Lost Gem Of The Week: Chris Youlden's Nowhere Road

For years Savoy Brown meant nothing to me other than being "that band whose albums covers were always plastered on the inner sleeves of my Stones records." And much like the Grateful Dead, my first exposure to the music of Savoy Brown was not exactly the ideal starting point. After years of being force fed "Truckin'" or some relentless live version of "Dark Star" by even more relentless Deadheads, I just didn't want to bother. I hated the Dead on purpose. With Savoy Brown, I came in with a version of "I Can't Get Next To You" sung by Dave Walker, not the original singer. I didn't need another blues boogie band, not when there was T-Rex and Mott The Hoople. And I didn't need that version of one of my favorite Temptations songs. I realized in time, I was indeed a fan of the Dead and of Savoy Brown. Think of never having seen "The Godfather" and beginning with "III."

Savoy Brown were not just another blues band and that is because original vocalist Chris Youlden was not just another singer. Sounding like a cross between Georgie Fame and Boz Scaggs, Youlden's phrasing turned what might have been a series of basic British blues records into some of the best blues records of the 60's and early 70's. I'd also like to give Kim Simmonds some credit. His guitar playing on those early records was, like Youlden's vocals, unique and fiery.

I found a copy of Chris Youlden's solo debut "Nowhere Road" this weekend and it's been spinning regularly since. Thanks to the internet, you can listen to it all. Much like Savoy Brown, the songs are more clever than you'd expect to find in this particular genre. There is so much to keep you on your toes, it's hard to just dismiss it all as basic. It's blues with soul and at times, it swings baby. It is not basic, just as classic Savoy Brown records like "Getting To the Point," "Blue Matter" and "Raw Sienna" were not.

Guest Blogger Gene Oberto on "Springsteen & I"

Back in June or July when the announcement reached me of a movie called “Springsteen and I,” I mailed a friend of mine, another Springsteen believer, if Bruce had finally jumped the shark.

The movie was a collection of hardcore fans who videoed themselves telling the viewer about their Bruce experiences or what his music means to them.  It seemed, sight unseen, that it would be very unnecessary indulgence by his PR people to try to heighten the legend and keep his name out in the public as his latest tour was winding down. I prepared myself for the backlash and disappointment that all my heroes have given me, from Ali to DeNiro (you saw the Fockers?)

Just now I finished watching the movie and I want to tell you I was completely wrong. "Springsteen and I" was like reading a book you couldn’t put down. The love and commitment that these fans have is very moving. It’s not just Americans that have this devotion. The movie goes around the USA and Europe showing that Bruce Springsteen has the same affect on them all. You could shuffle any one of these featured and disperse them in different locations and the words would be the same.

This small celebratory movie will not magically change a non or lukewarm fan into suddenly a true believer. I’m sure that it will have the opposite outcome. I can hear “Ohhh, pul-eeze this is just too much!” It’s probably right, for them.

I, on the other hand, have my share of Springsteen adventures, and I won’t go into them at this writing. Let’s just say that this little movie is a like being in the crowd at one of Bruce’s concerts. Each, and every person is just like you, a member of the same brotherhood. We all have our stories and interpret his music and lyrics as if Springsteen wrote the song exclusively for “me.”

I guess if your a fan, I mean a real fan, you’ll be drawn into this movie no matter how skeptical you think you may be. “Springsteen and I” is one letter of love to your best friend though you have never met him. That, however, does not mean that you don’t know him.

“Springsteen and I” Running time: 1:17:30

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 10/19-10/25

Love-itis- Harvey Scales & The 7 Sounds
Spaceball Ricochet- T.Rex
Headache- Frank Black
Beyond & Before-Yes
How High The Moon- Slim Gaillard
If There's Anything Else You Want- Roddie Joy
Heart Of Gold- The Kinks

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"Guitars & Women & Other Stuff" : THE WEEKEND MIX

It's a little bit country. It's a little bit rock and roll. It just might be one of my favorite "Weekend Mixes."

I was inspired.

You just can't go wrong when Eddy Arnold's "Cattle Call" is on your mix. I think I've said that exact same thing about "Tapioca Tundra" and "El Paso."

No matter.

It's sounds good altogether.

Enjoy, I hope.


TRACKLIST

Flat Foot Flewzy- NRBQ
Poison Love- Johnnie & Jack
Notice The Ring- Chris Isaak
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do- Cookie & His Cupcakes
Slow Movin' Girl- The Stark Weather Boys
Since I Don't Have You- The Sprague Brothers
The Long Way Home- Neil Diamond
Every Time I See Her- Dave Edmunds
I See The Want To In Your Eyes- Conway Twitty
Factory Girl- Rolling Stones
Further On Up The Road- Johnny Cash
Sunlight- Jeffrey Foskett
Nature's Way- Spirit
Cattle Call- Eddy Arnold
Blue Sofa- The Plugz
Flying On The Ground Is Wrong- Buffalo Springfield
Tapioca Tundra- The Monkees
El Paso- Marty Robbins

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Records For Sale

This Sunday I will be in Greenpoint Brooklyn for the Brooklyn Record Riot.

These gatherings are a blast even if you have no intention of spending any money on vinyl.

Great music is played all day. There is a full bar and Polish food, as well as a cast of characters that would rival any Fellini film.

I've been prepping all week and will be bringing everything from classic rock and U.K. rarities to jazz and soul and about a hundred 45s, including some very cool U.K. new wave picture sleeves, as well as over 500 LPs priced to move at $4.00.

In keeping with the vibe of the neighborhood, all purchases over $50 will receive a dozen cruelty-free kale & hummus cupcakes with organic, gluten-free, coffee-flavored, beard-trimming sprinkles.

Hope to see you there.

Funkin' Hump Day

Maybe the purists won't dig this, but it is obviously "Toussaint Approved" and man it sure is funky. 


(h/t soundsource)

Smells Like Jann Wenner

The list of nominees for the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been released. I was wondering if it is at all possible to have a discussion about one thing. We don't need to talk about the hall itself, its merits if any, or what level of bullshit the hall may represent. Every year the debates are the same. Some care, some don't and many continue to argue what is or is not "rock and roll." We don't need to go there.

I want to talk about Nirvana specifically.

One friend described their chances of getting in as a "slam dunk."

I'm not so sure they belong, at least not until The Move, Todd Rundgren and XTC get in. But I digress.

It's true, I don't love Nirvana or think Kurt Cobain was a genius, though I do really like their three records.

Three records.

When I mentioned to another friend that Cobain didn't live long enough to prove where he can go musically, he responded with "Then maybe Jimi Hendrix shouldn't be in the RNRHOF."

I'd really like to know what you think. You can say it in one word or one hundred words.

"The Jargon Of The Drug-Addicts"

An interesting piece of Beatles history.

(h/t Steve Schwartz)

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 10/12-10/18

Silly Thing- Sex Pistols
I Am What I Am- Adrian Belew
Misdemeanor- Foster Sylvers
Jenny Wren- Paul McCartney
Follow Your Bliss- The B-52's
Dark Moon- Gale Storm
The Kiss Off- The Icicle Works

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Guess Who?: UPDATE

"But First..." : THE WEEKEND MIX

For those who might have been anticipating a playlist of post-eighties Paul McCartney, let me say to you, I did indeed consider it. As a matter of fact, I compiled it and uploaded it, but I just couldn't pull the trigger.

I spent this week immersed in Macca's new one. I still like it. I love some of it. I also revisited "Flaming Pie" and "Chaos & Creation In The Backyard." I find both of those records to be as good as anything Paul has done since Yoko broke up The Beatles. (Just kidding, Yoko.)

But at the risk of causing an international incident, I chose to not be so relentless in my plan to make the world embrace the wonders of Paul McCartney's solo work of the last 20 years. Instead, I offer some rock and roll music that came before those lovable mop-tops from Liverpool.

Have fun.




TRACKLIST

Sixty Minute Man- The Dominoes (1951)
Baby Don't Do It- The 5 Royales (1952)
Just Walkin' In The Rain- The Prisonaires (1953)
Lovey Dovey- The Clovers (1954)
Witchcraft- The Spiders (1955)
Bad Boy- The Jive Bombers (1956)
Rubber Biscuit- The Chips (1956)
Trickle Trickle- The Videos (1958)
Western Movies- The Olympics (1958)
A Little Bit Of Soap- The Jarmels (1961)
Look In My Eyes- The Chantels (1961)
What Time Is It- The Jive Five (1962)
Devil In His Heart- The Donays (1962)
I Sold My Heart To The Junkman- Patti Labelle & The Bluebelles (1962)
Chains- The Cookies (1962)
There's A Love- The Del-Rios (1962)
So Much In Love- The Tymes (1963)
You Can't Sit Down- The Dovells (1963)
Sally Go 'round The Roses- The Jaynettes (1963)
Shake A Tail Feather- Five Du-Tones (1963)

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Bill Nelson: 40 Years & 906 Albums

It was a review of the record "Futurama" in a 1975 issue of Creem Magazine, or maybe it was Circus, that first opened my eyes and ears to Be Bop Deluxe. It was all I needed and I've been a fan ever since.

It's not easy to keep up with Bill Nelson. The guy has been flying under the radar for years, finding inspiration with each gust of wind, and recording what seems like hundreds and hundreds of records, varying in styles from the early guitar-based rock and glam of Be Bop Deluxe to electro-punk solo work soon after, to Hank Marvin inspired guitar instrumentals to adventures in classical and jazz.

Where to begin?

I would suggest the beginning.

The Be Bop Deluxe catalogue is essential. This inexpensive set is complete.

As for his solo work, if you've gotten as far as Be Bop and would like to go further, this recently released box is a fantastic overview of this unsung guitar hero.

I want to thank ASH for getting me in the mood. The clip up top is from a very rare live performance from 2012 of the Be Bop Deluxe classic "Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape" from their debut "Axe Victim." Seems like Bill's still got it.

Mea Culpa

Apologies if my McCartney review suggests that those who don't like it aren't listening.

Paul McCartney's "New"

Fifty years of making music, eight of which were with a band called The Beatles, and Paul McCartney can still evoke some unpleasant chills out of the most loyal fan with his lyrics. This problem is one of two things that jumped out at me after spending a week with "New," Sir Paul's latest. The other is how "New" is the first record where the "cute" Beatle sounds fragile. Paul McCartney's voice has finally started to break with age.

I can deal with clumsy couplets like "Hey everybody out there, you know what it's like, if you haven't got a life, when you haven't get a life." I've been dealing with his silly love songs for years and believe me, there are worse things out there. But hearing this legend sound only a bit like Paul McCartney on a half-dozen or so songs, was a bit harder to handle.

This isn't necessarily bad news.

Paul McCartney's post-Band On The Run solo career is not unlike the Rolling Stones' post-Exile career in that many ridicule it based the strength of one weak hit song or worse, nothing. I am not about to defend all of Paul's solo work. I've been there and done that. But I will say this again. Our listening habits have changed for the worse. If it can't be dialed up, swiped, streamed or listened to while on a Nordic track, or if the first 30 seconds of each of the ten samples posted on some site didn't quite cut it, the record is toast. Some artists deserve more than that. Paul McCartney is one of those artists.

"New" has more than a few fantastic moments.

The first single is pure pop magic, sounding like what the follow-up single to "Penny Lane" might have sounded like. "On My Way To Work" is one of those songs where McCartney sounds like he's struggling vocally, but he creates a wonderful scene and the charm of his cracking voice turns what might have been an awkward lyric into something emotional.

"Early Days" finds Paul reminiscing about his first band and trying to set the record straight. In the hands of a singer-songwriter like John Hiatt, this song would possibly find strength in its simplicity and become a classic like Hiatt's "Have A Little Faith In Me." But I'm predicting universal eyerolls and groans because that's what everyone loves to do to Paul McCartney. "Early Days" leaves nothing to the imagination. It's heart on your sleeve, but for my money, it works.

The rockers like "Save Us' and Everybody Out There" have their moments, and songs like "Alligator" and "Appreciate" do not. This is where the luxury (?) of having four producers instead of one gets in the way.

Along with the title track, the two highlights for me are "Queenie Eye" and "Looking At Her," the former with its nod to "Strawberry Fields Forever" is just a killer, full of hooks and twists and melody and music, the latter a ballad that shows why Paul McCartney still warrants the respect of all the naysayers.

I don't know what people want or expect from Paul McCartney. It's been a long ride. He's 71 years old and in the last fifteen years has released a record as good as any in "Flaming Pie," a kick-ass rock and roll record featuring some of England's finest (Dave Gilmour & Ian Paice) in "Run Devil Run," a mature pop record in "Chaos & Creation In The Backyard" and a gorgeously executed standards record that puts all other "rockers doing standards" albums to shame in "Kisses On The Bottom." Now we have "New," maybe not the best of Paul's solo work, but I doubt very much that you will hear anything even remotely as coherent from any of his peers.

Give the Beatle a break and spend more time than a casual pass with "New." There won't be too many more records from Paul McCartney.

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 10/5-10/11

Running Back- Thin Lizzy
Hurt- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Red Vines- Aimee Mann
Throw Your Arms Around Me- Neil Finn & Eddie Vedder
Comfortably Numb- Scissor Sisters
Needle In The Camel's Eye- Brian Eno
La Vie En Rose- Dean Martin

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Come For The Records! Stay For The Schnitzel!

I wanted to take this opportunity to mention tomorrow's record show one last time. I will be there from 11-5. Come on by if you've got the time.

I'll be bringing a couple of boxes each of U.K. and U.S. faves and collectibles.   

 


Soul, R&B & Jazz. 









And hundreds of excellent LPs priced to move at $4!

Hope to see you there!

"Fillmore Highlights, 2010" : THE WEEKEND MIX

I've gone on about the Black Crowes a number of times on these pages. To some, they are a pale imitation of the Faces and Stones, who make matters worse by extending songs in concert to "Dark Star" length. I won't argue with the occasional live noodling, but having been a fan since their debut and having seen the band live somewhere in the high 50 times, I think the Crowes get a bad rap.

Their name gets tossed on the same piles as so many inferior bands who find a riff and jam incessantly on one chord while the throngs of hacky-sackers spin dance and bob their heads like baseball nodders. The Black Crowes are a far better group of musicians and songwriters than that.

Now, what I've put together here may not necessarily be the most ideal way to sell my points, but what is here does represent a few of my favorite things.

In December of 2010, the Crowes closed out their first (or was it third) "farewell" tour with a 6 night run at The Fillmore in San Francisco. Acoustic and electric sets, originals and covers, album faves and unrecorded gems. I've put together a dozen highlights pulled from those 6 nights. There are 4 originals, as well as covers of songs by Pink Floyd, Delaney & Bonnie, Traffic, Marvin Gaye via The Band courtesy of Holland-Dozier-Holland, Tom Rush, Neil Young, Joe Cocker and The Stones.

Maybe give it a listen.


SETLIST

Hotel Illness
Fearless
Comin' Home
Cold Boy Smile
Feelin' Alright
Don't Do it
Lost My Drivin' Wheel
Soul Singing
Exit
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Space Captain
I Just Want To See His Face

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Ladies & Gentlemen...James Jamerson

This?

Moved me.

As one friend pointed out, Jamerson played "all with one finger."

It's Johnny's Birthday

If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Street Date: 10/8/13

ROY HARPER- MAN & MYTH

My first experience with Roy Harper was 1975's "HQ," an album that I was mostly interested in because of who was on it. It was Bill Bruford, Dave Gilmour and Chris Spedding that caught my eyes and ears. It just happened to be Roy's album. Of course, there was also the Led Zeppelin endorsement. Since then, I've tried countless times to get Harper's music. It hasn't been easy, but once I did, it paid back in spades.

What kept going through my head as I listened to "Man & Myth" were comments by readers & friends, both here and other places, about their listening habits.  The basic sentiment? "If I don't like something right away, I just can't find the time to keep trying." Most recently it was about the Elvis Costello & The Roots record, but over these iPod and iTunes years, it's been said about a number of records. It seems our listening habits have changed and our patience is at a premium. But I'll save that for a future post.

"Man & Myth" is not a pop record. It does not consist of three minute blasts with hooks and choruses. You can't work out to it, unless you're some truly demented trainer. But it is sprawling and beautiful and if you're even slightly familiar with Roy Harper's work, you will recognize immediately how little his sound has aged. It's all here, the epic guitar playing, the storytelling, the big arrangements, the sorrow and the pity. "Man & Myth" is a fantastic return to form for Harper.

ELTON JOHN- THE DIVING BOARD

Every review I've read about Elton John's "The Diving Board" has called it his "best record in 30 years." I just don't get it. It seems irresponsible to toss off comparisons to "Tumbleweed Connection" simply because it doesn't resemble any of the absolute dreck Elton's been churning out since 1980. "The Diving Board" doesn't sound like "Tumbleweed Connection" at all. Yes, it's a toned down affair, with some interesting stories from Bernie Taupin and the usual rote production of T-Bone Burnett. But it's still Elton at 66 and his voice has limited range and these songs just don't deliver the same magical melodies Elton used to write in his sleep. It's a lugubrious listen that did nothing for me.

I'd also like to say that 2004's "Peachtree Road" was a fantastic record that does indeed resemble "Tumbleweed Connection," if anyone cares to give that a spin.

THE WOOD BROTHERS- THE MUSE

Most likely to end up on the top of my year-end "Best" list is the new one from The Wood Brothers. I saw The Wood Brothers live and they knocked my socks off. I've been a fan ever since and "The Muse" is the perfect place to begin if you're unfamiliar with this band. They have it all from stellar musicianship to tight, Everlys-like harmonies to great, great songs. Check'em out.

THE STRYPES- SNAPSHOT

Another record that is getting raves from the British press is from those youngsters called The Strypes. "Snapshot" has been described as the type of R&B you might hear at The Cavern, circa 1965. This is true. "Snapshot" does indeed sound like everyone from early Beatles to The Animals. But mostly, it sounds like The Who doing Tamla covers, which wasn't really The Who's strong point. Not a bad record and the Strypes certainly have their hearts in the right place. It's just that "Snapshot" wears thin very quickly. My fave track is below.

JULES SHEAR- LONGER TO GET TO YESTERDAY

Last but not least, a brand new Jules Shear record has quietly been released. I have not yet heard it, but I did indeed order it. And you can, too.  Jules has been a favorite of mine for years and I expect "Longer To Get To Yesterday" to be another solid addition to his fine body of work. Buy it HERE and tell them Sal sent you.

Verdict?- #6

The tour is underway. I still don't get it.

Songs Of The Week 3.0: 9/28-10/4

Abandoned Luncheonette- Hall & Oates
Love Her- The Walker Brothers
Wordless Chorus- My Morning Jacket
Black Tears- Ian Hunter & The Rant Band
Pretty Pink Rose- Adrian Belew & David Bowie
Rock 'n' Roll Suicide- Ok Go w/ Bonerama
I Saw Her Again- Mamas & Papas

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Vinyl Revolution Record Show, 10/13

If you haven't already noticed the subtle flyer to your right, I want to use this opportunity for the first of a few plugs for the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden Record Show coming up in Astoria, Queens on Sunday, 10/13.

I will be there behind a 12' table with lots of goodies!

If you're in the area, please come by. The show is from 11-5.

If you're looking for anything special, please let me know.

Please save the date and come say hi!

Two For Wednesday

John Doe's 2007 release "A Year In The Wilderness" was a favorite of that year. Last week, YepRoc rereleased that music on vinyl for the first time. The LP includes some bonus content available with the download code, as well as a bonus track on the record itself, a cover of Joni's "A Case Of You." I was happy to purchase this. I was also reminded of these two gorgeous gems from the record. Both are perfect love songs, one each for both ends of the road.

Mental Health Day

Late night...for me. Bad sleep. Lucille has messed up my mind. Confusion. Blackness. Soon we shall be covered by wheat. Wheat. WHEAT.

Anyway...see you tomorrow.