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Hello friends. Time for another installment of the music that's blessed my ears in the past week.
First up.....
 Richard & Linda Thompson - I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight (Island 1974)--a great mix of bleak musings on life ("The End of the Rainbow") and the need for a good weekend bender (the title track), held together by Richard's arabesque guitar work and wife Linda's beautiful voice. RIYL-late 60's British Folk, existential doubt
 Nicolai Dunger - Tranquil Isolation (Overcoat 2003)--an exquisite folk rock masterpiece made by a Swedish ex-footballer? Yup, that's right. Dunger heads to Shelbyville, KY, hooks up with the Oldham clan (Will & Paul) and channels his inner Van Morrison. Perfect for those lazy twilights that seem infinite. RIYL-Moondance-era Van Morrison, Kentucky bourbon.
 Palace - Arise, Therefore (Drag City 1996)--continuing the Oldham theme, here we find Will "Bonnie 'Prince' Billy" Oldham researching the darker parameters of the human condition. A stark release, even by his usual standards, but one of his most interesting. The fourth track, whose title is unfit to print, is one of my favorites in his entire oeuvre. RIYL-hmmmm, that's tough. Maybe the darkest, slowest Neil Young times ten without the Neil.
 Nina Simone - To Be Free:The Nina Simone Story (Sony 2008)--one of the greatest voices in the history of American music, bar none. Whether it's jazz, blues, folk, pop or other, Nina makes a song her own. Equally at ease with a Gershwin standard ("I Loves You Porgy") as she is with fiery protest ("Mississippi Goddam"). Oh yeah, she's also an AMAZING pianist. RIYL--just get some of her music ok? If you have a pulse and functioning ears you'll love it.
 Dinosaur Jr. - You're Living All Over Me (SST 1987)--guitars, guitars, guitars, guitars. But buried underneath all those guitars is some of the best pop music this side of the Atlantic. RIYL--Marshall stacks, fuzz pedals, furry things.
There you have it folks. Another list of essential listening from the vaults of the illuminated Don. Keep on the lookout for fnords. |
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