What are you listening to?

[idc]

I enjoy reading your reviews, whereas I can't be bothered to say much beyond this is actually rather good............

 

[idc]

These are also good, if you are wanting to destress and chill, which I do after a trip to the vet with a howling cat........

 

[daveh75]

 

[daveh75]

 

[matthewpiano]

The Alvarez disc is enjoyable and an interesting listen. There are some beautiful moments in his singing, with the arias from Il Travatore really showing him at his best. However, the hype surrounding him as a 'great Verdi tenor' is put into perspective very quickly when you listen to the truly great Carlo Bergonzi.

Bergonzi was, IMO, the most stylish of all tenors with a beautiful voice, supported with musicianship of the highest order. His Puccini and Verdi interpretations bring the characters to life. He had the knack of projecting a vocal line even when singing very quietly, but when his voice opens out on the high notes it is glorious and golden. You can keep Pavarotti in this repertoire - Bergonzi was in a different class.

The Kissin/LSO/Davis set is excellent. The Russian pianist is now a truly great Beethoven player - his interpretation and understanding of the music has grown considerably since his Sony Classical recordings with Levine of the 2nd and 5th concertos and the orchestral accompaniment is excellent as I'd expect from the LSO.

 

[daveh75]

 

[Anonymous]

Today ive listened to Arctic Monkeys, Tricky, Massive Attack, The doors, Death Cab for cutie, suicidal tendencies, offspring, ratm, chess and royksopp. 5 hours of non-stop music in my chair. Better get my mountainbike out tomrorrow before i take on the shape of a potato =)

 

[mike aitch]

been watching/listening to music bank alice in chains,makes me want to cry looking at layne staley,what a loss that kid was to rock music.

 

[Big Chris]

 

[matthewpiano]

I'm a big fan of Uchida's playing normally but, after this first listening, I'm not yet sure about her latest release. Technically its all there with her trademark pearly runs and complete command of the two works, but it lacks that something which is hard to define but which Clifford Curzon's recordings of these concertos has. Curzon just seems to take more delight in the contrasts and character of the music, whereas it has a tendency to sound slightly academic in Uchida's hands. It will be interesting to see if my thoughts change after further listening.

The best way to listen to Mussorgsky's 'Pictures At An Exhibition' is in the original solo piano version in a live recording made by Sviatoslav Richter in Sofia. He brings the paintings to life and, somehow, the piano is by turns more menacing and playful. However, Ravel's orchestration is very effective and this recording by Rattle with the Berlin Phil is atmospheric and characterful, with beautiful playing from the orchestra and excellent recorded sound.

 

[daveh75]

 

[matthewpiano]

A second listen to the Alvarez disc and its actually rather special. Its a very beautiful voice and used with real musical intelligence and excellent tonal control. Think this might get played rather a lot.

 

[daveh75]

 

[idc]

matthewpiano: ....... The best way to listen to Mussorgsky's 'Pictures At An Exhibition' is in the original solo piano versionEmerson, Lake & Palmer in a live recording made by Sviatoslav Richter in Sofia.Emerson Lake & Palmer at Newcastle. He brings They bring the paintings to life and, somehow, the piano is by turns more menacing and playful. However, Ravel's orchestration is very effective and this recording by Rattle Keith Emerson with the Berlin Phil Greg Lake and Carl Palmer is atmospheric and characterful, with beautiful playing from the orchestra the band and excellent recorded sound........

Presently enjoying The Durutti Column because they are very good......nice jazzy rock with a few dance licks thrown in for good measure..............

 

[matthewpiano]

Have to say, I don't like ELP. Clever musicians but their work doesn't move me in any way.

 

[idc]

ELP are an aquired taste, a marmite band. This on the other hand is mesmorising, breath-taking, atmospheric and all should try it. My favourite out of a whole album of superb tracks is 'Maggie'.

 

[daveh75]

 

[matthewpiano]

On Spotify. Disappointing. I loved 'Absolution' and thought 'Black Holes And Revelations' was a decent enough album with a couple of standout tracks. This new one is derivative (of what Muse have done before) and it doesn't really have much that is interesting to say. Won't be buying it.

 

[daveh75]

Some new releases....

Loving both these album's!!!!! Both quite moving,even beautiful in places,but in different ways.

 

[daveh75]

 

[idc]

Brian Eno collaborations. Both melancholic chill out.........

 

[matthewpiano]

On vinyl. Superb album.

 

[daveh75]

 

[matthewpiano]

...and now this, also on vinyl:

Steeleye's most commercial album but very enjoyable nonetheless.

 

[daveh75]