Thelonius Moog - American Standard (Grownup)/Rock
Remember those records in the 60's and 70's that featured the Moog synthesizer? Well, take some American standards (sort of) and run them through that filter. Zappa's "Peaches En Regalia" given the swingin' bachelor pad twist? Yes, please.
New Barbarians - Buried Alive: Live in Maryland (Wooden)/Rock
OK, So I wander over to the tiny new vinyl section of my store and stumble onto this. Woa, I vaguely remember somebody yammerin' on about the New Barbarians in Creem magazine back in the day. Never heard any of it. The story of this concert is kinda funny though. Keef had just been dealt a two-day community service sentence for a drug conviction. Now, can you imagine Mr. Richards picking up trash in the park? Or sweeping streets? How about teaming up with Ronnie Wood, Ian McLaughlin, Bobby Keys, Ziggaboo Modeliste, and monster fusion bassist Stanley Clarke? Yes, the concerts were a benefit for the Canadian Institute for the Blind. Quite an interesting mix of tunes, from the usual Chuck Berry selections to some Stones catalog to picks from Wood's Gimme Some Neck.
Elliott Smith - New Moon (Kill Rock Stars)/Rock
I'm not sure that "salivating" is the right word, but that's what Elliott Smith's infinitely loyal fan base has been doing at the prospect of this collection's release. Two full discs of unreleased and demo material, presented mostly with just an acoustic guitar and Smith's voice. Being a fan of past "demo" releases (Pete Townsend's Scoop comes to mind), I'll be interested to see the reaction to this. Sometimes, the raw power in a song can be amped up when several layers are stripped away.
Björk - Volta (One Little Indian)/Rock
I can never say "no" to this woman. Too much creativity. Too many ideas. And absolutely no sense of fear. Medulla is one of the most beautiful and intriguing recordings I've ever heard. She now has my complete devotion.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Thanks for the name drop, but where do they still have "record bins"?
2 - Mark Saleski
in more civilized areas of the country. ;-)
3 - Connie Phillips
Just what I needed, Mark, for you to help me spend what little money I have. Seriously, this a great idea and I look forward to your take on what's coming out every week!
4 - Josh
If this is your shopping list for the week, I want your day job. Some seriously great stuff there, though, no question about it.
A great addition to the Music Section, Sir Saleski. Great work.
5 - Mat Brewster
No doubt, what do you rob a bank every Monday to afford your Tuesday purchases?
Very cool feature. My list is sure to expand by leaps and bounds.
6 - Tom Johnson
Awesome, Mark. Glad to see this - a new release feature for like minds, that's for sure.
Anyone interested in hearing the Bad Plus' "Tom Sawyer" can grab an mp3 at Stereogum. Pretty great - far, far better than Alex Skolnick's take on it. Be sure and follow the links to the other preview track, "Physical Cities." Sounds like a good album!
7 - Mary K. Williams
What a good round up! Something for those with discerning tastes, yet a shoutout to standard Billboard fare as well.
Must be nice to have that disposable income though. : )~
8 - Pico
I've been a fan of Petrucciani's for almost twenty years, now (even though, unfortunately, he's been dead for about half of that time). I even like the crossover stuff. But you just can't go wrong with him on solo piano.
After you get this one, go pick up Power of Three, another live set but with Wayne Shorter and Jim Hall. Playground is actually a pretty good contemporary jazz record.
Nice to know there will now be two columns to look forward to from you every week :&)
9 - Mark Saleski
thanks for the kind words pico. hmmmm...i may have to jump right to the set with Jim Hall. oh, maybe i'll get both. ;-)
10 - DukeDeMondo
A joy to read this, Sir Saleski. and Volta is astounding. it's not QUITE as astounding as Vespetine or Homogenic i don't think, and certainly not as astounding as Medulla, but astounding nonetheless. i found all the talk about how it was a return to the "commercial" sound of Post and Debut to be quite alarming, not only becuase very little on either of those records is really "comemrcial", and also, Volta is about as commercial a peice of work as a slither of nut-roasted semen is an acceptable gift for a bishop.
11 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Tom,
That is the absolute balls... I can appreciate the jazz aspect to that Rush cover because they aren't afraid to lay it the F*ck down when it comes to the chorus. Yes, I am too a fan of Mr. Skolnick's but I was never huge into his trio. Anyways, thanks for the tip on The Bad Plus, Mr. Saleski and thanks for the link Mr. Johnson.
Right up my alley...