Well this week I’ve been putting the finishing touches to November’s Music Mix and my Album of the Month so I’ve been listening to quite a few different things – best to look at the mix. Besides that I’ve been listening to……
Joss Stone’s new one – ‘Colour Me Free’ – v good
Annie Lennox – The Collection – still one of my favorite female voices.
Gomez – on a shuffle for my new ‘Artist of the Month’ category
Soulsavers – Broken – but can’t seem to get into this one
Wishbone Ash – Live Dates and Pilgrimage
All in all quite a good week for my ears – what about you? What have your ears been up to?
Joss Stone has a new album out? Woohoo! I’m going to do the fortnightly weekly shop on Tesco.com tonight, I think it might have to accidentally fall into our virtual trolley…
Good question Mr Dog, as you asked, getting regular spins on my player at the moment are:
Siena Root – Different Realities (bet that makes you jealous!!). Their latest and greatest release yet, and that is really saying something. Took a while in arriving, but worth the wait and a bit more.
The Cowboy Junkies – Trinity Sessions. Inspired by our friendly hound’s music mix last month. I have picked up another two of their releases besides this one, but Trinity Sessions is finding its way onto my player regularly.
Big Bill Broonzy from The Ultimate Jazz Collection. The support band for the recent Peter Green gig played a few of his tracks and I was intrigued. In town at the weekend I found this 4 CD set in our local DVD store for an earth shattering 4 Euro. One CD each of Big Bill, Blind Willie McTell, T-Bone Walker and Josh White. Great stuff.
Family – Radio 1 In Concert. An oldie but a goodie. I just think that Roger Chapman can’t do any wrong.
Faust – Ravivando. A bit more chilled than some of their better known stuff, spine tingling!
Audience – House on the Hill. Not a very well known band, which is just criminal. I have loved this CD since I first heard it about 25 years ago. When Mrs Spacepig first heard this one she knew she had hit the jackpot. I tend to forget about it occassionally, then I will be looking through the rack and it just jumps out and demands to be played
Buena Vista Social Club – At Carnegie Hall. It doesn’t matter who pops round for an unexpected visit. Put this one on and within minutes everyone is happy.
Just a small selection, you know me, ask next week and it’ll be a complete change.
Hey Mr LD
I listening to In This Light And On This Evening, the new album from Editors, great CD great video Papillon is a great song – check out the video
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=63033690&searchid=6708b422-8613-4d38-a62c-fff2cbeb17f6
Plus Athlete Black Swan – thanks to you
I have had a look at the video you linked above SA. Maybe I’m missing something, if so, please enlighten me. Maybe its just that I come from a bygone era when bands didn’t have videos to promote their songs. But I just can’t for the life of me see what is so brilliant about a bunch of guys running through a drab looking town at night, then going absolutely nowhere.
I never watch the likes of MTV so I don’t usually see the latest promo videos, but when I think of clever and interesting videos, the only musician who really jumps to mind is Peter Gabriel
The song itself is OK I suppose. Not too exciting or anything but its OK. The singer appears to have a good voice but I would like to hear him try something a bit more challenging, without all the electronic trickery.
I can’t see myself running off to order this one.
Siena Root – you lucky bugger – can I expect a review soon as its not available in Doha for a couple of decades
Audience – Not heard of these. Playing on Myspace now – interesting
Glad you like Cowboy Junkies
Thanks for post SA – but I must agree with Spacey although I do like the video – reminds me of The Wire
Glad you like Black Swan – do you have any other Athlete albums?
Mr SP – this guy can sing beleive me why do want to hear him try something a bit more challenging this aint no competition. The song is outstanding and the video is good cos I think the running through empty streets symbolises a journey thats going nowhere. Also, Its very hard to make a good video these days as there are so many around.
Mr LD
Bought Tourist the other day from Virgin in Villaggio not played much yet but it sounds good especially Wires theres a great video for this song too
Today I’m listening to your music mix for Nov
……..and its good
Who are Dada? Great song
Yes ‘All I Am’ is a great song – its also a very good album, not sure if you’ll be able to buy here though – try Amazon. You may also like to visit their website which has all the info on the band plus a great radio station that plays their songs all day – nice one
Hi SA – good choice of album, the title track and ‘Half Light’ spring to mind as good songs though to be honest I don’t think they’ve written many duff ones
Tuesday 3rd Nov 09
I’m listening to Dada radio from their website as I just recommended it to my friend Sin Again
At work today I listened to all the Athlete albums on shuffle. I like to do this with a band as it can give a good indication how they have progressed and developed over several albums – cant imagine hearing this with The Gobshite Twins can you – their first album sounds like their last.
In the car driving home tonight from tennis I listened to Aynsley Lister ‘Equilibrium’ which is just one of the best albums I’ve bought this year. One of the joys of living in Doha ( a perverse joy perhaps) is the traffic – its horrendous! The city has doubled its population in the 5 years that we have lived here from 750,000 in 2004 to just over 1.6 million now. This means of course that the roads are very busy for most of the morning and night time, meaning that you can make a journey of around 10km in about 45 minutes – which happens to be a great time to have the ipod plugged into the car speakers and bop along to the music – one does get some funny looks at traffic lights though
Hi again Mr SA, I thought I was being complimentary to the singer of The Editors. Sounds like you have perceived it as being an insult, it certainly was intended as such. You ask why I would like to hear him to something a bit more challenging. It’s as simple as this, with a voice like he has, I am sure that he could produce some scintillating, spine tingling songs if he wanted to. On another post we have been discussing Gomez. On each of their CD’s, the singer displays a wide range of vocal skills, alternating between electronic style, vaguely heavy rock, blues and pure acoustic. It would be interesting to hear this guy try something similar. Maybe he does, I don’t know because this is the only song of theirs I have heard, but it would be interesting to find out.
I have to disagree with you on the point where you say that this isn’t a competition. In these days of declining sales I think that every musician is now in a competition. Not only with other artists but also against things such as DVD sales, games, the whole range of leisure pursuits. It used to be the mere mention of a new release by a favoured artist would guarantee a certain amount of unit sales. These days when it is so easy to go and download illegally or sample the music before we fork out for it, the only way to ensure a healthy return is to keep the standard as high as possible. I hate to see any band, no matter their genre, having to give up because it isn’t financially viable, and I certainly hope that The Editors are around for a long time to come. But I think if you were to honestly ask any band, even the well established major ones, if they were in a competition, the answer would be a resounding yes.
On to the subject of the video: I can see where you get the idea of the symbolism. The Dog has mentioned that it reminds him of The Wire and I can’t comment on that because although I know it is a popular programme, I have never seen it. Maybe the fact that there are so many videos around and that makes it difficult to make a good one is the exact reason why a really good video would stand out. I personally would never buy a CD because it had a good promo video. But I have no doubt that plenty of (probably younger) people would.
I won’t write this band off yet, and under your recommendation I will make an effort to hear a bit more of them. But, unless I hear something a little bit more convincing I will stand by my initial decision to give their CD a miss next time I am shopping.
Oh and by the way Mr LD, I will give you a review of Siena Root as soon as I get a chance. May not be for a few days though, hectic at work right now.
Listening to at the moment? Fairport Convention – Liege & Lief
MR LD I know what you mean about the traffic but I never thought of it as a pleasure
Mr SP I agree that there are too many videos around (I said so in my last comment) and I do watch MTV quite alot after work and things and beleive me this is a good one video compared to some I see.
But I am not sure I agree with you about everything being a competition. It is of course very competitive for bands with so much around and so many other things to spend your money on but does this make a singer sing better when he’s recording a new song. Would this be in his mind as he starts to sing, I dont think so
BTW – listening to the Editors again today their debut album ‘The Back Room ‘
Hi again Mr SA. I found a few spare minutes at work today so I went onto youtube and listened in to a few more of The Editors songs. They did appear to be older ones so I can’t really comment on the new CD you have been listening to.
They sound a lot like some of the ’80’s electronic pop bands to me. Reminded me initially of Depeche Mode, Spandeau Ballet, maybe to a lesser extent Duran Duran. I noticed quite a few comments comparing them to Joy Division and I can see where they are coming from but they don’t appear to be as dark as them. Some of their songs are not too bad if a bit repetitive. Not really my kind of thing but I can see where their market lies, best of luck to them.
And I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree on the competition thing. I don’t see much point it getting into an argument about it – that is unless you want to join myself and The Dog in our rumble in the pub car park at closing time!
On the player tonight (if I ever get home from work) will be some Janis Joplin and maybe a little bit of Hawkwind. Last night it was Jefferson Airplane.
Anyone ever heard of a guy called Grayson? No neither had I but he’s coming in to our work tomorrow to do a CD launch and play a few songs. Looked him up on myspace but appears to be a bit MoR ish to me.
Friday 6th November 09
Listening to
Sting – ‘If on a winter’s night’ which is kinda strange at the beach with temp still above 30 degrees
Mark Lanegan Band – Bubblegum, good music but why don’t I like his voice – maybe its because he’s always compared to Tom Waits – not even in same league.
Manning – Anser’s Tree unusual concept album but really good
MR. LD – I like Sting have his greatest hits do you recommend this album? BTW – Which beach did you go to?
Last night I listened to Stereophonics ‘Decade In The Sun’ a great collection of songs I dont think you have talked much about this band on here have you?
Hi Sinny – No No No the Sting album is tosh – will review soon here
We went to Al Fayait (the Turtle beach) just south of Al Gharya resort – really good beach can get a bit crowded though
Weds 11th Nov 09
Them Crooked Vultures the stream on You Tube – will buy this when it is released here
Erykah Badu on shuffle (Baduizm, Mama’s Gun, and New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) all good stuff and yet another voice to die for.
Watched England v Brazil last night with friends who played the Foo Fighters all the way from Al Khor to Doha and back again good music shame we lost 1-0
Hi Sinny – did you enjoy the game? We all left mid way through the second half before we fell asleep.
Great band Foo Fighters which album/albums did you listen to?
At the moment I’m listening to Them Crooked Vultures on their website (again) – me thinks I’ve found Decembers album of the month.
Also listening to John Mayer’s new one ‘Battle Studies’ but I’m not too impressed yet which is a shame as he’s a great talent but this sounds too over produced too American blah de blah with just the worst cover of ‘Crossroads’ I’ve heard.
I never watched this game, and by all accounts I didn’t miss much, but as a Scotsman I have to say I am reasonably pleased with the score.
Think I seen the Foo Fighters one time, possibly at some weird obscure festival, I have couple of their CD,s, OK after a few beers.
Been some strange listening this week (for a change). Finally got a proper copy of Fleetwood Mac’s first one and apart from the needless crap shoved on the end of it, it’s really quite good.
Also been getting in to The Derek Trucks Band, Chick Corea and the Mahivishnu Orchestra.
The big news is that one of Mrs Spacepig’s favourites is coming to town in a few weeks – Rodrigo y Gabriella. Never been mentioned on here before but worth having a look at on youtube if you don’t know them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNc5o9TU0t0
Derek Trucks I do like but do not have anything (yet)
Rodrigo y Gabriella yes I like and did have a couple of their tracks but are they good for a an hour or so…please let me know
Ladies and Gentlemen…..ahem…..I am currently listening to Decembers Music Mix. Just uploaded it , sat back poured myself a glass of Merlot…..and mmm I think its good (the music as well as the wine). Must admit its been the hardest to put together (don’t know why) but at last its finished.
I think you will like as well – lets hope we discuss as much
Laughing Dog
Is is bad that the dog picture at the top reminds me of dad every time I visit?
Starsailor – Love is here as I just picked it for my top 10 of the decade i had forgotten how good it is. I think Starsailor should be bigger than they are I bought Silence Is Easy as well as this but not bought their last one yet and not many people I speak know about them.
The Pineapple Thief – Tightly Unwound
…and Jurassic Shift by Ozric Tentacles cos I haven’t listened to it in ages
Ah Jurassic Shift Mr Dog, great album, always loved that one. if you’re looking for something similar but a bit more even ethereal, look for Hydria Spacefolk. Pineapple Thief also good but I did find it a bit tiresome by the end.
I been listening mainly to this old compilation I found in a junk shop:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000000G7S
And loads of early Fleetwood Mac
Hi Spacey – I’m surprized you say that TPT a bit tiresome by the end, Different World, And So Say All Of You and Too Much To Lose are probably the best songs on the album.
Hidria Spacefolk sound good where do discover all these bands?
Today, as I plan my strategy to get my youngest pup studying for her mock GCSE’s, I’m listening to John Hiatt ‘Master of Disaster’
Maybe I phrased my comment on TPT a bit wrong Mr Dog. I don’t necessarily mean that the last few tracks are tiresome. its just that sitting all the way through the CD can be a bit of a trial. This is one of the few CDs where I put it onto random play rather than play from start to finish. I do agree that at least Too Much to Lose is probably the best track on there.
Anyway onwards and upwards – as I done my diatribe on The Wall I had on some mid period Jethro Tull, Roots to Branches to be exact, then followed it up with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Nightingales and Bombers. First time I’ve played that ones in ages, still sounds very good though.
As for Hidria Spacefolk, that’s for another day! John Hiatt now, that’s another goody, gonna have to give that one a spin some day soon.
With the cold weather of late, it’s been a lot of blues (to go with the red):
Lightnin’ Hopkins = Lightnin’ Strikes
Jimmy Rogers All Stars = Blues Blues Blues
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee = Sonny & Brownie
B.B.King = Deuces Wild
R.L.Burnside = Acoustic Stories
and, when my family can’t take the blues no more:
Black = The Collection
Sade = Lovers Rock
Hi UncleRD – you do like your blues.
Black were a good band – just tied to google/myspace them not easy to find though I just found ‘It’s a wonderful life’ on an old compilation CD such a good song its a shame I’ve already finished next months mix as that would be perfect.
I’m listening to Doves ‘Kingdom of Rust’ and January’s Music Mix
I want UncleDave’s CD collection!!!!!
Right now I am listening to some of our colleagues caterwauling/murdering some Christmas carols!!!
I want to go home and dig out some Slim Harpo!!
Santa was good to me this year so currently listening to some things he left me
Ruthie Foster – The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
King’s X – Gretchen goes to Nebraska and XV
King’s X – now there’s a band I haven’t heard for a while – maybe about 20 years or so.
Top of my pressy list had to be the Comus DVD. I will be very surprised if either yourself or MR SA know them, let alone LZ. Very, very strange band (maybe Santa knows me better than I thought)).
Every now and then I get a chance to do a little bit of reading. Nothing too heavy these days, but I do like a good rock biography. So, on that note I recently borrowed the Canned Heat story from the library. But, the problem is, when I get into a book as good as that, I can’t help myself, but I just have to dig out all the music I have been reading about and give it a spin. Which leads me onto the next problem, in that I only have (had) two Canned Heat CDs, one early compilation (one of the very few compilations I have) and a live one. Both really good CDs, but you know me, not complete enough. So I have spent the last few weeks buying up some more. With the result that now I have 5 more, with another 3 on the way.
I honestly didn’t realise how good a band they actually are (although you might disagree). So, in reference to the question posted above – I have just finished with Canned Heat’s Gamblin’ Woman and currently have on Human Condition.
Sounds like Santa was kind to both of us – we must have been good boys at some stage last year. I also can’t read a book or article about a band unless I am listening to their music – strange or what.
I’m not a big fan of Canned Heat with only one best of album but I do like Whiskey And Wimmen (With John Lee Hooker) – would sound great in a mix me thinks. Uncle Ravey and Wezside what you think of Canned Heat?
Friday 22nd January 2010
Can you hear me smiling?
Just received a couple of parcels from UK – one from Amazon containing the Led Zep and Neil Young DVD’s and one parcel from my brother containing Siena Root ”Different Realities” (and a few others that I wont reveal as they may feature in next months Mini Mix)……..so it don’t look like I’ll see much sun this weekend.
Watched the first Led Zep DVD with their performance at the Albert Hall in 1970 (remind me to talk about drum solo’s at a later date) – its just great of course plus I listened to ”Different Realities” in bed and the second track ”In the Desert” already sounds a highlight.
More to come on both.
Spacey – I can’t remember you commenting on this album, how do you rate it? If you have the time why not write a review, email it to me and I’ll post it.
Good to hear you got the DVD’s , I’m sure you will enjoy both of them (especially the Zep one). I won’t be seeing much sun this weekend either. I won’t be seeing much for a few months yet but that is more to do with where I live than anything else.
Anyway, review done and sent to you. Listening this weekend to: yet more Canned Heat plus I got Steve Wilson’s Insurgenties in the post yesterday so that is being dissected as we speak. Will update you once I have made my mind up.
Problem now is, having a little bit more time for reading I have got on to Keith Emerson’s autobiography. Does this mean revisiting the ELP CDs? Only time will tell, but I do have most of them so at least I won’t have to fork out much more.