BAISTOPHE

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2011-07-02T18:13:00.001+02:00

MASS HYSTERIA (ABO#427)

2011-06-22T01:01:00.005+02:00

MASS HYSTERIA
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
(1997-2009)

Mass Hysteria is all my youth. As a young student, this was one of the most frequent music I used to listen. On their first album, a fusion of Metal, Hardcore and nearly disco rhythm summed up this very energic music. On their following album, that recipe endured even if the band was clever enough not to restrictively and exclusively stay in that description. However, this is what we remind the most from them. By the way, Mass Hysteria is a great act on CD but really deserves being witnessed live. Recently this month a new live DVD as been edited. I truly think that this will be worth the listen. You can buy it here

Extracts :

Une Somme De Détails
(from Une Somme De Détails, 2007)

Knowledge Is Power
(from Le Bien-Être Et La Paix, 1997)

My Mass Hysteria TOP :
1. Le Bien-Être Et La Paix (1997)
2. Contraddiction (1999)
3. Un Somme De Détails (2007)
4. Failles (2009)
5. De Cercle En Cercle (2001)
6. Mass Hysteria (2005)

ROBERTA FLACK (ABO#426)

2011-06-16T23:49:00.006+02:00

ROBERTA FLACK
SOFTLY
(1969-2003)

Sure I did want to Baistophe Roberta but how hard was it to find all of her albums especially her youngest ones. I really wanted to compile this artist even if I didn't really know her complete work. In fact, I only knew her best period (1969-1975). This golden era completely fills the first CD of this chronological compilation. The second one gathers songs from 1977 to 1999. A last album, Holiday was been recorded in 2003 but was in fact a re-recording og her 1997's Christmas Album. This second period is much more smoothy and much more RNB than Soul. I'll understand you'll prefer to reduce this compilation down to the first CD... However, even if there are no real highlights in CD2, there some songs that are honestly listenable. Make your own opinion, if you want to...

Extracts :

Go Up Moses
(from Quiet Fire, 1971)

Feel Like Making Love To You
(from Feel Like Making Love, 1975)

My Roberta Flack TOP3 :
1. First Take (1969)
2. Killing Me Softly (1973)
3. Quiet Fire (1971)

My Roberta Flack BOTTOM3 :
1. Born To Love (feat. Peabo Bryson, 1983)
2. Oasis (1988)
3. The Christmas Album / Holiday (1997/2003)

PETER TOSH (ABO#425)

2011-06-08T06:19:00.007+02:00

PETER TOSH
NO SMOKE WITHOUT HIGHER
(1976-1988)

I first heard of Peter Tosh as a solo artist a dozen years ago. The fact is that I really don't like Reggae. A friend of mine had suggested me to give an ear to Peter Tosh's live album. Since then, I had the idea to discover this artist that may make me reconsider my opinion about Reggae music. At the beginning of making this Baistophe, I still didn't know nothing about Peter Tosh, even that he was a member of the Wailers... what a shame! And now that I have finished it, I'm aware of one thing : like many other very popular music, Reggae is not a bad one, just that too many musicians can't do it well because this is not just a rhythm section. Peter Tosh, like Bob Marley had the talent to work the melodies and, then, make this music listenable... more : enjoyable.

Extracts :

Bush Doctor
(from Bush Doctor, 1978)

Rastafara Is
(from Wanted : Dread Or Alive, 1981)

My Peter Tosh TOP :

1. Bush Doctor (1978)

2. Legalize It! (1976)

3. Mama Africa (1984)

4. Equal Rights (1977)

5. Wanted : Dread Or Alive (1981)

6. No Nuclear War (1987)

7. Mystic Man (1979)

PIXIES (ABO#424)

2011-06-02T06:51:00.006+02:00

PIXIES
INTO THE WHITE
(1986-1993)

The Pixies started out as a college band, releasing early material on a purple demo tape. Each album got a little bigger than the previous one but they disintegrated just as they were getting famous -- pulled into fame by groups inspired by them, citing them as an influence, notably David Bowie covered them and Nirvana's Kurt Cobain said "Smells Like Teen Spirit" had taken it's use of loud/quiet dynamics from The Pixies. There aren't any "bad" pixies albums, but rather ones you like more than others -- latter records are more polished, early stuff is more raw and Doolittle is the middle point where it all sort of meets together. This Baistophe is a little difficult to make because although the Pixies only put out 4 albums and 2 EPs, almost everything they did was excellent. Even their B-sides album only has one or two weak songs.
After Doolittle, tensions between Black Francis and Kim Deal brought the band to a hiatus, but they got back together to record a few more records before breaking up for good in 1990. They recently reformed and have toured, finally earning money they missed out on during the "grunge" or "alternative" hey-day due to their break-up.

-THE REAL ANONYMOUS-

Extracts :

Here Comes Your Man
(from Doolittle, 1989)

Gigantic
(from Surfer Rosa, 1988)

THE REAL ANONYMOUS' Pixies TOP3 :
1. Doolittle (1989)
2. Surfer Rosa (1988)
3. Come On Pilgrim (1987)

THE REAL ANONYMOUS' Pixies BOTTOM3 :
1. Bossanova (1990)
2. Trompe Le Monde (1991)
3. Complete B-Sides (2001)

ATOMIC ROOSTER (ABO#421)

2011-05-25T06:23:00.003+02:00

ATOMIC ROOSTER
WALKS BEHIND YOU
(1970-1989)

Here's another band whose reputation couldn't get further from its name. Of course, Atomic Rooster is well known by many music addicts mostly because first drummer Carl Palmer had joined ELP quickly after, mostly because Vincent Crane was a member of the famous Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Sadly their music had not the same popularity. One thing that's wrong with the band is that mostly every media consider them as a prog band, because of ELP, because of Arthur Brown (who's not more prog either), and maybe because of the hammond organ. To me Atomic Rooster is definitely a hard rock band, whose music can be easily compared with another hammonded hard rock band : Deep Purple. Discography is short. Only 5 albums were recorde between 1970 and 1973 and a new Atomic Rooster with only Vincent Crane as original member reunited for 2 more LPs in the early 80s. Only the last album, Headline News, is not included here because of the very low quality of the sound and often the music but a late 80s re-recording of 1970 song Tomorrow Night is available here. Vincent Crane sadly died in 1989 bringing his band with him for good.

Extracts :

Death Walks Behind You
(from Death Walks Behind You, 1970)

A Spoonful Of Bromide [Helps The Pulse Rate Go Down]
(from In Hearing Of Atomic Rooster, 1971)

My Atomic Rooster TOP :
1. Death Walks Behind You (1970)
2. Atomic Roooster (1970)
3. In Hearing Of Atomic Rooster (1971)
4. Made In England (1972)
5. Atomic Rooster (1980)
6. Nice 'n Greasy (1973)
7. Headline News (1983)

CLIMAX BLUES BAND (ABO#422)

2011-05-17T23:58:00.005+02:00

CLIMAX BLUES BAND
STANDING BY A RIVER
(1969-2003)

How funny things are. When I came to Baistophe there was plenty of great bands to compile. Some had already been done, some other are still not. Climax Blues Band was certainly one of those I really wanted to make for the simple reason that I only owned one album of theirs : FM-LIVE, a great live album that invited me to discover more from that forgotten band. For reasons completely unknown by anybody (especially me), I have never done such an exploration. So you may understand how happy I found myself to receive a mail from new part-time contributor GARY who was sending me this compilation. As it is becoming an habit (you may think it's a good one, or not) this is a 2CD compilation which second one can be considered like a bonus CD. The firt one is a simple CD compilation exploring the almost complete CBB discography. Not exactly complete because the very first album and the very last one is not included in it. I think that the very first CBB album is not particularily as enjoyable as the other, but I think that I will give it a listen to make my own opinion. The last one is more understandably put aside : this is an exclusively tribute to Willy Dixon. Some classical blues that does not really fit with the rockier songs they used to record. In the contrary, Rich Man is unarguably the best represented.
As I said earlier, the second CD can be considered like a bonus one. It's indeed a live CD consisting of only bootleg tracks. The sound is good from the beginning to the end at the exception of one track where there's a bit of saturation. Well, it's good first attempt from Gary on our dear blog.

I simply hope he won't damn me for having made my own artwork. His was good anyway but in a too low resolution. I couldn't find his pix on higher resolution so I made my own one, respecting the title he had chosen for this Baistophe...

Extracts :

Rich Man
(from Rich Man, 1972)

Couldn't Get It Right
(from Gold Plated, 1976)

STAN KENTON (ABO#423)

2011-05-10T23:57:00.004+02:00

STAN KENTON

ARTISTRY IN RHYTHM

(1940-1960)

An off-the-wall choice today. I had it at hand, and decided that it didn't cost anyone to share it. To enjoy this collection, you'll have to have some appreciation of postwar Big Band music or Exotica.
As you begin to explore Jazz, you'll see Stan Kenton's name mentioned often. He is a controversial figure, recognized as a flawed genius by many. This baistoiphe covers roughly 1940-1960. Dates are hard to determine, as most pre-Sixties jazz albums are compiled from 78s and 10" EPs and released on budget labels with no annotation. Be forewarned that this baistophe bounces around stylistically. It opens with a big band sound, but the next tune could be the theme of a '60s action show. Another would be a fitting score for the denouement of a James Bond film; where they confront the villain in his hollow volcano. You may recognize snippets of cartoon music; both Raymond Scott and Carl Stalling borrowed ideas from The Kenton Orchestra. The collection wasn't originally constructed for public consumption, so I won't feel badly if you take cuts from both CDs to make one that suits you.
Kenton's 'Innovations in Modern Music Orchestra' was known less for their music than their sound. While everyone else had a dance band, he had an orchestra. If he were to start today, he would definitely be into heavy metal. He liked everything big and dramatic with unusual time signatures. His progressive musical ideas emphasized power and had more to do with 20th Century orchestral music than jazz. Today, it just sounds like swing music and it's hard to judge how radical some of Kenton's ideas were. It's like a 15 year old trying to figure out what was so different about Nirvana.
He had hired top-flight musicians and vocalists but this was not enough to win the respect of jazz aficionados. The music often veered off into ponderous and overly commercial territory. But he depended on his chart hits to finance his more experimental works. By the mid-Fifties, he was drifting toward more conventional big band arrangements. By 1960, jazz was becoming irrelevant, and Kenton, having been irrelevant to jazz, was just a musician on the margins of popular music. His best musicians had moved on, and he filled their positions with young and inexpensive talent. He tried to reinvent the band by emphasizing a big brass section, but it mostly sounded the same except for more horns.

-BURNS-

Goodbye

2011-05-06T01:48:00.005+02:00

Jebediah speaking,

I love the concept Baistophe came up with and gave my best to satisfy those who visit and comment on our work. Alas, it seems I cannot find the time to do quality compilations anymore...
I really wish some new people could continue the work we've started... so long ago and I wish I could do it, I just can't... It must be time to call it quits.

So, this is goodbye and I know GEMY has a few projects up his sleeve before retiring from Baistophe too. Which means that Baitophe is destined to disappear if nobody takes over.

Feel free to mail us if you wish to join the team.

ALMOST FAMOUS (FSS#002)

2011-05-01T22:28:00.009+02:00

VARIOUS ARTISTS
ALMOST FAMOUS

Second of the Full Soundtrack Series, this one deals with Almost Famous O.S.T. Like Dazed & Confused (FSS#001) the story takes place in the seventies and the sountrack is majoritary contemporary to the story at the exception of Pete Droge (?) and Stillwater. This latter band (that is not to be mistaken with the 70's southern rock band) is the one founded for the film and have recorded a 5 tracks EP to be included in the film. Those 5 tracks are available here alongside songs that illustrated the story (Deep Purple, Elton John, ...) or that are part of the story (The Who, Allman Brothers Band, Black Sabbath, ...). Only one track is not exactly part of the film : Chicago's Colour My World (part of Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon) is just sung by some characters in the film.
The soundtrack is quite amazing and deserved to be compiled here in its entirety. This compilation is in fact the second one I did after Magma's one (ABO#002). I just had to make the artwork.
Fortunately, only one song (Paranoid from Black Sabbath) is common with the previous FSS.

Extracts :

Sparks [The Who]
(from Tommy, 1969)
Taken apart from the Tommy album, Sparks reveals its high psychedelism and, in the film, this goes pretty higher.

^

Dear Jill [Blodwyn Pig]
(from Ahead Rings Out, 1969)
It's quite a justice to find this really good band founded by ex Jethro Tull Mick Abrahams. Their to small discography couldn't have justified a Blodwyn Pig BAISTOPHE so, happy to this band on the blog anyway

Wishing Well [Free]
(from Heartbreaker, 1973)
Another band we would have liked to Baistophe but to my point of view I think it will be hard to do especially without considering Paul Kossoff and his Back Street Crawlers too. This song proves that we have not unfairly forgotten this band. (by the way, if one of you feels strong enough to work on this/those talented band/s, he will be welcome)

BILLY IDOL (ABO#420)

2011-04-26T23:16:00.009+02:00

BILLY IDOL
IDOLIZE ME
(1981-2006)

Billy Idol's solo work needs baistophing since so many of his albums are uneven. There’s some great hard rock in here and some inventive new wave. Although he had some success after Generation X without guitarist Steve Stevens ("Cradle of Love"), his weakest period was after Stevens left in 1987. Cyberpunk was an attempt to reinvent himself in the grunge era, and it's awful. After that, label conflicts prevented him from releasing new music, although he briefly posted two advanced tracks for free on Mp3.com until the label forced him to take them down. This music was never officially released, but one track is included here ("Find My Way") and you may hear others live and on bootlegs. Billy regrouped with Stevens and finally released new material in 2005. He continues to release new tracks on best hit compilations (an annoying trend) and there have been rumors of a new album since 2008. Until then, enjoy this Billy Baistophe.

Thanks to EYE OF NEWT for this great awaited Baistophe

Extracts :

Rebel Yell
(from Rebel Yell, 1983)
This song is supposed to be Idol's fans fave. It deserves a great mixture of both Hard Rock and New Wave sounds.

World Comin' Down
(from Devil's Playground, 2005)
Devil's Playground is the result of a great return of Billy Idol with long time side man Steve Stevens. This album is as ballsy as it can and prove that Idol is a real rock'n'roll singer.

Eye of Newt’s Billy Idol Top 3:
1. Rebel Yell (1983)
2. Devil's Playground (2005)
3. Whiplash Smile (1986)

Eye of Newt’s Billy Idol Bottom 3:
1. Cyberpunk (1993)
2. Happy Holidays (2006)
3. Charmed Life (1990)

CORONER (ABO#419)

2011-04-20T09:27:00.007+02:00

CORONER
'TIL DEATH DO US PART

Of the many Thrash bands which raided the Metal scene in the second half of the eighties, Coroner (from Switzerland) are among the finest and most original, no doubt.
Alas, a deadly combination of bad luck, lack of support from their label (which shows promotionally as well as with the quality of the recordings doomed by low budgets). But, as quality almost always wins, Coroner has gained a well-earned cult status.
From their early material, something like a more melodic and technically evolved Kreator, to their final album (the much underrated Grin), the band has known a tremendous evolution continuing to set themselves apart from their scene-mates. Eventually, the three-piece will grow tired of their lack of success and recognition and call it a day leaving the metal scene short of one of its greatest values.
Not much has been heard from the three lads since. Tommy Vetterli alone will keep on the radar, joining country-mate Stephan Eicher as a live musician and, later, Kreator during their most controversial period.
Coroner recently came back together with plans for a Celebratory World Tour. No recording has been scheduled yet.
About the compilation, I chose a chronological order as to demonstrate how big an evolution Coroner has seen. Also, I excluded both the covers the band recorded, namely The Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy" and Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze"; both are fine versions but not good enough to be included here. I hope you'll enjoy what I came up with and won't mind the somewhat muddy production of most of Coroner's recordings.

A taste of what you'll get:

3 samples to demonstrate Coroner's technical skills, compositional abilities and evolution, ENJOY!

Masked Jackal (1988)
from "Punishment for Decadence"

Read My Scars (1989)
from "No More Color"

Host (1993)
from "Grin"

RIYL:
Kreator, Death Angel, Watchtower, Celtic Frost

PAUL McCARTNEY (ABO#418b)

2011-04-15T06:34:00.009+02:00

PAUL McCARTNEY
SELECTED HITS
(1971-1993)

As said Burns in our previous post, Its something useless baistophing Mcca's Hits because they are so much known that there's no point doing that. It was also my opinion until I listened to what Burns sent me beside his Baistophe : his complete single-o-graphy. 50-or-so titles that weren't all very famous but quite a majority was indeed very popular.
In a first approach, I really didn't want to do that Baistophe because I felt that Paul's official best of Wingspan was a top one, even if it focused on his Wings carreer.
By the way, none of his latter singles were in it an I felt it was unfair not to mention any of it at all, to begin with C'mon People and Hope Of Deliverance which are songs I really like.
You will find no tracks from Band On The Run for two reason : the first one, the real one is that they are already on Burns compilation. The second one is that Band On The Run is a splendid album and you can buy it to complete this panorama

Extracts :

Mull Of Kintyre
(1977 single, included as a bonus track on 1993 reissue of London Town)
Simply because it is my absolute favorite Mcca's song. I love pipe bands too.

C'mon People
(1993 single, issue from the album Off The Ground)
That year Paul McCartney has issued two great singles and those two ones, included in that Baistophe are imho the best ones sice Mull Of Kintyre. That proves that he has never really lost his inspiration.

PAUL McCARTNEY (ABO#418a)

2011-04-13T22:44:00.007+02:00

PAUL McCARTNEY
INCOGNITO
(1970-2007)

When Paul McCartney said in 1969 that he was leaving in the Beatles, there was no question that the band would no longer exist, but the group was so brilliant that it seemed obvious we would now have at least two great bands instead of one. What did we get from one of the greatest composers of the Twentieth Century? Mary Had A Little Lamb, We're So Sorry Uncle Albert and My Love whoa whoa whoa whoa. Paul had not been my favorite, but I knew he had written some very good songs in the past. As time went on, I became more disappointed. This year I decided that there weren't many Beatles left, and it was time to reconcile. I listened to all of the twenty-three studio albums from Wings and his solo rock career, ignoring the four classical works. I've also put aside his albums as The Fireman. I will tackle those at a later date. My goal was to produce a two disc Baistophe, and it was apparent that the studio albums would provide more than enough material and I would not be able to fit in anything from his seven concert albums. Because I disliked most of his hit songs, and because they are very well known and widely available on store shelves, I decided to leave those off the collection also. When It was done, I thought that only four of his albums were truly wretched and three of those were conceptual albums. The others could be counted on for at least one good song other than the hit single. I really liked six of them, and the rest fell somewhere in the middle. I am impressed with the songs that ended up in this Baistophe. McCartney is capable of equaling his former efforts but it seems that he only occasionally makes an effort. In my opinion, his work has improved greatly in the past ten years. Before I apply a rank to McCartney's albums, I will remove four of them from the running. Thrillington, Liverpool Sound Collage and Give My Regards To Broadstreet are concept albums and cannot be considered part of the canon. They are only for completists. Run Devil Run would be in my Top Three but for the fact that it is mostly covers of Fifties rock 'n' roll songs. I enjoyed it very much but it is unneccessary and listening to the originals would be a better use of your time.

Thanks to BURNS for having compiled this BAISTOPHE. This one is finally a 3CD set just because it deserves it... and I let BURNS say why :

"These are the three Paul McCartney discs that I made. My intention was to only make a two disc collection for Baistophe. It later was agreed on La Caverne d'Ali Baba that there should be three discs, with a third possibly containing concert recordings. I do not want to do that, but I had already made a third disc for myself that contained a few hits and what was left over from the Baistophe."

Extracts :

Little Willow
(from Flaming Pie, 1997)
It seems like an evidence that the recent edition of Bealtes' Anthology had taken Mcca in a nostalgical mood. This song must undoubtedly be compared with such beautiful songs like Julia

Run Devil Run
(from Run Devil Run, 1999)
The album is a full fifties' rock cover. This also might be considered like a tribute to Paul's early Beatles days.

Band On The Run
(from Band On The Run, 1973)
One of the only 3 hit singles included in this Baistophe is on of McCartney's best work : a 3-pieces tune recorded like a scenarized story. All 3 pieces are independantly great. The all 3 gathered are just excellent.

BURNS' Mcca Bottom 3 :
1. Wings At The Speed Of Sound (1976)
2. McCartney II (1980)
3. Flowers In The Dirt (1989)

BURNS' Mcca Top 3 :
1. Ram (1971)
2. Band On The Run (1973)
3. Driving Rain (2001)

THE POLICE (ABO#417)

2011-04-05T12:08:00.004+02:00

THE POLICE
DEMOLITION MEN

It took me quite some time to finally do this one. The thing is, the Police don't have that many albums which - with the pre-existing compilations - kept me from doing this one before.

A few days ago, I was asked by a friend of mine to do a compilation that, while displaying most of the band's hits would also be an introduction to more obscure tracks in their repertoire.

Initially, I wanted not to include "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and "Every Breath You Take" but changed my mind when listening to said tunes. Others didn't have that chance, "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Spirits in the Material World" or "Wrapped Around Your Fingers" all got shafted.

Getting rid of those songs obviously opened slots for more surprising material such as the two instrumentals ("Reggatta de Blanc" and "Behind My Camel") or overlooked tracks such as "Driven to Tears", "Truth Hits Everybody", "Darkness" and a few more.

Also, I chose not to order the track-list in a chronological order which wasn't as easy as the Police have known quite a radical evolution throughout their short career. Anyway, I hope the transitions are as smooth as possible and that you'll enjoy how the whole disc unfolds.

A taste of what you'll get:

Driven to Tears
(from Zenyattà Mondatta, 1980)
An infectious funk number which, at the time, strayed from the "Reggae Pop Rock with a touch of Jazz" the Police had so talentfully crafted.

Synchronicity II
(from Synchronicity, 1983)
The closest the Police ever got to Progressive Rock, this exquisite track has a very nice Arena feel to it, no wonder it became one of the landmarks of the band's last two tours.

So Lonely
(from Outlandos d'Amour, 1978)
The Police still retained the nervousness of their punk roots on their debut album, So Lonely is just that: a great Reggae Rock number with just enough Punk energy to spice it up.

(all these samples are at 128kbps, the compilation is at 320kbps)

My THE POLICE list:
1 - Synchronicity (1983)
2 - Zenyattà Mondatta (1980)
3 - Outlandos d'Amour (1978)
4 - Ghost in the Machine (1981)
5 - Reggatta de Blanc (1979)

RIYL:
Talking Heads, Squeeze, XTC, Dada

FERNANDEL (ABO#416)

2011-03-29T23:41:00.006+02:00

L'IRRESISTIBLE
FERNANDEL
(1931-1968)

I didn't expect making such low success with my Weather Report post so I do what I want and I post something I really wanted to for a long time.
Fernandel is one of french most famous actors within France. His filmography is somewhat any actor would have all wanted to have. He was french autor Marcel Pagnol's favourite actor for his films.
But Fernandel began his carreer as a cabaret singer like many others in the 30s. His carreer exploded with the film Ignace in which he sings (as most of the films he played). The eponymous song of this film brought him as a star very quickly and he never having success even if some of his post war films are a bit worse.
Outside of France, he is mostly known for one of his recurrent character : Don Camillo. But, even if Charles Chaplin, Bob Hope, and Jerry Lewis had become friends of his, he never reached the english or american fame.
Beside his actor job, he never really stopped singing even if, after WWII his discography is les dense.
Fernandel died in 1971, aged 68 after a 40 year carreer whose best musical trace is a TV show recorded in 1968 called "Le Palmarès de la Chanson" from which 2 extracts were taken to illustrate this Baistophe. As an evidence, non french speaking people will hardly understand the songs especially the humour.

Fernandel - Felicie Aussi par bisonravi1987

WEATHER REPORT (ABO#415)

2011-03-22T23:50:00.005+01:00

WEATHER REPORT

DAYLIGHT AT SUNRISE

(1971-1986)

Weather Report was my first attempt to introduce myself into the world of Jazz and I was very lucky to start with their 1976 album Black Market whose eponymous title remains my favourite WR track.

At their beginnings, Weather Report really sounded like Miles Davis' Bitches Brew. Surprise when you know that Joe Zawinul (keyb) and Wayne Shorter (sax) learned a lot with the master. Until their 1973 Sweetnighter album, this filiation is quite an evidence.

Weather Report found their musical identity with their 1974 album Mysterious Traveller and much more with their 1975 Tale Spinnin'. To their fusion sound was added an african sound. That brought the band to another direction and, to me, the highest point of their carreer was Black Market. After that and especially after their excellent live album 8.30, everything became much more flat even if this african color kept featuring in the Weather Report sound. The 80s are not as good as the decade before but no one can argue that Weather Report's albums in the 80s were at least very good. Weather Report never becam an infamous Smooth Jazz band and that 's a good thing.

Here will you find every period of the band from the beginning to the end in a chronological order. No albums have been voluntarily forgotten but the golden years (1972-1978) is the best represented.

You may notice that another huge album like "I Sing The Body Electric" is under represented because 2 of its best (to me) tracks were chosen from other live albums like Live In Tokyo or Live & Unreleased.

Enjoy this compilation like I enjoy this band.

My Weather Report TOP3 :

1. Black Market (1976)

2. I Sing The Body Electric (1972)

3. Tale Spinning (1975)

My Weather Report TOP3 live albums :

1. Live & Unreleased (1973-1983/2002)

2. Live In Tokyo (1972)

3. 8.30 (1979)

wait if it's temporary unavailable

FOREIGNER (ABO#414)

2011-03-16T11:07:00.006+01:00

FOREIGNER
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME

I don't like Foreigner. Never did, never will. Actually, I consider their huge success to be kind of a fraud. Strange as it is for me to claim my relative dislike of the band’s music and still do a compilation of their finest tracks, I sure can appreciate the entertaining value of some of their songs, especially those from their first four albums. And, in the "cheese" department, Say You Will and I Want To Know What Love Is (repectively from Inside Information and Agent Provocateur, both terrible albums by the way), are worth a ton of your finest Philadelphia.
In order to complete the task of making a worthy selection, I listened to the whole of their studio discography and, trust me, it was sometimes painful. What I came up with, in the end, is this 20 songs compilation with an evident focus on Foreigner's early material. I chose not to put the songs in a chronological order to create kind of an "album-feel" to it. Also, I hope you'll like the humorous artwork... I just couldn't resist it.
Anyway, here “Feels Like the First Time”, I hope you’ll like it.

Related if you like
Boston, Journey, Styx

GARY MOORE (ABO#413)

2011-03-09T00:22:00.001+01:00

THE
GARY MOORE
ANTHOLOGY

It's a mammoth of a baistophe I'm delivering today. Actually, it's a lot more than just the finest tracks of an artist as it takes us through Gary Moore's entire career starting with his "Cream", Irish Psychedelic-Blues Rockers Skid Row. From there, I considered every album Gary Moore ever laid his divine axe or his soulful vocals on.
And here it is! Six CDs worth of blues, hard rock, fusion, progressive rock… and more! To tell you the truth, I was rather surprised as how varied and good Gary Moore career had been. Obviously, I knew of his participation to Irish legends Thin Lizzy, and so did I know about his progressive/fusion endeavors with Colosseum II. Also, I was no stranger to both his Hair Metal and Blues Rock career. I even had the chance to see him live twice: first supporting the “Still Got the Blues” album, then with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker promoting their BBM album. Both concerts had been memorable experiences with Mr. Moore shining as the true Guitar Hero he was. Alas, his (failed) return to commercial music of the late 90’s and early 00’s (with “Dark Days in Paradise” and “A Different Beat”), made me lose sight of his music. Like I said, I knew almost every trick up Gary's sleeve but, considering it as a whole, it's amazing what the man has achieved. And so, naturally, I have been utterly shocked by the news of his death and decided it was time to pay the man tribute on this very blog.
I hope you’ll appreciate the work I’ve put into this Gary Moore Anthology and that it’ll lead you to want to know more about each and every step this dearly missed musician has taken on the Stairway to Heaven.
We miss you Gary. R.I.P.

DAZED AND CONFUSED (FSS#001)

2011-03-06T10:47:00.001+01:00

DAZED AND CONFUSED
(SOUNDTRACK)

I don't know if it's ever happened to you, it sure did happen to me. You're chilling out, watching a good movie with a mighty fine soundtrack. The next day, you go to the store only to find out how incomplete the track list of said soundtrack is. Actually, Dazed and Confused pushes the borders of incompletion and exploitation even further than most soundtracks do. Get that: upon releasing the film in the theaters, a 14 songs compilation was made available for people to buy it. Only problem is the movie featured 29 songs! One year later (1994 that is) the production released another twelve tracks so that they could pick pockets even more efficiently. The thing is there are two songs that are still missing. And you bought two CDs! Pissed. Here's how this FSS (Full Soundtrack Series) came to life.
And so, we’re now happy to unleash the real full Dazed and Confused soundtrack in its 29 songs grandeur. I even added the Led Zeppelin song which gave its name to the movie. Actually, it was supposed to be part of the soundtrack but, while Jimmy Page agreed to its presence, Robert Plant refused. It only feels right that's it's added here as a bonus track. To keep things simple, I’ve included only unedited studio versions I’ve placed in the order they can be heard in the film.
For those yet unfamiliar with the movie, Dazed and Confused tells the story of a life-changing night for high-school students at the end of 1976’s school's year. As the plot is set in the seventies, you know you’re going to get you eyeful of alcohol abuse, weed smoking and…Well, sex, of course! The soundtrack consists of tunes from that particular era with songs featured having been released between 1968 and 1976 and makes for a great collection of 70’s classics and more obscure but equally juicy tracks.
Speaking of the cast, let me tell you that the movie features future major films stars such as Milla Jovovich, Parker Posey, Matthew McConnaughey, Adam Goldberg or Ben Affleck, all in their teens, delivering like experienced pros.
Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy the selection. Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions for future references in Baistophe's brand new series.

RARE EARTH (ABO#412)

2011-03-02T07:18:00.004+01:00

RARE EARTH

PROTECT AND SURVIVE

(1967-2008)

Known as the only white band signed on legendary Motown Records label, Rare Earth remains the band with the one hit single. And what a hit! Get Ready! The band however recorded a non-negligible number of albums that are far from a crapy collection of forgettable songs. Almost until the end of their first "life", Rare Earth brought some (hard-)rock in their funky soul (or some soul in their rock). As an evidence, the 80s weren't in a funky-soul mood at all and the band broke up after nothing less than 12 studio albums. After that, some reunions were programmed here and there, like the widely forgettable live album "Made In Switzerland" and two much appreciated studio albums : Different World (1993) and Brave New World (2008). But the heart of Rare Earth live in the 70s, that's for sure.

note : some songs are nothing but vinyl rip. If you have any better versions, feel free to send us and we'll update the link

Rare earth-get ready
envoyé par thesnike. - Regardez la dernière sélection musicale.

wait if it's temporary unavailable

SURVIVOR (ABO#411)

2011-02-24T14:26:00.006+01:00

SURVIVOR
TREE OF LIFE

What is commercial music? Is it still art when it's meant to be sold on huge scales? That question has been a debate among art (and music) lovers since...Forever!
Shame is, some bands with real tallent, such as Survivor, have been mocked because of their radio-friendly vision of (hard) rock. Still, the riffs are good, the melodies hook you on. Surely, bad music (art) cannot do this. Or can it?...
Anyway, here's an 18 tracks selection of a band primarly know for his participation in two "Rocky" pictures with "Eye of the Tiger" and "Burning Heart". Those were good songs and have been included here along with songs from each of their 8 studio albums.
Be curious, give Survivor a try. You might end up surprised by how good this music is.

RIYL:
Styx, Boston, Journey, Foreigner, Honeymoon Suite

NATURAL DISASTERS (VAC#049)

2011-02-13T00:22:00.006+01:00

N.A.T.U.R.A.L
DISASTERS

Let me explain how the idea for this VAC (Various Artist Compilation) came. I was listening to Pendulum's album "In Silico" and just loved their Tempest song. I thought that it would fit nicely with some (mostly) recent songs from indie, sludge, prog and metal bands which happened to also have songs with a word in the title evoking... a Natural Disaster!
And so, with the exception of the first track (a classy, almost fusion, instrumental from Gary Moore's 1979 album, Back on the Streets) which is an obvious homage to the sadly departed northern-Irish axeman, all the songs featured here are pretty recent.
I hope you'll enjoy this selection and especially its final track witch I "remixed" myself.

THE BEATLES (ABO#409)

2011-02-09T23:46:00.009+01:00

THE BEATLES
more!

When [GEMY] posted his "Green Beatles" a few weeks ago, I was amazed at his amazing artwork (& booklet!) but felt quite uneasy about certain songs being left aside.
And, as I've recently acquired the remastered Beatles in Mono boxset, I started making my own selection without ever thinking I was making a "baistophe".
When I finished my complementary selection I timed it and soon realized it was 46 songs and 135 minutes long compilation. Which also means that, while [GEMY] took the stereo option, my selection is mostly mono mixes.
I'm afraid my artwork is quite not as bombastic as [Gemy]'s, I hope you'll like it anyway.

My 5 favourite Beatles songs
1 - A Day in the Life
2 - Strawberry Fields Forever
3 - Come Together
4 - I Am the Walrus
5 - Eleonor Rigby

My 5 favourite Beatles albums
1 - Abbey Road
2 - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club band
3 - The Beatles (White Album)
4 - Revolver
5 - Magical Mystery Tour

riyl:
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison!

NO SAMPLE FOR THIS ONE, FELLOWS!

THE NAME OF THE BAND SHOULD SUFFICE.

GOV'T MULE (ABO#408b)

2011-02-04T06:48:00.006+01:00

GOV'T MULE

COVERS

(1998-2010)

Here's The Little Surprise. At the beginning there was PAPS (formerly HotBear) who was thinking of making with me a great Mule compilation. I would have done the studio recording, with only self composed songs and a live one with only cover versions. Things went differently : When I finally began my Gov't Mule compilation, I've had no new from him for a long time a then decided to only make a single compilation with both studio and live recordings and also with covers. The result was ABO#408a.

Then, a few weeks ago, I recived a mail by PAPS who sent his BAISTOPHE. I couldn't refuse his hard work. The only solution was to rework my BAISTOPHE. But, finally, as no songs were on both two compilations, I finally decided two post both as is.

This one is PAPS' one and you'll have the chance to listen the Mule as if it were a complete two hours and a half live show with only cover songs.

wait if it's temporarily unavailable

GOV'T MULE (ABO#408a)

2011-02-02T17:32:00.009+01:00

GOV'T MULE

FROM THE ARCHIVES

(1995-2010)

This project is a long awaited Baistophe on our list.

I have discovered Gov't Mule back in 1999 when a friend of mine, record seller told me of them. He sold me their Live with the little help from our friends CD and I was really impressed that that kind of music was still played at that time. I didn't even know Haynes was one of the major member of the Allman Brothers Band. I wasn't surprised to know that because the spirit of both bands are similar to each other. However, Mule's one is harder, heavier ... and maybe more soulful.

What is notable in Gov't Mule is their capacity to cover other songs but in their own language. You'll find some on that Baistophe but many many more exist. If are well-behaved, maybe you'll get a surprise soon. ;-)

The
best album :

Dose (1998)
I think few people will disagree with me when I say that the best studio era for the Mule lasts until their 2003 Deepest End ablum. After that, the albums are not very worse but are less surprising when you know the band (excepted one album, see third column). In my opinion, Mule's best is Dose simply because it has got lots and lots of great tunes so that, compared with other albums, I had too much songs from it on my first choice list for this Baistophe.

The album that will make you admire them :

Live, With The Little Help From Our Friends (1999)
Recorded during a New Year's Eve show, in the same tradition of the Grateful Dead, this live album (4CDs !) will outblow you by the quality of the songs, the performance and covers chosen (Jimi Hendrix, Free, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, ...) If you don't like this show, no doubt you're not ready to assist any of the Mules'

The worst album

Mighty High (2006)
When I tolf on the first column that Gov't Mule did not really surprise anymore in the second part of theur carreer, I remembered that there was an album that contradicted this. With Mighty High, Gov't Mule went another way and made a reggae oriented album. That's not that I dislike reggae (even if ...) but this album is pretty boring. Gov't Mule has not really assimilated the reggae spirit. The only song I kept was the first one and is the only one that is not a reggae song. If you want a reggae album, try a real jamaican band first.

The best live album :

Live At Roseland Ballroom (1996)
That's not because it is their first live album that this is my favourite one. My choice was for this one because I found that the performance was more instinctive, more aventurous, more psychedelic maybe... The album opens with Trane which is a masterpiece and includes in this version, winks to bands like Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Grateful Dead... The album is short compared with its followers but is much more dense. I think it is the best way to blow your mind

wait if it's temporarily unavailable

PRESENT (ABO#407)

2011-01-28T18:04:00.004+01:00

PRESENT

THANATOPRAXIS

(1981-2009)

Sorry, I'm late. A little problem while uploding this file. Finally I made it!

I hope this wait was worth today's post. Present is like a twin brother of Daniel Denis' Univers Zero. Founded by ex UZ member Roger Trigaux, Present's life was a bit chaotic... After only two albums, the band had seemed to be vanishing but in 1993, Trigaux and his son, Reginald, reformed Present with an album, C.O.D. Performance, which is more a "Trigaux & son" one than a true Present one.

Present identity differs from Univers Zero one by a more agressive sound, more percussive and much darker. Their music can be considered as a missing link between Univers Zero and Magma. That's why some people like much Present to the other two bands : it's a more arty Magma or a much stronger Univers Zero.

Back in 2009, Trigaux and his band were joined by Daniel Denis' band for a memorable union gig. This kind of reunion was a major event in Avant-Garde music.

This year the fusion of the 2 bands is replanned with the adjunction of a third avant-garde band : Aranis.

I hope this (and UZ's) Baistophe will convince you to be the witness of this great union !

wait if it's temporary unavailable

LAURA NYRO (ABO#406)

2011-01-19T08:55:00.005+01:00

LAURA NYRO

1967-1995

This will be a very short. Why ? let me tell you...

Several months ago, we recieved in our mailbox this Laura Nyro compilation to be posted in this blog. First of all, many apologies to the autor of this selection, the old mails had been deleted for long so that I completely don't know who the hell is the guy (or the lady) who done that. If you are that one, just say it, I simply thank you for that choice.

And why I thank someone I don't even know the name to have sent us a Laura Nyro comp' ? Simply because before that, I had just no idea at all of who she was and what she sounded like. I've just read her article on wikipedia (see the german one, it is well documented !) and a piano-playing lady who is (was, sorry) influenced both in pop, jazz and other sweet stuff like that. To that description, I would say that she is the main inspiration for artists such as Fiona Apple, Nora Jones or Regina Spektor... I may be wrong but not far I guess.

Just to say to you that I haven't listened to it yet but I'm quite sure I'll like it as she is also known for having written songs for bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears or the 5th Dimension...

Hope you'll like it too.

wait if it's temporary unavailable

JOE COCKER (ABO#405)

2011-01-12T07:20:00.007+01:00

SOUL SURVIVOR, THE LEGEND OF

JOE COCKER

(1968-2010)

Joe Cocker is not a rock'n'roll singer. That's probably the mistake everyone make about him and that's why so few people have really understood the change in his career in the late 70s. Of course there was this problem of drug abuse and, over all, of alcoholism. Very early in the 70s, Cocker was convinced of that kind of addiction and his inspiration has rapidly decreased beacause of that. When he returned in the early 80s, he had become a cleaner and wiser person and his music sounded like him then. It may or may not be in some people's tastes but Cocker's music has always been true to his values. Joe Cocker is more a Soul Man than a Rock'n'Roller. You will be convinced by listening his whole discography as I did. What a surprise for me to discover that! Of course that couldn't helped me to like much his later career but that changed my point of view.

To me, the heart of his career is his very first years, until 1973 or 1974. Somewhat because his music is more powerful, more energic. This is also in that period that Cocker's albums were majoritarily composed of covers song. This particularity may be one other reason people don't like him. To me, who am not really found of covers, this has however never caused any problem because his works on his covers have always been a good work of recomposition. Very often, the song had been completely become another one.

Just give him a try, you'll see he's not only made two hit singles like With A Little Help From My Friends and You Can Leave Your Hat On.

Joé Cocker-Summer In The City
envoyé par guysou. - Regardez plus de clips, en HD !

The
best album

COCKER! (1969)
The first album, With A Little Help From My Friends was a great album with good tracks on it but its follow up blows it away. This is nearly a zero fault.

The worst
album

COCKER(1986)
If I had to be bad, I would have said that their are lots of albums that could have been stamped "Worst Album" but this one is truly a worst one. While the others are not that bad, just useless, this one is really hard to listen to, at the exception of the Hit Single You Can Leave Your Hat On. The music is something hardly no one has ever done worse. Of course, this is the 80s but this sounds pretty uglier than I would have ever guessed

The best live
album

LIVE IN L.A. (1976)
I'm a bit dishonest because every one knows the best album is Mad Dogs And Englishman but I really wanted to make the highlights on that forgotten live album recorded in 1972. This album is pretty amazing, really sound different as Mad Dogs and is a good complement to this one. This really a must have album!

The best alternative to this baistophe

THE ABSOLUTE BEST 1968-1974 (1994)
Many compilations have been made but so many (too many) only focus on his later works. This collection exists on both 1 and 2CDs. The 1CD is only a reduction of the 2CDs that have the particularity to be a 1 CD studio + 1 CD live. Really great work done on that part of Cocker's Discography. The 1CD can be the best choice for a Cocker Comp'.

wait if it's temporary unavailable

ENSIFERUM (ABO #404)

2011-01-05T11:50:00.006+01:00

ENSIFERUM
VALHALLA

And now, kids, here's a bit of harmless fun by Finnish Viking Metal legends Ensiferum.
Basically, what you're having here is a tasty slice of metal infused with folk influences creating something that is catchy, epic, melodic and, well, a little cheesy too.
Formed in 1995, the band has released his debut album in 2001 which doesn't make 'em one of the precursors of the Viking Metal genre but one of the best nonetheless.
With 4 full-lengths, 1 EP and quite a lot of singles, Ensiferum have established themselves as one among the leaders of a metal scene which isn't scare to go over the top with symphonic and orchestral arrangements while still retaining the aggression and harshness inherited from their Black Metal roots.
I have selected 14 songs to cut this 79 minutes long compilation which should serve as an introduction to a band worth investigating in. Enjoy!

RIYL:
Finntroll, Amon Amarth, Turisas

HOUND DOG TAYLOR (ABO#403)

2010-12-29T06:56:00.006+01:00

HOUND DOG TAYLOR

POLYDACTYLY

(1969-1976)

"Cain't no Negro sing no love song; cain't no white man sing the blues."

This can't be the Blues, these people are having fun! It's hard for me to imagine someone not liking this music, even if they don't like the blues. Hound Dog Taylor and his band were joyful and uninhibited, as though they were playing in a garage just for themselves. They usually were sloppy drunk and on the edge of collapse before gathering it all together again. This is the punk rock of the blues.

Mississippi-native Theodore Roosevelt 'Hound Dog' Taylor was born in 1915. His fate as a slide guitar player seemed pre-determined, as he had a vestigial sixth finger on both hands. When he was only 9, his stepfather put all of Hound Dog's things in a grocery bag, grabbed a shotgun, and told him to get out. He learned to play guitar while in his teens but didn't play seriously until 1936.

The Klu Klux Klan found out that he was having an affair with a white womanchased him out of Mississippi in 1942. He headed for Chicago and never went back. He spent the next 15 years working various factory jobs and playing clubs at night. In 1957, he decided to become a professional bluesman. He became one of Chicago's favorites; usually just sitting alone in a folding chair in front of the club, guzzling Canadian Club, puffing on a cigarette and exhorting the audience to get up and dance. Playing through a cheap Japanese Kent guitar and a Sears-Roebuck Silvertone amplifier, he made as much with distortion and feedback as Jimi Hendrix. He picked up the name Hound Dog because he was always hunting for some action with the ladies. One drunken night in those early days, he decided to cut off the small extra finger on his right hand with a straight razor.

In 1959, he became friends with guitarist Brewer Phillips. They began to play together and the Houserockers were formed. Although the two singles they put out didn't gain them any fame outside of Chicago; Freddie King became famous with a tune called 'Hideaway' that was mostly stolen from Hound Dog. In 1965, Ted Harvey joined the Houserockers, replacing their previous drummer. This trio of two guitarists and a drummer were Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers until Hound Dog played his last chord. The story remains mostly unchanged for the next ten years. Night after night of drinking and chasing girls and jamming on stage for six or seven hours straight.

Bruce Iglauer met Hound Dog in 1969 at a club called Eddie Shaw's. Hound Dog was jamming with another band. Skip ahead a year, and Bruce was a 22 year old shipping clerk for Delmark Records in Chicago. One night he stopped into Florence's Lounge and Liquors on Chicago's South Side and heard Hound Dog with his band. He was awestruck. After failing to get Delmark to sign the band, he took a $2500 inheritance and created Alligator Records in order to record the band. In the spring of 1971 the band spent two nights recording their debut live in the studio.

A master tape was cut for under $1000 and the remainder of Iglauer's inheritance was spent to press 1000 copies. Within a year the album, titled Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, was the biggest selling blues record on an independent label, selling 9,000 copies. In late 1973, the band released 'Natural Boogie', using songs that were recorded and mixed at the same sessions that produced the first album. Still playing that Kent guitar and Sears amp. It received a fair amount of attention from Rolling Stone and other music magazines.

Things were getting better. The band was at the height of their success, touring the USA and doing some shows in Australia and New Zealand. But remember, this is the Blues we're talking about. Taylor and his guitarist Phillips had been friends for over ten years, but even friendships have their rough spots. In May of 1975, Phillips was drinking in Hound Dog's apartment. Phillips said something bad about Hound Dog's wife, and Hound Dog grabbed his .22 rifle. He claims to have aimed for the sofa, but he hit Phillips in the forearm and in the leg. Phillips recovered but pressed charges and Hound Dog was charged with attempted murder. Instead of facing trial he landed in the hospital with lung cancer. Phillips visited him in the hospital in December 1975 and forgave him. Hound Dog Taylor passed away the next day.

His third Alligator album 'Beware Of The Dog', was recorded live in 1974 and released after his death. At least six more albums, mostly live, have been released since he died. Taylor was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984. Brewer Phillips and Ted Harvey worked together and separately after Hound Dog's passing. They released a double album in 1995 called Good Houserockin'. Phillips died of natural causes in 1999. Bruce Iglauer turned Alligator Records into the top Contemporary Blues label in the world.

"When I die, they'll say 'he couldn't play shit, but he sure made it sound good!"

Picking the best albums is easy. Alligator did a superior job on all of theirs. Live albums on other labels like Wolf, New Rose and JSP suffer in comparision. I was unable to obtain a copy of 'Live In Boston' on Charly, but I expect it will sound muddy.

BAISTOPHE wants to thank FOURSTEPS for this great contribution to this huge monument of the Blues landscape. Go et find his blog, here

FOURSTEPS's HGT TOP 3 :

1. Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers (1971)

2. Natural Boogie (1973)

3. Beware Of The Dog (1976)

FOURSTEPS's HGT BOTTOM 3 :

1. ABC Radio Australia 1975

2. Live At Joe's Place

3. Freddie's Blues

ROBERT PLANT [ABO#402]

2010-12-22T06:34:00.006+01:00

ROBERT PLANT
...THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Upon making this compilation, I realized it would be impossible to cut it into a single disc and so I decided to add a few of Mr. Plant's collaborations.
Of course, every one of his solo albums has been covered but so have been the Honeydrippers, Page/Plant and his recent work with country singer Alison Krauss.
Listening to it, I decided to keep the order chronological as it displayed how the "Plant sound" has evolved through the years. I think this makes for a strong set that proves how valuable a songwriter and a performer Robert Plant is.
Enjoy.

#1

Manic Nirvana(1990)
The album with which I discovered Robert Plant's solo career. I got it back when it was released and was blown away.
I still love this album that has aged quite well (despite some 80s gimmicks) and still has some of the best songs in Robert's solo repertoire.
A must hear if there ever was one!

#2

Mighty Rearranger(2005)
With a bunch of daring musicians, Robert proves - at age 57 - that he still is one of the greatest.
Mixing oriental sounds to rock and blues, he and his band, the Strange Sensation, manage a killer rock album.

#3

Fate Of Nations (1993)
More relaxed and laidback than his bombastic predecessor - Manic Nirvana - Fate of Nations expresses Robert's gentle side.
There is not one weak song on the whole album which make it one of Robert's best.

The worst
album

Now & Zen (1988)
Not exactly a bad album but a transitional one.
Try to renew his sound (something he will successfully do on the next album, Manic Nirvana) Robert Plant and his band don't go far enough keeping too many 80s tricks.
That said, it still is worth listening to but hardly essential.

THE BEATLES (ABO#401)

2010-12-11T18:37:00.011+01:00

THE BEATLES

1962-1970

I like great challenges. After my 1CD Doors Baistophe, I suggest you another selection of a great band (the best ever ?). Considering their short life and the shortness of their LPs, I really was sure it would fill a single CD but regarding to the very high quality of their work, it was "Mission : Impossible".

The official Red and Blue best ofs are not really bad ones but lack some true fine tunes like Tomorrow Never Knows, She's Leaving Home and other ones. On another hand, some songs were outrageously unfairly on that compilation... like Obladi Oblada.

I think it's pointless introducing such a band so I let you try this version that is not perfect (I had the weakness to keep Yellow Submarine), but it is for me the best one... well I guess.

Some songs are from the Anthology CDs and Yesterday is an unissued version, without strings.

Suprisingly, no tracks from Let It Be Naked was kept.

Feel free to argue about my choices!

The
revolutionary album

Revolver(1966)
For too many people, Sgt Pepper's was that revolutionary album, but to me it is Revolver. Revolver was THE first psychedelic album while Sgt Pepper's was just another psych album in 1967 among many others.

The best
album

Abbey Road(1969)
No doubt about it. My choice is like any other's one. Because this album is simply perfect. The first side is an amazing collection of bloody good tunes while the second side is just what's to become a progressive rock song : a great succession of pretty tunes that go together well (my Michelle).

The best live
album

Get Back (1969)
This is not an official live album by the Beatles but a rockumentary. Because the other, few, live albums of theirs have been edited and none of them are really enjoyable. The Beatles had decided very early in their career to stop touring. Because of that and because their best era was after that turning point, no good live recording is available... at the exception of that rockumentary that brings them on Abbey Road Studio's Rooftop. A very short concert, but what a concert!

The worst
album

With The Beatles (1963)
I think this album was a bit too quickly booked. The first album, Please Please Me, was a good one but the too you band had not enough experience to record a new one only half a year after its predecessor. As you might have witnessed, I only kept one song from it and it was very close not to be part of this compilation at all.

wait if it's temporary unavailable

ARNO (ABO#400)

2010-12-07T14:21:00.006+01:00

ARNO
BATHROOM SINGER
1988-2010

Arno, a Belgian singer/songwriter who sing both in French and English and sometimes in his native Flemish, is one of the most respected figures in his homeland and, with time, became quite big in France too.
Originally, this compilation was supposed to be the work of Baistophe's collaborator SFP who left me with a hundred song and an name for his compilation. I gotta say it's been an advantage not to know anything about the artist to make a choice as to what was to end up on this Baistophe.
I ended up with 42 songs out of Arno's 12 studio albums which display how he evolved throughout time as well as stylistically starting as a new wave meets blues artist and slowly developing a sound that is his own only.
Actually, I could feel a strong Tom Waits influence in the Belgian's style, that doesn't mean he's just a copycat; he's far more than this.
About the title, I think it's quite fitting when someone with Arno's voice was likely to fail yet, just like Tom Waits or Shane MacGowan, managed to establish himself as a major artist deserving to be heard by more people.
Here's your chance, make sure not to miss it.

RIYL: Stephan Eicher, Alain Bashung, Tom Waits, CharlElie Couture

AYREON (ABO#399)

2010-11-29T23:16:00.014+01:00

... AND OTHER SHORT STORIES

(1993-2010)

Arjen Lucassen is an astonishing case. Almost completely unknown in 1998 and dutch-born, he managed to become one the most central Progressive Metal ambassadors, and maybe the most accepted for non-Prog-Metal addicts.

After having participated in bands like BODINE or VANGEANCE, Arjen Lucassen decided to have his own projects and put some more Progressiveness in his music. Very soon, he had such aura that guests like MARILLION's FISH, IRON MADEN's BRUCE DICKINSON, LANA LANE were involved into his best projects, recorded under the name of AYREON.

Beside, Lucassen founded many other bands : STAR ONE whose music is more spacy ; AMBEON is a lighter AYREON, less metal-sounding while STREAM OF PASSION is almost fully Metal oriented. Although he founded that latest band, he left it for their final album. I although decided to include that album in this chronological selection that gathers both AYREON's songs and other Lucassen's projects ones... Ayreon and Lucassen's other short stories...

The
revolutionary album

Into The Electric Casle(1998)
That year, Lucassen was still a confidential artist, only known by an underground community. This didn't prevent him from guesting such Prog and Metal stars like FISH, ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN (THE GATHERING), DAMIAN WILSON (THRESHOLD, LANDMARQ)

The best
album

Universal Migrator Pt 1: The Dream Sequencer(2000)
Clearly the best. The wiser one, Arjen Lucassen leaves his metal habits far behind and records an album in a real Pink Floyd spirit. Mostly each song is worth the listen

The best live
album

Live On Earth (Star One, 2003)
This album is not necessarily an essential one, but it's a good live introduction to Arjen Lucassen's universe. It includes both Ayreon and Star One repertory. Well interpreted and recorded.

The worst
album

Strange Hobby (Arjen Lucassen, 2003)
Not even a bad one. Just a useless one. Lucassen is just having fun covering his old favourite songs. This is just sometimes surprising, especially for the Simon & Garfunkel's song or other soft pop songs played, as usual with Arjen, in a progressive metal style.

SICK OF IT ALL (ABO#398)

2010-11-24T10:19:00.006+01:00

SICK OF IT ALL
MEAN BUSINESS

Sick of It All is an American hardcore punk band, from Queens, New York, formed in 1986. Founded by brothers Lou Koller (vocals) and Pete Koller (guitar), Armand Majidi (drums) and Rich Cipriano (bass, soon replaced by ex-Agnostic Front Craig Setari). They have been known to be a major part of the New York hardcore scene. The band was formed during the era of the major hardcore decline, when many pioneering hardcore bands including Black Flag and Minor Threat disbanded. Sick of It All are now one of the most popular hardcore bands to date.

RIYL: Agnostic Front, Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits, Most Precious Blood

NOTRE DAME (ABO#397)

2010-11-17T19:01:00.010+01:00

NOTRE DAME
THE VENGEANCE OF VAMPIRELLA

Notre Dame was a Swedish metal band formed in 1997 and disbanded in 2004. Members included Snowy Shaw and Vampirella (vocals) and Jean-Pierre de Sade (guitar and bass) and Mannequin de Sade (drums) two brothers who claimed to be descendants of legendary revolutionary writer Marquis de Sade. The band mixed black metal with elements of electro, horror, gothic and orchestral themes.
Geemarcus has been able to cook you a simple cd of this unique act. Thanks to him and enjoy the selection while you can.

RIYL: Cradle of Filth, Tristania, Penumbra

THE DOORS (ABO#396)

2010-11-10T22:11:00.006+01:00

THE DOORS

MUSIC IS YOUR ONLY FRIEND

(1967-1978)

What's the point of Baistophing THE DOORS ? I know it could have been a useless effort. Their 1985 Best Of was indeed a really good one but was formated for LPs. This double-LP Best of lasted 85 minutes and my goal, here, was to manage to Baistophe that major band in a single CD. With 10 minutes long songs such as The End or When the Music's Over, it should have been an impossible challenge. I sure thought of editing those both songs but one was uncuttable, and the other one was a sacrifice to edit. I then thought of the edited version of The End included in Apocalypse Now OST. This choice may be taken for a blasphemy, but, on one and, I don't think this is a bad cut and it's quite another atmosphere and on the other hand, The End had was already chosen by SFP to illustrate his last VAC Baistophe. So my choice was made.

This Baistophe is really a personnal compilation made with my own tastes. So you won't have to be surprised not to find songs like The Crystal Ship, Roadhouse Blues or Hello I Love. Songs I do love but not enough compared with the ones I kept, to begin with Indian Summer, Peace Frog or The WASP that I thought unfair not to be on the 1985 compilation.

Make your own opinion. This must be the proof that a band like The Doors, with 5 major albums, can't be Baistophe on a single CD...

My DOORS TOP :

1. L.A. Woman (1971)

2. The Doors (1967)

3. Waiting For The Sun (1968)

4. Morrison Hotel (1970)

5. Strange Days (1967)

6. The Soft Parade (1969)

7. Other Voices (1972)

8. An American Prayer (1978)

9. Full Circle (1973)

JOE BONAMASSA (ABO#395)

2010-11-03T06:42:00.005+01:00

JOE BONAMASSA

BLUES IN GOLD

(1994-2010)

NO, it's not over yet. As SFP said last july, we had to have a little break, just because we had gone too wild in our post frequency. So we're back and we'll post a bit rarer. One of the very first reasons why we wanted to go on was for those who had sent us their work. We felt it was unfair to keep them unavailable to you. Joe Bonamassa's BAISTOPHE is one of those works and we simply thank our new contributor Hot Bear to have done this artist. I had already known Joe for a long time because I was invited to buy his very first solo album. I wasn't really into blues at that time but that kind of blues really fit me, especially when I saw that the young guy (aged 23 in 2000) had covered Jethro Tull and Rory Gallagher, artists I really was found of. But, funily I didn't go forward in discovering this artist. Until Hot Bear sent me this. I found this was a really great idea to BAISTOPHE him, and I found it was a really great idea to begin this second life with him too, because he's worth it.

RIYL : KENNY WAYNE SHEPPERD, JONNY LANG

BAISTOPHE IS ALIVE!!!

2010-07-30T19:01:00.007+02:00

BAISTOPHE IS ALIVE!

We've decided to do things differently now.

Once in a while, BAISTOPHE will reappear for a thematic month. We plan the first of these months for november and we may even push it with another theme in december...

We know blogs have more success when they're regularily updated but, like some of the visitors might already have guessed, we're not looking for success.

See you in November and, meanwhile, enjoy our previous posts.

THE END (VAC #048)

2010-07-01T12:23:00.006+02:00

VARIOUS ARTISTS
T H E…E N D

And now it’s time to say goodbye.
For two and a half years, we have been working on a project to compile as many bands as we could and do it the best that we could. It's been fun if a little time consuming. Washed up and tired, we have decided to call it quits while we were still enjoying it.
Maybe someday will we return and take things where we left it. Maybe this final chapter of the Baistophe adventure will indeed be the end. Anyway, we'd like to thank all those who visited, commented, helped with their own compilations, etc. Without them, we would have created a lesser blog.
The End?

OTIS REDDING (ABO #394)

2010-06-28T21:24:00.008+02:00

OTIS REDDING
RHYTHM & SOUL

One of the most influential soul singers of the 1960s, Otis Redding exemplified to many listeners the power of Southern "deep soul" -- hoarse, gritty vocals, brassy arrangements, and an emotional way with both party tunes and aching ballads. He was also the most consistent exponent of the Stax sound, cutting his records at the Memphis label/studios that did much to update R&B into modern soul. His death at the age of 26 was tragic not just because he seemed on the verge of breaking through to a wide pop audience (which he would indeed do with his posthumous number one single "[Sittin' On] The Dock of the Bay"). It was also unfortunate because, as "Dock of the Bay" demonstrated, he was also at a point of artistic breakthrough in terms of the expression and sophistication of his songwriting and singing.

My OTIS REDDING Top Three
1 - Complete & Unbelievable:
The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul (1966)
2 - The Dock of the Bay (1968)
3 - Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul (1966)

RIYL:
Rufus Thomas, The Temptations, Don Covay

LIVING COLOUR (ABO #393)

2010-06-26T18:00:00.008+02:00

LIVING COLOUR
IGNORANCE IS BLISS

Living Colour is an American funk metal band from New York City, formed in 1983. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, and hard rock. Their lyrics range from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America. The bands were prominent members of the Black Rock Coalition during the late 1980s and early 1990s (a movement which also featured Fishbone, and 24-7 Spyz).
Living Colour rose to fame with their debut album Vivid in 1988. Although the band scored a number of hits, they are best remembered for their anthemic single "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1989, and their highest charting single "Type". They were also named Best New Artist at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards. After disbanding in 1995, Living Colour reunited in late 2000 and released two albums in 2003 and 2009 failing to recapture their past fame.

My LIVING COLOUR List
1 – Vivid (1988)
2 – Time’s Up (1990)
3 – Collideoscope (2003)
4 – Stain (1993)
5 – The Chair in the Doorway (2009)

RIYL:
Bad Brains, Fishbone, 24-7 Spyz, Urban Dance Squad, Body Count, Mother’s Finest

MARVIN GAYE (ABO #392)

2010-06-24T09:38:00.007+02:00

MARVIN GAYE
FEEL THE LOVE

One of the most gifted, visionary, and enduring talents ever launched into orbit by the Motown hit machine, Marvin Gaye blazed the trail for the continued evolution of popular black music. Moving from lean, powerful R&B to stylish, sophisticated soul to finally arrive at an intensely political and personal form of artistic self-expression, his work not only redefined soul music as a creative force but also expanded its impact as an agent for social change.
With Gaye's death came a critical re-evaluation of his work, which deemed What's Going On to be one of the landmark albums in pop history, and his 1987 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame permanently enshrined him among the pantheon of musical greats.
Here’s Baistophe’s humble attempt at summing up such a relevant, rich and fruitful career. A three CDs set has been necessary to do so. We hope you’ll enjoy it.

Baistophe's MARVIN GAYE Top 3
1 - What's Going On (1971)
2 - Let's Get It On (1973)
3 - Here, My Dear (1978)

RIYL:
Isaac Hayes, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder

FISHBONE (ABO #391)

2010-06-21T05:09:00.007+02:00

FISHBONE
GETTIN' NUTTZ

Combining equal parts of deep funk, high-energy punk, and frantic ska, the Los Angeles-based Fishbone was one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s. With their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humor, and sharp social commentary, the group gained a sizable cult following during the late '80s, yet they were never able to earn a mainstream audience.
(Thanks to [GEMY] for another tasty compilation.)

Baistophe's FISHBONE Top 3
1 - Truth and Soul (1988)
2 - The Reality of My Surroundings (1991)
3 - The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx (2000)

RIYL:
Infectious Grooves, (early) Red Hot Chili Peppers, Murphy's Law, Urban Dance Squad

DONALD BYRD (ABO #390)

2010-06-18T08:14:00.008+02:00

DONALD BYRD
UNFINISHED BIZNESS (1958-1976)

Donald Byrd's story parallels the decline of Jazz in America and the changes that transpired in an attempt to remain relevant.
Trumpeter Donald Byrd was 15 years old when he cut his first record as a sessionman for the Robert Barnes Sextet. He didn't record again until eight years later, when in 1955, he guested on a Kenny Clarke recording. The first album under his own name appeared just two months later on Transition Records. That was followed by several years of journeyman work for future jazz stars such as Hank Mobley, Jackie McLean and Horace Silver as well as a stint in the Jazz Messegers.
He debuted on Blue Note Records in 1958, and his recordings range from Bop in 1958 to Post-Bop in 1963, to Fusion in 1970. In Byrd's case, it progressed into a jazz/soul/funk hybrid that helped to form the roots of Acid-Jazz. 1972's 'Black Byrd' was the result; the biggest seller in Blue Note history, reaching number two on the R&B albums chart. He assembled and produced a group called the Blackbyrds in 1974, although he didn't play with them. They had two Top 20 singles and are best known for the song "Walking In Rhythm". He has recorded sporadically since then; AllMusic shows nine albums between 1977 and 2006.
This collection covers the twenty four albums recorded during the Blue Note years from 1958 until 1976. I've also included the album Groovin' For Nat; recorded for Black Saint. I just liked it a lot. (Burns)

RIYL:
Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE (ABO #389)

2010-06-16T05:53:00.006+02:00

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE
FAMILY AFFAIR
(1967-1983)

Sly & the Family Stone harnessed all of the disparate musical and social trends of the late '60s, creating a wild, brilliant fusion of soul, rock, R&B, psychedelia, and funk that broke boundaries down without a second thought. Led by Sly Stone, the Family Stone was comprised of men and women, and blacks and whites, making the band the first fully integrated group in rock's history. That integration shone through the music, as well as the group's message. Before Stone, very few soul and R&B groups delved into political and social commentary; after him, it became a tradition in soul, funk, and hip-hop. And, along with James Brown, Stone brought hard funk into the mainstream. The Family Stone's arrangements were ingenious, filled with unexpected group vocals, syncopated rhythms, punchy horns, and pop melodies. Their music was joyous, but as the '60s ended, so did the good times. Stone became disillusioned with the ideals he had been preaching in his music, becoming addicted to a variety of drugs in the process. His music gradually grew slower and darker, culminating in 1971's There's a Riot Going On, which set the pace for '70s funk with its elastic bass, slurred vocals, and militant Black Power stance. Stone was able to turn out one more modern funk classic, 1973's Fresh, before slowly succumbing to his addictions, which gradually sapped him of his once prodigious talents. Nevertheless, his music continued to provide the basic template for urban soul, funk, and even hip-hop well into the '90s. (allmusic)

My SLY & THE FAMILY STONE Top 3
1 – There’s a Riot Going On (1971)
2 – Stand! (1969)
3 – Life (1973)

My SLY & THE FAMILY STONE Bottom 3
1 – Ain’t But the One Way (1983)
2 – Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I’m Back (1976)
3 – Back on the Right Track (1979)

RIYL:
The Average White Band, Parliament, The Undisputed Truth

ERYKAH BADU (ABO #388)

2010-06-14T05:15:00.007+02:00

ERYKAH BADU
SOUTHERN GIRL
(1997-2010)

She grew up listening to '70s soul and '80s hip-hop, but Erykah Badu drew more comparisons to Billie Holiday upon her breakout in 1997, after the release of her first album, Baduizm. The grooves and production on the album are bass-heavy R&B, but Badu's languorous, occasionally tortured vocals and delicate phrasing immediately removed her from the legion of cookie-cutter female R&B singers. A singer/songwriter responsible for all but one of the songs on Baduizm, she found a number 12 hit with her first single, "On & On," which pushed the album to number two on the charts.
Born Erica Wright in Dallas in 1971, Badu attended a school of the arts and was working as a teacher and part-time singer in her hometown when she opened for D'Angelo at a 1994 show. D'Angelo's manager, Kedar Massenburg, was impressed with the performance and hooked her up with the singer to record a cover of the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet "Precious Love." He also signed Badu to his recently formed Kedar Entertainment label, and served as producer for Baduizm, which also starred bassist Ron Carter and members of hip-hop avatars the Roots on several tracks. The first single, "On & On," became a number one R&B hit in early 1997, and Baduizm followed it to the top of the R&B album charts by March. Opening for R&B acts as well as rap's Wu-Tang Clan, Erykah Badu stopped just short of number one on the pop album charts in April. Her Live album followed later in the year.
In 2000 she returned with her highly anticipated second studio album, Mama's Gun, which was co-produced by Badu, James Poyser, Bilal, and Jay Dee and contained the hit single "Bag Lady." Worldwide Underground, a loose affair billed as an EP despite being longer than many full-lengths, was released in 2003. Her next step, 2008's New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War, was a heavy and abstract release featuring collaborations with the members of Sa-Ra and Georgia Anne Muldrow; it reached number two on the Billboard 200 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. New Amerykah, Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh, looser and more playful than Pt. 1, followed in 2010. (allmusic)
(Thanks to our new collaborator [GEMY] for this one.)

RIYL:
Alicia Keys, Kelis, Me'Shell Ndegéocello

ETTA JAMES (ABO #387)

2010-06-12T02:36:00.005+02:00

ETTA JAMES
BURNER'S CHOICE

Few R&B singers have endured tragic travails on the monumental level that Etta James has and remain on earth to talk about it. The lady's no shrinking violet; her autobiography, Rage to Survive, describes her past (including numerous drug addictions) in sordid detail.
But her personal problems have seldom affected her singing. James has hung in there from the age of R&B and doo wop in the mid-'50s through soul's late-'60s heyday and right up into the '90s and 2000s (where her 1994 disc Mystery Lady paid loving jazz-based tribute to one of her idols, Billie Holiday). Etta James' voice has deepened over the years, coarsened more than a little, but still conveys remarkable passion and pain.
In concert, Etta James is a sassy, no-holds-barred performer whose suggestive stage antics sometimes border on the obscene. She's paid her dues many times over as an R&B and soul pioneer; long may she continue to shock the uninitiated.

RIYL:
Mavis Staples, Ernestine Anderson, Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington

LONNIE BROOKS (ABO #386)

2010-06-10T09:06:00.006+02:00

LONNIE BROOKS
SWAMP CRAWLER

Lonnie Brooks is a minor star in a minor genre, the blues. This is a quick and dirty collection culled from two favorite albums (Hot Shot and Roadhouse Rules), and filled out with four tracks from the Alligator Records compilation called Deluxe Edition. It isn't intended as a complete view of the man's work, but it does give you a good idea of how he sounds.
He was born Lee Baker Jr. in Louisiana and began his career playing zydeco music in Clifton Chenier's band under the name Guitar Junior. After moving to Chicago in 1959, he found that there was already another Guitar Jr. in town and changed his name to Lonnie Brooks. The next decade was a struggle but like many American jazz & blues artists, Lonnie finally found an appreciative audience in Europe. His career began to pick up steam in the mid-Seventies and reached a crescendo in 1979 with the album "Bayou Lightning'. Being a blues star is a hollow victory, you're still only pulling in about 200 people a night in a dive on the dark end of the street.
This collection features songs from 1983 to 1996. It has similarities to the Midwest boogie blues/rock that's been posted here recently, but leans more towards the slow soul grinds of Memphis and the South.

RIYL:
Luther Allison, Son Seals, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown

GEOFFREY ORYEMA (ABO #385)

2010-06-08T02:05:00.006+02:00

GEOFFREY ORYEMA
SON OF THE WIND

Geoffrey Oryema (born April 16, 1953) is an internationally renowned Ugandan musician. In 1977, at the age of 24 and at the height of Idi Amin's power, Oryema was smuggled across the Ugandan border in the trunk of a car, after the death of his father, Erinayo Wilson Oryema, who was a cabinet minister, beginning a life in exile. Today his songs keep alive the languages of his youth - Swahili and Acholi and return to the lost country - the 'clear green land' of Uganda.
Oryema earned his international reputation following the release of his second album, Beat the Border. He has collaborated with, amongst others, Peter Gabriel. Gabriel's record label, Real World, helped with the first three of Oryema's albums, until his move to Sony International, a label established in France where Oryema resides since his exile. Besides his two native languagues mentioned earlier, he also sings in English and French.

My GEOFFREY ORYEMA List
1 - Exile (1990)
2 - Beat the Border (1994)
3 - Spirit (2000)
4 - Night to Night (1997)
5 - Words (2004)

RIYL:
Youssou N'Dour, Ismaël Lô, Ayub Ogada

GIL SCOTT-HERON (ABO #384)

2010-06-06T00:51:00.007+02:00

GIL SCOTT-HERON
WILL NOT BE TELEVISED

Gil Scott-Heron (born April 1, 1949) is an American poet, musician, and author known primarily for his late 1970s and early 1980s work as a spoken word performer and his collaborative soul works with musician Brian Jackson. His collaborative efforts with Jackson featured a musical fusion of jazz, blues and soul music, as well as lyrical content concerning social and political issues of the time, delivered in both rapping and melismatic vocal styles by Scott-Heron. The music of these albums, most notably Pieces of a Man and Winter in America in the early 1970s, influenced and helped engender later African-American music genres such as hip hop and neo soul. Scott-Heron's recording work is often associated with black militant activism and has received much critical acclaim for one of his most well-known compositions "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". On his influence, Allmusic wrote "Scott-Heron's unique proto-rap style influenced a generation of hip-hop artists".

My GIL SCOTT-HERON Top Three
1 - Pieces of a Man (1971)
2 - Winter in America (1974)
3 - It's Your World (1976)

My GIL SCOTT-HERON Bottom Three
1 - Moving Target (1982)
2 - 1980 (1980)
3 - Real Eyes (1980)

RIYL:
The Last Poets, Sly & the Family Stone, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

GURU'S JAZZMATAZZ (ABO #383)

2010-06-04T02:34:00.008+02:00

FEEL THE MUSIC by
GURU'S JAZZMATAZZ

Ex-Gangstarr's Guru died not so long ago. While I'm not that fond of the work of his original band, I find his Jazzmatazz series to be quite appealing. Indeed, it was a bold move to mix real jazz with hip-hop when the first volume was released and since the album was of good quality, it pleased be then and still does now. Sure the sequels haven't all been of that caliber but, on every one of them, I found enough quality to decide that project was worth compiling for Baistophe's Black Month.
So, here's a tribute to Guru with what I consider the finest of the Jazzmatazz Series. Enjoy.

RIYL :
US3, Digable Planets, Dream Warriors

ME'SHELL NGEDEOCELLO (ABO #382)

2010-06-02T02:52:00.009+02:00

ME'SHELL NDEGEOCELLO
IN TRANSIT

For those who only know her most famous singles, Me'Shell Ngedéocello may appear as a relatively common r'n'b artist. That is a huge mistake and a dire misunderstanding of this one of a kind artist. Me'Shell has so many faces she may very well be a mirrorball-image of what quality modern black music should sound like. On top of the soul/hip-hop thingy, which she does pretty damn well, this lady has proven to be a versatile and curious composer that can handle rock, folk, jazz just as well as she does with soul and hip-hop. Of course, not all of her eight albums are of the same quality but every one of them has moments of grace that can seldom be found with any other artist in today's black music scene. In that, one can easily compare her to Nina Simone whom also could touch about every musical genre she wanted and make it her own. I bet you Me'Shell will have a long and productive career and will continue to amaze and surprise us. This 2 hours compilation tries to be an introduction to her unique world. Enjoy.

My ME'SHELL NDEGEOCELLO Top 3
1 - Bitter (1999)
2 - The World Made Me the Man of My Dreams (2007)
3 - Peace Beyond Passion (1996)

RIYL:
Erykah Badu, Nina Simone, Joan Armatrading

This Is My Last Goodbye

2010-06-01T18:01:00.003+02:00

I know, I know things that happen are sometimes hard to live but there are some decision to be made.

Today was my round to post a Baistophe and I didn't really feel like doing it. In fact, it's been several weeks, several months that I had become a bit tired of that. Not that today I don't like Baistophing. In the contrary, I still live it, but it has taken so much parts in my life that I had to stop one day. I had already told to my dear friend SFP that I wanted to progressively stop my contribution to the blog from september, but today, I feel so empty, so powerless that I can't go on without risking anything within my health or my family's.

Baistophe has taken so much place in my life that I had to react before becoming a no-life.

Because I love much more my wife and daughter than music and this pretty good blog, my choice has been very easy to make.

SFP has told me that if I gave up, he'd stop too. I hope he won't because between me and he, he was the most talented. I really hope he'll go on and maybe hope that some of our friends, one-time contributor, will become full time member. This blog deserves it.

Laws are going against illegal downloads. I'm deeply for those laws because artists deserve to be paid for the work they've been doing. But keep on downloading those forgotten artists because industry is killing our common musical history by deleting them from their catalog.

So do what you want, but be sure you are true to those you love, be they famous or not.

Thank you all to you kind words during those 2 and half years of Baistophe. Regarding our first posts, I am just amazed of how we have evoluated... and we have evoluated thanks to your support. I won't forget that at all.

This was my last goodbye

A TRIBUTE TO BLOOD ON THE TRACKS (VAC #047)

2010-05-31T00:56:00.006+02:00

A TRIBUTE TO BOB DYLAN’S
BLOOD ON THE TRACKS

Second installment of our Bob Dylan covers series, Blood on the Tracks was a tricky one. Almost every track has several versions to choose from, which was good, but too many of them were “by-the-book” replicas and, while they may have sounded good, they were of little interest. We decided it was more interesting to find versions which brought a little something different Dylan’s compositions. We hope you’ll agree on that and will enjoy the result, I know I do.
See you soon for Volume 3.

KILLING JOKE (ABO #381)

2010-05-29T05:37:00.006+02:00

KILLING JOKE
THE JOKE’S ON YOU

There are not many bands like Killing Joke. Lead by frontman extraordinaire Jaz Coleman, the band has now more than 30 years of age yet manages to remain something fresh, energetic and constantly evolving.
Starting as a post-punk act, they succeeded to adapt their trademark sound in time, slowly turning (except for a “poppier” gap in the mid/late 80s, that is) into something more aggressive, infusing a bit of metal and industrial into their music.
Now, back with their original line-up, they’re set to release a new album in September. It was more than time to try to resume their prolific quality career and Magnu took a job that wasn’t as easy as it seems for his first collaboration at Baistophe. Let him be thanked and enjoy “The Joke’s on You”.

Magnu’s KILLING JOKE List
1 - Pandemonium (1994)
2 - Extremities, Dirt & Various Repressed Emotions (1990)
3 - Revelations (1982)
4 - Killing Joke (1980)
5 - Democracy (1996)
6 - What'sTHIS for (1981)
7 - Hosannas From The Basements of Hell (2006)
8 - Fire Dances (1983)
9 - Killing Joke (2003)
10 - Night Time (1985)
11 - Brighter Than a Thousand Suns (1986)
12 - Outside The Gate (1988)

RIYL:
Nine Inch Nails, New Model Army, Bauhaus

PARADISE LOST (ABO #380)

2010-05-27T04:05:00.007+02:00

PARADISE LOST
HAVEN

Starting as a Death/Doom Metal band in the late 80s, no one could have ever expected the evolution which affected Paradise Lost’s sound. Culminating on the Host album (their seventh album, released in 1999) where the band sounds kind of like a metal version of Depeche Mode. Alas, their metal fan base didn’t like it and the band was forced to return to something a tad more traditional on their following albums producing some quality melodic Gothic Metal.
This compilation (with a track list crafted by Baker) sums up the great musical adventure Paradise Lost’s career has been up to “Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us” (released in 2009). Enjoy the ride.

My PARADISE LOST Top Three
1 – Host (1999)
2 – One Second (1997)
3 – Draconian Times (1995)

My PARADISE LOST Bottom Three
1 – Lost Paradise (1990)
2 – Symbol of Life (2002)
3 – In Requiem (2007)

RIYL:
Katatonia, My Dying Bride, Type O Negative

XII (VAC#046)

2010-05-25T19:24:00.005+02:00

VARIOUS ARTISTS

XII

It's been an evidence for us who like to make thematic Baistophes (numbered VAC as Various Artists Compilations) to make a special VAC dealing with the 12 zodiac signs. It could have been also easy to compile if I didn't struggled for strict titles who only ARE those signs, banning whatever include those in a complete centense.

You know what? It also would have been very easy if each and every sign would have been well represented. For instance, Cancer has got very few song represented. For many others it has been a reel drama to chose one version and not the other. Finally, the song I kept are those you see here and you will be able to listen to. I tried not to make too agressive transition AND keeping the good order of your horoscope...

HUMBLE PIE (ABO#379)

2010-05-24T12:55:00.008+02:00

THE DELIGHTFUL

HUMBLE PIE

(1969-2002)

It's been a long time since I haven't listened to Humble Pie early when I began this Baistophe. I didn't remember how heavy was their rock. One of the very best Hard Rock act in the 70s with Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, for sure!

in 1969, Steve Marriott was already a star with his previous band, The Small Faces. Peter Frampton, at the guitar became famous after he left the band with his solo love LP "Comes Alive". In between, Humble Pie recorded what is their most essential songs. Unfortunately, they only became famous for a restricted audience who wanted more than the two bands I wrote lines before.

My Humble Pie TOP3 :

1. Humble Pie (1970)

2. Rock On (1971)

3. As Safe As Yesterday Is (1969)

My Humble Pie Bottom3 :

1. On To Victory (1980)

2. Back On Track (2002)

3. Thunderbox (1974)

WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE (ABO #378)

2010-05-23T09:10:00.005+02:00

WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE
AND THEN THE RAINS CAME

William Elliott Whitmore is a bit of an anomaly. He’s got the slim, tattooed body of a punk rocker and the voice of a 90-year old black bluesman. He’s a musician who has toured with the likes of Murder By Death and opened for the Pogues, but off the road he spends his days as a horse farmer in Iowa.
Reviving the outlaw concept in quality country/folk/acoustic blues, William's may seem a tad depressing and it indeed is, in its own haunted beautiful way and it’s quite addictive that way, don’t say you haven’t been warned.
This compilation is just an introduction to an artist that hopefully has a long career ahead of him at only 32 years old.

RIYL:
Ben Nichols, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Von Till

CLAUDE NOUGARO (ABO#377)

2010-05-21T06:28:00.005+02:00

CLAUDE NOUGARO

LE JONGLEUR DE MOTS

(1958-2004)

Surprisingly, Claude Nougaro has always kept a quite background seat in the french chanson history. He is though one of its very best singer and auteur. Popularised for having added words on familiar Jazz classics, he however has always loved the work on the word. Nougaro was THE french poet of chanson. And when I say poet, I shall put it also in big letters. The lyrics are so clever and the work done on the musicality of his centenses are something no one made better before and after. His long carreer deserved (at least) a double set and I'm proud that Claude now belongs to Baistophe's long list. Thanks to DIOD for this great selection of non-hits.

LADIES : E (VAC#045)

2010-05-20T06:22:00.005+02:00

VARIOUS ARTISTS

LADIES : E

For our third letter E, nothing seemed as much easier as the other ones. E is not particularly a well represented letter in the first name list. However, I found a great number of tracks for this Baistophe so that I could choose a greater selection. I could even have kept enough tracks for a double CD. But, my aim was to stay within 80 minutes, so I had to shorten it. That's why you may be surprised not to find what could have come to your mind first : Eloise by Barry Ryan.

As usual, many musical styles are represented here, from folk with Dispatch, to the rocker Pat Travers and Dr Feelgood. I also added a german song I found very funny. I hope you will too.

RONNIE JAMES DIO (ABO #376)

2010-05-18T03:55:00.006+02:00

RONNIE JAMES DIO
KING OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Ronnie James Dio will no longer move us with new material featuring his golden voice. That’s sad news.
At age 67, he left us. The gems of his long and fruitful career remain. From Elf to Heaven & Hell, Ronald Padavona (his real name) has given us some of the finest music in the rock/metal realm. Thinking about it, it’s quite incredible that such a small man has become one of the greatest, but the gift Mother Nature had given him was a sure sign of a grand destiny.
Not all of his artistic choices were judicious, he may even have released a few albums, under the DIO moniker, that didn’t fit his grandeur. Nevertheless, he will be remembered and cherished as the rock legend he managed to become.
We all miss you Ronnie.
R.I.P.

Find more DIO on our RAINBOW compilation.

GUAPO (ABO#375)

2010-05-15T08:18:00.005+02:00

GUAPO

DE PROFUNDIS

(1997-2008)

There are 2 Guapos. Thes are the same band but both took another direction from another. The first one (1997-2001) was a noisy rock band whose music was incredibly dismantled. The second one (2003-2008) had a more strong strcuture and a cleaner sound, even if still dark. However the major influence of that band was Magma (ABO#002). Witness their first EP "Guapo vs. Magma". There's nothing much Zeuhl in that EP but as the years went by, Guapo's music became more and more like a new Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh weapon. This is that second life of Guapo I decided to point up in this BAISTOPHE. You'll also find then a few old songs.

In order to put the more songs as possible, I had to edit some tracks and I think these do not disturb the listen.

My Guapo TOP 3:

1. Black Oni (2005)

2. Five Suns (2004)

3. Elixirs (2008)

My Guapo BOTTOM 3:

1. Dukes And Drakes Of Cerberus Schoals (2003)

2. Great Sage Equal The Heaven (2001)

3. Death Seed (2000)

GANG OF FOUR (ABO #374)

2010-05-13T00:18:00.006+02:00

GANG OF FOUR
DAMAGED GOODS

Of the many bands which appeared in the punk/post-punk British wave, Gang of Four is probably – with The Clash – the most influential of all. Often cited by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea as a major influence, Gang of Four has also been stated to have pre-defined the sound of Rap Metal. In today’s music, bands such as The Rapture, Liars, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, The Dead 60s and many more owe a lot to their sound which they only slightly modernized.
Did they sell many albums? No they did not. They probably were too radical and too avant-gardist for their own good but their music remains a crucial component to today’s indie sound and, thus, deserved to be rewarded with their compilation on “Baistophe.” Actually, their first two albums (1979’s Entertainment! and 1981’s Solid Gold) are must have for anyone even mildly interested in (post) punk or indie rock.

My GANG OF FOUR Top Three
1 – Entertainment! (1979)
2 – Solid Gold (1981)
3 – Hard (1983)

RIYL:
Mission of Burma, Talking Heads, Bloc Party, Fugazi

SUNSHINE (VAC #044)

2010-05-11T02:32:00.005+02:00

SUNSHINE
VARIOUS ARTISTS

It might seem very strange to do a sun-themed compilation that is anything but sunny… I see it as an opportunity to explore new artists, new sounds. Most of the songs featured here are from fairly new albums (2001 to today) with the notable exception of Raw Material (1971) and Monster Magnet (1993). The genres featured here range from indie rock to modern classical, from electronic to progressive rock, from metal to world music…and more! Assembling all this together is a great part of the fun of doing it, I hope it’ll also be a great part of the fun of listening to it. Anyway, here it is, a little sun to disturb the neighbors. Enjoy.

BUMCELLO (ABO#373)

2010-05-09T09:46:00.006+02:00

BUMCELLO

... WAS A FRIEND ...

(1999-2009)

Bumcello is a duet. Bum is on the percussions and Cello ... on the cello. Their music could have sounded like jazz but they decided something different. They often have been playing with other bands or artists like Les Fabulous Troubadours (whose "duo" can be heard on their BAISTOPHE ABO#279), with Taraf de Haidouk (idem on their BAISTOPHE ABO#091) or even Mathieu Chedid. That brings some kind of sound that can be assimilated like a remix where it isn't.

Live, Bumcello become an improvisationing band and their songs can last more than 10 minutes. In the contrary, in the studio, the songs are more constructed and are very short. Bumcello can explore so many musical identity with their only two instruments (+ guest musicians or electronic equipments).

This collection is a bit focused on their experimental works where you can also find some pop, soul, rnb, trip hop, dub songs in it. But I think this experimental work is what is more interesting in that band.

My Bumcello TOP :

1. Nude For Love (2002)

2. Get Me (2003)

3. Bumcello (1999)

4. Lychee Queen (2008)

5. Animal Sophistiqué (2005)

6. Booty Time (2001)

HAMMERFALL (ABO #372)

2010-05-07T07:12:00.006+02:00

HAMMERFALL
WARLORDS

Heading from Sweden, Power Metal band HammerFall may sound like something generic for many, something on which I disagree. I'd rather call it "traditional" as these lads don't bother hiding their influences and proudly wear them on their sleeves and in their hearts. Of course, without Judas Priest, Accept, Manowar, Iron Maiden or Helloween there probably wouldn't be a HammerFall today that doesn't change the fact that Joachim Cains & Co are good craftsmen whom built a solid fan base by transcending their influences and making them theirs.
As many other bands, they had their ups and downs but, nevertheless, their seven albums remain solid example of how Heavy Metal should sound like.
This compilation, or rather selection as some key anthems had to be left aside to fit the 80mn duration of a CD, is my view of an entertaining quality introduction to a band which has never really disappointed me. So, if you like Metal the traditional way, indulge yourself with "Warlords", you will not regret it.

RIYL:
Manowar, Helloween, Judas Priest

DIXIE DREGS (ABO#371)

2010-05-05T07:01:00.006+02:00

DIXIE DREGS

THE UNPREDICTABLE PROCESS

(OR HOW TO CREATE A MONSTER)

(1975-2000)

Dixie Dregs is a bit of everything. If it is over all a Fusion band mixing both Jazz and Rock styles, it also sounds like many other types of music. You'll find some Progressive Hard Rock à la Kansas played with a velocity that can remind us John McLaughlin or Al Dimeola. Their Dixie roots also allowed them to play country style.

The line-up was very unstable and at the exception of Steve Morse, no one played on every albums. The adventure stopped in 1982 while Morse founded his own band before joining Deep Purple. The band reunited though for a tour in 1992 and then recorded 3 more albums including 2 live ones.

My Dixie Dregs Top 3 :

1. What If (1978)

2. The Great Spectacular (1975/1994)

3. The Night Of The Living Dregs (1978)

My Dixie Dregs Bottom 3 :

1. Industry Standard (1982)

2. Full Circle (1994)

3. Unsung Heroes (1980)

IRON & WINE (ABO #370)

2010-05-03T10:14:00.006+02:00

IRON & WINE
SOUTHERN ANTHEMS

There is no denying that Samuel Beam, a.k.a. Iron & Wine, has been one of the strongest forces of the indie folk scene since his very first release (2002's The Creek Drank the Cradle) and that his hushed-way to sing has influenced many of today's scene.
With 5 albums under his belt (including 2005's In the Reins recorded with Calexico), Samuel has established himself as a great songwriter and performer managing to evolve from the minimalistic basis on which he builds his music to simply become a central character in today’s musical scene.
Baistophe just couldn’t miss introducing those who don’t know yet what an essential artist Samuel Beam/Iron & Wine is, and not just for those who like folk music. Enjoy.

RIYL:
Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, Ray Lamontagne, Elliott Smith

LOU REED (ABO#369)

2010-05-01T07:35:00.005+02:00

LOU REED

REPLAY

(1970-1992...2007)

Lou Reed is the quintessential New Yorker; loud, headstrong, and often in a hurry to be somewhere else. He grew up on Long Island, NY and went to college upstate at Syracuse College of Arts and Sciences, graduating in 1964. He moved to NYC in 1963 and his acquaintances in the art community introduced him to life in the underbelly of the city. His music and his life would be dominated by those influences for many years.

He and John Cale formed a band in 1964; it would later become the Velvet Underground. It brought him notoriety as an avant-garde artist, but the band was never commercially successful while it existed. He left in 1970 and went to work for his father in the tax-preparation business. Within a year, he decided that he'd rather be a solo performer.

Despite almost 40 years on his own, his reputation rests primarily on the seven years he spent guiding the Velevet Underground. His solo career has been hampered by the fact that any new work is compared to the Velvets. Judging by the mellow songs on several of his early albums, he initially was interested in being a successful Top 40 singer-songwriter, but the dark side kept calling him back. His devotion to the seedy clubs in Soho and their decadent patrons exposed him to the burgeoning Glam Rock movement. He hooked up with David Bowie, who went on to be the producer on Lou's 1972 break-out album, 'Transformer'. It featured his signature song, 'Walk On The Wild Side'. Success was short-lived however; consumers were unsure what to expect from him. If one album showed an attempt at commercial pop, the next was just as likely to revolve around the lives of drug addicts and transvestites.

It was a struggle for him to find his place as music evolved in the Eighties. Though many punk rockers cited him as an influence, he thought the majority of them were dull-witted and that he was too worldly to be a part of their scene. During the early '80s he assembled his best band, centered around guitarist Robert Quine and bassist Fernando Saunders. Though they only lasted two or three years together, it allowed Reed to become focused on the mechanics of making music again. It was also at this point that the cult around the Velvet Underground really began to grow. He was able to draw self-respect from his accomplishments with that band rather than feel he was constantly being measured against them. Maturity began to mellow many of his worst traits. Nearly all of Lou Reed's best works have come since 1982; at 68 years of age however, I'd guess that he has reached his peak.

I decided not to include any of his later works because, at the exception of some albums that are only spoken words or ambient music, the two really musical are Set The Twilight Reeling and Ecstasy, but weren't really worthy to be part of this.

-BURNS-

Burns' Lou Reed Top3 :

1. Transformer (1972)

1. New York (1989)

1. New Sensastions (1984)

Burns' Lou Reed Bottom3 :

1. Metal Machine Music (1975)

2. Take No Prisonners (1978)

3. Growing Up In Public (1980)

HIGHWAY 61 RE-REVISITED (VAC #043)

2010-04-29T07:14:00.005+02:00

HIGHWAY 61
RE-REVISITED

First of what will hopefully become a long series, Highway 61 Re-revisited is, as its title indicates, the recreation of Bob Dylan’s 1965 classic album in cover versions. The reason why I did not choose to cover Dylan’s discography chronologically is because I wanted to cover first the albums I think are essentials in the Zim’s discography and, starting with this one - a controversial album at its time as many folksters blamed Dylan because he abandoned his trademark acoustic sound - was a statement as to how free an artist Bob was and how bold a move this very album represented.
I hope you’ll enjoy the result.