fonopticon

 Where The River Goes is simply a perfect album, and represents the point of convergence of all that aesthetic and poetic imagination of Muthspiel.

 The rest is done by Muthspiel’s ever so sharp and pointed pencil, capable of drawing evocative and suggestive melodies.

Wolfgang Muthspiel's 2018 album 'Where The River Goes' marks a significant moment in his career, blending evocative melodies and strong improvisation. Featuring top-tier musicians like Ambrose Akinmusire and Brad Mehldau, the album is a perfect artistic convergence following the excellent 'Rising Grace.' Released under ECM Records, it highlights Muthspiel's refined composition and ensemble interplay. The album sets a new high point, renewing interest in this Austrian jazz guitarist’s work. Explore Wolfgang Muthspiel's 'Where The River Goes'—a must-listen jazz album showcasing masterful musicianship and timeless melodies.

 In Post Mortem, the leap is there and it’s evident, starting from the excellent quality of the lyrics to the care of the sounds and arrangements.

 The sonic exploration results in a constant and blatant oscillation between Mk.gee and Iosonouncane...the echoes at times are really disarming.

I Cani's 'Post Mortem' marks a notable step toward musical and lyrical maturity for Niccolò Contessa. The album's songwriting shines with broad appeal, though its sonic landscape leans heavily on influences like Mk.gee and Iosonouncane. While this results in some original moments, certain tracks feel formulaic. Overall, a good album worth attention, but not a masterpiece. Explore I Cani's Post Mortem now to experience a bold evolution in Italian indie songwriting.

 The title track I Inside the Old Year Dying is short, incisive, and essential, capable of shedding a different light on all the baroque elements that weigh down the previous songs.

 Ultimately, an album without great peaks but whose strength lies in its entirety, just like the most successful concept albums.

This review of PJ Harvey's 'I Inside the Old Year Dying' highlights a challenging start with less convincing tracks that give way to a powerful and cohesive second half. The album's compositional strength and literary depth grow as it progresses, culminating in a rewarding, immersive experience. The work is praised as a unified concept rather than a collection of individual songs, emphasizing its narrative and musical coherence. Discover PJ Harvey's latest album and dive into its intricate musical and lyrical world today!

 It’s a sort of big bang, a small explosion of pure entropy on the piano from which everything draws nourishment and foundation.

 None of them reconciles me to pure improvisation like Bley, understood as total liberation from schemes and constraints.

Paul Bley’s 2007 album 'About Time' showcases his lifetime commitment to pure, spontaneous jazz improvisation through solo piano performances. The record presents a lyrical yet challenging journey that embodies Bley’s unique style, combining irony, melancholy, and creative freedom. It highlights his refusal to rely on conventional structures, offering a raw and honest musical experience. Though not the easiest entry point to his work, it stands as a poignant farewell from one of jazz’s greatest pianists. Dive into Paul Bley’s masterful solo piano improvisations and experience jazz purity in its most genuine form.

 Hey What is a dark album in its own right, speaking of pain and loneliness, yet in many ways it is also luminous, shining with a light and hope that at times is even violent, aggressive.

 Hey What is a monolithic, solid album, a single block within which many tracks follow one another without beginning or end, in a forced march continuum that offers no respite.

Low's 'Hey What' is a deeply moving final album, blending dark themes of pain and loneliness with moments of aggressive hope. It features a monolithic, uninterrupted flow of distorted electronic sounds and explores themes of suffering, abandonment, and resilience. The album stands as a mature, contemporary work and a poignant tribute to Mimi Parker. It offers listeners a powerful experience and a profound reminder of Low's impactful career. Listen to Low's 'Hey What' to experience a powerful farewell filled with pain, hope, and contemporary sonic exploration.

 "Bashung sings Il voyage en solitaire on tiptoe, cradled by the beauty of the text and melody."

 "Résidents de la République is a sincere yet slightly disillusioned critique of Sarkozy’s France."

Bleu pétrole marks Alain Bashung's final studio album, showcasing a return to traditional French chanson with strong songwriting by collaborators. Despite Bashung's limited compositional role, the album is praised for its poignant political commentary and memorable tracks like 'Résidents de la République' and 'Sur un trapèze.' The album won multiple prestigious awards and is heralded as a fitting conclusion to Bashung's influential career. Its reflective closing tracks underscore his solitary artistic journey. Discover Alain Bashung's Bleu pétrole and experience the final chapter in the life of a French music icon.

 This isn’t a self-congratulatory album or a collection for completionists, but it is a perfectly successful album in every aspect.

 In the Blue Light feels like a great party among friends who still have much to say to each other.

In The Blue Light is Paul Simon's 2018 album featuring 10 creatively reimagined tracks from his catalog. The album highlights Simon's dedication to thoughtful arrangements and collaborations with prominent jazz musicians. It reflects a mature artist enjoying his craft, offering fresh takes on both older and more recent songs. The review appreciates the album as a meaningful addition to Simon's distinguished career, marking a peaceful transition toward his retirement. Discover Paul Simon's heartfelt reinterpretations on In The Blue Light and experience timeless songs in a new light!

 In many ways, it probably represents the absolute pinnacle of Bashung’s career.

 Great albums can never disappoint. And L’imprudence is one of them.

L'Imprudence is Alain Bashung's most ambitious and darkest album, blending refined arrangements with cryptic, poetic lyrics. Featuring notable collaborators from jazz and rock, the album marks the pinnacle of Bashung's career. Despite limited availability on streaming platforms, it remains a unique and rewarding listen for fans of deep, experimental French music. Discover the haunting beauty of Alain Bashung’s L'Imprudence—listen and dive deep into this French musical masterpiece today!

 Randy Newman is undoubtedly a songwriter who breaks out of the mold.

 Bad Love is a good album in style, illuminated by two or three flashes in which Newman reminds us that... he is capable of telling his life and that of others with an originality and freshness.

Randy Newman's 1999 album Bad Love showcases his superior songwriting and tasteful arrangements but often revisits familiar territory from his 1970s work. Highlights include heartfelt and autobiographical tracks reflecting recent life events, such as the poignant 'My Country' and introspective ballads about personal loss. While the album is well-crafted and considered by Newman as one of his best, it sometimes feels like a repetition of earlier formulas rather than fresh innovation. Nevertheless, Newman's originality shines through in select moments, affirming his unique voice in American music. Discover Randy Newman's nuanced return with Bad Love — listen now to hear his heartfelt storytelling and masterful songwriting.

 Fantaisie Militaire from 1998 marks a decisive turning point: together with a group of top-level musicians ... Bashung releases an extremely accomplished album.

 'La nuit je mens' is undoubtedly the jewel of the album, a magnificent portrait of an intense love that is restless, tormented, and constantly in motion.

Fantaisie Militaire marks a pivotal moment in Alain Bashung's career, blending experimental and traditional French rock seamlessly. With contributions from renowned musicians and visionary lyrics, the album stands out for its depth and innovation. The track 'La nuit je mens' shines as a highlight, capturing themes of restless and tormented love. This 1998 release helped redefine French rock and paved the way for future musical explorations. Discover the timeless artistry of Alain Bashung's Fantaisie Militaire—listen now and experience the evolution of French rock!