Let me be the first to welcome you to MATC. A couple things to remember, get here early to find a place to park and be aware your instructor is hard of hearing in their left ear. No exceptions! Always talk into their right ear so they can hear you properly.
Ok, that being said here’s some music that was released while you were out bummin’ round Summerfest, West Allis, 3rd Ward, Bay View or River West.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Winterland (Legacy) Ever since his immediate family took control over his musical legacy, Jimi Henrdix’ catalog has shined brightly, especially with this stunning four cd set.
Compiled from six shows recorded Oct. 10, 11 and 12, in 1968 the band was relaxed, benefiting of not bustling from one arena to another. The Experience, as a group, were hit or miss, beset by internal squabbles. These cd’s show that when they were on the same page, they were a thing to behold. The highlight of this recent Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project is the stunning sonic update of these recordings and Winterland is no exception. Hendrix hampered by amp problems during these shows, original engineer Eddie Kramer supervised this set and they are breathtakingly clean, preserving their original integrity. Standouts include a relaxed “Like A Rolling Stone,” the definitive version of “Hear My Train A Comin’,” “Killing Floor” with guest bassist Jefferson Airplane’s Jack Cassidy, “Tax Free” and a brilliant instrumental “Sunshine Of Your Love.”
George Thorogood & The Destroyers: 2120 South Michigan Ave. (Capitol) Thorogood takes a shot at stuff that was recorded at Chicago’s legendary Chess Records. For you new guys that means classics by Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Chuck Berry. That white boy can play that guitar! Standouts include “Let It Rock,” “Hi-Heeled Sneakers,” “Going Back” and “My Babe.”
Joss Stone: LP1 (Stoned’d) Stone and Amy Winehouse both released their debuts in 2003. Stone’s The Soul Sessions was a smash while Winehouse’s debut Frank stiffed in the US, not finding success until 2006’s Back To Black. Arguably, Stone paved the way for female British soul singers Adele, Estelle, and yes Winehouse.
After her debut, Stone is at best inconsistent. Great producers, though mismatched, have made for spotty projects in the past and her fifth album is no exception. As great as she is as a singer, it comes down to material and the stuff here; a lot of it written by Stone isn’t the best. BoDeans: Indigo Dreams (Oarfin) I know this is gonna sound mean but Sammy Llanas walking out on co-founder Kurt Neumann during their current tour is simply the best thing for these guys, who have been in a major rut for years.
Both are talented singer/songwriters, though Neumann’s material is the stronger in this band configuration, which will find success as individuals. This effort makes last years horrible Mr. Sad Clown sound good. Divorce will never be better.
Jay-Z & Kanye West: Watch The Throne (Def Jam) Arguably the best album of the year, so far that is. These things usually crash and burn but their friendship and respect for one another makes this a winner. This is a big comeback for West whose last two albums were dicey and Jay-Z, one of the few rappers who do not produce themselves, is brilliant as always.
First single “Otis” is a bit distracting, everything else is spot on, including “Gotta Have It,” “Welcome To The Jungle” and “No Church In The Wild.”
Lenny Kravitz: Black And White America (Roadrunner) Kravitz uses his interracial heritage as the backdrop for his ninth album. Three years in the making, there’s not much new here though that’s not a bad thing. His brand of 60’s style guitar rock never gets old simply because it comes from the heart and is so energetic. If there’s a knock here, it’s enough is enough. 16 tracks? I don’t want 16 of anything – even if it is awesome!
Lil Wayne: Tha Carter IV (Cash Money) One of the most anticipated albums for the year is being snapped up at a record pace. Is it that good? Well it isn’t as good as his mix-tapes like Dedication 2 but it’s not like his attempt to rock, on last years Rebirth either. That being said Weezy at times sounds as crazy as ever, especially on tracks like “So Special,” “John,” “So Special” and “6 Foot 7 Foot.”
