John Coltrane :: A Love Supreme

After watching parts of Ken Burn Jazz PBS series recently, I am further convinced that A Love Supreme is my favorite jazz album of all time. I also learned that, like any style of music, I still have a lot to learn and discover in this genre. Although the jazz series seems to stick to the Wynton Marsalis school of jazz, with only about 2 minutes devoted to Miles Davis 70s output and no other jazz fusion artists, Coltrane receives quite a bit of attention. I had not realized he was only in his 40s when he died. Unlike Miles, he seems to be a nicer person. Ultimately, his quest for spirituality characterized him as someone who really was searching for a higher purpose, which I can respect. The first track off this album, "Acknowledgment" is just monumental, and provides some of my favorite moments of the album, if not in all music. Coltrane continues to reach higher and higher as he solos. Coltrane has influenced a number of artists outside jazz, and I especially like that fact that Mike Watt considers Coltrane his main influence and hero. The jazz series also mentions Sonny Rollins and his work as another important jazz saxophonist and some say the greatest living jazz musician. Sonny doesn’t live too far away from me, and although he did a show in New York City this summer, it would be great to see him do a more local show. Let me know if you want my help with booking something in the Hudson Valley, ok Mr. Rollins? Please consider a show at the Fisher Center at Bard College. Remember, they really like you there.

Dismemberment Plan : Memory Machine

Lead singer Travis Morrison contemplates the fact that if computers can make our life easier, could they someday be connected to us? "If they can make machines to save us labor / Someday they'll do our hearts the very same favor / The wails of ruined lives brought to a halt" but by connecting "Red wire: right temple / Black wire: left temple" could this be washed away? Could human emotions be overruled by logic? Or would it destroy who we really are? Do we know when emotions are controlling us more than when our mind and thinking faculties are? What makes human so vulnerable to brooding over past upsets and not being able to forget? A machine can just delete information that has become irrelevant and move on. Sometimes it would be nice if we could just wipe it clean too. "Someday, I'm telling you / They'll make a memory machine / To wax our hearts to a blinding sheen / To wash away the grief"

The Decemberists :: Picaresque

This album caught me immediately when I heard it. The lead singer Colin Meloy has a distinctive voice (there is a definite Morrissey influence) and an art for story telling. Each songs has a story about sailors, pirates, child princes, and sports heros. Even the slow songs like “Eli, the Barrowboy” are sincerely haunting and atmospheric. But quite a few of the songs are rollicking and upbeat. Overall, a very solid album and a worthwhile listen.

Devendra Banhart :: Rejoicing in the Hands

Two years ago, I would have told you that the only think that came out of the 60s that I liked was Neil Young. Everyone else had died or didn't make it. So, in a sense I dismissed an entire generation of music. Of course now I realize that a lot of the music I listen to is inspired by the 60s garage rock movement and psychedelic. I was reacting against the hippie stereotype and flower power in general. And Beatle mania while I was at it. Of course, it is hard to completely dismiss any music. Some is just more worth my time that other stuff. But since a few of the bands I always like said they were influenced by folk, I was always respected the style. Devandra is probably the closest to an actual folk record I have really liked. If you want to call it folk. It reminds me that the acoustic guitar can be more that just an instrument to play an “soft” version of you loud guitar rockin' hit. With the right vocals and engaging strumming, truly good music can be created. New Weird America, here I come. And “Fall” is my favorite song here.

R.E.M. : Country Feedback

I think I would call this my favorite R.E.M. song. It is sad, brooding, emotional, and has become a live favorite. In fact, live it can run 3 minutes longer as Buck takes opportunity to solo at the close (which may not seem much for most bands, but is quite unusual for this band). Probably R.E.M. at their most Neil Young-ish, and that is a good thing. The album version makes good use of a pedal steel guitar and minimal percussion. Vocals are shared with Stipe, Berry, and guest Kate Pierson. But, Stipe's vocals standout as he tells us "You wear me out" but "I need this".