#NowPlaying #CD thread here!
It's been a very long time since I used my fancy 5 disc autochanger and today marks the day that I start using it again! #Vinyl might be the cooler medium, but CD's are actually my favourite. I collected an amount of rare CD's or albums that are otherwise not available for streaming so that I can rip them and play the music on my phone. This way I also actually own the music, and I won't see it disappearing out of my library.
#NowPlaying: #NewOrder - Movement
2008 2 disc collector's edition.
I know I have tooted about this album before in my #Vinyl thread, but now it's time for the #CD version. The beauty of this medium is the bonus tracks and this release has a whole disc dedicated to it. Those tracks are singles and their b-sides from the same time period. Some of them included on 1981-1982 as well. There's an alternate version of Ceremony at the end, which is special!
#NowPlaying: #TaxiGirl - Seppuku
1989 #CD reissue.
Only issued as a CD once and never again. There's two for sale on Discogs for 189 and 300 EUR, but I got mine for 90! I loved Cherchez Le Garçon with its extended codas and playful synths, but that is mostly absent from this album. While I missed that at first, the album has grown on me since. This album is more punky than #synthpop, with more focus on the guitars.
#NowPlaying: #Yes - Relayer
2003 European reissue.
My absolute favourite album by Yes, Gates Of Delirium is a brilliant track that doesn't overstay its welcome despite its 23 minute length. I love the "battle sequence" in the middle: it's epic. Maybe I like it so much because the album is very dense and up-tempo, I tend to lose attention if there's a lot of slow segments but this album keeps you in for the ride all the way through.
#NowPlaying: #Azra - Kao I Jučer (Single Ploče 1983-86)
2003 #Croatian reissue.
Before I even went to #Croatia, I had researched a bit about #Yugoslav #NewWave music. This is an excellent compilation of the more #PostPunk style. Interestingly, the people at a record store couldn't believe I had bought this down the street as apparently there's some big dispute going between the singer and their label. I was told to cherish this #CD, so I will!
#NowPlaying: #Revenge - One True Passion
1990 UK issue.
Deemed a mistake by #PeterHook of #NewOrder, who was the driving force behind Revenge. I don't think of it as such, there's some really good, danceable tracks on here, albeit a bit shallow at times. The sound is dark but the lyrics are sensitive at times. I love the consistent art style they had laid out for their releases, their troop of models called "Revenge girls". Check it out if you like New Order.
#NowPlaying: #GrahamParkerandtheRumour - Stick to Me
European CD reissue.
I have a lot of albums by #GrahamParker and #TheRumour but it still has to get to me properly. So far this album is really enjoyable, nicely upbeat and some really clear production. I get really positive vibes from this album!
#NowPlaying: #ChinaCrisis - Flaunt the Imperfection
1985 original #CD issue.
One of my favourite albums of all time. Such a smooth and pleasant listen. I was very lucky to find it in my frequented record store this week as normally China Crisis appears rarely. I don't really have more to say than 5/5.
#NowPlaying: #Erasure - Wild!
1990 Australian #CD issue.
Since I liked #DepecheMode's debut and #Yazoo's sophomore album, I was happy to find this CD by Erasure, since #VinceClarke was in all three groups. When I listened to it for the first time it didn't really hit and I have been dreading listening to it again. Now that I'm hearing it again it doesn't seem so bad anymore, but it doesn't seem that interesting still. Maybe that is yet to come.
#NowPlaying: #Television - Marquee Moon
European #CD reissue.
Not my CD but I am borrowing it from a friend. Interesting album, but nothing really stayed with me yet, now that I have listened to it twice. It's just a tad funky and the vocals are akin to that of #OMD's lead singer in my opinion. I certainly will (have to) listen to this again!
#NowPlaying: #Yes - Yessongs
1987 #CD reissue.
Apparently the audio quality is supposed to be horrible on this live album, but it seems to be much better on the CD version than the vinyl version I have. What is there to say about this album? Good band, great live, and the best material from their best period. Great listen!
#NowPlaying: #PetShopBoys - Actually.
1987 European issue.
Listened to this album before, absentmindedly, and swiftly forgot, but since this album came out this week 36 years ago, I decided to give it a spin again. Now is the best time, after all. The album has a chill, laid-back style which I quite like. Quite pleasant, definitely will listen to it more!
#NowPlaying: #TheBeachBoys - Pet Sounds
1990 UK #CD reissue.
I have a friend who is very passionate about the Beach Boys and I try hard to understand why, but it doesn't seem to sink in yet why they are so great. I do really like the happiness and joy this album radiates, but the musical part I have yet to grasp. The music is dense and crackly, every instrument has the same loudness and it might be clipping? Don't get me wrong: I like the album, I just need to get it. Soon...
#NowPlaying: #INXS - Kick
1987 European #CD issue.
I have known about their song Need You Tonight since childhood and it's brilliant, but I never knew that it segued so amazingly into the next song. That's the kind of stuff I always missed out on by listening only to my liked songs playlist... I like this album, good and poppy and it's got a distinctly cool vibe and sleek production.
#NowPlaying: #SimonandGarfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water
European #CD reissue.
My first true musical obsession was with #PaulSimon and his collaboration with #ArtGarfunkel, that was when I was about 10. When I excitedly told my classmates about them I mostly got bombastic side eye, but luckily my teacher was fond of them and made us all translate Bridge Over Troubled Water for English class. Fondest memory of elementary school for me.
#NowPlaying: #ThomRotellaBand
US #CD issue.
I incorporated all my father's CDs into my collection even though I don't listen to them, ever. He's really into #Jazz and I'm unfortunately not. Ever since I got into #ChinaCrisis though, it started to tickle me that maybe I have to check out some of his CDs. When he brought them over, he asked me to play this to see what it was like again, so that's why this one's the first I try. Easy on the ears and good study music!
#NowPlaying: #KingCrimson - In the Court of the Crimson King (an Observation by King Crimson)
1989 UK #CD remaster.
Or rather: I just finished playing this, I play so much now that I am studying again. This album starts off loud and obnoxious - love the first track - but gets very improv later on, and at some point I thought my speakers weren't working anymore. There's a lot to unpack in this album and certainly deserves more listens.
#NowPlaying: #Electronic - Twisted Tenderness
1999 Taiwanese issue.
Electronic is my favourite #NewOrder side hustle and I have been enjoying this album more and more. It's danceable rock with some hip-hop influences. The album starts off with an incredible track, which captures your attention immediately. I went ahead and treated myself with a very rare Taiwanese version for my birthday this year and the Discogs seller was just the best!
#NowPlaying: #TheListeningPool - Still Life
1994 UK issue.
Another #90s side hustle, but this time one of former #OMD members. Actually, this band was 100% OMD while OMD was 25% OMD. Does that make sense? No. But it's a fun thought. Brilliant cover, painted by the keyboardist Cooper. Smooth and warm melodies, in no way resembling their former band. This really is a forgotten gem. (I actually got sent this #CD by the drummer, how cool is that?)
#NowPlaying: #TalkTalk - Spirit of Eden
European #CD reissue.
One of two Talk Talk albums to turn your lights off for was released #OTD in 1988. Side A of this album, i.e. track 1 to 3, is one of the best pieces of music ever composed. The songs segue into each other. The Rainbow might be my favourite track. It's desolate, murky, and vast, and the two piano chords that play on the especially silent bits always strike me as odd and captivating.
#NowPlaying: #Yes - Close to the Edge
1998 European #CD reissue.
The fifth studio album by Yes was released #OnThisDay in 1972. Side one is their magnum opus: an 18 minute long gem of #symphonicprog, with many different segments and twists and turns but comes around in the end. Chris Squire's bass is brilliant and so is Bill Brugord's drumming. The latter half of And You And I is amazing and Siberian Khatru absolutely rocks. Great album!
#NowPlaying: #ChinaCrisis - Acoustically Yours
1995 European issue.
One of only two albums released on the Telegraph label founded by three ex-#OMD members, the other being Still Life (earlier this thread). This is an absolutely amazing live album and the music is so consistent throughout the album. They managed to make #synthpop songs sound great acoustically and that is a brilliant quality! Definitely in my top 3 favourite China Crisis albums.
#NowPlaying: #KingCrimson - Red
1987 UK #CD reissue.
But seriously, Rob Fripp really looks like #jacksepticeye on this cover! Until I finally get my hands on Discipline, this album is my favourite of KC: it's really dark and loud, but sensitive and subtle when it needs to be. Said to be the first #grunge album, and I get where they're coming from. Really good album and I really should listen to it more often!
#NowPlaying: #U2 - The Joshua Tree
2017 European #CD reissue.
Among the first three I ever bought, back in 2019, together with U2's 2000 album and New Order's Movement. Very emotional and serious music that, along with most of U2's discography, is underrated on Rate Your Music it seems. With Or Without You is a masterful song, with a great buildup and #Bono's thunderous voice. I think at one point the entirety of side 1 was in the Top 2000 here in the NL!
#NowPlaying: #JethroTull - Songs From The Wood
European #CD reissue.
I am not really a fan of #FolkMusic but this album is a perfect blend of #FolkRock and #progressiverock with some pop sensibilities here and there. Ring Out Solstice Bells is a great song, so is Cup of Wonder, and I personally also enjoy the bonus track Beltane. This CD came with a receipt from the Maastricht town hall in the jewel case, funnily enough. Wonder how that got there.
#NowPlaying: #ChinaCrisis - Warped by Success
1997 French #CD reissue.
This cover differs entirely from the original and I think I might prefer this one, just for its absurdity. (Original cover for reference.) This could possibly be my favourite album by them. Flaunt the Imperfection is probably the better one, but this album exudes calmness and peace. Everything is smooth and worryless. Such a pleasant listen from beginning to end.
#NowPlaying: #Section25 - Dirty Disco (Best Of)
UK reissue.
The version I have on my hands doesn't even have an image on Discogs, and when I bought it new last month at the record store it had a stamp of being put on the shelf in 2018. This compilation album I feel is similar to #factoryrecords lablemates #NewOrder's Substance, in that it shows a development from #PostPunk towards #alternativedance with a hint of #synthpop, not chronological. I will look into more by Section 25!
#NowPlaying: #TalkTalk - Laughing Stock
1991 French issue.
Talk Talks final studio album was released #OnThisDay in 1991. Seen as one of the best albums of all time, I must agree. While the album is vast and empty, very ambient, at times it springs to life only to burst before you know it. My favourite track on this album is New Grass. Something about that guitar fills me with feelings I cannot put into words. A perfect sonic representation of the cover.
#NowPlaying: #TheVapors - Magnets
2006 UK #CD reissue. (?)
The second, and for a long time, last Vapors album. The subject matter is more serious and the album is musically calmer and more refined than its predecessor. Again, this album is closed with a 6 minute track with a great buildup. The cover is funnily enough made by the inventor of Where's Waldo and made in the same spirit: why is everyone running? What is the cause of this panic?
#NowPlaying: #SimpleMinds - New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
2016 European #CD reissue.
This week has been full of #OnThisDay's of brilliant albums and #otd Simple Minds' fifth studio album was released. This album has such a consistent vibe to it, that of a frigid autumn day in front of the hearth. I have no idea what makes it feel so, but maybe the hollowness and the choice of synths? Maybe because I first heard it late autumn 2021? One of my favourites!
#NowPlaying: #ThePayolas - Between A Rock & A Hyde Place: The Best Of Payola$
Canadian #CD reissue.
I knew about the Payola$ from Never Said I Loved You (featuring Pope of #RoughTrade) on a reggae compilation album that was in my mother's vinyl collection. That song became an inside joke between me and a friend and I bought this CD for it. This compilation starts off with some #postpunk-iness then goes through #NewWave towards #AOR. Stuck In The Rain might be my favourite track.
#NowPlaying: #МолчатДома - С Крыш Наших Домов
2020 US #CD issue.
One of the, sadly, few current bands I listen to. This album has got a certain rawness to it, possibly because it was all recorded on their own and produced by themselves. This album has the instrumentation from the #80s but with the song structure of today, I feel. I saw them live last year as one of the first concerts I ever went to and it was an absolute pleasure!
#NowPlaying: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the #SexPistols
#CD bootleg.
Probably the funniest item I have in my collection, I just had to buy it when I saw it at the record store. I have no clue why the cover was deemed to have to change and I do not understand at all why this cover image was chosen. It's probably the worst picture that could have been picked. What is the pose that the guy on the right is making? Hideous. Musically? All sounds great. Good #punk!
#NowPlaying: #HappyMondays - Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches
1990 European #CD issue.
Just watched a 45 minute documentary about the #Madchester scene and its origins and it made me change my plans about what to play next. I first properly listened to this album walking alone through a Copenhagen suburb and this album will forever keep that experience in my memory. My favourite track is God's Cop with that great guitar riff.
#NowPlaying: #TheBeachBoys - Smiley Smile / Wild Honey
UK #CD compilation.
Bit odd this way of compiling albums and it's disastrous for my last.fm profile. I'm starting to warm up to The Beach Boys a little I feel, these albums feel more pleasant to listen to to me than Pet Sounds, but I might relisten to the latter to make sure. Vegetables was nice, with the chomping sounds, Good Vibrations had good vibes, and Darlin' was very good too.
#NowPlaying: #M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
2011 European #CD issue.
I loved Midnight City back in 2016 and so when I saw this in the record store for cheap I decided to give the album a try. It's a double album with a lot of thought put into it, A1 being a sibling to B1 etc. The music is dense and powerful, dream-like and vast. There's some really great songs on here, but I hated that so many tracks on side 2 had an extensive, album-final-esque fade out that tricked me.
#NowPlaying: #OrchestralManoeuvresintheDark - History of Modern
2010 European #CD issue.
#OnThisDay 13 years ago #OMD's first album since 1996, Universal, was released. This album sounds fresh and new, while still preserving OMD's focus on snappy sonics of their early days and the ever present choir samples. Today's not just special because of this album's release date, but also because I got myself tickets to see them live on their Bauhaus Staircase tour next year! 🥳
Daniël Deur
Dave (nkL⭕ttery)