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Which Patricia Barber album floats yer boat?

As far as my knowledge is concerned and from all the reading that I do, “Blood on the tracks” by Bob Dylan is considered to be his best album by far. For Joni Mitchell it is “Blue”. What really amazes me is that there is no general consensus on which album of Patricia Barber is the best. Some prefer “Modern Cool”, some “Companion”, some think “Nightclub” is her best album! I think it is “Café Blue” Why? Cause the two tracks numbered 9 (Too Rich for my blood), and 11 (Nardis) strike a chord in me like no other songs of her. They have the energy which seem to ooze out from the system in spades.

Which album of Patricia Barber floats yer boat and why?
quadophile

Showing 5 responses by audphile1

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audphile1
5,443 posts
 
I have Mythologies. It's pretty good, but not my favorite.
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audphile1
5,443 posts
 
I have all of her CDs. I went to see her live at Carnegie Hall back in March of this year, and the concert was awesome. The only thing that pisses me off is that some of the songs she does on the concert are never recorded. She did an unbeleivable interpretation of Ellington's Caravan. It was just amazing. I wish there was a recording of it.

But hearing her recordings for the first time was very refreshing. It's like watching a good indepependent film after a steady diet of Holywood.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 
I think Mythologies is her weakest album. But that's just my opinion. I don't think the band is at full potential on this recording and the music is a bit more commercial than her other records. Lyrics are first rate though....typical PB.
I have all her CDs and like them all, but the Mythologies is my least favorite of hers. I think with this disc she wanted to appeal to a wider crowd and not just her fans.
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audphile1
5,443 posts
 
Henryhk, very good. I'm glad you like it. And I am also glad that our opinions differ. Otherwise it would be too boring if everyone agreed. :)

I am not saying it is a terrible recording.
It is possibly better than most 2006 records you can buy. I just think that for her, musically, this is a step down. Not a big deal, but still. Happens to everyone sooner or later. I am sure she will reward us with some new and possibly even better music in the next few years.
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audphile1
5,443 posts
 
10-16-06: Bobgates
...but the percussion solo on the last cut "Black Magic Women" is especially outstanding.

I used this track many times when auditioning components/systems to test the ability to display the outstanding dynamics in this percussion solo. Besides this being one of my favorite PB tracks to listen to, it's also a great demo piece.
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