Instead

[Tin Bird]

Instead of the albums of the year post, I figured I would just list what I've been listening to lately. Not sure if it's me, but the onset of winter this year has seemed darker that usual. Perhaps a back injury that I am currently suffering from has clouded my judgment. Anyhow, music-wise I have been on an old-school ambient jag, Given that it is cold and dark outside by 4:30pm, evenings and weekends have been serenaded with the sounds of Bill Nelson, Harold Budd, Jeff Pearce, Pete Namlook, Jonah Sharp, and Cluster. The lone rock band that I have been listening to is Interpol. I had forgotten how much I love their second album, "Antics". I remember now.
I collect CD's (not vinyl) and 99% of what I purchase is filling in holes in my collection such as finally getting some Holger Hiller albums. I am having trouble remembering ANY new albums I have purchased this year. I am sure there are a few, but I simply cannot recall them so they must not have made that much of an impression. Actually, one did just come to mind...the new Chameleons record. Other than the first single, "Saviors Are a Dangerous Thing", I didn't care much for the rest of the album. A shame, because I was really looking forward to it.
Oh, and one other rock/pop band that I quite like is 21 Pilots. I know that isn't a hipster choice. I don't care, I think they are great! I usually just stream their songs and listen via Bluetooth. I need to get some of their work on CD though.
Speaking of Bluetooth. I recently purchased a pair of Kanto Ren speakers. Unless you are a super high end audiophile with a treated room...etc., I must say the Ren's are some of the best sounding (esp. for the money) speakers I have heard. That combined w HDMI, Bluetooth, a DAC all built in...ease of use is a no brainer. Really happy with them.

OK everyone...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

PS A new track this year that I DID really dig, was, "Boundary Rider" by Paul Banks (of Interpol) and Tycho. In case you haven't heard it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwPhmsazh4c

[Quiet Visitor]

Good luck with your back. That can be very frustrating and tiresom.

After I heard one track of the new The Chameleons I decided I didn't buy the album. Too straight ahead rock in stead of the beautifully arranged New Wave from the past. I stick to View From The Bridge and the two albums that came after that.

[Tin Bird]

Thanks. Not sure yet what the issue is...doctors are testing for herniated disc next week. Hopefully no surgery. Painful as hell.
I love the Chameleons...1st three albums...esp. Strange Times are brilliant. I agree that the new album seemed kind've bland. I also didn't think it sounded all that well recorded.

[baht habit]

Releases this year...

Beatrio [Bela Fleck, Edmar Castaneda, Antonio Sanchez]
John Patitucci, Chris Potter, Brian Blade - Spirit Fall
Wolfgang Muthspiel, Scott Colley, Brian Blade - Tokyo
Josh Lawrence - Still We Dream
Gilad Hekselman, Larry Grenadier, Marcus Gilmore - Downhill From Here
Joshua Redman - Words Fall Short
Johnathan Blake Pentad - My Life Matters
Sumi Tonooka - Under The Surface
Dabin Ryu, Joe Martin, Johnathan Blake - Trio
Chris Cheek, Bill Frisell, Tony Scherr, Rudy Royston - Keepers of the Eastern Door
Kokoroko - Tuff Times Never Last
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
The Doobie Brothers - Walk This Road
Tunde Adebimpe - Thee Black Boltz
Brandi Carlile - Returning To Myself
Lothar Kosse, Abe Laboriel, Vinnie Colaiuta - Shekinah
Sam Yahel, Larry Grenadier, Brian Blade - Quiet Flow
Romain Pilon - Open Roads
Vital Information - New Perspective
Mathias Eick - Lullaby
Julia Hulsmann Quintet - Under The Surface
John Scofield & Dave Holland - Memories of Home
Benjamin Lackner - Spindrift
Melaine Dalibert & David Sylvian - Vermillion Hours
Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe - Lateral / Luminal / Liminal
David Byrne - Who Is The Sky?
Adam Hersh & Maricio Morales - Between Dreams & Twilight
Kurt Rosenwinkel - The Brahms Project
Lari Basilio - Redemption
Jazz Funk Soul - Simpatico
Kenny Barron - Songbook
Steve Porcaro - The Very Day
Simon Oslender, Will Lee, Steve Gadd - Live On A Roll
Beat (Belew, Vai, Levin, Carey) - Live