What vinyl are you listening to?

[Charlie Jefferson]

Jim,

This playlist is all your fault, but thanks, it's rather wonderful.

A Frank fest:

In The Wee Small Hours

Where Are You?

No One Cares

(All CD, but I'm allowing myself to post here)

Shadows In The Night - Bob

 

[Jim_W]

Jim,

This playlist is all your fault, but thanks, it's rather wonderful.

A Frank fest:

In The Wee Small Hours

Where Are You?

No One Cares

(All CD, but I'm allowing myself to post here)

Shadows In The Night - Bob

Oh I see you've discovered 'Where Are You?' too...another great record. I would be interested to know which you prefer, although I think they're all very enjoyable listens. I don't think I could pick one from that list though to be fair. I spent all day yesterday listening/watching the Syria debate even though the result was a foregone conclusion so I haven't played anything much...oh I did:

Jefferson Airplane: 'After Bathing At Baxter's'

The record that really speaks to me if I had to choose just one....freedom, experimentation, harmony, strangeness, beauty, politics, possibilties, Jack's bass, Jorma's guitar. It's like being 18 every time I play it. What a drag to have to grow up.

 

[Al ears]

Ah, and it was going so well.

Have you got to the two CDs of Bob clearing his nose and scratching himself between takes yet?

Yes, it's in my best of the year list.

....and the title of this thread is???

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Jim,

This playlist is all your fault, but thanks, it's rather wonderful.

A Frank fest:

In The Wee Small Hours

Where Are You?

No One Cares

(All CD, but I'm allowing myself to post here)

Shadows In The Night - Bob

Oh I see you've discovered 'Where Are You?' too...another great record. I would be interested to know which you prefer, although I think they're all very enjoyable listens. I don't think I could pick one from that list though to be fair. I spent all day yesterday listening/watching the Syria debate even though the result was a foregone conclusion so I haven't played anything much...oh I did:

Jefferson Airplane: 'After Bathing At Baxter's'

The record that really speaks to me if I had to choose just one....freedom, experimentation, harmony, strangeness, beauty, politics, possibilties, Jack's bass, Jorma's guitar. It's like being 18 every time I play it. What a drag to have to grow up.

Hi Jim,

They are all brilliant mood albums, aren't they. Where Are You is getting a lot of my attention.

I was out drinking with a friend in York all day yesterday, and we followed the debate as we merrily got drunk to the gloomy inevitability of the vote's outcome.

Encountered some diverse opinions along the way. We live in politically charged and interesting times, to put it mildly.

I'm not at all familiar with Airplane beyond White Rabbit, so following your paean/eulogy for times passed I will now investigate.

 

[Jim_W]

Jim,

This playlist is all your fault, but thanks, it's rather wonderful.

A Frank fest:

In The Wee Small Hours

Where Are You?

No One Cares

(All CD, but I'm allowing myself to post here)

Shadows In The Night - Bob

Oh I see you've discovered 'Where Are You?' too...another great record. I would be interested to know which you prefer, although I think they're all very enjoyable listens. I don't think I could pick one from that list though to be fair. I spent all day yesterday listening/watching the Syria debate even though the result was a foregone conclusion so I haven't played anything much...oh I did:

Jefferson Airplane: 'After Bathing At Baxter's'

The record that really speaks to me if I had to choose just one....freedom, experimentation, harmony, strangeness, beauty, politics, possibilties, Jack's bass, Jorma's guitar. It's like being 18 every time I play it. What a drag to have to grow up.

Hi Jim,

They are all brilliant mood albums, aren't they. Where Are You is getting a lot of my attention.

I was out drinking with a friend in York all day yesterday, and we followed the debate as we merrily got drunk to the gloomy inevitability of the vote's outcome.

Encountered some diverse opinions along the way. We live in politically charged and interesting times, to put it mildly.

I'm not at all familiar with Airplane beyond White Rabbit, so following your paean/eulogy for times passed I will now investigate.

It was probably much worse watchng it sober, Charlie. Politically charged times indeed. If the whiff of the 60's puts you off, try 'Crown Of Creation' which is more straightforward and brimful of terrific songs and great playing. I don't know the Airplane sound to somebody not familar with them from the olden days, but I'd be interested to know. 'Volunteers' after those two and then....

 

[Lost Angeles]

Joe Bonamassa Different Shades Of Blue and Drivin' Towards The Daylight.
Led Zeppelin II
All off LP, that's the black stuff usually not 5inch silver.

 

[Al ears]

Joe Bonamassa Different Shades Of Blue and Drivin' Towards The Daylight.Led Zeppelin IIAll off LP, that's the black stuff usually not 5inch silver.

And it's made from vinyl !

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Hi Jim,

I've just been listening to After Bathing At Baxter's on headphones, and wow it's rather fantastic. Yes, I can hear the year and times of its creation writ large throughout every harmony and lick, and all those things you mentioned too.

If I were to track down a vinyl copy, would you suggest opting for mono or stereo?

I'm looking forward to another listen later on through speakers. And perhaps then delving into those other LPs you mentioned. Think I'll soak up this one first though.

 

[Waxy]

Stereolab - Peng!

Stereolab - Mars Audiac Quintet

Stereolab - Emperor Tomato Ketchup

*music2*

 

[Al ears]

Hi Jim,

I've just been listening to After Bathing At Baxter's on headphones, and wow it's rather fantastic. Yes, I can hear the year and times of its creation writ large throughout every harmony and lick, and all those things you mentioned too.

If I were to track down a vinyl copy, would you suggest opting for mono or stereo?

I'm looking forward to another listen later on through speakers. And perhaps then delving into those other LPs you mentioned. Think I'll soak up this one first though.

Unless you have the right cartridge go for the stereo.

 

[Jim_W]

Hi Jim,

I've just been listening to After Bathing At Baxter's on headphones, and wow it's rather fantastic. Yes, I can hear the year and times of its creation writ large throughout every harmony and lick, and all those things you mentioned too.

If I were to track down a vinyl copy, would you suggest opting for mono or stereo?

I'm looking forward to another listen later on through speakers. And perhaps then delving into those other LPs you mentioned. Think I'll soak up this one first though.

Hi Charlie...well, you've probably heard the effects that shift around and the segues between songs too; these are very badly edited, almost amateurishly so, on the mono version but they're well done on the stereo. I don't really mind it tbh because I do like the sound of the mono which really brings out the brilliant bass playing and has a nice thud to it, as monos usually do. There are some small variations in mixes too but you have to get a US copy. Sundazed have a mono version available as far as I can remember or you can track down an original. The stereo on black, red spot RCA, yellow RCA and Dynaflex yellow RCA all sound clear and crisp. My ears tell me the Dynaflex, incredibly because it's the thinnest vinyl I've ever seen, is probably the best sounding, but it's debatable. On the other hand, 'Crown Of Creation' is beautiful in mono and stereo, 'Volunteers' is rather muddy and has stereo and, if you're lucky enough to find one, quadraphonic variants. What I would really recommend if you don't want to spend too much time tracking the records down and just want to hear them is the 5cd 'Original Album Classic' series which is dirt cheap, sounds great and comes with a veritable plethora of additional bonus tracks for each album. I'm sure you'd prefer the records, but it's a basic no-frills package that you can pick up very cheaply.

I haven't got time to debate the mono cartridge issue fully now, but if your Bob Dylan records sound ok in mono on your system then the Airplane ones will too. Sure, a mono switch on the preamp helps to reduce noise and, technically, they will sound better if played with a mono cart. There again, they'll sound better if played through valves as they were cut using valve technology. I have monos from the 50's, 60's and I use a stereo cart and I often forget to turn the mono switch on...it's no big deal. do some googling and you'll find a range of opinions re mono carts and mono switches....or you can just make a nice cup of Sainsbury's Assam and listen to the music. I mean, you know, people are dying in wars and starvation blights the planet.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Thanks Jim for the informative guide to the Airplane LPs. Post-Bob mega box purchase I'll be opting for the 5CD set first. Then hunt down vinyl versions when I can afford to do so.

I did listen to Bathing again later on and found it very enjoyable. The streamed version also had extra tracks, one really long one of the opening song and a couple of mono variants too.

So, with Assam at the ready, it's a pleasant day ahead of listening and reading.

So far,

Your Arsenal - Moz

The golden period of his solo output. For me, there's something to marvel at and absorb on every album he's made but this always strikes me as a loving, dyspeptic, aching, funny state of the nation missive. Mick Ronson's heavy, bouncy production give the guitars of Boz and Alain Whyte lift off on the opening brace of songs, before the twin literary deviancy of We'll Let You Know & National Front Disco lay waste to any cosy liberal world view. Yes, they are in-character songs, not pro-racist rants as some malefactors would have it but they are disturbing pop songs.

Elsewhere, another twosome of Freddy & The Dreamers minded songs ala Steven, then two ballads to give Frank and Bowie a smile of recognition, and a fizzed up coda in Tomorrow's none more homo-erotic.

A masterpiece of great significance.

 

[thescarletpronster]

Ah, and it was going so well.

Have you got to the two CDs of Bob clearing his nose and scratching himself between takes yet?

Yes, it's in my best of the year list.

Am I right in thinking that one disc is the mono (single-nostril) mixes, and the other the stereo (both nostrils) mixes?

On the playing front:
The Necks – Vertigo
Anna von Hausswolff – Ceremony

 

[thescarletpronster]

I'm not at all familiar with Airplane beyond White Rabbit, so following your paean/eulogy for times passed I will now investigate.

I'm not an Airplane aficianado by any means, but in my opinion their best album is the live 'Bless Its Pointed Little Head'. I find some of their studio albums a bit over-produced and therefore sound a bit stilted. On the live album the music shines through. I was introduced to it when John Peel played the sublime '3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds'. The album's worth checking out, I think.

'White Rabbit' is a superb song, and the studio version of that works really well, I think.

 

[Jim_W]

I'm not at all familiar with Airplane beyond White Rabbit, so following your paean/eulogy for times passed I will now investigate.

I'm not an Airplane aficianado by any means, but in my opinion their best album is the live 'Bless Its Pointed Little Head'. I find some of their studio albums a bit over-produced and therefore sound a bit stilted. On the live album the music shines through. I was introduced to it when John Peel played the sublime '3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds'. The album's worth checking out, I think.

'White Rabbit' is a superb song, and the studio version of that works really well, I think.

'White Rabbit' in mono from the mono 'Surrealistic Pillow' lp; the stereo is drenched in reverb...still ok, I guess. Great song.

I can't agree with you about over-production' though; in fact, 'Volunteers' could do with a lot more production! It's murky, but still an angry yet beautiful record. 'Crown Of Creatuion' has very clear sound yet remains raw and almost live on many tracks....check 'If You Feel Like China Breaking.' 'Baxter's' is what it is: a psychedelic record from 1968 but I don't think it's over-produced. A bit messy, really.

'Bless Its Pointed Little Head' is a good live album, but rather overrated in my opinion; the shorter songs, such as 3/5 Of A Mile' and 'Other Side Of This Life' are brillliant and energetic re-workings of past glories, but 'Bear Melt' is overlong and meandering. I love it though!

I really like thefirst lp, 'Jefferson Airplane Takes Off' which has brilliant songs and great playing.

Either way, the greatest band from the greatest and most tumultuous era of American popular song. Perhaps? Maybe? Of course!

 

[Jim_W]

Thanks Jim for the informative guide to the Airplane LPs. Post-Bob mega box purchase I'll be opting for the 5CD set first. Then hunt down vinyl versions when I can afford to do so.

I did listen to Bathing again later on and found it very enjoyable. The streamed version also had extra tracks, one really long one of the opening song and a couple of mono variants too.

So, with Assam at the ready, it's a pleasant day ahead of listening and reading.

So far,

Your Arsenal - Moz

The golden period of his solo output. For me, there's something to marvel at and absorb on every album he's made but this always strikes me as a loving, dyspeptic, aching, funny state of the nation missive. Mick Ronson's heavy, bouncy production give the guitars of Boz and Alain Whyte lift off on the opening brace of songs, before the twin literary deviancy of We'll Let You Know & National Front Disco lay waste to any cosy liberal world view. Yes, they are in-character songs, not pro-racist rants as some malefactors would have it but they are disturbing pop songs.

Elsewhere, another twosome of Freddy & The Dreamers minded songs ala Steven, then two ballads to give Frank and Bowie a smile of recognition, and a fizzed up coda in Tomorrow's none more homo-erotic.

A masterpiece of great significance.

Tune in, turn on and drop out, Charlie!!!

Great Moz review. i like the way in which he confounds liberals like me and probably you too. i think it's a great record too. As you say 'in character' songs; some people want the artist to be expressing their own opinions or writing from experience, but nuanced character songs are very interesting. I think Lou Reed's whole career was one long nuanced 'in character' song and David Bowie's certainly is. Never mistake the art for the artist. It's all illusory.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

Had to laugh today, I'm sitting listening to a bit of Miles Davis, bitches brew and my daughter is in the room and she says what's this dad it sounds like flappy bird(computer game).

 

[Marvindodgers]

I've spent the afternoon listening to the latest purchases from my local second hand record shop.

Malcolm McLaren - Duck Soup

David Bowie - Scary Monsters And Super Creeps

Jean Michel Jarre - Magnetic Fields

Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables

The Human League - Reproduction

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

Wedding Present - Bizarro (Some of)

Psychedelic Furs - Psychedelic Furs (Some of)

I heard a new track by Bowie on 6 Music the other day, and it was 10 magnificent minutes. I think Stuart Maconie commented that it was quite like 'Climate Of Hunter' by Scott Walker, so as I own that and I've never played it, I'll be giving that a spin tomorrow morning.

My local pub is having a record fair tomorrow, and as I've been nearly killing myself with 12 hour days trying to finish a job for the client to move in to their new home next week, I'll be spending a little of that very hard earned cash their.

 

[Freddy58]

Wedding Present - Bizarro (Some of)

Psychedelic Furs - Psychedelic Furs (Some of)

I heard a new track by Bowie on 6 Music the other day, and it was 10 magnificent minutes. I think Stuart Maconie commented that it was quite like 'Climate Of Hunter' by Scott Walker, so as I own that and I've never played it, I'll be giving that a spin tomorrow morning.

My local pub is having a record fair tomorrow, and as I've been nearly killing myself with 12 hour days trying to finish a job for the client to move in to their new home next week, I'll be spending a little of that very hard earned cash their.

Yeah, I heard that Bowie tune. If the rest is anything as good as that, could be a classic

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Wedding Present - Bizarro (Some of)

Psychedelic Furs - Psychedelic Furs (Some of)

I heard a new track by Bowie on 6 Music the other day, and it was 10 magnificent minutes. I think Stuart Maconie commented that it was quite like 'Climate Of Hunter' by Scott Walker, so as I own that and I've never played it, I'll be giving that a spin tomorrow morning.

My local pub is having a record fair tomorrow, and as I've been nearly killing myself with 12 hour days trying to finish a job for the client to move in to their new home next week, I'll be spending a little of that very hard earned cash their.

Hi BBB,

When I heard the Bowie song Blackstar it made me think of Scott Walker too, a more tuneful take on Drift. I really liked Sue (In A Season of Crime) also. So Dave does "jazz"'stylings. Looking forward to the album.

Playing also:

Anti - The Eye Of Time

Brilliant dark ambient, classical/electronics

& the debut album by Fold

spoken word samples over rhythmic loops and jazz-funk patterns.

 

[Daz B]

A bit of a mix bag today.

PIL - What The World Needs Now

Metallica - Ride The lighting

Adam and The Ants - Kings Of The Wild Frontier

 

[Jim_W]

Wedding Present - Bizarro (Some of)

Psychedelic Furs - Psychedelic Furs (Some of)

I heard a new track by Bowie on 6 Music the other day, and it was 10 magnificent minutes. I think Stuart Maconie commented that it was quite like 'Climate Of Hunter' by Scott Walker, so as I own that and I've never played it, I'll be giving that a spin tomorrow morning.

My local pub is having a record fair tomorrow, and as I've been nearly killing myself with 12 hour days trying to finish a job for the client to move in to their new home next week, I'll be spending a little of that very hard earned cash their.

'Climate Of Hunter' is brilliant and very accessible; it's dark of course, but then it wouldn't be Scott if it wasn't. Hope you like it, BBB.

 

[Jim_W]

...but this list contains some non-vinyl items.

Vashti Bunyan: various youtube clips of her early singles. I shall be busting a gut to track these down so let's call them potential vinyl that I'm playing. Gentle, lovely songs with that 60's feel.

'Getz/Gilberto.'

Jefferson Airplane: 'Crown Of Creation.' + a few TMQ Airplane vinyl bootlegs.

Cecil Taylor: 'Unit Structures.' Difficult. Very Difficult. Like it though.

Lee Morgan: 'In Search Of The New Land.' Brilliant Blue Note...Lee's best perhaps.

Sonny Rollins: 'Volume 1' + 'Volume 2' Brilliant Blue Notes.

Wayne Shorter: 'Juju' You guessed it...a brilliant Blue Note.

Nirvana: 'All Of Us.'

Nirvana: ' The Story Of Simon Simpoath.'

Blossom Toes: 'We Are Ever So Clean.' A far more enjoyable record than the one they were trying to emulate, 'Seargant Pepper's etc' You can't be serious? Oh I am.

Blossom Toes: 'If Only For A moment.' Neglected and wonderful.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

Yeah, I heard that Bowie tune. If the rest is anything as good as that, could be a classic

Don't know if there's a new album planned, do you?