Do What You Want, Be What You Are on CD
Loud Fast And Out of Control on CD
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Daniel Johnston - Is And Always Was - Music Worth Buying 11/22/09 Worth Buying
Artist: Daniel Johnston
Album: Is and Always Was
Worth Buying: Yes
You might be interested in this album if you: Watched the movie the Devil And Daniel Johnston and were intrigued / Like really unpretentious (and good) music.
Tell Me More: When I watched the movie "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" I was intrigued by the film, but the music did little for me. So I am very happy to say that I was pretty much immediately taken with this new album.
If you haven't seen the aforementioned movie, Daniel Johnston is a musician and songwriter who has been diagnosed with The film chronicles his struggles with paranoid phobias of and reunites him with a woman who has been his obsession since his teen years.
His music is cited by many in the film as the work of genius. I liked the film, but was not that taken by the music. This is not the first time that I have not been taken by the work that others refer to as a genius (it wont be the last). Who knows, perhaps I just needed to hear it more and film rarely allows you to hear a song in its entirety.
But before it was even over, I was already enjoying the albums 1st track "Mind Movies" with its Alt folk verse and Neo Psychedelic chorus, I didn't have to finish the song to realize that I dug it, and would keep on digging it after repeated listens. The same held true for the albums 2nd track "Fake Records of Rock n Roll" with its bouncy fun jubilance, and lyrics that mock consumers who buy into whatever music the media tells them is good.
My favorite though is a cool retro track entitled "Without You" with it's 70's style synths and irresistible exuberant pop chorus, this song immediately won me over. The songs lyrics joyfully exclaim that "Without You" I'll be doing fine. What I love about this particular track is the different ways it could be interpreted. He could be singing about leaving a bad relationship as easily as a bad job or even a bad state of mind. It's a very happy song, in fact while there might be some dark themes in some of the songs, if feels like happiness is one of the main themes of the entire album. Listening to this album, feels like Daniel Johnston is saying "I am a lot better now". TJR 11/22/09
What about the packaging?
Get this album as mp3
Get this album in CD Format
Monday, November 16, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"The Village - A Celebration of the Music of Greenwich Village" / Music Worth Buying 11/11/09
Artist: Various Artists
Album: "The Village - A Celebration of the Music of Greenwich Village"
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Bob Dylan, Tim Buckley, ‘60s folk music.
Tell Me More: "The Village - A Celebration of the Music of Greenwich Village" features a number of acclaimed artists who might not typically perform together, but whose collective talents are the perfect fit on this fascinating compilation disc released by 429 Records on Nov. 3, 2009.
The 13 songs on the disc are a celebration of the early-mid 1960s, when the Greenwich Village area of New York City was suddenly the center of a "musical, political and social evolution" that gave birth to a movement that stretched from the Big Apple (Bob Dylan) to Orange County, California (Tim Buckley).
The artists who emerged out of this scene created groundbreaking folk music that gave voice to a young generation grappling with everything from the Vietnam War to the civil rights movement.
Fast forward to 2009 and more than a dozen artists pay musical tribute with renditions of popular songs of the day, as well as traditional gems that captured the youthful spirit of those turbulent times.
Many compilations have a great song or two, with the others worth nothing more than a single listen. Not "The Village." This collection is especially strong, with Rickie Lee Jones kicking things off with a funky "Subterranean Homesick Blues" that is loose and infectious.
Lucinda Williams also tackles a Bob Dylan classic, but her emotive delivery of "Positively 4th Street" is hushed and haunting.
Anyone who wonders whatever happened to Sixpence None the Richer will hear that the appeal of the reunited group is intact. Covering the traditional "Wayfaring Stranger," singer Leigh Nash's beautiful soprano floats over an artfully-arranged soundscape highlighted by Matt Slocum's wonderful guitar work. Shelby Lynne also tackles a Dylan classic, using her strong vocal and a simple backdrop of guitars in "Don't Think Twice It's Alright." Other highlights on this ambitous collection include John Oates Americana-styled "He Was a Friend of Mine," Los Lobos' "Guantanamera," and Rachael Yamagata's "Both Sides Now."
Priced at only $11.99 at Amazon.com, I really recommend this set to everyone who is a fan of folk music, the '60s music scene or any of the artists featured on the collection.
Robert Kinsler 11/11/09
What about the packaging? “The Village” comes in a standard jewel case, but the colorful booklet is informative and provides good information on each of the tracks.
Get this album on CD
Mp3 version
Happiness in Hell By X Levitation Cult / Music Worth Buying 11/10/2009
Artist: X Levitation Cult
Album: “Happiness In Hell”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Tears for Fears, Dada, Joie Calio’s 2004 solo debut “The Complications of Glitter.”
Tell Me More: Anyone who is a fan of Dada likely knows that Joie Calio plays bass and shares vocal duties with Michael Gurley in one of modern rock’s best trios.
But casual fans of Dada might have missed the release of the debut from Calio’s side project X Levitation Cult when “Happiness In Hell” was released in summer 2008. Make up for lost time and get a hold (and listen) to songs from “Happiness In Hell” as soon as possible.
Tracks range from the soaring power pop gem “Follow the Stars” and dark rocker “She’s Lost It” to the Church-mining expansive rock of “Habit Forming.” Calio is blessed with a tenor that mines feeling out of every line, and his songs are intelligent and accessible. Produced and engineered by Rob Daiker, “Happiness In Hell” is one release I am glad I found. You will be too.
Robert Kinsler 11/10/09
What about the packaging? “Happiness In Hell” comes in a simple, but artful package featuring excellent Smith Eliot photography inside and out; even if you don’t buy the album, make sure to download the suggested tracks listed below.
Happiness in Hell (Spaceman)
Habit Forming
All the Days
Follow the Stars
get the ENTIRE album on mp3 for 9.49 here
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Michelle Mangione "What Is A Saint" / Music Worth Buying 11/10/09
Artist: Michelle Mangione
Album: “What Is A Saint”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Susan Tedeschi
Tell Me More: Some artists set out on a career and become identified with a single sound, before possibly delving in another direction later in life. Michelle Mangione is clearly an artist interested in breaking down barriers from the get go.
From the rollicking Americana-styled folk rock of “Cry to Me” and sparse, acoustic blues of “I Know How It Feels” to the ‘70s rock-minded “Sticky Fingers (the Soul Merchant)” and ambitious title track (co-written by the legendary Grace Slick) that incorporates several styles before drawing to a gospel-winning close, “What Is A Saint” is a fully-realized effort that focuses on Mangione’s stunning blend of blues, soul, pop and alt country.
Despite the far-flung reaches of the musical galaxy positioned across the disc, Mangione and her supporting group of players (notably producer-guitarist-bassist Steve Soest) never sound like they are doing something different “just because.”
Rather, when Mangione plays 6-string ukulele or Soest is featured on mandolin, it makes a great song even better.
Mangione’s skills as a lyricist and singer hit home on “Liberty Jane,” a compelling tale of a woman who flees an abusive relationship. This is an album crafted from the heart that should bring plenty of well-deserved attention to Mangione and her music-anchored songcraft.
ROBERT KINSLER 11/10/2009
What about the packaging? “What Is A Saint” features a dozen songs. Although the CD comes in a standard jewel case, the four-page booklet features lyrics for all of the tracks.
Listen to samples and get the mp3 version for 8.99
CD Version
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Bill Champlin - No Place Left To Fall Music Worth Buying 11/04/09
Artist: Bill Champlin
Album: “No Place Left to Fall”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Chicago, Hall & Oates and Earth, Wind & Fire
Tell Me More: Bill Champlin is back.
Anyone who was concerned when the talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist left Chicago earlier this year will be pleased to know
Champlin has released his first solo effort in a decade.
Champlin, who got his start in the late 1960s as a founding member of San Francisco outfit Sons of Champlin, won his first Grammy award in 1979 for co-writing the Earth, Wind & Fire hit “After the Love is Gone.”
Champlin ascended to even bigger fame when he became a full-time member of Chicago in 1981. As a member of Chicago, Champlin played keyboards, guitar and sang, with his top-flight vocals featured on hits such as “Look Away” and “Hard Habit to Break.”
On Champlin’s 2009 album “No Place Left to Fall,” the talented singer-songwriter explores that pleasing sonic universe where classic rock ‘n’ roll, Chicago blues,‘70s funk and R&B meet. From the up-tempo groove of “Total Control” to the bluesy
“Tuggin’ On Your Sleeve” and Earth, Wind & Fire-styled soulful funk of “The Truth,” “No Place Left to Fall” is a fantastic return for the 62-year-old Oakland, California native. Fans of Chicago will love “Never Been Afraid,” which sounds like a lost classic from his former band, complete with his distinctive vocals blending with guest Peter Cetera and impressive guitar work courtesy of Toto fret wizard Steve Lukather.
Champlin reportedly recorded enough material to fill three CDs in the making of the album. Listening to the final track listing featured on the release, there is no doubt that “No Place Left to Fall” is a great-sounding album that is equaled by the strength of the material and the performances of the players. In addition to Champlin, kudos goes to drummer Billy Ward, bassist George Hawkins, Jr., lead guitarist Bruce Gaitsch and co-producer Mark Eddinger (who also performed some keyboards on the project).
Great stuff indeed.
Robert Kinsler 11/04/09
What about the packaging? “No Place Left to Fall” features a 13-song audio CD, as well as a bonus DVD with a movie featuring interviews and footage recorded during the making of the album.
listent to samples and get the mp3 version for 8.99
CD version 13.99
Los Lonely Boys 1969 Music Worth Buying 11/04/09
Album: 1969
Artist: Los Lonely Boys
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are fan of: Blues Rock, Latin Rock, Santana, & Stevie Ray Vaughan, and bands that do interesting cover songs.
Tell Me More: A short EP comprised of only cover songs, is pretty much a no brainer must have for the already converted. I would think that the real purpose of putting out an EP like this is partly to sate the appetites of the existing fans (while waiting for the next full length release) but also to try to gain some new followers. After all, all the songs on 1969 are covers of already established songs, so the newcomers already know the songs; now all they need is to know the band. And I think that this 5 song EP will do just that.
Trust me when I say that if you are already a fan of Santana, or Stevie Ray Vaughan , that you will no doubt love all the previous albums by the Los Lonely Boys. But if you are still a little gun-shy, give 1969 a try. This 5 song ep of covers should get you over any buyer's remorse that you may be stopping you from becoming a fan. It's affordably priced and serves as a good introduction to their sound.
As for the covers on this collection; Covering Santana's Evil Ways seems terribly obvious. There have been so many comparisons already made to Santana by so many other writers that is almost seems unnecessary to cover it. But in the context of making new fans, it makes perfect sense. Te unexpected covering of the Beatles "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window", is the antithesis of covering Evil Ways. It is the last thing you would have expected. I also have to give a hearty mention to the much beefed up version of the Door's Roadhouse Blues. I like the original song too, but they gave this song a very cool facelift.
TJR 11/04/09
What about the packaging? I got a cheaper digital version, so I have no idea.
Get the mp3 album for 4.89
CD for 6.98
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Episode 4 Pearl Jam / Drive By Truckers
Backspacer Deluxe hardcover Edition
The Standard CD edition is available at Target for $11.99
The Fine Print CD Version
The Fine Print LP Version
The Fine Print MP3 Version
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