Li'l Band O' Gold

C.C Adcock, lead guitarist and swaggering tool of the Louisiana supergroup Li’l Band O‘ Gold, squashed all hopes of the heavily rumored special guest appearance of Robert Plant at last night’s House Of Blues show, with his opening remarks as the band tuned up. “Contrary to speculation, there will be no special guests.”

When I purchased the tickets to the show, I hadn’t thought about anything but seeing LBOG, but of course, you hear things and you get excited. Mr. Plant sat with the band before, and last year’s tribute to Bobby Charles, saw Elvis Costello taking the mic for a mini-set.

Adcock’s comment seemed bitter, as if he thought we were all there to hear “Stairway To Heaven.” Once, LBOG started playing though, I got over his attitude, which I’d like to point out, I experienced first hand once before. He had played a solo show in a New Orleans hotel lobby. There were no more than 25 people in the room, but the band still kicked ass.  After an hour, he asked if anyone had any requests. I shouted out a tune, to which he replied, “That’s my other band.” A few more songs, and he asked for another request. I shouted out one more. He shot back, “What the fuck man, that’s my other band.”

It should be noted, C.C. Adcock had exactly three records out at the time, one with LBOG and 2 under his own name. He had already played most of both his solo records. What were we supposed to request? It’s not like I shouted out “Which Way You Goin’ Billy?”

Anyway, I'm on vacation, right? Nonetheless, Warren Storm, Steve Riley, David Egan and C.C., collectively known as Li'l Band O'Gold, put on a 2 hour show, that left no one, not even Zep fans, anything but satisfied. As for special guest, Adcock was half right, as Shannon McNally came out for two songs.

New Orleans, Day Two: The Bywater And Records

Bywater is a neighborhood of the city of New Orleans. A subdistrict of the Bywater District Area, its boundaries as defined by the City Planning Commission are: Florida Avenue to the north, the Industrial Canal to the east, the Mississippi River to the south and Franklin Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, Clouet, Burgundy, Lesseps, North Galvez and Mazant Streets to the west. Bywater is part of the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, but is located along the natural levee of the Mississippi River, sparing the area from significant flooding.

^{Spent a big part of the day walking through The Bywater. Walking in this town is absolutely necessary, otherwise you'll end up looking like Clemenza when he went to the mattresses.} 

^{Ended up at Euclid Records. Found some good stuff, including a Dells album that was playing the entire time I was shopping. "Love Is Blue" contains the hit "Oh What A Night," as well as some unlikely covers of Bobby Goldsboro's awful hit "Honey," a Jimmy Webb medley of "Wichita Lineman" and "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" and Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale," and every one of them knocked me out.}  

^{Today is the first day of the Fest. Looking forward to the Fairgrounds, but I think today's highlight will be seeing Li'l Band O' Gold's tribute to the late, great Bobby Charles at the House Of Blues Parish later this evening.  There will be a very special guest vocalist with the band this evening, Mr. Robert Plant. Needless to say, I'm excited.} 

 <sup>TAKE A LISTEN TO THE DELLS.


Thanks for checking in.</sup>

New Orleans: Day One

Aside from the hell ride that was Flight 1078, rerouted to avoid the string of tornados that was sweeping across the South to Midwest to the Northeast, I made it to New Orleans in one piece. The pilot never did clarify, but from the 3 hour Airbus pukefest, I imagine he rerouted the plane INTO the tornados.

I saw my whole life flash before me. (I can’t believe I bought the Cheryl Ladd album and used Sun-In.) Once we touched ground, the soupy weather of the south felt like a tweed sweater soaked in warm water wrapped around my face. Normally, April is hot, but not quite as humid. Within minutes, that didn't matter. I felt just right, as the airport cabdriver, a little lady easily in her 70s, offered to lift the luggage into the back of the van.

“No! Thank you, but I’ll do this.”

She reached for the bags again, and offered, “Don’t worry, God’s got me.”

Aaaah…New Orleans.

Anyway, I got the bags. Don’t worry.

Easy first day, taking it all in.  Lots of food already, including a sauteed Shrimp & Onion po’boy that I had been dreaming about since the Reagan administration.

 

The following names may not mean a helluva lot to you at first, but seeing Irvin Mayfield, Evan Christopher, David Torkanowsky, Leon "Kid Chocolate" Brown, Don Vappie and Shannon Powell all on one stage yesterday afternoon was a nice surprise. The "Wednesdays At the Square" concert series in Lafayette Park continues through June, and this was a fantastic set of traditional jazz, complete with burlesque dancers and a second line finale.  Look these guys up. They are the best in the business.

(The photo here is the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Sorry, it's the best I could find.)

Later gators.

"Come On Everybody, Take A Trip With Me!"

By my sixth or seventh trek down south, I had a bit of a music ritual. Once I arrived in the great city of New Orleans, three songs, "Elvis Presley Blues" by Gillian Welch, "When You Get Back" by Jon Cleary and "Suddenly Mary" by The Posies, HAD to played before I went out for the night. (I don't know why and I don't care.) The night could not begin until I poured a bourbon, walked out onto the balcony, and looked down onto Royal Street, as I listened to these three songs. I did it everytime. And everytime was magical. Suddenly, not just Mary, but I too...was fine.

These days, my quarterly trips have been cut in half. Actually, I only made it there once last year, and it wasn't for Fest.  New Orleans still feels like home, but now I'm a bit more anxious to get things started once I arrive. The luxury of ritual has lost its appeal. Just put some music on and point me in the opposite direction of where I came from.

This mix felt good. Like, if this was playing, and we were driving from the Quarter to Lafayette, we probably wouldn't need to talk for 80 minutes. Maybe we'd look at each other when we noticed the badass drums in the Jimmy Hughes track. But we'd just nod, maybe wink.

DIG IT!

This one is for Paul Sanchez. No one has a bigger heart.



TRACK LIST

Take Me Out To The Ballgame- Jonathan Batiste
Nuttballus- Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Get Down With It- Bobby Marchan
New Suit- The Wild Magnolias
Better Off Dead- Bill Withers
Shotgun- Jr. Walker & The All-Stars
Total Destruction Of Your Mind- Swamp Dogg
What Side Of The Door- Jimmy Hughes
Mobetta's Blues- Maurice Brown & Bobby Broom
Liberty Bell- Willie Tee
Two-Way-Poc-Away- The Dixie Cups
Pretty Pimpin' Willie- Chocolate Milk
You Left The Water Running- Maurice & Mac
You Got To- Huey "Piano" Smith
A Kiss To Build A Dream On- Benny Gordon
I Got To Be Myself-Rance Allen
Can I Get A Witness- Earl Van Dyke
Welfare Cheese- Emanuel Laskey
Tic Tac Toe- Earl King
My God- Wycliffe Gordon


THE ZIP

See you in New Orleans.

A Pair Of News: New Orleans & A New Job

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is just days away, and like I've done every year but one since 1999,  I will fly down, not drive down, to New Orleans. The big name acts lined up for this year's festival seem further away from New Orleans "Jazz & Heritage" than ever before, with Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, John Mellencamp, Cyndi Lauper and Mrs. Lauren Hill gearing up for their big stage performances. Also on tap, Robert Plant, Wilco, Jeff Beck, Mumford & Sons, The Decemberists and The Avett Brothers.

Of course, that's not what it's all about. For me, it's always been about the great New Orleans artists that I rarely, if ever get to see outside of the Crescent City, like John Boutte, Germaine Bazzle, Astral Project, Li'l Band O' Gold, Derek Douget, Jon Cleary, Joe Krown, Panorama Jazz Band, the great Bob French and just about every wonderful gospel group that will be performing in the awe-inspiring Gospel Tent.

You can see the daily stage line-ups HERE

Posting will continue, with music updates and reports from the fairgrounds, as well as the many night time club shows I hope to attend.



THE OTHER NEWS

Last week, I landed a new gig. I will be working acquisitions for Indiepix Films, as well as contributing regularly to their blog. Please check them out here and stay tuned for my first piece on a wonderful new documentary called "Last Summer At Coney Island." It's a fantastic company, much like Netflix, but with a focus solely on independent films. Needless to say, I'm excited about all of this.

Tomorrow, I will be posting a very special and very early "WEEKEND MIX," to carry you all over until I get back. 

Okay boys and girls, stay tuned.

"The Sounds Of Simon" : THE WEEKEND MIX

 

This found me yesterday. A pretty nice, if a bit hollow-sounding club show from Mr. Paul Simon. The set list and band is fantastic. So, really...that's it.

Enjoy!




Paul Simon
Showbox At The Market
Seattle, WA
April 17, 2011

SET LIST
The Boy In The Bubble
Dazzling Blue
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
So Beautiful Or So What
Vietnam
Mother And Child Reunion
The Afterlife
That Was Your Mother
Hearts And Bones
Mystery Train
Love And Hard Times
Rewrite
Peace Like A River
The Obvious Child
Getting Ready For Christmas Day
Crazy Love, Vol. II
Love Is Eternal Sacred Light
Father And Daughter
Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
Gumboots
The Sound Of Silence
Kodachrome
Gone At Last
Here Comes The Sun
Late In The Evening
Still Crazy After All These Years


Paul Simon - Guitar, Vocals
Mark Stewart - Guitars, Vocals
Vincent Nguini - Guitar
Bakithi Kumalo - Bass
Mick Rossi - Keyboards
Andrew Snitzer - Saxophone, Keyboards
Jim Oblon - Drums
Jamey Haddad - Master Percussionist
Tony Cedras - Multi-Instrumentalist

PART ONE

PART TWO

My Favorite Song Ever...Once In A While

I was intrigued by the retro artwork of the CD cover when I first saw it. I was told there was some connection to The La's of "There She Goes" fame. (Still not sure what it is) I was blown away by the first song "Weed Bus." Nothing else on 1992's "Mexican R&B" or on their follow-up 16 years later, 2008's "Who Is This Is," (anyone know that reference) ever came close to the raw energy of this opening statement.

From the drums and woodblock intro to that nifty little guitar riff, "Weed Bus" is two mono minutes of British R&B perfection. Almost 20 years later, I still go back to "Mexican R&B" hoping to find one more gem, but it's never there.

RSD Exclusives

Of the many records getting an exclusive Record Store Day release, there were two that I had a special interest in: the Foo Fighters covers LP "Medium Rare" and the John Doe/Jill Sobule collaboration "A Day At The Pass," which features duet takes on each other's material, as well as a few covers. I finally got my hands on both for a few dollars more than I would have liked to spend.

I like'em both, but each has one really strong take that stands out for me.  The Foos deliver a cover of The Zombies' "This Will Be Our Year" that quite frankly, surprised the hell out of me. John and Jill's cover of The Association's "Never My Love," is a little more of what you'd expect, but still, no less wonderful.

Give a listen, then sell your souls for some copies on eBay.

THIS WILL BE OUR YEAR



NEVER MY LOVE

Ladies Caca

‘80s singer Tiffany is working on tour dates with Debbie Gibson, according to the New York Post.

Tiffany, who’s currently touring for her release “Rose Tattoo,” told the Post that they’re planning to kick it old school.
"We want to journey through the '80s and all the artists who influenced us," she revealed, adding that covers of Reba McIntyre, Guns ‘N’ Roses and Stevie Nicks and even Broadway tunes aren’t out of the question for the performances. Plus, you know, their own songs, as well.
Of course, Tiffany and Gibson have already teamed up for a past project: SyFy’s “Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.” Perhaps they should consider joining their touring efforts with a few other '80s acts who are hitting the road.

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date: 4/19/11

DUSTY WRIGHT- IF WE NEVER

Dusty Wright's first three solo records were collections of songs; songs that represented his influences in life and music. Too often though, the records played that way. Some songs worked, while others tried too hard to evoke a time or a place, relying on style and not substance.  On his 4th release, "If We Never...," Dusty Wright has hit the mark. This is more than a collection of songs. It is a musically coherent album, showcasing a singer-songwriter who seems to have finally found his comfort zone.

Songs like "Swirl," "Sometimes I," and "Breathe," tracks 2-4 on "If We Never..." boast the elements of classic record-making; hooks, harmonies, key changes and smart production. Wright's earlier releases found him struggling at times to find a voice. Here, his vocals are relaxed. He sounds happy with himself, but not smug. "Lustful Blues" is a stand-out, not because it's the best track on the record, but because its smoky, dark-alley arrangement hits you by surprise at just the right time. At Track 6, it's the perfect breather on a very personal record.

There are bittersweet moments, as on the ballad "Uncertain" and the album opener, "Comfort Me," where Wright wears his heart on his sleeve. Thankfully, it all works. "If We Never..." is a solid record from Dusty Wright and a piece of work that is worth your time.

You can find it on iTunes or at www.DustyWright.com

BRIAN SETZER- SETZER GOES INSTRU-MENTAL

Brian Setzer has always struck me as a musician who was too good for any of the bands and projects he was associated with...kind of like watching Paul Newman in "The Towering Inferno." The Stray Cats were fine for awhile, but never really got beyond novelty, and the "big band" revival was even worse. That simply annoyed me. But, Setzer is a guitar-god and has an amazing singing voice. (Check out the Stray Cats' 50s slow-dance, "I Won't Stand In Your Way." Still my fave Cats' moment.)

Now, on "Brian Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL," he nails it, well without the vocal part. A selection of originals and covers like Ray Noble's "Cherokee" and "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," SGI smokes with killer arrangements and guitar playing that will make your jaw drop.  Admittedly, I can't really figure out what makes this type of a record any less novelty than a rockabilly or big band revival, other than I like it better.





ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

The umpteenth reissue of the first three Kinks' records, "Kinks," "Kinda Kinks," and "The Kinks' Kontroversy," now each boasting a second disc and given the seal of approval by Ray Davies. If there are any Kinks-heads out there who can share some pertinent info such as whether or not they truly sound better than previous versions, if the bonus material appearing is really new to collectors, or any other helpful tips, it'd be appreciated.


LAST WEEK

April 12th saw a big release day with new, solid records by k d lang, Alison Krauss, and The Feelies. But the 2 that really stand out for me are Paul Simon's "So Beautiful Or So What" and the Foo Fighters' Wasting Light."

The Foos don't break any new ground, really, but "Wasting Light" is consistent, and I'm happy with that.  Paul Simon, on the other hand, released an album that has slowly seeped into my veins. My first reaction was, "I'm not going to love this just because it DOESNT sound like "The Rhythm Of The Saints." But, after a number of spins, I can no longer reject what is now becoming my favorite Paul Simon album since "There Goes Rhymin' Simon."

Daryl & Fitz

Last year's "Fitz & The Tantrums" release is a record that keeps on giving. I think I may invent a loophole that allows me to place it on this year's year-end "Best Of" list.  This performance from Daryl Hall's brilliant internet show really needs to be seen to experience the excitement. It's more fun than most of us deserve. (Apologies to those who do indeed deserve more fun.) You can watch it HERE!

But you can listen to it all with the zip.

SET LIST
Pickin' Up The Pieces
Breakin' the Chains Of Love
Dear Mr. President
Perkiomen
Girl I Love You
MoneyGrabber
Sara Smile


THE ZIP

One for the road....

A Few Quick Thoughts On Record Store Day

I wasn't able to make it to my favorite record stores, since both of them are in New Orleans. But a friend hit a few in NYC, and he took along both of our want lists.  Here's his report:

Went to J&R. I thought they might carry some of the releases we'd be interested in. I got there around noonish. They had a bunch of records on display...is Record Store Day all about Ozzy vinyl reissues?... and a wire rack with shit just thrown in. People were all over it like one of those bridal gown sales.
 
Record browsing etiquette was out the window.  I'm looking through a row of 45s and someone starts flicking through the same row about 10 records ahead of me. That's a no-no. I was about the ask the guy if he thought this was a buddy booth or something. But everyone was grabbing, cutting across arms.  Personal space was invaded like only a record geek can.
 
What a mess. 

There was no rhyme or reason to anything. I saw a box of the new Paul Simon on vinyl halfway open and halfway crushed. The albums are warped for sure.
 
I managed to find TR's Johnson. But it was only on CD, not vinyl. I got one for you and one for me.
I attempted to ask a worker a question about what they received. He dismissed me, and ran away while pointing at the mess, "Whatever's there."
 
I went back to brooklyn.  I went to a store called Sound Fix ( or something like that).
They were boasting about being the only store with the exclusive Damon and Naomi Record Store Day 45. No one seemed to give a shit. I think they were going to perform in the shop as well. I didn't see much there.  I did spot a Fleetwood Mac's Rumours LP. Is that part of this celebration?
 
Nothing to find there.
 
I passed through Greenpoint and stopped at Permanent Records. It was packed.  I looked through their pile and found two 45s I already bought at J & R, the New Pornographers and Blitzen Trapper.  I overheard some Jon Lovitz type griping about not finding the Big Star Third on vinyl. He was  losing it, he couldn't accept that it wasn't there. He was demanding they call their distributor to find out who got it.


MY TWO CENTS:

The one item at the top of my list was the Foo Fighters LP of covers, which is now being sold by a ton of distributors on eBay for an average of $50, while the Big Star is going for close to $200!  Ya think maybe the record store owners didn't bother putting these items out for display, knowing full well they could hoard them, and prey upon the desperate fanatics who wouldn't think twice about paying through the nose?

I wish I could say, "Good for you, Record Stores! Make your money!" I mean, it seems they've been getting the shit end of the industry stick for a while. But I can't help but see how once again, the real fans got shut out. Ticket scalping or record scalping--doesn't matter. They both suck.

"No Comments Please" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Ahem...testing...testing....one, two...


Is this thing on?


I can't HEAR you people!


RADIOHEAD!  (Just kidding)



 I guess we can all agree...except for Anonymous...that Burning Wood is better alive than dead, comments or no comments. 

"What is this, the Brett Favre of blogs?" That was a good one.

Let's have fun...well...except for Anonymous.




TRACK LIST

Ain't That Good News- Sam Cooke
Elephant Talk- King Crimson
Away From The Numbers- The Jam
Hear Me Talking To Ya- Ella Fitzgerald
Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do- Otis Clay
Don't Start Me Talkin'- Dion
He Was Really Saying Something- The Velvelettes
Talking 'Bout You- Chuck Berry
Cheap Talk, Patter & Jive- Dave Edmunds
Don't Talk- Charlie Hunter & Leon Parker
Have You Heard- John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
Talk To Me- NRBQ
Shout It Out Loud- Kiss
It Means A Lot- Keith Richards
Please Don't Talk About Me When I"m Gone- Leon Redbone

THE ZIP

Burning Wood

A friend once said, "There is nothing worse than indifference."

First and foremost, thanks for the kind words and comments. I hope you believe me when I say, this was not what I was looking for. Actually, many of the comments came from readers who I have never seen comment in the two plus years Burning Wood has been around. Where've you been? It makes me happy to see so many fans of the blog, but this was sincerely not a ploy for attention. I mean that!

To those who shared the sentiment that one "should write for himself," I'd like to say, I agree and I do. But I didn't start Burning Wood for just me and my need to shout out opinions. It was to be a public place, with outside contributions, where music fans and obsessives were to gather and share their loves and hates. Is there anyone out there who doesn't want approval now and then? Can anyone tell me when they had posted a song suggestion in the comments, they weren't secretly hoping for someone to comment back and say, "What a great tune?"

As I said, stats have dropped almost 50%. Steadily. Not 2%. I check the stats to determine what may have been picked up elsewhere, where traffic came from, and what is most popular. If none of this matters, why do this at all? I mean, I could just burn a whole bunch of CDs and mail them out to everyone and call it a day. What fun would that be?

One reader and friend, suggested I was "thin-skinned." Yeah, maybe. But again, I wasn't asking for only positive feedback and some stroking. I love a good debate, just as long as it doesn't turn mean, or into harassment, like the comments from (not-so) Anonymous. As much as I love posting and sharing music, it's only natural to feel a bit let down when a "Weekend Mix" gets 100 downloads and only 2 comments. I know I put it out there, so do what you like with it. But if your fun is grabbing the music, then mine is hearing about it from you. Lately, that isn't happening so much. So I burned out.

"Matt" just asked, "Why kill the blog?" You're absolutely right, Matt. No need to, so I won't.

I am already missing Burning Wood and the thrill of creating a "Weekend Mix."

Let's see what happens.

Thanks again.

Good Night & May God Bless

I'll make this no longer than a Ramones tune.

I'm done.

I gave Burning Wood the best I had, but readership has been down 50% in the last month, and I think I'm burning out on giving a lot for a small return. (See NYCD)

Site will be up until the end of the month, so please go in and grab all the music you can.

I want to thank all you who have supported the blog and interacted with me and other readers. But, zero to one comments on 90% percent of the dailies is just not incentive.

Peace.

Listen to music.

I Need One More Day, Please

Having spent 40 of the last 72 hours, cleaning, pricing, lifting, recleaning, listening to, unpricing, bagging, boxing and transporting albums, I am just not prepared for a post this morning. Please stand by, and Burning Wood will continue its regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

In the meantime, please enjoy Lou Courtney from his super-rare LP "Skate Now Shing-A-Ling," a record that I thought I'd sell immediately at yesterday's Brooklyn Record Riot, but realize now,  I am happy I did not.

ME & YOU (DOIN' THE BOOGALOO)

"Richard Thompson & Shawn Colvin" : THE WEEKEND MIX

From Valentine's Day of 1994, please enjoy a stellar, late show set from Richard Thompson and Shawn Colvin, recorded at NYC's legendary Bottom Line.

This performance has it all--great guitar playing, Band covers, a Neil Finn cover, and the very droll humor of both RT and SC. 





SET LIST

It Makes No Difference
I Can't Wake Up To Save My Life
Beeswing
Diamond In The Rough
Twilight
Taking My Business Elswhere
Tear Stained Letter
Knowing What I Know
Polaroids - R & B Medley
Easy There Steady Now
The Sun Never Shines On The Poor
Set The Prarie On Fire
I Misunderstood
Talk - Wild Mountain Thyme (Tease) - Talk
1952 Vincent Black Lightning
A Heart Needs A Home
Wall Of Death
Four Seasons In One Day
Valerie

THE ZIP

Come Say Hello @ The Brooklyn Record Riot

This Sunday, I will be at the Brooklyn Record Riot along with my buddy Steven, selling some choice items from our collections. Please stop by, bring some cash and, if you have anything on my Want List, which you can find at the very bottom of this page, bring those along and maybe we can do some old-fashioned bartering.


Here are the details:

The Brooklyn Record Riot!!!
Sunday April 10th, 2011

Warsaw

261 Driggs Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11222

Hours: Noon-8 PM

$3.00 regular admission
$20.00 early admission from 10 am-noon

Beer!
Traditional Polish food.
Eight massive DJs led by Phast Phreddie.

50 plus tables of merchandise from 30 plus cool dealers hailing from the USA and Canada.

Public transportation: Warsaw is located near the L and G trains. The L train has a Bedford Avenue stop (the first stop in Brooklyn as you leave Manhattan). Exit on the Driggs Avenue side and make a right on Driggs and walk toward McCarren Park. Warsaw will be on the right, about a ten minute walk. The G train stop is on Greenpoint Avenue. Use hopstop.com for information on both trains.

The Brooklyn Record Riot! is not just a record show, but a full blown, day-long event. Whether you're looking for a rare Howlin Wolf or Ultimate Spinach record to help complete your collection, or if you're a beginner looking to fill that space you've just carved out as a vinyl shelf, chances are good that you'll find it at “The Brooklyn Record Riot!”.

Located in the Historic Warsaw at the Polish National Home in Williamsburg , previous Brooklyn Record Riot events have drawn 60 dealer tables, and over 40,000 vinyl records for sale of every price range and music genre. Customers have left the Brooklyn Record Riot spending $500 on one record while leave with 50 records and spend just $50 in the “dollar room”, a whole room of vinyl LP's and 45's for just a buck.

SAL'S WANT LIST
David Bowie-Low
David Bowie- The Man Who Sold The World (RCA pressing w/poster)
CCR- Green River
Sweet- Desolation Boulevard
Sweet- Give Us A Wink
Sparks- Kimono My House
James Gang-Yer Album
Procol Harum- First (Mono)
Santana- Abraxas
Santana- Lotus
Lou Reed-Debut
Lou Reed- Transformer
Iggy Pop- The Idiot
Wire- Pink Flag
Black Sabbath- Paranoid
Lee Dorsey- Yes We Can
Graham Nash- Songs For Beginners
Yesterday & Today (Y&T)- Debut on London
Heart- Little Queen
Colin Blunstone- One Year
Johnnie Taylor- Raw Blues
The Everly Brothers- Roots
Genesis- Seconds Out
Alice Cooper- Welcome To My Nightmare
Phil Manzanera/801- Live
Bobby Bland- Two Steps From The Blues
The Wild Magnolias
The Wild Magnolias- They Call Us Wild
Sam & Dave- Double Dynamite (Mono)
The Kinks- Muswell Hillbillies

I REALLY HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU THERE!

The Smithereens Are Back In A Big Way

A few years ago, "The Smithereens 11" had been calling my name from the CD shelf. This was a record that I played to the point of sickness, so it was relegated to the "never wanna hear it again" portion of my brain. I wrote about the rediscovery for Huffington. It's HERE. (No mention of Radiohead anywhere, so only two people commented.)

Since the release of "11," The Smithereens have released one too many uninspired records, almost all of which have been misguided "theme" records:

"Meet The Smithereens," where they play "Meet The Beatles."
"The Smithereens Play Tommy" where they play "Tommy."
"Christmas With The Smithereens" where they also play "Tommy."

(Okay, kidding, but you get my drift.)

Today, the Jersey boys are back with "Smithereens 2011," a record that picks up nicely from where "11" left off. Clocking in at a comfortable 45 minutes, "Smithereens 2011" is power pop at its finest. Pat DiNizio voice even sounds younger than it has on the last few albums. Maybe this return to form has something to do with Don Dixon and Mitch Easter back in the producer's and engineer's chairs. Or maybe, the creative juices have had enough rest after years of cover albums. Whatever it is, The Smithereens are back in a big way.

Go get this record now!
IT'S HERE

This Is The Blues Brothers. This Is The Blues Brothers On Drugs

After a particularly busy day at my old retail outlet, NYCD, I met up with some friends for drinks. I don't recall which bar, but just about every store front on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the mid-nineties, was either a bar or restaurant. The particular place we were frequenting was jam packed, and the sound system was concert hall loud, but it sounded great.

About 2 hours and 3 drinks into the evening, a version of "Sweet Home Chicago" came on, and I thought to myself, "This is the greatest version of this song I have ever heard." It took the length of the song, at least, to make it close enough to the bar to ask the bartender, who was playing.

"The Blues Brothers."

Next morning, I opened up shop, and the first thing I did was rifle through the used "B" section of the store. Sure enough, I had it. I flipped on the stereo, and at 8:30 AM, cranked up, "Sweet Home Chicago" by The Blues Brothers. 

It sucked.

It was a whole lot better when I was drunk, in a bar, with a lot people, laughing with friends. 15 years earlier, I was poised to trade my Beatles' albums for the entire Bauhaus collection, thanks to some girl I had a crush on.

So my question Burning Woodies, have you ever had a drastic about face over a song or band, whether alcohol-fueled like myself, or by some other influential situation that may have blurred your thinking?
 

"Phil Spector Produces Bob Dylan" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Not really. My first thought was to post the never before released Phil Spector produced Bob Dylan album from 1968, with song titles like "Talkin' Da Doo Ron Ron Blues," "Wait 'Til My Zimmy Gets Home," and "Most Likely You Go Your Way, And I'll Pull Out My Revolver & Shoot You." But I thought my readers too smart to fall for such malarkey.

This mix will have to do. I like it. A lot.

If anything hits you, please say so. Any questions? Please ask.

FOOLS IN APRIL

A Fool In Love- Ike & Tina Turner
Always There To Fool You- Paul Weller
I Was A Fool- The Casanova II
Foolish Pride- Daryl Hall
Who Will The Next Fool Be- Charlie Rich
April Fool- Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane
I'm A Fool To Want You- Frank Sinatra
April Fools- Aretha Franklin
Mama Didn't Raise No Fools- Sugar Pie DeSanto
Biggest Fool In Town- Gorgeous George
Only A Fool- The Black Crowes
Fools & Their Fences- Clint Maedgen
Fools In Love- Joe Jackson
The Fool- Richard Thompson
Fools Like Me- Geraint Watkins
Get Yourself Another Fool- Sam Cooke
Running Out Of Fools- Elvis Costello
Ship Of Fools- World Party
My Foolish Heart- John McLaughlin
April Fools- Rufus Wainwright

THE ZIP