Video: review Music
Lulu, Natalie Merchant
Something to enjoy . A new video online by Natalie Merchant. The track Lulu is from Natalie Merchant’s 2014 album.
Category Archives: music
Beth Orton
Review: Music
Beth Orton and Sugaring Season (Deluxe Edition) 2013
Sometimes you buy an album then life gets in the way and you do not get to the chance to really get into the music. This has happened several times to me with the music of Beth Orton. It was a case of bad timing.
I have had albums by Beth for a decade or more but it was only very recently, last week in fact, that I was able to dedicate serious time to sit and listen to her albums. I am recommending her music and would love to see a stage performance. Just dreaming!
Lucinda Williams
Announcement: New Album by Lucinda Williams
Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone
By the time you read this the new album by Lucinda Williams may have been released. All the reviews have been very positive and given the previous albums have been amazing, this definitely bodes well for another great listening experience. As you may have gathered, I rate Lucinda Williams very high on my list of musicians.
Lyle Lovett and friends
Music online: Lyle Lovett and friends
This is a page devoted to the music that Lyle Lovett makes with his friends. The chronological order is a bit random. Such is life in the fun lane!
Linton Kwensi Johnson
Music Review online
Linton Kwensi Johnson, Paris Live, 2004
I mentioned in a former posting the song ‘More Time’ which was from a live concert in Paris in 2004. That concert was a real celebration of this style of music.
The world would be a better place if we treated everyone kindly, be open about things, and listened to more music!
Linton Kwensi Johnson
Music Review online
Linton Kwensi Johnson, more time, from Paris Live, 2004
We have been bombarded recently with a lot of neo-conservative rubbish about how everyone needs to work longer hours and stay in work for more years. There’s so much indoctrination being put about how people need to do more and expect less. I disagree.
Leonard Cohen
Music Announcement: new album from Leonard Cohen
Dear Leonard has a new album out 23 September 2014. The title is ‘Popular Problems‘. When questioned about the tone of the new songs, Leonard responded that the world seemed to be confronting all forms of crisis right now. However he added with a smile that he is ‘closet optimistic’.
Colour Music at the ANU Drill Hall
Review: Visual Arts
Colour Music at the ANU Drill Hall
I wandered into this exhibition with some doubts given the title. I have long been sceptical of the direct link that some artists and authors make between music and the visual arts. This is not to say that some visual artists may be influenced by some music or rhythms.
Neil Young and Big Corporations
Music: Neil Young asks that question.
Neil Young has published an online song asking the question about ‘who is gonna to stand up and save the earth?’. The song contains comments about the damage being done to the earth and that we need to take on the big corporations. click here for the song
Geraint Watkins, Moustique
Review: Music
Geraint Watkins, Moustique, 2014
Geraint Watkin’s albums have been few and they have not commanded a lot of attention. I suspect this is because of the idiosyncratic mix of music styles.
This 2014 album by Geraint Watkins has dominated the car stereo for quite a while now. It is fun to hear the music close up. This album is recommended if you like this sort of mix.
Music as Corporate Symbol
Review: Music
Hunters & Collectors: Throw Your Arms Around Me (1986)
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) definitely needs to ensure that its profile as a broadcaster identifies with the many communities within Australian society. It has recently moved on this by using a slightly revised version of a very popular song by the band, Hunters & Collectors. I have a problem with this choice.
Leonard Cohen
Notice: Music
New Album forecasted for Leonard Cohen
Yes Folks, maybe some of you thought that Leonard Cohen’s 2012 album, Old Ideas, may have been the last album from this genius. Not so. L Cohen has announced that there is another to be released just after his 80th birthday this year, 2014.
Carmel McCourt
Announcement: Music online
Carmel: three new tracks available online
I have already posted a review of Carmel’s music. Click here. As I said earlier Carmel McCourt’s music is to be enjoyed, and to be enjoyed often. It was a nice surprise to see three new tracks uploaded for purchase. Click here. Not sure why they are called ‘lost recordings’.
Vinyl Albums
Music Stories – about the sales of Vinyl Albums
I had previously posted about the extraordinary goings-on whereby we were seeing a rise in the number of vinyl albums being bought. Good heavens! It continues to this day with an amazing increase in the numbers being bought. The trouble is the supply to meet the demands.
12 Stories, Brandy Clark
Review: Music
12 Stories, Brandy Clark 2013
Brandy Clark is one of those singer songwriters who has worked with others, written songs for other artists, but has only now (in 2013) taken on launching her own album of songs.
I start my comments by saying that 12 Stories is recommended.
John Hiatt, Terms of My Surrender
Review: Music
Terms of My Surrender, John Hiatt 2014
Apparently John Hiatt described himself on this album as being “John, the Troubadour Folk Singer Blues Guy”. It is true and this is a very good album.
If you already know John Hiatt’s work, this is the 22nd Album, then I can recommend you add this album to your collection. It is that good. If you are unfamiliar with any or most of his albums, than start right here. It is that good.
John Mayall
Music: John Mayall at 80
There’s quite a few online videos of John Mayall performing in his 80th year. There’s a full concert online – but for now here is just one track from that performance. Yep, I wonder what I will be doing when I am 80?
Neil Young & Forest Connections
Neil Young puts his support behind Forest Connections
Please watch the video and assist.
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Paul Costigan, 28 July 2014
Puss n Boots sing Neil Young
Review: Music
Puss N Boots have released an album (due out today) titled No Fools, No Fun.
Puss n Boots are the band formed by three successful musicians, Sasha Dobson, Catherine Popper, and Norah Jones. The three perform individually under their own names and as support musicians to many others. They are busy people.
Eliot Fisk & Paco Peña
Music online
a real gem on NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
There’s not much more to say about Eliot Fisk & Paco Peña than as stated online: Eliot Fisk looks like the happiest man on the planet. Watch that face as he plays guitar. Between performing music by J.S. Bach and partnering with the world’s best flamenco guitarist, Paco Peña, Fisk can barely control his joy.
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Paul Costigan, 7 July 2014
Joe Cocker
Review: Music
Joe Cocker: Mad Dog 1970 to Fire It Up 2013
It was in a Newcastle (NSW) cinema that I first experienced the power of Joe Cocker’s voice and his music. It was 1971 and they were showing Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Somehow the advertising may have confused some, as not long after the movie started several older people departed. Those that stayed were rocked out of our heads!
John Hiatt
New Release Notice
New CD to be released mid July: John Hiatt, Term of My Surrender.
Here’s the title track from John Hiatt’s new album
Click here for more information
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Paul Costigan, 5th July 2014
Leon Russell
Review: Music
Leon Russell, Life Journey, 2014
Seeing a CD put out by Leon Russell throws up a host of memories. I remember the first time I saw him perform and heard that voice. That was back with the release of the film, Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs and Englishmen. (there’s a review of Joe Cocker to follow soon)
In between there have been countless albums, several of which have found their way to my collections.
Aaron Neville
Review: Music
Aaron Neville, My True Story 2013
Aaron Neville’s voice is the real thing. He is now over 70 years old and he sounds fantastic. Having several of his CDs in my collection, it was with heightened interest that I approached this one given the publicity that he was revisiting songs from his own childhood.
If you are interested in some fantastic new versions of doo-wop music, then this album will bring you hours of pleasure.
Natalie Merchant
Review: Music
Giving Up Everything
From the new Album – Natalie Merchant (2014)
I am still listening to Natalia Merchant’s new album (released May 2014). While doing so, I have come by this video release of one of the tracks – Giving Up Everything.
A Conversation with Natalie Merchant
Review: Music
a conversation with Natalie Merchant
about her new album, titled Natalie Merchant (2014)
Still to listen at length to this whole album, but already convinced this one is very good.
Ray Charles and Country & Western
Reviews: Music
Ray Charles: Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2
These two albums were released in the early 1960s and they still hold up; they sound great.
The release of these albums was a landmark at the time as it saw this successful singer-songwriter cross over from his usual rhythm and blues and gospel singing to interpret classic country & western music.
Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones
Review Music
Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones
Here We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray Charles (2011)
This labour of love is a live tribute album to Ray Charles. The album is of a 2009 performance by Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones.
I have reviewed a similar collaboration by Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis that was previously released – Two Men With The Blues (Live) 2008 – for my comments on that album – click here.
Continue reading Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis, and Norah Jones
Mary Gauthier
Review: Music
Mary Gauthier’s Mercy Now ( 2004 ); and Between Daylight and Dark (2007)
I am not sure when I became interested in Americana music. Some people think Americana is another part of American country music. Not for me. It sits somewhere between country, rock and at times a there’s a little of the blues and ever now and then throw in a folk ingredient.
This is roughly where I put these two albums by Mary Gauthier. She has since put out three others and is due any week now to release another.
Women Musicians and Rolling Stone
Music: How Women still are overlooked by Rolling Stone Magazine
Over the years there has been a massive increase in the recognition of women musicians. It would therefore be a natural expectations that important music magazines would reflect this achievement. Then again, why such optimism?
Nick Cave
Review: Music
I have posted this for no other reason than to remind anyone of the talent of Nick Cave.
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Paul Costigan, 2 May 2014
Neil Young in a box
Review: Music
Neil Young recording Needle of Death
Neil likes to do things just the way he wants to. Having followed his music now for many decades, I am not surprised by this latest little piece. Neil in a box!
billy bragg and jack monroe busking
music: Billy Bragg on busking
The Guardian challenged food writer (and keen singer) Jack Monroe to busk on the streets of London.
To help her nail her first gig, musician Billy Bragg went along to share his tips for success.
William Elliott Whitmore
Review: Music
William Elliott Whitmore: Field Songs (2011) & Animals in The Dark (2009)
Reviewers love to be able to link a singer’s style to others. In reviewing William Elliott Whitmore they surely do struggle.
While his sound is definitely within the broad Americana set, his folk-blues voice makes him sound much older than he is, which is in his mid thirties. At times he sounds something like an old style preacher with a husky tone. Most of his songs centre around the American landscape, farming, life and death and all things in between.
Billy Bragg
Music: Billy Bragg on NPR Tiny desk concert
something from a musician who has stuck to his principles of speaking out on social and political topics – and has fun as well. Have a listen – about 20 minutes
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Paul Costigan, 5 April 2014
Julia Gillard’s misogyny song
“Not Now, Not Ever!” (Gillard Misogyny Speech)”
The following YouTube presentation is a must view – the audio takes a moment to kick in – but it is worth it.
Sade and The Hotheads
Review: Music
Sade & The Hotheads
Creating some headlines, especially in the UK, is this folk rock, pop band of players. The music is mainly written by the band with the lead singer being the singer songwriter. The band has been around for a few years now and the lead singer, originally from the US, moved to London in the 1990s.
Wynton Marsalis / Willie Nelson
Review: Music
Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis
Two Men With The Blues (Live) 2008
Take two musicians with different musical styles. One a jazz trumpeter and his band.
Then add an individually styled country singer, who has stayed outside the mainstream country music, and has produced a huge number of records often with different approaches and different bands.
Sam Lee and Friends
Review: Music
Sam Lee and Friends
It was while researching the actor, Juliet Stevenson, that I was led to the music of a band in which her stepson was a player. Sam Lee is a collector of folk songs and then publishes and performs them through a wonderful use of instruments and song.
Suzanne Vega
Review: Music
Suzanne Vega: Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles. 2014
If you are one of the many who enjoyed Suzanne Vega’s words and music, then I can almost guarantee that you will love this new album. This new album is Suzanne Vega at her best.
Her humour is there as is her wonderful grasp of story telling and wisdom of dealing with some of the big life issues – although she has layered some of this with a little folklore approach.
Ian Moss
Review: Music
Ian Moss: two acoustic albums: Six Strings and Let’s Get Together
Looking back into my collection and listening to music that has been neglected over the last decade, I have focused on the music of Ian Moss and two acoustic albums. Six Strings (2005) & Let’s Get Together (2007)
There’s a lot of other music by Ian Moss and his music was a key to the success of Cold Chisel. The other musician that I have followed post Cold Chisel is Don Walker; more about him some other time.
All good Australian music!
Peter Green Splinter Group
Review: Music
Peter Green Splinter Group: Robert Jonson Songbook
Digging back into my collection and listening to music that has been neglected over the last decade, this time the focus is on the music of Peter Green Splinter Group.
The history of Peter Green as a musician is best described as mixed. You are talking about one the best British blues guitarists with connections to John Mayall, Fleetwood Mac, and much more.
Joe Henry
Review: Music
Joe Henry – Civilians (2007)
This is an exercise of revisiting some music that was bought at the time (being 2007) but only in recent days have I had the time to give it a serious listen, or two.
Joe Henry has been making music for a long time and is also well established as a producer of other musician’s albums.
His music changed in slightly about 10 years ago; as a singer songwriter he settled into a comfortable mix of styles. It remains hard to define.
Pete Seeger
Notice: Pete Seeger 2019 – 2014
Of course I go back to the days of Peter, Paul and Mary and their concerts. In fact somewhere deep in the cupboard, there’s a vinyl album or two of Peter, Paul and Mary. Maybe a little worn out but just playable.
I had not followed Peter Seeger’s career that closely, until I watched the movie in 2008 , Pete Seeger: The Power of Song (2007). I then noticed that he was still out there and I observed that he appeared on the news occasionally taking a stand with others. He was still taking risks.
Watching that movie made me think again about being true to your beliefs. And that occasionally we have to take a stand on issues and sometimes there are consequences.
Neil Young and honour the treaties
Neil Young:
Canada’s Conservative government exploit Alberta tar sands
from the Guardian: 14 January 2014
Neil Young has entered into a war of words with Canada’s Conservative government, accusing officials of “killing” First Nations through their exploitation of the Alberta tar sands. The Toronto-born singer has exchanged verbal volleys with the office of prime minister Stephen Harper, who replied that “even … rock stars” rely on oil.
Natalie Merchant
Review: The Music of Natalie Merchant
Neil Young sings a song with the line: singing a song won’t change the world! I do not necessarily agree as sometimes the song will add public and high-profile voice to issues. But that could be what he meant.
The issues that people need to take a stand on are endless. People do need to speak up and not be silenced for fear of speaking out. I have witnessed so many people in this category of being silent when it would have been timely, and maybe risky, to express a point of view publicly or in support of others.
Continue reading Natalie Merchant
The Vinyl Record
Opinion: Music
The new interest in vinyl Records
In case you are wondering, this album cover was deemed very un-Beatle and was withdrawn.
The album covers were things that many of us used to enjoy a lot. The covers were something we would read, admire the graphics and then prop them up so that we could look at them while the vinyl was being played. It was a visual experience.
Mind you there were many crap album covers that made you wonder, What were they thinking? Then there were those tapes in those plastic cassette cases in the eighties. The rectangular boxes just did not measure up aesthetically.
Neil Young
Re-Posted -from Rolling Stone
An Update: Review of concert in NY
Neil Young Stuns With a Spellbinding Carnegie Hall Show of a marathon set featuring a wealth of Seventies classics
Early last year (2013) I was blown away (literally) by the very loud concert by Neil Young and Crazy Horse. At the concert, and apparently some others around the world, many in the audience expressed some desire for Neil to play more of his older materials. And Neil Young just loves people from the audience who tell him what he should do!
Some I noticed departed half way through the concert. They had obviously not been listening to his later materials and had ignored the sign that said Neil Young and Crazy Horse. The Crazy Horse ingredient always means loud rock and grunge music.
Roasanne Cash
Review: Music
Rosanne Cash, The List 2009
Rosanne Cash is about release a new album in mid January 2014.The album is titled The River and the Thread.
This news sent me back to play some of her other work, including two favourites, Black Cadillac (2006) and the more recent The List (2009). (she has not released an album since then)
In Rosanne’s on words: “When I was 18, I was on the road with my dad (Johnny Cash). One day, we were sitting in the tour bus, talking about songs, and he mentioned a song, and I said, “I don’t know that one.” He mentioned another one, and I said, “I don’t know that one, either.” Then he started to get alarmed, so he spent the rest of the day making a list on a legal pad, and at the top he put “100 Essential Country Songs.”
Everly Brothers
Review: Music
Marking the death of Phil Everly
With the death of one of the Everly Brothers, we are reminded of how influential they were. The list of who claims to have been influenced by them starts with the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and much of the early west coast sound, including the Birds and the Eagles.
John Hiatt
Music Online
John Hiatt performs for Front And Centre
It does not get much better than this!
Neil Young
Review: Music
Neil Young: CD At The Cellar Door
Here’s another live set from Neil Young’s archive. There’s been a few of late and as before the critical response has been fairly positive. This one is a selection of live recording of Neil by himself over several nights in late 1970. At first I was not so sure but I have warmed to it with a few adjustments. Having heard so many of the songs in different versions, when I am listening to this stripped down early version, I suspect that my listening is layered with memories of the other versions.
Warning: I have been a fan of Neil’s music from early 1971.
Carmel McCourt
Music Review: Carmel
Carmel came to prominence in the late 1980s with significant album successes. The band lasted well into the early 1990s and then broke up around the turn of the century.
The news is that the early music of Carmel is still very enjoyable, it is fun. Some of it remains fantastic. Play it loud.
Nick Cave
Review: Music
Nick Cave Live from KCRW
Just when I thought I had all my own Christmas purchases sorted, along comes another.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have announced the release of the new album – ‘Live from KCRW’.
The live album features a stripped-down line-up performing classic Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds material alongside four songs from their recent album ‘Push The Sky Away’.
Neil Young
Music Review
God Save The Queen
WARNING: If you a strict monarchist, please do not read any further. You are advised to please leave this page as quickly as possible.
Caro Emerald
Music Review: Caro Emerald
Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor, 2011
The Shocking Miss Emerald, 2013
Do you want to dance around the house? Want to dance away the night? Want to lift your spirits? Want to sing along and swing to some great music?
Then let me introduce you to Carlo Emerald and two CDs that you should consider adding to your music library.
If it was possible for me to wear out a CD, or the digital version of same, then Caro’s 2011 Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor is one of these. Whenever I playing this CD, it spins on the player for days – or more.
This music will cheer you up! and make you dance.
Music: Patty Griffin
Review: Music
Music of Patty Griffin
Over the last decade I have dipped in and out of the music of Patty Griffin. Americana and some country music and several in between are some of the many lines of my music interest. In this case I do like the concept of Americana meets Led Zepplin!
Yes Robert is Patty’s partner. Here’s a couple from her current album, American Kid. Robert appears on several of the songs.
and there’s more..
Music: Simone Dinnerstein & Tift Merritt
Review: Music
Night: Simone Dinnerstein & Tift Merritt
This is something I stumbled onto one late night.
Mix a country singer with a classical pianist and you get this wonderful music.
Admittedly songs about night always appeal.
Here are three You Tube clips – beginning with the main song from the album – night and dreams.
Leonard Cohen
Review: Music on you tube
Check this out. This guy is unbelievable. What will you be doing at 78?
here’s a link to a few more items of music
Lou Reed
Recommend the very touching and personal farewell in Rolling Stone to Lou Reed from Laurie Anderson
“His eyes were wide open. I was holding in my arms the person I loved the most in the world, and talking to him as he died. His heart stopped. He wasn’t afraid. I had gotten to walk with him to the end of the world.”
Lou Reed
Music Music Music
Lou Reed has left us. Too many lyrics and tunes in my head to make much of a comment. We need voices to question our society. Not so sure that the next generations of singers are so committed.
We will have to play a few of his albums this week.
Thoughts go to Laurie Anderson. Another strong voice on so many things.