For the week beginning Sunday 8 July 2007.
1. DIRE STRAITS Brother In Arms
A masterpiece, in every sense of the word. Nine fantastic songs loaded with wit and grace, subtlety and intensity, beauty and admonition, all awash in Mark Knopfler and Neil Dorfsman's supremely immaculate production. At the time the best-selling lp ever in Great Britain, nine weeks at number one in America, and an international sensation. I could look at the otherworldly beauty of the National guitar on the front and back cover forever.
http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/on_second_thought/dire-straits-brothers-in-arms.htm
http://movies2.nytimes.com/mem/movies/review.html?res=9404E5D9153BF937A3575AC0A963948260
2. SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
Time stand still. The Beatles attempt at escaping the horror that their stardom had become, as well as the suffocating mundanity of everyday existence. Pop culture, especially music, has become so segregated by genre that its now difficult to conceive just how broad a spectrum of society was touched by this most ambitious and seminal of albums. Number one for fifteen glorious weeks in 1967.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6595610/1_sgt_peppers_lonely_hearts_club_band
3. XTC Apple Vinyls
An ultra-limited edition box of 13 7" singles encompassing every single from the Apple Venus and Wasp Star lps. Also includes three non-album sides. Orchestral and infectious, acoustic and electric, all transported onto rich, glossy black vinyl. Thirteen great reasons to get a jukebox.
4. MICHAEL JACKSON History-Past, Present, and Future Book 1
An over-hyped, undervalued double gold disc set from the summer of 1995. Fifteen classic tracks on one disc, fifteen profoundly mesmerizing, ambitious, and ultimately heartbreaking tracks on another disc.
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/michaeljackson/albums/album/312830/review/5943497/history_past_present_and_future_book_1
5. PHIL SPECTOR Back To Mono
Four discs of the most succulent pop nuggets to ever rest on your plate. These delicious cuts come packaged in an lp style box replete with a gorgeous 90 page oversized book, as well as Spector's famous Christmas album. Coined 'the first tycoon of teen' by none other than Tom Wolfe, Spector ruled the airwaves in the early 1960s with tracks such as The Ronettes' Be My Baby and The Righteous Brothers' masterpiece You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling. And his uniques 'wall of sound' production technique influenced a generation of artists, most notably The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. It all came crashing down in 1966 when Ike and Tina Turner's River Deep, Mountain High, Spector's most magnanimous production, stalled on the charts at number 88. Neither Phil, or pop music, would ever be the same.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:fcfuxqw5ldse
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Favourite Singles
For the week beginning Sunday 8 July 2007
1. DIRE STRAITS Money For Nothing
The classic definition of an epic single. Menacing prologue, great lead-in vocal, controversial lyrics, supremely resonant lead vocal, signature guitar riff, and nicely extended epilogue. Three weeks at number one in the late summer of 85’, it paved the way for Mark Knopfler to become what he never set out to be-a superstar and rock icon.
http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_classic_tracks_dire/
2. MICHAEL JACKSON Billie Jean
Another epic single from the epic album. Seven weeks at number one in early 1983, this was the pivotal song in making Thriller the best-selling lp of all time. The crux of MJs stunning rise to omni-present glory-and nightmarish fall from grace.
http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=1777
3. MICHAEL JACKSON Scream
Yet another MJ song, the lead single from the vastly underrated History lp. Funky, proto-Hancock-Headhunters era beats, with an invective guitar solo echoing Michael’s profound anger, and anguish, in the wake of the poisonous allegations. Top 5 single in June 1995.
4. MICHAEL JACKSON They Don’t Care About Us
Another unsettling cut from MJs ultra-hyped 1995 lp. The menacingly aggravated sound matched the lyrics, which were menacing and aggravated. Controversial lyrics, which included perceived anti-Semitic remarks, were later amended.
5. DARYL HALL JOHN OATES Out of Touch
One in an infinite line of classic tracks from the vastly underappreciated duo. Includes a wondrously sustained synth keyboard prologue. Their fifth and final number one single, from late 1984.
http://movies2.nytimes.com/mem/movies/review.html?_r=1&res=9806E2DE173BF930A1575AC0A962948260&oref=slogin
1. DIRE STRAITS Money For Nothing
The classic definition of an epic single. Menacing prologue, great lead-in vocal, controversial lyrics, supremely resonant lead vocal, signature guitar riff, and nicely extended epilogue. Three weeks at number one in the late summer of 85’, it paved the way for Mark Knopfler to become what he never set out to be-a superstar and rock icon.
http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_classic_tracks_dire/
2. MICHAEL JACKSON Billie Jean
Another epic single from the epic album. Seven weeks at number one in early 1983, this was the pivotal song in making Thriller the best-selling lp of all time. The crux of MJs stunning rise to omni-present glory-and nightmarish fall from grace.
http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?ID=1777
3. MICHAEL JACKSON Scream
Yet another MJ song, the lead single from the vastly underrated History lp. Funky, proto-Hancock-Headhunters era beats, with an invective guitar solo echoing Michael’s profound anger, and anguish, in the wake of the poisonous allegations. Top 5 single in June 1995.
4. MICHAEL JACKSON They Don’t Care About Us
Another unsettling cut from MJs ultra-hyped 1995 lp. The menacingly aggravated sound matched the lyrics, which were menacing and aggravated. Controversial lyrics, which included perceived anti-Semitic remarks, were later amended.
5. DARYL HALL JOHN OATES Out of Touch
One in an infinite line of classic tracks from the vastly underappreciated duo. Includes a wondrously sustained synth keyboard prologue. Their fifth and final number one single, from late 1984.
http://movies2.nytimes.com/mem/movies/review.html?_r=1&res=9806E2DE173BF930A1575AC0A962948260&oref=slogin
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Concert Review
Concert Review • Foolish Things
Christian Rock Group Telegraphs Vintage U2 Vibe
Prior to multiple performances at central Kentucky’s Ichthus Christian music festival this weekend, the Colorado based Christian rock band Foolish Things performed Wednesday at Quest Community Church in Lexington. When surfing the radio, I may happen upon what I instantly know is a Christian station. And that’s usually about as far as it gets. Those folks always seemed a bit too happy, a bit too content with themselves and the world around them. Maybe I was jealous that I wasn’t. And although attending Kentucky Christian College when they were in their infancy, I never followed the career arc of the quite popular band Audio Adrenaline. It can be amazing what can happen when one gives a book, a record, another person the time of day and the chance to show their true colors. And Foolish Things presented a fascinating array of colors at a well attended church service this evening.
Coming to Quest for the first time, and searching for a fulfilling church experience, among other things, I accidentally sat in on their concert. When asking directions to the auditorium, I was asked if I was here to see the band. “What band?” I asked. During their set, Foolish Things keenly and efficiently plowed thru standards and originals. Leader singer, songwriter, and occasional guitarist Mark Labriola II was an ironic combination of calm and energy. His vocals, commentary, and body language presented a counterbalance to the welcomed seriousness of much of the music.
Isaac Jorgenson, vocalist, songwriter, and lead guitarist, presented a nicely restrained front man sensibility, juggling insightful song introductions with wonderfully refined instrumentation. He played the ‘background’ parts with energy, yet presented a beautifully delicate array of emotional textures that only rock based music can achieve.
Bassist Nate Phillips provided a steady foundation throughout the evening. His humble and leavened presence, as well as his very real spiritual nature, especially at-from my perspective-such a young age, had to be seen to be appreciated. Likewise, Shaul Hagen drummed with an efficient thrust and quiet tapestry all night. I didn’t get a chance to ask if he’d listened to the wonderful stutter step drumming of Manu Katche’, found most exquisitely on Fallen Angel, the first song on former Band member Robbie Robertson’s eponymous 1987 solo debut album, Police man Stewart Copeland’s splendid sounds on songs like Wrapped Around Your Finger and Synchronicity I, or Brian Wilson’s magnificently inventive percussion throughout the Beach Boys Pet Sounds album.
Both on their website, and in person after the concert, the lead guitarists spoke of U2 and British bands such as Keane, Travis, and Coldplay as influences. James Rightmer, on one of the two lead guitars, as well as background vocals and keyboards, telegraphed The Edge to a tee throughout the evening, and I looked at fingers and overhead monitors to see who was playing a beautiful hook right out of the U2 playbook. James, standing in the background all evening, mimed the iconic Irish group with a plethora of outstanding sounds.
If tonight meant anything, these guys are for real, both musically and spiritually. They’ve been playing together for ten years, and show a deep hearted craftsmanship that a decade of honing one’s style can bring. That style was most dynamically communicated thru songs such as Find Your Way Back and Its Not Home. Foolish Things have their label debut album, Let’s Not Forget The Story, out now, and they’re touring across the country all summer. If there’s any justice, these guys will not be forgotten any time soon.
Gary Thomas • Wednesday, June 13th 2007 • Lexington, KY • MoroccoZ3@aol.com
See www.foolishthings.com for current US tour and album information.
Christian Rock Group Telegraphs Vintage U2 Vibe
Prior to multiple performances at central Kentucky’s Ichthus Christian music festival this weekend, the Colorado based Christian rock band Foolish Things performed Wednesday at Quest Community Church in Lexington. When surfing the radio, I may happen upon what I instantly know is a Christian station. And that’s usually about as far as it gets. Those folks always seemed a bit too happy, a bit too content with themselves and the world around them. Maybe I was jealous that I wasn’t. And although attending Kentucky Christian College when they were in their infancy, I never followed the career arc of the quite popular band Audio Adrenaline. It can be amazing what can happen when one gives a book, a record, another person the time of day and the chance to show their true colors. And Foolish Things presented a fascinating array of colors at a well attended church service this evening.
Coming to Quest for the first time, and searching for a fulfilling church experience, among other things, I accidentally sat in on their concert. When asking directions to the auditorium, I was asked if I was here to see the band. “What band?” I asked. During their set, Foolish Things keenly and efficiently plowed thru standards and originals. Leader singer, songwriter, and occasional guitarist Mark Labriola II was an ironic combination of calm and energy. His vocals, commentary, and body language presented a counterbalance to the welcomed seriousness of much of the music.
Isaac Jorgenson, vocalist, songwriter, and lead guitarist, presented a nicely restrained front man sensibility, juggling insightful song introductions with wonderfully refined instrumentation. He played the ‘background’ parts with energy, yet presented a beautifully delicate array of emotional textures that only rock based music can achieve.
Bassist Nate Phillips provided a steady foundation throughout the evening. His humble and leavened presence, as well as his very real spiritual nature, especially at-from my perspective-such a young age, had to be seen to be appreciated. Likewise, Shaul Hagen drummed with an efficient thrust and quiet tapestry all night. I didn’t get a chance to ask if he’d listened to the wonderful stutter step drumming of Manu Katche’, found most exquisitely on Fallen Angel, the first song on former Band member Robbie Robertson’s eponymous 1987 solo debut album, Police man Stewart Copeland’s splendid sounds on songs like Wrapped Around Your Finger and Synchronicity I, or Brian Wilson’s magnificently inventive percussion throughout the Beach Boys Pet Sounds album.
Both on their website, and in person after the concert, the lead guitarists spoke of U2 and British bands such as Keane, Travis, and Coldplay as influences. James Rightmer, on one of the two lead guitars, as well as background vocals and keyboards, telegraphed The Edge to a tee throughout the evening, and I looked at fingers and overhead monitors to see who was playing a beautiful hook right out of the U2 playbook. James, standing in the background all evening, mimed the iconic Irish group with a plethora of outstanding sounds.
If tonight meant anything, these guys are for real, both musically and spiritually. They’ve been playing together for ten years, and show a deep hearted craftsmanship that a decade of honing one’s style can bring. That style was most dynamically communicated thru songs such as Find Your Way Back and Its Not Home. Foolish Things have their label debut album, Let’s Not Forget The Story, out now, and they’re touring across the country all summer. If there’s any justice, these guys will not be forgotten any time soon.
Gary Thomas • Wednesday, June 13th 2007 • Lexington, KY • MoroccoZ3@aol.com
See www.foolishthings.com for current US tour and album information.
Opening salvo-letter to The New York Times
In the editorial 'Looking Outward on the Fourth', you state concerned interest for preaching freedom and liberty throughout the globe. Then why not preach-and practice-it on your own pages? The New York Times has consistently presented purveyors of individual freedom, such as gun and tobacco libertarians, in words and nuances that are ultra-biased, denigrating, and disgraceful. While I commend your dignified coverage relating to issues such as the death penalty and the 'war on terror', your distinct and undisguiseable animosity, and often downright hatred, toward gun owners, smokers, and those who simply defend such parties, is one of the supremely unsettling aspects of America's march toward a police state.
Thomas Jefferson, the personal embodiment of the fourth of July, created a libertarian legacy that you, Michael Bloomberg, 'health fascists' and many others are actively destroying with impunity. A song from 30 years ago implies that "The New York Times will pay for that". Sooner or later you will pay for your unbridled disregard for beliefs and ideals contrary to your own. As Martin Niemoller said in the darkest of nights, unless and until we protect everyone's liberties and humanity, from the unborn to the eldest, we'll all ultimately be destroyed, one-by-one.
Gary Dean Thomas
Thomas Jefferson, the personal embodiment of the fourth of July, created a libertarian legacy that you, Michael Bloomberg, 'health fascists' and many others are actively destroying with impunity. A song from 30 years ago implies that "The New York Times will pay for that". Sooner or later you will pay for your unbridled disregard for beliefs and ideals contrary to your own. As Martin Niemoller said in the darkest of nights, unless and until we protect everyone's liberties and humanity, from the unborn to the eldest, we'll all ultimately be destroyed, one-by-one.
Gary Dean Thomas
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