HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

Currently suffering a case of double-barrelled pneumonia - which isn't a whole bunch of fun. But means I have some time to indulge myself in some extended music-immersion. Firstly working my way through the entire catalogue of alt-rock founders R.E.M. and rediscovering what a superb and ground-breaking outfit they were. Stirring stuff.

Then a little voice creeps out of the antibiotic-haze "listen to some 'Mansun'". A band I haven't played in at least a decade, or even thought about. After a dizzying trip up to the attic and rummaging through several boxes of 'also-ran' CD's I came back with 2 Mansun albums 'Six' and 'Little Kix'. My memories of both are vague - some sort of Britpop guitar collective.

Feverishly (well, everything is feverish at the moment) I got going with 'Six'. And hey, am I surprised! Mansun are at the basis a Britpop group in style and form - but appear to be trying to create their own brand of Progressive rock in a similar manner that Muse and Radiohead have managed to. Complex songs which meander along through shifting aural landscapes. The excellent Polish band Riverside comes to mind as well.

I'll be giving this one a few more spins, that's for sure. Judge for yourself if they shouldn't be forgotten again :

Mansun - Six

Fretless Paul Draper the vocalist and guitarist from Mansun is actually touring as we speak with an excellent solo album and recently toured doing the full Mansun album Attack of the Grey Lantern. A fine musician Mr Draper is too.

Thanks for the info Chunk. I had seen the name Paul Draper but hadn't made the connection. And 'Attack of the Grey Lantern' has been ordered, seems to be regarded as a lost classic.

Mansun are a favourite of mine and AotGL is a tremendous listen. An album full of invention and amazing hooks. Hope you enjoy and get well soon buddy.

Kraftwerk - Radio Activity - definitely their worst album.

RETURN TO FOREVER - ROMANTIC WARRIOR

[BBvideo=560,315]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqiC5_88cVQ[/BBvideo]

1976 jazz / fusion with ridiculously complex arrangements, flamboyant musicianship and a medieval twist . I love it and I know this because the little neck hairs have stood to attention many times whilst playing it. I am now playing it again I have not played this for maybe 8 years as my wife can't stand it It is not exactly free form jazz but you do need a certain brain to get it.

This is the first time I have ever played it on this system. I have been trying to stick to a select number of albums in order to evaluate changes in my system. Well, I have started to get bored of the same old same old music all the time so starting to pull in different ones. I am thoroughly enjoying this and it's all about the music - couldn't give a shit about the bass, mids, high frequencies. The performance that was captured on that day(s) in that space with the musicians in the mood and health that they were in is totally captivating (for me on this day).

If you give it a listen and get past the first track then you will like the rest of it. You will know pretty quickly if it is not for you.

Get some Stanley Clarke albums on there, Stu.

Fretless wrote: ↑Tue Apr 03, 2018 1:31 pm Get some Stanley Clarke albums on there, Stu.

Right on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vlcUdFdVPQ

I am not a fan of that type of music but she happens to be my wife's niece and is gaining in popularity. I do not think the likes of Jay Z are any better.

At the doc's request i have been listening to some music Any Jack White fans will know of this .....The Dead Weather - Horehound

[BBvideo=560,315]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WmzdiQ4HQs[/BBvideo]

Even if you don't like the music you have just gotta listen to the sound they have created. On my system it sounds massive and like nothing I have heard before. Jack white is playing drums rather than guitar. I do prefer The Raconteurs however.