Week of Mar 20, 2022

 A lot of great picks this week. For the most part, these are new releases that came out in the last three to four months. 

News

Ketanji Brown Jackson Supreme Court justice hearings proceed with usual shenanigans

NY state prosecutors resignation letters made public, site miscarriage of justice if Trump not charged

Wife of SCOTUS justice Thomas texted WH Meadows on Jan 6 to urge reversal of election

Ukraine war enters stalemate as Russia fails to advance against resistance

Music of Note

This conventional rock quartet has a knack for performing well crafted tunes that are a cut above the crowd. This is Electric Light Orchestra without the attempt to sound like an orchestra. Good vocal harmonies, strong arrangements, and a variety of instruments makes it an enjoyable adventure. The mysterious part is how a band this solid that has been together over twenty years has only three albums to show for it, has little live performance history, and band members without other band history.

The magical part of Joe Satriani is that he has been able to perform consistently well over his thirty odd years of composing mainstay rock n roll to accentuate his phenomenal guitar playing. Killer tune alert: “Ali Farka, Dick Dale, an Alien and Me” (yes, you hear all these references) and “Nineteen Eighty”, just a classic rolling guitar extravaganza.

Just, wow. The first track on this album by this super trio, “Everything I Am”, is a brilliant piece that makes you wonder if Crosby, Stills, and Nash came back from the 60’s in top form. It sent chills down my spine. The whole album isn’t in the same style but is close in quality (luckily, “King for a Day” is another CSN clone). Tasty throughout.

I’ve been a fan of this metal group because I keep finding nuggets of high energy rock that fits well with my portable player. They don’t break new ground, just pound out rhythmic music that’s great for running or doing menial tasks. This 2012 release fills the bill. The 16-minute “The Fisherman” epic is Led Zeppelin  “Kashmir” like. The catchy "Unchain the Earth" is a gem. The songs span a wide berth in the rock mode, from heavy to art rock to power rock to prog rock. Solid throughout.

Interesting Music

Ringo Starr? Elton John? Benmont Tench? A veritable who’s who of rock joins the Pearl Jam frontman to make music that could be a vast portion of an encyclopedia of rock styles. It could be a recipe for disaster but everyone is used in top form without stumbling into excess. For some reason, I like Vedder’s voice better when he’s away from Pearl Jam. The song “Long Way” sounded so much like a Tom Petty song, I had to check to see it wasn’t their writing.

This Greek psychedelic rock band could be described as a modern version of Pink Floyd without the Alan Parsons production value. They don’t sound Greek because they sing in English and nothing close to Greek folk music. The extended numbers use long instrumental segments punctuated with shifting chord patterns. Sometimes reminded of Ozric Tentacles when they incorporate synth and guitar solos. Considering the number of songs I pulled to add to my player, this probably should have been put in the top group.

Synth pop artist formerly of the band Erasure. Well-formed, but a little slow for my tastes.

He could be Andy Bell’s distant cousin, but he has a more frantic boost. More air and bass lines in this synth pop outing, not too dissimilar from Tangerine Dream’s more pop approach in the 80’s. One irritating sound on several pieces; scribbling. It doesn't add musicality or texture, just a distraction.

After an eighteen year absence, the Songs From the Big Chair duo are back. Still capable of that luscious full pop sound with good hooks, the years haven't dampened the product.

Sparse rock featuring Heyden Thorpe’s unusual high operatic vocal style has elements similar to Tears For Fears. Excellent production is only hampered by the less accessible melodies. It takes getting used to.

Week of Mar 13, 2022

 

A lot of new interesting music spanning several types, less emphasis on hard rock and metal rock. Next week will be a pause just because I want to spend time taking some of the best tracks from the past few weeks and turning them into pieces for my portable player.

News

Russia failing on every level - war, economics, humanity, world respect, etc.

Covid cases escalate while the world unmasks

John Clayton passes away

Music of Note

Organist and keyboardist of note, Hausswolff has a flair for intriguing atmospheric compositions. Much of it makes use of a cathedral pipe organ, which is just one of the loveliest instruments played when it suits the compositions. Other instruments and her vocals are mixed in so it doesn’t sound like isolated organ music. Absolutely captivating.

German rock artist (singing in German) plays likable songs. Death Cab for Cutie would be a good comparison. Some tracks are simply lovely. My Anglo-centered self is tempted to dismiss this work just because the German lyrics don’t yield much interest, but it is too good to set aside for my language limitations.

Much like Steven Wilson’s work, songs are long and well-developed, maybe not quite as complex as the master, but still worthy. Excellent vocals throughout.

Electronic pop with lead vocalist Louise Wener sounding Aimee Mann-ish. The band formed and broke up in the 90’s but reformed five years ago and have since released four albums. The album has its fair share of winners. Good bouncy pop rock would give the Bangles a run for the money.

Interesting Music

Take a brilliant percussionist, add a legendary saxophonist, sprinkle in the production of a typical ECM recording and the result is some amazing and interesting sounds. Keep in mind, sometimes interesting isn't satisfying. More soundscapes than songs leaves me a little unfulfilled.

The prog rock stalwarts with a brand new release is as full and luscious as any of their past work. At 94 minutes, this would be a double album if they were CD’s or vinyl albums. It probably makes sense to listen from start to finish as it is a concept work with a continuing story. It sounds fine, but I didn’t add any individual tracks to my mobile player just because none stood by itself.

Best described as electronic based alt-rock or art-rock, it’s mainly an instrumental band with occasional vocals thrown in. Catchy dance music with elements of Vangellis. Several wonderful pieces.

Vietnamese born guitarist has a wonderful touch playing a style of guitar unlike anyone I’ve heard. It’s a blend of Pat Methany, John Scofield, and John McLaughlin. The band members backing him are also very good. Mostly upbeat tempo with a low level of dissonance.

Icelander Asgeir is a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter with recordings sounding like it was recorded in an ice cave. Pleasant and sometimes captivating rock ballads.

This Irish band could be described as new age rock music with its slow developing understated melodic segments suddenly blasting into heavy grunge music. Quite interesting.

Vocalist Katherine Shepard uses this moniker to deliver her work along with a variety of other players, alternating between long soaring passages and intense wall of sound guitar-based hard rock. She’s a good vocalist and writes capable compositions making this a decent album to listen to.

Former cage fighter turned singer songwriter Kris Barras and his band could be mistaken by Bryan Adams in his heyday. Good solid writing and respectable instrumental licks sells this album.

Well, if you can imagine a jazzy Frank Zappa reincarnation in the form of a couple of Swedes with other Swedish session musicians (but minus the guitar machinations), you definitely have a creative imagination. But that is the best way to describe this effort. No vocalists, but a lot of quirky song signatures and pattern changes. Different.

More music from Iceland! A four-piece post-metal rock band playing screaming guitars and singing Icelandic verse. The songs extend out long enough to have depth of development. An OK effort all around.

Not So Great

A variety of live performances including large ensembles, small groups, solos, and yes, even an a cappella percussionist. The long journey obviously refers to Weber’s long and varied career as a jazz figure, but it is far from his most compelling.

Week of Mar 6, 2022

 Less content this week after deciding to look for new candidates more vigorously. There are a couple of really good possibilities and a clunker. 

 News

Ukraine war by Russia continues, talk of chemical weapons possible

First Jan 6 conviction of sedition, obstruction by non-participant

Washington Post article suggests signs of civil war in the US by political extremists

Oil price climbs to $126 after Russia oil ban

Russell Wilson traded to Broncos

Baseball lookout ends

Music of Note

Uncomplicated straight forward rock that sizzles. It’s capable of being a hit machine with songs full of hooks at a pace that keep your feet moving. Not a dud on the album.

Ambient rock? An airy prog rock duo from England that use soaring melodies with occasional vocals succeeds most of the time. A band to keep an eye on.

Interesting Music

On again, off again band that power rocks in step with the bands they do other projects with (Tool, Puscifer), maybe a little softer touch.

Smart songs with keyboard centric arrangements and soft harmonizing vocals, there are moments they could be mistaken for “Trick of the Tail” period Genesis or Muse without the theatrics. Other times, the music sort of lays there and becomes Sanguine Ho-Hum. It seems the music and concepts have a potential to blossom but doesn’t try hard enough to put punch into the delivery.

I wanted to include a recent Chevelle release after being a big fan of some of the earlier hits from the last decade just to see if they have anything left. Fortunately, yes. A bit spotty, but tunes like “Piistol Star” and “Endlessly” have the hooks they are known for.

The Canadian thrash metal band has been around a long time, still using the pyrotechnics that define the genre, but with a sophisticated touch. The two drawbacks are the vocals and lacking any assemblance of a tuneful structure, both sap much of any enjoyment this album is capable of providing. Though, the 12-minute adventure called “Sonic Mycelium” may be one of the most bizarre compositions ever that would give the Beatles “Revolution #9” a real run for the money.

I liked the most current release, “Dream Weapon” and this is nearly as good. Very similar to Snow Patrol in many ways.

Week of Feb 27, 2022

This week's music diary has some jazz selections to mix in with the regular alternative-prog-metal rock. Bit off a little more than I could chew, probably only half the music was listened to because the list was about 170 tracks. 

 News

Putin's Russia continues horrifying assault on Ukraine

World rallies support for Ukraine, imposes massive sanctions on Russia

Jan 6 committee concludes there is evidence of conspiracy by Trump

Mask requirements ease nationwide as Covid threat lessens

Baseball starts canceling games after no agreement with players is reached

Music of Note

Slow experimental atmospheric moody rock/jazz from a group based in Norway, they would have fit well in the Soft Machine era despite this being a 2019 release. Intriguing, well suited for background listening, though it isn’t just simple wallpaper. There is depth. The lo-fi nature of the recording adds to the mystique, whether it was intentional or not. Definitely plan to check out the latest release.

Alternative metal sounds from a three-man group based out of California. Lots of speedy finger work and high velocity drumming, but with decent production and change-ups to keep it interesting.

There isn’t much progressive rock coming out of Spain which, if this is any indication, is too bad. It’s smart captivating tuneful rock.

No, the title does not refer to Covid as this was a 2017 release. The Helio’s are a funk/jazz and space rock band with more than just a few Miles Davis tricks. Most every track is delicious. My only complaint is that they could have extended them a little longer. Connect three or four of these numbers together and you'll get what I mean.

High level world jazz music. Who are these people? Have no clue, but this modern version of a cross between Miles Davis’ formations and Weather Report is absolutely scintillating. Marilyn Mazur’s vocals and masterful percussion blend with the well-performed instruments perfectly. More, please!

Interesting Music

The first selection I heard is the very fine song “Machines and Men”, but this is an unplugged version. The only problem with unplugged stuff is that much of their work is crafted with dynamics in mind and doesn’t translate to acoustic.

Ayreon is the work of Dutchman Arjen Anthony Lucassen for a bulk of the writing, singing, and musicianship. Much in the style of Uriah Heep, he has a theme running through the album as a rock opera format. It has the elements of compelling rock, but it’s hard to get a visceral connection. The music seems to be less than the sum of the parts due to overproduction.

You could lump much of this work in the mold of David Bowie, Spoon, and Cake to name just a few. It’s catchy fun extravagant pop from the former lead singer of The Walkmen assuming you’re in the mood for that kind of thing. For me, small doses are good.

A keyboardist in the manner of Rick Wakeman, he features lots of synth and Moog in his long compositions. Not a one-note performer, he has capable back up to round out the keyboard centric songs.

An acoustic jazz quartet featuring Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland, it’s pleasant dinner music. Nice bouncy coordinated modern jazz. Once in a while, that’s just fine. The meat might be hiding under the vegetables, but you won’t get acid indigestion.

This Swiss metal group has been around for over 25 years, so they know how to craft music without falling into the repetitive trappings other metal groups frequently make.

Not sure how to pigeonhole this band. Some moments rock with the special arrangements and quirky song structures, but others just drone. There are compelling songs, just not enough to get a special rise. This being a 2004 release, checking something more recent is in order.

Solo effort by the James Farm member. Like the JF, the compositions are likeably easy to listen to. He’s ably assisted by other musicians on percussion, bass and guitar, so it’s not all just piano. Initial listening didn’t inspire but further listening changed the first impressions, possibly because the simple compositions weren’t so simple after all. He has a sneaky Lyle Mays infectiousness. Actually, many of the guitar passages have the essence of Pat Methany.

You never know what you’re going to get from BL, but you know it will be interesting. Here you get four ensemble tracks clocking in at about 60 minutes. And what an ensemble: Herbie Hancock, Pharoah Sanders, and a cast of four (!) drummers. Comparisons to Weather Report would be fair.

An alternative metal band with a history of misfortunes (members leaving, dying), they are eminently listenable. They know better than to just pound out a wall of noise and will give songs a chance to breathe.

Another alternative metal band that “gets it”. The Chicago band has been around (the name comes from a hockey drill) and creates the right emphasis in the right places to produce powerful songs.

Elements of this quartet of rockers from the east coast are reminiscent of The Replacements, the notable garage band of the 80’s and 90’s

Not So Great

A frenetic musical adventure. Instrumentals with an Allen Holdsworth feel minus the dominance of guitars. Ranges from hard rock to something ECM would put out. Some work, some don’t. As fascinating and different as it is, it isn’t something I’m likely to revisit.

One of the Elephant Six collective of independent artists, this 2018 release from the Athens, Georgia band has some of those licks of the IRS days but not relying on the jangle guitar work prevalent those days. The songs are simple, a rudimentary placid and not very exciting structure. It’s not a stinker, just uninviting.