Fun
Knit to This: Victrola Roundup
Lots of head-down tasks at Atlas this week, so my headphones (iBobs? earJamz? lobePlugs? WHATEVER) have been getting a heavy workout.
I was able to spend some time catching up and listening to things I’ve written down over the past little bit to listen to later. Hey, it’s hard to keep modern and up-to-date when you go to bed at 7 p.m. I’m only up to the third season of Quincy, M.E.!
Anyhoo. Here are three albums (I’LL DIE BEFORE I STOP SAYING ALBUM) I’ve loved slapping on the Victrola lately. Your mileage may vary— but if so, I can just drive myself with the windows down and listen to these at Volume 11. I just might do that anyway.
Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ghost Song
The great Cécile McLorin Salvant has always delved into jazz standards, obscure novelty numbers and the Great American Songbook with equal fervor, but more than half of Ghost Song is made up of originals, and the result really feels like it’s about to just burst into flame with intensity. That said, it’s hard to not get goosebumps when you catch on that she’s covering Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights. And yes, I sing right along. No, it’s not pretty.
Riddy Arman, Riddy Arman
It’s a little bit country, a little bit folk and an all old-school steel-guitar wonderful debut. Thank god the super-catchy Too Late to Write a Love Song came along when it did; now maybe that danged “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” will get. Out. Of. My. Head. once and for all. Other highlights: Old Maid’s Draw and Barbed Wire.
Adia Victoria, A Southern Gothic
It’s impossible to describe this record without just repeating the title of the album, but that’s what it is: flat-out southern gothic. It’s got an edge of uneasy spookiness to it that sounds like not much else out there, even when she plays it pretty straight blues-wise. The political, the personal and the romantic all twine up together like kudzu beside a Tennessee country road. Highlight: the Blind Willie McTell cover You Was Born to Die (with guest stars galore). She also has a spectacular 2021 podcast, Call and Response, that’s worth your time.
Save it for later. Here’s how to tuck DG’s recommendations into your MDK account with one click.
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DG, I love your articles and am delighted to try listening to these artists I’ve never heard of before. Thank you.
But most importantly! … Where is Quincy ME streaming?!
I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to know.
I only get one episode per day on COZI or whatever that dumb channel is that digs up all that terrible stuff like The Ropers. That’s why it’s taking so long!
Oh, thank you for letting me know!
Maybe I’ll have to track it down on…dare I say it…DVDs.
Ok salvant has one of the greatest jazzy voices I I have ever heard. She is also great In person. She has I believe studied voice both here in in Paris. Great choice.
DG, I always love your suggestions. So many new voices.
And, Quincy brings me right back to my childhood. One of my mom’s favorite shows!
DG, you are a source of life enhancements. I never can ignore your recommendations. Thanks for a great start to my Saturday. My first click…the video at the top of the page. It will last all day.
Phenomenal selections. Excellent choices for a Saturday, Sunday, Monday, all days of the week. You open our eyes and ears to so many great musicians.
I had to immediately stop and listen to listen to find out what “Southern Gothic” sounds like, and I was not disappointed. And now I’m a fan — thanks for sharing!
Perfect. Anything with Rhiannon Gibbens is good, too.
Oh tsk, correct spelling – Rhiannon Giddens…
Loved this music video.
In order to not remain with my High School and college standards, I’m always open to new suggestions for music and these are great suggestions…but I can’t say goodbye to BLUE by Joni Mitchell
Blue is one of the greatest albums ever!
I have been fighting with Audible all morning to try to get something to play on my Windows 10 desktop — one is antiquated all too soon these days.
I knew I’d find relief at MDK in some form. I’ll just listen to your list!!! Thank you!
As always, thank you for your very timely recommendation. I checked out Adia Victoria’s website and was able to get tickets for Boston.
Three fantastic artists two of whom I had never heard of before. Thank you so much!