Listening to.......

[David V B]

Al Stewart Famous Last Words - 33 years old today!

My favourite Al Stewart album.

This one had passed me by and had never heard of it, so decided to search it out. So glad I did as it is indeed really good.

Also a shout out for the RT compilation with this month’s Uncut. It is excellent. Some of it I had not heard before and it prompted me to download the Live in London CD. Fine acoustic collection of RT’s own material and several of his Fairport songs.

Finally, just listening to the new Martin Simpson collection, Some Kind of Jubilee. If you like him (and I do), it is wonderful.

[Chris from Fieldtown]

Took a chance on a double Move collection album when browsing my local record shop. I knew the singles but none of the album tracks and it's a revelation, fabulous and quite unique sound. What a great band that had largely passed me by until now.

[Will S]

Lots and lots of Martin Carthy, having splashed out on the big boxset. Currently taking a break and cleansing the aural palate, as it were, with Steve Tilston's rather lovely instrumental album Swans At Coole.

[Will S]

I picked up the Rick Wakeman 5 Classic albums set at the market yesterday, for not very much (together with a Jon Lord solo album). I only had the 6 Wives of Henry VIII before, and had heard Journey to the Centre of the Earth when he played it at Cropredy a couple of years ago, but was otherwise buying fairly blind.  I listened to Journey... first. That was OK.

Then The Myths & Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Oh. My. Word! Was it really as bad as it seemed on first listen? Logic says I should listen again to find out. Emotion says I shouldn't ever let anything like that near my ears again!  I mean, there are a few good tunes in there, amongst the dross, but the rest seemed like a bunch of ideas thrown together with no quality control applied.  What do others think? Should I try again, or just let it lie...?

This morning I have moved on to No Earthly Connection to see if that is any better.

[Alan2]

I picked up the Rick Wakeman 5 Classic albums set at the market yesterday, for not very much (together with a Jon Lord solo album). I only had the 6 Wives of Henry VIII before, and had heard Journey to the Centre of the Earth when he played it at Cropredy a couple of years ago, but was otherwise buying fairly blind.  I listened to Journey... first. That was OK.

Then The Myths & Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Oh. My. Word! Was it really as bad as it seemed on first listen? Logic says I should listen again to find out. Emotion says I shouldn't ever let anything like that near my ears again!  I mean, there are a few good tunes in there, amongst the dross, but the rest seemed like a bunch of ideas thrown together with no quality control applied.  What do others think? Should I try again, or just let it lie...?

This morning I have moved on to No Earthly Connection to see if that is any better.

I'm where you are  or were, Will. i love  6 wives and only have a couple of other albums -  The Piano Album itself is nice - revisits classic   Yes, Strawbs as simple piano tunes. I have been warned off  King Arthur before,   but may yet pick that up on CD , along with Journey.
I have seen RW  2ce in  concert with the English Rock Ensemble  and I have to say that both times  they were amazing.

[Dan O.]

Richard Thompson's new album - Hippies, Thugs & Heroes.

Downloaded and listened to with morning coffee - it's one of his best in years. Featuring memorable songs, the usual fabulous guitar work, and even a silver band !
60 years into his career, at 77 years young, Richard's pulled a really good one out of the bag.
Purchase and listen with confidence.
So good, I might just have to give it another spin..

[Andy]

That's sent me to the Amazon download page.

Thanks!

[DarrenWilliams]

Richard Thompson's new album - Hippies, Thugs & Heroes.

Downloaded and listened to with morning coffee - it's one of his best in years. Featuring memorable songs, the usual fabulous guitar work, and even a silver band !
60 years into his career, at 77 years young, Richard's pulled a really good one out of the bag.
Purchase and listen with confidence.
So good, I might just have to give it another spin..

Fully agree. I never really got into his last few (I enjoyed most of Electric but not much after that) but this is RT back on form.

Really nice guitar sound, especially rhythm guitar. Bit more distortion than usual?

[davidmjs]

Richard Thompson's new album - Hippies, Thugs & Heroes.

Downloaded and listened to with morning coffee - it's one of his best in years. Featuring memorable songs, the usual fabulous guitar work, and even a silver band !
60 years into his career, at 77 years young, Richard's pulled a really good one out of the bag.
Purchase and listen with confidence.
So good, I might just have to give it another spin..

Fully agree. I never really got into his last few (I enjoyed most of Electric but not much after that) but this is RT back on form.

Really nice guitar sound, especially rhythm guitar. Bit more distortion than usual?

I've long thought he didn't have a really decent album in him any more, but I've really enjoyed this on first and second listen.  I'd go so far as to say it's by far the best RT release this century - aka since Mock Tudor ('99)

[davidmjs]

And today we also welcome Tied to the Land from The Owl Service.  It's a great folk-rock album which I commend to the masses.

[DarrenWilliams]

And today we also welcome Tied to the Land from The Owl Service.  It's a great folk-rock album which I commend to the masses.

Thanks for the heads-up - I don't know how that one passed me by.

[Nick Reg]

Richard Thompson's new album - Hippies, Thugs & Heroes.

Downloaded and listened to with morning coffee - it's one of his best in years. Featuring memorable songs, the usual fabulous guitar work, and even a silver band !
60 years into his career, at 77 years young, Richard's pulled a really good one out of the bag.
Purchase and listen with confidence.
So good, I might just have to give it another spin..

it's his best for ages