Love That Album

It’s time for the first episode of Love That Album podcast in 2013, and I thought I’d start the year with a depressing album to discuss….sort of. For episode 36 of LTA, I’m joined by JuanJose De laCruz of The List Music Podcast to talk about Elliott Smith’s 1998 album, XO. This was Smith’s first major label release, and he was able to sonically expand on the sound he’d created on previous albums like Either/Or. This had beautifully tasteful arrangements with piano, mellotron, occasional string arrangements and breathy vocal harmonies, as well as the standard band structure of guitar, drums and bass – and Elliott is playing most of it himself. The beauty of the music is in contrast to the lyrics that are often angry and show signs of depression. Did Smith (whose cause of death has never been fully substantiated) really have strong depression or are these songs just him getting feelings out of his system. There are moments on the album that have positive spins that appear to contradict the common wisdom that Smith suffered from depression. It was truly wonderful having such a great chat with Juan and getting his insight about an album we both love. Eric Reanimator returns to LTA in 2013 to discuss Mark Lannegan’s album Whiskey for the Holy Ghost. It’s another great segment from Eric. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in the itunes store. The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device. Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and start a discussion on your favourite sad songs.

The "Shooting The Shit" crew (comprising Eric Reanimator, John Stirrat, Tim Merrill and myself) reconvene to discuss our favourite albums of 2012, either released this year or albums of old we discovered this year. I think we had a fascinating discussion and hopefully you'll enjoy it too. Our tastes were broad so LOTS of new music to discover. We also had some great feedback from the listeners with their top albums of the year. This is the final LTA for 2012. We'll be back with more album discussion late January 2013. Thank you to anyone who listened to the show over the year, either occasionally or regularly, and I hope you'll come back for more in 2013. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" (no longer has to be one word - YAY)  in the itunes store. The podcast can now also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device. Over the break, you can still leave feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au orjoin the Facebook group at  http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Enjoy your holidays folks, and speak again in the New Year.

The "Shooting The Shit" crew (comprising Eric Reanimator, John Stirrat, Tim Merrill and myself) reconvene to discuss our favourite albums of 2012, either released this year or albums of old we discovered this year. I think we had a fascinating discussion and hopefully you'll enjoy it too. Our tastes were broad so LOTS of new music to discover. We also had some great feedback from the listeners with their top albums of the year. This is the final LTA for 2012. We'll be back with more album discussion late January 2013. Thank you to anyone who listened to the show over the year, either occasionally or regularly, and I hope you'll come back for more in 2013. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" (no longer has to be one word - YAY)  in the itunes store. The podcast can now also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device. Over the break, you can still leave feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au orjoin the Facebook group at  http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Enjoy your holidays folks, and speak again in the New Year.

The "Shooting The Shit" crew (comprising Eric Reanimator, John Stirrat, Tim Merrill and myself) reconvene to discuss our favourite albums of 2012, either released this year or albums of old we discovered this year. I think we had a fascinating discussion and hopefully you'll enjoy it too. Our tastes were broad so LOTS of new music to discover. We also had some great feedback from the listeners with their top albums of the year. This is the final LTA for 2012. We'll be back with more album discussion late January 2013. Thank you to anyone who listened to the show over the year, either occasionally or regularly, and I hope you'll come back for more in 2013. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" (no longer has to be one word - YAY)  in the itunes store. The podcast can now also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device. Over the break, you can still leave feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au orjoin the Facebook group at  http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum Enjoy your holidays folks, and speak again in the New Year.

For episode 34 of Love That Album, Michael Pursche and I discuss the first two albums by The Pretenders (funnily enough called Pretenders and Pretenders 2). Formed back in 1978, the original recorded lineup of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott only lasted two albums (both Scott and Farndon died of drug related causes). These are the albums where (in my opinion) the Pretenders were a real band, rather than just being a backup vehicle for Hynde. These albums are wonderfully produced by Chris Thomas who takes a different approach for each song to show off the band’s versatility. They showed they were equally at home with punk, jangly melodic pop, ballads and hard rock. If all you’d heard was the single “Brass In Pocket”, then put on the first album opener, “Precious” you were in for a rude shock. The songs sounded like they were from two different bands. No sheen, no over production. These albums are emotional and honest. Michael and I discuss our favourite songs from both these great albums. Eric Reanimator presents his “An Album I Love” segment to discuss the debut album for Concrete Blonde, another band with a distinctive female lead vocalist. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us which groups or performers you think presented the most versatility on the one album.

For episode 34 of Love That Album, Michael Pursche and I discuss the first two albums by The Pretenders (funnily enough called Pretenders and Pretenders 2). Formed back in 1978, the original recorded lineup of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott only lasted two albums (both Scott and Farndon died of drug related causes). These are the albums where (in my opinion) the Pretenders were a real band, rather than just being a backup vehicle for Hynde. These albums are wonderfully produced by Chris Thomas who takes a different approach for each song to show off the band’s versatility. They showed they were equally at home with punk, jangly melodic pop, ballads and hard rock. If all you’d heard was the single “Brass In Pocket”, then put on the first album opener, “Precious” you were in for a rude shock. The songs sounded like they were from two different bands. No sheen, no over production. These albums are emotional and honest. Michael and I discuss our favourite songs from both these great albums. Eric Reanimator presents his “An Album I Love” segment to discuss the debut album for Concrete Blonde, another band with a distinctive female lead vocalist. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us which groups or performers you think presented the most versatility on the one album.

For episode 34 of Love That Album, Michael Pursche and I discuss the first two albums by The Pretenders (funnily enough called Pretenders and Pretenders 2). Formed back in 1978, the original recorded lineup of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott only lasted two albums (both Scott and Farndon died of drug related causes). These are the albums where (in my opinion) the Pretenders were a real band, rather than just being a backup vehicle for Hynde. These albums are wonderfully produced by Chris Thomas who takes a different approach for each song to show off the band’s versatility. They showed they were equally at home with punk, jangly melodic pop, ballads and hard rock. If all you’d heard was the single “Brass In Pocket”, then put on the first album opener, “Precious” you were in for a rude shock. The songs sounded like they were from two different bands. No sheen, no over production. These albums are emotional and honest. Michael and I discuss our favourite songs from both these great albums. Eric Reanimator presents his “An Album I Love” segment to discuss the debut album for Concrete Blonde, another band with a distinctive female lead vocalist. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us which groups or performers you think presented the most versatility on the one album.

For episode 33 of Love That Album podcast, Michael Pursche and I are not tackling a single album, but rather, looking at the overall work and career of Sky, the superband comprised of three English and two Australian musicians including classical guitar maestro John Williams (NO, NOT THAT JOHN WILLIAMS). The musicians in Sky were all session musicians or classical musicians (seen the Deer Hunter? You know John Williams. Fan of David Bowie or Lou Reed? You know the bass playing of Herbie Flowers). They’ve been tagged as a prog band, but this is so far from the truth. They used their classical influences and technique to make classical pieces their own or create their own magnificent compositions – all the while with a real sense of fun. Their concerts were as much about people smiling and laughing as well as admiring top notch musicianship. Michael and I discuss what we like about most of their albums, and talk about the backgrounds of all the band, how they changed stylistically between keyboard players and whether disco balls were a nice touch at their shows. Also on the show, I speak with the former drummer for Sky (now percussionist for London Chamber Orcehstra), Tristan Fry. He was a wonderful interview subject, very friendly and more than happy to talk about the days he spent with Sky. You really get the feeling from listening to him that these were days he treasured highly, and his enthusiasm made the interview a memory I will always cherish. For the “An Album I Love” segment, Eric Reanimator discusses Norwegian band, Ulver’s “Wars of the Roses”, a departure from their metal roots. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite instrumental band.

For episode 33 of Love That Album podcast, Michael Pursche and I are not tackling a single album, but rather, looking at the overall work and career of Sky, the superband comprised of three English and two Australian musicians including classical guitar maestro John Williams (NO, NOT THAT JOHN WILLIAMS). The musicians in Sky were all session musicians or classical musicians (seen the Deer Hunter? You know John Williams. Fan of David Bowie or Lou Reed? You know the bass playing of Herbie Flowers). They’ve been tagged as a prog band, but this is so far from the truth. They used their classical influences and technique to make classical pieces their own or create their own magnificent compositions – all the while with a real sense of fun. Their concerts were as much about people smiling and laughing as well as admiring top notch musicianship. Michael and I discuss what we like about most of their albums, and talk about the backgrounds of all the band, how they changed stylistically between keyboard players and whether disco balls were a nice touch at their shows. Also on the show, I speak with the former drummer for Sky (now percussionist for London Chamber Orcehstra), Tristan Fry. He was a wonderful interview subject, very friendly and more than happy to talk about the days he spent with Sky. You really get the feeling from listening to him that these were days he treasured highly, and his enthusiasm made the interview a memory I will always cherish. For the “An Album I Love” segment, Eric Reanimator discusses Norwegian band, Ulver’s “Wars of the Roses”, a departure from their metal roots. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite instrumental band.

For episode 33 of Love That Album podcast, Michael Pursche and I are not tackling a single album, but rather, looking at the overall work and career of Sky, the superband comprised of three English and two Australian musicians including classical guitar maestro John Williams (NO, NOT THAT JOHN WILLIAMS). The musicians in Sky were all session musicians or classical musicians (seen the Deer Hunter? You know John Williams. Fan of David Bowie or Lou Reed? You know the bass playing of Herbie Flowers). They’ve been tagged as a prog band, but this is so far from the truth. They used their classical influences and technique to make classical pieces their own or create their own magnificent compositions – all the while with a real sense of fun. Their concerts were as much about people smiling and laughing as well as admiring top notch musicianship. Michael and I discuss what we like about most of their albums, and talk about the backgrounds of all the band, how they changed stylistically between keyboard players and whether disco balls were a nice touch at their shows. Also on the show, I speak with the former drummer for Sky (now percussionist for London Chamber Orcehstra), Tristan Fry. He was a wonderful interview subject, very friendly and more than happy to talk about the days he spent with Sky. You really get the feeling from listening to him that these were days he treasured highly, and his enthusiasm made the interview a memory I will always cherish. For the “An Album I Love” segment, Eric Reanimator discusses Norwegian band, Ulver’s “Wars of the Roses”, a departure from their metal roots. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite instrumental band.

One of the great things about doing a podcast and having a community page for the show is you get to meet fellow music lovers from the other side of the globe. I have met one such fellow, John Ross who started the excellent Feed My Ears Facebook page. For Episode 32 of Love That Album podcast, John and I discuss an album he recommended me, the excellent 2012 release for Ray Wylie Hubbard, “The Grifter’s Hymnal”. This album is a love letter to roots rock and roll and the many practitioners along the way who have inspired Hubbard. Ray loves singing about the power of rock – no lip service, he truly loves his music. He also writes about war, death, ratbag music industry executives, his own life and God. This man has a way with a lyric and telling a story, plus his music is gritty and honest. It was a great album for John and I to discuss. As usual, Eric Reanimator provides the show with another great “Album I Love” segment. He discusses the album ”Cody’s Dream” by Mark Pickerel (ex-Screaming Trees) and his Praying Hands. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. If you wish to join Feed My Ears, go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/373264322732907/ Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite song that mentions a famous musician as part of its lyric..

One of the great things about doing a podcast and having a community page for the show is you get to meet fellow music lovers from the other side of the globe. I have met one such fellow, John Ross who started the excellent Feed My Ears Facebook page. For Episode 32 of Love That Album podcast, John and I discuss an album he recommended me, the excellent 2012 release for Ray Wylie Hubbard, “The Grifter’s Hymnal”. This album is a love letter to roots rock and roll and the many practitioners along the way who have inspired Hubbard. Ray loves singing about the power of rock – no lip service, he truly loves his music. He also writes about war, death, ratbag music industry executives, his own life and God. This man has a way with a lyric and telling a story, plus his music is gritty and honest. It was a great album for John and I to discuss. As usual, Eric Reanimator provides the show with another great “Album I Love” segment. He discusses the album ”Cody’s Dream” by Mark Pickerel (ex-Screaming Trees) and his Praying Hands. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. If you wish to join Feed My Ears, go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/373264322732907/ Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite song that mentions a famous musician as part of its lyric..

One of the great things about doing a podcast and having a community page for the show is you get to meet fellow music lovers from the other side of the globe. I have met one such fellow, John Ross who started the excellent Feed My Ears Facebook page. For Episode 32 of Love That Album podcast, John and I discuss an album he recommended me, the excellent 2012 release for Ray Wylie Hubbard, “The Grifter’s Hymnal”. This album is a love letter to roots rock and roll and the many practitioners along the way who have inspired Hubbard. Ray loves singing about the power of rock – no lip service, he truly loves his music. He also writes about war, death, ratbag music industry executives, his own life and God. This man has a way with a lyric and telling a story, plus his music is gritty and honest. It was a great album for John and I to discuss. As usual, Eric Reanimator provides the show with another great “Album I Love” segment. He discusses the album ”Cody’s Dream” by Mark Pickerel (ex-Screaming Trees) and his Praying Hands. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. If you wish to join Feed My Ears, go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/373264322732907/ Start a discussion at the Love That Album facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and tell us your favourite song that mentions a famous musician as part of its lyric..

For episode 31 of Love That Album I am joined by Ben Eisen of the All Time Top Ten podcast to discuss a highlight album from a champagne year for rock music. By 1967, The Kinks had already released an enviable number of brilliantly crafted singles. Like many other bands from the so-called British Invasion, they had their blues roots (Ray Davies was particularly keen on Big Bill Broonzy), but then went on to explore other musical avenues (though no Dead End Streets – geddit????) “Something Else By The Kinks” was indeed just that. Full of great little character studies and stories, this was the band exploring British life with both affection and a little cynicism. Part psychedelia, part British music hall, this album has its place cemented in history for “Waterloo Sunset” alone. Fortunately, there are many other joys on this record. Dave Davies gets in on the songwriting action too. This album was followed by “Village Green Preservation Society” an album that has garnered more attention. As great as that record is, Ben and I have a lot of affection for “Something Else”, and we discuss why on this latest episode. Eric Reanimator returns to discuss The Soundtrack of Our Lives, “Behind The Music”. Through him, I’ve become a fan, so tune in and become a convert to this great Swedish band. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. If you want to get hold of Ben’s podcast, find it at http://alltimetopten.podomatic.com Join the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and discuss your favourite bands with family links or anything else musical you wish to bring up.

For episode 31 of Love That Album I am joined by Ben Eisen of the All Time Top Ten podcast to discuss a highlight album from a champagne year for rock music. By 1967, The Kinks had already released an enviable number of brilliantly crafted singles. Like many other bands from the so-called British Invasion, they had their blues roots (Ray Davies was particularly keen on Big Bill Broonzy), but then went on to explore other musical avenues (though no Dead End Streets – geddit????) “Something Else By The Kinks” was indeed just that. Full of great little character studies and stories, this was the band exploring British life with both affection and a little cynicism. Part psychedelia, part British music hall, this album has its place cemented in history for “Waterloo Sunset” alone. Fortunately, there are many other joys on this record. Dave Davies gets in on the songwriting action too. This album was followed by “Village Green Preservation Society” an album that has garnered more attention. As great as that record is, Ben and I have a lot of affection for “Something Else”, and we discuss why on this latest episode. Eric Reanimator returns to discuss The Soundtrack of Our Lives, “Behind The Music”. Through him, I’ve become a fan, so tune in and become a convert to this great Swedish band. Download the show either from http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for “lovethatalbum” in the itunes store. Send any feedback to rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au – either written or mp3. If you want to get hold of Ben’s podcast, find it at http://alltimetopten.podomatic.com Join the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and discuss your favourite bands with family links or anything else musical you wish to bring up.