Turn It Up To 11
Almost-blind-music-obsessed man. Used to write about... music (from 1995-2015). Newspapers/mags/radio. Ex Polaris Prize grand juror. LPs lover/collector. Contracts seeker. 1000s of albums, so little time. The original music nerd. 8 years on X. Year 2 here.
- I always took the title of REM's 3rd album, Fables of the Reconstruction, literally. As a metaphor. It's a transitional record, darker, more varied. IMO, not their strongest but there's plenty to enjoy here : Gravity's Pull, Driver 8, Green Grow and the underrated Good Advice and Maps and Legends.
- This 2009 box set is a must-have for any serious (or even casual) Big Star fan. 4 CDs, nearly a hundred tracks, over 50 unreleased ones, good sound quality. Listened to it again recently and it does not disappoint. Power pop heaven.
- Been listening to quite a lot of Dead lately. Their live shows are legendary (especially in the '70s) but also a lot of their studio LPs are solid. Like this one. Less experimental than their early ones, more focused and earthy with folk, country, blues elements and tight performances. A classic.
- One of my good friends had the guts to open a music store a few years ago in Montreal. Spent a part of the afternoon chatting with him at his shop yesterday. He knew I loved JJ and gave me a vinyl copy of his '90 singles comp, Stepping Out. Didn't have it. Was thrilled to get it. A good collection.
- Music is a very precious thing to me. I still love to go out and buy vinyl records. Got this wonderful live Metheny Group double album recently. Nowadays, I get the feeling that music is not as valued as before with all the modern "spotifyed" streaming services. Physical formats > digital. Always.
- Like I already said, love Robert Fripp to death. One of rock's most gifted and eccentric luminaries. So many great quotes. One of my favs: "Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence. Sound is that cup, but empty. Noise is that cup, but broken." Many top-notch solo LPs. This is one of his best.
- Damn shame Jeff Buckley passed away at the age of 30. So talented. So young. Saw him live in 1995 and I'll never forget that moment. I talked abt his beautiful debut, Grace. Recently listened to this posthumous comp. Like the title says, these are sketches. But it's lovely. Vancouver is a highlight.
- The Waterboys are not super popular in America... but they're a great band. The late Karl Wallinger of World Party was a member in the early years. Their first 4 LPs (especially This Is the Sea and Fisherman's Blues) are wonderful. But personally, I have a soft spot for Room to Roam. Superb work.
