Every week five Disc Makers employees talk about an album they’ve been listening to. We’d also love to hear what you’re listening to, so leave a comment with your album pick for the week!
Blossom Dearie Once Upon A Summertime (1958)
“Why don’t you join the group? It’s better than being a party poop!” (*from Doop Doo De Doop – A Doodlin’ Song) Miss Dearie may not be a familiar name these days, but she is no less important or listen-worthy than her peers of the day. On this album recorded in 1958 for Verve Records, she covers a fun selection of tunes, mostly in the bebop variety, while playing piano, accompanied by a small jazz trio. With her cute girlie voice she always seems to sound like she’s just having a blast, and personally, I find it hard to listen to this album without wanting to join in on the fun. Give it a listen if you’re a fan of classic jazz vocalists like Annie Ross, Julie London and Carmen McRae, or newer artists like Madeleine Peyroux or Nellie McKay. Favorites include the buoyant “If I Were A Bell” (I’d go ding dong, ding dong ding),” A Doodlin’ Song”, and the classic standard “Our Love Is Here To Stay.” Like most albums I adore, listening to this transports me to another place and time.
–Jill G., Design Studio Support Manager
Passion Pit Manners (2009)
Passion Pit breaks out with their first full length release, Manners. Some highlights include retro synths, catchy melodies and a bizarre yelling/falsetto vocal delivery from lead singer Michael Angelakos on the “Sleepyhead” track. This CD fits right in with my love for old electronic bands, with echoes of 80s New Order showing up on a few tracks, including The Reeling. Fortunately, (or unfortunately) it lacks the doom and gloom of most alternative 80s bands; Manners is cheery, bouncy, and you can’t help but sing along.
–Bob L., Preflighter
Umphrey’s McGee Safety in Numbers (2006)
This album makes its way back into my rotation time and time again. I rarely find an album that tells a complete story as the tracks go by. Most notably, bands like Pink Floyd have done this, making songs more powerful as part of an album than as individual songs. True to their influences, there is something new to hear each and every time I listen to this album. Umphrey’s sound is similar to bands like Phish and Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, but neither comparison is truly accurate. Their unique sound can be categorized as a jam band but they could also be compared to progressive bands like Yes.
From the opening riff, you set forth into a prog-rock-influenced guitar jam of “Believe the Lie” that begins to set the tone. As the album progresses there are some really nice melodies and even jazzy horn arrangements. “Words” and “Ocean Billy” are both “long songs” that fit well into the space on the album. As far as studio releases go, this album does a good job of capturing the energy of live inspirational music. Tracks like “Liquid” and “Intentions Clear” give you a loose sensation of falling from the sound, only to be picked up again by the next tempo change.
I most enjoy the instrumental near the end of the album, poignantly called “End of the Road”. With its smooth, soft transitions from the previous track, it is reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “A Pillow of Winds”. As the album ends with “The Weight Around”, the fitting lyrics “I promise more when I get back in town” invites you to come back to a place familiar but new.
Soft but driven, hard but sensual, this album touches distant ends of the musical spectrum. The best part about bands like Umphrey’s McGee is their live sets. Their ability to come up with new material on the fly makes them a joy to see live. It’s a fun one.
–Gerard C., Prepress Manager
Tye Tribbett & G.A. Stand Out (2008)
The album does what it says…it “stands out”…cliché I know, but true nonetheless. Amongst a sea of traditional and conventional gospel choirs, Tye and G.A. bring something different to the table–something very fun and exciting. The album is comprised of songs to move your soul and encourage your heart to not only be bold about your faith in Christ, but to do it with zeal and joy! The album was recorded live which captures the excitement and total passion that Tye and his group have for life, love and the Lord. The music is very eclectic, taking you from hip hop to rock to smooth easy acoustic. I love this album because it offers the listener a new way to approach the Christian lifestyle. The listener feels empowered, inspired and enlightened that they can have fun and at the same time be devout.
–April G., Receptionist
Stiff Dead Cat Molotov Barbeque (2007)
Stiff Dead Cat are a four piece band from Northern California who play a style of music they like to call Porch Punk. It’s a little bit bluegrass, a little bit funk and a whole lot of energy. Their latest CD, Molotov Barbeque captures the ridiculous talent and energy these boys bring to the stage. I particularly like the tracks “Rattlesnake”, which opens the CD with an unrelenting bass-heavy groove and “John Henry” which makes me want to punch my way through a mountain. If you like this release, be sure to check out their earlier CD, Snake Oil which was also produced and engineered by Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, George Clinton, Bill Laswell). This is some seriously contagious music!
–Charles K., IT – Software Developer
