Music

Music.

I'm somewhat blessed to be married to someone who like me really enjoys listening to music to the point that we have "his & her" HiFi systems. However our musical tastes differ somewhat with Alex more biased toward Techno & Trance. But between us we have collected several hundred CD's & as I always say our collection is from Abba to Zappa with all sorts in between.

I've liked listening to music since quite an early age, I used to "dance" & play air guitar to "Bits & Pieces" & "Glad all Over" by the Dave Clark 5, also "Close the Door" by the "Stargazers", ("Those bebibidy, bebibidy, bebs are everywhere").

My Dad had this big old "Radiogram", (mono sound out of a 15" speaker) that we used to play our 7" records on, of course the 60's, 70's & 80's were the golden age for music, for my generation anyway. Groups like the Beatles, Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bowie, etc, etc.

Out of this I developed a fascination for audio equipment which you can read about here. But I retained an interest in music, not to play (I really SUCKED at that in School) but to listen to. I still have all the vinyl records I've purchased over the years & am still collecting whenever I'm wandering around a flea market. You can pick up some bargains if you look hard enough. Anyway, like everyone I have my favourite musical artists & because I don't have anything better to do at the moment thought I'd list a few of them along with the reason why you should go out and buy some of their CD's (or preferably vinyl if available).

I should point out that most of my favourite singers are women, I find that unlike men they can deliver a song with all the intended emotion intact, not too many males can do that. The ones that try usually end up sounding totally phony, think Michael Bolton, Garth Brooks, etc. The other thing that is huge for me the Artists ability to sing "live" as opposed to studio work which is usually "enhanced" with electronic tricks. For my money that is the difference between a mere singer and someone who can actually sing (if that makes sense).

Here are my top 10 female artists, with my ratings out of 10 (no, Celine Dion is not among them although I'll admit she has done some amazing songs, but overall too "shouty" for me)...

My Current Top 10 Female Artists (well, 13 actually).

1). Tori Amos.

Tori Amos is American & the daughter of a Baptist Minister. I Liked "Cornflake Girl" when I first heard it on the radio back in the 90's but thought she was a Kate Bush rip off. A friend at work told me that HMV had a 2 CD's for 10 pounds sale & his girlfriend was going to get a couple of Tori Amos discs. Cornflake Girl is on "Under the Pink" so on impulse I asked him to get me a couple if discs, I ended up with "Under the Pink", & "Little Earthquakes". When I listened to them I was instantly hooked, you can almost feel the angst in some of the songs. "Winter" on Little Earthquakes will have you reaching for the Kleenex to dry your eyes. Trust me this woman may be a little dippy, (even dippier since moving to England!) maybe even a tiny bit pretentious but writes and sings like no one else & is stunning as a live performer. The live version of "Professional Widow" is a total killer (no pun intended), I've now got all her CD's & the live "Welcome to Sunny Florida" DVD, which showcases her amazing talent & ability to sound as good live as she does in the studio. Trust me, go out now & buy "Under the Pink" to start with, you won't regret it. Are you getting your shoes on yet?

My favourite female singer / songwriter without a doubt.

Talent: 10

Lyrics: 10

Music: 10

Totty Rating : 6

Personality Rating: Probably Just this side of barking mad.

Would I?: Maybe if I'd had a couple of drinks but not an "11 O'Clocker".

Website: Tori.

UPDATE! Nov 07'

Finally got to see Tori play live on her "American Doll Posse" tour at the Sony centre in Toronto on October 23rd. We had pretty decent seats, she played quite a few songs from her latest album & a lot of the older stuff too. One of my favourite parts was about 2/3rds through when she got to the "Tori & Bo" segment of the performance. This is the part where she plays a few songs solo with just her Bosendorfer piano. She did "Winter" one of my favorite songs, of course some moron couldn't help himself & shouted out "I love you Tori!" at the top of his lungs, thus completely ruining the mood of the song. It would seem Tori is used to this sort of thing & she casually leaned forward & whispered into the mike "eat me", causing a huge wave of laughter & applause. All in all a great concert, easily worth the couple of hundred bucks for the tickets, if you get the chance, go see her play!!

2). Dido.

English & a relative "newcomer", who has actually been around for quite a while doing backing vocals for her Brother in the trip hop band, Faithless. Again I'd heard a couple of singles on the radio & liked them. One day while browsing through the CD rack in the local Cash Converters I spotted her debut CD "No Angel" for $6. It had the tracks played on the radio on it & for 6 bucks was cheap so what the hell I bought it & holy crap! I can't imagine that this woman was in her late twenties / early thirties before being "discovered". Like Tory Amos she writes her own material, mainly about her life experiences, she has such a pure voice. Do yourself a favour go out & buy both No Angel & "Life for Rent" right now, & don't forget to pick up the "Live at the Brixton Academy" DVD while you're at it. Absolutely stunning concert footage with one of the tightest bands you've ever heard in DTS surround sound will have you reaching for the volume control. Fantastic songs, fantastic live performer, did you get that DVD yet?

My 2nd favourite female artist (but vying for top slot after only 2 CD's).

Talent: 10

Lyrics: 10

Music: 9.5

Totty Rating : 9

Personality Rating: Looks like a fun time Girl.

Would I?: No drinks required, pity about the London accent though.

Website: Dido.

3). Madonna.

Yes, that's right, Madonna, probably the undisputable most successful female artist of all time. This woman has reinvented herself so many times & always manages to stay fresh & relevant. There is no point making recommendations on which CD's to buy just go out & buy all of them, Ok then if you insist, start with "Ray of Light". Her earlier work is ok although I think along with the music her voice has matured over the years which is a good thing. In the 80's she sounded a bit like Mickey Mouse on helium on the occasional song.

Update! (3/16/07).

I purchased the "Confessions Tour" CD + DVD a few weeks ago, in a word phenomenal, DTS sound & 2 hrs of concert footage shot in London, there is probably no other artist around today that could pull off a show like this. You just have to own this one, so go on down to your local HMV & get it, don't forget to crank up the volume! (select the DTS soundtrack 1st though ok?).

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 8

Music: 8

Totty Rating : 8

Personality Rating: Takes no crap, trashy, will probably do you some damage.

Would I?: Sure, I like a challenge.

Website: Madonna.

4). Alanis Morissette.

Canadian, I first saw her perform on the Brits singing "Hand in my pocket", I can't imagine that you don't already own "Jagged little Pill" but if you don't why not? Probably the most venomous debut ever, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned for sure. Her follow up CD, "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" is also worth a listen & is worth the price just for the track "One". Not too much happening with Alanis right now, maybe she's suffering from writers block. I hope she breaks up with her long term Fiancé soon then we'll get "Jagged little Pill" part 2...

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 8

Music: 8

Totty Rating : 6

Personality Rating: Interesting hippy chick, but Hell hath no fury.

Would I?: Yup, but breaking up could be tough..

Website:Alanis.

5). Sass Jordan.

Another Canadian singer & like Amanda Marshall is most defiantly a rocker. I first saw her on Much Music during my first visit to Canada in 1986 singing "So Hard". I bought "the CD "Tell Somebody" that year & later on added the CD's "Racine" & "Rats". Rats in particular has some awesome tracks including "Ugly", "High Road Easy," & "Damaged". Sass has a huge voice & sounds like she regularly snacks on broken glass. Purchase Rats first then the others if you like what you hear, (don't worry, you will).

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 7

Music: 7

Totty Rating : 7

Personality Rating: Looks like a take no crap type with a soft centre.

Would I?: Good question. I'm thinking about it.. Yes.

Website: Sass.

6). Sarah McLachlan.

Yet another Canadian singer, this is looking like favouritism.. A friend of Alex's sent her the CD "Surfacing" a few years ago as a gift (hi Chris!). I naturally gave it a listen (female vocalist, Duh!) & was struck with her voice & the quality of some of the songs. For example "Building a Mystery", "Sweet Surrender", & "Adia". I've since added her remaining CD's to my collection including the latest, "Afterglow". There are some quite stunning songs which you owe it to yourself to listen to. Take my advice go and buy "Surfacing" & take it from there.

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 8

Music: 8

Totty Rating : 7

Personality Rating: Very homey, probably likes knitting.

Would I?: Ok, if I must.

Website: Sarah.

7). Eva Cassidy.

Here is one of the best singers you've never heard of, her story is a sad one. She died of malignant melanoma a few years ago & never sought or found fame as a mainstream artist. Her work is fairly limited, mostly being culled from studio tapes & demo's, all tracks being covers of other artists songs. But don't let that put you off, she sings with such genuine emotion that you'd swear the songs were written by her. Just listen to "Autumn Leaves" or "Fields of Gold", she probably has one of the most soulful & pure voices you'll ever hear. So go out & buy "Songbird", turn down the lights & listen, you won't regret it..

Talent: 10

Lyrics: 8

Music: 8

Totty Rating : 7

Personality Rating: Very shy.

Would I?: Too late, but I would've..

Website: Eva

8). Mariah Carey.

I Liked the Single "Hero" & her cover of "Without You", so I bought the CD "Number 1's" which is a compilation of her # 1 hits (really? go figure) a few years ago. I'm not necessarily a huge fan of her music which is mainly R&B but you cannot dismiss a voice that spans 7 octaves, Go & buy Number 1's now & be amazed how she can switch from sultry to siren in the same breath.

Talent: 10

Lyrics: 7

Music: 5

Totty Rating : 10

Personality Rating: Full on ego.

Would I?: Yup, have you seen those legs?

Website: Mariah.

9). Amanda Marshall.

I don't remember how I "discovered" this Canadian Singer, I probably heard one of her songs on the radio but remember discussing her with a like minded music fan at work. He got me a copy of "Tuesday's Child" on CD & I really liked it. So I went out & bought her 2nd album "Amanda Marshall", she is a rock singer pure & simple with a huge voice that defies comprehension. Just listen to "I believe in You" or "Beautiful Goodbye" & feel the goose bumps grow. Other tracks to listen to are "Shades of Grey" & "Let it Rain". However, she switched direction for the 3rd CD & in my opinion it is a bit of a Dog which you'll probably want to avoid. She has recently released a compilation of all her best work, this is the one to go for so go get it..

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 7

Music: 7

Totty Rating : 5

Personality Rating: Beer & Cigarettes.

Would I?: Hmmm, maybe, would be well past 11 o'clock though....no.

Website: Amanda.

10). Belinda Carlisle.

I could not leave out Belinda Carlisle, I first heard her as a solo artist but as you may already know before that she was the vocalist with the LA based Go-Go's. So after they disbanded she started a solo career with the first CD titled "Heaven on Earth". It is chock full of exceptionally good Pop tunes, this is reason enough to rush out & buy it but it is topped off with her very unusual voice. Kind of warbly is how I'd describe it but very unique. The follow up "A Woman & a Man" is worth getting just for "California" & "In too Deep", two of the finest Pop songs ever recorded.

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 8

Music: 9

Totty Rating : 8

Personality Rating: Good time Girl, too good in her Go-Go's days.

Would I?: For sure.

Website: Belinda. (Unofficial site)

Special Mention, bubbling under the top 10....

Avril Lavigne.

This Canadian (I'm receiving no compensation for this from the Canadian music industry) teenager is a fairly recent discovery and being relatively young I pretty much wrote her off. Well, shame on me, I heard "Complicated" on the radio & thought it was catchy, but recently read an article where the author was raving about the track "I'm with you". I got hold of a copy (!) & really liked it, she sings it with serious conviction. Then I got "Fall to Pieces" & thought wow, ok I was probably a little premature in writing her off. I've ordered both her CD's off Amazon.ca & am looking forward to listening to them.. Watch this space..

OK I received & listened to both CD's, the first one "Let Go" has a couple of decent tracks including "I'm with you", the rest is fairly standard teen fare. The 2nd CD "Under my Skin" is on a different level & is the one to go for, it features some very good tracks including "Fall to Pieces"' & "Nobody's home". Maybe the next CD will push Avril into my top 10.

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 7

Music: 7

Totty Rating : 8

Personality Rating: Pseudo Rock / Goth /Punk Chick.

Would I?: Give me a break, I'm old enough to be her Dad.

Website: Avril.

Alannah Myles.

Oops! another Canadian (from Toronto), we saw her in concert at the Sanderson Centre in October 05'. She may not be in current favour with the Music Industry (she had a lot of bad things to say about that, like how she owed her label over $6 million for promotions, etc after the release of the "Allanah Myles" album.... But like all great "live" singers just blew us away in a perfect 2 hour long set, mostly old numbers but also some new stuff off her upcoming independent release which I think is going to be titled 85 BPM. Her voice has not changed over the years & is pitch perfect on the slower acoustic numbers but boy she can still rock with the best of them when required.

We met her in the Foyer after the show where she chatted with us & autographed a copy of her greatest hits CD. If you get the opportunity to go see her just do it, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 7

Music: 8

Totty Rating : 8

Personality Rating: Very genuine & knows what she wants..

Would I?: Hey, she's only a year younger than me & looking good...

Website: Alannah

Christina Aguilera

Finally (!) an Honorary mention goes to..... Christina Aguilera!

Yup, suspend your disbelief & put your prejudices back into the closet. This former teeny bopper singer has genuine talent (and I don't mean just by looking good wearing a few rags in the Dirrty video). I bought a copy of "Stripped" mainly because I really liked the single "Beautiful". Like Mariah Carey she sings mainly R&B type songs which are not my favourite genre, however this CD is still worth adding to your music collection. Pay attention to the tracks "Fighter", "Cruz", & "I'm OK", she can sound a little hard in the upper register but I'd still recommend giving Stripped a listen, you may be surprised..

Talent: 8

Lyrics: 7

Music: 7

Totty Rating : 8

Personality Rating: Cheap & trashy image, inflated ego....

Would I?: Hey, have you seen the Dirrty video?

Website: Christina

My Current Top10 11 Music DVD's & Videos.

Pulse - Pink Floyd.

If you have not seen this go & get it VHS video only at he moment & hard to find, but worth it. The DVD is on its way sometime....maybe before I retire. This is probably the best concert footage you will ever see, the lighting & effects are incredible & the Band has never sounded better, a must have. UPDATE! will be released on DVD in Canada on Dec 6th 05'...NEW Update!! Finally released on DVD in June 06', the video quality is ok, the original having been shot on video tape as opposed to film. However the sound quality could be better in my opinion, in fact I was disappointed when I read the packaging & discovered there was no DTS soundtrack, just plain old 5.1 Dolby Digital. But hey! it still rocks..

Live at Wembley Stadium - Queen.

Recorded in 1986 when Queen were at the top of their game, there was simply no better live act around at the time, yes that is correct, not even U2. Freddy Mercury proving that there was no-one remotely close to him in sheer stage presence. DTS surround is the icing on the cake.

Woodstock - Various Artists.

Worth it just to see Joe Cocker perform "A little help from my friends", Pity about the really crappy packaging though, no sleeve notes & a cheap case. This piece of history deserves better.

Live at Brixton Academy - Dido.

Mentioned above, great songs, great band, DTS surround, treat your eyes & ears. Between songs Dido gives the audience an insight into several of her best songs, Unmissable.

Welcome to Sunny Florida - Tory Amos.

Tory in all her wacky weirdness, but boy can she sing or what..

Live Aid (1985) - Various Artists.

The original & best, I waited 20 years for this to appear & it is worth every minute. Too many great performances to list but special mention goes to Queen & U2. Re-mastered in DTS.

DVD - Led Zeppelin.

What can I say? Footage culled from the early 70's onwards from various concerts including Knebworth. Re-mastered in DTS surround, this will enable you to understand why Led Zep were one of the most influential & important rock bands in history.

Ibiza Experience - Various Artists.

A bit of fun, all Trance with footage shot in various Nightclubs & beaches on the party Island of Ibiza. Lots of great tracks watch it with the volume turned WAY UP!

The Dance - Fleetwood Mac.

Great concert footage with quality songs & music performed by one of the Worlds greatest bands. I've never figured out how Lindsey Buckingham manages to play such great guitar with what looks like such an awkward style. The only downside for me at least is the crappy menu & the lack of extras & DTS..

Update! (2/16/07).

I have watched this DVD a lot just recently & just need to upgrade my opinion a little..

Mick Fleetwood is an amazing drummer, period. His drumming is so solid it really does underpin the whole "Mac sound". He along with John McVeigh on bass are the foundation of this group.

Stevie Nicks is an amazing singer, yes you already knew that right? however just to see & hear how she can belt out a song with so little apparent effort is truly incredible. Highlights for me are "Gold Dust Woman", & "Rhiannon".

Christine McVeigh is also a superb singer although she looks a little uptight on occasion, but you cannot deny the quality of her voice..

In conclusion: you best go out & buy it now, yes today, tell them Mark sent you..

The Wall - Pink Floyd.

Somewhat surreal but you cannot deny the greatness of this piece of work, supposedly based on the life of Roger Waters with the lead role played by Bob Geldolf.

The Confessions Tour - Madonna.

As mentioned above you have to go out & get this one even if you only like Madonna a little bit.. The sets are amazing, the dancers are the best money can buy, in fact the whole production is clearly the best that money can buy. There is also a lot of powerful imagery in this concert, Alex & I both agree that based on watching this we would defiantly be (trying to) buy tickets if she ever tours in our neighbourhood. Finally the way she has reworked some old songs from Abba, Donna Summer, etc has to be heard to be believed. Highly recommended.

My Current TOP 10 (ish) Albums.

1).Bat out of Hell - Meatloaf.

Overblown, pompous, extravagant, over the top production that would put Phil Spector to shame. But never mind all that, this is a masterpiece topped off with Meatloaf's theatrics, A must have for any music fan.

2).Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd.

Not much to say about this, what can you say about an album that spent more time on the Billboard top 100 than any other album in history? A groundbreaker which will never be equalled.

3).Sheer Heart Attack - Queen.

Queens best album bar none, one of the best rock bands of all time. There was no competition for this group in the 80's, (no, not even U2), this album has it all, ballads, honky tonk, full on hard rock, all killer, no filler. You have to own this album, period.

4).Fragile - Yes.

Progressive rock at its best, dim the lights, be the "Dreamer, easy in the chair that really fits you".

5).Warrior on the Edge of Time - Hawkwind.

Hawkwind are one of those Bands that you have probably never really heard too much about, you may remember the single "Silver machine" back in the early 70's. This album is a gem & showcases Hawkwind's brand of "space rock" to perfection. If you are even remotely interested or curious to hear more than Silver Machine from this band, then this is the album to get.

6).Purple Rain - Prince.

Yes, the Purple Prince of pose, this album is his finest hour, & is the epitome of the 80's, every track is a gem. Even if you don't like Prince you should not let your prejudice prevent you from buying a copy of "Purple Rain".

7).Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette.

Already mentioned in the Female Artists section, this album is a total bitch-fest. It is so obviously written by a woman deeply scarred by events in her life & is all the better for it. Highly recommended.

8).Under the Pink - Tory Amos.

I love this Album, just go get it OK?

9).Life for Rent -Dido.

A total gem, after a couple of listens it will start to grow on you & you'll play it a lot. Even better than her first, fantastic stuff.

10).On the Threshold of a Dream - Moody Blues.

Old, 70's progressive soft rock combining spoken word with very melodic music, Like "Yes" turn down the lights & dream on.

11).Goodbye yellow brick road - Elton John.

Yup the old nancy boy himself, (now "married")(!) this is one of those once in a lifetime double albums that just seemed to come from nowhere. originally scheduled to be recorded in Jamaica the band was forced to re-locate to an isolated Château in France. It contains a eclectic variety of songs some of which were written "on the fly". This is probably his best work & is worth getting just for the track "Funeral for a Friend" so put your disbelief to one side & give it a listen..

12).Fallen- Evanescence.

My Daughter Cassandra got me into this one, she wanted it for a Xmas gift, I heard a few tracks & liked what I heard. So I've listened to it several times now & frankly I'm amazed how good it is, there really is not a bad track on the CD. Amy Lee, the lead vocalist has a powerful voice but can also tone it down when the song requires. Listen to "Hello" & you'll hear what I mean, if you are in any way into Goth/Rock type music You will like this one & will play it over & over again. Highly recommended, so go out & buy it now...

Top 10 power ballads.

Bit of a tough one here because there is such a large choice of Artists & Genre types. Some groups have done the occasional ballad & done it well & some have built their career on making the perfect ballad. For instance the Swedish group Roxette, back in the 90's my opinion is that they were at the top of the pile & were unsurpassable.

Anyway like everyone I have my favorites that have endured over the years so without any more yakking here we go.

Starting with......

1) Roxette.

"Fading like a Flower" :Tough choice but for me this is their top ballad, it has all the right ingredients, good lyric, power chords, great singing. Hey, what can I say...

2) Roxette.

"Spending my time": And another one, like Fading like a Flower I could listen to this one all day long, great singing, great riffs, it's all there in spades.

3) Meatloaf.

"Two out of three ain't bad": You could pick almost any Meatloaf song but I like this one.. so there.

4) Alannah Myles.

"Song instead of a Kiss": I was close to choosing "Lover of Mine" instead but this one gets it by a smidgeon, her powerful singing will raise the hairs on the back of your neck..

To be Continued.....