Having damned Borders’ CD offering with faint praise on Friday - “But I don’t often buy music there – the CD/DVD stock lacks depth and is often uncompetitive on price”, it’s a slightly embarrassing pleasure to report that, less than 24 hours later, I picked up a long-sought album – The Waterboys’ Fisherman’s Blues, Collectors Edition (2CD, 2006) - at a knockdown £4.99, reduced from £15.99.
The 2CD version of Fisherman’s Blues, an album regarded by many aficionados as Mike Scott’s finest hour, brings to four albums the imaginative reissue programme. Earlier reissues of the classic Big Music trilogy – The Waterboys, Pagan Place and This Is The Sea – added a total of 25 new tracks to the catalogue. The Fisherman’s Blues adds a further 14 songs.
This peak period Waterboys material is life-enhancing music. And, at the Borders discount price, a must-buy.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Borders’ Top 50 albums – a mixed bag
With the demise of the groundbreaking Fopp chain, Borders is once again my retailer of choice. Its books offer is deeply impressive, and for magazines it has set new standards. I rarely leave a Borders branch empty-handed.
But I don’t often buy music there – the CD/DVD stock lacks depth and is often uncompetitive on price. Borders UK’s current competition asking customers to rank the top 50 CDs is laudable, but it underlines the lack of focus of its music offer.
Here’s the first half of the list of 50 albums from which readers are being asked to select. While it contains several masterpieces, some of the selections strike me as ill-chosen.
See what you think:
ARCADE FIRE - FUNERAL
BAND - BAND
BEACH BOYS - PET SOUNDS
NEIL YOUNG - HARVEST
BJORK - DEBUT
BLONDIE - PARALLEL LINES
BLUR - PARKLIFE
DAVID BOWIE - ZIGGY STARDUST
JOHNNY CASH - AMERICAN IV - MAN COMES AROUND
TRACY CHAPMAN - TRACY CHAPMAN
AMY WINEHOUSE - FRANK
LEONARD COHEN - SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN
MILES DAVIS - KIND OF BLUE
DIRE STRAITS - BROTHERS IN ARMS
DJ SHADOW - ENDTRODUCING
NICK DRAKE - FIVE LEAVES LEFT
WHO - WHO’S NEXT
FLEETWOOD MAC - RUMOURS
MARVIN GAYE - WHAT'S GOING ON
MICHAEL JACKSON - THRILLER
KEANE - HOPES & FEARS
CAROLE KING - TAPESTRY
LED ZEPPELIN - LED ZEPPELIN IV
LOVE - FOREVER CHANGES
MAROON 5 - SONGS ABOUT JANE
Gerry Smith
But I don’t often buy music there – the CD/DVD stock lacks depth and is often uncompetitive on price. Borders UK’s current competition asking customers to rank the top 50 CDs is laudable, but it underlines the lack of focus of its music offer.
Here’s the first half of the list of 50 albums from which readers are being asked to select. While it contains several masterpieces, some of the selections strike me as ill-chosen.
See what you think:
ARCADE FIRE - FUNERAL
BAND - BAND
BEACH BOYS - PET SOUNDS
NEIL YOUNG - HARVEST
BJORK - DEBUT
BLONDIE - PARALLEL LINES
BLUR - PARKLIFE
DAVID BOWIE - ZIGGY STARDUST
JOHNNY CASH - AMERICAN IV - MAN COMES AROUND
TRACY CHAPMAN - TRACY CHAPMAN
AMY WINEHOUSE - FRANK
LEONARD COHEN - SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN
MILES DAVIS - KIND OF BLUE
DIRE STRAITS - BROTHERS IN ARMS
DJ SHADOW - ENDTRODUCING
NICK DRAKE - FIVE LEAVES LEFT
WHO - WHO’S NEXT
FLEETWOOD MAC - RUMOURS
MARVIN GAYE - WHAT'S GOING ON
MICHAEL JACKSON - THRILLER
KEANE - HOPES & FEARS
CAROLE KING - TAPESTRY
LED ZEPPELIN - LED ZEPPELIN IV
LOVE - FOREVER CHANGES
MAROON 5 - SONGS ABOUT JANE
Gerry Smith
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Joni Mitchell signs with Starbucks for two more albums
As widely forecast, after retiring in disgust from the music biz, Joni Mitchell has, er, changed her mind. According to Variety, she's signed a two album deal with Starbucks' new label, Hear Music. The first release, on Tuesday 25 Sept (USA), is entitled Shine.
Mitchell has already curated two albums for the label - Mitchell Artist's Choice, a compilation of songs by artists who had influenced her; and Joni Mitchell: Selected Songs, her recordings chosen by other musicians. If you've ever seen either of them, you're very lucky - I ain't.
Variety also reveals that Travelogue, Mitchell's sublime 2CD set, reinterpreting the cream of her immense catalogue with orchestral/jazz backings, sold a mere 72,000 copies. Criminal neglect by the millions of Baby Boomers, I'd say. I wonder what wall-to-wall crap they bought instead?
Mitchell has already curated two albums for the label - Mitchell Artist's Choice, a compilation of songs by artists who had influenced her; and Joni Mitchell: Selected Songs, her recordings chosen by other musicians. If you've ever seen either of them, you're very lucky - I ain't.
Variety also reveals that Travelogue, Mitchell's sublime 2CD set, reinterpreting the cream of her immense catalogue with orchestral/jazz backings, sold a mere 72,000 copies. Criminal neglect by the millions of Baby Boomers, I'd say. I wonder what wall-to-wall crap they bought instead?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The Doors – the celebration continues
After the superlative 2007 best-of product aimed at Doors beginners, the surviving members of the band have turned their attention to hardcore fans, with the release of another high quality set, Live in Boston, April 10, 1970:
“Featuring more than three hours of music and mayhem, LIVE IN BOSTON finds keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger at the peak of their powers as Jim Morrison leads them on a booze-fueled romp through "Roadhouse Blues" and "Light My Fire", plus mind-bending journeys for "When The Music's Over" and Elvis Presley's "Mystery Train". Morrison scatters spoken word gems throughout both performances, including a short riff on Adolf Hitler where he professes: "Adolf Hitler is still alive? I slept with her last night."
LIVE IN BOSTON is mixed and mastered by engineer Bruce Botnick, who recorded several shows from The Doors' 1970 tour on multi-track tape for the Absolutely Live album. The superior quality of the original tape reflects Botnick and his team's attention to sonic detail. All but two tracks on this collection are previously unreleased. "These concerts are really interesting and very enjoyable," Botnick writes in the liner notes. "The opening scream going into "Roadhouse Blues" from the first show is stunning and worth the price of admission."
Tracklisting:
Disc 1 - First Show
[Total Time 77:59]
1. Start [1:44]
2. All Right, All Right, All Right [0:13]
3. Howling & Moaning [0:40]
4. Roadhouse Moan [0:34]
5. Roadhouse Blues [4:48]
6. Ship Of Fools [6:34]
7. Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) [2:02]
8. Back Door Man [2:17]
9. Five To One [10:26]
10. When The Music's Over [15:00]
11. Rock Me [7:03]
12. Mystery Train [7:15]
13. Away In India [1:54]
14. Crossroads [5:14]
15. Prelude to Wake Up! [0:48]
16. Wake Up! [1:33]
17. Light My Fire [12:07]
Disc 2 - Second Show
[Total Time 70:22]
1. Start [1:22]
2. Break On Through [8:12]
3. I Believe In Democracy [0:33]
4. When The Music's Over [14:19]
5. Roadhouse Blues [5:53]
6. The Spy [5:43]
7. Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) [1:40]
8. Back Door Man [2:27]
9. Five to One [7:05]
10. Astrology Rap [0:38]
11. Build Me A Woman [4:18]
12. You Make Me Real [2:58]
13. Wait A Minute! [0:52]
14. Mystery Train [8:26]
15. Away In India [2:27]
16. Crossroads [3:21]
Disc 3 - Second Show Continued
[Total Time 36:17]
1. Band Intros [0:35]
2. Adolf Hitler [0:23]
3. Light My Fire [5:47]
4. Fever [0:23]
5. Summertime [7:26]
6. St. James Infirmary Blues [0:49]
7. Graveyard Poem [1:13]
8. Light My Fire [1:45]
9. More, More, More! [0:19]
10. Ladies & Gentlemen [0:13]
11. We Can't Instigate [0:13]
12. They Want More [1:16]
13. Been Down So Long [6:46]
14. Power Turned Off [9:08]
“Featuring more than three hours of music and mayhem, LIVE IN BOSTON finds keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger at the peak of their powers as Jim Morrison leads them on a booze-fueled romp through "Roadhouse Blues" and "Light My Fire", plus mind-bending journeys for "When The Music's Over" and Elvis Presley's "Mystery Train". Morrison scatters spoken word gems throughout both performances, including a short riff on Adolf Hitler where he professes: "Adolf Hitler is still alive? I slept with her last night."
LIVE IN BOSTON is mixed and mastered by engineer Bruce Botnick, who recorded several shows from The Doors' 1970 tour on multi-track tape for the Absolutely Live album. The superior quality of the original tape reflects Botnick and his team's attention to sonic detail. All but two tracks on this collection are previously unreleased. "These concerts are really interesting and very enjoyable," Botnick writes in the liner notes. "The opening scream going into "Roadhouse Blues" from the first show is stunning and worth the price of admission."
Tracklisting:
Disc 1 - First Show
[Total Time 77:59]
1. Start [1:44]
2. All Right, All Right, All Right [0:13]
3. Howling & Moaning [0:40]
4. Roadhouse Moan [0:34]
5. Roadhouse Blues [4:48]
6. Ship Of Fools [6:34]
7. Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) [2:02]
8. Back Door Man [2:17]
9. Five To One [10:26]
10. When The Music's Over [15:00]
11. Rock Me [7:03]
12. Mystery Train [7:15]
13. Away In India [1:54]
14. Crossroads [5:14]
15. Prelude to Wake Up! [0:48]
16. Wake Up! [1:33]
17. Light My Fire [12:07]
Disc 2 - Second Show
[Total Time 70:22]
1. Start [1:22]
2. Break On Through [8:12]
3. I Believe In Democracy [0:33]
4. When The Music's Over [14:19]
5. Roadhouse Blues [5:53]
6. The Spy [5:43]
7. Alabama Song (Whisky Bar) [1:40]
8. Back Door Man [2:27]
9. Five to One [7:05]
10. Astrology Rap [0:38]
11. Build Me A Woman [4:18]
12. You Make Me Real [2:58]
13. Wait A Minute! [0:52]
14. Mystery Train [8:26]
15. Away In India [2:27]
16. Crossroads [3:21]
Disc 3 - Second Show Continued
[Total Time 36:17]
1. Band Intros [0:35]
2. Adolf Hitler [0:23]
3. Light My Fire [5:47]
4. Fever [0:23]
5. Summertime [7:26]
6. St. James Infirmary Blues [0:49]
7. Graveyard Poem [1:13]
8. Light My Fire [1:45]
9. More, More, More! [0:19]
10. Ladies & Gentlemen [0:13]
11. We Can't Instigate [0:13]
12. They Want More [1:16]
13. Been Down So Long [6:46]
14. Power Turned Off [9:08]
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
This Week’s Music for Grown-Ups on Radio/TV
Your exclusive listening/watching guide… thanks to compiler Mike Ollier
RADIO For Grown-Ups
Thursday BBCR2 20.00 ~ 22.00
* Maconie & Radcliffe
Broadcasting from The Cambridge Folk Festival with studio sessions from the ubiquitous Kate "I'm Not Lily" Nash and Martin Simpson.
Friday BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: Women's Names
The Kinks, Sinatra and Howlin Wolf amongst many others ~ the links are surreally funny and the music played is sublime.
Friday BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library - Duke Ellington
Friday BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Womad Festival 2007
The Fest season continues, probably like the rain, unabated. Verity Sharp introduces world music from Womad, including the superb Mexican singer, Lila Downs.
Saturday BBCR2 20.00 ~ 21.00
* Cambridge Folk Festival
Highlights ~ could include Steve Earle, The Waterboys or Kate Rusby who are all appearing this year.
TV For Grown-Ups
Wednesday BBC4 ~ 22.30 ~ 00.15
* George Melly Night
Tribute to the much-loved entertainer, writer/broadcaster and musician. 3 shows: Smokey Dives ~ visiting venues from his early career; At Brecon Jazz ~ from 2000 with John Chilton and The Feetwarmers; Arena: The Journey ~ looking at Dadaism
Thursday BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.10
* In Concert - The Hollies from 1969
Friday BBC4 21.00 ~ 00.40
* Marley Night
Strangely ignoring the Cambridge Festival, BBC4 repeats the recent Marley sons’ tribute to their father from Glastonbury, followed by the Marley concert at The Rainbow in 1977 and tops it off with a re-run of the recent doc Exodus 1977 following Marley's move to London.
Friday Film4 01.40 ~ 03.40
* Two-Lane Blacktop
A rare showing of the cult classic starring James Taylor and Dennis Wilson.
RADIO For Grown-Ups
Thursday BBCR2 20.00 ~ 22.00
* Maconie & Radcliffe
Broadcasting from The Cambridge Folk Festival with studio sessions from the ubiquitous Kate "I'm Not Lily" Nash and Martin Simpson.
Friday BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: Women's Names
The Kinks, Sinatra and Howlin Wolf amongst many others ~ the links are surreally funny and the music played is sublime.
Friday BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library - Duke Ellington
Friday BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Womad Festival 2007
The Fest season continues, probably like the rain, unabated. Verity Sharp introduces world music from Womad, including the superb Mexican singer, Lila Downs.
Saturday BBCR2 20.00 ~ 21.00
* Cambridge Folk Festival
Highlights ~ could include Steve Earle, The Waterboys or Kate Rusby who are all appearing this year.
TV For Grown-Ups
Wednesday BBC4 ~ 22.30 ~ 00.15
* George Melly Night
Tribute to the much-loved entertainer, writer/broadcaster and musician. 3 shows: Smokey Dives ~ visiting venues from his early career; At Brecon Jazz ~ from 2000 with John Chilton and The Feetwarmers; Arena: The Journey ~ looking at Dadaism
Thursday BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.10
* In Concert - The Hollies from 1969
Friday BBC4 21.00 ~ 00.40
* Marley Night
Strangely ignoring the Cambridge Festival, BBC4 repeats the recent Marley sons’ tribute to their father from Glastonbury, followed by the Marley concert at The Rainbow in 1977 and tops it off with a re-run of the recent doc Exodus 1977 following Marley's move to London.
Friday Film4 01.40 ~ 03.40
* Two-Lane Blacktop
A rare showing of the cult classic starring James Taylor and Dennis Wilson.
Monday, July 23, 2007
John Coltrane celebrated
John Coltrane’s supreme legacy was celebrated on Friday in Jazz Library, BBC Radio 3’s magnificent series introducing the giants of jazz. It’s based on the deep knowledge and sympa broadcasting style of presenter Alyn Shipton.
The Coltrane programme was enriched by the articulate expertise of contemporary English saxman Soweto Kinch. Together, Shipton and Kinch chose the finest recordings from John Coltrane's huge discography. Unsurprisingly, their top recommendation was A Love Supreme (Impulse)
Music radio for grown-ups at its very best. You can hear the programme again for 7 days after broadcast on the web via the Listen Again button:
www.bbc.co.uk/radio3
Playlist:
1. Untitled original 90314 , ARTIST: John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, ALBUM: Classic Quartet - Complete Impulse Studio Recordings LABEL: Impulse. Personnel: John Coltrane, ts; McCoy Tyner, p; Jimmy Garrison, b; Elvin Jones, drums.
2 Lush Life, COMPOSER: Strayhorn, ALBUM: Lush Life, LABEL: Prestige
Personnel: JC, ts; Red Garland, p; Paul Chambers, b; Louis Hayes d.
3 Dial Africa, John Coltrane / Wilber Harden, COMPOSER:Harden, ALBUM: Africa (The Savoy Sessions). JC (ts) Wilber Harden, t fh; Curtis Fuller tb; Tommy Flanagan or Howard Williams, p; Alvin Jackson b, Art Taylor d.
4 Moment's notice, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, ALBUM: Ultimate Blue Train, LABEL: Blue Note, Rec: 15 Sept 1957. Personnel: JC, ts; Lee Morgan, t; Curtis Fuller tb; Kenny Drew, p; Paul Chambers, b; Philly Joe Jones, d. Blue
5 Epistrophy, John Coltrane with Thelonious Monk, COMPOSER: Monk, ALBUM: At Carnegie Hall, Blue Note Rec: 29 Nov 1957. Personnel: JC, ts; Monk, piano; Ahmed Abdul-Malik, b; Shadow Wilson, d.
6 Dr Jackle, ARTIST: Miles Davis, COMPOSER: McLean, ALBUM: Milestones from Complete Columbia Studio Recordings of J Miles Davis and John Coltrane, LABEL Columbia, Rec: April 3 1958 NYC
Personnel: Miles Davis t; JC tnr; Cannonball Adderley as; Red Garland, p; Paul Chambers b; Philly Joe Jones d.
7 Giant Steps, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, The Heavyweight Champion, Rhino, Rec: NYC May 1959
Personnel; JC, ts; Tommy Flanagan, p; Paul Chambers b; Art Taylor d.
8 My Favorite Things, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Rodgers / Hammerstein, My Favorite Things, LABEL: Atlantic, Rec: 21 Oct 1960. Personnel: JC, ss; McCoy Tyner p; Steve Davis, b; Elvin Jones d
9 Spiritual, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Live at Village Vanguard (1 Nov 1961), Impulse, Rec: 1 Nov 1961
Personnel; JC ss; Eric Dolphy bcl; McCoy Tyner p; Reggie Workman b; Elvin Jones d.
10 Chasin' the Trane, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Live at Village Vanguard (1 Nov 1961), Impulse, Rec: 1 Nov 1961
Personnel; JC ts; Jimmy Garrison, b; Elvin Jones, d.
11 Alabama, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Classic Quartet - Complete Impulse Studio Recordings, Impulse
Rec: 18 Nov 63, Personnel; as above but plus McCoy Tyner p.
12 Psalm (from A Love Supreme), John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Classic Quartet - Complete Impulse Studio Recordings. Impulse, Rec: 9 Dec 1964 Personnel: as above
Gerry Smith
The Coltrane programme was enriched by the articulate expertise of contemporary English saxman Soweto Kinch. Together, Shipton and Kinch chose the finest recordings from John Coltrane's huge discography. Unsurprisingly, their top recommendation was A Love Supreme (Impulse)
Music radio for grown-ups at its very best. You can hear the programme again for 7 days after broadcast on the web via the Listen Again button:
www.bbc.co.uk/radio3
Playlist:
1. Untitled original 90314 , ARTIST: John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, ALBUM: Classic Quartet - Complete Impulse Studio Recordings LABEL: Impulse. Personnel: John Coltrane, ts; McCoy Tyner, p; Jimmy Garrison, b; Elvin Jones, drums.
2 Lush Life, COMPOSER: Strayhorn, ALBUM: Lush Life, LABEL: Prestige
Personnel: JC, ts; Red Garland, p; Paul Chambers, b; Louis Hayes d.
3 Dial Africa, John Coltrane / Wilber Harden, COMPOSER:Harden, ALBUM: Africa (The Savoy Sessions). JC (ts) Wilber Harden, t fh; Curtis Fuller tb; Tommy Flanagan or Howard Williams, p; Alvin Jackson b, Art Taylor d.
4 Moment's notice, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, ALBUM: Ultimate Blue Train, LABEL: Blue Note, Rec: 15 Sept 1957. Personnel: JC, ts; Lee Morgan, t; Curtis Fuller tb; Kenny Drew, p; Paul Chambers, b; Philly Joe Jones, d. Blue
5 Epistrophy, John Coltrane with Thelonious Monk, COMPOSER: Monk, ALBUM: At Carnegie Hall, Blue Note Rec: 29 Nov 1957. Personnel: JC, ts; Monk, piano; Ahmed Abdul-Malik, b; Shadow Wilson, d.
6 Dr Jackle, ARTIST: Miles Davis, COMPOSER: McLean, ALBUM: Milestones from Complete Columbia Studio Recordings of J Miles Davis and John Coltrane, LABEL Columbia, Rec: April 3 1958 NYC
Personnel: Miles Davis t; JC tnr; Cannonball Adderley as; Red Garland, p; Paul Chambers b; Philly Joe Jones d.
7 Giant Steps, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, The Heavyweight Champion, Rhino, Rec: NYC May 1959
Personnel; JC, ts; Tommy Flanagan, p; Paul Chambers b; Art Taylor d.
8 My Favorite Things, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Rodgers / Hammerstein, My Favorite Things, LABEL: Atlantic, Rec: 21 Oct 1960. Personnel: JC, ss; McCoy Tyner p; Steve Davis, b; Elvin Jones d
9 Spiritual, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Live at Village Vanguard (1 Nov 1961), Impulse, Rec: 1 Nov 1961
Personnel; JC ss; Eric Dolphy bcl; McCoy Tyner p; Reggie Workman b; Elvin Jones d.
10 Chasin' the Trane, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Live at Village Vanguard (1 Nov 1961), Impulse, Rec: 1 Nov 1961
Personnel; JC ts; Jimmy Garrison, b; Elvin Jones, d.
11 Alabama, John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Classic Quartet - Complete Impulse Studio Recordings, Impulse
Rec: 18 Nov 63, Personnel; as above but plus McCoy Tyner p.
12 Psalm (from A Love Supreme), John Coltrane, COMPOSER: Coltrane, Classic Quartet - Complete Impulse Studio Recordings. Impulse, Rec: 9 Dec 1964 Personnel: as above
Gerry Smith
Friday, July 20, 2007
Frank Sinatra in new MOJO – really!
It doesn’t happen too often, but it gladdened my heart to see a top pre-rock popster profiled in the new issue of MOJO, the beautifully designed Dadrock monthly.
Frank Sinatra is the subject of an extensive profile by MOJO scribe Fred Dellar. Never mind that the article focuses on the trashy celeb side of the Sinatra legacy, his time-wasting with the reprehensible Rat Pack. Any piece on Sinatra aimed at rockist readers of a mag like MOJO is commendable missionary work.
Fred Dellar is a pre-rock pop specialist: his earlier writing on Sarah Vaughan, for example, reveals an enviable knowledge of the music recorded by the pre-Elvis greats.
Recommended Sinatra buys?
Well, the supermarkets are currently awash with the cream of the catalogue at budget prices (£5) - compilations of the great Capitol (Classic Sinatra: his Great Performances 1953-1960) and Reprise (A Fine Romance: the love songs of Frank Sinatra 2CD) sides stand out.
Now’s the time to try Frank again.
Gerry Smith
Frank Sinatra is the subject of an extensive profile by MOJO scribe Fred Dellar. Never mind that the article focuses on the trashy celeb side of the Sinatra legacy, his time-wasting with the reprehensible Rat Pack. Any piece on Sinatra aimed at rockist readers of a mag like MOJO is commendable missionary work.
Fred Dellar is a pre-rock pop specialist: his earlier writing on Sarah Vaughan, for example, reveals an enviable knowledge of the music recorded by the pre-Elvis greats.
Recommended Sinatra buys?
Well, the supermarkets are currently awash with the cream of the catalogue at budget prices (£5) - compilations of the great Capitol (Classic Sinatra: his Great Performances 1953-1960) and Reprise (A Fine Romance: the love songs of Frank Sinatra 2CD) sides stand out.
Now’s the time to try Frank again.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, July 19, 2007
More on the new Bruce Springsteen album
Thanks again to Lawrence Kirsch:
“There's a local (Canadian) arts magazine that I read today, which had an in-depth interview with Brendan Obrien. According to Obrien, the new record will be released as "Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band." No mention as to a specific title for the album.
The album apparently takes a cue from Jackson Browne's Running On Empty. The songs were recorded mostly in one take with Bruce AND the band.
“Forget all the talk of the different members only coming in to do their specific parts. Also, they recorded material for it everywhere- Obrien specifically mentions Bruce recording with Clarence and Steve backstage during the Devils tour. Apparently they recorded a lot of material at Bruce's house with Landau overseeing the sessions.
“Musically, Obrien compared it to Blonde on Blonde. Three song titles were given when Obrien described some of the songs as resembling the Stones' Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street material, as well as resembling some early Faces records. The titles he named were "The Blind Spot," "Taxi Cab Alley," and "One Dead Ringer."
“Nothing else was mentioned in regards to the new album. Obrien did talk about Bruce some more and their working relationship.
#2
“A post on RMAS and GL yesterday included a copied post from someone who claims to work for Sony and was told that the new album's working title is "Dead Ringers," and that another song on the album is called "Sabres, Steel, and Spades." Take with a grain of salt.
“However, it was pointed out to me yesterday that Bruce registered five songs with the Library of Congress Copyright office on June 15, 2006, none of which I was familiar with:
Where you goin'?
Faithless.
All God's children.
God sent you.
Goin' to California.
“Usually, Bruce doesn't register a song unless: he has performed the song live; he's giving it to another artist (see I'll Be There For You Always); or he's about to release it. In addition to these five, the other exceptions are Blindspot, Between Heaven and Earth, and Father's Day (copywritten in spring 1995 at the same time as Missing).”
“There's a local (Canadian) arts magazine that I read today, which had an in-depth interview with Brendan Obrien. According to Obrien, the new record will be released as "Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band." No mention as to a specific title for the album.
The album apparently takes a cue from Jackson Browne's Running On Empty. The songs were recorded mostly in one take with Bruce AND the band.
“Forget all the talk of the different members only coming in to do their specific parts. Also, they recorded material for it everywhere- Obrien specifically mentions Bruce recording with Clarence and Steve backstage during the Devils tour. Apparently they recorded a lot of material at Bruce's house with Landau overseeing the sessions.
“Musically, Obrien compared it to Blonde on Blonde. Three song titles were given when Obrien described some of the songs as resembling the Stones' Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street material, as well as resembling some early Faces records. The titles he named were "The Blind Spot," "Taxi Cab Alley," and "One Dead Ringer."
“Nothing else was mentioned in regards to the new album. Obrien did talk about Bruce some more and their working relationship.
#2
“A post on RMAS and GL yesterday included a copied post from someone who claims to work for Sony and was told that the new album's working title is "Dead Ringers," and that another song on the album is called "Sabres, Steel, and Spades." Take with a grain of salt.
“However, it was pointed out to me yesterday that Bruce registered five songs with the Library of Congress Copyright office on June 15, 2006, none of which I was familiar with:
Where you goin'?
Faithless.
All God's children.
God sent you.
Goin' to California.
“Usually, Bruce doesn't register a song unless: he has performed the song live; he's giving it to another artist (see I'll Be There For You Always); or he's about to release it. In addition to these five, the other exceptions are Blindspot, Between Heaven and Earth, and Father's Day (copywritten in spring 1995 at the same time as Missing).”
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
New Bruce Springsteen album and world tour
Thanks to Lawrence Kirsch:
“A little Bruce news... I'm afraid I do not know the source of this info, but I believe it is quite accurate:
“About as certain as we can get at this point: The new album has been recorded with members of the ESB already having contributed. “Additional tracks are being recorded with and without the ESB. As can best be described at this point is the album is a cross between TOL and The Rising with some "rock" songs and a number of songs pared down. Having trouble describing the sound, but a lot of production is being used with the versions already recorded. Different versions of each song are being recorded (with and without members of the ESB) and the final versions of about half the album have not been settled on. It was agreed to go ahead with announcing a new recording since it is fully anticipated the final recording phases will go very
quickly. The good news is a flurry of recording will be ongoing over the next few weeks with August to be the month of final production, etc. Although a given, the album will have a least 10 songs with a goal of about 13 being projected.
“What is interesting is the most definitive and positive news relates to the tour, which will be the last for the entire ESB. Rehearsals for the tour are once again scheduled for AP around Labor Day. Look for the tour to kick off on or about 10/02/2007 in New York with a quick swing around the country until the end of November. All of the major cities, to include LA, DC, Philly, Boston, Chicago, etc. will be covered. The month of December will include a quick tour of Europe, about 10 shows or so. January and part of February look to be time off with a full world tour to begin in full effect during the Spring of 2008 (Feb/March) with outdoor arena shows scheduled for the summer of 2008. The U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, will all be on the schedule. Bottom line is that we are now entering the final stages in preparation for the final ESB world tour. Stay tuned.”
(If the owner of this copy contacts info@musicforgrownups.co.uk with a request to add a credit, or delete, we’ll be happy to comply. Gerry Smith, Editor.)
“A little Bruce news... I'm afraid I do not know the source of this info, but I believe it is quite accurate:
“About as certain as we can get at this point: The new album has been recorded with members of the ESB already having contributed. “Additional tracks are being recorded with and without the ESB. As can best be described at this point is the album is a cross between TOL and The Rising with some "rock" songs and a number of songs pared down. Having trouble describing the sound, but a lot of production is being used with the versions already recorded. Different versions of each song are being recorded (with and without members of the ESB) and the final versions of about half the album have not been settled on. It was agreed to go ahead with announcing a new recording since it is fully anticipated the final recording phases will go very
quickly. The good news is a flurry of recording will be ongoing over the next few weeks with August to be the month of final production, etc. Although a given, the album will have a least 10 songs with a goal of about 13 being projected.
“What is interesting is the most definitive and positive news relates to the tour, which will be the last for the entire ESB. Rehearsals for the tour are once again scheduled for AP around Labor Day. Look for the tour to kick off on or about 10/02/2007 in New York with a quick swing around the country until the end of November. All of the major cities, to include LA, DC, Philly, Boston, Chicago, etc. will be covered. The month of December will include a quick tour of Europe, about 10 shows or so. January and part of February look to be time off with a full world tour to begin in full effect during the Spring of 2008 (Feb/March) with outdoor arena shows scheduled for the summer of 2008. The U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, will all be on the schedule. Bottom line is that we are now entering the final stages in preparation for the final ESB world tour. Stay tuned.”
(If the owner of this copy contacts info@musicforgrownups.co.uk with a request to add a credit, or delete, we’ll be happy to comply. Gerry Smith, Editor.)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
This Week’s Music for Grown-Ups on Radio/TV
Your new listening/watching guide… thanks to compiler Mike Ollier
RADIO For Grown-Ups
Wednesday BBCR2 20.00 ~ 21.00
* Folk On Two
Guest is the guitarist Martin Simpson who plugs his latest album.
Wednesday BBCR2 23.00 ~ 23.30
* Classic Singles
Last of the series, but this idea has legs and could run. Dunno what is featured this week (there's a shock), the Beeb’s website still has details of show 4 on there.
Friday BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: Countdown
Beatles, Eddie Boyd and Irma Thomas.
Friday BBCR2 21.15 ~ 21.30
* Chronicles, Volume One: The recordings
Sean Penn reads from THE book for the last time.
Friday BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library
Essential recordings from Duke Ellington (NB My programme guide says it's Coltrane - Gerry Smith)
Friday BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three
Dave Liebman & Joe Lovano play a selection of their fave Coltrane compositions to mark the 40th anniversary of his death.
Saturday BBC2 20.00 ~ 21.00
* The Thing About Syd
Doc about Syd Barrett. Again.
TV For Grown-Ups
Thursday BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.10
* In Concert
Donovan pretends to be Dylan.
Friday BBC4 22.30 ~ 23.30
* BBC Four Sessions ~ Nick Lowe
Only thing worth watching in a poor week on TV. Basher goes through a selection of his best oldies and plays stuff from his critically acclaimed new album. Recorded at LSO St Luke’s.
RADIO For Grown-Ups
Wednesday BBCR2 20.00 ~ 21.00
* Folk On Two
Guest is the guitarist Martin Simpson who plugs his latest album.
Wednesday BBCR2 23.00 ~ 23.30
* Classic Singles
Last of the series, but this idea has legs and could run. Dunno what is featured this week (there's a shock), the Beeb’s website still has details of show 4 on there.
Friday BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: Countdown
Beatles, Eddie Boyd and Irma Thomas.
Friday BBCR2 21.15 ~ 21.30
* Chronicles, Volume One: The recordings
Sean Penn reads from THE book for the last time.
Friday BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library
Essential recordings from Duke Ellington (NB My programme guide says it's Coltrane - Gerry Smith)
Friday BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three
Dave Liebman & Joe Lovano play a selection of their fave Coltrane compositions to mark the 40th anniversary of his death.
Saturday BBC2 20.00 ~ 21.00
* The Thing About Syd
Doc about Syd Barrett. Again.
TV For Grown-Ups
Thursday BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.10
* In Concert
Donovan pretends to be Dylan.
Friday BBC4 22.30 ~ 23.30
* BBC Four Sessions ~ Nick Lowe
Only thing worth watching in a poor week on TV. Basher goes through a selection of his best oldies and plays stuff from his critically acclaimed new album. Recorded at LSO St Luke’s.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Rameau - early Proms pacemaker
Previewing the first weekend of Proms concerts, it was easy to see which would be the least compelling for this grown-up: Saturday’s - Music from Great British Films, featuring music by Walton, Vaughan Williams et al. No thanks.
Friday’s opening night gig, the Elgar Cello Concerto and Beethoven 9, had looked stongest before the event; it proved only mildly diverting, straying uncomfortably close to Soothing Classical Crossover Greats for Nice People.
Sunday’s Prom, featuring 18thC opera excerpts by French composer Rameau, had seemed a bit too recherché for this listener. Especially as it was to be decorated by ballet, as it would have been in its 1700s royal court setting.
Wrong! Prom 3 was magnificent, revealing Rameau’s brilliance to a largely unsuspecting new audience. The classical troupe, dancing in front of English Baroque Soloists, were engaging, but they were upstaged by Dance For All, the electrifying South African troupe, backed by the exciting Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble.
Pre-Revolutionary French operatic court music dramatically refreshed by performers from an African slum! Hallelujah! Music is music is music: forget the labels.
This was inspired Proms programming, opening new doors for millions: bravo! The 2007 season is off to a flying start.
Gerry Smith
Friday’s opening night gig, the Elgar Cello Concerto and Beethoven 9, had looked stongest before the event; it proved only mildly diverting, straying uncomfortably close to Soothing Classical Crossover Greats for Nice People.
Sunday’s Prom, featuring 18thC opera excerpts by French composer Rameau, had seemed a bit too recherché for this listener. Especially as it was to be decorated by ballet, as it would have been in its 1700s royal court setting.
Wrong! Prom 3 was magnificent, revealing Rameau’s brilliance to a largely unsuspecting new audience. The classical troupe, dancing in front of English Baroque Soloists, were engaging, but they were upstaged by Dance For All, the electrifying South African troupe, backed by the exciting Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble.
Pre-Revolutionary French operatic court music dramatically refreshed by performers from an African slum! Hallelujah! Music is music is music: forget the labels.
This was inspired Proms programming, opening new doors for millions: bravo! The 2007 season is off to a flying start.
Gerry Smith
Friday, July 13, 2007
At The Movies – an intriguing celebration of the art of Van Morrison
At The Movies, the 2007 Van Morrison compilation released before the even more recent Best Of Vol 3, is a wonderful anthology.
It reveals Morrison as a sometime great songwriter. Just listen carefully to the lyrics of Someone Like You, Real Real Gone, Moondance and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – pop for grown-ups doesn’t get any better than this.
The vocals – particularly the towering performances on Caravan and Comfortably Numb – remind you that Van The Man has the finest singing voice in rock. And if you haven’t heard Morrison for a while, you might well be surprised at the sheer musicality of his catalogue.
At The Movies is an intriguing release, though. Why are there so many live tracks? Presumably so that Morrison receives royalties that would otherwise go to Warner Brothers if their album tracks had been used.
Why was Brown-Eyed Girl re-recorded? Presumably to divert royalties to Morrison and away from Bang, Morrison’s hated first label as a solo artist.
And why was the cinema on the cover artwork given the exceedingly unlikely name of “CALVIN”? Presumably it’s a joke by a very witty Belfast Calvinist. It certainly made this fellow Calvinist laugh out loud!
Super album: a must-listen for grown-up fans of mature popular music.
Gerry Smith
It reveals Morrison as a sometime great songwriter. Just listen carefully to the lyrics of Someone Like You, Real Real Gone, Moondance and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – pop for grown-ups doesn’t get any better than this.
The vocals – particularly the towering performances on Caravan and Comfortably Numb – remind you that Van The Man has the finest singing voice in rock. And if you haven’t heard Morrison for a while, you might well be surprised at the sheer musicality of his catalogue.
At The Movies is an intriguing release, though. Why are there so many live tracks? Presumably so that Morrison receives royalties that would otherwise go to Warner Brothers if their album tracks had been used.
Why was Brown-Eyed Girl re-recorded? Presumably to divert royalties to Morrison and away from Bang, Morrison’s hated first label as a solo artist.
And why was the cinema on the cover artwork given the exceedingly unlikely name of “CALVIN”? Presumably it’s a joke by a very witty Belfast Calvinist. It certainly made this fellow Calvinist laugh out loud!
Super album: a must-listen for grown-up fans of mature popular music.
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Proms – massive annual London festival – kicks off on Friday
The Proms, the massive London classical festival, kicks off on Friday (13 July) and runs for seven weeks to 8 September.
Like any body of music, from rock to hip-hop, folk to jazz, the Proms has its share of stellar sequences, mediocre mush, and worse. The top gigs, best experienced standing on the floor of the Albert Hall, are usually music year highlights for grown-ups.
World-class concerts – must-hear music/must-see performers in the programme of 71 gigs include:
· Tuesday 24 July: Verdi’s Macbeth, London Phil
· Monday 6 August: Beethoven 8 etc, Renee Fleming
· Tuesday 7 August: Bach cantatas, Bach Collegium Japan
· Sunday 12 August: Wagner’s Gotterdammerung
· Friday 24 August: Bruckner 8, Royal Concertgebouw
All concerts are also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, accessible online.
Beware the Proms geeks, though. Classical audiences always have more than their fair share of weirdos - the jerks who had no friends at school. They don’t improve with age, and the Proms attracts them in droves. The "legendary" Last Night – squirm-inducing Boy Scouts acting silly for a TV audience of, er, people who must watch a lot of TV - should be avoided at all costs.
Gerry Smith
Like any body of music, from rock to hip-hop, folk to jazz, the Proms has its share of stellar sequences, mediocre mush, and worse. The top gigs, best experienced standing on the floor of the Albert Hall, are usually music year highlights for grown-ups.
World-class concerts – must-hear music/must-see performers in the programme of 71 gigs include:
· Tuesday 24 July: Verdi’s Macbeth, London Phil
· Monday 6 August: Beethoven 8 etc, Renee Fleming
· Tuesday 7 August: Bach cantatas, Bach Collegium Japan
· Sunday 12 August: Wagner’s Gotterdammerung
· Friday 24 August: Bruckner 8, Royal Concertgebouw
All concerts are also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, accessible online.
Beware the Proms geeks, though. Classical audiences always have more than their fair share of weirdos - the jerks who had no friends at school. They don’t improve with age, and the Proms attracts them in droves. The "legendary" Last Night – squirm-inducing Boy Scouts acting silly for a TV audience of, er, people who must watch a lot of TV - should be avoided at all costs.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Elvis Presley’s great 1956 recordings
Elvis Presley’s massive catalogue might be the least consistent of any major musician, but the early material – the Sun sessions and the early recordings for RCA – are beyond reproach.
Elvis and Elvis Presley, the first two RCA LPs, are widely available on CD, with added tracks. Borders is currently offering a 2CD, 35 track package at a mere £6.99. Elvis 1956, the beautifully designed repackaged compilation which has all 22 non-film recordings from an epochal year in popular music, is also being discounted by Borders at £7.99. One or the other is a must-have in any grown-up collection.
But the best value package of The King from 1956 has to be the new Elvis Presley: Original Recordings, in the Icons series released by budget label Green Umbrella. Its two CDs pull together 47 tracks, including the first two LPs – all the post-Sun early Elvis you’re ever likely to need. I bought mine from supermarket chain Morrison’s for the princely sum of £3.39: any cheaper and they’d be paying customers to cart the stuff away.
www.guentertainment.co.uk
(nb: the enterprise is so new, the site isn’t fully operational; linked here because it looks worth watching…)
Gerry Smith
Elvis and Elvis Presley, the first two RCA LPs, are widely available on CD, with added tracks. Borders is currently offering a 2CD, 35 track package at a mere £6.99. Elvis 1956, the beautifully designed repackaged compilation which has all 22 non-film recordings from an epochal year in popular music, is also being discounted by Borders at £7.99. One or the other is a must-have in any grown-up collection.
But the best value package of The King from 1956 has to be the new Elvis Presley: Original Recordings, in the Icons series released by budget label Green Umbrella. Its two CDs pull together 47 tracks, including the first two LPs – all the post-Sun early Elvis you’re ever likely to need. I bought mine from supermarket chain Morrison’s for the princely sum of £3.39: any cheaper and they’d be paying customers to cart the stuff away.
www.guentertainment.co.uk
(nb: the enterprise is so new, the site isn’t fully operational; linked here because it looks worth watching…)
Gerry Smith
Monday, July 09, 2007
Five star review for Gray’s new Blind Willie McTell bio
Michael Gray’s new biography of country blues legend Blind Willie McTell, published last Monday in the UK, is already widely available on the High Street: by the weekend, it was prominently displayed in all of the London bookshops I happened to visit.
It’s a beautiful artifact, and most Dylan fans will feel compelled to check it out. The new issue of UNCUT, the music and movies monthly, gives it a five star review – “fascinating… authoritative… vivid…”. Another triumph for the prolific Gray, then.
The full price (£25) hardback is available discounted from amazon.co.uk
Details: HAND ME MY TRAVELIN' SHOES: In Search of Blind Willie McTell, by Michael Gray London: Bloomsbury, July 2nd, 2007. Hardback 1st edition. ISBN: 0 7475 6560 0; ISBN-13: 978-0747565604. 448 pages.
Gerry Smith
It’s a beautiful artifact, and most Dylan fans will feel compelled to check it out. The new issue of UNCUT, the music and movies monthly, gives it a five star review – “fascinating… authoritative… vivid…”. Another triumph for the prolific Gray, then.
The full price (£25) hardback is available discounted from amazon.co.uk
Details: HAND ME MY TRAVELIN' SHOES: In Search of Blind Willie McTell, by Michael Gray London: Bloomsbury, July 2nd, 2007. Hardback 1st edition. ISBN: 0 7475 6560 0; ISBN-13: 978-0747565604. 448 pages.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Miles Davis: welcome innovation in bargain of the Millennium
Membran, the innovative German discount label, are breaking new ground by offering a disc of 90 Miles Davis tracks in MP3 format. The material is the pre-Columbia stuff, recorded from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. That is: high quality acoustic jazz from the Golden Age.
The format enables you to acquire the content – as MP3 files – without missing out on an artefact to pore over. Great idea. And it’s retailing at the unmissable price of £14. Bargain of the Millennium, I’d say.
www.membran.net
Gerry Smith
The format enables you to acquire the content – as MP3 files – without missing out on an artefact to pore over. Great idea. And it’s retailing at the unmissable price of £14. Bargain of the Millennium, I’d say.
www.membran.net
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
UNCUT – Dadrock and films mag – celebrates its tenth birthday
UNCUT, the Dadrock and films monthly, is celebrating its tenth birthday with a special issue which has just hit the news-stands.
The mag’s coverage is mostly outside the scope of Music for Grown-Ups, but it occasionally crosses over with a judicious cover feature: I’ve enjoyed the 9 (of 123) issues I’ve bought over the years.
Here’s the ranked list of musicians who’ve stared out from the news-stands on the front cover of a decade’s worth of UNCUTs:
1. Beatles - 11 covers
2. Dylan – 7 covers
3. Stones – 6
4. Pink Floyd – 5
5= Smiths/Mozz; Who; Led Zep; Clash; Bruce; Bowie; REM – 4 covers
Two thirds of the 123 covers feature 1960s/1970s rockers.
Gerry Smith
UNCUT, the Dadrock and films monthly, is celebrating its tenth birthday with a special issue which has just hit the news-stands.
The mag’s coverage is mostly outside the scope of Music for Grown-Ups, but it occasionally crosses over with a judicious cover feature: I’ve enjoyed the 9 (of 123) issues I’ve bought over the years.
Here’s the ranked list of musicians who’ve stared out from the news-stands on the front cover of a decade’s worth of UNCUTs:
1. Beatles - 11 covers
2. Dylan – 7 covers
3. Stones – 6
4. Pink Floyd – 5
5= Smiths/Mozz; Who; Led Zep; Clash; Bruce; Bowie; REM – 4 covers
Two thirds of the 123 covers feature 1960s/1970s rockers.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
NOT Music for Grown-Ups… We All Love Ella
Universal are promoting a new Ella Fitzgerald tribute album. Glancing at the performers on track list, I’d much rather spend the time/money on the unutterably wonderful real thing…
Promo:
“Various Artists - We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song - Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her voice was flexible, wide-ranging, accurate and ageless. She could sing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and imitate every instrument in an orchestra with unmatched rhythmic acuity and an unimpeachable sense of swing.
“Ella's 90th birthday would have been April 25th, 2007. Please join us in this year-long celebration! "We All Love Ella: Celebrating The First Lady of Song" is an Ella Tribute Album featuring a host of stars including Natalie Cole, Chaka Kahn, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall and many more.”
On reflection, you couldn’t pay me to play such an album instead of, say, the Cole Porter Songbook.
Who on Earth listens to this kind of stuff?
Gerry Smith
Promo:
“Various Artists - We All Love Ella: Celebrating the First Lady of Song - Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums. Her voice was flexible, wide-ranging, accurate and ageless. She could sing sultry ballads, sweet jazz and imitate every instrument in an orchestra with unmatched rhythmic acuity and an unimpeachable sense of swing.
“Ella's 90th birthday would have been April 25th, 2007. Please join us in this year-long celebration! "We All Love Ella: Celebrating The First Lady of Song" is an Ella Tribute Album featuring a host of stars including Natalie Cole, Chaka Kahn, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall and many more.”
On reflection, you couldn’t pay me to play such an album instead of, say, the Cole Porter Songbook.
Who on Earth listens to this kind of stuff?
Gerry Smith
Monday, July 02, 2007
This Week’s Music for Grown-Ups on Radio/TV
Your new listening/watching guide… thanks to compiler Mike Ollier
RADIO For Grown-Ups
Monday BBCR2 22.30 ~ 11.30
* Humphrey Lyttleton
Trad, bebop and contemporary jazz
Monday BBCR3 23.15 ~ 01.00
* Andy Kershaw
Andy features the desert blues of the outstanding Tinariwen
Wednesday BBCR2 23.00 ~ 23.30
* Classic Singles
4th of a six-parter profiling great 45s… The Stones' Brown Sugar.
Thursday BBCR6 22.00
* George Lamb
A Blondie concert from 1979 is featured.
Thursday BBCR3 23.15 ~ 01.00
* Late Junction
Featuring Steve Knightly (of Show Of Hands) promoting his solo album
Friday BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan
As usual, the BBC website have no details on what is on this week ~ but it doesn't matter, it'll be great.
Friday BBCR2 21.15 ~ 21.30
* Chronicles, Volume One: 1961
Sean Penn reads from THE book. 6 of 8
Friday BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library
Clarinettist George Lewis who was instrumental (see what I did there?) in the trad jazz revival from post-war to the swinging 60s.
Friday BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three
Violinist Jon Rose
The BBC website has exclusive footage of a Crowded House acoustic session and The Arcade Fire at Maida Vale studios.
TV For Grown-Ups
Monday More4 22.300 ~ 00.45
* End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones
Onetwothreefour.. a feature-length rockumentary (if you will) from 2003 about the punk-rock pioneers. Gabba gabba hey.
Wednesday BBC1 10.35 ~ 11.35
* Imagine: Damon & Jamie's Excellent Adventure
The Beeb's Yentob-fronted arts strand focuses on Damon Albarn's Mandarin opera, Monkey.
Thursday BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.10
* Rock Goes To College: Boomtown Rats
A live gig from 1978. Not a lot to add to that, really.
Friday BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Glastonbury 2007
More Glasters highlights
Friday BBC3 ~ all weekend, check times
* T In The Park
It's on the yoof channel so probably not a lot to salivate over here though it may be worth checking in to see if Amy has sobered up from Glasters (doubt it though) and to see if Lily can hold off the rain with her enjoyable reggae-lite pop. Warning: this programme will contain Razorlight.
Saturday BBC2 12.30 ~ 8.20
Live Earth
Al Gore, promoter, introduces… urgh, have you seen the playlist? Surely all the oil that went into the plastics to make Pussycat Dolls, David 'whine' Gray, Damien 'whinge' Rice, Snooze Patrol, Genesis (run for the hills) and John 'not a' Legend could have been diverted to something more worthy?
Warning, this programme will contain Razorlight who have environmentally made the trip down from T In The Park. Redeemed only by The Beastie Boys. It's all hosted by, gulp, Graham Norton. Actually, it could be worse, Russell Brand is introducing on R2. I'm glad I'll be in France.
Bit weak for music on TV this week ~ a compensation of sorts is that a new The Thick Of It, Armando Iannuci's brilliant political spoof/satire is on this week. There are timely repeats of the brilliant Xmas special… worth watching for the breathtakingly funny rant concerning Al Jolson and iPods from Malcolm's second-in-command, Jamie.
RADIO For Grown-Ups
Monday BBCR2 22.30 ~ 11.30
* Humphrey Lyttleton
Trad, bebop and contemporary jazz
Monday BBCR3 23.15 ~ 01.00
* Andy Kershaw
Andy features the desert blues of the outstanding Tinariwen
Wednesday BBCR2 23.00 ~ 23.30
* Classic Singles
4th of a six-parter profiling great 45s… The Stones' Brown Sugar.
Thursday BBCR6 22.00
* George Lamb
A Blondie concert from 1979 is featured.
Thursday BBCR3 23.15 ~ 01.00
* Late Junction
Featuring Steve Knightly (of Show Of Hands) promoting his solo album
Friday BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan
As usual, the BBC website have no details on what is on this week ~ but it doesn't matter, it'll be great.
Friday BBCR2 21.15 ~ 21.30
* Chronicles, Volume One: 1961
Sean Penn reads from THE book. 6 of 8
Friday BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library
Clarinettist George Lewis who was instrumental (see what I did there?) in the trad jazz revival from post-war to the swinging 60s.
Friday BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three
Violinist Jon Rose
The BBC website has exclusive footage of a Crowded House acoustic session and The Arcade Fire at Maida Vale studios.
TV For Grown-Ups
Monday More4 22.300 ~ 00.45
* End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones
Onetwothreefour.. a feature-length rockumentary (if you will) from 2003 about the punk-rock pioneers. Gabba gabba hey.
Wednesday BBC1 10.35 ~ 11.35
* Imagine: Damon & Jamie's Excellent Adventure
The Beeb's Yentob-fronted arts strand focuses on Damon Albarn's Mandarin opera, Monkey.
Thursday BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.10
* Rock Goes To College: Boomtown Rats
A live gig from 1978. Not a lot to add to that, really.
Friday BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Glastonbury 2007
More Glasters highlights
Friday BBC3 ~ all weekend, check times
* T In The Park
It's on the yoof channel so probably not a lot to salivate over here though it may be worth checking in to see if Amy has sobered up from Glasters (doubt it though) and to see if Lily can hold off the rain with her enjoyable reggae-lite pop. Warning: this programme will contain Razorlight.
Saturday BBC2 12.30 ~ 8.20
Live Earth
Al Gore, promoter, introduces… urgh, have you seen the playlist? Surely all the oil that went into the plastics to make Pussycat Dolls, David 'whine' Gray, Damien 'whinge' Rice, Snooze Patrol, Genesis (run for the hills) and John 'not a' Legend could have been diverted to something more worthy?
Warning, this programme will contain Razorlight who have environmentally made the trip down from T In The Park. Redeemed only by The Beastie Boys. It's all hosted by, gulp, Graham Norton. Actually, it could be worse, Russell Brand is introducing on R2. I'm glad I'll be in France.
Bit weak for music on TV this week ~ a compensation of sorts is that a new The Thick Of It, Armando Iannuci's brilliant political spoof/satire is on this week. There are timely repeats of the brilliant Xmas special… worth watching for the breathtakingly funny rant concerning Al Jolson and iPods from Malcolm's second-in-command, Jamie.
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