The site has suffered from a succession of IT problems over the last few months; they’ve prevented me posting new content as frequently as I’d like.
In order to sort out the problems once and for all – and to take the opportunity to upgrade the site – we won’t be carrying any new material for a while. Please accept my apologies for not using any material you may send for the duration.
The site has a considerable following, so we intend to be up and running as soon as possible. Please keep checking back.
Thanks to all contributors and readers for your support over the years.
See you soon.
Gerry Smith, Editor
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Friday, November 13, 2009
Bob Dylan and Miles Davis: Sony’s big box sets compared
As far as Bob Dylan and Miles Davis, its major assets, are concerned, Sony does a creditable job managing the treasures locked away in its priceless vaults.
However much hardcore fans might moan about the slow drip-feed of the unreleased Dylan legacy, Columbia Legacy is to be commended on its Bootleg Series.
Columbia Legacy also manages its Miles Davis assets pretty astutely, though some Miles aficionados whinge that Sony has released too much inconsequential blathering by the Prince Of Darkness!
But the imminent release of the Complete Miles Davis Columbia Album Collection will leave Bobfans drawing unfavourable comparisons with the Zim equivalent, 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series.
The two reissue projects are similar in key respects – all the albums in both collections have remarkable upgraded sound and both boxes reintroduce the original album artwork, in seductive digipak format.
But, in other ways, the new Miles box is more compelling:
* it pulls together all of the label’s Miles albums – Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series was selective, with only 15 titles, against the Miles box’s whopping 52, many of them double albums!
* many of the Miles albums carry worthwhile bonus tracks – the Dylan reissues eschewed any.
* even if you already own most of the original recordings, the incentives to buy the Miles box are persuasive – a newly released live DVD, a couple of previously unreleased CDs-worth of music, a substantial 250 page book by two leading Miles experts, and striking packaging.
* value: the “street” launch prices of the two boxes are similar, but the Miles box gives you far more bang for your buck.
Bottom line: I already had virtually all releases by both musicians. I passed on the Dylan box; I’ve ordered the Miles box.
Gerry Smith
However much hardcore fans might moan about the slow drip-feed of the unreleased Dylan legacy, Columbia Legacy is to be commended on its Bootleg Series.
Columbia Legacy also manages its Miles Davis assets pretty astutely, though some Miles aficionados whinge that Sony has released too much inconsequential blathering by the Prince Of Darkness!
But the imminent release of the Complete Miles Davis Columbia Album Collection will leave Bobfans drawing unfavourable comparisons with the Zim equivalent, 2003’s Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series.
The two reissue projects are similar in key respects – all the albums in both collections have remarkable upgraded sound and both boxes reintroduce the original album artwork, in seductive digipak format.
But, in other ways, the new Miles box is more compelling:
* it pulls together all of the label’s Miles albums – Bob Dylan Revisited: The Reissues Series was selective, with only 15 titles, against the Miles box’s whopping 52, many of them double albums!
* many of the Miles albums carry worthwhile bonus tracks – the Dylan reissues eschewed any.
* even if you already own most of the original recordings, the incentives to buy the Miles box are persuasive – a newly released live DVD, a couple of previously unreleased CDs-worth of music, a substantial 250 page book by two leading Miles experts, and striking packaging.
* value: the “street” launch prices of the two boxes are similar, but the Miles box gives you far more bang for your buck.
Bottom line: I already had virtually all releases by both musicians. I passed on the Dylan box; I’ve ordered the Miles box.
Gerry Smith
Thursday, November 05, 2009
More on: New Age rock: But Is This Music for Grown-Ups? #1
Thanks to Phil Swann:
“You ask: But is this music for grown-ups?
“I’d say – not a chance.
“An essential ingredient of music for grown-ups is that it’s original. This kind of stuff is just so derivative. How can people listen to this when they can spend the same time listening to the original music?”
“You ask: But is this music for grown-ups?
“I’d say – not a chance.
“An essential ingredient of music for grown-ups is that it’s original. This kind of stuff is just so derivative. How can people listen to this when they can spend the same time listening to the original music?”
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
New Age rock: But Is This Music for Grown-Ups? #1
The record label have sent me details of a new album “which transforms popular rock bands like Bob Dylan, The Beatles and U2 into relaxing meditation music.”
But is this music for grown-ups?
Gerry Smith
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Information and song samples:
www.modernmeditations.com
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:
Slated for release November 17, the ³Modern Meditations² series¹ ³Rock Classics² and ³Modern Classics² 12-track collections feature meditative renditions of some of rock music¹s best-known
and most beloved songs. Also available on November 17 is an album dedicated to the songs of The Beatles. Aimed at introducing a brand new, modern rock perspective on ³new age² music fare, the ³Modern Meditations² series will be available for purchase at all traditional music retail outlets and online services, as well as distributed to many high-end lifestyle retailers.
Featuring the work of renowned producers from across the globe, ³Modern Meditations² has transformed contemporary rock favorites into meditation music for the rock & roll generation. Shimmering rock guitars and warm percussion create lush instrumental soundscapes. While yoga, Pilates, and meditation have all entered the mainstream, the music has not. The ³Modern Meditations² series aims to introduce an alternative to traditional new age fare to the growing modern rock audience.
The first of two compilation releases, ³Rock Classics,² features serene instrumental versions of songs from classic rock¹s most revered artists including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Led Zeppelin and many others. ³Modern Classics² dives into the contemporary rock catalog with tranquil renditions of songs by The Verve, U2, The Cure, Oasis, R.E.M., Nirvana and more.
But is this music for grown-ups?
Gerry Smith
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Information and song samples:
www.modernmeditations.com
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:
Slated for release November 17, the ³Modern Meditations² series¹ ³Rock Classics² and ³Modern Classics² 12-track collections feature meditative renditions of some of rock music¹s best-known
and most beloved songs. Also available on November 17 is an album dedicated to the songs of The Beatles. Aimed at introducing a brand new, modern rock perspective on ³new age² music fare, the ³Modern Meditations² series will be available for purchase at all traditional music retail outlets and online services, as well as distributed to many high-end lifestyle retailers.
Featuring the work of renowned producers from across the globe, ³Modern Meditations² has transformed contemporary rock favorites into meditation music for the rock & roll generation. Shimmering rock guitars and warm percussion create lush instrumental soundscapes. While yoga, Pilates, and meditation have all entered the mainstream, the music has not. The ³Modern Meditations² series aims to introduce an alternative to traditional new age fare to the growing modern rock audience.
The first of two compilation releases, ³Rock Classics,² features serene instrumental versions of songs from classic rock¹s most revered artists including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Led Zeppelin and many others. ³Modern Classics² dives into the contemporary rock catalog with tranquil renditions of songs by The Verve, U2, The Cure, Oasis, R.E.M., Nirvana and more.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Radiohead @ Reading 2009: spellbinding
I’ve been re-watching a video of Radiohead’s recent Reading gig. Their performance was spellbinding.
Radiohead @ Reading 2009 had it all: an inspired festival set-list from across the seven-album catalogue (below)… impressive stylistic range… virtuosic musicianship…
Not to mention Thom Yorke, who reached a special place, playing, er, Thom Yorke to perfection. And a stage set which enriched the music, emphasising its sheer ambition.
Set-list:
Creep
The National Anthem
15 Step
There There
Karma Police
Arpeggi
Just
Give
Jigsaw
Paranoid Android
Everything In Its Right Place
Those of us who are resolutely anti-outdoor gigs (and festival-averse) were well served by Britain’s Ministry Of State Culture, aka the BBC, bringing Reading into our homes.
And while I’m hardly in the target demographic for BBC3, the digital TV channel targeting acne-ravaged bed-wetters, this superlative concert illustrated a core Music For Grown-Ups belief: great art knows no boundaries.
Gerry Smith
Radiohead @ Reading 2009 had it all: an inspired festival set-list from across the seven-album catalogue (below)… impressive stylistic range… virtuosic musicianship…
Not to mention Thom Yorke, who reached a special place, playing, er, Thom Yorke to perfection. And a stage set which enriched the music, emphasising its sheer ambition.
Set-list:
Creep
The National Anthem
15 Step
There There
Karma Police
Arpeggi
Just
Give
Jigsaw
Paranoid Android
Everything In Its Right Place
Those of us who are resolutely anti-outdoor gigs (and festival-averse) were well served by Britain’s Ministry Of State Culture, aka the BBC, bringing Reading into our homes.
And while I’m hardly in the target demographic for BBC3, the digital TV channel targeting acne-ravaged bed-wetters, this superlative concert illustrated a core Music For Grown-Ups belief: great art knows no boundaries.
Gerry Smith
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dylan Different: jazz singer Ben Sidran covers Dylan
I’m not over-fond of Dylan cover albums, but when a favourite singer – Bryan Ferry, most recently – interprets Bobsongs, I usually buy and enjoy.
So I’m looking forward to Dylan Different, an album of covers by jazz singer/pianist Ben Sidran.
Sidran crossed my radar with his contribution on the grossly under-rated Van Morrison album, Tell Me Something (1996), a collection of Mose Allison covers which also featured Georgie Fame and Mose himself.
I searched out Sidran and saw him play a tiny London gig. He was outstanding – laconic, droll and a beautifully lyrical musician. Very similar to Mose Allison, in fact. Watching him perform at close quarters for a couple of hours a was sheer delight.
Ben Sidran’s Dylan Different, due 16 November, is a must-buy in these parts.
Tracklist:
Everything Is Broken
Highway 61 Revisited
Tangled Up In Blue
Gotta Serve Somebody
Rainy Day Woman
Ballad of a Thin Man
Maggie's Farm
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Subterranean Homesick Blues
On The Road Again
All I Really Want To Do
Blowin' in the Wind
www.bensidran.com
Gerry Smith
So I’m looking forward to Dylan Different, an album of covers by jazz singer/pianist Ben Sidran.
Sidran crossed my radar with his contribution on the grossly under-rated Van Morrison album, Tell Me Something (1996), a collection of Mose Allison covers which also featured Georgie Fame and Mose himself.
I searched out Sidran and saw him play a tiny London gig. He was outstanding – laconic, droll and a beautifully lyrical musician. Very similar to Mose Allison, in fact. Watching him perform at close quarters for a couple of hours a was sheer delight.
Ben Sidran’s Dylan Different, due 16 November, is a must-buy in these parts.
Tracklist:
Everything Is Broken
Highway 61 Revisited
Tangled Up In Blue
Gotta Serve Somebody
Rainy Day Woman
Ballad of a Thin Man
Maggie's Farm
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Subterranean Homesick Blues
On The Road Again
All I Really Want To Do
Blowin' in the Wind
www.bensidran.com
Gerry Smith
Friday, October 23, 2009
Krautrock for beginners
After last week’s Synth Britannia, a minute, unnecessary examination of the generally lightweight genre of late ‘70s/early ‘80s Anglo electronic pop, BBC4 atones tonight with Krautrock, a new doc exploring the legacy of rather more substantial musicians like the great Can, as well as Neu!, the Tans and Kraftwerk.
And it’s followed by a rare transmission of the legendary Kraftwerk gig, Minimum/Maximum.
They’re showing twice tonight, and repeated over the weekend.
You can also see them online for 7 days after broadcast:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Highly recommended - unlike the vapid English pop pap of last week’s programme, this is quintessential electronica for grown-ups.
Gerry Smith
And it’s followed by a rare transmission of the legendary Kraftwerk gig, Minimum/Maximum.
They’re showing twice tonight, and repeated over the weekend.
You can also see them online for 7 days after broadcast:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Highly recommended - unlike the vapid English pop pap of last week’s programme, this is quintessential electronica for grown-ups.
Gerry Smith
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