Two enjoyable (if very different!) new releases today.
Kokoroko: Tuff Times Never Last
R&B
Brownswood Recordings - 11th July 2025
24/96
DR: 5
Steve Hackett: The Lamb Stands Up, Live at The Royal Albert Hall
Rock, Prog Rock
Inside Out Music - 11th July 2025
24/48
DR: 8
I’m still puzzled “Chuck” fired Paz Lenchantin after this album. I think she brought life and energy back to the Pixies’ records that were missing since…. Kim Deal departure!
@Erwan
I think the entire suite is pretty consistent. Good choice
Hello @barryr1,
If you’re indeed talking about the Pixies albums, to me “Indie Cindy” and “Head Carrier” are very weak…
“Beneath the Eyrie” and more especially “Doggerel”, the ones with Lenchantin, are far more superior IMHO.
And I gave a quick listen to the latest, “The Night The Zombies Came”, and found it very disappointing again. Maybe I should give it a second chance one day…
Cheers,
Erwan
Emmanuel Ceysson, Véronique Gens , Quatuor Voce “Images. Hommage à Marcel Tournier” 2025, Qobuz 24/192
Bread: The Sound Of Bread, Their 20 Finest Songs
AM Pop, Soft Rock
Elektra/Rhino - (1977) 4th September 2006
16/44.1
DR: 7
@Erwan indeed i am talking about the pixies. I understand your comments. For me the real pixies have kim on them … the only iteration which i saw in person. Im likely a bit older than the average pixies fan. My best buddy is about 8 yrs younger than me. I rarely listen to the radio and his interest more indie pop than mine with definite crossovers. To me, not being pop oriented, this was a dark period in music. I was at his house pre bar night and he had put on an early fb solo album. Maybe cult of ray. My ears opened wide. I sucked up everything i could find. Breeders deal 2000 catholics and all fb solo. So not being of the age, that original sound was my mainstream. After the original reunion wave subsided i heard new album being released. Eventually hearing each one the most recent two or three probably in the past year. My main listening is hard bop jazz and ecm. I was pleasantly surprised that they werent watered down like most bands get as they grow long in the tooth. Although none really rival the first couple for me as with most band seeing mass acceptance, im always surprised when i put them on and they sound fresh. A good comparison would be the stones, who’s early albums are raw and exciting as are a good handful but many later albums are barely listenable imho. Not trying to convince. Just my observation. B
Got your point and fully agreed about The Rolling Stones recent albums which are completely lame.
Back to the Pixies and possible other bands “likelihood”, have you ever given a try to Sonic Youth ? Their “Daydream Nation” or “Goo” or “Dirty” albums are contemporary to Pixies early discs and might be worth a listen 
Btw, currently listening to:
Nobody has mentioned this one, which is by far my favourite!
The Pixies ”Doolittle” 1989, Qobuz 16/44.1
Yes. I have goo. I like it but doesnt scratch my itch the same way. My taste goes more to the distillers and hole. Thanks for the suggestions. I will revisit. Best. B
Song: City of angels
Band the distillers
Album: sing sing death house
Post punk rock pop
16/44
Yes. I believe it may be their best but i am also quite partial to surfa rosa
Looks like we agree there
Doolittle and Surfer Rosa are both Pixies’ pinnacle.
Out of the Blue - Electric Light Orchestra
Pop/Rock • Rock
24 / 192
13 November 2015
Orig 24 October 1977
https://open.qobuz.com/album/0886445593945
The last ever ELO concert had to be cancelled:
Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow’s BST Hyde Park show
Sommernachtskonzert, Schoenbrunn 2025
Tugan Sokhiev, Wiener Philharmoniker, Piotr Beczala, Wiener Sangerknaben
Sony Classical - 11th July 2025
24/96
Qobuz
The original SACDs of both are brilliant transfers!
When i purchase something like the pixies where real vinyl is available i definitely try to get that. I should do a a/b on that one and see if i can fool myself!
