Loggins & Messina - "On Stage"

Once again I must apologize for the long break between posts.  It has been a month since my last post about Gordon Lightfoot's "Gord's Gold" album (if you missed it check it out in my blog roll).  I shall not make statements that I am back on my weekly track because those haven't worked out on the previous four installments.  So let us just enjoy this post about Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina.

It may be hard to guess but Loggins & Messina are a pretty killer live act.  They were one of the most popular touring acts in the 1970s and have a massive range of musical abilities.  They can sit on stools with only an acoustic guitar and sing "Danny's Song" then pull out electric guitars and do a rocking ten minute "Angry Eyes," transition into a country hoedown with "Holiday Hotel" and then return to a band ballad "Another Road."

Released in 1974 Loggins & Messina are assisted by a crackling back up band made up of Jon Clarke on horns, Al Garth on fiddle/violin/horns, Merel Bregante on drums, and Larry Sims on bass.  All members of the group add immensely to the concerts and all get opportunities to show off their talents.  The album has a nice mix of country rock stylings and it feels like a big country jam sometimes.

The centerpiece of this double album is a spectacular 21 minute(!) version of "Vahevala" that opens disc 2.  It goes through several movements starting the way the studio version does then moving into a fiddle guitar battle, then slowing to a crawl in the center with barely audible notes, before revving back up for a rocking finish.  It's a spectacular version.

Compiled from five concerts two at Winterland San Francisco April 1972, two Carnegie Hall March 1973, and one at Boston's Orpheum Theater also March 1973. Released in a remastered Legacy "live from the vaults" edition in 1998 this CD version features a recreation of the inner artwork from the original fold out LP case.  It also features a brief paragraph essay about the album.  A must have for Loggins & Messina fans especially those interested in their live performances.  I had the opportunity to see them live in 2010 and I must say they are still quite excellent.

Gordon Lightfoot - "Gord's Gold"

A very strong greatest hits compilation of Lightfoot's most popular recordings. Released shortly after his commercial peak with the album "Sundown" and featuring songs like "Carefree Highway," "Sundown" and "If you Could Read my Mind."

Lightfoot was one of the most popular singer/songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s.  Hailing from Canada, some considered him the closest thing to a Canadian Bob Dylan. Lightfoot focuses on mellow acoustic based songs with strong lyrics that often tell stories. His deep, warm and husky voice carries his tunes well and he has more vocal ability than Leonard Cohen or Dylan.

This collection covers basically the first ten years of his career. This period actually turned out to be the best part of his career as well. He would continue to write good songs and have a very dedicated fan following but his commercial popularity and creative abilities are at their best here.

Picking at least one song from each one of his albums from his 1966's debut "Lightfoot" to his 1975 hit "Cold on the Shoulder." His earlier songs have been re-recorded like "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" and also turned into medleys like "I'm Not Sayin'/Ribbon of Darkness" (John Denver did the same thing with his early songs on his Greatest Hits album). The versions are not drastically different, but the new recordings do make a number of the songs sound similar since Lightfoot's voice and style on the old songs sounds similar to the "new" songs.

Upon first listen the songs may all blend together (it is a 21 track album!).  But repeated listens will reveal the great nuance and quality of Lightfoot's music. Originally released in 1975 as a two record set,  to fit the album on one CD they deleted the song "Affair on 8th Avenue" (die-hard fans will complain about this omission for years). The CD has a short but nice booklet with an overview essay of Lightfoot's career and photos of his longtime band members. This is a great compilation for those unfamiliar with Lightfoot.  A 2002, 20 track CD called "The Complete Greatest Hits" is another option for those looking to get Lightfoot all on one album. That disc covers a larger period of time 1966-the 1980s and features the original versions of the songs. In the end it is up to you dear listener to see which compilation fits your needs. I like this one.

Kalapana - "Back In Your Heart Again"

So after 1978 Kalapana disbanded with each member going on to do a solo project. Mackey Feary had been moderately successful with The Mackey Feary Band. DJ Pratt and Alvin Fejerang stayed in Japan and formed a new group that they misleadingly called Kalapana and released a couple of Japan only albums ("Hold On" and "Live"). Kirk Thompson formed the Jazz Rock band Lemuria and had a hit with their self titled debut. Michael Paulo continued his Saxophone excellence working on a number of jazz and Hawaiian projects. Malani Bilyeu really hit is big with his 1980 solo debut "Islands" which featured the huge hit "Moloka'i Sweet Home."

In 1982 Hawaii concert promoter Tom Moffatt convinced Feary, Bilyeu, Thompson, Fejerang and Paulo to reunite for a sold out concert that was released as the album "Reunion." They then went on a tour in 1983.

In 1986 and 1987: Feary, Bilyeu, Pratt, Paulo with new members Kenji Sano (bass) and Gaylord Holomalia (Keyboards/production) recorded "Hurricane" and "Lava Rock" which were fairly successful, especially in Asia. Their tours of Asia, Hawaii and the Pacific were big successes.

So in 1990 came this album with the same line up as those 1980s albums. The music here is geared more toward a Japanese audience with breezy tropical pop that sounds really good while it is playing but is largely forgettable once the album is finished. The best song is "Fireside Blues" a solo acoustic tune by Bilyeu. The album also features some old songs "Blacksand" and "Julliet" and a new recording of "Many Classic Moments." A fine cover of "Here, There, and Everywhere" is also included.

The sound is closer to smooth jazz than the groups Rock/Pop/Fusion sound. Not a bad release but certainly not essential except for the above mentioned songs. This album is completely omitted from any hits compilations though so this is the only place to hear these songs. It is also something of a rare recording because it is no longer in mass production.

Kalapana - "In Concert"

A live double album recorded during four sold out shows, two in Japan and two in Guam.

The band is in good form.  It is the same line up from their two previous albums Malani Bilyeu, DJ Pratt, Kirk Thompson, Randy Aloya, Alvin Fejerang, and Michael Paulo. For these concerts Hiroshima keyboardist Kimo Cornwell joined the group.

Most of the tracks come from the albums "Kalapana II," "Kalapana III" and "Many Classic Moments." Most of the performances do not differ greatly from the studio versions aside from more energy, or changes in instrumentation.

Some of these performances, however, are pretty killer including the opening medley of "Jamaica Farewell/Banana Boat Song/When the Morning Comes," the jamming on "Nathen's Lament" and the jaw dropping guitar work by Pratt on "Can you See Him." This is a great time capsule as Kalapana disbanded shortly after these concerts. This is also the only live recording from their heyday, the other two records/videos are from later in their career. This shows how popular they were because very few Hawaii artists have the popularity to release double albums without losing money. Kalapana could do it. Finally many of these songs are no longer in Kalapana's live repertoire so it is neat to hear them in a concert setting.

Like their two previous studio albums this one is only available as a Japanese import CD. I got it as a Christmas gift one year. It is not entirely essential especially considering the import price but it is nice to have for the die hard Kalapana fan. Long live Kalapana.

Kalapana -"Kalapana III"

Kalapana's third album originally released in 1977 has become something of a collectors item. Originally available internationally on vinyl record, the album was only released on CD in Japan. This makes it very hard to come by in the US or even Kalapana's home state of Hawaii. My very good friend Laurel lived in Japan for a while and generously got this album for me.

After the massive success of "Kalapana II," group leader Mackey Feary left the band for a solo career. Malani Bilyeu the other band leader took over the reigns as lead singer. Guitarist DJ Pratt also began writing and singing here with two songs. Randy Aloya was added to the group on bass guitar and vocals. Saxophonist Michael Paulo and drummer Alvin Fejarang, who had been sidemen on the previous two albums, were now listed as band members.

This album features a stronger jazz fusion component than their previous albums. The arrangements and stylings are also more experimental and ambitious. The songs are excellent especially for fans but because of their stylings they are not as instantly memorable as the work on their first two albums. The best songs are dominated by Bilyeu: the hit "Girl," "Inarajan," "Another Time" and "Dilemma." Other winning tracks are the haunting "Alisa Lovely" by Pratt and Fejarang and "Songbird" by Bilyeu and Pratt.

Overall this is a great album for Kalapana fans but unless you want to pay a high import price or find a friend in Japan this will be hard to come by. Some of the songs have appeared on various greatest hits collections. It is sad that the record company cannot at least make it available in Hawaii since this is a pretty good album but oh well.

Kalapana - "The Best Of: Vol. 1"

Hello readers, if there are any of you left out there, sorry for the long absence.  It was unexpected and unintentional.  But now I am back for you dear readers.

This is the first "Hawaiian" music CD I ever bought. I put Hawaiian in quotes because technically this is not traditionally Hawaiian music. All the lyrics are in English and the music style is closer to 1970s American pop/rock. Kalapana is closer in style to The Eagles or Loggins & Messina than other Hawaiian musicians like Gabby Pahinui. The band is from Hawaii though and gained their fame and following in the Hawaiian islands before branching out to Japan and the rest of the pacific.

Kalapana were arguably the most successful group in Hawaiian music in the 1970s, possibly second only to Cecilio & Kapono.

This 1992 thirteen track compilation contains many of the biggest hits from Kalapana's mid 70s heyday. This disc relies heavily on their debut album with seven of that albums songs appearing here. Three tracks from their second release and two tracks from their third album round out the compilation. The two tracks from the third album are something of a rarity because the band's third release is not available on CD in the USA, it is only on CD in Japan and thus can be found only as a very expensive import.

"Best of Vol 1" focuses largely on the band's acoustic folk/pop/rock and not featuring their more Jazz based rockers. Nonetheless the album contains many of their best songs and is a great introduction to the band. Either pick this album up or if you would like a more complete overview check out their first two albums (Kalapana 1 and 2). Like I said earlier this is the only USA available CD to have the songs "Inarajan," and "Alisa Lovely."

This is the first Hawaiian music CD I ever bought and I have been a Kalapana fan ever since.

Emmylou Harris - "Pieces of the Sky"

This is a recent purchase of mine and I will return to my alphabetical posts on my next posting (Billy Joel Glass Houses).

I had been listening to John Denver's song "Wild Montana Sky" which Emmylou Harris duets on. Then I also watched The Band's "Last Waltz" film which Harris appears in. So I began researching her and this album sounded great in the music samples and it was on sale at my local Barnes and Noble so I picked it up.

This is a very excellent album, equal parts folk, country and pop. Harris has a beautiful angelic voice and an ear for good sounds. There is a nice nod toward Appalachian sounds as well as pop climate ("Coat of Many Colors" and "For No One") and old fashioned bar room country ("Bluebird Wine" and "Queen of the Silver Dollar").

There are also some songs that connect life with the natural world around us, the Gram Parsons tribute "Boulder to Birmingham" and "Before Believing." This last aspect made this album feel like a more countrified John Denver, now I am not sure about her other works but this one to me has a very Denver feel.

I will say this is a very good album, but if you do not like country or folk you should stay away. From my research, however, this is supposedly Harris' most open album even if it is not her most praised. The 2004 CD reissue adds two previously unissued bonus tracks and a wonderful booklet.

Stephen Stills - "Stephen Stills"

In honor of one of my all time favorite musicians' 67th birthday I am writing this post to a true musical genius named Stephen Stills and reviewing his solo debut album (this also happens to be my first post of 2012!).

By 1970 Stephen Stills was on something of a winning streak, from his excellence on the three Buffalo Springfield albums, to "Super Session," through Crosby, Stills & Nash's debut album and CSN & Young's "Deja Vu" as well as the CSNY single "Ohio/Find the Cost of Freedom." He had nothing left to prove, yet he decided to prove himself again anyway.

Between late 1970 and early 1971 all four members of the recently disbanded CSNY released a solo album (in various formations at least two members worked on each other's  albums as back up) Stephen Stills' eponymous debut was the most successful of the four and in my mind the most enjoyable. Stills gathers a spectacular mix of great musicians of the era including, Jimi Hendrix (one of his last recordings, the album is also dedicated to him), Eric Clapton, Cass Elliot, Rita Coolidge, Booker T. Jones, John Sebastian, supposedly Ringo Starr is the drummer listed as Richie, and David Crosby and Graham Nash also lend their voices.

From Henry Diltz's excellent cover photo one might guess that this is a quiet singer/songwriter album, but in reality this album runs the gamut from pop to rock, folk, blues, and gospel. While it also has echos of his work with Buffalo Springfield and particularly CSN this album is completely different and fully Stills.

From the opening guitar strings along with the steel drum of the hit single "Love the One You're With" the album grabs you, the chorus of voices and a borrowing from the end of "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" are nods to CSN but then Stills moves into his own with the beautiful "Do for the Others" and superbly tackles gospel with "Church (Part of Someone)." "Old Times, Good Times" follows with some killer guitar by Hendrix and some great organ work by Stills on one of his best rock songs. "Go Back Home" is bluesy rock with Clapton and Stills trading guitar licks and Clapton turning in one of those great solos.

"Sit yourself Down" is one of Stills finest recordings with some great singing by all involved and I wish it was more talked about in terms of Stills' music, just such a great tune. "To a Flame" is a powerful piece of heavenly glory followed by the live acoustic blues of "Black Queen." The wall of sound of "Cherokee" would have fit well on his next solo album and the gospel style powerhouse closer "We Are Not Helpless" bring the proceedings to a epic close.

Throughout this album Stills gives one of his finest vocal performances ranging from bluesy to beautiful and etheral. His song writing is as usual flawless here. I can never pick which is my favorite Stills solo album this one or "Manassas" so I say it is a tie between the two.

Happy Birthday Mr. Stills and thank you for this wonderful album and all the wonderful music you make.

John Denver - "Christmas in Concert"

In celebration of Christmas, which is this Sunday, I am breaking my usual alphabetical routine to write a Christmas post.

As you may remember John Denver is one of my all time favorites, his "Rocky Mountain Christmas" album is in a tie (with Carpenters "Christmas Portrait") for my favorite holiday album.

This album, "Christmas in Concert," is actually a recent gift from my parents. It was recorded in Washington DC on December 19 & 20, 1996. Denver would sadly pass away less than a year later in October 1997 in a plane crash. And this album was not released until 2001.

This concert showcases Denver with the World Children's Choir (led by Sandra Harness) and The National Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Richard Kaufman). The majority of the songs were featured on Denver's three holiday albums "Rocky Mountain Christmas," "Christmas Together (with The Muppets)" and "Christmas Like a Lullaby."

John Denver is his wonderful charming, goofy, and funny self. Interacting with the children and audience with ease, telling funny stories and anecdotes. His voice is also in top form with that gleeful laugh of his. The song choice is strong with a nice balance of familiar holiday songs, "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night" and songs that Denver made popular, "Christmas for Cowboys" and the wonderful "A Baby Just Like You." There are also some less familiar songs that appeared on Denver's Christmas albums, "Alfie, The Christmas Tree." The show closes with the little known Denver gem "Falling Leaves (The Refugees)" which has become an unintentional Christmas song. There is also a mini set of "Country Roads," "Annie's Song" and "Calypso" at the end of the disc.

This album is a wonderful addition to the Christmas catalogue of holiday records and a perfect companion to Denver's "Rocky Mountain Christmas" album. There is a short booklet in the liner notes, for the most part the sound is good, sometimes it does not seem mixed real well but by and large it sounds good. John Denver is one of those musicians that was so suited to the Holiday Season with his warm appeal and Colorado lifestyle. Thank you John for the Christmas gift.

"Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!!!!"

Jefferson Airplane - "Volunteers"

I just want to say first off, I am not a huge Jefferson Airplane fan (or Starship for that matter) but I do think they have a handful of good songs, particularly "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." I have always been interested in the late 60s and 70s counter culture rock arena and I think one of the best Anti-Vietnam songs ever is "Volunteers."

Released in 1969 this is a great bookend to the tumultuous decade. The band is in full revolution mode thumbing its nose at  the White House, calling the 60s youth to arms, and trying to instill a sense of Woodstock style brotherhood.

Airplane has fashioned a concept album of sorts that embraces the communal hippie lifestyle and return to nature over the confusing climate of the United States at the time. The opening track pop anthem "We Can Be Together" is a call for universal brotherhood and the country tinged "The Farm" blatantly calls up the wonders of living in a farming community. There are also the folky "Good Shepherd" which is a wonderful church/folk style song. "Eskimo Blue Day" is another virtues of nature song in which Grace Slick's chorus announces, "The human name doesn't mean shit to a tree."

Airplane returns to their psychedelic sounds on the over long and slightly weird "Hey Frederick" as well as their version of Crosby, Stills & Nash's "Wooden Ships" which Airplane singer Paul Kanter wrote with Crosby and Stills (who both appear here as back up). Though the lyrics are exactly the same in both versions CSN's, which I prefer, definitely links the song to the (at the time never ending) Vietnam War; but Airplane's version is more discomforting and focuses more on the Science Fiction elements that were the original basis of the song. It paints a bleak future in which all the war of the present day has led to a lawless state where people live in Wooden Ships, interesting and scar at the same time.

The album ends with the aforementioned title track, with its pounding surging fierceness that gets stuck in your head no matter what. One of the best protest anthems (even though it started simply because a "Volunteers of America" garbage truck woke Marty Balin one morning).

All members of Jefferson Airplane really shine on this album Kanter, Slick and Balin with their strong vocals, Spencer Dryden on drums, and Jack Cassady on bass. The real star of the album is guitarist Jorma Kaukonen with his killer razor sharp guitar lines and his wonderful interaction with guest pianist Nicky Hopkins.

The 2004 reissue has some great sound and an excellent booklet which features an essay/interviews by Airplane aficionado Jeff Tamarkin; as well as five live performances ("Somebody to Love" and "Plastic Fantastic Lover" included) as bonus tracks.

This album really marked the end to many era's: this is Jefferson Airplane's last really well received album in a string of hits, both Dryden and Balin left the group after this album, released in 1969 it was the end of the 60s, and shortly after the album's release Airplane performed at the now tragic and infamous Altamont Rock Concert (where Balin was knocked out by the Hell's Angel's "security") which essential put an end to the prolific San Francisco music scene of the 60s and ended the Summer of Love for good.

"Volunteers" is one of those wonderful time capsule albums, sure some of the songs have dated badly, but when you play this album it really takes you back to 1969 when Musicians were less interested in hits and more interested with creating music and speaking with their audience at a time when everyone believed music could change the world.

Hootie & the Blowfish - "Musical Chairs"

After Hootie & the Blowfish became the most popular band in America with their 1994 debut "Cracked Rear View" which sold 13 million copies and produced a slew of hit singles.

They released their 1996 sophomore album "Fairweather Johnson" which followed much the same formula as the debut but did not contain any instant hit songs like its predecessor. Despite going multi-platinum and topping the charts most people wrote the album off as a failure and Hootie & the Blowfish left the national spotlight.

This gave them the opportunity to do what they wanted to do, tour and perform for the fans. They retained a large and dedicated fan base who were more than happy to sell out concerts and buy whatever albums the band decided to release.

In 1998, without the pressure and massive media spotlight that glared on their second album, Hootie released their third album, "Musical Chairs." The seemingly winking title concerning the music scene's ever changing hands. While billed as a return to form by many critics this album actually follows the exact same format as their previous two efforts. Catchy bar band folk-pop-rock played with pounding drums, acoustic guitars, and good old southern charm. They occasionally add an orcestral section here but for the most part it is the four man band sound of their previous records. The songs, again, play heavily on lead singer Darius Rucker's powerful vocals. What sets this album slightly above "Fairweather Johnson" is that they find some great catchy singles like the excellent "Only Lonely" and "Michelle Post."

This is a very good listening in the car album and there are some great songs for Hootie fans. Not sure if every song is worth the price of the album so this maybe better as an iTunes purchase picking the best tracks and leaving the rest. Overall "Musical Chairs" is a solidification of their sounds. Hootie & the Blowfish know what they do well and know what their fans like; and they are going to keep on doing it as long as they want.

Hootie & the Blowfish - "Cracked Rear View"

I received this album as a Christmas present one year and for a while I was really into Hootie & the Blowfish.  Not to say I no longer enjoy their music but I am just not so fanatic anymore.

"Cracked Rear View," their debut album, released in 1994 quickly became the most likely and unlikely megahit to be released in the 1990s, selling 12 million copies and catapulting the band to superstardom.

The four band members met at the University of South Carolina in 1989 and became a popular local college band performing covers of R.E.M. Eventually writing their own music, much of which appeared on this album.

The reason I call them the most unlikely superstars is that they were a completely unknown band aside from the college towns and their music was seemingly out of touch with the time; in the early 90s every thing was engulfed in the Grunge hard rock of Seattle.

On the other hand they were the right band at the right place at the right time. Kurt Cobain had killed himself shortly before this album was released. The overexposure of Grunge music had killed the market (much like the 80s Hair bands or the Boygroups of the 2000s). Also the depressing and dark content of much of the Grunge style was getting a little much for many listeners and they wanted a simple happy refresher from all this darkness. Not to mention Bill Clinton had been elected the year earlier and was turning out to be a really awesome President, especially compared to his two predecessors.

So here comes "Cracked Rear View" in the Summer of 1994 a simple straight ahead folk-rock roots pop album filled with damn catchy hooks and melodies with some heavy MTV video and radio rotation. The music is sharp and Darius Rucker's powerful vocals help the music to no end. The songs are certainly not innovative but Hootie knows exactly how to frame and execute them. The songs all basically follow a generic pattern but the chorus' are all memorable and sing-a-long. The good time vibes of many of the songs as well as the every man qualities of the more serious songs like "Let Her Cry," "Time," and "Drowning" provide a wonderful feel that American music listeners were looking for in 1994.

Like Huey Lewis & The News, Hootie & the Blowfish are a bar band that is not really interested in being the most important band since The Beatles. They want to have a good time, make some good music, and throw back a few cold ones at the end of the day. For a time all of America wanted to join them. Like I said earlier I was one of those, I still enjoy their music and there are some days when "Cracked rear View" is all I need to feel better (particularly when I'm driving).  Every now and then I Only Wanna Be with Hootie & the Blowfish.

George Street - "Living On Daydreams" and other albums.

In 1983 the trio from Hawaii known as George Street - Gail Mack, Gordon Kim and Steve Min - released their first album "Living on Daydreams." They had already established themselves as a popular live act performing at Chuck's restaurant in Manoa Marketplace. They had been performing together since 1980 and this started a series of successful albums and even a tour of Japan.

Their music is firmly planted in the acoustic folk style of 1970s and 60s pop like James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, and Joni Mitchell mixed with the later 1980s easy listening pop of Christopher Cross, Stephen Bishop, and Chris DeBurgh.

Their style plays on Mack's strong singing voice, the fine three part harmony, and the acoustic guitars. Their first is probably my favorite album unified sound and just a strong set of songs "Strangers," "Estoril," "Maui," "Daydreams" and "White Rhythm and Blues" are the cream of the crop and also half the album.

They followed "Daydreams" with a Live recording in 1984 and then their second studio album "Magic lady" in 1985. Their second recording followed a similar pattern to the first, the focus was still the harmonies and acoustic guitars but they expanded their sound to add the Nueva Vida Rhythm Section which gives many of the songs a smooth Jazzy feel. My favorites from this album are "What's in this Name Called Love," "The Way that I Love You," "To Be with You" and the title track.

1986 came "Friends" an album of cover songs, which I happen to be on the cover of, left hand side, at the age of one. In 1987 they released album "Goodbye to the Memories" in Japan which featured some previously released tunes with some new recordings. Mack appeared on Jerry Santos' (of Olomana fame) lone solo album "Expecting Friends" in 1989.

George Street returned with 1991's studio album "Seasons" which featured a similar sound to "Magic Lady" but with a 1990s feel, again it featured the smooth jazzy tones of the Nueva Vida Rhythm Section. Favorite tracks include "Blueboy," "Times with You" and the excellent title track. As time went on this eventually became their final album.

In 1995 the compilation album "To Be with You Reminiscing with George Street" appeared collecting songs from "Daydreams" and "Magic Lady" for their first appearance on CD. 1996 found Mack releasing the popular christmas single "Christmas Once More in Hawaii Nei" which she originally sang ten years earlier, due to its popularity she released a Christmas album under that title in 2006, which featured a new song by George Street's Gordon Kim. Mack also released the solo album, "Pacific Snowbird" in 1998 featuring songs written by Kim as well as a George Street reunion of sorts with Kim and Steve Min singing back up on one track.

Largely out of sight for much of the 90s and early 2000s. George Street began appearing live in mid 2006 in downtown Honolulu to the delight of their fans. But in 2008 the group called it quits and split up permanently. Kim and Mack eventually reformed as a duo, named Sunset Street in 2010. They have come full circle performing live at Sweet Thai Basil in Manoa Marketplace in the same spot where Chuck's (their first live stage) was located.

Well that was my Reminiscing with George Street :)

Bob Dylan - "The Essential Bob Dylan"

Bob Dylan is one of the most talked about and influential musicians of the last 50 years he has made so many albums, written so many songs, and gone through so many styles that there is no real compilation that can capture Dylan completely (possible exception is his excellent box set "Biograph"which itself is really short at only three discs).

This compilation from the well done "Essentials" series is inevitably missing quite a bit of music but it does collect the majority of his most famous songs from "Blowin' in the Wind" to his Oscar winning "Things Have Changes" from the film "Wonder Boys."

This comp contains 30 tracks spread evenly over two discs. Disc one focuses on Dylan's heyday of the 1960s, disc two is 70s-2000 so there are far more overlooked songs on disc two. Basically this is designed for the newcomer for those who want a single compilation to represent a large career. There are no liner notes except some pictures. Basically a strong compilation. I own this because I was low on money, space, and wanted a Dylan career overview. All his most familiar songs are here those who want to dig deeper may be better suited with his three individual greatest hits albums (which cover four discs).

Bob Dylan - "Blood on the Tracks"

"Dylan made more influential albums that this, but he never made one better" - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

This is Dylan's best album, followed by "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" and "Highway 61 Revisited," this is my favorite Dylan album.

"Blood on the Tracks" was released in 1975, when Dylan had somewhat disappeared from the popular mindset with a series of lackluster and/or unpopular releases ("Dylan" "Self Portrait") but this album returned him to prominence along with its Rolling Thunder Revue tour. Dylan has abandoned the screaming vocals he adopted for 1974's "Before the Flood" and he has dropped the sweet croon of "Nashville Skyline." Dylan has kind of returned to the folk sounds of his early albums and he has returned to the acoustic guitar.

He is not alone with his guitar he is backed by a quartet of fine musicians that add flavor and body to his excellent batch of songs but they are always backup they let the songs speak for themselves. Now to the songs, all the songs are excellent and some of the finest of Dylan's catalogue they feel like confessional singer songwriter tunes but Dylan wraps the confessions in riddles and stories that may obscure the true reality of them but he never hides the feelings and emotion. The songs all deal with relationships, mostly crumbling ones. Yet the songs are hopeful, melancholy and poignant all at the same time. This is a glimpse into Dylan's guarded soul one of the few glimpse we will ever get. This is the one Dylan album that every MUSIC fan (not just Dylan fans) should have and listen to often.

John Denver - "The Wildlife Concert"

In celebration of Earth Day 2011 (today April 22, which also is Good Friday) I shall write about the last John Denver album that I own. Mr. Denver loved the Earth more than most and it is only fitting I honor him and the planet we all love on this Earth Day.

This album was one of the last releases of Denver's career as he sadly passed away two years after its recording and release. It was recorded before a studio audience on two rainy nights in February 1995 to raise money for the Wildlife Conservation Society. The concert captured on this two CD set was the beginning of a resurgence in popularity for Denver after the 1980s, he was also embarking on his 25th anniversary tour and he had penned a bestselling autobiography.

He is in strong (matured) voice and he had returned to the top of his talent. He spreads his big hits throughout the two disc set but he also focuses on lesser known songs and later career highlights such as, "Dreamland Express," "Eagles and Horses" and "Amazon." The beautiful piano ballad "For You" is also only available on this album. The rendition of "Rocky Mountain High" that opens the set is spectacular.

The liner notes are excellent (as is the case with all Legacy Releases) and if you are a big fan of John Denver this is a must.

So on this Earth Day I praise John Denver and the beautiful planet we call home. Conserve your electricity, pick up some trash, recycle, plant some plants, help each other. In the words of John Denver, "Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday. Celebrate Land and Sea, Celebrate You and Me. Celebrate Earth Day Everyday."

John Denver - "An Evening with John Denver"

While John Denver was an acoustic guitar based folk pop singer, in his prime he gave one hell of a concert performance. "An Evening with John Denver" show that. This album was recorded during his 1974 concert tour at Seven consecutive sold out nights at the Universal Amphitheater. I believe this double CD album is a compilation from those seven nights though the album plays like one continuous concert.

Denver is at the height of his fame, popularity and skills at this point and the album really captures his presence and ability. He is charming, goofy, fun and sings terrifically. His rapport and his little story comments to the audience are wonderful and make the listener feel like they are in the audience and Denver is singing just for them.

He is backed by his trusty band from this period that worked on many of his best albums and there is also a 28 piece orchestra conducted by Lee Holdridge. He pulls out all his hits (save "Sunshine on my Shoulders") and some excellent album tracks. He also pulls out some of his sillier songs like "Toledo" and "Forest Lawn" which you can picture him singing with his Cheshire Cat grin. There is also the wonderful upbeat "Annie's Other Song" which is only available on this album.

For the CD there are six never before released performances added to the end that were recorded at Red Rocks Colorado. The songs which include "I'd Rather Be a Cowboy" and "Follow Me." But the last song ends the album with the awful and depressing "Amsterdam," which kind of leaves a bad feel to an otherwise joyous recording. Other than that the bonus tracks are a welcome addition.

As with all the Legacy label recordings there are excellent liner notes which not only provide a biography of Denver but also background on the concerts. Basically if you love John Denver this album should be in your collection.

John Denver - "Rocky Mountain High"

John Denver's most recognized album and one of the songs he is most identified with. This is one of Denver's few albums with a large concept behind the music. The songs all focus on nature and feeling the high that nature provides.

Each song focuses on some kind of Rocky Mountain experience from the title track to the destruction of the area in "Paradise," local tale/legends in "Darcy Farrow," and leaving the beloved family and Rocky Mountains "Goodbye Again." This last song, though written as a letter to his wife Annie, could easily be addressed to the Rocky Mountains as Denver treats them as a living being, rightfully so, as real as any person. He is sad that he has to leave but he will return and he has to see the people who want to hear him sing.

The eighth track on the CD (the entire side two of the original record) is really five songs each one focusing on a season (Summer, Fall, etc). This Suite is one of Denver's most well constructed pieces of music and often got the critics to give him some credit if not every bit that he was due.

While not essential to a record collection this is a very strong effort from an excellent artist and that title song is a pure classic. Great music.

John Denver - "John Denver's Greatest Hits"

This compilations is kind of an oddity because Denver only had three hits at the time of its release. Though this is one of the biggest selling records of John Denver's career. Released in 1973 after the massive success of the "Poems, Prayers and Promises" and "Rocky Mountain High," albums, this compilation gathers songs from 1969 up to 1973. His record company wanted him to release this album and Denver agreed on the condition that he could showcase and re-record some of his lesser known songs from his early albums. That became kind of common for compilations in the 1970s where an artist would re-record their earlier songs, Gordon Lightfoot did the same thing on "Gord's Gold."

"Rhymes & Reasons," "The Eagle and the Hawk," "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "Starwood in Aspen" are all re-recorded most are not drastically different, faster pace or different guitar picking, "Eagle and the Hawk" adds an entire string section to the song though. Actually because of their inclusion on this compilation many of the unknown songs became hits as well.

When RCA/Legacy released this on CD in 2005 they added three fine songs "I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado," "Daydreams" and "Friends with You." I purchased this CD because the sticker on the cover stated there were new extensive liner notes for the 2005 release. I thought, great there is some kind of booklet with an essay about the album or John Denver or Both. In reality there aren't really any liner notes. There is the little paragraph written by Denver himself (that was on the original LP) and then each song has a listing of the musicians that played on it. That is about it. This is still a fine compilation and really showcases Denver's Folk/Country/Pop prowess. This is the kind of music that makes me feel warm inside and that is nice feeling.

John Denver - "Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits"

"He was a Man Who Said Beautiful Things and He Said Them Beautifully" - Liner Notes to this album.

I discovered John Denver's music about three years ago. I had heard of him and knew his big songs but I never had one of his albums. My parents gave me this album for Christmas and I just loved his music and I now own a bunch of Denver CDs. He has become one of my favorite musicians. His lyrics are complex and catchy often linking everyday experiences to nature. He has a gift for catchy pop stylings that stay within his Folk/Country genre. His music is always honest and a large part of me wants to enter the magical world of Colorado that John Denver inhabits in his songs. The first song of Denver's that I ever heard was "Looking for Space." It was featured prominently in the "Magnum P.I." episode "Limbo." I loved that song and I often watched that episode simply to hear the song.

Denver has written some truly great great songs that are not given the appreciation that they deserve. He is often criticized for being too sentimental and overly earnest. I do not share those ideas. Denver always hits a chord inside my heart that makes me feel and that is what I want, sometimes, in my music. On one of the saddest days of my life, when my grandmother passed away, I sat in my room and listened to "Looking for Space" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders" because for those few minutes John Denver helped me feel better and made my heart calm.

This compilation is basically perfect. It collects his 20 finest and most popular songs, every track is golden and wonderful. This collects big hits like "Rocky Mountain High" and "Annie's Song" with lesser gems like "Wild Montana Skies" and "Shanghai Breezes." There are fine liner notes by fan David Wild as well as individual track memories by producer Milt Okum. There are a number of great photographs throughout the notes as well. There is also a second 4 track disc of early demos and a cover of The Band's "The Weight."

It saddens me that Denver passed away and when I was so young and before I had discovered his beautiful music. I am grateful that his music lives on to be discovered by old fans (like I shall become) and new converts (like I was). I am so grateful for his music and voice and for calming my heart and taking me on a trip through a magical world of Colorado. Thank you John Denver I hope you are riding on a Windsong through your beloved Rocky Mountains.