While Michael has been busy in London and kept us all updated about his whereabouts I’ve filled several gaps in my record collection: albums I once owned – then probably lend to someone and never received back* and records that grabbed my attention when I saw them last week in the shops. – First of all there’s „Hot House“ by TIMBER TIMBRE – just to follow one of Michael’s trustworthy recommondations. An album for every season, but especially for the daily train ride back home from work at 9 o’clock in the evening.
Then „Love Letters From Ella“, a collection of unreleased recordings of standards and torch songs sung by ELLA FITZGERALD – every imaginable mood you can associate with love is captured here. (I don’t have to add anything about Ella’s voice, I suppose.)
Also: a fine double CD with previously unreleased demos and outtakes by WARREN ZEVON, „Prelude“. Then there’s „Sextant“ by HERBIE HANCOCK if the fusion of the 70’s takes my fancy – a „must own“, I suppose. And „Ruth Is Stranger Than Richard“ as with every album I buy I more and more come to understand what my fellow Manafonistas here like about Robert Wyatt and his music. – And last but not least: the yesterday released double vinyl „Cover Versions“ by STEVEN WILSON.
* „Poor Pitiful Me“, to quote Warren Zevon.