Something old....something new (#3)

"John Barleycorn Must Die" by Traffic (originally released 1970 -
remastered 2001)

   My house is burning and I can only save an armful of albums, this is among the first I'm scooping up. Traffic's finest moment started as a Steve Winwood solo project and morphed into a full blown Traffic album as Chris Wood (sax & flute) and Jim Capaldi (percussion) returned to the fold. Recorded in the English countryside, it is the perfect atmospheric storm of folk, rock and jazz with Winwood's soulfully keening voice atop the mix. The album begins with the piano driven instrumental "Glad" which leads directly into "Freedom Rider". Both tunes allow ample space for masterful sax and flute improvisation. "Empty Pages" features Winwood's incredible Hammond B3 organ and soul searing vocals. "Stranger to Himself" finds Winwood playing a scorching guitar. Is there anything this musical genius can't do? (answer - no). Next we hear a beautifully moving version of a traditional English folk song "John Barleycorn". The release ends with the epic "Every Mother's Son". Seven minutes of soaring guitar, organ and another stunning vocal  performance. These songs effortlessly flow together creating the all-to-rare release that demands to be listened to in it's entirety, and you will, again and again. A PERFECT ALBUM! The remaster's sound is excellent and includes two fine bonus tracks from the sessions which fit the mood of the release.

"Big Echo" by The Morning Benders (released 2010)

  My introduction to The Morning Benders was the fantastic opening track "Excuses"(a big reverb soaked tune with a string section and a dare-you-not-to-singalong chorus). I was hooked immediately but  couldn't believe they would sustain that high quality for a complete LP, happily I was wrong. This is a huge sounding record employing a gorgeous wall of sound throughout. Layers of percussion, guitars and harmony-laden vocals result in rich soundscapes and a rewarding listening experience. The album begins with the sound of a needle touching vinyl so be ready for echoes of the best 60s music in the arrangements and production (think Brian Wilson and Beatles). All this would mean nothing if the writing wasn't so strong. Each song has it's individual sonic charms and highlights. "Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)" is a quick burst of catchy pop. "Promises" swims in a psychedelic soup of guitars and harmonies. "All Day Daylight" begins with melodic verses that build to an anthemic chorus. This is The Morning Benders second release and you can call it chillwave, mellow or retro, but whatever the label it's a very enjoyable album that I have played often over the past year.

Something old....something new (#2)

"The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" by Joe Walsh (released 1973)

    Joe Walsh follows up his outstanding solo debut "Barnstorm" with this masterpiece. He is one of the finest rock guitarist of all time, a rare musician whose style is so distinctive that you can identify him within a few notes. His unmatched tone and fluid slide work are weaved masterfully into each song. Following the iconic chugging rocker "Rocky Mountain Way" are two ethereal songs heavy on keyboards and melody ("Book Ends" and "Wolf"). It's amazing how the synthesizers are used so organically on this album, never sounding out of place or dated, even today. It's a testament to Walsh's incredible writing and arranging skills that the guitar is not forced to carry every song, he chooses his spots and plays the most tasteful fills and leads imaginable. Side two begins with the scat/scream/"My Woman From Tokyo" riffage of "Meadows" and ends with a trio of mellow dreamscapes. My favorite being "Days Gone By" driven by Joe Vitale's flute you can feel that this track is building up to something and does it ever! The 45 second flute/guitar break is the transcendent highlight of an album full of such moments. This is a release made for headphones so close your eyes and enjoy the trip. The best part is knowing that when you awaken from the beautiful refrain of the closer "(Day Dream) Prayer" you can hit "repeat" and do it all again.

"Halcyon Digest" by Deerhunter (released 2010)

   Deerhunter produces some of the dreamiest pop music out there today. This is their finest and most accessible release yet due to the focus on sharper, tighter songs. Deerhunter is led by musical genius, Bradford Cox, whose voice has a unique crystalline quality transporting you deep into his dreamy pop world. "Earthquake" gets the album off to a promising start with it's slo-mo rhythm and shimmering guitar. Next, we get the narcoleptic haze of "Don't Cry" followed by the hook laden tracks "Revival" and "Memory Boy". Other highlights include the beautiful, quivery "Helicopter", the sax-infused "Coronado" and pop blast of "Fountain Stairs". "Desire Lines" is trademark Deerhunter beginning with a spacey melody and than riding an instrumental groove for the final four minutes of the song (trust me, you'll wish it was twice as long). The album ends with "He Would Have Laughed" a tribute to the late indie rocker, Jay Reatard. It's a heartfelt musical eulogy and a nice closer to a terrific record. This release was my favorite of 2010, it's beautiful arrangements and production reward repeated listens.

Something old....something new (#1)

I plan to review one golden oldie from my collection and one relatively new release that I really enjoyed each week. I welcome any ideas, comments or ideas for future topics.

"Exile on Main Street" by the Rolling Stones (originally released 1972 - remastered 2010)

   Arguably one of the greatest rock 'n' roll records of all time, but you'll get no argument from me. Not since the Sun Sessions have you heard rock 'n' roll's rise from the primordial ooze of blues, r&b, country and gospel like this! Erupting with "Rocks Off" ending with the magnificent "Soul Survivor" and through 16 tracks in between you are taken on a hair-raising ride through the history of America's musical roots. Mick Taylor's guitar playing is extraordinary (especially the slide work). Keith Richards rhythm guitar digs grooves deep enough to bury lesser talents. The horn section (brought out beautifully in the remaster) and gospel singers enhance every song they appear on. It's all pulled off in loose, seemingly effortless performances from a grungy, hot, dirty basement studio and is all the better for it. The manic "Rip This Joint" and "Turd on the Run", lowdown blues of "Shake Your Hips" and "Ventilator Blues", country honk of "Sweet Virginia" and "Torn & Frayed", pure rock 'n' roll of "Happy" and "All Down the Line" IT ALL WORKS! The second disc of the 2010 remaster includes 10 unreleased songs and alternate takes. The revamped single "Plunder My Soul" is a solid effort but my favorite is an alternate take of "Soul Survivor" that features Keith on lead vocals and crushing guitar interplay with Mick Taylor.

"Crazy For You" by Best Coast (released 2010)

   The debut album from the duo of Bethany Consentino and Robb Bruno is a soundtrack for your favorite day at the beach. In a perfect world these tunes would be blaring in unison from every boombox as you stroll down the boardwalk. The songs are bubbly Brill Building pop fronted by Consentino's commandingly beautiful voice. She croons enough "Whoa whoas" and "ooh oohs" to float away on while the heavily reverbed vocals and guitars add to the whole summer aura. Each song is a sun-soaked gem, sparkling brightly though briefly, like facets of the same diamond. "Boyfriend" and "Crazy for You" have received the most airplay but any song on the disc could be a hit single. "Honey" sounds like a great lost Raveonettes cut. My current favorite is "When the Sun Don't Shine" but that could change in a moment because this release is so solid. I know it's January and there's half a foot of snow outside but pass the sunblock.

Welcome Fellow Rockers!

This blog is dedicated to all the incredible Rock 'N' Roll artists who make life so much richer for us through their music. Whatever the world throws at you (and it can be cruel) no matter how beat up, beat down, used, abused, overworked, underpaid or exhausted (physically, emotionally and mentally) you are, there is a tune for what ails you. It's just a button away (radio, CD player, iPod, Turntable, Keyboard). There is more great music out there today than ever, you just have to dig a little harder and a little deeper through the crap that we are told is popular to get to the real deal. There is a never ending avalanche of sonic gold out there and it sure is fun mining it! A new song from an old favorite? Always cool! A new group you've never heard before? Even better, there's a whole new body of work for you to explore! Find the sounds that touch your soul and let the healing begin... because sometimes that's all you need.