Music For March 2006

[GazzaBTFC]

Okay, I'm continuing with this...What came out over the past month that impressed me...

 

Well...I think we'll go for the new Prince album 3121. I like Prince. I will buy his new release whatever the critic's say about him because I think he is one hell of a talent. Bollox to all those that slagged him off when he was doing his jazz thing, the guy is a (warped) genius and a damn fine instrumentalist. So, the new album...well, it's possibly the most commercial thing he has done since The Gold Experience (which is my favorite Prince album). Soaked in those 1980 beats he used for his album 1999 and Purple Rain but with a certain noughties flavour, this ablum is a definate return to commercial form and a contender for my top ten album of the year so far.

 

The Czars - Sorry I Made You Cry. Oh oh, a Cohen album if ever I heard one. Actually, I don't know much about this band...in fact nothing and I couldn't tell you when it was released. I just saw the cover, thought interesting and gave it a play in the shop (Slipped Disc). It's very bare, only limited guitars and keyboards and some very nice harmonies, all the songs are covers. This is a real find. Yes, it's a bit of a downer album but it is so beautiful and haunting, it gets played in heavy rotation with the Ray Davis album. Pick of the tracks are Angel Eyes (yes, the ABBA song), Paul Simon's For Emily and Jeff Buckley's Song To The Siren. I've been wondering if JL would like a copy since, when he is the mood, he likes a bit of relief from crashing alt. guitars...Another contender.

 

The Storys - Hang on to those '70's flares and tank tops, guys. This band come from Wales and are the closest thing you will ever get to Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Eagles...ever. Superb album and a top band. All I can say is buy, buy, buy!!!

 

Massive Attack - Collected. Nice to have the singles all on one album. If you get the special edition, it has a dual disc which includes the DVD of the promo's. Does what it say's on the tin.

 

All About Eve - Keepsakes (A Collection) - Whatever happened to this band. I loved 'em when they were about but sadly, due to the usual arguements about "musical direction", they split. This collection brings together the best off with some rare and live tracks. Again, if you get the special edition, it comes with a DVD of the promos.

 

Ben Harper - Read the review in the Sunday Times mag and it sparked an interest, they gave it five stars and wow they were right. It is a two disc package (there is a three disc version available with 6 bonus tracks) with one being acoustic and the other funk. Both are great but I perfer the funk disc. Anyone who likes Sly And The Family Stone and Marvin Gaye will love this album...another contender!!!

 

Donald Fagen - Morph The Cat. New solo album from the co founder of Steely Dan and it is exactly what you would expect from him. Quality music in the genre of Steely Dan.

 

Eric Burdon - Soul Of A Man. The lead vocalist of The Animals comes out with a blues classic. Again, if you like blues and gospel soul, you will like this album. Not a duff track on the album. I will point out that it isn't a contender for my top ten but it isn't far...

 

The Like - Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? Three piece girl band. Bangles and Runaways (remember them guys?) with attitude!!!

 

Embrace - This New Day. Haven't played this album alot but that doesn't mean that it isn't good. It is the opposite. It is very good but some of the above has taken my air time up (also the missus wants to play the Beverly Knight best of...gotta give her some "air time"). I will say, it is a lot more accomplished and better that their last album and whowever said they were doing a Coldplay can go and [****!!****] themselves!!! No way is this anything like Coldplay. I mean, this album had my feet tapping!!!

 

Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs - Show Your Bones. A art punk album a la Suzie And The Banshees and The Flying Lizards. Took a couple of listens when I was doing me ironing for me to like but I do. Playing now....so can't be bad.

 

There you go...I could include a whole load of re issues but won't...It gets a bit boring as who is re releasing what because they need the cash and can't be arsed to do anything new. Saying that, the Moody Blues have a nice re package of the first five albums coming out soon...now that, in my mind, would be worth a mention...

 

Stay tuned for next month's review...Oh and if you've bought any of what I recommend, let us know what you think.

 

See ya....