What does it sound like?:

A two cd retrospective of his solo material. In contrast to his Homebrew series, this concentrates solely on finished pieces rather than demos. The best material comes from his early albums Beginnings and The Steve Howe Album, both of which feature sundry members of Yes. Indeed, fans of Yes and Asia will notice a few familiar themes scattered among these outings.

What does it all *mean*?

Although you can’t deny Howe’s undoubted technical ability, two cds worth can be a bit much of a muchness if listened to in one sitting – far better to dip in and out of this collection.

Goes well with…

There’s a nice orchestral take on Mood For A Day (taken from Symphonic Music of Yes), but could live without the two Dylan covers – I know he’s a huge fan, but his voice just isn’t up to it.

Might suit people who like…

Obviously fans of Yes and it’s various offshoots, or fans of instrumental guitar music in general, performed by a real virtuoso.

What does it sound like?:

Woke up around three-ish with my foot throbbing (I’ve sprained my ankle) and couldn’t get back to sleep. After a bit of radio comedy, I stuck on The Race For Space for my second listen. Being in that space between sleep and awake allowed the music to seep in nicely. What’s coming through is the pathos. I don’t think the single version of Gagarin includes the mournful strings towards the end, signifying – so say the liner notes – his tragic death just a few years later. Fire in the Cockpit is obviously a downbeat moment of great solemnity but I was caught out by the tension in The Other Side when Apollo 8 goes out of radio contact during the first orbit of the moon. Given I knew full well it panned out the sense of relief when they get back in contact is quite tremendous. I don’t mind saying it quite dampened the eye.

On the more upbeat front Go! is another highlight, with the famous system check of the Apollo 11 ground crew providing the basis for an ebullient number. Valentina is a rather pretty tune, and the Smoke Fairies’ vocals » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Giddens’ voice rings as strong and true as the Liberty Bell. She is classically trained and is the front woman for the folk revivalists, The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Having stolen the show on Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes, she is rewarded with this solo debut, backed by classy session musicians and a big name producer, T Bone Burnett.

Bravely, she chooses to cover ten songs written or made famous by some of the most inspirational female characters to strut a stage. Usually, a ‘show case’ like this collapses under the strain of attempting to demonstrate all of the artist’s diverse skills in a single album. However, the thread of a feminist message, the theme of updating the past and the fact that Giddens actually is good at everything, hold the album together beautifully. She really can subvert like Nina, stretch the heart-strings like Patsy, seduce like Dolly, testify with the joy of Sister Rosetta and burn the blues like Bessie. However, these aren’t mere copycat performances. They are fresh, cleared-eyed re-imaginings delivered with a warmth and subtlety that reach the emotional core of the songs. I sometimes find Burnett’s productions » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A traditional blues title for a traditional dirty blues stomping set of songs highlighting the usual underworld characters of Steve Earle, whose lived a hard- nosed blues life himself. Less of the country-tinged themes of the last few albums, the Dukes rock out – would sound great live!

What does it all *mean*?

White men can sing the blues afterall!

Goes well with…

Drink, Drink, a Drink….with a bourbon chaser

Might suit people who like…

Da blues

What does it sound like?:

If you had a really, really good imagination, this 10 part series from Amazon Prime looks and sounds exactly as if it would if you read the Michael Connelly books and had your mind project what you saw in your head onto the screen. Titus Welliver nails the Harry Bosch role. A couple of the stars of The Wire are great in it. The story is largely that of City Of Bones, one of the best early Bosch books, but updated. I’ve read all the books and can assure you this is a superb adaptation, done with Michael Connelly’s input and blessing. TV doesn’t get much better than this.

What does it all *mean*?

It means I’ll have to read the books again. And that Amazon Prime is worth getting.

Goes well with…

Jazz.

Might suit people who like…

The Killing. NYPD Blue. Borgen. Nordic Noir.

What does it sound like?:

When Mark Lanegan, the voice of god, describes someone as “a musical genius” I pay attention. Duke has worked with him on many occasions, writing songs, playing guitar, rattling some drums, blowing some brass. He’s a genuine multi-instrumentalist. It turns out his voice is a bluesy growl that sounds as though it has crawled out of a swamp near New Orleans, not unlike Lanegan’s. Heavy Love was recorded in some studio spare time while the two of them made Black Pudding. As a result, Alain Johannes from Queens Of The New Stone Age produces while Lanegan mixes.

Heavy Love, as a whole, is an intense, atmospheric piece. The guitar shimmers and gleams, the rhythm section provides texture rather than drive and the lyrics add intrigue rather than clarity. There may be few actual tunes, no real riffs and no grooves, yet it is very pleasant on the ear. Duke’s voice is authoritative and engrossing, especially when counterpointed by a female (Jehnny Beth on the title track and Petra Phillipson on Disco Lights). There is an undercurrent of restrained anger.

The album evokes the outdoors; sometimes a stifling desert, at others a relentless downpour, a » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A two cd affair, with a nice 24 page booklet, comprising studio recordings, alternate takes, live material and other rare and previously unreleased material, covering the period 1969 – 2014 and showcasing the various band line ups.

What does it all *mean*?

Not really suitable as an introduction to the band for newcomers, but for the completest this is a treasure trove indeed, including rehearsals for the 2014 tour and tracks from the forthcoming 40th anniversary rereleases of Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair and Thrakk. A great deal of this is all previously unavailable on CD.

Goes well with…

If you want to dig deep into the Crimson vaults, then this is your dreams come true. The rehearsal material gives a good idea of what to expect on this years UK dates too.

Might suit people who like…

Probably for hard core devotees only, but as ever the musicianship and compositional skills are consistently outstanding.

What does it sound like?:

After the long conceptual pieces showcased in Thick As A Brick and A Passion Play, Ian Anderson returns to short form songs on this Steven Wilson remix of the Tull’s 1974 album. As ever, Wilson seems to strip away layers of muddiness from the original, leaving a cleaner, airier sound. Many would think of this line-up of the band as the definitive one, and indeed they are in fine form, with Martin Barre’s guitar work particularly excelling.

What does it all *mean*?

The second cd features the usual slew of outtakes and bonus tracks, including three previously unreleased songs. Most fascinatingly though, it includes the orchestral pieces written for the soundtrack of the planned but aborted film which was to be part of the original concept for a multi-faceted project.

Goes well with…

The accompanying two dvds have the usual 5.1 mixes by Wilson, which live up to the high standard he has set on previous releases. An excellent 80 page book, plus some promo footage from the time, round off the whole package.

Might suit people who like…

If you’re a Tull fan you will want to finally hear the long ago consigned » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A mixture of old and new from the current seven piece line-up, recorded on last year’s US tour. A slightly odd mix at first listen which takes a little while to get attuned to – needs four or five listens to ‘get it’. Sadly only 41 minutes worth, but the band sound in fine form – Mel Collins in particular is at the top of his game here.

What does it all *mean*?

Good to hear a few pieces that have rarely been performed live (and one never previously), and it’s nice to hear rejuvenated takes on old favourites such as Sailors Tale and Starless.

Goes well with…

Probably not for the uninitiated, but if you’re a fan this is a must have memento of the three drummer line-up – and of course Fripp’s guitar work is as impeccable and challenging as ever.

Might suit people who like…

Whets the appetite for the UK dates later in the year !

What does it sound like?:

By now most of us will have formed their own view on this final ‘new’ offering, intended as a tribute to the late Rick Wright and compiled in the main from leftovers from the Division Bell sessions. A little disappointing on first listen, this is an album that improves with repeated listening as some familiar themes begin to emerge – a keyboard motif a la Shine On, guitar work reminiscent of Dogs, a hint of One of These Days. The closing Louder Than Words works better when heard as the concluding part of the album rather than as a stand alone piece.

What does it all *mean*?

The Dvd disc features a number of other bits and pieces, of which the rockier sound of Nervana fares best, the rest being fairly disposable – which is maybe why they were left unused.

Goes well with…

Is this up there with the classic Floyd albums of the 70’s – no, but it’s not a bad way to bid farewell.

Might suit people who like…

Probably not an album you’ll keep returning to as you would with DSOTM or WYWH, but still worth adding to the collection » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Natalie Prass possesses a fragile, feminine voice. On this, her debut, it is swept along by Schmilsson strings and topped by ripe, cherry horns. Over nine songs, she delicately and gracefully picks the bones of a failed relationship. It is a delicious, featherlight confection, cleverly disguising the splintering in her heart. Matthew E. White, her old school chum, provides the label, Spacebomb, the orchestra, the brass and the producer. I doubt it is entirely altruism as the retro smokey-soul sound suits the house style precisely. The quality of the writing and performance should easily repay his investment. It’s a pity the album was shelved for two years whilst White promoted his own Big Inner, yet poor Natalie is left with a window of only a few months until he releases his follow up. In the meantime, please don’t overlook this little gem. It takes a confident, precise performer to pitch such emotional vulnerability against a swelling thirty-six piece orchestra. I am sure by the year end, there will be few albums so coherent, so luscious and so effective in impact.

What does it all *mean*?

If proof were needed, here it is; well constructed » Continue Reading.