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steven edgar

From 1954. Love live concerts. Love listening to recordings.

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steven edgar's Album Reviews

I am a big fan of John Paul Jones work with Led Zeppelin (who isn't?). This project is entirely instrumental, which is not a bad thing but the results are disappointingly tedious. "Bass 'N' Drums" is a pleasant change of pace where JPJ breaks out of his usual. As the title suggests it's only two instruments. Nice but forgettable. The rest of the album is downright boring. Most of the songs are too long.
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I have no idea what DNA or Ambitious Lovers sound like, but this project is a total turn off for me. Airto Lindsay sings like he is afraid someone might hear him. If you are familiar with Dean Wareham of Luna you get the idea. “Restrained record” is giving too much credit. I guess you could say low key. How about boring? Luckily I bought it for just a dollar at a garage sale. Then I gave it away.
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I love this compilation. While Wolf's compositions are included as is his guitar playing and harmonica, this guy sings like no one else. If you want emotional blues, you've one to the right place. As expressive as Elmore James or early Muddy Waters. More or less half recorded in Memphis, early in Howlin' Wolf's career. Those sessions include James Cotton on harmonica and the talent of Ike Tuner really shines on the piano. The rest is recorded in Chicago with all the expected greats including Otis Spann and Hubert Sumlin. The 16 page booklet has photos, bio, and recoding dates (with players). Two minor quibbles, though. "Killing Floor" was released in 1964 and is not included on this collection as mentioned in the review. The other is that song 19 on Disc 1 is "You Gonna Wreck My Life" not "No Place To Go" So it looks like "You Gonna Wreck My Life" is presented twice as it appears on Disc 2 song 21. And with 80 songs it's a lot of music to absorb and I still haven't found "No Place To Go"
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As a big fan of John Paul Jones from early on I was quite excited about this project. Unfortunately it is pretty tedious overall. I listen to just four songs occasionally, but not often 2) Mind Eraser, No Chaser 3) New Fang 6) Scumbag Blues 10) Warsaw Or the First Breath You Take After You Give Up. I skip the others. Imagine John Paul Jones solo effort "Zooma" and you get the idea.
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My first King Curtis purchase. All instrumental Blues, Jazz, and Pop from 1962 to 1965. Some classic tunes as well as some of King Curtis's originals. Soul Twist peaked at 17 in 1962. Soul Serenade peaked at 51 in 1964. Good performances. Good recording. More detailed liner notes would have been good. Nice addition to my music library.
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Yes, I agree that most of these songs are Classic. And I understand a collection like this is rather arbitrary. Besides, it is Rolling Stone magazine so you can’t take it too seriously (Liner notes waste too many words on Artist's weight, beauty, etc). Even so, there are some glaring omissions. How could they leave out some of the most influential women ever? Joni Mitchell is NOT on this compilation, neither is Heart, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, or Fleetwood Mac. Come On!
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