Day 15: May 20, 2005

Claypool, Les (and the Holy Mackerel), HIGHBALLIN’ WITH THE DEVIL – Considering his history, the fact that Claypool has become just another jam-band wonk really pisses me off. Seeing this guy play made me want to become a bass player (and I did). But the thing that really drew me to him is that he was a master of controlled chaos regardless of whether he was playing with Primus or Sausage or the Holy Rollers. The last time I saw him play it was laughable – the worst kind of free-form patchouli music I’d ever heard. This album, however, is one of the few highlights in the Claypool solo catalog. Good, short, fun songs with Les’s rubbery bass leading the charge. Guest shot by Henry Rollins. My son LOVES this cd – he was bouncing up and down!
unaired – SET 1 (Flying Frog Brigade), MORE LIVE STUFF (Flying Frog Brigade)(BOOT)

Clinton, George, T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M – Latter day funk-outs from the master. Not bad, but not enough to get the booty shakin’.

Cocker, Joe, MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN – Live document from the 1970 tour. A stellar line-up including Leon Russell, Chris Stainton and about 20 others gives this album a huge sound. It sounds great even 30+ years after the fact. Great song selection and a really fun listen. Makes you wish you had been there.
unaired – GREATEST HITS

Cocteau Twins, HEAVEN OR LAS VEGAS – This must have been another one of those times when I was so desperate for something new to listen to I bought the first thing that LOOKED different. I actually like this cd though. Incomprehensible lyrics over fairly simple 80’s dream pop.

Coheed and Cambria, IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH – Okay, I’ve listened to this several times and I still don’t get it. Yes, I hear the Rush influence, and yes the singer sounds a little like Cedric from Mars Volta, but there’s not enough of either of those things here to make this a great prog-album. It’s not enough to have a high-concept and great artwork…you gotta have great songs..and I don’t hear any great songs here.

Cohen, Leonard, GREATEST HITS – One of the greatest (and most covered) songwriters ever, even if he had only ever written “Hallelujah” (which is not on this cd). Every song on here is a gem.

Quite a mixed bag today. From the jammy grooves of Claypool to the deep-funk of George Clinton and then into the show-band sound of the Joe Cocker live cd. Today was the day I finally figured out how to properly use my surround-sound system so that the sound actually does surround me. So, the Cocker live album was quite a treat because there is no much going on - big horn section and backing singers and all that. Cocteau Twins aired while my son and I played on the living room floor with the sun setting through our windows. I couldn't wait for the C&C disc to end, and it goes on FOREVER. Leonard Cohen closed out the night with some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. I could listen to that cd for an entire day.