Lost/Forgotten Album #270

This week's selection might not be the eighth in a series. Then again, it most probably is. There's also a possibility that this is the last in this current series. You'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

If it IS the last in this series, this would be a fitting end since the second album in this series featured Harry Connick, Jr. and it would end with Harry Connick, Jr. It's almost like there's was a plan all along.

This week's selection is "Star Turtle which was released in 1996. This is the followup to "SHE" which is the album that began this series and it continues with the mixture of jazz, blues, funk, rock, prog and whatever else he decided to throw in as well as some moments of total weirdness.

There is a story tying the songs together. See, it's about an alien turtle that lands in New Orleans and the turtle and Harry go hit the clubs and a parade. Why a turtle? Why not! It might be a little bit silly since it is a ALIEN TURTLE, but it makes a bit of sense when you try to figure out why there's so many different styles of music. Or not.

Even though I like his jazzy output, this album, as well as the previous album, seemed to be geared more towards the rock/pop crowd. If you read some of the reviews of people who followed him from the beginning, there's quite the divide on this album. Some really don't like it because it's "different" but some do. Personally, I dig it.

Now it's your turn. Better than "SHE"? Not what you expected? Did you even take the time to listen to "SHE"? Did you forget?

Star Turtle

1. Star Turtle 1
2. How Do Ya'll Know
3. Hear Me In The Harmony
4. Reason To Believe
5. Just Like Me
6. Star Turtle 2
7. Little Farley
8. Eyes Of The Seeker
9. Nobody Like You To Me
10. Boozehound
11. Star Turtle 3
12. Never Young
13. Mind On The Matter
14. City Beneath The Sea
15. Star Turtle 4

Availability: New or used can be found for around $4.

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Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on October 25, 2015 at 3:51pm

It is so annoying when you type a bunch of stuff out and then it disappears. This guy was on Sunday Morning this morning. I do think he has a very good voice. That first track is not really a song. It's weird though, I'll give you that. The second song is much better. Nice guitar work for sure. It has more funkiness than the whole album that was posted last week. Did he mention Lorelei in that fourth song, or was it the fifth song?

Okay, so all of the Star Turtle parts are weird. Maybe not weird, they are there I guess to move the story along. Little Farley is quite funky. Funkiest song I've heard since Funkadelic...or was it Parliament? I'm very surprised at the amount of cool guitar work in his music. Pleasantly surprised. Eyes Of The Seeker is a cool song title and may be the best song so far. Yes, it is the best song so far. And it's followed with a Nirvana"esque" riff. I guess it's time to rock. He does it pretty well when he wants to. The keys work well here. Booze Hound makes it three pretty good songs in a row.

The final tracks don't do anything to expand on what I've already heard, but they also do nothing to dampen the listening experience. I thought this was a very good listening experience. Better than the first one you posted. This is one I would not mind having in my collection. Excellent post.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on October 26, 2015 at 1:17pm

Can’t say I know much anything about Connick Jr other than his Big Band stuff. Strange take on an opener and title track as well. Well mindfunk this is not! But it’s not big band and that’s a good thing! Weird to think he’s a vocal judge on that stupid show that will go unnamed because his vocals are the weakest part of this second track, but I do dig the chorus when everyone joins in, the mix interesting and the low-country jammin’ is definitely in the air!

Vocals fit Hear Me In The Harmony much better and I like this tune as well. First miss is the next tune, Reason to Believe. Just Like Me is a nice ballad, this guy’s got some serious melodic chops! But as a ballad it’s too long and needed more of that guitar work.

Gotta say I’m not sure where these Star Turtle tracks are going…

Like the beat that kicks off Little Farley and it turns out to be nothing more than party jam, and that’s cool with me! I liked the keyboard work mostly. The guitar work added to the feel but it wasn’t stellar, and it really didn’t need to be to add to this one. Nicer little funk groove to end this fun tune!

Second miss, Eyes of the Seeker. Eh…

Riffs and a distorted guitar are not hallmarks of Connick Jr’s, at least that’s not why I’m aware of his music, and I didn’t think this was going to be any good until the Hammond came in a changed everything! Boozehound continues the rock and roll funky riffin’… No other way to describe this! And finally the guitar takes off!

OK, I have a guess as to what the star turtle is doing… He’s taking Harry from club to club.

Seems were in the pop club now, Never Young feels a bit poppy but it’s a good tune none-the-less. Then there’s Mind On The Matter, not sure what to make of this other than another jam! City Beneath the Sea is actually very nice. Gotta say I’m quite surprised yet again. This series has been quite a journey. Thanks you Star Turtle for this week’s tour!

Nice work!!