The Monthly Music Trading Post

Mojo · 11-18-2009, 05:27 AM

BULLDOG sent me

ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE ATTRACTIONS - GET HAPPY!!! (1980)

I knew fine well how much Bulldog loved this guy and had read a lot of his reviews, probably watched one or two video's he had posted but there was always something holding me back with Costello. I'm not quite sure what it was, his voice may have had something to do with it as for some reason i've never been a big fan of it but whatever the reason Costello has never done anything for me on any level. With that said it may sound like it would have been a bit of a disappointment to get some Costello from Bulldog this week but i actually welcomed the opportunity.

His discography is quite lengthy and therefore daunting to a newcomer so it was good to get a record BD has chosen for me, as our music tastes may not be entirely similar on every level but i certainly respect a recommendation of his and also it meant i would finally listen to a Costello record in its entirety.

On first listen the album offered no surprises to be honest. Even in my novice status i think this was kind of what i had expected (im sure you may argue this mate, and if you do i will listen

) but i felt the title of the record was rather suiting to the music as it was very upbeat, in places very infectious and offered one or two melodies that would then be stuck in my head for the next few days. However, this was probably my initial assesment in its entirety. Writing a review for this at this stage was going to be a real bitch.

I don't know whether because it had managed to get in my head or just because i felt one more listen was just good manners before i gave my verdict but im listening to it again right now. My music taste is expanding all the time but if i had to name some of my favourite genres i would have to mention doom, blues and trip hop which upon reflection offer a large amount of artists making music that i can chill out to or just outright be depressed to so after a long sleep and a cup of coffee this album almost serves as a slap in the face to start the day on a bit of a high.

The melodies are fantastic, the drumming is tight, there are some very infectious, poppy chorus' and i really don't know how its possible to listen to this album without feeling somewhat uplifted by it. The vocals are becoming less a negative aspect for me as they becomes more a part of the music. "King Horse" and "Human Touch" are tracks i can see getting added to a couple of different playlists on my ipod, the bluesy "Beaten to the Punch" is another possible favourite and i can already sense that maybe future plays of this album will offer up more favourites to single out that i have been overlooking so far until theres not really much room left for poor tracks or filler.

I am finding a lot more substance the second time around. I haven't had a chance to really take notice of the lyrics just yet but musically it's a very strong record and certainly theres more here than the odd catchy chorus.

This may not be amongst my best reviews, sorry mate, but even after a ridiculously long sleep im still feeling a bit wiped and there are certain words or phrases i just find myself desperately reaching for at present and not finding. I'm sure i wanted to say more about it than i have. I do think however that this will become an album that gets a fair few spins in the future when i need something positive and upbeat.

Bulldog · 11-18-2009, 05:57 AM

Great to hear you liked it mate. Funnily enough, first impressions for me weren't exactly mindblowing either - I remember buying the CD all those years ago and actually thinking it was all a bit turgid. No surprises, as you said. Very few of the guy's albums I liked from the word go. More often than not, with my favourites of his discography, it's been a case of repeated listenings being so rewarding. It's why I think a lot of people stop with My Aim Is True - such a great album that has an instant, often positive impact, unlike the albums I'd actually call my favourites.

Whenever you're up for some more Costello, let me know and I'll get something uploaded for you.

And on that note, I'll be pairing us all up later this evening (GMT). If anyone else wants in, it's not too late.

Bulldog · 11-18-2009, 10:06 AM

And so the results are in...

NumberNineDream<--->Zarko
Terrible Lizard<--->Bulldog
MusicPhantom13<--->+81

So, two weeks to get a load of the album you're sent and give some feedback on it here. We're looking for albums with a wintry feel as per this one's theme.

Bulldog · 11-18-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Terrible Lizard<--->Bulldog

I'll probably be able to get something your way tomorrow Mr. Terrible Lizard. I'll have a think and come up with a few possible albums in the mean time.

NumberNineDream · 11-18-2009, 10:19 AM

Other than the incredible Dead Can Dance thread made by Zarko, I don't really know much about him. He's really good at keeping a low profile

.

Anyway, I've got something in mind.
I think I'll have the link sent by the end of the day.

Zarko · 11-18-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NumberNineDream

Other than the incredible Dead Can Dance thread made by Zarko, I don't really know much about him. He's really good at keeping a low profile

.

Anyway, I've got something in mind.
I think I'll have the link sent by the end of the day.

Should be able to find out enough in the top 3 links...
http://www.musicbanter.com/search.php?searchid=1588622

Either way, looking forward to it.

music_phantom13 · 11-18-2009, 10:54 AM

Something coming your way soon +81, I'm at work right now. I looked at your last.fm. Let me know if you've heard it before.

NumberNineDream · 11-20-2009, 05:21 PM

I downloaded this album this morning, and it may be too soon to judge it but I just couldn't hold myself any longer: That's a fuckin mind-blowing album sent by Zarko:

Nils Petter Molvær - Khmer

I was listening to it in my car, driving to Uni (as usual), and stuck in traffic all I could think about was "I should go share this album with someone, instead of being stuck here". It's just too good to keep it to yourself. It is labeled as Jazz, but it just has every genre included, like an upgrading plug-in. I can honestly say that it is now my favorite instrumental album. I'm not really good at describing music, all I can say: the music was so good I could cry (and that's not an exaggeration). Past the middle of the album, I felt that's an album I should listen to taking a smoke in the cold weather, and that's when I remembered that the theme is "winter albums". Unfortunately, today was one of the sunniest days of the season. That album must be listened to using an incredible sound system, the bass sounds are so good you'll be crazy not to.
At the drive home at night, I opened the windows for the freezing wind and lit up a ciggie and just enjoyed the music ... that was in itself an experience (I just hope I won't catch a cold ... if I do, well, it was still worth it).

+81 · 11-20-2009, 08:58 PM

Sorry I haven't gotten you anything yet, music_phantom13. Expect an album by tomorrow at the latest.

Bulldog · 11-21-2009, 04:15 AM

I've wanted that Molvær album for a while now, I just keep forgetting to get round to finding it. That review's just given it a nudge up the priorities list.

By the way, feel free to suggest themes for the next draw folks.

11-18-2009, 05:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	BULLDOG sent me ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE ATTRACTIONS - GET HAPPY!!! (1980) I knew fine well how much Bulldog loved this guy and had read a lot of his reviews, probably watched one or two video's he had posted but there was always something holding me back with Costello. I'm not quite sure what it was, his voice may have had something to do with it as for some reason i've never been a big fan of it but whatever the reason Costello has never done anything for me on any level. With that said it may sound like it would have been a bit of a disappointment to get some Costello from Bulldog this week but i actually welcomed the opportunity. His discography is quite lengthy and therefore daunting to a newcomer so it was good to get a record BD has chosen for me, as our music tastes may not be entirely similar on every level but i certainly respect a recommendation of his and also it meant i would finally listen to a Costello record in its entirety. On first listen the album offered no surprises to be honest. Even in my novice status i think this was kind of what i had expected (im sure you may argue this mate, and if you do i will listen ) but i felt the title of the record was rather suiting to the music as it was very upbeat, in places very infectious and offered one or two melodies that would then be stuck in my head for the next few days. However, this was probably my initial assesment in its entirety. Writing a review for this at this stage was going to be a real bitch. I don't know whether because it had managed to get in my head or just because i felt one more listen was just good manners before i gave my verdict but im listening to it again right now. My music taste is expanding all the time but if i had to name some of my favourite genres i would have to mention doom, blues and trip hop which upon reflection offer a large amount of artists making music that i can chill out to or just outright be depressed to so after a long sleep and a cup of coffee this album almost serves as a slap in the face to start the day on a bit of a high. The melodies are fantastic, the drumming is tight, there are some very infectious, poppy chorus' and i really don't know how its possible to listen to this album without feeling somewhat uplifted by it. The vocals are becoming less a negative aspect for me as they becomes more a part of the music. "King Horse" and "Human Touch" are tracks i can see getting added to a couple of different playlists on my ipod, the bluesy "Beaten to the Punch" is another possible favourite and i can already sense that maybe future plays of this album will offer up more favourites to single out that i have been overlooking so far until theres not really much room left for poor tracks or filler. I am finding a lot more substance the second time around. I haven't had a chance to really take notice of the lyrics just yet but musically it's a very strong record and certainly theres more here than the odd catchy chorus. This may not be amongst my best reviews, sorry mate, but even after a ridiculously long sleep im still feeling a bit wiped and there are certain words or phrases i just find myself desperately reaching for at present and not finding. I'm sure i wanted to say more about it than i have. I do think however that this will become an album that gets a fair few spins in the future when i need something positive and upbeat. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

11-18-2009, 10:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
NumberNineDream Blue Bleezin' Blind Drunk Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The land of the largest wine glass (aka Lebanon) Posts: 2,200	Other than the incredible Dead Can Dance thread made by Zarko, I don't really know much about him. He's really good at keeping a low profile . Anyway, I've got something in mind. I think I'll have the link sent by the end of the day. __________________ Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Welcome to the Black Lodge

11-20-2009, 05:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
NumberNineDream Blue Bleezin' Blind Drunk Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The land of the largest wine glass (aka Lebanon) Posts: 2,200	I downloaded this album this morning, and it may be too soon to judge it but I just couldn't hold myself any longer: That's a fuckin mind-blowing album sent by Zarko: Nils Petter Molvær - Khmer I was listening to it in my car, driving to Uni (as usual), and stuck in traffic all I could think about was "I should go share this album with someone, instead of being stuck here". It's just too good to keep it to yourself. It is labeled as Jazz, but it just has every genre included, like an upgrading plug-in. I can honestly say that it is now my favorite instrumental album. I'm not really good at describing music, all I can say: the music was so good I could cry (and that's not an exaggeration). Past the middle of the album, I felt that's an album I should listen to taking a smoke in the cold weather, and that's when I remembered that the theme is "winter albums". Unfortunately, today was one of the sunniest days of the season. That album must be listened to using an incredible sound system, the bass sounds are so good you'll be crazy not to. At the drive home at night, I opened the windows for the freezing wind and lit up a ciggie and just enjoyed the music ... that was in itself an experience (I just hope I won't catch a cold ... if I do, well, it was still worth it). __________________ Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats?Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Do bats eat cats? Welcome to the Black Lodge

11-20-2009, 08:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
+81 Rats off to ya! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: House of the Ju-Ju Queen Posts: 1,609	Sorry I haven't gotten you anything yet, music_phantom13. Expect an album by tomorrow at the latest. __________________ My Music on: Facebook Last.fm My Last.fm My Poor Ol' Neglected Journal

11-18-2009, 05:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Great to hear you liked it mate. Funnily enough, first impressions for me weren't exactly mindblowing either - I remember buying the CD all those years ago and actually thinking it was all a bit turgid. No surprises, as you said. Very few of the guy's albums I liked from the word go. More often than not, with my favourites of his discography, it's been a case of repeated listenings being so rewarding. It's why I think a lot of people stop with My Aim Is True - such a great album that has an instant, often positive impact, unlike the albums I'd actually call my favourites. Whenever you're up for some more Costello, let me know and I'll get something uploaded for you. And on that note, I'll be pairing us all up later this evening (GMT). If anyone else wants in, it's not too late.

11-18-2009, 10:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	And so the results are in... NumberNineDream<--->Zarko Terrible Lizard<--->Bulldog MusicPhantom13<--->+81 So, two weeks to get a load of the album you're sent and give some feedback on it here. We're looking for albums with a wintry feel as per this one's theme.

11-18-2009, 10:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
music_phantom13 Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 942	Something coming your way soon +81, I'm at work right now. I looked at your last.fm. Let me know if you've heard it before.

11-21-2009, 04:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	I've wanted that Molvær album for a while now, I just keep forgetting to get round to finding it. That review's just given it a nudge up the priorities list. By the way, feel free to suggest themes for the next draw folks.