NanciNet Digest 12-09-97
// Top Tens! Top Tens! - MF
From: Robert Pugsley (rmp6@leicester.ac.uk)
Subject: Top Ten Prize
Hello everybody,
Lots of top tens flooding my mailbox but there's plenty of
room in there for more, and remember you've got until next
Monday to make your choices.
In response to the various calls for people posting them up
for all to see and the need to have a composite list I just
want to say that (obviously) people can do what they like
with their lists (!), and I certainly don't want to stop anyone
posting anything, BUT some folks have said that they don't
want to post to the whole thing and have just sent me their
lists. Both things are fine as far as I am concerned. If you
post them to the whole list I get 'em, if they come to me
I get 'em...this isn't an either/or option, you can do both!
OK, hope that's clear.
Someone asked me who is in the lead...well I'll leave that to
you to guess, but it don't take much figurin'!
Thanks to all who have posted so far, and keep 'em coming...
Best wishes
Robert (Pugsley)
_________________________________________________________________
From: Robert Pugsley (rmp6@leicester.ac.uk)
Subject: Top Ten Prize (oops!)
Dear All,
....so you're all thinking, what about the prize?
I'm glad you mentioned that. I forgot to say in my last post
that I was going to give out a prize. Shawn told me that he
gave out one last year (Kate Campbell's fabulous Moonpie
CD), so I reckon I should do the same.
I will send a copy of "Spice World" the new Spice Girls CD to
the first...only joking...I will put all the lists in a large box
and pick out one at random and they will be sent the top album.
Should they already have this I will send them the second, if they
already have this...well you get the idea...I might even dig out
some old piece of Nanci memorabilia (is that spelt right?) to go
with it...
So even more reasons to send in your lists NOW!!!!
Thanks for your time.
Robert (Pugsley)
_________________________________________________________________
From: bobmcbob@clubhouse.email.net
Subject: Austin City Limits
The Townes Van Zandt tribute taped Sunday night for Austin City Limits was a
real treat. I've been under the weather and almost didn't go. Glad I changed
my mind.
Imagine a ring of chairs on the stage filled by Peter Rowen, Steve Earle,
Nanci G., J.T. Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Rodney
Crowell, Lyle Lovett, and Jack "Cowboy" Clinton (he produced Townes' first
album).
Nanci of course said "Tecumseh Valley," but I think the nicest moment was the
show closer when she harmonized with Emmylou as the whole group kicked in on
"White Freightliner Blues."
J.T. Van Zandt was haunting as he sang "Ira Hayes." He looks very much like
Townes and sounds quite a bit like his father as well. The other performers
seemed genuinely moved by his performance.
The show is supposed to run March 21. Mark those calendars. Oh, I sat
directly behind Nanci, and I swear she turned around at one point and smiled
at me. She and Steve Earle were kidding around with each other all night.
They really seemed to enjoy each other's company.
later--bob
_________________________________________________________________
From: "Tim Gibbons" (timgibb@together.net)
Subject: Re: Musings
I've been saving this post to respond to it when I had my first chance, =
which is now.
Beth had written...
> Just reading some of the posts about Blue Roses from the Moon - when =
I first bought it, I had a non-reaction to it.
Well, I did have a reaction to it and it wasn't good. I looked forward =
to hearing the cd and bought it the day it was released. The first time =
I played BRFTM was like the first itme I heard LNGH after Storms. Nanci =
shift gears on us once again.
> In fact, after purchasing it, I didn't listen to it again until the =
day I saw her in concert. In concert, however, >I gained new apprecia=
tion for the songs. Still, I haven't listened to the album much at all.
You took the words right out of my mouth! "Battlefield" I thought was =
a terrible song. I liked it better in concert but still it is skipped =
when I play the CD.
There seems to be a lack of continuity on BRFTM. There is no real flow =
to the album. IMO it is her weakest effort to date.
I will say that the concert I saw this tour in support of the album was =
great! She is one of the few artists that you have to experience live =
to fully appreciate her warmth and ability to create truly personable con=
cert experience.
Tim G.
_________________________________________________________________
From: "Stucker, Angela D." (Angela.D.Stucker@Allison.com)
Subject: My Discoveries (LBJ and Dar)
While I've been sequestered here in Digest-land (and hastily working on
my top ten list), I have made a couple of discoveries recently that I
would like to share with you.
First, at a flea market last week, I found an LBJ campaign button that
flashes between "LBJ for the USA" and a picture of LBJ (just like
Nanci's! - I think!?!). I'm excited about it. It is a great piece of
memorabilia. Now if only I had a guitar strap . . .
My other discovery, a more significant and life-impacting one, has been
Dar Williams.
I've read so much about her on this list, but I had not had that
existential experience myself. A few weeks ago, I heard that Dar was
coming to our area on my husband's and my anniversary, so I thought I
would see what I could find out about her and if I would like her.
To my good fortune, there was a live Dar concert on JamTV's web site.
As I listened to the first song, I knew I had found something special
and important. Her words are brilliant, and she has such a beautiful
voice. I was in awe; grateful that I had finally "found" her, and
dismayed that it had taken me so long. Thank you all for your
recommendations that finally helped me discover her.
Since then, I have listened to that concert many times, and I have
purchased two of Dar's CDs ( "Mortal City" and "End of the Summer"), and
I have tickets for her upcoming concert in Bloomington, Indiana. I am
really enjoying this beautiful new music that I have found. Dar is just
too cool!!
Angela Stucker
Now Playing: Dar Williams -- End of the Summer
_________________________________________________________________
From: Dianne Miller (Dianne.Miller@mail.house.gov)
Subject: Top 10 for 1997
Happy holidays to all. I've already sent this to Robert, but decided to
share my picks with you. I, too, was surprised to find that most of the
music in heavy rotation on my CD player this year was released in 1996. In
no particular order:
1. Robert Earl Keen -- Picnic. I'm surprised more of you haven't mentioned
this Austin-based friend-of-Nanci as one of your favorites. When he was at
the Birchmere last month, he paid tribute to her in his awesome (i.e., not a
dry eye in the house) rendition of "I Would Change My Life." Stand-out
tracks on Picnic are James McMurtry's "Levelland," "Runnin' With the Night,"
"Oh Rosie," and "Over the Waterfall." It's not too late to ask Santa to
leave this one in your stocking!
2. Patty Larkin -- Perishable Fruit. If you heard her on E-Town (recorded
here at the Birchmere!), you know she had a lot of fun making this record.
She uses technology to produce some really cool special effects, but this is
NOT a computer-generated album. My favorite tracks are "The Road," "You and
Me," and "Rear View Mirror" -- a song that captures the moment when you
realize that a relationship you've put a lot of effort into isn't going to work
3. John Jennings -- Buddy. His "debut" concert at the Barns of Wolf Trap
last Marc was one of the most enjoyable I've ever seen. We (the audience)
were entirely incidental -- it was essentially a bunch of old friends up on
stage having a blast. Mary Chapin Carpenter graced the stage for a good
portion of the show (including a memorable "I Got You Babe" as the final
encore). Best tracks on the album: "Walking to China," "Night Will Fall,"
and "Do You Want Me."
4. Richard Shindell -- Reunion Hill. This might be my favorite record this
year. He toured with Dar Williams this summer and then went to Europe with
Joan Baez. Though I love the entire album, standouts are the title track
(also recorded by Ms. Baez -- it's amazing that a man could write such a
poignent song from a woman's point of view), "The Next Best Western" (anyone
who's been on a cross-country road trip will understand), and "Do You Want Me."
5. Dar Williams -- The End of Summer. A lot of folks were disappointed
with this record because it was so "produced" in comparison with her first
two records. I don't understand this complaint -- she sounds great, her
band sounds great, and the songs work well together on the album. IMO,
"What Do You Hear in These Sounds" is her best song.
6. John Prine -- Live on Tour. Worth it if only for the rockin' live
version of "Lake Marie." I can't wait for his solo tour with Nanci next year.
7. Pat McGee Band -- Revel. A local (Richmond, VA-based) group who you'll
hopefully hear more from. Their sound is a lot like Dave Matthews or Blues
Traveller. This is a fun record -- I put it on when I'm cleaning the house
and need something to keep my energy up. Go see them live -- they're
graduating from the bar circuit and playing venues like the Birchmere and
the Barns.
8. Tom Russell -- The Long Way Around. An excellent retrospective of an
incredible career. I know this is heresy, but I like his version of
"Outbound Plane" better than Nanci's (this is not a small statement -- it's
one of my top five Nanci songs). My other favorite is his duet w/ Iris
DeMent on "Box of Visions."
9. James McMurtry -- The Long Way Around. Not his best effort, but still
worthy of a listen. He's so cynical!
10. Cliff Eberhart -- 12 Songs of Good and Evil. I liked Mona Lisa Cafe
better, but this one is pretty good.
I wish I could have listed the Carol Noonan Band's "The Only Witness" and
REM's "New Adventures in Hi-Fi" on my Top 10, but these discs were in my CD
player when it was stolen last month and I never got to listen to them all
the way through. I plan to replace them (along w/ Stone Country and Michael
Lille's "Middle Child" which would have made my top 10 from last year) as
soon as the Christmas season is over and I can start spending money on
myself again.
People I'm looking forward to hearing from in 1998: Ellis Paul, Susan
Werner, Cheryl Wheeler, The Kennedys, Gillian Welch, Nanci Griffith....
All the best in the new year,
Dianne
_________________________________________________________________
From: Sarah Sloan (sarah.ahfh@netrange.com)
Subject: New Music to Enjoy
If you like Nance I do believe you will enjoy Patty Griffin and I second the
posting regarding Trish Muphy.
_________________________________________________________________
From: MELPITTS (MELPITTS@aol.com)
Subject: I hope I'm not too late.......(not a lot of Nanci)
I was an occasional contributor to this group obsession a while back, until
work and new Grandchild took my time.
I am a 46 year old Director of a confectionery company in Central United
Kingdom, and have been obsessed with Nanci for some years. After 27 years of
marriage, my wife thinks of her as "the other woman".
I recently started "lurking" again, and am glad to see the same sorts of
preoccupations still exist, even after Nanci decided not to come and see us
again in England. I hope it wasn't something we said.
I don't know if I'm too late for our American friends who will have had an
earlier release date, but I have just completely fallen for a new CD from Beth
Nielsen Chapman called "Sand and Water".
Written in the weeks after her husband's death, this album contains some
deeply personal songs sung with a voice as clear as crystal, on occasion
accompanied by Bonnie Raitt and Michael McDonald.
I cannot recommend this too highly as for Nanci fans who I am sure will
appreciate the quality of craftmanship which has gone into this recording, as
well as the depth of emotion which it must have taken to write the songs.
I know this reads like an ad - but I'm not on a percentage. I just felt that
something that was capable of moving a bitter and twisted, cynical soul like
mine deserved an audience among people who would appreciate it.
Sorry for taking your time,
Mel Pitts
_________________________________________________________________
From: SPINYN (SPINYN@aol.com)
Subject: Top Ten for 1997
Top Ten CD's of 1997
Here is my kinda wide-ranging list, but, hey, it's what I listened to and
liked this year!
1. Time Out Of Mind - Bob Dylan
Hands down, Record Of The Year. This is the difference between artistry and
producta completely personal statement, with no vain attempt to be
contemporary. This is a deep and mysterious work, the words seeming to come up
from the ground, the sound full of Daniel Lanois' trademark "foreground and
background information". I'd call Bob Artist Of The Year, as well, for his
recent run of strong live shows and the honors he's received. The upcoming
show in NYC with Van Morrisonoh, my God!
2. The Healing Game - Van Morrison
Van's best album in years, bound to be even better live. Like Dylan, Van just
continues to do what he doesthere it is, take it or leave it. He combines the
cerebral, the sexual, the mystical almost without trying to, it just comes so
naturally from his rugged soul. Rough God Goes Riding, indeed (and someone
please tell me what "Burning Ground" is about).
3. A Few Small Repairs - Shawn Colvin
If I had a dime for everytime I heard "When Sunny Comes Home" wafting thru the
air Never got tired of this album, glad for all it has done for Shawn.
4. Love Scenes - Diana Krall
This young singer has taken the jazz world by storm, with good reason. She
brings a sultry sensuality to what she does and a great respect for the
tradition. Her appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival this year was
unbelievable, you were literally watching a Star being born.
5. Blue Roses For The Moons - Nanci Griffith
I like this so much more than I thought I would. To me, it's a worthy follow-
up to "Flyer", which I loved. Its got a couple of my new fav Nanci tunes, both
of which mention roses.
6. Hourglass - James Taylor
This is such an excellent CD. Again, someone who stays true to what they do.
His version of his brother's "Boatman" kills me.
7. Lemme Play With Your Poodle - Marcia Ball
Her date in San Francisco was the best thing I saw in a club all year (Irma
Thomas at her juke joint in New Orleans was last year) and this is probably
her best work. Covering Randy Newman's "Louisiana 1927" was a great idea.
8. Vivaldi: Concertos for Diverse Instruments - Philharmonia Baroque
Ensemble
Just a lovely work by this Bay Area ensemble. Sheer aural beauty.
9. Porgy And Bess - Joe Henderson
Joe assembled a wonderful combo on this and though hardly revolutionary, there
is a nice ensemble feel throughout.
10. The Shaming Of The Sun - Indigo Girls
This is here less for the CD itself (although "Shame On You" is one of the
best singles of the year), rather as the foundation for their stunning live
show. Their show at Berkeley's Greek Theater this summer was the best concert
I saw all year.
Also, a quick nod to the Rolling Stones. Hype aside, they remain as vital a
live act as ever. The soundcheck I saw in Oakland was so cool, the Stones
ambling onstage, all long coats and fags, slipping into a Chuck Berry groove
like falling off a log. And hearing "19th Nervous Breakdown" in the show,
sounding like 1965 again, was a true moment. To me, it's the sound of the
band, Charlie's drums and the riffing guitars, unchanged in 30 years, the band
I loved as a kid still functioning powerfully today. The new CD ain't on the
list (not even in the house), but the live act was stirring.
Mark Grissom
Berkeley, CA
_________________________________________________________________
From: jcq@ABPEDS.ORG
Subject: The 1980 tape: how to get one
Okay, here's the plan:
The circa 1980 tape of Nanci performing in a bar will be available from
Bob Ivers and Dennis Ford. As most of you know, Bob is the person
who is making copies of those Nanci video compilations. He will be
making the 1980 tape available along with the video packages he is
preparing to send out.
So the way this will work is, if you want the 1980 tape added to the
video compilation you have already requested, you can get this through
Bob. He has asked me to request that you please DO NOT send him any
e-mail reminding him that you want the videos. He has already received
114 requests, and is preparing to e-mail all of those people with the
details of adding the 1980 tape to the package.
If you want to obtain a copy of the 1980 cassette ONLY, then you will
need to contact Dennis Ford. His e-mail address is:
dford7@juno.com
Those of you who have requested the tape from me over the last week
will need to make new requests to Bob or Dennis. (Again, if you've
already contacted Bob about the videos, wait for him to send you his
memo before doing anything else.) They will give you the details of how
they want to proceed.
Let's all be sure to thank these two guys for taking on this task during
this busy time of the year.
If any of you have any questions about this, please send me private
e-mail. We do not want to clog up the NN with this stuff.
Jeff Qualls
_________________________________________________________________
From: John Hodges (jqhodges@uclink4.berkeley.edu)
Subject: TOP TEN LIST
1-BOB DYLAN "Time Out of Mind": Without a doubt this is my favorite of
1997. Dark, moody, full of despair, this is Dylan at his most
contemplative. A couple years back Bob decided to quit writing new songs,
saying that "there were enough Bob Dylan songs in the world". Thankfully
he had a change of heart or we would never have heard this gem. Many are
comparing it to "Oh Mercy" because of the Lanois production, but it feels
much more similar to "Blood on the Tracks" to me. The tone and mood that
is, not really the sound. But even a morose Dylan can't help throwing in
some of his patented humor in the song "Highlands" (16 minutes of classic
Bob!). "Not Dark Yet" easily stands with the best of Dylan's work.
2-STEVE EARLE "El Corazon". A masterpiece. Perfect. Steve can do no wrong
lately. This album veers from the sheer acoustic beauty of folk songs such
as "Christmas in Washington" ("come back Woody Guthrie, come back to us
now. Tear your eyes from paradise and rise again somehow") to old-timey
bluegrass, to hard rock with the Sub-Pop band the Supersuckers. And it
doesn't hurt to again have Emmylou guesting on a Steve Earle album. Earle
covers more ground in this one album than most musicians do in an entire
career. I can't recommend this one more highly. In any other year this
would have been my number one, but a classic Dylan album is stiff
competition indeed.
3-GREG BROWN "Slant 6 Mind": Fantastic, poetic, Greg just keeps getting
better and better. His voice and his lyrics are perfect matches for one
another. The musicianship on this one is as good as ever. If there was a
label of "folk poet laureate" I think Greg should be in the running.
4-RICHARD BUCKNER "Devotion and Doubt": Thanks to Lisa Day for recommending
Buckner. Dark, moody, mysterious, and poetic lyrics and music. Who could
ask for anything more? And purchased on a certain sunny day in San
Francisco that I will never forget. A dark album bought on a bright day.
:-) This album has one of the most memorable opening lines I can remember:
"He said 'I'll pull you down'. She said, "yeah, I know you will, but i've
been through worse detours and ambulance traps'".
5-DAR WILLIAMS "End of the Summer": This is my least favorite of Dar's, but
still ranks ahead of most everyone else. "What do you hear in these
sounds" and "it's a war in there" are probably my two favorites. Dar has a
way with imagery, painting some of the most captivating pictures in my
head. Also, her cover of "Better Things" never fails to make me sing along.
A hideous thought if you knew my vocal abilities...
6-JONATHA BROOKE "10 Cent Wings": Another album with heartfelt, poetic
lyrics telling tales of love and loss and pain and survival. There's been
talk of Jonatha (and her former band The Story) on this list lately, and it
was through one particular NN'er that I was introduced to her music. So
all i can say is "thanks!".
7-NANCI GRIFFITH "Blue Roses From the Moons": A Texas Singer-Songwriter, I
would recommend this one to y'all. I think she plays with some old rock n'
roll band on this disc, the Beatles maybe? Those one guys who played with
Frank Sinatra on songs like "Peggy Sue". Darius Rucker from Hootie and the
Blowfish sings with Nanci on one song called "Gulf Coast Highway". I think
Hootie did this song originally. They probably got Nanci her record
contract too, but I guess she deserves it. I think she might even have one
or two albums before this, but I'm not sure.
8-PAUL SIMON "Songs from the Capeman": I was apprehensive about a Paul
Simon musical, but there are rewards to be offered by the format. With a
mixture of latin and doo-wop, it feels a bit as if Paul is using the story
of the capeman to explore his musical roots. "Trailways Bus" is a classic,
as is "Killer Wants to go to College". The lyrics are co-written with the
poet Derek Walcott, and the collaboration comes off well. Besides, it's
high time the world had a Paul Simon album with an "Explicit Language"
warning sticker on it.
9-INDIGO GIRLS "Shaming of the Sun": I originally didn't like this one at
all, but it sure has grown on me. Much like Mark Grissom, I was so
impressed with the Greek Theater shows in Berkeley. They have elevated my
opinion of this one, distracting background vocals and all. "Shame on You"
seems destined to be a show closer, perhaps replacing "Closer to Fine". It
really energized the crowd in concert. For those of you who haven't heard
the song, the Indigos will be guesting on "Ellen" sometime in January and
will play "Shame on You". "Get out the Map" is another classic IG song,
with great banjo accompaniment.
10-ROBERT EARL KEEN "Picnic". This one is pretty good overall, but made
the list for one reason: the duet with Margo Timmins (of the Cowboy
Junkies) on "And Then Came Lo Mein", my all-time favorite Chinese food love
song.
Honorable Mentions: Van Morrison "The Healing Game", Son Volt
"Straightaways", Wilco "Being There", Neil Young "Year of the Horse".
Looking forward to releases in the new year from Lucinda, Nanci, and the
Cowboy Junkies (of those that I know have impending releases)
John Hodges
jqhodges@uclink4.berkeley.edu
_________________________________________________________________
From: lbday@siu.edu (Lisa Day)
Subject: top ten
Hey Christmas-listers:
I bought Lucy Kaplansky's Flesh and Bone this summer, and it's definitely
my favorite purchase of the year, but it was released in 1996. It's one of
those run-don't-walk recommendations. Here are my favorite '97 releases,
in order of preference:
1. Kate Campbell - Moonpie Dreams. Kate's a magnificent storyteller,
singer, and guitar player. In nearly every song, she encapsulates the
South like a Eudora Welty short story.
2. Sarah McLachlan - Surfacing. Lyrically, this one is a bit different
from Fumbling Towards Ecstacy. It seems to me that FTE focused on the
energy of a new relationship, while this CD is about established love.
There are no bad cuts on this production, and I think "Full of Grace" might
be my favorite.
3. Nanci Griffith - Blue Roses from the Moons. It rose in my favor after
the Knoxville show.
4. Whiskeytown - Strangers Almanac. This CD has been my surprise favorite
of the year. They're a band out of North Carolina (?), following in the
country-rock tradition of the Uncle Tupelo dynasty of bands. I didn't care
for their first CD at all, but they seem to have grown up and learned how
to use their instruments since then. "Losering" is probably my favorite
cut, but my favorite changes nearly every time I listen to the CD.
5. Richard Buckner - Devotion + Doubt. This CD is another one that I had
anticipated too much after his phenomenal first CD, Bloomed, but it's still
an excellent example of Buckner's moody, poetic lyrics and superb guitar
and harmonica playing. To me, the sound of a harmonica is the epitome of
loneliness.
6. Carrie Newcomer - My Father's Only Son. Carrie is my type of
singer-songwriter. She tells a great story and blends in social messages
without getting didactic. Her vocals are similar to Cheryl Wheeler's
ballad voice.
7. Blue Mountain - Homegrown. This band is my favorite branch of the
Uncle Tupelo family tree. Their lyrics, vocal harmony, and musical
diversity are equally impressive.
8. Dar Williams - End of the Summer. I was slightly disappointed because
of my high expectations, but it's still a good CD. Overall, it's not as
deep lyrically as her other work, but "If I Wrote You," "What Do You Hear
in These Sounds," and "Road Buddy" compensate for a couple of cheesy cuts
on the CD.
9. Amazing Grace, Volume 2 - This CD is a compilation of traditional
gospel tunes sung by country artists with their own spin. I had heard
about Kim Richey from the NanciNet, and after hearing her version of "A
Beautiful Life," she is going to be on my Christmas list. I would love to
see Volume 3 done by folk singer-songwriters with Kate Campbell singing "On
Jordan's Stormy Banks." Wouldn't that be dreamy?
10. Van Morrison - The Healing Game. Gotta love that voice.
Happy listening,
Lisa "Brown-eyed Girl" Day
_________________________________________________________________
From: Exphyle (exphyle@magiccarpet.com)
Subject: Nanci collectable cd
Hi Friends,
This happened one other time. I've come across a very rare collectable
cd. It was released as a promotional package for the "Other Voices Other
Rooms" album. It's a two cd set. It comes packaged in a very delicate
rice-paper outer package that has a photo of someone's (Nanci's?) front
room displayed in a sepia-type tone, with the words "Present Echoes"
printed across it.
Inside that is a nice duo-fold digi-pak that contains a 12 track cd.
Six of the tracks are the original versions of cover songs that Nanci did for
OVOR, performed by the original artists: Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Woody
Guthrie, John Prine, Kate Wolf, and The Weavers. The other six songs are
Nanci's version of those songs as found on OVOR.
There is also picture postcards of those artists, and a postcard of
Nanci as well. Gorgeous package, to say the least. I collect promo cds from
*all* artists as a hobby. If anyone has any cool promo cd's and would care to
trade, I'd love to hear from you. Please e-mail me.
Thanks,
Dan
_________________________________________________________________
From: Halesbop (Halesbop@aol.com)
Subject: '97 favorites
In no particular order-well, I guess I'll alphabetize 'em-my choices for Top
10 cds of this year (based upon the fraction of what came out that I've
actually heard):
Marcia Ball - "Let Me Play With Your Poodle"
Ani Difranco - "Living In Clip"
Jack Ingram - "Livin' Or Dyin'"
Robbie Fulks - "South Mouth"
Robert Earl Keen - "Picnic"
NRBQ - "Tokyo"
Toni Price - "Sol Power"
John Prine - "Live On Tour"
Subdudes - "Live At Last"
Orquestra Was - "Forever's A Long, Long Time"
(So far only released in Japan, the various artists' "Rock And Roll Doc
or- A
Tribute To Lowell George" would have cracked this list if it was available
here. Hopefully in '98) Also, would like to hear from the following next year:
Iris, Lucinda, Los Lobos, Marshall Chapman, Chris Gaffney, the Iguanas,
Zachary Richard, Loudon Wainwright, Dave Alvin and so many others who had no
new "product" in 1997. Again,I can only rate what I've heard, and judging from
the other lists I've seen already I've apparently deprived myself of lots of
good listening. I look forward to doing some catching up in coming months!!
-Steve
_________________________________________________________________
From: james erschen (erschen@flash.net)
Subject: 97 top ten list
I usually wait until Jan. to compile my top ten lists, but here is my
current list for 97':
1)the jayhawks sound of lies
2)whiskeytown stangers almanac
3)matthew ryan may day
4)brad interiors
5)dan bern dan bern
6)cool for august grand world
7)toad the wet sprocket coil
8)james mcmurtry it had to happen
9)nanci griffith blue roses from the moons
10)robert earl keene picnic
_________________________________________________________________
From: TWoodburn (TWoodburn@aol.com)
Subject: Top 10 of the year
Woody's Top 10 in no particular order
Julie Miller "Blue Pony"- In a year when only a few quality "new" artists of
note surfaced, this CD comes as an important release to anyone who cherishes
thoughtful lyrics, original musical ideas and distinctive artistry. It is a
masterpiece and anyone with a passing interest in Nanci Griffith or Iris
DeMent should be hooked after the first listen. Joined on this CD by the
likes of her husband, Buddy Miller, Steve Earle and a talented cast, Julie
delves into many styles and succeeds on almost every count. Hopefully, you
can catch her and Buddy touring with Steve Earle in the U.S. this spring. Buy
it.
Steve Earle "El Corazon"-The revitalization of Steve Earle continues and here
he proves he can take on any style of music and succeed. While not as focused
or insightful as his last release, even his less successful efforts are
noteworthy and better than any of the imitation "tough guy" Nashville drivel
you hear from the "hat"brigade.
Bruce Cockburn "Charity of Night" Who says you lose your spark when you turn
50? This man paints a lush, joyful and sometimes disturbing portrait of the
world and of himself in his most important release in 10 years.
The Songs of Jimmy Rodgers " Tribute" -Outstanding cast of folks. Iris
DeMent, Steve Earle, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Allison Krauss all
do wonderful justice to the deceptively simple and poignant songs of one of
our greatest folk artists.
Buddy Miller "Poison Love"- Soaring country/honky tonk/folk from one of
America's finest guitar players and writers. Just ask Emmy Lou and Steve
Earle.
Lucy Kaplansky "Flesh and Bone"- Her first fully realized effort. Lucy
delivers a stunning variety of styles and great production sound to make a
very listenable CD.
Richard Thompson "Two Words, Live" Official Bootleg- Available only thru
Richard's "company" this chronicles his 1994 band tour. Quite simply, the
most original guitar player on the planet. And such a great writer. Ask any
hotshot guitarist whose done his homework and he'll second the motion.
Greg Brown "Slant 6 Mind"-Bluesy and rootsy work from Mr. Brown.
Squirrel Nut Zippers "Hot"-Great stuff to put on when you just want to rip off
your clothes and dance wildly around the house.
Dick's Picks #8 Grateful Dead, May 2, 1970-For anyone who thought the Dead
went downhill after the 60's, this one barely escapes the date! This is one
of many legendary shows by one of America's under appreciated outfits.
Acoustic and electric sets combine to show the breadth of their musical
knowledge. And if you just don't get it, maybe you never will. If you have
an open mind, give this one a try.
Looking forward to brilliant releases from Clive Gregson, Christine Collister,
T-Bone Burnett, Tonio k, Sam Phillips, John Prine, Nanci Griffith.
By the way, if ANYONE has access to video or audio of Nanci and Richard
Thompson from the "Sessions" program, contact me, Please! We still don't get
it in our city!
TWoodburn@aol.com
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From: early@ix.netcom.com
Subject: Top Ten Prize
Hi. Robert's right: it's hard to choose just ten. In fact, everyone
else's lists have clued me into the fact that I haven't purchased
some of my other favorite artists!
Here's my list:
-------------------------------------------
Nanci Griffith - Blue Roses from the Moons- In love this one.
The Sundays - Static and Silence - Waited 3 yrs for them.
Patty Larkin - Perishable Fruit - Patty is like Nanci: Gold!
Louise Taylor - Ruby Shoes - Chance find: she's great.
Ednaswap - Wacko Magneto - Fem Rock Lead, 10+EnergyFun
Abra Moore - Strange Places - Chance find: great album.
Jonatha Brooke - 10 Cent Wings - Jonatha/Story are/were great.
Beth Nelson Chapman - Sand and Water - She's gold too!
Moxy Fruvous - You Will Go to the Moon - BanjoMandolinPoprock Blend
Sky Cries Mary - Moon Bathing on Sleeping Leaves
- Psychedelic Transdimensional Conjure Rock
Anyways, sorry for the ramble...
Earl
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From: Paul Yamashita (pyama@charm.net)
Subject: best of 1997
Hi everyone:
Not a real top 10 list, but here goes:
FAVORITE ALBUM
Kim Richey, _Bittersweet_
A smart, well-produced collection of country-rock-pop love songs,
_Bittersweet_ isn't quite as good as Richey's remarkable debut album, but
it's still a great disc. This is what Nashville should sound like.
BEST ALBUM COVER
Alison Krauss and Union Station, _So Long, So Wrong_
The cover photo of SLSW features Alison Krauss and Union Station looking
very serious and intent. Put if you pop off the black plastic thingie that
actually holds the disc, you'll find another picture of the band, looking
playful and energetic. Methinks this is a great metaphor for country
music: serious and sad on the surface, but underneath it all is a lot of
joy. The music on this disc is, as usual for Krauss and Union Station,
superb. My biggest complaint is that the material isn't the greatest. If
only Alison could choose songs as well as Emmylou.
BEST DISCOVERY
Johnny Cash, _American Recordings_
Where have I been?!? This spare acoustic album will probably make it to
my "best of the '90's" list. I played this CD on Halloween to frighten
trick-or-treaters. It's not just Cash's inimitable voice that's spooky;
the deftly chosen covers express the torment of a soul haunted by sin and
guilt. _AR_ is a deep, meditative reflection on the costs of being alive.
A great companion piece to Iris DeMent's _My Life_, which also explores
the same themes, but from a markedly different angle.
BEST MUSIC-RELATED BOOK
Nicholas Dawidoff, _In the Country of Country_
For those of you who, like me, are just beginning to explore country
music, this is a great place to start. Dawidoff profiles a number of
country artists from the Carter Family to Buck Owens to Harlan Howard. He
has also interviewed Nanci herself, though she doesn't get her own
chapter like Emmylou Harris.
BEST CHEMICALLY AIDED REVELATION
The woman on the cover of Derek and the Dominos' _Layla_ is actually an
alien in drag. ("Dude! They really *are* here!")
WORST CHEMICALLY AIDED REVELATION
The sound quality on the "remastered" _Layla_ is still awful.
OTHER '97 FAVORITES
Steve Earle, _El Corazon_
A very good CD, but to me at least, it's not as focused nor as urgent as
his last two superb discs. Many of the characters in the songs are still
country boys looking for adventure in the big city, but Earle seems more
jaded now than when he wrote _Guitar Town._ Whether the destination is
Taneytown or New York City, you don't always find what you're looking for.
Tanya Donelly, _Lovesongs for Underdogs_
More fun but dark pop songs from the Paul McCartney of Throwing Muses. If
you like the sort of pop the Cardigans do, you should give this CD a try.
Manhattan Transfer, _Swing_
With some very sharp renditions of songs from the swing era, this CD is so
much fun to listen to that you can almost forget how inane a lot of the
lyrics are. (Sorry, Bill Page, but jazz just doesn't do it for me the way
country does.)
ON MY CHRISTMAS LIST
Bob Dylan, _Time Out of Mind_
Matraca Berg, _Sunday Morning to Saturday Night_
Ben Harper, _The Will to Live_
Big Blue Hearts, _Big Blue Hearts_
Happy listening, everyone! Hope y'all get great new music for the
holidays. :-)
--Paul
_________________________________________________________________
From: Kelsan78 (Kelsan78@aol.com)
Subject: Doug on Conan/BMO
Well, you go, Doug!!!! This will probably come as no surprise to most of
you, but, I've just gotta say that I tuned in to Conan O' Brien last night to
catch Matthew Ryan, and guess who was the lead guitarist in the band? It was
none other than "our own" Doug Lancio, and, he was sounding and looking mighty
fine, I must say. Boy, he doesn't let any dust gather under his feet,
does he?
There is no need for him too, either. He is without a doubt one of the
most talented guitarists I have ever heard, and he deserves to be in demand,
as does every other member of the former (gosh, that word kind of sticks in my
throat) Blue Moon Orchestra. Each and every one of them has such wonderful
gifts to share! I sincerely hope to see Lee, James, Pat, and Ron in new
incarnations soon, and, when I do (and I believe I will), I am sure I will be
just as tickled for them as I was for Doug last night, and just as tickled for
myself for having found them again.
Every one of these folks has given me so much joy (especially over the
course of this past year, as I finally discovered the internet, and a tour
schedule!), that they have all become special to me, and, with due respect to
all concerned for their pre/extra-Nanci musical accomplishments, I am looking
forward to the day when I can say of all of them, " I remember when he/she
used to play back-up for Nanci Griffith."
Kelly
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