What Are You Listening To? July 2021

[Ojai Sam]

Junko Onishi - Glamorous Life (2017)



Where's @lpfreak1170 now that we need him?

They call her jazz piano style "hard bop", but that's way too simplistic. Junko wanders far and wide over the musical landscape with intelligence, verve and creativity. A big surprise is her note-filled cover of "Tiger Rag" which out-Tatums old Art himself. The other two members of her trio, bassist Yoskue Inouye and drummer Shinnosuke Takahashi, provide intuitive if occasionally unobtrusive support.

on the Sam-O-Meter.

 

[Nickyboy]

Various Artistes - Les Chansons De Cette Année-Là....1934 (comp 1994)

Why do you keep taunting me?!

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Azymuth - Azimuth (1975)

 

[axolotl]

^ Yeah, I miss Azimuth too.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Fuckin Whatever - s/t (2021)



This choice of artist name has nothing to do with the last post.

 

[Ojai Sam]

Bruce Springsteen - The Agora, Cleveland 1978 (BS Archives 2014)

Zeeba has schooled us on Bruce's archival releases. This was the second one and it's a keeper. It brings us two full sets plus encores from the famed Agora Ballroom. The Boss and the E Streeters are in fine form, with the smaller venue lending an intimacy that would recede as he transitioned to larger venues. Well worth $4.50, or even $5.50.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

^
Probably one of The Boss' most acclaimed concerts

 

[Nickyboy]

^ Yeah, I miss Azimuth too.

His phone number has changed.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Radiohead - OK Computer (1997)

Though I'm not a tremendous Radiohead fan, I've oddly listened to all their albums, many several times (they tend to come up in those pesky listening series I keep doing). I can see the quality in their music but often their sound just doesn't grab me. That being said, I keep coming back to OK Computer which, granted many rank as their best, but feel a greatness that in my mind transcends most of their other work (again for me).

As I often do I wonder where this album would fit on an all time album list for me - many critics would put it in their top 10 - RYM still has it as #1.
For me it's probably in the 10-15 level - I'm not putting it ahead of Nevermind, Exile on Main Street, Ziggy Stardust, London Calling, or like 3 Beatles albums - though Radiohead fans would find this highly insulting, I actually think the fact the album gets that high on a personal list (knowing my musical bent) says something about the album's overall appeal.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

The Flying Luttenbachers - Negative Infinity (2021)



If Zappa made heavier music.

 

[axolotl]

Radiohead - OK Computer (1997)

Though I'm not a tremendous Radiohead fan, I've oddly listened to all their albums, many several times (they tend to come up in those pesky listening series I keep doing). I can see the quality in their music but often their sound just doesn't grab me. That being said, I keep coming back to OK Computer which, granted many rank as their best, but feel a greatness that in my mind transcends most of their other work (again for me).

As I often do I wonder where this album would fit on an all time album list for me - many critics would put it in their top 10 - RYM still has it as #1.
For me it's probably in the 10-15 level - I'm not putting it ahead of Nevermind, Exile on Main Street, Ziggy Stardust, London Calling, or like 3 Beatles albums - though Radiohead fans would find this highly insulting, I actually think the fact the album gets that high on a personal list (knowing my musical bent) says something about the album's overall appeal.

View attachment 6211

I don't disagree with anything you stated.

Still, be careful with your criticism.

P. S. After all, this is what you get when you mess with us.

P. P. S. [Sorry] For a moment there, I lost myself.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde (1966)

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Never Mind the Bollocks - Here's the Sex Pistols (1977)

 

[Unsomnambulist]

John Cale - Honi Soit (1981)



This has the typical, thin 80s production, which I don't like. The music is good and is something I would've searched for on my own, anyway. Parts of it still sound very modern, not surprising for a member of the Velvet Underground, maybe the horns sound out of date for rock music. A very worthwhile album to listen to and now a permanent part of my library.

Thanks, @Nickyboy.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

I don't disagree with anything you stated.

Still, be careful with your criticism.

P. S. After all, this is what you get when you mess with us.

P. P. S. [Sorry] For a moment there, I lost myself.

It's interesting you were able to understand his post. I just thought he was talking in maths and should've been arrested.

 

[axolotl]

It's interesting you were able to understand his post. I just thought he was talking in maths and should've been arrested.

No, that would be Dr. Fauci.

Reminder:

 

[Nickyboy]

John Cale - Honi Soit (1981)



This has the typical, thin 80s production, which I don't like. The music is good and is something I would've searched for on my own, anyway. Parts of it still sound very modern, not surprising for a member of the Velvet Underground, maybe the horns sound out of date for rock music. A very worthwhile album to listen to and now a permanent part of my library.

Thanks, @Nickyboy.

So, so glad you liked it. Still a favorite live show and meet-and-greet of mine.

 

[axolotl]

So, so glad you liked it. Still a favorite live show and meet-and-greet of mine.

I purchased a physical copy. I have yet to listen.

 

[Nickyboy]

I purchased a physical copy. I have yet to listen.

Make sure you have good cans over your ears when you do.
Going to go listen to it again now.
"Wilson Joliet" still brings me to tears every time. Maybe it's the minor key changes.

 

[axolotl]

Mum ~ The Szabotnik 15 Mission (2002)




Downtempo, Trip Hop

Not the Icelandic Mum (and - quite likely - not the Mum your mum told you about)

Amazon Review:

Spoiler

Mum's second album, THE SZABOTNIK 15 MISSION, starts with the South Asian downtempo of "Sugriva, Leader of Monkey" and shifts into semi-symphonic funk with "The Hallways Of Always." Blues, bongos and breaks make up the twangy and acidic "Boychild" contrasts with the relative emptiness of the jazzy "The Fishing" or the scat-and-horns of "Another Membrane." The musicianship here sounds more solid than on their first album, with more focus and more spirit (though "Mr. Crump" is a bit dull). Louise Vertigo brings her Gallic soul to the disco-tinged "L'Energie Irradiait," and "Last Western" ends the album on an upbeat, if unremarkable, note. Pleasant enough to help you through your day.