Trio And Quintet - Elmo Hope

Advantages: Haunting, passionate music to get lost in.
Disadvantages: It's classical and this puts people off before they even try it.

...as if an apparition of a dancer has suddenly appeared giving some muse like inspiration and hope for a short time. But as the apparition fades the slow pace resumes but with a different slightly more positive feel. I wondered if Schubert, inspired by playing Beethoven’s quartet, had been recalling Beethoven’s funeral as he composed this piece if so it was a stunning tribute. Scherzo: Presto – Trio: Andante sostenuto [10’11] The third movement is more than lively in fact I would describe it as manic or ecstatic. In total contrast to the previous movement a slow bit interrupts the fast urgent pace. It is a negative of the adagio which was slowness personified interrupted by drama. I don’t think this music is happy - it is wild and possibly jubilant but has a dissonant edge, which suggests a frustration or internal conflict of some sort... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Music to take you beyond this world
Disadvantages: Needs a bit of patience

..., the Quintet is all you get (and maybe all you want). This one gives a bonus in the shape of a delightful String Trio (that’s right, three instruments). I wish, however, it had come first on the disc. Nothing should follow the Quintet except silence. But that’s a personal viewpoint. If you want to know more about this work there’s plenty on the Internet. Do some research and see what others think. If by any chance anyone out there decides to try the Quintet, please let me know what you thought of it, even if you didn’t like it (though anyone who can resist the second movement has no hope left!). The playing time of the disc is 76 minutes 37 seconds and the number is 8.550388.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: All round good songs and lyrics
Disadvantages: Perhaps a bit mix and match here and there

...Alkaline Trio are a mixture between Rock and Gothic music, with all the drum beats and riffs of rock, but gothic lyrics and song natures. They have their own individual sound, with a combination of vocals you'll never find anywhere else. This is probably one of Alkaline Trio's best albums. It isn't the most refined one, but it has an addictive rawness to it. It's clear to see just how much they've changed throughout time, right up until Crimson, their most recent album, jam packed with smooth guitar hooks. First, a brief history. The trio formed back in 1997, initially made up of Matt Skiba (guitar), Glenn Porter (drums) and Rob Doran (bass), but Doran was quickly replaced with Dan Andriano. Throughout the course of the different albums, the drummer has changed from Porter (playing on 'Maybe I'll Catch Fire and Goddamnit), to Mike... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful