Timothy B. Schmit is making the rounds, discussing his new record "Day By Day," which was released in May and features Lindsey Buckingham and Jackson Browne. In the one interview I read, he was asked if there would be any new Eagles music. He said, "No. Probably not." He elaborated a bit, saying no one cares. People come to the shows to hear the hits, not new music.
I'm no loyal Eagles fan, but I don't hate them either. I actually love most of their ballads and country songs. It's their rock songs that make me cringe. But, I would like to hear new music. Why not? I would think that long time Eagles fans want to hear new music, as well.
I think about all of the artists I have followed for years--Todd Rundgren, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Finn and Cheap Trick for starters. At no time have I ever hoped that their live sets would be just the hits. As a matter of fact, I stopped seeing Cheap Trick live for years because their sets were mostly their hits, which happen to be my least favorite songs by the band. But they eventually came around and their sets started to go deep.
Looking at the set list for Elvis Costello's recent tour, I was a bit disappointed that only four or five songs from "The Boy Named If" were being performed live. That album may not have sold the amount of units a successful record of the past would have sold, but not having such a fantastic record 45 years into Costello's career because the artist thinks "no one cares" is pretty horrifying.
The Who's last, "WHO" was damn good! It was critically acclaimed. Fans loved it. I believe only two songs made their recent set list. But at least we got to hear new music, and there is still a possibility for a follow-up.
Cheap Trick have been on a roll. I know there are some fans who gave up after "Dream Police," but that's just lazy. I'd argue some of their later records are stronger than their earlier records.
Even Van Morrison, prior to going completely batshit, always had something worthwhile on every record. That quick trio of double albums, with one that included the recently departed Joey DeFrancesco, all had their moments. Sadly, it's hard for me to listen to anything now, not even "Moondance, in light of recent events. But that's for another post---"Is It Harder To Separate The Art From The Artist When The Art Is So Good?"
Think about all of the artists you have loved and followed for years, are there any who you would NOT want to hear new music from? (Aside from Eric Clapton.) The whole concept of an artist not releasing new music in the traditional way--vinyl/CD--has never sat well with me. But to think there are artists who are still inspired to create but ultimately not bothering because "no one cares" seems like a sad way to go.
40 comments:
Great post. The one artist I don't currently care to hear new music from is Van Morrison. His last two albums have been spectacularly awful. Fortunately I have 35+ albums of his that range from 'a few redeeming moments' all the way to 'absolute classic'. I'll have to make do with those. Of course, if he ever rediscovers his muse, I'll probably be right there.
Great topic, but I suspect it's in the wrong place. Most readers of your blog are music lovers. We look for something new and exciting. Most of the downloads I've taken from your posts are of songs/bands that I am not familiar with, wanting to hear something different.
If you polled the average concert goer who went to see Rod Stewart and Cheap Trick at PNC Arts center, they'd mostly want to hear only the songs they know. Which sadly, is only the radio hits.
Tim's comment sounds cynical, but is fairly accurate.
Of my top ten or so bands, I really can't think of one that I wouldn't jump at their new music, if they produced any. Maybe, just maybe if the Stones tried something new, I might avoid it.
Troy,
We crossed paths. As you were leaving your comment, I added a bit about Van Morrison.
@itsok2beright,
I don't disagree that the majority of concert goers want to hear the hits. But playing "Hotel California" over say "The Sad Cafe" is different than simply not bothering to record "The Sad Cafe."
Sal, I couldn't agree more. The last couple of Costello albums with the Imposters are excellent, and the Who album was such a great surprise. Where would we be without All This Music Must Fade?
I've been reading articles/interviews in preparation for the upcoming Roxy Music tour, and Phil Manzanera mentioned that Roxy had attempted a new album sometime in the last 10 years and the results just weren't good. There's always the possibility that the new music would be crap (I'm not sure many of us reach for Endless Wire these days), and I do appreciate that the artists don't want to ruin their reputation. But what the hell, we're not getting any younger and soon it won't be a possibility.
I mean, I appreciate the hell out of Neil Young continuing to put out new music and try new things. But I'm not going out of my way to pick it up. (And now that he's off Spotify, I have less chance of hearing it.)
Guess I'm arguing both sides of this issue. :)
Bill
Thanks, Sal. Agree with you that somehow the sudden shift to batshit crazy has affected my enjoyment of listening to his previous albums. Those albums didn't change, but apparently I did. I do still occasionally listen to St Dominic's Preview, Hymns to the Silence, Avalon Sunset, and of course Into the Music (a holy trinity album for me). But the rest are at least on hold for now. Which bums me out.
Oh, and I love The Sad Cafe.
I've pretty much given up on Paul McCartney, that song he did with Kayne West, Rihanna, junk. The Foo Fighters. I'm so sick of seeing Dave Grohl anytime I turn on a R&R documentary and there he is. Tuff shit about Taylor Hawkins, he knew what he was getting into. Ozzy Osbourne. What's the old adage about AC/DC that applies to Ozzy? Keep releasing the same record with a different title. Frank Zappa. Hell, you could buy a house with all the money you'd shell out trying to keep up with his catalogue. Kiss (see Ozzy). Here's two I haven't given up on yet, I'm hoping their new stuff will measure up to their old stuff they are The Cult and Billy Idol but my patience is wearing thin. Great topic.
I hope Paul McCartney keeps making new music. Not everything holds up, but a lot of it has been really enjoyable. The only thing I don't want from Paul is another live album, unless it had no Beatles or Wings songs, only solo stuff...heck, that could be interesting, but would never happen.
I agree with Troy, re: McCartney. There will always be some crap like that Kanye/Rihanna track, but that's one track. His solo records for the last 25 years seem to have a reputation that precedes them, and I think it clouds just how solid and consistent most of them are.
Side Topic:
Artists making age-appropriate records.
How great would it be to hear McCartney record an acoustic, piano record?
Or, for my purpopses, Todd Rundgren going back to his roots and making a pop/r&b record instead of trying to sound like Tame Impala.
Stevie Nicks made the case for herself awhile back not to record any new music when she released the original Dealer and we could hear the deterioration of her voice on the rerecorded version of Dealer on 24 Karat. But obviously that hasn't stopped Ian Anderson...sorry Sal, I know you liked the last album.
mauijim,
Not me. I haven't heard any Ian Anderson music since "Heavy Horses."
Artists making age-appropriate records:
Boz Scaggs
Steve Earle
Drive-By Truckers
Paul Westerberg (but hasn't released anything new in 4-5 years)
I genuinely love the song Paul did with Kanye and Rihanna. It's still in regular rotation for me. And there is no artist that I like that I don't wanna hear new music from. I even hold out hope that Van Morrison will come back to us!
Eric Clapton, however, lost me about 2 decades ago. That's fine. Don't need to love everyone.
But god, I'd love the Stones to put out a really good record! Is it too late? Maybe! But stranger things have happened. And I'd much rather hear "Ghosts" thank "Darkness On the Edge of Town" live. But maybe we ARE a different breed than the average concertgoer.
It's always made me cringe whenever a big act would come to town and the local news does their pointless interviews with fans in the parking lot. Inevitably, someone ALWAYS says "this music makes me feel like I'm 15 again!" (or something to that effect). And, for a lot of people, that's what popular music is. I, personally, couldn't be more horrified at the idea of being 15 again. And I certainly don't go to my record collection for nostalgia. To me, the great songs stay living and breathing in the present. And I want my favorite artists to add to that collection. Always
i love Fleetwood Mac in all its versions, but I have no interest in listening to anything new by any permutation unless it includes Jeremy Spencer or is another Fleetwood vacation in Africa a la The Visitor (not one of his blues/all star efforts).
Getting into the weeds, there are tons of musicians I loved back in the 70's (Jerry Goodman, Bill Connors, Darryl Way, anybody associated with Missing Persons) who have reverted to generic fusion-y stuff that doesn't appeal to me. otoh, The Motels persist in releasing interesting stuff.
To be fair to Costello, I think the shows he's playing on his US tour are a bit shorter than the shows he played in the UK/Europe (presumably because Nick Lowe was playing a longer set than the average support act) so that might explain why he's playing less off the (magnificent) new record, no? When I saw him in Scotland he played 5 tracks off ABNI.
Honest Ed,
That may be true, but my point, though mostly likely unclear due to my hasty writing, was about wanting to hear new music from these artists. Back in the day, artists would play most of a new album. On the "Imperial Bedroom" tour they played 10 of the 13 tracks. I don't think EC played more than 5 off of ABNI in Europe either.
When the older bands try to keep up with new trends, speak the new language, connect with teenagers and young people of today, that's when things go wrong. (I'm picturing Hall & Oates in the Adult Education video, that's when the shark was jumped on keeping up with the youngsters in their case.) Especially when those artists are in advanced middle ages.
Now, when an artist comes with their perspective of today, not trying to copy their old sound but not trying to keep up with the autotuned malarkey of today, I give them plenty of latitude. Lots of good examples from the past decade, from the ones you mentioned to Bowie to Western Stars to Bonnie Raitt's latest.
"When the older bands try to keep up with new trends, speak the new language, connect with teenagers and young people of today, that's when things go wrong. (I'm picturing Hall & Oates in the Adult Education video, that's when the shark was jumped on keeping up with the youngsters in their case.) Especially when those artists are in advanced middle ages."
Excellent.
I think this is also the reason why the Stones haven't made a good record in ages. Jagger tries too hard to stay current. Keith doesn't really try at all. They each need to come down a bit, not to mention getting Don Was the hell out of the picture.
Look what Nigel Godrich did for McCartney on "Chaos & Creation." It was the most adult pop record he had made in ages. Godrich wasn't afraid to say "No." The Stones need a producer to tell them what to do and stick with it, like Godrich, or Rick Rubin. The same instrumentation used on those acoustic tracks on "Stripped" should be exactly how they record the new material. No more. Age appropriate.
Hi Sal..
Funny you mention the IB tour. When I saw him on that, it was the first time I saw him, and my first ever gig. I checked the setlist. He did 7 songs of Imperial Bedroom.
Re this tour - it's worth adding that he also played 4 songs off Hey Clockface in the show I saw, an album I don't think he was able to tour at all. For an artist who probably peaked commercially last century, about half of what he played was from this one. Looking at Setlist fm, it looks like he's played 11 of the ABNI songs on this tour.
https://www.setlist.fm/stats/albums/elvis-costello-and-the-imposters-bd609da.html?tour=33dec855
I guess what I'm getting at is that I'm not sure he's the kind of performer who tends to stick to the early, funny stuff.
probably a personal bias, but bands i saw in the 80's have a good track record of coming back from long breaks to make albums/songs/videos i've been happy to give a trial run - Ride, Modern English, The Church, Died Pretty, Poi Dog Pondering, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, the Motels, Eleventh Dream Day, Dream Syndicate, Alejandro Escovedo, Long Ryders, Prefab Sprout (tbh, I Trawl the Megahertz was a rerelease of a McAloon solo album, but still), John Doe, Dave Alvin. the only one i can think of being overexposed to is Flaming Lips.
Yes! And no! Timothy B. Schmidt's reason is sad and self-defeating. But if a recording artist or writer or director or playwright or whatever realizes, hey, I'm done. I got nothing left to say. Well, that's very hard to do and I respect it and appreciate it a lot more than slogging through yet another Woody Allen movie because he doesn't know how else to fill his days. But def if an artist is doing what they love and not going through the motions (and why should they since albums don't sell anymore so they might as well only do it if they want to) then keep it coming!
@Michael Giltz
I was hoping to keep this about music, but since you brought up Woody Allen, my favorite screenwriter and one of my favorite filmmakers, I need to say this.
Having seen every one of Woody's films, most of them more than twice, with only a few of the truly bad ones once, I see no difference in his career trajectory than Prince, or Neil Young, or Jackson Browne or any number of artists who produce similar art, time and time again. The characters are the same, the storylines are similar, the locations are familiar. They are Woody Allen films. And I've looked forward to each and every one, never ever feeling like it was a "slog." Some work better than others, others are lazily dismissed, and some are simply terrible. But I'll take an average Woody film, with the same jokes about his Aunt, or his allergies over 25 years of solid crap from Prince or Neil Young.
Right up until he died and still now, there is this smoke and mirrors type of adoration for all of Prince's work post 1995. I don't recall ever seeing a review of a Prince record that said, "This is garbage." I find that harder to swallow than watching another average, but at least entertaining Woody movie. I don't even think Woody thinks his films are great, which to your point, expresses some light on his making the art just to have something to do. But is that so different from Prince and Neil?
Was "Barn" truly "inspired? Or "Welcome 2 America?" Or "LotusFlower?" I can't think of a musical artist who consistently put out crap for 25 years and never got called on it. Not even Neil gets the praise that Prince gets and Prince's catalogue since 1995 is the very definition of slog. But when the estate releases the next "brilliant" vault album, I will be right there.
A few months ago, we saw The Wonder Stuff in London. They were touring behind the 30th anniversary of the "Never Loved Elvis" album. After playing that record in full, they returned for a 2nd set that consisted of about 16 songs from their career. At one point, Miles Hunt, the bandleader announced "You're not getting out of here w/o us playing a few new songs." And he followed that up with "And if you're going to boo, boo in the key of G". Got a good laugh from the audience and the songs were of course great.
I'm not much an Eagles fan. In fact when they played Citi Field a few years ago, we left the show early. So don't really care about hearing new music from them.
As for the Stones, they keep talking (or Keith does) about writing new songs and and album that has about 6 completed songs. And for some stupid reason I remain optimistic that something will eventually be released. And then of course it will end up being A Bigger Bang Part 2.
But back to the main point; people do want to hear new music from artists they care about. And if the music is good, it will be received well. Recent examples: Robert Plant, P Furs, Bruce (Hornsby), Tears for Fears, and yes Elvis Costello.
Last thing; I know we are all supposed to ignore Ryan Adams but he has released 2 excellent albums this year. If people can forgive Michael Jackson (I mean there's an effing Broadway show about him), we can do the same for Ryan who committed far less sins. And unlike the Jackson estate, Ryan has sincerely apologized.
"Last thing; I know we are all supposed to ignore Ryan Adams but he has released 2 excellent albums this year. If people can forgive Michael Jackson (I mean there's an effing Broadway show about him), we can do the same for Ryan who committed far less sins. And unlike the Jackson estate, Ryan has sincerely apologized."
Yes, yes and yes!
But still, F**K Eric Clapton and Van Morrison.
Dang, a lot of threads here! I'll try to comment on a few.
I'm always for new music by any good artist, period. I loved it that, for instance, Lindsey Buckingham got kicked out of FM by Stevie (who said she didn't care to record any more new music) and he then came up with one of his better solo LPs, the recent self-titled one.
When I saw Lindsey in Atlanta in Sept 2021, he didn't do an FM song until song #9 and I loved it. His 4 songs from the new LP were the show's highlight. But, he later played 4 straight FM songs to please the rose-wine crowd, which was a shame.
I think Todd Rundgren has put out some great music at an advanced age - and I differ from you Sal in that I do like his techno/Tame Impala stuff. I'd love to hear him at a piano solo too (I've been on a huge Laura Nyro kick lately), but I'd rather him follow his muse rather than do what I'd like. ("As if," to the latter)
And this was a fantastic point Sal when you wrote:
But playing "Hotel California" over say "The Sad Cafe" is different than simply not bothering to record "The Sad Cafe."
"are there any who you would NOT want to hear new music from?" Ok, let me put my grumpy hat on today...
Admittedly, I fell into this with Bowie. The last *great* track from him (for me) was "I'm Afraid of Americans". I did pick up a copy of the Brilliant Adventures box from my local library and played every album that was on it about a month ago. They came and went for me in an "this is ok with couple of tracks I really liked, but probably not again" vein. I don't think I've listened to Blackstar again since the first time it came out (before he died even) This doesn't mean he shouldn't record again (hah, I know, I know...) but I moved on.
REM -- I'd be fine (based on their last few albums) if they stay retired. Maybe after all this time away, they could come up with a great reunion album like Redd Kross did. Who knows -- I'm sure I'd listen to it, but my enthusiasm level would be pretty low going into it.. Same with KISS. I'm honestly glad they decided it wasn't worth cranking out any more new music so it doesn't tarnish my love of the band (yes, I unabashedly am a member of the KISS army...)
I honestly do not want to hear any new music from Brian Wilson again. It would just make me sad.
Don't get me wrong -- every artist should follow their muse and I'd never be the one to say "please stop it" to anybody. Chrissie Hynde can make new music until she dies and I'd put it on just to hear *that voice*.
Hard agree on the Michael Jackson comments as well. Funny that Woody Allen has come up in this convo as people have gotten VERY upset with me for watching Woody Allen movies. Yet Michael Jackson is still universally beloved. Being dead has something to do with it, for sure. But we are definitely dealing with different standards here.
Still, this is off topic.
And, Sal, I'm a Prince fanatic but I fully agree (although I kinda liked "Musicology", but in a "well this is better than most of the stuff he's put out recently" kinda way. I still dig the title track. But after the mid 90s things were most definitely dire.
The more I think about it, some artists DO have an expiration date for me. But it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with new music. But, for some reason I used to LOVE Jackson Browne and now I never, ever listen to him. No idea why. It just left me. This is a separate topic as well, I guess. But there are artists who once spoke to me who just stopped speaking to me.
On another topic (I'm all over the place), I actually tend to gravitate towards newer work for many artists that I love. I become obsessed with each Dylan album when it's released. I still listen to everything from 2000 on with GREAT regularity, but I haven't listened to "Blowing in The Wind" in 20 years. And that's what much of the world thinks about when they think Dylan. I listen to "Magic" way more than I listen to "Born To Run". Is that because Classic Rock Radio has utterly exhausted the earlier work from those artists? Maybe. But that's the way it's played out for me.
Shriner, your thoughts about REM are interesting. I agree, I wouldn't relish a new album from them, because I think they put a good cap on their career. But they had gotten to a point where they were putting out ho-hum records (that maybe pleased them). They made a conscious effort to not ruin their reputation with the excellent Accelerate and the very good Collapse Into Now (and Live at the Olympia is pretty fantastic, too).
Great topic for discussion, Sal!
Bill
I agree, both "Accelerate" and "Collapse" were excellent enough to make me forget the three that came before.
After reading a ranking of REM albums last weekend, I went and re listened to the post Bill Berry albums. The Pat McCarthy albums were better than I remembered them but still not great and way too long. A new producer and shorter albums like Accelerate and Collapse which were way better. For me Collapse was the best of the lot by a distance.
It's a very short list of 60's and 70's artists that I am interested in to hear new music. There are plenty of artists that are still viable but for me they are from the 80's, 90's and on. I would rather explore Shindig's Under the Radar Albums from the 90's. There seems to be more of a reward to hear albums you missed when albums counted.
Chris Collins, have you listened to JB's Downhill From Everywhere? A friend shared that with me earlier this week and I gave it a first spin today. I was seriously impressed. Not saying it will have longevity for me, but I will keep it in rotation as long as I can. Plus, great observation about potential exhaustion of many 'classic' albums from classic rock radio. I can certainly relate on several former favorites.
And I love the last two REM albums. I was so disillusioned with the previous three (espec Around the Sun), I was thrilled with their return to any semblance of their former selves.
One of the biggest disappointments of my "Listening To Music Life" was that Led Zeppelin failed to get together after the O2 in the studio to make new music. I totally understand why Robert didn't want to go on the road with the band and be a "Jukebox On Stage". I greatly respect that and I'm cool they didn't do that.
Who knows what type of music they might have come up with after so many years apart. Relatively speaking, they were kids when they dissolved and they were old guys when they played for the last time in '07. Could have been great, but alas...
The longer Todd goes without putting out his pop/r&b album, the angrier I get.
Randy
@Troy, will give a listen
And and argument could be made that previous to "Up", REM had one of the best 10 album run in rock and roll. From "Murmur" to "New Adventures" every album was seriously great. "Monster" and "Green" are the only two that are 4 star rather than 5 star albums for me.
After reading through these comments, I have two thoughts.
First, art appreciation of any type is subjective. Let's take the McCartney/Kanye collab. in this very discussion, there was one opinion that it's "junk", and one who enjoys it even now. Who's right?
Two, after some thought, I realized I view the question asked in reverse. When a band Ive always listened to releases new music, I'll give it a listen. I don't have a list of bands I don't want to hear from. It's a sort of take it as it comes thing for me.
All of that said, I get a bigger thrill from discovering music made by new artists, than listening to new stuff from vintage artists. I don't want to live in the past music-wise. I want to experience new music.
PRINCE
Dirty Mind ***
Controversy ** 1/2
1999 *** 1/2
Purple Rain ****
Around The World in A Day ***
Parade ****
Sign O' The Times ****
Lovesexy **
Batman no stars
Graffiti Bridge ** 1/2
Diamonds and Pearls **
Love Symbol Album **
Come *
The Black Album **
The Gold Experience ** 1/2
Chaos and Disorder **
Emancipation ***
Crystal Ball/The Truth ** 1/2
The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale * 1/2
Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic **
Musicology ** 1/2
3121 **
Planet Earth ** 1/2
Lotus Flow3r/ MPL Sound **
PlectrumElectrum **
Art Official Age **
HITnRUN Phase One ** 1/2
HITnRUN Phase Two ** 1/2
Piano and a Microphone 1983 ***
Welcome 2 America ** 1/2 ("When She Comes" a keeper)
And the only reason I gave so many albums two stars rather than 1 1/2 or 1 is because I just couldn't be bothered to listen to them enough. And there was always SOMETHING that was good, especially when heard out of context (rather than as one track on an album of crap).
If someone has something worth saying, great! If they know they're done and just stop, more power to them.
And I still watch new Woody Allen movies and sometimes there's a good performance or it's pretty funny but more often than not, you think, Hey maybe you should make one movie every three years instead of every year! That run from the 1970s through Husbands and Wives is very impressive. It will be easier to ignore the lesser crap 50 years from now. I have friends who can't stand Fellini even though he made a good five stone cold masterpieces. Why? Because they felt obliged to see all the crap AFTER he made his masterpieces, movie after movie that stomped into the ground the same ideas. Me, I never bothered because it was before my time and I just watched the great stuff. In the future, people will watch The Purple Rose Of Cairo and Hannah and Her Sisters and Zelig and not bother with The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion or Rifkin's Festival and appreciate his greatness all the more.
Ha! I'm ready to downgrade 1999 to three stars, too. And I'll have to give another listen to The Gold Experience. I have no doubt if I listened to some of those recent albums more than once I'd downgrade them to one star as well. I just can't be bothered.
I sure hope Questlove doesn't read this post or we'll have a lot of explaining to do!
Shriner's "last great" assessment of Bowie seems to coincide with the ending of music television. "I'm Afraid of Americans" was in the last wave of inundating videos from the waning days of MTV. Hearing a song every time you turn on the television will heighten it's relevance. The albums after Earthling hold many a treat for those that listen for song craft and not necessarily hooks and earworms. no offense Shriner, but, "that's just like your opinion". (as mine is mine) peace,
A fair point about music videos driving popularity of songs that might otherwise never been heard by the masses. However, I stopped watching MTV (and music videos generally) once the 90s started due to not getting much out of sitting through the dreck on MTV/VH1 as they moved into more reality TV (and being married and starting a family had something to do with it -- priorities!) I do recall seeing the video -- once -- for "Americans", but I doubt that made a difference in what I thought about the song.
I take no offense from anybody who might critique my opinions either. That's what music discussion is all about. I will slander anybody who comes at me about my love for Kim Wilde, though! :-)
Yes, that last Who album was a nice surprise and if you haven't heard it that later self-titled Cheap Trick album is a heavy monster.
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