The problem lies in the fact that I don't have Signals, and that's why I stopped where I did. I know this one is highly praised by fans, so I might get it soon.
Oh, yes, Signals is on Spotify too, but I have a hard time enjoying streaming, I don't know why. Maybe I could take this opportunity to try to end with that stupid behaviour and give it a try. Particularly because it can take long until I get a decent sounding version of this title on CD (the old masterings are not easy to find here, the '97 remaster only gets bad ratings and given the descriptions I've read, I think I will not enjoy it, and I will not buy the Sector 3 box set only for one title). Yes, I'm gonna give it a try.
Well, time for Signals then. Some raw notes as I listen. Synths gain even more protagonism, but still the overall sonic palette is balanced and there's room for everyone. "Subdivisions": a number I was familiar with already. It stands among the best Rush songs. Period. "The Analog Kid": a sophisticated and cleverly arranged rocking track. "Chesmistry": I love the "Eye-to-I/Reaction burning hotter" sections. "Digital Man": Reggaeish chorus with mentions to Babylon. Unexpected rhythm changes, something usual with this band that worked out many of their songs in different sections. An instrumental passage that reminds me strongly of The Police's "Walking On The Moon" appears out of nowhere. Since I love The Police, it's more than alright with me. Great song! "The Weapon": Intricate drum pattern. I hear synth parts made with an arpeggiator, interesting. Great instrumental interlude, the tension builds up progressively. Another terrific song. "New World Man": Constructed over a robotic-sounding synth line. Again, the band is channeling The Police during the pre-chorus section. I was not expecting much when the song started, but it's very good. "Losing It": Synths gets thing started again, but there's also a violin which gives the song a special flavour. A slower pensive mood dominates the song, at least until the violin/guitar duet starts. I wish there was no fade-out. We have another hell of a song. "Countdown": Radio communications, excellent use of sound effects (I can't help thinking of "Astronomy Domine"). The killer Rickenbacker enters suddenly in a lovely turn of events. Really good number. Well, @notesofachord, now I'll have to buy this album, it's stupendous. All songs are strong, the band is in total control of what they're doing (Neil Peart shines throughout the whole album), and my wallet's gonna suffer once again.
Frank Marino And Mahogany Rush , Live (1978) /Tales Of The Unexpected (1979) /What's Next (1980) Genesis, (Banks-Rutherford-Wilson) Calling All Stations 1997
Finally! Three and a half years was too long to wait. Sturgill Simpson Announces New Album & Film, "Sound & Fury" [Watch Trailer] Apparently, the album will be released in conjunction with an anime film (Netflix). Bizarre and unexpected. I can dig it. I made a new thread about it: Sturgill Simpson - Sound and Fury 2019 album
I shared this on this thread: Singers who were (unknown to most) really good at a musical instrument ...but I thought some of you on this thread might enjoy it too. He may be my favorite vocalist of all-time, but Marvin Gaye could really tickle the ivories as well:
Marvin Gaye was also a drummer in the early years. He plays on some Motown recordings, or so I've read.
Streaming Grace Under Pressure by Rush. Not as good as Signals, but pretty good, though. Ten years ago, I wouldn't have staood more tan five minutes with 80's synthesizers, I'm getting old and nostalgic, I guess.
Now listening to the mono mix. This record is great either way but that mono mix digs deep, the bass is definitely better and maybe the piano too. Also a bit more atmosphere from the room I think. The 5.1 mix is cool though. Kind of Blue was recorded on 3-track. So the 5.1 has the three front channels plus some ambiance in the surrounds which is mixed relative low. If you wan't to be a purist, just turn off the surrounds and you here it close to the way it was recorded.
Paul Dunmall Dig Deep Trio Dunmall on tenor saxophone Paul Rogers on 7 string acoustic upright bass Tony Bianco on drums Recorded live at Delbury Hall in Shropshire, England on February 20th, 2000 I was lucky to see Dunmall live twice during this period. His tenor playing during this time was very strong. For sure a Coltrane influenced player but by this point clearly his own man. One of the great ones. Plus we get the *great* Paul Rogers on one of the first recordings on his custom bass. Two long freely improvised pieces On FMR Records
Hi All: So last night Clapton had Paul Carrack on organ, some guy I don't know on piano, Steve Gadd on drums and Doyle Bramhall on second guitar. I remember seeing Doyle at Experience Hendrix a few years ago, and he didn't look so good. I guess the Clapton wardrobe people helped him out or something, because he looked too cool for school last night. Highlights for me were the "Pretending" opener, as I am a big Journeyman fan (I would have preferred "Bad Love"), "Badge" and "I Shot The Sheriff." Really good show. E.C. still has his magic fingers and voice. Paul Carrack sang the encore, I'm not sure of the song, but everybody took a solo on it. He also played "Crossroads," although not the bombing down the highway Cream version, but "Crossroads" is "Crossroads."
I had this and got rid it when the first remaster came out. Ugh! I have no idea how they compare, but for years trusting me always assumed the remaster was better. As if anyone in the music industry ever tried to rip anyone else off. I bought my first two CDs on the same day—this one and Ghost In The Machine. The latter was mastered way too quiet, if you can imagine that.
I forgot to mention that Carlos Santana played with Clapton on the last song last night. Minor oversight.
Love that title, and also the Blues-Fusion Live, both exceptional records. I have a great deal of his discography and the guy was a marvel, worked his bands like the jazz musicians of the 50's and 6o's, break them and send them on, many to be future stars. So many great records also, Bare Wires, Moving On, Blues Alone etc, a master and commander of the music world, doesn't get enough credit today as he should. Enjoyed perusing all the great listens over the last few days on the thread, place has been on fire. Getting down with some Hendrix, which they did a good job on I thought; good record top to bottom...
GUP is where my Rush interest ended. I wouldn’t buy another album until Snakes & Arrows. Well, I did buy Power Windows, but my copy of the cassette had pan flute music on it (a story I’ve told here probably three times). I love GUP, and The Body Electric is unimpeachable Rush magnificence.