That being fact, you might just think I would have known that Gary Louris released a solo album in 2021. And I did, but not until a week ago. But it's on my turntable now!!
Of all the online things people did during covid, his 'Shit Shows' were my favorites certainly helping me get through a few of those hours. Filled with humor, storytelling and great music. Something that's needed most days.
On my doorstep today, the new one titled 'Weathervanes' by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.
I've refrained from listening to song samples beforehand because I wanted to experience the record for the first time like it was done long ago. By sitting down and taking in each song in its entirety. I'll go out on a limb ahead of time and say it's going to be great. I've come to trust over the past decade(s), the quality and consistency of the songwriting. And I know that I'm going to be 'feeling' the vibe of each song.
My introduction to Victoria Williams was through the 1993 compilation album, 'Sweet Relief - A Benefit for Victoria Williams.' Various musicians and bands covering her songs to raise money to help with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Among the many treasures discovered, there is a recording of her song, 'Crazy Mary' by Pearl Jam that has long since become a favorite. It's nice to hear the songwriters take on this album. Her voice, seemingly tiny and fragile is quite the contrast from Eddie Vedder, but every bit as powerful.
A very enjoyable listen.
I never see any of his recordings in record stores. I finally ordered a cd offering online a few months ago. Very excited upon its arrival which quickly soured upon discovery of Rickie Lee Jones, 'Flying Cowboys' inside the packaging. Nothing against RLJ but I already have Flying Cowboys on vinyl in my collection. After the passing of a month or so, I decided to take another chance on this one.
The late 1970's ..... Punk and New-Wave had kicked in the door, demanded our attention and was dominating what was being heard. It seemed like music was rapidly and radically changing. Storytelling and singer/songwriters seemed to be in sudden decline.
Then this came out.
He reminded me of Bob Dylan. He played acoustic guitar, he played harmonica and was armed with great melodies and lyrics. Forty-some years later, I'm not sure if I came up with that Bob Dylam comparison on my own or if I read it somewhere. perhaps in Rolling Stone magazine?
'Alive on Arrival' by Steve Forbert. From 1978 on vinyl and the Nemperor Record label.
Maybe my memories are skewed by the passing of years and decades, but I recall bringing home this and Dire Straits debut record, on the same day. If true, what a day that was!!
Original songs, original lyrics, stories to be told and heard. It's always best to hear the storyteller express his/her own thoughts and tales in their own unique voice and style. I've been so heavily into jazz the last three or four years that I've largely gotten away from the storytellers.
It always feels like a genre of the 1970's but there's still plenty of these voices around.
The highlight for me though, is a cover version of the Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits song, 'Brothers In Arms.' Backed by an organ and mandolin, it's absolutely beautiful and had me lifting the tonearm and moving it back to listen again, multiple times.
It was waiting on my doorstep a couple days ago.
A vinyl release from 2012 and on the Anti recording label. Singer/Songwriter.
Since I'm not an accomplished reviewer of music....
.... I've had this thing lately of compiling playlists that make little or no sense in regard to a theme or just a loose reason other than total abstract and bizarre randomness as to why I am playing them together, I actually had an idea of making a playlist of songs that after original exposure, I refused to listen any further, but these days, have had a change of heart and can now tolerate or even possibly enjoy. (And I want to want to find the Kraftwerk listed below, on vinyl to add to my collection but it seems to be a rarity.)
BUT I CAN ONLY THINK OF THREE SONGS!!
Not much of a playlist is it.
From 1973 on Asylum Records and on the original vinyl.
I've been listening to this album since I was a teenager. I was seventeen years old when it came out and I'm relatively sure that I bought it on the day of release. I followed Jackson Browne's career closely from his debut in 1972 through the mid-90's. My first act upon becoming connected to the internet was to seek out JB bootlegs. I just wanted to hear more. His music was my goto choice for many years.
This record has his recording of the song he wrote, with a little help from Glen Frey and that The Eagles made famous, 'Take It Easy.' I may be in the minority, but I prefer this version. It also has his song, 'These Days,' which has been covered by several people over the years, including Gregg Allman.
A fantastic record that still resonates in my thoughts and memories nearly fifty years later .... I Thought I Was a Child; These Days; Ready or Not; Sing My Songs To Me; For Everyman; Colors of the Sun .... and the lyrics became part of me.
A sidenote .... That initial search for bootleg recordings resulted in connecting with a lady who sent a box containing thirty-two cassettes my way. That was a great day to walk to the mailbox.
A singer/songwriter affair, mostly acoustic. Beautiful and haunting. There's a feeling of sadness behind the songs. Backing vocals on one song are contributed from Rebecca Gates of the Portland band, The Spinanes.
First of all, I was going to pick this up for the cover photo alone. It didn't matter that I had no idea of what I would hear or if I would appreciate the music. That said, the music is incredibly beautiful.
From 2018. Record stores going out of business and drastically slashing prices often leads to blind buys and the discovery of new sounds.
Adrianne Lenker is a guitarist and lead vocalist for the band, Big Thief.
From 1975, on original vinyl.
An oldie in my collection. I didn't know much about Mark-Almond at the time that I first heard this and I sure didn't know that Jon Mark was the 'Mark' part of that duo.
Just discovered while posting this entry that Jon Mark passed away less than two months ago.
It's been quite a long time since I last listened. I recall listening almost daily for a period of time after buying this. 'Songs For a Friend' is about as mellow as music gets. Piano driven, singer/songwriter ballads, but not what was usual for recordings of that genre and period. It quite often feels sad and dramatic and ends in a wash of strings and 'spoken word' verse/poetry. There's a sense from the song order and flow alone, that he just lost his best friend. Upon listening, one may feel the need to shed a tear.
Original vinyl record from my early collecting days that was a tough find back then because it was an import recording. It's been with me for a few years now. Had to travel to Portland as I recall.
Singer/Songwriter and great guitarist as well, often including a solo guitar instrumental tune on his albums. Favorite songs on here are back to back on side one ..... 'Love Song' and 'One Day I Walk'. Both incredibly beautiful!!
Beautiful snow and trees photography on the front and back cover and inside the gatefold sleeve.
The record store owner asked me if I was familiar with the musician .... "Well no, I'm just taking a wild chance." (Certainly not a first for me.) "I'll tell you what" he said, "I'll take two dollars off the price and if you don't like it you can bring it back. I don't like for anyone to be stuck with music that they don't like."
I guess I won't have to take him up on that offer because I like it!! Quite a bit. I was initially drawn in by the artwork on the back of the album. Another hint was that it's produced by T Bone Burnett. The songs don't always go in the direction that I'm anticipating but that's certainly not a criticism.
Feeling highly disappointed in the antique store today where my former local record store has a spot. I saw on Facebook where they had added some albums to the bins and I was on a search for a specific record that I had spotted in the post.
And it wasn't there!!! Damnit, someone beat me to it!! Then I thought, maybe I should look under 'N' for his last name ..... and there it was!!!
Geez!! How long have I been collecting records? Why am I making rookie mistakes? I should have a masters degree by now in record collecting.
I had never heard of her prior to two weeks ago. I read a few lines of a review, checked out a few seconds of song samples and ordered this. It was more than next day delivery but even next day would have been too long of a wait.
How could I have not have known? I can't know everything but there's no way these songs should have passed by me all these years without notice.
Starts with an Indie Rock vibe but feels more Singer/Songwriter the deeper you get. Reminds of new discoveries made during late night listening sessions of Oregon Public Broadcasting radio.
And I love the simplicity and the black of the cover art. All you really need is the basics.
Highlights after two listens are, 'Wolves', 'Blood Ballet' and 'Does It Feel Slow?' which is a duet with Holden Jaffe (another new name for me), but every song feels incredibly must listen vital.
"I'm not waiting for the wolves to rip my heart out, I'm not waiting for the wolves."
Jackson Browne's self titled first album .... also known as 'Saturate Before Using.'
Bought this 48 years ago and have likely listened to it at several dozen times or more over the years. Most likely one of the first fifty records added to my, at the time, beginning and growing collection. I heard 'Rock Me On the Water' and "Doctor My Eyes' on the radio and his music became my go-to sounds for the next twenty-five years.
You just might see his photo next to an entry in your dictionary for Indie singer/songwriter. Early stripped down Neil Young meets Nick Drake and Elliott Smith.
Not my first Damien Jurado experience. I have at least a half dozen of his albums. Was feeling extreme frustration at the ongoing non-delivery of his latest and discovered this gem while messaging amazon support. So great things do sometimes arise from displeasure. And I've been assured that the initial frustration will ease by this coming Friday .... "at the latest." I'll likely play this album three or four times before then.
From 2000 on Sub Pop records. Usually an indication of quality. Beautiful melodies are to be found within!!
On the song 'Paxil' he shows that he can switch direction and rock as well as anyone. Surrounding it are more acoustic sounds. 'Walk With Me' reminds of Neil Young's, 'Love in Mind.'
'Deep Sleep' by Sleeping Bag. Indie Rock from 2014. A Seattle band. Came across the vinyl record at a great price in 2020 as my loca...
