I keep a watching brief on all the music monthlies – MOJO, Uncut and The Word for rockpop, as well as Jazzwise, the late Straight No Chaser, fRoots, BBC Music and Gramophone, to name the major titles in my sights.
But I only buy a copy of any magazine every couple of months: I’m only interested in about 5% of the content of any issue - the remainder of the pagination will be unsuitable for grown-ups, concerned with selling, and selling the second rate, in all genres, rockpop or classical, jazz or roots.
The Wire is a magazine I always consider buying very carefully, every month. It focuses on the avant-garde, the experimental, the recherché and occasionally, let’s face it, the downright bonkers. Its musicians are, let’s say, outside the mainstream: I’ve not even heard of most of them. If there’s someone on the cover I rate or want to explore (Miles, Coltrane, PJ Harvey, Mark E Smith … ), I buy that issue.
Unlike virtually all other music mags, The Wire takes its readers seriously. And, unlike virtually all other mags, you can’t confuse it for a sales catalogue pushing new product. Apart from the sustained excellence of its writing, The Wire is beautifully designed.
My prized copy of the first issue, from Summer 1982, tells me that The Wire has just passed its 25th anniversary – a magnificent achievement for such a niche title.
Long may it continue to plough its eclectic, esoteric furrow. Will The Wire celebrate a fiftieth anniversary? I wouldn’t bet against it.
Music for Grown-Ups readers owe it to themselves to check it out:
http://www.thewire.co.uk/
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble in Woodstock
Thanks to Larry Kosofsky:
“I finally got around to going to Levon's Ramble last night - the Hallowe’en edition, no less. I live only 30 miles away, and I don't know what kept me from getting there sooner.
“This is American music at its best – a down-home jamboree of the highest quality. The Alexis Sutter Band kicked it off at 8 pm, followed by the Felice Brothers, and finally Levon, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and a group that included string bass, keyboards, trombone and saxophone.
“Forgive me for not getting all the members' names; I was too busy having fun. There's an additional lead guitarist who shared vocals, another drummer who took over for Levon when he picked up the mandolin, and of course Little Sammy Davis, who came on to sing a half dozen blues numbers in two stints.
“It's a great scene: about a hundred people scattered around Levon's Woodstock, N.Y. studio, with free food and drink available, mostly brought by the audience members to be shared.
“I won't go into a detailed breakdown of all the music, but I will say that you won't be disappointed when you go. The high point for me was Levon's rendition of a tune from his excellent new CD "Dirt Farmer", "Got Me a Woman." We also heard "Ophelia", "The Weight", and a version of "Chest Fever" that featured Larry Campbell playing Garth Hudson's organ intro on electric guitar.
“The joint was rockin' - Levon's backbeat makes the band swing all down the line.
“Not much more to say, just get there if you can; the money's going to a good cause (you can read about Levon's struggles in other places) and it's an unforgettable night. Visit Levon's website to make a reservation. I will be back.”
“I finally got around to going to Levon's Ramble last night - the Hallowe’en edition, no less. I live only 30 miles away, and I don't know what kept me from getting there sooner.
“This is American music at its best – a down-home jamboree of the highest quality. The Alexis Sutter Band kicked it off at 8 pm, followed by the Felice Brothers, and finally Levon, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and a group that included string bass, keyboards, trombone and saxophone.
“Forgive me for not getting all the members' names; I was too busy having fun. There's an additional lead guitarist who shared vocals, another drummer who took over for Levon when he picked up the mandolin, and of course Little Sammy Davis, who came on to sing a half dozen blues numbers in two stints.
“It's a great scene: about a hundred people scattered around Levon's Woodstock, N.Y. studio, with free food and drink available, mostly brought by the audience members to be shared.
“I won't go into a detailed breakdown of all the music, but I will say that you won't be disappointed when you go. The high point for me was Levon's rendition of a tune from his excellent new CD "Dirt Farmer", "Got Me a Woman." We also heard "Ophelia", "The Weight", and a version of "Chest Fever" that featured Larry Campbell playing Garth Hudson's organ intro on electric guitar.
“The joint was rockin' - Levon's backbeat makes the band swing all down the line.
“Not much more to say, just get there if you can; the money's going to a good cause (you can read about Levon's struggles in other places) and it's an unforgettable night. Visit Levon's website to make a reservation. I will be back.”
Monday, October 29, 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
Thurs BBCR2 23.30 ~ 00.30
* The Funk Factory (1 of 8)
Norman Jay plays Sly, Curtis Mayfield and The Isley Brothers.
Fri BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan
The delightful radio show continues, in between tours and making records, where does he find the time? BBC website is being usually slow in updating so I can't tell you what the theme is, but it doesn't really matter ‘cos it'll be good anyway!
Fri BBC3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library
Horace Silver selects from his own back catalogue ~ recordings with Miles Davis, Stan Getz and The Jazz Messengers.
Fri BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On 3: At The Electric Proms
Basquiat Strings with Seb Roachford, Simon Fell and Ellery Eskelin.
TV For Grown-Ups
A terrible week for radio is matched on TV, not only for music - with The Sopranos departed and Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe wiped, there's hardly anything to recommend. HIGNFY (Saturday evening with an extra 10 mins) and BBC4’s The Genius Of Photography (not much cop if you're not interested in cameras!).
Music wise…
Fri BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.30
* European Roots: The Warsaw Village Band: Back To The Future
On tour with the band as they travel round Poland finding old musicians and instrument makers.
Fri BBC4 20.30 ~ 21.00
* Cambridge Folk Festival 2007
Belated showing for this year’s event ~ The Waterboys are promised tonight, as is Sharon Shannon and Scottish band Shooglenifty.
Fri BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Legends: Louis Prima
The voice of Disney's King Louis in The Jungle Book is the focus for another welcome show in the excellent 'Legends' strand. Be warned, though - Lenny Henry contributes.
Fri BBC2 23.35
* Later with Jools Holland
A new series, but this first show doesn't have a lot to recommend ~ gentle rocker Richard Hawley and, perhaps, The Decemberists.
Radio For Grown-Ups
Thurs BBCR2 23.30 ~ 00.30
* The Funk Factory (1 of 8)
Norman Jay plays Sly, Curtis Mayfield and The Isley Brothers.
Fri BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan
The delightful radio show continues, in between tours and making records, where does he find the time? BBC website is being usually slow in updating so I can't tell you what the theme is, but it doesn't really matter ‘cos it'll be good anyway!
Fri BBC3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library
Horace Silver selects from his own back catalogue ~ recordings with Miles Davis, Stan Getz and The Jazz Messengers.
Fri BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On 3: At The Electric Proms
Basquiat Strings with Seb Roachford, Simon Fell and Ellery Eskelin.
TV For Grown-Ups
A terrible week for radio is matched on TV, not only for music - with The Sopranos departed and Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe wiped, there's hardly anything to recommend. HIGNFY (Saturday evening with an extra 10 mins) and BBC4’s The Genius Of Photography (not much cop if you're not interested in cameras!).
Music wise…
Fri BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.30
* European Roots: The Warsaw Village Band: Back To The Future
On tour with the band as they travel round Poland finding old musicians and instrument makers.
Fri BBC4 20.30 ~ 21.00
* Cambridge Folk Festival 2007
Belated showing for this year’s event ~ The Waterboys are promised tonight, as is Sharon Shannon and Scottish band Shooglenifty.
Fri BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Legends: Louis Prima
The voice of Disney's King Louis in The Jungle Book is the focus for another welcome show in the excellent 'Legends' strand. Be warned, though - Lenny Henry contributes.
Fri BBC2 23.35
* Later with Jools Holland
A new series, but this first show doesn't have a lot to recommend ~ gentle rocker Richard Hawley and, perhaps, The Decemberists.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Miles and Dylan – two key new releases on Monday
Miles Davis and Bob Dylan loom large in the Music for Grown-Ups landscape.
Both were/are ground-breaking musicians dominating their respective niches; they’ve had an immense influence on contemporaries and successors alike. Twentieth century music would have been very different without Miles and Dylan.
By coincidence, Monday sees the UK launch of historic releases by both great musicians:
* The Complete On The Corner Sessions (6 CDs) documents the Davis sessions which led to an album crucified by conservative jazzbos on its 1972 release, but influential among edgier popular musicians ever since.
* The Other Side Of The Mirror DVD documents Dylan at Newport over the three years of performances 1963-65, capturing him morphing before your very eyes from callow agenda-setting folkie to world-weary founder of rock music, all the while producing breathlessly great music.
A hearty welcome to a pair of seminal slices of music for grown-ups.
Gerry Smith
Both were/are ground-breaking musicians dominating their respective niches; they’ve had an immense influence on contemporaries and successors alike. Twentieth century music would have been very different without Miles and Dylan.
By coincidence, Monday sees the UK launch of historic releases by both great musicians:
* The Complete On The Corner Sessions (6 CDs) documents the Davis sessions which led to an album crucified by conservative jazzbos on its 1972 release, but influential among edgier popular musicians ever since.
* The Other Side Of The Mirror DVD documents Dylan at Newport over the three years of performances 1963-65, capturing him morphing before your very eyes from callow agenda-setting folkie to world-weary founder of rock music, all the while producing breathlessly great music.
A hearty welcome to a pair of seminal slices of music for grown-ups.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Hype and over-hype
All music – performances and recordings – is subject to hype. The musician’s management and record label need to catch your attention, in a very crowded marketplace. I have no problem there: music is business, as well as art.
Occasionally, you’re on the receiving end of big-budget hype – when someone’s investing heavily to get your attention. The clue is that you’ve never heard of a new musician on Monday, but by Friday s/he seems like an old family friend. Occasionally the newly launched talent makes it to your list of favourites; mostly they don’t.
Though I’m a dedicated follower of opera, and a regular attender at London’s Royal Opera House, I was mystified when a new-to-me soprano called Kate Royal suddenly seemed to be everywhere in my musicscape. Someone, somewhere was working hard to try make her into a household name. She might well be a talented performer, but the hype made me wary. It had the opposite of the desired effect. There are dozens of female singers I’ll be exploring first.
Gerry Smith
Occasionally, you’re on the receiving end of big-budget hype – when someone’s investing heavily to get your attention. The clue is that you’ve never heard of a new musician on Monday, but by Friday s/he seems like an old family friend. Occasionally the newly launched talent makes it to your list of favourites; mostly they don’t.
Though I’m a dedicated follower of opera, and a regular attender at London’s Royal Opera House, I was mystified when a new-to-me soprano called Kate Royal suddenly seemed to be everywhere in my musicscape. Someone, somewhere was working hard to try make her into a household name. She might well be a talented performer, but the hype made me wary. It had the opposite of the desired effect. There are dozens of female singers I’ll be exploring first.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Bruce Springsteen’s Magic
Thanks to Mike Ollier:
“The new Springsteen album is attracting sobriquets in the press such as "His best for 20 years" and "Best since Nebraska." I never understand this type of writing; what I want to know is "Is it any good, should I buy it?" It's either good or it's not. End of story.
“Bruce has been unusually happy recently with the joie de vivre of "The Seeger Sessions" and then the (pointless) "Live in Dublin" DVD and album. This is all together a different kettle of cod.
“I've lived with the album for three weeks now (it's fought for plays on my CD tray along with Steve Earle and Mick Jagger). The cover shows a sombre, brooding Bruce photographed in sepia tones and the gatefold sleeve shows a similarly sepia-tinted E Street Band. Nils Lofgren looks glum whilst Steve Van Zandt seems to have mistaken the E Street Band for his TV family ~ bottom lip jutting defiantly, hands crossed at waist level. Silvio, you gotta go! The pictures sum up the album, strangely muted and sober and shot through with broken promises and tired optimism.
“We roar off with "Radio Nowhere" muscling through the speakers, but it's curiously joyless. The chorus is evidently built for singing along to and it's sure to be a belter live. That old E Street magic permeates "Livin' In The Future" which harks back to the second album in feel and sound. The words don't match the sonic though, some sour lyrics that hint at political dissatisfaction.
“One of the album’s key tracks is "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" with its Spector-ish shtick; but again it has a downbeat sense to the lyrics that surprise. It's got that typical Springsteen 'someone going nowhere' story-arc, with a tired sounding protagonist out in the streets, noticing all around him but being curiously adrift.
“Once again you are reminded of the cinematic qualities of Springsteen's best songs and it brings to mind "The Last Picture Show." The romantic lyricism of "I'll Work For Your Love" is welcome after this, putting a bit of colour back into the music,
“The rage is palpable in "Last To Die" which is a paraphrase of a John Kerry quote; its imagery of blood and bodies, martyrs and flames makes the subject explicit. The 'hidden' track (don't you just hate that phrase?) is, strangely, perhaps the album’s highlight. The track is untitled but is dedicated to his personal assistant Terry MacGovern who died earlier this year. A lovely piano, organ and harmonica ballad, which shows the love Bruce must have had for his friend.
“The album seems to be a requiem for an America that has gone, that has lost its youthfulness; the America of Bruce's earlier albums. Perhaps it's Bruce who has grown up, realising that he's not 'Born To Run' anymore. As ever, there are political undertones here but he never rams it down your throat, rather leaves it for us to find and decipher, just like in our own lives. The feel and tone is a little like "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" (referenced on "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"), it has a valedictory air and downbeat hue.
“To return to my original question: is it any good? Yes, it's superb. Should you buy it? What do you think?
“The new Springsteen album is attracting sobriquets in the press such as "His best for 20 years" and "Best since Nebraska." I never understand this type of writing; what I want to know is "Is it any good, should I buy it?" It's either good or it's not. End of story.
“Bruce has been unusually happy recently with the joie de vivre of "The Seeger Sessions" and then the (pointless) "Live in Dublin" DVD and album. This is all together a different kettle of cod.
“I've lived with the album for three weeks now (it's fought for plays on my CD tray along with Steve Earle and Mick Jagger). The cover shows a sombre, brooding Bruce photographed in sepia tones and the gatefold sleeve shows a similarly sepia-tinted E Street Band. Nils Lofgren looks glum whilst Steve Van Zandt seems to have mistaken the E Street Band for his TV family ~ bottom lip jutting defiantly, hands crossed at waist level. Silvio, you gotta go! The pictures sum up the album, strangely muted and sober and shot through with broken promises and tired optimism.
“We roar off with "Radio Nowhere" muscling through the speakers, but it's curiously joyless. The chorus is evidently built for singing along to and it's sure to be a belter live. That old E Street magic permeates "Livin' In The Future" which harks back to the second album in feel and sound. The words don't match the sonic though, some sour lyrics that hint at political dissatisfaction.
“One of the album’s key tracks is "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" with its Spector-ish shtick; but again it has a downbeat sense to the lyrics that surprise. It's got that typical Springsteen 'someone going nowhere' story-arc, with a tired sounding protagonist out in the streets, noticing all around him but being curiously adrift.
“Once again you are reminded of the cinematic qualities of Springsteen's best songs and it brings to mind "The Last Picture Show." The romantic lyricism of "I'll Work For Your Love" is welcome after this, putting a bit of colour back into the music,
“The rage is palpable in "Last To Die" which is a paraphrase of a John Kerry quote; its imagery of blood and bodies, martyrs and flames makes the subject explicit. The 'hidden' track (don't you just hate that phrase?) is, strangely, perhaps the album’s highlight. The track is untitled but is dedicated to his personal assistant Terry MacGovern who died earlier this year. A lovely piano, organ and harmonica ballad, which shows the love Bruce must have had for his friend.
“The album seems to be a requiem for an America that has gone, that has lost its youthfulness; the America of Bruce's earlier albums. Perhaps it's Bruce who has grown up, realising that he's not 'Born To Run' anymore. As ever, there are political undertones here but he never rams it down your throat, rather leaves it for us to find and decipher, just like in our own lives. The feel and tone is a little like "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" (referenced on "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"), it has a valedictory air and downbeat hue.
“To return to my original question: is it any good? Yes, it's superb. Should you buy it? What do you think?
Monday, October 22, 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
Mon BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.00
* Artist Focus
The genre busting Brodsky Quartet are featured
Fri BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: Death & Taxes
Beatles, Prince Buster and Bukka White feature in this week's themed show; by turns surreal, funny and informative.
* Jazz Library
Art Ensemble Of Chicago
Fri BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three
Sessions from groups based around James Allsopp and Tim Giles.
TV For Grown-Ups
Tues BBC2 23.20 ~ 23.50
* The Beatles In Help!
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Fabs' second Richard Lester-directed film. (The movie is shown on BBC2 on Saturday at 19.50pm.) Not generally revered here at MfGU, but this is from a simpler, more optimistic and innocent time and does feature some of the Four's better tunes, especially the Dylan-esque You Got To Hide Your Love Away.
Tues BBC4 22.30 ~ 23.45
* New York Doll
A repeat of probably the best music-related programme I have ever seen. It follows the almost childlike Arthur 'Killer' Kane coming together with the remaining members of The New York Dolls to play Morrissey's Meltdown Festival a couple of years ago. Sadly funny, life-affirming and ultimately sadder than sad, you don't have to be a fan of The NYDs (and I'm not) to enjoy this. Please trust me here, this is superb and if you're not weeping by the end, you've a heart harder than Maggie Thatcher.
Tues BBC4 223.45 ~ 01.20
* Gimme Shelter
The shocking events at Altamont end, and ultimately define, the ‘60s. The Rolling Stones watch shocked as events unfurl before them and spiral out of their control.
Fri BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.30
* European Roots
1920s sword dancing from Czechoslvakia is looked at and brought up-to-date.
Fri BBC4 20.30 ~ 21.00
* Transatlantic Sessions 3
Last in the series; one can't help but feel that perhaps it's run its course. Many seem terribly smug and content to coast. Paul Brady's voice is no longer what it was. Phil Cunningham does his best, as does the ever-smiling Sharon Shannon, and Michael McGoldrick looks interested. My crack about Joan Osbourne in the first preview of this series has turned round to haunt me: she has been by far the best of the lot with impassioned vocal performances.
Fri BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
Legends: Jacques Brel ~ Ne Me Quitte Pas.
The intense Belgian singer/songwriter is the subject of this week's doc in the excellent Legends strand. Long feted by rock stars such as Bowie, Scott Walker, Marc Almond, Alex Harvey and, er, Petula Clark, his songs were dark, odd and mesmeric.
BONUS TRACKS: this week's best non-music broadcasts
The Sopranos (E4, Sundays and repeats Tuesdays) reaches the end of its seven year road. It will be long remembered as one of the best, if not THE best, TV drama series ever screened.
Tuesday ~ the last Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe (BBC FOUR) for this series; he'll have a best of year at Xmas. One of the funniest shows on TV. Also, of course, HIGNFY on Friday evenings is still essential viewing (though I prefer Saturday's repeat with an extra 10 minutes).
Tuesday BBC1 11.45pm ~ Walter Hill-directed The Long Riders is pick of the week's movies ~ a re-telling of the Jesse James legend, with a score from Ry Cooder.
Radio For Grown-Ups
Mon BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.00
* Artist Focus
The genre busting Brodsky Quartet are featured
Fri BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: Death & Taxes
Beatles, Prince Buster and Bukka White feature in this week's themed show; by turns surreal, funny and informative.
* Jazz Library
Art Ensemble Of Chicago
Fri BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three
Sessions from groups based around James Allsopp and Tim Giles.
TV For Grown-Ups
Tues BBC2 23.20 ~ 23.50
* The Beatles In Help!
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Fabs' second Richard Lester-directed film. (The movie is shown on BBC2 on Saturday at 19.50pm.) Not generally revered here at MfGU, but this is from a simpler, more optimistic and innocent time and does feature some of the Four's better tunes, especially the Dylan-esque You Got To Hide Your Love Away.
Tues BBC4 22.30 ~ 23.45
* New York Doll
A repeat of probably the best music-related programme I have ever seen. It follows the almost childlike Arthur 'Killer' Kane coming together with the remaining members of The New York Dolls to play Morrissey's Meltdown Festival a couple of years ago. Sadly funny, life-affirming and ultimately sadder than sad, you don't have to be a fan of The NYDs (and I'm not) to enjoy this. Please trust me here, this is superb and if you're not weeping by the end, you've a heart harder than Maggie Thatcher.
Tues BBC4 223.45 ~ 01.20
* Gimme Shelter
The shocking events at Altamont end, and ultimately define, the ‘60s. The Rolling Stones watch shocked as events unfurl before them and spiral out of their control.
Fri BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.30
* European Roots
1920s sword dancing from Czechoslvakia is looked at and brought up-to-date.
Fri BBC4 20.30 ~ 21.00
* Transatlantic Sessions 3
Last in the series; one can't help but feel that perhaps it's run its course. Many seem terribly smug and content to coast. Paul Brady's voice is no longer what it was. Phil Cunningham does his best, as does the ever-smiling Sharon Shannon, and Michael McGoldrick looks interested. My crack about Joan Osbourne in the first preview of this series has turned round to haunt me: she has been by far the best of the lot with impassioned vocal performances.
Fri BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
Legends: Jacques Brel ~ Ne Me Quitte Pas.
The intense Belgian singer/songwriter is the subject of this week's doc in the excellent Legends strand. Long feted by rock stars such as Bowie, Scott Walker, Marc Almond, Alex Harvey and, er, Petula Clark, his songs were dark, odd and mesmeric.
BONUS TRACKS: this week's best non-music broadcasts
The Sopranos (E4, Sundays and repeats Tuesdays) reaches the end of its seven year road. It will be long remembered as one of the best, if not THE best, TV drama series ever screened.
Tuesday ~ the last Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe (BBC FOUR) for this series; he'll have a best of year at Xmas. One of the funniest shows on TV. Also, of course, HIGNFY on Friday evenings is still essential viewing (though I prefer Saturday's repeat with an extra 10 minutes).
Tuesday BBC1 11.45pm ~ Walter Hill-directed The Long Riders is pick of the week's movies ~ a re-telling of the Jesse James legend, with a score from Ry Cooder.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The trio of Van Morrison compilations from 2007
Thanks to Clem Harris:
“I share your enthusiasm for Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation from Polydor, due on Monday, and the promise of re-released, expanded versions of Van’s fabulous back catalogue.
“But I can’t agree that the two 2007 compilations from EMI – At The Movies and Best Of vol 3 – were “valid”. They might have been commercially sound, but they don’t make artistic sense.
“The Movies CD was unnecessary – 9 of its first 10 tracks are on the wondrous The Best Of, from 1990.
“Best Of Vol 3 is a mess. Its mix of solo material from weak recent albums wasn’t worth re-releasing. The duets showcase Morrison’s greatness as a vocalist and should have been released by themselves, without the other stuff. Am I alone in thinking this?
“I’m looking forward to Still On Top washing away the bad taste of these two unwanted releases. The new 3CD is an absolute crackerjack.”
“I share your enthusiasm for Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation from Polydor, due on Monday, and the promise of re-released, expanded versions of Van’s fabulous back catalogue.
“But I can’t agree that the two 2007 compilations from EMI – At The Movies and Best Of vol 3 – were “valid”. They might have been commercially sound, but they don’t make artistic sense.
“The Movies CD was unnecessary – 9 of its first 10 tracks are on the wondrous The Best Of, from 1990.
“Best Of Vol 3 is a mess. Its mix of solo material from weak recent albums wasn’t worth re-releasing. The duets showcase Morrison’s greatness as a vocalist and should have been released by themselves, without the other stuff. Am I alone in thinking this?
“I’m looking forward to Still On Top washing away the bad taste of these two unwanted releases. The new 3CD is an absolute crackerjack.”
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation: three questions
The new Van Morrison compilation, Still On Top – The Greatest Hits, released next Monday, 22 October (UK), raises three questions:
1. Why? It’s the third Morrison compilation of 2007. You wait 14 years for a Van comp, then three turn up at the same time!
Almost certainly the rush to compile is the result of two record labels – EMI and Polydor – wanting their due from a leaving/returning artist. EMI’s two compilations were both valid – creatively and commercially. The new (Polydor) comp heralds an exciting re-release project of the Van Man catalogue. Watch this space…
2. Is it worth buying? You kidding? The 3CD Ltd Ed has 51 tracks. By my reckoning, all but six tracks are simply wonderful: almost 90% of the collection hits the spot. Missing? Summertime In England… , and there’s nothing from Astral Weeks… .
3. Is “Greatest Hits” an accurate title? Naaaah. The Ulsterman’s had very few “hits”. Didn’t he once confide to a small, rapt audience in South Wales: “F*ck the f*cking pop charts…”?
The record shops have been denuded of Morrison product for many months. The new Polydor release programme will put the legacy back in front of music buyers. And persuade some hardcore fans to buy the product, yet again, for the promised bonus additions.
What a legacy! Rave on.
Gerry Smith
1. Why? It’s the third Morrison compilation of 2007. You wait 14 years for a Van comp, then three turn up at the same time!
Almost certainly the rush to compile is the result of two record labels – EMI and Polydor – wanting their due from a leaving/returning artist. EMI’s two compilations were both valid – creatively and commercially. The new (Polydor) comp heralds an exciting re-release project of the Van Man catalogue. Watch this space…
2. Is it worth buying? You kidding? The 3CD Ltd Ed has 51 tracks. By my reckoning, all but six tracks are simply wonderful: almost 90% of the collection hits the spot. Missing? Summertime In England… , and there’s nothing from Astral Weeks… .
3. Is “Greatest Hits” an accurate title? Naaaah. The Ulsterman’s had very few “hits”. Didn’t he once confide to a small, rapt audience in South Wales: “F*ck the f*cking pop charts…”?
The record shops have been denuded of Morrison product for many months. The new Polydor release programme will put the legacy back in front of music buyers. And persuade some hardcore fans to buy the product, yet again, for the promised bonus additions.
What a legacy! Rave on.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Major new Van Morrison compilation due next Monday
A major new Van Morrison compilation, Still On Top – The Greatest Hits, will be released next Monday, 22 October (UK) in both 2 and 3CD versions – though why anyone would buy the 2CD version instead of the 3CD Collector’s Edition is a mystery.
The release follows hot on the heels of the new DYLAN compilation, which also has 51 tracks over three discs.
Music for Grown-Ups commentary to follow this week.
Gerry Smith
Disc 1:
1. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) 2007 Re-mastered
2. Dweller On The Threshold, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Whenever God Shines His Light, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Moondance
5. Bright Side Of The Road, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Brown Eyed Girl
7. Wavelength, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Crazy Love
9. Someone Like You, 2007 Re-mastered
10. When Will I Ever Learn To Live In God, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Tore Down A La Rimbaud, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Wild Night, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Gloria, Stereo Version
14. Real Real Gone, 2007 Re-mastered
15. Into The Mystic
16. In The Garden, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Saint Dominic's Preview, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Stranded, Album Version
Disc 2:
1. Precious Time, 2007 Re-mastered
2. Domino
3. Here Comes The Night
4. Little Village, 2007 Re-mastered
5. And It Stoned Me
6. Days Like This, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Cleaning Windows, 2007 Re-mastered
9. Baby Please Don't Go
0. Back On Top
11. Vanlose Stairway, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Celtic New Year, Album Version
13. Irish Heartbeat, 2007 Re-mastered
14. The Healing Game, Alternative Version
15. Full Force Gale, 2007 Re-mastered
16. Warm Love, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Did Ye Get Healed, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Tupelo Honey, 2007 Re-mastered
19. Wonderful Remark, 2007 Re-mastered
Disc 3:
1. Hey Mr. DJ, 2007 Re-mastered
2. In The Forest, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Queen Of The Slipstream, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Rave On John Donne, 2007 Re-mastered
5. Hymns To The Silence, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Crazy Jane On God, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Rough God Goes Riding, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Steal My Heart Away, 2007 Re-mastered
9. One Irish Rover, 2007 Re-mastered
10. Listen To The Lion, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Streets Of Arklow, 2007 Re-mastered
12. The Beauty Of The Days Gone By, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Take It Where You Find It, 2007 Re-mastered
14. Coney Island, 2007 Re-mastered
The release follows hot on the heels of the new DYLAN compilation, which also has 51 tracks over three discs.
Music for Grown-Ups commentary to follow this week.
Gerry Smith
Disc 1:
1. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) 2007 Re-mastered
2. Dweller On The Threshold, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Whenever God Shines His Light, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Moondance
5. Bright Side Of The Road, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Brown Eyed Girl
7. Wavelength, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Crazy Love
9. Someone Like You, 2007 Re-mastered
10. When Will I Ever Learn To Live In God, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Tore Down A La Rimbaud, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Wild Night, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Gloria, Stereo Version
14. Real Real Gone, 2007 Re-mastered
15. Into The Mystic
16. In The Garden, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Saint Dominic's Preview, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Stranded, Album Version
Disc 2:
1. Precious Time, 2007 Re-mastered
2. Domino
3. Here Comes The Night
4. Little Village, 2007 Re-mastered
5. And It Stoned Me
6. Days Like This, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Cleaning Windows, 2007 Re-mastered
9. Baby Please Don't Go
0. Back On Top
11. Vanlose Stairway, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Celtic New Year, Album Version
13. Irish Heartbeat, 2007 Re-mastered
14. The Healing Game, Alternative Version
15. Full Force Gale, 2007 Re-mastered
16. Warm Love, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Did Ye Get Healed, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Tupelo Honey, 2007 Re-mastered
19. Wonderful Remark, 2007 Re-mastered
Disc 3:
1. Hey Mr. DJ, 2007 Re-mastered
2. In The Forest, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Queen Of The Slipstream, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Rave On John Donne, 2007 Re-mastered
5. Hymns To The Silence, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Crazy Jane On God, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Rough God Goes Riding, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Steal My Heart Away, 2007 Re-mastered
9. One Irish Rover, 2007 Re-mastered
10. Listen To The Lion, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Streets Of Arklow, 2007 Re-mastered
12. The Beauty Of The Days Gone By, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Take It Where You Find It, 2007 Re-mastered
14. Coney Island, 2007 Re-mastered
Monday, October 15, 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
Fri BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00:
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: More Bob. More magic.
Fri BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library: Jelly Roll Morton pounds those ivories
Fri BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three: Mike Gibbs’ 70th Birthday Concert: to help him celebrate ~ Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Adam Nausbaum and Chris Hunter, live at the Birmingham CBSO Centre.
TV For Grown-Ups
NB: check listings for Dylan repeats on BBC FOUR (Wednesday - Ed), and Emmylou Harris repeats, too.
Fri BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.30
* European Roots: a third season of the 'Roots' strand featuring, as the title says, folk music from around Europe. Tonight Fado (from Portugal) is featured.
Fri BBC4 20.30 ~ 21.00
* Transatlantic Sessions 3: 5th of the 6-part series filmed in a grand Scottish Highlands hoose with Celtic musicians in session with Americana acts. Music directors are dobro-man Jerry Douglas and fiddler Aly Bain, with trusted lieutenants accordionists Phil Cunningham and guitar wiz Russ Barenburg.
Fri BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
Legends: Al Bowley ~ The Very Thought Of You: the crooner king from between the wars, a kind of Robbie Williams of his day. Another of BBC4’s docs on long-forgotten musicians that are always fascinating viewing. As Richard Thompson sang: "Al Bowley's in Heaven, and I'm in limbo now."
Non-musical highlights: The Sopranos (Sundays, repeats Tuesdays, E4) ratchets up the menace… no-one is safe as Tony takes action and AJ starts to repeat history. Don't forget Friday's 'HIGNFY' ~ Kirsty Young last week was, as always, excellent. On Tuesdays on BBC4 Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe is the funniest new TV for a long time. Ripping Yarns is also re-shown on Tuesdays on BBC4 and also repeats Ian Rankin's Edinburgh at 9.00pm on Wednesday, an excellent trawl through Rebus' haunts and Auld Reekie itself.
Coupled with all the great music shows, can you believe that they are thinking of closing down BBC FOUR?
Radio For Grown-Ups
Fri BBCR6 21.00 ~ 22.00:
* Theme Time Radio Hour with Bob Dylan: More Bob. More magic.
Fri BBCR3 22.30 ~ 23.30
* Jazz Library: Jelly Roll Morton pounds those ivories
Fri BBCR3 23.30 ~ 01.00
* Jazz On Three: Mike Gibbs’ 70th Birthday Concert: to help him celebrate ~ Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Adam Nausbaum and Chris Hunter, live at the Birmingham CBSO Centre.
TV For Grown-Ups
NB: check listings for Dylan repeats on BBC FOUR (Wednesday - Ed), and Emmylou Harris repeats, too.
Fri BBC4 19.30 ~ 20.30
* European Roots: a third season of the 'Roots' strand featuring, as the title says, folk music from around Europe. Tonight Fado (from Portugal) is featured.
Fri BBC4 20.30 ~ 21.00
* Transatlantic Sessions 3: 5th of the 6-part series filmed in a grand Scottish Highlands hoose with Celtic musicians in session with Americana acts. Music directors are dobro-man Jerry Douglas and fiddler Aly Bain, with trusted lieutenants accordionists Phil Cunningham and guitar wiz Russ Barenburg.
Fri BBC4 21.00 ~ 22.00
Legends: Al Bowley ~ The Very Thought Of You: the crooner king from between the wars, a kind of Robbie Williams of his day. Another of BBC4’s docs on long-forgotten musicians that are always fascinating viewing. As Richard Thompson sang: "Al Bowley's in Heaven, and I'm in limbo now."
Non-musical highlights: The Sopranos (Sundays, repeats Tuesdays, E4) ratchets up the menace… no-one is safe as Tony takes action and AJ starts to repeat history. Don't forget Friday's 'HIGNFY' ~ Kirsty Young last week was, as always, excellent. On Tuesdays on BBC4 Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe is the funniest new TV for a long time. Ripping Yarns is also re-shown on Tuesdays on BBC4 and also repeats Ian Rankin's Edinburgh at 9.00pm on Wednesday, an excellent trawl through Rebus' haunts and Auld Reekie itself.
Coupled with all the great music shows, can you believe that they are thinking of closing down BBC FOUR?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Blind Willie McTell celebration
Country blues fans and Dylan hardcore will be heading for a Farringdon (central London) pub on Sunday 4 November where Michael Gray will be helping celebrate Blind Willie McTell and his repertoire with young bands performing McTell covers.
Gray will introduce a couple of the bands and give a few short readings from his book, Hand Me My Travelin’ Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie McTell (Bloomsbury, July 2007).
Event organiser Alastair Harper describes the bands like this:
* Congregation: Beautiful Carter Family via Zeppelin, two-souls-one-guitar-one-bass-drum-one-stunning-female-voice lineup
* Train Chronicles: Lightspeed Champion member and strange Dylan/Robert Crumb hybrid
* Extradition Order: Indie garage blues warriors
* Spinmaster Plantpot: Cockney, diminutive rapper
* Li'l Lost Lou: Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson offspring
* The Cedars: Americana blues conquerors
* David Cronenberg's Wife: twisted Fallish literary dorks . . .
Details: Sunday November 4, 3pm. Hand Me My Travelin’ Shoes: An Afternoon Of Offbeat Willie McTell Music & Readings. The Betsy Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3BL. 0207 253 4285. Admission on the door: £6, or £5 with the flyer.
Gerry Smith
Gray will introduce a couple of the bands and give a few short readings from his book, Hand Me My Travelin’ Shoes: In Search of Blind Willie McTell (Bloomsbury, July 2007).
Event organiser Alastair Harper describes the bands like this:
* Congregation: Beautiful Carter Family via Zeppelin, two-souls-one-guitar-one-bass-drum-one-stunning-female-voice lineup
* Train Chronicles: Lightspeed Champion member and strange Dylan/Robert Crumb hybrid
* Extradition Order: Indie garage blues warriors
* Spinmaster Plantpot: Cockney, diminutive rapper
* Li'l Lost Lou: Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson offspring
* The Cedars: Americana blues conquerors
* David Cronenberg's Wife: twisted Fallish literary dorks . . .
Details: Sunday November 4, 3pm. Hand Me My Travelin’ Shoes: An Afternoon Of Offbeat Willie McTell Music & Readings. The Betsy Trotwood, 56 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3BL. 0207 253 4285. Admission on the door: £6, or £5 with the flyer.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Joy Division celebrated
Not before time, the peerless legacy of the great Joy Division is being celebrated in England with impressive new record releases to piggyback on the acclaimed new Ian Curtis biopic movie, Control.
The Manc gloomsters’ three major record releases - Closer, Still and Unknown Pleasures – have been re-released as special editions with re-mastered sound and - here’s the important bit – a (different) formerly unreleased live performance packaged as a second CD with each album.
Yummy. Must buy!
Gerry Smith
The Manc gloomsters’ three major record releases - Closer, Still and Unknown Pleasures – have been re-released as special editions with re-mastered sound and - here’s the important bit – a (different) formerly unreleased live performance packaged as a second CD with each album.
Yummy. Must buy!
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Another BBC Bobfest this weekend
To promote its broadcast of No Direction Home in September 2005 the BBC stuck a wonderful Jerry Schatzberg portrait of Dylan on the cover of its weekly listings mag, Radio Times.
I was so shocked I bought a copy. Radio Times is a big circulation mag (over 1m copies sold every week). It focuses on mainstream middlebrow entertainment. Putting Dylan on the cover was a brave move.
And, blow me, they’ve done it again with the new issue, to promote a second BBC Bobfest this weekend.
That’s two Dylan covers in two years! It illustrates how Bobby now occupies centre stage in UK popular culture.
Thanks to Martin Cowan for supplying the Bobfest detail:
“Dylan is this week's somewhat unlikely cover star of venerable TV listings mag "Radio Times". The reason for this is a TV and radio Bob-fest of epic proportions.
* Sunday 14 October is a date for the diaries of all Dylan fans, as BBC Four kicks off with "Arena: Dylan's folk - the pure, the bad and the holy" which is a look at the Newport Festival at 9pm.
* As mentioned previously on Dylan Daily, next up at 9.40 is "The Other Side of the Mirror - Dylan at the Newport Festival" - a chance to get this for free prior to its DVD release.
* This is followed at 11.00pm by "Arena - Dylan in the madhouse", a look at Dylan's appearance in the TV drama Madhouse on Castle Street, a show that was regrettably wiped by the BBC back in the 1960s.
* Finally at 12.10, is a showing of "Festival", the music documentary filmed at the Newport Folk Festival between 1963 and 1966.
* Also, Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour kicks off again on BBC 6 Music on Friday 19 October at 9pm, with a taster running on Radio 2 on Saturday 13 October at 8pm.
Dylan fans may also be interested in the Culture Show on Saturday 13 October on BBC2 at 7.10, which features an interview with Neil Young.”
I was so shocked I bought a copy. Radio Times is a big circulation mag (over 1m copies sold every week). It focuses on mainstream middlebrow entertainment. Putting Dylan on the cover was a brave move.
And, blow me, they’ve done it again with the new issue, to promote a second BBC Bobfest this weekend.
That’s two Dylan covers in two years! It illustrates how Bobby now occupies centre stage in UK popular culture.
Thanks to Martin Cowan for supplying the Bobfest detail:
“Dylan is this week's somewhat unlikely cover star of venerable TV listings mag "Radio Times". The reason for this is a TV and radio Bob-fest of epic proportions.
* Sunday 14 October is a date for the diaries of all Dylan fans, as BBC Four kicks off with "Arena: Dylan's folk - the pure, the bad and the holy" which is a look at the Newport Festival at 9pm.
* As mentioned previously on Dylan Daily, next up at 9.40 is "The Other Side of the Mirror - Dylan at the Newport Festival" - a chance to get this for free prior to its DVD release.
* This is followed at 11.00pm by "Arena - Dylan in the madhouse", a look at Dylan's appearance in the TV drama Madhouse on Castle Street, a show that was regrettably wiped by the BBC back in the 1960s.
* Finally at 12.10, is a showing of "Festival", the music documentary filmed at the Newport Folk Festival between 1963 and 1966.
* Also, Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour kicks off again on BBC 6 Music on Friday 19 October at 9pm, with a taster running on Radio 2 on Saturday 13 October at 8pm.
Dylan fans may also be interested in the Culture Show on Saturday 13 October on BBC2 at 7.10, which features an interview with Neil Young.”
Monday, October 08, 2007
Columbia Legacy on a roll – new Sinatra and Billie Holiday boxes
The Columbia vaults must be the most valuable repository of popular music for grown-ups. The almost indecent riches, recently demonstrated by massive historic Dylan and Miles Davis releases, are again on show with new releases of gems by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.
While the Sinatra material on Columbia isn’t as strong as his later recordings on Capitol and Reprise, it’s still top quality. Columbia’s Holiday recordings are the cream of the crop.
Here’s the official Sony PR:
* Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time
“Frank Sinatra set the standard by which pop vocalists are still judged today. Sinatra single-handedly brought the Big Band vocalist from the back row to center stage and became the very first teenage heartthrob in the process. Between 1939 and 1952, Frank Sinatra had well over 100 Top 30 hits including an astounding body of work he created with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey.
“The Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time 4-CD collection celebrates his legacy with selections from his seminal big band years, Number One Hits and familiar songs that made him America's first true music icon. Among the greatest hits are selections of rare radio transcription recordings and some of his studio work from Victor and Columbia which has all been restored and remastered for the best possible sound.
* Billie Holiday - Master Takes and Singles
“The recordings Billie Holiday made between 1933 and 1944 for Columbia and its associated labels represent not only her finest work, but American jazz and pop singing at its zenith.
“Backed by legends in their own right, Teddy Wilson (piano), Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Benny Goodman (clarinet) and others, this collection highlights the passionate singing of the great Lady Day. This new 4 CD set, taken from the Grammy-winning box set LADY DAY: THE COMPLETE BILLIE HOLIDAY ON COLUMBIA (1933-1944), includes 80 tracks representing the golden years of Holiday's career. Billie Holiday will forever be the enduring Voice of Jazz.”
Gerry Smith
While the Sinatra material on Columbia isn’t as strong as his later recordings on Capitol and Reprise, it’s still top quality. Columbia’s Holiday recordings are the cream of the crop.
Here’s the official Sony PR:
* Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time
“Frank Sinatra set the standard by which pop vocalists are still judged today. Sinatra single-handedly brought the Big Band vocalist from the back row to center stage and became the very first teenage heartthrob in the process. Between 1939 and 1952, Frank Sinatra had well over 100 Top 30 hits including an astounding body of work he created with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey.
“The Frank Sinatra - A Voice In Time 4-CD collection celebrates his legacy with selections from his seminal big band years, Number One Hits and familiar songs that made him America's first true music icon. Among the greatest hits are selections of rare radio transcription recordings and some of his studio work from Victor and Columbia which has all been restored and remastered for the best possible sound.
* Billie Holiday - Master Takes and Singles
“The recordings Billie Holiday made between 1933 and 1944 for Columbia and its associated labels represent not only her finest work, but American jazz and pop singing at its zenith.
“Backed by legends in their own right, Teddy Wilson (piano), Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Benny Goodman (clarinet) and others, this collection highlights the passionate singing of the great Lady Day. This new 4 CD set, taken from the Grammy-winning box set LADY DAY: THE COMPLETE BILLIE HOLIDAY ON COLUMBIA (1933-1944), includes 80 tracks representing the golden years of Holiday's career. Billie Holiday will forever be the enduring Voice of Jazz.”
Gerry Smith
Thursday, October 04, 2007
More on Mick Jagger - must-listen musician for grown-ups
Yesterday’s praise for The Very Best Of Mick Jagger, the new compilation CD/DVD, prompted requests for more – about the new album and the solo work on which it’s based.
The Very Best Of Mick Jagger is a 17-track CD, plus a 10-track DVD. The audio CD fillets the four Jagger studio albums – two tracks from She's the Boss (1985), one from Primitive Cool (1987), four from Wandering Spirit (1993), and three from the most recent, Goddess In The Doorway (2002). It also has a song each from the film soundtracks of Performance and the Alfie remake. Two duets – the hit singles recorded with Davis Bowie and Peter Tosh – and three unreleased tracks complete a well-rounded collection.
The DVD has a generous 35 minute interview with the main man, as well as nine delicious songs on film. The detailed, revelatory liner notes are a bonus.
So the new release is a firm favourite in this parish, successfully places Jagger near the top of the poprock heap.
What about the original albums? She's the Boss, Primitive Cool, Wandering Spirit, and Goddess In The Doorway all merit the serious attention of those who realised long ago that the Jagger-led Stones are rather more than mere entertainers.
Media reaction to Jagger releases usually includes a fair bit of critical smirking: the Jagger-baiting press delights in reporting disappointing sales. Some of the criticisms are valid: Jagger's subject matter can be iffy; his solo writing can veer between razor sharp and embarrassing; and the albums' production values occasionally strain credibility.
And yet... and yet... there's some fine music in these CDs. Much of it puts me in mind of Goats Head Soup, and the best of the later (post-Black and Blue) Stones.
Mick Jagger's solo albums position him as a must-listen musician for grown-ups.
Tracklists:
She's The Boss:
1. Lonely at the Top (Jagger/Richards) - 3:45
2. Half A Loaf (Jagger) - 4:58
3. Running Out of Luck (Jagger) - 4:15
4. Turn the Girl Loose (Jagger) - 3:52
5. Hard Woman (Jagger) - 4:23
6. Just Another Night (Jagger- 5:13
7. Lucky in Love (Alomar/Jagger) - 6:13
8. Secrets (Jagger) - 5:01
9. She's the Boss (Alomar/Jagger) - 5:14
Uses contributions from Herbie Hancock, Pete Townshend, and Jeff Beck.
Primitive Cool:
1. Throwaway (Jagger) - 5:03
2. Let's Work (Jagger/Stewart) - 4:50
3. Radio Control (Jagger) - 3:56
4. Say You Will (Jagger/Stewart) - 5:07
5. Primitive Cool (Jagger) - 5:50
6. Kow Tow (Jagger/Stewart) - 4:54
7. Shoot off Your Mouth (Jagger) - 3:34
8. Peace for the Wicked (Jagger) - 4:03
9. Party Doll (Jagger) - 5:19
10.War Baby (Jagger) - 6:39
Produced by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). Unfairly slammed: my favourite.
Wandering Spirit:
1. Wired All Night (Jagger) - 4:05
2. Sweet Thing (Jagger) - 4:34
3. Out of Focus (Jagger) - 4:31
4. Don't Tear Me Up (Jagger) - 4:10
5. Put Me in the Trash (Jagger/Rip) - 3:34
6. Use Me (Withers) - 4:25
7. Evening Gown (Jagger) - 3:34
8. Mother of a Man (Jagger) - 4:17
9. Think (Pauling) - 2:58
10.Wandering Spirit (Jagger/Rip) - 4:16
11.Hang on to Me Tonight (Jagger) - 4:34
12.I've Been Lonely for So Long (Knight/Weaver) - 3:26
13.Angel in My Heart (Jagger) - 3:21
14.Handsome Molly - 2:03
Generally regarded as Jagger's best solo album. Good choice of producer (Rick Rubin). Includes the delicious tenor sax of Courtney Pine.
Goddess in the Doorway:
1. Visions of Paradise (Clifford/Jagger/Thomas) - 4:01;
2. Joy (Jagger) - 4:40;
3. Dancing in the Starlight (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:06;
4. God Gave Me Everything (Jagger/Kravitz) - 3:34;
5. Hide Away (Jagger) - 4:33;
6. Don't Call Me Up (Jagger) - 5:14;
7. Goddess in the Doorway (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:56;
8. Lucky Day (Jagger) - 4:51;
9. Everybody Getting High (Jagger) - 3:56;
10. Gun (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:41;
11. Too Far Gone (Jagger)- 4:35 ;
12. Brand New Set of Rules (Jagger) - 7:39
A mixed album; some found it disappointing. Has some strong tracks.
Gerry Smith
The Very Best Of Mick Jagger is a 17-track CD, plus a 10-track DVD. The audio CD fillets the four Jagger studio albums – two tracks from She's the Boss (1985), one from Primitive Cool (1987), four from Wandering Spirit (1993), and three from the most recent, Goddess In The Doorway (2002). It also has a song each from the film soundtracks of Performance and the Alfie remake. Two duets – the hit singles recorded with Davis Bowie and Peter Tosh – and three unreleased tracks complete a well-rounded collection.
The DVD has a generous 35 minute interview with the main man, as well as nine delicious songs on film. The detailed, revelatory liner notes are a bonus.
So the new release is a firm favourite in this parish, successfully places Jagger near the top of the poprock heap.
What about the original albums? She's the Boss, Primitive Cool, Wandering Spirit, and Goddess In The Doorway all merit the serious attention of those who realised long ago that the Jagger-led Stones are rather more than mere entertainers.
Media reaction to Jagger releases usually includes a fair bit of critical smirking: the Jagger-baiting press delights in reporting disappointing sales. Some of the criticisms are valid: Jagger's subject matter can be iffy; his solo writing can veer between razor sharp and embarrassing; and the albums' production values occasionally strain credibility.
And yet... and yet... there's some fine music in these CDs. Much of it puts me in mind of Goats Head Soup, and the best of the later (post-Black and Blue) Stones.
Mick Jagger's solo albums position him as a must-listen musician for grown-ups.
Tracklists:
She's The Boss:
1. Lonely at the Top (Jagger/Richards) - 3:45
2. Half A Loaf (Jagger) - 4:58
3. Running Out of Luck (Jagger) - 4:15
4. Turn the Girl Loose (Jagger) - 3:52
5. Hard Woman (Jagger) - 4:23
6. Just Another Night (Jagger- 5:13
7. Lucky in Love (Alomar/Jagger) - 6:13
8. Secrets (Jagger) - 5:01
9. She's the Boss (Alomar/Jagger) - 5:14
Uses contributions from Herbie Hancock, Pete Townshend, and Jeff Beck.
Primitive Cool:
1. Throwaway (Jagger) - 5:03
2. Let's Work (Jagger/Stewart) - 4:50
3. Radio Control (Jagger) - 3:56
4. Say You Will (Jagger/Stewart) - 5:07
5. Primitive Cool (Jagger) - 5:50
6. Kow Tow (Jagger/Stewart) - 4:54
7. Shoot off Your Mouth (Jagger) - 3:34
8. Peace for the Wicked (Jagger) - 4:03
9. Party Doll (Jagger) - 5:19
10.War Baby (Jagger) - 6:39
Produced by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). Unfairly slammed: my favourite.
Wandering Spirit:
1. Wired All Night (Jagger) - 4:05
2. Sweet Thing (Jagger) - 4:34
3. Out of Focus (Jagger) - 4:31
4. Don't Tear Me Up (Jagger) - 4:10
5. Put Me in the Trash (Jagger/Rip) - 3:34
6. Use Me (Withers) - 4:25
7. Evening Gown (Jagger) - 3:34
8. Mother of a Man (Jagger) - 4:17
9. Think (Pauling) - 2:58
10.Wandering Spirit (Jagger/Rip) - 4:16
11.Hang on to Me Tonight (Jagger) - 4:34
12.I've Been Lonely for So Long (Knight/Weaver) - 3:26
13.Angel in My Heart (Jagger) - 3:21
14.Handsome Molly - 2:03
Generally regarded as Jagger's best solo album. Good choice of producer (Rick Rubin). Includes the delicious tenor sax of Courtney Pine.
Goddess in the Doorway:
1. Visions of Paradise (Clifford/Jagger/Thomas) - 4:01;
2. Joy (Jagger) - 4:40;
3. Dancing in the Starlight (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:06;
4. God Gave Me Everything (Jagger/Kravitz) - 3:34;
5. Hide Away (Jagger) - 4:33;
6. Don't Call Me Up (Jagger) - 5:14;
7. Goddess in the Doorway (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:56;
8. Lucky Day (Jagger) - 4:51;
9. Everybody Getting High (Jagger) - 3:56;
10. Gun (Clifford/Jagger) - 4:41;
11. Too Far Gone (Jagger)- 4:35 ;
12. Brand New Set of Rules (Jagger) - 7:39
A mixed album; some found it disappointing. Has some strong tracks.
Gerry Smith
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
New Mick Jagger compilation – fine collection from an under-rated solo artist
Mick Jagger’s new compilation album, The Very Best Of Mick Jagger, released on Monday, is virtually invisible on the English High Street. Several supermarkets I shop in simply don’t have it.
Great pity because it’s a fine album. I bought mine on Monday (Morrison’s, £9.77), in preference to the new Dylan, new Springsteen and new Joni the Eco-Warrior albums. Apart its delicious assembly of strong tracks from Jagger's four solo albums, the bonus DVD and liner notes make it a contender for Music for Grown-Ups album of the year.
I used to go along with the conventional wisdom that Mick Jagger's solo outings are less than vital. Until, that is, I heard Michael's version of Long Black Veil, the traditional song which dominates the Chieftains' outstanding duets album of the same name.
Some Stones fans even argue that Keith Richards' solo albums, notably Talk Is Cheap, are superior. Ludicrous, rockist tosh: I find Keefe's solo outings squirm-inducing.
Jagger is under-appreciated as a musician because all the other stuff - the women, the celebrity, the show biz - gets in the way, obscuring an outstanding vocal talent. But listen carefully, with an open mind, to his solo material - the four official albums, the film sound tracks (Performance, Alfie), and the guest appearances (Peter Tosh, David Bowie, Tina Turner...) - and Jagger can be seen as a nonpareil contemporary musician: a rock singer from the top drawer, especially on ballads. And an intermittently good writer, even without the other Glimmer Twin.
Gerry Smith
Great pity because it’s a fine album. I bought mine on Monday (Morrison’s, £9.77), in preference to the new Dylan, new Springsteen and new Joni the Eco-Warrior albums. Apart its delicious assembly of strong tracks from Jagger's four solo albums, the bonus DVD and liner notes make it a contender for Music for Grown-Ups album of the year.
I used to go along with the conventional wisdom that Mick Jagger's solo outings are less than vital. Until, that is, I heard Michael's version of Long Black Veil, the traditional song which dominates the Chieftains' outstanding duets album of the same name.
Some Stones fans even argue that Keith Richards' solo albums, notably Talk Is Cheap, are superior. Ludicrous, rockist tosh: I find Keefe's solo outings squirm-inducing.
Jagger is under-appreciated as a musician because all the other stuff - the women, the celebrity, the show biz - gets in the way, obscuring an outstanding vocal talent. But listen carefully, with an open mind, to his solo material - the four official albums, the film sound tracks (Performance, Alfie), and the guest appearances (Peter Tosh, David Bowie, Tina Turner...) - and Jagger can be seen as a nonpareil contemporary musician: a rock singer from the top drawer, especially on ballads. And an intermittently good writer, even without the other Glimmer Twin.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
For You, new Springsteen book - a must-have for hardcore Bruce fans
For You, the new Springsteen book, is a must-have for hardcore Bruce fans. It’s published on 26 October in a limited edition of 2000 and can only be purchased online.
Here’s the press release from main man Lawrence Kirsch:
With over 400 photos and over 200 unusual tales from some of Bruce Springsteen's most dedicated fans - this is one book you won't want to miss.
'For You' - a collection of stories, tales and fan experiences from across the world, is currently on the presses and is scheduled for release on October 26, 2007.
Over two years in preparation, and containing hundreds of stories and anecdotes written by his legendary fans, as well as over 400 photographs, most of them never previously published. This is one not-to-be-missed book for the dedicated Springsteen fan.
Editor Lawrence Kirsch said: "Being a life-long Springsteen fan myself, I recognized there was a pent-up desire for fans to come together and share. Something magical happens at a Springsteen concert. Each concert is like a huge family reunion, even though in all reality you actually know very few of the people there. Complete strangers connect with an immediacy that is tangible."
"So, in 2005 I came up with the idea for this book and set up a web site called: Foryoubruce.com to confirm if my theory was correct. I asked fans to write in with their experiences, and I was simply amazed by the response. Over 1500 fans from across the globe submitted stories and anecdotes to the website. It was difficult to make the final selection."
Unfortunately, there was no way to include them all. All I can offer is that the tales that are there are representative of so many other stories we received. Fans will be able to identify and relate through the memories of others. I promise you there is something for everyone in this book."
Although Kirsch requested the stories be submitted in English, he did in fact receive a number of stories in a wide variety of the world's languages. So, to underscore the fact the music made by Bruce Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band, the Sessions Band - as well as the other musicians and performers with whom he has played, does indeed cross the language barrier, touching fans across the globe, Kirsch has scattered throughout the book some stories written in languages other than English. His personal recognition For You - the fanatical Springsteen fan, no matter what language you actually speak.
"I wanted everyone to feel included," said Kirsch, "so these non-English language stories serve as reminders that the Boss has a worldwide fan base and his music and the Bruce Springsteen concert experience transcend the boundaries of one specific language."
About the book
This 208 page, large format, 8.75" x 11.75"/222mm x 299mm full color, hard cover book is printed on EuroArt Silk 200m paper stock and contains over 400 photographs reproduced clean on the page, with as little cropping of the image as possible. The image reproduction achieved in this book is of the highest quality. The book is only available online for purchase.
www.Foryoubruce.com
Here’s the press release from main man Lawrence Kirsch:
With over 400 photos and over 200 unusual tales from some of Bruce Springsteen's most dedicated fans - this is one book you won't want to miss.
'For You' - a collection of stories, tales and fan experiences from across the world, is currently on the presses and is scheduled for release on October 26, 2007.
Over two years in preparation, and containing hundreds of stories and anecdotes written by his legendary fans, as well as over 400 photographs, most of them never previously published. This is one not-to-be-missed book for the dedicated Springsteen fan.
Editor Lawrence Kirsch said: "Being a life-long Springsteen fan myself, I recognized there was a pent-up desire for fans to come together and share. Something magical happens at a Springsteen concert. Each concert is like a huge family reunion, even though in all reality you actually know very few of the people there. Complete strangers connect with an immediacy that is tangible."
"So, in 2005 I came up with the idea for this book and set up a web site called: Foryoubruce.com to confirm if my theory was correct. I asked fans to write in with their experiences, and I was simply amazed by the response. Over 1500 fans from across the globe submitted stories and anecdotes to the website. It was difficult to make the final selection."
Unfortunately, there was no way to include them all. All I can offer is that the tales that are there are representative of so many other stories we received. Fans will be able to identify and relate through the memories of others. I promise you there is something for everyone in this book."
Although Kirsch requested the stories be submitted in English, he did in fact receive a number of stories in a wide variety of the world's languages. So, to underscore the fact the music made by Bruce Springsteen and the legendary E Street Band, the Sessions Band - as well as the other musicians and performers with whom he has played, does indeed cross the language barrier, touching fans across the globe, Kirsch has scattered throughout the book some stories written in languages other than English. His personal recognition For You - the fanatical Springsteen fan, no matter what language you actually speak.
"I wanted everyone to feel included," said Kirsch, "so these non-English language stories serve as reminders that the Boss has a worldwide fan base and his music and the Bruce Springsteen concert experience transcend the boundaries of one specific language."
About the book
This 208 page, large format, 8.75" x 11.75"/222mm x 299mm full color, hard cover book is printed on EuroArt Silk 200m paper stock and contains over 400 photographs reproduced clean on the page, with as little cropping of the image as possible. The image reproduction achieved in this book is of the highest quality. The book is only available online for purchase.
www.Foryoubruce.com
Monday, October 01, 2007
DYLAN – today’s massive new release – all you need to know in 5 seconds
Today sees the (UK) release of DYLAN, the new compilation album. If you’ve missed all the hype, here’s all you really need to know, in 5 seconds:
1. The breadth and depth of the collection demonstrates the greatness of Dylan the creative artist over 45 years.
2. The 3CD set is now the strongest compilation in all of popular music, replacing the previous Dylan comp, The Essential…
3. There are three versions:
– single CD (bundled with bonus disc, the new 2 track single) – why anyone would choose to buy this version escapes me. Expect to pay about £8
– three disc version (51 song tracklist below) – the one to buy for the music. About £12
– de luxe version – same three discs plus luxury packaging - £17-26 – the one for collectors who don’t mind shelling out up to £14 extra for a few pieces of cardboard.
4. Because there’s no music I don’t already have, I won’t be bothering with any of the versions. Neither will many Bobfans I know. The products are aimed at consumers who don’t have much Dylan music. I envy them their voyage of discovery.
5. The selection is, almost inevitably, idiosyncratic. There’s tons of epoch-defining music, but how, for example, can you possibly leave off a masterpiece like Visions Of Johanna?
Gerry Smith
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
DISC ONE
Song To Woody
Blowin' In The Wind
Masters Of War
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
The Times They Are A-Changin'
All I Really Want To Do
My Back Pages
It Ain't Me Babe
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Mr. Tambourine Man
Maggie's Farm
Like A Rolling Stone
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Positively 4th Street
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
Just Like A Woman
Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine
All Along The Watchtower
DISC TWO
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Lay, Lady, Lay
If Not For You
I Shall Be Released
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
On A Night Like This
Forever Young
Tangled Up In Blue
Simple Twist Of Fate
Hurricane
Changing Of The Guards
Gotta Serve Somebody
Precious Angel
The Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar
Jokerman
Dark Eyes
DISC THREE
Blind Willie McTell
Brownsville Girl
Silvio
Ring Them Bells
Dignity
Everything Is Broken
Under The Red Sky
You're Gonna Quit Me
Blood In My Eyes
Not Dark Yet
Things Have Changed
Make You Feel My Love
High Water (for Charley Patton)
Po' Boy
Someday Baby
When The Deal Goes Down
1. The breadth and depth of the collection demonstrates the greatness of Dylan the creative artist over 45 years.
2. The 3CD set is now the strongest compilation in all of popular music, replacing the previous Dylan comp, The Essential…
3. There are three versions:
– single CD (bundled with bonus disc, the new 2 track single) – why anyone would choose to buy this version escapes me. Expect to pay about £8
– three disc version (51 song tracklist below) – the one to buy for the music. About £12
– de luxe version – same three discs plus luxury packaging - £17-26 – the one for collectors who don’t mind shelling out up to £14 extra for a few pieces of cardboard.
4. Because there’s no music I don’t already have, I won’t be bothering with any of the versions. Neither will many Bobfans I know. The products are aimed at consumers who don’t have much Dylan music. I envy them their voyage of discovery.
5. The selection is, almost inevitably, idiosyncratic. There’s tons of epoch-defining music, but how, for example, can you possibly leave off a masterpiece like Visions Of Johanna?
Gerry Smith
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
DISC ONE
Song To Woody
Blowin' In The Wind
Masters Of War
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
The Times They Are A-Changin'
All I Really Want To Do
My Back Pages
It Ain't Me Babe
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Mr. Tambourine Man
Maggie's Farm
Like A Rolling Stone
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Positively 4th Street
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
Just Like A Woman
Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine
All Along The Watchtower
DISC TWO
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Lay, Lady, Lay
If Not For You
I Shall Be Released
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
On A Night Like This
Forever Young
Tangled Up In Blue
Simple Twist Of Fate
Hurricane
Changing Of The Guards
Gotta Serve Somebody
Precious Angel
The Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar
Jokerman
Dark Eyes
DISC THREE
Blind Willie McTell
Brownsville Girl
Silvio
Ring Them Bells
Dignity
Everything Is Broken
Under The Red Sky
You're Gonna Quit Me
Blood In My Eyes
Not Dark Yet
Things Have Changed
Make You Feel My Love
High Water (for Charley Patton)
Po' Boy
Someday Baby
When The Deal Goes Down
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