Pat Metheny Group albums - poll of your favorites

Which is a great album sure, probably the most PMG-like of the non-PMG albums.

Seems like there's appetite to do a poll of the non-Group Pat albums by decade once this runs its course.

Stay tuned...

 

1.Offramp
2.Imaginary Day
3.Still Life

Offramp is one of my fave lp’s period-lots of memories associated with it.

 

Because it sounded worse like a lot of remasters. But mostly I don't have a problem with Pat's albums. He obtains a great balance of acoustic and electric instruments and a warm sound overall. I'm into the music. I don't spend a lot of time and money searching out the ultimate editions.

 

I like Metheny, and I think I used to have one of his albums on vinyl a long long time ago, but I am not familiar enough to actually have any valid input.
He is definitely a very good guitar player, and has a good musical mind, but the only thing I am very familiar with is Joni Mitchell's Shadows and Light.

 

Sure, I understand. But as a musician myself, I appreciate that it's not all about the notes but how they're played. And the intentions of the musicians come across MUCH more strongly via the LP.

 

Actually, looking at the list, I think it was American Garage that I had ....
I wouldn't have gotten rid of it because I didn't like it at all .... I sold my records to buy some more guitars

 

been there, done that........

 

I think anything that he did (imo) with Lyle Mays was great. Too bad he's not doing gigs anymore, heard it was too much for him.

 

Just a few thoughts on my choices:
Travels - primarily an emotional choice, as this is when I discovered Pat. Listening to LP1 in the listening room at college, my mind was blown.
Imaginary Day - jazz meets prog, where every song is its own little universe, and it stands as one of the two most unique discs in the PMG canon
The Way Up - the most unique disc, it's one long piece of jazz meets classical. The themes and motifs run so deep; it's a cathartic and masterful piece deserving to be heard in one sitting.

 

Here are my ranking for the catalog. What are yours?

1. Travels (1983)
2. The Way Up (2005)
3. Imaginary Day (1997)
4. First Circle (1984)
5. Offramp (1982)
6. Still Life (Talking) (1987)
7. Pat Metheny Group (1978)
8. We Live Here (1995)
9. The Road To You (1993)
10. American Garage (1979)
11. Speaking Of Now (2002)
12. Quartet (1996)
13. Letter From Home (1989)

 

I've been sampling The Way Up on Youtube and wow! I had no idea that album existed, definitely might look into that in the future.

 

The Way Up Live DVD / Blu-Ray is a must. It expands on some sections, and to actually SEE them pull it off is just stunning.
Insta-buy, @MikeManaic61; it's $15 and change from amazon.

 

I've just been getting more into Pat Metheny very recently (have had Travels for forever. There's so much to love - great music, well recorded. Thanks SHF!!

 

Thanks @John Buchanan. This reminds me to get busy with a poll of non-PMG Metheny albums, where he is either the leader or a major contributor. Hopefully soon!

 

The trio of Still Life (Talking), Letter From Home & The Road to You

 

Agree. Love Travels.

 

Good to see the 1978 s/t album is winning. All is right in the world.

 

i like travels, but i think some of the tracks (phase dance, as falls wichita) are better in their studio versions

 

I'll add "We Live Here" to that. Seriously good albums. I'd again like to thank SHF for pointing the way to great music to listen to.

 

Hi John,

My thoughts from TWELVE years ago (where did the time go?):

Pat Metheny fans ? recommend please

Hope it helps.

 

While “This is Not America” with Bowie was my introduction to PMG on Top 40 radio in High School, Still Life is the album that really introduced me to jazz. It’s still my favorite by far.

I said that, We Live Here, and Quartet, although that last spot can vary.

 

Not to derail the poll, but for those looking for the missing link between Wichita Falls and the Lyle Mays album, you should check out Later That Evening by Eberhard Weber (ECM) which features Lyle Mays and Bill Frisell. Here's a live radio broadcast by German broadcaster NDR:



All three compositions are on the Later That Evening album.

 

I love all the ECM albums and the only one that stuck with me after was Still Life. My three favorites would have to be PMG, Offramp and Travels. All of it is aural beauty.

 

PMG 1978 (Even though Lyle looks like he's pissed off)
Travels
Letter From Home

Can't differentiate between PM, G or no G. It's still Pat.

No love at all for New Chatauqua? Not my favorite, but still gets played.

 

Thanks BE! Very helpful. Ordered PMG "Quartet".