band referred to as "shoegazers". Anyone know why?

[David Meek]

Candlebox - Candlebox
:35:

Their debut album, this is a fine start for a band that help usher in the post-grunge sound. It's much more blues/rock oriented with a higher standard of musicianship than the grunge bands they sprang from. Some of the songs on this album received a good bit of air time on FM so you'll most likely have heard at least one of them.

[David Meek]

King's X - The Best Of King's X
:35:

Again, I'm not a big fan of "Best Of" albums but this one is a good one. If you aren't familiar with power trio King's X, this is definitely a good avenue to find out what their sound is about. They're a hard rock band that moves into progressive rock and back with ease. Some songs like It's Love, Black Flag and Dogman will be familiar from FM and MTV airtime. It's a very enjoyable album. Give it a spin.

[David Meek]

Butthole Surfers - Weird Revolution
:2:

What can I say? It was a blind purchase after hearing one cut on the radio (The Shame Of Life). That's about the only musically redeeming thing on this album. Otherwise, stylistically it's a mish-mash of punk, techo, hip-hop, dance and other sonic oddities. It's not my thing, obviously. Some may like it but. . . . meh.

[David Meek]

Hans Zimmer - The Last Samurai (soundtrack)
:45:

I'm not very ambivalent about soundtracks. Most of the time they either work very well for me or they don't work at all. This is one of the big successes. It's a collection of music created to tell the tale of an outlawed but heroically honorable Samurai, his American hostage-turned-supporter and their struggle against a corrupt bureaucracy that is trying to end their way of life. Ranging from dainty flute and string passages to seriously intense percussion, the 11 tracks all work together to form a piece that is in turns, peaceful, enthralling, martial and sad. Whether you have seen the film or not, this is a beautiful, stirring work and one that I strongly suggest you give a listen.

[David Meek]

Linkin Park - Minutes To Midnight
:3:

My son and I were road-tripping earlier this week and he put this album in the player somewhere between Austin and Albuquerque. I liked it enough to buy it and give it a thorough listen once we got to the house, and was pleasantly surprised. The music ranges from almost ballad-like tunes to head-banging metal, and I stayed with it right up to the shrieking into the microphones. There's more to the lyrics than I'd expected and some good musicianship is in evidence along with pretty decent production quality to boot. It's music that is definitely not for everyone, but in the right circumstances it might surprise you, too.

[Chris D]

I actually bought Linkin Park's Live in Texas. There's some decent stuff on there, and I really like the song "Numb", I think it is, that I think they sing with Jay-Z. Some stuff I'm not too fond of either, though, as you allude to, David.

[bigburner]

Catherine Wheel - Like Cats & Dogs
:3:

I've heard this style band referred to as "shoegazers". Anyone know why?

Because they have such lovely feet perhaps?

Nigel.

[David Meek]

Theory Of A Deadman - Gasoline
:3:

If nothing else, Theory Of A Deadman should get some credit for a unique band name. The album itself is pretty straightforward rock from the Vancouver, BC-based power trio. There's one gem in the mix - track 5 - Santa Monica. Other than that the album's good for an occasional listen but not much more.

[David Meek]

Melody Gardot - My One And Only Thrill
:4:

This is an artist I wasn't familiar with until playing this cd tonight. I'm impressed. Ms. Gardot is a jazz singer with a great sultry voice and good songs to use it with. Her musicians are very good and the recording quality is quite high. All the songs are her own originals with the exception of a cover of Over The Rainbow. After an initial listen, I think I prefer her over Dianna Krall and Norah Jones!

She has an amazing life story that left me wondering if I could accomplish anything close what she has after facing the obstacles thrown at her. Here's a link to Allmusic's biography on her.

[bigburner]

After an initial listen, I think I prefer her over Dianna Krall and Norah Jones!

David, I'm sure there's room in your heart for all three!

Nigel.

[David Meek]

Absolutely! But, you know how it is with us anal-retentive types: always having to categorize and rank things. :B

[David Meek]

Stevie Nicks - Trouble In Shangri-La
:35:

I'm a fan of Stevie Nicks - I admit it. It started with Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album from 1975 and has continued to the present. This is a new album in my collection, and I've only heard it through a couple of times. Stevie has called in some friends to help out, and you may recognize them: Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Maines, Macy Gray, etc. A couple of tracks stand out early in #4 Planets Of The Universe and #13 Love Is, although I really didn't pick up on a weak one through the entire lineup. Her voice is still strong and unique, and there's a feeling of energy in the songs. The production values are good and her musicians are solid throughout. If you are already a fan, you won't be disappointed and if you aren't give this one a spin and see what you think.

[David Meek]

David Gilmour - On An Island
:4:

This is at first blush a mellow, ethereal blues/jazz effort. It's a fine album to sit back with and get lost in, but just as you are comfortable and relaxed along comes a passage or a song to remind you that he is one of the big boys of Pink Floyd with the guitars and keyboards we all recognize. Richard Wright is with him throughout and he gets some help on a couple of songs from the likes of David Crosby and Graham Nash (oh my, what great harmonies!). Yes, it's different enough from his earlier solo efforts, but it's definitely David Gilmour. It's good stuff and I recommend it. :T

[David Meek]

Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden
:3:

I feel like I just stepped out of an Eagles concert circa 1975 or so. Both discs making up this album sound just like their early-years music. Okay, with the addition of Joe Walsh and his distinctive guitar that is. I wasn't sure what to expect with this release but this wasn't even close to anything I'd considered. Their excellent musicianship is still in evidence, and vocals are fine as always along with high productions values, so no complaints there. But, nothing really pushed the ol' buttons.

[David Meek]

Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way
:35:

My one and only Dixie Chicks album, I caught a portion of this performance on TV and ordered this from that exposure. I like this effort more than I thought I would. They have a magnetism about them when they perform, not to mention excellent melodies and harmonies. A couple of songs really stand out: track 3 - Not Ready To Make Nice and track 8 - Silent House. and there aren't any really weak offerings across the entire album although some do stray a little farther into old-style country than I really care for. After several listens, I think I'll have to dig into their music a bit deeper.

[Chris D]

Melody Gardot - My One And Only Thrill
:4:

This is an artist I wasn't familiar with until playing this cd tonight. I'm impressed. Ms. Gardot is a jazz singer with a great sultry voice and good songs to use it with. Her musicians are very good and the recording quality is quite high. All the songs are her own originals with the exception of a cover of Over The Rainbow. After an initial listen, I think I prefer her over Dianna Krall and Norah Jones!

She has an amazing life story that left me wondering if I could accomplish anything close what she has after facing the obstacles thrown at her. Here's a link to Allmusic's biography on her.

David, I made a blind purchase of this album. To be perfectly honest, I thought the album was nice, but wasn't blown away. I get somewhat turned off when jazz singers (it's some females that do it) do the sound where they're trying to sing very light and dainty, often acapella. You can sing quietly and still retain strength and power in the voice. Some songs on this album were like this, some were not.

[wkhanna]

I see your point. It is a ballad album, and she has a soft character to her style. Still, I get the sense that she can belt it out with the best of them, but not on this compilation.

It is her lyrical style and the poetic sense she uses in her presentation that attracts me. And her writing is superb.

What I really do not like in this album is the violins. It sounds cliche and like the producer had an iron fist (and maybe stock in fiddles) that I find inappropriate for this body of work.

Regardless, I find her style, voicing and overall presentation to be a breathe of fresh air in an otherwise crowded arena of mediocre female jazz singers who somehow have become quite popular despite not being able to display a unique and intriguing style of their own.

[Chris D]

Bill, I know what you mean about the violins. I thought it "cheezed" it up juuuuuust a bit, in the direction of elevator music. Not overly bad, though.

[wkhanna]

I'm going to miss the 'twins' when this thread 'flips'.