themichaelhogan-blog

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS SEPT 23, 2019 BY: Mike Hogan

There are masters in every field of endeavor. From Albert Einstein to Jackie Robinson, every form of labor has a few who define the word “excellent.” Jazz has had many such, but even then, a few stand out. One master was Lester Young. He was the man who remade jazz one tenor solo at a time.

I found a 10 CD set of Young’s music a couple of years ago. I paid $15 for it. This is a lot by my standards. Nonetheless, I consider it a bargain.

The boxed set contains 10 CD’s. Each runs about an hour of music. It shows Young in a variety of settings. Most of them are small group sessions, which demonstrate his mastery of the tenor sax. Many of his sides are in support of Billie Holiday’s singing. In my mind, this is a double bargain.

An entire CD (17 songs) are from the Count Basie Orchestra. These are the pieces about which most jazz musicians and fans know Lester best. Much of the rest of this box set represents a revelation.. I didn’t realize how powerful Lester Young could be until I heard them.

So, there you have it. Lester “Prez” Young was the lynch pin between swing music and Be-Bop. This set shows him in all of his glory. I think that you should pick up an album and his and dig the man in the pork pie hat.

                                         AS ALWAYS

                                KEEP ON SWINGING!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS  By: Mike Hogan August 23, 2019

One of the things I like do do with my blog is to look at the history of jazz  and other modern music. I must confess to not being a jazz historian, but I try to keep my opinions in line with the best scholarship on these issues. Such is the issue of the jazz pianist.

The piano has been part of the jazz band  for over a century. No one knows who the first jazz pianist was, but he  very likely played before the turn of the 20th Century. Jelly Roll Morton and Fate Marable were among the first known jazz pianists.

Since the start of recorded music in the 20th century, two great streams of jazz have centered around the piano. They were the Harlem stride style, and Art Tatum. 

The stride style was invented in  uptown New York in the 1920′s It was a very flashy style played in speakeasies and brothels by well trained, professional pianists. Principally, this was the work of James P. Johnson. I had despaired that  a CD of Johnson’s work existed, but I found one in the bargain rack at a local bookstore. 

It is a collection of popular tunes of the 1920′s and ‘30′s along with some of Johnson’s originals. It is a lively work that you won’ t confuse  with the theater music of the day. Mostly, stride is solo piano features a strong left hand and a flashy right one. James P. Johnson is considered the master of this style.

There are many pianist who  were influenced by Johnson. Among them were Willie “The Lion” Smith and Thomas “Fats” Waller. On a two cassette set, Turn on the Heat, Waller plays in  advanced stride style that also implies the sophisticated piano  work of Teddy Wilson, Duke Ellington and the other swing piano masters. It is a lot to listen to, but the two cassettes demonstrate that Waller was a piano giant, not just a tin-pan alley songwriter.

Which brings us  to Art Tatum. Much has been written about his piano majesty, but only close listening will allow you to appreciate his unique approach to swing. Tatum was so admired, that no one dared to try to imitate his approach to the keyboard. Only Oscar Peterson came close. On Art Tatum’s Finest Hour all of Tatum’s effortless swing and invention is on display. It truly is a spiritual experience.

Speaking of Oscar Peterson, he gives a concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1975. Norman Granz caught this performance on DVD. Not only is the music wonderful, but you get close ups of Peterson at work. That way, you can marvel at his technique. As I said, Oscar Peterson was the only pianist who dared to challenge Tatum for his technique, swing, or harmonic imagination. And I say this as a great admirer of Thelonious Monk.

So there you have it, solo jazz piano goes back to the dawn  of the music. There are many great artists, but they all admit to debts that they have to the above piano masters. I say that you should look into them, and add them to your collections.

                                            AS ALWAYS:

                                    KEEP ON SWINGING!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap music reviews July 17, 2019

By: Mike Hogan

To listen to the radio, you’d think that country music was a male dominated genre. They call it “Bro-country.” Well, there are women country artists out there. One of the most important is Miranda Lambert.

In spite of her being a big international star, Lambert’s work is very affordable. I’ve bought five of her CD’s and only paid about $5 dollars for each of them. Sometimes this phenomenon just happens.

All five CD’s are good, but I like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend best. It seems to capture the spirit of Lambert’s anger and vitriol at the unequal situations between men and  women. It gets to the heart of her distrust of romantic love. It is an emancipation proclamation for women everywhere.

As Lambert puts it on Platinum: “Anything that does not kill you makes you blonder.” That’s as tough as it gets, in my book.

So there you have it. Give this tough chick a turn on your CD player. I think that she will restore your faith in country music.

                                            As Always:

                                    KEEP ON TWANGIN’

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS BY: Mike Hogan

Split Enz once sang: “There a lot of good acts around. Many a proud performer...” This applies to both internationally acclaimed musicians, and local heroes. I’d like to look at a few of these often overlooked local musicians.

Roger Miller is the lead singer and guitarist of Mission of Burma. For many years they have been the leaders of avant-garde rock and roll out of Boston, MA. A few years ago he made a cooperative CD with two other Millers called M-3. It is a clangorous noise-fest which harks back to the found music of  the DADA movement. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you like electronica or heavy avant-gardism, it is worth listening to.

On the pop side is Richard Barone. He was the lead singer of the Bongos in the 1970′s, The Bongos were an important part of the New York city scene. Richard, then, went solo. His stuff has all the right pop/rock virtues. It is intelligent, soulful, and accessible. On Clouds Over Eden, Barone shows off all of these qualities. It is a good little CD for only a dollar.

Seattle boasts the Wicked Picketts. They are a country rock band with strong writing and singing credentials. They would make a good addition to any country collection.

Finally, I recommend the Broadcasters of New Jersey. Their debut album has lots of guitars, lots of vocals, and intelligent songs in the manner of the Blasters. They could give the E-Street Band or Little Steven a run for  their money.

So, there you have it. Good rock and roll is made by musicians who are not internationally famous, or have big record contracts. I say, try out your local heroes, and celebrate regional r & r!

                                              AS ALWAYS:

                                           Keep on Rockin’!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap Music Reviews By: Mike Hogan

Sometimes I need a break. After a spat  with my girlfriend, I needed something  to relieve the depression I felt. I went on a record buying spree of a sort. I limited myself to a $5.00 splurge. Using my cheap music buying methods I copped 3 cassettes and a two CD set for 5 bucks and tax, and You can, too!

The first cassette that I bought was by the Modern Jazz Quartet. It has two virtues. First, it was only a dollar, and second, the play list was different than the usual MJQ LP. The playing is up to MJQ standards. I’ve only listened to it once, through.

The second dollar cassette is by Dinah Washington. It is a retrospective of her career on Mercury Records. As such, it is all over the map musically. But it does offer “What a Difference a Day Makes.” I plan to review it with my female jazz singers.

The last cassette is by Buddy Holly. It is a tape of songs he recorded in Nashville before he became famous. Most likely, these are demos. The;y show a strong rockabilly bent in his singing and playing, with a decided influence from Sun Records. It is an interesting twist on Holly’s ouevre. I bought this tape to fill a hole in my collection. 

Finally, I got a two CD set of Del Shannon for $2.00. It has 51 cuts. I had no idea that Shannon had cut so much music. It starts off with his big debut,  “Runaway,” and takes you through Shannon’s entire career. Del Shannon was a one hit wonder in the States, but he had a multi-decade career in the U.K. This CD package, with great liner notes, is a tribute to his impact on British pop.

So, there you have it. Record hunting does not have to be expensive. Knowing what you want, and where to find it, is the key to building a record collection  cheaply. I say, go out there and look under the record counter!

                                                  As Always:

                                            Keep on Rocking!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS APRIL 28, 2019 BY: Mike Hogan

One of the best things about music writing is reviewing well known works. Such is the subject of early rock and roll. The subject is vast, but the arguments are  well known. I like early r & r because it is fun to listen to, and dance to. To me, these are the most important aspects of rock and roll.

The roots of rock and roll are in rhythm and blues. This is evident in the work of the stars of Sun Records. On the Sun Records Collection, the stars of early rock and roll get a real work out. Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others are featured with their first hits. It is a great 2 CD collection, and one worth scouting out. Its only shortcoming is that the CDs do not include the early songs of Elvis Presley.

This can be rectified by seeking out an early Elvis record. On Elvis ‘56 all of Presley’s singles are presented in order of release. It starts with “Heartbreak Hotel” and ends 22 cuts later with “Money Honey.” I paid $5.00 for it and I think that I got a bargain.

Early rock and roll also had its black stars. Prominent among them was Chuck Berry. Berry used the 12 bar blues form to great advantage. On the Great Twenty-eight his 1950′s hits are set out in their grandeur.  Interestingly, “Johnny B. Goode” is the 13th cut. Berry had been cranking out hits for 3 years before white radio got around to him. The collection has his singles up to 1965.

Finally, I want to mention the Every Brothers. On Live, their many hits are reprised before a live audience. These songs give lie to the myth that the 1950′s rock and roll were primarily facile love ditties. They point the direction for the rock music of the 1960′s.

So there you have it. There was lots of fun music in the 1950′s. Rock and roll had danceability and soul. I think you should have some music of this period in your collection.

                                              As Always:

                                    KEEP ON ROCKING!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS APRIL 19, 2019 BY: MIKE HOGAN

My Clubhouse just completed its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser. It got me to thinking about things Italian. Particularly, I got to thinking about Frank Sinatra. 

Sinatra was probably the greatest male interpreter of the Great American Songbook. (Only Billie Holiday outranks him). Sinatra had a way with a lyric, and had a swing that could only be described as preternatural. Just about everything he recorded is worth collecting.

I have two Sinatra collections worth noting. One is a three CD set called simply Frank Sinatra. This collection features 40 classics on two CD’s, as well as a bonus disc of Rat Pack members covering songs associated with Sinatra. it was a good purchase.

The second disc that I have is Classic Sinatra. It is 20 of Frank’s best from the 1950′s to 1960. It represents his best from his Capital Records years. I like it as well as I do the above album.

The third CD is a tribute album by Tony Bennett called Perfectly Frank. It is 24 songs associated with Frank Sinatra, which are given the Tony Bennett treatment. It is a work of love, Again, this CD is worth owning.

So there you have it. I think that a Sinatra album is an indispensable part of any popular music collection. So go out and build your Sinatra collection as soon as possible.

                                             As Always:

                                      Keep on Swinging!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap Music Reviews for April 4, 2019

Jazz comes in many forms. For some, it is a form of background music. These people prefer it as atmosphere rather than something to listen to and to concentrate on. For these fans, there is smooth jazz.

Smooth jazz is a slippery category. It can be instrumental r & b, or commercialized jazz. Smooth jazz can even be instrumental pop music. It all depends on what the radio programmer needs at the moment.

“Smooth jazz” is a radio format. Most of it extends from the commercialized music of the 1970′s and ‘80′s. The classic piece of this era is George Benson’s “Breezin’.” It provided the theme song for the smooth jazz to come.

Ironically, a legitimate jazzman may be responsible for the phenomenon. Pat Metheny released an album on the ECM label which provided the template  for smooth jazz. It is light and breezy and employs an early synthesizer. The album, The Pat Metheny Group, is notably lighter in tone than most of Manfred Eicher’s releases from that era. It is still cogent even in the 21st century.

Picking up on Methey’s cues are two alto saxophonists. They are Dave Koz and Bill Evans (not to be confused with the pianist). Their albums, Lucky Man, and Starfish & the Moon, both have strong r & b roots. Both men play their saxes in the hard-toned, honking style. Both have backgrounds in commercialized instrumental music. They prefer lush arrangements to jazz type accompaniment. I have to admit that this kind of music vexes me.

Nonetheless, there is commercialized jazz which pleases me. One such album is by Sonny Stitt. On his In Style CD, on 32 Records, he takes the commercialized form and weds it to his Be-Bop roots. The effect is quite pleasant, and takes the hard edge off his pure Bop efforts--such as Tune Up or Constellation. I particularly like his rendition of “The Good Life.” Stitt always had  a way with a ballad.  

So there you have it. Jazz is always an acquired taste. For many listeners, smooth jazz is an acceptable compromise. As a hardcore jazz listener for 50 years, I find it distressing, but you may not feel the same. I say: “Chacon au son gout!” (That is French for: “Everyone to his own tastes!”). 

                                               As Always:

                                       Keep on Swinging!

Yours truly,

Mike Hogan

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap Music Reviews March 9, 2019

By: Mike Hogan

Sometimes, i do something crazy. Today, i couldn’t think of a theme for my blog, so i  just picked some CD’s at random. I was just lucky that they are among my favorites.

The first is Jefferson Airplane’s Surrealistic Pillow. It is a classic of 1967 psychedelic music. It is one of those albums that if you don’t own it already, you should run out and buy it. it is the high point of Jefferson (fill in the blank)’s career.

The second is by the Charlie Sexton Sextet. On Under the Wishing Tree, Sexton stretches out southern rock to make it a dirge about the sad state of humanity in the mid-90′s. As a toy train enthusiast, I particularly like “Railroad.” It is about working on the Southern Railway. This is one of my  favorite CD’s, and if you can find a copy, it is likely to be one of your favorites, too.

Dr. John had an international reputation as an R & B pioneer. His gris-gris music was admired around the world. His CD, Live at Montreux 1995, shows him off  to good advantage, backed by a  crack band. It’s tight and economical, and powerfully rockin’. The CD features r& b classics and Dr. John’s hits, as well. Every rhythm and blues collection should have at least one Dr. John album.

Finally, there is Jeff Buckley. He was  the son of folk legend, Tim Buckley. Jeff only recorded one studio album and a handful of live sides, but the Very Best Of captures his work well. His one studio LP, Grace, is well represented, as well as  his live work. This album is something of an outlier, but if you like acid folk music or left of center rock, it is a good purchase.

So there you have it. Sometimes, being crazy isn’t a bad thing.

                                                 As always:

                                           Keep on Rocking!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

cheap music reviews Feb 10, 2019 By: Mike Hogan

They say that music is the universal language. I guess that makes the blues its principle dialect. Almost all popular music owes something to the blues artists. The blues are part of the international language of music.

The origin of the blues is shrouded in mystery. It was first played sometime in the 19th century, and was codified by the turn of the twentieth century. The basic structure of it has survived into the 21st century.

There are many blues musicians worth collecting but I will concentrate on a couple of exceptional bluesmen. The first is T-Bone Walker. He was one of the first to play electric guitar. He took the primal innovations of jazzman Charlie Christian and adapted them  to the twelve bar blues format. On Stormy Monday, Walker plays his hits, and a bunch of other blues greats. The audience laps it up. It is a great little cassette or CD, which shows Walker in fine form back in 1968.

Walker’s success on electric guitar led others to pick up the instrument. This was to the foundation of the electric blues out of Chicago. Chess Records recorded numerous blues acts in the 1940′s and ‘50′s. Among the most important was Howling Wolf. On In Concert, he bashes out a group of electric blues for an English audience. They are appropriately appreciative. I don’t think it’s his best stuff. To get that, you’d have to go back to the original Chess recordings, which were collected in a two album set many years ago. It is worth hunting down at your favorite used record store.

Finally, there is the modern blues. There are many worth having, but I want to focus on Stevie Ray Vaughn. On the Double Trouble Live CD, you get Vaughn’s roots and his raw early sound. He wasn’t the guitar slinger that he would become. That Stevie Ray Vaughn is featured on a live DVD that was recorded for the Austin City Limits public television program. It features both the early Vaughn and his mature period before his life was tragically cut short. Adding these to your collection would allow you to join his legion of fans.

So there you have it. There are scores of bluesmen and  women who are worth collecting. These three will give your collection a solid start. I urge you to get into the blues, and be part of the global music conversation.

                                           AS ALWAYS:

                                      Keep on Rocking!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap Music Reviews Jan 24, 2019

I’ve got a confession to make--I’m old school. I like to hold my music--vinyl records, CD’s and even cassettes are all in my collection. I have more than 300 cassettes. So I thought that I would review a few.

First, I have a  cassette by Sid Straw. Her album, Surprise, is a delightful record. It features some of the finest of the 1980′s underground performers, and some great songs. Finding an album of hers would be a fine addition to your collection.

Next, is Coming Home by Billy Burnette. He is the son of pioneering rock and roller, Johnny Burnette. On this cassette, Billy plays a likable mix of rockabilly, country rock, and honky-tonk music that should appeal to country fans and rockers alike.

Then there is Das Damen. They are a New York hard rock band. On Mousetrap, they kick out the jams in a ‘70′s metal style. This is a good addition to my collection, as I have only a little metal in it.

Finally, is the cassette by Belly, titled King. Its production is murky, and I could only follow it vaguely. But if you like Garbage, this cassette is right up your alley. 

So there you have it. Cassettes are still around, but you have to hunt for them. So don’t throw away your Walkman or cassette deck. Cassettes are still available--and they’re cheap

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap Music Reviews                                           December 28, 2018

When we think of avant garde music, we normally think of John Cage, Phillip Glass, or John Coltrane. But, there is an avant garde in rock and roll, as well.

Here are some avant garders in r’n’r.

Henry Threadgill was the reed player in the avant garde jazz group, Air. Therefore, I was surprised to find a CD of his in the rock section of a music store. The CD, Carry the Day, bears a strong resemblance to the early work of Frank Zappa. I find it a delightful album, which will please Zappa fans as well.

On the subject of Zappa, there is always his Grand Wazoo. it demonstrates how pointilism can work in rock and roll. It is a laugh riot.

Finally, there is the work of Captain Beefheart. Don Van Vliet worked in the realm of rhythm and blues. His work seemed chaotic, but it always had a purpose. On Live in Liverpool/1980, he demonstrates how simple blues riffs can be developed into complex musical forms. It is a good one CD introduction to the Beefheartian universe.

So there you have it. Rock music does not have to be just 3 chords and a cloud of dust. Sophisticated musical ideas and structures can still rock out. Give the above musicians a try and listen to music in a new way.

                                                  As Always

                                           Keep on Rocking!

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap music reviews  Nov 9, 2018 By: Mike Hogan

I had hoped not to have to write this column, but the massacre in Thousand Oaks, CA forced my hand. It is time to mourn more victims of senseless violence. Here is some music to help heal the weary world:

Gabriel Faure’s “Pavane”--funeral music for a dead princess. It is perfect for a funeral procession. Hubert Laws did a brilliant jazz version that has soothing powers, as well.

Modern Jazz Quartet--”Django”--a modern pavane in tribute to Django Reinhardt, the great Roma guitarist. Available on various MJQ albums. 

Charles Mingus--”Goodbye Pork Pie Hat’--a dirge in memory of Lester Young, the mighty swing era saxophonist. Available on the Mingus Ah Um LP.

Enya--”Lothlorian”--a musical tribute to J. R. R. Tolkein’s elf realm. I find it a powerful anthem with healing powers. I like everything on the Shepard Moons CD. I think everyone should own a copy.

So there you have it. We need music for national mourning and healing. The above music can bring out  the  deep feelings we need at this time of grief.

                                               As Always:

                              May they Rest in God’s peace

[themichaelhogan-blog]

Cheap Music Reviews November 1, 2018 by: Mike Hogan

The massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh has brought out a tidal wave of sympathy and support. Today, I read that Kesha and the Persad Center have renamed her concern “Stronger than Hate.” Moreover, they pledge to donate the proceeds of this concert to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. I applaud this noble act. As Kesha says, music can heal.

There is other music with healing powers. May I suggest the following:

Beethoven’s nine symphonies, especially the Ninth. The soaring majesty of the “Ode to Joy” is balm to the soul.

Handel’s Messiah. The great story of Christ’s birth, sacrifice and ressaurection are stirring. The “Halleluah Chorus” is undoubtedly sung in Heaven every day. 

Finally, there is the music of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers. I class this a healing music because of Richman’s love of God and love of mankind. JoJo takes on the big issues like loneliness and living in the modern world with wit and humor. Play “Roadrunner” once and hear the cry of the modern man. AM radio can heal on Route 128 outside of Boston, MA.

In this time of tragedy,  we need healing and wholeness. The above composers delivered on this promise time and again. Take solace in great art. It is a sign of hope.

                                             AS ALWAYS: 

                                          God bless you.

[themichaelhogan-blog]

TREE OF LIFE--OCTOBER 27TH

i have lived in Pittsburgh for 28 years. On this cold and rainy Saturday, I heard about “the incident.” Eleven dead; 6 wounded by a mad man. I am in shock. This is my reaction, and my response to this outrage.

I have read that anti-Semitism is the root of all bigotry. The Tree of Life massacre brings this truism home to me. An Episcopalian, I mourn with the Pittsburgh Jewish community and the world.

I fear that we have become inured to mass murder.After Sandy Hook, Pulse, Parkland, and Las Vegas, I fear that we have decided that it is the “new normal.”

I say that men and women of good will must rise above such numbness!

I am reminded of a Christmas song that I cherish. It is a lament for the hatred that the Civil War caused. It is immensely sad, but the final verse is a message of hope. In part it says:

...God is not dead,

Nor Doth He sleep!

The wrong shall fail,

The right prevail!

With peace on Earth--good will toward men!

May the eleven rest in peace in God’s love.

AMEN

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS OCT 23 BY: Mike Hogan

There have been a lot of hybrid musics in our popular canto. Among them are the blues, r&b, soul, and rock and roll. This includes a genre referred to as Rockabilly. Rockabilly had its origins in the 1940′s and 50′s when young country music players started adding elements of blues, rhythm and blues, western swing, and gospel to their music. It led to rock and roll in the 1950′s.

The roots of rockabilly can be traced to the early releases of Sun Records. Carl Perkins’ hit, “Blue Suede Shoes,” typifies the genre. Also making important contributors were Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. Elvis Presley also sang rockabilly before he became a big star.

The rockabilly stars faded in the mid fifties with the rise of rock and roll. But rockabilly didn’t die. It survived in England, and made periodic returns. Most people are familiar with the rockabilly revival via the Stray Cats. Their debut, Built for Speed, launched new interest in the music. There are many rockabilly bands out there, but they record on tiny labels and sell at prices this column can’t afford.

There are a couple of important personages in the rockabilly revival. One of them is Dave Edmunds. He has produced and starred on many rockabilly albums in the UK. Many of these are commercially available in the states. Another is the Rev. Horton Heat. He champions the rockabilly cause in the states. An obscure rockabilly band that I found for a dollar is Chrome Addicts. They play a likable version of rockabilly and r&b, and are worth searching out.

So there you have it. Rockabilly was a worthy precursor to rock and roll. It still is good time party music today. It is well worth collecting, even if you don’t pomade your hair. So, why not give it a chance?

                                              AS ALWAYS:

                                       KEEP ON TWANGIN’

[themichaelhogan-blog]

CHEAP MUSIC REVIEWS OCT 17

If you go to your favorite cheap music outlet, you are likely to find one or more “various artists.” albums. These are quite common in bargain bins. These type of albums vary wildly in selection of artists, quality of music, and listener appeal. Nonetheless, they can be valuable additions to your collection.

Here are several various artist albums that I have found.

 The first is Electric Dreams. This is a survey of synthpop bands from the early 1980′s. These bands were hit makers in their day, but from the standpoint of the 21st Century seem kind of quaint. It feels like a time capsule rather than a living survey of an era.

The second is We Get a Kick Out of Jazz. This CD features many big names in popular music taking on the Great American Songbook. On first hearing I thought that it was pretty lame, but on re-listening to it, I realized that musicians on the CD were really first rate jazz pros. It elevates the session in my sights. It is a worthwhile addition to either a jazz collection or a pop music set.

The third is Pretty Vacant. This CD catalogs 15 bands that influenced the Sex Pistols. They range from proto-punkers MC5 and the Dictators to prog-rockers like Hawkwind. It’s a good survey of indie rock of the early to mid-1970′s. This CD is only available from Mojo magazine, but you may be able to find it as a used CD. I’d be on the look out for it.

So there you have it. Various artist CE’s can be good values if you need to fill a gap in your collection. They are also good as party albums. Be on the look out for them.

AS ALWAYS: KEEP ON ROCKING!