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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 6h

I saw Morphine in concert in '94. One of the most mesmerizing live experiences I've had. Just a 2-string bass, baritone sax, drum, voice. Even though their 93 LP, Cure for Pain, is probably their best work, I usually come back to Yes. Innovative, challenging. Love the song Whisper. RIP Mark Sandman.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 11h

I'm always in awe when I listen to Rust Never Sleeps. Close to a cathartic experience. And I made my 88-year-old dad with Alzheimer's love it. The 1st acoustic side is contemplative, splendid. But the electric side is where things get really good. Powderfinger alone is worth the price of the record.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Stan Ridgway's an interesting specimen, that's for sure. Voodoo's debut, Dark Continent, was promising but, IMHO, Call of the West is their most accessible, best LP. Sure, the early 80s prod's a bit dated but the tunes are solid. Title track. Tomorrow. Lost Weekend. Plus the legendary Mexican Radio.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

This year I became a big fan of live LPs. Spent most of the weekend listening to country legends (modern and classic names) : Willie, Hank, Patsy, Emmylou, Zach Bryan, Rosanne Cash. And, of course, Johnny. What a superb live recording this is. Intense, gritty, entertaining; staggering performance.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Can't say I'm the #1 Doors fan. I always preferred lyricists such as Cohen, Dylan, Cave. But Morrison deserves a nod. And any serious rock collection needs a Doors LP. A greatest hits package is nice. But for a studio LP, their 1967 debut remains their best one, IMO. Nearly every track is a classic.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Yesterday, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Canadian rock icon, Sass Jordan. Met her many times over the yrs. She was always funny, friendly. A truly radiant individual. And she loved David Bowie. Especially his Pin Ups LP. So today, I'll give it a spin in your honour. RIP my friend.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

With severe glaucoma slowly taking my eyesight, Stevie's Innervisions hits differently as time goes by. The song Visions asks about what we truly see ("the visions in our mind"). Here's a man who couldn't see with his eyes, yet saw the human race with incredible insight and clarity. Wonderful album.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Spinning Gillespie this morning. There are many remarkable '50s/'60s Dizzy LPs but I love to go back to 1956's For Musicians Only. Terrific performances, tight, killer rhythm section (the great Sonny Stitt and Stan Getz are here). And the iconic opener, Be-Bop, alone is worth the price of admission.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

There are highlights and lowlights in Paul McCartney's and Wings' catalog. Ram is certainly a highlight. My personal fav Macca LP. Many great tunes on that one: Too Many People, Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, the closer. And the dreamy, naive, mantra-like title track. Lovely, melodic, intimate record.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Between late '75 and early '79, Roxy Music took a 3.5-year recording hiatus. And in '76, they released their 1st official live LP (their best one). Really nice to find Pyjamarama here. And the 10-min. version of If There Is Something is worth the price. The band's in good form. Superb live document.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Ride's debut album, Nowhere, was such a revelation when I 1st heard it, late 1990. When it comes to legendary shoegaze LPs, two come to mind: My Bloody Valentine's Loveless. And this one. Loud, wailing guitars, tight rhythm section, huge wall of sound. But 1st and foremost, great tunes. Timeless LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Touch. 1st Eurythmics LP I bought (and the 2nd one they released in 1983). In hindsight, it's more complex and accomplished than their wonderful debut; the sunny, calypso-infused Right By Your Side, the legendary, melancholy-filled Here Comes the Rain Again and the groovy, underrated Paint a Rumour.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I remember listening to Achtung Baby for the 1st time in 1991. I was shocked. It was a complete reinvention of the band's sound. Bono's voice had changed and was less powerful but he adopted a more intimate/spoken singing style. The LP still holds up 35 years later. U2's crowning achievement, IMHO.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Richards' Talk Is Cheap. Gritty, really fun record. Arguably, the best solo LP made by a member of the Stones (although Jagger's Wandering Spirit and Richards' recent Crosseyed Heart are pretty darn solid). As an English friend of mine once said to me : "There's nary a duff track on this thing."

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

On a Mary Chain binge these days. Was a bit disappointed w/ Automatic but their next one, Honey's Dead, is excellent. Still, their best one remains their debut, Psychocandy. Strange blend of influences (someone once said Beach Boys w/ feedback and fuzz) but somehow, it works. Great, influential LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

There's a 49th anniversary My Aim Is True box set that will be released in a few days. Probably get my hands on it. Tough to pick a favorite Costello LP but I tend to go back to his impressive debut. Quirky, tense, literate, witty, humorous, punk-infused. All the ingredients are already in the mix.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Spinning this one tonight. One of my fav Badu LPs. Smooth grooves, '70s vibes and a sense of space in the prod w/ rich arrangements. More varied than her debut. A female friend introduced me to Erykah's music in the late '90s. It's important to consider what women love. They often have great taste.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I'm old enough to remember the cardboard packaging underneath cassette tapes in the '80s (longboxes). Ferry's Bête Noire had it when I bought it in '87. Today, I see the LP as a close cousin to his Boys & Girls : Limbo, Kiss & Tell, Right Stuff. The voice is in fine form. Gilmour, Marr are featured.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Fav Beatles LP. Here, they truly began pushing the boundaries of what pop could be. Tomorrow Never Knows : ahead of its time. For No One : quiet masterpiece. Here There and Everywhere. My father has Alzheimer's and music brings pieces of the past back to him. Hearing that song brought him to tears.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

As a whole (and for a slow weekend morning), I actually prefer Terry Callier's smooth, sensual masterpiece What Color Is Love. But I Just Can't Help Myself (released a yr later) is a close 2nd. It's more varied and ambitious w/ Charles Stepney's beautiful baroque orchestration. Great artist and LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Donny Hathaway should've been a soul/r&b icon. Like Stevie or Marvin. He's still, to this day, a huge source of inspiration for artists. He had an incredibly smooth voice. For me, his music (esp. this LP) reminds me of long, happy weekend breakfasts in bed in the early 2000s. Wonderful, lush album.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

There are many gems in The Band's catalog : their eponymous LP, Stage Fright, Cahoots. Not to mention the superb live Rock of Ages, Basement Tapes and their presence in Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz. But if I had to pick a fav LP, I'd go with their debut, Music From Big Pink. The Weight is on it.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Going with Youssou N'Dour's The Guide (Wommat) tonight. Genuinely talented artist w/ a distinctive voice + delivery. Did backing vocals for Peter Gabriel (Shaking the Tree, In Your Eyes). This LP's a bit hit-and-miss but features his biggest hit (by far) : the now-classic 7 Seconds w/ Neneh Cherry.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Magic and Loss. Reed's "death album". Asked for it Xmas '94… and got it. Definitely not a party record (there are mentions of illness, cremation) but I listened to it today and was pleasantly surprised. A pretty strong, compelling Lou work. And now, I'll have What's Good? stuck in my head for weeks.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We're spinning this one tonight. In America, Pulp has a niche audience. IMO, they deserve the same level of recognition as Blur and Oasis. When I 1st heard Different Class, in 1995, I was stunned. Catchy tunes. Evocative, witty lyrics. A varied menu. Still one of the best britpop records ever made.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Love to listen to Sufjan Stevens in the morning. Talked about his landmark Carrie & Lowell album recently. While the latter is intimate, minimalist, raw, stripped-down, Illinois(e) is richly orchestral (not to mention rich in Illinois references), cinematic and quite ambitious. Beautiful recording.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

There's a genuine depth to Trevor Horn's signature as a producer. It has spatial perspective. I was listening to Seal's 1st few LPs. They sound amazing. He also produced ABC's debut. Their best work, IMO. Martin Fry always reminded me of Bryan Ferry. Look of Love. Poison Arrow. Still a great listen.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Buffalo Springfield was a short-lived experience but it helped pioneer the country/folk-rock genres by blending folk, country, psych and Brit-rock elements. Plus, it launched the careers of Neil Young and Stephen Stills. IMHO, their 2nd LP remains their best one. Expecting to Fly, Broken Arrow, ...

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Tonight, I'm at the Alex Cameron show. One of my fav artists of the last 10 years. Someone said he's like a more twisted, perverse version of Bryan Ferry. That's pretty spot-on; a charming oddball. Miami Memory was one of my fav LPs of 2019. His new one, Late to Set, sounds good and is pretty solid.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Santana's 1st few LPs are still extremely satisfying. Personal fav? 1970s Abraxas. No-filler from the 1st to the very last track (Santana's Samba Pa Ti, Tito Puente's Oye cómo va, Fleetwood Mac's Black Magic Woman, etc). But his debut's also terrific w/ Evil Ways, Jingo & the awesome Soul Sacrifice.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Tonight, I'm spinning my fav The Verve LP. I really enjoy A Northern Soul but, for me, Urban Hymns remain their masterpiece. I bought the cassette when it was released and brought it to work. A girl danced to Bitter Sweet Symphony in the break room. But there's so much more. Sonnet, Lucky Man, ...

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

On the turntable: Astrud Gilberto's Verve debut. A '60s bossa nova classic. Of course, there's the sweet, fragile, soothing voice of Astrud (and her accent) but what makes the LP really soar are the lush string arrangements by Marty Paich. The great Antônio Carlos Jobim on guitar is also a big plus.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Neil Young's Comes a Time. A perfect Saturday morning LP. My 88-year-old father who has early-stage Alzheimer's heard me play this album. And loved it. He wanted to listen to it again. Acoustic, intimate, laid-back. The lovely vocal harmonies (feat. Nicolette Larson) make this LP really special.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I briefly mentioned The Postal Service's Give Up recently. We played the heck out of this one at the office in 2003. Over the years, it has become a landmark, classic left-field electronic album. Love it so much, I got my hands on the Deluxe 3LPs box set. Shame Ben Gibbard never made another PS LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Thought of The Cure's Wish bc it features a now-classic tune that's appropriate for today: Friday I'm In Love. Disintegration was such an utter delight that when I 1st heard Wish, I was a bit disappointed. Less gloomy, a bit poppier. Not a bad Cure LP. I'd cut a few tracks but pretty solid overall.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

OMD. Terrific (and, dare I say it, influential) band. They had a few bumps in the road in the late '80s + throughout the '90s but they released intriguing albums during the 2010s/2020s. Especially enjoyed their last one, Bauhaus Staircase. When I want vintage OMD, I always go back to this one. Epic.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I talked about Hours a few weeks ago. IMO, Heathen is much better. Tony Visconti's back behind the console... and it shows. There's an unmistakably '70s Bowie vibe here... w/ a thoroughly modern coating. Sunday, Slip Away, plus convincing Pixies and Neil Young covers. Very good latter-day David LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

As Falls Wichita... Recorded the same year as Offramp, it goes hand in hand with the latter. Great playing and chemistry w/ Lyle Mays (his contribution is pretty remarkable). Gorgeous atmospheres (esp. on the 20+ mins. side-long title track). There's a Bille Evans homage (September 15th). Lovely LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Dusted off my Siouxsie and the Banshees LPs today. I really enjoyed their Peepshow/Superstition era but I believe Kaleidoscope is their best record. It's more focused and has fine arrangements, a solid (and cleaner) production and a great batch of tunes : Happy House, Paradise Place, Christine, etc

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Really saddened to learn of the passing of legendary French band Les Rita Mitsouko's lead singer, Catherine Ringer. Got to meet her circa 2003. Very nice, creative, cool individual. Her Mitsouko partner (also partner in life) Fred Chichin died 19 years ago. Spinning their great 2nd LP tonight. RIP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

4AD is one of my all-time fav labels. I mean, Pixies, Bon Iver, Belly, The National, Breeders, Bauhaus, Nick Cave. All 4AD artists. And let's not forget Cocteau Twins. Just got my hands on a vinyl copy of this one. Fav CT LP by a mile. Gorgeous, ethereal Liz Fraser vocals. Lush, dreamy, hypnotic LP.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The Caution Horses. Perfect follow-up to the Junkies' breakthrough Trinity Session. Still soothing, atmospheric, mellow... w/ Margo Timmons unmistakable voice but there are more original tunes on this one. Plus a good version of Neil Young's Powderfinger. Good late night (or early morning) listen.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Probably my fav Cure album. It reminds me of a very specific time and place : summer '89, the miniature golf course I was going to almost every day… and the record shop right in front of it where I bought the LP. Atmospheric, lush, cohesive. And IHMO, perfect for a slow, gloomy Monday morning.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Giving this one a spin tonight: The KLF's 1990 Chill Out. Nowadays this would cost 100s of bucks on vinyl but I was lucky enough to go to Manchester in the '90s and buy it at a fraction of that price. Last night, I talked about The Orb's debut. This is another seminal ambient house LP. True classic.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Gotta talk abt Jill Scott's To Whom This May Concern. The best neo-soul/r&b album I've heard this yr. It's richly textured, deeply human, funky, groovy, celebratory, production and performances are stellar. Not a weak track on this one. And I'm finding out right now it's a fab Sunday morning record.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I've covered electronic music for many years and still, to this day, believe The Orb are quite underrated, underappreciated. To me, they're as important as Aphex Twin... and they're still making interesting music. The Orb's 1991 debut is fantastic. An ambient house masterwork. Adventurous and fun.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

This morning, I gave Sufjan Stevens' Illinois a spin (I'll talk about that one soon). This afternoon, it's sunny, it looks like a nice end-of-summer day. It immediately made me think of Simon & Garfunkel's final studio LP. I had to give it a spin. It has a soothing quality, a warmth that's charming.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

I mentioned this one last night and... I just had to listen to it again. I understand why we played it so much circa 2003 : it's so much fun. Varied (there's even a breezy surf-style instrumental). Love the verse/chorus transition of Almost Crimes. BSS made other albums but this is their best one.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Rhythm of the Saints. I still remember the day I bought it. It came out the same week as ZZ Top's Recycler and I got both CDs at Sam the Record Man, downtown Montreal. It's a worthy follow-up to Simon's fantastic Graceland and it has a lot in common. A lot of drums, percussions. Great Friday record.

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Turn It Up To 11 @turnitupto11.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Yesterday, I talked briefly about my record company days. From 9 to 5, we listened to music. Nonstop. Some albums that played a lot : You Forgot It In People by Broken Social Scene, The Postal Service's only release. And the 1st 3 Air albums. Esp. Moon Safari. Giving it a spin tonight. Still great.

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