Sure, there aren't a whole lot of releases this time of year (except for a boatload of John Lennon reissues), but that doesn't mean that there's no good music out there. Seriously, until you actually hear my pick of the week, you just can't imagine how beautiful it is. If that's idea is too weighty, then turn up Iggy Pop really loud and annoy those neighbors who play Dr. Phil too loud on the TV.
Victoriaville 2007 - Anthony Braxton (Victo)/Jazz
The music of Anthony Braxton with electronics? You've got to be kidding me!
Best of Friends - Jools Holland (WEA International)/Rock
I have never had the opportunity to see (or hear) Jules Holland's television show. Now, what do I want to hear first? Norah Jones doing "In The Dark," India.Arie doing "Georgia On My Mind," or Joe Strummer with "Return of the Blues Cowboy"?
Live San Fran 1981 - Iggy Pop (MVD Audio)/Rock
Oooh, yeah. Iggy Pop at his raw best. Sure, "Lust For Life" has been ruined by those stupid ocean cruise commercials, but I still want to hear it bleeding with passion.
The Sinking of the Titantic (1969-) - Gavin Bryars (Touch)/Billboard sez 'Avant,' Mark sez 'Classical'
A friend of mine turned my on to Bryars a few years back. His original Titanic orchestral work is absolutely stunning. This version features Bryars on double bass, Philip Jeck (turntables), and Alter Ego, an Italian ensemble responsible for: percussion, brass, strings, woodwinds, keyboards, and various electronics. If you own no classical music, you should start here.
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
Forgive me for this completely random observation:
Does Anthony Braxton--with the gray hair, thin glasses, and cardigan sweater--look like a physics professor or what? And, how on-the-nose is that?
2 - Pico
Have you picked up Braxton's Trio And Duet yet? There, he employs a synthesizer (Richard Teitelbaum) from way back in 1974. I just got it myself recently. Interesting stuff.
3 - Mark Saleski
no, but i do have an old lp of Braxton and Teitelbaum. same material?
4 - Michael J. West
Whatever happened to the much-ballyhooed 6-CD-plus-DVD box set Braxton was going to put out earlier this year? I always heard tales but never saw hide nor hair of it.
5 - Mark Saleski
me neither. the Braxton moves in mysterious ways.
6 - El Bicho
"the Braxton moves in mysterious ways."
that could be a good song lyric