From: owner-basia-digest To: basia-digest@smoe.org Subject: basia-digest V1 #90 Reply-To: basia@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-basia-digest Precedence: bulk X-To-Unsubscribe: Send mail to "basia-digest-request@smoe.org" X-To-Unsubscribe: with "unsubscribe" as the body. basia-digest Tuesday, 16 April 1996 Volume 01 : Number 090 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Passing the Time Re: Passing the Time Cecilia Bartoli Re: Cecilia Bartoli Re: Cecilia Bartoli Bye bye CD's... Re: Passing the Time Re: Bye bye CD's... Re: Cecilia Bartoli Re: Bye bye CD's... Re: Passing the Time Re: Passing the Time The Nightfly ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J.S. Lohr" Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 02:51:42 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Passing the Time Ok everyone, wake up. Cmon...I know 1998 is a long way off but we have to find some way of passing the time until then. And while we all wait with bated breath for that CD Banzai package to come through the mail - waiting to see whether or not you'll tar and feather me - here's something to get our minds off of fandom obscurity and Antonio Carlos Jobim tribute albums: Its Desert Island Discs time! That's right: all the "great" (pishaw!) mailing lists (and music magazines) do it, so why can't we? The premise - you're stuck on a desert island, your only companion being a CD player and 10 discs of your choosing. The question is, what 10 CD's would you want with you??? There's no rules - pick anything you like, and they don't have to be in any particular order, but know that it can only be 10. And since we have such a variety of musical tastes on this list, I'm really curious to see what everyones' choices are (plus, this should be a little easier than picking your 10 favorite Basia songs). I'll start things rolling: Roach's Desert Island Discs: (in no particular order) 1. Donald Fagan - "The Nightfly" - Don't leave home without it. 2. The The - "Mind Bomb" - Matt Johnson and the Johnson cronies at their musical best. 3. Level 42 - "Staring at the Sun" - A classic. The monkeys on the island should love it. 4. Jill Sobule - "Things Here Are Different" - If being on a deserted island alone doesn't drive you to suicide, this album will - its so wonderfully depressing! (before Jill turned bi and kissed a girl) 5. Nicky Holland - "Nicky Holland" - If CDs could fly, this one would be the Concorde. 6. Bjork - "Post" - The bezerk little eskimo at her musical best (so far). 7. Yes - "Going For the One" - Arguably, one of the best progressive-rock albums ever made. 8. Matt Bianco - "Matt Bianco" - What can I say? I'm a sucker for hard-luck cases. :D 9. Portishead - "Dummy" - Beth Gibbons rocks my world. 10. Basia - "The Sweetest Illusion" - What, you didn't think I'd leave out Miss T, did ya? That's it...I hope we get some responses! Toodles! ********************************* R O A C H ********************************* * The Roach Motel @ http://zeus.towson.edu/~jlohr1 -- Bugs are people, too * * He loves Yugoslavians, Boba Fett, Chunky Chicken, and Yummy British Cows * ***************************************************************************** ************* "Live every day as if it were your last `cause ************* ************* sooner or later, you'll be right." - Hal Roach ************* ********************************* R U L E S ********************************* ------------------------------ From: Jason Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 01:07:45 -0700 Subject: Re: Passing the Time >That's right: all the "great" (pishaw!) mailing lists (and music >magazines) do it, so why can't we? The premise - you're stuck on a desert >island, your only companion being a CD player and 10 discs of your >choosing. The question is, what 10 CD's would you want with you??? >There's no rules - pick anything you like, and they don't have to be in >any particular order, but know that it can only be 10. >And since we have such a variety of musical tastes on this list, I'm >really curious to see what everyones' choices are (plus, this should be a >little easier than picking your 10 favorite Basia songs). Ok, before my list, I'd like to say a few things. First, I added one self-imposed rule: only one disc per band. Second, my list is eclectic, but I don't want anyone to think that I was trying to look "cool." For instance, there are both country and classical discs on my list, but I am fairly new to both genres. I claim little in depth knowledge of either. Ok, here goes, in alphabetical order by band/artist: Basia: London, Warsaw, New York - Tough to pick one, but I think LWNY is the most consistent. Mary Chapin Carpenter: Come On Come On - Beautiful song writing, beautiful and strong voice, can even rock a little. Guns and Roses: Appetite for Destruction - What can I say. The current kings of No Holds Barred hard rock. Arthur Honneger: Second Symphony - This is a classical disc for people who like rock. Very sweeping and dramatic. Lone Justice: Shelter - I am a huge fan of Maria Mckee; one of her solo discs almost made my list. Great voice, can rock you or move you. Madonna: Like a Prayer - 5 years ago I would have laughed at the notion that a Madonna disc would be one of my faves. This is about as good as mainstream pop gets, terrifically entertaining and even moving in parts. Nirvana: Nevermind - Just incredible. Prince: Purple Rain - Ah, back when the purple one still had it. Again, both danceable and emotionally involving. Rush: Exit, Stage Left - Still my sentimental favorite band. Great live disc with my sentimental favorite song of all time, "Tom Sawyer." U2: Achtung Baby - I didn't think they could improve on "Joshua Tree" any. This one blew it out of the water. Any disc that starts with that great raw riff cutting through the silence is almost half way there in one song. Then the disc just keeps getting better. ------------------------------ From: Jason Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 01:22:49 -0700 Subject: Cecilia Bartoli Hey folks. If this is too far off the list topic, just let me know. I just figured that I would heed Roache's time killing invitation. I think I've fallen upon a singer who could rival my passion for Basia. Well, passion is a bit strong, I'm not a stalker type, but you get the point. Cecilia (pronounced "Cheh-chill-yuh") Bartoli is a young Mezzo-soprano opera singer. Her voice is simply astonishing. Then, as if that weren't enough, she shares something else with Basia. She has a wonderfully exuberant and down to earth personality. I've seen her interviewed several times, and each time, it is readily apparent that the interviewer is smitten with her. Both Charlie Rose and David Letterman both looked like they were ready to propose to her (it doesn't hurt that like Basia, she is a joy to look at, but I really do think that it is her personality and talent which is so entrancing). Both times I've seen Basia, I was absolutely charmed by her genuine modesty and graciousness. Here she is performing in front of 9000 people and she acts genuinely shocked by the adoration. Bartoli is the same way. Last weekend PBS ran the opera "La Centenerola" (I probably blew that spelling), which is the story of Cinderella. When she took her bows, Cecillia looked like she was going to cry. I would be curious to know what anyone else on the list thinks and knows about her. I'm sure that there are people on this list who know more about her than I, so I would appreciate any info you have. ------------------------------ From: John Cleveland Howell Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 12:23:36 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Cecilia Bartoli Well, having a degree in opera performance and pursing yet another one, I think Cecilia is the best thing to hit the opera scene since Frederica von Stade. The intensity of Ms. Bartoli's coloratura could wake the dead. I'd love to see if Basia could pull off a cover of Rossini's (La Cenerentola) greatest hits. It would probably generate more support from Sony than say... oh, I don't know... "WATERS OF MARCH" ?!?!?! ------------------------------ From: Jason Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 11:28:21 -0700 Subject: Re: Cecilia Bartoli At 12:23 PM 4/15/96 -0500, you wrote: >Well, having a degree in opera performance and pursing yet another one, I >think Cecilia is the best thing to hit the opera scene since Frederica >von Stade. The intensity of Ms. Bartoli's coloratura could wake the >dead. > >I'd love to see if Basia could pull off a cover of Rossini's (La >Cenerentola) greatest hits. It would probably generate more support from >Sony than say... oh, I don't know... "WATERS OF MARCH" ?!?!?! Hi John, thanks for the reply. Since you obviously know what you are talking about, would you care to comment on the only criticisms of Cecillia I have seen? One reviewer I read felt that while her highs and lows were virtually perfect, her mid-range was "stringy." Being new to opera, I'm not sure what he meant by that. The second is that she does not have a "big" voice suitable for big halls. This criticism comes up over and over in the material I've read. Is this something that can improve with time, or is it a "you have it or you don't" type thing? Thanks again. Jason ------------------------------ From: Jason Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 11:42:27 -0700 Subject: Bye bye CD's... Since I mentioned it in another post, I'll bring it up in more detail. How does everyone feel about the new DVD format? Does everyone plan on replacing all of their favorite discs with the inevitable DVD versions, or are your current copies good enough so that you will perhaps buy only DVD versions of discs that you don't already have? I am actually tending toward buying only the CD's that I desperately need. I am holding off on others while awaiting the new format. ------------------------------ From: akb02@rs1.rrz.uni-koeln.de (Dirk Pilat) Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 21:22:39 +0200 Subject: Re: Passing the Time At 2:51 Uhr 15.04.1996, J.S. Lohr wrote: > >Its Desert Island Discs time! > Hooray, Hooray, hop around, sqeal with glee, clap your hands! Sometimes good ol' Roach really has some magnificent ideas (next to the one not to put his picture on his homepage :-) ). Here we go: 1. Donald Fagen: The Nightfly Less is more relaxing than IGY !! 2. ABC Alphabet City Pop at it's best!!!! 3. Incognito: Positivity Acid Jazz how it has to be: Smooth, passionate and danceable 4. Stan Getz / Joao Gilberto: Yes!!! How can you make love under the stars without Astrud singin' ??? 5. Matt Bianco: Matt Bianco "Summertime" and "Upfront" remain two of the best songs of the eighties! 6. The Style Council: Confessions of a Popgroup The most hopeless text about human relationships in general I ever heard, combined with gemstones of popmusic 7. The Style Council: Cafe Bleu Cynical, outraged texts of somebody deeply hurt by the state of his nation and the idiocy of his own, long gone lovelife - put into just beautiful music 8. Basia: Time and Tide Mrs. T's best 9. Chris Rea: New Light through old Windows "On the Beach" : Best song to lie on a beach with a huge, cold beer..... 10. New Order: Substance 1987 How warm can synthesizer's sound?????? Mmmmhhh.... Pretty eighties , isn't it? Well, at least Incognito had some influence on me in this decade... Dirk Dirk Pilat, Medical Student 6 months before graduation | University of Cologne, FRG Fax: ++ 49221 4201000 | http://www.rrz.uni-koeln.de/~akb02 Member of the Internet Dermatology Society | Maintainer of the Matt Bianco Mailinglist ------------------------------ From: Mark Lipawen Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 12:45:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Bye bye CD's... On Mon, 15 Apr 1996, Jason wrote: > Since I mentioned it in another post, I'll bring it up in more detail. How > does everyone feel about the new DVD format? Does everyone plan on > replacing all of their favorite discs with the inevitable DVD versions, or > are your current copies good enough so that you will perhaps buy only DVD > versions of discs that you don't already have? I am actually tending toward > buying only the CD's that I desperately need. I am holding off on others > while awaiting the new format. The one thing I love about this list is that off-topic threads (like Desert Island discs, which I'll post soon) can happen without them being flamed into next week. Count me among those anxiously awaiting DVD (for newbies, it was first called Digital Video Disc...then it became Digital Versatile Disc to account for the audio-only variety). But despite their ability to hold at least seven times as much music as a regular CD, I'm more interested in their video capabilities, especially when (and if) DVD-R hits the market. But in response to the above message, I don't really see DVD replacing the CD in the same way that DVD can and may replace laserdiscs and VHS videotapes. In the latter case, DVD represents a change in the storage medium (and a potentially higher quality one at that), while performing essentially the same purpose -- playing/recording about two hours of video. Yes, there's enough space for extra soundtracks in different languages and other fancy features, but the main purpose remains the same. On the other hand, an audio DVD is just a much longer CD (over 8 hours if I did my math right). Even today most artists don't use all 74 minutes of a CD and I hardly see them rushing out to fill a DVD when that format becomes available. [This just in: Basia announces that a Wagnerian opera will be the subject of her next cover album.] In this case, the two formats can serve *different* purposes. A CD will still represent a single, self-contained work, while a DVD may be used for massive compilation efforts (like a single disc "box set"). We especially don't need to worry about our CDs falling by the wayside because all the major manufacturers of DVD players promise to make them backward-compatible with existing CDs. Of course, this may all change if CD+MM or something similar catches on and artists actually need the extra space to include videos and other footage with their music. But for now, I wouldn't stop buying music CDs. They're here to stay. (I am by no means an expert in DVD -- just someone who's taken an interest in the technology. Feel free to correct me if you think I've anticipated the future trends incorrectly. If you want to see some specs for yourself, check out Sony's page (boo, hiss) at I know Toshiba also has some info on the Web, but I don't have that URL handy.) Mark Lipawen, Yahoo uh-huh Snail mail: `------>adbivium@yahoo.com 635 Vaqueros Ave (formerly tspinlob@leland.stanford.edu) Sunnyvale, CA 94086 ------------------------------ From: Philip B Hall Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 18:46:19 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Cecilia Bartoli On Mon, 15 Apr 1996, John Cleveland Howell wrote: > Well, having a degree in opera performance and pursing yet another one, I > think Cecilia is the best thing to hit the opera scene since Frederica > von Stade. The intensity of Ms. Bartoli's coloratura could wake the > dead. > > I'd love to see if Basia could pull off a cover of Rossini's (La > Cenerentola) greatest hits. It would probably generate more support from > Sony than say... oh, I don't know... "WATERS OF MARCH" ?!?!?! > While I'm not about to compare Basia and Cecelia, I have always likened Basia's range and timbre to good ole Ethel Merman's in her 1930's and '40's prime. Why BOB did not include a cover of `There's NO Business like SHOW Business' is way beyond me...... Phil ------------------------------ From: Jason Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 18:37:56 -0700 Subject: Re: Bye bye CD's... >But in response to the above message, I don't really see DVD replacing >the CD in the same way that DVD can and may replace laserdiscs and VHS >videotapes. In the latter case, DVD represents a change in the storage >medium (and a potentially higher quality one at that), while performing >essentially the same purpose -- playing/recording about two hours of video. >Yes, there's enough space for extra soundtracks in different languages and >other fancy features, but the main purpose remains the same. > >On the other hand, an audio DVD is just a much longer CD (over 8 hours >if I did my math right). Your information was correct until here Mark. The recording industry is currently hashing out a standard for the Super CD. You are correct in stating that the SCDs will have much longer playing time (great for operas and such), but they will also have a higher sampling rate and perhaps some form of surround. The complaint about standard CDs that has been heard from audiophiles from the beginning was a too low sampling rate; SCD would rectify that. I have a Stereo Review around the disaster area that is my room that really goes into detail on how SCD would be a great improvement over normal CDs, I'll try to find it and post the info. ------------------------------ From: "Dennis J. Majewicz" Date: Mon, 15 Apr 96 22:00:24 -0500 Subject: Re: Passing the Time - -- [ From: Dennis J. Majewicz * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] -- - -------- REPLY, Original message follows -------- > Date: Monday, 15-Apr-96 02:51 AM > > From: J.S. Lohr \ Internet: (jlohr1@zeus.towson.edu) > To: basia \ Internet: (basia@smoe.org) > > Subject: Passing the Time > And since we have such a variety of musical tastes on this list, > I'm really curious to see what everyones' choices are (plus, this should be a > little easier than picking your 10 favorite Basia songs). Gotta disagree, Jeff. This was every bit as difficult as the "Trzetrzelewska Top Ten". I've lived with pop music for more decades than most of you. There's so much to choose from for me. Soooo, this is where we separate the men from the boys, or at least the old timers from you young folk ;) It looks like we have only one thing in common musically. Anyway, here goes.... (No particular order) 1) Water of March - Who can forget the NBC Studio 1A version of Half a Minute? Or the Mambo Mix of Half a Minute? Sorry, Had to do it. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------ 1) London, Warsaw, New York 2) The Sweetest Illusion - I agree with Dirk-T&T was the best-but I have more fun with these two than anything else. 3) Moonlighting (Rippingtons) - I've got 'em all, folks. Others are good, but this is *the* heart and soul of Russ Freeman. Besides, more recognizable tracks came from this one than any other (IMO). These dudes have energy! (We saw them in concert here in Buffalo several weeks ago - they brought the house down.) 4) The Manhattan Transfer (Manhattan Transfer) - A wonderful showcase for a hugely talented group. There were other good tracks on other albums, but this one still does it for me. 5) Revolver (Beatles) - The summer of '66 was a truly great time to be alive. Some nostalgia here, I have to admit (it came out at the time I met my wife-to-be, and my buddies and I were pirating on the AM band), but it was the last great album by them before the Eastern craziness. (IMO) Best tracks: "Eleanor Rigby", "Here, There and Everywhere", "For No One" and "Got To Get You Into My Life" These guys changed the face of music for all of us.. 6) Best of Fattburger (Fattburger) - Does anyone else appreciate this band? Contains what I think is one of the finest recordings *ever* made, "Monica". (I cheated with a compilation album here, because it also has another wonderful track called "The Doctor".) 7) Breezin' (George Benson) - Hard to believe it came out in 1976, it laid the groundwork for today's modern jazz. Still fresh. (Matter of fact, I'm listening to it as I type.) 8) Giving You The Best That I Got (Anita Baker) - What a voice! She has to be *the* best romantic vocalist of our day. 9) Bob James 2 (Bob James) - Yeah, the Taxi guy. He also was cool ahead of his time. "You're As Right As Rain" was the best. 10) I Wish It Could Be Christmas Forever (Perry Como) - What can I say? I couldn't let the holiday season pass without some music from my favorite Christmas artist. Keep the presents-I'll take Perry. Another "best of.." recording. I have some warm memories of his holiday specials on TV during the '50's. Honorable mentions... Can't I take another 10 or more??? I didn't even get to consider David Benoit, Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Peter White, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, the Yellowjackets, Elvis Presley, Glenn Miller, The Dorsey Brothers, Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, The Temptations, David Sanborn, Sadao Watanabe, Tom Scott, and so many others. My God, I couldn't even make "Aja" fit the list! What about The Village People and Donna Summer? (Well, *that* line was easy to draw!) Easier, huh? I don't think so. Warm regards to all on the list! Dennis - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis J. Majewicz Empire Sports Network majewicz@buffnet.net "On the road to a non-linear, tapeless, DIGITAL tomorrow!" - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ From: Philip B Hall Date: Mon, 15 Apr 1996 22:48:57 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Re: Passing the Time Friends, I will be the first to admit my own personal music tastes are devo in nature. Can't be helped. However, given the eclectic nature of your typical Basia afiscianado, I have felt, since whenever it was I enlisted here, that I sort of fit in, sort of..... Jeff's uncannily shrewd observation of the list's listlessness has struck responsive chords. I wish to contribute my own TOP TEN ALBUMS etc....(in no particular order, to coin a phrase....) 1. SURF'S UP. The Beach Boys, 1972. I know, it has `Be Good To You Feet', but it also has 'Surf's Up', and "Till I Die", two of Brian Wilson's best. 2. NIGHTFLY. Donald Fagan, 1982. 'IGY' has personal ramifications, here. The following year, 1961, is the last year until 6119 that when turned upside down is itself again. Also, Fagan's cover of `Ruby Baby' is one song that will get the house going.... 3. INGENUE. k.d. lang, 1992. Few albums have had me go for the replay button as this one. 4. RUBBER SOUL. SOBB, here. 5. DONNA SUMMER. Donna Summer, 1982. This is the Quincy Jones product, remember? `Love Is In Control; Finger On The Trigger' is what originally sold me. Also, the anthem `State Of Independence' (Donna's `Olive Tree'). 6. TIME AND TIDE. Basia, 1987? I missed an exit going north on I95 listening to this. Cost me 90 minutes and $125.00 when the Maine Stae Police saw me making an unabashed u-turn. 7. THE BOYS IN THE TREES. Carly Simon, 1977. An unusually complete offering, IMHO.`You BelongTo Me' was one of at least two she composed with Michael McDonald (the other was `It Keeps You Running', appearing on other albums) that I cannot get enough of..... 8.ANOTHER TIME ANOTHER PLACE. Matt Bianco, 1994? `Nervous' is one of the cleverest things I've ever heard.... 9. LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND. Lyle Lovett, 1989. No one puts better lyrics to better tunes. 10. LAST TIME AROUND. Buffalo Springfield, 1968. The BS put together only three albums, but their legacy is astounding. This was their last, and it showcased the talents of Neil Young, Stephen Stills, and Richie Furay (and Jim Messina, tangentially). You'll be happy to learn I had to leave Burt Bachrach out because this is not a Top Eleven List. Phil ------------------------------ From: "J.S. Lohr" Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 00:09:41 -0400 (EDT) Subject: The Nightfly OFF TOPIC DISCLAIMER: If you don't like Donald Fagan, don't bother reading this post. On Mon, 15 Apr 1996, Philip B Hall wrote: > 2. NIGHTFLY. Donald Fagan, 1982. > 'IGY' has personal ramifications, here. The following year, 1961, is the > last year until 6119 that when turned upside down is itself again. Also, > Fagan's cover of `Ruby Baby' is one song that will get the house going.... Hmm...yet another "Nightfly" fan. That makes three; and on a list this small, I'd consider that a trend. :D Since we have a small inkling of Donald Fagan crossovers, I have a question for those who have his solo stuff: what was your opinion of "Kamakiriad?" I had huge expectations for this album when I heard that it was about to come out (after a VERY LONG 11 year gap (if you don't count the "Bright Lights Big City" Soundtrack)) but upon purchasing it, I was extremely disappointed - and I don't think I was the only one. I mean, I liked a couple of the songs (especially "On the Dunes" which is my super-boffo all time favorite Fagan tune), but it didn't seem to have the "unity" (for lack of a better word) that "The Nightfly" had. And frankly, the only thing that has always kept "The Nightfly" short of earning the title of "Best Album in the Universe" in my book was the fact that its so short (just under 39 minutes in length - it can almost be considered an EP). And after hearing the things he'd done during the 11-year gap - like the aforementioned "Bright Lights, Big City" score (which, as far as I know, isn't available commercially - the soundtrack CD left out all of Fagan's contributions with the exception of "Century's End") and the track he did for the "Heavy Metal" soundtrack ("True Companion" - actually, now that I think about it, I think this came before "The Nightfly"), I thought the guy was infallible. Needless to say, "Kamakiriad" was a disappointment. Again, I'm curious to hear everyone else's opinion - especially Phil, who seems to be a big Steely Dan fan as well. Feel free to e-mail me direct as not to clutter the list with off-topic speculations. Toodles! ********************************* R O A C H ********************************* * The Roach Motel @ http://zeus.towson.edu/~jlohr1 -- Bugs are people, too * * He loves Yugoslavians, Boba Fett, Chunky Chicken, and Yummy British Cows * ***************************************************************************** ************* "Live every day as if it were your last `cause ************* ************* sooner or later, you'll be right." - Hal Roach ************* ********************************* R U L E S ********************************* ------------------------------ End of basia-digest V1 #90 **************************