Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
June 2008
Web page printouts from
the latest issue of AudioEnz
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/acrobat/issues/2008/2008-06.pdf
Descriptive words
Arcam call the Solo an “All in one music system”. It’s a
mere 230mm wide (most hi-fi is around 430mm wide)
but is 350mm deep. Below the large display is a slot
loading disc drive, much like those found in car stereos Rear panel connections of the Solo Mini.
and many computers.
The front panel also has a mini headphone jack, a mini input jack (useful for MP3 players, perhaps) and a USB input.
The USB input can be used for playing music stored on USB memory sticks, in WAVE or MP3 format. Curiously, the
Solo doesn’t support music in the open source AAC format, the default format for iTune rips. USB memory sticks have
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been increasing in size rapidly over the past couple of years. Indeed, you could store the entire output of the Beatles,
uncompressed, on a memory stick. (That sound you hear is the Beatles lawyers sending me a letter).
There’s an optional, extra cost iPod dock available for that ubiquitous device. The rDock costs $399 but promises
much, with its audiophile grade op-amps and regulated power supply. Despite being a long term Apple fanboy, this
writer owns no iPods, so couldn’t try it out.
All of the Solo’s controls are along the front of the top panel. They’re easy to access and easy to see. But you’ll probably
drive it from the supplied remote control.
On the back are four inputs, a tape output and a pre-out for connecting up a separate power amp. The latter seems a
curious choice, as it goes against the one-box idea of the Solo. There are also connections for radio aerials and binding
posts for speaker connections.
I never did try the USB input in the time that the Solo was in my procession. And, after packing up the Solo, I realised
that I hadn’t tried the tuner section either. Oops, sorry.
A lot of what I found so great about the Solo was what it didn’t do. It wasn’t thin or lean sounding, like a lot of cheap audio
can be. Instead, it kept the natural warmth and body of voices and instruments. It wasn’t grainy, it wasn’t harsh and it
wasn’t tizzy.
It did bring out the sense of momentum in music that a lot of stereo systems reduce. This momentum, or pace and
rhythm, is what helps make music engaging and makes you want to continue listening. In fact, the Solo Mini does a lot
better in this regard than does many recent Arcam components!
The Solo Mini is rated at 25 watts per channel. That doesn’t sound like a lot and in reality it isn’t. With my 86dB Epos
ES14s and largish lounge, the Solo Mini struggled when I tried to achieve “listening from the kitchen” levels. When
pushed, the Mini compresses the volume and hardens in sound. In more normal circumstances (more efficient
speakers, smaller room and sensible expectations) the Solo Mini should be fine.
I was very impressed by the Arcam Solo Mini. It’s small, easy to use and, above all, really does play music.
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Cambridge Audio TT50
By Michael Wong
June 2008
For assistance Cambridge Audio went to the established leaders in affordable turntables, Project Audio. This was a
smart move as using Project’s expertise in the field was more efficient and less of a drain on time and resources than
attempting a new ground up design solo.
Collaborative design
The result of this collaboration was the TT50, a basic manual turntable/arm/cartridge combination which bears a
strong resemblance to the recently reviewed Project 1Xpression 3. The Cambridge takes several Project design
features; the glossy piano finished plinth with removable clear perspex lid, rubber suspended belt drive motor and
stepped pulley for manual speed selection, outboard power supply, MDF sub-platter and power on/off switch tucked
under the left front corner of the plinth Project style.
From here the Cambridge takes a slightly different direction. Instead of the 1Xpression 3’s damped aluminium cones we
have the standard Debut type plastic feet. Replacing the carbon fibre tonearm is a Cambridge branded arm using
Project’s one-piece aluminium armtube with integrated headshell and removable fingerlift. The bearing assembly is
uniquely Cambridge with a magnetic anti-skate mechanism, whereas Project uses a thread and falling weight. Finally,
Cambridge chose a rubbery elastomer coated acrylic platter instead of the usual naked acrylic platter. This leaves the
platter grippy and not needing a mat but without a label recess some records may not sit flat on the platter. As with the
Project, a simple clamping system would be beneficial.
Setup
Following the clearly written and illustrated instructions, the initial setup was a matter of simply placing the turntable
on a level surface (I used a Linn turntable table), removing the transit screws, fitting the platter, balancing the arm and
setting vertical tracking force (VTF) and anti-skate. A check of the factory cartridge alignment showed it was spot-on.
Like the Project 1Xpression, the Cambridge does not have a captive arm lead, the plinth being fitted with RCA output
sockets, giving the user freedom in choice of interconnect. Diluting the experience is the omission of even a basic
interconnect, although a separate earthing cable is supplied.
As usual with turn-key turntables, the Cambridge was auditioned with the supplied cartridge, an Audio Technica
AT95E, a richer, warmer sounding cartridge than the usual Ortofon OM freebie. This fed my regular vinyl playback
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chain of the Plinius Jarrah phono stage, Krell integrated amplifier, Magnepan MG1.6 speakers. XLO cabling, including
a dedicated phono cable was used throughout.
Comparatively, the Cambridge’s performance holds up fairly well with the other turn-key turntable systems I’ve
reviewed over the years. It betters the Project Debut ($499) and the original Project 1Xpression, being roughly on par
with a Rega P1 ($699). However it doesn’t do quite so well against the Project 1Xpression 3 ($899) or the
benchmark Rega P3 ($1249).The Cambridge sounding less refined and providing a more narrowly focussed band of
musicality.
It’s a fine plug and play turntable but it doesn’t offer the same class-leading performance or value for money as other
Cambridge Audio products.
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KEF KHT 3005 SE
By Jamie Gemming
June 2008
My favourite piece of the combo is the sub. It’s the same high gloss black, circular in shape, about two feet in diameter
and only about 150mm deep. One side of the enclosure has a 250mm (10 inch) subwoofer controlled by a 250 watt class
D amplifier. A 250mm (10 inch) passive radiator mirrors the woofer on the opposite side of the enclosure. The cool thing
about this sub is that has been designed to stand up vertically or lie down flat, allowing easy placement behind or under
furniture.
Initially, the front speakers and sub were set up along a four metre wall of a room that measures four by five and half
metres, with a listening position about four metres back. The first thing that struck me was how good it actually sounded.
The treble is forward, nicely detailed, not rich, but certainly not harsh and there was good integration between sub and
the satellites, which is not always the case with sub-sat combos. However, this fairly seamless integration dissolves if the
sub is not placed up front and as centre as possible.
I’m home on paternity leave for six months and although it’s not the daily DVD watching and ESPN sports fest I had
imagined, I now listen to more music in a day than I used to in a month. My latest music purchase was the Live 8
concert and this received a good thrashing over the past fortnight. The KEF combo is very natural sounding in the way it
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reproduces voices and has a surprising amount of depth to its midrange for such a small driver but it suffers the same
problem as every sub sat system and lacks mid-bass. I know its unfair to compare, but tracks like The Who’s Won’t Get
Fooled Again or the Kaiser Chiefs I Predict A Riot with powerful guitar and drum play just lack the drive and intensity
that even the smallest of floor standers would deliver. Following KEF’s instructions I set my Denon 3805 sub output to
120Hz and after trail and error I think their cross over point is the best compromise.
This is not some pokey little cube speaker set which places small size over everything else including sound. The 3000
Series Home Theatre set is one of the best sounding sub/sat combos I’ve seen. It’s not quite the match of the über
expensive Castle combo I’ve had in the past but is appreciably better than any of the various Bose systems I’ve
encountered. It also has a modern, contemporary design. I mean it, they don’t just look good, they look superb! If your
viewing room is small or the missus hates the look of floor standers, then this KEF set is for you.
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REL T2
By Brent Burmester
June 2008
There are clever and not inexpensive subwoofers that REL T2 subwoofer. The driver on the front is a passive radiator,
can tune themselves to a system and room, but they with the smaller woofer underneath the subwoofer. Click for
larger image.
can’t walk, so they’ll only make the best of where their
owners leave them. Ultimately there is no substitute for careful experimentation with tuning and placement of main
speakers, subwoofer, and, of course, the listener, which never really ends. I’ve known experienced audiophiles to prefer
different sub settings for every track on an album.
Tiny dancer
So, here is the REL T2, yet another grumbling cube. REL, it must be said, knows about as much about bass
reproduction as can be known without recourse to supernatural intervention. Proof lies in the fact the T2 is very, very
small, yet claims a roll-off at 30Hz. Built with the robustness of a safe, it isn’t entirely pleasing to the eye – the wood grain
finish is okay, but those legs are a bit fourth-form metalwork. To be fair, they serve the utilitarian purpose of lifting the
unit the required distance from the floor to pressure-load the 200mm (eight-inch) driver on its underside. The 250mm
(ten-inch) diameter grill on the front panel actually obscures a passive cone that resonates so as to augment the driver
and deliver that surprising low frequency extension.
REL strongly believes in high-level connection of amp to sub. That is, rather than feed the sub with a line-level signal
for amplication by the 200W onboard amp, the manufacturer recommends connecting the speaker terminals on the
amp to the T2 by the Neutrik Speakon connector. I concur that this gives faster sound, and one more like that of the
main speakers.
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Right here, right now
I’ve heard a fair number of subs in my cursed room. They’ve all suffered to a greater or lesser degree, but quality shines
through. To my surprise the wee REL didn’t like the spot I normally sit the bass-boxes, including my own Audio-Pro. It
wasn’t possible to hear the main speakers and sub as a coherent whole, irrespective of cross-over and volume settings.
However, a bit of trial and error with placement led to the discovery of a quite different position nearby, under the arm
of a couch, where it played unobtrusively and evenly.
The overall effect was good. Like all RELs the T2 knows how to carry a tune and it gets off the line impressively quickly.
Properly located relative to the main speakers and the room boundaries, it passed the most stringent test, that of fading
away, leaving higher frequencies properly supported, and giving performers and instruments another layer of
corporeality.
What the T2 couldn’t do, however, was shift enough air to bring off the really deep stuff, at least not in the 33 square
metres of my living room.. I missed some of the fire and brimstone that larger RELs deliver – a bigger driver backed by
more watts in an infinite-baffle enclosure delivers more smack with less overhang.
The low-down
But here’s the thing, the T2 is dinky and cute, and remarkably competent in way that something so dinky and cute has
no right to be. For a higher terror-quotient you must pay a good bit more in terms of cash, real-estate, and aesthetics,
which is quite unnecessary if terror is not something you often demand from your music.
Who wants one? I’d recommend the T2 to folks who’ve been waiting on the sidelines for a while, unsure if another box is
really needed, people with a well-balanced system that sings to their liking and who’d like just a bit more authority,
especially during those stirring moments in the programme, without compromising their existing set-up.
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Rotel RA-1062 and RCD-1072
By Matthew Masters
June 2008
It was about the same time an early Rotel integrated amplifier appeared at home. Like Bodger, it didn’t last long,
though I suspect that was more to do with its shouty performance than eating sports equipment. And that, I’m afraid to
admit, was my only experience of Rotel until last month.
The 1072 CD player uses a modified Sony transport and boasts HDCD compatibility, a Burr-Brown DAC and huge PSU.
There’s a plethora of pointless programming functions available from the front panel and annoyingly, that green display
can’t be dimmed.
Maybe a Boxer
While superficially similar, the 1062 amplifier is a far more substantial and well thought-out piece of equipment.
There’s a massive, custom-made power supply that helps deliver a claimed 60w per channel. Then there are a tone (or
contour) control, balance control, independently selected tape loop and headphone output. Of rather more importance
are two sets of speaker outputs and what turns out to be a surprisingly competent phono stage. So, maybe not best of
breed when compared with the more obvious pedigree pooches, but certainly up there with the multi-talented
Wonder-dogs.
So the first impressions are mixed. No obvious pedigree, average aesthetics but could be easy to train. Worthy, but
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uninspriring.
Golden Retriever
Slotting a CD into the Rotel’s drawer and giving a firm instruction to go after some music quickly challenged the worthy
but dull view.
That first CD was an old faithful, John Eliot-Gardiner’s jaunty interpretation of Handel’s Messiah (Philips 434 297-2).
It’s a decent recording but can be trying for many mid-range systems. Surprisingly, the Rotel pair just bounded through
even the busiest passages, faithfully retrieving the intricate detail of both the Monteverdi Choir on top form, but also the
authentically sparse orchestration. It could have been simply aggressive, but there was real body and dynamism too.
Clearly there was more to the pair than I had suspected. Gardiner’s pacy performance romped along, driven by a
convincing sense of rhythm from the CD spinner and powered by those 60, rather large, watts from the 1062 amplifier.
Jack Russell
With more contemporary music it as a similar story. Listening to Morcheeba’s Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day from the
Fragments of Freedom album, the fabulously seductive voice of Sky Edwards is rendered in all its breathy glory,
existing on an almost tangibly different plane from the brass section and ludicrously infectious bass.
If I have a criticism it’s that the Rotel pair does tend to reveal the production habit of recessing brass and drums to avoid
overwhelming delicate vocals. It’s fine for lesser systems, but not needed here.
In fact, whatever I threw out there, the Rotel was bouncing around and retrieving all manner detail and fun I hadn’t
noticed before. There was a seemingly limitless energy to the presentation that just made me want to play more and
more music. The Fratellis’ Chelsea Dagger, hardly a subtle piece and possibly a little raucous, but just plain fun with
the Rotel jumping up and down to the chunky rhythm like a yappy little terrier desperate for a game or trick.
The real achievement is that the enthusiasm and drive is achieved with no apparent compromise in subtlety. Dagger is
just another quickly-produced indie rock number, but it sounded richer and more complete than I’d ever suspected.
It’s a grown-up version of Bodger; the only kind of dog I’d let into my house, and I’ll be very, very sorry when it has to go.
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Linn go direct
By Michael Jones
June 2008
Linn NZ is established in Apollo Drive on One of Linn New Zealand's show rooms (click for larger image)
Auckland’s North Shore. The premises have long
contained two single system demonstration
rooms, used to support existing dealers and
installers in demonstrating Linn products in a
supportive environment.
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come through dealers.
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Michael on the podium: Electrostatic
adventures
By Michael Jones
June 2008
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2008/motp_electrostatic.shtml
The results are audible. There’s a grain-free sound to the 2905, just as there was in the original Quad, now unofficially
known as the ESL57 – no wonder people hang on to
their old firescreens!
I’d love to hear them some more, so I’m off to pester the
distributor yet again. Maybe I can get a pair in my
lounge.
Like John, I felt that the bass end of the Stax let them down. My aging Sennheisser 580s give me a lot more information
on what’s happening in the bottom end of my rock CDs.
Michael Jones has published audio magazines and web sites since 1986
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Private Ear: The Journey So Far
By John Groom
June 2008
Keep trim
The Quad has an internal, modest but very capable digital volume control. I am very fortunate that the Sennheiser HD
650 is a high impedance headphone, which can handle high line voltages. By using an adapter cable that plugs into the
two RCA outputs I can drive the headphones directly out of the back of the Quad. This ‘mainlining’ removes an
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additional power supply, interconnect cable and associated connections.
This also removes some of the warmth, forgiveness and extra weight that the Stealth cables and Perreaux headphone
amplifier were adding. What it does give though is a remarkably direct and honest window into the recording with more
of a sense of ‘being there’ than I have experienced for many a long year.
Learn acceptance
This spartan set up has also highlighted for me that yes, headphone listening is also affected by all of those tweak factors
that besot so many listeners to conventional systems. Like all hi-fi equipment the headphones sound best when they
have had a few weeks to run in and when the cable is not lying on the floor. I even persuaded myself that the whole
system benefited when I ‘zapped’ it with a demagnetising gun.
The CD players and headphone amplifiers all benefited from careful attention to supports (I use a dedicated solid
wooden stool). Experimenting with interconnects is well worthwhile; I settled on the Stealth for now as I liked the
compromise between detail and warmth. My playing with various contact cleaners suggests they are best left alone as
they ‘smear’ the sound.
No panaceas
Headphone listening is not the answer to all hi-fi ills. Power supply is a big issue at the moment. Even with the
wonderful resolution of good quality headphones, this does not solve the problem. Much of the Auckland power
currently gives a harsh, glassy sound to CD. An experiment with an inexpensive power supply simply changed the
problem to one of rounding off the sound. Having a heavy-duty dedicated spur simply means when the power sucks you
can hear the defect more clearly. Experiments with ‘piggy back’ plugs and various mains cables suggest that these two
elements are important. It has been argued that much of what we are listening to is the impact of the power supply. My
own experimentation supports this view and in future I would like to try a power regenerator.
In July I head for Europe via Hong Kong. The latter is a ‘hi-fi’ stop- off where I hear rumours of a whole building full of
top quality second hand gear. If the rumour is true then I am likely to think that I have died and gone to heaven. Who
knows what headphone related gems this might unearth. I might even be tempted yet to go for a valve headphone
amplifier or quality DAC.
John is an executive coach and mentor who lives on the North Shore of Auckland
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The Vinyl Anachronist: Stepping Into the
Light
By Marc Phillips
June 2008
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2008/vinyl_light.shtml
I think I may have finally found the perfect cartridge for the Technics SL-1200, and it comes from a very unlikely
source. Zu Audio, makers of the fabulous Druid speaker (which I previously reviewed for AudioEnz a couple of
years ago), have expanded their product line to include a wonderful new cartridge which is basically a modded version
of the venerable Denon DL-103. Zu has taken the Denon and removed the plastic body, substituting an amazing-looking
aluminum housing that makes this cartridge look more like a $4000 cartridge than a $400 one. That's right, Zu charges
only US$400 for their DL-103, which isn't that much more than a stock Denon.
There are some caveats to strapping the Zu DL-103 onto your 1200. First of all, the 103s are low-output moving coils,
and I suspect that many 1200 owners may not have a phono stage that will handle 0.3 mV. So while you're buying
cartridge that sounds absolutely incredible for the money, you may have to lay down a bit more green to everything
rolling. Secondly, the Zu is heavy at 13.6 grams, and you'll find that you have to move the counterweight on the stock
1200 arm almost all of the way back to achieve the rather heavy 2.3 to 2.8 recommended tracking force. You might want
to consider a heavier counterweight (or one of those little discs that some 1200 owners stick at the back end of their
tonearms) for a little piece of mind.
More than anything else, I simply felt that the 1200 was more fun with the Zu installed. That's why I've also been so hard
on the 1200... it's a chore to listen to at times. Now, I think the 1200 is more competitive with other 'tables in its price
range. No, I'm not saying that the 1200/DL-103 combination is as good as a Rega. But if I was trying to decide between a
Rega P2 with a Bias cartridge and the Technics mated with the Zu, I'd go with the latter in a heartbeat, much to my
surprise.
I can't resist...
I think this experience says more about the Zu cartridge than the 1200. My first instinct is to try the Zu on a Rega P2 or,
even better, a new P3-24. I know that many Rega users are starting to mount the stock Denon 103s on the ends of their
RB-300 tonearms with excellent results. Something tells me that the Zu will soon replace the Dynavector 10X5 as THE
cartridge of choice for P3s.
So yes, I still believe that the Rega P2 and P3 are better-sounding turntables...by far. But it's nice to know that you can
extract this kind of performance from the SL-1200. It's left me wondering about how the KAB mods would take this
performance even further, or what would happen if I did replace the stock arm with an RB-250.
In other words, I have a feeling this 1200 experiment is going to take years!
Marc Phillips has been writing about hi-fi and music under the Vinyl Anachronist banner since 1998. His
earlier columns can be found on the Perfect Sound Forever website. You can discuss vinyl with Marc at
Vinylanach@aol.com
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Dealer recommendations: amplifiers
By Michael Jones
June 2008
This month AudioEnz asks New Zealand’s hi-fi dealers for their choices in amplifier. Whether integration amps or
pre-power combinations, there are a number of choices here.
AudioEnz review
NAD C315BEE
Easily the cheapest amplifier in this article, the little NAD “it easily able to resolve the delicacy of Bob Dylan's lyricism
and guitar work, with the weight and dynamism of Black Sabbath's Electric Funeral,” says Christchurch’s The
Listening Post. “Soundstaging was transparent and nicely timed, with plenty of space and sheen around instruments
and voice alike. Bass was taut and lively, and balanced well with the intimacy of the top-end. All up this little entry level
amp is a true king-spitter in it's price class. The 315BEE strikes the perfect balance between price and quality.”
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intended) way and convey a sense of involvement at an emotional level. An awesome performer given its crazy current
price of just $2500.”
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compromising musical quality.” John adds “the RA05 simply sounds demonstrably better than any other amplifier
under NZ$1000 when hooked up to similarly priced and conceived speakers.” Strong words!
Also recommended:
Sugden A21SE $5699 (recommended by Eastern Hi-Fi Newmarket)
Tri- TRV35SE $3499 (recommended by Eastern Hi-Fi, Newmarket)
Fatman iTube 252 $2,499 (recommended by Hamilton’s The Listening Post)
Yamaha A-S2000 (recommended by The Listening Post, Christchurch)
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2008/dealers_amps.shtml
June music reviews
Aaradhna: Sweet Soul Music
Dawn Raid Entertainment
We are taken on a trip down the streets of soul music courtesy of the beautifully
stunning Aaradhna. One of Dawn Raid’s shining stars over the last few years, her
strong and silky voice blends in wonderfully with some soul classics over the last
three decades.
From the Indian influenced Didn’t I blow your mind to the Jackson’s I want you
back, a distinct New Zealand/Pacific Island soulful sound comes through as
smooth as silk. Favourite track for the iPod is an upbeat version of Al Green’s 1971
gem Let’s stay together followed closely by Stevie Wonder’s Sunshine of my life.
If Aaradhna can follow up with an album of originals of similar quality, we’re in for
a real sexy and soulful experience! Ants Fong
With most of the songs dogged by plodding progressions, repeatedly reprised choruses and meandering conclusions,
there’s a prevailing sense of lack of conviction. Paul Green
One song. That’s all I recognized when I looked at the track-list on this solo live
album from the Southern Californian singer songwriter. Like many, I admit to not
being familiar with much of Jackson Browne’s music. But, deter me it did not. In
fact, the curiosity of getting to know 12 Browne originals – selected from his vast
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catalogue spanning a 36 year recording career – was both enlightening and most
rewarding.
Solo Acoustics Vol.2 was recorded live in the US, UK and Australia and is released
on the artist’s own label Inside Recordings. Tracks which appeal most to this
listener include Something Fine (1972), the opening tune Never Stop (2002), Sky Black and Blue (1993) and the
familiar Somebody’s Baby (1982). The entire album is well recorded and includes a balanced level of crowd
interaction and story-telling to place the listener in the crowd. The quality of the songs is evident, and I am taken by
Browne’s ability to portray his music through such fine guitar playing and expressive singing.
For some readers, Jackson Browne may only be known as co-writer of the Eagles anthem Take It Easy. Or, for the title
track and hit tune Stay featured on the 7x platinum selling Running On Empty album (1977). It didn’t bother me (and
it shouldn’t trouble you) that the better known Browne tunes aren’t on this album. Buy Solo Acoustic Vol. 2 because it’s
the album you choose to “take a risk on” this time ‘round. Buy it, for your love of acoustic guitars (JB certainly has plenty
of them!). Buy it, because you owe this musician the courtesy of sampling his craft after being in the shadows for so, so
long.
To paraphrase other music lovers from the 1970s, Rolling Stone magazine wrote in its original review of the artist’s debut
album, "Jackson Browne's sensibility is romantic in the best sense of the term: his songs are capable of generating a
highly charged, compelling atmosphere throughout, and - just as important - of sustaining that pitch in the listener's
mind long after they've ended." I couldn’t have said it better and, by hokey Selwyn, I tried! Lloyd Macomber
This is a two disk set that covers Eric Clapton’s career from 1966 to 2000. There are
36 tracks with a helpful booklet that explained which band Eric was in when each
song was performed and there were quite a few bands! Of course the big hits such
as Layla, Wonderful Tonight and Tears in Heaven are all there. But it was some of
the late 60’s and early 70’s rock such as I Feel Free and White Room, which I
particularly enjoyed. Many Clapton’s cover versions of songs such as Cocaine (by
JJ Cale) are also included on the collection.
Most people who have followed Eric Clapton realise that he started his career as a
member of several different bands and continued working by moving to a solo
career. What becomes more obvious when listening to a career retrospective like
this the progression that Clapton has made from being a guitarist to a songwriter. Many of the later songs have great
guitar pieces but the guitar parts are simpler and there is more emphasis on vocals or the overall melody of a piece. This
is comes through in many of the tracks from the hugely popular Unplugged album.
In summary, this is a great collection from one of the masters of rock. Essential listening. Matthew Strack
This is the fourth album by Manchester band Elbow. I own their first album but
haven’t kept in touch with their work in the intervening period. However this is a
definite progression from the debut and displays increased confidence and
maturity. It’s like they’ve grown into their skin and feel more comfortable doing
what they do.
One of the very distinctive elements of the band’s work has always been the vocal
styling of lead singer Guy Garvey who at times has a bit of Peter Gabriel about him.
Garvey is backed by a traditional set up of guitar, bass, drums and keyboards
supplemented now and again with brass and strings to add a bit of colour.
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The material is generally slow to mid paced and the opens up with repeat listenings. It’s one of those albums that you
notice new things on as you get more familiar with it – for me a sign of an album that has some staying power and you’ll
want to come back to.
Words like atmospheric; moody; heartfelt; passionate; dark; uplifting; orchestral; complex and yet not overblown come
to mind at different times to describe the album.
Elbow are a bit like what I’d call a grown up Coldplay – lyrics that are sufficiently obscure to allow for a variety of
interpretations, and songs that are varied enough to keep you interested for the duration of the whole album. This is a
disc that you can happily put on from the start and just let it run. There is no bad material on here – it’s strong
throughout.
Some of the track titles may give you a sense of the material – The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver; An Audience
with the Pope; Grounds for Divorce.
Personal favourites include opener Starlings which starts quietly and then gets your attention with blasts of brass before
segueing into a perfect platform for Garvey’s expressive vocals. One Day Like This is the closest Elbow get to a big
stadium anthem – uplifting strings; big chorus; emotion-drenched vocals – one of those tracks that sends shivers down
your spine (at least mine anyway). The album closer Friend of Ours is a memorial to a fellow Manchester musician
(Bryan Glancy) – solo guitar, strings and a haunting vocal – a perfect end to a pretty well perfect album.
This is highly recommended to those who like their rock a little understated; reflective and well played. Fans of The
Blue Nile; Radiohead and Coldplay should check it out. Douglas Lang
Forever Ella is an 18-track reissue of some ultra-classic Ella material from the
Universal vaults. Any excuse to re-listen to these glorious settings of mainly now
legendary settings of various American songbook composers is a bonus. A few
surprises turn up such as the “Brand New Version recorded with the London
Symphony Orchestra’ of Cry Me A River, and a couple of remix tracks popped on
the end as a bonus tracks. They are no bonus for me but thankfully are placed at the
end.
Designed for the Mother’s Day market this release assumes Mothers have no need of
comprehensive liner notes or any kind of introduction to the grand lady herself.
Mothers will have gained some of the finest ever performances of such gems as
Don’t Fence me In, I Get A Kick Out Of You, Summertime, Night and Day, A Fine Romance – you get he idea of what to
expect. A welcome compilation for those of us with extensive Ella collections wanting to play through a well thought out
compilation into a spinner, have a ready made list of gems to drop on the iPod or accompany that well earned gin. Bliss.
Allan McFarlane
For those that have somehow missed the phenomenon that is Jack Johnson he is
best described as guitarist who sings, writes about global and personal issues with
equal ease and is at home as much in the corner bar as a stadium. He’s an artist that
sees songs as a lyric/poem that happens to be sung. That is the delivery is second to
the message. This is not to say that either approach is the correct one.
Personally I have always enjoyed a track from here and there without needing to
collect every utterance. Sleep Through The Static does nothing to change my view.
I can hear why others adore this artist, I would go to see him live in a flash, but for
me this album remains a dipper, something I will continue to dip in to but find the
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whole event doesn’t captivate me as a must listen-through. Note that if you don’t you will miss the captivating last track
Losing Keys, a little gem. And then there’s the equally beguiling bonus track - an acoustic version of Home Stay. I
suspect I’ll keep on listening and suggest you do exactly that as well. Allan McFarlane
KD Lang: Watershed
Nonesuch
It’s actually taken me longer to get into the latest KD Lang offering than would
normally be the case. Not because there is any radical departure in content but
because there isn’t. Some eight years have passed since the last release of new KD
material – not to disparage the quintessential covers album Hymns of the 49th
Parallel – and perhaps I was expecting a new direction. Hey with a voice like hers
why reinvent the wheel? Sultry songsmith she is. If you want bluegrass these days,
you’ll need to shell out for a glimpse in her live set.
Watershed sees her taking the production credits herself for the first time, with
near complete mastery. Delivering a wonderful set of songs that only disappoint in
their 11-track brevity. (This is compensated a little by the additional five tracks on the limited release version of this CD).
The apparent sparseness of the arrangements is filled with some skilful string writing, occasionally too much so, this was
not missed in her live set in Wellington recently, but will possibly add to the durability of each tack as they are revisited
and revisited. I have to say my understanding and subsequent enjoyment of this album was helped in no small measure
by the live experience. Upon reflection I remind myself that lyrics have never been the reason to treasure KD’s own
material and nothing has changed that view here. I am left urging the release of a live set of this material featuring the
recently toured band. Then we will get past the studio-ness of the tracks and inject that next level of spontaneity and
musical interaction that is missing from this nearly magical release from an artist of true genius. Allan McFarlane
The fact that this is released on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records will give you an
idea of the overall feel to the album – generally laid back; guitar based; three
minute pop songs. Having said that there is a bit of an edge to some of the material
that differentiates Costa from Johnson and some of his label mates.
Emergency Call moves along at a sprightly pace and has some added colour
courtesy of some brass and shuffling drums. Vienna is reminiscent of Paul Weller
in his Style Council days. Costa’s vocals remind me on occasions of Ben Watt of
Everything but the Girl (EBTG) fame and the pace of the album is not too different
from EBTG’s earlier work – before they got a bit more ‘funky’.
The album is an interesting blend of pop styles including some 60s type stylings on the title track and the likes of Miss
Magnolia which sounds very like Mungo Jerry’s In the Summertime.
Cigarette Eyes shows a bit of a darker side and is a bit more indie than some of the other tracks - but never too difficult.
I don’t think he’ll ever set the world on fire but Costa comes across as an honest musician making genuine music. My
advice - Try before you buy! Douglas Lang
Prolific is the understated summary of this true legend who keeps ‘em coming some
50 years after his debut release. Motivation? I guess Willie just enjoys what he does
and what he does he does so well. I have often argued that a student of singing can
do no better than to listen to Ella Fitzgerald or Willie Nelson to learn about the
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subtleties of how to interpret, things like just hold the phrase back a little, or don’t
be afraid to bend the pitch or the rhythm. Little things that come naturally to so few
that separates them from the robots of the studio and the concert hall.
Moment of Forever is simply a new album of his latest material, superbly recorded
with some excellent collaborators. Reflection, romance, relationships and humour
are all covered. This man has no right to be doing this at his age. Zimmer frame maybe. Not a Guest appearance on
Ellen with his latest single. Awesome. The man’s a true legend.
PS It’s well worthwhile “YouTube”-ing the videos Gravedigger and the oh so odd You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore.
Allan McFarlane
This is a reissue of the famous 1987 U2 album. Over 20 years, the USA sales alone
are said to be more than 10 million. It is such a well known album that it can be
hard to make a sensible review comment. Simply saying that you like it is like
saying many women like chocolate (no – they love it!). My dilemma was solved for
two months when one of my children (yes, you know who you are) made off with the
CD. I did not want to search their bedroom; there are many things that a parent
does not want to know.
This gave me some time to think about this album and why I like it. Officially, the
album is meant to be a tribute to America and the Joshua tree meant an actual tree
– which was covered on one of the early album issues. Evidently these trees are very slow growing and can live for
hundreds or even possibly a thousand years. The original Joshua tree from the album cover died in 2000. There is also
a New Zealand connection, the track One Tree Hill refers to a New Zealander known to the band. My favourite tracks
would be Where the Streets Have No Name and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Musically, many of the
songs have less complicated structures than U2’s earlier work and this is probably a reflection of U2’s growing
confidence as a band. The “less is more” approach paid off and results in an album that is still enjoyable 20 years later.
The guitar pieces are wonderful and just seem to keep on going.
While I like The Joshua Tree a lot, I probably would not put it on and listen to the whole thing from start to finish.
However, it has tunes and melodies which stick in your mind and you find yourself listening to one or two songs “one
more time”. Now if only I could find which bedroom my children have spirited the Joshua Tree off to this week, I might
be able to listen to it again! Matthew Strack
Elgar seems to be one of those composers you love or hate. In his lifetime the
reaction was similar. Nowadays he would be regarded by many classical music
lovers as one of the greatest British composers. In addition, his profile has been
raised by Nigel Kennedy who did a lot in the 90’s to popularise Elgar’s violin
concerto. I was lucky enough to hear Nigel Kennedy play the violin concerto and
the experience changed my thoughts about Elgar.
This is a very good recording of Elgar’s cello concerto with some shorter pieces
thrown in for extra measure. I enjoyed the recording because a strong sense of
emotion comes through with the complex and sometimes sad feelings that
characterise the early movements. There is also an uplifting sense of triumph in the
last movement. Natelie Clein plays in a restrained yet sensitive way. It is quite different to that of the more flamboyant
style of Jacjueline Du Pré, but none the worse for this and captures some of the early movements in a very effective way.
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The sound recording is pleasingly clear and there is good balance between the soloist and orchestra. The shorter works
are pleasant cello pieces, nothing with quite the substance of the “main course” though. I was lucky enough to hear
Natelie Clein during her New Zealand tour recently and her live performance was also excellent.
If some of the early classical composers such as Vivaldi and Mozart are beginning to tire, then a dose of Elgar might be
in order. This is a first rate interpretation and performance of one of the “classic” cello concertos. Matthew Strack
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