I'm not sure if there is much of a difference between the Songs Of The Week or this new Weekend Mix series I decided to create, other than the name of the series and the length of the mix.
This was inspired by a few things.
First, the very straightforward "Hey, how about a mix?" request from Soundsource.
Done.
Second, the comments section has been abysmal, speaking of straightforward. I can't expect everyone to feel the excitement that I do about the music I post, but I think I mix it up enough to please even the crankiest critics. (You know who you are!) I thought by recapping some of the stuff I posted, along with some new stuff and some audio, it might light a fire under some of you.
Finally, I love talking about music, that's why Burning Wood exists. So, get with it, kids! This is supposed to be fun, damn it! I WILL NOT turn this place into a download site with a cut-and-pasted press release as copy. I enjoy writing and hope you enjoy reading what I write. I am also very aware of the fact that many aren't reading through the lengthy posts while some aren't reading at all and just heading straight for the video or zip file. The comments, or lack thereof, occasionally reflect that. That's fine, too. Enjoy the blog anyway you can. And apologies for those lengthy posts. I can't help myself sometimes.
Like now.
Since March 1st, there have been a total of 100 comments, and that includes my replies. That's not a lot considering there were 50 comments on my Taylor Swift post. Maybe I will dedicate one day a week to Taylor and one to Eric Clapton, since those subjects seem to get everybody active.
I've been paying more attention to the suggestions in the chat box and thanks to it, I've written about Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, watched Keef & The Winos, and shared Circe Link and Leonid & Friends. It takes but a minute to let me know you're reading and digging the music
Or not.
Now about "Recent Favorites":
I was scrolling through my dailies on the "Now Playing" blog, and I singled out some of the tracks that gave me some extra special pleasure, hoping that by collecting them all in one place, you dear readers would find it easier to give them all a go and maybe experience the same joy with one click of the zip.
Click and listen. Easy.
THE SONGS:
Things get started with a very deep cut from the Motown vaults. I had never heard of The Lollipops and with good reason. They only had one single officially released and it wasn't this track. I found "In The Summer" on one of the "Cellarful Of Motown" comps and I love it.
I've loved Bowie's "Black Tie White Noise" since it was released. I've written about it, how it bankrupted the label and why it should have been Bowie's been commercial comeback. My friend and I were having that very discussion just the other day, so of course, I needed to play the record. I still love it. It's as if Scott Walker recorded a commercial dance pop album. Or maybe it is "Low" through a "Let's Dance" machine. Check out "Miracle Goodnight." And then check out the whole record.
Carlton & The Shoes recorded one of my favorite rock steady albums. Original copies fetch three bills. Someday, when money is no object, I will treat myself. Until then, the files will have to do. Reggae naysayers, it's only three minutes and a blissful three minutes they are.
The new North Mississipi All Stars, "Set Sail" is the usual down home groovin' from the band, but this slice of Memphis soul, sung by the legendary William Bell (who I believe co-wrote it) is something else altogether.
I was disappointed when there weren't 100 comments singing the praises of Cécile McLorin Salvant's "Ghost Song." It's been years since a song has moved me this much. It is brilliant and unique and heartbreaking. The haunting arrangement is something to behold. It's a field recording, a hymn, a sad ballad and gut wrenching blues all in one. I'm trying again because even in March of 2022, I have a feeling "Ghost Song" will be my favorite song of the year.
I picked up a new expanded vinyl release of Costello's "Spike." It is now a stunning two LP set, adding "Coal Train Robberies" and much higher fidelity. I've always liked "Spike" but never loved it, though "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror" is an all-timer. Gotta call out Allen Toussaint on that one.
Still high from that killer new Tears For Fears album, I had considered a Weekend Mix of deep cuts and later tracks, but dropped the ball. So here's one of the tracks that would have made the cut.
You must know by now I think the Pet Shop Boys are geniuses. Smart and sexy arrangemens, clever, sometimes hilarious and often dry lyrics and hooks to die for. And they've got a good beat that you can dance to. This track surprised me. I picked up a copy of "Electric" because I wanted their Springsteen cover, but it was this track,"Vocal" that stood out.
I have a friend who loves Mattiel. She hipped me to a few songs and I didn't hate them. Now, Mattiel's new one is out. It's uneven, but there was enough for me to want to go around again. This track is a favorite.
Jonder reminded me in the comments about Etta James' cover of "Take It To The Limit." I thought I didn't like the album "Deep In The Night." I remembered it being a little too smooth, like a post-Lowell Little Feat record, which isn't a terrible thing, but not when you want Chess-era Etta. I was wrong. There are some amazing tracks on that album and that's why I included two here. The Eagles cover, because Jonder is right. It is transcendent. And Etta's cover of a Kiki Dee b-side, "Sugar On The Floor."
We close with Cheap Trick because it felt like a good way to go out.
Thanks for reading, ladies and germs.
Have a great weekend.
See you on Sunday.
TRACKLIST
In The Summer- The Lollipops
Miracle Goodnight- David Bowie
Love Me Forever- Carlton & The Shoes
Never Want To Be Kissed- North Mississippi All Stars w/William Bell
Ghost Song- Cécile McLorin Salvant
Deep Dark Truthful Mirror- Elvis Costello
Brian Wilson Said- Tears For Fears
Vocal- Pet Shop Boys
Lighthouse- Mattiel
Sugar On The Floor- Etta James
Take It To The Limit- Etta James
I'll See You Again- Cheap Trick
23 comments:
Somehow I've yet to really bond with the North Mississippi All Stars and that is despite Luther Dickinson's great work during his time with The Black Crowes. Need to work on that.
I dig this mix Sal -- thanks!
I often don't comment because I fear it's like a cooking show with some fat guy eating and moaning "oh this tastes so good ...."
Okay recent faves of mine ... Four Albums and a Song.
Two great new albums:
Big Thief -- Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You
Stromae -- Multitude
Two Old that don't (or maybe do) sound like you expect from the artist:
The Wailing Wailers (thanks Sal!)
Irma Thomas -- Full-Time Woman: The Lost Cotillion Album
And a song I can't get out of my head (and an album I'm waiting for on the edge of my seat)
Leyla McCalla's You Don't Know Me
Now to dig in to your offering ... :-)
I blame Daylight Saving Time for the lack of comments. :-)
I've been busy replaying Cosmologica this week and going down the rabbit hole of Christian and Circe's web site with their mounds of covers, tbh.
Longtime reader here, longtime commenter :)
Since you seem to be particularly seeking new music-buzzes (I always am too - don't want to just only stick with established faves), I recommend checking out the new Curtis Harding if you haven't already. He's a soul guy from my city (Atlanta) with a lot of good stuff going on.
And, looking forward to this mix!
Actually, AWITW, while I am always up for a new suggestion, I wasn't really seeking new buzzes, as I was wondering where everybody went regarding all of my posts, old and new. I'm hoping people aren't growing tired of the blog. It's no fun playing to an empty house, though I know, the show must go on.
I haven't commented a lot recently, that's no indication of anything, just the way it has been. Still reading and commenting some, so please keep on keepin on.
Interesting mix this week. Any mix with Cheap Trick always gets my attention. I like, but don't fully love, the Tears for Fears album. But it is very good.
I've been listening to a lot of Allison Moorer lately, including her most recent EP "Wish for You" in which she utilized sounds and rhythms that she picked up her non-verbal autistic son making and incorporated them into 5 lovely songs. Years ago, I had the hots for Allison; now as I am older, I'd just like to lie my head in her lap and have her sing to me that everything is going to be ok. TMI, I know, but you asked us to post :)
My friend, Michael McDermott, has a new record coming out in the next month or so and I cannot wait. The songs he has been playing for us recently have been terrific.
Finally, I've gotta get back to my vinyl ripping. Been away the past couple of weekends, but will pick it up again soon.
Have a great weekend, Sal.
My comment didn't come through very well - I can see you were mostly seeking more engagement.
I meant my 'new music' tip (if it even is one - you may already know him) in the spirit of the dialogue and exchange of ideas that indeed makes this blog fun. Trying to keep it a two-way street, which is always the most enjoyable way.
AWITW,
Suggestions ALWAYS welcome.
A few comments:
I for one enjoy your lengthy comments.
I just received CMS's Ghost Song LP - stunner!
Can't remember if I heard about Lady Blackbird's Black Acid Soul from you or elsewhere but that's a must hear, especially the song Fix It, a reinterpretation of a Bill Evans Trio tune. She also covers a James Gang song!
Waiting for my copy of Utopia's '82 Japan issue you recommended - can't wait to dig into that.
Your Today's Cover Version - I had to look that up as I couldn't remember where Jules' version of Be Nice To Me was from. Listening to Say Hello as I type.
Also waiting on Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard to arrive from overseas - been digging what I've listened to on YT.
Great weekend mix - thanks!
Randy
P.S. between gas prices and what I've spent on your recent recommendations my wallet is much, much thinner.
Re Spike...
Funnily enough, over here in the UK, DDTM, is frequently the lyric cited as EC disappearing up his own backside and becoming too obscure. Especially the lines about the puppet, the butterfly and the monkey. The rest of the lyric is pretty direct and clear, and I'm sure I read somewhere that those lines are supposed to be a drunk's hallucinations, which certainly makes sense in the context of the song.
Anyway, though the record can feel a bit all over the place recorded in 3 different countries and across multiple sessions, its in many ways his most British record, lyrically, with Veronica, Let Him Dangle and Tramp the Dirt Down really having Britishness running through it like a stick of Blackpool rock. TTDD's still may favourite off that record - it never fails to land, though that might reflect me growing up in Thatcher's Britain and still seeing the toxic consequences everywhere. I was lucky enough to be at the show in Scotland where he dusted TTDD off and played it for the first time in yonks. It got an absolutely electric response and was immediately restored to his live repertoire.
I often don't comment because I fear it's like a cooking show with some fat guy eating and moaning "oh this tastes so good ...."
Exactly!
I read your site everyday. I appreciate your thoughtful reviews/shares. Thank you for what you bring to the world, Sal!
Eric
Great mix. I look to your posts (and the comments) to open up my ears (and eyes) to music I either never knew existed or forgot about. Many, like Ghost Song, are revelatory.
Hi. You are a music hound like I am--I'm always making CDs or sending files to someone, so I get it, I just don't have a site/blog. Your site and the great posts and insights are much appreciated, not to mention the time effort put into these things. I am NOT trying to sound patronizing, but it's important to have things validated from time to time. My late Grandma was very fond of saying "No good deed goes unpunished.." And so it goes amigo.. Have a great weekend and keep on keepin' on..
I grew up with free-form FM radio (KSAN, KTIM) so this is my kind of mix. I look forward to hearing the unfamiliar tracks from Carlton & The Shoes, The Lollipops, and Mattiel.
While I agree that Pet Shop Boys craft some excellent songs, the singer puts me off with his affected vocals, though not as much as Russell Mael of Sparks.
I noticed that I forgot to sign my comment on your Eddie Harris post earlier this week (the first one there).
Something new to me that I'm really enjoying is Amendola vs Blades.
Another was recorded here in my adopted home town. There is an instrumental version as well. Both are stunning. Dawda Jobarteh
Hopefully you will, too.
- Paul in DK
Nothing like a good Weekend Mix to kick things off!
Thank you for this, love a good" various artists "mix , some cool discoveries on this one, even Tears for Fears, always found them somewhat uninspiring but this isn't bad at all
always enjoy your comments on the music and I've gained a new appreciation for many artists I would not have heard if it hadn't been for your blog
Hey Sal. I read everything. Don't usually download the files because a lot of the time I have most of it. Downloaded today because there was some I did not know of. Regardless of whether I download, I have found many artists that I really like because of this blog. I Thank you for your writing, your commitment and the wide range of artists you put out there. Special shoutout for the jazz. Might not be a fan favorite, but for this fan a lesson in groove. Thanks!
Totally agree with your assessment of PSB. Saw them live in 91 ( NME said about the tour ' whatever you do to get a ticket...sell yer granny...do it ) a fantastic gig.
Some of these songs will go right into my Burning Wood Soul Playlist on my ipod. There have been some real gems over the years.
Let me ask a question. If you post something on Monday and then another on Tuesday, meanwhile I think of something to say on Wednesday about Monday's post. Do I post to the monday's subject or to wednesdays subject even though it is about Mondays?
As I told you the other day, I think Black Tie White Noise is one of Bowie's finest and I can't believe how many people have not given it a listen. If they did they'd realize what a treasure this 'unknown' album is. C'mon people. Get on the wagon!
Been meaning to listen to Ghost Song for a few weeks, based on your rec and after having read a few other things about it. Finally did get to sit with it and I'm mad I didn't listen to it sooner - its that good.
As part of the when in Rome do as they do philosophy, I've been listening to some flamenco of late, since its Seville's native music. This one just blew me away, because its so unlike anything else out there. When I first put it on, I had to grab my phone (was streaming it) to make sure I hadn't accidentally started to play a certain California group from the 60s by mistake. Try Jose Merce's "El Oripando."
I rarely listen to NMAS but I always see them live when passing through. great players
OK I should have responded to Ghost Song. Amazing piece of work. Thanks for opening my ears to something new (again!). And something old.. thanks for the reminding me of Eddie Harris. Love his tone and phrasing. I only have In the Sound, so I'll have to search out some more.
And this may be too mainstream for you all, but I am playing Keb Mos latest a lot. Nothing challenging, just a good music feel, which is what I need right now.
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