Love to join in that as I have thousands of 33s / 45s, many mint and rare. CDs also top the 1000 mark
Go for it!
I might start with a plug for Gil Matthews’ Aztec Records:
https://www.aztecrecords.com.au/
Check it out for original, rare and re-issues of the best Aussie Rock and Jazz music (and some foreign stuff) that you regret not buying at the time. I recently bought CDs by Kush, Carson and Wendy Saddington 8)
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: deepbluesee on November 04, 2020, 09:20:36 am
Aztec records, a very important label as far as Aus releases (and re releases). They put out some great material, well worth a look for those of us that still buy records/CDs
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: capcom on November 04, 2020, 10:03:39 am
Raven Records as well ... tremendous stuff as well. Unique CDs but now sadly out of business :(
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: dodge on November 04, 2020, 10:04:01 am
I partook in one of those top ten albums that influenced your life things on facebook (must have been a weak moment): Ain't Misbehavin' - Fats Waller Sgt Peppers - Beatles (had to choose one!) Mozart Horn Concertos - from my horn playing days - one day get back into it Hallowed Ground - Violent Femmes The Queen is Dead - The Smiths Swordfishtrombones - Tom Waits (plenty to choose from) Goin Back to New Orleans - Dr John Unltimate Blues Collection - put out by Castle Records? Wrecking Ball - Emmylou Harris Blues Brothers - Soundtrack
I added a few more - Nick Cave, Radiohead, John COltrane, The Pogues, Pulp FIction soundtrack, Buddha Bar, Air, St Germain.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: PaulP on November 04, 2020, 10:15:24 am
Raven Records as well ... tremendous stuff as well. Unique CDs but now sadly out of business :(
Yes, I agree Mike. Good get. They did a great release of the entire Saints studio recordings called Wild About You, in 2000 I think. Great care and effort in the research and packaging.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: PaulP on November 04, 2020, 10:16:36 am
I partook in one of those top ten albums that influenced your life things on facebook (must have been a weak moment): Ain't Misbehavin' - Fats Waller Sgt Peppers - Beatles (had to choose one!) Mozart Horn Concertos - from my horn playing days - one day get back into it Hallowed Ground - Violent Femmes The Queen is Dead - The Smiths Swordfishtrombones - Tom Waits (plenty to choose from) Goin Back to New Orleans - Dr John Unltimate Blues Collection - put out by Castle Records? Wrecking Ball - Emmylou Harris Blues Brothers - Soundtrack
I added a few more - Nick Cave, Radiohead, John COltrane, The Pogues, Pulp FIction soundtrack, Buddha Bar, Air, St Germain.
Good to see very broad and diverse musical tastes.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on November 11, 2020, 09:56:57 am
Another plug, this time for my mate Craig Horne.
Craig is a blues singer with his band ‘the Hornets’, sometimes “Hornets Trio’. Previous bands include ‘Attila and the Panel Beaters’ and ‘Cracker Horne and the Fats’.
Anyway, apart from his musical talents, Craig is an author and his books include ‘Daddy Who? The Rise and Demise of Australia's Greatest Rock Band’ and ‘Roots: How Melbourne became the live music capital of the world’. I can recommend both if you have an interest in Australian music and the Melbourne music scene.
Craig’s latest work ‘I'll Be Gone: Mike Rudd, Spectrum and How One Song Captured a Generation’ will be launched on 16 November via Zoom.
‘I’ll Be Gone’ holds a special place in the music of my life. In 1970-71, I lived in a share house in North Melbourne. The bloke in the next room, Grubby Al, had the single on repeat on his record player and ‘I’ll Be Gone’ was a constant companion during my waking hours in that house, and I still play it regularly. I often give Mike Rudd a rest and play a version by the Mud Crab Trio (Lucky Oceans and Alan and Stephen Pigram). The Kimberley accent gives it a different feel.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Wet Willie on November 11, 2020, 10:19:12 am
Hope you don't mind me adding to this thread... I have written a couple of books on music & Australian pop culture. If you like this stuff, they are worth checking out. "For The Record Vol 1: Australian Pop Culture 1964-2017" was written using the notes I used to build Australia's biggest syndicated radio show "My Generation" hosted by Jono Coleman. Everything from music, movies, TV shows to who sang at the Grand Final each year is here...!! "For The Record Vol 2: Classic Hits & Urban Myths" is music trivia based on the uncredited superstars who appear on other star's hits. Over 700 artists and nearly 3000 stories. www.fortherecordbook.com.au
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on November 11, 2020, 11:31:02 am
Craig is a blues singer with his band ‘the Hornets’, sometimes “Hornets Trio’. Previous bands include ‘Attila and the Panel Beaters’ and ‘Cracker Horne and the Fats’.
Anyway, apart from his musical talents, Craig is an author and his books include ‘Daddy Who? The Rise and Demise of Australia's Greatest Rock Band’ and ‘Roots: How Melbourne became the live music capital of the world’. I can recommend both if you have an interest in Australian music and the Melbourne music scene.
Craig’s latest work ‘I'll Be Gone: Mike Rudd, Spectrum and How One Song Captured a Generation’ will be launched on 16 November via Zoom.
‘I’ll Be Gone’ holds a special place in the music of my life. In 1970-71, I lived in a share house in North Melbourne. The bloke in the next room, Grubby Al, had the single on repeat on his record player and ‘I’ll Be Gone’ was a constant companion during my waking hours in that house, and I still play it regularly. I often give Mike Rudd a rest and play a version by the Mud Crab Trio (Lucky Oceans and Alan and Stephen Pigram). The Kimberley accent gives it a different feel.
What a classic.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on November 11, 2020, 12:04:32 pm
Hope you don't mind me adding to this thread... I have written a couple of books on music & Australian pop culture. If you like this stuff, they are worth checking out. "For The Record Vol 1: Australian Pop Culture 1964-2017" was written using the notes I used to build Australia's biggest syndicated radio show "My Generation" hosted by Jono Coleman. Everything from music, movies, TV shows to who sang at the Grand Final each year is here...!! "For The Record Vol 2: Classic Hits & Urban Myths" is music trivia based on the uncredited superstars who appear on other star's hits. Over 700 artists and nearly 3000 stories. www.fortherecordbook.com.au
I have 'For The Record Vol 1: Australian Pop Culture 1964-2017' Willie and it has provided hours of entertainment and not a few surprises :)
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Wet Willie on November 11, 2020, 02:46:56 pm
Great to hear DJC! Really pleased that you are enjoying it!
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on November 11, 2020, 05:36:45 pm
ABC iview has an OZ music month
Really good shows on the Easybeats_-"Friday on my mind" (now seems to have disappeared) and "Blood and Thunder-The Sound of Alberts"
Highlights the importance of Alberts and the influence of the Easybeats -(Stevie Wright and the work of Harry Vanda and George Young) ....and the extension into George Young's brothers Malcolm and Angus....and AC/DC
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: LP on August 13, 2021, 09:14:53 pm
The world needed this girl in the COVID era, and plenty more like her!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1TQRJWLZ3s 'He' is the Carlton Footy club, going back to it's old ways, it's old safe bet!
She is every heartbroken, burnt and broken fan!
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on February 07, 2023, 10:10:52 am
Bump
Topics in the General Discussion thread often get swamped by other subjects and the discussion is lost. Over the last month or two we've lost some iconic music figures. Elton John has had his send-off concerts. Time to resurect the 'Music' thread. The place to talk about your favourite artists, albums or videos.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: LP on February 07, 2023, 01:27:28 pm
Yep, I should have posted about the Remastering of Floyd's Pulse concert here, the highlights are pretty much every song.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on February 10, 2023, 10:19:45 am
RIP Burt Bacharach..... One of the most influential figures in popular music history. So many songs to choose from. Post a selection. (Ignore that Dick Clark idiot at the start)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYAMigvWNC0
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: dodge on February 10, 2023, 11:53:03 am
One of the great songwriting partnerships - Burt with Hal David.
We have a couple 'Best of' Cds (yes, still got them!) and they get a pretty high rotation.
Dione Warwick sang a heap of their tunes, along with many other well knowns incl Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, Carpenters
His music will live on for a long time yet.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on February 10, 2023, 01:27:48 pm
One of the great songwriting partnerships - Burt with Hal David.
We have a couple 'Best of' Cds (yes, still got them!) and they get a pretty high rotation.
Dione Warwick sang a heap of their tunes, along with many other well knowns incl Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Tom Jones, Carpenters
His music will live on for a long time yet.
Couldn't agree more... easily one of the best. Got me thinking...
Synonymous with many huge hits: Bacharach/David, Lennon/McCartney, Jagger/Richards, Hall/Oates, Holland/Dozier/Holland... Neil Sedaka, Barry Gibb and Neil Diamond also deserve a wrap as great individual song writers. And let's not forget Neil Finn.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 03, 2024, 02:34:09 pm
Thought this was funny....Because it's true. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac's opinion of some of the modern day artists. :D
Quote
“I've never been to a strip club but I turn on MTV and see in every single video what it must look like... if you have to work so hard at appearing sexy, then perhaps you weren't that sexy after all, perhaps your music has no sensuality, perhaps your music is dull, indeed, that you have no choice but to pelvic thrust your way through a pop video in a leather bikini in order to detract from its mediocrity... it might be advisable to do something else.” ”::- Stevie Nicks
I suppose on balance though they're probably making a bit more money than Stevie ever did...still, she's not wrong.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 03, 2024, 04:16:48 pm
Thought this was funny....Because it's true. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac's opinion of some of the modern day artists. :D
Quote
“I've never been to a strip club but I turn on MTV and see in every single video what it must look like... if you have to work so hard at appearing sexy, then perhaps you weren't that sexy after all, perhaps your music has no sensuality, perhaps your music is dull, indeed, that you have no choice but to pelvic thrust your way through a pop video in a leather bikini in order to detract from its mediocrity... it might be advisable to do something else.” ”::- Stevie Nicks
I suppose on balance though they're probably making a bit more money than Stevie ever did...still, she's not wrong.
I'm not sure what she's on about ;)
Actually, she does have a point and there are a lot of artists trying hard to appear sexy. Of course, Stevie didn't have to try all that hard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8HqQasd_OM
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: LP on December 03, 2024, 05:23:37 pm
Thought this was funny....Because it's true. Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac's opinion of some of the modern day artists. :D
Quote
“I've never been to a strip club but I turn on MTV and see in every single video what it must look like... if you have to work so hard at appearing sexy, then perhaps you weren't that sexy after all, perhaps your music has no sensuality, perhaps your music is dull, indeed, that you have no choice but to pelvic thrust your way through a pop video in a leather bikini in order to detract from its mediocrity... it might be advisable to do something else.” ”::- Stevie Nicks
I suppose on balance though they're probably making a bit more money than Stevie ever did...still, she's not wrong.
I have a somewhat unofficial rule of thumb when it comes to music.
If we lost power, could you still play the same music (or a version of).
That is, do musicians play an instrument that does not rely on a computer and can the singers sing without the need for a computer to fix it.
Rock stars might lose their electric guitars, but put an acoustic one in their hands and they can still play something very similar. They can still sing without a microphone and don't need pro-tools or auto-tune to make it sound good.
Thats stevies problem. She is a musician. Modern 'music' doesn't have musicians. Instead there are 'artists and entertainers'. Music is secondary and fixed/made in a computer.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: dodge on December 03, 2024, 09:42:51 pm
Modern 'music' doesn't have musicians. Instead there are 'artists and entertainers'.
Makes no sense, Krudd. Music is an art, so probably needs musicians or artists to perform it. The idea of a performance is to entertain, challenge, give energy, passion, emotion to the audience - and the same performance will give these differently to the members of the same audience.
What is modern music? Seems to be from late 1800's. Probably covers Ragtime, Blues, Jazz, Country - long time to bag some astounding musicians.
Are the following not musicians: Daft Punk, Air, Adele, Alicia Keys, Jon Baptiste, Carrie Underwood? Was Brian Mannix a muso, Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran? Hiromi?
Or is it because you don't like a lot of 'modern music'?
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 03, 2024, 10:39:33 pm
Modern 'music' doesn't have musicians. Instead there are 'artists and entertainers'.
Makes no sense, Krudd. Music is an art, so probably needs musicians or artists to perform it. The idea of a performance is to entertain, challenge, give energy, passion, emotion to the audience - and the same performance will give these differently to the members of the same audience.
What is modern music? Seems to be from late 1800's. Probably covers Ragtime, Blues, Jazz, Country - long time to bag some astounding musicians.
Are the following not musicians: Daft Punk, Air, Adele, Alicia Keys, Jon Baptiste, Carrie Underwood? Was Brian Mannix a muso, Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran? Hiromi?
Or is it because you don't like a lot of 'modern music'?
It's definitely personal preference, but one some others share.
Music can be entertaining and musicians are certainly artists and entertainers.
Let me ask you this....how many modern musicians are ugly?
As a music lover, I'm very much stuck in the 90s. Very few people.make it on my radar since then. Sure, there are exceptions. But imo the whole industry changed mid-late 90s.
While I was growing up on nirvana, the spice Girls and backstreet boys were being shoved down everyone's throats. Entertaining....sure. Talented....mostly. How many of them wrote their own music? How many of them can play an instrument? Musicians?? Not really.
The 'Pop stars' is what has ruined it for me. Pre-packaged, sugary sweet, made to order, over produced eye candy.
I don't want to get into a list of yays and nays, that why i simplified it in the way I did.
Bob Dylan would never make it today. Doesn't fit into an easily marketable, digestible pre packaged form. Would get put in the too hard basket and instead they'll find some young hot teenie bopper to spit out whatever nonsense is written for them as that will make more money.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 04, 2024, 12:05:57 am
It's definitely generational....and definitely personal taste. I couldn't tell you the title of one Taylor Swift song, even though she seems to be everywhere. Of the clips I have seen, I don't think her singing is anything special. And I'm not sure why she has to perform in her underwear. ;) Which makes me suspect she's one of Stevie's targets.
But her fan base is obviously considerable. So she's doing somehing right and special.
Music is really a soundtrack to our lives. A song can bring you instant recollections of a time or place in your life.
We didn't have a TV until I was about 6 or 7, so most of my early years was spent listening to the radio. When we did eventually get the television it was shows like Bandstand, Six O'clock rock and the Johnny O'Keefe show that I watched. As a result for a long time my music tastes were late 50s early 60s American and British acts (with the occasional Aussie cover versions that were usually superior to the overseas artists.) I remember when I was about 10 the local radio station ran a poll as to whether folks thought Elvis was better than the Beatles. I remember being quite upset when the Beatles pipped the King. I couldn't understand it. These days I'm a huge Beatles fan.
And that's the thing. Rock and Roll "gave me all the best years of my life, but I was always just one step behind." ...a little late to the next big change...but I usually got there. I still love 60's music ...all of it, from the teen idol, to the soul and motown stuff, to the British Invasion,and to the protest era of the late 60s But I've branched beyond that to embrace a lot of 70s ( including the Glitter and Glam) and 80s Power Ballads-big group music. Never did quite warm to Disco, but lately I have been listening to a bit of non-disco Bee Gees.
One of the things that really interests me is the progression of artists through the various stages, influences and groups. You find things like Jimmy Page (great session musician before branching out to the Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin) playing guitar on Brenda Lee records, or 60s teen idol Gene Pitney playing piano on Rolling Stones songs. . I don't see myself progressing much beyond the 80s in terms of musical tastes and into the more modern era....but never say never. I thought that "Yeah, Yeah , Yeah" stuff was pretty ordinary when I first heard it ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 04, 2024, 02:33:10 am
One of my oldest friends - I'll rephrase that - A friend I have known since she was 18 has a daughter who is a very successful singer/songwriter. The daughter studied music all through secondary school and is an accomplished saxophonist and guitarist. She formed a garage band at school and they enjoyed such success that pub venues had to have special events for them to play because they were all under 18. She left the band to pursue a solo career and now spends much of the year touring in Australia, the USA, UK and Europe. That's despite not appearing on "talent quests/reality TV" or pelvic thrusting in a leather bikini. She is just a very talented musician with the ability to write songs that appeal to her peers.
And yes ... I have been the oldest person at her concerts!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaA0YgnFHl8
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: shawny on December 04, 2024, 08:34:25 am
Sadly true musicians and rock bands like Pink Floyd, The Who, The Doors, Queen, Rolling Stones, Zed Zeppelin, Springsteen, Bowie etc are unlikely to be seen again once they all gone.
There are many others from that great era that I've missed but that era gave us rare talents who could write their own music and/or were the very best using a instrument and seeing them live was an experience you would not forget.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 04, 2024, 08:37:27 am
That post of DJC's highlights another aspect of the Music scene...which is probably still relevant with todays artists.
Sometimes it takes 10 or 20 years to be an overnight sensation.
Some of the big acts of the 70s and 80s were session musicians in the 60s and 70s. Bands cut their teeth on the club and pub scene, building a following.
In some cases it's as bizarre as being a member of the Mickey Mouse club. (Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears)
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on December 04, 2024, 09:09:29 am
Many moons ago a close friend asked me what I'd miss most when I carked it and without thinking I said, "Music."
In many respects I feel incredibly lucky that I grew up with 50s, 60s and 70s music. But also loved so much music from the 80s, 90s and early 00s. There was only one kind of music I couldn't relate to and that was country and western. Though country crossover I did love (Gordon Lightfoot etc.). Even so many 'standards' were terrific - Sinatra etc.
Couldn't give a rats clacker as too how 'entertaining', showy or produced the music was, did it have soul ...and invariably realised how soul and talent are/were inseparable.
On reflection, and very biased and personal, my fave bands had real talent in charge of every instrument. For example, every member of Chicago, Beatles, Earth Wind & Fire, Led Zeppelin, Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears, Stones, Style Council, Elton John, ELO, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, U2 and so on, were blessed with every band member having real talent - including superior song writers!
Singling out Chicago - multiple quality vocalists, a rarity now. Jimmy Hendrix was once asked which lead guitarist inspired him and he responded with Terry Kath (Chicago) who he thought was the best in the world!
When we listen to exceptional talent we can't (big assumption from me here) help but feel admiring and connected.
And when it comes to vocalists I still think Bobby Hatfield was the very best, and still would be ...blue-eyed soul he was labelled way back then!
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 04, 2024, 10:34:56 am
And when it comes to vocalists I still think Bobby Hatfield was the very best, and still would be ...blue-eyed soul he was labelled way back then!
Any excuse to play a song ;D ;D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0uUtdzy32s
The 1965 version of Unchained Melody is just about always credited as a Righteous Brothers song. But it's a Bobby Hatfield solo.
Apparently Bill Medley lost the toss (They were doing one solo each album.) but Medley did produce the song and played piano so I guess it is a Righteous Brothers song.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 04, 2024, 12:47:31 pm
My niece was a reasonably successful musician who had residential gigs at several large hotels in Australia and Japan. She realised that she couldn’t keep that up forever and became a train driver and a very highly-regarded singing teacher (she’s a psychologist now).
The point to all of this is that she regarded Unchained Melody as one of the most perfect songs of all time and Bobby Hatfield as having one of the purest singing voices.
It’s always worth digging it out of the playlist for another listen, but I can’t help wondering how it would have gone with Bill Medley chiming in with harmonies 🤔
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 04, 2024, 01:19:46 pm
Lots of folks have covered Unchained Melody over the years, but Hatfield's is far and away the best version. It's a great song The funny thing is that even the instrumental versions of it are great tunes.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 04, 2024, 08:17:46 pm
As an example of 'musicians without power'....my 'go to' is Nirvana Unplugged. Complete 180 to anything they were doing at the time, but turned into perhaps their greatest album as a result. You saw a completely different side of them, completely stripped back, 100% delivered.
I've seen Foo Fighters do similar, playing an acoustic set at the Sydney Opera House as the 'acoustic tour' from the double album In Your Honour - (half acoustic / half rock).
Wouldn't be too many 'modern artists' that could pull that off.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: dodge on December 04, 2024, 10:04:57 pm
Krudd are you seriously suggesting that if a singer doesn't have an instrument and/or write their own music they are not a musician?
How many of them wrote their own music? How many of them can play an instrument? Musicians?? Not really
You're kidding or taking the Pi55.
Elvis could play the guitar, but didn't write anything, so is he a muso? All the Motown hits - Diana Ross and the Supremes, nah they only sang so they can't be musos. The first violin the in MSO didn't write Beethoven's Fifth - not a muso as they can only play the violin.
Writing music is hard and a very different skill to playing it. Writing commercial pop is very hard. Even harder when you can't read it (Beatles, Hendrix, Clapton).
Bieber plays the piano, but doesn't write music - is he a muso or not? Miley Cyrus the same. Different styles of music can be appreciated by the same person. Nothing wrong with liking Spice Girls (dubious talent) and Nirvana.
Would Bob Dylan make it today? He probably has, given the number of people he has inspired.
But imo the whole industry changed mid-late 90s But this is what music does. It draws and inspires from different cultures and thinking, cultural issues, development of instruments and creation of new instruments, the growth and change of artists outlooks (Nick Cave's Birthday Party stuff v his Boatman's Call album). Bach was popular music of his time, as was Mozart, Joplin, Louis Armstrong etc. The 60s would be hard to imagine without its music - that was a pretty big change. As was the idea of musos getting compensated properly for their recordings.
They do say that in many cases your music tastes get 'stuck' once you hit your 30s.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Thryleon on December 04, 2024, 10:20:54 pm
I'm going to summarise a little. Video killed the radio star.
Ugly stars still make it. Sports is much the same. Ugly players don't get the accolades.
As for talent, it comes in all shapes. I don't care for a lot of it, but even auto tune has its place, same with loops, same with beats.
These people are creative entertainers. They fuse beats and melodies in ways others haven't before. That doesn't mean they couldn't do it without the electronics, it would be more challenging.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on December 05, 2024, 08:32:10 am
Lots of folks have covered Unchained Melody over the years, but Hatfield's is far and away the best version. It's a great song The funny thing is that even the instrumental versions of it are great tunes.
Virtually impossible to tell the difference between the studio version and the live version. Though the live version strings were also amazing.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 05, 2024, 09:52:57 am
Lots of folks have covered Unchained Melody over the years, but Hatfield's is far and away the best version. It's a great song The funny thing is that even the instrumental versions of it are great tunes.
Virtually impossible to tell the difference between the studio version and the live version. Though the live version strings were also amazing.
I was talking more about some of the big orchestra covers of the song, sometimes by symphony orchestras.
One of the features of 'Unchained Melody' is the use of strings. Lots of 60s songs had this 'musical interlude' featuring violins, cellos etc
Burt Bacharach who was one of the premier songwriters of the period used strings extensively in his compositions. They have that kind of emotional, sometimes uplifting, aspect. I'm not familiar enough with modern music to say they're not used very much, but I'm guessing thats the case.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on December 05, 2024, 10:14:21 am
Virtually impossible to tell the difference between the studio version and the live version. Though the live version strings were also amazing.
I was talking more about some of the big orchestra covers of the song, sometimes by symphony orchestras.
One of the features of 'Unchained Melody' is the use of strings. Lots of 60s songs had this 'musical interlude' featuring violins, cellos etc
Burt Bacharach who was one of the premier songwriters of the period used strings extensively in his compositions. They have that kind of emotional, sometimes uplifting, aspect. I'm not familiar enough with modern music to say they're not used very much, but I'm guessing thats the case.
Bacharach/David, now there was a songwriting duo.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 05, 2024, 02:24:53 pm
I recently rediscovered Astrud Gilberto ... and I realised why my older brothers were so enraptured by her in the mid 1960s :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVdaFQhS86E
Interestingly, Astrud wasn't a professional singer but volunteered to sing a duet with her husband. That launched her career as the face of bossa nova but also led to her manipulation and exploitation by the music industry.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 05, 2024, 04:59:31 pm
Krudd are you seriously suggesting that if a singer doesn't have an instrument and/or write their own music they are not a musician?
How many of them wrote their own music? How many of them can play an instrument? Musicians?? Not really
You're kidding or taking the Pi55.
Elvis could play the guitar, but didn't write anything, so is he a muso? All the Motown hits - Diana Ross and the Supremes, nah they only sang so they can't be musos. The first violin the in MSO didn't write Beethoven's Fifth - not a muso as they can only play the violin.
Writing music is hard and a very different skill to playing it. Writing commercial pop is very hard. Even harder when you can't read it (Beatles, Hendrix, Clapton).
Bieber plays the piano, but doesn't write music - is he a muso or not? Miley Cyrus the same. Different styles of music can be appreciated by the same person. Nothing wrong with liking Spice Girls (dubious talent) and Nirvana.
Would Bob Dylan make it today? He probably has, given the number of people he has inspired.
But imo the whole industry changed mid-late 90s But this is what music does. It draws and inspires from different cultures and thinking, cultural issues, development of instruments and creation of new instruments, the growth and change of artists outlooks (Nick Cave's Birthday Party stuff v his Boatman's Call album). Bach was popular music of his time, as was Mozart, Joplin, Louis Armstrong etc. The 60s would be hard to imagine without its music - that was a pretty big change. As was the idea of musos getting compensated properly for their recordings.
They do say that in many cases your music tastes get 'stuck' once you hit your 30s.
*deep breath*
Music changed in the 90's because fo technology. Singers don't need to be able to hold a tune nowadays. Auto-tune will fix it. Most of the time, the producers do it without even telling the artist.
So.....if the singers don't write their own music......and they can't sing without autotune fixing it....and they don't play an instrument.....what about them makes them a musician? Artist, entertainer....sure. Musician? Not really. I'm not sure what you have a beef with calling someone an artist or an entertainer rather than a musician. Does that have bad connotations in your mind?
Elvis was one of the best entertainers of all time. Nobody would call him one of the best musicians of all time though would they. .....and believe me, my parents were obsessed to the point that i bare his middle name as tribute......but even they agree with me.
"Writing commercial pop is hard?" I could go into great detail here, but its best sumamrised by the following.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pidokakU4I
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 06, 2024, 12:34:27 am
This my mate Craig's band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOIsj2eh8uk
Apart from writing the classic track, "Bruce Doull's got a new headband" (Bruce bought all of the records sold), Craig opened the batting with Bill Lawry at Northcote and played on Bobby Skilton in a practice match.
Try telling Craig that he's not a musician!
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on December 06, 2024, 08:35:46 am
Musician Rick Beato here talking about the decline in music quality and creativity. He kind of summarises much of what we've been discussing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bZ0OSEViyo
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: dodge on December 06, 2024, 10:22:02 am
My apologies to everyone on the forum for keeping this going. My last post on it.
Funnily enough, I thought that Krudds' you tube link was going to be - David Bennett Piano, Jack Black or Tripod - same premise, or Rick Beato. Now because a three chord progression is common, it makes music easy to write. OK, off you go. I'll give you the notes for free based on C Major - C chord is C E, G, F Chord is F, A, C, G CHord is G, B, D, with the G7th (F) thrown in to progress back to F then C. Time signature is most likely to be 4 4 or common time. 4 bars of C, 2 of F, 2 of C, 1 of G, 1 of F, 2 of C. But - there are 12 different keys to choose from just with this form, and the different keys give different tones/sounds - depth of register and person singing it/instruments playing it, mood of the song and other considerations.
An assertion was made that you can be an entertainer/artist or musician - not both - and need to meet 3 criteria to be a musician. It is like you can't be an engineer if you don't do more than one discipline (eg civil only, you're not an engineer, you need electrical as well). The stance is now the Elvis wasn't a great musician so there is a qualification.
I have a feeling that the reference to modern music relates to current top 40, but as that wasn't defined the discussion has to be broader.
Music changes and evolves. We have developed our ears over centuries to cope with pianos being made out of tune - it's a physics wave length thing - and quite interesting. We have developed instruments - valves on brass instruments started happening in the early 1800s - that made playing brass easier - wonder if older players back then thought it's too easy with valves.
There are some amazing bands/musos/songwriters that are mentioned by all and remembered in various threads when they have died. Krudd - you say that you were listening to Nirvana when Spice Girls were shoved down our throats. I was listening and discovering (to me) amazing New Orleans jazz - current and old and it's variants - blue grass etc while others were having Nirvana shoved down their throat.
As has been said, music is generational, subjective and personal. Be broad minded about it, listen to stuff you don't normally - I often pick an artist or theme, spotify comes up with a playlist. If it is an artist, I listen to them (eg This is Chris Isaak) and then listen to the next playlist (Chris Isaak Radio) - then you hear a whole heap of similar music by different artists, a lot that you don't know. It is a rewarding thing - and leads to some great rabbit holes.
In the meantime, we can all laugh about Shut up your face being a number one in the 80s.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 06, 2024, 04:35:58 pm
Couple of points that i'd like to straighten out as it appears to be lost amongst the generalising.
1. I never said musicians can't be entertainers as well. I said there are plenty of entertainers and artists, that i wouldn't call musicians. Regards to Elvis, he was a great entertainer, but wasn't doing anything revolutionary with his guitar. As Chubbs' from Happy Gilmore would say....."It's all in the hips".
2. I wasn't specifically talking about top 40 (honestly, couldn't tell you whats on it as i don't listen to it), but the majority of this discussion was based around that....but it is a little broader than that.
3. I did say there were exceptions. I'm not talking about classical, jazz or anything too far outside of 'pop music' in terms of talents. Those guys (and girls.....and 'others') are true musicians. As mentioned originally, those guys don't need power to play and modify (read fix/imrpove upon) what they do. They qualify.
4. re Nirvana vs Spice Girls..... It was about musical talent. Not about what you were listening too or avoiding. The spice girls were pushed upon people (outside of their music) with ads, movies etc. All of this outside of music.....which is my point.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: LP on December 06, 2024, 04:39:06 pm
Amy Winehouse died in 2011, and I'd still probably have her the No.1 and most influential female artist of the 2000s!
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 06, 2024, 04:39:47 pm
Musician Rick Beato here talking about the decline in music quality and creativity. He kind of summarises much of what we've been discussing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bZ0OSEViyo
Watched plenty of Rick Beato's stuff no youtube. Not sure i've seen that one before though. Perhaps would've been easier if i had, i could've posted the link and been done with it as he basically says the exact same thing i was trying to say. Even highlights early 2000's as the turning point, but at the same time using Cher's Believe as some reasoning behind it. That came out in 1998. I stated things changed mid-late 90's.
Nobody has to believe me. Nobody has to agree. But just be aware, that there are plenty of others who do agree and someone with Rick Beatos cred should be listened too.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 06, 2024, 04:40:26 pm
Couple of points that i'd like to straighten out as it appears to be lost amongst the generalising.
1. I never said musicians can't be entertainers as well. I said there are plenty of entertainers and artists, that i wouldn't call musicians. Regards to Elvis, he was a great entertainer, but wasn't doing anything revolutionary with his guitar. As Chubbs' from Happy Gilmore would say....."It's all in the hips".
2. I wasn't specifically talking about top 40 (honestly, couldn't tell you whats on it as i don't listen to it), but the majority of this discussion was based around that....but it is a little broader than that.
3. I did say there were exceptions. I'm not talking about classical, jazz or anything too far outside of 'pop music' in terms of talents. Those guys (and girls.....and 'others') are true musicians. As mentioned originally, those guys don't need power to play and modify (read fix/imrpove upon) what they do. They qualify.
4. re Nirvana vs Spice Girls..... It was about musical talent. Not about what you were listening too or avoiding. The spice girls were pushed upon people (outside of their music) with ads, movies etc. All of this outside of music.....which is my point.
Good points and fair-enough too, K.
Point 1. Yep, Elvis was no Hendrix on the geeeetar, but holy mackerel, he had a magnificent voice - and that's an instrument. 2. Yep, most of the discussion is about the mainstream. Likewise, wouldn't have a clue what the top 10, 20, 40 or 100 is! 3. 100% same page. 4. Nirvana vs Spice Girls... I just laughed. Yet I have enjoyed music from both but a certain 'standards and expectations adjustment' has to take place.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Baggers on December 06, 2024, 04:55:33 pm
Amy Winehouse died in 2011, and I'd still probably have her the No.1 and most influential female artist of the 2000s!
Important observation, Spotted One. Yours truly has a very special appreciation for great vocalists. Other amazing female vocalists: Ann Wilson, Janis Joplin, so many Tamla Motown artists, Stevie Nicks etc.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 06, 2024, 04:59:17 pm
Amy Winehouse died in 2011, and I'd still probably have her the No.1 and most influential female artist of the 2000s!
What a loss she was! I probably didn't really start listening to Amy until after she died. Amy was a very serious musician who spent a great deal of time listening to and researching the great female singers of the 20th century.
We could probably have a "Musicians who died in their prime" thread. Jesse Younan would have to be right up there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHDf8_ebhcY
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: LP on December 06, 2024, 05:09:47 pm
From a performance perspective quantity and ownership is no measure of quality, hard to pick one and I'd say it waxes and wanes with mood, which is unique to special artists. Probably Back to Black, but I saw her perform live in Kingston, London.
Love is a Losing Game was also good, and a cover of Valerie I really liked, rest are a bit of a raffle, but that doesn't diminish her influence.
The live or acoustic stuff is very different from the pop people find on Youtube, much of it is a one off, although there is a great Back to Black acoustic solo on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1TQRJWLZ3s Band wise I saw Portishead live in the UK as well, back then and earlier the UK music had much of the globe easily covered in the my opinion. I was lucky back then I was in and out of Europe 3 or 4 times a year. Probably the best gig I've been to was Nick Cave Live in Dusseldorf, he sang in German I couldn't understand a thing and it probably made the concert even better! I saw him again in Melbourne at the Regent with the Dirty Three which was also special.
Greatest regret is I missed seeing Pink Floyd live, I had to come home after a longish trip but could have got tickets if I'd stayed an extra 3 or 4 days. My associates stayed and still talk about it.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 06, 2024, 05:13:26 pm
Never been a fan of Amy, and only song of hers i know for sure is Valerie, and thats because i was a big fan of The Zutons who did it first, only a year or so before! I have occassionally forced myself to listen, but it just hasn't happened.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: LP on December 06, 2024, 05:30:18 pm
Seen some modern singers live as well, tend to prefer venues with grundgy carpet and the long lingering smell of cigarette butts. Before she was famous Lorde would sing at cafe's around the Auckland waterfront, her old man was her the roadie and chauffeur, The kid was good then, probably better than modern pop music permits her to be now. Not a overly big fan of US music, but saw Amanda Palmer live at the Speigeltent and thought she was quite good, much to my families disgust! But she is not acrobatics and laser beams like the US performers, basically sits at a piano and bangs out tunes like Elton John, dressed a bit like him as well! ;D
On Elton John, there was a bloke around Melbourne years ago who use to do live cover gigs in tiny little venues, I can't remember his name, he was a cracking performer, it can be hard to imagine how they don't have some success outside of the cover gigs.
Queen Works tour was good, Mercury was just on another level, The Cure was good as well.
Liked bits and pieces of Crowded House as well, but probably because back then we all drank at the same pub, so it has an influence.
Only music I can't get into is Country, don't ask me why, can't stand it.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on December 06, 2024, 05:32:54 pm
Amy Winehouse died in 2011, and I'd still probably have her the No.1 and most influential female artist of the 2000s!
Never got the hype on Amy, preferred Lana Del Ray as a bit more interesting to listen too and for pure singing ability no one comes close to Floor Jansen of Nightwish imho.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: kruddler on December 06, 2024, 06:12:42 pm
Amanda Palmer is the main half of the Dresden Dolls which i saw live many years ago. Wasn't huge on them when the wife bought us (and friends) tickets, but after swatting up leading up to the concert, i'm now a bigger fan than anyone else. Even in spite of the hairy armpits on display, she's good value.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: DJC on December 06, 2024, 06:19:13 pm
My apologies to everyone on the forum for keeping this going. My last post on it.
Nothing to apologise about Dodge, and please post again and as often as you like.
I think that there's a tendency to consider the music that you heard in your formative years as the best of all time.
I had three older brothers and their tastes ranged from classical symphony to jazz, bossa nova, orchestral pop, Harry Belafonte, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Gene Vincent, Elvis, Dionne Warwick, and Margaret Roadnight. I hit my teens as the British rock scene took off and the first record I bought was The Who's My Generation. The B side was an instrumental tune called Waltz for a Pig, and I can remember my oldest brother, the classical musician, playing along on his saxophone.
I got to see the Stones (twice), Led Zeppelin (best concert ever!), Chuck Berry, Joe Cocker, Billy Joel, Joan Armatrading, Gary Glitter (cough), Tommy, etc, etc . It was a golden era for Australian bands with Chain, Bay City Union, the Aztecs, Easybeats, Spectrum/Murtceps, Daddy Cool, Doug Parkinson, Madder Lake, Carson, the Dingoes, Wendy Saddington and many more playing at local dances, discos and pubs. My discharge from the Army came through the week before the second Sunbury festival and that was awesome, even if I was a little self conscious about being the only cove there with a short back and sides haircut.
My musical tastes have broadened exponentially from my almost exclusively rock, R&B and blues teenage years and, like Dodge, I will pick an artist, theme or genre and focus on that until something else piques my interest. Blues is still right up there but I may binge on folk, country and western, African, Tibetan throat singers, zydeco, bluegrass, Scottish tribal, traditional Celtic, or orchestral music. Currently I'm flipping between covers of Warren Zevon's songs, Dust Rhinos, John Hammond performing Tom Waits tracks, Bonnie Rait, the Pogues, Kentucky Headhunters, Tinariwen, Liz Stringer, the Pigram Brothers and whoever pops up on re-runs of Jools Holland.
I should point out that, while most of my family are musical, the only things I can play are CDs, vinyl, an iPod and streaming services. I am in awe of anyone who can create music, or should I say most music; I don't rate EDM, some hip hop and those folk who wail their hearts out on "reality" TV. In that context, I don't think that someone like Mia Dyson or Alex Lahey is any less of a musician or entertainer than Joan Baez or Aretha Franklin.
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: Lods on December 06, 2024, 06:24:34 pm
On Elton John, there was a bloke around Melbourne years ago who use to do live cover gigs in tiny little venues, I can't remember his name, he was a cracking performer, it can be hard to imagine how they don't have some success outside of the cover gigs.
Funny thing about Elton. He cut his teeth on just that, doing those old cover versions of popular songs of the day, as a session musician and back-up vocalist.
Only music I can't get into is Country, don't ask me why, can't stand it.
Haven't listenened to the right Country music! Until recently I would have said the same. I'm enjoying the lightness of it and some of them are incredible musos. There is plenty that I don't like!
In the early 90s - there is massive cross over between many genres - country rock is probably my least favorite (Garth Brooks). I read a CD review of someone who I had never heard of, but bought the CD on the review. Absolute gold, probably not country, but by a country singer - Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball.
Go on a little You tube trip - a couple of suggestions... - Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow - Two more bottles of wine (or Gill and Emmylou Harris) - Gill, Clapton, Crow, Albert Lee - Tulsa Time - Clapton et al - Lay down Sally (Crossroads 2010) - Josh Turner and Randy Travis - Your Man (if you want a hot film clip - just look at the Josh Tuner version. Not as good as Chris - Isaak's Wicked Game). Song itself is daggy cheesy - but plenty seem to like it. - Me and Bobby McGee - Crow and Kristofferson (or the more famous Janis Joplin version) - Harris (again) - her version of Chuck Berry's C'est la vie You Never can tell.
Jealous about Portishead - the great period known by my friends as horny music!
Title: Re: The Music Thread
Post by: dodge on January 13, 2025, 12:14:30 pm
Tommy Emmanuael and Rick Beato - 50 mins but what an unbelievably great guitarist Tommy still is. An Australian legend.