Non-Classical Music Listening Thread!

[Kalevala]

Over and over and over and over.

I saw (and this was some time ago) one of the songs performed [pretty certain that this was on a morning show--probably GMA].  I hadn't heard of the musical then, but I remember being impressed by it/them. 

What did you think of it?

K

[San Antone]

Over and over and over and over.

Anais Mitchell is among the best songwriters of her generation.  Compared to the original recording (which I consider a major achievement), this one I do not think of as an improvement.

[Madiel]

I saw (and this was some time ago) one of the songs performed [pretty certain that this was on a morning show--probably GMA].  I hadn't heard of the musical then, but I remember being impressed by it/them. 

What did you think of it?

K

I first heard this recording 4-5 years ago, loved it, and put it aside fairly quickly because of some of my self-imposed rules about what I listen to on streaming.

The show is currently in Australia. I saw it on Friday night. I adore it.

[Madiel]

Anais Mitchell is among the best songwriters of her generation.  Compared to the original recording (which I consider a major achievement), this one I do not think of as an improvement.

I have now listened to the original album (and also sampled the earlier iteration of the show rather than the album, there are so many variations of this thing), and while I do like it the final show is such a massive expansion and still so well integrated that I would always prefer it for that reason alone. There is so much in this 2-hour recording that I wouldn't want to be without.

Plus the character of Orpheus has changed significantly (something the makers of the show have acknowledged), and I greatly prefer how he evolved.

[San Antone]

I have now listened to the original album (and also sampled the earlier iteration of the show rather than the album, there are so many variations of this thing), and while I do like it the final show is such a massive expansion and still so well integrated that I would always prefer it for that reason alone. There is so much in this 2-hour recording that I wouldn't want to be without.

Plus the character of Orpheus has changed significantly (something the makers of the show have acknowledged), and I greatly prefer how he evolved.

They are really two distinct works. While I agree with you about the Broadway show, I just prefer the original - for a number of production reasons as well as the vocals.

Just curious, do you know her other project Bonny Light Horseman? A collaborative group with two other songwriters/musicians.  Good stuff.

[Kalevala]

I first heard this recording 4-5 years ago, loved it, and put it aside fairly quickly because of some of my self-imposed rules about what I listen to on streaming.

The show is currently in Australia. I saw it on Friday night. I adore it.

Interesting:  I hadn't heard/realized that it had changed so much [again, I don't know much about it].  This, I believe, is what I saw a few years ago [From the morning program Good Morning America in the US]:

K

p.s.  And cool that you were able to see it live!

[Madiel]

They are really two distinct works. While I agree with you about the Broadway show, I just prefer the original - for a number of production reasons as well as the vocals.

Just curious, do you know her other project Bonny Light Horseman? A collaborative group with two other songwriters/musicians.  Good stuff.

I also generally prefer the vocals in the Broadway version. Though it's not all one way.

I'm aware of the name, yes, but as yet haven't heard anything.

[Madiel]

Interesting:  I hadn't heard/realized that it had changed so much [again, I don't know much about it].  This, I believe, is what I saw a few years ago [From the morning program Good Morning America in the US]:

K

p.s.  And cool that you were able to see it live!

This is probably the cast that's on the album. Certainly, Andre de Shields who is the one person I wish was in the Australian cast, he's amazing.

The musical is almost entirely sung-through which means the album provides the entire story. But there are moments where the live action and the set definitely enhance it.

[Kalevala]

This is probably the cast that's on the album. Certainly, Andre de Shields who is the one person I wish was in the Australian cast, he's amazing.

The musical is almost entirely sung-through which means the album provides the entire story. But there are moments where the live action and the set definitely enhance it.

One of the things that I liked about it (and not including the story line) was the use of New Orleans' music influences.  Does that persist throughout the musical?

K

[Madiel]

One of the things that I liked about it (and not including the story line) was the use of New Orleans' music influences.  Does that persist throughout the musical?

K

Yes. It's largely a mix of New Orleans and folk, to a certain extent different characters get different styles. And the setting also evokes that New Orleans vibe.

The instrumentation is part of that, with the best trombone playing you'll hear anywhere!

The show never quite spells it out explicitly but the impression is very much of a Depression-era story, which I personally think is a brilliant transposition of the Greek myths. People lose their soul in Hadestown.

[71 dB]

Recently I have been exploring the music of Jennifer Rush. I only knew her hit song "The Power Of Love." After exploring her 80's output, I decided collecting her music isn't a completely crazy idea. Lush 80's pop sound, great voice (similar to Billie Ray Martin) and ease of getting on CD. I bought a used copy of "Original Albums Classics" set containing her 5 first albums for 14.10 euros delivered (2.82 euros per album). This purchase arrived today. Now I am listening to the CDs through in order to check they play.

[Kalevala]

Recently I have been exploring the music of Jennifer Rush. I only knew her hit song "The Power Of Love." After exploring her 80's output, I decided collecting her music isn't a completely crazy idea. Lush 80's pop sound, great voice (similar to Billie Ray Martin) and ease of getting on CD. I bought a used copy of "Original Albums Classics" set containing her 5 first albums for 14.10 euros delivered (2.82 euros per album). This purchase arrived today. Now I am listening to the CDs through in order to check they play.

Did she write the song that the group Huey Lewis and the News had a hit with?

K

[San Antone]

Did she write the song that the group Huey Lewis and the News had a hit with?

K

Different song, and one I prefer.

[Kalevala]

Different song, and one I prefer.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

K

[San Antone]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

K

You may have misunderstood me.  I prefer the Huey Lewis song.

[Karl Henning]

[brewski]

I guess this counts as "non-classical": starting now, Emily XYZ and Myers Bartlett are celebrating the release of OMSHIVA MICHIGAN, a new LP recording of poems for two voices written by Emily.

The evening is being livestreamed by The Poetry Project, and if you have never heard the duo, they are something to behold.

[Kalevala]

I haven't seen that one, but I've watched other ones from those broadcasts; pretty neat!

K

[Karl Henning]

I haven't seen that one, but I've watched other ones from those broadcasts; pretty neat!

K

I love both Robt Fripp's characteristic candor and modesty in confessing to a gap in his playing, and Daryl Hall graciously passing it off.

[SimonNZ]

Another outstanding collection from Yazoo. Baffling that these artists recorded only two sides or four sides and then were done.