The Ladies' Room Says "Jennys"

And the men's room says "Dicks." Welcome to Dick & Jenny's in New Orleans. Not going to turn this into a food and travelogue, but look at this menu. We ate some of it and boy were we happy.

Wanted to share this video with you. Clint Maedgen is a New Orleans treasure and one of his many projects is the New Orleans Bingo Show, which is beyond description. Tin Pan Alley meets The Kinks meets traditional New Orleans jazz meets Tom Waits meets Kraftwerk meets The Beatles. Or something like that.


After another amazing meal this evening--I'll tell you where tomorrow--it's the Krewe Of Boo parade and then a live Halloween performance by The New Orleans Bingo Show.

Booga Booga, y'all!!

Absinthe Minded

Getting up at 3:45 A.M. to catch a plane to New Orleans is traumatizing enough to almost not go. Almost. I did manage to get 45 minutes of sleep on the flight in. It was during the new Ryan Adams album "Cardinology." (so much for a proper listen)

Just ate 809 shrimp slathered in something and did some grocery shopping at Schiro's, the greatest 300 square feet in America. Coffee, newspapers, groceries, booze, lotto, wine and The Monkees playing on the CD player.

I love New Orleans.

Music, food and Halloween madness to come.

"LET'S FLY DOWN": THE WEEKEND MIX (EARLY EDITION) FROM ME TO YOU #8

I thought it appropriate that this early edition of The Weekend Mix pay tribute to the great city of New Orleans since that is where I will be for the next 4 days. This mix is by no means "definitive," although every single song selected is a perfect aural description of something and everything I adore about the city.

From the Cajun swamps of C.C. Adcock, to the funky late nights at the Maple Leaf with Stanton Moore, to the walks by the Mississippi with Snooks, to the great Jazz Fest moments with Germaine Bazzle, to the big funky brass parties with Bonerama--this mix will hopefully bring you something good from New Orleans and not just the vision of drunken people with Hurricanes on Bourbon Street. Earl King's "Time For The Sun To Rise" is the perfect soundtrack to a quiet, early morning walk through Jackson Square and The New Orleans Bingo Show demonstrates just how diverse the great musicians of the Crescent City can be. Finally--James Booker. This track is unequivocally my favorite seven minutes of New Orleans music. (recorded in Switzerland) I've listened to "True" hundreds of times. I still can't believe what this man is singing and what this man is playing, quite often at the same time. And LIVE!!
(I dare you not to be moved)

I put links on the artists names so that you may look further into their careers and maybe even support those who are still alive and making music. The Louisiana Music Factory carries it all, and I strongly recommend checking out their site HERE.

If you have any questions regarding any of this music or need some suggestions as to what to purchase, don't hesitate to ask.

E-mail me at HEYNYCD@AOL.COM

TRACK LIST
Couchmal- C.C. Adcock
(at the) Maple Leaf - Stanton Moore
Time For The Sun To Rise- Earl King
Love, Honor and Obey- David Egan
Blue Crescent- Dr. Michael White
Door Poppin'- John Boutte
By The Water- Snooks Eaglin
I Give It All To You- The New Orleans Bingo! Show
Manic Depression- Bonerama
Everyday I Have The Blues- Germaine Bazzle
People Say- Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
True -James Booker

ZIP FILE IS HERE

It is a full CD worth of music, so don't get your PCs in a bind when it doesn't load in 4.2 seconds.

ENJOY! See ya when I get there.

OOPS!!!

Two major releases that I simply forgot to mention:

BOZ SCAGGS- SPEAK LOW

Scroll down a bit and you can read my full review on The Huffington Post.

THE CURE- 4:13 DREAM

How this one slipped by me, I don't know. The 13th release from Robert Smith and gang is their best since "Disintegration," and is without a doubt my PICK OF THE WEEK.

If It's Tuesday...- New Releases, 10/28/08

Today is Tuesday, so call your Sherpa, find a record store and get some new music...while supplies last.






RYAN ADAMS- CARDINOLOGY

It feels like ages since the last Ryan Adams record, "Easy Tiger" was released in 2007. I had gotten used to 3-4 new records a year from this guy. Haven't heard much of this new one yet, but what I've heard so far sounds like a mostly uptempo and satisfying affair. Looking forward to a real "sit down and listen" session.

BLOC PARTY- INTIMACY

With their retro-punk sounds and knack for hooks and melody, Bloc Party took the USA by storm with their impressive 2005 debut, "Slent Alarm." Only three years later and it's hard to tell if anyone still cares. We shall see soon enough.

RY COODER- ANTHOLOGY: THE UFO HAS LANDED

First ever US compilation of Cooder's large body of work, this 2 CD set covers all the WB albums, as well as key soundtrack moments. This can't be anything but swell!










EAGLES OF DEATH METAL- HEART ON

The side project of Queens Of The Stone Age front man Josh Homme, the Eagles Of Death Metal are not eagles and they don't play death metal. They are actually a fast-driving, riff heavy band that evokes the sound of classic 60's garage rock. "Heart On," their third release is their best so far, with a dozen quick spurts of energy, each with enough hooks to...that's right...snag a flounder.








TAYLOR HICKS- EARLY WORKS

Hysterical. This must be the rumoured stuff with Duane Allman and John Phillips.


KAISER CHIEFS- OFF WITH THEIR HEADS

After their dissapointing follow-up to their brilliant debut "Employment," the Chiefs are back strong! The songs all have a familiarity that will bring you back to the great early days of MTV. The Clash, Duran Duran, Robert Palmer, The Buzzcocks, XTC and Gang Of Four all get a musical nod and a wink on this blast of a return from the Chiefs.

DANIEL LANOIS- HERE IS WHAT IS

Aside from his production work on Dylan's "Oh Mercy," I can't say I have ever been a fan of Daniel Lanois. I respect his work, but I don't care for any of his self-indulgent, moody solo records...and I say that with all due respect. His 6th release, "Here Is What Is" features drummer extraordinaire and frequent Lanois beater, Brian Blade, as well as Garth Hudson on keys. Aside from the music, the album also includes philosophical interludes and "inspiring conversations" with Brian Eno which were taken from the DVD documenting this recording. This, some dip and Pictionary and you're all set.






JESSE MALIN- ON YOUR SLEEVE

NYC boy makes good! Still not sure how he became everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Lucinda Williams' favorite songwriter, and I still won't find out with this new release of cover versions. Out earlier in the UK, "On Your Sleeve" has been slightly tweaked for US audiences. (Did they remove the Flanders & Swann track?) Interesting versions of songs by the Bad Brains, Lords Of The New Church and Elton John sit next to absolutely pointless versions of Fred Neil's "Eveybody's Talkin'" and Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side"

PINK- FUNHOUSE

Pink has some potential. A better than average voice and a slight edge in the songwriting department over the other papstar bimbos, yet there is something that just hasn't been working on her last two records that worked just fine on "Misundaztood." Let's see what happens with "Funhouse."









QUEEN & PAUL RODGERS- THE COSMOS ROCKS

I do not approve this message. Miss you, Freddie.



THIS CANNOT BE TRUE!!

Yet another version of the Small Faces "Ogden's Nut Gone Flake." STOP THE MADNESS!! How many have you bought? I know I was suckered into at least 6 versions.



REISSUE OF THE WEEK

JIMMY HUGHES- THE BEST OF JIMMY HUGHES

From Rolling Stone:

An overlooked gospel-turned-R&B singer with a keening, feminine voice, Jimmy Hughes put Muscle Shoals, Alabama, home of the Fame label and studios, on the map with his Top 20 hit "Steal Away" in 1964 — several years before Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding recorded there. His verge-of-tears intensity enlivens this collection, out of print for years, which spans from soft, elegant ballads like "Why Not Tonight" to greasy funk workouts such as "I'm a Man of Action." Some of the material, like the swinging, Sam Cooke-aping "Neighbor, Neighbor," is fairly generic, but Hughes tears into each tune as if it was destined to be a smash.


MY TWO CENTS:

This new collection, the first in a series of anthologies from Fame Studios, is just perfect from end to end. Crisp remastering, and a tight song selection. Highly recommended.


Also this week, new records from SNOW PATROL, JOHN LEGEND, SUSAN TEDESCHI and UNBUNNY. (I don't know either)

FINALLY--

A friend of mine from San Francisco sent me a CD. She said I would love it. (whatever) Well, snob that I try not to be, but was at that moment, I did...love it. And I urge all of you to check out "The Cookbook," by Bhi Bhiman. Bhi Bhiman's My Space Page

The first and most obvious comparison, for me, is Taj Mahal. The record has a swingin', soulful, country blues feel that just suckers you in. Lyrically, the man is topical, hysterical and heartbreaking. And on tracks like "Loving You" and "Telouise," Bhi Bhiman's vocals and harmonies will make you melt. Honestly, I'm surprised at just how much I love this record. Please check this man out and listen to some tracks from "The Cookbook" on his page.

Stay tuned tomorrow for an early edition of THE WEEKEND MIX. I will be blogging from New Orleans this weekend, so I thought I'd get the music to you early.

New Piece On The Huffington Post

Click HERE for a bit about the new Boz Scaggs' release "Speak Low."

Hey Rock Fans! Prepare To Be Wowed!

I got to hear the Anat Cohen Quartet play at the Village Vanguard on Saturday night. A full review of that insanely good performance can be seen on Altercation. I've mentioned before just how wonderful Miss Cohen's playing is and before this past weekend, the only times I have seen her perform were with David Ostwald's Gully Low Jazz Band at their regular Wednesday spot at Birdland in Midtown Manhattan. (my piece on Ostwald and his crew can be found HERE) A fantastic group of musicians, yet when Anat Cohen is featured, you become hypnotized. I urge all of you to pick up "Notes From The Village," her recently released CD. It's not only my favorite jazz release of the year, but one of my fave albums of 2008.

Watch Miss Cohen and the great Howard Alden, a frequent performer with the Gully Low Jazz Band, as they wow us with "After You've Gone."

"ALL THE RAGE": THE WEEKEND MIX-FROM ME TO YOU #7

Last weekend's mix, specifically the US single mix of "Alison," gave me an idea for this weekend's mix.

Ya ever just over do it? Too much...something? I do this with certain artists. I'll see an amazing live performance, then spend the next week playing nothing but that artist, until I finally can't listen to that artist anymore. This happened with Elvis Costello, except that the shows that did it for me were 22 years ago--5 nights on Broadway---and I have never been the same since. I'm quite confident that I will never experience a more exciting and inspiring string of performances than that week in October at the Broadway Theatre in 1986.

That said, I've been listening to Elvis Costello consistently since 1977 and gluttonously since those nights in '86. I am running out of material. That's not easy to do with someone as prolific as Elvis. I mean, this is a guy who has explored everything from classical to jazz standards to punk rock and country, and devoted an entire album to a noodle house in Manhattan. Countless reissues with bonus tracks, you'd think you'd never run out of stuff to listen to. Well, I had had enough of the "Home Truth (Calypso Mix)," so I put together something that I think is...ahem...all the rage.

So here is something fresh...I hope. Some oddball tracks from singles, TV shows, live concerts, demos, Japanese pressings and more. Hopefully some of it is new to you.


ALL THE RAGE:

THE ONLY FLAME IN TOWN (DEMO)

UNWANTED NUMBER (LIVE 96)

DON'T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY

SO LIKE CANDY

IMPATIENCE

DON'T MAKE ME OVER

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE GIRL TO DO (LIVE W/ ALLEN TOUSSAINT)

CHANGED THE LOCKS (w/LUCINDA WILLIAMS)

THE GREATEST LOVE

BRILLIANT MISTAKE (LIVE '87)

WILD NIGHT (LIVE 2008)

BEAUTIFUL


SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

The acoustic demo from McCartney/McManus

The CMT Crossroads duet with Lucinda

The Japanese bonus track from "North," which sounds more like something that belongs on "Pet Sounds."

And...EC's version of a song he wrote for the film "Grace Of My Heart." In his words, "It's like 'Papa Don't Preach' in reverse." You may be familiar with "Unwanted Number" either by "For Real," the R&B group who did such a fine job for the film soundtrack, or from Costello bootlegs. I had the pleasure, and that is an understatement, of seeing Costello and Miss Rosanne Cash perform together at the Rubin Museum in NYC, one of the toughest tickets ever. You can read my review HERE, which I snagged from Rosanne Cash's blog which she snagged from Altercation. Every moment of that show was a highlight, but none quite as satisfying as "Unwanted Number." It killed me.

ZIP FILE IS HERE.

As a bonus, here are a few tracks from those amazing nights on Broadway.

I WANT YOU- 10/21/86
KING MIDAS IN REVERSE- 10/22/86
POP LIFE- 10/24/86

Please enjoy. Buy CDs. Support your artists. And enjoy your weekend.

WHAT I MEANT TO SAY WAS...

Now that I have an actual copy of the "Pick Of The Week" in my hands, I have to say, it is no longer my "Pick Of The Week." Still a great little package, Thin Lizzy's "Live & Dangerous" is NOT a remastered version of the classic live LP. It is a DVD that features a remastered version of the Rainbow Theatre concert from 1977, which, to add further confusion, is NOT where the classic live LP was recorded. That recording can be found on a stellar bootleg called "Live From the Tower Theatre."
And by the way, the bootleg features the entire unedited performance. According to the liner notes in this new DVD, this classic live release is hardly live. Producer Tony Visconti states that Phil Lynott insisted that his vocals, and some flubbed bass lines, get fixed in the studio. Guitarists Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson became jealous, and wanted to fix their mistakes, as well. According to Visconti, "The only thing that is live is the audience and drums."

NEW PICK OF THE WEEK

THIN LIZZY-LIVE AT THE TOWER 1977.

The sad part is that I kinda knew most of this. Sorry.

DAVID WERNER: "Too Talented To Be So Obscure"

Here's what the All Music Guide has to say about David Werner's eponymously titled 3rd LP:

The crunchy guitars, outrageous hooks, and pop-metal sounds of archetypal glam albums, like David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders From Mars and T. Rex's Electric Warrior, have reappeared often since glam's glory days. In 1979, David Werner's third album offered some of the greatest glam sounds of the decade. On the brilliant single "What's Right" and the icy "Every New Romance," Werner does resemble Bowie vocally, with a more muscular rhythm section and even chunkier guitars, and both tracks stand up to the best of Bowie's early-'70s releases. Throughout the album, though, Werner's versatility as a vocalist, songwriter, and arranger demonstrate that he is much more than an American derivative of that other David. "Can't Imagine" delivers bristling power pop with supercharged, breakneck guitar hooks. He shows his emotional range with the mournful "She Sent Me Away." The melancholy "Melanie Cries" is a glistening pop confection with elegant harpsichord and cascading, Association-like vocals. Crisp production and a rock-solid rhythm section give David Werner more depth and punch than many of the often brittle-sounding classic glam records. The guitars, played by Werner and multi-instrumentalist Mark Doyle, in particular, shine. David Werner failed to make its namesake the star he should have been, and he has not issued a record since. As this album shows, Werner is far too talented to be so obscure.

My two cents:

Gems like this record make me yearn for the mom and pop record store most. Vinyl Mania in Greenwich Village, run by brothers Charlie & Richie, had this album on display. I knew nothing of David Werner or his two prior releases on RCA, but Charlie & Richie knew what I liked. They played the first track and at first I thought it was a new Joe Jackson record. I was sold already, but it was after they put on "Every New Romance" from Side 2 that I knew I was hooked for good. I was ready to buy everything David Werner put out. Unfortunately, I never got that opportunity.

I did find out from a friend and Burning Wood fan, that Werner is alive and well and living in Pennsylvania, I believe. Good news, that is.

Click HERE and listen to a few tracks from 1979's "David Werner," and cross your fingers that one of the remaining reissue labels--Hello? Wounded Bird?---puts this out ...for real!!

"WHAT ABOUT ME, GUINEAHEAD?"

Only two people ever talked to me like that, my grandmother and Al Kooper. Since my grandmother hasn't put out a good record in years, I'm going to mention Al Kooper's new CD, "White Chocolate," which I neglected to mention in yesterday's new release blast...as you can see from the above heading.

If any of you heard Koopa's last release, "Black Coffee," you know that the man has still got it. (just not enough to send ME a copy) Go to his website right now---www.alkooper.com--and order this baby! As a bonus, you will get the opportunity to download 7 bonus tracks that are not available on the CD.

Tomorrow....David Werner and one of the great lost albums of the seventies.

PLEASE READ THIS

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rosanne-cash/why-id-be-a-better-vp-tha_b_136483.html

FUNNIEST THING EVER

If It's Tuesday...- New Releases, 10/21/08

Ah, Tuesday. The most exciting day of the week for record buyers. Or at least it used to be, back when there were record stores. Still, the artists keep making art, God bless'em. And although it's a bit of a slow week, here's some of what's hitting the street today.


THE DEARS- MISSILES

It was this Canadian band's 2004 breakthrough, the critically acclaimed "No Cities Left," that caught my attention. I had never been a fan of Morrissey and the brooding sound of The Smiths, but "No Cities Left," grabbed me because it sounded like what could have made The Smiths more my cup of tea- stronger melodies and a more adventurous production. "Missiles" is a little bigger sounding than the previous stripped down affair "Gang Of Losers." It actually resembles Radiohead's melodic period more than the aforementioned The Smiths.

LABELLE- BACK TO NOW

The ladies of Labelle--Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash and Miss Patti are back with some heavy-duty help. Lenny Kravitz, Gamble & Huff and Wyclef Jean all show up for this solid and soulful comeback. The women sound fantastic, and the production will take you back to 1973. A winner all around. Click HERE for my Huffington Post piece on this trio's reunion.


LOU REED- BERLIN:LIVE AT ST. ANN'S WAREHOUSE

As he approaches his 80th year in music, Lou Reed, a once thrilling and important artist, really hasn't done anything worthwhile since 1989's "New York." Some lifeless noisefests with John Zorn, readings from Edgar Allen Poe, meditations on the Hudson River and a few lousy live records have all thankfully come and gone. This show, recorded in 2006, at least has some promise, since the material is worthwhile.


"FRIDAY MUSIC" REISSUES

A new reissue campaign from Friday Records has taken some marginally significant records that have been out of print for years, and created newly remastered (?) packages. Albums from Hall & Oates, Joan Jett and Todd Rundgren are on deck or have just been released. So far I've sampled two--Hall & Oates' "Along The Red Ledge" and Todd Rundgren's "Second Wind." The new remasters sound EXACTLY THE SAME as the older versions and the "new liner notes" are nothing more than a paragraph stating "these are new liner notes." Yet another fantastic way to get music fans interested in CDs again.


PICK OF THE WEEK

THIN LIZZY- LIVE AND DANGEROUS: DELUXE EDITION

I love this band. Always have. It's unfortunate that most are unfamiliar with anything but "The Boys Are Back In Town" and "Jailbreak," two great pieces of music, but hardly a real representation of what the late poet, singer and leader Phil Lynott had up his sleeve. Thin Lizzy started out as a blues band and then slowly evolved into one of the most melodic rock bands of the seventies and eighties. The twin guitar attack of Brian Robertson & Scott Gorham backed by the big boogie rhythm section of Brian Downey on drums and Lynott on bass, created a sound that was unique, yet completely viable and radio friendly. Their now legendary live record "Live & Dangerous" is getting a nice treatment here, with a DVD that features a newly restored video of the 1977 Rainbow Theatre concert from which the album was recorded, as well as a video of the 1983 farewell concert. The bonus CD is a killer live performance from 1975, right before Lizzy hit big in the US with the release of the "Jallbreak" album. I hesitate to say "If you only buy one Thin Lizzy record this year....," because for me, everything from 1974-1983 is a necessity. But, if you only buy one Thin Lizzy record this year....


DAVID EGAN- OUT OF THE PAST

Lafayette, Louisiana's singer-songwriter David Egan, has penned songs for John Mayall, Irma Thomas. Johnny Adams, Marcia Ball and Percy Sledge, as well as the New Orleans collective, the ever-elusive L'il Band Of Gold. On his new record, Egan takes his swamp-smarts and his Boz Scaggs-alike voice and offers up some of the greasiest grooves since Charo spilled a bottle of Mazola. The track "Love Honor & Obey" is worth the price of admission alone. BUY THIS CD and all your fave New Orleans music at the Louisiana Music Factory.



HANK III- DAMN RIGHT REBEL PROUD

Not for the faint of heart. Hank III's brand of redneck hillbilly music is sure to offend someone, especially those in Martha's Vineyard and parts of Maine.

Also out today, new records from:

KENNEY CHESNEY, LEE ANN WOMACK, THE ELECTRIC SIX, AND THE SEA AND CAKE



Stay tuned next week for a great new release from the Kaiser Chiefs, and what I think is The Cure's best album in ages!


Finally, in recognition of Shemini Atzeret, I offer this beautiful (and super hip) audio clip from Steven Bernstein. Click HERE and DIG IT!

WOOD BURNING ON A MONDAY MORNING

"It's my new invention. It takes bones out of fish. And also, although I don't see the point, it puts bones back in fish."

Woody Allen, from "A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy"



There was a pre-sale on Saturday morning for Live Nation members for the Ryan Adams & the Cardinals "Halloween Extravaganza" at NYC's famed Apollo Theatre. As a member of the "world's largest concert engine," you receive "perks and benefits" that the average blue collar pinhead concertgoer does not. F'rinstance--as a member of Live Nation you were able to purchase tickets in the Upper Mezzanine, all the way to the right or left for Ryan Adams, two full days before the general public will be able to purchase tickets in the center orchestra or lower mezzanine. Sounds great, doesn't it?


WHERE WAS JOHN HIATT?

On October 2nd and 3rd, the 2nd annual benefit concerts for the Richard deLone Special Housing Project which assists those with Prader-Willi Syndrome took place at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. (You can read more about that here.) Headlining this year's concert was "Guitar, Bass, Drums," better known as Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe and Jim Keltner. Special guest Elvis Costello opened the show with a brief acoustic set. Those fortunate enough to attend, got to hear a set that included such Cooder classics as "Fool For A Cigarette" and "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times & Live," as well as some Nick Lowe gems like "Gai-Gin Man" and "Half A Boy & Half A Man." For the unfortunates, I offer this as a consolation prize. Click here and you won't be sorry.


JAM OUT THE KICKS

The New Orleans-based jazz-funk ensemble Galactic continues it's never-ending tour with a run of shows being dubbed as the "Brass Tacks Tour." For this string of shows, New Orleans treasure and monster of the skins Stanton Moore and friends, have added the exciting young trumpet player Shamarr Allen and trombonist Corey Henry of the Rebirth Brass Band to the ensemble. I caught Friday's show at The Fillmore At Irving Plaza At The Copa At The Latin Quarter In NYC On Earth (or whatever my least favorite venue in NYC is now called) and it was definitely a New Orleans party. Galactic's non-songs are propelled into a musical earthquake by Stanton Moore. His drumming never fails to boggle the mind.With the intensity and piston-pumping throbs of John Bonham and the laid back subtlety and in-the-pocket grooves of NOLA greats Zigaboo Modeliste and John Vidacovich, Moore's magic carries this band, whose extended jams on simple riffs would become quite monotonous without his creativity and what seems like impossible moves on the drums. Shamarr Allen was a joyful addition. Allen is a tasty player and master showman. His presence and playful solos were a highlight on just about every song.
Click here and have some fun with their version of Herbie Hancock's "Rockit," from Wednesday night's show in Boston.

MY NEW HUFFINGTON POST POST

RIGHT HERE


SKIP THROUGH MY LU

I've already tired of "Little Honey," the new, disappointing record from Lucinda Williams. I am happy that she is happy, but the record does not work. It's Lucinda light and lacks sincerity.


BURNING WOOD'S E-MAIL BAG

Fern Budgets, an avid Burning Wood reader from Toluca Lake, sent this e-mail:

Sal, great job. I especially enjoyed your piece on Christine McVie. (Editor's Note: I didn't write a piece on Christine McVie) If your "Where Are They Now" feature from last week is to continue, any chance you know the whereabouts of "Sly Fox?" I loved their 80's hit "Let's Go All The Way," but then they just disappeared.

Fern, sorry to say, I have no info regarding "Sly Fox." Although I do remember another Sly Fox song, "Stay True," that was even better than "Let's Go All The Way." Do you have that? I'd love to hear it again. Check back this week to see the further adventures of "Where Is David Werner," continue with some rare audio.

QUESTIONS FOR BURNING WOOD? Send them to HEYNYCD@AOL.COM

LEVI STUBBS, JR.-- R.I.P.

Four Tops legendary vocalist dead at 72. One of the all time greats.

"TAKE TWO": THE WEEKEND MIX--FROM ME TO YOU #6

Or is it Take One? This weekend's mix is more of an E.P.. (That's "extended play," for those of you playing at home.) What we have here are alternate versions of songs we've come to know and at least like. It would have been easy to include live versions or demos (which are no longer holy grails thanks to countless box sets), but my goal was to choose songs that were finished. These songs are complete and in most cases, have been released. And all but one seems superior to my ears. (Can you guess which?)


Alison (US Version)- Elvis Costello
Rebel Rebel (Single Mix)- David Bowie
Bold As Love (instrumental) -Jimi Hendrix
It's Different For Girls (1991)- Joe Jackson
Can't Find My Way Home (Electric Version)- Blind Faith
Hot Fun In The Summertime (extended stereo mix) -Sly & The Family Stone
Mercy Mercy Me (original Detroit version)- Marvin Gaye

Some highlights:

The "US Single Mix" of "Alison" has two major additions- harmony vocals and strings. Apparently, Costello despised it so much, that it wasn't released until 2 years after "My Aim Is True," and even then it was slapped on the b-side of "Accidents Will Happen." It was finally made available here, but again as a hidden bonus track on Disc 11. Personally, I love it.

The "US Single Mix" of "Rebel Rebel" is shorter, which is normal for a single, but this version also adds background vocals and some manic tambourine and congas, giving it less of a glammy feel, and leaning more toward the neo-soul of Bowie's next adventure "Young Americans."

This extended instrumental version of "Bold As Love" is the sound of 3 young guys just letting go of all they've got. This is "tran-SPLENDID!"

The Joe Jackson tune is actually a re-record which was used as a B-side in 1991. It's a stunning piano duet with vocalist Elaine Caswell.

The Sly tune is a rare stereo mix with an extended ending. I had been listening to and loving this song my whole life, then one afternoon, back in my CD retail days, this compilation came through the front door and I was blown away. You can hear the band really opening up on the coda and really, if this song went on for ten minutes, it would still be too short.

Listen to and enjoy the tunes HERE and please, as always, GO BUY SOME CDs and support your artists.

POSITIVELY 33RD STREET

16 years ago today, Madison Square Garden played host to a celebration of Bob Dylan's 30 years in music. It was a star-studded event that featured the likes of such heavyweights as me and my girlfriend, George Harrison, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty. Kris Kristofferson, The Band (although I don't remember Robbie Robertson,) Al Kooper, Richie Havens, Roger McGuinn, Willie Nelson and Neil Young. There were many others, and from what I can remember, every minute, with the exception of an uncomfortable five minutes with on again/off again lunatic Sinead O'Connor, was a complete blast. The opening snare smack into Al Kooper's signature organ on "Like A Rolling Stone" which kicked off the evening, still resounds in my head. It was that very moment that I decided John Mellencamp was a-ok. (Yes, even after that obnoxious Ford truck commercial, which Mellencamp later explained, "No one else was going to play my record.")

But still, after 16 years, what I thought was the highlight then, remains the highlight for me now- Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, and Mary Chapin-Carpenter's flawless take on "You Ain't Going Nowhere." If you have seen Colvin and Chapin live, you have witnessed a musical partnership that in some ways resembles Lennon & McCartney; two singers who know each other so well, it's more of an effort to not sound perfect. Add to the mix the elegant command of Rosanne Cash and what you have is a supergroup that desperately needs to make a record.

15 years ago today, my girlfriend and I got married. I toyed with offering a video of us having some conch by the pool on our honeymoon, but decided to go with the fabulous ladies I just mentioned.

And for all you Dylan freaks, click HERE for a totally bizarre yet absolutely wonderful live take of "Don't Think Twice," from the Apollo Theatre in NYC, that features Zimmy backed by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra a whole bunch of Marsali.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

In 1979, Creem magazine ran a review for an album by a band called Durocs. It's been 30 years, so I couldn't possibly remember anything specific about the review. I do remember two things, though. Creem loved it, so I bought it...and I loved it.

Co-produced by Scott Matthews and Ron Nagle, two names that may not mean much to most, but I'm sure appear on more records in your collection than you are aware, 1979's "Durocs" was a record that hit upon every pleasure point in my body and brain. The spirits of 10cc, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, Phil Spector, and all my favorite new wave singles of the 70's were right here on this plat du bonheur. (That's French for Platter Of Bonya... or somethin'. Anyway...) Throughout their careers, Matthews & Nagle co-wrote, produced and/or played on records by John Hiatt, Barbra Streisand, The Tubes, Sammy Hagar, Leo Kottke, The Rubinoos, Huey Lewis, Hot Tuna, Dave Edmunds and Todd Rundgren, not to mention dozens of film soundtracks. But the Durocs record should have been the one, the record that made Nagle & Matthews household names.

One problem may have been the usual record company "What the hell are we supposed to do with these guys?" situation. Plus, even with 2 songs getting airplay-- I believe it was a Top Ten record in parts of Europe--and a pre-MTV video, they wouldn't tour.

About ten years ago, I dug out my vinyl and my long lost friend Spaz--where are you Spaz---did a beautiful transfer to CD. (He did this for hundreds of lost records of the 70s and 80s. Stay tuned.) This week I decided to dig out the CD.

LISTEN HERE to a few tracks from DUROCS!

If It's Tuesday, It Must Not Be Monday- New Releases, 10/14/08

If this week's new release round up seems a bit light, it's because it's a bit...light. The strength of last week's releases may have knocked the wind out of all involved for this week. But we got a few innerestin' pieces here.


JULIAN COPE- BLACK SHEEP

This new release has "11 new songs and one poem." At one time, the music of Julian Cope, especially his live performances, was cause for a gathering of the hip and the demented. But not since 1995's "20 Mothers," has Cope released anything that was musically cogent. "Black Sheep" could be the one.

NIKKA COSTA-PEBBLE TO A PEARL

Both her major label debut "Everybody Got Their Something" and her follow-up, 2005's "Can'tneverdidnothin" received critical acclaim thanks to her Madonna-After-A-Silkwood-Bath brand of funky/dancey/cutesy pop. This new CD finds Miss Costa as a newly independent artist, setting out to make a record on her "own terms." (?) Released on the resurrected Stax label, this could be the album that catches the ears of a much broader audience, with it's retro-soul feel. Think Amy Winehouse, only alive.


KEANE- PERFECT SYMMETRY

Keane is another one of those bands that showed up at the right time, because in retrospect, "the next Coldplay," is not necessarily a tag I'd care to have slapped on the back of my band. Their first two yawnfests did nothing for me at all. I don't expect this to do any better.

RAY LAMONTAGNE- GOSSIP IN THE GRAIN

A little bit of Van Morrison and a little bit of Stephen Stills, Lamontagne struck a chord--B flat minor, I think-- with young and old alike upon the release of his debut "Trouble" in 2004. And his even stronger follow-up "Till The Sun Turns Black," may have to take a backseat to this new release, which to my ears, is his best yet. "Meg White," the Ennio Morricone meets Syd Barrett love song to a White Stripe is worth the price of admission alone.


LUCINDA WILLIAMS- LITTLE HONEY
The long-awaited "happy" record from Lu, may be a little too happy. She's even backed by Sid & Susie, better known to most as Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs. There are plenty of winners on "Little Honey." The pounding rocker "Honey Bee," and "Jailhouse Tears," a "you did me wrong," country duet with Elvis Costello both sound great to me. There's even an AC/DC cover! (not bad, honest) But there is no doubt, with Lucinda, you can't have it both ways. The songs suffer when she doesn't.


BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB- Live At Carnegie Hall

The performance which made up a good portion of the Wim Wenders documentary is here in its entirety. That can't be a bad thing.







PICK OF THE WEEK, THAT YOU PROBABLY CAN'T FIND

AC/DC- Black Ice


The band's exclusive deal with Walmart leaves a whole lotta shnook's out in the cold, but some of you more resourceful readers should be able to track this down, and it will be well worth your time...if you like AC/DC, that is.

It's been 8 years since their last record, "Stiff Upper Lip," and while "Black Ice" doesn't break any new ground, (and why should it) it could be the biggest, bestest, funnest record you'll hear this year.

A review by James McNair in the new issue of MOJO says it best:
"Producer Brendan O'Brien has done a sterling job on "Black Ice." Unsurprisingly, it's another AC/DC album that fast-tracks the listener to the epicenter of the band's engine-room. Phil Rudd's drumming remains so fabulously un-flash that it makes the Duracell Bunny sound like Evelyn Glennie, and what was electricity invented for if not to power Angus and Malcolm Young's guitars?"


My fave moment of McNair's review is this:

"It's fitting, too, given Angus's schoolboy outfit, that AC/DC's references to sexual matters are usually more 'nudge-nudge' than they are explicit. That bulge in his shorts is probably just a dead frog and a marble, and we are invited to believe that, given the choice between a shag and unleashing an overdriven G chord, Angus would choose the latter every time."

Pick up one or all of these fine new releases at your favorite little record store, WALMART.

Check back tomorrow for a taste of one of the great lost records of 1979.

TODD RUNDGREN: Live In Tarrytown

Todd Rundgren's performance at the Tarrytown Music Hall this past Saturday night added a much needed reinforcement to our relationship. If it wasn't the 100th time I've seen him live since 1975, it was very close and this show rivaled the best of those classic shows from Central Park's Wollman Rink & The Bottom Line after a very uneven 15 year patch of live dates.

You can read the full review HERE at The Huffington Post, or check out some footage shot by Gordon Willis, above. (OK, I shot the video. It's in Un-Fi.) Stills courtesy of me, except for the shot of me from the Utopia show at Pier 82 in 1982. I don't remember who took that.