North Mississippi Allstars - Hill Country Revue (2004)

Recorded Live at Bonnaroo, Manchester, Tennessee, June 11, 2004.

Calling it a North Mississippi Allstars album is technically accurate, but it looks like half of northern Mississippi was invited along for the ride, turning this festival appearance into part family reunion, part history lesson, and part blues workout. Must have been a blast to watch. There's plenty of traditional hill country repetitive riffs and hypnotic grooves; there's even a fife & drum band appearance. The album is full of sweaty, raucous, rambling blues often reserved for humid front porches, it's just that this particular front porch was bigger than most.

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Blues: #4

Tracks: A hypnotizing top-to-bottom listen. It doesn't even bother me much when things slow down a bit during introductions and audience interaction. The progression is like many concerts I've attended: good at the start, slight lull in the middle, then save the best for the end.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, but my used copy has a price sticker from what I'm assuming was the original point of sale, Boogie Woogie CD in Sarasota, Florida.

Charles Lloyd & Billy Higgins - Which Way Is East (2004)

Back in January 2001, saxophonist Charles Lloyd and drummer Billy Higgins decided they’d had enough of studios, producers, and anything resembling structure. So they retreated to Lloyd’s house in Montecito, surrounded by ocean breezes and too many flutes, and hit the record button.

The result is this double CD release on the ECM label that sounds like two lifelong friends sitting in a room full of uncommon instruments* and saying, “Hey, what happens if we both play this thing at once?” It’s jazz, sure, but only in the sense that Olive Garden is Italian food. However, it’s two legendary jazzers having a conversation I can only attempt to understand. But it sure sounds deep.

This guy claims the recording is "the sound of ancestors spreading wings, spinning flesh from sunlight," while another critic writes: "Recorded in a living room shortly before Higgins' death, two old friends converse, contemplate, fart around." Since I don't understand what the heck is going on here, I find myself leaning toward the latter opinion. It just might be a masterpiece, but it's not my bag, man. If you're into free jazz and world music, give it shot.

*New-to-me instruments on this recording, according to the credits: tárogató, Tibetan oboe, guimbri, Syrian 'one string,' Senegalese, Guinean and Indian hand drums, and something called Juno's wood box.

More album reviews here.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: 30 tracks comprising 8 "suites" across two discs. Total time is just over 2½ hours, which is a lot to take in, much less comprehend. It turns oddly Brazilian at the end, though, so that's nice.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.

Béla Bartók - Concerto For Orchestra (2004)

Fritz Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, recorded 1955 & 1958

It's a landmark day here at blog headquarters as we feature our very first Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD). Just so you know what you're getting into, I'm predicting this post will run long and hardly mention Bartók. To begin, here's the lowdown on the SACD format straight from from Sony Corp. and Philips Electronics in the year 2000:

For more (somewhat dated) info: livingstereo-sacd.com

And, of course, the new format demanded a new and improved jewel case, given the name "Super Jewel Box." It was designed to be more durable than the traditional CD jewel case, incorporating such features as rounded corners, stronger hinges, a locking clasp, and thicker material. They are definitely more sturdy, and for what it's worth, I prefer them to the larger cases used for rival surround sound formats such as DVD-Audio.

I inherited this Bartók SACD from my father and when I play one of his CDs, I always wonder how it came into his possession. He didn't have a SACD player, he never spoke of the format, and he never mentioned a love of Bartók or any 20th century classical work. Did he buy it or was it a gift and, if so, from whom? Questions that can no longer be answered but that doesn't keep me from asking them. In any case, SACD players have become quite pricey as the format has waned but I wanted to hear the full range of the disc. After searching for a bit, I discovered that certain older Sony Blu-ray players support the format. A quick trip to eBay and $28 later, I was in possession of a Sony BDP-S570 (with remote!), manufactured in 2010.

And I was in business! Now let's spin this thing.

Recordings of three works by Bartók:

1. Concerto For Orchestra (1945 revision)
2. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celesta (1936)
3. Hungarian Sketches (1931)

Although I was using a multiple speaker set-up, I hardly consider myself an audiophile, but the difference in sound is readily apparent to my aged ears. This particular recording of Concerto For Orchestra has been praised since the get-go and rightly so:

Stereo Review, November 1958, p. 81

Everything is crisp and clean - hard to believe this was recorded in the '50s. I've stated before that I'm not wild about the first piece, writing "this is the kind of music which is more fun to analyze than to perform and more fun to perform than to listen to." I will admit that the 4th movement caught my ear this time 'round, though. The Hungarian Sketches were new to me and I greatly enjoyed the brief, folk-like melodies; reminded me a great deal of Liszt.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: See above. Next side quest: Dolby Atmos.

Spyro Gyra - The Deep End (2004)

Also released on hybrid surround Super Audio CD, but mine's just the plain ol' version.

More Latin-flavored smooth jazz from my favorite group from Buffalo. It would be easy just to simply write "if you like SG, you'll like this album," but the band brought their 'A' game, with great solos from saxophonist/leader Jay Beckenstein, guitarist Julio Fernandez, keyboardist Tom Schuman, and vibraphonist Dave Samuels. Or maybe it's the fantastic mix that's catching my ear this morning. S'all good. Even though I'm a fan, this one somehow slipped through the cracks and I didn't buy it in 2004. (In my defense, I was but a poor graduate student at the time). Glad I picked it up recently to complete my SG discography - looks like I've found the perfect summer album for this year.

"a great deal more energy and blowing than today's average smooth jazz listener is used to. It's worth the plunge." - AllMusic Review by Jonathan Widran

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Contemporary Jazz: #3
• Billboard Independent: #26

Tracks: The disc starts off with a nice one-two punch of Summer Fling followed by Eastlake Shuffle. I'm not much interested in the raga sounds of track 3, Monsoon, but don't skip any of the others, particularly Joburg Jam and In Your Arms.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:

A Foreign Affair (2011)	Fast Forward (1990)
Down The Wire (2009)	Point Of View (1989)
A Night Before Christmas (2008)	Rites Of Summer (1988)
Good To Go-Go (2007)	Stories Without Words (1987)
Wrapped In A Dream (2006)	Breakout (1986)
Original Cinema (2003)	Alternating Currents (1985)
The Very Best of Spyro Gyra (2002)	Access All Areas (1984)
In Modern Times (2001)	City Kids (1983)
Got The Magic (1999)	Incognito (1982)
Road Scholars (1998)	Freetime (1981)
20/20 (1997)	Carnaval (1980)
Heart Of The Night (1996)	Catching The Sun (1980)
Love & Other Obsessions (1995)	Morning Dance (1979)
Dreams Beyond Control (1993)	Spyro Gyra (1978)
Three Wishes (1992)

Willie Nelson - Nacogdoches (2004)

As I mentioned in my previous post, Nacogdoches, Texas has been my home since 2006, so I bought this Willie Nelson CD more as a memento than anything else. I'm moving on to another job opportunity in another location, so I thought it would be fitting to post about this CD as my final CD Project entry from Nacogdoches.

Willie's longtime friend, musician Paul Buskirk (1923-2002), had retired to scenic Nacogdoches but Willie would see Buskirk whenever a tour brought him through East Texas. In 1997, during one of those visits, Nelson and Buskirk recorded this album at a local recording studio. For reasons unknown to me, the album wasn't released until 2004.

The album is a collection of pop and jazz standards given a stroke of a country brush through Nelson's voice and Buskirk's mandolin. The contributions of Gary Weldon on harmonica and Paul Schmitt on piano are noteworthy as well.

About the cover photo: there is no statue of a colonial Willie Nelson in downtown Nacogdoches (although that would be pretty cool). Instead, the cover features Willie's head photoshopped onto a statue of Antonio Gil Ybarbo (1729–1809), a founder of the city. There is a statue of Willie Nelson in Austin, however.


I've seen eBay/Amazon sellers asking upwards of $40 for this CD, but I got mine downtown at the visitor's center for $10.

Back cover (click to enlarge)

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: My top picks are Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, Corrine Corrina, Columbus Stockade Blues, and How High The Moon but the whole album is easy to listen to because it sounds like old songs played by old friends just having fun. Which I guess it is.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, although I once did a recording session in the same studio where this album was recorded. But that's a story for another time.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Two Men with the Blues (2008)

The Buckthorns - On A Silent Night (2004)

Wassail this about?

Longtime readers of the blog know I'm a preacher's kid, so please indulge me for a moment. Despite my culture's penchant for moving on quickly to the next thing (New Year's Eve/Day, Bowl Week, etc.), I always challenge myself to stick with the liturgical calendar of the Reformed tradition which states that Christmastide begins on Christmas Day and continues for the next 11 days: the twelve days of Christmas ending on the Twelfth Night. The calendar then changes from Christmastide to Epiphany. Anyhoo, that's why I'm still listening to Christmas music this week.

If you judged based on the pictures on the group's website, The Buckthorns is a bunch of white AARP members from the Chicago area that break into song after a few glasses of wine at a party. Needless to say, this album doesn't do it for me. A very amateurish recording of 14 Christmas tunes, rife with mixing, engineering, and tuning problems. Mostly a capella, there are a few instruments on a couple of tracks, but they're so far back in the mix that you'd hardly notice. Everything is sotto voce and I keep waiting for these guys to let loose, but it ain't happening. Still, this is probably an accurate representation of their live performances. Maybe a wine (or four) ain't a bad idea.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: 14 tracks in 30 minutes. The better tracks are the seldom heard Christmas In Killarney, Ding Dong Merrily On High, and Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming. The worst tracks are Brightest & Best and the scripturally unsound Mary Did You Know? (Answer: yes, she knew. Luke 1:30-38).

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None. This CD was included in a large lot of discs I recently purchased on eBay.

Marc Broussard - Carencro (2004)

Here's all you need to know: I was only recently hipped to the "bayou soul" music of singer/songwriter/guitarist Broussard and this disc has taken up residence in my truck's CD player for the past three months.

My favorite "new-to-me" CD of 2015. More Broussard to follow.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks:  My faves are Home (which was recently opted by ESPN for NBA ads), Rocksteady, Come Around, Lonely Night in Georgia, Saturday, and Hope For Me Yet.  The only problem here is the dreaded "hidden track" which modern technology has fortunately made obsolete.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Within a month of hearing Broussard for the first time, the wife and I caught him in concert in Tyler, Texas on November 7.

We thought the show was grooving but we didn't know he would kick it up a notch for the final third of the show. If he's in your area, it's well worth your while.

And now the CD goes back into the truck.

Blog post #1250

Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething (2004)

Pulled this one of the shelf and man-oh-man-oh-man I had forgotten how much I dig it. It's on the Verve label, but it's more popish than jazz. Allmusic describes the sound as "a hip amalgamation of Harry Connick, Jr. and Randy Newman" and since I can't come up with a better description, let's go with that. At times, Cullum sounds like a good-natured lounge pianist and other times he comes across as a deft interpreter of other people's songs. The wide range of covers here includes songs by Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, Pharrell, Jeff Buckley and standards from Lerner & Lowe and Cole Porter. Cullum is able to take this diverse group, mix in his own stuff, and make a coherent album. Cullum doesn't have a great voice, he's an adequate piano player, but he's a fantastic, entertaining musician (if that makes any sense).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #83

Tracks:  My favorite track is the Cullum original All At Sea. I also enjoy These Are The Days, written by Cullum's older brother Ben. Of the covers, I like Wind Cries Mary, Singing In The Rain, High And Dry, and Frontin'. I usually skip But For Now and the unremarkable take on Blame It On My Youth. I don't often say this, but this album is a tad too long (15 tracks, 63 minutes). At about 12 tracks, it would have been perfect.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD:  I picked this up as an impulse buy at the local Wal-Mart and kept it in my car for those long trips to grad school classes. At the time, I was thirtysomething, not twentysomething, but there was something unnerving about hearing the following lyrics when I was a grad student:

After years of expensive education
A car full of books and anticipation
I'm an expert on Shakespeare and that's a hell of a lot
But the world don't need scholars as much as I thought

Yikes.

Air - Talkie Walkie (2004)

Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I found this CD in a used bin not long after I blogged about the group's 1998 release, Moon Safari. Not long after that post went up, the picture of the album art was taken down at the request of the copyright owner (I guess they didn't want the free publicity?). That left a bad taste in my mouth, plus I wasn't in the right mood when I listened to this CD for the first time, so this CD has sat on the shelf for the past two years. Pulling out the CD today is like listening to the album for the first time. But today I must be in the right mood to hear it - I'm liking it because it sounds more like Zero 7 than Moon Safari did and the songwriting is a little better. This is going to my truck for further listening.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #61

Tracks: To be determined, but today I'm liking Cherry Blossom Girl, Universal Traveler, Alpha Beta Gaga and Alone In Kyoto. Heck, I even like the foppery of Surfing On A Rocket. I'm not liking Run and Biological.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Moon Safari (1998)

Keb' Mo' - Keep It Simple (2004)

In at least one press release, Keb' Mo' described himself as a "singer songwriter dabbling in the blues." For Keb's fifth studio album, it's more of the same modern pop-blues, not low-down old school blues. And for that, his fans thank him (including myself). Keb' is happier than most bluesmen and that contagious optimism weaves it way through the whole album. Heck, he even sings "I can't even crack a frown since the blues slipped out of town" on Prosperity Blues without the slightest bit of irony. The National guitar sounds great and the lead vocals are always smooth. This stuff goes down easy.

The album won a Grammy in 2005 for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #149
• Billboard Blues: #1

Tracks: As I've written before, Keb' is hit-or-miss, but usually more of the former than the latter. My picks on this disc are France, Let Your Let Shine, Prosperity Blues, the title track, and Walk Back In, but there's nothing here that has me reaching for the skip button.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, although I've noticed that Keb' Mo' plays much better on the porch than in my truck. Fine with me.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Live And Mo' (2009)
Peace...Back by Popular Demand (2004)
Just Like You (1996)
Keb' Mo' (1994)

Incognito - Adventures In Black Sunshine (2004)

A solid album of funky acid jazz with a strong '70s soul/disco vibe. Definitely hard to sit still while listening. A few too many vocal tracks for my tastes, but group mastermind Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick's influences (Stevie Wonder, EW&F, War, etc.) are readily apparent and appreciated. In fact, I would guess vocalist Tony Momrelle was recruited because, at times, he sounds like Stevie Wonder. Acid jazz never really caught on in the US like it probably should have, but the genre's impression on today's popular smooth/urban jazz sound is evident.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: Today I'm grooving on Everything Your Heart Desires, The 25th Chapter, Mindin' My Business which features a touch of Hohner Clavinet as well as great keyboard work on the Fender Rhodes by George Duke. I also like how they take The Doobie Brothers' Listen To The Music and completely deconstruct it. I dislike and discourage straight ahead cover versions and this is anything but.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
The Best of Incognito (2000)

Norah Jones - Feels Like Home (2004)

I love Jones' first album and her blend of pop, folk, country, and jazz. I, like millions of other people, bought this, her sophomore effort, almost as soon as it was released, looking for more of the same. It is and it isn't. First, she really misses the songwriting abilities of Jesse Harris. Second, this release leans a little too much towards country music for my taste with songs by people like Townes Van Zandt and a duet with Dolly Parton. As a result, this hasn't gotten much of a listen in the past 8 years. I'll admit it: I was wrong. I didn't give this one a fair shake. While I'll continue to skip the more country tunes, there are some tracks that could have easily fit on the debut disc. I'll listen to those.

My apologies to Ms. Jones for not giving this multiple listens before passing judgment and my thanks to her for keeping it simple and, above all, not using the dreaded Auto-Tune. While I like Jones' tasteful, minimalist approach to piano playing, her main asset is her voice. My only problem with her subtle voice is that she makes sounding good so effortless that amateurs think they can handle Jones' styling and phrasing. They can't. I've heard many a karaoke/open-mike/cover band ruin this music. They should be apologizing to Norah more than me.

Metacritic rated this release at 74/100.

Note: this CD was "enhanced" with the controversial Bandlink software, a program that promised an interactive experience for the listener when the CD was inserted into a computer. However, the main goal of the software was to monitor listener activity and provide that information back to the record label. Fortunately, streaming eventually did away with such foolishness. Here's an online article about Bandlink from 2003: CDs That Spy

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #1 (6 weeks, Feb 28 - Apr 3, 2004)

Tracks: Ones that will get ripped to iTunes (in other words, the ones I think would fit on Jones' first album) are Sunrise, Those Sweet Words, Carnival Town, Be Here To Love Me, Toes, Humble Me, and Don't Miss You At All (which may be the best tune on the disc - Jones adds her own lyrics to Duke Ellington's Melancholia). I'll pass on the rest, but 7 of 13 isn't bad, particularly if you've previously dismissed all of them.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Come Away With Me (2002)

Bowling For Soup - A Hangover You Don't Deserve (2004)

I liked the band's single, 1985 (which turns out to be cover), bought the CD when I was bored. Not bad, just not my thing. If you were into Simple Plan or Fountains Of Wayne or other bubblegum punk bands, here ya go. I will give these boys credit for some witty lyrics. This is one of those CDs you buy for one song and then just listen to the one song. In other words, a $14 CD single without any remixes.

Billboard, October 2, 2004, p. 31

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #37 (Oct 2, 2004)

Tracks: It's all the same. I still like 1985, though. I'm deducting points for the inclusion of 25 tracks (tracks 18-42), each lasting 5 seconds, of silence before we're given two more unlisted tracks. I don't really mind hidden tracks, but would prefer that you'd just list them. In the words of Herm Edwards, "Put your name on it!" However, in the case of the bonus tracks on this CD, I can see why they wouldn't want to put their name on it - I'd almost rather listen to this again than tracks 43 & 44.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Around New Year's Eve 2004, my family traveled to Austin to visit family. At the time, my sister-in-law owned a cat to which I was extremely allergic, so while the rest of my family stayed in the same house as the cat, I stayed at a nearby hotel. I bought this CD at a local Target for something to listen to as I drove back and forth from the hotel.

Various Artists - Garden State: Music From The Motion Picture (2004)

GEOGRAPHY WEEK (JANUARY 8-14, 2012)

An impulse buy, but one with good results. If nothing else, this popular, mellow compilation introduced me to the music of Nick Drake and Zero 7. This is one of those cases when the soundtrack is actually better than the movie. That Scrubs guy is either hipper than he appears or someone gave him a copy of Ultra Chilled 02. Zach Braff did an admirable job gathering these songs, but the result of his enthusiasm is the same as any teenager who believes in his heart that he's made the greatest mix CD ever - it's hit or miss.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #20

Tracks: Zero 7's song, In The Waiting Line, isn't just my favorite song on this album, it is one of my favorite songs of the past decade. In addition to the Nick Drake and Zero 7 cuts, I enjoy Colin Hay's I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You, Lebanese Blonde by Thievery Corporation, and The Only Living Boy In New York City by Simon & Garfunkel. In the movie, when the Natalie Portman character says, "You gotta hear this one song. It'll change your life, I swear," I think she's talking about a song by The Shins. They've got 2 tracks on this CD and neither do much for me. Sorry, Natalie. The rest of the songs are just ok. They sound like something you'd hear on a rerun of old WB shows like Dawson's Creek or Felicity.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Purchased while I was in grad school (yay for student loans!), this CD saw some playing time on long trips to Houston. Obviously, this purchase led to further purchases by Zero 7, Nick Drake, and Colin Hay.

Norman Brown - West Coast Coolin' (2004)

GEOGRAPHY WEEK (JANUARY 8-14, 2012)

Not a bad urban jazz CD, but certainly not a great one. More than half of the tunes have Brown's vocals on them and I find myself thinking, "Shut up 'n play yer guitar" (apologies to Frank Zappa). The vocal tracks are an obvious attempt at getting radio play, so are more neo-soul than jazz. Brown does much better when he's getting in touch with his inner George Benson because when he plays guitar, it's fantastic. However, I recommend listening to the samples before purchasing this one (I'm looking at you, Krista).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #160

Tracks: The album gets off to a bad start with the first track, but quickly redeems itself with Up 'N' At 'Em and the title track. Jerry Hey makes a tasty contribution to Missin' You on flügelhorn. For the most part, the instrumental tracks are better than the vocal tracks, but a few of the vocal tracks are good including Let's Play, Right Now, and the cover of What's Going On. Skip the tracks Angel and Come Over.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: This music has kept me company in my office more times than I could count.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Celebration (1999)

Michael McDonald - The Christmas Collection (2004)

Strangely, this album was originally released in 2001 as In the Spirit: A Christmas Album, then re-released 3 years later as a "best of" collection. Same songs, same sequence. (Contractual problems? Blatant money grab?) Of the 11 tracks, only 3 are traditional Christmas tunes. The rest are originals, so this plays almost like a traditional release instead of a Christmas release. If it's approached with that mindset, and if you normally like McDonald's music, it's one of the better Christmas albums you'll hear. Guest appearances from Kirk Whalum and James Ingram.

Tracks: The best cut is the great R&B/gospel take on the spiritual Children Go Where I Send Thee which is a song we never get to hear enough around the holidays. The original songs like To Make A Miracle, Every Time Christmas Comes Around, and World Out Of a Dream sound like McDonald's usual retro soft rock/blue-eyed soul. Also included is a beautiful original ballad, Peace. If you're looking for something a little different this holiday season, you should at least preview some of the tracks I've mentioned. There are a few tracks that seem a little contrived, like the arrangement of White Christmas/Winter Wonderland and the original House Full Of Love.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.

Previously revisited for the blog:
The Ultimate Collection (2005)
The New York Rock And Soul Revue - Live At The Beacon (1991)

Chris Isaak - Christmas (2004)

-in which Chris Isaak does his best to release an Elvis Presley Christmas album. Unfortunately, it sounds like 40 minutes of music for TV commercials for The Gap. In addition to Isaak's usual rockabilly, we get a little Farfisa ska, conjunto, Hawaiian slack key guitar, honky-tonk piano, and of course, moody ballads. This release is only for serious Isaak fanatics (that's not me).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #109

Tracks: The only worthwhile tracks are Have Yourself A Merry Christmas and Let it Snow. Of the 16 tracks, 5 are originals by Isaak and they are quickly forgotten. Avoid at all costs: Pretty Paper, which sounds like something from The Lawrence Welk Show and the original Gotta Be Good which contains an inexplicable, disturbing Buster Poindexter imitation.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: In the 1990's, I got in the habit of picking up 1 or 2 new Christmas CDs every year. That tradition continued until the purchase of this album. I just didn't want to take the gamble anymore.

Prince - Musicology (2004)

After a long, self-imposed hiatus in which he seemingly made records only for himself, Prince released this back-to-basics CD. This was his first major-label distributed album in five years (and his 30th overall!), released around the time he had an all-hits tour and was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame. I saw a live TV performance around that time and that led me to buy this record. It's no Purple Rain, but it still has some good tracks. Favorite random lyric from this CD: "Just put ur name on this pre-nup and we can all hit the disco!" For a reason he refuses to articulate, my oldest son can't stand Prince's music. I feel like I've failed as a father.

Metacritic has this album at 72/100 (generally favorable reviews).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #3 (May 8, 2004)

Tracks: the title track is the best, bringing back the same funk groove we knew from the late '80s. Also good are Cinnamon Girl, Illusion Coma Pimp & Circumstance, Life 'O' The Party, and What Do U Want Me 2 Do? The track to skip is The Marrying Kind.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: 2004 was a transitional year in my life, so this didn't get the listens it probably deserved.

Previously revisited for the blog:
N.E.W.S. (2003)

Anita Baker - My Everything (2004)

After a decade-long hiatus, the urban adult soul songstress Anita Baker returned with this album, her Blue Note debut. It's no Rapture, but it is much better than 1994's Rhythm Of Love. This music is timeless. One could easily say that almost all of Baker's music sounds the same (if ain't broke...), but I think that's a compliment. The down tempo mix of R&B, soul, pop, and jazz is always good, but the real star is Baker's sultry voice which never disappoints. So tasteful and controlled. An admirable return but nothing since - how about something new, babe?

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #4 (Sept 25, 2004)

Tracks: Of the 10 tracks here, I like you're My Everything, How Could You, and the mixed meter gospel-tinged I Can't Sleep. My favorite track is How Does It Feel. The songs Serious and Close Your Eyes fall short. The duet with Babyface, Like You Used To Do isn't that good musically and the lyrics ("You were my weezy/You were my boo") don't help.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Compositions (1990)
Rapture (1986)

Keb' Mo' - Peace...Back by Popular Demand (2004)

Keb' is hit-or-miss with me, but when he hits, there's almost nothing better. Unfortunately, this isn't his best effort. As Amazon.com says in its review, this CD "is a protest album for the double-latte crowd." Nine covers and one original number and none of them come close to being bluesy. Buyer beware, this is smooth pop. Nothing awful, but nothing particularly memorable. If you want a CD of protest covers, get Wake Up! instead.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #174 (Oct 9, 2004)

Tracks: while not my favorite Keb' Mo' CD, there are a few keepers on here, including the cover of Buffalo Springfield's For What It's Worth, the cover of Marvin Gaye's What's Happening Brother, and Donny Hathaway's Someday We'll All Be Free. The Keb' Mo' original, Talk, is fairly good although its premise of having a dialogue with the President is a little far-fetched. Skip the piano bar version of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin' and the bluegrass version of Nick Lowe's (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding. Finally, skip the cover of John Lennon's Imagine, a song that shouldn't be covered because the original is the definitive version (which is beautiful even though I don't agree with all of the lyrical content).

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: none

Previously revisited for the blog:
Just Like You (1996)