Although, as those who know me know, I prefer physical product, especially vinyl, which is getting rather expensive these days! However, to be honest I couldn’t do what I do: writing discographies, reviewing and keeping this website up to date principally through donated downloads/ CDs by artists and labels without Spotify, Bandcamp and other internet sources. So, my aim is always – if you are intrigued by what I say please support the artists by buying product.
Dateline: 17th November, 2023: my selected ten:
MARY HALVORSON - ‘The Gate’: a rarity these days, a jazz single! Running to 4:33, classic post-post bop as we’ve come to expect from Mary, with superb ensemble brass; I’m looking forward to hearing the new album- watch this space!
GONG - ‘My Guitar is a Spaceship’: everything we’ve come to expect from the reinvigorated Gong. Daevid Allen would be proud!
TREVOR HORN, IGGY POP, LAMBRINI GIRLS – ‘Personal Jesus’: Yes, the song that Johnny Cash made all his own, with a croaky Iggy and a most efficacious arrangement from Mr Horn and friends.
GUIDED BY VOICES - ‘The Race is on, the King is Dead’: if you like super intelligent song-based music with a difference GBV seldom let you down – a hit, as David Jacobs used to say!
THE ZOMBIES - ‘Dropped Reeling and Stupid’: a live track and piece of nostalgia from the fantastic Zombies, with a lovely electric piano cameo – could it really be so long ago that I first heard ‘She’s Not There’.
YARD ACT - ‘Dream Job’: Big danceable rap pop with a message.
KING GIZZARD AND LIZARD WIZARD - ‘Extinction’ (extended mix): A long one this, over 12 minutes; a prolific artist with a winning formula and a well-earned dedicated fan base.
ROBIN TROWER – ‘Joyful Sky’: For me, there’s hardly a week goes by without a listen to Robin’s amazing guitar work with the mighty Procol Harum and, although there is not Keith Reid and Gary Brooker to drive him on these days he has most certainly still ‘got it’ as this soulful ballad shows. Sari Schorr is a prefect match on vocals.
STARSAILOR – ‘Where the Wild Things Grow’: a melodic song, with thoughtful piano and occasional heavy guitars and organ: another group who have deservedly stood the test of time.
KURT VILE – ‘Another Good Year for the Roses’: a 5:30 tribute of sorts to the countryfied Elvis Costello song, a fine way to end this week’s ten. He and Ben Weaver remain amongst the prime of American singer-songwriters to have emerged within the past few decades. “One day I’ll sit down and write myself a letter; get my shit together”- quite!
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