Since I cover so many different types of music in my photography and write-ups, both on here and for The Pitch, I am going to start an update where I will be reviewing (if you will) of any records that I pick up from the local stores. Now, this will not be a regular update, and I don’t venture out to record stores all THAT often and buy new records (yes, I do have a little impressive vinyl collection at home) but when I do and get a chance to listen to them in the full, I will give you my take, and to see the ever vastness of my listening areas.
So, without further wait, lets get started.
1. Eric Clapton’s Another Ticket.
This album, unlike others that might have a hit or a mega-hit on it, is packed full of great blue infused music that I wasn’t really ready for. Sure, I know Clapton’s music, and really who hasn’t heard a half dozen to a dozen of his hits over the years on the radio, but Another Ticket offered something that was easy going and pleasant. Yes, I know about Clapton’s issues as of late (and if you don’t know what I am talking about, I invite you to do a little research on his 1976 full tilt racists outburst on stage and the comments that he continues to make to this day, as well as anti-vax stance/statements/misinformation, and the list goes on and on), but I wanted to check this album out simply because it DIDN’T have any of his “hits” on it. So I was able to find a German pressing of the album for not a lot of money and I will say that this album, regardless of what the singer states in his own time, might be on my turn-table for a while.
Track listing:
Something Special, Black Rose, Blow Wind Blow, Another Ticket, I Can’t Stand It, Hold Me Lord, Floating Bridge, Catch Me If You Can, Rita Mae.
2. Ian Hunter (self titled)
Ian Hunter has been in my wheel house as of the past few years due in large part to my father-in-law, whom Ian is one of his all time favorite artists. So, it came to a shock to me this past weekend when I was at the local record store and this album was for sale, and for only $3 too. I had to get it, to finally have my own Hunter album to add to my collection. And to say that this album is fantastic is a huge understatement. The first track on the album is one that a lot of people would know from the remake by The Great White, but Hunter’s original recording of the song Once Bitten Twice Shy (which Hunter wrote) is fantastic, and in my mind better than The Great White’s cover. Sure, they did a good job on their cover, but there is something about Hunter, who ultimately reminds me of the band Pulp, did to and for this song.
It is not just this song that makes this album so good, but everything on there. I also suggest that the first track on the second side, 3,000 Miles From Here, should be taken into consideration for the second great song on this album. It is a must for anyone who likes lesser known but great musicians.
Track listing:
Once Bitten Twice Shy, Who Do You Love, Lounge Lizard, Boy, 3,000 Miles From Here, The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nuthin’ But The Truth, It Ain’t Easy When You Fall, Shades Off, I Get So Excited
3. Duke Ellington’s Big Band Sounds Played by Dave Pell’s Big Band
Okay, I will be the first one to say that I do love Jazz, so much even that I took a History of Jazz class in undergraduate school. This album of Duke Ellington’s music was played so well by Dave Pell’s big band that one might even think that it was Ellington’s own band playing on this album. I had the lucky happen chance that the day that I played this album, it was 70 degrees outside, sunny, and I was able to sit outside having a cold drink while listening to it, and I believed I played the album at least twice, if not three times before I turned it off for another one. It is fun, relaxing and puts anyone is a great mood. If anyone wants to find a good jazz album but cannot find any of the big names (Ellington, Armstrong, Baker, Parker, Davis, Fitzgerald, Holiday, etc.) I would suggest an album such as this one, even if you have never listened to a jazz album before, to get your feet wet and see what you think. As I said, it is just as good as any of the big names out there, for a lot less of the cost, as I picked up this album for $5 while a version of Duke Ellington’s The Duke can run you close to $50 on sites like Discgos.
Track Listing:
I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart, Sophisticated Lady, Creole Love Call, Gal From Joe’s, Azure, Tulip or Turnip, In A Sentimental Mood, Like, The Duke, Mood Indigo, Caravan.
4. Dixieland featuring Dixieland’s Greats Stars
Okay, so before we go further, I want to go into what Dixieland is for those who don’t know. According to neworleans.com “A subgenre of American jazz, Dixieland Jazz was developed in the early 20th century. It draws on four major influences including ragtime, blues, gospel and military brass bands. The biggest difference between what many consider traditional jazz and Dixieland jazz is Dixieland’s use of “collective improvisation.” Instead of segmenting each musician with individual solos, Dixieland draws on the specificity of each instrument to create one unique and harmonious sound.“ So yes, this is another jazz album.
This one though, is fun. It has a certain “pick-me-up” attitude about it that just made my day that much more enjoyable sitting outside in the sun. While being a subgenre of American Jazz, Dixieland is almost a sound to itself. Once can imagine a larger band playing this sound, or being in New Orleans and hearing a trio playing this on the sidewalk next to some cafe down in the French Quarter, and reminded me of my trip down there some 22 years ago.
The album cover boasts Dixieland stars that appear on the album as Pee Wee Hunt, Matty Matlock, Heinie Beau, George Van Eps, Nick Fatool, Abe Lincoln, Eddie Miller, Morty Corb, Dick Caathcart, Stan Wrightsman, Al Henderickson, Phil Stephens, John Best, Dave Harris, Moe Schneider, Bobby Hammack and Jack Sperling, though the break down of the acts are actually Matty Matlock and his Dixie-Men and Morty Corb and his Dixie All-Stars.
This rare album is actually VERY cheap, if you can find it, but there are a lot of places online that one can purchase it, and I do recommend doing so.
Track Listing:
Jazz Me Blues, Bayou Blues, Baby Won’t You Please Come Home, South, Sugar Foot Strut, Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider, Blues My Naughty Sweetie Give To Me, Oh, Didn’t He Ramble.
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band Stranger in Town
Okay, if anyone does not know about this album, where have you been? It has three of Seger’s most famous tracks on here, and not just on the album, but for the first three songs. But regardless of the smash hits that come right out at you on side one, this entire album is fantastic. Yes, the catchy Classic Rock hits knock you on your ass and make you sign out loud, but the rest of the album is just as good and for anyone who like classic rock and hasn’t discovered this album yet, you need to. End of story.
Track Listing:
Hollywood Nights, Still The Same, Old Time Rock & Roll, Till It Shines, Feel Like a Number, Ain’t Got No Money, We’ve Got Tonight, Brave Strangers, The Famous Final Scene.