The past year has been a
watershed one in a number of ways. It was finally the year I sought
out and heard the most new music I'd heard since I was a teenager.
And there are some great sounds to be had in a variety of formats
now. Music lovers have never, ever had it so good. This year also
finally saw the long-anticipated vinyl release of my own band's album
which, in my opinion, has become the definitive expression of that
work. So I am going to engage in some shameless self and non-self
promotion for this entry. With a particular emphasis on NEW or
new-ish music.
First off, I am very
excited to announce the first release on my own record label NowPlaying On Vinyl: the self-titled debut from my surrealist rock band
Afterconfusion Soupmobile. I may be biased, but I think it's a great
album for fans of post-modern, heavy psychedelic rock music with a
bizarre sense of humor.
This is a vinyl-centric
release though free digital copies do come with the analog rendering.
I am looking to expand the horizons of the business down the line
with releases from other bands – stay tuned for that in the future.
In the meantime, if you want to sample the music on the Soupmobile
album – all of the tracks (and more) are available on youtube here:
However, this music is
meant to be heard and experienced primarily through the vinyl medium.
The LP kicks butt – and the current limited edition release was
pressed on random color vinyl. Whatever color you wind up with is
known only when the seal is broken and each platter is essentially a
result of a unique combination of colors. Plus – the pressing
quality has been consistently excellent across the albums I have
sampled randomly from the total run of 300. No off-center, cruddy
pressings here folks! Buy with CONFIDENCE!
With any luck, this will
be the first in a series of fine alternative entertainment products
from NowPlaying On Vinyl. The best place to access Afterconfusion
Soupmobile is at the website www.nowplayingonvinyl.com. Stop on by!
Now, what can you do if
you don't have a turntable yet and you really want to be able to play
that Afterconfusion Soupmobile album? Why not support American small
business? Behold: the U-turn Orbit!
This small company out of
Boston is giving consumers a lot of bang for their buck with new
turntables aimed at listeners who want a more audiophile experience
than what the other companies offer at the same price point. Plus,
there are lots of upgrade options available. Now, to be honest I
don't own one of these machines myself – not yet at least. However,
the Orbit has generated quite a few positive reviews from reputable
sources (such as Michael Fremer) that I feel comfortable recommending
the product here. Plus – it's an American company! When was the
last time you gave (or received) a gift that was made in the USA?
Supporting doemestic small businesses can only be a good thing – one
would hope! I wish I had a similar recommendation for an amplifier
and speakers (though one can still find some decent used gear online
or at thrift stores once in awhile). Visit the U-Turn website for details!
And, what's better – if
you decide to give the gift of music this year, there are a number of
great releases to keep toes tapping for months to come. Here are some
favorite releases of recent vintage from artists old and new:
Special Mention:
Topping the list of recommendations (aside from my own album) are two
new releases that mean a great deal to me. If anyone reading this
blog only picks up two of the following albums reviewed to give as
gifts this holiday season – put these next two in “priority
position”. Or just buy all of the following albums reviewed right
down the list to be considered the coolest, hippest and grooviest by
your loved ones this season! No, really!
It's My Life – The
Roger Atkins Songbook 1963 - 1969
I have to give mention to
this fascinating release for several reasons. Not the least of which
is the unique focus – songs written by Roger Atkins and his main
collaborators of the era – the most notable being Neil Sedaka!
You'll hear familiar recordings from The Animals, The Monkees, Gene
Pitney and the Fifth Dimension right alongside relative unknowns in
both demo and commercially available recordings. It is a
treasure-trove of great 60s pop excellence. The extensive liner notes
feature the inside stories behind each track from Roger Atkins
himself. For instance, there is an incredible
story about the song he wrote for The Animals which provided
the title of the compilation – It's My Life. I won't repeat that
story here, but I will say just that story alone is worth the price
of admission.
Oh, but add the other 30
(yes, THIRTY) great tracks on this disc – many of which had the
ability to be hits right up there with The Animals and Monkees
tracks. One of my favorites is “He Can't Hurt Me No More” by
great singer Penny Carter. I'd never heard of Penny Carter before,
but if she doesn't ring your bells and tug your heart-strings with
her fantastic vocal delivery on this song you must not have a pulse,
squire! Your life is just not complete until you've heard Penny
Carter. For that alone, you need this disc.
As if all that wasn't
enough, I am pleased to relate that I helped contribute a track to
the compilation via an acetate I found a few years ago at a thrift
store! Compilation producer Kyler Schwartz spotted my post on a
popular online music discussion forum seeking information about that
demo acetate I found and one thing led to another! The acetate I
found featured a song titled “If You Could Only Be Me”
beautifully sung by legendary session vocalist Jean Thomas.
I had
never heard of her before and fell in love with both the song and her
voice. So I was honored to provide a recording of that demo to be
used for this CD release. And the studio magic used to clean up that
demo makes the track sound the best it ever has. Thanks to Kyler for
the opportunity to contribute to this great disc and the shout-out in
the credits in the CD booklet too. This excellent compilation is tons
of fun. If you think you've heard every great song and read every
great story from that golden era of pop music – surprise! Order this CD right here.
Michael Chapman –
Fish
Michael Chapman is one
of the great, lesser-known acoustic guitar giants of the last 50 or
so years. His late-60s, early 70s records were produced by Gus
Dudgeon for Harvest Records and have been reissued in recent years to
new acclaim. I had the pleasure of seeing Chapman in a small club
setting in Albany, NY this past fall and I can tell you he still has
the fastball in him. I was enthralled by his performance. Almost as
thrilling was being able to purchase from him his latest album –
Fish. Better yet – this has become my favorite release of 2015
hands-down. I love this album. I bought the CD from Mr. Chapman and
later bought the LP version. My advice to you, dear reader, is to
just get the CD. The label – Tompkins Square – is well-meaning,
but the vinyl copy I ended up with was fairly off-center which is bad
news for this music – lots of long-held chords and the like. The CD
is the way to go with this material. And the material is the main
event here. Introspective, meditative and ultimately beautiful
instrumental guitar music – with some cello and other instruments
peppered throughout the album. I have played this many times since I
saw that show. I hope Chapman sticks around at least another few
years for me to see him again – with any luck I can tell him how
much I enjoyed the heck out of his most recent album. How many
artists – old or new – could we say the same thing about these
days? The show I saw paired Chapman with Ryley Walker – a great
show overall , but I would love to see Michael Chapman paired up with
Leo Kottke (whom I also saw back last winter). They could tell weird
stories and jokes to each other between mindblowing tunes! The bottom
line: see and support these geniuses while they are still with us.
Fish gets 10 stars out of 5. Get it here.
Downloads of
Distinction: Though
my heart belongs to vinyl, I have to admit to having enjoyed some
downloaded albums this past year. Sometimes the price point makes
taking the risk a little easier, especially if I've never heard the
artist before. I only hope the artists benefit from the sale somehow.
I think artists should be compensated for their work though I wonder
how much money they might earn from downloads offered at bargain
prices. I don't think I paid more than $4 for any of the following
albums. For the most part I was pleasantly surprised by the sound
quality, though I'm sure CD or vinyl would have been an improvement.
Courtney Barnett –
Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
I actually considered the
vinyl option here and I may eventually upgrade since I enjoyed the
music more than I'd expected. Barnett is quite a talented guitar
slinger, vocalist and songwriter. There's a welcome quirkiness to the
proceedings here. Though I have to admit I like the slow, heavy and
grinding numbers the best. I'd sure love to catch her live – I'd
bet she puts on a great show!
Lucinda Williams –
Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone
Lucinda Williams is
already working on a new album or is about to release a new one so I
don't want this to slip by before I can say “most recent release”.
I'm actually a new convert to Lucinda Williams and only have a
smattering of her output at present. I was drawn to this latest work
via a great poem written by her father (from which the title of the
album is derived). I think it was posted from her facebook feed –
something like that. This is really a double album and I've returned
quite often for repeated listens over the past year. The music gets
better every time. Lucinda Williams has all the ingredients for mass
appeal – especially with her accessible blend of country/ folk /
rootsy Americana alt-rock. Yet, her songs are like literary zen koans
– clear swatches of white-lightning thought-awareness and emotional
connection. Way above the typical fodder even from her biggest
challengers. Her art is the needed mirror our troubled world needs to
look into. Seems every song carries the sub-tag “We have met the
enemy – and it is us!” I could be full of shit though. Maybe
she's having a good go at our expense. I sincerely hope she laughs
her way to the bank – she certainly works hard enough. She's one of
the few true genius songwriters of our times. Buy her album and tell
me I'm wrong.
Sloan – Commonwealth
Although I'd heard of
Sloan for a number of years (they've had a long career) I was
intrigued by reactions to their last studio album which tended to be
glowing. Attempts to bag a vinyl copy last year proved difficult so I
decided to go the download route, though the results were mixed. The
sound quality was on par with other MP3 downloads, however the
crossfades between songs were compromised resulting in awkward pauses
/ edits when tracks advanced. Little things like this matter to music
lovers. So in this case I wish I'd held out for the LP or CD.
Especially since the music is so good! Although the music has no
ambitions to push the boundaries we all expect from modern rock, I'd
be hard pressed to think of a group working within the genre who is
“doing it” better than these guys. Well worth the effort to catch
a listen if you've never heard of Sloan before. I'd love to see this
group live as well!
Elpees of Esteem:
It is heartwarming to see how many new releases are available on
vinyl records these days. My heart would be a lot warmer if the
quality of these records was consistently good – as good as they
used to be years ago. While there is always the potential for sub-par
product to roll off the presses, it seems like many new vinyl
releases are plagued by issues like off-center pressings, non-fill
and other defects. In the past it was easy to return defective
records to a shop where you'd get a refund or a credit for something
else. These days that process is more time consuming and problematic.
Still, I'd rather have the platters out there than not. Besides, most
LPs come with download codes or free CDs inside for a digital-option
if you can't be bothered with the return processs. Read on,
folks..............
David Crosby – Croz
This excellent offering
from legend David Crosby came out in 2014 and clearly shows him
hitting a new stride. Crosby is among the most talented individuals
of his peer group – right up there with Brian Wilson, Paul
McCartney and Joni Mitchell. Though he has had his share of ups and
downs, his consummate artistry is in full force on this fantastic new
record. Don't pause to wonder – just dive in here and don't look
back.
Father John Misty – I
Love You, Honeybear
I don't know what
posessed me to buy this album. Um....oh yeah – label Sub Pop put it
up on youtube to sample for free. I listened and was semi-fascinated.
I heard a very well-recorded, catchy and generally enjoyable
exposition of post-alternative-pop weirdo rock. I guess this Father
John Misty personage is well-known to hip folks. To be fair – I
really should hate this album. But something about the musical nature
of the material keeps me from hating it and actually enjoying it,
despite the hipster-trapping aesthetic permeating like postmodern
patchouli. Father John Misty strikes me as the kind of guy who might
be wearing a shaggy beard, but – realizing shaggy beards are
overbearingly hipster-oriented at this point – makes the ULTIMATE
HIPSTER IMAGE STATEMENT by..........shaaaaving. Holy shit that's so
fucking avant-garde man! Yeah.......(I felt compelled to include the
f-bomb in my review since FJM likes to pepper his lyrics with it –
maybe my review will earn the same street-cred too?). Okay,
okay...enough with my uber-snarkiness. This record is pretty musical
at the end of the day, but the LP pressing was by far the worst I've
experienced all year. Which is really part of the existential hipster
cosmic jokiness of the whole proceedings since the record came as a
double LP cut at 45 rpm for MAXIMUM AUDIOPHILE pleasure. Pity those
extra rotations per minute are totally wasted on a warped, off-center
couple of platters. In this case – buy the CD. Sorry – for the
vinyl option, SUB-POP = SUBSTANDARD.
The War on Drugs –
Lost in the Dream
This record is a good
example of atmospheric modern alt-rock at its finest. There are echoes
of earlier decades of music found here – some re-evaluating of 80s
keyboard textures and production values. Somehow distilling the
essence of those echoes down to the most useful vibrations for the
future. Aw, shoot – it's just a good record. Nothing
earth-shattering or confrontational about it. Yet, it doesn't pander
to any lower intelligence quotient the marketplace might demand. I
have a reason to believe this is honest art here. Isn't that all we
can ask for? Good pressing too. I wonder - did the name of the band repel anyone early on? I can only imagine what people might think reading that name on posters and flyers promoting live appearances. Yet, I think these guys are bigger than I realize as it happens. This was a blind purchase and I enjoyed the heck out
of it. 'Nuff said.
Moon Duo – Shadow of
the Sun
This record was another
blind purchase – mostly because I really liked the cover art and the
music promised some connection to “psychedelic”
somethingoranother. Well, I think the “Duo” part of this act is
an accurate description of the “band makeup” since I'm hearing
lots of keyboard and programmed drum tracks here. Yet, I still like
this music. There is room for these kinds of sounds and I like the
independent nature of the release. Perhaps not something I might spin
in heavy rotation, but something I can play for a change of pace and
I don't recoil from the end result. Whatever might be lacking in
daring is made up for with a desire for consistent sonic vibe-focus. Is this
SHOEGAZE? I have no idea. This LP came with an extra 7” single –
which ended up being my two favorite tracks as it happens. Glad the
band insisted on including them in the package. That in itself is
pretty damn cool.
CeeDees of
Consideration:
All of the following compat discs were purchased at live shows from
the artists who recorded them. This is the whole purpose of putting
one's new album on CD these days. They make for good merch-table
fodder. The main marketplace has unfairly given compact discs the
slip – downloads have taken their place. Yet, nothing quite
replaces the experience of hearing a great live show, purchasing a CD
at said show and listening to the disc on the ride home in the car
after the show. So if you see a great live band – go to that merch
table and throw down the hard-earned for the CD. You'll be glad you
did and so will your living artist you are supporting. It's a LOVE
thing, people.
Tyler Bryant & The
Shakedown – Wild Child
I
saw this talented young lad opening up for Jeff Beck last year. For a
one-man show he knew just how to work a crowd which is no small feat.
He worked his butt off and had the talent to draw on to put his music
over to the audience. I sincerely believe he will have a long and
prosperous career as a performer – there is no question he is
talented, motivated and in possession of the right attitude to advance
himself. The CD he was selling at the show was a band-oriented
project and to what degree The Shakedown is an ongoing concern I can
only guess. The music and production is top-notch,
yet.....yet.....(there's a “yet” bubbling under)...there's a
tangible “safety zone” at work here. Having experienced Tyler
Bryant's talent as a singer, guitarist and songwriter unfiltered in a
live performance – hearing him in a more structured framework is a
bit of a letdown. Yet, (yet!) I feel like such a curmudgeon for even
writing such a thing. Especially since I know he's capable of
something more challenging. I think that's it. So, I'd say keep your
eye on this young lad – wish him the best and pray he lets his muse
carry him to unknown regions like Marc Bolan once did.
The Spampinato Brothers
– Pie in the Sky
This is the most recent
offering from the great Spampinato Brothers. Johnny and Joey are
still delivering the best rock and roll vibrations anywhere around
with the songwriting chops still firing on all cylinders. This music
stands proudly alongside their best work of the last 40-some years
and as a live act, they are not to be missed. Brother Joey is
currently taking a break from performing to kick the shit out of the
cancer that was discovered in him recently (early detection thank
goodness). In the meantime – here is a link to help send a little
sunshine his way: Give Joey Spampinato some sunshine!
And if you haven't yet
picked up Pie In the Sky – do it soon so you are ready when The
Spampinato Brothers are back and rockin in your town. All the best
and brightest moments to Joey and his family and friends. Positive
vibrations to them all!
Echotest – Le Fil
Rouge
Perhaps the most obscure
of all the reviewed albums here, yet I have to give this release a
thumbs up for being adventurous and accessible in its own way.
Echotest is a side-project of fabulous bassist Julie Slick. Julie has
performed with Adrian Belew and the “Three of a Perfect Pair”
King Crimson alumni ensemble among other notable projects. I had the
pleasure of seeing her perform with this ensemble for the past two
summers up at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. Last summer I
decided to take one of her CDs home with me and this was the one.
First of all – the “bag” this music gets placed in might be
called “prog” yet there is a neat variety of material including a
couple of great vocal-based songs that could be on the radio if radio
these days was more adventurous. Which really got me thinking –
why does any of this music have to be nailed to a genre? It's silly
to put it in a box like that because of all the trappings – mostly
mental – that might keep people from checking it out. Quite simply,
this is great modern music from consummate musicians. This is the
kind of modern instrumental music that I'd like to hear more often.
Engaging, fun, creative and still entertaining. I can put this disc
on anytime and not feel the need to pull it out of the player before
it completes its cycle. I like Echotest and I hope Julie Slick keeps
it going. Best of all – go see her play live. You won't regret a
second of that decision – I promise!
Murali Coryell –
Restless Mind
Once again I might be
biased here, since Murali Coryell is an old bandmate of mine from
college days. Yet, I always knew he was crazy-talented though I have
to admit hearing his newest release I must say he is at the top of
his game! One thing that characterizes Murali's new album is the
passion and devotion to his art – Murali sings and plays from the
heart and soul. That is the way its always been with him and, if
anything, he has increased his ability to tap into that energy and
belt it out in such a way to convert any unbelievers within earshot.
When Murali Coryell sings he is NOT KIDDING. He is not trying to
hustle you into thinking he kind of feels a certain way – he is
communicating his inner reality to you right in that moment! No
matter whether he is singing or playing guitar it's all the same –
full on commitment to communicating with his audience. The songs on
his new album are a continual affirmation of this demanding
aesthetic. It grooves, it rocks and it cannot be denied. Having known
Murali for many years I can attest that his passion for music has not
abated one iota - he is all about the music all the time. Restless
Mind is a fantastic release – the best of his recorded work so far.
Don't delay to check him out live and when you do – grab this new
release. The time is right – the time is now. Get on the good foot
– the right foot – the funky foot and groove, people!
Once again – thanks to
everyone who has ever stopped by this little place to read my
ramblings. I hope you all have found some new and rewarding
vibrations to carry you along the path of life. Cheers and Bright
Moments to all! Keep listening and seeking!
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