This week we have a very wide range of styles: burning blues, folk, jazz, and downright scary rock. That and one of the best band names I've ever heard.
Just Like It Is - Monster Mike Welch (BGB)/Blues
When Monster Mike started out, he was a not-quite-grown mannish boy with a deep voice and freakish ability on the guitar. I haven't heard a lick from him since seeing him at a double bill with Debbie Davies many years ago. Time to check him out again.
Live at Bearsville Theater - Dar Williams (Razor & Tie)/Heart-melting folk
One of my favorite folk singers, Dar Williams writes beautiful songs that sometimes bring tears to my eyes. I'm really looking forward to checking out this concert DVD.
Drum Sketches - Susie Ibarra (Innova)/Jazz
Wow, one of my favorite out-there drummers creating solo drum music. This kind of thing might not be for everybody, but it can be a mind-expanding experience.
My Foolish Heart: Live at Montreux - Keith Jarrett,Gary Peacock,Jack DeJohnette (ECM)/Jazz
This CD has been in my to-be-reviewed heavy rotation for a while now. I've posed the question before, "Do we really need another Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette live recording?" Somehow, the answer is almost always "Yes".
Danza II: The Electric Boogaloo - Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza (Metal Blade)/Ah, who cares!!
I'm not so sure about this band's music, but man, their name is beautiful! I'm also drawn to song titles such as "Nobody Eats BBQ Two Days In A Row" and "Rollin' and Tumblin' on Satan's Rotisserie."
Gyrate + - Pylon (Dfa)/Rock
One of the bands from Athens Georgia that never made it out from under REM's shadow. Funny, I've read tons about this band, but have never listened to this record all the way through. Bring on the reissue.
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
You won't be sorry on the Butthole Surfers. Or on the Keith Jarrett et al., but that one gos without saying. :-)
2 - Mark Saleski
yeah, the live Jarrett trio is the usual crazy great stuff.
Butthold Surfers: the first thing i ever heard from them was the early live record. sorta rockin', sorta creepy. i was hooked.
3 - Pico
That makes three of us re: the new Jarrett. I talked it up today myself.
4 - Mark Saleski
i'll be cooking something up on it soon.
5 - Christopher Rose
I worked with Butthole Surfers for a year or two and they were absolute sweeties offstage, er, most of the time that is, and wonderfully inspired and just a tad insane onstage! I have a recording of their first ever British gig somewhere around the house.
6 - Mark Saleski
i've never seen 'em live but the guy who loaned me that live record said something about them showing videotape of operations and things while the show was going on. yeesh!
7 - Josh
Monster Mike sure did some nice stuff when he sat in with Nick Moss & The Flip Tops on the Live at Chan's set. I need to check that one out, too.