Last Thoughts Of 2011

This is it. The last of 2011. The last of a year that kicked my ass and laughed while doing it. 2011 was a motherfucker.

I remember January 1st, 2011. It was right about 1:PM, give or take a few minutes, and I had just come out of the icy waters of Coney Island with a couple of hundred other "polar bears." As I shivered my way back towards the boardwalk, I thought, "Bring it on!" That sonovabitch 2010 is now a memory, washed away by the waters of my beloved Brooklyn. It seemed perfect. I felt reborn and ready to do it right.

Then a few days later, I got some bad news. A few days after that, more bad news. 2011 was a bust and it was only January. Bad news is a motherfucker.

I learned you can't escape it. Like death, taxes, and another Michael Bolton album, there will always be bad news. But here's a new opportunity... January 1st, 2012. Another in a series of second chances to embrace the fact that whatever makes us feel as bad as we do, could always be worse.

It's the beginning of a new year and a new go at doing it right.

New Year's Eve is a tough night for a lot people. But it is only a day...with a night...and an eventual finish. New Year's Eve is everything and nothing. It could very well be May 21st, if you want it to be.

Be kind. We are all human. We are all trying to make it work. Sometimes, you just need a little help.

You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes....well...you know the rest.

You are not alone,
I'm with you
I'm lonely too
What's that song,
Can't be sung by two.
A broken home,
A broken heart,
Isolated and afraid,
Open up this is a raid,
I wanna get it through to you,
You're not alone.

You're not alone,
Every night,
I stand in your place.
Every tear,
On every face,
Tastes the same.
A broken dream,
A broken heart,
Isolated and afraid,
Open up this is a raid,
I'm gonna get it through to you,
You're not alone.

An open hand,
An open heart,
There's no need to be afraid,
Open up this is a raid,
I wanna get it through to you,
You're not alone.
I wanna get it through to you,
You're not alone.
I'm gonna get it through to you,
You're not alone.


HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!

See ya, 2011!

"Sal's Self-Indulgent But Hopefully Entertaining Top 10 Project Realized, Parts 1-3" : THE WEEKEND MIX(ES)

Back when I was a much younger music dork making mixtapes on those sexy Memorex Chromium Dioxide cassettes with the switchblade-style case and that killer, new tape smell, I'd go absolutely mental when a great idea for a theme would come to mind. I couldn't wait to lock myself in my room with a big glass of Hawaiian Punch, a box of Milk Duds, and my air traffic controller-size Koss headphones carefully balanced on my head. Of course, looking back at some of those old tapes, those "great ideas" were mostly just ideas.

"B-Sides." "Girls' Names." "All Instrumental."

Meh.

One theme was a series called "Top 10," where I chose my ten favorites songs by one artist and compiled them in ascending order. Chillingly brilliant, no?

~yawn~


A few years ago, I had a conversation with a friend who was getting rid of almost all of his CD collection. I mean, thousands of CDs, just packed and ready to move. I understand that feeling. I've been there, and am actually there now.  (I have about 4,000. I'd like to have about 500. Any interest? Let's talk.) What bothered me about my friend was this statement, "All I need are the 'greatest hits' of everyone." I wanted to slap him with a pike. Suddenly, all these fabulous artists, these brilliant singers and songwriters, these stellar musicians, were no longer necessary to this long time music fanatic. His words, "'I Want You To Want Me' and 'Surrender' are Cheap Trick's only good songs anyway," caused my heart to attack me.


I was so taken by his change of heart about all of his music, I offered to make CDs...an endless supply...each featuring 20 songs that weren't greatest hits by, well...everyone. I just couldn't accept the fact that someone who claimed to love music, could be satisfied with a lone Bob Dylan CD that had ten songs, one of which was "Lay Lady Lay." Or worse, that he passed judgement on bands that I considered my all time faves like Cheap Trick, Queen, and Hall & Oates, based solely on radio hits like "The Flame," "We Will Rock You" and "Maneater."

(You still with me?)

I married these two stories and came up with a project I've been wanting to attack for years. For this "WEEKEND MIX," here are the first three of what I hope to be many, Top Tens, featuring the not so obvious. Maybe the naysayers and the uninterested will find something they never knew existed. And for the fans, maybe you'll just have some fun comparing my fave non-hits with yours.

Up first, David Bowie, Cheap Trick and Hall & Oates. (We'll save Queen for the new year.)

In the case of Bowie, I focused solely on his last 4 albums. Too many people gave up after "Scary Monsters," which is one of my least favorite Bowie records by the way, and didn't even bother after he released such 80's dreck like "Tonight" and "Never Let Me Down." As for Cheap Trick and Hall & Oates, well as I said, I love these people, so it wasn't easy to narrow it down to ten. But I did, keeping your ears and three years of your comments in mind while editing.


Have fun!

TRACKLIST

New Killer Star
Something In The Air
Slow Burn
Seven Years In Tibet
5:15 The Angels Have Gone
She'll Drive The Big Car
You've Got A Habit Of Leaving
Survive
Fall Dog Bombs The Moon
Everyone Says "Hi"

TRACKLIST

Back 'N Blue
Let Go
Oh, Candy
Everything Works If You Let It
Mandocello
I Don't Love Here Anymore
That Means A Lot
Closer, The Ballad Of Burt & Linda
Heaven's Falling
Southern Girls (Steve Albini Mix)

TRACKLIST

Abandoned Luncheonette
Grounds For Separation
London, Luck, & Love
Someday We'll Know w/Todd Rundgren
Guessing Games
70's Scenario
Head Above Water
August Day
So Close
Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

DB

CT

HO

The Ox Mix

I don't know if I trust any comments left on You Tube. Most seem to border on the psychotic. But as I was looking for footage of The Who from 12/31/68, I stumbled upon this. Within seconds, you will notice that it is a kuh-RAZEE mix, like John Entwistle broke into the studio one night after a few pints, got hold of the mixing board and said "Oh yeah, Pete? I'm too loud, you say? Well, how's this?!"

One comment references a single from which this mix originated. I have said single and while it's sounds pretty damn Ox-heavy, it's nothing like this video. It could have been doctored by the uploader. I like it, whatever it is.

Oy, Canada

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, but I'm considering making 2012 the year of Chilliwack. I mean, does it get any better than this?

YES! YES IT DOES!

You Thought He Was Good As Clemenza?

Here's a treat from my friend Mike Sac:

This kid's grandparents had a great store on Bath Ave. in Brooklyn when I was growing up. We all bought a lot of stuff from them. Their son John opened a store around the corner from where I lived in the 70's/80's. I bought a LOT of guitars from HIM.

 

This is John's son Rich, who plays bass in Blue Oyster Cult. Recently, there was some sort of Queen audition and I think this was his audition tape. 

 

Even if you can't bring yourself to listen to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" ever again, find five minutes for this.

A Little Help For Your Friends

Recently finding it's way under the radar and into your favorite record shops is a new compilation entitled "Jimmy Page- Playin' Up A Storm," a collection of tunes showcasing JP as sideman. But don't be fooled, all this really is is the Keith De Groot LP from 1968. (Hello? Wait! Come back!)

As Dave Thompson over at AMG says:

Keith De Groot is one of those names that flickers only briefly across the average fan's mind, courtesy of just one performance -- as lead vocalist on one of the manifold superstar jam albums recorded in the U.K. during the late '60s.

None of this very exciting. If you're ready to bail and head over to the Naked Midget Canola Oil Wrestling site, I wouldn't blame you. But, let me just get one more thought in.

When I first saw the title of this release, it was Joe Cocker's version of "Bye Bye Blackbird" that immediately came to mind, and not any one of Jimmy's stellar performances from a little band called Led Zeppelin.

Check it out:

Got to be in the Top 3 Jimmy solos... in my book.

So, I was burning some wood, and aside from Eric Clapton, who we've chinwagged to death on these pages, who else rises to the occasion when someone else is the boss? If you want to get real specfic, is there a guitar player whose best performance appears on a record other than his own?

"Holiday Playlist #3": THE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND MIX

CHRISTMAS HAIKU:


Did you get a tree
No, it's more like a large plant
But it still has balls

(Thank you)

The idea is simple.

I wanted to mix ten of my absolute favorite tunes to listen to during the Christmas season and ten of my all time favorite tunes to listen to the rest of the year.

I wasn't shooting for cool. Hence, the inclusion of such heavily rotated tracks by Mariah Carey, Mott The Hoople, The Rascals, and The Pogues.

Please enjoy and try not to yack up your egg nog just because Mariah Carey is represented and not the Fleet Foxes.


MERRY CHRISTMAS

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen- Jimmy Smith
Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday- Jules Shear
Rain- The Beatles
Sunny- Bobby Hebb
Groovin'- The Young Rascals
Sunset & The Mockingbird- Duke Ellington
The Verb To Love- Todd Rundgren
A Shot In The Arm- Wilco
Driving Home For Christmas- Chris Rea
September Song- Tim Laughlin
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore- The Walker Brothers
Thanks For Christmas- XTC
Blackberry Winter- Keith Jarrett
Elenore- The Turtles
All I Want For Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey
All The Young Dudes- Mott The Hoople
A Merry Jingle- The Greedies
Fairytale Of N.Y.C.- The Pogues w/ Kirsty MacColl
Stardust- Hoagy Carmichael
Merry Christmas Baby- Charles Brown

Fa-La-La-La- ZIP-La La La La

On a serious note,  Merry Christmas to all of you.

Wilco's Chanukah Gift

If you're a casual fan or higher, please take my word for this and head over to Wilcoworld.net. Click on the "roadcase" tab and listen to one of the most inspired shows of Wilco's career. It is a full show from the Civic Opera House in Chicago, recorded on 12/12/11, and it is streaming for free.

A killer set list with amazing sound and just a band on fire.

Here's a zip of the encore, if you need a little push.

OUTTA SITE (Holiday Version)
CRUEL TO BE KIND (w/Nick Lowe)
YOU ARE NOT ALONE (w/Mavis Staples)
THE WEIGHT- (w/Nick Lowe and Mavis Staples_


WILCOZIP

Holiday Playlist #2

I realize I'm not really Kathie Lee Gifford when it comes to spreading Christmas joy. But I'm not all coal and sour grapes either. There is something about the sound of sleigh bells that still makes me get some good shivers going. And though I do have more untraditional Christmas memories than I have jolly ones filled with tree-trimming and mulled cider, there is one great moment that comes to mind every year about this time.

It was December 1983 or 4, and my friend Carl and I were driving out to Jersey somewhere to catch a movie. He worked in Linden and knew of all these theatres that showed first run features for half the price. Plus a good drive with the radio blasting was never a bad idea. Before we hit the Holland Tunnel, he said he wanted to drop some stuff off at the Bowery Mission. I wasn't opposed to the gesture. I was just concerned that it had to happen right then. I didn't want the movie to sell out. (This was before Fandango or Moviefone.) I hadn't a choice in the matter, so of course I went along, harrumphing along the way.

We parked and carried some boxes inside. Carl was donating some old cookware. We handed it off to two men, both looking tired and unkempt. A bunch of other faces of all ages, all a bit disheveled and disoriented, looked our way and lit up a bit at the sight of the boxes. No one knew just yet, what was inside the boxes, but it clearly mattered little. The two men said thank you, and we headed for the door. That's when we heard, "HO! HO! HO! Pots and pans!" We turned around and saw these men admiring a few used crock pots. Happy.

Almost 30 years later and I still can't hear "Ho! Ho! Ho!," without finishing it off with "Pots and pans!"

That was a good Christmas.


Here is Holiday Mix #2 a bit more traditional than the first, but you know...not really.

As always, I put it together because I like the way it sounds.  Maybe you will, too.

TRACKLIST

Till The Morning Comes- Neil Young
Poor Old Rudolph- The Bellrays
A Child's Christmas In Wales- John Cale
I Wish It Was Christmas Today- Julian Casablancas
All Things Must Pass- George Harrison
Rosslyn- Smith & Burrows
Let It Snow- Jon Auer
Albatross- Fleetwood Mac
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear- The Fab Four
Fistful Of Mercy- Fistful Of Mercy
Up On The Roof- Laura Nyro
Rumple Minze- Wyldlife
Old Fashioned Christmas- Duke Pearson
Harvest Festival- XTC

Have a holly, jolly ZIPFILE

Saturday 6-Pack: #3

This one created itself.

A new episode of "Live From Daryl's House" premiered on Thursday evening. It was a holiday special that featured guest stars Blind Boys Of Alabama.

I was unaware that Daryl Hall started as a gospel singer. I guess it wouldn't be too difficult to surmise. It seems like so many singers unknowingly began their careers in the church. But listening to Daryl with these gospel legends was something of a revelation. There is a different approach to his singing. With the inspiration of the Blind Boys in the room, Daryl Hall sounds 25 years younger.

This is one set of music that should take the humbug out of the hardest of hearts. You should watch the episode if you have the time, just for Blind Boys' leader Jimmy Carter. The guy must be 133 years old and his voice could move mountains. I hope I can sing like he does when I'm 133.

SET LIST

Take The High Road
Born In Bethlehem
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Can You Give Me A Drink
Last Month Of The Year

THE ZIP

"Holiday Playlist #1": THE WEEKEND MIX

What we have here is my first holiday mix of the season. Oddly enough, it contains no holiday music. Correction! It contains no "Christmas" music. Personally, I think the 20 songs compiled here are perfect for any holiday.

I thought about a theme, but couldn't find one...except...this hour of music represents what my 10PM-12AM shift would sound like if the gods of radio were courageous enough to offer me my dream DJ job.

WHAT'S WHAT--

I count 4 covers:

Queen via Neko Case
Aerosmith via Lou Ann Barton
Elvis Costello via Nick Lowe
Cole Porter via Sammy Davis Jr.

4 songs by the original artists whose covers you may be more familiar with:

The House That Jack Built (covered by Aretha)
Ice Cream Man (covered by Van Halen)
If Sugar Was As Sweet As You (covered by Rockpile)
WPLJ (covered by The Mothers Of Invention)

1 song by Norah Jones' step-sister:

Red Sun


The mix rounds out with tunes I love, that I hope you will, too.

I get a kick out of sequencing and listening back with the ears of all of you. There's something for everyone...I hope.

Give this mix a ride. You may discover some new faves.

As always, I present this playlist as something that sounds good as one. No skipping.

(I'm watching you.)

TRACKLIST

The Taking Of Pelham 1-2-3- David Shire
Apricot Brandy- Rhinoceros
Bam Balam- The Du Droppers
The House That Jack Built- Thelma Jones
Misdemeanor- Foster Sylvers
I Don't Remember Your Name- The Records
Big Noise From Winnetka- Bob Crosby & His Orchestra
Bread & Butter- The Newbeats
Misfire- Neko Case
Chalk One Up For Albert's Side- Jim Boggia
Ice Cream Man- John Brim
If Sugar Was As Sweet As You- Joe Tex
Girl Talk- Billy May
Red Sun- Anoushkar Shankar
One Way Street- Lou Ann Barton
Working Girl- The Members
WPLJ- The Four Deuces
Alison- Nick Lowe
Waters Of March- Tom Jobim & Elis Regina
Begin The Beguine- Sammy Davis Jr.

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL ZIP OF THE YEAR

Led Zeppelin's Forgotten Son

Good response on both the XTC and Grateful Dead posts. Something came to mind while reading the comments.

The song I posted for the Dead, an instrumental outtake of "Death Don't Have No Mercy," is a song I felt would have been appreciated, even liked, by people who don't like the Dead. I'm wondering how many didn't bother to listen just because of who it was.

Then, my pal ASH made these comments on the XTC post:
"Skylarking is an easy choice for most"

and...

"I defy anyone to make an album as English and original as Big Express. XTC have made better albums, but none as original."

So it got my wood burning.

That first Grateful Dead record seems to strike a chord with many Dead-hating friends of mine, simply because of the 60s, "nuggets-y" feel of both "The Golden Road" and "Cream Puff War," two songs that could be Paul Revere & The Raiders or the 13th Floor Elevators, for Pete's sake.

"Skylarking" had the huge MTV hit "Dear God," and because of it, found a much bigger audience that had been eluding XTC for years, but as ASH said, it's "The Big Express" he makes return trips to.

So combining all these ideas, I decided to show some public love for Led Zeppelin's 7th studio release, 1976's "Presence," an album that was ill-received upon its release, and continues to garner somewhat shakey reviews. And I'll go out on a limb here, but, there's a certain group of Zep fans that will only show love for their first two, and others who have never even bothered to listen to anything after "IV." I've experienced these people first hand---first while standing behind a counter for 15 years, then at various times on the pages of Burning Wood.


"Presence," in many ways, is a Led Zeppelin "Greatest Hits" LP,  in that it covers everything the mighty band has successfully attempted on prior releases. There is the monster epic, "Achilles Last Stand," a 10 minute attack that showcases one of the greatest rhythm sections in the history of the world, as well as one of Jimmy Page's finest solos. There is your slow-melting blues number, "Tea For One." Your "Good Times, Bad Times" attempt at a pop single with "Hots On For Nowhere." Your hall of fame riffage, a la "Whole Lotta Love" in "For Your Life," which All Music refers to as the "best song on the album." Your "Bring It On Home," harp-blowing blues workout in "Nobody's Fault But Mine." And two hard rocking tributes to the roots of rock and roll, "Candy Store Rock" and "Royal Orleans."

There was a recent discussion...a discussion that seems to take place once a month....over Jimmy Page and his tendency to steal from the great folk and blues artists that came before him. Our friend, BuzzBabyJesus wrote a brilliant piece on it HERE. But I've tried to never let one's reputation get in the way of the final product. (There are plenty of great Woody Allen movies after "Crimes & Misdemeanors." Honest.) Yes, there are some examples in Buzz's piece that are so blatant, you wish you could just smack Jimmy and ask, "What the hell were you thinking?" But those 3-4 examples are just a small piece of the pie. And if anyone had any interest in LZ at all, I find it astonishing that with such a small catalogue...only 8 studio releases...even one record could go unexplored.

"Presence" is an unsung hero, a massive record by a massive band, and a collection of music, that deserves a second chance, and in many cases, a first chance by those who jumped ship after "Stairway To Heaven."

What would you nomimate as an "unsung hero," or an album that may turn a non-believer into a fan?

You And The Clouds Will Still Be Beautiful

Yes it that's time. It seems like once a year, I shut off all incoming except for the Partridge Portal.  This is a time where I not only listen to XTC exclusively, but I marvel with mouth agape at the genius of not only Mr. Andy Partridge, but co-horts Colin Moulding and Dave Gregory.

Unlike all other favorite music, I listen to XTC the same way I watch "The Simpsons" or "The Godfather." Just as Coppola's masterpiece rises above all other films, and "The Simpsons," after 20 years still leaves me wondering how actual people can write such brilliant material...so brilliant, I sometimes don't laugh, I just say out loud to no one, "Oh my God!"...an XTC song can be layered so precisely, that humming along is not even in the cards. I just hear things, like a lyric or bass line, or one of Andy or Dave's underappreciated guitar solos, and I just smile, or say out loud to no one, "Oh my God."

That said, this is the one that's been leaving round the clock goosebumps this holiday season.

And every morning before I'm awake
I walk around the world
To make sure she's alright
And every evening, 'fore I bolt the door
I give the stars a stir
To make sure they will spin all night

For I see people who will scratch
And spit and kick and fight
And I see nations war about whether
Right is left and whether wrong is right
And I know storms inside your head
Can amplify the plight
But no matter what the weather
You and the clouds will still be beautiful
No matter what the weather
You and the clouds will still be beautiful

And every Troy with wooden horse
I take to peaceful waters
But can't make him drown
And every Bastille
that gets storm troopered
Hail to the chief comes raining raining
Raining down
And I've seen people conduct lightning
Down to a summer's day
And I see nations playfully hurl
Snowballs packed with stones and clay
And I know rain inside your head
Can seriously put a stop to play

But no matter what the weather
You and the clouds will still be beautiful
No matter what the weather
You and the clouds will still be beautiful
So let it rain!

And we see flying saucers
Flying cups and flying plates
And as we trip down lovers lane
We sometimes bump into the gate
And I know thunder in your head
Can still reverberate
But no matter what the weather
You and the clouds will still be beautiful
No matter what the weather
You and the clouds will still be beautiful
No matter what the weather

So let it rain
Just let it rain!

Jerry Christmas

You know I go hot and cold with the Grateful Dead, which is an improvement over the close-minded kid who showed no respect at all, not even for Jerry. But even on the cold days, their debut is still one of my very favorite records. So as I revisited this gem, a bonus track from the 2003 Rhino reissue jumped out at me. Give a listen to an instrumental version of "Death Don't Have No Mercy." If any longtime Dead fans want to share some info about this, I'd love to hear it. In the meantime, it is Jerry Garcia's guitar playing that has kept me in the game and this track is a prime example of why I stick around.


DEATH DON'T HAVE NO MERCY

Saturday 6-Pack: #2

Here is the "Saturday 6-Pack" Volume 2, where I put together a week's worth of musical obsessions into one mini-set for your listening pleasure.

THE SONGS

I WISH YOU WOULD- BILLY BOY ARNOLD

A favorite of just about every white boy blues player who matters, as well as some who don't, Billy Boy Arnold's "I Wish You Would" always eluded me. I've listened to The Yardbirds hundreds of times. Same with David Bowie's version. But it took years before I got a hold of the original. Now, it's all I want to hear.

DON'T BURST MY BUBBLE- THE SMALL FACES

2:21 worth of complete and utter sweat and soul from Steve, Ian, Kenny and Ronnie.

COLOR ME TRUE- SLY & THE FAMILY STONE

There is so much more to Sly & The Family than the dozen hits we are all familiar with. This track took me by surprise, like so many do in this age of iPod shuffle. The groove won't let up. It even gets into a bit of Chambers Brothers territory on the refrain. And speaking of the refrain, I just love what the drums are doing.

TRICK OR TREAT- OTIS REDDING

Another song from the repertoire of my old band The Cool Jerks, this not so popular Otis Redding tune sounded pretty damn good on a live performance we did back in 2008, I had to bring myself back to Earth with the Otis original. No one sings like Otis.

YOU DID ME WRONG- JOHNNY SAYLES

There is an "unofficial" collection in limited availability of this Chicago soul screamer  called "The Johnny Sayles Story." If you choose to grab it HERE,  my feeling is by track 10, you will find yourself mesmerized, as each song seems to outdo the previous. This is as raw as it gets.

CRYSTAL BALL- PRINCE

Back before Larry Graham got a hold of Prince and did a Eugene Landy on his tiny little ass, Prince could do anything. And during that run from 1980-1990, the man was untouchable. There's too much to say about his music, and how I had been obsessed with all of it. I think a Prince piece is on the horizon. For now, we have this epic.

My friend Bill just turned me on to a fan-made remaster of the now legendary 1987 release, "Sign O'The Times." Some demented philanthropist took the time to somehow remaster the record, from which source I don't know, and resequence it to include a few other tunes that were recorded around the same time. Whoever this guy is, he did a spectacular job. One of these added tracks is "Crystal Ball." Now you may be familiar with the tune from the "Dream Factory" sessions, or from the "Crystal Ball" box itself, but listening to it in this new context, simply stated, blew my mind.

This song unfolds beautifully, with a barebones opening groove and trance-like delivery that becomes more and more powerful as it takes shape, climaxing with some of Prince's finest guitar playing AND drumming.Yes, Prince on the drums. You need to hear it to believe it.


ZIP

"Rawk!": THE WEEKEND MIX (Update from Oct. '08)

Has it been a long time since you rocked and rolled? Has it been a long time since you did the stroll?




Let's just say the thrill of the Faces and Small Faces becoming Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers has put me in a rock and roll mood. Though, after further discussion in the "comments" section of yesterday's Ian McLagan post, few of us find any value or legitimacy in the RRHOF. Still, I bet those who get in don't mind as much as the fans do.

The songs on this "Weekend Mix" do not necessarily represent what are traditionally thought of as quintessential rock and roll songs. No "Johnny B. Goode." No "Blue Suede Shoes."  This mix is not business, Sonny. It's strictly personal. This mix represents what kicks MY ass!

F'rinstance:

There have been many versions of Eddie Holland's "Leaving Here." An early version by The Who, performed for the BBC is quite the ass-kicker. Even Pearl Jam offered up a respectable take. (I don't like it, but I know many do.) My fave is The Birds, the 60's Brit band that featured a pre-Faces, pre-Stones Ronnie Wood.

A few songs here make me pull out the air guitar just so I can imagine being a part of the band as they lock in. Listen to The Redwalls, Izzy Stradlin, and Ian Hunter & Mick Ronson. You can almost see the sweat flying off their hair as they nod heartily (wasn't he a member of Starcastle?) at that key moment when the band just knows they are onto something.  If you're a musician, tell me you wouldn't want to be in the band about 4:15 into "Women's Intuition."

The new Hall Of Famers are represented here with a track from my favorite Faces album "Ooh La La," and a song by The Easybeats, that rocks on its own, but is brought to a higher level thanks to Steve Marriott's hall of fame screech.

The Mighty Zep aren't always a fave of BW readers. But they are a fave of mine. This version of "Celebration Day," from the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto from September of 1971, finds Jonesy & Bonzo steering off the road into dangerous territory. It's almost hardcore. And Jimmy Page just unravels in every possible good way. This version is making its 4th appearance on the pages of Burning Wood and that's because it RAWKS!

"1956" by The Rascals and "Stagger Lee" by The McCoys are two songs my late great friend Chris Kelly turned me on to. Of course I knew "Hang On Sloopy," and just about everything by The Rascals except "1956." But it was Kelly's deadpanned delivery one afternoon of the line "I know you like Jules Shear, but these songs rock," that not only made me laugh for an hour, but made me a fan for life of both the songs and Chris.

I would have loved to include one of at least 10 different songs by Motorhead, one of my very favorite bands of all time. But, I've yet to see any love on these pages for Lemmy and the gang. Hell, I've yet to see even a bit of like.

Hopefully you'll enjoy the other winners that round out this mix. But the something that should prove to any pain-in-the-ass Ringo non-believers that Mr. Starkey is still the greatest rock and roll drummer, is this version of "Roll Over Beethoven,"  Live from Sweden, 1963.






C'mon everybody!

Leaving Here - The Birds
Good Times- The Easybeats
Rock & Roll- The Redwalls
1956 - The Rascals
I'm A Believer- Bram Tchaikovsky
Casino Queen- Wilco
Stagger Lee- The McCoys
Get It Hot - AC/DC
Baby, Don't You Do It- The Who
Tonight- The Mc5
Women's Intuition- Ian Hunter & Mick Ronson
Silver Naked Ladies- Paul Westerberg
Borstal Boys- Faces
You're Doin' It Too Hard- Charlie Sexton
Been A Fix- Izzy Stradlin
Roll Over Beethoven (Live In Stockholm)- The Beatles
Celebration Day (Live In Toronto) -Led Zeppelin
I Wanna Be Your Man (Live In Boston)- Keith Richards & The Expensive Winos

THE ROCKIN' ZIP

Ian McLagan: Nicest Guy In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Faces. Small Faces. Hall Of Fame. What does it matter, really?

Well, when you're a fan, it matters a great deal.

So, as both a Faces and Small Faces fan, I thought I'd share this story.

I was in New Orleans for Jazz Fest, 2003. I had a routine. Places I had to go the minute I touched down. Artists I needed to see perform. Food I needed to eat. Records I needed to buy.

First stop after deplaning was usually somewhere low key, a place I could unwind, have a drink or two, and not worry about crowds. Snug Harbor was the place; a jazz club with a cool, comfortable bar, and one of the best burgers in the city.

I walked in and looked around, and there he was, sitting at a table with a young lady, Mr. Ian McLagan.

Now, I am not the person who stays after shows, hoping to get backstage. I was never that guy who wanted to talk to anyone in the band. More power to those who have that ability. My feeling is that, I just don't think the artist needs one more person in his face. So I choose to not be that one more person. I'm satisifed just hearing the music.

But it was Ian McLagan and this seemed too easy.

I walked over and politely interrupted, if there's such a thing.

"Ian. Hi. I'm a long time fan and I just wanted to say hi."

There was some small talk. I told him I owned a record store, and Mr. McLagan was very gracious.

Then he hit me with this:

"You know, we're working on a boxed set of Faces material. Ya know, hits and some rarities. Whattya think?"

What do I think? I just about plotzed. I don't recall exactly what I said. My store was still happening at the time, so I may have said something retail-related like, "The clamshell jewel box is much better than the oversized book-like box...blah, blah, blah."

(Another reason I prefer not meeting my idols. I blather like a bonehead.)

We shook hands and I felt great. What a great way to begin my week in New Orleans.

About 30 minutes later, as I was scarfing down my burger, I hear a soft, British voice."

"Sal? Sal?"

Ian?

""Do you think it's better to have more rarities than album tracks?"



HUH?




"As a fan, what would you suggest? What would you do if you were putting a Faces box together?"


So...recap.

I am in New Orleans. I'm happy. I see one of my musical heroes. And now, he's interrupting my meal, wanting my input on this upcoming Faces project.

I spent the next 20 minutes discussing the ups and downs of CD retail, boxed sets, Faces rarities, Rod Stewart, and New Orleans with Ian McLagan.

It's such a cliche to say, "Only in New Orleans." But...damn!

Only in New Orleans.

As for Ian McLagan and the boxed set he is holding in the photo above, maybe he remembered my suggestions. I sure don't. Or maybe he's just a gentleman and appreciated the enthusiasm of a fan. Either way, I am thrilled he is getting into the Hall Of Fame, and that night at Snug Harbor will always be one of the best memories I have of New Orleans.

Great Minds Think Alike, And So Do We

My friends Bill in England and Chris in Rutherford had been revisiting Living Colour and their fine output of the late 80s. (Though in the case of Bill, it's less a revisit and more of a "never leaving.") While this was going on, I had been toying around with an idea for the next part in a series I had started writing last year called "Songs 'n' The Hoods," all of which can be found below.
http://burnwoodtonite.blogspot.com/2011/10/old-records-die-hard-songs-n-hoods-part.html



I had been reading the first parts over to see what was covered and where I left off. The following is an excerpt from Part 8, a story about my friend Tim Vega, written back in October of 2010:

The moment that really sealed the friendship was the night we first saw Living Colour at Tramps. The band was unsigned at the time, and we really hadn't seen anything of this caliber before. It was Sly & The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin and the Bad Brains all in one band. Between 1984-1987, Tim & I must have seen these guys 20 times, mostly at CBGBs, where we'd end up sitting on top of a speaker stack to the left of the stage, because that was all the room that was left. Those nights, after gallons of beer and more, found us finishing things up by getting a slice of pizza at St. Mark's Pizza, and sitting in the middle of an empty parking lot on Lafayette Street, eating, and trying to dry up before retiring around 3 A.M.


I guess it's a good time as any to break out this killer show.

Living Colour is not for everybody. But if you were even remotely suckered in by their brilliant hybrid of funk/punk/metal and soul, this early, pre-"Vivid" set from Tramps in NYC is a must.

LIVING COLOUR- TRAMPS, 3/7/87

For Bill, Chris, and Tim


SET

Funny Vibe
Night Life
I Have To Be Myself Tonight
Soldier's Blues
Miles Away
Glamour Boys
I Want To Know
Money Talks

THE ZIP

The Walsher I Play, The Liker I Get

Some time in the late eighties, I went to see Joe Walsh play a very rare midnight show at NYC's Beacon Theatre. Walsh was dressed in a big floppy hat not unlike something worn by Porthos. He had thigh-high fishing boots and overalls, and seemed only a bit less drunk than Brett Somers on any episode of the Match Game. For every sloppy song the band attempted to play, Joe told a 5-10 minute Myron Cohen joke. It was painfully unpleasant. I couldn't believe the spectacle. It was a horrible experience that put me off Joe for a long time.

Joe Walsh has a reputation for being a bit of a buffoon. Not only that, but he will forever be associated with two of the most odious men in music, Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Now, I happen to be a fan of The Eagles, but I can recognize just why so many people are not. And I'm not just referring to "Life In the Fast Lane." But this is not about Henley & Frey.

I revisited some of Joe Walsh's solo records this weekend, and while I've always enjoyed them, it took this particular go around to realize, just how much I enjoyed them. Both "Barnstorm" and "The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" are incredibly unique albums, that cater to not only the classic rock sounds of the day, but showcase both Walsh and Joe Vitale's abilities as both songwriters and arrangers. And I never realized just how often the influence of the Beach Boys turns up.

Like on this track, from "The Smoker You Drink..."  This wouldn't have been out of place on "Holland," I don't think.

Or, on this one, from a few albums later, 1981's "There Goes The Neighborhood":

Like many artists who have been around for what seems like forever, the most-popular songs in their catalogue are not always the best representatives. If I never hear "Rocky Mountain Way" again, it will be too soon. But what about "Birdcall Morning," from Walsh's debut?

For everything uncool about The Eagles, there is just as much cool to be found in The James Gang. And while "Funk #49" might be on everyone's "Do Not Play" list by now, "Funk #48" still sounds as fresh as ever. So does, "Take A Look Around." Here are both.

Hope my Joe Walsh appreciation isn't an imposition. Maybe you'll listen and agree, Joe is alright!

Travis Wammack & The Original Mash-Up

The "mash-up" may have lost some steam these days, but for a good stretch of time, it seemed like you couldn't escape hearing the novelty hybrid of two unrelated pieces of music, digitally manipulated to make one sometimes amazing, and sometimes annoying piece of music.

The first one I remember hearing was "A Stroke Of Genius," featuring the oversinging genius Christina Aguilera happily married to NYC punks, The Strokes. I loved it.

There are thousands of others. I have even featured a few of them here to mostly lukewarm reactions. But, yesterday, I whipped out the 1972 Travis Wammack album recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a great southern rock and soul record that all of you need to explore further. One song in particular, his cover of Arthur Alexander's "You Better Move On," happens to be a fave.

Check it out-

Travis and his good ol' boys were mashing things up long before those clever whippersnappers ever got their hands on a data converter. Wammack meets Arthur meets Marvin's "Inner City Blues."

A stroke of genius, indeed.

Saturday 6-Pack: #1

Here is the first "Saturday 6-Pack" mix, where I put together a week's worth of musical obsessions into one mini-set for your listening pleasure.

THE SONGS:

ON YOUR WAY DOWN- LITTLE FEAT

I've always felt that Little Feat were unnecessarily lumped into a group of bands like the Allman Brothers or the Grateful Dead when they really had a sound like no other, covering all grounds from their own brand of punk to funk, country and soul, R&B and more. This version of Allen Toussaint's classic may just be definitive.

THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU- JR. WALKER & THE ALL-STARS

A little known album cut from the great Motown legend. I first heard this tune when it was brought into the mix by my friend and keyboard player Steven, as a possible addition to my old band's repertoire. If memory serves, I don't think any band members were given the actual tune to learn. We just listened to Steven play, sing and arrange it. I was thrilled beyond belief to find out what it actually sounded like. This is a killer track, a little unlike most of your Motown catalogue.

THE YODEL- GRASSELLA OLIPHANT

This is a tune I had been familiar with as part of New Orleans drummer Stanton Moore's live repertoire. I always thought it was his. Then, while listening to a fantastic boxed set from Rhino Records, "What It Is: Funky Soul & Rare Grooves," I was drawn to a cover of a Meters tune by someone named Grassella Oliphant, a jazz drummer who played with people like Sarah Vaughan, Ahmad Jamal and Bobby Hutcherson. A few eBay clicks later, and I found the LP and the origianl version of "The Yodel."

JUST WALKIN' IN THE RAIN- ERIC CLAPTON & THE IMPRESSIONS

From the Sun Records tribute CD from a few or so years ago, here is the old Prisonaires track with one of ol' Slowhand's very best vocal performances.

A THOUSAND DOLLAR CAR- THE BOTTLE ROCKETS

Only heard this tune for the first time this past Wednesday night, as part of G.E. Smith's mini-set performed at a reception for the release of the new book "The Guitar Collection," with photographs by another friend and band member John Peden.  I was smiling so hard at the lyrics to this tune, I think I sprained my ear. Can't say I've ever really loved The Bottle Rockets, but G.E.'s version made me track this down, and now I just might.

21ST CENTURY GYPSY SINGING LOVER MAN- TAJ MAHAL

From one of Taj's later releases, "Senor Blues," this is a tune written by New Orleans native (by way of Australia) Jon Cleary. It has been on heavy rotation for about 6 years now. Just a beautiful melody and arrangement, sung from the gut by Mr. Mahal.

THE ZIP


I was obsessed with a few more tunes this week, but I love how these 6 play together. If you do, we'll see you with Volume 2.

Bayou Maharajah: The Troubled Genius Of James Booker

As many of you have read on these very pages, I'm a bit obsessed with the late, great James Booker. I've done a few posts here and on The Huffington Post about his genius, as well as offered up more than a few samples of his wizardry on the piano.

I had the pleasure of seeing a rough cut of an upcoming documentary about the man, as well as meeting the filmmaker, Lily Keber. To say I'm excited about this project is a bit of an understatement.

Lily's site has some video previews that I think you'd enjoy.

Please take a look at:
bayoumaharajah.com

And while you are there, get yourself an absolutely fabulous, James Booker t-shirt, straight from the heart of New Orleans.

Tunnel Of Love On Devils And Dust

2012 U.S. dates for Bruce and the E-Street Band's tour are still about a year away. But that doesn't mean I don't already got the fever. I pulled this out for a spin.

Over several dates of 2005's "Devils & Dust" tour, Bruce managed to play every track from one of my fave albums, "Tunnel Of Love." Here they are in their proper order.






Ain't Got You (Grand Rapids)
Tougher Than The Rest (Asbury Park)
All That Heaven Will Allow (Bridgeport)
Spare Parts (Hamburg)
Cautious Man (Denver)
Walk Like A Man (Stockholm)
Tunnel Of Love (Grand Rapids)
Two Faces (Dallas)
Brilliant Disguise (Rome)
One Step Up (Columbus)
When You're Alone (Buffalo)
Valentine's Day (Columbus)



THE ZIP