SPINNING THIS WEEK.... 2/19/23 - 2/25/23

Howdy all, this week I decided to start with an album I found in my collection that takes me back…………… way back. No, this isn’t a joke……….., those of you who was a kid in the late 60’s though mid-70’s will identify with this…., you know, riding in the car with the folks, AM radio…, in my case a station identified as WOKY. Yeah, no Purple or Boston on this station in 1975…. this was strictly the top of the pops radio. This was the home of John Denver, Bread, and Olivia Newton John. So, those of you who don’t identify with this, no worries, the other three selections this week may be right up your alley……..

My older sister drove the wheels off of this album…………………, how a copy wound up in my collection is a real mystery. In any case, I was surprised to learn that this gem was actually recorded at Abbey Road Studios…, not the best recording, to be sure. Nor is it the worst. Obviously mixed for AM radio, it still had some of the smoothest vocals I’ve heard recently. Speaking of, I had forgotten what beautiful tone she had…., God rest - Olivia. You’ll be missed.

Since I was just talking about vocals………….., this is the “must have” album for this week. I couldn’t possibly say enough about this album. Easily in my Top 25 of ALL TIME. Unfortunately it’s out of print. Look hard for a copy. Chris had perennially been considered one of the top rock vocalists for a few decades and this effort demonstrates exactly why. Listening to I am the highway never fails to bring a tear to the eye thinking about all of the notes that will never be sung (RIP). Packed with a bunch of Chris’ favs including a Zepplin cover, this acoustic collection of songs spans his entire career. Enjoy. :)

Golly…….gee, I guess we’ve got TWO “must have” albums this week…… since this album has two of my very favorite sax players…… this particular pressing, Verve 000602577271816 is simply OUTSTANDING. Very quiet noise-floor. Beautifully recorded, mastered and cut. Originally recorded in 1960, this is a great example of Gerry’s Baritone counter-point to Ben’s Tenor. Great stuff. If you need a shove to get turned on to jazz, buy this record and give it a listen. I promise, if you like music, you’ll groove on this. :)

Reprise Records 535854-1 Neil Young Live At The Cellar Door comes from the Neil Young Archives Performance Series. This fantastic recording is really, really honest. If you enjoy small club performances, this album is right up your alley. It sounds “real”, like honestly. This is what people sound like in real life. Neil is full of angst and passion on this one. Recorded in the Spring of ‘69 this was just shortly after Neil’s split from Buffalo Springfield, it’s evident that he had more to say as a solo artist. Neil’s vocals are amazing….., nothing flat, nothing sharp, yeah baby…… goosebumps. :) Pick this up, you’ll like it. Till next week, peace. Out. Matt.