THE TEA PARTY / Live From Australia [2012]

Canadian "Moroccan roll" act, The Tea Party have always been considered one of the best live acts in the world, so why it took over 20 years to release a proper live album is beyond me.  All that aside, 2012's double disc extravaganza Live From Australia is a welcome addition to any fan's collection. 

The sound on Jeff Martin's humorously serious vocals and the band's performances is top-notch, however the flow of the live performances are ruined by fade in and outs between songs, due to takes from different shows.  Still, as a longtime fan of the group, this is a real gem and makes me thirst for a new studio album.

4 songs "that would have made great ring tones back in the day" out of 5

Songs Of Note: Psychopomp; Fire In The Head

JEFF MARTIN 777 / The Ground Cries Out [2011]

I was prepared to give this album the brush off following a first listen, based on Jeff Martin's last few dismal efforts with his previous band The Tea Party. Much to my delight his ridiculously titled new band Jeff Martin 777 is a refreshing throwback to The Tea Party's earlier albums.
Making use of his trademark melodramatic Gothic mysticism mixed with middle eastern blues, Martin finally masters that sound with a gentle subtly and even stronger songwriting.
It's not really exploring new territory for Martin but it's the album I've been waiting for him to do since 1997.

4 "Release" quotes out of 5

Songs Of Note: Queen Of Spades; 1916