Raise a ruckus (Tom Jones) (LP 2902)

Tom Jones  Long Lost Suitcase (CD, Virgin Records, 2015) *** 

Genre: Pop 

Places I remember: Shona Walding's collection

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: I Wish You Would

Gear costume: Bring it On Home 

They loom large in his legend (The Album Collection playlists): Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4

Active compensatory factors: His 40th studio album! And my first. I have liked various songs along the way, but I've never felt the urge to buy any of his albums.

This one is a great place to start. His voice is a force, still. The variety is here, the earthiness, the power, the blues shouting excellence and even some subtlety (listen to Bring It On Home for instance).

Great to hear him have a go at the Rolling Stones' Factory Girl. The backing is terrific - very rootsy - as is the rest of the album. Ethan Johns does a sterling silver service job as producer.

Where do they all belong? A welcome addition, thanks to Shona and her sister - thanks Terese.

Living it up (Rickie Lee Jones) (LP 2900 - 2901)

Rickie Lee Jones  Rickie Lee Jones (Vinyl, Warner Bros. Records, 1979) ***  

Rickie Lee Jones  Pirates (Vinyl, Warner Bros. Records, 1981) *** 

Genre: Pop

Places I remember: Slow Boat Records

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Danny's All-Star Joint

Gear costume: Chuck E's In Love

They loom large in his legend (The Album Collection playlists): Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4

Active compensatory factors: I wasn't a huge fan at the time, and I'm still not sure I fully get the appeal of Rickie Lee Jones, but the multi-Grammy winner has a lot of fans, and she's growing on me.

The debut album has some stunning tracks and Chuck E's In Love is, of course, the statement of intent that leads off the album. I've noticed that the bass lines and jazzy arrangements behind her on this and other songs are layered to perfection. 

Other notable tracks are Easy Money, and Coolsville.

Her second album, Pirates, continues the high quality, although there aren't the high point/notable tracks from the debut.

Where do they all belong? Glad I have them. Best appreciated on headphones I feel.