barclaybunch

Well we’ve had fourteen episodes of this podcast, so I am putting it on hold for a couple of months, so I can continue with other projects and more importantly enjoy this lovely weather we’re having .

This podcast will be back in a couple of months, or sooner if something really catches my ear again

Take it easy, until next season…….

AOTWP Holy Diver – Dio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Diver

Well I bought this album on the record, tape, CD and then when he sadly passed, I’d lost my CD so I bought it again on iTunes download, oh and I’ve got the T-Shirt somewhere, doubt if I’ll fit into it now and it’s well worn, but I haven’t got the heart to throw it away.

Onto the track listing

Stand up and Shout

This starts off proceedings with a bang, this needs to be played loud, the energy and power from the band is immense but Dio matches them pound for pound with his muscular vocals.  Split harmonic solos are the order of the day for this album and this one has some amazing licks and flicks that’ll get you reaching for your air guitar.

Holy Diver

This starts off with some atmospherics and synths, used to great effect, you can feel the tension building as you wait for it to kick in.  And when it does, it’s great, it’s a slower tempo driving song with a funky swing, there’s some wonderful twists and turns, topped with high octane guitar and drums solos.

Gypsy

It kicks off with strong powerful riffs and screaming, amazing guitar work once again, that tone is beautiful.  It’s a pretty standard affair, a classic rock song, very enjoyable.  The production on the this album is fantastic, it’s loud heavy, but clear as a bell.

Caught in the Middle

This is one of the most commercial pop songs on the album, but that doesn’t take anything away from me, the singing is superb, you can scream along to this and belt your heart out, amazing high, this song actually gives me a high when played loud, well the whole album does, I’m buzzing now.

Don’t talk to strangers

Oh, what a totally superb introduction, it’s fairly simple musically, but played so well, when heavy bands are tender with subtle sounds, it’s like watching a lion caring for a mouse, awe inspiring, this track builds and builds and is a real roller coaster ride, love, love it.

Straight through the heart

Get your table drum kit out, you’ll need it, this track is kicking and so well played, amazing stuff.

Invisible

This is the lion playing with mouse again, what a guitar tone, gives me goose bumps, play it as loud as you can, this track is of a very high standard, there’s not a bad track on this album, every one is like an animal trying to break free and stirs up your internal mosher.

Rainbow in the Dark

Another commercial track, perhaps a nob to Dio’s previous incarnation, a great track all the same, catchy pop hooks, power and that Dio hard edge.

Shame on the Night

This starts off like a scary blues number, but when it kicks in, the control these guys have, and man that guy could sing, such power and beauty in a voice, the whole band are so in tune, fitting end to an absolutely superb album.

Overall

This album is accessible to bring out the rocker in anyone, so well produced, the sound quality is outstanding and the songwriting, performances and overall creation makes this a timeless classic for me, they’re taken all what went before and evolved it into a work of art.  Go and get yourself a copy today, until next week.

 http://soundcloud.com/barclaybunch/aotwp-episode-fourteen-holy

The Hour of the Bewilderbeast – Badly Drawn Boy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hour_of_Bewilderbeast

This is the first album I’ve reviewed from this century, I bought this album because of what I’d read in the press, I don’t normally buy albums based on reviews as it’s all down to personal taste.  This album works on many levels, it’s so relaxing and is great for background music when your reading and studying, but also if you turn up the volume a bit and delve into the depths of this masterpiece there’s a lot to inspire you and make you stop and think.

The Shining

This starts off with a cello and trombone I think, not really sure which instruments they are, but they’re lovely, this simple arrangement is intriguing and inviting. after about a minute the acoustic guitar blends in and lovely creamy vocals fill your speakers.  His vocal delivery is wonderful.

Everybody’s Stalking

One of the reasons this is such a good study album is that all the tracks blend into each other, this next track carries on the vibe of the previous, but adds a great electric guitar riff hook, and some marvellously mixed drums, lift the vibe up to the next level, without and sudden transitions.  This track will have you singing along once you’ve working it out in your head.

Bewilder

This track is a nice transitional affair, with a lovely organ/accordion sound.

Fall in a River

starts with a relentless riff, that sounds like it’s being played next door, it slowly builds, the anticipation of whats the come is great, even after you’ve listened to it numerous times.  The falsetto singing in nice and the dynamics on the guitar licks are nice, after about 1:30 if falls in the river. A freaky ambient vibe gives way to some lovely harp and bass.

Camping Next to Water

Now this track has a wonderful hook, this simple electric overdriven guitar is outstandingly effective.  The whole track hangs together beautifully, it’ll have you nodding and moving as it rolls along.  It ends in true 60s style

Stone on the Water

This next track has an almost spanish feel to the intro, there’s some lovely string arrangements once again, with long sweeping deep tones filling your ears.  After about 2 minutes he starts singing and the track becomes so much more than just an intermission.

Another Pearl

Not this sounds like a 90s indie band riff, but soon becomes a part of the album, there’s no weak songs on this album, but this one just sounds slightly out of place.

Body Rap

This is another freaky intermission, with some catchy samples, doesn’t do a lot and doesn’t last long.

Once Around the Block

This is the track you’ll probably recognise, it has a lovely wah acoustic riff and some excellent clean electric licks, it’s a great stand alone song, but it fits perfectly on this album.

This Song

Now this song, if you’ve listening on headphones, you’d better sit down, cause the panning fx makes me dizzy, it detracts from the lovely harmonies and riffs going on, it’s quite addictive and you’ll find yourself singing this while you’re going about your daily life.

Bewilderbeast

This is another superbly arranged track, it’s folky feel is fused with some lovely licks and flicks, once again influenced by 60s music, it rolls along beautifully, such a nice track.

Magic in the Air

This track introduces some lovely piano, coupled with joyful acoustic licks, it’s a romantic deep song full of expression and passion, showing the diversity of BDB as a songwriter and performer.

Cause a Rockslide

Back to the 90s again, but this time the vibe is much more in fitting with the whole album and hangs well within the overall body of work.  It then reprises body rap adding to ambiance.  Then at about 5 minutes it changes with acoustic guitar and mandolin  creating lovely little folk ditty.

P*****g in the wind

The previous ditty leads well into this anthem track, it’s time to get your lighter out and start swaying.  The performance on this is so passionate and vulnerable, excellent track.  It’s like all the elements we’ve heard so far and so much more, have been moulded into a wonderful piece of music.  it’ll be hard not to hit the replay button.

Blistered Heart

This piece sticks in my head, it’s such a lovely intermission, there’s so much feeling and expression here.

Disillusion

This is another ‘hit’ from the album.  The whole album takes you to a deep place, but this track lifts you back out from those depths and allows you to reflect on what’s good, whilst still eluding to the depths from before.  The last minute is a freaky affair with some very nicely arranged sounds.

Say it Again

Now this takes things down again, you’d almost made it out of the depths, but this track drags your straight back into that deep place.  The brass arrangement is a great bit of improvised wonderment.

Epitaph

This track reflects on the whole piece, good and bad, it’s an alone with the guitar moment, sat alone, thinking of what could have been.  Reminds me of early pink floyd acoustic stuff, a fitting end to a wonderful concept album, if you hit repeat, this track leads perfectly into the first track again.

In summary

If you listen to this album over and over again, it gives and gives every time, there’s so much depth here beneath the surface it’s worth the time to try and understand the piece as a whole.  I’m still enjoying it and my poor CD is looking rather tired and old now.  Go out today and get yourself a copy of The Hour of the Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy.  Until next week.

http://soundcloud.com/barclaybunch/aotwp-episode-eight-the-hour

The album is Pawn Hearts by Van Der Graaf Generator

Chosen by Rui Pina, aka Zak Zarapantao

http://soundcloud.com/jrui-pina

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pawn_Hearts

This is a typical British Prog Rock album I say typical, but that only defines the general genre, there’s much variety within this branch of rock. Now the album has only got 3 tracks on it, two on the first side and a 23 minute symphony on the other side. Tracks

Lemmings:

This starts of quietly, but soon building into a rather sinister vibe.  The vocals are very dramatic and theatrical.  The music consists of a tight drums and bass connection with the organ providing the initial hooks and licks, with the guitars very much at the back on the mix.  After about 5 minutes of almost abstract rock, you’re presented with a ambient piece, closely followed by a even more sinister saxophone lead section.  Technically the musicians are doing a great job, but I didn’t feel any deep connection to this track, perhaps the hooks and links need to build up over time, but for now, it’s just too inaccessible for my personal tastes.

Man-Erg

The last track on side 1 is called Man-Erg, now this is a more accessible track, with some lovely harmonies and dynamics, showing the lighter more sentimental side of the band, the interaction between the drummer and bass player once again provides the foundation and the organ gives the hook hooks and melodies, but there’s some lovely high textures here.  After about 3 minutes, it turns into a wonderful off beat, expertly executed and composed classical based jam, great vibe and very much ahead of its time.  At about 6 minutes, you’re treated to a lovely sax section, very mature and very well pitched.  The track carries on this roller coaster ride until it’s completion.  Overall I enjoyed this track from the first listen and as I listen again and again I begin to discover more depth and I’m beginning to connect with the vision of the band.  Sections of this remind me of a cross between King Crimson and David Bowies Diamond Dogs album.  Not every ones cup of tea, but a good track all the same.

A Plague of Lighthouse Keeprs

The last track is a 23 minute whopper, it stars as a classical folk rock piece, with a combination of vocal textures.  There were bands still performing and writing in this style of rock well into the 80s, so I suppose Van Der Graaf were pioneers for this type of sinister theatrical rock.  It certainly feels like a journey, with some lovely atmospheric sections.  I love the simulation of a storm and fog horns that ebbs away into a tranquil, yet very sinister church like atmosphere.  This track once again reminds me of a Diamond Dogs era Bowie, perhaps the inspiration for his album a few years later.  Overall a great achievement, the whole side hangs together really well, there are some parts that are more accessible than others, but as the previous track, the hooks and connections become clearer the more you listen.

So overall Pawn Hears by Van Der Graaf Generator is an album of its time, its influence can be heard in many artists since and it’s technically accomplished, but needs to be listened to in detail to be fully appreciated.  There are other artists such as Genesis, Yes and King Crimson to name but a few who created more accessible albums of this genre.  Until next week.

http://soundcloud.com/barclaybunch/aotwp-episode-7-pawn-hearts

I had a go at trying to write a piece inspired by this album and others like it, have a listen to my experiment here http://soundcloud.com/barclaybunch/winter-mulch

Steely Dan The Royal Scam

Hello and welcome to this weeks album choice.  It’s Steely Dan this week, and the album, well there’s so many to chose from, this probably won’t be the last one I do, but for me, The Royal Scam stands out as a superb body of work.  Steely Dan and namely Donald Fagen and Walker Becker are fantastic songwriters, even if you’re not into this style of music, they’re command on structure and content has to be appreciated.  They find the right progressions and hooks, to make a great song into a fantastic one.

Kid Charlemagne

This has such funky backing, the interplay between the bass player and drummer is brilliant.  It’s a guitar lead track, but as always with steely dan, you’ve got that tremendous chord progression and amazing EP and Organ Backing, that is so solid.  There’s a line that asks ‘did you feel like Jesus?’  which can have a number of meanings.  There’s a couple of solos on this that are superb, the tone and poise, combined with the Organ sound that makes it one of favourite tracks of all time.

Don’t Take Me Alive

This is probably the most guitar driven song on the album, there’s a wonderful two guitar intro that introduces one great song.  It’s not your typical Steely Dan song, but as always Donald’s vocals are rich and full of expression.

Sigh In Stranger

This is a jazz piano led track, with a funky vibe, the piano interplay is really interesting and played with improvised freedom.  When the chorus come in, it explodes into the signature Steely Dan style, brilliant.  The middle 8 as with most of there songs, takes this from being a great song to a brilliant one.

The Fez

When I first heard this song, I though it was the best thing in the world, I still love it, the driving bass, organ and muted guitar riff is an outstanding 70s funky style.  The subject matter is rather risqué and ahead of it’s time really.  It’s got a perfectly balanced solo in the middle and once again, the progression takes this to heights few song writers can achieve.

Green Earrings

I didn’t ‘get’ this song from the album track, it was ok, but it just seemed a bit repetitive.  I them saw a brilliant Steely Dan tribute group called Nearly Dan, they played this track, and I finally understood it.  It got some brilliant guitar solos, and is similar to the only Steely Dan Album I can’t get into, which is ‘Two Against Nature’  I’ve got all their albums, but that one I just don’t like, not sure why.  Anyway this track starts high and stays there, the musicians technically shine on this one.

Haitian Divorce

This song uses a voice box fx on the guitar and it is expertly executed, the riff is almost vocal.  This is another of my all time favourite Steely Dan songs, it’s got it all, funky vibe, great lyrics and that special magical ingredient they seem to inject into their work.

Everything you Did

This song has a small bit of gratuitous language but I’d probably say more than that if I was in his shoes.  It depicts a very vivid picture of infidelity.  Musically, it’s very much in control and sits beautifully on the album.

The Royal Scam

This is almost like a film score, it’s got so much atmosphere.  Musically it’s expertly played and the songwriting is outstanding, you can get lost is this track, the perfect cool down.

Overall

Steely Dan have created so many wonderful albums and added so much to music.  The writing partnership of Donal Fagen and Walter Becker is one of the best and they’re still rolling.  They’re last album was in 2006 I think and that is a beauty, they even let Walter sing on it, and he’s not half bad, in a Blues Brothers sort of style.  Anyway, get yourself a copy of Royal Scam by Steely Dan and get yourself a piece of 70s funky jazz, brilliant….Until next week.

http://soundcloud.com/barclaybunch/aotwp-episode-six-the-royal