Time

It is annoying how hindsight will make a few months seem like a long time when the present is always moving so fast that the next few will be too short.

ALBUM REVIEW: As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls - Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays

Album: As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls
Artist: Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays
Year: 1980
Genre : Crossover Jazz

Favorite Track: It’s For You

It is hard to pin a genre on this music. The joint effort by Metheny and Mays plays out very nicely into a union of jazz and prog-rock. Though, as an album it leans towards the jazz.

The title track moves you through 21 minutes of what seems to be a jam session. Luckily it does not get boring or feeling masturbatory. The biggest highlight for me is the build and climax around minute 13. Unfortunately there are a few transitions that don’t do so well. The major offender for me being around 14:30 where there is a flat out change in tempo, mood and sound, leaving me wondering why this is part of the same track and not a completely separated song.

The third track “September Fifteenth” is a very nice duet between the artists. This song is a remembrance for Bill Evans, a jazz pianist who died during the recording of this album. In it Metheny and Mays really show their knowledge of how to craft a moving piece.

“It’s For You” ends up being my pick for favorite track however. Perhaps I’m just a sucker for a nice bass line, but this song delivers it. Its got energy and leaves one with an overall happy feeling.

Unfortunately they don’t end the album on that high note. They end it with a 3 minute track of nice piano and not so nice, non-lyrical singing. The album is worth listening to, but is not great.

Rating: 4 of 5

Surprise

It is always astonishing to find something in the last place you would think to look. Like when you put down your keys somewhere unusual. You check all the usual spots, then you check all the possible spots like under that scarf someone left on the counter, but it always ends up in an obvious spot.

This has been a wonderful week, full of food and good company. All leading up to the Summer Solstice, the eve of which is tomorrow. The first half of summer was full of fun, and this second half is looking like it will be full of joy. Life works out in surprising and wonderful ways sometimes.

ALBUM REVIEW: Animal Magic - Bonobo

Album: Animal Magic
Artist: Bonobo
Year: 2001
Genre : Electronic / Downbeat

Favorite Track: The Plug

This album is not amazing, but it is a pretty solid debut. Though the intro track, named “intro” quite aptly, seems a bit too long. Perhaps I am just one who prefers a song at the start rather than some words with a 6 second beat looping. Once the on the album gets going however, it is very easy listening and maintains a very nice feeling throughout.

The tracks “Dinosaurs” and “Shadowtricks” seem to make the biggest departs from the rest of the album. Though, “Dinosaurs” is much more successful with a sound very similar to that of Amon Tobin (who is unsurprisingly under the same label). “Shadowtricks” on the other hand just feels a bit too slow and moody.

The sitar makes an appearance in a few of the tracks, the most beautiful example being “Terrapin” with its soothing melody. “Sugar Rhyme” is another stand out track, though featuring the sitar much less, because of its almost hip-hop beat blending just right with the vocal samples.

“The Plug” wins out for my pick of the album. It is a relaxing track with just enough complexity to stay interesting instead of just turning into background sound. Complexity is what the album as a whole lacks though. It is very easy listening, wonderful background music for a relaxed party, but overall it is just good not great.

Rating: 4 of 5