v/a-Jubilation! Great Gospel Performances Volume 1: Black Gospel- ****
(Sunday mornin' testifyin'!)
Dionne Warwick- Scepter Singles (Personal Playlist)- ****
James Booker- Tipitina's, 2/2/83- ****
(If I've been to Tip's a dozen times, 11 of those times the club was mobbed. Once, on January 2nd, 2002, it was 3/4 full. This show sounds like Booker is displaying his genius to 10-15 people. How is this possible? Was he rehearsing while the staff set things up for the night? Is this a 75 minute sound check? This performance is mind-blowing and no one is there to hear it.)
The Beatles- Let It Be...Naked- ****
Alexis & the Samurai- Move Into View- ****
(It took years but I finally found a vinyl copy of this lovely record out of New Orleans. Check it out. It's not what you'd expect. No "hoo-na-naying," if that ain't your thing. Just a smart record with great songs.)
XTC- Skylarking (Steven Wilson Remix)- ****
Pet Shop Boys- Smash (The Singles 1985-2020)- ****
(It's ridiculous how many fantastic singles these guys released. Every track is full of hooks, gorgeous melodies and infectious choruses.)
Yes- S/T- ****
Elvis Costello- My Aim is True (Kevin Gray Master) - ****1/2
(NERD ALERT! I have always loved this record, but there were always other Elvis records I loved more. Then I heard the Kevin Gray master and I started playing this somewhat obsessively. The difference between what you first heard in 1977 and this version is astonishing. I still love a few E.C. records more, but Kevin Gray has made me love this album more than I thought.)
The Pursuit Of Happiness- Love Junk- ****1/2
Jon Cleary- So Swell- ****
3 comments:
Nothing under four stars. A good day of quality listening.
Jon Cleary doesn't just play, he puts the feeling into it and makes that keyboard come alive
Oh and yes, the Pet Shop Boys are excellent singles craftsmen. I always sort of under-appreciate them until I play them.
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