Plans for DCFC

It seems like I'm too old and in too much of an established relationship (uh, marriage) to really appreciate Death Cab For Cutie. But, I do. Plans is good. Not as great as Transatlanticism, but good. The production values are definitely higher. And the choice to leave "Follow You into the Dark" stripped and bare really gives it all the more emotional punch.

Of course I've had no one read this blog other than a spanish spammer, so the point is moot.

Rock or Quiet

Terje Rypdal is quite bizarre. On many of his ECM albums (especially those with Keitl Bjornstad) he's really in tune with that "ECM" sound of background, spacey, 'chamber-esque' music.

But on a few albums, he completely rocks out. With his cock out.
On Chaser he lets the riffs fly. Many of the power chords on track 5 "omen" sound like they would fit in perfectly with any 80's hair metal band.

That's not a bad thing.

MOTS, but still great.

Fred Anderson's latest From The River to the Ocean is great. The man is ancient but still shows an intense style of play. And of course, Hamid Drake is the most innovative drummer alive. His sense of rhythm and timing sound like a man not from this earth.

A few of Anderson's themes sound repeated from previous releases, but the captivating rhythms of Drake and cello playing of Bankhead more than make up for it.

Surprising

Something things on the Tzadik label are hit and miss. Paul Shapiro's Midnight Minyan is pretty good. It's an interesting mix of jazz, jewish music, and who knows what.

Bucket on My Head

While the idea of a guy playing a guitar while wearing a KFC bucket on his head, is quite ludicrous. The man is a fairly talented musician. Some of his early albums were just raucous shredding. But Bermuda Triangle is more listenable. It focuses too heavily on the electronics and many of the tracks are just short sketches as opposed to full-blown songs.

Charlie Hunter

I've always been attracted to Charlie Hunter's music. He's definately talented, but none of his releases have really risen up to that level of talent. From his early records where his guitar mostly sounded like a Hammond B-3 organ, to Copperopolis where features more of a harder, rocking sound.

The first track is impressive, but after that it seems like the same themes and riffs are repeated throughout the disc.

It seems like I have that same feeling each time I listen to one of his records. It was good, just not memorable. Sort of like fast food.

Genius Level

I've always enjoyed Andrew Hill. But his latest, Time Lines just really takes it above and beyond. This is Andrew at his most free he's ever been. Also, finally his sidemen are at his level.
I don't remember hearing Eric McPherson as a drummer on any other sessions, but he's definitely someone to look into.