John Coltrane - Blue Train (1957) (320)

I've been on a John Coltrane binge recently, so I'll be uploading a few of his recordings in the near future. My collection focuses more on his later, Impulse! years, but I decided to post Blue Train first. This album features some of Trane's best hard bop playing. The title track has become a classic blues number: Coltrane and trombonist Curtis Fuller playing the recognizable melody before Lee Morgan comes in with the harmony. When the rhythm section joins, they start swinging, and Trane soars over the changes with his opening solo. Coltrane gets help from some phenomenal players on this session: Lee Morgan burns on the fast bop numbers, showing off his range and incredible chops. And Curtis Fuller kills it, too, proving that jazz trombone should really be more commonplace. The trombone harmonies add a fullness to the sound, and Fuller can keep up with the fast changes as well. Fuller also plays a smooth solo on the ballad "I'm Old Fashioned" (the only piece on the album that Coltrane did not compose). It's interesting to compare this recording to the later Coltrane, where he works outside the melodic rules that he displays mastery of on Blue Train. This version has two extra tracks, alternate versions of "Blue Train" and "Lazy Bird".

Tracklist:

1. Blue Train
2. Moment's Notice
3. Locomotion
4. I'm Old Fashioned
5. Lazy Bird
6. Blue Train (Alternate Take)
7. Lazy Bird (Alternate Take)

Personnel:

John Coltrane, tenor saxophone
Lee Morgan, trumpet
Curtis Fuller, trombone
Kenny Drew, piano
Paul Chambers, bass
Philly Joe Jones, drums

Produced by Alfred Lion
Recorded on September 15, 1957 at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey
Originally recorded and remastered in 2003 by Rudy Van Gelder
All transfers from the analog tapes to digital were made at 24-bit resolution
Reissue produced by Michael Cuscuna
Cover photograph: Francis Wolff
Cover design: Reid Miles
Liner photographs from the actual session by Francis Wolff © Mosaic Images

#1-5 originally issued as BST 81577

Blue Note Records
7243 4 95326 2 5

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Marvin Gaye - I Want You (1976) (320)

I have mixed feelings about I Want You, in which Marvin makes a departure from the sounds that had made him famous with Motown and on What's Going On and Let's Get It On. I initially copped it because of the cover art, Ernie Barnes' Sugar Shack, and was almost disappointed at the distinctly lighter, almost disco groove. Like Let's Get It On, the album is best enjoyed alone with someone you love. Largely composed of slow jams, it's definitely a mood record, but it's one of Marvin's most intimate performances. The sincerity of his voice throughout songs like "Since I Had You" and the obvious highlight of the album, the title track "I Want You" shines brilliantly. On some of the more sensual jams, like "All the Way Round" and "Feel My Love Inside", his voice borders on the whiny, but this is definitely one of the records to keep ready for after the candle-lit dinner.

Tracklist:

1. I Want You
2. Come Live With Me Angel
3. After The Dance
4. Feel All My Love Inside
5. I Wanna Be Where You Are
6. I Want You (Intro Jam)
7. All The Way 'Round
8. Since I Had You
9. Soon I'll Be Loving You Again
10. I Want You (Jam)
11. After The Dance

Tamla, 1976

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Miles Davis - Workin' With The Miles Davis Quintet (1956) (320)

This 1956 recording features Miles and his first Classic Quintet: John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. Miles' famous Harmon mute playing can be heard on two pieces: "It Never Entered My Mind" (also covered by Frank Sinatra on In The Wee Small Hours"), as well as the standard "In Your Own Sweet Way". On "It Never Entered My Mind", Red Garland's piano solo is sandwiched by Miles's beautiful stylization of the melody. The ballad exemplifies Miles' distinct playing - his tone and style are instantly recognizable even playing a simple melody. Two blues numbers are featured: "Trane's Blues", composed by John Coltrane, followed by "Ahmad's Blues", composed by one of Miles' favorite pianists, Ahmad Jamal. The album has its intermission with "The Theme" (Take 1), and concludes with "The Theme" (Take 2). The following year, Trane would release his debut for Prestige.

Tracklist:

1. It Never Entered My Mind
2. Four
3. In Your Own Sweet Way
4. The Theme (Take 1)
5. Trane's Blues
6. Ahmad's Blues
7. Half Nelson
8. The Theme (Take 2)

Personnel:

Miles Davis, trumpet (except #6)
John Coltrane, tenor saxophone (except #6)
Red Garland, piano
Paul Chambers, bass
Philly Joe Jones, drums

Supervision by Bob Weinstock
Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, NJ; May 11, 1956. ("Half Nelson" recorded October 26, 1956.)
Cover photo - Esmond Edwards
Mastering engineer - Shigeo Miyamoto under supervision of Tamaki Beck for JVC Studios
This album is remastered using 20-bit A/D converter with digital K2 Interface.

Prestige
PRCD-7166-2

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Mac Dre - Thizzelle Washington (2002) (320)

This is one of the classic albums by the original hyphy pioneer, the late Mac Dre. Thizzelle Washington is perhaps one of the more focused albums of the genre, and Mac Dre expertly negotiates his stature as a gangsta rapper and a complete goofball. Though the spotlight track "Thizzelle Dance" shines as a proper hyphy anthem, "Boss Tycoon" and "Dollalalala Lotsa Paypa" bounce in a similarly silly way. "Monday Through Sunday" and "Big Breaded" remind me how hard Dre can go and how surprisingly articulate he can be, though he's not necessarily a lyrical wizard. I'm not positive who did the production on each of these tracks-- I know dude did a lot of stuff for himself-- but you can hear why this stuff became the soundtrack for ricocheting hordes of dreaded teenagers on ecstasy in hoods all over the Yay Area... Shit knocks.

Tracklist:

1. Intro (feat. Yukmouth)
2. Monday Through Sunday
3. Stuart Littles
4. Help Me (feat. Freako, Rydah J. Klyde)
5. The Mac Named Dre
6. Dam I Used to Know That
7. Boss Tycoon (feat. Yukmouth)
8. 4 Myself (feat. Devious & Dubee)
9. C.U.T.T.H.O.A.T. (feat. Cutthoat Committee)
10. Han Solo (feat. Syko)
11. Rap Life (feat. Sleep Dank)
12. Thizzelle Dance (feat. Chuck Beez)
13. Soom Lama (Interlude)
14. Big Breaded (feat. Luni Coleone)
15. Dollalalala Lotsa Paypa (feat. KC Bobcay, Sauce)
16. Miss You

Thizz, 2002

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Kraftwerk - Computer World (1981) (320)

I've always known Kraftwerk for Trans Europe Express and fun on the Autobahn because of these albums' heavy influence on early electro-funk and hip hop, but recently I've been loving a lot of their follow-ups, hearing the directions they went. Computer World was released in 1981, by which time American electronic music had progressed and diversified considerably. Kraftwerk prove here that they are still the German OGs, with plenty of repetitive, atmospheric, bleepy-bloopy fun and a well-thought out computer/technology theme. Besides the vocals, the album is pretty much all electronic. It's important to note that this, like other Kraftwerk albums, was released simultaneously in several languages, all with their separate vocals, and often notably different lyrics and mixes. This is the English language version.

Tracklist:

1. Computer World
2. Pocket Calculator
3. Numbers
4. Computer World (Continued)
5. Computer Love
6. Home Computer
7. It's More Fun To Compute

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Main Source - Breaking Atoms (1991) (320)

"He puts the needle to the wax, and just...atoms." - Nas

The best release from Wild Pitch, Main Source's Breaking Atoms features Large Professor and co. putting down some of the greatest production in hip hop. The rapping is good as well, but the layers of sampling are what make this one stand out. "Live At The Barbeque" features a guest verse from a young Nas, with the famous line, "When I was 12, I went to hell for snuffin' Jesus." This is a classic.

Tracklist:

1. Snake Eyes
2. Just Hangin' Out
3. Looking At The Front Door
4. Large Professor
5. Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball
6. Scratch & Kut
7. Peace Is Not The Word To Play
8. Vamos A Rapiar
9. He Got So Much Soul (He Don't Need No Music)
10. Live At The Barbeque (Feat. Nas, Joe Fatal & Akinyele)
11. Watch Roger Do His Thing
12. Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball (Remix)

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Dinah Washington - Dinah Washington Story (320)

I picked this up after seeing Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep, which uses her song, "This Bitter Earth". Burnett's choice of soundtrack is phenomenal. Other artists used include Paul Robeson, Louis Armstrong, and Faye Adams. Employing such a diverse soundtrack (gospel, jazz, R&B) complements Burnett's depiction of the black experience in America.

This collection goes chronologically from 1943 through 1961, close to the end of Washington's career. She possesses a fantastic vibrato, and has a unique way of gliding into notes. There are a number of blues and ballads, but the keyword here is soul. The accompaniment is mostly big band, and some selections have strings.

Tracklist:

Disc 1:
1. Evil Gal Blues
2. Salty Papa Blues
3. Embraceable You
4. A Slick Chick (On The Mellow Side)
5. Postman Blues
6. That's Why A Woman Loves A Heel
7. Walkin' and Talkin'
8. Record Ban Blues
9. (What Can I Say, Dear) After I Say I'm Sorry?
10. I'll Wait (Master Take)
11. Good Daddy Blues
12. I Only Know
13. Baby Get Lost
14. It Isn't Fair
15. I'll Never Be Free
16. I Wanna Be Loved
17. Time Out For Tears
18. I Won't Cry Anymore
19. New Blowtop Blues
20. Wheel Of Fortune
21. Trouble In Mind
22. I Cried For You
23. TV is the Thing This Year
24. Am I Blue?
25. Blue Skies

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Disc 2:
1. Love For Sale
2. I've Got You Under My Skin
3. I Don't Hurt Anymore
4. Crazy He Calls Me
5. Lover Come Back To Me
6. Teach Me Tonight
7. Blue Gardenia
8. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
9. If I Had You
10. Sometimes I'm Happy
11. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
12. Back Water Blues
13. All Of Me
14. What A Difference A Day Makes
15. Unforgettable
16. Baby (You've Got What It Takes)
17. A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around And Fall In Love)
18. A Bad Case Of The Blues
19. This Bitter Earth
20. September In The Rain
21. Mad About The Boy

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My Bloody Valentine - Loveless (1991) (256)

Largely considered one of the shoegaze masterpieces and certainly Kevin Shields' most popular album. Distorted and psychedelic guitar swells wash over obscured vocals and smatterings of tremolo.

Tracklist:

1. Only Shallow
2. Loomer
3. Touched
4. To Here Knows When
5. When You Sleep
6. I only Said
7. Come In Alone
8. Sometimes
9. Blown a Wish
10. What You Want
11. Soon

Creation, 1991

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Goblin - The Goblin Collection 1975-1989 (320)

Goblin are probably best known for their soundtracks for Dario Argento films. This collection includes selections from Suspiria, Deep Red, Tenebrae, Phenomena and others.

Tracklist:

1. Profondo Rosso (Main Title)
2. Profondo Rosso: Death Dies M32
3. Profondo Rosso M15
4. Profondo Rosso M31
5. Wampyr (Finale)
6. Chi? Part 1
7. Chi? Part 2
8. Patrick M32 Bis
9. Patrick M1
10. Patrick M34/34 Bis/35
11. Suspiria (Main Title)
12. La Via Della Droga M1 IV
13. La Via Della Droga M2
14. La Via Della Droga M6
15. La Via Della Droga 31
16. Zombi: L'Alba Dei Morti Viventi
17. Buio Omega M6
18. Buio Omega M25
19. Buio Omega (Main Title)
20. St. Helen (Love Theme)
21. Contamination M3
22. Contamination M8
23. Tenebre (Main Title)
24. Notturno: Bass Theme
25. Phenomena M12
26. Phenomena M15 (Alternate Version)
27. La Chiesa

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Ill Al Skratch - Creep Wit' Me (1994) (256)

Tracklist:

1. They Got Love For Us
2. Where My Homiez (Come Around My Way)
3. This Is For My Homiez
4. I'll Take Her (feat. Brian McKnight)
5. Chill With That
6. Where My H omiez? (Come Around My Way) (Dub Version)
7. Creem Wit' Me
8. Get Dough
9. The Brooklyn Uptown Connection
10. Classic Shit (Ill's Sold)
11. Summertime (It's All Good) (Al's Sold)
12. I'll Take Her Back (Brian's Flow)

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Edu Lobo - Cantiga de Longe (1970) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Casa forte
2. Frevo de itamaracá - come e dorme
3. Mariana, Mariana
4. Zum-zum
5. Aguaverde
6. Cantiga de longe
7. Na feira de santarém
8. Zanzibar
9. Marta e Romão
10. Racho de ano novo
11. Cidade nova

Elenco, 1970

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Hank Mobley - No Room For Squares (1963) (320)

Tracklist:

1. No Room For Squares
2. No Room For Squares [Bonus-Alternate Take]
3. Three Way Split
4. Comin' Back
5. Me 'n You
6. Carolyn [Bonus-Alternate Take]
7. Carolyn
8. Syrup And Biscuits

Personnel:

Lee Morgan, trumpet
Hank Mobley, tenor sax
Andrew Hill, piano
John Ore, bass
Philly Joe Jones, drums

Produced by Alfred Lion
Produced for release by Michael Cuscuna
Recording by Rudy Van Gelder
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on October 2, 1963
Cover photo by Francis Wolff
Cover Design by Reid Miles
Digital transfers: Ron McMaster

Blue Note Records
CDP 7 84149 2

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A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders (1993) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Midnight Marauders Tour Guide
2. Steve Biko (Stir It Up)
3. Award Tour
4. 8 Million Stories
5. Sucka Nigga
6. Midnight
7. We Can Get Down
8. Electric Relaxation
9. Clap Your Hands
10. Oh My God
11. Keep It Rollin'
12. The Chase, Part 2
13. Lyrics To Go
14. God Lives Through

Jive, 1993

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Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention - Freak Out! (1966) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Hungry Freaks, Daddy
2. I Ain't Got No Heart
3. Who Are The Brain Police?
4. Go Cry On Somebody Else's Shoulder
5. Motherly Love
6. How Could I Be Such a Fool?
7. Wowie Zowie
8. You Didn't Try To Call Me
9. Any Way the Wind Blows
10. I'm Not Satisfied
11. You're Probably Wondering Why I'm Here
12. Trouble Every Day
13. Help I'm A Rock
14. The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet

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The Magnetic Fields - Get Lost (1995) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Famous
2. The Desperate Things You Made Me Do
3. Smoke and Mirrors
4. With Whom to Dance
5. You and Me and the Moon
6. Don't Look Away
7. Save a Secret for the Moon
8. Why I Cry
9. Love Is Lighter Than Air
10. When You're Old and Lonely
11. The Village in the Morning
12. All the Umbrellas in London
13. The Dreaming Moon

Merge, 1995

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David Bowie - Hunky Dory (1971) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Changes
2. Oh! You Pretty Things
3. Eight Line Poem
4. Life On Mars?
5. Kooks
6. Quicksand
7. Fill Your Heart
8. Andy Warhol
9. Song For Bob Dylan
10. Queen Bitch
11. The Bewlay Brothers

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Originoo Gunn Clappaz - Da Storm (1996) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Intro
2. Calm Before Da Storm
3. No Fear
4. Boom Boom..... Fuckin' Prick
5. Gunn Clap
6. Emergency Broadcast System
7. Hurricane Starang
8. Danjer
9. Elements of Da Storm
10. Da Storm
11. Wild Cowboys in Bucktown
12. God Don't Like Ugly
13. X-Unknown
14. Elite Fleet

Duck Down, 1996

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Albert Ayler Trio - Spiritual Unity (1964) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Ghosts: First Variation
2. The Wizard
3. Spirits
4. Ghosts: Second Variation

Personnel:

Albert Ayler, saxophone
Gary Peacock, bass
Sunny Murray, percussion

Recorded in New York City on July 10, 1964

ESP-Disk'
ESP 1002

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Frank Sinatra - In The Wee Small Hours (1954) (320)

Tracklist:

1. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
2. Mood Indigo
3. Glad To Be Unhappy
4. I Get Along Without You Very Well
5. Deep In A Dream
6. I See Your Face Before Me
7. Can't We Be Friends?
8. When Your Lover Has Gone
9. What Is This Thing Called Love
10. Last Night When We Were Young
11. I'll Be Around
12. Ill Wind
13. It Never Entered My Mind
14. Dancing On The Ceiling
15. I'll Never Be The Same
16. This Love Of Mine

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