Saint Etienne – Tiger Bay (Deluxe Edition): Between buying Foxbase Alpha at Tower Records in 1992 and hearing Sound of Water in my office in 2000, Saint Etienne was on my radar throughout my 20s but never connected with me. When I read about their label’s misguided liberties with the track list for Tiger Bay, though, I was curious enough to track down this version. I can’t say I love either the music or the lyrics—the former is a bit too clever and the latter too abstract—I understand why this album has earned a lasting place in people’s hearts. The Haunted Jukebox discussion of the album is much better than anything I could write, so read his writeup if you’re interested in this record. Importantly, though, this joins Khruangbin’s Mordechai as a record that can sooth my dog and cat during scary thunderstorms.
Jacqueline du Pré – 5 Legendary Recordings (box set): I listened to both sides of the Elgar record—with side 1 being du Pré’s recording of his Cello Concerto and side two being “Sea Pictures” performed by mezzo-soprano Janet Baker—and I’m finally beginning to see the light of how amazing this recording is.
Grateful Dead – 10/29/73 (St. Louis MO): This is my final week with this show. There’s some good stuff on here, like the “Eyes of the World” > “China Doll” pair during the first set, but overall, this isn’t going to stand out in my memory.
Old friends who made it into rotation this week: Chet Baker: Chet Baker Sings; Gracie Abrams: Good Riddance