I think the editors of the 1001 Albums book have a thing for ambient, sort-of chill music. They are coming a little too often for my tastes. Maybe I need to chill out more so I'll need this music more. Anyway, no complaints about this album, it just doesn't seem like something to listen to during the daytime sitting at my desk.
Dolly Parton | "Coat of Many Colors" (1971)
Dolly Parton is truly a great talent, She writes songs full of emotion, drama without melodrama, catchy but not cliché. She scores them to music, and then authentically interprets them as a singer. Her warbling voice and sparks of sassiness evoke rural mountain country life, poverty, lost love, heart-ache, and the strong will of a valiant southern woman.
Take away the steel guitar and twangy arrangements, and these lyrics would work from Broadway to an Opera stage, from a French café to the latest pop album.
Forget a dubious acting career and an amusement park and give this album a listen. You'll be glad you did.
Tortoise | "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" (1996)
What a relief! Wikipedia says that Tortoise's music defies easy categorization. I agree with those "experts". I don't know exactly what it is. It is often soulful or sad, occasionally raucous and joyous, almost always instrumental. Listening to this album takes you through a variety of moods. It would be appropriate piped(!) through your headphones as you take an afternoon nap in your La-Z-Boy.
Thumbs up.
About the album cover image: "Millions Now Living Will Never Die - Tortoise" by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia.
The Kinks | The Village Green Preservation Society (1968)
Ridiculously good.
A couple of passengers commented while I was playing this in the car:
- One guy said thanks for the reminder and immediately added The Kinks to his playlist for the evening at the microbrewery where he works.
- Another (young) guy was tapping along to the beat all through the ride. He said he really liked it. He'd never heard of The Kinks!
Beatles | Revolver (1966)
The Beatles had started to stretch their musical muscle by this time. AND, like watching an athlete stretch, at times you are amazed at their physique and flexibility ("Tomorrow Never Knows") and at times it looks like it hurts ("Love You To"). Both songs heavily incorporate eastern sound and instruments, but one doesn't work. That one little nitpick aside, this is a great album.
The Who | Live at Leeds (1970)
I'm not usually a big fan of live albums but one can't just dismiss "The Who". I mistakenly tried listening multiple times to the Special 40th anniversary edition of this on Spotify which turned out to be a massive opus of multiple concerts. (I particularly have no interest in listening to the entire Tommy rock opera.) Anyway, paired down to something closer to the original ~ 14 song playlist the Live at Leeds album becomes much more approachable (and enjoyable).
This live album captures the spontaneity on unique character of live performance.
Young Rascals | Groovin' (1967)
The whole album has that lazy afternoon feel. Groovin' with a lot of soul feel. Put this on next time you're basking in a blanket in the sunshine.
Nick Drake | Five Leaves Left (1969)
Haunting sparse acoustic guitar and voice lightly backed up by pretty orchestrations. This troubled artist never received the recognition he deserves before ending his short life. Give him a listen now.
Absolutely phenomenal
Trombone Shorty
Trombone Shorty at Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley (Aug 2015)