"LIVE MESCALEROS": THE WEEKEND MIX

I have never been off The Clash. There aren't many bands or artists I can say that about. My favorite artists of all time, at one time, have sickened me like a bad meal. Like getting sick on Southern Comfort when I was 17, it took awhile for me to listen to The Beach Boys again after hearing "Orange Crate Art." (I still can't even smell Southern Comfort without getting chills)

With the recent release of the stellar "The Clash Live At Shea Stadium," I have been playing The Clash more than ever. I even go back to "Sandinista" and pretend that I don't dislike it as much as I do because I love this band so much. I am still not sick of them Not even "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?"




This brings me to Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros, a band that I desperately wanted to love when "Rock Art & The X-Ray Style" was released, but didn't quite, at least not until their third release "Streetcore" hit the streets. "Streetcore" was the one. I miss Joe.









Here is a great Mescaleros show from January 15. 2002.

TRACK LIST

01-Shaktar Donetsk
02-Bhindi Bhagee
03-Rudie Can't Fail
04-Tony Adams
05-White Man in Hammersmith Palais
06-Mega Bottle Ride
07-Get Down Moses
08-Police & Thieves
09-Cool 'n' Out
10-Police on My back
11-Johnny Appleseed
12-Coma Girl
13-I Fought The Law
14-Bankrobber (with Mick Jones)
15-White Riot (with Mick Jones)
16-London's Burning (with Mick Jones)

ZIP FILE

Enjoy and be patient with the zip.

"This Is For Joe"

Haven't seen this one in awhile. I thought about this as I was preparing tomorrow's "Weekend Mix." It's certainly worth watching a couple thousand times. Enjoy and get ready.

THE VENTURES ARE NOT JUST A GUITAR BAND

I got an e-mail Sunday morning from my friend Derek, bass player of my favorite band of the moment, The Electric Mess. "Do you know the album, 'The Ventures Live In Japan? Sick recording and amazing drumming."

I didn't know the record. I've seen it. The cover looks familiar. But I don't recall ever hearing it. Well, I tracked down a copy and now it's a minor obsession.

The Ventures have always been known a guitar band. But, the star of this particular show is Mel Taylor, the maniac behind the drum kit.

Here's what All Music has to say:

Originally released in Japan as a double album, this live set was unavailable in the U.S. until 1995. So cleanly recorded (the drums are especially crisp) that one is tempted to believe these tracks might have actually been laid down in the studios. It has a speedy, frenetic, well-executed edge that makes this worth checking out by Ventures fans.

I couldn't find video of "I Feel Fine," The Beatles cover where Mel Taylor sounds as if he's about to kick the bass drum right into the front row of fans. So, you're only getting audio with a nice picture of the album cover. I did find video of the opening track, "The Cruel Sea>Walk Don't Run." Look at Mel. And thanks Derek.

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date -1/27/09

We'll start off with my Huffington Post review of the new Bruce CD. Here is the link if you like their layout better.


BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN- WORKING ON A DREAM

You know, it's not all about Bruce Springsteen. (yes it is) I mean, there are other great new releases out this week. (not really)

The similarities between "Magic," Bruce's last release and Bruce's new record "Working On A Dream," were unnerving at first. Musically, many of the new tracks are mirror images of tracks from "Magic," at least to my ears.

"Surprise Surprise" is "I'll Work For Your Love." Listen to the intro of "Surprise, Surprise," and right before the snare smack, start singing "Pour me a drink Theresa...," the opening lyric from "I'll Work For Your Love." Same song.

Speed up "You'll Be Coming Down" from "Magic" just a little, and you have "My Lucky Day." As a matter of fact, right after the Big Man's solo in "Lucky Day," start singing the last verse of "Coming Down." You can do it. Really.

What about "This Life" and "Your Own Worst Enemy?" Here are two separate songs that evoke the baroque pop and grandiose production of The Left Banke and The Walker Brothers, with Beach Boys-inspired harmonies and string arrangements. It wouldn't be a problem if Bruce had written, say... a dozen or so songs in the last 30 years that sounded like this. But the beauty and wonder of hearing "Your Own Worst Enemy" for the first time is almost tainted (almost) now that another mini powerhouse in the shape of "This Life" comes so quickly. It's as if Bruce wrote these pastiches and put one in column A and one in column B.

Don't even get me started on "Queen Of The Supermarket," the song that one friend referred to as "a song that could be as classic as 'Racing In The Street,' if he only didn't say 'supermarket' so much" Well, I get it. I mean, no matter how good "Yonkers Joe" is, the movie is still called "Yonkers Joe." Still, "Supermarket" is another brilliant work of art.

But, what if I heard "Working On A Dream" first and "Magic" didn't exist?

That said, I can't stop listening to WOAD. It truly is the masterpiece that some, but not all, have been calling it. If you're like some who think Bruce's best work is behind him, nothing will ever sound satisfying to you again. Very few songs are "Thunder Road" & "Meeting Across The River" and few will ever be. But like "Magic," "Working On A Dream" is filled with Bruce's love of melody, and the music that made him. If you're looking for a dozen sparse arrangements with lyrics about guys doing hard time, look elsewhere. Those days are over...for now.

One last thing about "Outlaw Pete." It is NOT "Jungleland." STOP saying "Jungleland" when talking about "Outlaw Pete." And Lefsetz, kiss my ass. I say that will all due respect. (not really)






THE BIRD & THE BEE- RAY GUNS ARE NOT JUST THE FUTURE

New record from low-key, sixties psych-meets Morrissey on a tropical isle duo. (I just made myself interested.)



FRANZ FERDINAND- TONIGHT: FRANZ FERDINAND

The third release from F.F. "finds the band evolving its post-punk sound to encompass funk and R&B influences." I wish I was more interested in this. I didn't get ga ga over their first two releases, so I haven't much to say about this. But, a post-punk band dabbling in funk and R&B doesn't sound promising.













THE JACKSONS EXPANDED

Both "Destiny" and "Triumph" get remastered with a few extra tracks slapped on for good measure. These records were solid at the time, featuring the hits 'Lovely One," "Shake Your Body," and the hilariously retitled "This Place Hotel," AKA "Heartbreak Hotel." Graceland wasn't amused.



PAUL MCCARTNEY- AMOEBA'S SECRET

On June 27, 2007, Paul McCartney shocked the music world by performing a surprise, first ever in-store at the famed Los Angeles record shop. I guess when you're a Beatle, there will always be some collectibility, but it really is only 4 songs. And those songs are "Only Mama Knows," (ok, I think) "C-Moon" (jeez), "That Was Me," (what?), and "I Saw Her Standing There." (Maybe that's why they kept it a secret)



MARK OLSON & GARY LOURIS- READY FOR THE FLOOD

The Jayhawks side projects continue with this somewhat moody and lethargic collection of songs that have a lot of heart, but not much strength. Sort of the "Rudy" of folk rock.


And there you have it.

SOME FIRE FOR "THE WOOD"

EXPANDED "DARKNESS"




A deluxe reissue of 1978's "Darkness on the Edge of Town" is being prepped and ready for release later this year. Similar to the 30th anniversary boxed reissue of "Born To Run," the "Darkness" package will include a new remaster of that record, as well as a DVD documentary of its conception and some live footage from that period. I vote for the full performance at the Capitol Theatre from 9/19/78, if it has not already been determined.






GLAD AND SORRY


The on again/off again Faces reunion which seemed all but ready to go with Red Hot Chili Pepper Flea filling in for the late Ronnie Lane on bass, is now off again. According to the U.K.'s Daily Mirror, guitarist Ron Wood said that he and Rod Stewart wrote an album's worth of new material during a Christmas vacation, and that Flea would be participating in an upcoming tour. However, the online version of the piece has since disappeared from the Daily Mirror web site. Let's just hope Rod's fifth volume of standards if off again/off again.








STEAK-OLA

Steakhouse Studios in North Hollywood has played host to Jeff Beck a number of times since it opened for business in 1986. It seems that Beck finished an entire album with long time session guitarist and Toto leader Steve Lukather, which Lukather wants released and Beck does not. This is it HERE, ready to download, if you're into that sort of thing.



A TRIBUTE TO SIR DOUG

Vanguard Records will release Keep Your Soul: A Tribute to Doug Sahm, a 14-song disc honoring the late musician on March 24. Artists include Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Alejandro Escovedo, Dave Alvin, Terry Allen, Charlie Sexton and former Afghan Whigs lead singer Greg Dulli. (I've got nothing cute to say. This might be good.)






MEMORIES OF LOU

David Ostwald and his Gully Low Jazz band have been paying tribute to the great Louis Armstrong for the better part of ten years on Wednesday afternoons at Birdland in midtown Manhattan. Last year I wrote a tribute to these wonderful musicians for The Huffington Post. You can read it here. This weekly ritual is worth your time. You will witness the finest musicians in the game, playing the music of the master in the heart of NYC all for $10. It really is one of New York's treasures. David was kind enough to let me shoot some pics and video from last week's performance. (I apologize for my slightly shakey camera work) Here is "Memories Of You," featuring the sublime Anat Cohen, Howard Alden, Marion Felder, and my friend David Ostwald. Please go see these guys.
You won't be sorry.

"Is Anybody ALIVE Out There?"

On Monday afternoon, The Boss took over the DJ seat at his own station, E-Street Radio, for a politically charged 90 minute set of music that included an eclectic mix of songs from the likes of Ry Cooder, Rank & File, Public Enemy, Jeff Tweedy and (not so) Little Steven Van Zandt. For those who missed it, here it is. It was the best 90 minutes of radio since Alison Steele played The Who's "Quadrophenia" in its entirety.

BRUCE FILE

This Must Be What The French Are Talking About

This is even funnier than Dane Cook. (OK bad example. Sam Waterston is funnier than Dane Cook) Thanks for the clip, Frank.

If It's Tuesday, January 20 2009, It Must ALSO Be Street Date

Hey! Over here! Just DVR the damn Inauguration! There's a new Bon Iver CD out today. OH...nevermind.

Here's the rundown of new releases for when you pull yourself away from the TV screen.



ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS- CRYING LIGHT
The follow-up to the critically acclaimed and altogether baffling, "I Am A Bird Now," "Crying Light" is a continuation of Antony's musical journey to "Whatthehellville." Symphonic arrangements by avant-garde classical composer Nico Muhly add to the chances of it not getting airplay.



BON IVER- BLOOD BANK

The follow-up to the critically acclaimed and altogether baffling, "For Emma, Forever Ago," "Blood Bank" is a 4 track e.p., which covers the "darker and lighter natures of the seasons and what they signify." (Remember, slice the vein vertically, not horizontally.)




A.C. NEWMAN- GET GUILTY

Second solo album from head New Pornographer Carl Newman picks up where "The Slow Wonder" left off. Short, sharp bursts of power pop, with lots of hooks and harmonies is usually a recipe for a big ol' Sal fest. Unfortunately, the songs don't really differ much from each other and that's what bogs this record of good intentions down. Still worth a listen, even if it begs for Neko Case. (or maybe that was me)




TOMMY ROE- PAISLEY DREAMS: POP PSYCH SOUNDS OF TOMMY ROE

Never heard either of the two records represented on this collection, but this description has piqued my interest.

Digitally remastered collection featuring a pair of albums from the Bubblegum Pop star: It's Now Winter's Day and Phantasy (both released in 1967). Coming off a formidable run of hits, Roe was able to enter the studio with Millenium wunderkind Curt Boettcher and his team (later to become both The Ballroom and Goldenrod) to record these albums. Bizarrely sounding more like group efforts than solo albums, replete with theremins, fuzz guitar, strings and general psych bendiness, not to mention being entirely composed by Roe, they were major triumphs. The follow-up PHANTASY upped the ante even further. Here we have both albums, together for the first time, a key piece in the story of the legendary Curt Boettcher and his associates, and a Californian sunshine psych-pop extravaganza in it's own right. Beautiful songs, great singing and innovative production... who could ask for anything more?

Sign me up.



SIMPLY RED- 25: THEIR GREATEST HITS

This is another one of those "you already bought 2 Simply Red anthologies, so here's one more that's almost identical save one or two songs to soak the last bit of life and enthusiasm out of the record buyer" type CDs. It does have a DVD of videos, if that interests you. And a new cover of the Bessie Banks via Moody Blues' hit "Go Now." Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?



PICK OF THE WEEK
BEAUSOLEIL- ALLIGATOR PURSE

This is from Sandra Brennan of All Music:

The formation of BeauSoleil, one of the best known and most highly respected cajun bands in the world, is due to fiddler Michael Doucet's desire to keep the unique southern Louisiana culture and music from extinction. But while BeauSoleil originated to help preserve his cajun musical heritage, over the years it has been also known for its innovation. They are continually adding spice from other musical genres including jazz and Caribbean. In this way, BeauSoleil's keeps the music vital and contemporary.


My Two Cents:


To the uninitiated, Cajun music, like reggae or bossa nova or rockabilly, for that matter, tends to get lost in an aural monotony. You may think it all sounds the same, but there are subtleties and nuances and rhythms and feelings in those genres, and on "Alligator Purse," Beausoleil takes the Cajun two-step to new heights. I want to give some credit to Yep Roc record for recognizing these legends of Louisiana and giving them another shot at reaching the masses. (when I say "masses," I mean...you know...a few more people.)

Hey Mr. President, read my blog and....break a leg.

And He Was

I don't often sing the praises of David Byrne. This is a man who founded one of the most influential bands in the history of music, then just abandoned it all for a life of pretentiousness. (or so I say) Here is something from yesterday's New York Times that made me forget "The Knee Plays" for a few minutes. It was part of an article that asked New Yorkers to submit their ideas for an Obama "To-Do List."

Here is Byrne's entry:

The educational system needs a huge influx of money. Schoolteachers should all be paid twice what they get now, as they are the ones who will make this city financially and socially livable in the future. An educated generation will create, will be employed, will be healthier and more involved. Crime will diminish, so money will be saved there as well as on welfare and unemployment (assuming there will be any jobs out there to be had). After a while, I think, the benefits will outweigh the costs.

I like that. It certainly seems a bit more thought out than Florent Morrellet's idea of "a car-free Broadway that extends from Central Park to Union Square, then down University Place to Washington Square. That could be our emerald boulevard," but what do I know?

"ADDICTED TO BOB": THE WEEKEND MIX

Reading through Jason Ankeny's bio of Robert Palmer on All Music, I was surprised to see that it has only been a little over 5 years since his passing. As a longtime fan and admirer, it seems twice that.

I was there early. Not as early as his Stax-influenced soul group, Vinegar Joe, but right there for "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley," his 1974 slinky solo debut that featured members of The Meters & Little Feat. I stayed with him through his forays into reggae, funk, soul, synth-pop and standards. Not everything was a homerun, but Robert Palmer's impeccable vocal phrasing made everything, EVERYTHING worth listening to.

Always surrounded by the best musicians in the game, Palmer's output seemed to baffle even those who were in his corner. Sure, he had major success as a smarmy, lounge lizard of MTV. But everything prior and since, sold little to nothing. He could take a simple ballad that would appeal to the masses if sung over simple instrumentation, and add kettle drums, a didgeridoo, and a penny whistle to create something completely original, a bit wacky, but always intensely beautiful. Not always the best ingredients for a hit record.

I dig the material with Power Station, the 80's supergroup that featured Palmer backed by members of Duran Duran and Chic, it is just unfortunate that a few clever but cheesy videos from that same period are what the great Robert Palmer will forever be known.

Here is a mix of some of my fave Robert Palmer moments.


TRACK LIST

Jealous
Woke Up Laughing
Remember To Remember
Night People
Want You More
She Makes My Day
Give Me An Inch
Girl U Want
Trick Bag (Live On The Tube)
Kid/Pressure Drop (Live)

ZIP FILE IS HERE

Enjoy

JAMES DOLAN UPDATE

Van Morrison will be performing "Astral Weeks" in its entirety at the WaMu Theatre @ Madison Square Garden on the 27th and 28th of February. There is an early onsale for American Express cardholders, this Sunday morning at 10AM. Tickets are $350 each. Is it me? Maybe it's just me, but I really want to wipe that smile off his face. I'd say the same about Van for being a part of this, but he doesn't smile.

BEACON THEATRE UPDATE

Tickets for John Cassavetes...uh, I mean Leonard Cohen go on sale Friday. Tickets are only $250 each. Sure, it's Cohen's first NY show in 15 years, but is that our fault? With Ticketmaster fees, you can expect to pay $550 for a pair. Actually, it'd be worth it if it WAS John Cassavetes.

Loudon Wainwright III's "MOTEL BLUES"

While I continue to obsess over the miracle that is "Spectacle," Elvis Costello's sober version of a drunken music snob's night out with the boys, I thought I'd obsess about something else until next week's episode airs. Last night's guest on "Spectacle" was Rufus Wainwright, a singer-songwriter who many adore and just as many find as pleasant as nails on a blackboard. I belong to the former group. But this is not about Rufus. It is about his dad, Loudon Wainwright III.

For too many years, my only exposure to Loudon Wainwright III was as the singing patient on early episodes of M*A*S*H*, so I thank Rufus for the many times he's mentioned his dad during his live performances. Being a fan of Rufus made me explore the music of Loudon.

I have only just scratched the surface, but I am feeling as if I could just pluck any song from any Loudon record from any period of his career, and it would blow me away.

"Motel Blues" is a song from 1971's "Album II," a song also covered by Big Star. This version is from Wainwright's 2008 release "Recovery," an album that revisits his earlier material.

Listen HERE

LOOKING OUT FOR # 2

When bass player extraordinaire and all around good guy, Sal Maida is not touring the world with Cracker and the legendary Mary Weiss, he is thinking about this:



"How 'bout best sophomore records: Ballad of Todd Rundgren.. , Horizontal, Da Capo, A Quick One, Traffic, Disraeli Gears, etc. Discuss on Burning Wood?"

That was the entirety of an e-mail I received right around Christmas. So I wrote back:

"Great idea. Give me ten and I'll post it."

He said:

"Those 6 and Surrealistic Pillow, Radio City, Axis:Bold As Love, Again-Buffalo Sp. I could name more but I'll go with those. Off to L.A. to play with The Dolls and X on Sat."

Before he made it to L.A., I received this:

"Then there's Odessey and Oracle, This Year's Model, The Band, For Your Pleasure, What We Did On Our Holiday."

OK...you got it?

Here are my ten:

THE BAND- THE BAND

THE ZOMBIES- ODESSEY & ORACLE

ELVIS COSTELLO- THIS YEAR'S MODEL

LED ZEPPELIN- II

JIMI HENDRIX- AXIS: BOLD AS LOVE

FACES- LONGPLAYER

DAVID BOWIE- THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD

BEASTIE BOYS- PAUL'S BOUTIQUE

BEE GEES- HORIZONTAL

QUEEN- II

















Discuss and tell me what you're thinking....about the list, not the photos.

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date -1/13/09

Welcome back, New Releases. This week is not quite as bountiful as I had hoped, but there are a few "cherce" items to talk about, this second week of the new year.



PICK OF THE WEEK

THE BEE GEES- ODESSA (3 CD DELUXE EDITION)


Not quite a concept album, although many perceived it to be, not only upon its release but to this day, 1969's "Odessa" was mainly just a BIG album; a collection of sweeping ballads with big orchestrations sprawled over 4 sides and packaged in red velvet. Admittedly, I had never given enough time to this record in the past and I am a huge Bee Gees fan. It seemed a bit daunting, this big ol' red record of ballads. Avoiding this record made little sense, since nothing the Bee Gees recorded prior to the release of "Odessa" really rocked anyway. Plus, I luff them. This spectacular new reissue from Rhino Records begs for your attention. It got mine.

First the facts- you get remastered stereo and mono versions, as well as a third disc of alternates and demos that are more than just empty sketches. The box, which is indeed red velvet, also comes with a booklet featuring amazing song by song annotation, as well as a poster and a decal.

Excellent songs like "Marley Purt Drive," "Melody Fair," and "First Of May" may seem familiar to even the casual Gibb Brothers' fan, but songs like "Black Diamond," "Lamplight, "I Laugh In Your Face," and "Never Say Never Again," rival the best of the Bee Gees early work. The new remastering is stunning and I can't recommend this new set enough.



DEREK TRUCKS BAND- ALREADY FREE

Guitar phenom and consistent highlight of the Allman Brothers live shows, Derek Trucks, releases his first album of new material since the 2006 release, "Songlines." More song-oriented than his previous releases which relied on improvisation and extended jamming, "Already Free" wouldn't be out of place in a CD carousel alongside Allen Toussaint, Derek & The Dominoes, Bonnie Raiit, and Delaney & Bonnie. Great stuff.








THE BLUE NOTE 7- MOSAIC : A CELEBRATION OF BLUE NOTE RECORDS

On January 13, Blue Note Records will commemorate the label's 70th anniversary with among many other things, a tupperware party hosted by Dave Koz, and this eight-song collection of classic Blue Note material, given a new spin by an all star group that features pianist, Bill Charlap, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, tenor saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, alto saxophonist/flutist Steve Wilson, guitarist Peter Bernstein, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Lewis Nash. (What? No Wayman Tisdale?)








JOSHUA REDMAN- COMPASS

On Redman's new release, the saxman uses a double trio that includes Larry Grenadier, Reuben Rogers, Gregory Hutchinson, and Brian Blade, which actually equals five musicians. (What? NO Wayman Tisdale?)


Here briefly, are a few more CDs being shipped to the coffee shops and nail salons this Tuesday, 1/13/09.

Ravi Coltrane-Blending Times (with guest Charlie Haden)

Eliane Elias- Bossa Nova Stories (Miss Elias' last two releases "Around The City" and "Something For You: Eliane Sings & Plays Bill Evans" were both excellent)

Late Of The Pier- Fantasy Black Channel

Reviews of these releases can be found here.

Finally, here is the EPK (electronic press kit) for Derek Trucks' new release, "Already Free." This will hopefully be enough for you to take the plunge and buy this fantastic new record.

THE NEW BEACON THEATRE: "Welcome Rich People"

Back in September of 2008, the New York Times ran an article about the renovation and rebirth of New York's legendary Beacon Theatre. You can check it out for yourself right HERE. A few months earlier, I wrote a piece for the Huffington Post proclaiming my disappointment and disgust with James Dolan, CEO of Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the once beloved Beacon Theatre. You can check that out for yourself right HERE.

I bring this up now because tickets for the Allman Brothers' March Madness at the Beacon Theatre have just gone on sale. Last time the Allmans played the Beacon Theatre, was March 2007, B.R. (before renovation) Tickets were $94.

Here's an excerpt from the NYT article:

"Mr. Dolan wanted a state-of-the art restoration," said Jay Marciano, president of Madison Square Garden Entertainment, referring to James L. Dolan, Cablevision's chief executive. Since Mr. Dolan has been oft-criticized by New York Knicks fans during years of the team's decline, did Mr. Dolan think of it as some form of penance to spend $5 million more on the Beacon restoration (and an additional $1 million on new air conditioning) than was required by its contract? "I can't speak for how he thinks," Mr. Marciano said of Mr. Dolan. "But he has a lot of personal passion for this project. We view the Beacon as iconic, a beloved city landmark, and restoring the Beacon will be good for New Yorkers and a profitable business venture." The cost will be recouped during the lease, and ticket prices, which range from $25 to $125, will not increase after the reopening. "Not one dollar," Mr. Marciano said.

Not one dollar.

I was taking a look at some of the first few shows scheduled for the Beacon's re-opening.

We got B.B. King & Buddy Guy on 2/21. You can get your tickets HERE. Cost: $140. Last time I saw Buddy Guy at the Beacon was in 2006. Tickets were $60. AND Los Lobos was on the bill. I guess B.B. King is far more legendary than Los Lobos, even at....at 83 years old. And we all know that Buddy Guy puts on an amazing show...you know...when he shows up. So...$140 it is. Seems reasonable.

Also on tap is the Labelle reunion. Could be a great night of entertainment. I loved the reunion CD. I wrote all about it for the Huffington Post. You can check it out for yourself right HERE. That show is on tap for 2/26. Get your tickets HERE. Cost: $154. Last time I saw Labelle was in 1992 and tickets were only $50 and...and it was really only Sarah Dash...singing back-up for Keith Richards. I guess $154 is reasonable for a band that had the biggest selling record of 2008...except they didn't.

Tickets for this year's run of Allman Brothers' shows are $150, that's a $56 jump. Jay Marciano is right. Tickets did NOT go up one dollar. With all respect to the Allman Brothers, who still put on amazing show 40 years after the fact, this all seems so wrong. Rock and roll should not be for the rich, and with the current state of the economy and the painfully high unemployment rate, everyone involved with these shows, including the artists, should be ashamed of themselves.

HOLY CRAP!

Bettye Lavette performing at the Kennedy Center Honors

"Have A Nice Trip" : THE FREEK-END MIX

Today Jimmy Page celebrates his 65th birthday and my initial thought was to create a mix featuring his fine guitar work with everyone from The Yardbirds, Stephen Stills, Joe Cocker, Tom Jones and of course, Led Zeppelin. But I once got into trouble for simply asking the question "Does anyone have any interest in rare live Zeppelin CDs from Japan?" on a Led Zeppelin forum. The ZEP people don't take kindly to this internet stuff. So, Happy Birthday Jimmy. This weekend's mix is not for you.






The Beatles, Boz Scaggs, ELO, Peter Frampton, The Easybeats, and The Beach Boys are just some of the bands that appear nowhere on this mix, BUT, there is a connection. Any ideas?


Freak out, dudes. Enjoy the trip.


TRACKLIST

So Much In Love - McGough & McGear
Biff Bang Pow - The Creation
Dear Delilah - Grapefruit
From The Underworld - The Herd
Colour Of My Mind - The Attack
The Beauty Of Time Is That It's Snowing - Steve Miller Band
Royston Rose - The Koobas
Impostors Of Life's Magazine - The Idle Race
Laura's Garden - Orange Bicycle
My World Fell Down - Sagittarius


Zip File is HERE

YES, SHAUN CASSIDY

Back when he only hated the world a little, Todd Rundgren would spend the time not recording a new solo record, or Utopia record, producing what seemed like everybody who was anybody. Grand Funk, The Tubes, Patti Smith, Meatloaf, The Psychedelic Furs, Badfinger, Ian Hunter, XTC, Tom Robinson, Rick Derringer and the New York Dolls (who are back in the studio with Todd at the helm), all had the privilege, depending on which band member you asked, to make music with this mad genius from Philly. Oh yes, and Shaun Cassidy, too.

1980 saw the release of "Wasp," a record that is essentially Utopia, with Shaun Cassidy on lead vocals. All Music couldn't have said it better:







In an attempt to radically change his image, Todd Rundgren and Utopia were recruited to reinvent teen idol Cassidy for the new wave '80s. WASP is an eclectic selection of covers, mixed with typical Rundgren originals, all delivered with adventurous, uniformly fine vocals from Cassidy. Throughout the album, Cassidy's expressive vocals redeem material that is hampered by production quirks. And most of the album rises above the dated arrangements, which mar some of the best selections. "It's My Life" is effectively creepy with its eerie vocal and funereal tempo, "So Sad About Us" sports the strong group vocals and drive of Rundgren-styled power-pop, and "WASP" features a rapped lead vocal and heavy riff reminiscent of Utopia at its best.


My two cents:

As an ardent supporter of Mr. Rundgren, a new production would always suffice, like a musical Snickers bar, until the real meat and potatoes of a solo album would come along and stick to my ribs. "Wasp" almost did the trick. I prefer the Rundgren originals, two of which I have here for your listening pleasure, to the sometimes comical arrangements of some otherwise excellent cover material. The one cover I chose for this quick mix is The Who's "So Sad About Us," for exactly the reason James A. Gardner has pointed out.


HERE is the zip file for:

COOL FIRE
SELFLESS LOVE
SO SAD ABOUT US

from the 1980 Warner Brothers' release, "WASP."