Took a break on the 1,111 project. I’ll get back on it eventually. Quite an undertaking.
Recent listening:
Be Bop Deluxe – wonderful discography, the guitar talents of Bill Nelson are remarkable; 100% interested in listening to the rest of his music. The compositions here, while flirting with pop, glam rock, and progressive rock at times, are catchy and effective; Nelson had a great thing here, especially on the more electronic Drastic Plastic. Very excited to hear more as he grows more experimental from here on.
Wishbone Ash – heavy and complex stuff, twin lead guitar driven compositions. Really love what I’m hearing so far. The first four records, especially Argus, are top notch hard rock/progressive rock.
Fad Gadget – darker synth (pop? rock? industrial???) that tends to go over my head. Feels like it is missing something, maybe I’m not used to the approach. Feels more minimal than I usually enjoy from the genre. Not sure what I am missing.
Elvis Costello – slight amount of fun to be had and it is indeed rocking, but I’m not much for it based on the debut record. Not a huge fan of the vocals, but overall it was ok. Maybe I got to warm up to it with another release.
Yardbirds – heard their debut record, a live tape – very energetic and solid stuff. Knowing that 3 of music’s notable guitarists started here (Beck, Page, and Clapton), it has me curious; in addition to Keith Relf, who started Renaissance, it’s quite an innovative band it seems.
Byrds – sticking with the bird theme, listened to Mr. Tambourine Man, quite a solid selection of tunes as well.
Steve Hackett – Hackett’s debut, Voyage of the Acolyte, is magnificent. Great stuff, beautiful compositions – very interested in his other work.
Weather Report – some real good jazz fusion/jazz rock. Interested in this discography as well.
Jackson Browne – what can I say, I will almost always like a singer songwriter with good vocals and delivery. The debut record is solid stuff.
Beautiful Extremes, Etc. - b4bbl3.com 