Mr. Soul, Mr Sam Butera

I've been wanting to post this since I first saw it this past September in New Orleans, as part of Joe Lauro's short film "Heroes Of The Ponderosa Stomp." I'm not sure why I had such a hard time tracking it down, but I think it had something to do with using both Prima AND Butera as key words. I don't know.

If you'd like, there is more about the Stomp here.
http://www.ponderosastomp.com/

This clip made an impression on me and I can't stop watching it now.
(Well, I could. But I don't want to.)

Sam Butera's delivery really hit me hard.


Happy New Year

Extended Vacation

I'll make this quick.

I want to thank all of you for your support. This has become a very meaningful community. But I need some time. This isn't a health issue, so please no worries.

Don't forget about Burning Wood. It's too young to retire, so bookmark it and check back often.

See you when I see you.

Happy New Year!

So This Is Christmas

This tune came to me from a friend.

I'm sending it out to a friend.

(I had never heard it before.)


HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER)

Reasons To Be Cheerful, Part 4

Christmas cheer isn't always a given. But an old and dear friend shared this video with me, and I thought I'd share it with you.

Good friends from the old neighborhood, making the season bright.

Thanks Frank.

Merry Christmas. See You Soon

Why Is Life Worth Living

There is plenty in Woody Allen's "Manhattan" that has affected me since I first saw it with my cousin on opening day at the Kings' Plaza twin in Sheepshead Bay in 1978, and after repeated viewings since then.  One scene specifically, near the very end, when Woody's character Isaac is speaking into a cassette recorder, reciting his examples of why life is worth living, made the biggest impression. The next day I just had to hear "Potato Head Blues" by Louis Armstrong.

I can't do much in the way of pleasure without immediately thinking of this scene and how I'd love to recite my own random list to an audience of some.  In many ways, Burning Wood is my own personal forum for why life is worth living, at least the musical examples. Though Arcade Fire is one musical excuse to take the gas pipe. But that's not why I'm here today.

Yesterday's subway ride home hit me with two of these examples, back to back, courtesy of A-Pod, my trusty ol' iPod--

The Beatles' "No Reply" and Sam Cooke's version of "Frankie & Johnny," two songs that start innocently enough, and then, with little more than the tools these artists brought to the table--read: little to no studio trickery--hit triumphant heights that never fail to make my bumps get goosey.

All Music (www.allmusic.com) lists 927 "occurences" for "Frankie & Johnnie" and 188 "occurences" for "No Reply."

I'm going all in. These two versions are the best.

I know this is nothing you haven't heard before, but aren't we supposed to be spreading some joy this tme of year?

NO REPLY



FRANKIE & JOHNNY




Oh...and here's that scene from "Manhattan."

Steve Landesberg, R.I.P.

"Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is a better defense."

Be Funny. Win Some Keith Richards' Rarities

No, this is not a meeting of the Burning Wood Fan Club Of Stockholm. Well, if you remove 3 of the 4 guys, I guess it may be.

My friend in Sweden sent this to me and I wanted to use it somehow.

Feeling creative?

Come up with a caption by Sunday, 12/26, and the most creative will receive a jam-packed CD full of Keith Richards' rarities, inspired by my completion of "Life." (His, not mine.)

Put on your thinking parkas and get silly.

Some Other Best Records of 2010

Loyal reader, Burning Wood foil and supporter, my friend, "Meanstreets" has submitted his selection for Top 10 Records of 2010. His thoughts on all things from Austin (his home away from home),  to politics to the "problems with my musical taste" have kept the comments pages jumping for the last two years.

We may not always agree, but that's okay. He's a Yankees fan, a Jets fan, and even digs New Orleans more than a bit. Plus, he's offered up some winners here and lightened my load for the morning.


MEANSTREETS' TOP 10 OF 2010
(in no particular order...)

JIM LAUDERDALE- Patchwork River
No better country voice, solo or when backing up Elvis Costello or Willie Nelson

EILEEN JEWELL - Presents Butcher Holler: A tribute to Loretta Lynn

MARTY STUART- Ghost Train:The Studio B Sessions
Don't be turned off by the flashy clothes and the perfect hair. He's the real deal.

BRENNEN LEIGH- The Box
The Carter Family & The Louvin Brothers would be huge fans

LOS LOBOS- Tin Can Trust
Yes you can...

DALE WATSON- Carryin' On
...and he is, in the Merle Haggard tradition.

JON DEE GRAHAM- It's Not As Bad As It Looks
A serious car accident and then a fall off a ladder can't stop the "King Of Austin." It just gves him more material.

PATTY GRIFFIN- Downtown Church
Her gospel CD produced by Buddy Miller. Need I say more.

PRESERVATION- An Album To Benefit Preservation Hall
Not just an homage to Burning Wood, but a truly enjoyable CD that will put a smile on your face.

JOHN HIATT- The Open Road
Old reliable



REMASTERS

FRANK SINATRA/ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM- The Complete Reprise Recordings
You can hear the cigarette smoke in the studio....

ROLLING STONES- Exile On Main Street
Where have you gone, Mick Taylor??

Thank you Meanstreets. Gonna crack open the Brennen Leigh right after I dig into the new Motorhead. 

(I'm serious.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WYLDLIFE

So you see, I do like kids. 

Brooklyn's own Wyldlife, one of my favorite new bands, have penned a future holiday classic.  Not since Fountains Of Wayne's "I Want An Alien For Christmas" has a new Christmas tune sent my bells a' jingling.  Rocking hard and keeping the hooks coming at a rapid pace, Wyldlife is best experienced live.  But until you get that opportunity, enjoy this perfect combination of mirth and melancholy.


 RUMPLE MINZE

(verse) Well my yule log is burning low

             And my socks are filled with nothing but coal

             I've been naughty but should I be alone?

             Done her wrong but why, I'll never know.

             She got fed up and left me this year

             I got no reason for the holiday cheer

             But with my 5th of eggnog and this case of beer

             At least I got my spirits in tow

 (Chorus) I'm Heart Struck! "Bah-Humbug" ain't quite strong enough.

                I miss her madly, but sadly all I'll get's her tough love.

                To be with her and her kisses: that's the one thing on my wish list

                Might take a miracle, I'm begging still: Mr Claus,

                Help me cross this off!

    (verse)  Black Friday was especially dark

                 All the boys and girls got their calendars marked

                 But I got mistletoe at the top

                 Of a picture of her face

 

                 The punks throwing snowballs can't hurt me no more

                 Can't find what I need at department stores

                 St. Nick, is it too much to implore 

                 Can you wrap me up in her embrace?

 I'm Heart Struck! "Bah-Humbug" ain't quite strong enough.

 I miss her madly, but sadly all I'll get isher tough love.

 To be with her and her kisses: that's the one thing on my wish list

 Might take a miracle, I'm begging still: Mr Claus,

 (Bridge) So Santa can't ya' grant this

                Wish and make my christmas?

               I believe in you, do you believe in me?

 I'm Heart Struck! "Bah-Humbug" ain't quite strong enough.

 I miss her madly, but sadly all I'll gets her tough love.

 To be with her and her kisses: that's the one thing on my wish list

 Might take a miracle, I'm begging still: Mr Claus,

 Help me cross this off!

 

 

RUMPLE MINZE

 

Check out more of the band's music at

http://www.myspace.com/wyldlife7

"Happy Holidaze" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the hood
A Starbucks is standing, where something better once stood
All the hipsters have gathered with their new PDAs
Spending 6 bucks a pop on their venti lattes

This has little to do with Christmas, it's true
I just don't like these hipsters and the things that they do
Now that that's off my chest, I'll get down to some biz
With a few crusty lines, 'bout my holiday miz

The obligation to shop and put balls on a tree
Has sadly become just plain ol' balls to me
It's those Lexus commercials, they are not apropos
I miss the Bud Clydesdales, as they clomp through the snow

So call me a Grinch, a Scrooge if it's funny
I still don't think Christmas is all about money
As Seuss said about Christmas, it "doesn't come from a store,
Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more"

As the year comes to a close, I continue to fear it
Where art thou, O brother, my pal, Christmas spirit
Still everyone is smiling, and I know that I should
'Cause I've got great readers, and you've got Burning Wood


HAPPY HOLIDAZE!

(Yeah, I know I'm a dork. But that's about as Christmassy as I'll get.)

(I also removed a verse where I rhymed "fecund" with "Vampire Weekend." You're welcome.)

The Christmas Song- Cesar Rosas & Steve Berlin
Christmas In Suburbia- Martin Newell
Christmas Tears- Freddie King
The Little Drummer Boy- Ellis Marsalis
Indian Giver- The Squirrel Nut Zippers
Christmas Kisses- Ray Anthony & The Bookends
I Wish I Was Christmas Today- Julian Casablancas
The Little Boy That Santa Claus forgot- A Girl Called Eddy
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town- Jimmy Smith
Ain't No Chimneys In The Projects- Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
Poor Old Rudolph- The Bellrays
A Merry Jingle- The Greedies
Hang Your Balls On The Christmas Tree- Kay Martin & Her Bodyguards
Old Fashioned Christmas- Duke Pearson
Merry Christmas Baby- Charles Brown

THE ZIP

Rock & Roll Sabotage

This is simple, really.

What band would be so much better if it wasn't for their horrible lead singer?


My trusty iPod, on its usual shuffle mode, threw the Yardbirds lowlight, "Still I'm Sad" at me, and I suddenly realized, whenever I get raved up about this band, it's always about the raucous performance of the musicians, not the hypothermic delivery of Keith Relf, who admittedly tries, but really just doesn't belong.

Yes I admit, "Still I'm Sad" is a terrible example. It's just not a very good song to begin with.  But even through all of my favorite moments, I find myself twitching just a bit, wishing it was a young Rod Stewart or just about anyone else...'cept maybe Jack Bruce....singing those songs.

Holiday Requests Fulfilled (Part Three): "Todd" Live

As promised, here is the "Todd" portion of the Keswick Theatre pay per view. This set actually opened the show, with "Healing" representing the second half. I've already raved about both on these pages, and while I don't expect you to be quite as moved by the audio as the crowd was by being there, I think you'll enjoy it just the same.

TRACKLIST

How About A Little Fanfare
I Think You Know
The Spark Of Life
An Elpee's Worth Of Tunes
A Dream Goes On Forever
Lord Chancellor's Nightmare Song
Drunken Blue Rooster
The Last Ride
Everybody's Going To Heaven
No. 1 Lowest Common Denominator
Useless Begging
Sidewalk Cafe
Izzat Love
Heavy Metal Kids
Don't You Ever Learn

 Todd Zip

Slogging Through Life

As I reach just passed the halfway point of the Keith Richards' tome, I've decided that I've read enough to complain. Sure, it's HIS life and book. But man Keef, if you're gonna drop musical bombs, you can't just leave us hanging.

If you knew that "Brown Sugar" was all Mick's, then God bless you, because I didn't. So was "Moonlight Mile." For real. I was also delighted to find out that one of my favorite Stones songs "Surprise, Surprise" from one of my favorite Stones' albums, "Now," was all Keith.  This is the type of stuff that gets casual mention, while the size of Marianne Faithful's tits, or a trip to Morocco with Anita Pallenberg and a man called Achmed Hole-In-Head gets more air time than the Deer Hunter wedding reception.

Early on, it's Brian this, and Brian that, and Brian plays this, and Brain snorts that. Then, as you see 1969 in your rear view mirror, it's "Oh yeah, Brian's dead now." NEXT!

"Life," the book, feels like a collection of demos. Passages go on too long, never quite gelling. Great ideas seem to be left for later overdubbing. It's appropriately addictive, yet never quite satisfying.

I am at the point where the band is about to record "Exile On Main Street." Too bad the hype surrounding the deluxe edition of the CD pretty much covered everything, otherwise I'd be jonesin' for some first hand shit. We'll see. There's another 300 pages to come.

Of course, I can't escape the need for a soundtrack when I read about the music I love, so I've been shuffling the Stones library with great enthusiasm....and I found something good.

Recorded at Madison Square Garden on the 13th of September, in the year 2005, presumably by some guy with 2 stealth microphones crammed happily into his Orioles cap, or unhappily into somewhere worse, here is a version of "19th Nervous Breakdown" that I absolutely love.

The recording is marred by the usual drunken yappers. But it is fine enough to hear a band, 40 years after the fact, still hitting the groove that makes the Rolling Stones the Rolling Stones.

I love this recording. It's not the arrangement you'd expect. That's what makes it special. And don't even get me started on Charlie, who is still carrying this band.

19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

The Ghosts Of Christmas Past & The Future Potential Of The Holiday Season

It's less than two weeks from Christmas day, and the spirit, not to mention those elusive tidings of comfort and joy, have yet to find their way down my skylight. It's not as if I'm fighting the spirit. I'd love to be in one of those J.C. Penney commercials, with the sweaters and the hot toddies and everyone smiling at their freshly unwrapped gifts. But let's get real. This hall decking that we are supposed to embrace every year, becomes more difficult to wrap my head around as I get older. Christmas these days, feels more like a chore than a holiday.

As a kid, the prospect of a fat guy in a red suit delivering toys like Tommy Turtle and a Whirly-Bird was enough to keep me awake for days at a time. Of course, I never did understand why "Santa" always forgot the batteries, delaying my Christmas morning until the 26th. This was before the days when a CVS was on every corner.

My family has always been very vocal. Traditional phrases like "That tree looks so beautiful," and "I made the egg nog myself, please have some," were generally outnumbered by such Hallmark sayings as "Don't get me anymore scarves!" and "Another book?" I remember being disappointed on more than one occasion. One year, my Aunt gave all her nephews a card with a ten dollar bill, except for me. She gave me a can of peanut brittle. Still don't get that one. I would have been happy with the peanut brittle if everyone got peanut brittle. This is really not what Christmas is all about, is it?


At one time, the family was larger and the gift list was longer. Gifts had to be bought and sent all over the country, making the affordable and joyful experience, simply annoying, thanks to the added postage expense and the odious lines at the post office. I would anticipate this misery and take it out while wrapping, so all of the gifts from me looked as if they had been wrapped at "The Lighthouse."

Then of course, there is the Christmas music. I happen to like it. The fun rock and roll tunes and the traditional Christmas hymns, both do a better job at filling that Christmas void than the hustle and bustle of what seems like everyone on Earth descending onto Midtown all at once. And yet, there is always one or two in the crowd who bark, "If I hear that Mariah Carey song one more time, I'm gonna rip the CD right out of the player!" You know, it's the best thing she's ever done, and you don't have to play it the other 11 months of the year. So, blow it out your horn of plenty.

I don't want to blame the family. That is too easy. The Christmas spirit reared its head more times than not, but for some reason, we have a tendency to remember the bad over the good. (Or, at least I do.)

One year, I had been looking for 3 special gifts, one each for my co-workers, who I became very close to over the three year period we worked together. Joey was a Beatles' fan and a Yankees' fan. He already had a half-dozen "butcher covers," and just about every cool collectible with Lennon's face plastered on it.


After some deep searches on eBay, I found something in a place called "Fun Antiques." It was a photo proof sheet of outtakes from a Yankees' team photo from their championship season of 1978. I had never seen anything like it before. The asking price was $150, but I got it down to $110. The owner was a fan of the prog rock band Van der Graaf Generator, and I promised to find him some "bootlegs." (I've been looking for 19 years.)

It was a busy retail Saturday afternoon, and once things slowed down, we exchanged gifts. Joey opened his and just stared in amazement. My eyes and smile widened. "Good job," I thought.

"What is it?"

I explained the history and its scarcity. Joey giggled, as if everyone was in on the joke, "What am I supposed to do with this? Hang it on my wall?" He laughed some more. My other co-workers had frozen smiles of fear and disbelief on their faces. "Well, you could frame it. Maybe put it up in a spare bedroom, or in your music room. It's a collector's item. You don't think it's cool?"

Joey just stammered, clearly baffled by my thoughtfulness. "I just don't think it's practical." I was crushed. He was right. It wasn't "practical," but is that really what Christmas is all about? He said, "I have yours in the car. Be right back."

He walked back into the shop with a box that was very long and thin. There may have been some ribbon. I don't know. I opened it. 6 foot drumsticks from that stupid store "Think Big." I suppose they would have been very practical if I hadn't sold my 45 foot drum kit.

I'm thinking Christmas could actually work some day. The tree needs to be smaller. Gifts should be optional, not mandatory. Maybe it could be a little more like Ralph Kramden sees it:

"Christmas is... well, it's about the best time of the whole year. When you walk down the streets, even for weeks before Christmas comes, and there's lights hanging up, green ones and red ones, sometimes there's snow and everyone's hustling some place. But they don't hustle around Christmastime like they usually do. You know, they're a little more friendlier... they bump into you, they laugh and they say, "Pardon me. Merry Christmas"... especially when it gets real close to Christmas night. Everybody's walking home, you can hardly hear a sound. Bells are ringin', kids are singing, the snow is coming down."


Maybe you'll enjoy this music without ripping the CD out your player.

TRACK LIST

All I Want For Christmas Is A Bottle- The Beatles
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear- The Fab Four
Christmas- Pete Townshend
Do You Hear What I Hear- Spiraling
Child's Christmas In Wales- Superchunk
I Wish You A Merry Christmas- Little Eva
Great Day In December- The Swan Silvertones
I Just Want To See His Face- The Rolling Stones
Church On Time- Ben Harper & The 5 Blind Boys Of Alabama
Let It Snow- Jon Auer
Rock & Roll Winter- Roy Wood's Wizzard
Jingle Bells (Buala Bas)- The Clancy Brothers
Silver Bells- Booker T. & The MGs
Cold Weather- Mark Johnson
Lonesome Christmas- Lowell Fulsom
God Bless The Child- Sonny Rollins
Any Day Now- Sam Cooke

THE ZIP

Holiday Requests Fulfilled (Part Two): "Still I Dream Of You: Rare Works Of Brian Wilson"

This very rare Japanese release was requested months ago when I first featured the chills-inducing track by Hale & The Hushabyes, "Yes Sir, That's My Baby." It is a essentially a collection of Brian Wilson tunes written for other artists, as well as some side projects and productions. There are many gems to be found here, including the tres cool, early version of the Beach Boys' "Darlin'," Sharon Marie's "Thinkin' About You Baby" and Glen Campbell's "Guess I'm Dumb," which to my ears sounds like "Pet Sounds' with lyrics.




TRACK LIST

barbie- kenny & the cadets
what is a young girl made of- kenny & the cadets
the revo-lution- rachel & the revolvers
number one- rachel & the revolvers
the surfer moon- bob & cheri
humpty dumpty- bob & cheri
no go showboat- the timers
runaround lover- sharon marie
pamela jean- the survivors
i do - the castells
she ride with me- paul petersen
beach girl- the nodeans
he's a doll- the honeys
sacramento- gary usher
that's just the way i feel- gary usher
thinkin' about you baby- sharon marie
the story of my life- sharon marie
yes sir, that's my baby- hale & the hushabyes
farmer's daughter- basil swift & the seagrams
the monkey's uncle- annette
guess i'm dumb- glen campbell
things are changing- the blossoms
twelve-o-four- bob & bobby
baby, what you want me to do- bob & bobby
vegetables- laughing gravy
i'll keep on loving you- ron wilson
as tears go by- ron wilson
lady love- dino, desi & billy
barbie (take2)- kenny & the cadets
miss america- dante & friends
she rides with me- joey & the continentals
surfin' safari (Ariola Version)- the beach boys
karen- the beach boys

THE ZIP

Holiday Requests Fulfilled (Part One): "Todd Rundgren-Healing Live"

It is the time for giving, isn't it?

Someone asked for the entire show from where the live version of "Flesh" that appeared on the "Faves Of 2010" mix came from.  (That is one horrible sentence.)

Here it is, ripped from the remastered PPV.

It's the end of the year and I have to admit, I am feeling lazy, a bit under the weather, spent, depleted and still, very, very optimistic---I swear---about 2011.

So, if there are any requests, hit me now.

TODD RUNDGREN- HEALING "LIVE"
Keswick Theatre, Glendale, PA.- 9/15/10

Healer
Pulse
Flesh
Golden Goose
Compassion
Shine
Tiny Demons
Healing>Time Heals
Sons Of 1984

THE ZIP

(I'll get the "Todd" portion of the program up soon.)

John

I had a digital clock radio. Often, and on some occasions earlier than most, I'd get in bed, set the timer for 2-4 hours, and lie there in the dark listening to Alison Steele or Dennis Elsas on WNEW-FM until I fell asleep.  It was perfect, like a personal seminar every night, listening to some of the greatest rock music ever recorded.

30 years ago today, class was disrupted and my musical sanctuary changed for good.

I shut off the timer and just listened all night. The next morning, I dragged my ass out of bed and picked up my friend Sal. We started walking toward our high school, trading "I can't believe its" for most of the trek.

We made our way to the bleachers and just sat there, for hours, wondering how this could have happened.

30 years later...still missing John.

The Best Records Of 2010

 WELL, HERE IT IS---

My favorite records of the year.

As I did the last two years, I will accept your Top Ten lists--commentary not mandatory, but encouraged---if you'd like to share your favorites.

NICK CURRAN & THE LOWLIVES- REFORM SCHOOL GIRL.

Nick Curran has created the best rock and roll album of 1961... for 2010. The near-perfect production of "Reform School Girl" is the key. Sandwich this record between a classic Little Richard and Fats Domino album, and you will be hardpressed to believe it was recorded this year.  This baby kicks ass!


 

ROBERT PLANT- BAND OF JOY

Mr. Plant has come a long way from his days screeching "Muh-muh-muh-muh-B-B-BAAAYBAY, Yooooouu NEEEED it" with those rock and roll giants, Led Zeppelin. He has also been quietly and consistently pushing the envelope musically, aging gracefully, and maintaining a career that is worth our time.

With Nashville producer-extraordinaire Buddy Miller, and help from singer-songwriters Patty Griffin and Darrell Scott, Robert Plant has put together a beautiful and somewhat spiritual collection of traditional folk, country and gospel, with one or two modern covers--- one from Los Lobos and one from Richard Thompson, thrown in for good measure---for this wonderful release. "Band Of Joy" also highlights Plant's voice, while not exhibiting the need for lemon-squeezing found on "Led Zeppelin II," can still send shivers down your spine.

MAURICE BROWN- THE CYCLE OF LOVE

From Chicago to New Orleans to N.Y.C., this young genius composer and master of the trumpet has honed his craft with legends of the jazz world we only dream of seeing in our lifetime. Maurice Brown has made a record that showcases elements of all of his experiences.

It's not easy keeping the jazz purists happy, while catching the ears of those who spend much of their time shunning the genre. But thanks to Brown's knack for melody and a band that is not afraid to lay back or show their chops when necessary, "The Cycle Of Love" is one of the most musically appealing records of the year.

Songs like "Misunderstood" and "Merry Go Round" have hooks that will stick with you for days. "Fly By Night" and "Daydreams" employ grooves that will no doubt evoke late 60's Miles. And "Lovely," with its heartbreaking melody, will make you swoon. "The Cycle Of Love" is the stand-out jazz release of 2010.


 



 

PETER WOLF- MIDNIGHT SOUVENIRS

If this album began and ended with the opening cut, "Tragedy," a duet with Shelby Lynne, I would have been satisfied. What a freakin' track! That would have been all over every radio station back in "the day." But thankfully, "Midnight Souvenirs" doesn't end there. It continues with the same formula; strong hooks, strong lyrics and strong melodies.

LIL' BAND O' GOLD- THE PROMISED LAND

The Traveling Wilburys may have had some higher profile players, but anyone who has a passion for New Orleans will recognize the supergroup that is Lil' Band O' Gold. Only their second release in 10 years, "The Promised Land" was worth the wait.

Its members have been around for ages. Warren Storm is a Louisiana legend of "swamp pop." Steve Riley is a legend in his own right with his band the Mamou Playboys. David Egan has written songs for Percy Sledge, Joe Cocker, John Mayall and Maura O'Connell, among others. C.C. Adcock, most recently coming into the spotlight thanks to an appearance on HBO's "True Blood," has released two records of smoking Cajun psychedelia (I just made up that genre). Along with a horn section, L.B.O.G. delivers everything you love about New Orleans in one fell swoop.

The songwriting is strong, the grooves are greasey, and the love is everywhere. This is what New Orleans is all about. And Robert Plant LOVES them.


 

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS- THE KUDZU RANCH

Formed in North Carolina in 1985, this band has consistently teetered on the brink of success for years. Though some would argue, putting out solid records, touring constantly for a very loyal fanbase, throwing fried chicken at your audience and getting applause, and staying true to your music, which in SCOTS' case, is an unlikely mix of surf, country, punk, r&b and white-trash parody, all in good taste I might add, is indeed, a success.

Each of the band's records gets stronger and stronger, and on "The Kudzu Ranch," they've outdone themselves. Mary Huff's vocals on the upbeat but melancholy "Highlife," as well as "It's The Music That Makes Me," a thumping pop tune with enough hooks to snag a flounder, ooze soul. Rick Miller's gorgeously simple instrumental "Jack's Tune" will soothe you. And the surfed up medley of Nirvana's "Come As You Are" and Pink Floyd's "Lucifer Sam" is just genius.

This record will make you happy. Guaranteed!

 
THE HOT RATS- TURN ONS

Gaz and Danny from Supergrass have some fun with a clever side project called "Turn Ons." At first glance, one may think, "Oh great. Another lame covers album." But what makes this record such a blast is the attack, not to mention the song choices.

Songs by Squeeze, The Doors, T. Rex, Gang Of Four and The Beastie Boys get twisted and reshaped into trippy, yet still recognizable mini-epics.  The Beasties' "Fight For Your Right (To Party)" has been reworked as The Who covering Cream's "Strange Brew."  No, really!


 

TAYLOR HAWKINS & THE COATTAIL RIDERS- RED LIGHT DISTRICT

I loved listening to Led Zeppelin, Queen, T. Rex, Mott The Hoople, ELO and The Sweet in the 70's, and apparently, so did Taylor Hawkins. While he does a fine job as the drummer for the Foo Fighters, he's done a finer job with his sophomore release "Red Light District."

This is a wonderful pastiche of FM radio, with very original songs and arrangements, that make subtle references to the bands mentioned above, without shoving it in your face. The Coattails riders are solid, and a special mention needs to be made of Hawkins' excellent rock and roll pipes.




MY TWO FAVORITE RECORDS OF THE YEAR:





PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND- PRESERVATION

When I first heard about this project, the legendary and storied Preservation Hall Jazz Band teaming up with such names as Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Ani DiFranco, Angelique Kidjo, Tom Waits and Merle Haggard, among others, you could have heard my groan all across the Eastern seaboard.

But then, I listened to it....and I was moved...repeatedly.

This works on every level. The P.H.B. are at home and at no time do they cater to the guests vocalists. On the contrary, the guest artists show great restraint, love and respect, and keep the music pure.

There are no lows on "Preservation," though I will say, Richie Havens' vocal turn on "Trouble In Mind" is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard.

MAVIS STAPLES- YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Chicago natives Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy have created a thing of beauty, a record whose soul runs so deep, once your needle drops, you may have trouble pulling yourself out.

"You Are Not Alone" finds the legendary Miss Mavis doing what she does best, preaching the gospel. But, it's Wilco's Jeff Tweedy whose production has turned this into a special occasion. It's organic and full of space and yet so full of heart and history.

The songs run from traditional gospel to songs written by Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty and Pops Staples, and Jeff Tweedy has made some brilliant decisions here, laying back and letting Staples' get around all of them.

I'd also like to say, the title cut, written by Tweedy, is my favorite song of the year.


And that's your lot.

The Blues Is Everywhere

My first thought was to post "Jingle Bells" by The Singing Dogs, you know, in keeping with the holiday spirit. But, this video put me in a trance.

Taken from the 3 part DVD series, "The American Folk Blues Festival," which I can't recommend enough, please feel Memphis Slim. "The blues is in demand."

Every segment from this set of DVDs is absolutely stunning, by the way.

Todd On Monday : Oblivion Live

From the last of three shows at Chicago's Park West, here is a solid Utopia FM from the "Oblivion" tour of 1984. I've seen few tapes or broadcasts from this tour, having only two myself; one from Poughkeepsie and this, a more complete Chicago show recorded on 5/30/84.

"Oblivion" didn't sit well with me upon its release. The 80s production was thin, as was most of the material, though there are some genuine classics, like "If I Didn't Try," and the MTV hit, "Crybaby." It has since made nice, and I've grown attached to a few more songs, including the two Kasim Sulton sung ballads, "Maybe I Could Change" and "I Will Wait."

This live set shows the band as together as they've ever been, with "Love Of The Common Man" and "I'm Looking At You, But I'm Talking To Myself" both being particularly strong.  Vocally smooth and musically tight, with a slightly tweaked set list, Utopia's '84 tour, in retrospect, was a winner.

SET LIST
Too Much Water
Rock Love
Princess Of The Universe
If I Didn't Try
Love Of The Common Man
Abandon City
Set Me Free
Itch In My Brain
Love With A Thinker
I'm Looking At You, But I'm Talking To Myself
You Make Me Crazy
Swing To the Right
The Very Last Time
Trapped
Caravan
Last Of The New Wave Riders
Crybaby
Love Is the Answer

THE ZIP

Sunday Night Covers #18: The Holmes Brothers Trifecta

Please listen to three of my all-time favorite covers, which just so happen to be Holmes Brothers recordings.

These interpretations ooze soul and heartbreak, and the 3 records they come from are pretty damn good, too!

LOVE TRAIN
(from the Joan Osborne produced "Speaking In Tongues.")




I WANT YOU TO WANT ME
(from "State Of Grace")



I'LL BE BACK
(from "Feed My Soul.")

"Faves Of 2010" : THE WEEKEND MIX

I thought I'd take a different approach with the customary year-end, "best of" list. Yes Virginia, there will be a post featuring my 10 favorite records of the year. But today, I thought I'd compile 20 songs for the "Weekend Mix" that for me, have been major musical novas of 2010.

I can't get enough of these tunes. These are songs that found their way onto more than one playlist. Songs that make me sing along, get out the air instruments, and make me want to be nice to that nasty lady with the too-tight ponytail, who sells handbags in my neighborhood. Songs that continue to give me great pleasure, from the pin atop my head, right down to the foot that is occasionally in my mouth. And as many of you witness on these pages, "great pleasure" isn't always a given.

(~ahem~)



TRACK LIST


TOUGH LOVER- NICK CURRAN & THE LOWLIVES
I loved this record right out of the box. The production is flawless. Sandwich this between Little Richard and Gene Vincent, and you'd have no idea it was recorded this year.

Sirius Satellite station number 25 recently announced its nominations for the coolest song of 2010.
I say we all vote for Nick Curran's "Reform School Girl," since "Tough Lover," my fave, isn't up. Besides, that track is also a KILLER!

Voting requires no registration and can be done here: http://littlestevensundergroundgarage.com/csw/


FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT- THE HOT RATS
The boys from Supergrass, a band I never really got, cover their fave hits of the 70s and 80s, with a clever and unique attack. Here is the Beastie Boys hit via Cream & The Who.



NO TEARS TO CRY- PAUL WELLER
One of the many brilliant tracks off his 2010 release, "Wake Up the Nation."


LORD HELP- TOM JONES
The man has still got it. This track off his 2010 release "Praise & Blame" rocks hard. (The rest of the record kicks butt, too.)


FLESH (LIVE)- TODD RUNDGREN
This track is here because seeing Todd Rundgren perform this song live with a choir this past September was without question, my favorite 4 minutes of music this year.



MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS- INGRID LUCIA
Miss Lucia from New Orleans released the finest record of her career this year with "Midnight Rendezvous." This song in particular makes me happier than the others. (No offense, others.) Its mood, the players and its groove hit all the right spots.


LITTLE LION MAN- MUMFORD & SONS
I've been accused of being less than kind to the youngsters. Sorry kids. It's not always your fault. I blame the idiots in the press who like to slap a 5-star review on anything, just to appear hip.

Now that I've got that out of my system, I'd like to say, I think Mumford & Sons is one of the best new bands out there. Their album "Sign No More" is wonderful and this track is the wonderfullest. It may have even been the "single," whatever that means these days.



I LEARNED THE HARD WAY- SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS
Another solid effort from the ex-corrections officer and her kings of dap. Not my favorite album by the band, but could be my favorite song.



F**K YOU- CEE LO GREEN
You know it! You love it...I hope. If you don't, please see a stick removal specialist.


FISTFUL OF MERCY- FISTFUL OF MERCY
Dhani Harrison, Ben Harper, and Joseph Arthur makes some bee-YOU-teeful music together. Good album, but a great song.



TRAGEDY- PETER WOLF & SHELBY LYNNE
I can't say enough about this song. If it was 1975, Peter and Shelby would be carting off mad Grammys presented by Louise Fletcher and Kenny Loggins. And that BRIDGE....damn.
(Did I use "mad" the right way there? You know, like the kids?)



SHE'S COMING DOWN AGAIN- THE POSIES
Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, the kings of power pop, are back with their strongest release in years. Great lyrics...if you care to listen.



ORE D'AMORE- MIKE PATTON
I'm sorry I didn't make a bigger stink about this when it was released. As a matter of fact, I don't think I even noticed it at the time. Mike Patton, formerly of Faith No More (and about 109 other bands and projects---some good, most unlistenable), really got my attention with "Mondo Cane," a collection of Italian pop tunes that mostly stay faithful to the original arrangements, with a little rock and roll pepper, of course.

I've loved Patton's voice from the first time he served up that earnest performance of The Commodores' "Easy" sometime in the 80s. On this record, he really shows that voice off. This was a genius move.



I'M LEAVIN' IT UP TO YOU- JIMMIE VAUGHAN & LOU ANN BARTON
It's always good to hear Jimmie and Lou Ann together, and once again, smart production is the reason I love this record so much.



TROUBLE IN MIND- PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND W/ RICHIE HAVENS
I can't say enough about this brilliant release. The legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band recording at home, with guest vocalists such as Tom Waits, Ani Difranco, Del McCoury, Pete Seeger, Jason Isbell and more. This track with Richie Havens leaves me breathless. Gorgeous.



HIGHLIFE- SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS
These guys are rock solid. They have been around for a long time, and they are getting better and better. Mary Huff takes the lead vocals on "Highlife" and she's a heartbreaker. This is from their recently released "The Kudzu Ranch." I strongly suggest everyone picking it up.



TEARDROPS- LI'L BAND O' GOLD
The Traveling Wilburys may have included some big time names, but if you love New Orleans, then you know the supergroup that is Li'l Band O' Gold. Here we have C.C. Adcock, David Egan, Steve Riley, and Warren Storm serving up "swamp pop" at its finest.



FAITH- ROB LAUFER
As Mr. Steve Simels once said over at the always necessary Power Pop site, Rob Laufer "should-be-a-household-word power pop god." This is from his 2010 release "Excruciating Bliss," and it's one of those songs that makes me close my eyes and sigh. .



SIDNEY WELLS- RICHARD THOMPSON
My vote for best guitar solo of the year. (The wholeband is on fire here...actually.)


YOU ARE NOT ALONE- MAVIS STAPLES
Written and produced by Jeff Tweedy, I can say without equivocation, this is my favorite song of the year.




THE ZIP

Hello It's Gram

I'm pretty sure I have never seen discussion before, though if it's out there, one of you will let me know.

I am only just realizing Gram Parsons' influence on Todd Rundgren. It's not just that the "Something/Anything?" version of "Hello It's Me" has the same intro and groove as "Hot Burrito #2," or that "Bleeding" from "The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren" is also a twisted rewrite of "Hot Burrito #2," but that most of Rundgren's first two albums, though leaning more toward pop than country, have a similar feel to the Burritos' "Gilded Palace Of Sin."

Maybe it's all in my head,  but for now, I'm digging this revelation.



HOT BURRITO #2


HELLO IT'S ME


BLEEDING

Darlings....Reach Out

I don't feature jazz on this site quite as often as I'd like, but I had to share Don Byron's version of the Motown hit "Reach Out, I'll Be There."

The Bronx born Byron is a fine clarinetist, but it's his approach to making records that I believe sets him apart from the rest. Whether tackling klezmer or hip-hop or free jazz or post-bop, Don Byron has always kept the listener on his toes. Not every concept succeeds. I found "Do The Boomerang," his tribute to Motown legend Junior Walker a bit safe and too easy a listen. The record featured here, "A Fine Line," is one of my favorites, though the handful of vocal tracks with guests such as Cassandra Wilson are my least favorite moments. (All Music feels differently about the vocal tracks.)

Here's a bit of what David Adler of All Music has to say:

Arias and lieder are forms strongly associated with classical music, yet clarinetist Don Byron defines them in a newly expansive way for this remarkable project. To Byron, arias and lieder belong not only to classical figures, but also to writers as diverse as Ornette Coleman, Roy Orbison, Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, and Stephen Sondheim.

These duo and solo vignettes frame the full ensemble pieces, on which Byron and Caine are joined by Jerome Harris, Paulo Braga, and a number of very effective guest vocalists.
Patricia O'Callaghan takes a turn on Leonard Bernstein's "Glitter and Be Gay," an epic piece which Byron infuses with a strong dose of calypso. Both vocalists are joined by Dean Bowman and Harris to form a four-voice choir on Henry Mancini's "Soldier in the Rain." And finally, the great Cassandra Wilson turns in a spellbinding performance on Stephen Sondheim's "The Ladies Who Lunch."



Listen to both Byron and pianist Uri Caine as they slink through this Motown classic. I was moved. Purists of both jazz and pop music may not be, but it's worth a shot.

REACH OUT, I'LL BE THERE