If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date - 06/09/09

LEVON HELM- ELECTRIC DIRT

Is it me or does Mr. Levon Helm sound better the older he gets? Stay tuned later in the week for my full review of this CD at Altercation. (This CD is KILLER!)





THE WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this cute little concert event, BMG/Sony (or is it Sony/BMG) is releasing five 2 CD sets--Jefferson Airplane's Volunteers, Santana's debut, Sly & The Family Stone's Stand, Johnny Winter's self-titled and Janis Joplin's I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues--each including the classic album and the complete live Woodstock performance of the artist. Not a bad idea, I guess...if it was 1997, when CDs mattered and people gave a shit about product.




MOBY- WAIT FOR ME

No meat and all potatoes (of course) on this new Moby release, self-described as "experimental, interesting, and challenging." I may wait for the one he describes as "melodic, accessible, and fun."








ROD STEWART DELUXE EDITIONS

The last of Rod's good records both get remastered with bonus discs. "Atlantic Crossing" and "A Night On The Town" each have session outtakes and complete alternate versions of the albums, which honestly, don't sound much different at all from the commercially released versions. Actually, I happen to think "Atlantic Crossing" is quite good; a Tom Dowd produced record with some legendary Memphis musicians along for the ride. But the "alternate" version almost sounds phony, as if someone in the booth just knocked out some background vocals on a few songs, or let the tape run an extra 5 seconds to give it that "loose" (read: alternate) feeling. Really disappointing.





ROB THOMAS- CRADLESONG

Here is what Amazon has to say, because I personally, could care less:

Arguably the most accomplished singer/songwriter of his generation, Rob Thomas is one of modern music's most compelling and commercially successful artists. Between Matchbox Twenty, his solo work, and his various collaborations with iconic artists like Santana and Mick Jagger, his tally now stands at more than 80 million albums sold worldwide.

The latest magical collection of Thomas-crafted inspiration is his second solo album, Cradlesong. The new album follows his 2005 multiplatinum solo debut, ...Something To Be, which made history as the first album by a male artist from a rock or pop group to debut at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 since the chart was launched 50 years earlier. The album earned a pair of Grammy nominations and spawned a string of hit singles, including the smash 'Lonely No More' which was #1 in 15 countries. cradlesong, with Matt Serletic again in the producer's chair, was forged in a creatively charged atmosphere. The result is a percussive rock record that pulses with passion and energy and portrays a world he views with boundless optimism.

Despite the occasionally discouraging lyric, Thomas infuses that hopeful spirit into cradlesong. 'I'm not a mopey person; I don't get satisfaction in heartache and despair. With the exception of a few things that start dark and stay dark, there's usually a hopefulness at the end of each song,' he says. 'There has to be; it s the hopeful part that makes you want to share them with people. It's the hopeful part that says you found some secret in the pain and maybe some other people will, too."

Apologies to...well...EVERYONE.






WILCO- WILCO (THE ALBUM)

I am calling this Jeff Tweedy's best work since 1999's "Summerteeth,"a record that affected me in profound ways that are usually reserved for records such as "Pet Sounds," "Rubber Soul" and "Blonde On Blonde." After a shaky opening--the first two songs sound like outtakes to me--the record just gets better and better. A fantastic piece of work that at times, especially on songs like "Country Disappeared" and "Solitaire" evokes Lennon's Plastic Ono Band.



ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

BLACK SABBATH- PARANOID & MASTER OF REALITY
2 CD deluxe editions, each featuring session outtakes and alternates of the first two Rod Stewart albums on Warner Brothers.


WHITESNAKE- SLIDE IT IN & SLIP OF THE TONGUE
2 CD deluxe editions each featuring session outtakes and alternates of....JEEZ.



FINALLY...





I want to thank John Dunbar (check him out HERE) not only for introducing me to The Format, a band that ALL of you should get to know, but for sending me the new Ray Davies CD. My initial thoughts upon hearing of a "Kinks Choral Collection" was, "At least I don't have to listen to a new Rob Thomas CD" After two excellent solo releases in as many years, Ray Davies choral idea may have sounded like a lazy retread while crossing the bridge to the not-happening Kinks reunion. But fear not, dandies. The "Kinks Choral Collection" is quite beautiful and something to really sink your ears into. Take note of how many times you listen to the opening version of "Days," which is absolutely stunning, before you move on.


That's the lot. Not much, but definitely some winners.

Monday Potpourri

I didn't have a great week and though the weekend ended on a high note, it wasn't one of the best in recent memory either. I did get to see the powerful and often hilarious Yasmina Reza/Christopher Hampton play "God Of Carnage." I'd tell you all about it, but I'm not allowed to until July 18th, something about me being long-winded and the play being only 85 minutes, therefore my explanation might actually run longer than the play itself. The comment was said with love behind it...I think.. so I will comply. No review here.

I was moved by many things this weekend and woke up this morning unsatisfied with choosing just one.

There's the great website OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES, which I urge all of you, young or old, Jew or not a Jew, to check out.
See SCHMUCK below for a taste.

SCHMUCK


Then there was the music. Weekends usually find me alternating between new releases and the classics I love most. Sunday afternoon was devoted to Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy, a man and a poet I still miss, and his band who I strongly feel were misunderstood and unfairly lumped into all the wrong categories; glam, heavy metal and one hit wonders for starters. Please enjoy two songs that gave me the most pleasure this weekend.






DEAR LORD
MUSIC & LYRICS by PHIL LYNOTT

Dear Lord this is a prayer
Just let me know if you're really there
Dear Lord come gain control
Oh Lord come save my soul

Give me dignity restore my sanity
Oh Lord come rescue me
Dear Lord my vanity is killing me
Oh Lord it's killing me, it's killing me

If you give your soul to heaven
And your soul begins to bleed
Remember all the sevens
Don't turn up when you need

If you do believe in glory
Then please believe a fact
Give your soul to heaven
You won't get it back

I'm down deep and I need your help
There's no one to turn to and I can't help myself
Dear Lord hear this call
Oh Lord save my fall

I'm scared I doubt
Dear Lord help me out
I despair my Lord my prayer my Lord
Care my Lord

Dear Lord take the time
I believe your story now you believe mine
Oh Lord I'm on my knees
Oh Lord please please beware

My Lord oh care my Lord
Give me dignity
Restore my sanity
My vanity is killing me

If you give your soul to heaven
And your soul begins to bleed
Remember all the sevens
Don't turn up when you need

If you do believe in glory
Then please believe a fact
Give your soul to heaven
You won't get it back




I also listened to the new Levon Helm and the new Cheap Trick. You can read full reviews of both, later this week on ALTERCATION, where right now week, you can read my thoughts on the new GEORGE HARRISON compilation.

(Oh shit! Michael Jackson died! Has anyone seen this?)

And finally, some more Ian Hunter! I spent Saturday morning alternating between the classic "Mott" album and his 2001 solo classic "Rant." (Still can't believe he is 70 years old.) Here are two videos, one with the late, great Mick Ronson and one with the later, great Craig Ferguson.





I think that covers it.

Michael & Farrah: This Is Huge

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sal-nunziato/michael-farrah-this-is-hu_b_221134.html

Speak Now, Or Forever Hold Your Peace

Loyal Burning Wood reader and close personal friend of mine FD13NYC, asked this of me, in light of yesterday's Cheap Trick post:

"By the way, Sal, what would be your dream Cheap Trick set list?"

Well, Frank, Robin, Rick, Tom, & Bun E., here it is:

HOT LOVE
SOUTHERN GIRLS
SPEAK NOW, OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE
HEAVEN TONIGHT
TONIGHT IT'S YOU
HIGH ROLLER
TAXMAN, MR. THIEF
(new song of the band's choice)
I CAN'T TAKE IT
COME ON, COME ON
EVERYTHING WORKS IF YOU LET IT
(new song of band's choice)
MANDOCELLO
WAY OF THE WORLD
OH CANDY
YOUNGER GIRLS
STOP THIS GAME

encore

THE HITS




I'm thinking 7th row, center aisle at Town Hall, with Miles Nielsen as the opener.

See you there.

Ian Hunter: Live In NYC

There have been plenty of nights I refused to leave my house, regardless of how exciting the event might have sounded, simply because it was too humid out, or because the plastic coating over the aglet on my shoelaces was frayed. Simply put, it doesn't take much. I like my house. It's got music and food and beverages and my computer and TV and the Yankees and I am seconds away from my bed when I am through with it all. But nothing, not even the relentless pissing that should never pass for summer weather here in NYC, was going to stop me from heading downtown to see Ian Hunter & The Rant Band at the foot of Manhattan; Rockefeller Park in the Battery, to be exact.

Outdoor concerts are not my cup of tea (nor Ian's, we found out a bit later) Up until 6:30 PM, the sky did not look like it would cooperate for a show scheduled for 7PM. No one was ready. There was no sound check. The lawn was a soggy mess. The folding chairs on the lawn were still being unfolded. (3 separate times I had my aisle seat taken away from me by the addition of more chairs to my right. I hate that lady.) But at 7:40, Ian Hunter & his fabulous Rant Band took the stage and greeted the slightly damp crowd with "'Allo 'allo 'allo," and launched into a rocking "Once Bitten Twice Shy." 5 minutes later, the sun was beaming through the clouds and sending a perfectly placed spot right onto Hunter. It seemed as if Mother Nature had seen many Ian Hunter shows.

There were many technical difficulties during the 90 minute performance, mostly sound issues---as I said,there was no sound check---but Ian was in good spirits and his self-deprecating humor kept the band and the crowd from falling apart. "Sorry about the crackling noises, but it is much clearer and much louder where I'm standing." He also called keyboardist Andy Burton over to his side of the stage to help with his keyboards. "Are these the presets? 19 & 21? There all the way down there? I can't reach that! I'm too old to bend down."

After the opener, Hunter treated us to a few of his tributes to NY, "Central Park N' West" and "Souls Of America." He played songs from his last few records, the killer "Rant" from 2001 and the equally amazing "Shrunken Heads" from 2007, as well a few, including the brilliant title track from "Man Overboard" due on July 21st. Of course there were some Mott The Hoople classics such as "Roll Away The Stone," "Saturday Gigs," "All The Way From Memphis," Sweet Angeline" and the closer "All The Young Dudes," with a guest appearance by Joe Elliott of Def Leppard.

Yesterday was Ian Hunter's birthday. He turned 70. And just after he thanked the crowd for our company, he said, "Home. Slippers. Bed," which I'm guessing is the new "Sex, drugs and rock and roll." At 70 years old Ian Hunter rocked NY the way only a legend can. I am very pleased with myself for not bagging it due the weather. It was a great night of music, followed by "Home. Slippers. Bed."

"It seems to me, I've heard that song before"

Here's my thought for the day:

Cheap Trick has been on a non-stop tour since 1976. And while the current trend of bands performing one classic album in its entirety has become less of a lagniappe and more of a necessity, it is only right that we hail CT has one of the forefathers of this practice. (1998 saw the boys recreating their first three classic releases on consecutive nights in selected cities. It seemed special in 1998. The practice has become commonplace since.)

Now I'm not one to complain (settle down) but..has anyone noticed Cheap Trick's set lists lately? Here is one from last month in California:

01. Hello There
02. Big Eyes
03. California Man
04. Welcome to The World
05. If You Want My Love
06. She's Tight
07. Heaven Tonight
08. I Want You To Want Me
09. I Know What I Want
10. Best Friend
11. Don't Be Cruel
12. The Flame
13. Surrender
14. Goodnight
15. Dream Police
16. Auf Wiedersehen

Here's one from The Wiltern in L.A.,2006:

1. "Hello There"
2. "Big Eyes"
3. "Oh, Candy"
4. "Welcome to the World"
5. "If You Want My Love"
6. "Come on Come on Come on"
7. "Best Friend"
8. "I Want You to Want Me"
9. "I Know What I Want"
10. "Voices"
11. "It Takes a Lifetime"
12. "The Flame"
13. "That '70s Song"
14. "Surrender"
15. "Dream Police"
16. "Auf Wiedersehen"
17. "Goodnight"

Here's one from Irvine, Ca.,2008


Hello There
Big Eyes
Welcome to the World
If You Want My Love
California Man
She’s Tight
I Want You to Want Me
I Can’t Take It
The Flame
Surrender
Goodnight
Dream Police


They seem quite lazy to me. I mean, is there any CT fan who would balk at hearing more than one song from either say... "Next Position Please," the near-perfect 1983 release produced by Todd Rundgren, or their brilliant debut, or "One On One" or maybe something other than the same two songs from "Dream Police." My point is, why do so many bands fall into this rut; 300 songs in their catalogue, but they keep playing the same 15.

This still has nothing...really...to do with my post. Just felt like ranting in hopes of Bun E. Carlos seeing my blog and asking me to put together my dream Cheap Trick set list.

My real thought for the day is this:

"Heaven's Falling," a song written by Todd Rundgren from the aforementioned, Todd Rundgren produced "Next Position Please," is the same song as "Crybaby,"a song written by Todd Rundgren from 1984's Todd & Utopia release "Oblivion," isn't it? I mean...just listen. It's not me.





ZIP OF BOTH

ED MCMAHON, R.I.P.

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date - 06/23/09

SHAWN COLVIN- LIVE

Singer-songwriter Colvin releases her second live CD, which is a 15 song collection of her hits (?) and most famous (?) album tracks. Shawn is incredibly entertaining in concert, and her storytelling and between song banter is often just as entertaining as her singing. My guess though, is that this collection will not feature Colvin's skill as a raconteur, just the tunes.







DEER TICK- BORN ON FLAG DAY

One of the many "deer" bands releases its follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut, "War Elephant." That's right...Deer Tick.








DEF LEPPARD DELUXE

Accident-prone, hairband legends see two of their biggest blockbusters get the DEEE-LUXE treatment. "Adrenalize" and Pyromania" get remastered with bonus discs full of rarities tacked on for good measure.






DINOSAUR JR.- FARM

More than 20 years later and J Mascis is still buzzing and whining. CD comes two ways, regular and with a bonus, 4 track e.p..







DON HENLEY- VERY BEST OF CD/DVD

There is no doubt in my mind that Don Henley possesses one of the most beautiful singing voices in the history of music. But, I will never forgive him for writing "Dirty Laundry," and one of the most horrifying and douche-chill making moments in music:

"KICK 'EM WHEN THEY'RE UP! KICK'EM WHEN THEY'RE DOWN! KICK'EM WHEN THEY'RE UP! KICK'EM ALL AROUND!"

Blow it our yer ass, Henley. (Yeah I know. Walden Woods, Desperado....but still.)






LITTLE RICHARD REISSUES

A few years back, Rhino Handmade released a limited edition 3 CD set that featured all of Little Richard's output for the Reprise label. His flawless impersonations of Johnny Carson and Richard Nixon are still so....oh wait...that's Rich Little.

Here's AMG's breakdown of the criminally underrated Reprise material:

The Rill Thing and the albums that followed it -- 1971's King of Rock 'n' Roll and 1972's The Second Coming all followed the same musical blueprint and aesthetic: Little Richard opened his music up, slowing things down on occasion, varied his arrangement and styles, and wrote powerful, memorable new songs, while carefully picking songs from Hank Williams, John Fogerty, and the Beatles to showcase the scope of his music. Sure, there still was the familiar piledriving rock & roll, but it was part of a mosaic of American roots music that proved that Little Richard could do it all.

The Rhino Handmade piece is long out of print, but Collectors' Choice has reissued the three CDs--"King Of Rock N Roll," "The Rill Thing " and "Second Coming" individually and all three are worth your time.









PATTERSON HOOD-MURDERING OSCAR (AND OTHER LOVE SONGS)

Head Drive By Trucker, Patterson Hood is joined by most of the DBTs as well as his legendary dad, David Hood for his new solo release that has been 15 years in the making. Sounds a lot like the Drive By Truckers.









R.E.M. - RECKONING (2CD DELUXE EDITION)

More remastering and repackaging, this time the boys from Athens, GA see their second album get the goods.



REGINA SPEKTOR- FAR





FROM AMAZON.COM

"Regina Spektor's gold album Begin To Hope was honored as one of Rolling Stone's Top 50 albums of 2006. Far, her much anticipated follow-up, once again spotlights Spektor's daring piano pop,
vocal acrobatics and offbeat wit. Utilizing four esteemed producers-Jeff Lynne (ELO, The Traveling Wilburys), Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem), David Kahne (Paul McCartney, The Strokes) and Garret 'Jacknife' Lee (Weezer, R.E.M.) Spektor combines rich soundscapes with evocative and intricately structured melodies and a remarkable gift for crafting intelligent, refreshingly honest odes to life."

I've sampled the whole record and if quirky is your cup of tea, this is for you. I hate quirky.




ALSO RELEASED TODAY:

THE LEMONHEADS- VARSHONS
New covers CD inspired by cassettes given to Evan Dando by Butthole Surfer Gibby Haynes, and featuring the vocal stylings of Kate Moss & Liv Tyler. (This one wrote itself)



THE MARS VOLTA- OCTAHEDRON
New, "quieter" release from the leaders of the progressive metal/experimental rock/post-hardcore/punk metal/ neo-psychedelia genre.




DREAM THEATER- BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LINING
New release from the neo-prog/prog-metal/heavy prog/pseudo-intellectual, white, Anglo-Saxon botanist, Rush- wannabee Zeppelin wannabees.



ISAAC HAYES- HOT BUTTERED SOUL
New deluxe edition of soul classic featuring new remastering, new liner notes and two bonus tracks.

And He Was: David Byrne Live In Santa Fe

My week in Santa Fe wasn't all tortillas and tumbleweeds. There was also a visit to the very beautiful and very small Lensic Theatre. Run less like a concert hall and more like a boarding school, with very strict policies on start times, cell phones, alcohol, and urinal maintenance, (don't ask) the Lensic played host to David Byrne and his band of singers and dancers, and I was very fortunate to be part of the intimate crowd on my last night in New Mexico.

The tour was billed as the "Songs of David Byrne & Brian Eno," and was in support of the recently released and very strong album "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today." Having never seen the Talking Heads in any form back in the day, my only real live David Byrne experiences have been two separate solo shows, where most of the material played was from records I cared little about. (This one and this one.)On this tour, Byrne's band, all dressed in white, and consisting of two percussionists, 3 backing vocalists, one keyboard, one bass, 3 dancers, and Byrne himself as the primary guitar player, sounded like the Heads circa 1980.

The show wasn't just about the (my) perfect setlist, which drew from Byrne/Eno collaborations such as "Fear Of Music," "Remain In Light," & "My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts," a record that arguably set the standard for music sampling. It was about a group of artists who seemed determined to entertain. They felt the music, ergo, the audience felt the music.



Byrne's stage banter and body movement was his usual unusual, playfully interacting with the singers and dancers who were doing their best Twyla Tharp, using guitars and office chairs as props. For over 100 minutes, the stage was a circus, with the band flawlessly recreating the sounds of this classic material, while all the vocalists and dancers leapt, twirled, and karate-chopped to the music.

Early on, Byrne and friends performed "Help Me Somebody," a song from the "Bush Of Ghosts" record. No easy feat since most of the voices on that record were tapes of radio broadcasts that included "radio talk-show hosts, Lebanese mountain singers, preachers, exorcism ceremonies, Muslim chanting, and Egyptian pop, among others." Just 15 minutes into the performance and I thought, "They will NOT top this." But of course, they did, with the mini "Remain In Light' set just 6 songs later.

Here is the full set list:


Strange Overtones
I Zimbra
One Fine Day
Help Me Somebody
House In Motion
My Big Nurse
My Big Hands
Heaven
Life Is Long
Cross-eyed and Painless
Born Under Punches
Once In A Lifetime
Life During Wartime
I Feel My Stuff
Take Me To The River
The Great Curve
Air
Burning Down The House
Everything That Happens

I have been off David Byrne for years now, never really warming up to his forays into world music, bike racks, and hollow buildings. And there was also a period in the early 90's where I was held captive in the woods of Vermont, forced to listen to nothing but Talking Heads and Grateful Dead cassettes from Cornell University. But I do love "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today," not to mention all of the Byrne/Eno collaborations, and this performance couldn't have been better if I had produced it exclusively for myself. Truly, one of the better concerts I have seen in years.

Here is a ZIP FILE featuring 4 songs that cover the two highlights I mentioned earlier, only these songs are not from the Lensic but from the Bonnaroo Festival a few days earlier.

Get Your Kicks, With The Weekend Pics

Heard ya missed me. Well, I'm back.

I spent the last week in Santa Fe, eating Green Chile Hamburgers, drinking Green Chile Beer, brushing my teeth with Green Chile toothpaste, sleeping on Green Chile sheets, and washing with Green Chile soap.

I did my manage to get "carded" at Brickyard Pizza on Route 66 in Albuquerque by a 23 year old waitress and her 33 year old manager, when I asked for a beer with my meal. Of course, I left all my ID back at the house. They eventually agreed I was of age and brought my beverage. When we headed to the parking lot, we found said waitress and manager sitting on the hood of our car, taking bong hits.

BURNING WOOD will begin its regularly scheduled programming on Monday, including a review of one of the best concerts I have seen in a very long time. Thank you all for not abandoning me.

Sorry no music for this "WEEKEND MIX." With no internet service where I was a guest, I just couldn't prepare.

Have a great weekend. See ya Monday.

While I'm Away: ELVIS COSTELLO & THE SUGARCANES- LIVE FROM THE BEACON THEATRE

Here's the deal, readers.

I will be out of town this week. But, unlike the reporting from New Orleans, I've yet to get the lay of the land in Santa Fe. So, if there's no wireless connection, my posting will be sporadic.

To quell the possible loneliness, I offer this BONUS. Here is another "WEEKEND MIX" and it's a lulu!


Be patient. It's a two-parter and the download will not be instant, but will be worth it.

Thanks for sticking with me. I hope you don't forget me, in the event that I will not be able to get in your face for the next 6 days.


TRACKLIST



DISC ONE

DISC TWO

"Live From Daryl's House" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Elvis Costello's "Spectacle" has taken up quite a bit of space on the pages of BURNING WOOD, including two WEEKEND MIXES. It's debut and subsequent run last year on the Sundance Channel seemed to have hit the nerves of more than just Costello fans.

But another show, just slightly under the radar as it is an internet-only broadcast, has also gotten me smiling like a mental patient. It is Daryl Hall's Live From Daryl's House.

I'm not sure Daryl Hall knew what he himself had gotten into with this venture. The debut seemed a bit more than loose, as the band played old and new songs, in a front porch acoustic style, while Daryl talked awkwardly into the camera. Musically it was fantastic, but as a monthly show, it needed some polish. 20 episodes later, and Daryl Hall has created a brilliant showcase for old and new artists alike, not to mention his still stunning voice.

A new episode airs on the 15th of every month from Daryl's house in upstate NY. He and his band, along with that week's guests, cook, eat, drink wine, share musical war stories and road stories, and play each other's material, as well as some choice covers. But the secret weapon of this show is the special guest himself.

With each month's announcement of who would be appearing, my jaw dropped further to the floor. If it wasn't someone I had never heard of--Company Of Thieves, Chromeo, Monte Montgomery---it was someone I didn't care for---The Bacon Brothers, Ray Manzarek & Robbie Krieger, KT Tunstall. Like magic, or thanks to the keen ear of a vet like Mr. Hall, every one of these artists had something to give, and more often than not, were the highlight of the episode, not the time-fillers.

Kudos to Daryl Hall and a brilliant first season.

This WEEKEND'S MIX is a collection of some of my favorite moments.

If the response is good, there will be a part two.


I Want Someone- Hall & Oates (Live From Daryl's House #13)
Summertime Thing - Chuck Prophet & Daryl Hall (Live From Daryl's House #7)
Shelley My Love - Nick Lowe & Daryl Hall (Live From Daryl's House #8)
Piece Of My Heart - Daryl Hall w/Company Of Thieves (Live From Daryl's House #15)
Crystal Ship- Daryl Hall w/R.Manzarek & R. Krieger (Live From Daryl's House #18)
WPLJ - Daryl Hall (Live From Daryl's House #19)
North Star- Daryl Hall w/Monte Montgomery (Live From Daryl's House #9)
Roadhouse Blues- Daryl Hall w/R. Manzarek & R. Krieger (Live From Daryl's House #18)
You're A Big Girl, Now- Daryl Hall (Live From Daryl's House #19)
Cruel To Be Kind - N.Lowe & D. Hall (Live From Daryl's House #8)

 the zip




WATCH THE SHOW!

LIVEFROMDARYLSHOUSE.COM

The Return Of Sid N Susie

Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs' 2006 covers CD, "Under The Covers Volume 1" was inevitable. They have made no secret of their love for 60s pop music; she with The Bangles, and both he and she with their solo work. Under the "Sid n Susie" moniker, although this only appears on the inside of the CD's booklet and on their MySpace page, Sweet and Hoffs dazzle us with faithful and inspired tributes to The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Who, Bob Dylan, The Zombies and The Left Banke, among others.

"Under The Covers Vol. 1," was a success with both critics and fans, with "Volume 2" being promised just days after the release of Volume 1. About 1084 days.




"Under The Covers Volume 2" hits the street on July 21, and boy is it a doozy! Sid n Susie tackle the 70s and artists both expected and unexpected. A full review will appear closer to street date, but for now, here is the tracklist, and some audio one of the unexpected.

I really liked "Volume One," but I REALLY like "Volume Two"

Track Listing:
1. Sugar Magnolia (The Grateful Dead)
2. Go All The Way (The Raspberries)
3. Second Hand News (Fleetwood Mac)
4. Bell Bottom Blues (Derek & The Dominoes)
5. All The Young Dudes (Mott The Hoople)
6. You’re So Vain (Carly Simon)
7. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers)
8. I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move/All Good People (Yes)
9. Hello It’s Me (Todd Rundgren)
10. Willin’ (Little Feat)
11. Back Of A Car (Big Star)
12. Couldn’t I Just Tell You (Todd Rundgren)
13. Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon)
14. Everything I Own (Bread)
15. Maggie May (Rod Stewart)
16. Beware Of Darkness (George Harrison)

Hopalong McManus

To celebrate Elvis Costello's return to both country music and NYC's Beacon Theatre this evening, and to mourn the fact that I will NOT be attending, here are two performances that this morning, are making me feel both happy and miserable.(just like the guy whose wife told him, "You have the biggest penis of all your friends.")

Both feature the always stunning Emmylou Harris.




See ya next time, Pardner.

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date - 06/09/09

BLACK EYED PEAS-THE E.N.D. (ENERGY NEVER DIES)







Advanced hype is calling this "the" album of the summer. I'm calling it "an" album of the summer. There was a time when the Black Eyed Peas were considered an important and socially conscious group of rappers. In walks new member Fergie, something called "My Humps," and now they are just over-produced crossover crap......that sells in the trillions.






CHICKENFOOT- CHICKENFOOT

A supergroup (?) of sorts featuring a Van Halen-less Van Halen (Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony), Joe Satriani, and Red Hot Chili Pepper Chad Smith. Haven't heard a note, but their performance on Conan was pretty mediocre. Embarrassing, really.








PETER HOLSAPPLE & CHRIS STAMEY- HERE AND NOW
The first collaboration in almost two decades by the acclaimed songwriters of The dBs features another pop legend, Branford Marsalis on two tracks. ''With pop this piercingly pure, and Everlys-worthy harmonies to boot, The dB's songwriting team has put together another instant classic''---Blurt. Count me in.



KASABIAN- WEST RYDER PAUPER LUNATIC ASYLUM

After a promising debut, Kasabian lost a bit of steam with their sophomore release "Empire." Let's see if these Stone Roses wannabes have another good one in them.




RHETT MILLER- RHETT MILLER

Third solo release from Mr. Old 97 is not quite as strong as his last release, "The Believer," but that would be asking a lot, since it was one of my favorite records of 2006 and featured one of the most heartbreaking ballads I have ever set ears on, "Meteor Shower." But "Rhett Miller," the album, is fantastic nonetheless, with some more of the brilliant songwriting and hooks Miller has come to perfect.







PROCOL HARUM REISSUES

First 4 classic releases "PROCOL HARUM," "SHINE ON BRIGHTLY," A SALTY DOG, " and "HOME" have been remastered (yet again) and expanded with as much as 11 bonus tracks on each. These have been band-approved and truly sound exceptional...yet again.







SONIC YOUTH- THE ETERNAL
Seminal band that I respect but never understood, returns with a new and "inspired" John Agnello produced effort. Music aside, there aren't many people as nice as Thurston Moore.




ALSO OUT THIS WEEK




BROTHERS OF THE SOUTHLAND- S/T
Bo Bice (American Idol, I think), Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie), Henry Paul (The Outlaws), and Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes) among others, get their red neck on.






DIRTY PROJECTORS- BITTE ORCA
Internet phenoms release their follow-up to their critically acclaimed, but truly awful debut, "Rise Above."



NANCI GRIFFITH- THE LOVING KIND
First release in 5 years from the respected, singer-songwriter.



MORRISSEY- MALADJUSTED AND SOUTHPAW GRAMMAR EXPANDED
new b-sides, new pics, new essays, new artwork, same sad artist. (I do like the new artwork)


















ROLLING STONES REMASTERS, PHASE TWO

More like Phase 22. 'EMOTIONAL RESCUE," "SOME GIRLS," "TATTOO YOU," AND "UNDERCOVER" now bear the UME label logo and sound louder. Make sure your amp goes to eleven and your old ones will be just fine. STOP THE MADNESS.



VANMAKT-AD LUCIFERI REGNUM
AND I QUOTE, "The second follow up of Sweden's evil mongers Vanmakt has a more distinct and mature sound. The trademark sound of Vanmakt is hate filled contempt towards organized religions which is backed by 666 demonic speed blazing throughout its entirety." Second follow-up? Throughout its entirety?


Did I mention that fercocktah Black Eyed Peas record?


Also, first person to send me MP3s of Stiv Bators "Swinging A Go Go" and The Brains indie single version of "Money Changes Everything," gets copies of the new Dinosaur Jr. and Placebo CDs, assuming you want them