en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/ Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 60 http://www.audioscrobbler.net/data/webservices SirAlecHendrix's Last.fm Journal http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal The Last.fm journal for SirAlecHendrix. Last.fm journals are a place to talk about all things music. the greatest albums of the 50s http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/18/3cj31f_the_greatest_albums_of_the_50s Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:47:01 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/18/3cj31f_the_greatest_albums_of_the_50s DISCLAIMER:

please bear in mind

!!! this list is completely work in progress !!!


I. MASTER | PIECES

rated 9.5/10

John Cage - Sonatas & Interludes for Prepared Piano (1951)

, ,

Karlheinz Stockhausen - Studie I / Studie II / Gesang Der Jünglinge (1959)

Gesang Der Jünglinge: Electronic Music
, , , ,


rated 9/10

Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (1959)

So What
All Blues
Flamenco Sketches

,

Glenn Gould - Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (1955 mono recording) (1951)

, , , ,



II. CUTTING-EDGE | RELEASES

rated 8/10 or 8.5/10

Miles Davis - Ascenseur Pour L’Echafaud (1958)
Sur L'Autoroute · Dîner Au Motel
Évasion De Julien · Chez Le Photographe Du Motel

Thelonious Monk - Brilliant Corners (1956)
Brilliant Corners · Pannonica



III. REMARKABLE | ALBUMS

rated 7/10 or 7.5/10

Art Blakey - Live At Birdland, Vol. 1 (1954)
A Night In Tunisia

Miles Davis - Birth Of The Cool (1957)
Boplicity · Israel

Miles Davis - Cookin’ With the Miles Davis Quintet (1957)
My Funny Valentine

Miles Davis - Round About Midnight (1957)
’Round Midnight



IV. HONORABLE | MENTIONS

rated 6/10 or 6.5/10

Billie Holiday - Lady In Satin (1958)
I’m a Fool to Want You · You Don't Know What Love Is
The End of a Love Affair


this list is work in progress.]]> the greatest albums of the 60s http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/18/3cj2zf_the_greatest_albums_of_the_60s Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:46:33 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/18/3cj2zf_the_greatest_albums_of_the_60s DISCLAIMER:

please bear in mind

!!! this list is completely work in progress !!!


I. MASTER | PIECES

rated 9.5/10

Karlheinz Stockhausen - Gruppen / Carré (1965)

Gruppen—composition for three orchestras and 109 musicians
, ,

Gruppen listen at grooveshark.com


Karlheinz Stockhausen - Kontakte (1960)

Für elektronische Klänge, Klavier und Schlagzeug
, , , ,

Kontakte Teil 1
Kontakte Teil 2


rated 9/10

John Coltrane - A Love Supreme (1964)

Four-movement mass. John Coltrane’s masterpiece.
, , , ,

A Love Supreme Part I: Acknowledgement
A Love Supreme Part II - Resolution
A Love Supreme, Part III: Pursuance
A Love Supreme, Part IV-Psalm


Miles Davis - Sketches Of Spain (1960)

Programmatic compositions for orchestra, derived from spanish folklore.
Gil Evan’s masterpiece in composition, orchestration, and arrangement.
, , , ,

Concierto de Aranjuez (Adagio)
Solea


Charles Mingus - The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady (1963)

Six-part suite, written as a ballet. Mingus’ masterpiece in composition and orchestration.
, , ,

Track A - Solo Dancer
Track B - Duet Solo Dancers
Track C - Group Dancers
Mode D - Trio And Group Dancers
Mode E - Single Solos and Group Dance
Mode F - Group and Solo Dance


Carl Orff - Orff: Carmina Burana (1968)

Scenic cantata in 25 movements, based on a medieval collection of poems.
Orff’s masterpiece as a 20th century composer who did not fit into the modernist mainstream.
, , ,

Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: O Fortuna
In Taberna: II Olim lacus colueram



II. CUTTING-EDGE | RELEASES

rated 8/10 or 8.5/10

Anthony Braxton - For Alto (1969)

Leonard Cohen - Songs Of Leonard Cohen (1968)
Suzanne

John Coltrane - Giant Steps (1960)

Miles Davis - Bitches Brew (1969)
Bitches Brew

Eric Dolphy - Out To Lunch (1964)
Hat And Beard · Out To Lunch

The Doors - The Doors (1967)
Light My Fire · End of the Night · The End

Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968)
In A Gadda Da Vida (17:02) (Iron Butterfly’s masterpiece)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced (1967)
Purple Haze · Hey Joe · Foxey Lady ·
The Wind Cries Mary

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland (1968)
Voodoo Child · Burning Of The Midnight Lamp ·
All Along The Watchtower

Pink Floyd - A Saucerful of Secrets (1968)
Let There Be More Light
Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
A Saucerful of Secrets

Pink Floyd - Ummagumma (1969)
The members of Pink Floyd never valued this album as much as they should. Ummagumma is actually two different albums, one album of live versions of their repertoire, and one studio record of individual compositions and passages from their ’69 concert piece The Man & the Journey, spanning from avant-gardish piano pieces over psychedelic folk to musique concrète and noise.

A Saucerful of Secrets (Live) (Pink Floyd’s masterpiece, best: Live in Pompeji)
Sysyphus, Part 2
Grantchester Meadows
Several Species Of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together In A Cave And Grooving With A Pict
The Grand Vizier's Garden Party, Part 2 - Entertainment


III. REMARKABLE | ALBUMS

rated 7.5/10

Amon Düül II - Phallus Dei (1969)
Phallus Dei · Kanaan · Dem Guten, Schönen, Wahren

Blind Faith - Blind Faith (1969)
Sea Of Joy · Do What You Like

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica
(1969)
Probably the most anarchic but intelligently concepted album in the realm of “rock”, influenced by free jazz.
, ,

Hair Pie: Bake 1 · Hair Pie: Bake 2
When Big Joan Sets Up

The Doors - Strange Days (1967)
Strange Days · You’re Lost Little Girl ·
When the Music Is Over

The Doors - Waiting for the Sun (1968)
Waiting for the Sun

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Axis: Bold As Love (1967)

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin (1969)
Baby I’m Gonna Leave You

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II (1969)
Whole Lotta Love

The Mothers of Invention - Freak Out! (1966)
I Ain’t Got No Heart
[The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet

Pink Floyd - The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (1967)
Astronomy Dominé · Interstellar Overdrive

The Rolling Stones - Out of Our Heads (1965)
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction · Play With Fire

The Rolling Stones - Beggars Banquet (1968)
Sympathy For The Devil

The Rolling Stones - Their Satanic Majesties Request
(1968)
2000 Light Years from Home

The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico
(1967)
Venus In Furs

The Who - Tommy (1969)
Underture · Pinball Wizard · I’m Free

rated 7/10


IV. HONORABLE | MENTIONS

rated 6.5/10

The Beatles - Rubber Soul (1965)
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) · Michelle · Girl

The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds · Within You, Without You ·
A Day in the Life

The Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
I Am the Walrus · Strawberry Fields Forever · Penny Lane

Pink Floyd - More [Soundtrack] (1968)
Cymbaline

The Rolling Stones - Aftermath (1968)
Paint It Black

The Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed (1969)
You can’t always get what you want


rated 6/10

The Beatles - Revolver (1966)
Eleanor Rigby

The Beatles - The Beatles [White Album] (1968)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps · Blackbird · Yer Blues ·
Helter Skelter

The Beatles - Abbey Road (1969)
Something · I Want You (She’s So Heavy) ·
Here Comes the Sun · You Never Give Me Your Money


this list is work in progress.]]> the greatest albums of the 70s http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/18/3cj2xb_the_greatest_albums_of_the_70s Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:46:05 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/18/3cj2xb_the_greatest_albums_of_the_70s I. MASTER | PIECES

rated 9.5/10

Karlheinz Stockhausen - Mantra (1971)


rated 9/10



II. CUTTING-EDGE | RELEASES

rated 8/10 or 8.5/10

Amon Düül II - Yeti (1970)

Amon Düül II - Tanz Der Lemminge (1971)

Dollar Brand - Good News From Africa (1973)
Ntsikanas Bell / The Pilgrim / Moniebah - The Pilgrim

Faust - Faust (1970)

Joni Mitchell - Blue (1971)
River



III. REMARKABLE | ALBUMS

rated 7.5/10

Jimi Hendrix - Band Of Gypsys (1970)
Machine Gun

Pink Floyd - Atom Heart Mother (1970)

Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Breathe · The Great Gig in the Sky · Us and Them

Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (1975)


rated 7/10

Led Zeppelin - III (1970)

Led Zeppelin - IV (1971)



IV. HONORABLE | MENTIONS

rated 6/10 or 6.5/10

Led Zeppelin - Houses of the Holy (1973)
Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti (1975)
Kashmir
Led Zeppelin - In Through the Out Door (1975)
Fool in the Rain
Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976)
The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers (1971)
The Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street (1972)
Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971)
Pink Floyd - Obscured by Clouds (1971)
Pink Floyd - Animals (1977)
Pink Floyd - The Wall (1979)



this list is work in progress.]]> the greatest albums of the 80s http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/17/3cgxeh_the_greatest_albums_of_the_80s Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:11:42 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/17/3cgxeh_the_greatest_albums_of_the_80s DISCLAIMER:
construction area
work in progress
no final statements made


I. MASTER | PIECES

rated 9.5/10

Giacinto Scelsi - Quattro Pezzi/Anahit/Uaxuctum (1989)

Orchestral music
Orchestre et chœur de la Radio-Télévision Polonaise de Cracovie. Conductor: Jürg Wyttenbach.
, , ,

Quattro Pezzi per orchestra (Ciascuno su una nota sola) (1959) [Four pieces, each on a single note] for 26 musicians (chamber orchestra), in four movements
One of the most pioneering works of 20th century music
Quattro Pezzi I 10/10
Quattro Pezzi II 10/10
Quattro Pezzi III 10/10
Quattro Pezzi IV 10/10

Anahit (Poème lyrique dédé à Vénus) (1965) for violin and 18 instruments
Anahit

Uaxuctum—“The legend of the Maya city which destroyed itself for religious reasons” (1966), for , eight percussionists, mixed choir and 23 musicians, in five movements
Uaxuctum I
Uaxuctum II
Uaxuctum III
Uaxuctum IV
Uaxuctum V


rated 9/10

w.i.p.


II. CUTTING-EDGE | RELEASES

rated 8.5/10

Diamanda Galás - Diamanda Galás (1986)

Panoptikon 8/10
Tragouthia Apo To Aima Exoun Fonos 9/10


rated 8/10

Miles Davis - Tutu (1986)

Miles Davis - Aura (1986)


III. REMARKABLE | ALBUMS

rated 7/10 or 7.5/10


IV. HONORABLE | MENTIONS

rated 6.5/10

Minutemen - Double Nickels on the Dime (1984)

rated 6/10


this list is work in progress.]]> the greatest albums of the 90s http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/17/3cgs3m_the_greatest_albums_of_the_90s Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:27:54 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2010/01/17/3cgs3m_the_greatest_albums_of_the_90s III. REMARKABLE | ALBUMS

rated 7.5/10

w.i.p.


rated 7/10

Björk - Debut (1993)

Björk - Homogenic (1997)

Massive Attack - Mezzanine (1996)


Portishead - Dummy (1994)




IV. HONORABLE | MENTIONS

rated 6.5/10

Björk - Post (1995)

Massive Attack - Blue Lines (1991)


Pixies - Bossanova (1990)


Portishead - Portishead (1997)



rated 6/10

Ulver - Bergtatt (1994)




this list is work in progress.]]> contemporary popular http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/11/18/2acvbh_contemporary_popular Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:37:08 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/11/18/2acvbh_contemporary_popular people are quick in pigeonholing a broad spectrum of music from different genres and styles as "contemporary classical". if this would make sense, the music most people actually listen to is Contemporary Popular, again regardless of genre or style. in fact, "classical" or "popular" are not genres of music but broad terms for different forms of music creation and consumption. the defining criterion for Contemporary Popular is—popularity, music accessible to the general public via the mass media, and to a broad extent capable of being created by "everybody" without the need for a formal education in music and composition.

Popular music is not to be confused with 'pop music' which is a range of mainstream styles with conventional structures, and anyone is potentially able to enjoy (or disgust) it immediately.

Popular music is 80% of the music we all listen to, regardless of if we call it rock, metal, hardcore, alternative, pop, jazz, blues, folk, hip-hop, soul, funk, r&b, world, electronic, ambient, indie, underground, soundtrack or new age. the label doesn't make it. even some "classical" and so-called avant-garde and experimental music belongs to the realm of Contemporary Popular.

let's be honest, serious, and unbiased. Contemporary Popular is the music of our time.]]> List of High Quality Music http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/10/02/2786zm_list_of_high_quality_music Thu, 2 Oct 2008 18:21:40 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/10/02/2786zm_list_of_high_quality_music Preamble : SiR HendRix Rating System

SiR HendRix Rating System employs a 50–100 point quality scale for individual musical tracks. the common 5-star rating points — [* to *****] — are not sufficient for rating the complexity of music and results in very subjective measures and inflated ratings. there is not so much 5-star [*****] music around as is rated in this world.

this rating is very serious. it’s not about “best rock song ever. period” or “my personal top 10” or something similar.

SiR HendRix takes a hard, very critical listen at tracks in order to underestimate and not overestimate the musical quality. if possible, in a peer group setting, i.e. comparing the track to be assessed with other representatives of the genre or style or with different covers resp. the original version.

my own personal subjective 5-star rating goes into the whole rating with 10-20 percent only. 80 percent of the rating process is in-depth assessment of musical motif, arrangement and structure, variety and dynamics, development and depth/breadth of the theme, expression and feel, uniqueness and/or innovativity, and performance. last but not least, i rate overall quality and lasting impression. this is not done by one autition only. up to 5 malus or bonus points may be subtracted or added according to two lists of 10 criteria each (including sound quality, metrics, virtuosity, instrumentation, interplay, expression of heart, genius work, simplicity/pureness, overdo, etc.). don’t ask for the specific point ratings for a track, i won’t reveal them, only the end result.

please note carefully : the ratings reflect a critical *listen at the music* and not just my personal opinion or taste. neither reputation nor being a fan nor the latest hip genre affect the rating in any manner. i don’t care. on the other hand, if a mainstream artist outside my listening habits performs well, he/she will get my points, no matter what. possible high ratings do not necessarily go with my love for the particular piece of music or the artist. i even could nearly object giving points and might be surprised or angried by my own rating results for artists i normally don’t care much about. my loved tracks would yield a different list, and i admit, i even do love mediocre music, we all do. but it simply won’t get my high ratings. i hope this clarifies the difference between love and assessment, it’s two different worlds.

once again : SiR HendRix Excellence Rating is not about “music i like”. it’s about a deeper understanding, appreciation, acknowledgement (and objection) of music performances beyond personal tastes. otherwise we wouldn’t need the Rating System.

the scoring of music is a professional task with applying a numerical system to it on a consistent basis. the advantage is rapid precise communication of quality to experts and amateurs alike, nothing more, nothing less.

music rated over 85 points is very good to excellent. please mind that the majority of quality music usually doesn’t cost more to listen to than to mediocre music. we don’t need to settle for less.


[*****]

98-100 points
unbelievable (AAA)
the top of the crop. music in this range is jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, really more than we could reasonably expect ...

95-97 points
extraordinary, profound (AA)
the very best, a rare level of greatness and elegance. music in this range has very high caliber, is overwhelming and might blow you away (or knock your socks off) ...

90-94 points
outstanding, high quality (A)
this is where special effort begins. music in this range is exceptional and terrific, but only few will make it into this category ...


[****]

85-89 points
flawless, very very good (BB)
great value for the price. music in this range is very satisfactory and hardly objectionable ...

80-84 points
slightly above average (B)
better than the bulk. music in this range has some redeeming features and is worth to be collected ...


[***]

75-79 points
very average, straightforward, mediocre and unremarkable (CC)
music in this range is generally pleasant but lacks complexity, character, or depth. this is where most of the mainstream music resides. just switch on the radio or TV. if you want to become somewhat famous and rich as an artist, go here.

70-74 points
slightly below average (C)
music in this range is imbalanced and should be less expensive to pay for ...


[**]

60-69 points
definitely below average (D)
music in this range is flawed, amateurish and to be avoided at all costs ...


[ * ]

50-59 points
poor, unacceptable, terribly dull (E)
words are insufficient to describe the inadequacy of this music ...


➤ List of Quality [****] published in the House of Quality
➤ List of Excellence [*****] published in the _ Center of Excellence _


i never ever will rate music upon request. so please don’t ask.
if you told me this reminds you of Robert Parker’s wine rating system, i would respond: exactly.


**** The List of Quality Music ****

this list is ever evolving and so are the rating points.


**** BB : very good ****

89 points

89 - Aretha Franklin - People - a bit schmaltzy but her great voice wins over
89 - De-Phazz - It Will Turn Out Right
89 - Dinu Lipatti - Piano Sonata No.8 in A minor K310 II. Andante cantabile con espressione - by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
89 - Enigma - Mea Culpa
89 - Grover Washington - Just Enough
89 - Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble - Credo
89 - Jazztronik - Someday (Etude for the Right)
89 - Jean Boguet - Le Vent Dans La Plaine - by Claude Debussy
89 - Joan Armatrading - Cool Blue Stole My Heart (Live) - Joan’s studio tracks mostly don’t compare to a vibrant and emotional live version with a particular band to be found on her album Performance Classics: Steppin' Out Live
89 - Omar Sosa - Mis Tres Notas - this cuban pianist is amazing, more to expect ...
89 - 坂本龍一 Ryuichi Sakamoto - Lorenz And Watson
89 - Trần Thu Hà - Without


88 points

88 - John Abercrombie - Carol's Carol
88 - Mark Isham - Barcelona


87 points

87 - Angélique Kidjo - Summertime
87 - Pink Floyd - Interstellar Overdrive
87 - Rosalyn Tureck - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 - Fugue #13 In F Sharp, BWV 858


86 points

86 - Omara Portuondo - Killing me Softly - nice cover version by a charming cuban lady


85 points

85 - Mo' Horizons - Bosshannover


**** B : slightly above average ****

84 points

84 - Rhythms Del Mundo feat. Chris Martin - Clocks - sweet & groovy cuban cover version which balances Chris Martin’s poor singing performance. truly alternative.


83 points

83 - La Capella Reial de Catalunya & Hesperion XXI - Mille Regretz (Chanson) - by Josquin Desprez (1450-1521)


82 points

82 - Rhythms del Mundo feat. Sting - Fragilidad - Sting’s own cuban cover version seems to be better than the original


81 points

81 - Caetano Veloso - Haiti
81 - Cesária Évora - Miss Perfumado (4 Hero remix)
81 - Cesária Évora - Petit pays (Chateau Flight remix)
81 - Doruk Somunkiran - Strange Company
81 - El Lele De Los Van Van & Radiohead - High and Dry - Radiohead’s cuban cover version, happily doing without Thom Yorke’s falsetto


the purpose of the House of Quality is to collect and document above-average music performances. don’t settle for less.

for outstanding performances [90 and above = *****] refer to the List of Excellence, documented at the _ Center of Excellence _.


SiR HendRix
//]]> SiR HendRix Excellence Rating http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/09/30/2744x1_sir_hendrix_excellence_rating Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:42:51 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/09/30/2744x1_sir_hendrix_excellence_rating SiR HendRix Rating System

SiR HendRix Rating System employs a 50–100 point quality scale for individual musical tracks. the common 5-star rating points — [* to *****] — are not sufficient for rating the complexity of music and results in very subjective measures and inflated ratings. there is not so much 5-star [*****] music around as is rated in this world.

this rating is very serious. it’s not about “best rock song ever. period” or “my personal top 10” or something similar.

SiR HendRix takes a hard, very critical listen at tracks in order to underestimate and not overestimate the musical quality. if possible, in a peer group setting, i.e. comparing the track to be assessed with other representatives of the genre or style or with different covers resp. the original version.

my own personal subjective 5-star rating goes into the whole rating with 10-20 percent only. 80 percent of the rating process is in-depth assessment of musical motif, arrangement and structure, variety and dynamics, development and depth/breadth of the theme, expression and feel, uniqueness and/or innovativity, and performance. last but not least, i rate overall quality and lasting impression. this is not done by one autition only. up to 5 malus or bonus points may be subtracted or added according to two lists of 10 criteria each (including sound quality, metrics, virtuosity, instrumentation, interplay, expression of heart, genius work, simplicity/pureness, overdo, etc.). don’t ask for the specific point ratings for a track, i won’t reveal them, only the end result.

please note carefully : the ratings reflect a critical *listen at the music* and not just my personal opinion or taste. neither reputation nor being a fan nor the latest hip genre affect the rating in any manner. i don’t care. on the other hand, if a mainstream artist outside my listening habits performs well, he/she will get my points, no matter what. possible high ratings do not necessarily go with my love for the particular piece of music or the artist. i even could nearly object giving points and might be surprised or angried by my own rating results for artists i normally don’t care much about. my loved tracks would yield a different list, and i admit, i even do love mediocre music, we all do. but it simply won’t get my high ratings. i hope this clarifies the difference between love and assessment, it’s two different worlds.

once again : SiR HendRix Excellence Rating is not about “music i like”. it’s about a deeper understanding, appreciation, acknowledgement (and objection) of music performances beyond personal tastes. otherwise we wouldn’t need the Rating System.

the scoring of music is a professional task with applying a numerical system to it on a consistent basis. the advantage is rapid precise communication of quality to experts and amateurs alike, nothing more, nothing less.

music rated over 85 points is very good to excellent. please mind that the majority of quality music usually doesn’t cost more to listen to than to mediocre music. we don’t need to settle for less.


*****

98-100 points
unbelievable (AAA)
the top of the crop. music in this range is jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, really more than we could reasonably expect ...

95-97 points
extraordinary, profound (AA)
the very best, a rare level of greatness and elegance. music in this range has very high caliber, is overwhelming and might blow you away (or knock your socks off) ...

90-94 points
outstanding, high quality (A)
this is where special effort begins. music in this range is exceptional and terrific, but only few will make it into this category ...


****

85-89 points
flawless, very very good (BB)
great value for the price. music in this range is very satisfactory and hardly objectionable ...

80-84 points
slightly above average (B)
better than the bulk. music in this range has some redeeming features and is worth to be collected ...


***

75-79 points
very average, straightforward, mediocre and unremarkable (CC)
music in this range is generally pleasant but lacks complexity, character, or depth. this is where most of the mainstream music resides. just switch on the radio or TV. if you want to become somewhat famous and rich as an artist, go here.

70-74 points
slightly below average (C)
music in this range is imbalanced and should be less expensive to pay for ...


**

60-69 points
definitely below average (D)
music in this range is flawed, amateurish and to be avoided at all costs ...


*

50-59 points
poor, unacceptable, terribly dull (E)
words are insufficient to describe the inadequacy of this music ...


➤ List of Quality [****] published in the House of Quality
➤ List of Excellence [*****] published in the _ Center of Excellence _

i never ever will rate music upon request. so please don’t ask.
if you told me this sytem reminds you of Robert Parker’s wine rating system, i would respond : exactly.


SiR HendRix
//]]> The List of Excellence http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/09/30/2744ah_the_list_of_excellence Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:34:14 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/09/30/2744ah_the_list_of_excellence Preamble : SiR HendRix Rating System

( or skip and scroll down to the list below )

SiR HendRix Rating System employs a 50–100 point quality scale for individual musical tracks. the common 5-star rating points — [* to *****] — are not sufficient for rating the complexity of music and results in very subjective measures and inflated ratings. there is not so much 5-star [*****] music around as is rated in this world.

this rating is very serious. it’s not about “best rock song ever. period” or “my personal top 10” or something similar.

SiR HendRix takes a hard, very critical listen at tracks in order to underestimate and not overestimate the musical quality. if possible, in a peer group setting, i.e. comparing the track to be assessed with other representatives of the genre or style or with different covers resp. the original version.

my own personal subjective 5-star rating goes into the whole rating with 10-20 percent only. 80 percent of the rating process is in-depth assessment of musical motif, arrangement and structure, variety and dynamics, development and depth/breadth of the theme, expression and feel, uniqueness and/or innovativity, and performance. last but not least, i rate overall quality and lasting impression. this is not done by one autition only. up to 5 malus or bonus points may be subtracted or added according to two lists of 10 criteria each (including sound quality, metrics, virtuosity, instrumentation, interplay, expression of heart, genius work, simplicity/pureness, overdo, etc.). don’t ask for the specific point ratings for a track, i won’t reveal them, only the end result.

please note carefully : the ratings reflect a critical *listen at the music* and not just my personal opinion or taste. neither reputation nor being a fan nor the latest hip genre affect the rating in any manner. i don’t care. on the other hand, if a mainstream artist outside my listening habits performs well, he/she will get my points, no matter what. possible high ratings do not necessarily go with my love for the particular piece of music or the artist. i even could nearly object giving points and might be surprised or angried by my own rating results for artists i normally don’t care much about. my loved tracks would yield a different list, and i admit, i even do love mediocre music, we all do. but it simply won’t get my high ratings. i hope this clarifies the difference between love and assessment, it’s two different worlds.

once again : SiR HendRix Excellence Rating is not about “music i like”. it’s about a deeper understanding, appreciation, acknowledgement (and objection) of music performances beyond personal tastes. otherwise we wouldn’t need the Rating System.

the scoring of music is a professional task with applying a numerical system to it on a consistent basis. the advantage is rapid precise communication of quality to experts and amateurs alike, nothing more, nothing less.

music rated over 85 points is very good to excellent. please mind that the majority of quality music usually doesn’t cost more to listen to than to mediocre music. we don’t need to settle for less.


*****

98-100 points
unbelievable (AAA)
the top of the crop. music in this range is jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, really more than we could reasonably expect ...

95-97 points
extraordinary, profound (AA)
the very best, a rare level of greatness and elegance. music in this range has very high caliber, is overwhelming and might blow you away (or knock your socks off) ...

90-94 points
outstanding, high quality (A)
this is where special effort begins. music in this range is exceptional and terrific, but only few will make it into this category ...


****

85-89 points
flawless, very very good (BB)
great value for the price. music in this range is very satisfactory and hardly objectionable ...

80-84 points
slightly above average (B)
better than the bulk. music in this range has some redeeming features and is worth to be collected ...


***

75-79 points
very average, straightforward, mediocre and unremarkable (CC)
music in this range is generally pleasant but lacks complexity, character, or depth. this is where most of the mainstream music resides. just switch on the radio or TV. if you want to become somewhat famous and rich as an artist, go here.

70-74 points
slightly below average (C)
music in this range is imbalanced and should be less expensive to pay for ...


**

60-69 points
definitely below average (D)
music in this range is flawed, amateurish and to be avoided at all costs ...


*

50-59 points
poor, unacceptable, terribly dull (E)
words are insufficient to describe the inadequacy of this music ...



***** The List of Excellence *****

this list is ever evolving and so are the rating points.

you can bet that the musical diamonds listed here are NOT the ones most listened to ...


***** AAA : unbelievable *****

100 points

100 - Miles Davis - Concierto de Aranjuez (Adagio) - this genius piece of music is unbelievable. if Miles only had played this and Solea (next track, both from the album Sketches Of Spain, 1960), he would still be known as one of the most creative musicians of the 20th century. most people today believe that this is jazz (40 years ago, they didn’t). Miles Davis was a genius capable of playing *music*, not only jazz. Gil Evans’ crossover orchestral arrangement of the famous second movement (adagio) of Joaquín Rodrigo’s concerto plays around the original folkloristic/neoclassical theme and recreates a spanish orchestral landscape, slowly moving from valencia to andalusia, and it’s Miles’ hauting horn that plays the part of the spanish guitar, and yes, of course he’s jazzing every now and then ... asked if this music is jazz, Miles responded “it’s music, and i like it.” some people call it , in oversimplified words : a new emergent genre somewhere between classic and jazz.


99 points

99 - Miles Davis - Solea - Soleá is south spanish (andalusian) folk music, a form of (“palo”) flamenco, and Miles plays this genre crossover even more thrilling than the Concierto, weeping with his horn. we shouldn’t forget that without Gil Evans’ unique composition and emotive, expressive orchestration, this milestone of western art music wouldn’t exist. Solea is neither cool jazz nor jazz fusion, and it’s something different than flamenco jazz, again.


***** AA : extraordinary *****

97 points

97 - Thelonious Monk - Round Midnight - the epitomy of bebop. does it need a comment ?


96 points

96 - Eddy Louiss - So What - on the live album Conférence De Presse, Eddy jams with Michel Petrucciani heartful duos of the piano and the hammond organ, nothing else, a rare combination. while Miles and his genius co-players did work hard in developing modal jazz, decades later these two fullblood jazzers can build on it and put much more fun and easyness in this uptempo cover version with much variety, in a relaxed and vibrant live setting with audience applauding after solo improvisations. better than Miles’ original studio version ? so what ...
96 - Joe Jackson - Round About Midnight - very sensible orchestral cover of Monk’s signature tune on the 1984 sampler That's the Way I Feel Now: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk. arranged by multi-talent Joe Jackson who plays the piano part also.
96 - Michel Petrucciani Trio - Say it Again and Again
96 - Yo-Yo Ma - Sur: Regreso al Amor - world-level cellist Yo-Yo Ma interprets Astor Piazzolla’s melancholic soundtrack from the film Sur.


95 points

95 - Abdullah Ibrahim - The Pilgrim
95 - Andreas Scholl - Messe en Si mineur - Agnus Dei - heart-touching aria from Bach’s famous “h-moll-Messe” (Mass in B minor BWV 232). german counter-tenor Andreas Scholl with Philippe Herreweghe conducting choir and orchestra of the Collegium Vocale, on last.fm tagged as Chorus And Orchestra Of Collegium Vocale, Ghent; Philippe Herreweghe. please note, this high rating goes not completely for the streamed version on last.fm—Johann Sebastian Bach - Agnus Dei—which is a good ersatz at least. in offering excellent western art music performances (popularly labelled “classical”), last.fm is minor and it’s tedious to find the right versions (some people would say: “it sucks”). Herreweghe/Scholl’s version wins because of the more sensible interpretation, the more appropriate tempo and the purer voice.
95 - Dollar Brand - The Pilgrim - this is the original album
95 - Miles Davis - Will O' the Wisp - by Manuel de Falla
95 - Thomas Wilbrandt - Number Three (Gymnopédie) - by Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No. 3 - in a marvellous and very sensitive orchestral arrangement, so beautiful that it hurts - this is exceptional, because most orchestral versions don’t win over the original piano version (same as a movie compared to the novel)
95 - Véronique Gens, Roger Vignoles - Au Bord De L'Eau Op. 8 No. 1 (Sully Prudhomme) - by Gabriel Fauré


***** A : outstanding *****

94 points

94 - Abdullah Ibrahim - Ntsikana's Bell
94 - Abdullah Ibrahim - Saud
94 - Carla Bley - Misterioso - creative cover and orchestral arrangement of Monk’s famous tune on the 1984 sampler That's the Way I Feel Now: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk
94 - Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime (Album Version) - with Louis Armstrong
94 - Dollar Brand - Ntsikana's Bell - this is the original album
94 - Gerardo Núñez - Tarifa (Bulería)
94 - John Lennon - A Day in the Life - in fact, The Beatles, from their groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
94 - Louis Armstrong - Summertime - feat. Ella Fitzgerald
94 - Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra - Space Patrol (Raumpatrouille)
94 - Susan Lincoln - O Virtus Sapientie
94 - Thelonious Monk - Ruby My Dear
94 - Thomas Wilbrandt - Alone, For A Second - by Erik Satie - Gnossienne No. 3 - again, this orchestral arrangement wins over the original piano version


93 points

93 - Alan Marks - Gnossienne No 3 - by Erik Satie (original piano version)
93 - Gotan Project meets Chet Baker - Round about Midnight - Gotan Project Meets Chet Baker - the masterpiece of this tango project, merging cool jazz with argentinian pub ambience
93 - John Williams - Sayuri's Theme
93 - Miles Davis - Flamenco Sketches - the most musical and innovative ballad on the album Kind of Blue with five modal changes and free-form bar improvisation of each musician
93 - Miles Davis - Flamenco Sketches (alternate take) - hard to say which version is better, somehow it’s a foretaste to Sketches in Spain ...


92 points

92 - Antonio Vivaldi - Concierto RV 121 en Re mayor - Adagio
92 - Cannonball Adderley - Autumn Leaves (same track as Miles Davis) - this version is hot, hardbop merges with cool jazz. Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis, Art Blakey and others. i particularly like the powerful screamy beginning, i always shiver ... it's like the movie is starting as a thriller but soon calming down to melancholy ... this recording made the love song ‘autum leaves’ to a jazz standard. the style is neither blues (but has a similar simple chord structure) nor "smooth jazz" (which wasn't yet developed at this time period and sounds completeley different). this version is modern bebop/hardbop with a swing.
92 - Cannonball Adderley - Mercy, Mercy, Mercy - erroneously held as jazz blues, but this hardbop style is soul jazz, similar to Horace Silver's 'song for my father' or Herbie Hancocks 'cantaloupe island'. this song was seminal for the style and for live recordings of jazz music.
92 - Klazz Brothers & Cuba Percussion - Air (Bach, Air BWV 991 en DO Mineur)
92 - Miles Davis - All Blues - from the album Kind of Blue, more “busy” than Blue in Green (see below). the last.fm track is a different live version, though.
92 - Miles Davis - Autumn Leaves
92 - Miles Davis - So What - the epitomy and pinnacle of from the best-selling album Kind of Blue, played by a leading group of jazz musicians in 1959, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans and Paul Chambers. this is the original ‘downtempo’ version, later versions are played faster. we can safely say : you don’t know what jazz is if you ignored this most influential highlight of 20th century music.
92 - Prince - Under the Cherry Moon - he’s a multi-talent


91 points

91 - Cecilia Bartoli - Vivaldi: Sposa son desprezzata - the great art singers are massively underrepresented on last.fm. this belcanto aria is fascinating, and despite the fact that the music is from the *baroque era*, it’s NOT “baroque music”. understand the difference ? Vivaldi fostered a new style of composition called which abandoned traditional baroque styling and opened the way to viennese classics. interestingly, Vivaldi is wrongly attributed as the composer, in fact he took it from Francesco Gasparini and included it into his pasticcio opera Bajazet. “reuse” was a common practice in early music (as it is now again). not ending the musical confusion, Cecilia is performing the aria in a *19th century piano adaptation* done by Alessandro Parisotti, a romantic era composer. baroque - classic - romantic, 3 centuries, 3 grand eras, all united in this little piece of music. Cecilia’s relatively low timbre with only sparse trills adds to the expressiveness of this, let’s say it again, *non-baroque* aria. the correct italian wording is ‘Sposa son disprezzata’—I’m a wife and I am scorned. and so are you, poor listeners.
91 - Enigma - Callas Went Away
91 - Miles Davis - Blue In Green - the most sensitive track on the album Kind of Blue with different modal changes. a fine interplay between Miles and pianist Bill Evans, soothing and smoothing ...
91 - Miles Davis - Freddie Freeloader - again from the 1959 landmark album in : Kind of Blue, an unusual twelve-bar blues composed by Miles, and three giants of jazz meet to play it out on their horns, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley
91 - Refractory - Yo solo quiero (feat. Youn Sun Nah) - the Korean newcomer in jazz astonishes with her singing performance in portuguese and spanish as well
91 - Yo-Yo Ma - J.S. Bach: Cello Suite #1 In G, BWV 1007 - 1. Prélude


90 points

90 - Aretha Franklin - Respect
90 - De-Phazz - Nonsensical Thing
90 - Herbie Hancock - Cantaloupe Island - the very prominent example of the 60s emerging style of soul jazz
90 - Herbie Hancock feat. Tina Turner - Edith And The Kingpin
90 - Horace Silver - Song For My Father - Horace Silver's signature instrumental, a kind of hardbop bossa nova (inspired by a trip to brazil) in the soul jazz style that emerged in the 60s. Henderson's sax solo adds some mellow (post-)bop feeling. Stevie Wonder "stole" the horn riff for his song 'Don't you worry 'bout a thing'.
90 - Jean Boguet - La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin - by Claude Debussy
90 - Michel Petrucciani - 100 Hearts - piano solo
90 - Omar Sosa - Mis Tres Notas - this cuban pianist is amazing, more to expect ...


the purpose of the _ Center of Excellence _ is to collect and document the most outstanding and extraordinary music performances on this planet.

of course, only few make it into the _ Center of Excellence _. for quality music below excellence rating [80-89 = ****] refer to the List of Quality, documented in the House of Quality.

i never ever will rate music upon request. so please don’t ask.
if you told me this sytem reminds you of Robert Parker’s wine rating system, i would respond : exactly.


SiR HendRix
//]]> emo ? http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/08/11/240ccy_emo_%3F Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:53:58 +0000 http://www.last.fm/user/SirAlecHendrix/journal/2008/08/11/240ccy_emo_%3F i wasn’t impressed.

but no ! i WAS impressed.

a shoutbox for tags, and this one had, after a couple of days, way more than -- drum roll -- 1.000 entries !

what shoutbox, what tag am i talking about ?

emo.

seems to be the abbreviation for “emotional” ...

that’s exactly what happened at this funny place.
and that’s what did impress me less.

why ?

well, if different people group different kinds of music of a meager one or two decades losely together and call it 'emo', some disagree, some are annoyed and others even get angry.

why ?

because, they are "right" and others are "wrong".

wrong.

look, what should I say ?

i listen to very very VERY different kinds of music starting from, say, the 9th century, spanning more than 1.000 years until a hundred years ago, ten years ago, ten days ago ... and going into a lot of serious, unserious, crazy, jazzy, funky, and melodic and rhythmic and loud and hard and soft and sexy and non-sexy polyphonic and monophonic variations of EVERY DAMNED EMOTION ON EARTH -- and all people on last.fm call this whole complex and versatile musical university of mine : CLASSICAL !!!

know what my most-used tag is ?

NON-CLASSICAL.

fellow listeners, stop spoiling me with your silly tags !

and stop boring yourself with your narrow-minded 'emo' discussion.

it's not about the music.

you're using music as a tool for distinguishing yourself against each other. other tools that go with this in-/out-group behavior are clothings, slang, colors, facial expressions, and -- last.fm tags.

hot, kiddos.

someone said it : “emo is used as an insult, just to say that it's gay ... the genre which many people say it's the "true emo" is called "emocore". I think that the tag "emo" was created by the haters and not by the people who like that kind of music.”

haha.

right or wrong. who cares ?

emo-taggers, lover and haters : let's get back to the music. you certainly know what jazz is. it’s the most influential musical genre of the 20th century. now, the tag 'jazz' is used around 400.000 times on last.fm. now look at this disproportionality : the tag 'emo' is used 200.000 times. ha ? get the picture. YOU ALL made 'emo' IMPORTANT. before i joined last.fm, i didn't even know that i was ignoring a such important music-induced emotion over the very important last emotional 20 years. thanks for opening my eyes. keep on arguing.

i keep on listening.]]>