The Electric Mess: Keeping It Simple In A Big Way

Okay, I admit it. It is a rare occasion when a new band gets any real attention on these pages. I don't believe I am stuck in the 60s or the 70s. I am not that person who dismisses anything that isn't Dylan or The Beatles. But I do believe there is an epidemic of hype over substance these days. I am rarely moved.

Then there is The Electric Mess. This is a band that first smacked me hard during a live performance in 2007 and continues to assault my senses. (In all good ways, of course!)

Their second CD has just been released.  "Falling Off The Face Of The Earth" is big. It satisfies my need for the uncompromising and unpretentious sounds of the great garage bands of the 60s, without ever skimping on musicianship. The Mess can play.

Anchored by the powerhouse rhythm section of Derek Davidson on bass and Craig Rogers on drums, "FOTFOTE" delivers a baker's dozen; songs that catch fire right out of the gate and conjure images of The Yardbirds, the 13th Floor Elevators, The Stooges, and at times, even early Stones.

Esther Crow is up front, singing, howling, and begging. She is soulful and contagious. Multi-instrumentalist Oweinama Biu on keyboards, rhythm guitar and percussion & Dan Crow on lead guitar complete the band, which you will notice a minute into the opener "He Looks Like A Psycho," isn't fooling around. The sounds are from the garage and basement, but their chops prove otherwise. It's the best of both worlds. (These guys covered Led Zeppelin and it wasn't ironic. Okay?)

I love this record. Personal faves include "Don't Take Your Bad Trip Out On Me" and the duet "I Didn't Miss You At All," featuring Esther and Oweinama. Check them out HERE.

See? I love new music.

Doc Watson, R.I.P.

 "Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Levon Helm in the same year is just too, too much."
- Rosanne Cash



You may not realize it, especially if you don't spend much of your time listening to folk music, but Doc Watson was an infuence on just about everyone. He was a pioneer; a musician's musician.

As my friend and one time bandmate John P. put it, "A pillar of my musical world has passed. It was a privilege to have known him. Rest in peace Doc."

My friend JB also shared this:

"Doc played electric guitar in a dance band early in his career. They didn't have a fiddle player so he learned to play the leads on his Les Paul, which got him on the road to his blistering fast flatpicking style. He was Americana long before anybody coined the phrase.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Doc Watson a couple of times, in 1988 at the first Merlefest and again in 2001. An amazing musician and a nice man."

Another great loss for the music world.

The two short audio clips were provided by JB. The first is just Doc and his harp. The second is 40 seconds of guitar fire with Doc and Marty Stuart.

The New Sell Out

Do you remember this?

Swag's time in the spotlight was all too fleeting, not to mention that said spotlight never really got above 25 watts, anyhow.

Here was a power pop "supergroup" consisting of members, official or honorary, of Cheap Trick, Wilco, The Mavericks, and Sixpence None The Richer, as well as Doug Powell, Todd Rundgren (who overdubbed Trick bassist Tom Petersson's bass parts for a re-release when Cheap Trick's management decided to give a shit and demand all Cheap Trick memorabilia be removed from the album cover, as well as any of Petersson's involvement), Bill Lloyd, and producer Brad Jones.






That was from something I posted in 2011. You can read all of that post HERE.


There was one small detail from that post that caught the eye of reader Cryptique.


I've been obsessed ever since, especially knowing they recorded a cover of The Who's "Early Morning Cold Taxi" for a still unreleased tribute.  (Please! Find that for me.)

Well, Mr Cryptique, you've outdone yourself.

Here's what I found in my in-box:

Put together 12 years ago and gathering cobwebs ever since, The New Sell Out is finally out! Dedicated to Rick McBrien, the soul of Futureman. Thanks to every contributing artist and everyone who worked on this! Full liner notes and artwork included in download.

P.S. Like the original, these tracks connect with each other. For best results, please burn a -gapless- cd!

credits 

released 28 May 2012

The New Sell Out – Futureman Records 




Reading like a power pop fan's wet dream with performances by Brendan Benson, The Shazam, Mitch Easter, The Grip Weeds, and of course SWAG, this long lost tribute to my favorite record by The Who finally sees the light of day.

FULL TRACK LIST


Monday – Mike Giblin

1. Armenia City In The Sky - Paranoid Lovesick

Whoopie - Mike Giblin

2. Heinz Baked Beans - The Andersons

More Music – Cockeyed Ghost

3. Mary Anne With The Shaky Hands - The Phenomenal Cats

Premier Drums – Barely Pink

Bah Bah – Ed James

4. Odorono- The Atomic Numbers

Smooth Sailing - Brendan Benson

5. Tattoo - The Jigsaw Seen

Church of Your Choice - Linus Of Hollywood

6. Our Love Was - Splitsville

Big L - Ed James

Rotosound Strings - Mitch Easter

7. I Can See For Miles - The Shazam

Charles Atlas - John P. Strohm

8. I Can't Reach You - Chris von Sneidern

9. Medac - Brendan Benson

10. Relax - Cloud Eleven

Rotosound Strings (demo) - The Jellybricks

11. Silas Stingy - Zumpano

12. Sunrise - Willie Wisely

13. Rael - Myracle Brah

Top Gear - Fundaro & Moll

14 Commercial Break

Pt 2. Welcome - Rodney Bingenheimer

Radio London - The Rubinoos

Pro-Stripe - The Breetles

Great Shakes - The Magic Christians

15. Glittering Girl - The Flashing Lights

16. Commercial Break

Radio London - Double Naught Spies

Mullet Man - P. Hux

Gino's Hair Cappucino - DM3

17. Melancholia - The Grip Weeds

18. Commercial Break

Coke - Fundaro & Moll

Dr. Giggle's Ginsing Root - Devin Hill

Radio London - Roger McGuinn

John Mason - The Jellybricks

19. Jaguar - Jim Babjak's Buzzed Meg

20. Commercial Break

Radio London - The Masticators

Dizzy Mouse - The Masticators

Spaz Cola - Ed James

Radio London - The Merrymakers

21. Someone's Coming - The Pearlfishers

22. Commercial Break

Radio London - Bobby Sutliff

Coke - The Anderson Council

Yellow Pilsner - John McMullen

Radio London - The Chevelles

23. Early Morning, Cold Taxi - SWAG

24. Commercial Break

Radio London - Bingo Durango

Jock-A-Lot - The Popdudes

Top Popsicles - crash into june

Great Shakes - The Absolute Zeros

Radio London - Heavy Blinkers

25. Glow Girl - The Vandalias

Track Records - R. Stevie Moore

26. Bonus Track: Doctor, Doctor – Brendan Benson


Words fail me.

Thank you Cryptique and thank you Futureman Records.

Now go buy it HERE for a paltry sum of money, $7.

Squackett

There is a new record on the horizon. It is a collaboration between Yes bassist Chris Squire and Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. It is called Squackett. 

Thank you.

Songs Of The Week: 5/19- 5/25

In The Same Motel- Dicky Williams
At The Club- Ray Charles
The Way It Was- The Bee Gees
It Only Costs A Dime- The Everly Brothers
Scattered- The Kinks
Harry Hippie- Bobby Womack
Harry Hippie/Cruel To Be Kind- Elvis Costello

zip

"Mono" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Remember the first time you heard a compact disc? Didn't you think, "Holy Moly, Myrtle. Can you please help me throw all my records away?"

Then, there were the purists. They knew. They weren't buying this 5" piece of aluminum with compressed music and no liner notes. As much as those damn purists can suck the life out of a perfectly fun conversation about music, they had a point.

So here we are 30 years later, and that elusive mono copy of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bookends" that you tossed into a box with your comic books, Bonanza lunch boxes, and Beatles nodders, is now a hot item and the bane of my existence I might add, while your CDs with their remastered sound and bonus tracks, barely sell for a buck or two on the used market.

Vinyl is hot. Mono vinyl is hotter.

Mono sounds better...to some. (Not to Al Kooper. Trust me.) I'll take a mono LP over a stereo pressing anyday. If you have the opportunity, compare the stereo vs. mono pressings of the following:

Jefferson Airplane- Surrealistic Pillow
Aretha Franklin- I Never Loved A Man
Rolling Stones- Now
Beatles- Rubber Soul
The Who- Sell Out
Otis Redding- Dictionary Of Soul

The mono wins every time. But then again, it's all in the ears of the beholder. For me, all the mono Stax/Volt and Atlantic soul records of the 60s pack a bigger wallop. The rhythm section has a snap, a punch that you can feel in your chest.  (It is all about the bass and drums, isn't it?) "Green Onions" by Booker T. & The MGs? Mono, please!



There are subtle differences, like Paul's harmony vocal on the mono version of "I'm So Tired," which is barely audible on the stereo version. Or not so subtle differences, like the stereo version of "Surrealistic Pillow" which sounds like it was recorded in an airport bathroom, as opposed to the warm, reverb-free mix of the mono LP.

For years I had been listening to "World" by the Bee Gees, wondering what happened to the last chorus where all 3 brothers harmonize.  It was the mono single, the one that got played on the radio, and not what made the hundreds of Bee Gees compilation CDs in stereo. It had a longer fade-out. (Even the deluxe CD edition of "Horizontal," which includes the whole album in stereo and mono, does not do the original vinyl justice.) Speaking of longer fades, the mono "Mrs Robinson" has just a tad bit more at the end.


I guess you may have gleaned from what I've written so far, the theme of this Weekend Mix.

Here is your mono playlist.

TRACKLIST

Like A Rolling Stone- Bob Dylan
I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better- The Byrds
Bus Stop- The Hollies
Somebody To Love- Jefferson Airplane
You Need Loving- Small Faces
I'm So Tired- The Beatles
World- The Bee Gees
Brown Sugar- Rolling Stones
Sunshine Of Your Love- Cream
Green Onions- Booker T. & The MGs
Bold As Love- Jimi Hendrix
Celebration Day- Led Zeppelin
Stand- Sly & The Family Stone
Feelin' Alright- Traffic
I Can See For Miles- The Who
Tapioca Tundra- The Monkees
Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey- Paul McCartney
Waterloo Sunset- The Kinks
Time Of The Season- The Zonbies
Mrs. Robinson- Simon & Garfunkel


Hope ya like it!

If It's Thursday, I'm Late With Street Date: 5/22/12

The harsh criticism of "Ram" upon its release can only be attributed to the sour surroundings of the time. The Beatles broke up and it was Paul's fault. Plus, it didn't help matters that "Ram" doesn't sound like The Beatles. Otherwise, anyone back then and even now, who doesn't hear the layers of musical brilliance on Paul McCartney second post-Mop Top release, just isn't listening. You know "Too Many People" and "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey." But what about "Dear Boy," "Heart Of The Country" and "Back Seat Of My Car?" Those five songs alone are among the best of Macca's career.

A big and heavy special edition was released this week, along with a standard deluxe (is that like jumbo shrimp?) edition, and a very limited MONO edition on numbered vinyl. As far as big, stupid, expensive boxed sets go, this one is damn nice. It's not essential, but it is close. Let me try to sell it.

If "Ram" was one of your favorite records of all-time, as it is mine, and the items in the box were all released individually at affordable prices, you just might buy them all. There is a new 2012 stereo remaster that is simply stunning. It comes with a bonus CD featuring 30+ minutes of bonus material. There is a new 2012 MONO version, which is a true, dedicated mono mix created for AM radio but never released and only available with the box, unless you want the LP, which is available separately. Admittedly, the audio here will only be a revelation if you love "Ram." The mix has subtle differences, but there were enough to make me shout "Holy Crap" a number of times. There is a gorgeous 112 page book with unreleased photos and current interviews with those involved with the recording. (If this book was at Barnes & Noble for $30, it would be a no-brainer, or at the very least, a some-brainer.) There is "Thrillington," the big-band instrumental version of the album Paul pseudonymously recorded as Percy Thrillington. (It's better than you'd think.) The DVD has some vintage promo clips and a behind-the-scenes film about the making of the album. There are facsimilies of hand-written lyric sheets, a folder of glossy 8x10s, a flip-book with a lot of sheep. It's insanity!!

Or, you can just buy the remastered CD in stereo and the MONO lp for a little less than half of the cost of the box.  What I'm saying is this, as much as we'd like to dismiss this type of label greed and rehash, sometimes, it is done right. The "Ram" edition of the Paul McCartney Archive Collection is done right!




ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

It's official! The long, lost pop cult classic, "Durocs" released in 1979 and given away with a subscription to Creem magazine, finally gets a bar code. And there are bonus tracks. And they are really good!

Here's what Mark Deming from AMG has to say:

Ron Nagle and Scott Mathews were a songwriting and production team who got signed to Capitol Records as artists and dubbed themselves Durocs (after a breed of pig with large ears and genitals); they were perfectly capable of writing straightforward pop tunes, but that's not all they had in mind. Embracing a production style that suggested a thick, updated variant on the expansive sound pioneered by Phil Spector and Brian Wilson, Nagle and Mathews were unafraid to put sincere affirmations of optimism like "One Day At A Time" and "Don't Let The Dream Die" next to cheerful celebrations of lust like "Hog Wild," tongue in cheek paeans to love such as ""We Go Good Together," and a tribute to the joys and perils of being a drunken oaf in "No Fool No Fun." Nagle and Mathews' wit is clever throughout, and the grand-scale sound of the album (produced by Nagle and Mathews with an assist from Elliot Mazer) is unapologetically bold, and rich, the sonic equivalent of a porterhouse steak, filled with plenty of nods to the past (especially the sax solos from Steve Douglas) while sounding contemporary.

I've been a fan of this record since day one. You must hear it. You must.

Garbage reunites for "Not Your Kind Of People." I loved Shirley Manson back in the day, but I barely made it through this record, which sounds like 50 minutes of debut album b-sides.


Still haven't heard the Joey Ramone or the new record by The Cult, but I'm looking forward to both. I hope I am not disappointed.

TURNTABLE.FM POST-SCRIPT


It was a small but wonderful turnout last night. The DJ seats were full for the entire hour, as we listened to some R&B classics from Koko Taylor, Jr, Walker, & The Velvelettes, some rock and roll from Mitch Ryder and The Kooks, some deep cuts from the Beach Boys and a Todd Rundgren cover by Joe Jackson.

This will happen again and for the next session, I hope to see twice as many people. Keep checking the chat box. Next week, we will shoot for a different night and time, as some didn't make it home in time, and others had prior engagements.

Most of all...those who made it, had a blast!

Thank you.

Chuck Prophet @ Joe's Pub

Chuck Prophet will never make the cut. He's not going to make the top 100 list of songwriters. And I'd bet a mono copy of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bookends"...if I had one...that he wouldn't make the top 100 list of guitar players. And he should. He should be there among the Dylans and Lennons. He should be there among the Claptons and Becks. Chuck Prophet is that special. After seeing him perform last night, I'd like to put him in the Top 20 of both.

Prophet brought his Mission Express across the country from San Francisco to N.Y.C., aiming to put "New York City back on the map." (Oh yeah, his wry sense of humor? Top 20, as well.) Last night's performance made the usually stiff but pleasant Joe's Pub, arena-like. I blame his damn band. Holy $16 panini Batman, what a band!

And they are...

James DePrato (guitar)
Stephanie Finch (keyboard, vocals)
Kevin White: (bass guitar)
Kyle Caprista: (drums, vocals)

For 100 minutes, give or take a minute, Chuck Prophet delivered songs and stories, jangly chords and harmonies, funky grooves, dual guitar solos, heartbreak ballads and, like "something I saw on a live concert DVD once," plenty of audience participation. He played at least half of "Temple Beautiful." With the halfway mark of 2012 about to bite, that record is getting my vote for Best Of The Year. Songs like "Willie Mays Is Up At Bat" and "The Left Hand & The Right Hand" are mini-masterpieces, with the latter being dedicated to "brothers everywhere." Phil and Don (The Everlys), Phil & Dave (The Blasters), Ray & Dave (Do I need to?), and Liam and Noel (the Oasiseses), but it really is about so much more.

Chuck Prophet told a story about playing in the San Francisco airport to mostly disinterested travelers, except for one who recognized "Always A Friend," the song he co-wrote with Alejandro Escovedo which became a minor hit as a duet between Escovedo and Bruce Springsteen.  The man remarked, "Good choice of covers." He headed for his flight before Prophet could tell him he wrote the song. "He wouldn't have believed me, anyway."

"Would You Love Me" from 2007's "Soap & Water" was the most moving moment of the night. A song about unrequited love, Prophet's lyric demands your attention, not so much for its complexity, but for its subtle beauty. This knocked me out.

     

The band's encore included "Summertime Thing," a song you could say is Prophet's "hit," as well as two more "good choices," the Flamin' Groovies "Shake Some Action" and Bruce's "For You."

I've always been a fan of Prophet, but mostly from afar. "Temple Beautiful" is such a good record, it motivated me to see him live, and that gave me a real opportunity to listen with focus. I've been converted.

Burning Wood Radio...Sort Of

Familiar with Turntable.fm?

Check it out.

Turntable.fm is a social media website that allows users to interactively share music. The service allows users to create "rooms," which other users can join. Designated users, so-called "DJs," choose songs to be played to everyone in that room, while all users are able to talk with one other through a text interface.

I've created the Burning Wood room. It was my friend Jeff K's idea and it really is a great one.

It's easy enough to show up. Just use your Facebook account. If you don't have one, you can join another way.

I will be "spinning" some of my faves and yours, this Wednesday, 7-8 P.M., E.S.T.  This should give you a couple of days to familiarize yourself with how it works and think about what music you're bringing to the party. Or, you can just show up and enjoy the music.

I'll post another reminder or two in the chat box.


Hope to see you there.

Robin Gibb, R.I.P.

At 62 years old, legendary Gibb brother and member of the Bee Gees, Robin Gibb, has lost his battle with cancer.

I am not completely comfortable with the obituary thing. I mean, what do I know?  Except...

I never enjoyed being around those who liked to mock the Bee Gees. It's true that some of the post Saturday Night Fever disco and dance records were tough pills to swallow. But their first three LPs, "1st," "Horizontal" and "Idea" should be respected the way so many other great records by their contemporaries are respected.

As for "Saturday Night Fever," it's popularity speaks for itself.  I think even the most ardent non-supporters of disco could appreciate the brilliance of that soundtrack.

This is a great loss and a sad loss.

Songs Of The Week: 5/12-5/18, With A Special Birthday Bonus For Mr. Peter Townshend

Night Time Girl- The Modern Folk Quintet
Hit Somebody! (The Hockey Song)- Warren Zevon
Jamie, My Intentions Are Bass- !!! (Chk! Chk! Chk!)
Mrs. Robinson- Booker T. & The MGs
Mistress Of The Salmon Salt- Blue Oyster Cult
Savoir Faire (Live)- Mink DeVille
I Want I Want I Want- Big Al Anderson

zip

Pete Townshend wrote "Blue, Red & Grey." For that, he not only gets a pass for writing "Athena," in my book, he never needed to write anything fore and aft. But I am grateful that he did.

Happy Birthday, Pete!

"Your Saturday Night" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Did we have fun? I know I did.


Great to see how many of us bought our records at Korvettes!


Two of you bought Shaun Cassidy's "Da Doo Ron Ron" as your very first record, and "Exile On Main Street" got the most votes for "Saturday Night" record.  Out of everyone's choices for favorite record of all time, there was only one, Michael McDermott's self titled, where I hadn't heard a single note. That is at the top of my "to-do" list. 


Great comments by everyone! Thank you. I hope you get a chance to read them all.

Some highlights:

WHAT DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?
I don't always sing, but I tend to think along with "Norwegian Wood", to see if I can get in and out in two minutes. (I can't.)


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SATURDAY NIGHT RECORD?
The Outlaws first album always hits the spot for me. Hey! Where did everyone go?


WHAT, IF PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE ALBUM?
Rush - Permanent Waves (for sentimental reasons and youthful ideals...)


WHAT WAS THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT AND WHERE DID YOU BUY IT? IT was a 45-"Good Morning Starshine" by Oliver. It was bought somewhere in Sheepshead Bay in 1969. It skipped.

(Was it Rubber Band on Sheepshead Bay Rd. and Voorhees Ave.?)


WHAT MUSICIAN HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE?
Leo Kottke - I'd love to be gifted with such natural drollery and to spin that kind of magic out of a 12-string guitar. Or Joe Strummer. Minus the being dead part.








But now...here is "Your Saturday Night" compiled and condensed into one 77 minute mix.

Maybe if we all put it on at exactly the same time on Saturday night, XTC will reunite for one more record. It's worth a try.


TRACKLIST

I Can't Explain- The Who
Rip This Joint- Rolling Stones
Alex Chilton- The Replacements
When My Baby's Beside Me- Big Star
Your Number Or Your Name- The Knack
Plastic Fantastic Lover- Jefferson Airplane
Oh! Darling- The Beatles
Have Mercy Baby- Billy Ward & The Dominoes
Nuevo Boogaloo- The Iguanas
I Can't Understand- Los Lobos
Summertime- Sam Cooke
Louie, Louie- Toots & The Maytals
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man- Aretha Franklin
Ramble On- Led Zeppelin
Night Time Is The Right Time- Ray Charles
Empty Pages- Traffic
Sweet Lady- Queen
Been A Fix- Izzy Stradlin & The JuJu Hounds
Shout It Out Loud- Kiss
Rosalita (Live At The Roxy)- Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band

zip this joint!

And One More Thing I'm Grooving To: The Barreracudas

Yesterday's survey is still going strong and I will follow that up with tomorrow's "Weekend Mix." But for now, I need to get this out there.

Thanks to a tip from Dave Feldman, lead singer of those young new hitmakers Wyldlife, a band whose hook-filled single "City Of Inbreds" became a wintertime earworm for many of us, I am now able to get his damn song out of my head and replace it with "Girl" by The Barreracudas.

Hailing from Atlanta, The Barreracudas are as Dave said, "basically raw punk meets golden era Tom Petty and Cheap Trick. Talk about a wheelhouse. There's even a cover of Cheap Trick's "Come On, Come On" on their album.

Check'em out! Here's "Girl," followed by "Numbers."

All Back To My Place: Burning Wood Edition

The New York Times arrives at my door and I rifle through the pages until I get to the obituaries. (You're quite welcome for that lob. Now hit it out of the park.) With Mojo magazine, the first place I go to, admittedly with a bit more ease and less abuse, is "All Back To My Place."

This is a one page, 3-person, short interview where, as Mojo puts it, "the stars reveal the sonic delights guaranteed to get them going."

I love this column. I never thought I would care about what actress Elizabeth McGovern liked to listen to on a Sunday morning, or the first record Paul Rodgers ever bought, yet I am hooked everytime, regardless of who the three subjects might be.

We've been communicating on these pages for close to four years now, and many of the regular participators frequently use the chat box or simply leave comments about each daily post. Occasionally though, we are steered into uncharted musical waters. I am grateful for all suggestions. But, that still leaves hundreds who have said little to nothing. So I thought this would be a good place and time to share this information with each other. It'll give us all an opportunity to tell a little bit about ourselves, and offer up some musical suggestions we might have missed along the way. (Regulars, this is for you, too.)

My answers are below, though after four years of posting, I've probably already given up more than I should have.  I posted just the questions in the comments sections to make it easier for those willing to participate. Just cut and paste.

This is supposed to be fun, damn it!

What music are you currently grooving to?

I usually lock into something and stay there for a bit. I've been on a major Who kick, so much so, I thought I'd suffer through "It's Hard," their last piece of crap and found myself enjoying that, too. Also, the recent issue of Mojo features the Beach Boys on its cover, and includes a list of the "50 Best Beach Boys Songs," so I've been listening and reading along. And thanks to my friend Derek, who twice a year dusts off his Blue Oyster Cult records to rediscover just how underrated a band they are then tells me about it, I spent 3 hours yesterday listening to "Tyranny & Mutation," "Secret Treaties," "Agents Of Fortune" and "Cultosaurus Erectus." Derek, you are onto something.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favorite album?

I'm sure everyone will have a problem coming up with just one, but do your best. Maybe a "Ten Favorites Of All-Time" list will be in our future. For now,  the first thing that comes to my mind is "A Hard Day's Night." (British edition, of course.) I won't cheat and say "The Beatles Box." "A Hard Day's Night" gets the vote. I play it the most, still.

What was the first record you bought and where did you buy it?

I have two memories. It's either "Downtown" by Petula Clark at House Of Oldies on Bleecker Street or the "And I Love Her/If I Fell" picture sleeve (which I still have) at Village Oldies, also on Bleecker Street.

Which musician have you ever wanted to be?

James Booker, without all the baggage. Though I'd be satisfied as anyone that could sit at a piano and just play some songs. I play drums, and while I love it, I'd love to be able to sit a piano and bang out anything from "Stardust" to "Rocket Man," or something like Scott Joplin's "Solace."

What do you sing in the shower?

I don't. I just agonize over everything until I'm clean.

What is your favorite Saturday night record?

Something classic. I can recall on more than one occasion putting on Traffic's "John Barleycorn Must Die," or Aretha's "I Never Loved A Man." I need something familiar, tried and true. 

And your Sunday morning record?

At least twice a month, it's "Missa Luba." If you don't know it, you need to find it. It is a version of a Latin Mass based on traditional Congolese songs, sung by a Congolese children's choir. I can feel the eye rolls from some of you already, but it is truly uplifting and beautifully haunting. Other Sundays, I love Brother Jess's gospel show from New Orleans on WWOZ, or some Sam Cooke.






Your turn....

If It's Tuesday, It's "Q" Day

Today sees the release of Willie Nelson's 507th album. I don't mind. Most of Willie's records at this point are pleasant, if not significant. Here he is joined by his 22 year old son, Lukas, who some say sounds just like his dad did when he was 22. Lukas's dad must be Jimmie Dale Gilmore, then. Nonetheless, "Heroes" is a solid listen, with covers of Pearl Jam and Coldplay being the best tracks here. (Can't believe I said that.)

Speaking of nepotism, Lisa Marie Presley has a new record out. "Storm & Grace" is produced by T-Bone Burnett in an attempt to achieve some credibility for Elvis' daughter. I have to admit, I truly loved her first single off her debut. "Lights Out" was a great pop single about her her father, Graceland and other things on Miss Presley's mind. It worked. From what I've heard of "Storm & Grace," it doesn't. She just doesn't have the voice for Americana, and as solid as T-Bone's production can be, it's not good enough to carry Lisa Marie.

The winner of this week's releases is "We Travel The Spaceways," a new live recording Terry Adams & the New NRBQ. I can't say enough about this line-up. You can bitch all you want about the absence of Big Al, which by the way, happened 100 years ago. The recent passing of Tom Ardolino was a sad loss. But if anyone has the right to continue, it's Terry Adams, and the guys he chose, Scott Ligon, Pete Donnelly, and Conrad Choucron are not just able, they're off the hook.

"We Travel The Spaceways" has some Q faves, like "Get A Grip," some of Terry's recent solo material like "She's Got Everything," new Q killers like "Here I Am" and some choice covers, including the title track, a Sun Ra conposition that the band has been playing for years but only found its way to a record with this new release.

Go...and...buy...this...NOW!
http://www.amazon.com/We-Travel-The-Spaceways-Nrbq/dp/B007U4DKE2/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1337086645&sr=1-1

Donald "Duck" Dunn: 1941-2012

If you love and listen to music everyday, odds are you will hear Donald "Duck" Dunn's bass playing before each day is through. Bass players will pick him up immediately. Everyone else will just take him for granted.

As one half of arguably the greatest rhythm section to ever cut wax, "Duck" Dunn found a groove almost 50 years ago in Memphis and never looked back. And it's not just the impressive roster of music he created while part of Booker T. & The MGs, the Stax/Volt house band that played behind everyone from Otis Redding & Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett & Albert King and Johnnie Taylor & The Staple Singers.

Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Ray Charles?

He was there, too.

Boz Scaggs, Neil Young, Jerry Lee Lewis?

They all called on "Duck" Dunn.

Donald "Duck" Dunn died in his sleep on Saturday night in Tokyo, while on tour with fellow MG and best friend, legendary guitarist Steve Cropper.

It's hard to pick out some music to represent the brilliance of his playing. A personal fave is Delaney & Bonnie's "Home," though a couple of songs do feature Carl Radle on bass.

Eddie Floyd's albums "Knock On Wood" and "I've Never Found A Girl," ain't too shabby either. 









You can look at his staggering credentials over at AMG. Before you do, get in the groove with "Melting Pot," the last single Booker T. & The MGs recorded for Stax.

It says it all.

Donald "Duck" Dunn.

R.I.P.

A Real Mother For Ya: Bonus "Weekend Mix"

Self-explanatory.

Happy Mother's Day!



TRACKLIST

Tie Your Mother Down- Queen
Goose-Step Mama- The Rutles
My Hot Mama- The Sabres
Mama Didn't Raise No Fools- Sugar Pie DeSanto
Mother-In-Law-Ernie K. Doe
Mother Popcorn (Part1)- James Brown
Mama Roux- Dr. John
Any Man Who Loves His Mother- Dean Martin
My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama- Frank Zappa
My Mother Looked Like Marilyn Monroe- Tommy Keene
Crazy Mama- Rolling Stones
Mama Said- Nick Lowe
Mother Whale Eyeless- Brian Eno
I Wish I Was Your Mother- Mott The Hoople
Mother Nature's Son- Harry Nilsson
Mama Kin- Aerosmith
Daddy Was A Preacher, But Mama Was A Go-Go Girl- Southern Culture On The Skids
Mama, You Been On My Mind- Bob Dylan
Mama Told Me Not To Come- Tom Jones w/ The Stereophonics
Rag Mama Rag- Bruce Springsteen & The Seeger Sessions Band


Muthazippa

Songs Of The Week: 5/5-5/11

Get Back In The Line- The Kinks
The Last Ride- Todd Rundgren & Daryl Hall
Candy & A Currant Bun- Pink Floyd
The Real Thing- Tina Britt
Caroline Goodbye- Colin Blunstone
Sugar- Bing Crosby & Louis Armstrong
When Our Vows Break- Tommy Keene (w/Jules Shear )


ZIP

May, 2012: "THE WEEKEND MIX"

This is one of those times where I found myself wanting to hear specific songs---"We're For The Dark," probably Badfinger's finest moment, "Guitars & Women," where Rick Derringer gets the full-on Todd Rundgren makeover, and "Beggar's Day," the Nils Lofgren lead from my new favorite album, "Crazy Horse"---and one thing led to another.

I can't explain why the Badfinger track reminded me of "Art School Canteen" by 5cc, Godley & Creme. Or why that made me go for Iggy & Bowie's "Sister Midnight." As with all of the Weekend Mixes though, it all sounded good together.

A tip of the hat to JAG, who pointed out in one of last week's Beach Boys posts, that a superb a cappella version of "Kiss Me, Baby" existed out there on the out of print "Hawthorne, CA." CD. I've since played it 32 times. I think it may be out my system.


Have a great weekend. Songs of the week, tomorrow.  Plenty more next week, as I'm sure something will annoy me.

TRACKLIST

Shirley- John Fred & The Playboys
Never To Be Forgotten- Bobby Fuller Four
Kisses In Vain- Cigar Store Indians
Guitars & Women- Rick Derringer
Teacher, I Need You- Elton John
We're For The Dark- Badfinger
Art School Canteen- Godley & Creme
Sister Midnight- Iggy Pop
Beggar's Day- Crazy Horse
Peppermint Lump- Angie & Pete Townshend
Toys- XTC
Summer '68- Pink Floyd
When It Rains- Brad Mehldau
Kiss Me, Baby (A Cappella)- The Beach Boys
Ooh Child- The Posies

Zip

"Bishop Danced," Or How I'm Trying To Stop Whining And Just Enjoy The Moment

Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band closed out the first leg of their U.S. tour last Sunday in Newark. It was an epic show, even by ESB standards. Two moments specifically have been hot topics this week- a performance of "The Weight" for the late Levon Helm and a performance of "Bishop Danced," a song never performed after 1973. Let's talk about the latter.

Friends have been Facebooking and texting about "Bishop Danced" since the second the first chord was struck this past Sunday evening. Plenty of "OMGS" and "I don't believe its!" But are these expressions of joy or confusion?

I was surrounded by hundreds of excited (?) people in 2003, and none of them knew just why they were screaming at Giants Stadium. 

"It's Cynthia." "What is this?" "Cynthia!" "OMG!" "What is this?" 

Bruce had been opening with different, deeper tracks during this run of shows, and this particular night, it was "Cynthia," found on the "Tracks" boxed set. I get it. "SURPRISE!" But "Cynthia" just ain't good. Most of the people in my section weren't quite sure why they were happy. It was a fleeting thrill, one that may have been sustained if the opener had been "Night" or "The Ties That Bind," or even a familiar cover.

At the show I attended on April 6th, the band dusted off "Lion's Den," another so-so song from the "Tracks" boxed set. As soon as it registered I thought, "It'll be over in 5 minutes." And if I was in Newark, I would have felt the same about "Bishop Danced." We're talking 5-10 minutes a night, so really, why complain? But I can't help feeling a killer "Drive All Night" or "Kitty's Back," or (insert here) would have trumped the 8 second "never did this before" thrill.


One Facebook acquaintaince looks at this way:

"With every one of these rarities there is at least one true-blue fan in that crowd whose all-time favorite song is "Bishop Danced" (or another rarity) and the gift of hearing it live is monumental. And I love that Bruce and the band will throw us fans that."

She makes a good point. And really, who am I to assume that 25,000 people would rather hear "Drive All Night" than ""Bishop Danced?" I know I'd rather hear "Bishop Danced" than "Bobby Jean."


I've always been fascinated by artists and their set list choices. Why do something one night and not the other? Or worse, why keep playing "Waiting On A Sunny Day?" Why? WHY?!  (oops...sorry.)


Here is my dream set list for Bruce & The ESB:


Code Of Silence
Night
Sherry Darling
Candy's Room
Atlantic City
Highway Patrolman
Girls In Their Summer Clothes
Racing In The Street
Pink Cadillac
Badlands
Because The Night
Tougher Than The Rest
Rag Mama Rag
Brilliant Disguise
The E Street Shuffle
Valentine's Day
Growin' Up
Backstreets
Kitty's Back
Pretty Flamingo
Raise Your Hand
Drive All Night
Born To Run
Thunder Road
Rosalita




Bruce...if you're reading...





 

Bruce Springsteen & The Gris-Street Band

This happened on Sunday, April 29th at the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

That, made me think of this:

KLOR, HOUSTON- 3/8/74

Satin Doll
Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street
Growin' Up
Mary, Queen Of Arkansas
Wild Billy's Circus Story
Sentimental Journey
The Fever
Something You Got


Even with the inclusion of "Mary, Queen Of Arkansas," this rates as one of my favorite Bruce shows. It's almost 40 years old. Look at the pic. Bruce still hadn't added the 'S' to his name. (heh)


It's been around, so I'm not posting something incredibly rare. I mean, what is these days? I've just been enjoying it, so I thought you might, too.

ZIP

Here Come The Nice...Deluxe Editions

Just out in England, with a U.S. release date of 5/29, are four Small Faces "Deluxe Edition" remasters from UME/Hip-O.  Take a look HERE.

I have mixed feelings reporting this. My first thoughts are:

"Again? Really? These records are being reissued AGAIN?"

"No one cares. No one buys CDs anymore."

But then I quickly turnaround and think:

"The surviving band members are involved. All new remasters, not like the others, which used wrong masters, wrong this, wrong that. So many bonus tracks. Stereo & MONO mixes. New photos and liners. Priced just right. I'm a fan. I have to own these. Spotify, if they turn up, just won't do. Not for the Small Faces."

I pre-ordered these from Amazon UK the minute I was able to. They are currently en route to Queens, USA.

Where are we at this point? I will assume that most reading, spent good money on LPs and CDs, and did so not only for the sounds, but with a collector's mentality. Have those feelings been soured to the point of complete indifference by major label greed, file sharing, and streaming? Or, is there still a thrill in opening new product and placing it on a shelf?

There is nothing more offensive than having the same music foisted upon a fan, gussied up and disguised as "new," "deluxe," "first time ever," or with one or two "new tracks." Recently, Nonsuch released a 3 -CD boxed set, "Billy Bragg & Wilco-Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions." Retailing at $30, there is only one CD of new music, and it really isn't all that new, as some of the tracks have appeared elsewhere. Are people buying this now after already spending money for Volumes 1 & 2 separately? 

Personally, financial heartbreak has dictated all actions regardless of my wants and desires. But before The Great Depression 2.0, my buying habits were unruly. I wanted it all and often bought it all. Since then, I only purchase something I truly love. Gone are my days as a completist. I just didn't need to own Elvis Costello's "National Ransom" or his recent live release. At one point, I would have wanted every version from every country, just for the slight change in playlist.

I am a sucker for these "Deluxe Editions," especially when they are done right. There are but four Small Faces "deluxe editions"---see what I did there---and I need to see them on my shelf.

What are you feeling? Still buying? If so, what? If not, why?

"Celebration Day" Celebration Day (A Partial Re-Post)

 In March of 2011, I ran a post about Led Zeppelin, its fans and detractors, and why I lurve them as much as I do.

Yesterday, I found myself discussing, yet again,  the song "Celebration Day," from the band's third LP. I think it just might be my favorite Zep tune, at least when performed live.

Here's what I wrote in 2011:

This live version finds all four members playing for their lives. The studio version of "Celebration Day" found on "Led Zeppelin III" is an upbeat little rocker, with slide guitar, some funky stops and starts, and the usual solid performance from the rhythm section. This live version takes on a whole new life. It borders on hard core funk, pre-dating what the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been cited as creating by 15 years.

John Paul Jones and John Bonham kick in at 0:31 and propel this baby into another galaxy.  Check them out behind Jimmy's first short solo at 1:43, then again starting at 2:22.

Jimmy Page takes his usual liberties, hitting and missing like no other rock and roll guitarist. Page takes chances, and occasionally his flubs end up being a highlight, like right around the 3:40 mark. Maybe he had that little stop planned all along, but I've never heard it in any other live performance of this song, and it really raves up an already volcanic performance. 

And here it is: 








Then, there is this version from Mobile, Alabama, 5/13/73, which is another gem and a fave of my friend Derek. Here's what he had to say:

"Check out how Bonham drops the beat at 2:43 and then recovers, so cool. And John Paul Jones is amazing throughout. Maybe (Bonham) doesn't quite lose the beat BUT the way he leaves that space and sort of in limbo before returning back to the snare is awesome. It's almost dead air for a beat or so. It's kind of fat back(?) for a moment.

One more version from 1971, the audio here is raw, but again the rhythm section of Jones and Bonzo is off the hook. Starting about 3:15, underneath Page's solo, the bass and drums almost veer off into Sun Ra territory.




Finally, here is the version from the mostly awful film "The Song Remains The Same," shot at Madison Square Garden in November of 1973.

I could do this all day, and actually, though I'm not so comfortable admitting this, I used to. There was a great book by Luis Rey, now long out of print, which documented every live Zep gig in great detail--what to listen for, differences in Page's solos from song to song, great moments from the rhythm section.  I'd pick a few bootlegs, open the book, and follow along for hours.

I've heard enough stories, and I even had one my own, of how bad the band could be live. Every band has its off days. But I've yet to find a bad version of "Celebration Day." At least, not to the ears of this Zep fan.

Rare Sunday Post For Bombshelter Slim

Songs Of The Week: 4/28-5/4

Rough Justice- Rolling Stones
Always Wanted More Ron Wood
Dear Miss Lonely Hearts- Phil Lynott
Drive All Night- Bruce Springsteen
A Certain Softness- Paul McCartney
Inside Out- Traveling Wilburys
Sunrise- The Who

ZIP

Adam Yauch, R.I.P

Once a year,  I find myself raving over the brilliance of The Beastie Boys' "Paul's Boutique," to mostly deaf ears. To all you detractors, if there was ever a day to give it one more try, it's today. Play it LOUD for Adam Yauch.

Gone too soon.

"18 Big Ones" : THE WEEKEND MIX

In case you missed it, here's Peter Carlin on Wednesday's Beach Boys post:

Just to clarify: This stripped down version of 'GOK' was recorded in the summer of '67, along with a bunch of other tunes from the BB's then-setlist ("You're So Good to Me," "The Letter," "California Girls," etc. They were headed to Hawaii to record a new live album (with Brian onstage), but just in case they didn't play well they also wanted to have studio versions of the live arrangements to make up for whatever shortcomings the live tracks had. They already had a title for the album: 'Lei'd In Hawaii.'

The voices on the 'GOK' are split between Carl (who sings lead), Brian and Bruce Johnston, who perform the beautiful outro as per their original parts on 'Pet Sounds.'

Also, that's Brian humming the french horn line in the opening bars.






And here it is. Recorded, 8/25/67.

God Only Knows
California Girls
Surfer Girl
You're So Good To Me
The Letter
Help Me, Rhonda
Heroes & Villains
Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring

Zip






But wait....there's more.

Once I get in the mood, I need to run with it. This is a short but sweet playlist that I've hit up a few times this week.

TRACKLIST

Darlin'
I Can Hear Music
She Knows Me Too Well (Lead Vocal Overdub)
Aren't You Glad
Feel Flows
We'll Run Away (Rehearsal)
Leaving This Town
In My Room (Instrumental)
Our Sweet Love
Just Once In My Life

Fun, Fun, Zip

How Do You Like Me Now?

Yesterday's homage to the solo stylings of Mick Jagger went over like Halvah at a little league game.

Before I crawl back into my hole with a blanket and my over-produced pop records, let me make it up to you.