Well, it was only supposed to be the "fifteen favorite CDs of 2006"... but as a tribute to the dearly departed Tower Records, and therefore probably my last year of quality deep-catalog browsing and impulse music buying at an actual record store, the list is hereby expanded to twenty...
[1] Frank Sinatra: Vegas
At long last... a treasure trove of previously unreleased (legitimately, at least) live Sinatra performances from the vaults, beautifully packaged as a four CD + DVD box set. You get to experience The Man not only in his swinging 1960s prime but also during his under-appreciated post-"retirement" phase, including a remarkable 1978 Caesar's Palace show on the DVD. (Too bad they edited out some of Frank's more outrageous comments from the monologues, though...)
[2] Moondog: Rare Material
A welcome reissue of the out-of-print and fantastic Big Band album in its entirety, along with a second CD of Moondog rarities including some wonderful stuff from the impossible-to-find Bracelli. I only wish there was more truly "rare material" like this included here instead of several readily available tracks from Moondog's Prestige albums. Please keep 'em coming, ROOF Music!
[3] Rhys Chatham: Die Donnergotter
[4] Rhys Chatham: An Angel Moves Too Fast To See
![Ingram Marshall: Savage Altars [CD on Demand]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WLzeQLoOL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
well dang, somebody else around here has heard of Rhys Chatham. it's about time.
Not the religious experience it's been hailed as by some....is so! nyah!! ;-)
2 - Pico
I was fortunate to procure Douglas' Keystone last year and I couldn't agree more. A rare fresh approach to electric jazz.
-P
3 - Willard Quine
Love that Douglas, too. And as someone who was lucky enough to be there at the Carnegie Hall Jarrett show, you are right on both counts. The crowd was worshipful and there WAS something in the air. I came out of that place in a perfect blissful trance of music.
And now I listen to that album and I wonder what happened? It's just not as engaging as I remembered; it's just another (great)Jarret solo excursion, not that different from Koln or the rest from years ago. Sure, it's great, but as a record, I like a bunch of the last few trio albums better. Whether a moron like me has even a word of advice for a genius like Keith Jarrett, of course, is doubtful.
Briefly, the Douglas is amazing, and I think it's time evreyone acknowledges his place in current jazz. The Barber thing was awful and pretentious to me, but I' a jerk. I love the Bonnie "Prince" Billy and those weird harmonies. I also loved the Thompson, but in truth I don't find it sincere at all. I just don't care that much about sincerity in music. Cool list!
4 - Dave
Nice collection of mini-reviews...
5 - Stephen V Funk
Try DustyGroove.com for the ROOF Music Moondog CDs.... I think they sell Rare Material for $19.99 [currently out of stock, though] and German Years for $21.99... much better deal than Amazon...! Definitely seek out the Prestige Moondog and More Moondog CDs also...
Yeah, that sounds about right on the Keith Jarrett applause timing. He's always been one to include ALL the clapping on his live recordings... annoying...!
6 - D'oh
I would add 10,000 Days by TooL.
For all the jazz sensibilities on this list, I present a bit more of a muscular treat,with intricacies of rhythm and off time signatures coupled with high quality musicianship and movements (tracks) forming into an operatic scope whole.
Plus, it just kicks ass.
7 - Michael J. West
Not my favorite Douglas, Keystone, but still a goddamn good one. Pretty groovin' list overall. :-)
8 - tink
"What It Is!" is definitely in my Top 10 list for the year. Great tunes and (if possible) even better packaging. Something for those new to the genre as well as for collectors.
Terrific choice!!