silver fox in the city

NOW: HURTS – HAPPINESS  NOW (2010)

Who doesn’t want a “Wonderful Life”? This import cd is so gothically romantic. The very 80’s production value and strong voice make you feel like you are floating to a castle somewhere in a “illuminated” palace. The two boys even add Kylie on vocals on “Devotion”.  This music is as grand as you get.   The pop element and catchy tunes bring you back to the days of youth.  It is time for large scale production and escapism.  It won’t Hurt to try this music… you will feel Happiness.

THEN: PAUL YOUNG – BETWEEN TWO FIRES (1986)

OMG, Remember that name? It was very hard to compare Hurts to another singer from the past.  I opened up my vault and quickly my eye ran to Paul Young.  All I remember about him is his distinct beautiful grand voice and the over the top 80’s production. This was it! This works for the now and then. I always love a good homage!!

NOW: DESTROYER – KAPUTT (2011)

Now don’t get scared by the name of this group. It is not a heavy metal hair band from the 80’s. It is a new beautiful piece of music that is going to be on my top list of best music of the year. The sound is soothing 70’s with a crisp production. Mellow and relaxing yet flowing too with some great electronics in the mix. Think Steely Dan, Al Stewart, and other storytellers of that era. This a new sound landscape to discover.

THEN: STEELY DAN – AJA   (1977)

This album was one of the great masterpieces of the era. Each song was longer than we were used to, and flowed like a carpet ride along the sky. The instruments were so jazzy and smooth. Go and rediscover this classic piece of art. The cover was so shiny and slick.  I remember the original album cover having a heavy gloss on it to match the sound of the music. This was the first time this was achieved in album cover art. Turn it up and turn down the lights to float into the land of AJA.

NOW: THE DECEMBERISTS – THE KING IS DEAD (2011)

“Don’t Carry it all,” “Let the yoke fall from our Shoulders,” “Raise a glass to turnings of the season” —  The seasons are the topics for The Decemberists. They start off this year with one of the best albums of the year. Going through every season with mandolins, violin, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and tambourine. The sound is earthy, comforting and very melodic. The use of words travel through the mountains to higher places.

THEN: NEIL YOUNG – COMES A TIME (1978)

This was one of my favorite Neil Young albums. It also has a very comforting and soothing experience. I thought this was the perfect complement to the above now. This music is timeless and classic and makes you want to put on a pair of boots and denim and climb mountains up a new horizon. “Lotta Love” is a amazing song that will stick with you forever. This is what we all want.