Is it a bootleg, Hayden, or an official release?

It's official, Joe. And I would guess you'd love the hell out of it. It's after Bitches Brew was recorded, but before it was released. No Zawinul, no Johnny Mac. It churns like Jack Johnson, but Miles & Shorter are playing clean - no distortion or effects. And it's the best I've ever heard Wayne Shorter. He sounds like late Quartet era Coltrane, but, y'know, with funk. I've already built it up a lot, so I'll shut up, but it took me completely by surprise.

Edit - Oh, and Holland sounds the best I've ever heard him, too.

Hayden, you would LOVE We Shall All Be Healed, the latest Mountain Goats release. "Your Belgian Things" on that CD kicks off my best-of mix, still under construction, and I just listened to "Home Again Garden Grove." Darnelle's something of a Buckner vibe, but more maybe Buckner mixed with Garcia Marquez and minus a whole bunch of minor chords.

Here's some of the lyric to "Home Again" --

I can remember when we were in high school
Our dreams were like fugitive warlords
Plotting triumphant returns to the city
Keeping Tec-9s tucked under the floorboards, ah-ah!

There's something about the way he takes a slightly off-center metaphor and just runs with it there that's tremendously compelling. And the tune is catchy!

More on the Goats from Scott Rosenberg at Salon:

[link] [link]

Now my iTunes is playing "Quito," which is another of my favorites off this album.

Just added this to the Goth(ish) video tape

screams

I had no idea that This Mortal Coil ever did videos.

I always thought this was a response to the personification of a demanding audience, and a statement on the very idea of audience, not about a specific woman.

Yep, that's what I always thought. Besides, "Crowds" hasn't ever struck me as a song you would listen to over and over and over in your darkened room until your roommates stage an intervention and confiscate the cd.

I, too, once owned Disintegration and now do not. Even if I did own it, I'd never be able to listen to it--just reading the lyrics is painful, as cheesy as that might sound. Does that mean I can keep my Goth Card?

Yes. Oh my goodness, yes. You get to keep your Goth Card.

I had no idea that This Mortal Coil ever did videos.

Just Liz singing with autumn leaves swirling around, but very moving for all that since she's very expressive as she sings, and it's a demanding "singer's song."

Darnelle's something of a Buckner vibe, but more maybe Buckner mixed with Garcia Marquez and minus a whole bunch of minor chords.

I love the 3 or 4 MG albums I do have, and I know I'd love the new one, too. Just no time or $$ for it, yet. But thanks for the hearty recommendation! I'm on it.

OK, now I can't remember. What album was Crowds from?

Yes. Oh my goodness, yes. You get to keep your Goth Card.

Wait, wait. Why did I lose mine, then?

It's blatant goth-ism, I tell you.

I love the 3 or 4 MG albums I do have, and I know I'd love the new one, too.

Oh, I would trade you a .zip of the new one for a .zip of your favorite of the earlier ones....

Sounds good! Have you ever heard Zopilote Machine? Do you have gmail (my mp3 trading email of preference)?

Wait, wait. Why did I lose mine, then?

Um, 'cos I was all sleep-deprived and cranky yesterday?

It's blatant goth-ism, I tell you

You can have the 'oontz oontz' edition Goth Card.

I'm going to see Faith & the Muse tonight. Mmmm, swirlygoth music.