Fountains of Wayne and The Ettes - Episode 74

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The Bangles and Matthew Sweet - Episode 72

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Live Release Roundup: The Doobie Brothers, Rockpile, Whitesnake

Artist: The Doobie Brothers
Title: Live at the Greek Theatre, 1982
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in this CD if you like: Christopher Cross, “American Idol" Taylor Hicks, Michael McDonald’s solo work, 1970s soft rock
Tell Me More: By the time the Doobies' farewell tour hit this Berkeley, Calif. venue, they had racked up multiple platinum albums and top 40 pop/rock singles over the course of a decade. This gig found them in solid form, giving several songs a more laid back treatment than the studio incarnations. Whenever McDonald takes over lead vocals from Patrick Simmons, the audience seems to get more excited (a testament to McDonald’s then-burgeoning popularity). In fact, his rich, soulful singing on “You Belong to Me (written for Carly Simon), “What a Fool Believes" and “Taking It To The Streets" are standouts among the set.

Former members Tom Johnston, John Hartman, Tiran Porter and Michael Hossack all make guest appearances. The CD booklet includes background on the show and a dozen live color photos (The CD has 15 tracks + 4 bonus songs; a companion DVD is also available).

Get Live at the Greek Theatre, 1982 Here

Artist: Rockpile
Title: Live at Montreaux, 1980
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in this CD if you like: Graham Parker, Marshall Crenshaw, Elvis Costello, Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe’s early solo material
Tell Me More: By the time this critically acclaimed pub rock group released its lone studio album (1980’s Seconds of Pleasure), the U.K. musicians - Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Billy Bremmer and Terry Williams - had already been playing on each others' records for years. The first two guys even notched a few hits along the way. Tours were infrequent, so this appearance from Switzerland’s long-running Montreaux Jazz Festival was a real treat. The quartet sounds great throughout and turns in a raucous, high energy set with lead vocal tradeoffs. Although the sonic quality wavers a bit at the start, irregularities are corrected promptly.

Early new wave, rock ‘n' roll and even roots enthusiasts will find plenty to savor here, including Rockpile’s takes on Parker’s “Crawling From the Wreckage," Costello’s “Girls Talk," Chuck Berry’s “Let it Rock" (incorporating a key lick from Bill Haley & the Comets' "Rock Around the Clock”), the Fats Domino-popularized “I Hear You Knockin' (Edmunds' biggest solo single), “Queen of Hearts" (later a career
best mark for Juice Newton) and Lowe’s own “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)." The CD booklet includes a few live photos and background about the band and concert.

Get Live-at-Montreux-1980

Artist: Whitesnake
Title: Live at Donington, 1990
Worth buying: Yes, for those into mammoth guitar solos
You might be interested in this CD if you like: Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Motley Crue, Quiet Riot
Tell Me More:Whitesnake was frequently a stopping ground for some of hard rock’s most prominent guitarists - including Steve Vai and Vivian Campbell, later of Def Leppard, as well as a lengthy list of other musicians prominent in the genre. The sleazy hair metal band reached its commercial peak in the mid-to-late Eighties. This double disc set was taken from a headlining appearance at the Monsters of Rock Festival at England’s Donington Park. A few tracks broach and even surpass the 10-minue mark, thanks to Vai and Adrian Vandenberg’s blazing fretwork bonanzas.Since I used to enjoy the pop-oriented Whitesnake (1987) and Slip of the Tongue(1989) albums and subsequent radio hits, I was interested to hear what they sounded like on tour around that time. Yet it really takes a diehard fan to get through these songs. Leader David Coverdale’s raspy voice is in ok shape. He provides a brief introduction in the CD booklet, which has stage and memorabilia shots from the 1989-90 world tour. Music from the performance (also available as a separate DVD) was remixed too.

Get Whitesnake: Live at Donington 1990 (2011)

George Paul 

Read more of George Paul's music coverage on his Music Minded site

Live Music DVDs Roundup: Sheryl Crow, Primal Scream, David Byrne

Artist: Sheryl Crow

Title: Miles From Memphis : Live at the Pantages Theatre

Worth buying: Yes

You might be interested in this DVD if you like: Bonnie Raitt, Delaney and Bonnie, Al Green, Dusty Springfield

Tell Me More: Crow took an organic approach on latest album 100 Miles From Memphis , delving into the R&B and southern soul-styled music that served as formative influences. The groove-based material translated well to the concert stage, as this DVD - filmed at the vaunted Hollywood venue last year - attests. Together with a large band consisting of guitarist/frequent collaborator Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton), horn players, female backing vocalists and others, they succeed in creating a soulful sound.  

 

Shot in crisp-looking high definition, with digital 5.1 and DTS surround sound options, the 18-song DVD finds Crow and company getting into a funky groove on old faves like “Soak Up the Sun,” giving “Strong Enough” a starkly beautiful treatment and unveiling some surprising covers: “Sideways” (Citizen Cope), “Got to Give it Up" (Marvin Gaye) and “I Want You Back” (Jackson 5). The 20-minute Behind the Scenes segment comprises soundcheck rehearsals of “Eye to Eye” and “Stop,” plus Crow candidly talking about what the band and the venue meant to her. It’s almost worth the DVD price alone.   

 

What about the packaging? Crow writes about the album/tour in the booklet, which is adorned with a few large concert photos

Get Miles From Memphis : Live at the Pantages Theatre here!

Artist: Primal Scream

Title: Screamadelica Live

Worth buying: Yes

You might be interested in this DVD if you like: Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Kasabian, UNKLE

Tell Me More: Released in 1991, Screamadelica was among the more prominent and influential albums to emerge amidst England's acid house/rave music scene. Using psychedelic and classic rock as touchstones, Scottish frontman Bobby Gillespie and his cohorts deftly used film samples, gospel and more to create a unique atmosphere. At London ’s Olympia Theatre in 2010, the band performed the album front-to-back for the first time with a choir and brass section in tow.

 

Divided into two sets – one for the full album and another for rock material, the DVD/CD package (a separate Blu-ray edition adds the “Classic Albums” series episode seen on VH1 Classic and elsewhere) is best suited for diehard enthusiasts. Gillespie has never been a riveting presence onstage; ample crowd shots, “no frills” lighting and camera work and the druggy music itself, don’t help matters. The second set, with such high energy songs as the bluesy “Jailbird,” “Accelerator” and the menacing “Swastika Eyes,” almost makes up for the listlessness.       

 

What about the packaging? Minimal; no booklet

Get Screamadelica Live (2011) here

 

Artist: David Byrne

Title: Ride, Rise, Roar: A Live Concert Film

Worth buying: Yes

You might be interested in this DVD if you like: Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Talking Heads

Tell Me More: Byrne has always been a trailblazer of the visual medium, dating back to his days with Talking Heads (particularly the seminal concert film “Stop Making Sense”) and many memorable music videos. “Ride, Rise, Roar” is a hybrid performance and documentary. Behind the scenes details about 2008-09 tour preparations for his exceptional Everything That Happens Will Happen Today album with Eno are interspersed with dancers interpreting songs that Byrne and his band perform. The dance rehearsal and choreographer interview footage is moderately interesting; the chats with Byrne and Eno about the album and band practices, much more so. Through 90 minutes, Byrne mixes spirited Heads songs (“Once in a Lifetime,” I Zimbra,” “Road to Nowhere,” “Burning Down the House”) with Everything That Happens tracks – all intriguingly staged.        

 

What about the packaging? Minimal; no booklet

 

Get Ride, Rise, Roar: A Live Concert Film here:

 

George Paul 

Read more of writer George Paul's reviews, feature articles and posts on his Music Minded site!

New releases from Coldplay, Brian Wilson, The McClymonts and The Bangles

Artist: Coldplay

Title: Mylo Xyloto

You will be interested if you are a fan of: Keane, U2, Coldplay's previous albums

Tell Me More: It's not hard to listen to Coldplay's latest album, the dazzling Mylo Xyloto, and imagine hearing the British quartet perform these songs in front of thousands of screaming fans at an outdoor festival in some exotic locale on a perfect summer night.
That's not to imply the 14-track album doesn't stand up on it's own. It does.
On Mylo Xyloto (pronounced my-lo zy-letoe), the band's fifth album, Coldplay and composer/co-producer Brian Eno have crafted an appealing and accessible collection of songs that grab the listener from the get-go. There is rousing material ("Charlie Brown," "Don't Let It Break Your Heart"), melodic gems ("Hurts Like Heaven," "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall") and evocative ballads ("Up in Flames," "U.F.O."). The band even teams up with Rihanna to explore decidedly new territory in the inspired "Princess of China."
Chris Martin has never sounded better, his falsetto and emotive vocals really shining across the disc and dancing in counterpart with Jonny Buckland's soaring guitar work. Although "Major Minus" too closely recalls the style of Achtung Baby-era U2, every other moment on Mylo Xyloto is a showcase for Coldplay's own artistic voice.

 Join the gang  and get Coldplay here

Artist: Brian Wilson

Title: In the Key of Disney

You will be interested if you are a fan of: The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson's recent solo releases, Los Lobos' 2009 album Los Lobos Goes Disney

Tell Me More: Brian Wilson isn't the first rock legend to tackle the Wonderful World of Disney (music, that is). In fact, Los Lobos undertook a similar project several years ago on the aptly-titled Los Lobos Goes Disney. But there is little doubt that the interest and attention paid to Wilson's project revisting songs made famous in classic Disney movies has been especially intense leading up to the album's release on Oct. 25, 2011.
While there is no debate about the artistic merit of the Los Lobos effort issued in 2009, my praise for Wilson's In the Key of Disney is a bit muted. To be sure, there are versions here that shine; a Native American flute compliments Wilson's tender delivery on "Colors of the Wind" ("Pocahontas") and his fragile tenor conveys just the right amount of texture on the wistful "Stay Awake" ("Mary Poppins"). But elsewhere, Wilson's touch is not a perfect fit with the material. His voice fails to ignite a Tin Pan Alley-styled arrangement of "The Bare Necessities" ("The Jungle Book") until the end of the song, and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" ("The Lion King") never seems to find its footing.
The disc ends in winning fashion, with Wilson's affecting delivery of "When You Wish Upon a Star" providing another dose of pixie dust showcasing the former Beach Boy's magic touch.
In the Key of Disney was obviously a labor of love for Wilson, and the songs here have been loved by children of all ages.
Perhaps it is Wilson's ability to champion that Disney magic that is the biggest reason to celebrate the meeting of two talents who have brought so much joy into a far-from-perfect world.

 Get into the Key of Disney Here

Artist: The McClymonts

Title: Wrapped Up Good

You will be interested if you are a fan of: Taylor Swift, Pistol Annies, The Corrs

Tell Me More: When it comes to country music, my own tastes are firmly rooted in the alt-country sounds of Gram Parsons, Michael Ubaldini, Emmylou Harris, David Serby and Neil Young's Harvest. But I'm no snob; artists who employ well-crafted songs, strong performances and sweet singing (especially perfect harmonies) can win me over no matter what their musical style.
Just as Ireland's Corrs featured a group of siblings able to somehow blend traditional Irish music with modern-day pop, a trio of Australian sisters known as The McClymonts have magically bridged the seemingly-contrary worlds of authentic Americana and so-called "modern country music" to create something not only palatable but wonderful.
On the McClymonts' Wrapped Up Good, there is plenty to recommend. The songs may explore familiar territory (falling in and out of love), but the affecting "Take It Back," "I Could be a Cowboy" and "He Used to Love Me" come off as fresh thanks to the trio's powerful writing and singing.
The twentysomething sisters (Sam, Mollie and Brooke) from Down Under also handle the upbeat country-rock stuff with grit too, notably "Rock the Boat" and "Wrapped Up Good."

 Get The McClymonts' new CD here

Artist: The Bangles

Title: Sweetheart of the Sun

You will be interested if you are a fan of: The Bangles' 1984 album All Over the Place, Matthew Sweet

Tell Me More: The Bangles' Sweetheart of the Sun marks the first full-length album from the band since 2003's Doll Revolution, and the first time since the early 1980s that the all-female outfit has issued an album without bassist Michael Steele (she left the band in 2005). But more than 30 years after the formation of the Bangs, sisters Debbi and Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs have returned with a fantastic collection of songs on Sweetheart of the Sun. Produced by the Bangles and Matthew Sweet at Lolina Green Studios, the 12-track album is truly one of the band's best-ever releases. Those seeking the massive production found on modern-day recordings on acts ranging from U2 and Coldplay to Lady Gaga won't find that here. This is an album where the voices, guitars and everything else shines through the songwriting and performances alone. "Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)" brings immediate luster with its lush vocal harmonies and artful guitar lines; Hoffs' evocative lead vocal captures the melancholy on "Under a Cloud." Elsewhere the group delivers power pop jewels ("Mesmerized"), gentle ballads ("I'll Never Be Through With You") or just seems to be in the mood to rock and have a great time ("Ball N Chain").

Another note: Barnes & Noble is offering a special edition of the album that features two bonus tracks (acoustic versions of "Through Your Eyes" and "What a Life"). Get this version while you can.

The Bangles New CD on amazone here

Get the exclusive version available from Barnes & Noble here.

Robert Kinsler

CD Reviews Bad Company and Middle Brother - Episode 71

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqriu1UNQfM]

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Sights and Sounds: Moreland & Arbuckle, The Zombies, Fountains of Wayne

Artist: Moreland & Arbuckle

Title: Just A Dream

You will be interested if you are a fan of: Joe Bonamassa, the Derek Trucks Band, Otis Taylor, Moreland & Arbuckle's 2010 album "Flood"

Tell Me More: Anyone who has seen Moreland & Arbuckle tear it up in concert knows that the duo is not your typical blues outfit.

Although guitarist Aaron Moreland and vocalist/harpist Dustin Arbuckle play music steeped in both early Robert Johnson-styled 20th century Delta blues and Muddy Waters-linked Chicago blues, the Kansas-based Moreland & Arbuckle fuse their traditional influences with a garage band sensibility like few others.

On the Moreland & Arbuckle's second album released by Telarc International (a division of Concord Music Group) on Aug. 23, 2011, the 12-song Just A Dream, there is again plenty of infectious and energetic material that captures the spirit of the genre-busting duo. On the disc, drummer Brad Horner completes the non-stop action with a propulsive style that fits right in with his band mates' firepower.

The fiery "The Brown Bomber" and "Purgatory," heavy hypnotic psychedelia-tinged "Gypsy Violin" and the melodic"Shadow Never Changes" are among the standouts on this epic album.

Artist: The Zombies

Title: Breathe Out, Breathe In

You will be interested if you are a fan of: The Zombies' "Odessey and Oracle," The Monkees' "Headquarters"

Tell Me More: The Zombies' 1968 masterpiece Odessey and Oracle has long been recognized as one of the truly great rock albums of the 1960s. In fact, according to an article about the band posted on Wikipedia, the album is ranked 80 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Fast forward to 2011, just in time for the legendary English rock outfit's 50th anniversary, the group led by original members Rod Argent (keyboards, piano) and Colin Blunstone (on lead vocals) has issued a new studio album, the wonderful Breathe Out, Breathe In. This is not just a casual comeback, but a brilliant return-to-form that is fantastic. There are infectious jazz-pop tunes ("Breathe Out, Breathe In"), flamenco-tinged grooves reminiscent of the 1960s ("Any Other Way"), Beatles-styled rockers ("Play It For Real"), and decidedly-Zombies rockers ("Another Day") and ballads ("I Do Believe") with those distinctive harmonies positioned against Blunstone's high-reaching tenor and Argent's dazzling keyboards painting the songs in ways forever linked with the British outfit ("Another Day").

Capping off the album is the beautiful "Let It Go," where the band blends Bach's F minor keyboard concerto with its own song craft to create something all it's own.

Artist: Fountains of Wayne

Title: Sky Full Of Holes

You will be interested if you are a fan of: The Beatles, Crowded House, Matthew Sweet

Tell Me More: Although the modern-day leaders of the power pop movement are sadly not enjoying the commercial success they should, I write this hoping that music fans of all genres will give the latest full-length album from Fountains of Wayne a good listen. Few bands in recent memory have released an album as artful and lyrically-rich as Fountains of Wayne's Sky Full of Holes (Yep Roc Records).

With a collection of 13 songs that blend detailed storytelling ("Richie and Ruben," "Action Hero") and lush melodies across all the tracks, songwriters Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger have done it again on "Sky Full of Holes." This is a collection of songs that deal with individual tales, the stories often tragic even while the songs soar with melodies that catch the ear with a single lesson. The physical CD is highly recommended; it comes with a nice booklet with all of the duo's brilliant songs whose lyrics are printed in easy-to-read font and color photos of the band (that also features guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young).