Spinning Today - What Are You Listening To Right Now? (Part 3)

[AJSki2fly]

I would thoroughly recommend a listen to this album, the songs may be deep and dark in places but it is rather beautiful. Release of the month on Qobuz.

Beth Gibbons - Lives Outgrown

[Pigmy Pony]

I have never listened to Portishead before, it is a recommended play of the month on TAS which I partake and contribute to as sadly the album(s) of the month died on AoS. I rather like Portishead, I think it appeals due to my recent listening to more electronic music from the likes of FSOL, Younger Brother, Fluke, Shpongle, OTT & a few others.

The other album recommended is the new solo release from Beth Gibbons - 'Lives Outgrown', which I am listening to know. It is rather beautiful thus far, even if the lyrics are a bit dark, dealing with mid-life change, loss and humanity.

It might help if she could balance it with a song about finding a tenner on her way home from the pub.

[AJSki2fly]

Portishead Portishead, so good they named it twice



This is their eponymous follow up to their debut "Dummy", it seems to be more of the same... sorry, this is making my ears bleed If anyone out there would like these two CDs foc, send me a pm. I'll even pay the postage I need to make space on my shelves. I know this band has a huge following, they're just not for me.

PM sent

[AJSki2fly]

It might help if she could balance it with a song about finding a tenner on her way home from the pub.

Maybe I just like DEEP and ethereal stuff, for example I like The Durutti Column which many find a bit arty and odd at times.

[Barry]

Just played this. I'll change the adjective from 'miserable' to 'sombre'. Not quite as bad as I remember, though if you have ever visited Portishead, you might understand why they sound the way they do.

I forewarned my partner that she might not like what I was about to play, and if she really disliked it, I would play something different. Not expecting to get past track 3, I was surprised when she said it "wasn't too bad - I quite like it"!

Even so, afterwards, I wanted something more up-beat and happy, so

Jabula - 'Jabula'



Label: Caroline Records – CA 2004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul, Folk, World, & Country
Style: African, Jazz-Funk

Jabula (isiZulu: "rejoice") was a musical ensemble made of South African musicians "exiled" in England during the Apartheid Era.

Under Apartheid, traditional African music was largely banned from radio and even private play, and groups who performed it were often forced into exile. The four members that became Jabula met in London where they were living after leaving South Africa. The group was formed in 1974.
In addition to their own albums, the group also performed with Mike Oldfield for his albums Amarok, Incantations, and Ommadawn.

[Barry]

Anything by Madness is worth listening to. There are numerous compilation albums, but this one readily came to hand:

Madness – 'Divine Madness'



It is impossible to put a Madness record on and not want to get up and 'dance' about. My partner said "is this OK for hot weather?" Make of that what you will.

[Barry]

I have never listened to Portishead before, it is a recommended play of the month on TAS which I partake and contribute to as sadly the album(s) of the month died on AoS.

'Album of the Month' fizzled out because we got tired of finding those who had volunteered to come up with a title and to write a little about wny they had chosen it, had done nothing when it was time to post. It was originally run by Alex of this parish, then later by The Grand Wazoo, and eventually by myself. When there was nothing forthcomming, I/we had to come up with something ourselves; which somewhat limited the choices.

If you like, you would be more than welcome to resurrect the thread and run with it. Interested?

[Barry]

Now:

John Peel - 'A Tribute "... and this one fades in quietly ... " '



Label: Warner Strategic Marketing – WSMCD226
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: Oct 17, 2005
Genre: Rock, Blues
Style: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Glam, Psychedelic Rock, Pop Rock, New Wave, Punk

A Tribute indeed. I used to religiously listen to Peel's Top Gear radio show in the late '60s and early '70s - he introduced me to so many fine acts, and I shall be eternally greatful to him for that.

Can't believe he passed from us so long ago. This compilation disc showcases the many and varied performers John Peel played on his radio shows.

RIP John

[Macca]

14dB dynamic range is very small: a sound pressure ratio of only 7:1. So I think the numbers must refer to something else.

CDs have a dynamic range of at least 80dB: the theoretical figure for 16 bit undithered is 96dB, and with noise shaping this can be increased to 140dB. So maybe the numbers are the dynamic range in dB divided by 10.

90dB is the difference between noise floor and the maximum possible amplitude, the dB number on the database is the difference between the quietest and loudest sound on the recording - so 16dB is a high dynamic range.

At least I think that's what it shows.

[Pigmy Pony]

90dB is the difference between noise floor and the maximum possible amplitude, the dB number on the database is the difference between the quietest and loudest sound on the recording - so 16dB is a high dynamic range.

At least I think that's what it shows.

Ah, now that does make sense.