Mo’ Music!
Rick Gardner

When David asked me to take over music editing responsibilities, I confess I was bemused. My experience is that I don’t listen to a lot of the audiophile mainstream recordings. Several of my audiophile friends and acquaintances have observed that when I play DJ they are always going to hear new things . . . and mostly it will sound like music. But David’s the boss . . . so here I go.

As our readers are all too aware we here at PF have departed a bit from our intended publishing schedule. So, although it may not appear thusly, I have had to exercise considerable restraint in what I am covering here, versus new stuff I have been listening to over this time! And, because of the rapid turnaround between these two issues, I don’t have time to include all of the wonderful SACD’s I have been listening to. Well, there is always next time . . .

Out of respect for delicate sensibilities, I will, at certain points, provide adequate warning for the hardcore audiophile to delicately turn their heads aside....

Ernie Watts — The Long Road Home
JVC-XRCD-2 (0045-2)

We here at PF have written frequently about the fine XRCD releases. Consistently, I find them to be as good as Red Book CD’s get. Well, here we go again. The moment I put this sucker on I was in love . . . traditional, tuneful, soulful jazz. Ernie on tenor sax, Kenny Barron (piano), Reggie Workman (Bass), Mark Winfield (electric guitar on a few songs) and on a couple of tracks . . . the luscious Carmen Lundy.

I suppose I should point out some high points, such as "At the End of My Rope" (with Ms. Lundy), but that would imply there were lesser offerings on the disc, and that is not true. Try as I might I loved every track. And, after all, you gotta’ love a guy who makes sure we know what equipment he and his group uses.

Sonics are stellar, as you would expect.

WAY recommended.

Miles Davis All Stars — Walkin’
JVC-XRCD-2

Ah yes, the mid-50-‘s . . . Miles and the incomparable All Stars . . . tube analog masters under Rudy Van Gelder’s watchful eye, JVC care and loving execution on the reissue side. OK, so I was three years old when this recording was made. That doesn’t mean it isn’t among the reasons why I became and remain a music lover and audiophile. If you have this already on original vinyl, damn you. If you don’t. . . . this is as good as it’s probably going to get, unless you get very, very lucky. Brilliant, wonderful . . . yadda yadda yadda. Just go buy it.

Sonics — what are you kiddin’? Completely Recommended.

Ani Defranco — To the Teeth
Righteous Babe Records, RBR017-D

In conversations with fellow Assistant Editor, John Pearsall, he frequently bemoans the current state of pop and rock music, citing Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and that Bolton fellow as ample evidence we are going to hell in a handcart. While it’s hard to argue with his examples, I insist he needs to get out more and hear artists who don’t always make it to pop- level visibility. Ani is certainly one of those artists I would cite as an antidote to the banal and tasteless.

In her latest offering, we find Ani’s poetess skills at the forefront, in a darker offering than we have had from her for some time. Like most of us at some point in our lives, Ani seems to be questioning if she is tough enough to do what she does. Whatever her hits and misses, consistently the thing I most appreciate about this diminutive lady is her unflinching willingness to share it in song in a starkly personal and open manner.

If you are unfamiliar with Ani, I would first direct you to Not a Pretty Girl. Then, I would send you here. Ani also gets credit as producer, arranger and cook and bottle washer. Tired of pap and the predictable pop paean? Let sweet Ani turn you round for a while.

Sound quality . . . she does that real well too. Recommended!

Charlatans UK — Us and Us Only
MCA – 012-153-866-2

Speaking of something to renew your pop "Jones," we have the Charlatans UK, part Beatles and Stones, part Todd Rundgren, all Hammond B-3 driven trippy tuneful pop. The Charlatans are a great example of Brit pop club bands on the infrequent occasions the genre escapes mediocrity. The absolute eternal keys to the successful pop song, catchy melodies and hooky lyrics exist in abundance here. Tired of the heavy relevant stuff, and looking for a quick, refreshing quencher? Look no further. Addictive with additional listening, so be careful.

Sound quality is inoffensive. Warmly recommended.

Tal Bachman — Tal Bachman
Columbia CK- 67956

Ok, so who DOESN’T remember Bachman-Turner Overdrive? Yes, this is the prodigal son. No this disc is not some genetic recreation of BTO, thank God. There, now we can move on to the important stuff.

The single "She’s so High" immediately caught my attention. Hooky, lush, tuneful, the young Mr. Bachman possesses a most impressive voice. Tad’s singing is sweetly expressive, but under the honeyed pop, there is real depth here if you’ve got a moment to listen. But, you do have to listen. For example, the tender, "If you Sleep" will stun you, if you really listen to what the young Canadian is saying under the dulcet prettiness of it all. This guy may actually be complete compensation for Brian Adams!

Great studio recording. Most satisfying. Go get this one.

Ok, you may want to avert your eyes . . . we are about to seriously depart the audiophile path!

Zap Mama — A Ma Zone
Luaka Bop 72438-48412-2-5

I confess to a fascination with "trip-hop" influenced dance music (Sneaker Pimps, Portishead, etc.), but I was caught by surprise by this African fusion group. I plan to work my way back through their discography. A Ma Zone is a complete delight. Featuring the considerable talents of Manu Dibano, Zap Mama Marie Daulne offers up a delicate balancing act between traditional and modern forms.

I am generally ambivalent about fusion forms, be they food or music. Occasionally someone gets it right like this time, but too frequently it ends up as a peach-chutney slathered Spring Roll sitting in foamed chicken stock with smoked salmon roe. Not to worry here. This lady can cook!

I think we see some interesting glimpses of the future of mainstream African based music here. Sound quality is very good. Mildly challenging (sort of like Uni, without the quail egg).

Everything But the Girl — Temperamental
Atlantic CD 83412-2

Everything But the Girl are vocalist Tracy Thorn and the versatile Ben Watt. For nearly ten years this English duo has specialized in jazz-drenched pop offerings. Their 1996, Walking Wounded and their newest, Temperamental are clearly directed towards trip-hop, dance rave and electronica influences.

Ms. Horn’s voice is a rich confection, at the same time sweet, dark and emotionally expressive. More so even than with Walking Wounded, vocals take the lead in this highly satisfying disc. Yes, you are going to hear disco beats here, and synth bass and dubs and loops . . . but the "studio as instrument" is something worth considering periodically. In Temperamental, no matter how far afield the disc goes instrumentally or rhythmically, there is always Thorn’s succulent voice, anchoring the whole thing in the most human and emotional of ways.

And . . . the sonics are very good, perhaps just a notch below Walking Wounded, but very good indeed.

Highly recommended. It may trigger some latent disco resentments, but only mildly challenging.

Fiona Apple – When the Pawn
Epic-69195

Ok, I remember seeing her drunken (alleged) award acceptance speech too. What can you say? Remember when you were that age? Her first offering, Tidal was not without its moments, and although I have been prone to dismiss her as a pop flash in the pan (her whole life would probably change if she would have one, good meal and keep it down), I put that uncharitable sentiment on hold and picked up this newest disc. Glad I did.

The sophomore outing can be a tough one for a lot of acts, especially when the first effort garners a lot of attention. We find Fiona here, just as quirky and in need of extensive therapy as before, but there is an edge, a bit of grit that wasn’t there in her first disc and I like it bunches. This disc boogies more, and at the same time, it is less poppy in its sensibilities. All in all, I was a little surprised . . . in a good way. I would still like to take her to good dim sum restaurant and force-feed her, but hey . . .

Sonics are better than average. Recommended. Should be OK for all but the most hidebound.

Drain STH – Freaks of Nature
Mercury/Island/Def Jam 314-546-262-2

Remember ABBA? Remember when ABBA and Volvo were the high points of the Swedish economy? Well, we are back in Sweden but Drain has very little to do with ABBA except for the fact that all of the Swedish music folks we see here in the states appear to be genetically superior creatures. In this vein, Drain is comprised of four, stunning young women. You see the cover and you figure it’s probably going to be updated ABBA dance music. You put the disc on and well . . . can you say thrash metal meets Missing Persons? In an era of the Spice Girls and Brittany Spears, it is bracing to see a group of young women who are a match for any mosh-ready sweaty guy group, while still being able to write and sing coherent tunes. That, and the added plus is they are each one, absolutely beautiful . . . I know, men are such pigs.

Great sound, heartily recommended, but not for the delicate of disposition. Challenging.

Skunk Anansie – Post Orgasmic Chill
Virgin 7243 8 47764 0 4

Black, bald, female-fronted Brit quartet, Skunk has been around for several years, but never getting much attention here in the states. Too bad. Perhaps Post Orgasmic Chill will remedy this injustice. This is challenging, heady stuff . . . difficult to pigeon-hole comfortably beyond a clear punk, edgy sensibility. Instrumentally Skunk is so tight you can’t drive a nail in between them. Squalling, scouring vocals . . . from a sexually charged purr to full shriek. This power foursome may be way too much for the Holly Cole, Diana Krall set, but if you don’t mind walking the coals occasionally, I promise you there is meat for consideration here. Well recorded and recommended.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – This Beautiful Life
Coolsville

OK, so the swing revival never really got wings. In spite of that . . . it did give some well-deserved recognition to a local group from Eugene, Oregon (Cherry Poppin’ Daddies). It also provided additional retirement income to that blonde guy from the Stray Cats, as well as making for a somewhat memorable gender-bending dance scene on Abby McBeal . . . and, most importantly for our purposes here . . . produced Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Put down that multi-probe. Get off your spreading ass and go get both of these discs. These young men are fine musicians. The discs rock out like you can’t believe . . . they even do an impressive homage to Cab Calloway, and the sonics are spectacular.

AND . . . you can dance to it, yes even you!

I first became aware of Beth when I picked up her debut disc, Immortal. Loved it. With reports of her live performances glowing, I figured she was gonna be a contender. It’s been four years, and my sense is these have not been easy ones for the young lady. Screamin’ for my Supper finds her shed of her band, and unfortunately also having dumped some of her previous passion and expressive excesses. She sounds careful here, as though she is cradling something injured. I kept waiting for her to cut loose and howl and it never happens. Whatever crap life has dealt her, I hope she regains her confidence for her next offering.

Sonics are above average. Worth a listen, but pick up Immortal too.

And now, back to the safe path of familiarity . . .

Eurythmics – Peace
Arista 1467-2

There are few groups that more exemplify the 1980’s than Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics. "Sweet Dreams are Made of This" was practically an anthem. Well, time goes on and Annie and Dave went their separate ways. We saw a couple of pretty good offerings from Annie including Diva, but the jittery-nervous, androgynous groove of the band disappeared.

So, this should be good news! They are "reunited." How exciting! Two old friends, burying hatchets and crafting new tunes. Of course we don’t want to simply hear them rehashing where they’ve been . . . but . . .

Well, as Dan Ackroyd said, when playing the delightfully poised English theatre critic on SNL, "Well, now that wasn’t very good, was it?" Understatement. The disc lacks the pop charm of Annie’s solo efforts and the jittery energy of previous outings with Stewart. It is in a word . . . dull. Varying between self-indulgence and repetitive pointlessness, I was left wanting to hear "Love is a Stranger," just to clear my palate.

Highly NOT recommended.

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – Looking Forward
Reprise – 947436-2

I literally wore out my first three copies of the original Crosby, Stills and Nash album. I knew EVERY song on it, although most of the intricate guitar work was beyond me. I have always loved these guys, even in different bands (I remember a memorable Buffalo Springfield Concert in a high school gym in Boise, Idaho). I am amazed and grateful they are still alive (as, I am sure, are some of them) and I was delighted they were coming together again in the studio. Surely, unlike the Eagles it wouldn’t just be about the money . . . not with these guys.

Oh well . . .

Neil seems to be the only one who shows he has triumphed in his battles with "rust." (Sorry, I had to do that.)

Sonics are HDCD and pretty good, but the disc is largely a snooze, and frequently an embarrassment. Sad. Skip it, and go back and listen to "Wooden Ships" again . . .

Dolly Parton – The Grass is Blue
Sugar Hill SuG-CD-3900

It makes so much sense, one wonders why she hasn’t done it before. Dolly Parton, bluegrass music, of course . . . After all, she came from those musical roots. But, unlike her buddy Emmylou Harris, this is the first time we have a complete disc of "hill" music from the voluptuous blonde legend. Aren’t we lucky? Yes, we are indeed.

For the most part these are simple songs, and producer Steven Buckingham honors them well, with tasteful arrangements and a stellar supporting cast (Patty Loveless, Rhonda Vincent and even Allison Krauss).

Interesting song choices, from Billy Joel’s "Traveling Prayer" to Lester Flatt’s, "I’m Gonna Sleep with One Eye Open" make for a highly satisfying experience. And, in every case, we have that "almost" too pretty voice of hers.

On some systems I suspect this disc is going to be a little on the dry side. Even though the sonics are not first cabinet, they aren’t bad and the disc is a real joy.

Recommended.

Julie Miller – Blue Pony – Broken Things
Hightone

Blue Pony was Julie’s first non-religious offering (she has three or four religious oriented discs, if you are interested in that sort of thing). Wife to Emmylou Harris’s famous guitar player and artist-in-his-own-right, Buddy Miller (stay tuned for a review in the next issue of Buddy’s most recent release), Julie has contributed songs and back-up vocals on a number of well-respected discs before going it alone. Her voice falls firmly in the range of Allison Krauss, Sam Phillips, et al, but with this totally beguiling childlike honesty. All of her friends are here (Emmylou, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle . . .), and Julie gives forth convincingly.

Broken Things is the follow-up to Blue Pony and it is, at the same time, darker and rockier. The two are similar enough to consider together. Both discs are charming.

Country influences are an interesting issue for audiophiles, as though somehow "folk" is OK, but that next step (unless it’s towards heirloom acts like Patsy or George) is a questionable one. Get over it. This is great stuff and worth serious consideration.

Sonics are very good, but absent the frequent Nashville slick production.

Natalie MacMaster — In My Hands
Rounder 11661-7025-2

I love Celtic music, but sometimes I feel like I am one repetitive pub reel away from freaking out and crushing every tin whistle in sight! Then there is Natalie MacMaster. This woman is a fiddle monster. Never seduced by simple pyrotechniques, Natalie gives her listeners such a range of music that a newbie to her tender talents will probably look at the disc cover, listen to the first few cuts, and try long and hard to figure out what is going on here. Heck, we even get a rare vocal or two from her (sad she doesn’t sing more, her voice is very nice). We get Celtic, we get flamenco, and we get hip urban pop, even electronica. And through it all, prodigious skill and this restless desire to explore differences. Impressive. The sound is fine. Won’t even give the hard core audiophile a moment’s pause. Highly recommended.

Well gang, that’s it for this issue . . . next time we will delve deeply into SACD’s. I will say that the DMP release, Just Jobim may well be the most wonderful recording I have ever heard. We will also look at a gaggle of new releases from Mapleshade, and more of the unorthodox, such as Kitty, American Football, Femi Kuti, Neko Case and Her Boyfriends, and others.