MUSIC
My musical interests are all over the board. I have certain favorite off-the-path albums or CDs that I encourage you to locate and purchase. Unless otherwise noted, the album has issued in CD format.
I have a number of midi formatted songs you may enjoy on my Midi page. Of special note, try "Hey You" and "Hotel California."
Live at Carnegie Hall, Renaissance (1976). Metaphysical lyrics, full orchestration mixed with piano and bass guitar, and a lead singer (Annie Haslam) with a voice like a bell, all make this my all-time favorite. EVERY SINGLE SONG on this album is outstanding! Of special note are Ocean Gypsy, Carpet of the Sun, and the introductions of Can You Understand and Running Hard. If you like The Moody Blues' Nights in White Satin, I'm telling you, this is BETTER.
Quidam, Cirque du Soliel (1996). Most of the lyrics are in French. However, this Soundtrack contains some gorgeous music. My favorite songs are "Let Me Fall" and "Seisouso." The "Alegria" CD is pretty good, too. If you like these two songs, try to find Guantanamera, The Sandpipers (~1968). Easy Listening, but please don't let that put you off. English, Spanish, and Italian lyrics. My favorite songs are "What Makes You Dream, Pretty Girl" and "Stasera Gli Angeli Non Volano," Neither of which made the "hits" CD.
Equinoxe, Jean Michel Jarre (1978). You can find this CD in the New Age section. All synthesized, very spacey but relaxing music. If you like this, also try Michael Oldfield's Tubular Bells (theme music from "The Exorcist") and Walter Carlos' Switched On Bach (Carlos did the synthesized version of Beethoven's 9th, 4th movement, complete with synthesized voices, in the soundtrack of "A Clockwork Orange").
Little Queen, Heart (1978). I like classic/ hard rock, but most of what I like is pretty well known. This album has the two big hits "Barracuda" and "Kick It Out," but the prize cuts lie between them on Side One: "Sylvan Song" and "The Dream of the Archer." The flip side has two other wonderful songs: "Say Hello" and "Cry To Me."
Living In Darkness, Agent Orange (1981). The Surfaris and The Sex Pistols collide. You will be at 90 mph with your hair on fire with this on! My favorites are "Miserlou," "Living in Darkness" and "Everything Turns Gray." This is on CD with some new EXCELLENT renditions of Pipeline and Mr. Moto. My other punk favorites include Wire's Pink Flag and The Ramones' Rocket to Russia and Road to Ruin.
The Best of Cusco (1997). This is modern "Native American" music, primarily using flutes, drums, and violins. Wonderful stuff. Find it in the New Age section of your CD store. My favorites are "Montezuma," "Tupac Amaru" and "Lonely Rose." If you like this, try Precious Waters - River of Life, a Narada Collection. Also, some Celtic music not to miss - Loreena McKennitt's The Book of Secrets (1997) and The Visit (1991). She beats the HELL outta Enya!
The Whole Shebang, SheDaisy (1999). I don't even LIKE country music, but this has become one of my favorites. This is soooooo not country! Three sisters harmonizing to some very intelligent and FUNNY lyrics. At least 4 of the songs are top 10 material, including Little Good-byes and A Night to Remember (both getting lots of air play), Before Me And You, and Still Holding Out For You. My favorite song is the official hymn of the Multiple Personality Disorder Society - Lucky 4 You (Tonight I'm Just Me).