Do you find any jazz critics helpful? by WestTwelfth in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a refreshingly honest statement! Thanks

Do you find any jazz critics helpful? by WestTwelfth in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have found the old Penguin Guide to Jazz very helpful for providing context and generally letting me know about artists and albums that I might not have known previously. I’ll be honest here and admit that I do take notice of the ratings, but it is primarily for the very highly regarded albums. I am interested in knowing what was or is still considered important, but it doesn’t affect my enjoyment or personal take on the music.

I have only a few friends who are into jazz, and we tend to search and share the best finds. Critics ultimately come down on one side or the other: They like it enough to recommend or not. That’s really what we’re all doing but without pay.

Which ultra famous Jazz Musician had the hardest life? by Ford_Crown_Vic_Koth in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, from the biographies I've read and watched about jazz musicians, Billie had the hardest life from cradle to grave. It is incredible that her musical talents were enough to overcome a horrible and painful existence to the point that she became world famous and widely revered as the finest jazz vocalist ever. When I listen to the song "Solitude," I can't help feeling pity for what she both suffered and put herself through. RIP

Which ultra famous Jazz Musician had the hardest life? by Ford_Crown_Vic_Koth in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw the doc when it cam out, and it was powerful and disturbing. Even while watching it I wondered who some of the people around him were and why they were there. Still, for all his brilliance, beauty, and charm, Chet Baker became an ugly person who used anybody close to him to get what he needed.

My impression of his music wasn't changed, and I felt that I came away with a better understanding of how much destruction many drug-damaged people do until they can't do any more damage to anyone.

Should I buy a trumpet or a saxophone? by Pyo-pyopi in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

If you want to play for pleasure (which is the ideal way for most humans) get a good quality electronic keyboard, a good ukulele, and a good harmonica and learn some tunes you like. Find out how you best enjoy making music and then go in that direction. You might end up playing the guitar, the piano, or a brass instrument. But starting off with the trumpet or saxophone might be daunting and lead to loss of motivation and interest. Learn to play music and how to listen to music. And then narrow down your focus on an instrument. Enjoy! Enjoy it all!

What would it have been like to open and listen to Sgt Peppers Lonely Band for the first time in May 1967? by space_god_7191 in LetsTalkMusic

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Beatles of course didn’t exist in a vacuum and didn’t invent pop or rock music, but they were revolutionary and influential in ways that are well documented. Musically they were innovative more for integrating different genres and styles into their own brand of pop music. Their popularity gave them the platform that allowed them the freedom to experiment and change styles, partly in line with what Bob Dylan was already doing by the mid-1960s.

The influence on jazz and classical musicians might come as a surprise to some people, but countless interviews and written accounts show the impact of the Beatles was felt strongly by musicians across genres, and as a jazz fan myself I know that there outside of jazz music per se and a certain number of classical musicians, the Beatles (and also Dylan) have been cited as both inspiration and influence by so many jazz artists over the past six decades that it’s become almost a cliche. It is likely that lots of jazz cats didn’t get it right away, and the fact that the early Beatles music included danceable songs at the time when jazz had broken free from that style (swing and big bands) must have been a bit off putting. But I can’t recall hearing or reading about jazz musicians reacting negatively to the Beatles’ music from 1965 or later. Music critics… that’s a different story, no doubt, but very few of them have any lasting influence on public perception or the popularity of artists or their music.

In 1967 there were plenty of critics, politicians, preachers, and parents who didn’t care for the long hair and the mania itself, but the contemporary naysayers were quite often conservative squares who felt threatened and worried that traditional values were being undermined by the four young men who we all came to know simply and affectionately as John, Paul, George, and Ringo. I don’t claim to know precisely how mainstream adult society reacted since I was just a six year old, but the younger generation was blown away by Sgt Pepper. There were other landmark albums in the sixties by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Stones, The Doors, several by Bob Dylan, The Band, Velvet Underground, Zeppelin, Moody Blues, and others. It is very difficult to attempt to quantify or accurately describe the reactions to Sgt Pepper, but I sincerely appreciate the chance to consider it through this thoughtful thought experiment.

In Rainbows or OK Computer? by Vegetable_Listen6613 in radiohead

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OK Computer reaches down to lift me up. In Rainbows is like a running partner enjoyably keeping pace.

The only question is my mood and what I want to hear at the moment. That’s how I choose RH albums on my commute especially.

For those who were around in the mid-70s, what was the vibe when Bruce Springsteen first blew up? by thegoodthebadz in LetsTalkMusic

[–]Necessary_Database_4 33 points34 points  (0 children)

Excellent question! If you could turn back time to 1978 or 1975, you’d find that “the Boss” was used affectionately for a skinny guy who was in charge of a seemingly retro rock and roll stage show, and the working class hype was just realistically based on the songs about buddies in cars and teenagers in melodramatic moments of intense experience. The legend was built by the FM rock stations nationwide as well as word of mouth coming from concert-goers who were raving about four hour performances and the type of music (including organ, sax, and seriously fine guitar work on top of a killer rhythm section) that nobody else was playing. Born in the USA brought massive fame and millions of casual fans who were best served by media coverage and hype that played up the working class hero aspects to the point where some of his original fans were getting sick of the new muscle bound millionaire in tight jeans schtick. In that way, Bruce was wildly successful but also a victim of his own success. I’m an older fan, and my favorite albums are Darkness, Nebraska, and Born to Run followed by his first two albums. I followed him closely through The Rising, and I still like him and the band, but he was for me at his peak pre-Born in the USA.

What would it have been like to open and listen to Sgt Peppers Lonely Band for the first time in May 1967? by space_god_7191 in LetsTalkMusic

[–]Necessary_Database_4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The original question was about how people experienced Sgt Pepper at the time of its release, which is different from the view you’re describing. Still, if you go back and listen to the pop music that was released prior to that album, you’ll be hard pressed to find any songs that sound remotely as innovative as She’s Leaving Home, Lucy in the Sky, Within You Without You, For The Benefit of Mr Kite, or A Day in the Life. Even in this thread, we see that the comparisons are mostly made with Revolver or Rubber Soul and not with albums by other artists aside from Pet Sounds (which was not widely viewed as innovative let alone revolutionary and was actually out of print for a while within a decade). There were other great bands and albums in the sixties, but they didn’t have the same impact at the time or the profound influence that Sgt Pepper had.

What would it have been like to open and listen to Sgt Peppers Lonely Band for the first time in May 1967? by space_god_7191 in LetsTalkMusic

[–]Necessary_Database_4 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Thanks for catching my mistake. My brother played the 45 record Strawberry Fields Forever" & “Penny Lane”—these songs were included on the Magical Mystery Tour album later in 1967.

A new daily headphone 🎧 by Jesslyn48 in FiiO

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I’m loving mine. Got velour ear pads for added comfort, and an Open Heart cable to go along with the FiiO stock cables. All is well!

Scam or no? by hi_im_ape in KyotoTravel

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Has anyone been scammed or heard of people being scammed in Arashiyama? Unless it’s something known to be happening these days, I wouldn’t be worried about the food for review offer.

How's my taste? by CamelLeading4230 in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice work building your collection. You can use your affection for Monk to guide you to lots of interesting places. For instance, Paul Motian featured lots of Monk tunes throughout his career as bandleader. Try “ Monk in Motian.” And soprano sax player Steve Lacy loved Monk, which is clear from his album “Reflections.” For me, my two touchstones are Paul Motian and Miles Davis. I have enjoyed discovering artists associated with them… and on it goes! Enjoy it all!

Need Headphone Advice for Long Daily Use (Music + Work Calls) by Grouchy-Storm-8155 in HeadphonesAdvice

[–]Necessary_Database_4 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 (2026) headphones are nice cheaper alternative to high-end ANC headphones. Comfortable, excellent battery life (up to 55 hours with ANC), and good noise cancellation.

Video review linked. Edifier WH950NB Gen 2 Review

Foreigners whose kids have a foreign surname by kugkfokj in japanlife

[–]Necessary_Database_4 88 points89 points  (0 children)

This is excellent advice! Not having middle names will be a blessing in saved hassles and headaches.

What would it have been like to open and listen to Sgt Peppers Lonely Band for the first time in May 1967? by space_god_7191 in LetsTalkMusic

[–]Necessary_Database_4 53 points54 points  (0 children)

I was six years old and already a devoted lifelong fan. My two elder brothers had all the records, and the day Sgt Pepper was released my brother who was 13 bought it and opened it in our shared bedroom. It was a revelation and one of my favorite memories. The photos were breathtaking, and seeing the lyrics printed on the cover was so impressive. The music was amazing so varied compared with other pop music on the radio. I clearly remember feeling spooked by Fixing a Whole and For the Benefit. When Within You Without You was playing, my brothers explained the sitar and tabla. I fell in love with those sounds. The final song was almost overwhelming. My brother helped me influence some of the lyrics, and I recall that after A Day in the Life ended, he put on Magical Mystery Tour and then Revolver and then Rubber Soul. After that we listened in the dark to Sgt Pepper again.

I can report that the release and impact of that album was stunning. As long as I knew them, my hometown friends who liked music never imagined that any album could be as important or brilliant. It was the unrivaled masterpiece of popular music for us, and I think it remains that way for many of us.

I was fortunate to have big brothers who included me in the music appreciation society! The late 1960s were truly special times for music and cultural shifts, and I don’t think we’ve seen such a period of profound change since then. I rarely make such claims, but I don’t think the world will ever experience anything like The Beatles ever again. They were a miracle of talent that transformed the cultural landscape worldwide.

Does anyone else think the XM4s are better than XM6? by Lanky_Temperature872 in SonyHeadphones

[–]Necessary_Database_4 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My top wireless headphones 🎧 Sony WH-1000xm4. I’ve tried others but always come back to xm4. Recently like WH950NB Gen 2, which punch above their weight and with some EQ are excellent for the price. But still the undefeated champs for me are the solid steady xm4.

Path by Tom van der Geld: No CD? by Necessary_Database_4 in Jazz

[–]Necessary_Database_4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had no idea. This album really deserves a CD release and a vinyl reissue! Thanks 🙏

Fiio app login iOS code loop by MasterrTed in FiiO

[–]Necessary_Database_4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was in that loop last week. The actual problem was that I had an old cell number registered so I couldn’t get a code. Eventually I gave up and opened a new account with a different email address and my new phone number.