SPINNING THIS WEEK.... 2/5/23 - 2/11/23

This week I’ll save the “must have” album for last………………, that’s not to say these other three aren’t “good”, they’re great in their own way (I try not to buy music that I don’t like…..), hehe, so since the vinyl doesn’t show up on it’s own, for free, expect that I like all this stuff. Now, if the sound-quality sucks, I’ll be the first to give it to you straight….. guaranteed. I got no time to listen to crap.

There is some mighty-fine guitar playing on this one….., and, it also has a nice rendition of Steve Winwoods’ Can’t find my way home. Recorded in 75’, this pressing comes from the Polydor 3-LP boxed set, Eric Clapton “Give Me Strength” The 74’/75’ Recordings #0602537545964 All three LP’s are remastered and pressed in the Czech Republic on 180g vinyl. It’s a fine recording too.

This album is difficult to explain to the uninitiated……., it’s not strictly jazz, nor is it rock, nor electronica……. It IS tough to codify, but easy to love. :) My copy is really the only saving grace to last years’ RSD. I stood in line for three hours and only came away with this little gem. Nothing special about the pressing, or the packaging (not even a gate-fold sleeve, just a standard cardboard pocket)….., BUT, it sounds GREAT. :) I just replaced the inner sleeve with one of the anti-static MoFi sleeves and now it ought to stay perfect for a couple of thousand years, or at least until some far-future archaeologist digs it up and spins it.

Anyone who has ever sat in on any type of “Audiophile” demo is certain to have heard at least a little bit of this……………..Recorded “live” in December of 1980, this has got to be one of the finest recordings ever made of a live event. Recorded at the end of the “all analog” era, this record is breathtaking. If you don’t own a copy of this, buy it. This is a “must have”. The musicianship of Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin and Paco DeLucia is flawless, inspired, and urgent. I’m lucky enough to have a clean, original pressing, Columbia FC37152 and although it’s been played probably 100 times…, it still gives me goosebumps. :)

The last album for the week also happens to be a “must have” album……Recorded July 3rd, 2012 this event happened over a decade ago…., hard to believe, it’s been that long already. I remember pre-ordering this album. Provogue Records PRD74031 pressed on 180g vinyl this has to be one of the lowest noise-floor records I own. It is truly impressive. With a noise-floor this low, the ambiance of the concert hall is easy to distinguish. An absolutely fantastic recording. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Till next week, peace, out. Matt.