old and new music in my life!

The last few weeks have had a little influx of good music to listen to...

Paul Simon's Hearts & Bones released in 1983 has long been a favourite, but I only had it in LP format, thus it was only listened to every four years or so. I imported a CD last month - it is great to have it back as a familiar friend. The outstanding tracks (in my opinion) are: 'Hearts & Bones' and 'Train in the Distance' but most of the tracks are likable. Al di Meola's guitar solo on Allergies is wonderful. Three of the session musicians Paul Simon uses appeared on Simon & Garfunkel's Concert in the Park - Steve Gadd (drummer extraordinaire), Richard Tee (keyboards) and Anthony Jackson (bass) - they also happen to play with Al di Meola in his excellent Elegant Gypsy album.

Next has been Bob Dylan's Together Through Life - in some ways a mixed bag, but with some absolutely wonderful songs in the mix - bluesy, folky, rough, & humorous (My Wife's Home Town is delightfully wicked). The outstanding tracks in addition to My wife's..., are the opening track Beyond Here Lies Nothin', Forgetful Heart and It's All Good. The older Bob gets the better he sounds!

Ben Harper's new album (with Relentless 7) White Lies for Dark Times is a lively rock album. I am not a great fan of Harper (the exception being his excellent work with the Blind Boys From Alabama), and I only listened to the album in the shop because I had a bit of time. Well what a surprise it is! The band are a bunch of very able musicians who let loose on some memorable songs in a strong album. There are a few slower songs that work well to balance the hard rock of the opening tracks. It is a gem. The standout tracks are many - track 2, Up To You Now is amazing - especially the way it sounds after the opening track.

Last but not least is The Decemberists' The Hazards of Love. This Oregon-based folk-rock group are a sensation. They are eccentric - they produce sounds and songs that are certainly nor mainstream. This concept album needs to be played sequentially - it is a story in 17 parts. The music ranges from light acoustic to moments of hard rock - the singing is unusual - the new female singer in the band sounds kind of off-key at first - but her style suits the band's style quite wonderfully. I loved their first album on a mainstream label, The Crane Wife, and this follow-up album is every bit as good.

I've been spoilt rotten this month just some weeks after lamenting that I hadn't listened to much new music in the last year that had left a lasting impression.