Hey Stiltskin,
6 months and holding... My last contact with Mick was 3-4 weeks. That was a little over a month ago... |
Ok, tonight we are serving:
Rossini "Overtures" Gamba/LSO (Decca SXL 2266)
Mendelssohn "Symphony No. 3 in A minor" Maag/LSO (Decca SXL 2246) Speaker's Corner 45 rpm reissue
Crosby, Stills & Nash "CSN" (Atlantic 8288)Classic Records 200g reissue |
Just finished:
Respighi "Church Windows" (Reference Recordings RR-15 45 rpm)
Louis Armstrong "Satchmo Plays King Oliver" (Audio Fidelity AFLP 1930)
Bach "Suites For Unaccompanied Cello" Janos Starker (Mercury SR3-9016 reissue)
Upcoming:
Pink Floyd "Delicate Sound Of Thunder" (Columbia PC2 44484) |
Nothing for me tonight. I am stuck at work, babysitting a software upgrade :( |
Today/Tonight (so far):
Respighi "Church Windows" (Reference Recordings RR-15 45rpm)
Sonny Rollins "Way Out West" (Contemporary S7530)
Mickey Hart/Airto "Dafos" (Reference Recordings RR-12 45rpm)
Yes "The Yes album" (Atlantic SD 8283)
Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense" (Sire 25186-1) I had forgotten how much fun this album is to listen to, and how well recorded it was. |
Tonight its "whats UNDER your turntable?"
I just recieved a maple Machina Dynamica Promethean Base platform for under my Scoutmaster. Have it unpacked but not installed yet... |
Tonight,
Hui Fen Min, Wei Li "River of Sorrow" (First Impression Music FIM-002)2 discs, 1 at 33 1/3, 1 at 45rpm. Sublime, haunting traditional chinese music. Magnificent recording!
Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" (Columbia CS 8163) 45 rpm reissue
Doc Watson "Home Again"(Vanguard VSD-79239) Cisco reissue. |
Spencer,
I'm streaming the playback now. Amazingly diverse list of music. I like reading through the top 10's of the various folks out there. Sure got a lot of my favorites on the list(s). |
The Red Sox/Yankees drama for the American League championship has had my eye all week. As I write this, the Sox are up 4-0 in the 7th inning of game 6 behind brilliant pitching by Curt Schilling. |
Schumann "Symphony No. 3 in E Flat major, Op.97" "Rhenish" (Paray/Detroit Symphony Ochestra) Mercury SR90133 Wonderful, passionatly played 1st movement, with great interplay between the second violins and violas. Disc could be in a little better shape, but once again, a thorough cleaning on the VPI RCM with Paul Frumkin's two-step cleaning process has made it quite listenable |
Rush,
That is a wonderful recording. It seems as though Decca cornered the market on the truly gifted engineers of that era. The Maag/LSO Mendelssohn you introduced me to never ceases to amaze both in sonics and performance as well.
Reading the exchange between you and Albert has made me want to fire up my TT despite the fact that I cannot tear myself away from watching my beloved Red Sox....;) |
So THATS what that button is for... ;) whenever I try to do that, I get this disconnected feeling. Having the music playing in the listening room and the TV in the family room has me not paying attention to either. |
Ravel "Rapsodie Espagnole" Reiner/CSO (RCA LSC-2183) Classic Records reissue
Ray Brown Trio "Soular Energy" (Side D alternate takes)Pure Audiophile PA-002
Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" |
Rush,
I need to figure out how to get my DirecTV feed onto my notebook PC. That way, I can be in the listening room, posting what LP's are playing, AND watching the game without sound. |
Same for me. The wireless Dell notebook goes into the listening room. Now - I have to get a keyboard light as I tend to listen with the lights down low in the evening. Low lighting makes it hard to read the record # when posting. |
Zaikesman & Siliab,
Thanks for including your comments along with your posts!
This thread is beginning to become a great resource and shopping list for vinylphiles. To date, there have been over 6100 views of this thread.
A big thanks to all who continue to contribute. I've been exposed to some really great music! |
Cold rainy night. Warm fire burning in the woodstove; feels like: String music night!
"Danses Anciennes De Hongrie Et De Transylvanie" Rene Clemencic/Clemencic Consort (Harmonia Mundi HM 1003) Trad music from Hungary and Transylvania performed on early music instruments. Listening to this brings into focus some of the many European influences that go into music from Appalachia and some Bluegrass. A couple of passages so much so, that if you didn't know it, you would think you were sitting on a front porch in Kentucky.
Josef Suk "String Quartet, Op. 31 Meditation" Suk Quartet (Supraphon 1111 3370) Suk was a Czech, as clearly evidenced in this VERY Eastern European work. Both the reading and the composition. Very somber, contemplative string music for a rainy night.
A big thank you to Rushton for introducing me to the two LP's above!
Staying with strings, but moving East:
Hui Fen Min/Wei Li "River of Sorrow : Immortal Chinese Instrumentals" (First Impression Music FIM 002 45rpm)
A couple of cuts from this release appeared in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
More strings to finish off the evening but we are back in the USA:
Doc Watson "Home Again" (Vanguard 79239) Cisco 180g reissue. What can you say but: Wow! Carolina picking and singing of some great old songs like "Matty Groves" and "Froggy Went A Courtin'". Superb performance, sonics to boot on very quiet 180g vinyl... |
Crazy4blues,
If you mean the group, no. My user name is from my favorite Grateful Dead song. I'm not into metal... |
Tonight:
Holst "The Planets" von Karajan/Berlin (DG 2532 019)
Stravinsky "Firebird" Dorati/London (Mercury SR90226) Classic 200g reissue
Pink Floyd "Live in Zurigo" (Wind Records BP 0013) Badly recorded and transfered two LP bootleg set consisting of excellent performances of DSOTM, One Of These Days, Careful With That Axe Eugene, Echoes from 1973 or 1975
Grateful Dead "Live/Dead" (Warner "green lable" 1830) |
Beethoven "Symphony No. 9 "Choral"" Solti/Chicago SO (Mobile Fidelity MFSL 2-516) As a rule, I have always found the MoFi pressings a little disappointing. Not so the case with this one. Quiet surface, good sonics, excellent performance of this warhorse by the Chicago Symphony and Chorus. Recorded in 1972 and originally released by London. The third movement has always been my favorite, and this recording delivers a very nicely paced, emotional 3rd.
Beach Boys "Holland" (Reprise MS 2118) Recorded in the Netherlands in 1972. Many pressings of this abound, as does the quality. Unfortunately, this is not a great one. The Beach Boys were experimenting with quadraphonic sound during this period and this was recorded on a 30 input quad console. Some interesting tunes, very much away from surfer tunes. This has a very country feel to it. |
Ruston,
I can't speak to the US pressing of "Crime Of the Century", but I do have the 180g Speaker's Corner reissue. We'll have to spin it on that Walker of yours one of these days. It's holographic, information far beyound the boundries of the loudspeaker. Very quiet surface.
Tonight:
Ravel "Bolero" Bizet "Carmen Suite" Wallenstein/Virtuoso Symphony of London (Audio Fidelity FCS 50,005) Disc is one of several Audio Fidelity recordings aquired this weekend ata library booksale. Excellent condition, just need to run them through the RCM and put them into fresh sleeves. |
Supertramp "Crime Of The Century" (A&M SP 3647) Speaker's Corner 180g reissue. After the discussion in this thread last night, how could I not? I said it before, I'll say it again - Holo-freaking-graphic!
Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" (Classic reissue OJC-291) 180g
Mozart "Sonatas For Piano and Violin K.296,305,306" Perlman/Barenboim (Deutsche Grammophon 415 102-1)
Time for one more disc still before Monday Night Football.. |
Still going through my acquisitions from our audio group's (including AudiogoN's Sbank) field trip to Red Trumpet Records today.
Mark Knopfler "Ragpicker's Dream" spinning on the CEEDEE player.
among the new items in the collection: A sealed, mono, Japanese pressing of Miles Davis "Bag's Groove" a little pricey, but what the hell...
Count Basie "88 Basie Street" 45 rpm, 200g.
Pink Floyd "WYWH" CBS half-speed master used, but in OK shape
Lucinda Williams "World Without Tears"
Jerry Garcia/Merle Saunders "Live At Keystone"
Still another pressing of Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" this one a 180g from Absolute Analogue
The Roaches "The Roaches" 180g reissue
A slightly wrinkled center lable copy of the Mercury reissue of Dorati/Minneapolis "Seven Studies On Themes Of Paul Klee
Even though it is a silver disc, "Ragpicker's Dream" is a very worthwhile addition to your collection if you are a Knopfler/Dire Straits fan
|
Tvad,
I also recommend Knopfler's "Local Hero Soundtrack" Not only the vinyl, but the movie too, if you've never seen it, directed by Bill Forsyth, starring Peter Reigert and Burt Lancaster. Really quirky and funny. |
Rushton,
I lucked out! It was an odd copy from the 3 record set Rick had that had been returned because the label on one side was wrinkled and loose. Outstanding!! sonics and recording second to none, rousing performance. Played it twice this evening. I won't even disclose the price, suffice to say that after hearing it I feel guilty for "stealing" it from Rick. When I saw it, I scooped it into my pile of discs. |
This afternoon, with a friend over:
Miles Davis "Kind Of Blue" (Columbia CS 8163) 45 rpm Classic Records 200g reissue
Allman Brothers Band "At Fillmore East" (Capricorn SD2 802)Classic Records 200g reissue
Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" (Prestige P7079) OJC 180g reissue
Clemencic Consort/Rene Clemencic "Danses Anciennes De Hongrie Et De Transylvanie" (Harmonia Mundi HM 1003)
Moussorgsky "Pictures At An Exhibition" Reiner/CSO (RCA LSC 2201) Classic Records reissue
And, for good measure, a couple of CDs thrown in:
Dead Can Dance "Into The Labyrinth", track 1 "Yulunga"
Mark Knopfler "Shangri-La" 2 channel SACD version |
So far:
Josef Suk "String Quartet, Op.31" Suk Quartet (Supraphon 1111 3370) Intimate, very well recorded small ensemble string music
John Coltrane "Blue Train" (Blue Note ST-46095) a Rudy Van Gelder gem.
coming up:
Haydn "Symphony No. 100, Symphony No. 101" Dorati/LSO (Mercury SR90155) |
Mozart "Symphony No. 32 in G major, Symphony No. 38 in D major" Maag/LSO (London Stereo Treasury Series STS 15087)
Coming up:?????????? |
Miles Davis "Sketches Of Spain" (Columbia PC 8271)
Gene Ammons "Blue Gene" (Prestige 7146) Classic Records 180g reissue
Keith Jarrett "The Koln Concert" (ECM 1064/65) The resolving power of my new preamp really showed itself on this recording tonight. All the humming, foot tapping, hall noises, and assorted moans, groans came through LOUD AND CLEAR ;) |
With fellow "goNer Sbank along for the ride today, a playlist as long as your arm. I'll try and replicate what I can remember:
Dead Can Dance "Into The Labyrinth"
Louis Armstrong "Satchmo Plays King Oliver"
Stravinsky "Firebird Suite" Leinsdorf/Los Angeles (Sheffield Lab 24)
Elvis Costello
Ben Folds "Live"
Oscar Peterson
Sonny Rollins Quintet "Tenor Madness" (Prestige LP 7047)
Prokofieff "Lieutenant Kiji" Reiner/Chicago (Chesky RC10)
Supertramp "Crime Of The Century" Speaker's Corner reissue
There was more, but that's all I can remember. |
So far
A shoot-out between 2 versions of the "Firebird":
Dorati/LSO Mercury reissue
Liensdorf/Los Angeles Sheffield Lab 24
Another AudiogoN member (Sbank) and I listened to the Sheffield together last weekend, and we both thought the dynamics of the Sheffield were greater than the Mercury.
After listening tonight to both, I still feel that way, at least as it comes across on my system. That said, I prefer the performance of the Dorati/LSO over the Sheffield because to me, there is more emotion and "fire" in his reading. There are no flies on either recording. You can't go wrong with either of them. |
Today (before taking my daughter to see the Nutcracker):
Laurendo Alimeda and Ray Brown "Moonlight Seranade"
Sigur Ros "()" |
Looks like somebody is having a Stravinsky kind of evening ;)
Ibert "Divertissement"
Saint-Saens "Danse Macabre"
Bizet "Jeux D'Enfants"
Saint-Saens "Le Rouet D'Omphale"
All four pieces by Jean Martinon/Paris Conservatoire Orchestra on Decca SXL 2252 Another great Decca recording reissued by Speaker's Corner
My daughter's violin teacher has gotten her excited about the "Danse Macabre" So we are playing this version quite a bit. |
Zaikes,
I loved your reference to The Cyrkle in your post above. "Red Rubber Ball", right? |
Spencer shared the Gary Karr LP with me last Saturday night. That giant pipe organ had me holding on to the arms of my chair during some of the low pedal notes. The double bass was played as smooth as chocolate. I'll have to get my hands on that one.
Tonight:
Arturo Delmoni "Songs My Mother Taught Me" (North Star DS0004) Rushton - Thank you for pointing me to this one! What an intimately recorded collection, played with such precise detail.
Delibes "Coppelia - Ballet Suite" von Karajan/Berlin (Deutsche Grammophon SLPEM 136257) Not too familiar with this work, typical DG "house sound"
Mahler "Symphony No. 1" Solti/London SO (London CS 6401)
Those who are afraid to explore Mahler may want to start out with this one. I am not a big fan of Mahler, but I find this Symphony very approachable.
Wei Li/Fei Song "Autumn Yearning Fantasia" (First Impression Music LP 003) Just released limited edition LP from Winston Ma. The sound quality of this all analog LP is some of the best I have ever heard. Two musicians projected into a soundstage with so much air and presence, you feel as though you can get up and walk around the players. The music may not be to everyones tastes, but the recording and the performances cannot be denied. If you are at all familiar with the FIM Asian music releases, get this LP while it is available. |
Larry,
Thanks for the tip on the Mahler No.4. I can see myself wanting to get deeper into his work. I do have the Gilbert Kaplan reading of the "Resurrection" on CD that I have enjoyed listening to.
Best,
Joe |
"Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim" (Reprise FS-1021) Early pressing in very good shape. One of those library book sale finds that actually is in good condition.
Sinatra's voice is in mellow form on this one. Large band behind them and interesting enough, the only session player mentioned in the liner notes is the drummer: Dom-Um Romao. Makes you wonder what other hot shots are backing these guys up. |
I have been following everyone's comments on Brian Wilson's "Smile". I eagerly purchased the LP when it was released, based mainly on the buzz it had generated. I have not considered myself a Beach Boys "fan" but I like their tunes and the good time, summer air feeling they always invoke when I hear them.
I just cannot get my head around this one. I have been reluctant to come out and say so up until now, thinking I must be missing the point, or am ignorant of the reasons for the Magnum Opus status it has been given by the press.
To me, the title is a good one. It does make you smile when you hear it. That being said, I liken its overall effect on me to an amusement park: It makes me smile for a short time, but the novelty wears off. There are those who REALLY like amusement parks.
The production values are right up there, there are quirky sound effects, interesting turns of phrase in the vocals, but Brian's voice and years of hard living really show.
Honest, I want to like it, I don't dislike it, but I am really only good for a side at a time before I find myself saying "well that was fun. What's next?" |
Mahler "Symphony No. 1" Horenstein/LSO (Unicorn RHS 301)
Mahler "Symphony No. 3" Horenstein/LSO (Unicorn RHS 302/303) Thanks for the loan Rush!!
Holst "Choral Hymns From The Rig Veda" Imogen Holst/English Chamber Orchestra/Purcell Singers (Argo ZNF 6) |
Rushton,
Don't put that Gary Karr LP too far away ;) |
Patricia Barber "Cafe Blue" 45 rpm 3 disc box set reissued and mastered by Paul Stubblebine on MFSL. five sides of lush 'n lovely vinyl to put the very good SACD version of the album in the dust. Stunning sound. |
Allman Brothers Band "Fillmore East" (Capricorn SD2 802) Classic Records 200g reissue
Count Basie/Orchestra "88 Basie Street" (Pablo 2310-901) Analogue Productions 45 rpm reissue
Roger Waters "The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking" (Columbia 39290)
Mozart "Symphony No. 38 In D Major "Prague"" Maag/LSO (London Stereo Treasury Series STS 15087) |
Bach "Suites For Unaccompanied Cello" Janos Starker/Speaker's Corner Mercury reissue
Patricia Barber "Cafe Blue" MoFi 45rpm reissue
Rachmaninoff "Piano Concerto No.3" Dorati/LSO/Byron Janis Speaker's Corner Merc reissue
Mendelssohn "Fingal's Cave" Maag/LSO Speaker's Corner Decca reissue
One CD:
Dead Can Dance "Into The Labyrinth" |
tonight:
Leroy Jodie Pierson (APO 005) New release from Chad Kassem's Blue Heaven Studios, recorded direct-to-disc.
Bill Evans "The Tokyo Concert" (Fantasy F-9457)
Oscar Peterson Trio w/Milt Jackson "Very Tall" (Verve V-8429)
Beethoven "String Quintets Opp. 4 & 104" Suk Quartet/Karel Spelina (viola) (Supraphon 1 11 2128) |
I have been listening to SO MANY different LP's in the last week, I haven't had the gumption to post them here.
I am in the middle of an audition of a pair of Wolcott P220 tube amps I am contemplating adding to my system.
Last night:
Chopin "Les Sylphides" von Karajan/Berliner (Deutsche Grammophon 136 257)
Holst "Savitri - A Chamber Opera in One Act" Imogen Holst/English Chamber Orchestra/Purcell Singers (Argo ZNF 6)
Eva Cassidy "Songbird" (S&P-501 180g)
Pink Floyd "DSOTM" (Harvest SHVL 804 30th Anniversary reissue)
CD:
Pink Floyd "Division Bell"
Jerry Douglas "Look Out For Hope"
Sanjay Mishra/Jerry Garcia "Blue Incantation" |
Bach/Vivaldi "Sonatos & Concertos" Helicon Ensemble (Reference Recordings RR-23)
Ray Brown/Laurindo Almeida "Moonlight Serenade" (Jeton JET 33 004) A direct to disc recording featuring bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Laurindo Almeida. Superbly recorded with outstanding sonics, and, a medly version of Almeida playing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" with Ray Brown weaving in and out playing the jazz standard "Round Midnight" on the bass.
William Ackerman "Passage" (Windham Hill WH 1014) Pieces for acoustic guitar with some duet work featuring other artists from the Windham Hill lable. A fairly early digitally recorded LP, but what makes this one interesting is that it was mastered by Stan Ricker at MFSL, pressed at RTI, and done on Quiex heavy vinyl. Windham Hill had the right idea for QC in 1981, and it shows. The surface is quiet, the master is not bad for an early digital to LP effort. |
On the menu tonight
Holst "The Perfect Fool"/"Egdon Heath" Boult/London PO (London
CS 6324 "Blueback" original pressing)
Antill "Corroboree" Goossens/London Symphony Orchestra (Everest SDBR 3003) |
Mahler "Symphony No. 1" Solti/LSO (London CS 6401) |
Prokofiev "Lieutenant Kije"/Stravinsky "Song of the Nightingale" (Chesky RC10) |
Forgot to add on the above:
Reiner/Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Chesky remastered this original RCA release from the 3 track master. Never been a big fan of the Chesky "sound", but they did a very admirable job with this. Plenty of the hall ambience that makes these large orchestral works bloom. |
