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Bob Harris Saturday Show 05/05/07 - a review by Cherskiy

 
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Cherskiy



Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 3701
Location: near Amble, Northumberland

PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 8:26 pm    Post subject: Bob Harris Saturday Show 05/05/07 - a review by Cherskiy Reply with quote

The middle hour of this week’s show was devoted to a special concert performed recently by Joan Armatrading. Since I’m not a particular fan of her work over the years (apart from possibly “Drop The Pilot”), I skipped this due to lack of time. However, reading through the playlist for this week’s show, there were some gems to look forward to…

Jet’s “Shine On” is the second of two critically acclaimed albums for this Australian band, “Come On Come On” possibly being the best ‘Oasis record’ never to be recorded by the latter band. Alright, so I’m joking here, but the similarities are uncanny at times. Although I’m not a particular fan of Liam and Noel, this is pretty good stuff, the chorus sounding the most Oasis-like whilst the rest of the track has a peculiar charm all of its own. The band has more strings to their bows than mimicry, however, as the rest of this latest album, released last year, testifies.
Following on from last week’s “Radiation Vibe”, Bob returned to the Fountains of Wayne back catalogue to play “Supercollider” from their 2003 release, “Welcome Interstate Managers”. From the same album as their hit “Stacy’s Mom”, this is a more laid back affair complete with relaxing harmonies, but still possessing that garage feel to it. Plenty more material here for Bob to mine during the coming year!
Back to Australian artists, Anne McCue’s second album “Roll” was deservedly Bob’s “Album of the Year” in 2004. Virtually unknown outside his show, however, this accomplished guitarist hasn’t really broken into the public domain, which is nothing short of criminal. I have to declare a bias here – she’s one of my favourite artists, coming up with tracks like “Tiny Little Song”, an almost effortless excursion into powerful yet simple riffs, combined with her strong vocals.
REM seems to have been an influence for “We Winter Wrens”, the second track on Dolorean’s third album “You Can’t Win”. Al James’ Michael Stipe-like vocals are in evidence here, the piano-driven track being something of a surprising departure from the usual alt-folk/alt-country/roots mix the band have provided before. The melody here draws you in before the backing kicks in, banjo, electric guitar and drums completing the musical picture without dominating it.
The second R L Burnside re-worked/re-mix album “A Bothered Mind” which hails from 2004 has among its tracks “Goin’ Down South”, the late north Mississippi blues exponent’s unmistakeable vocals receiving a healthy boost in the form of some thumping and punched up electric guitar accompaniment. Worth a listen if nothing else.

The third hour opened with Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” – nothing more to be said about this wonderful track.
Bob mentioned at the top of the show that he was going to play a new song from the Manic Street Preachers, this being the title track from their eighth studio album “Send Away The Tigers” (a slanted reference to the ‘liberation’ of Baghdad Zoo in 2003). Plenty of energy on display from James Dean Bradfield and the boyos, almost but not quite on a par with “Everything Must Go”, since that extra ‘something’ is just eluding them here. A big UK tour starts shortly, so if you’re interested, they’ll be appearing near you soon.
Barkingbiker liked the Twang track Bob featured last weekend, which seemed to fall between the cracks in my review, so I paid special attention when it was repeated this week. “Either Way” is their new release, one of Bob’s favourite singles so far this year. A promising introduction has plenty going on in the percussion department but the spoken lyrics (a la The Streets) don’t do anything for me at all, nor does the sung chorus. I was expecting something much better, quite frankly.
Built to Spill’s “Conventional Wisdom”, taken from their forthcoming album “You in Reverse” was much better, a quick-paced rhythm featuring some nifty riffs that bounced along quite effectively when combined with Doug Martsch’s vocals. The vocals fall by the wayside to left the guitars take point in the second half of the track, almost prog-rock style in its volume and expansiveness. As Bob said, Whistle Test music for the 21st Century.
Another new female vocalist appeared on the playlist tonight, Keren Ann’s newly-released self-titled album yielding the track “Lay Your Head Down”. Whilst the chorus was sung (and nothing particularly special here), the verses were virtually spoken and spoiled it for me once more. The backing was slightly unusual, consisting of handclaps and harmonica, which could have been quite effective but for my above feelings re the vocals. Oh, well.
I didn’t think I would warm to Gotan Project’s 2001 fusion of traditional Buenos Aires tango and contemporary hip-hop, but I did. A couple of French beat-makers and a selection of Argentinian expatriates got together to produce this self-titled album, Bob playing the seamless “Queremos Paz” tonight. Christina Vilallonga’s wonderful vocals are unfortunately missing on this track but there is enough here to entertain, even if it is simply playing away in the background as chill-out music.
Neal Casal has featured on the Saturday Show plenty of times in the past, this worthy exponent of acoustic guitar demonstrating on each occasion just how good his craft is with instrument and vocals. “Fierce Little Bird”, a duet with Shannon McNally, was taken from his album “Leaving Traces”, a compilation of some of his best work from 1994 to 2004.
Ryan Adams is one of the more famous musicians in the alt-country circuit, having released a string of solo albums and EPs in the last seven years since moving on from his band Whiskeytown. The first of two albums with a new backing band, The Cardinals, appeared in 2005 – this was a double album, “Cold Roses”, from which “When Will You Come Home” was taken. This track demonstrates why Adams is so popular across the water: there is nothing special about his output but it hits all the right buttons as far as alt-country music is concerned – heartfelt and gently sung lyrics, complimented by some understated but effective backing.
One of Bob’s guests in the past has been Lisa Redford, whose live session I fondly remember but I’ve still to buy either of her albums. “Fell On Hard Times”, taken from the second of these, “Lost Again”, was a bit of a wake-up call in this regard, her usually softly-delivered vocals taking on a slightly harder edge in places here. There’s more of an Americana feel to this track, which is not surprising since it’s a cover of a Neil Casal song. It’s rather radio-friendly despite the minimal accompaniment and works quite well on several levels, although you can bet it won’t break into the normal R2 playlist, which is a crying shame.
Sue Foley can really belt out a song with her delicious vocals, “Walk in the Sun” (from the album of the same name) features her usual smoky blues voice which has probably proved to be a hindrance in the past when trying to secure good record and promotion deals, although to her credit she’s never strayed far from what she does best. Her back catalogue is fairly extensive and worth a listen.

Who is in session next week? Jessie Malin and Sue Foley – presumably separately, looking forward to both.
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Barkingbiker



Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 2313
Location: Lincolnshire

PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 10:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Cherskiy, sorry you were not impressed with The Twang, I still like it and especially the backing guitar work, still, some of the people some of the time eh?
I listened to Joan Armatrading, she was one of my daughters favourite female performers and she really introduced me to her music way back when she, my daughter, was at boarding school. I enjoyed this live slot very much, especially Love & Affection and think she is very underrated as a song writer, vocalist and guitarist. Ryan Adams was excellent, IMHO, and like you Sue Foley's Walk In The Sun was just exquisite, for me anyway. I did stay up & listen to it all, but afraid much of the last hour I only managed to catch between resting my eyelids, however, a quick email kept me awake for at least 5 minutes.

BB Twisted Evil
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Cherskiy



Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 3701
Location: near Amble, Northumberland

PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 6:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi BB, a case of can't please everyone.... Smile

Thanks for filling in the gaps re Joan Armourplating - next week's middle hour is going to be pretty good with Jessie Malin (who I heard on AL's show this morning) and Sue Foley. I'd never really heard much of Ryan Adams' material before but intend to remedy that shortly. My night was made as he played Anne McCue's "Tiny Little Song".... Very Happy
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Barkingbiker



Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 2313
Location: Lincolnshire

PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 10:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi early bird, 0753 on a Bank Holiday Monday, now that's what I call keen!
I forgot to mention James McMurtry, form the 28th April, was that song, "We Can't Make It Here" good or just plain tremendous, superb, etc. Can't say I have knowingly heard him before and have been to his website to try & download that track as it's not available on a CD at the moment, just can't find a link to download it so must email uncle Bob and ask him. I will miss the show live on Saturday as I am on holiday in Cyprus, if I can find an internet cafe, and have any spare time, I will look out for your report.

BB Twisted Evil
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