TOM MCRAE (ABO #216)

TOM MCRAE
STILL LOST

Singer/songwriter Tom McRae credits his upbringing for leading him to a career in music. While growing up in Chelmsford, his parents were vicars in the Church of England and McRae sang in the choir. His mother played guitar and, as a teen, he'd borrow it. When his sisters were listening to Kate Bush and U2, McRae followed and began buying records. He also started to become serious about music. At age 18, he went off to Guild Hall University to study music politics, soon forming bands and writing songs. A chance meeting with sound engineer Roger Bechirian (Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Carlene Carter) led him to a working relationship. He and Bechirian shaped McRae's soft-spoken sound, which later yanked him a deal with Mercury's db Records. Tom McRae's confessional self-titled debut appeared in fall 2001 and earned him comparisons to Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. Critics raved and McRae also a gained Mercury Music Prize nomination the same year. In 2003 Just Like Blood hit shelves and the next year McRae moved to California, where he recorded his third full-length, All Maps Welcome, an album that was released in 2005. Two years later King of Cards, recorded in England, came out. Get a taste of Tom's melancholic nostalgia with Baistophe's newest delivery.

My TOM MCRAE list
1 - Tom McRae (2000)
2 - All Maps Welcome (2005)
3 - Just Like Blood (2003)
4 - King of Cards (2007)

NICKEL CREEK (ABO #215)

NICKEL CREEK
AS LONG AS THE GRASS IS BLUE

Distinguished by their youth and eclectic taste, Nickel Creek became a word-of-mouth sensation on the progressive bluegrass scene and soon found their appeal spreading beyond the genre's core audience. Guitarist Sean Watkins, fiddler Sara Watkins (his younger sister), and mandolin/banjo/bouzouki player Chris Thile first started performing together in 1989, when all three were preteens and taking music lessons in their native San Diego. They met while watching the local band Bluegrass Etc., which put on weekly performances in a pizza parlor. A bluegrass promoter liked the idea of such a young band, and thus Nickel Creek was formed, with Thile's father Scott joining them on bass.
In 1998, with help from Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek landed a record deal with the roots music label Sugar Hill. Krauss produced their self-titled debut album, which was released in 2000; with the kids apparently all right, Scott subsequently retired from the band.
In 2002, the band released This Side. The album was a major transition from their previous release. Although the core influence of bluegrass remained throughout the album, many other genres were present, such as indie rock and folk rock (the band covered Spit on a Stranger by Pavement, and Should've Known Better by Carrie Newcomer).
Three years after the release of This Side, Nickel Creek released their fifth album Why Should the Fire Die?. The album brought even more rock and pop influences to Nickel Creek, than This Side did.
In mid-2006, Nickel Creek announced it would be taking an indefinite hiatus following a scheduled tour the next year, so its members could concentrate on solo work.

LUDWIG VON 88 (ABO#214)

LUDWIG VON 88

C'EST PAS MOI, C'EST L'AUTRE

(1987-2003)

Ludwig von 88 is nothing revolutionary but really boosted french rock like did Les Béruriers Noirs. Based on punk, the Ludwigs especially interest with their provocative, ironical but always funny lyrics, which make them differ from any other punk bands. So, even if, like me, you don't like punk music, you may like Ludwig Von 88.

Ludwig von 88-Trente millions d'amis
envoyé par R-87. - Regardez la dernière sélection musicale.

My Ludwig Von 88 TOP3 :

1- Houlala 2 (1988)

2- Prophètes Et Nains De Jardin (1996)

3- 17 Plombs Pour Péter Les Tubes (1994)

My Ludwig Von 88 BOTTOM3 :

1- La Sacré Grole (1997)

2- Ce Jour Heureux Est Plein D'Allégresse (1991)

3- La Révolution N'Est Pas Un Diner De Gala (2001)

BLACKFOOT (ABO #213)

BLACKFOOT
LEGENDS NEVER DIE

Blackfoot were contemporaries of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and tried for years to make it as a Southern rock band, although they finally succeeded as a hard rock outfit, in the manner of AC/DC and the Scorpions. They racked up a hit album (Strikes) and a pair of successful singles ("Train, Train," "Highway Song") in the late 1970s and early 1980s, before they became lost in the post-MTV era of visually oriented bands.
The group started out as a quartet: singer/guitarist Rickey Medlocke, the grandson of bluegrass musician Shorty Medlocke, who wrote "Train, Train"; drummer/singer Jakson Spires, bassist/singer Greg T. Walker, and lead guitarist Charlie Hargrett. They were signed to Island Records in 1975, evidently as that label's resident Southern rockers, but moved to Epic Records the following year. Neither relationship was successful, but in 1979, after moving to Atco, their first album for the new label, Strikes, hit a responsive chord — the group spent the next few years on Atco, racking up impressive sales with the follow-ups Tomcattin' and Marauder.
In the mid-'80s, the group added ex-Uriah Heep keyboardman Ken Hensley in order to bring a new side to their sound. The group's fortunes declined amid the advent of MTV and the growth in importance of rock video promotional clips, as well as the influence of sounds from Europe and Australia, and they never recovered, despite efforts to adapt their sound and image. Hensley was replaced near the end of their history, but Blackfoot (who took their name from the Native American tribe, part of Medlocke's heritage) had broken up by 1984, before the new lineup recorded. Medlocke revived the name in 1990 with a new backing group. (allmusic)

BLACKFOOT's Top Three
1 - Strikes (1979)
2 - Marauder (1981)
3 - Tomcattin' (1980)

BLACKFOOT's Bottom Three
1 - Medecine Man (1990)
2 - Vertical Smiles (1984)
3 - Flyin' High (1976)

Thanks to Didier for the selection.

EARTH WIND & FIRE (ABO#212)

EARTH WIND & FIRE
ELEMENTS
(1970-2005)

I know, we're a bit too shy on black music at "Baistophe" and, yet, we do love black music. I personally love funk music! It took me quite a long time to finally meet EW&F's music, I was too obsessed with their disco hits to like them. Their kitsch image made me compare them with minor acts like Imagination, I admit it now, the comparison wasn't fair at all.
First because Earth Wind & Fire have made very few disco songs and, second, because even the disco songs are great.
The majority of the band's catalog is funk oriented, something I really discovered when I bought their 1975 live album Gratitude which is a must-have.
From there, I started to learn more about them and was not disappointed up until their 1980 album Faces. After that, the band began vanishing with doubtful albums not including their last real effort, Let's Groove, which became a fair hit single.
The hiatus the band observed between 1983 and 1987 did not help them regain their old fame but, because they had stayed true to funk music, two good albums were made in the late 90s and early 00s accomplished that tour de force.
And now, as the song tells : LET'S GROOVE !

My EW&F TOP3 :
1. That's The Way Of The World (1975)
2. All'n'All (1977)
3. Last Days And Time (1972)

My EW&F BOTTOM3 :
1. Touch The World (1987)
2. Heritage (1990)
3. Electric Universe (1983)

SLOY (ABO #211)

SLOY
PLUG IT IN: RETROSPECTIVE 1994-1998

Sloy was a French noise rock/post-punk band from Béziers which released three excellent albums in the 90s. Often labeled as the French Shellac (probably because master producer Steve Albini was at the deck for their first two releases) and sharing similarities with bands such as Jesus Lizard, Devo , Pere Ubu or early Talking Heads, they never got the success they deserved. Two minor hits (Pop & Idolize) and a reputation that went beyond French borders (PJ Harvey introduced them to the world on the BBC) are the proof of their potential. Ten years after they called it quit, Sloy remains one of the best indie bands that ever came from France. This "baistophe" is a tribute to their talent as well as an occasion to catch up on a peculiar and talented act. Enjoy!

FIREBIRD (ABO#210)

FIREBIRD
BLUE FLAME
(2000-2009)

Firebird was formed by guitarist Billy Steer who also played in various bands such as Carcass and Napalm Death. Unlike those bands, Fireband's music is more oriented towards the 70s classic rock style sharing similarities with Led Zeppelin or Cactus. Their kind heavy blues rock (rockier than blues when compared with their influences) is nowadays considered as Hard Rock, something I can agree with.
After 9 years of activity and 5 studio releases, Firebird is now well settled in the rock industry but seems to need some more promotion than they got.

My Firebird TOP :
1. Deluxe (2001)
2. Grand Union (2009)
3. No 3 (2003)
4. Firebird (2000)
5. Hot Wings (2006)

CURSIVE (ABO #209)

CURSIVE
BIG BANG

Formed in 1995 by singer/guitarist Tim Kasher, Cursive is a band that has known many musical developments over the years. Starting as an indie/emo band they slowly fashioned a sound of their own adding cello, horns and a sense of quirky melody that only belongs to them.
Gaining a devoted following over the years, Cursive became a reference in the US indie scene while never compromising their art in trying to fashion their sound to the various hypes. In that aspect, they're a true example of integrity that deserves any music lover's attention. Enjoy their Baistophe!

My CURSIVE List
1. Happy Hollow (2006)
2. Domestica (2000)
3. The Ugly Organ (2003)
4. The Storms of Early Summer: Semantics of Song (1998)
5. Mama, I'm Swollen (2009)
6. Such Blinding Stars for Starving Eyes (1997)

JAVA & R.WAN (ABO#208)

JAVA & R.WAN
LES ROIS DU CALEMBOUR (MOI L'MOU)
(2000-2009)

Java is just the most unexpected bands in France. No one could have imagined such music to be made. Indeed, Java has been melting both traditionnal french (parisian) music (called musette, playe with an accordion) and hip hop. The result can surprise but what is surprising is that it sounds really great ! Java's strength is overall the lyrics, sung in french, which are very humourous always playing with words, like did some french singers like Boby Lapointe or Pierre Vassiliu. Of course, anyone who cannot understand perfectly french, this will be hard to follow but the music reminds and is not as boring as hip hop usually is. Included in the baistophe are songs from frontman R.Wan who made 2 solo albums that really sound like Java's ones.

My Java/R.Wan TOP :
1. Hawaï (2000)
2. Maudits Français (2009)
3. Safari Croisière (2003)
4. [R.Wan] Radio Cortex (2006)
5. [R.Wan]Radio Cortex 2 (2007)

THE ALBUM LEAF (ABO #207)

THE ALBUM LEAF

LITTLE LANDSCAPES

The Album Leaf officially began in 1998 as the solo project of Jimmy LaValle, guitarist for San Diego, California-based post-rock band Tristeza. LaValle has also performed in several other San Diego-area bands, including The Crimson Curse, The Locust, GoGoGo Airheart and Black Heart Procession.
By taking elements of classical, jazz, and post-rock, LaValle constructs his pieces utilizing ambient noise, field recordings, and radio transmissions.
The music here is primarily downtempo, guitar-centered, made up of moody and attractive compositions that feature long lines and slow developmental processes. Something that some will find a particulary fitting background music, soothing yet not as light as it appears to be.

On Your Way

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD (ABO#206)

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
End Of Track
(1969-1983)

Grand Funk Railroad (also known as Grand Funk) is an American band. The Grand Funk Railroad lineup was highly popular during the 1970s, selling over 25 million records, near constant touring, selling out arenas worldwide and being awarded four RIAA gold albums in 1970, the most for any American group that year. The current Grand Funk Railroad lineup uses the nickname "The American Band", from their hit song "We're an American Band". A popular take on the band during their heyday was that the critics hated them, but audiences loved them. The band's name is a pun on "Grand Trunk Railroad" a railroad that went through the band's home town of Flint, Michigan.
Beginning with an astonishing melt of hard rock and groovy funk, the band, gaining a new member rapidly left the funky side of things and then also the hard stuff to become a simple rock band... An American Rock Band. (source : Wikipedia)

My GFR TOP3 :
1. Grand Funk (1970)
2. Closer To Home (1970)
3. E Pluribus Funk (1971)

My GFR BOTTOM3 :
1. Grand Funk Lives (1981)
2. What's Funk (1983)
3. Good Singing, Good Playing (1976)

LYLE LOVETT (ABO #205)

LYLE LOVETT
HERE I AM

Lyle Lovett is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Active since 1980, he has recorded thirteen albums and won four Grammy Awards, including Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album.
one of the most distinctive and original singer/songwriters to emerge during the '80s. Though he was initially labeled as a country singer, the tag never quite fit him. Lovett had more in common with '70s singer/songwriters like Randy Newman and Townes Van Zandt, combining a talent for incisive, witty lyrical detail with an eclectic array of music, ranging from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop. Lovett's literate, multi-layered songs stood out among the formulaic Nashville hit singles of the late '80s as well as the new traditionalists who were beginning to take over country music. Drawing from alternative country and rock fans, Lovett quickly built up a cult following which began to spill over into the mainstream with his second album, 1988's Pontiac. Following Pontiac, his country audience declined, but his reputation as a songwriter and musician continued to grow.
It was time Baistophe paid homage to this one of a kind American artist.

Skinny Legs (Live)


That's Right, You're Not from Texas (Live)

My LYLE LOVETT Top 3:
1 - The Road to Ensenada (1996)
2 - I Love Everybody (1994)
3 - Pontiac (1987)

My LYLE LOVETT Bottom 3:
1 - Step Inside This House (1998)
2 - Lyle Lovett (1986)
3 - It's Not Big It's Large (1986)

NEU! (ABO#204)

NEU!
PUNKTIERT
(1972-1986)

While little known and relatively unheralded during its brief existence, the Krautrock duo Neu! cast a large shadow over later generations of musicians and served as a major influence on Punk music, Cold wave, Avant-Garde or even Electronic music.
Neu! formed in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1971 after multi-instrumentalists Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger both split from Kraftwerk. Recorded in the space of four days with Can producer Conrad Plank, the duo's self-titled debut appeared early in 1972 and quickly established their affection for minimalist melodies and lock-groove rhythms.
After that german acclaimed first LP, times were hard for the duo. The couldn't spare enough money to record new albums so disbanded and reunited each time they could. Only 4 albums were recorded, the first 3 ones in a lap time of 3 years, the last more than ten years after its predecessor.

My Neu! TOP :
1. Neu! (1972)
2. Neu! 1975 (1975)
3. Neu! 2 (1973)
4. Neu! 4 (1986/1996)

NEVERMORE (ABO #203)

NEVERMORE
A FUTURE UNCERTAIN
(1995-2005)

Nevermore is an American metal band from Seattle, Washington assembled in 1991 from the ashes of the power metal band Sanctuary. The band incorporates elements from styles such as thrash, death, progressive and even neo-classical metal into their songs, and also makes use of acoustic guitars and a wide range of vocal styles.
Nevermore incorporates elements from a variety of metal sub-genres, which makes it difficult to categorize Nevermore's music. Their sound includes elements of power metal, thrash metal, progressive metal, traditional heavy metal, amongst others.
"A Future Uncertain", Baistophe's compilation of this talented formation, tries to sum up the band's career in 2 hours and 24 songs taken from their 6 albums and 1 ep as to 2005. We hope you'll enjoy it.

The Heart Collector

My NEVERMORE list:
1 - Dead Heart in a Dead World (2000)
2 - The Politics of Ecstasy (1996)
3 - Enemies of Reality (2003)
4 - This Godless Endeavor (2005)
5 - Nevermore (1995)
6 - In Memory [EP] (1996)
7 - Dreaming Neon Black (1999)

BERNARD LAVILLIERS (ABO#202)

BERNARD LAVILLIERS
UN CRI
(1967-2008)

Although he began his career in the late 60s, most of Lavilliers' best work were released in the 80s. After a long period of artistic hesitation, Lavilliers felt at ease when adopting a sound which mixed reggae, salsa, rock and chanson. Very discreet in the media, he however managed to gain a popularity such as he is still here, 40 years after his beginning! Looking to his repertoire and discography, you can guess that his higher artistic success and best-selling albums (between 1980 and 1988) cover a very short period but, after that, Bernard Lavilliers, thanks to a strong and faithful fanbase, kept on recording and touring with success.

Lavilliers "La salsa"
envoyé par MELMOTH

On the Road Again

My Bernard Lavilliers TOP3 :
1- O Gringo (1980)
2- Voleur De Feu (1986)
3- 15e Round (1977)

My Bernard Lavilliers BOTTOM3 :
1- Premiers Pas (1968)
2- Carnets De Bord (2004)
3- Clair Obscur (1997)