If you click on the Now Playing link on the right, you will see that I have not eased up on my listening. Over the last week, I've considered saying a few things about many of the records I've been enjoying, and some I did not enjoy. I am still listening to the Black Crowes after reading Steve Gorman's book, but have already shared those thoughts. I finally listened to the Weyes Blood record after reading so many wonderful reviews, but was left cold by the end so I thought, why bother? I've been wanting to write a review of The Flood Models, the wonderful new record by our friend over at Power Pop, Steve Simels, but decided the record deserved more than a quick paragraph, so I put it on the back burner. I wanted to write about The End, the lost British psych gem produced by Bill Wyman but decided not to, for no other reason than not being up for it. There's a new Darkness record out, but I've shoved them in your face enough. And yesterday was John Lennon's 79th birthday. I had a great idea, but decided I'd wait until his 80th.
The topics are there, but none seem exciting enough to expand.
I do like the suggestions made on yesterday's post:
Artists you've come to like belatedly
Artists known for their covers but have written great songs for themselves
But...I need to write it up, damnit!
I've also been in selling mode, recently coming into a few solid collections, so that has kept my mind occupied. By the way, no reason not to shamelessly plug my little shop. If you're still buying records, click on the records for sale link on the right and check out a lot of new arrivals and back to school sales! Maybe a few sales will snap me out of it.
In the meantime, one record I am loving is the new one from Lucille Furs, a French retro psych band that sounds a bit like a more mainstream Syd-era Floyd, and of course a bit of Beatles and Zombies, as well. The full album is up top, but be warned, I was not sold by the first two tracks. You might be, but it really took off for me by track three and now I truly love this whole record.
Thanks for your patience.
9 comments:
Can't remember if it's been done but as a counterpoint to -
'Artists known for their covers but have written great songs for themselves'
Artists known for their songwriting but who have had more success with covers?
The obvious one is Costello. He's had 3 top 10 UK singles, 2 of which were covers - I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down and Good Year For The Roses. And, of course' Peace, Love And Understanding is still a staple of his live show (yes, I do know that version was originally a Nick Lowe track!)
"Artists known for their covers but have written great songs for themselves". What first came to mind was Glen Campbell. I believe most of his songs were written by others (Jimmy Webb, Allen Toussaint, etc) but I remember he wrote a song called "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" near the end of his life. It was wonderful. He probably didn't write a lot of great songs for himself, but he wrote that one.
Yes -- somebody who has turned me on to other things also recommended the new Weyes Blood to me as well and I didn't get it at all. I liked the single "Everyday" -- for the first half of it and the second half left me frustrated they didn't revisit the hook for the last two minutes. In a a bunch of 5+ minute songs, that was unacceptable! :-)
It certainly seemed like it should have been in my wheelhouse -- but the album left me unsatisfied when it was over.
And, yes, The Darkness' new album is pretty good. "Pinewood Smile" was a high mark, though, so it's not quite that good. The "deluxe edition" tracks on the new one are pretty good. "Confirmation Bias" is a hoot and a half. As is "Heavy Metal Lover"
Shriner,
I've listened three times to "Easter Is Cancelled" and I love all the mid tempo/power ballady stuff. I found all of the heavier stuff to be pushing the tongue a little too hard into the cheek. But I agree, the bonus cuts are excellent.
'Artists known for their covers but have written great songs for themselves'
Ry Cooder was the first one who sprung to mind here. All his early albums were (well-chosen) covers, but then Tattler showed up on Paradise and Lunch, and it's wonderful. And then about 15 years ago he started writing full albums of his own songs, which is a late-career shift that I can't recall anyone else doing.
The mere fact that you are even considering reviewing the new Floor Models album -- well, words fail me.
Thank you, from the bottom of my rapidly aging rock-and-roll heart.
'Artists known for their covers but have written great songs for themselves'
I'm thinking of Fine Young Cannibals, covers of Suspicious Minds, Ever Fallen in Love with Someone, but Good Thing and She Drives Me Crazy.
Most of Paul Young's hits were covers, but as he transitioned to writing his own songs, his career sputtered.
Emmy Lou Harris did not record her own songs until 1985 (Ballad of Sally Rose) and then wouldn't record them again until Red Dirt Girl.
Nanci Griffith is who comes to mind as someone more known for her covers, since Other Voices Other Rooms is probably her best seller. She has gone back and forth, starting out with her own material, then breaking out with mostly covers on Once in a Very Blue Moon, then her own material for a few albums, then Other Voices, then back to originals on Flyer (with Rod Argent!), you get the picture.
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