No and neither did we, ever in our wildest think we'd be blogging a Beyonce Album. What? Beyonce? But then it was just released and went on at Streamabout Offices and we were all stunned. Right from the start.
There's an old lesson here that you should keep your ears open. People say, 'I don't like Jazz' and so they never hear the beauty of Coltrane or Miles. 'I don't like Reggae' and you'll never hear Marley. So always good to listen.
Added to that, stars like Beyonce work with only the best Producers and Musicians because they can and boy, does this record sound it. The Production is as good as we've heard, ever.
Given too, that this Album is supposedly about her failing relationship (Jay Z), sometimes that sort of thing brings out great songwriting because it's so heartfelt and meaningful when sung. Think Amy's 'Back to Black'. Good Albums come out of hard times.
It's her sixth studio Album and a bit R&B, Country and even Gospel. It comes with a movie release on HBO and features Kendrick Lamarr (isn't everyone) but lends itself to sampling. Led Zep's Robert Plant "When the levee breaks" gets a look in as does Andy Williams "Can't get used to losing you", "Walk on By" Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Jack White, King Crimson, it's really diverse and imaginative.
It debuted in the US at number one and in the UK. Now you might expect a Beyonce Album to do that anyway but this is really worth the listen. It takes getting used to but it's pretty special.
Definitely an Album of the year if not more.
There, we said it.
And never thought we would. Ever.
Phew.
All the single ladies....
Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Prince 'Sign O the times'; Daft Punk 'Random Access Memories'; Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black';Police 'Outlandos D'Amour'; Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.
Apple, on foot of recent Q1 numbers which were seemingly 'below expectations' and which you can read about by scrolling down this blog, means their share price is slipping.
It's -11% since April 26th (-27% over the year). An 8 straight day decline and this hasn't happened since 1998.
Sales in China were also -26% so investor confidence is a bit rattled with headline investor Carl Icahn, dumping his stock and adding to the downward pressure.
Tim Cook was interviewed yesterday to rally support and as he points out, things are still pretty good at Apple.
Q1 had 50 Billion+ in revenues; 10 Billion in profits. "No one else is earning that" he said, "Last year we earned 53 Billion in profits and I think the number 2 company was 24 Billion". He also talked about "great innovation in the pipeline" and if you looked at China on a two-year basis, "Apple grew +70%. It's hard-pressed to say those aren't good results".
He also called India a market with huge potential.
Cook is right. This is an extraordinary company showing dazzling high numbers and will continue. The donkeys of Wall Street can't see past short term declines in their supposed high expectations. They're simply playing the market, shorting for their own financial gain rather than a true reflection of company value and activity.
So be it. But don't let that be statement on true value long term. 10 Billion in profits. In a Quarter. No reason to panic.
