Albums »Holderlin’s Traum

holderlins traumby Holderlin (1972)

Take a base of traditional folk, add one part Jethro Tull, a generous drop of Nico, a splash of Amon Duul II, and a garnish with Peter and the Wolf, and you’ll end up with Holderlin’s Traum, a musical concoction perfect for a handcrafted clay goblet. It’s a beautiful and gentle first album by the German band that has recently made a sort of comeback with a new album.

This early seventies effort is as appealing and ethereal as the album art and title (Traum translates “dream”) and worth a listen for anyone with a soft spot for folk, krautrock, lilting female voices, and the flute. The songs will stay in your mind, even as you hum along to the unknown lyrics (well, unless you speak German of course). I am surprised this band has not been as rediscovered as others of the genre, but with recent accessibility (amost of their albums are now available on iTunes) I think that might change. Like several former Brix Picks, I might soon hear it playing over some brunch in Brooklyn.


Click here for the rest of Holderlin’s Traum

See more: Albums


One Comment →
Posted on November 29, 2009

Albums »Tapestry

caroleking_tapestryby Carole King (1971)

Carole King’s Tapestry is the aural equivalent of being wrapped up in an afghan blanket on a cold night – or mom hugs when you’re a kid; it’s just so cozy and comforting. Filled to the brim with recognizable hits like I Feel the Earth Move (which I remember vividly playing at a Children’s museum that had a room simulating an earthquake), So Far Away, and my favorite, It’s Too Late, as well as covers of songs that she originally wrote but became hits for other acts like Will You Love Me Tomorrow, You’ve Got a Friend, and You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.

It’s little wonder that this was such a wildly popular record (spending 15 weeks at number one, which is the longest time for an album by a woman to occupy that position). It’s a simple pleasure that feels as relevant as ever with its hazy kitty cat cover photo and its simple, unadorned production.

Click here for the rest of Tapestry

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 15, 2009

Albums »Glee – The Music (Worst Album)

Glee I have a confession: I like Glee. I think it's smart and funny and every time Jane Lynch is on the screen I am completely happy with the world. However, I spend a large majority of the (hour long!) show either revolted and pushing fast forward or downright embarrassed and looking away (that would be every time Matthew Morrison starts to rap and hip hop dance) because of those damned musical numbers.

I'm sure this American Idolization was a vital component to getting the surprisingly edgy show on the air but the songs (of which there are far, far too many each episode) are a real obnoxious downer… and now they are available in one easy to torture your enemies with CD.

Ever wanted to hear a (more) emasculated version of REO Speedwagon's Can't Fight This Feeling? Glee's got it.

Even worse than the squeaky clean, over produced, Broadway-style trained vocalized cannibalization of songs I actually like (such as Dancing with Myself), the show and its cast are unforgivably responsible for introducing me to popular songs I could have otherwise easily avoided by willfully and purposely not turning on the FM radio. I never had to know about Celine Dion's Taking Chances or Jordin Sparks's No Air and I would have been happier for it.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 9, 2009

Albums »Eccentric Soul Vol 7: The Deep City Label (Best Album)

Here's what I had to say on the 21st of September:

At Numero Group, “The mission was simple: to dig deep into the recesses of our record collections with the goal of finding the dustiest gems begging to be released from their exile on geek street.”

For all their endeavors to bring forgotten soul to my ears, I am eternally grateful.

Eccentric Soul Vol 7: The Deep City Label compilation has brought me so much joy in the last few days. I found it after my old friend Billy said he was touring with the Eccentric Soul Review (which comes to New York in November). I downloaded this volume because it features one of my personal favorite obscure soul singers, Betty Wright, whose two songs Paralyzed and Good Lovin' are particular stand outs in the amazing collection.

Other exceptional tracks are “Am I A Good Man” by Them Two, Paul Kelly's “The Upset”, and “I am Controlled by Your Love” by Helene Smith. Also love the lyrics from “Stay Away from My Johnny”: “There's only two kind of girls that he loves and I'm both of them”.

Numero describes the label as “Possibly the most influential of all the 60s Miami soul label's, the Deep City sound not only changed the Metro-Dade area, but set the tone for disco powerhouse TK's impressive run in the 70s.”

That none of the singers featured ever gained substantial fame is a shame. That Numero has several more compilations to dig through is a blessing.

RUNNERS UP:
Blackout
Crime and Dissonance
Fleetwood Mac Live
Amadeus
L'Homme a Tete de Chou
The Way I See It

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on November 2, 2009

Albums »The Heretic Soundtrack

Exorcist II: The Heretic has the reputation as “one of the most notorious disasters in movie history” but it boasts an impressive Ennio Morricone soundtrack. Lacking even the great Brad Dourif and the image of an old lady crawling across the ceiling that factors so heavily into the enjoyment of part three, most people agree that the haunting music is the film's only worthwhile element.

I've been informed that this is a rare find, my friend Shaun purchased his CD at the excellent treasure trove Amoeba Records, but you can also pay a higher price on an Amazon import. If you're a fan of creepy Morricone dissonance and haunting melodies, it's worth the investment and time to track it down. It bounces from soft, almost romantic sounds to frenzied intensity. Definitely makes the work day more dramatic.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on October 26, 2009

Albums »True Stories

It's really quite curious that I've never recommended the True Stories soundtrack, because it's been a staple of listening pleasure for me for eons. As I've recounted to you before, the movie itself is spectacular and smile inducing and the music, released with Talking Heads songs is just as uplifting.

Byrne initially intended to release an original cast recording containing the songs as they're heard in the film, sung by actors like John Goodman, Swoosie Kurtz and the late, great Pops Staples but at the last minute DB reconsidered and Talking Heads re-recorded the tracks (a move Byrne later lived to regret); though if you get a recent remaster, you'll at least get the Pops Staples and Tito Larriva vocal mixes.

Music video hits like Wild Wild Life and Love for Sale made this pseudo-soundtrack to a pretty obscure film relatively popular and successful but the entire album is golden, not just the familiar songs. Papa Legba, Dream Operator, and City of Dreams are some of my particular favorites.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on October 19, 2009

Albums »Crazy Price

Crazy Price is an oddball little album that's added a bit of fun to the work day like a refreshingly fizzy glass of soda pop. Hailing from Russia, Messer Chups sounds inspired by lounge music like Esquivel and B movies soundtracks and employ all sorts of quirky instruments to make their happy sounds.

It's kind of surfy, kind of spooky, kind of jazzy, kind of exotica, and totally kooky and lovable; my favorite song is “Sex Euro and Evil Pops“.

Thanks to Shaun for passing this one along.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on October 12, 2009

Albums »Surrealistic Pillow

Sometimes I just feel completely plugged in to the zeitgeist. I have been listening to Surrealistic Pillow a lot lately, falling particularly hard for the dreamy and rarely played song “Today” – As I sat watching this week's TV pick, At the Movies review of A Simple Man, I was surprised to hear that exact song featured in a scene. From what I've read (have yet to see the movie, but with all the glowing reviews, look forward to it) the breakout album plays a prominent role.

While the big Grace Slick hits Somebody To Love and White Rabbit will be familiar to anyone who grew up with a classic rock station in their town, they don't represent the album other facets which are far folkier and druggier and softer.

The album was one of the most significant of the counter culture movement and brought attention and change to the Haight-Ashbury scene.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on October 5, 2009

Albums »Billy Idol

While Billy Idol's self titled debut is peppered with undying, beloved radio hits like Dancin With Myself and White Wedding (still excellent despite their being overplayed), but the lesser known songs are a worthy listen that evokes images of teen 80s movies.

Hot in the City could role over the credits as a great spring break comes to an end with a beach side party, Dead on Arrival: played over a gang of suburban best friends in the big city for the day – most likely with a sun roof to pop their exuberant heads out of, Nobody's Business But My Own, again over credits – this time an outsider has triumphed over a douche bag and won the girl – they share a kiss someplace far from the prom she left the douche bag behind at, and So Cruel is a mid movie heartbreak montage – he is in a jean jacket, gazing into a body of water with perfect pompadour hair, she is throwing a stuffed animal aside that he had previously in the film won for her at an arcade.

You get the picture. It makes for fun daytime daydreaming listening.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 28, 2009

Albums »Eccentric Soul Vol 7: The Deep City Label

At Numero Group, “The mission was simple: to dig deep into the recesses of our record collections with the goal of finding the dustiest gems begging to be released from their exile on geek street.”

For all their endeavors to bring forgotten soul to my ears, I am eternally grateful.

Eccentric Soul Vol 7: The Deep City Label compilation has brought me so much joy in the last few days. I found it after my old friend Billy said he was touring with the Eccentric Soul Review (which comes to New York in November). I downloaded this volume because it features one of my personal favorite obscure soul singers, Betty Wright, whose two songs Paralyzed and Good Lovin' are particular stand outs in the amazing collection.

Other exceptional tracks are “Am I A Good Man” by Them Two, Paul Kelly's “The Upset”, and “I am Controlled by Your Love” by Helene Smith. Also love the lyrics from “Stay Away from My Johnny”: “There's only two kind of girls that he loves and I'm both of them”.

Numero describes the label as “Possibly the most influential of all the 60s Miami soul label's, the Deep City sound not only changed the Metro-Dade area, but set the tone for disco powerhouse TK's impressive run in the 70s.”

That none of the singers featured ever gained substantial fame is a shame. That Numero has several more compilations to dig through is a blessing.

See more: Albums


Be the first to leave a comment →
Posted on September 21, 2009