posted by david on Fri 9 Feb 2007 @ 10:02 PM

gstring has been much neglected for the past couple of years but in that time I've discovered some extraordinary music. The strange thing is that much of it has come from one woman, Patty Griffin, such that she became one of my alltime favourite musicians only weeks after I finally made the plunge into her catalogue. As this review explains best, it's almost impossible to explain her talent in words. When a Patty song gets under your skin, it's frightening how overpowering it can feel.

see the rest...

posted by david on Thu 3 Jun 2004 @ 08:48 PM | read or post comments (1)

Every so often I get someone asking me for my postal address to send me a CD. I'm not sure whether they're thanking me for something they like about one of my websites or whether they're expecting me to proclaim nice things about the album or what. If I was a journalist for some big music mag maybe I could understand it, but I'm not so I don't. Anyway, I think Ralston Bowles opened for Hothouse Flowers at one (or more?) of their shows in the US last year. A couple of weeks ago Ralston emailed me for my postal address and this week his CD "Carwreck Conversations" turned up. He didn't explain why he was sending it to me but at this point I'm not complaining - it's a pretty good album.

see the rest...

posted by david on Tue 30 Mar 2004 @ 09:30 PM

It's out! It wasn't supposed to be out for another couple of weeks but some who pre-ordered it have already received their copy. What the heck is it? It's an album called 'A Terrible Beauty' by a group calling themselves The Uncle Devil Show. In a way it's reminiscent of The Traveling Wilburys in that it's a bunch of musicians pretending to be anyone but themselves. The charade extends from the songwriting credits through to the press release to the appalling album cover artwork. The main figure of interest for me is Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie (calling himself Jason Barr), who is one of my favourite lyricists. Having heard the whole album through dodgy mp3 files, I can say it's one of the silliest albums I've heard in a while. There are songs about the joys of bicycles (Leonardo's bicycle and me/Away from all the trains and cars/Alone with gears and handlebars I'm free), Irish singer Gilbert O'Sullivan, bimbos in limos and a disturbing rant about those evil beasts popularly known as pigeons. Musically, it's bright and fresh and tremendous fun. If I ever get around to completing my 'best of 2003' list, you'll see this album listed there because it's a brilliant pick me up. It always gets me bouncing around, grinning at the lyrics, the harmonies and the irresistible pop hooks. Maybe Justin and friends meant this one as a joke but if he takes this sense of fun and energy back to the next Del Amitri album, it'll be a corker.

posted by david on Sat 19 Apr 2003 @ 11:51 PM

If everything works out okay, this year could be a very good year for new music. The new Lucinda Williams album "World Without Tears" has hit stores so I didn't waste any time in picking up a copy. It's making a good impression so far but I guess the true test is whether I'm reaching for it in a month or two ("Essence" didn't survive that test). The new Radiohead album "Hail To The Thief" has already leaked onto the mp3-trading sites but isn't due for release until June 9. I haven't heard any of it so far but one thing I read said it was a return to the guitar based sound that made them famous in the first place. Another of my favourite performers John Hiatt will release his new album "Beneath This Gruff Exterior" on May 6. His last album "The Tiki Bar Is Open" was one of his best for a while so here's hoping he continues in that vein. The new one will be credited to "John Hiatt and the Goners". Fleetwood Mac are almost back together again (Mick, John, Stevie and Lindsey but not Christine) and their new album "Say You Will" is due for an Australian release April 28. This is their first studio album in 16 years to feature Lindsey Buckingham so I'm hoping for great things ("Rumours" and "Tusk" should be compulsory listening for all students of pop music). English two-man show Turin Brakes are following up their impressive debut "the optimist LP" with "Ether Song", apparently already released on March 11. Interestingly, the guys aren't able to play in the US because Gale was born in Iran and hence, can't get a visa (yep, the world's gone mad, if you hadn't already noticed). Pete Yorn has returned to his garage and recorded a follow-up to the solid "musicforthemorningafter" titled "Day I Forgot" which was released this week. A couple of my musically-educated friends recommended his last album highly but I didn't quite fall for it like they did - but he did win some cool points for covering a Springsteen song on the bonus disc. Finally, Jewel is trying something new on her album by trying on some dance and hip hop beats, apparently because some dance mixes of her previous songs got some good reactions. The new album is titled "0304" and will be in stores June 3. I once saw her live and was surprised at how she could rock (as her album "This Way" tried to demonstrate) and I came away thinking that her live performance showcased a different Jewel than what appears on her albums. It'll be interesting to see how she does this time around.

posted by david on Tue 30 Jul 2002 @ 09:11 PM

My vote for best album cover of the year goes to Lisa Miller's new disc of cover versions, "Car Tape" (image at left). Produced by Shane O'Mara (hi Shane!) the album tends towards the mellow and classy and features an odd bunch of songs, including tunes by Lyle Lovett and Steve Miller. English folk chanteuse Beth Orton releases her third album "Daybreaker" this week. It was a big step from her debut to her second album so it'll be interesting to hear what she does this time around. Aimee Mann (warning: flash-heavy website) has a new album out August 27, titled "Lost In Space". She's one of those singer/songwriters who have watched their career blossom the further she's moved away from the big record labels. The elusive Peter Gabriel also has a new album on the way, ten years after his last release "Us". This one will be called "Up". I think he should title his next album "Eh?" Oh, and the new Springsteen album "The Rising" is now in stores and it's... um... wow...

Reviews:
Beth Orton: Billboard
Lisa Miller: Sydney Morning Herald - Undercover
Springsteen: Billboard - Timeoff - Rolling Stone - CNN - Post-Gazette - Nando Times - National Review Online - Boston Globe - San Francisco Chronicle - New York Metro - Newsday - Contra Costa Times - Washington Post - Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) - Chicago Sun-Times - PopMatters

posted by david on Sun 9 Jun 2002 @ 03:01 PM

Apparently Tim Finn has returned to manic pop with his latest album "Feeding The Gods". I've spoken to a few people who attended his recent Melbourne shows and most loved the energy although one thought it was a bit weird seeing him jumping around like a teenager. Steve Earle has released an album of rarities titled "Sidetracks" collecting b-sides and random stuff he's written for films such as "Dead Man Walking". Linda Thompson has returned to the studio after a 17 year absence and will release the aptly-titled Fashionably Late on July 30 through Rounder Records. The album will feature appearances from ex-husband Richard, their son Teddy, Rufus Wainwright, Van Dyke Parks and others. The new album from Wilco is titled "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" and is getting a bit of attention from the critics (who love it) partly because it's the record that caused their record company to drop them. Apparently they thought it was a bit too weird. If that's the way record companies think, Radiohead should be counting their lucky stars. Apparently there's also a documentary film on the way which details the dramas with the album. Billboard has a piece discussing Joe Jackson re-uniting his "Joe Jackson Band" with which he recorded his albums "Look Sharp!", "I'm The Man" and "Beat Crazy". It seems that Joe is doing the whole nostalgia thing: first it was recording the album titled "Night & Day II" and now he's celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of "Look Sharp!".

Reviews:
Linda Thompson: Rolling Stone

posted by david on Tue 4 Jun 2002 @ 07:41 PM | read or post comments (2)

Regular readers have probably already guessed that Bruce Springsteen is one of my favourite artists. Maybe he can be bettered as a singer, a songwriter, a guitarist or as a showman but considering his talents together, I'd be happy to argue that he has few, if any, peers. But his output over the past 10 years could be considered disappointing, with his last studio rock album released in 1992 and his last studio album released 7 years ago. Fans of his work with the E Street Band have to go back to 1987 for their last studio effort together, and if that lacks the punch the band are famous for, you've got to go even further back to 1984 and "Born In The USA". Looking back like that, it seems a terrible drought. Thankfully, we can fret no longer as the Bruce camp have announced the imminent release of a new studio album with the E Street Band. Both Backstreets and Billboard are reporting that "The Rising" will feature 15 new songs and will hit stores July 30. The album is said to be influenced by the events of September 11, so I'll be interested to hear what perspectives he has to offer. This album has not been produced by Bruce's longtime manager Jon Landau, with Brendan O'Brien taking the reins so it may mean we'll hear the E Street Band like we've never heard them recorded before. I can't wait.

Reviews: Billboard - Timeoff - Rolling Stone - CNN - Post-Gazette - Nando Times - National Review Online - Boston Globe - San Francisco Chronicle - New York Metro - Newsday - Contra Costa Times - Washington Post - Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin) - Chicago Sun-Times - PopMatters

posted by david on Tue 14 May 2002 @ 08:43 PM

Paul Kelly seems to have the whole media thing sussed out. If he's not releasing a new solo album (eg. Nothing But A Dream), a soundtrack (Lantana) or acting/singing in a film (One NIght The Moon) he's still got the media talking about him with the release of "The Women At The Well", an album of songs written by him and recorded by various female musicians. Those involved include Renee Geyer, Deborah Conway, Kate Ceberano, Kasey Chambers and Rebecca Barnard. This article focusses mainly on Chrissie Amphlett's contribution to the album, a re-working of "Before Too Long". The album is out this week and will be launched May 16 at the Corner Hotel, Melbourne. update: it seems one of The Age journalists enjoyed the show

posted by david on Mon 8 Apr 2002 @ 10:59 AM | read or post comments (3)

The ever-creative David Bowie will be releasing his new album "Heathen" which will hit stores June 11. According to this Billboard article, both Pete Townshend and Dave Grohl have contributed stuff to it. Bowie went pretty soggy through the 80s but from somewhere around the release of "Black Tie White Noise" he's been back in experimental mode. I even enjoyed the more lowkey "hours..." (did I put the dots in the right place there?).

Reviews: Rolling Stone - Billboard

posted by david on Thu 7 Mar 2002 @ 03:56 PM

Given the pre-Xmas rush of new releases, it's no surprise that this year hasn't seen a lot of new releases so far. The drought is now breaking and there's a few things of interest afoot. Alanis Morissette has just released her third studio effort 'Under Rug Swept'. Fans of the last two will be pleased to know that while Glen Ballard is not producing or co-writing this time (Alanis is covering all that) it sounds much the same as usual with the same forthright approach to lyrics and the same hook-heavy approach to the music. The melodically prickly Declan MacManus aka Elvis Costello will release his new album 'When I Was Cruel' on April 23. Another legend, Tom Waits, is set to fascinate us more than usual by releasing not one but two albums on May 7: 'Alice' and 'Blood Money'. The two releases are based on two theatre pieces that Waits and collaborator/wife Kathleen Brennan contributed music to. One of my favourite bands Del Amitri will be releasing their 6th studio album on April 8. Hopefully the album will sound better than it's title: 'Can You Do Me Good?'. And finally for now, Chris Isaak has released another bunch of new songs 'Always Got Tonight'. His last one wasn't the greatest (it even had a Diane Warren co-write) but his 'Forever Blue' remains a bit of a classic so I guess I'll have to buy this one as well.

Review: Alanis Morissette - Billboard - Rolling Stone

posted by david on Wed 23 Jan 2002 @ 04:15 PM

When the dreaded words "classic" and "legends" are thrown around, it wouldn't be surprising to hear the names U2 and Bruce Springsteen mentioned. Both have released "classic" albums and their live performances have been described as "legendary". The prospect of substantial live DVD releases from each undoubtedly had their fans salivating. I've purchased both so here's my thoughts on them...

see the rest...

posted by david on Fri 30 Nov 2001 @ 11:56 PM

The new Shelby Lynne album is now in stores so I just want to do a general Shelby rant. I picked up my copy yesterday so I can't yet say how much I like it (yes, I like it so far) but what has me truly appalled is the album artwork: there's no question she's a sexy lady but geez, how tacky can you get? The front cover looks like one of Aerosmith's less inspired moments (eek!), the back cover has a "I haven't zipped up this jacket because I want you to notice the whole no-bra thing" photo and then she does the really-nipply-shirt thing inside the front cover. And need I mention the mirrors? If it was a marketing decision to present her like this, well, who are they targeting? Hustler readers? And if it was Shelby's decision, what on earth is she trying to say? I can't hear any relationship between what I'm hearing and what I'm seeing. I've read a few bad reviews which seem more upset by her choice of Glen Ballard as producer or this artwork than the music itself. If you thought the US artwork for her Grammy award-winning "I Am Shelby Lynne" was a bit tacky compared to the the Aus/UK artwork, you ain't seen nothing yet...

posted by david on Thu 4 Oct 2001 @ 08:26 PM

It would be amiss of me not to mention the new album from Stephen Cummings titled "Skeleton Key". Not only am I a big fan of what he does, some of you probably already know that I run his website (lovetown.net). As with it's predecessor "Spiritual Bum", myself and Ross Robinson have created the CDROM component on the album which features lyrics, biography, discography, info about the musicians involved and all sorts of other cool stuff. The album is out this week but Stephen has said that this album was one of the easiest to record and one of the hardest to release. Since the album was finished, his new record label WMinc lost their distribution deal (within a few hours of receiving our CDROM work) and then when a new deal was in place, all of the manufactured stock went missing in transit, forcing the actual release date to be pushed back a couple of days because no one actually knew where the album was. In the end, the distributors began shipping stock to stores before Stephen had the chance to see the final product for himself. Now that it's hitting stores, I think everyone should rush out and buy it. But then, you'd expect me to say that wouldn't you?

Review: Timeoff

posted by david on Sun 23 Sep 2001 @ 08:30 PM

The last Elton John album to demonstrate any sense of daring would probably be 1987's "Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra" (surprising song choices, interesting arrangements and a worn-out voice gamely struggling on). According to a review in US Rolling Stone, Elton's new album "Songs From The West Coast" is his most adventurous in some time. It will appear in stores on Oct 1. The other well known piano man, Billy Joel, is set to release his first foray into classical music "Fantasies & Delusions" on Oct 2. Apparently he's bored with pop music and he finds this stuff more challenging. Ah, yes, that's all well and good but can he pull it off? (And can someone tell me why his website menu moves when you go to click it? "Disconcerting" is one word that springs to mind, "stupid" is another). The alternative piano man (and Adelaide resident) Ben Folds has released his first solo effort "Rockin' The Suburbs". The new album from Sir P. McCartney "Driving Rain" will be released Nov 13. If it's anything like his usual stuff, expect a few flashes of brilliance and a bit too much filler. And finally for now, popsters Garbage will release their new album "Beautifulgarbage" on Oct 1. I loved "Version 2.0" but I can't say I like the new single "Androgyny" much - it seems too clumsy or something.

Reviews:
Songs from the West Coast: Rolling Stone - Billboard - Timeoff
Fantasies & Delusions: Billboard
Rockin' The Suburbs: Rolling Stone
Beautifulgarbage: Billboard - Rolling Stone

posted by david on Sun 16 Sep 2001 @ 08:31 PM | read or post comments (1)

It's taken too long but finally Springsteen has decided to release a substantial live recording in video format. His shoddily assembled live album from earlier this year "Live In New York City" will be released as a double DVD set on November 6. While it won't contain an entire show from go to whoa, it at least looks like a substantial release, featuring 25 live tracks plus a 15-minute documentary featurette. Let's hope they don't stuff up this one with strange sequencing, dumb disc labelling and by deciding to add tracks after the last minute. I haven't heard anything about an Australian release, no doubt we'll be left waiting until some time next year. In other news, Jewel will release her third album "This Way" on November 13. Her first effort was a mixed bag, her second was very slick (but strangely addictive) and having seen her get quite raucous in a live setting, I'll be interested to see what she comes up with this time. Expect the usual peace-and-love-everybody lyrics.

posted by david on Thu 13 Sep 2001 @ 08:33 PM

It's that time of year when we see a flood of new releases: these albums had no particular release date goal other than "before Xmas". The new Bob Dylan album "Love & Theft" is of particular interest, seeing as it's predecessor "Time Out Of Mind" won a Grammy and then "Things Have Changed" won an Oscar. I'm sure I'll pick it up at some point but I'm a little wary that when I read reviews of the album, I'm reading what some Dylan fan wants the album to be (ie. great) and not what it actually is. Wait and see I guess, but US Rolling Stone has given it 5 stars (from 5). Macy Gray has also returned with a new album, dubbed "The Id" (huh?). I know some people can't handle her voice but I agree with those who say her debut "On How Life Is" was a bit of a classic. I love her description of the new album "It's like if you were to take a Hershey's kiss and eat it while you're on a roller-coaster ride to the moon. While you're on the moon, you get your nails done, get your hair done, and put on your best clothes. That's what my record's like." Australian country/rock songstress Kasey Chambers has released her second effort "Barricades & Brickwalls" and I must admit I listened to little else last weekend. I very much enjoyed "The Captain" and this one is much the same, maybe not quite as good but there is some very good stuff on it. She must be pretty darn chuffed that it's gone gold already. I suspect she's going to be around for quite a while. Oh, and today is the birthday of Australian singer/songwriter Stephen Cummings (I know that 'cos I run his website).

Reviews:
Love & Theft: Rolling Stone - Billboard - Addicted To Noise (Australia)
The Id: Rolling Stone - Billboard
Barricades & Brickwalls: Addicted To Noise

posted by david on Mon 27 Aug 2001 @ 08:35 PM

It seems like only a year since...oh, it has only been a year since John Hiatt last released an album. Anyway, "The Tiki Bar Is Open" will be released Sept 11 and sees the return of his band lineup dubbed The Goners which features Sonny Landreth on guitar. Obviously, this isn't an acoustic affair like "Crossing Muddy Waters" but as it's Hiatt, I'd be astonished if it isn't worth picking up. The new song "My Old Friend" on his official website sounds pretty darn cool. Country/rock/pop/soul/everything chanteuse-with-attitude Shelby Lynne will be releasing her latest effort Nov 13. It will be titled "Love, Shelby" and has been produced by Alanis Morissette cohort Glen Ballard. If it's anything like her last album, "I Am Shelby Lynne"... well... yum. October 1 will also see the new release from Michael Jackson titled "Invincible". While I won't deny that Michael is a talented performer, the money that is rumoured to have been spent on this album is nothing less than obscene. The figure is somewhere in the ballpark of $US30 million. My prediction: overwrought nonsense and an album that flops spectacularly. We're not in Kansas anymore Michael. Oh, and if anyone is wondering, I've decided that the Magnetic Fields album "69 Love Songs" is an astoundingly good album. I know, I know, it took a while but I've finally made up my mind. Just imagine, if Stephin Merritt had spent $30m on his album, that would have worked out at about half a million per song. As I said, obscene is the only way to describe it.

Reviews:
The Tiki Bar Is Open: San Diego Union Tribune - Addicted To Noise (Australia)

posted by david on Thu 7 Jun 2001 @ 08:43 PM | read or post comments (1)

While whacked out albums like Radiohead's "Kid A" or their new offering "Amnesiac" somehow appeal to me, I never got near Chris Whitley's last release "Perfect Day". It just sounded, like, well...a mess. I even dug it out the other week to try a fresh listen and wound up at the same conclusion. But Chris has moved on again and his new album "Rocket House" was released this week thru Dave Matthews' ATO label. Featuring appearances from his daughter Trixie, the aforementioned Mr Matthews and piano man Bruce Hornsby, the album marks Chris's return to the whole full band thing, this time with a DJ to add weirdo sounds to the mix. You can download two full tracks from his website. Of course, we may have to wait for an Australian release of the album but if you're desperate, amazon have it. And if you ever get the chance to see Chris play live, do not hesitate for one second - he is one of those jawdropping performers.

Review: The Onion A.V Club

posted by david on Mon 21 May 2001 @ 08:53 PM

Ross Robinson sent me a note to say "Got an advance copy of Travis' new album 'The Invisible Band' which is due for release sometime in June. I don't know if you're a fan, but the new album is really good. I don't think it will be the big hit 'The Man Who' was, but there's at least four singles there." Is it just me or is their website a bit too cool for it's own good? White on black, tiny fonts, wasted browser space...<whine, whine> Actually I only got around to picking up "The Man Who" a few weeks ago (oh bargain bins, how I love thee, let me count the ways) and apart from the singles it hasn't done huge things for me. Maybe I need to give it a few more spins but first it will have to prise Kasey Chambers' "The Captain" out of my player (another belated purchase but a dead impressive debut album nevertheless).

posted by david on Fri 11 May 2001 @ 08:58 PM

It's been more than two years since the last album from Melbourne-based rock-popsters Even but their third effort, "A Different High", is about to be released. For Ron Sexsmith, sanity has prevailed and his Steve Earle-produced album "Blue Boy" has finally found a record label in ART Records and will see light of day on June 5. And that uncomfortable sound you can hear is Elvis Costello fans gnashing their teeth at the news that his back-catalogue will be re-issued on CD a third time with each release packing an entire extra disk of bonus tracks. I'm all for releasing extra material but couldn't they release them in a box set or something so that the fans don't feel like they're getting screwed?

posted by david on Thu 3 May 2001 @ 08:59 PM

A handful of albums are seeing release this week. The new album from Lucinda Williams is titled "Essence" and is the follow-up to her acclaimed "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road". REM's new album is "Reveal" and one review I've read describes it as a return to basics comparable to U2 and their "All That You Can't Leave Behind". Elvis Costello is still dabbling with classical musicians, this time producing mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter singing songs written by Costello, Ron Sexsmith and Tom Waits (amongst others) on the album "For The Stars". And the mystically inclined Stevie Nicks is back with "Trouble in Shangri-La", featuring appearances from Sheryl Crow, Macy Gray, Sarah McLachlan, Fleetwood Mac bandmate Lindsey Buckingham and Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines.

posted by david on Fri 9 Mar 2001 @ 09:09 PM

At this rate it's going to be hard to avoid Neil Finn over the next few months. He has a new album on the way titled "One Nil" (due early April), a new website to promote it and to kick off the whole shebang he's invited a few friends to play a few NZ gigs with him (Billboard also has the story). Of course, being Neil Finn means the friends in question include members of Radiohead, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), brother Tim Finn, Johnny Marr (The Smiths) and "One Nil" co-conspirators Wendy & Lisa. Someone made the mistake of sending music "journalist" Mike Gee of the Sydney Morning Herald an advance copy of the album so he's done his usual, woefully over-the-top coverage proclaiming how amazingly brilliant it all is because he's never had his colours so vibrant and his whites looking so white. <sigh>

posted by david on Tue 6 Mar 2001 @ 09:11 PM

The last album from Lucinda Williams took 6 years to record but the wait was worth it: critics and music nuts loved it and it went on to pick up the obligatory Grammy for "best contemporary folk" album. Fortunately she's not going to make us wait so long for her next album which is tentatively due for release in May. Rolling Stone has more info about "Broken Butterflies".

posted by david on Wed 28 Feb 2001 @ 10:13 PM

Rumours have been kicking around for months but it's now official: Springsteen will be releasing a double live album titled "Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: Live in New York City". The album will be released on April 3 and will feature 19 songs recorded during the final shows of the 1999/2000 reunion tour. 13 songs on the release constitute the soundtrack of an upcoming TV broadcast on US cable network HBO while the remaining 6 will be exclusive to this release. When the list of 13 songs was leaked last week, the fans reacted angrily at the exclusion of tour standards like "Jungleland", "Born in the USA" (acoustic blues version) and "If I Should Fall Behind" but the full track listing should keep them happy. Other notable inclusions on this release are the new songs "Land of Hope And Dreams" and the controversial "American Skin (41 Shots)". So far there's no official word on a DVD release but I'd be surprised if that doesn't happen at some point. You can find a full track listing and more info at Backstreets.

posted by david on Tue 23 Jan 2001 @ 10:24 PM

Rolling Stone has some info about the next release from moody popsters Depeche Mode, titled "Exciter". It'll hit shops around May and I'm hoping for something more in the vein of "Songs of Faith and Devotion" than "Ultra". It's not that I hated "Ultra", it's just that I was very impressed by "Songs". Also due in May is the new REM album "Reveal". And it's not really a new release but I guess it's kinda significant that this week sees the re-release of George Harrison's 1970 album "All Things Must Pass". Apparently Steve Kilbey of the Church is one who considers that one of the great rock albums. George is also working on a new solo album which is long overdue ("Cloud 9" was released in 1987).

posted by david on Mon 27 Nov 2000 @ 07:08 PM

There's been quite a buzz following Stephen Merritt's (aka Magnetic Fields) "69 Love Songs" album, partly because it's an audacious idea (one album across 3 CDs, 23 love songs on each disc) and partly because it's pretty damn good (or at least, that's what I've heard from everyone). The album has been released in Australia through WMinc Productions and as expected, it's finding favour with music lovers but not the general public. Disclaimer: Wminc is run by two acquaintances of mine, Graham Lee and Steve Miller.

Review: The Sydney Morning Herald

posted by david on Fri 17 Nov 2000 @ 07:11 PM

Irish singer/songwriter Luka Bloom has released a new album titled "Keeper of the Flame". This time he's decided to do a bunch of cover versions, ranging from Abba's "Dancing Queen" to Radiohead's "No Surprises" to Hunters & Collectors "Throw Your Arms Around Me". Apparently his fans aren't too uncomfortable about it as the songs are all done in his usual folk style. I'm not a huge fan of Luka's stuff but I must admit that his recordings always sound beautifully clear. This one sounds like it could be an interesting listen.

posted by david on Tue 31 Oct 2000 @ 07:38 PM

It appears that guitar-whiz Jeff Healey has a new album out, titled "Get Me Some". I haven't ventured near his stuff since his second album "Hell To Pay" but this new album seems to be getting some decent reviews (Q gave it 4 stars). Incidentally, Jeff is the one who led me to John Hiatt because he covered some Hiatt songs on his first two albums. His version of "Angel Eyes" was particularly good.

Review: Q Online

posted by david on Mon 23 Oct 2000 @ 07:51 PM

Here's a bunch of things I couldn't be bothered posting as separate items. First, Cos pointed out that Paul Kelly has a new EP out called "Roll On Summer" which features the song "Every F*cking City". He'll be doing some gigs around the Australia capital cities from mid-November. After 11 years of musical silence, ex-Fine Young Cannibal Roland Gift will return next year with his debut solo album which may or may not be called "Long Day's Journey Into Night" (wait and see). PJ Harvey's new album "Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea" will be released at the end of the month and she's started showcasing the songs in some live performances.

PJ Harvey review: BBC Online

posted by david on Thu 19 Oct 2000 @ 07:54 PM

The new U2 album isn't actually released until the end of the month but as the first reviews are starting to appear I'm going to start linking to those that I come across. The US "Rolling Stone" review opens by describing "All That You Can't Leave Behind" as "U2's tenth studio album and third masterpiece" (after Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby). If you come across a review of the album somewhere, let me know so I can link to it. Actually, that request applies to any album I mention here...

Reviews: Rolling Stone - The Age (scroll down) - Wall of Sound - Billboard - The War Against Silence

posted by david on Tue 10 Oct 2000 @ 08:02 PM | read or post comments (1)

I've got a bundle of Joe Jackson albums but I must confess, I'm not sure why. Sometimes he can be a very sharp pop songwriter (eg. "Real Men") but he's always seemed a touch too serious and calculated for me. His more recent albums have consisted of classical-type pieces, with the song cycle of "Heaven & Hell" and the obviously titled "Symphony No. 1". His new album will be released on October 24 and is titled "Night & Day II", a sequel to his 1982 album. It features a couple of guest vocalists, most notably Marianne Faithfull. Whether this is a return to classy pop or not remains to be seen. Billboard has an article with info and the dates for the accompanying tour. If nothing else, I love the inside-a-New-York-cab cover photo.

Review: The War Against Silence

posted by david on Tue 3 Oct 2000 @ 06:08 PM

When I was compiling the list of "new releases" in my head yesterday the new Radiohead album was going to be amongst them but for reasons known only to my subconscious, it somehow slipped my mind. Well, it's out and the buzz so far is that it's very different, avoiding guitars in favour of electronic noises and at times sounding more like jazz than rock. Naturally the critics are running around in excitement about the simple fact they've released something new, as Bernard Zuel does in the Sydney Morning Herald. Curiously, he says very little about the new album itself. Apparently there were no pre-release pressings sent to the media so they've been stuck trying to digest something quite challenging as quickly as possible. update: There's an interesting interview with Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien in the Sydney Morning Herald. The judgement of this journalist is a little questionable, he recently described Moby as "one of the humanitarians of our time" (huh?).

Reviews: Billboard - Rolling Stone - Wall of Sound - Dotmusic - Citysearch

posted by david on Mon 2 Oct 2000 @ 08:10 PM

There's a few albums hitting shops about now that sound interesting. The previously mentioned new John Hiatt album "Crossing Muddy Waters" is generating some glowing reviews that have been throwing around the word "masterpiece". John has also launched an official website. The new releases from Pearl Jam have also been generating a little interest, primarily because of the sheer number of them: 25 new live albums. Yes, you read that right, 25 double-disc albums. Is this the first concerted effort to thwart bootleggers like this? And when they're all pitched at regular prices with no "buy-em-all-and-save" deal, is it really going to be cost-effective? Reviews of the actual albums have been positive but of course they've been pointing out the couple that they feel are essential. The band have since announced that there will probably be a further 25 albums from the US leg of their tour. I'm glad I'm not a Pearl Jam fan, it sounds like an expensive time for them. In other news, Mark Knopfler has a new album out titled "Sailing to Philadelphia" and there's a new David Bowie release titled "Bowie at the Beeb" (as in "BBC").

Reviews: (John Hiatt) Wall of Sound
Reviews: (Pearl Jam) Wall of Sound - Rolling Stone - Billboard
Reviews: (Mark Knopfler) Wall of Sound
Reviews: (David Bowie) Wall of Sound

posted by david on Mon 2 Oct 2000 @ 05:11 PM

As you're probably already aware, the new Go Betweens album "The Friends of Rachel Worth" is now in shops. Graham Lee from record label WMinc Productions sent us a link to an interview on the Spin site: "I know this is in my own interests David but it's a very good interview with three songs in Real Audio format (with video) and Grant and Robert chatting about their past and present. Includes a wonderful story from Robert about meeting Lee Remick. The Spin site itself seems to be a very good one. They're also featuring a Nick Drake article." Critical reaction to the album has veered from lukewarm to ecstatically positive, as Graham noted the other week on the WMinc website.

posted by david on Mon 18 Sep 2000 @ 08:30 PM

Reviews of the new album from Emmylou Harris are starting to appear so I guess that means it has now been released. The two reviews I've sampled so far seem to suggest it's as good as her extraordinary "Wrecking Ball". Wall of Sound have a little article about the album.

Reviews: Billboard - Wall Of Sound - Sonicnet - LA Times - Citysearch - The War Against Silence

posted by david on Mon 18 Sep 2000 @ 08:28 PM

It looks like Paul Simon is hoping for a return to the charts with his new album "You're The One" which will be released 3 October. After the subtle soundscapes of "Rhythm of the Saints" and the left-turn that was "Songs from the Capeman", it seems that he's now looking to be heard again.

posted by david on Fri 8 Sep 2000 @ 08:32 PM

Cos pointed out some info on the new album from Joe Pernice: "Yup, it's called Big Tobacco, and Spunk Records are the Australian distributors (they did Chappaquiddick Skyline too). Amazon mentions a release of the album with an extra track (no way I'm buying it for $39US though) - there's also a version of the Pernice Brothers album with an extra track too, but the user comment on the page said it was crap..."

Review: The Age

posted by david on Tue 5 Sep 2000 @ 08:37 PM

Willie Nelson's last album "Teatro" is on my "to-be-bought-one-day" list partly because I like Willie's voice and partly because it was produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Emmylou Harris). I don't have any info on who produced his latest offering "Milk Cow Blues" but Willie's attitude towards it seems to be one of "back-to-basics" if his recent comments about the state of contemporary country music are any guide. "Milk Cow Blues" will be released September 19 and features appearances by BB King, Dr John and Jimmie Vaughan. Thanks to Cos for pointing out this one.

posted by david on Fri 1 Sep 2000 @ 08:42 PM

Fatboy Slim will release his new album "Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars" in the next couple of months (Nov 7 in the US). I still haven't picked up "You've Come A Long Way, Baby" but I guess I probably should, a lot of people said good things about it and the stuff I heard was very tight and very catchy. The new album will feature appearances by Macy Gray and Bootsy Collins.

posted by david on Thu 24 Aug 2000 @ 03:16 AM

Although it never hit Australia, Bruce Springsteen's reunion tour with the E Street Band was a must-see event, so much so that I caught 4 consecutive shows in London and contrived a way of catching his final gig of 1999 in Minneapolis. The tour rolled on into 2000 and concluded with a triumphant 10-night stand at New York's Madison Square Garden, tainted only by some ignorant and embarrassing kneejerk reactions to a new song, "American Skin". While Springsteen's handling of that controversy was quietly dignified (refusing to comment, he played on) the shows themselves were unashamed celebrations of rock, sweeping from goofy fun to intense drama. If a rumoured live DVD release from the tour sees light of day, I'll probably find myself running to the nearest hifi store to buy a DVD deck.

posted by david on Wed 23 Aug 2000 @ 03:17 AM

I've now heard more info on some upcoming album releases. First, Radiohead's "Kid A" will be out October 3. U2's new album is called "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and according to this fan site, will be released October 31. And the new Beatles release will be a single disc containing 27 tracks, a compilation of all of their US/UK #1 hits. "Beatles One" will be released November 14. I've always thought that with the exception of "Sgt Peppers" they've done a shoddy job of releasing the Beatles albums on CD. Maybe this "best of" signifies a turning point? 7/9/00 update: added cover artwork for "Kid A"

posted by david on Fri 18 Aug 2000 @ 03:26 AM

John Hiatt is one of my favourite songwriters, despite my indifference to his last couple of albums. On Sept 26 he'll release his new album titled Crossing Muddy Waters through Vanguard Records. It will also be released on the net by emusic.com (the first track can be purchased now). Apparently this one is a stripped-back acoustic album which sounds promising. One of Hiatt's finest songs is the original live-in-the-studio version of "Have A Little Faith In Me", a song later covered by Joe Cocker and Jewel, to name but two. The most recent Hiatt cover of note is the Eric Clapton/BB King version of "Riding With The King".

posted by david on Thu 3 Aug 2000 @ 03:40 AM

I first encountered Chris Whitley via his staggeringly good debut album, "Living With The Law". No longer with Sony Records, these days he's been doing the independent thing, recording cheaply but no less effectively. His most recent album, "At Martyrs", is one of the more compelling live albums I've heard but if you've seen him live, that wouldn't be a huge surprise. "Perfect Day" is his new disc of covers, with songs by folks like Dylan, Hendrix, Lou Reed and Robert Johnson. I haven't tracked down a copy yet but as Whitley hasn't done any wrong so far, I don't expect he'll be starting now.

Review: Billboard

posted by david on Mon 31 Jul 2000 @ 03:42 AM

And so the cry was heard far and wide: they're back! Yes, the Go-Betweens, the legendary Australian pop band, are about to release a new album. "The Friends of Rachel Worth" is their first album in 12 years and will feature ten songs from the pens of Robert Forster and Grant McLennan. They're the only original members returning for this one but many would argue that they're the only ones that matter (hey, they wrote the songs etc). The pre-release hype has been reasonably positive so far (Melody Maker: "a masterpiece") so I guess it could be worth checking out. Oh, and unlike their previous album titles, there's only one 'l' this time.

Reviews: Rolling Stone - Billboard

posted by david on Thu 27 Jul 2000 @ 03:43 AM

While it may not be the most anticipated album of the year, I'm sure many music lovers will be looking out for the new Emmylou Harris album "Red Dirt Girl" when it's released later this year. The diehard fans will be excited that she's written most of the songs on this one (she writes well but not often). Those who were floored by "Wrecking Ball" will be wondering whether she can repeat the success of that album. And me? Well, Bruce Springsteen will be making an appearance with wife Patti Scialfa, so I guess I'll just have to buy it...

posted by david on Sat 8 Jul 2000 @ 03:47 AM

This week saw the announcement of the title of the new Radiohead album, the followup to the universally acclaimed "OK Computer". "Kid A" will be released at the beginning of October. Also due this year is the new album from U2 although a title and release date have not yet been announced. The band are again working with producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and Bono has said that this one will be their best yet. Radiohead's "Ok Computer" was very good (but not as amazing as everyone said) and U2's "Pop" was a bit of washout, so it will be interesting to see how their new albums pan out.

posted by david on Thu 6 Jul 2000 @ 03:51 AM

One of the golden rules of album cover design is that any photos of the musicians must feature sullen looks. Smiling in any way is a definite no-no. In the liner notes of her new album, 'Faith And Courage', Sinead O'Connor shows her usual concern for rock conventions by smiling. Broadly. Maybe I should be surprised, but this is Sinead we're talking about, she's always been full of surprises and as it turns out, that photo is only the first surprise here.

Reviews: Billboard - Rolling Stone - BBC Online

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