Has a new album out, the single Running Water I am enjoying at the moment.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

On 19 Nov 2021, Avon said the following...

Has a new album out, the single Running Water I am enjoying at the
moment.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

Actually, I just bought the album.. fantastic piece of music. Sting never ceases to amaze with how versatile he is, beautiful arrangements. We watched a Sting concert and interview series they had on and some how I missed his sea shanty style album entitled "The Last Ship", have you heard of that one?

./)arkman /\lmighty.

... A truly wise man never argues with a Unicorn

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/12/13 (Linux/64)
* Origin: thE qUAntUm wOrmhOlE, rAmsgAtE, Uk. bbs.erb.pw (21:1/158)

On 17 Dec 2021 at 02:56a, Darkman Almighty pondered and said...

Actually, I just bought the album.. fantastic piece of music. Sting never ceases to amaze with how versatile he is, beautiful arrangements. We watched a Sting concert and interview series they had on and some how I missed his sea shanty style album entitled "The Last Ship", have you
heard of that one?

No I haven't but I am planning to look for it now :)

Yeah I've been watching a few of his performances lately and think he's still got the goods :)

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

Hello Darkman Almighty!

** On Friday 17.12.21 - 02:56, Darkman Almighty wrote to Avon:

Has a new album out, the single Running Water I am enjoying at the
moment.

Actually, I just bought the album.. fantastic piece of
music. Sting never ceases to amaze with how versatile he
is, beautiful arrangements. We watched a Sting concert and
interview series they had on and some how I missed his sea
shanty style album entitled "The Last Ship", have you
heard of that one?

..I remain undecided with Sting's new album. Most of the tunes
sound "solo" with a simple accompaniment - but it doesn't seem
to work. I miss the more stylistic efforts of the past that
embodied harmonies and cool hooks. The recent recording
doesn't see to have any of that. But I was also just listening
to it on rinky-dink speakers. Maybe a full open-air speakers
hi-fi presentation will work better.

Another recording that didn't bedazzle me at first listen is Ed
Sheeran's newest release "Equal".


--- OpenXP 5.0.50
* Origin: Ogg's WestCoast Point (21:4/106.21)

On 17 Dec 2021, Avon said the following...

On 17 Dec 2021 at 02:56a, Darkman Almighty pondered and said...

Actually, I just bought the album.. fantastic piece of music. Sting n ceases to amaze with how versatile he is, beautiful arrangements. We watched a Sting concert and interview series they had on and some how missed his sea shanty style album entitled "The Last Ship", have you heard of that one?

No I haven't but I am planning to look for it now :)

Yeah I've been watching a few of his performances lately and think he's still got the goods :)

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)

Not too many artists up in age can still sound that good really. When you get
a chance to hear the whole album, let me know what you think.

./)arkman /\lmighty.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A46 2020/08/26 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Al's Geek Lab -=- bbs.alsgeeklab.com:2323 (21:1/126)

On 17 Dec 2021, Ogg said the following...

Hello Darkman Almighty!

** On Friday 17.12.21 - 02:56, Darkman Almighty wrote to Avon:

Has a new album out, the single Running Water I am enjoying at the
moment.

Actually, I just bought the album.. fantastic piece of
music. Sting never ceases to amaze with how versatile he
is, beautiful arrangements. We watched a Sting concert and
interview series they had on and some how I missed his sea
shanty style album entitled "The Last Ship", have you
heard of that one?

..I remain undecided with Sting's new album. Most of the tunes
sound "solo" with a simple accompaniment - but it doesn't seem
to work. I miss the more stylistic efforts of the past that
embodied harmonies and cool hooks. The recent recording
doesn't see to have any of that. But I was also just listening
to it on rinky-dink speakers. Maybe a full open-air speakers
hi-fi presentation will work better.

Another recording that didn't bedazzle me at first listen is Ed Sheeran's newest release "Equal".

Hey Ogg, I think I know what you mean. I personally love his older stuff,
soul cages and ten summoner stuff the most and its not like that but I still find it really nice to listen to. Then theres the speaker equation to it all.

Also, sometimes you listen to a song and go meh.. then you listen again..
ok.. and keep hearing it, certain songs grow on you. Was this a love at first listen album, no.. I ran through it but "the bridge" after hearing on the
radio stuck with me. I cannot comment on Ed Sheeran as I don't listen to any
of his stuff.

In any case, Sting pulls off a pretty well put together album. I took a
chance on buying it just based on title song.

Happy listening,
./)arkman /\lmighty.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A46 2020/08/26 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Al's Geek Lab -=- bbs.alsgeeklab.com:2323 (21:1/126)

On 17 Dec 2021 at 08:32a, Ogg pondered and said...

Another recording that didn't bedazzle me at first listen is Ed Sheeran's newest release "Equal".

I've just heard Ed Sheeran and Elton John's new Christmas Song. It's not too bad, but it's not great either. I guess that makes it a typical Christmas tune.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

On 18 Dec 2021 at 03:00p, Darkman Almighty pondered and said...

Not too many artists up in age can still sound that good really. When
you get a chance to hear the whole album, let me know what you think.

Yeah will do. I enjoy it when I can find an artist from the 80s or 90s I like that is still putting out new stuff. There seem to be a few more 80s artists doing that these days.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

Hello Avon!

** On Saturday 18.12.21 - 16:57, Avon wrote to Ogg:

Another recording that didn't bedazzle me at first listen
is Ed Sheeran's newest release "Equal".

I've just heard Ed Sheeran and Elton John's new Christmas
Song. It's not too bad, but it's not great either. I guess
that makes it a typical Christmas tune.

It's not on the standard "=" album, thank goodness! ..but I
just noticed that it's uncluded on the streaming site version.
I concur, it's not bad. It's ok to include it in my "wintermix"
playlist.

Meanwhile, I produced a physical CD of "=" so that I could give
it a good audition on a good sound system. Some of the songs
are candidates of "will grow on you". I don't care for his
falsetto which seems to be the style of many of the younger
singers: Beiber, Jonas, Stiles, etc.. (and hence AVOIDED!) But
Sheenan delivers some original musical elements which are
worthy of repeat listens.

--- OpenXP 5.0.50
* Origin: Ogg's WestCoast Point (21:4/106.21)

Hello Darkman Almighty!

** On Saturday 18.12.21 - 15:07, Darkman Almighty wrote to Ogg:

..I remain undecided with Sting's new album. Most of the
tunes sound "solo" with a simple accompaniment [...]

Hey Ogg, I think I know what you mean. I personally love
his older stuff, soul cages and ten summoner stuff the
most and its not like that but I still find it really nice
to listen to. Then theres the speaker equation to it all.

I produced a physical CD of the tunes and have given the album
at least 3 spins. I noticed that if I play the recording in
original order.. the songs seem to tell a story. The songs have
many references to scripture, God, etc. Perhaps, now in his
sunset years, Sting is musing life more passionately.

1. Rushing Water: the funky sounds and beats are very nice.
A reference to "Jonah". But "God's own daughter" [?] I don't
understand that reference.

2. If It's Love: references to church bells, what the doctor
said, "If it's love there's no cure.."

3. The Book of Numbers: that's a scripture reference. "Thank
the Lord..", the holy book of Numbers, parables in the
scriptures, gates of heaven, mercy, angels. The song has a
familiar "Sting" treatment.

4. Loving You: I really like this one! It has a nice funky laid
back style. "I pray that the waters of forgiveness will look
down on me." "We will walk in righteousness".

5. Harmony Road: Ironically, this one doesn't have much
harmony! :( This is the first tune that strikes me as
minimalist, a solo, and not much Sting-treatment. I would tend
to avoid this song.

6. For Her Love: nice guitar and beats. This one works well.
In a few places his voice "breaks" and that's pretty cool. Nice
ending.

7. The Hills on the Border: So-so. A musing on life, the
devil, a gravestone reference, the fiddles and accordian give
it country-tune feel. I could pass on that one. But it's not a
standout for me.

8. Captain Bateman: a minstrel tune. There's a story to tell.
The accompaniment and the glimpse of the female voice makes it
interesting.

9. The Bells of St. Thomas: "last day is the judgment". "walk
to the church" "the wounds we all share". A weird dark song.

10. The Bridge: "the bridge out there.." "we are bags of blood
and bone", "the bridge we will find somehow, only then we will
be delivered". A non-threatening solo. But I miss the artistry
and more harmonies that he could apply.

11. Waters of Tyne: Sounds like "10" above. A solo. I could
skip this one.

12. Captain Bateman's Basement: I wonder what the reference to
Cpt. Bateman is all about (again) - see #8 above. But this one
is entirely in scat. It's pretty interesting this way. I like
it. It has a jazz-like complexity that is interesting.

13. Dock of the Bay: This is a complete surprise. Why is this
cover compelling for Sting? Why would he even NEED to do a
cover, unless the message of the song "wasting time",
loneliness, ties into the theme of life, love, hope and loss
that the album seems to be about. And.. he seems to know how to
whistle!

It made a big difference to hear the recording on proper open-
air speakers. I wouldn't hesitate to spin this one up on
repeat a few more times when I need to relax.

Also, sometimes you listen to a song and go meh.. then you
listen again.. ok.. and keep hearing it, certain songs
grow on you. Was this a love at first listen album, no.. I
ran through it but "the bridge" after hearing on the radio
stuck with me.

The whole recording *is* growing on me!

In any case, Sting pulls off a pretty well put together
album. I took a chance on buying it just based on title
song.

I haven't encountered a recording that I would buy as a genuine
CD in a long time. I've got around 2000 from previous decades.

I recently revisited my copy of Don Henley's "The End Of The
Innocence" and noticed one particular song for the 1st time:

"Gimme What You Got" ..that one has a nice opening groove that
I don't think I paid attention to before.


--- OpenXP 5.0.50
* Origin: Ogg's WestCoast Point (21:4/106.21)

On 18 Dec 2021, Avon said the following...

On 18 Dec 2021 at 03:00p, Darkman Almighty pondered and said...

Not too many artists up in age can still sound that good really. When you get a chance to hear the whole album, let me know what you think.

Yeah will do. I enjoy it when I can find an artist from the 80s or 90s I like that is still putting out new stuff. There seem to be a few more
80s artists doing that these days.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)

Agreed. Any recommendations for me to revisit?

./)/\.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A45 2020/02/18 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Bottomless Abyss BBS * bbs.bottomlessabyss.net (21:1/172)

On 19 Dec 2021, Ogg said the following...

Hello Darkman Almighty!

** On Saturday 18.12.21 - 15:07, Darkman Almighty wrote to Ogg:

..I remain undecided with Sting's new album. Most of the
tunes sound "solo" with a simple accompaniment [...]

I produced a physical CD of the tunes and have given the album
at least 3 spins. I noticed that if I play the recording in
original order.. the songs seem to tell a story. The songs have
many references to scripture, God, etc. Perhaps, now in his
sunset years, Sting is musing life more passionately.

1. Rushing Water: the funky sounds and beats are very nice.
2. If It's Love: references to church bells, what the doctor
3. The Book of Numbers: that's a scripture reference. "Thank
4. Loving You: I really like this one! It has a nice funky laid
5. Harmony Road: Ironically, this one doesn't have much
6. For Her Love: nice guitar and beats. This one works well.
7. The Hills on the Border: So-so. A musing on life, the
8. Captain Bateman: a minstrel tune. There's a story to tell.
9. The Bells of St. Thomas: "last day is the judgment". "walk
10. The Bridge: "the bridge out there.." "we are bags of blood
11. Waters of Tyne: Sounds like "10" above. A solo. I could
12. Captain Bateman's Basement: I wonder what the reference to
13. Dock of the Bay: This is a complete surprise. Why is this
It made a big difference to hear the recording on proper open-
air speakers. I wouldn't hesitate to spin this one up on
repeat a few more times when I need to relax.

Sometimes you never know what they are thinking really. That was quite the breakdown you provided. I'll have to listen much closer. I recall on an interview of his, he says that he writes the melody and music and let it
speak to him coming up with the lyrics. Idk if that fits in but clearly there is a theme here. Either way, I do enjoy this album. Incidentally, I had his Christmas concert on performed at the Durham Cathedral from youtube. I could see his perspective change and hence feel that in his music.

ran through it but "the bridge" after hearing on the radio
stuck with me.

The whole recording *is* growing on me!

YES! Glad you enjoyed it.

I haven't encountered a recording that I would buy as a genuine
CD in a long time. I've got around 2000 from previous decades.

I personally don't own a lot of CD's, primarily because it's so often theres only one hit and the rest if meh. More so will say passing fancy or worse
yet, one hit wonders lol. As you become familiar with the artist, you just
know the album will not disappoint.. and really, my short list is pretty
short.

I recently revisited my copy of Don Henley's "The End Of The
Innocence" and noticed one particular song for the 1st time:

I'll have to check that out. Good point though when you really listen, pick
up things never heard before. One example off hand, the band, LIVE from the 90's.. seemingly has a theme of water running through a few songs and cleansing. ? idk.

If you have any recommendations, I'm all ears LOL.
Happy listening,
/)arkman /\lmighty

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A45 2020/02/18 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Bottomless Abyss BBS * bbs.bottomlessabyss.net (21:1/172)

On 22 Dec 2021 at 07:39p, Darkman Almighty pondered and said...

Yeah will do. I enjoy it when I can find an artist from the 80s or 90 like that is still putting out new stuff. There seem to be a few more 80s artists doing that these days.

Agreed. Any recommendations for me to revisit?

80's artists right? Just checking my terms of reference first :)

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

On Thu, 23 Dec 2021 20:14:10 +1300
"Avon" <avon@21:1/101> wrote:

Agreed. Any recommendations for me to revisit?

80's artists right? Just checking my terms of reference first :)

This week may not be the best, it's British novelty record week, but
look back through almost 2 years of songs. I'm sure there's a lot of
discovery just by browsing through.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nigelssongoftheday

Feel free to join the group and get a new song every day. Things are
starting to get a bit obscure because I don't repeat artists or songs, knowingly.
--
End Of The Line BBS - Plano, TX
telnet endofthelinebbs.com 23
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: End Of The Line BBS - endofthelinebbs.com (21:2/101)

Hello Nigel Reed!

** On Friday 24.12.21 - 19:41, Nigel Reed wrote to All:

This week may not be the best, it's British novelty record week, but
look back through almost 2 years of songs. I'm sure there's a lot of discovery just by browsing through.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nigelssongoftheday

Feel free to join the group and get a new song every day. Things are starting to get a bit obscure because I don't repeat artists or songs, knowingly.

Sounds interesting.. but I have to pass. FB does not cooperate
with my T60 on XP with FF 52.8 (I have a T540p on Win7 with FF
95.0.2 /64, but it's not my daily pc of choice.) How about a
x-post of your selection in the MUSIC echo from time to time?

BTW.. with a commitment of a new tune every day, that's a quite
the responsibilty. Good luck.


--- OpenXP 5.0.50
* Origin: Ogg's WestCoast Point (21:4/106.21)

On Sat, 25 Dec 2021 09:44:00 -0500
"Ogg" <ogg@21:4/106.21> wrote:

Hello Nigel Reed!

** On Friday 24.12.21 - 19:41, Nigel Reed wrote to All:

This week may not be the best, it's British novelty record week,
but look back through almost 2 years of songs. I'm sure there's
a lot of discovery just by browsing through.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nigelssongoftheday

Feel free to join the group and get a new song every day. Things
are starting to get a bit obscure because I don't repeat artists
or songs, knowingly.

Sounds interesting.. but I have to pass. FB does not cooperate
with my T60 on XP with FF 52.8 (I have a T540p on Win7 with FF
95.0.2 /64, but it's not my daily pc of choice.) How about a
x-post of your selection in the MUSIC echo from time to time?

BTW.. with a commitment of a new tune every day, that's a quite
the responsibilty. Good luck.

At the end of the year I post everything that I have done the previous
year. Maybe I'll do a weekly post.
--
End Of The Line BBS - Plano, TX
telnet endofthelinebbs.com 23
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: End Of The Line BBS - endofthelinebbs.com (21:2/101)

Hello Darkman Almighty!

I personally don't own a lot of CD's, primarily because
it's so often theres only one hit and the rest if meh.
More so will say passing fancy or worse yet, one hit
wonders lol. As you become familiar with the artist, you
just know the album will not disappoint.. and really, my
short list is pretty short.

One consistent common denomintor that I've found in recordings
where ALL the tunes are excellent are those mastered by Bernie
Grundman or Bob Clearmountain. Those guys have/had long waiting
lists or submissions for their work. I was digging into some of
this many many years ago and learned that they would only do
music that only appealed to them too. Before then, I kept a
small pile of CDs where most of tunes were brilliant
experiences and noticed that the mastering was most often those
guys! Then, at one point I prioritized my CD purchases that
bore their names.

Today, in the age of streaming, the mastering tag is next to
nonexistent, so it's hard to know which complete album is worth
acquiring, but now we can also sample an entire album before
prchase, or just purchase the indivual tunes that appeal to us.

But in the age of physical CDs, Clearmountain and Grundman
performed magic. It's relatively easy to find their work now
on the www. Maybe explore something in their catalog for a
rewarding experience.

If you have any recommendations, I'm all ears LOL.
Happy listening,

About 13 years go, two singers formed an unlikely duo: Allison
Krause + Robert Plant. I remember reading some editorials and
calling the pair "the beauty and the beast". Their
collaborative album "Raising Sand" is wonderful.

They've partnered in a recent recording "Raise the Roof". It's
not bad. I like tracks 1-6. I could pass 7-12, but maybe
they'll grow on me.


--- OpenXP 5.0.50
* Origin: Ogg's WestCoast Point (21:4/106.21)

Hello Darkman Almighty!

** On Wednesday 22.12.21 - 19:39, Darkman Almighty wrote to Avon:

..I enjoy it when I can find an artist from the 80s or
90s I like that is still putting out new stuff. There
seem to be a few more 80s artists doing that these days.

Agreed. Any recommendations for me to revisit?

Bon Jovi (2018)
U2 (2017)
Chris Rea (2019)

--- OpenXP 5.0.50
* Origin: Ogg's WestCoast Point (21:4/106.21)

Agreed. Any recommendations for me to revisit?

Bon Jovi (2018)
U2 (2017)
Chris Rea (2019)

Hey Ogg, ok. On it...

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A46 2020/08/26 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Al's Geek Lab -=- bbs.alsgeeklab.com:2323 (21:1/126)

On 26 Dec 2021 at 12:11a, Nigel Reed pondered and said...

95.0.2 /64, but it's not my daily pc of choice.) How about a
x-post of your selection in the MUSIC echo from time to time?

BTW.. with a commitment of a new tune every day, that's a quite
the responsibilty. Good luck.

At the end of the year I post everything that I have done the previous year. Maybe I'll do a weekly post.

I'd enjoy reading that here Nigel.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/11/06 (Linux/64)
* Origin: Agency BBS | Dunedin, New Zealand | agency.bbs.nz (21:1/101)

ah well... why not David Bowie and his Space Oddity?

[ ]
Krull

... Marriage is one of the chief causes of divorce

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 2021/12/13 (Linux/64)
* Origin: thE qUAntUm wOrmhOlE, rAmsgAtE, Uk. bbs.erb.pw (21:1/158)