I have to admit, there is something about a great idea that really enlivens me. This one though is something extraordinarily near and dear to my heart. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I started this blog. This time though, author Tom Moon has put it into your hands.Moon is the author of 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die a comprehensive book that compiles everything from Dimi Mint Abba and Khalifa Ould Eide to ZZ Top. He explains:
"The sort of selfish, secret part of the project for me was, 'Hey, I'm gonna do this. All of it is gonna be considered a bluffer's guide on some level, and certainly the classical entries will be that. And at the end of this, people will bitch and moan, but I will have had an education in classical music."
Moon also writes a blog on the book's official site. It's a hodgepodge of recommendations, anecdotes and must-hear performances he stumbles upon online. Definitely worth checking out… (My apologies in advance if your rack up a sizeable iTunes bill.)
But I’ll leave you with this. In the comments section, list two recordings that YOU think everyone should hear before dispatch to the great beyond. I’ll start the list with two that figure prominently in that great compendium playing in my head. The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions by Miles Davis and Radio City by Big Star. Pure and perfect, now if you have the time I have another nine hundred and ninety eight to tell you about.
But I’ll leave you with this. In the comments section, list two recordings that YOU think everyone should hear before dispatch to the great beyond. I’ll start the list with two that figure prominently in that great compendium playing in my head. The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions by Miles Davis and Radio City by Big Star. Pure and perfect, now if you have the time I have another nine hundred and ninety eight to tell you about.
