Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Ariel Posen - Reasons Why (2023)

One of my favourite artists of recent years, so didn't want to rush into this before savouring it for a few days. I know it was only last week I went to see his show in Ashington, but the "2023" is because the album came out last September, but we didn't have a slot for that tour.

Well first off, this didn't sit with me as immediately as the previous album, Headway, but, it does creep up after a few listens. Ariel's stock-in-trade is songs of love gone wrong, forgiving, making decisions that affects others, toxic people, mending what’s broken, mental health & inner struggles, and few excel, though, well, maybe a few "lighter" moments wouldn't go amiss. Apparently, this albums genesis was back in pandemic days, where I guess a lot of people were undergoing the usual rhythms of inter-personal relationships. "Feel This Way Too,” “Didn’t Say,” “I Wish That We Never Met” and “Man You Raised” - slot together easily. The songs move at a languid pace as Posen’s lyrics contemplate relationship regrets on “I Wish That We Never Met” and “Didn’t Say.”  Saying that, “Man You Raised” is more upbeat, with its recurring guitar riff established early as Posen sings of acceptance and hope. All credit though for Posen to push through these themes and not get too mired. Stand out track though, for me has to be "Broken But I'm Fine".

Broken But I'm Fine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LeToBVjiCk

However, on the performance side, Ariel’s warm voice while not being wholly blues-based does have lift, urgency. Many would agree that seeing Ariel Posen live is an unforgettable experience. His manipulation of all the elements that go towards creating great electric guitar tone – whether it be in standard tuning or dropped to the depths of his custom baritone – have gained him the respect of both his peers and audiences alike.

Musicians – Julian Bradford (bass), JJ Johnson (drums), Jon Smith (percussion), Marc Arnould (Wurlitzer), Keiran Placatka (keys), Roman Clarke (piano) & Alexa Dirks (bgv).

Time Can Only Tell - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IamEJdMmsCI
I Wish That We Never Met -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRedIo9DuXc

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Austin Gold - Ain't No Saint  (2024)

Not long home from a run out and found this on the doormat. WooHoo!

I was going to say that this comes over like a collision between Thunder and Def Leppard but I know the guys are a bit wary of the "Classic Rock" tag. So, for those of a more recent generation, this is "Classy Rock". They haven't gone out an re-invented the Rock wheel, they've just given it some powder-coated rims and knobbly tyres.

10 thumpin' tracks + 3 bonus ones that deserve to be belted out in big rooms.

Stand-out has to be Not Enough; it sounds at first like it should be a commercial hit, but has enough twists and turns to make it stand above.

Not Enough - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq1Rip3rTv4

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Joanne Shaw Taylor - Heavy Soul  (2024)

Looking back, this is the first of Joanne's albums I've bought since 2019's Restless Heart, and hands up, I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't spotted it on a price deal at my local HMV. Bit of a bold admission since I've followed Joanne's recording career since White Sugar (2009). What did it for me was that while she is maturing as a performer and writer, she seems to be loosing that "intense" edge.

So, not being one to turn down a bargain... This 10 tracker, which includes 3 covers, is once again Kevin Shirley produced (as was 2016's Wild), cementing links with Joe B. Of these covers, for me, Joan Aematrading's All The Way from America is the standout. The other two are Van Morrison's Someone Like You and  Joe Simon's Drowning In A Sea of Love. if there's a stand-out among the original numbers, then Black Magic is it for me.

There's a side on this that shows Joanne isn't afraid to develop herself as an artist, experimenting 7 flirting with other styles, away from her Bluesy safe-ground, and it suits her and because it’s produced by Kevin Shirley , and there’s a raft of the finest session musicians around, it sounds like a million dollars and that's where I stall. It just sounds "overworked and over produced, loosing that "gritty" edge. Taylor is a much better blues and roots musician than a pop artist in my book.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

David Gilmour - Luck & Strange  (2024)

Well, thought I'd take a punt at their, given all the publicity around it. In a nutshell; Luck and Strange is a triumph of musicianship over songcraft.  This is, after all, a major release by one of the Greatest Guitar Gods in the Universe. But I have to be honest – this is not a great collection of songs.  It’s a collection of songs with great guitar solos.

The album openes with the instrumental Black Cat, which is too short to really make much of an impression, but it opens the album the way Gilmour always opens an album, and it is pleasant enough for what little it has to say. The only thing that grabs you is Dave’s guitar, but no question it grabs you hard when it does.  Vita Brevis is one of the best songs on the album – forty-six seconds of guitar atmospherics, kind of like a briefer, quieter version of Marooned from The Division Bell.

Yes, I Have Ghosts is one of those bonus tracks you get sometimes that is better than anything on the actual album.  I would have killed for a whole album of great Gilmour songs like that, but I should have known better than to even hope.  And the other bonus track, the barn jam of the title track, and sounds like just a barn jam and I got bored pretty quickly,

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

The Cure - Songs of A Lost World  (2024)

Has it really been 16 years since The Cure's last studio album, 4:13 Dream? With their knack of filling out the time between with compilations, live albums and ever "Curaetions" it's hard to realise that the time between studio product seems to be becoming exponential after the usual 4 year gaps. Still, Mr Smith has teased us for several years, and even toured the album last year, a full year before it's emergence.

So, was it worth the wait? well, if you like The Cure's quirky and jangling singles output, then sadly, the answer is NO. However, if you liked the melancholic, sweeping grandeur of Disintegration, Bloodflowers and Pornography, then this is the album for you. This album is the pinnacle of their dark eloquence. Songs of a Lost World feels at times like David Bowie’s own great reflection on mortality, Blackstar, although the Cure take few of the stylistic risks that he did. The album’s eight songs bring sharply potent tales of death (I Can Never Say Goodbye is about the unexpected passing of Smith’s older brother Richard); mortality (the beautiful And Nothing Is Forever); and the difficulty of being in the present moment (All I Ever Am). Smith’s voice is still a remarkable instrument of release after all these years, and his best couplets (“And the birds, falling out of our skies/And the words, falling out of our minds,” from Alone) remain marvels of economy and craft.

Of the deluxe Cd release, the Blue-ray Dolby Atmos edition is well worth attention, if you have the suitable audio set up. That said, the instrumental disc is a bit more of an indulgence piece; the music is sublime but it does lack the punch without Robert Smith's lyrics, though understandably hos voice is an acquired taste. At the end of the day though,Songs.. is a work of wisdom and grace that extends naturally from the moment the Cure took up their instruments in a local church hall all those years ago; and album of acquired wisdom & grace, few artists ever achieve.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

The Who - Sell Out  (1967)

That makes a change, a blast from the past, and I know at least one forum buddy who'll have a smile on their face. I'm not really a fan of The Who, but a bargain CD is a bargain CD and i can't believe how much I enjoyed sitting back listening to The Who's 3rd album. We all know how big Tommy & Quadrophenia are, but this one push some boundaries in it's own way, for the day.

Armenia City In The Sky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2naTu5W … mp;index=1
I Can See For Miles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTOngJ5 … mp;index=7
I Can't Reach You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8ZuRuZ … mp;index=8

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Ian Gillan - Cherkazoo & Other Stories. (1993)

Not an overly commercial release, it's a catalogue of outtakes & demos that Ian Gillan recorded on first leaving Deep Purple and originally released (about 20 years later) on his second parting with the band.

It's certainly not the red meat eating, Tarzan howls we expect, for the most part anyway: rather it shows more sides to his vocals, though there's still the usual tongue-in-cheek quips if you listen. There's snatches of familiar works as well as try outs for what became Gillan numbers in the future.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Poking around YouTube while Storm Darragh is blowing outside; came across this new name; Marcus Trummer. He's 23 and from Calgary, and from what I've heard from his debut album, From The Start, definitely one to watch...

Hard Time - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=391Mq17oaDQ
Holding Out For You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDjoRM5zYGI

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Steve Hogarth - S.P.Q.R.  (2024)

Through the door t'other day; an early Christmas treat.

I'm not getting into the "who's best" argument, but I've long loved Steve "h" Hogarth's vocals with Marillion and his own side projects. This album is the perfect amalgam of both; not only in a live setting, but also acoustic.

This is a show, recorded in Rome, back in February and catches Steve, on stage, behind piano and with Italian band RanestRane, who provided acoustic instrumentation with harp, mandolin, harmonium and tablas. For this show, they were also joined by the Flowing Chords choir.

As expected, most of the songs are from his Marillion tenure, but somewhat "deep-dive" as well as family favourites. And there's also a smattering of covers such as Leonard Cohen's Famous Blue Raincoat and Lorn's Acid Rain.

Overall, a great performance and re-imagining of some classics like Easter and Estonia - always two evocative songs.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Dom Martin - Buried Alive (2024)

After delivering probably the best studio album of 2023, it's no surprise that probably the hottest name in UK Blues, Dom Martin spent the best part of the following 12 month touring the album. This irish lad is like a combination of the fire of Rory Gallagher and the sensitivity of John Martyn.

Dom though, usually does 2 tours in the year, solo/acoustic and electric/band. and this album present a disc of both formats, built around the Buried In The Hail album.

And that make this a bit of a strange beast. On the band shows, the stage craic tended to put the album's tracks into context, and here, the chat is missing so the songs have to stand on their own; which they do, but they lose out on the introductions. Meanwhile, in his solo shows, Dom does tend to ramble a bit too much between tracks: again, that is missing here, but the performances really crackle more, more than the band shows.

That said, Dom is an engaging and spellbinding performer and this does give a window into one of his shows if you're ever thinking about attending one. Best bit of advice, stop thinking and just go.

12 Gauge (band) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsDsuJLKDcU
Daylight I Will Find (feat Demi Marriner on vocals) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=496F_3Sskv8

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Rival Sons - Darkfighter (June 2023)
                  Lightbringer (Oct 2023)
                  Great Western Valkyrie (2014 - 10th Anniversary remaster 2024)

So, with the wait for new releases coming through, time to browse the sales and do some catching up. Bit of a spree on Rival Sons, but when you can get the 2 most recent albums for less than the price of one, why wouldn't you? And then, I always promised myself Great Western Valkyrie, but never seemed to get around to it, so why not?

I don't think they've progressed all that much since their GWV album highwater, but then, they've not slipped back either; keeping their head above being more style than substance. The songs are a bit more complex, but they have a World class vocalist in Jay Buchanan.

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado - House of Sticks (2025)

So, first album of 2025 through the door the other day, and fitting with my taste in "ScandiNoir", it's a platter of "ScandiBlues" from the coolest band in Denmark, Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado. Always a class act with their signature blend of swampy grooves, smouldering ballads, and cinematic blues.

The title track, "House of Sticks", that opens the album with a slow-burning groove, drawing listeners into its swampy, atmospheric embrace. Risager’s soulful delivery is complemented by The Black Tornado’s lush instrumentation, creating a Tarantino-esque cinematic feel that sets the tone for the album. "Long Time Ago" is a prime slice of the band’s prowess. Its energy, driven by a relentless rhythm and Risager’s captivating voice, makes it an instant earworm. Meanwhile, "Already Gone", a gritty blues-rock anthem, showcases blistering guitar and emotionally charged storytelling that leaves a lasting impression. "Out of the Rain" delivers a ballad steeped in longing and introspection: the interplay between the soulful vocals and the delicate instrumentation is a testament to the band’s versatility and emotional depth. On "Inner Light", the band explores a more funky side, blending blues with hints of the sounds of the 70s .

A home is only as significant as the material utilised, but it also requires builders, craftspeople, artisans, creators with imagination and in blocks such as Light Of Your Love, Said I Was Hurt, Out Of The Rain, the excellent feel of Climbed A Mountain and then, closing with Fine Summer Night which conjures a mood exactly as it says on the tin, a sumptuously laid-back “shootin’ the breeze” number redolent of JJ Cale and Eric Clapton in his chilled moments., we have grand estate where everything is within reach, where every amenity is close at hand, and the aspiration and the dreams of its residents are uppermost in the thoughts of the eternal designer and the engineer of musical affluence.

Already Gone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=693vgHV9TZE&t=2s
Inner Light - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93NPMZ0uLCY

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Marcus Trummer - From The Start (2024)

Ordered this just before Christmas, but those canny Cannucks held it back in the post, to avoid the usual holiday chaos; however, it arrived safely a few days ago and makes pleasant listening.

This is the 23y old's debut album and the music draws inspiration from the timeless sounds of the 60s and 70s. With his warm and emotive vocals, Trummer pays respect to classic soul singers like Bill Withers and Al Green: his expressive guitar work channels the impassioned approach of players like B.B. King. In ways, reminiscent of Jonny Lang, but there's not quite the rawness.

Hard Time -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=391Mq17oaDQ
Waiting For Change (Live @ Festival Hall; Calgary) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR9wj7EQUj8
The Only Thing (live @ festival Hall, Calgary) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIgnmmd5FR4

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Thin Lizzy - Acoustic Sessions (2024)

Okay, so I'm not the biggest Lizzy fan, so bought this more out of curiosity than "fan-boy".

If you expecting a re-imagining of greatest hits, then this isn't for you; aside for the evergreen Whisky In The Jar. That's not to say the album is a junker, it does have good moments. What it is, is Eric Bell trawling through his tenure from the 1st three Thin Lizzy albums, and swapping out his electric guitar parts for acoustic; leaving intact Phil Lynott's vocals & bass and Brian Downey's drums.

So, it's a bit of a deep-dive while not being true "acoustic sessions".

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Circle of Mud - Inside The Circle (2024)

If it wasn't John Lennon who cast disparaging remark about French Rock music (comparing to English wines), then he's as good as any to blame.

However, if the likes of Felix Rabin or Laura Cox haven't dispelled the myth, then here's a 3rd name to crash the party, Flo Bauer and the Circle of Mud Band. This young guy showed promise on the French version of The Voice, and since then has grown into a highly credible Bluesman with an impressive set of pipes.  His voice is beyond reproach and although it doesn't sound dirty at all, it has enough pressure and is saddle-solid in all registers. There are a couple of solo albums to his credit, but since 2021 he hitched his wagon to the Circle of Mud band, and their eponymous album caught my attention.

Then, kicking over the remains of last year, I came across their follow-up, Inside The Circle, and these guys are really cooking some heavy, crunchy Blues. With the beginner "The Circle" comes a portion of classic rock to the blues. n the slightly slower "Since You're Gone" it is (again) the totally scrappy, even spacey guitar solo that makes the difference. And then in between suddenly the ballad "Perfect Kind Of Guy", which sounds more like singer/songwriter than blues rock in the verses, until this wonderful electric guitar and the almost gospel-like choirs sound in front of the fine organ carpet. With all the rocking attitudes, to then put down such a tear-jerking killer ballad like "Where We Belong" as a bouncer, puts the crown on the whole thing!

Rather than just showcasing Bauer's vocal prowess, this is very much a strong band effort. Guitars are lead by Gino Monachello, backed by Bauer, and they pretty much share the writing duties on the album.; but it's Gino Monachello who delivers these great solos and also convinces with the use of the bottleneck, which contains an important part of the often sliding band sound, as can be heard in the cool "Snake"The backline of Franck Bedez (bass) & Matteiu Zirn (drums) are as tight as you could hope and expanding the sound, there are touches of horns and Hammond.

Even when the guys slow it down to the ballads they are still mightily impressive and worth checking out. More so, a band we want to see over here sometime soon.

The Circle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-66f1Oe4fY
Snake - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeTjWUcsjk4

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Parker Millsap @ Newcastle Cluny; 31st Jan 2025

First visit of the year down The Cluny and this time taking a punt on something a bit different: Parker Millsap; an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Purcell, Oklahoma, playing a blend of blues, country, rock, Americana, and folk music. Have to admit, I was caught out a bit, I was expecting an acoustic show, but not one with Parker on his own and not accompanied by the expected fiddle and bass. There was less gear on stage than you see with any of the buskers in Toon...

Again, in "minimal" guise, the evening opened with a set from local lad Rob Heron, on acoustic and running gamely through some of his repertoire highlights. And boy, can he yodel.

The night was Parker's though and while I've only recently been tuned to his music by a good friend, there were plenty numbers I recognised and could tap along to. This guy is a superb songwriter, taking inspirations from the minutia of life, rather than the bigger issues. The vibe of the evening was very relaxed, I don't know how much the guy has played England, or even if he has played in Newcastle before, but it was like being with an old friend, the chat between songs was so effortless. (And there was plenty of chat as the guitar was being a little awkward, often dropping out of tune.)

So, not my usual bag, but when someone is this good at what they do, you miss at your peril.

From Boston MA shows: -
Front Porchin' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRhOgfZP4t4
What You've Shown me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g_OoQk_Ywk
The Real Thing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hnRYIvqg9s

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...

Re: What song are you listening to right now?

Toby Lee - House On Fire 2024

Had hoped to get this before Chrsitmas, but the nudge came due to his appearance on Jools Holland's Hootenanny on New Year's Eve (and the cynical me askes how much was the "buy on" for that spot?)

Have to admit, even without the Jools Holland push, I was hopeful for this album on the strength of his Aquarius debt, under the combined mentorship of Laurence Jones and Oli Brown, paying it back. And the covers album, icons Vol 1, nudged by Wayne Proctor shows that this latest whizz-kid had the chops and maturity to be an interesting proposition. So, flying solo, as it were, he's cleaned the slate and hitched he's pitched in with Shadow Hand, a modern production duo comprising of Gareth Young (who plays keys on the album) and Bnann (aka DZ Watts), who also provides backing vocals, as well as built a solid live band.
As for the album, well, all 11 tracks are originals (culled from 16 in the sessions) and while there's development and maturity showing, there still further scope.

House On Fire has a 60's soul feel, but for me, there isn't the fireworks as there is on the following track Just Hold On, which taps more of a Stones/Faces vibe though Lee's voice, while strong, sounds too callow. Fever, where Lee unleashes some attacking slide is a stand-out moment and Preacher is lifted by some judicious harmonica from Will Wilde. Other tracks, while sound, are a bit pedestrian, couple sounding like Chris Rea outtakes.

Not an album to be ashamed of, but the sort of retro feel to the release, with his boyish good looks, Toby Lee would be fighting more for wall space in teens bedrooms, among the Cassidys and Leif Garrett posters than slots in the album racks, though attracting young blood to the venues could be a shrewd move.

Jools Holland Hootenanny appearance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxxGojAQnXg
                                                       House On Fire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qhGozzUA_A

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...