a few notes on new music
1. Ray Charles, "Genius Loves Company"
I bought this CD after seeing "Ray," curious to learn why it earned eight (!) Grammys. I love Ray Charles, always have, but honestly, I can't figure out what the big deal is over this one, unless the whole thing was just a posthumous love note. (News flash: If the artist is dead, they don't care if you give them a Grammy.)
Best tracks: "Here We Go Again" with Norah Jones, "You Don't Know Me" with Diana Krall. Weirdest track: "It Was a Very Good Year" with Willie Nelson. Friends know I have a soft spot in my heart for Willie, but jesus lord, what a trainwreck!
2. Kathleen Edwards, "Back to Me"
See previous entry on Kathleen's appearance on Letterman, which prompted me to buy her new one. Señor Portwood had given me "Failer" way back when, which had a few catchy tracks but nothing astounding. The new CD seems to be slightly peppier, though songs in the middle sorta blend together.
Best track: "Back to Me," which reminds me of Patti Griffin.
3. Nanci Griffith, "Hearts in Mind"
OK, a tidbit of TRAYB trivia. I've been obesessed with Nanci since I was like 14. My father taped her appearance on "Austin City Limits" in 1989 and forced the family to watch it over and over again. I've bought pretty much everything she's released since then, and Nanci never disappoints. (Let's not talk about "Clock Without Hands," which I've erased from memory.) The new CD came to me in January courtesy of Lucas (who also never disappoints), and I've listened to one or two songs repeatedly. Another winner.
Best tracks: "Beautiful," "Heart of Indochine." Worst: "I Love This Town," a duet with Jimmy Buffett. Egad.
4. Lucas Miré, "Forever Is Not As Long As It Used To Be"
Speaking of Lucas, his long-awaited debut arrived in my Monday mail and has absolutey made my week. I had it on repeat for two days straight, until finally the bf intervened because he wanted to watch TV. Anyway, it's such a weird sensation for me to hear my friend's voice on a CD like that, and also hear it as if I were a stranger. More on this phenomenon later. Buy the CD!
5. Lydia Prim, "Party Groove: Blue Ball Vol. 4"
I'm actually writing about this one for next week's David, and had an entertaining phone call with La Lydia to discuss the new release. She's CRAZY. In a good way. Talks very very fast, so it was hard for me to sometimes get down exactly what she was saying. But I'm not sure I've ever spoken to a DJ who was just so darn earnest. The CD has some interesting moments, but I have to admit my interest in dance music is low right now.
Best track: "True Faith" (cover of New Order). Killer.
I bought this CD after seeing "Ray," curious to learn why it earned eight (!) Grammys. I love Ray Charles, always have, but honestly, I can't figure out what the big deal is over this one, unless the whole thing was just a posthumous love note. (News flash: If the artist is dead, they don't care if you give them a Grammy.)
Best tracks: "Here We Go Again" with Norah Jones, "You Don't Know Me" with Diana Krall. Weirdest track: "It Was a Very Good Year" with Willie Nelson. Friends know I have a soft spot in my heart for Willie, but jesus lord, what a trainwreck!
2. Kathleen Edwards, "Back to Me"
See previous entry on Kathleen's appearance on Letterman, which prompted me to buy her new one. Señor Portwood had given me "Failer" way back when, which had a few catchy tracks but nothing astounding. The new CD seems to be slightly peppier, though songs in the middle sorta blend together.
Best track: "Back to Me," which reminds me of Patti Griffin.
3. Nanci Griffith, "Hearts in Mind"
OK, a tidbit of TRAYB trivia. I've been obesessed with Nanci since I was like 14. My father taped her appearance on "Austin City Limits" in 1989 and forced the family to watch it over and over again. I've bought pretty much everything she's released since then, and Nanci never disappoints. (Let's not talk about "Clock Without Hands," which I've erased from memory.) The new CD came to me in January courtesy of Lucas (who also never disappoints), and I've listened to one or two songs repeatedly. Another winner.
Best tracks: "Beautiful," "Heart of Indochine." Worst: "I Love This Town," a duet with Jimmy Buffett. Egad.
4. Lucas Miré, "Forever Is Not As Long As It Used To Be"
Speaking of Lucas, his long-awaited debut arrived in my Monday mail and has absolutey made my week. I had it on repeat for two days straight, until finally the bf intervened because he wanted to watch TV. Anyway, it's such a weird sensation for me to hear my friend's voice on a CD like that, and also hear it as if I were a stranger. More on this phenomenon later. Buy the CD!
5. Lydia Prim, "Party Groove: Blue Ball Vol. 4"
I'm actually writing about this one for next week's David, and had an entertaining phone call with La Lydia to discuss the new release. She's CRAZY. In a good way. Talks very very fast, so it was hard for me to sometimes get down exactly what she was saying. But I'm not sure I've ever spoken to a DJ who was just so darn earnest. The CD has some interesting moments, but I have to admit my interest in dance music is low right now.
Best track: "True Faith" (cover of New Order). Killer.
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