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Thread: Billy's HiFi Lounge Record of the Week

  1. #1
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Billy's HiFi Lounge Record of the Week


    This week’s album by Eric Clapton has to be one of my favourites from the MTV Unplugged series, which showcases some of the world's most successful artists in an acoustic setting. One of the finest guitarists of our time, Eric Clapton's Unplugged album takes us back to earthy roots with a fantastic collection of original songs alongside blues-infused covers, which pay homage to legendary artists such as Robert Johnson and Son House.

    I’m a huge fan of Clapton’s work, extending back to the early days in the Yardbirds, where he acquired the nickname “slow hand.” As a guitarist, "slow hand' is not the most desirable nickname, insinuating that your playing is below par, but Clapton is the king of placement and feel. His timing is impeccable, and he plays all the right notes at the right time. The entire concert is a masterclass in serving a song and giving the audience what they want. Sonically outstanding with a wide soundstage and presence, you can hear every breath and subtle movement on his guitar, creating an intimate and engaging listening experience.

    Particular highlights include Layla, which I feel is arguably better than the original, Tears in Heaven - God only knows how he gets through it and the infectious version of Hey Hey by Big Bill Broonzy. Old Love is my pick from the concert, a bluesy ballad with a soulful edge. This performance ticks all the boxes for me and sounds phenomenal. The guitar and piano solos are sensational, and although the band probably rehearsed the set before the concert, it feels improvised. A truly classic album, guaranteed to get your foot tapping! I highly recommend giving it a spin if you are unfamiliar! Thanks, Billy
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  2. #2
    Join Date: Mar 2014

    Location: West Wales

    Posts: 843
    I'm malcolm.

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    Agree a good album but my favourite MTV Unplugged has to be Neil Young.
    Audiophile Tosher

  3. #3
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,853
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

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    Excellent recording - I have it on CD.

    However regarding "Capton is the king of placement and feel", I think that the sadly late Peter Green would give 'our Eric' more than a run for his money in that regard.
    Barry

  4. #4
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

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    Hi Barry, Im a huge Neil Young fan! Like a hurricane from that album is sensational. Billy
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

  5. #5
    Join Date: Aug 2014

    Location: Bedfordshire, UK

    Posts: 1,003
    I'm Paul.

    Default Billy’s HiFi Lounge Record of the Week



    This week’s album Cafe Bleu by The Style Council is - fronted by the ever-changing Paul Weller, whom many will remember as lead singer and songwriter of The Jam. At the height of The Jam’s success, arguably Britain’s most famous band at the time, Weller’s brave decision to knock it on its head came as a shock to fans and was met with some critique. Weller’s head start to happiness began after joining forces with Dexys Midnight runners accomplished keyboard player Mick Talbot.

    The Style Council presented a more sophisticated sound to Weller’s former lineup with complex harmonies and slick instrumentals, allowing Weller to showcase his songwriting abilities in - ways he felt The Jam inhibited. The squeaky clean production couldn’t be further away from The Jam’s plug-in-and-play ethos, but you could hear where Weller was going before forming The Style Council with soulful hits such as A Town Called Malice.

    Cafe Bleu contains some real gems that venture into - a diverse selection of genres demonstrating the band’s musical abilities and creative prowess. The Title track is an example of this creating a new aesthetic you would never of imagined Weller being - associated with. Other highlights include My Ever Changing Moods and, You’re The Best Thing. Paris Match is the most meaningful to me, a beautiful song that takes me back to my childhood days of my Grandad playing the album every Sunday afternoon after football. It features Tracy Thorn, Every Thing But The Girl vocalist, on backing vocals that later released a captivating version taking on the lead role, which is well worth checking out. Give it a spin if you are unfamiliar. Looking - forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks, Billy
    Specialists In The Brands We Believe In, Set in the Beautiful Bedfordshire Countryside, Just off The A1M, Loads Of Free Parking, Relaxed Environment, No Pressure Sales!
    PMC, Naim, Bryston, Devialet, Rega, Martin Logan, Musical Fidelity, Sonus Faber, Heed, Spendor, Koetsu, Dynavector, Michell Engineering, JVC Projectors, OPPO, REL, Atlas Cables.
    For All The Best Headphones, Amps and DACs All Under One Roof Then Please Visit Highend Headphones.
    www.hifilounge.co.uk / www.highendheadphones.co.uk / 01767 448121 / paul@hifilounge.co.uk

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