Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
TJR Top 5 of 2009
I couldn't get to all the albums I wanted on our last episode of MWB, so here is my top 5 for 2009
In figuring out my best of the year, I have decided to just comment on music that was released in 2009. This should be an obvious choice, but MWB isn't just about new music. It is also about discovering new "older" music. Kid Rock released Rock'n'Roll Jesus in 2008 but I didn't get to it till 2009. it was an amazing rock album. This
year I listened to a lot of back catalog from numerous artists, and it was all new to me.
The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love:
Without a doubt this album has had more impact on me than any other this year. This is a grand concept album in the tradition of The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, and Thick as a Brick. If you are
a fan of any of the last three albums that I have mentioned you need to seek out the Hazards of Love
CD $12.99
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimist:
From the opening refrain of Southern Point, this album had the ability to transport me to other worlds. Some might call this music "Art Rock", but I describe this music as "Pastel Rock".
only $9.99 on CD
Neil Young - Fork In The Road
I am surprised that more hasn't been said about this one. This is one of Neil Young's best. This is a concept album about American's and Neil Young's love affair with cars, This is a concept album about America at the crossroads, this also a really good rock'n'roll album.
Deluxe edition $3 dollars more than the regular edition
Band of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
This is their first album, This band draws from the great heavy blues influenced rock bands of the 70's but already they have their own sound. I have high hopes for this band
only $8.99 on CD
Moby - Wait for Me
I was not a Moby fan prior to this album, but I found myself moved by this textural piece of emotion set to music.
get the deluxe edition for 1 dollar more than the regular edition
So there are my top 5 for 2009
Feel free to share yours by commenting below.
In figuring out my best of the year, I have decided to just comment on music that was released in 2009. This should be an obvious choice, but MWB isn't just about new music. It is also about discovering new "older" music. Kid Rock released Rock'n'Roll Jesus in 2008 but I didn't get to it till 2009. it was an amazing rock album. This
year I listened to a lot of back catalog from numerous artists, and it was all new to me.
The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love:
Without a doubt this album has had more impact on me than any other this year. This is a grand concept album in the tradition of The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, and Thick as a Brick. If you are
a fan of any of the last three albums that I have mentioned you need to seek out the Hazards of Love
CD $12.99
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimist:
From the opening refrain of Southern Point, this album had the ability to transport me to other worlds. Some might call this music "Art Rock", but I describe this music as "Pastel Rock".
only $9.99 on CD
Neil Young - Fork In The Road
I am surprised that more hasn't been said about this one. This is one of Neil Young's best. This is a concept album about American's and Neil Young's love affair with cars, This is a concept album about America at the crossroads, this also a really good rock'n'roll album.
Deluxe edition $3 dollars more than the regular edition
Band of Skulls - Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
This is their first album, This band draws from the great heavy blues influenced rock bands of the 70's but already they have their own sound. I have high hopes for this band
only $8.99 on CD
Moby - Wait for Me
I was not a Moby fan prior to this album, but I found myself moved by this textural piece of emotion set to music.
get the deluxe edition for 1 dollar more than the regular edition
So there are my top 5 for 2009
Feel free to share yours by commenting below.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Robert Kinslers Holiday Round Up
With Christmas set to arrive later this week, now is the perfect time to check out a number of new holiday releases, as well as reissues of favorites now available.
Artist: Sting
Album: “If On a Winter’s Night…”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Sting’s 2006 album “Songs from the Labyrinth,” Renaissance-era music.
Tell Me More: “If On a Winter’s Night…” is not a traditional holiday collection.
Indeed, anyone hoping to hear cheerful, accessible versions of well-known Christmas carols would be better served getting Andrea Bocelli’s “My Christmas” or David Archuleta’s “Christmas from the Heart.”
Sting’s thoughtful and introspective look at his self-admitted “favourite season” is as much about reflection as celebration. Against a sonic backdrop of acoustic guitar, cello, violin, organ, harp and an assortment of other instruments is positioned Sting’s voice in a decidedly-hushed and probing tone across most of the album.
Whether delivering his own sparse tale of lost romance (“The Hounds of Winter”), a stunning version of the traditional “The Snow It Melts the Soonest” or a remarkable selection boasting his lyrics set to J.S. Bach’s music (“You Only Cross My Mind in Winter”), his voice retains its distinctive tone even while rarely singing with force or in the upper part of his range.
The fact that Sting continues to break new musical ground even while simultaneously conjuring up sounds that filled the air hundreds of years ago, is a gift worth sharing this season.
What about the packaging? “If On a Winter’s Night…” is available as a single-disc CD that comes in a digipak complete with a fully-illustrated booklet. The release has also been issued as a deluxe CD/DVD available from Amazon.com that comes with a hardbound book and a bonus track “Blake’s Cradle Song.” The DVD included in that deluxe edition features an interview with Sting and has behind-the-scenes footage surrounding the holiday-minded project.
Get "If on a Winters Night" here
Artist: Bob Bennett
Album: “Christmastide”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Early Bruce Cockburn; Bob Bennett’s 2002 album “The View from Here” and his 1997 album “Small Graces.”
Tell Me More: Although singer-songwriter Bob Bennett has been a celebrated voice on the contemporary Christian music scene since 1979, he waited until 2009 to release his first full-length Christmas album.
“Christmastide” is a wonderful 13-track collection that provides a winning mix of intelligent originals, artful instrumental material and reworked traditional gems such as “The First Noel” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Of the originals the long-time Southern California resident penned for the disc, the thoughtful “It May Not Have Been December,” “December MIA” and “Both Sides” all showcase his sterling skills as a songwriter.
Those looking for a bit of traditional fare in their holiday time listening will be fully impressed with Bennett’s emotive voice and its guaranteed power to bring newfound power to “I Saw Three Ships.”
What about the packaging? “Christmastide” comes in a simple but beautiful single disc digipak format.
Recommended tracks to download: The lovely “Brightest and Best,” his own “It May Not Have Been December” and “Both Things,” as well as a superb arrangement of “I Saw Three Ships.”
Get Bob Bennett Here
Artist: Various Artists: Darlene Love, The Ronettes, The Crystals and others
Album: “A Christmas Gift for You”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Early 1960s pop music and Phil Spector’s so-called “Wall Of Sound” production style.
Tell Me More: Although many casual listeners might not recognize the Philles Records label even when pressed, there is clearly a much better chance they will recognize at least some of the songs featured on the latest reissue of “A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records.” First released in 1963, the album was repackaged and retitled as “Phil Spector’s Christmas Album” and released on the Beatles’ Apple Records in 1972. Although it was then a 9-year-old recording, it rocketed to #6 on the Billboard 200 and has since enjoyed a status as one of those eternal “must hears” around the holidays.
Now more than 45 years after its original release, Sony Music has issued the 13-track collection as a CD renamed “A Christmas Gift for You.” This is a joyous collection, with the distinctive voices of Darlene Love, the Ronettes, the Crystals, and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans showcased on timeless versions of standards familiar to young and old. And the famed group of players backing the singers – known as “The Wrecking Crew” – includes drummer Hal Blaine, pianist Leon Russell, guitarist Tommy Tedesco and others.
Produced by Phil Spector, “A Christmas Gift for You” sounds fantastic and the performances are as cheerful and merry as when audiences first heard them in the early ‘60s.
What about the packaging? “A Christmas Gift for You” comes in a standard jewel case. However, don’t forget to check out the wonderful 16-page booklet featuring a wealth of photos, the original LP liner notes and details about the historic project.
Recommended tracks to download: “White Christmas” (performed by Darlene Love), “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (The Crystals), “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (The Ronettes).
Get "A Christmas Gift For You" Here
Artist: TJR
Album: “The TJR Christmas Card”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Gary Hoey’s holiday releases, guitarist Richard LaForge’s “Coloring Trees” CD.
Tell Me More: TJR is the latest is a line of talented artists from the Orange County music scene who have issued Christmas-minded collections.
However, his aptly-titled “The TJR Christmas Card” is the first such CD that doubles as an actual card.
The colorful and festive packaging is equaled by the music itself, a collection of reworked instrumental versions of chestnuts such as “The First Noel,” “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” In addition, TJR offers up an original song in tune with the season and his geographic home. “Christmas in California” boasts a Randy Newman approach, with the winning mix of melodic keyboards and lyrical description capturing the holiday season in the Southland.
What about the packaging? “The TJR Christmas Card” is a wonderful CD and Christmas card packaged rolled into one. Simply open up the card (the cover features a colorful illustration of a snowman rocking out and holding an iPod) and you can write a personalized Christmas message to a favorite family member or friend.
Recommended tracks to download: “Christmas in California,” “The First Noel.”
Get "The TJR Christmas Card" here
Under the radar: With my deadline bumping up precariously close to the holidays, I didn’t have time to fully listen to all the new Christmas albums sent me in December. However, I did want to at least mention a few other releases worth checking out.
Anyone wondering whatever happened to Ritchie Blackmore since he left Deep Purple in the 1990s should check out the sixth and latest release from the Blackmore’s Night, the 12-track “Winter Carols.” This is a holiday-minded collection that offers up Renaissance-inspired versions of Christmas favorites such as “I Saw Three Ships” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” as well as the new original song “Christmas Eve.”
The recording blends orchestral arrangements, Renaissance instrumentation, Blackmore’s virtuoso guitar mastery and wonderful vocals from Candice Night.
You can purchase the album and listen to samples on Amazon.com.
Get "Winter Carols" Here
Although Bruce Cockburn’s “Christmas” was released in 1993, it was thankfully re-released in December 2009. It is among my favorite collections of Christmas music, and that will come as no surprise since the talented Canadian singer-songwriter is one of my favorite artists.
The 15-track disc is available from Amazon for a mere $10.99, or individual tracks can be downloaded for 99 cents. If you don’t get the album (but please do!), at least download Cockburn’s version of “I Saw Three Ships” and “Down in Yon Forest.”
Get Bruce Cockburn's "Christmas" Here
Artist: Sting
Album: “If On a Winter’s Night…”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Sting’s 2006 album “Songs from the Labyrinth,” Renaissance-era music.
Tell Me More: “If On a Winter’s Night…” is not a traditional holiday collection.
Indeed, anyone hoping to hear cheerful, accessible versions of well-known Christmas carols would be better served getting Andrea Bocelli’s “My Christmas” or David Archuleta’s “Christmas from the Heart.”
Sting’s thoughtful and introspective look at his self-admitted “favourite season” is as much about reflection as celebration. Against a sonic backdrop of acoustic guitar, cello, violin, organ, harp and an assortment of other instruments is positioned Sting’s voice in a decidedly-hushed and probing tone across most of the album.
Whether delivering his own sparse tale of lost romance (“The Hounds of Winter”), a stunning version of the traditional “The Snow It Melts the Soonest” or a remarkable selection boasting his lyrics set to J.S. Bach’s music (“You Only Cross My Mind in Winter”), his voice retains its distinctive tone even while rarely singing with force or in the upper part of his range.
The fact that Sting continues to break new musical ground even while simultaneously conjuring up sounds that filled the air hundreds of years ago, is a gift worth sharing this season.
What about the packaging? “If On a Winter’s Night…” is available as a single-disc CD that comes in a digipak complete with a fully-illustrated booklet. The release has also been issued as a deluxe CD/DVD available from Amazon.com that comes with a hardbound book and a bonus track “Blake’s Cradle Song.” The DVD included in that deluxe edition features an interview with Sting and has behind-the-scenes footage surrounding the holiday-minded project.
Get "If on a Winters Night" here
Artist: Bob BennettAlbum: “Christmastide”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Early Bruce Cockburn; Bob Bennett’s 2002 album “The View from Here” and his 1997 album “Small Graces.”
Tell Me More: Although singer-songwriter Bob Bennett has been a celebrated voice on the contemporary Christian music scene since 1979, he waited until 2009 to release his first full-length Christmas album.
“Christmastide” is a wonderful 13-track collection that provides a winning mix of intelligent originals, artful instrumental material and reworked traditional gems such as “The First Noel” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Of the originals the long-time Southern California resident penned for the disc, the thoughtful “It May Not Have Been December,” “December MIA” and “Both Sides” all showcase his sterling skills as a songwriter.
Those looking for a bit of traditional fare in their holiday time listening will be fully impressed with Bennett’s emotive voice and its guaranteed power to bring newfound power to “I Saw Three Ships.”
What about the packaging? “Christmastide” comes in a simple but beautiful single disc digipak format.
Recommended tracks to download: The lovely “Brightest and Best,” his own “It May Not Have Been December” and “Both Things,” as well as a superb arrangement of “I Saw Three Ships.”
Get Bob Bennett Here
Artist: Various Artists: Darlene Love, The Ronettes, The Crystals and others
Album: “A Christmas Gift for You”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Early 1960s pop music and Phil Spector’s so-called “Wall Of Sound” production style.
Tell Me More: Although many casual listeners might not recognize the Philles Records label even when pressed, there is clearly a much better chance they will recognize at least some of the songs featured on the latest reissue of “A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records.” First released in 1963, the album was repackaged and retitled as “Phil Spector’s Christmas Album” and released on the Beatles’ Apple Records in 1972. Although it was then a 9-year-old recording, it rocketed to #6 on the Billboard 200 and has since enjoyed a status as one of those eternal “must hears” around the holidays.
Now more than 45 years after its original release, Sony Music has issued the 13-track collection as a CD renamed “A Christmas Gift for You.” This is a joyous collection, with the distinctive voices of Darlene Love, the Ronettes, the Crystals, and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans showcased on timeless versions of standards familiar to young and old. And the famed group of players backing the singers – known as “The Wrecking Crew” – includes drummer Hal Blaine, pianist Leon Russell, guitarist Tommy Tedesco and others.
Produced by Phil Spector, “A Christmas Gift for You” sounds fantastic and the performances are as cheerful and merry as when audiences first heard them in the early ‘60s.
What about the packaging? “A Christmas Gift for You” comes in a standard jewel case. However, don’t forget to check out the wonderful 16-page booklet featuring a wealth of photos, the original LP liner notes and details about the historic project.
Recommended tracks to download: “White Christmas” (performed by Darlene Love), “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (The Crystals), “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (The Ronettes).
Get "A Christmas Gift For You" Here
Artist: TJR
Album: “The TJR Christmas Card”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Gary Hoey’s holiday releases, guitarist Richard LaForge’s “Coloring Trees” CD.
Tell Me More: TJR is the latest is a line of talented artists from the Orange County music scene who have issued Christmas-minded collections.
However, his aptly-titled “The TJR Christmas Card” is the first such CD that doubles as an actual card.
The colorful and festive packaging is equaled by the music itself, a collection of reworked instrumental versions of chestnuts such as “The First Noel,” “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” In addition, TJR offers up an original song in tune with the season and his geographic home. “Christmas in California” boasts a Randy Newman approach, with the winning mix of melodic keyboards and lyrical description capturing the holiday season in the Southland.
What about the packaging? “The TJR Christmas Card” is a wonderful CD and Christmas card packaged rolled into one. Simply open up the card (the cover features a colorful illustration of a snowman rocking out and holding an iPod) and you can write a personalized Christmas message to a favorite family member or friend.
Recommended tracks to download: “Christmas in California,” “The First Noel.”
Get "The TJR Christmas Card" here
Under the radar: With my deadline bumping up precariously close to the holidays, I didn’t have time to fully listen to all the new Christmas albums sent me in December. However, I did want to at least mention a few other releases worth checking out.
Anyone wondering whatever happened to Ritchie Blackmore since he left Deep Purple in the 1990s should check out the sixth and latest release from the Blackmore’s Night, the 12-track “Winter Carols.” This is a holiday-minded collection that offers up Renaissance-inspired versions of Christmas favorites such as “I Saw Three Ships” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” as well as the new original song “Christmas Eve.”
The recording blends orchestral arrangements, Renaissance instrumentation, Blackmore’s virtuoso guitar mastery and wonderful vocals from Candice Night.
You can purchase the album and listen to samples on Amazon.com.
Get "Winter Carols" Here
Although Bruce Cockburn’s “Christmas” was released in 1993, it was thankfully re-released in December 2009. It is among my favorite collections of Christmas music, and that will come as no surprise since the talented Canadian singer-songwriter is one of my favorite artists.
The 15-track disc is available from Amazon for a mere $10.99, or individual tracks can be downloaded for 99 cents. If you don’t get the album (but please do!), at least download Cockburn’s version of “I Saw Three Ships” and “Down in Yon Forest.”
Get Bruce Cockburn's "Christmas" Here
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Brian Setzer Songs From Lonely Ave
Artist: Brian Setzer Orchestra
Album: Songs From Lonely Ave
Worth Buying: The whole album.
You might be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Stray Cats, Swing Music, Rockabilly, Rock'n'Roll, Noir music and noir films, great guitar playing and listening to a music artists stretch out further from what they have done before.
Tell Me More: At first listen, it might seem as if it's the same old from the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Of course, I always say that this is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as the songs are good. And good the songs are on this latest outing from the BSO, but this is not the same old. First of all, this is the first BSO album where Brian Setzer has written all the songs himself. There are no covers of classic swing tunes mixed in with the original numbers. This is probably due to the fact that Songs From Lonely Ave is a concept album. It is described as the soundtrack for a lost noir film of the same name. But to my ears, what this really feels like is the soundtrack to a Broadway musical that is yet to be. Crafting a stage play around a set of songs is common these days, so I can certainly hear how this album could be expanded into a full stage production. In fact, the appearance of guest vocalists on songs like "Gimmie Some Rhythm Daddy" and "King of The Whole Damn World" only adds to the illusion that we are listening to a soundtrack.
But in the end this is all speculation. In his last album without the orchestra (entitled "13") Brian Setzer stretched well beyond his rockabilly roots, and in SFLA he stretches with some of the most complex arrangements that the BSO has ever performed. This is an album that requires repeated listening. And repeated listening's I have given it (enjoying it more with each one). And I have to say that I am ready for the stage show now.
What about the packaging? The CD comes packaged in a nice 3 way fold out digipak with a very nice glossy lyrics booklet that includes photos
Get Songs from Lonely Ave on CD
On Vinyl
Crazy Deluxe Limited Edition
$8.99 mp3 version
TJR 12/09/09
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