Friday, October 18, 2024

The Heartbreakers - Live at Max's Kansas City: 8 (A-)

Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - D.T.K. (Live at the Speakeasy): 8 (A-)

The Heartbreakers - L.A.M.F.: 9 (A)


I have the "Revisited" version of this on vinyl and on import CD from Receiver Records Limited. Not sure why I got the CD since it wasn't remastered or anything. I also have the beautiful "The Found '77 Masters" version, which is like a little CD-sized book and has an extra disc of demos.

Wenge Musica - Bouger Bouger: 8 (A-)


Liner notes say this was originally released in Zaire with the title Mulolo. I can't find any record of that version anywhere. The liner notes also mention a follow-up recording of four of these tracks performed live called Wenge Live, but I cannot find any record of that anywhere either.

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Proteje - Ancient Future [honorable mention]

:-) [Might be 7 (B+), but no reasonably-priced used copies available anyway]

Bad Moves - Wearing out the Refrain: 7 (B+)


# [indie pop] Outstanding track: "A Lapse in the Emptiness"

Bembeya Jazz National - Bembeya Jazz National [placeholder]


I'm not sure how to grade this. They picked the obvious, greatest songs to put on African Classics/Classic Titles. See below. Remaining tracks are honorable mention or 7 (B+)? [Disques Esperance, 1993]

1 Telegramme                AC/CT
2 Lan Naya                    AC/CT
3 Moussokoro               OK NOT AC/CT
4 Sukabe                       OK NOT AC/CT
5 Gbapie                       EH NOT AC/CT
6 Yekeke                       AC/CT
7 Sabu                           AC/CT
8 Koumba Tenin           AC/CT
9 Yelema Yelemaso      EH NOT AC/CT
10 Yarabi                      AC/CT

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Jon Langford & The Men of Gwent - Lost on Land & Sea: 8.5 (high A-)

Jon Langford & The Men of Gwent: The Legend of LL: 7.5 (high B+)


Digital- and vinyl-only

Fontaines D.C. - Skinty Fia: 8.5 (high A-)


Christgau thinks this is their "dullest" album. I think it's their best, and not dull. I do, however, think he's become quite dull himself.

Dim Stars - Dim Stars [EP]: 7 (B+)


Unusual issuance. Only US version is 3x7" (?). Putting aside that, the 12", and the reissue on Caroline in a clunky jewel box, you're left with the original UK issue on Ecstatic Peace, but it's nowhere to be found. There does appear to be another UK release on Paperhouse (?), but the prices on that for a 4-song EP at this grade (nothing historic) are ludicrous. So I'll be skipping this. [1991]

Wimps - City Lights [honorable mention]

:-) Could be a 7 (B+) but # [indie-pop] anyway.

The Clean - Mister Pop [honorable mention]

:-)