MB Album Club 2022

rubber soul · 08-10-2022, 08:41 AM

I have to admit, I kind of like this album. It doesn’t sound generic like your last rec, MC. I do see some parallels here as Alan Parsons was also known for using guest singers on his albums. If I’m not mistaken, Daniel Victor has said that he wanted to do albums that sounded like Soundtracks; this album certainly seems to fit that description, even with the lead singers.

Anyway, I really like how the album begins with Dove Coloured Sky and the last two tracks, Last of the Great Lovers, and Warding Off the Spirits, are probably my two favorite tracks on the album. The quality of the tracks in between varies a bit but overall, it’s a nice melodic symphony of sorts. I’m guessing Always may have been their “hit” from the album, and I liked that track as well.

So, yeah, it’s quite listenable, probably not something I’d pick up myself but as an album to listen to, it’s quite pleasant. Nice pick, MC.

8/10 (The Word has spoken

)

music_collector · 08-10-2022, 08:57 AM

Always was the first single, if I remember correctly.

Daniel definitely wanted to bring in singers to sing all of his songs. With this one and the next album, he did more of the singing.

He obviously sings them all live, and they translate well. Once in a while, he'll have one of the singers on stage with him.

Glad you liked it. It's definitely different from my last pick.

SGR · 08-12-2022, 06:43 PM

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

This sounds like pretty standard by the books soul to me. I had to double/triple-check the release date to make sure that this was actually from 2007 - and by god it is. I guess it does sound a bit cleaner and sharper than recordings from that time, but the music is totally old-school.

If you’re really into that ‘60s/‘70s soul sound, you’d dig this. The band and Sharon really sell that sound convincingly. Sharon has a great voice too - perfect for this genre.

At what it attempts to do, it’s perfectly sufficient, but it leaves me wanting a little bit more. It leaves me a bit nonplussed. There’s just really nothing here that’s truly compelling, and I suppose that’s a price you pay when you’re basing your sound so strongly on something that’s been done extensively in decades past. I mean, I’m not the biggest soul fan or anything, but I guess I caught myself wondering why I was listening to this instead of just throwing on an Al Green record.

For what it is, it’s alright I guess.

5.5/10

Lisnaholic · 08-13-2022, 08:36 AM

Before I post a review of music_collector's album, Neverending White Lights, I'd like to propose that Carpe, having done track-by-track reviews of the last two albums, should be invited to join the club and nominate an album of her own choice.

"If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Club-Membershipism, ye are to declare it now or forever hold your peace."

rubber soul · 08-13-2022, 08:50 AM

I just assumed Carpe did join the club. Yeah, I'm always for new membership.

Carpe Mortem · 08-13-2022, 10:02 AM

Oops - I thought people just jumped into this whenever, sorry all. Thank you for the nomination!

rubber soul · 08-13-2022, 10:11 AM

Trollheart can explain the rule better but I believe anyone may review an album whether they are a member or not so you didn't do anything wrong. Members can nominate an album of their own however assuming they are in good standing (in other words, they are reviewing other members albums as you are, Carpe).

Trollheart · 08-13-2022, 12:25 PM

Yeah absolutely agree. I think Carpe would be a valuable addition to our club. As the guys say, only those who are actual members are allowed nominate albums, so if you want to join and nominate an album Carpe, by all means do. If you'd prefer to just pop in and out reviewing, anyone can do that. Up to you which you want to do, but you would be very welcome as a member.

Carpe Mortem · 08-13-2022, 12:59 PM

Given what a brutal reviewer I know I can be, maybe it would be a good idea if I get a taste of my own medicine at some point lol. I'm sure I'd suggest an album that is not everyone's cup of tea.

Again, I appreciate the kindness & welcomes! Especially Lisnaholic, very kind of you to bring it up.

I gracefully accept your nominations, and I would like to thank Jesuth Kryth and my mother.

Trollheart · 08-13-2022, 02:42 PM

Ixnay on the Esusjay!

I'll add ya to the list in the OP. Welcome!

08-12-2022, 06:43 PM	#433 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,326	Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings This sounds like pretty standard by the books soul to me. I had to double/triple-check the release date to make sure that this was actually from 2007 - and by god it is. I guess it does sound a bit cleaner and sharper than recordings from that time, but the music is totally old-school. If you’re really into that ‘60s/‘70s soul sound, you’d dig this. The band and Sharon really sell that sound convincingly. Sharon has a great voice too - perfect for this genre. At what it attempts to do, it’s perfectly sufficient, but it leaves me wanting a little bit more. It leaves me a bit nonplussed. There’s just really nothing here that’s truly compelling, and I suppose that’s a price you pay when you’re basing your sound so strongly on something that’s been done extensively in decades past. I mean, I’m not the biggest soul fan or anything, but I guess I caught myself wondering why I was listening to this instead of just throwing on an Al Green record. For what it is, it’s alright I guess. 5.5/10 Last edited by SGR; 08-12-2022 at 07:14 PM.

08-13-2022, 08:36 AM	#434 (permalink)
Lisnaholic ...here to hear... Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: He lives on Love Street Posts: 4,444	Before I post a review of music_collector's album, Neverending White Lights, I'd like to propose that Carpe, having done track-by-track reviews of the last two albums, should be invited to join the club and nominate an album of her own choice. "If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Club-Membershipism, ye are to declare it now or forever hold your peace." __________________ "Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953

08-13-2022, 10:02 AM	#436 (permalink)
Carpe Mortem Crusher of tiny Nords Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Ugly Bag of Mostly Water Posts: 1,363	Oops - I thought people just jumped into this whenever, sorry all. Thank you for the nomination! __________________ [SIG][/SIG] Mirth is King Be Loving & Open With My Emotions

08-13-2022, 12:25 PM	#438 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,970	Yeah absolutely agree. I think Carpe would be a valuable addition to our club. As the guys say, only those who are actual members are allowed nominate albums, so if you want to join and nominate an album Carpe, by all means do. If you'd prefer to just pop in and out reviewing, anyone can do that. Up to you which you want to do, but you would be very welcome as a member. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

08-13-2022, 12:59 PM	#439 (permalink)
Carpe Mortem Crusher of tiny Nords Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Ugly Bag of Mostly Water Posts: 1,363	Given what a brutal reviewer I know I can be, maybe it would be a good idea if I get a taste of my own medicine at some point lol. I'm sure I'd suggest an album that is not everyone's cup of tea. Again, I appreciate the kindness & welcomes! Especially Lisnaholic, very kind of you to bring it up. I gracefully accept your nominations, and I would like to thank Jesuth Kryth and my mother. __________________ [SIG][/SIG] Mirth is King Be Loving & Open With My Emotions

08-10-2022, 08:57 AM	#432 (permalink)
music_collector Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Canada Posts: 757	Always was the first single, if I remember correctly. Daniel definitely wanted to bring in singers to sing all of his songs. With this one and the next album, he did more of the singing. He obviously sings them all live, and they translate well. Once in a while, he'll have one of the singers on stage with him. Glad you liked it. It's definitely different from my last pick.

08-13-2022, 02:42 PM	#440 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,970	Ixnay on the Esusjay! I'll add ya to the list in the OP. Welcome! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018