Archive of Previous Weeks
Arvo Pärt
- Alina
There
will be one of two reactions to this CD. You will either love
it or hate it - most people seem to have no other reaction !
Arvo Pärt was born in 1935,
in Estonia. His early music experimented with various styles,
mainly influenced by Russian composers such as Shostakovich
and Prokofiev. With these works he also experimented with the
twelve-tone system, made famous by Arnold Schoenberg.
From 1976 onwards, Pärt began
to develop his own unique style, which he refers to as "tintinnabulation".
This term refers to a system of composition which uses many
"open spaces", combined with simple bell-like
tones. This formula has split listeners and critics alike.
This CD can seem extremely strange on first
listening - even before the CD is loaded, the track contents
appear bizarre. There are five CD tracks - two of these
tracks appear to be identical, entitled "Für
Alina" (tracks 2 & 4). This piece is
derived from a short, two-minute piano composition, which
Pärt wrote with the intention that the performer would vary
and embellish the score. The performaces here are both 10-11
minutes in length and are subtle in their use of rubato and
variation.
The other three tracks on the CD are, again,
of one composition only - "Spiegel im Spiegel".
The three versions are scored to violin/piano, cello/piano
and violin/piano again. The whole CD seems to follow the
German translation of this title - "mirror within a
mirror" - tracks are sequenced as follows :- 1. Spiegel
im Spiegel; 2- Für Alina; 3- Spiegel im Spiegel; 4-Für
Alina; 5- Spiegel im Spiegel.
As you can see - the format of this CD is
very strange, but the music is hypnotic and spellbinding. It
really defies description and I hope you get chance to hear
it at some point. However, as I commented above, if you hate
it - do not blame me! This is probably the only CD that is
treasured or binned within the first 2-3 minutes of playing
it.
Label:ECM New Series Catalogue
Number: 4499582
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-
Rainbow -
Rising
Following
his departure (several times!) from Deep Purple, Ritchie
Blackmore has not come close to bettering this album.
Released in 1976, every track on
this release is an instant classic. The total time is quite short
(around 45 minutes) but over six tracks this is "The Best Of
Rainbow" on just one short CD. Nothing they did, before or
after this album really compared to "Rising". The
stand-out track is the epic "Stargazer", similar in
style to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir", it is a real
showcase for the vocals of Ronnie James Dio.
If you only buy one album by
Rainbow, make sure it is "Rising" - the others are all
decent but this is the only one which included no filler tracks,
no instrumentals and no commercial /radio friendly songs (eg.
"Since You Been Gone"); thankfully!
Label: Polydor
Catalogue Number: 5473612
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Soft Cell -
The Singles Collection 1981-85
A strange mix
of the (all - too) well known hit singles and some more obscure
singles from the odd double act of Marc Almond and David Ball.
As I started this web-site, several people
commented that all I listen to is classical music. Yet again, I
beg to differ! This week I have played this CD constantly.
Everybody knows the big hits, but both the earlier and later
singles that surround the big hits are just brilliant, after a
few times of listening.
The version I have is the above, but mostly in the "12
inch single" versions, the real stand-outs are
"Bedsitter" and "Where The Heart Is". Yet
every track is overshadowed by the extended version of
"Tainted Love", coupled with a version of the Supremes'
classic "Where Did Our Love Go". Even if you know
"Tainted Love", this version really eclipses the
original single version.
Label
- Some Bizarre; Catalogue Number - 8307082
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Jimi Hendrix
- First Rays of the New Rising Sun
This
was a BIG bonus for me - this is the "final" studio
album by Jimi Hendrix.
I was shocked when I found out about this album, simply
because it was the first "official release" for almost
thirty years. Since his untimely death, Jimi Hendrix had been
sampled, copied, duplicated, pirated and totally shamed. The man
responsible for this, amongst others, is Alan Marshall - he had
complete control over all recordings, good or bad made by
Hendrix.
The result was a farce - recycled bootleg tapes, rough live
albums, compilations with odd out-takes and (allegedly) albums
released with session players imitating Hendrix.
This CD, however, is the real-thing, or as close as possible
at least. The Hendrix family and estate now have complete control
over his existing material and this release is the first of a
promised series of "definitive" recordings. The tracks
on this CD have all been previously available, but the care and
attention paid to assembling and remsatering this version of
Jimi's "final" studio album is quite brilliant.
Tracks like "Angel" and "In From The
Storm" were already Hendrix classics, but here they really
shine as some of his greatest songs. "Hey Baby" and
"Ezy Rider" sound like new tracks and the whole CD
which was recorded originally between 1969-70 sounds fresh and
clear in its new, digitally remastered version. This is a must
buy for anybody interested in the music of Jimi Hendrix and is
worth ten-times any of the releases between 1971 and the present
date.
Label
- MCA; Catalogue Number - MCD11599
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Elvis
Costello with Burt Bacharach - Painted From Memory
This
CD is really worth investigating.
I have long been a fan of Elvis Costello, yet his
nineties' output had been inconsistent to say the least. Burt
Bacharach was renowned for his work with Hal David, as a
song-writing partnership in the sixties and seventies. Together,
they penned numerous hits for Dionne Warwick, , Tom Jones, Dusty
Springfield and Shirley Bassey, to name but a few.
The combination of these talents has produced a real
masterpiece. Costello's best lyric-writing in many years,
combined with the typical multi-layered arrangements by
Bacharach, are coupled together across twelve brilliant songs.
From the opener, "In The Darkest Place" through to
"God Give Me Strength" (from the movie soundtrack Grace
of My Heart), every track is an absolute gem. Other
stand-outs include "I Still Have That Other Girl",
"My Liar" and the title track "Painted From
Memory".
I must admit that it is easy to be disappointed when first
hearing this collaboration. However, with repeated plays, this CD
is a real necessity and easily the best work of the 90s by Elvis
Costello.
Label:
Mercury; Catalogue Number: 5380022
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Henryk
Gorecki - Symphony No.3 : Sorrowful Songs
Strangely, the second classical
review on these pages, like Arvo Pärt, was written by a living
composer!
Henryk Gorecki is a Polish composer who was
almost unknown, until this release catapulted him into the
forefront of the modern repertoire. Across three movements, this
"symphony" is actually a song-cycle, for orchestra and
soprano. The text is in Polish and the general theme is of
oppression and sorrow, yet the music is beautiful and totally
uplifting.
Dawn Upshaw is the soprano soloist and David
Zinman conducts the London Sinfonietta in this now, classic
recording. One word of warning however, Gorecki's other music is
not at all like this release, this CD has sold millions - his
others have not. Yet repeated listening to his other works
reveals a unique insight into a major composer of modern music.
Label:Nonesuch;
Catalogue Number: 7559792822
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Coldplay -
Parachutes
The
most hyped and advertised CD this year.
I heard two of the singles from this
album ("Yellow" and "Trouble"), having really
enjoyed those, I expected a great deal from this release. All I
can say is - what a disappointment!
Every song is so similar and monotonous, even
after three or four times of listening, I still find this CD
tedious and over-hyped. This is really a "poor-man's"
version of Travis (to be honest their "The Man Who" CD
was overhyped as well), but without the flair and varied
song-writing. Parachutes is certainly worth
investigating, in fact, you may well really like it, but compared
to both albums by Stereophonics, this is a poor release.
If, in time, this CD grows on me - I will add to this review
or even re-write it! Meanwhile, do not follow the hype and
certainly do not buy the CD on the strength of a TV advert with
ten second clips of three (decent) singles.
Label:
Parlophone; Catalogue Number: 5277832
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William
Orbit - Pieces In A Modern Style
Classical or Pop ?
Nobody can decide!
I have owned this CD for a while now, but after
hearing All Saints' and Madonna's latest releases (several tracks
of both produced by William Orbit), I decided to go back and give
it a few plays. Just to let you know the format - Orbit has taken
eleven classical pieces (some familiar, others not) and
transferred them to synthesizer compositions in his own style.
This has been a controversial release, mainly for
being thrown out of both the "classical" and
"pop" charts simultaneously! All I have to say is that
it is interesting to listen to William Orbit's renditions of
"famous" classical pieces - Vivaldi's Four Seasons and
Handel's Largo are strange renditions, yet quite different to the
original versions.
Where this release excels are the lesser-known
pieces by Erik Satie, John Cage and Henryk Gorecki. Here, where
the music is not known to most people, the title of the CD is
clearer and to the point. These pieces sound like "new"
compositions, despite the "classical" description
though, they are all twentieth century works. The most played
track here however, is quite misleading. Samuel Barber's
"Adagio" is not the version on your trance/Ibiza albums
(a drum-and-bass remix by Ferry Korsten), but the absolute copy
of the original composition. Suprisingly this opens the album and
is easily the closest to the "original" of all the
tracks!
I would recommend this CD, despite the reputation
it seems to have gained. As usual, ignore the classification and
just enjoy the music (it's great through headphones after a bad
day!)
Label:WEA;
Catalogue Number: 3984289572
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UB40 -
Signing Off
The
recording is a real "classic".
Released in 1980, this CD still
sounds original and fresh, unlike a lot of their subsequent
releases. UB40 have now released several albums of reggae
cover-versions, most of which are disposable in comparison to
this, their debut album.
Originally released on Graduate Records
(the vinyl version on this label, complete with additional 12
inch single is now a collector's item), every track here seems
completely different to their recent output. Lyrics are mostly
political and meaningful, reggae which is more influenced by Bob
Marley rather than re-hashed hits of other artists. The sound
quality is crystal-clear on the transfer to CD and the
"hit" singles here hardly seem dated at all ("Food
For Thought", "King" and "I Think It's Going
To Rain Today").
A word of warning, however, all their
early hits are NOT included here. If you remember "My Way Of
Thinking", "The Earth Dies Screaming" and
"Dream A Lie", better to invest in the compilation
"The UB40 File". However, the absence of these tracks
is easily compensated for. Tracks such as "Tyler" and
"Burden Of Shame" are two of the best songs ever
released by the band, but they are hardly single material due to
their provocative lyrics.
If you missed this release first time
around, buy it instead of the latest "Greatest Hits"
package. Also make sure to check that the three "extra"
tracks "Reefer Madness", "Strange Fruit" and
"Madame Medusa" are including, these were originally on
the 12 inch single in the original vinyl package (thirteen tracks
in total) .
Label:
DEP International; Catalogue Number: CDOVD439
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Choir of New
College, Oxford - Agnus Dei
Sacred choral music, spanning
400 years.
This is a two CD reissue of the two famous
recordings, conducted by Edward Higginbottom. Both albums have
subtitles - "Music Of Inner Harmony" and "Music To
Soothe The Soul", which to seems to sum up the mood of the
pieces included.
The recording here is second to none, with the
acoustics chosen for each piece chosen to perfection. Smaller
vocal ensembles seem to be recorded in smaller surroundings and
closely recorded. Alternatively, larger pieces are recorded from
distance and the effect of reverberation is much greater. Through
headphones, this attention to detail really converts the CD into
an "audiophile" recording.
The range of music here is very interesting. From
early music by Palestrina ("Missa Papae Marcelli") and
Allegri "Miserere mei" to modern works such as
"Agnus Dei" by Samuel Barber, each track is recorded
and arranged with equal care. Famous sacred works by Bach,
Mozart, Brahms, Faure and Rachmaninov are included and are
instantly recognisable; other works are not, but with repeated
listening this is a set of CDs that you will return to time and
again.
Label:Erato
; Catalogue Number: 3984295882
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Georges
Bizet - L'Arlesienne / Carmen Suites
An early digital recording from
the world's most recorded classical conductor.
Georges Bizet is primarily know for his famous
opera Carmen. This disc includes the two suites arranged
from orchestral and vocal music included in that opera, together
with the two L'Arlesienne suites. Though less known,
several movements from the L'Arlesienne suites are
instantly recognisable, however the Carmen Suites are
even more familiar. These works are tuneful, vibrant and exciting
classical music and can be recommended without reservation.
The recording is from the early digital sessions
made by Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic
Orchestra, a famous combination to say the least. The CD has
excellent, full sound and the louder tracks will really test your
hi-fi! This is a first-choice recording for music that (to some
listeners) can sound dull and overplayed, yet the most famous
tunes rarely sound tired or laboured here.
Label
: Deutche Grammophon; Catalogue Number: 415
106-2
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The Eagles -
Greatest Hits Volume 1
The first collection of hits
from the California country-rock band.
This band have almost always been
remembered for the multi-million selling Hotel California
album, yet somehow this earlier selection shows them in their
"true" colours. The tracks here are less rock, but more
country. From the laid back "Peaceful, Easy Feeling"
and "Take It Easy", to the rockier "One Of These
Nights and "Witchy Woman", there are no bad tracks on
the album. Underated songs include "Take It To The
Limit" and "Desperado", these are easily the match
of any of their later releases, yet seem to have been overlooked
for some reason.
If you haven't heard this album,
and already own either the second "Greatest Hits"
collection or the Hotel California release, you will not
be disappointed. The real stand-out song here is "Lyin'
Eyes" and if you haven't heard that track - buy this album,
even if you hate everyting else on it, you will still have this
brilliant song!
Label:
Warner; Catalogue Number: 7559605112
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15/11/2000
Texas - The
Greatest Hits
A compilation of Scotland's
finest.
In 1989, Texas had a massive hit with "I
Don't Want A Lover", then they almost disappeared without a
trace. This CD includes songs from the lean times between that
single and the breakthrough "White On Blonde" album.
All the recent hits are here, yet the older material seems
strangely dated. Texas radically changed their style in 1996 with
"White On Blonde", combining modern technology with
their guitar based rock. The result shows through on this
collection, the newer tracks are classics - Black Eyed-Boy,
Say What You Want, Halo, Summer Sun etc.
Sharleen Spiteri's voice has improved over the
years, I was shocked to hear her uncanny resemblance to Chrissy
Hynde (of The Pretenders) on the earlier tracks. Overall this a
decent collection, but if I feel their output has been patchy
over their 10-12 year history - this CD proves the fact. However,
if you have no Texas in your collection, it is well worth buying.
Label
: Mercury; Catalogue Number :
5482622
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Carl Maria
von Weber - Clarinet Concertos
An excellent introduction to a
neglected composer.
Included here are four works, each
written in the early part of the nineteen century. The two
clarinet concertos are excellent examples of true classical
concertos, similar in style to the famous Mozart Clarinet
Concerto. The Concertino is an earlier work, in the form
of a single piece, but easily distinguishable as a miniature
concerto, in all but name. The final piece is the Grand
Duo Concertant, a chamber work for clarinet
and piano, but again the overall structure seems identical to a
classical concerto. The music throughout this CD is excellent;
why Weber appears to be so little-known is a mystery.
Emma Johnson plays solo clarinet
and the English Chamber Orchestra are conducted by Yan Pascal
Tortelier on a CD which I really recommend. If you are a fan of
the well known Mozart concerto, you will be more than impressed
with this collection.
Label:
ASV; Catalogue Number: CDDCA747
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21/11/2000