In this week's edition of the new album releases, we find things starting to pick up a bit as the record industry begins to lumber back to life following the post-holiday season hangover. But before we get to that, a few housekeeping items are in order.
Change is afoot here at the weekly new album release column. And we think they are some changes that you regular readers here are going to like. Beginning with this week's column, in addition to my regular rundown of all the new releases, we are going to begin including a weekly feature where a guest BC writer will focus in on a personal album pick of note, and write a few choice words on why this particular release might merit your own special attention.
The good news, is that for this daunting task I've enlisted two of BC's very best music writers.
You already know Mark Saleski as something of the unofficial "dean" of BC music critics, and for his two popular columns, The Friday Morning Listen and the sadly, soon to be retired feature Tuesday Morning Purchase (but I'll let Sir Mark tell you more about that in his own space here at BC).
Although Mark has decided to retire his Tuesday feature, he has graciously agreed to continue on the tradition of a weekly pick right here in the new album release column. And so...drumroll please...this week it gives me great pleasure to announce the debut of Saleski's Choice.
Oh, but that's not all boys and girls.
Since any great team's backup needs to be just as good as the starting lineup, we will also be joined here from time to time by the one and only Tom Johnson. In addition to being another of BC's star music writers, Tom offers his own rather unique perspectives on all things tune-related in his own ongoing regular BC feature Re:Collection. Like Sir Mark, when it comes to music Tom is a guy who knows what he's talking about. Tom has also agreed to contribute his own picks here on a semi-regular basis.
Either I'm the luckiest weekly new release columnist on the planet, or these two guys have hatched an evil master plan to put me out of business. Time will tell, but the way I see it, the readers win. So, with the introductions out of the way, and without further adieu, we bring you...
Among some of my Internet friends, I'm known for being into "obscure" jazz. I suppose this is true, though given the average person's engagement with the jazz world (face it people, it's a pretty small number, percentage-wise), the definition of "obscure" is a slippery one.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
I'm sort of elated and saddened at this. I'm really gonna miss Mark's column, but I dig that he's still gonna do a little bit here. Tom are you quitting your regular weekly column too, or are you just periodically adding to Glen's?
2 - Tom Johnson
Today brings the bleedin' demise of two columns, Mat. I'm simply out of time to handle keeping up with that as a full piece, but I jumped at the chance to contribute when something absolutely needs the attention, such as this week's Super Furry release. Hopefully this will give me some extra time to focus on writing about albums I already have rather than future ones. I will probably be contributing more often than not, however.
3 - Mat Brewster
Ah man, we're losing both those columns? Curses!
I guess you could say we're now getting three columns for the price of one. That sounds pretty good actually. Yeah, I'll go with that.
4 - Glen Boyd
Time to start shifting the blame...it was all Saleski's idea. Honest...
Seriously though, much as I'll miss Mark and Tom's features, I'm delighted to be able to steal both of them away...
-Glen
5 - JC Mosquito
ELP's Works Vol 1 & 2 - I'll be avoiding - I don't even want 'em to round out my collection. he self titled debut, Trilogy, Tarkus, & Brain Salad Surgery are all major works of 70's prog, but after that, they lost something.
Does the Jason Ringenberg included Scorchers stuff or is it just solo? Either way, it looks interesting.
Destroy All Monsters - The Stooges meet the MC5 meet a girl named Niagara if I remember correctly. I have their Creeper b/w the Assasination of JFK song (whatever the date was) 45 single - it was OK, but did they have enough material for a whole live album?
Mr. Saleski & Mr. Johnson (and Mr. Boyd!) in the same column! The CSN of blogcritics music (well, if Glen ever learns how to play the guitar!).
;)
Skeeter.
6 - Mark Saleski
one of those Works has their version of "Fanfare for the Common Man", which i've always kinda liked.
also, their live album is pretty good.
7 - dyrkness
re:Super Furry Animals."But a "rapid" fanbase they do have." I think you meant "rabid", right?
8 - El Bicho
I believe Fanfare is on Works I, and there are some good tracks on II: Tiger in a Spotlight, Maple Leaf Rag, and one of the best Xmas songs, I Believe in Father Christmas.
9 - Glen Boyd
Mr. Dyrkness, the error has been both noted and corrected, and I thank you for pointing it out. Sometimes, our enthusiasm gets the best of us in our rush to get these new features out to members of a public hungering for them such as yourself. Anyway, thanx for bringing that to our attention.
Mr. Skeeter, the Ringenberg collection is indeed solo Jason sans Scorchers, and is I believe a collection of previously released material. Also, I'm working on the guitar thing, okay? In the meantime, just don't relegate me to the dreaded "Nash slot" (with all due respect to my man Graham).
In fact, while were at it here, is it okay if I get to be Neil Young instead?
-Glen
10 - Mark Saleski
is it okay if I get to be Neil Young instead?
only if it makes you stop bitching about ticket prices. ;-)
11 - JC Mosquito
Neil would have to be someone one who isn't around much and doesn't always sing in tune, and can write classics like, "Got mashed potoato / Ain't got no t-bone."