About a month ago I went to see Sting and Annie Lennox in concert. Sting was pretty good, but Annie Lennox was excellent. Based on the performance of both artists, I thought Annie Lennox should have been the headlining act.
Tag Archives: Music Reviews
The Delays
It’s funny how certain music can really fit the moment you are in. I had one of those experiences the other day, listening to a CD that was recommended to me by one of my favorite library patrons.
The Delays debut album, Faded Seaside Glamour is filled with excellent pop melodies and jangly guitars that sounded great to me while I was driving home on a beautiful summer evening. The music fit perfectly the movement of my truck, the warm breeze flowing through the windows and the gorgeous sunset I was driving towards.
The Reverend returns
The other day I picked up an album that should have been included on my best music of 2003 list. Last year, Al Green reunited with his producer from his soul records of the 70’s to release a new CD. Consequently, I Can’t Stop sounds like a lost album from that time period (when some might say his music was at its zenith). Every song on the CD screams 70’s soul with the same beautiful voice Al had 30 years ago. My favorite tracks (so far) are the danceable “Million To One” and the bluesy, “My Problem Is You” where he demonstrates his masterful ability to use his voice to convey emotion. A most welcome comeback for the Reverend Al Green.
Musical risks
Buying an album just on the basis of a few reviews can be risky, especially when you’ve never heard any of the artist’s music before. I’ve definitely been burned in the past by doing this. Today taking that risk paid off for me when I put Talkie Walkie, the new release by the French duo, Air, into my CD player. Air’s blend of voices, electronic sounds, synths and guitars creates lush, psychedelic soundscapes which can be melancholic and playful at the same time. Perfect music to let you zone out and relax in the middle of the winter. Next time I listen to it, I’m getting out the headphones.
Best music of 2003
The year is at an end and that means it’s time for me to list my favorite CDs of 2003.
Ryan Adams – Love Is Hell
The best non-album released this year. See my posting from December 14th for details.
Dido – Life For Rent
Dido has such a beautiful voice. Her captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics fit that voice perfectly. I could develop a bit of a crush on Dido listening to this.
Ryan Adams, Love Is Hell
Ryan Adams’ latest CD, Love is Hell (actually a two part EP) is one of the best albums of this year. An excellent blend of subdued songs along with some rockers, Love is Hell was originally intended to be released as a full album. Instead Adams decided to release the unpolished, albeit more rock-friendly Rock n Roll and offer Love is Hell as a limited edition, two EP set. The reasoning behind this decision is beyond me.
Let It Be… Naked
The other day I bought the new, stripped down CD of The Beatles 1970 release, Let It Be. Subtitled “Naked,” the album was released the way The Beatles recorded it, without all of the post production over dubs, strings and background vocals which were added a few years after the Beatles recorded the music.
The Last Broadcast
Last December I listed what I considered the best albums of 2002, but I definately missed one. I recently discovered a delicious CD that was released last year: The Last Broadcast by The Doves.
The album starts with guitars ringing like a carillon of bells and follows with the band’s beautiful harmonies. Song after song the music continues to sweep you off your feet with haunting melodies, soulful rhythms and musical textures that have almost an epic quality reminiscent of U2 or Radiohead. After listening to The Last Broadcast, the musical soundscapes will hang around in your head making you want to play it over immediately.
An excellent CD and one which will help you get your mind off of any nasty April snow storms you might be experiencing (like I did here in Wisconsin today).
Favorite albums of 2002
I honestly don’t know how I could get through life without music. It really does a lot to feed my soul. Here are my favorite albums of 2002, which I know helped me get through the year. They’re in alphabetical order, because I’m a librarian and that’s how we do things.
Beck – Sea Change
One of the best breakup albums ever made, this CD’s bittersweet lyrics and lush sounds have almost a comforting quality. Beck puts all of his emotions into this one and the end result is beautiful.
Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
This sophomore release by Coldplay really shows their maturity. The haunting melodies, introspective lyrics and riveting guitar sound get better every time I listen to it.
Those X-Cleavers
What is it about the music of your youth that makes it the best you’ve ever heard? Is it because when you hear the soundtrack of those years it floods your brain with memories (most people look back quite fondly on those times). For me it was my early twenties. I think that’s when I did the most “growing up” and considered myself an adult.
The other day in a used record store, I discovered a CD from my favorite local Milwaukee band from that time (the early 1980’s), Those X-Cleavers. When I got it home and popped it into the CD player, I couldn’t believe how good it sounded. If I close my eyes when it’s playing, I’m at those old hangouts with all of my friends from that time. It almost makes me wish I could time travel. The music of Those X-Cleavers has a new wave / punk feel to it. The compact disc I bought includes two albums: Those X-Cleavers, The Waiting Game and also a few bonus singles from that time. I don’t think it’s available new anymore (no, I won’t sell mine) but if you can find this CD, you too can hear such excellent songs as Silence The Critics, 18 (And Unprotected), Skip A Beat, Nice Legs (Shame About The Face) and Do The Confusion.