BW's 150: 10-1

 

 

Without further ado, mostly because if I think on this any longer, I'm going to pop something in my right temple, here is the Top 10. These are my ten favorite songs of all time. And they are in ascending order, though I am not fully confident I believe this ranking myself.  On any given day, with any given mood or frame of mind, any one of these ten songs could be #1. I will say, with all confidence, all ten continue to rock me emotionally, for better or worse. These songs never get old. Not to me. These songs are as good as it gets.

10. My Girl- The Temptations
Have you ever heard this song? It was a huge hit on the Motown label. The opening bass notes--"BIM-bum bum-BIM bum bum" are pretty iconic. And how about the strings before the "hey hey heys?" But seriously, "My Girl" is a mini-miracle. 

9. My Whole World Ended- David Ruffin
David Ruffin strikes again. And so does Motown. The whole band is on fire in this song--listen to the guitar line in the verses-- but it is Ruffin's voice that breaks my heart. There is a quality in the way he delivers each line that sounds a little too real. He is living this song right before our ears. 

8. The Verb To Love- Todd Rundgren
You can drop the needle on any Todd Rundgren album beginning with the Nazz in 1968, right up to his most recent in 2022 and you will hear 25 different styles of music. But it is the slow burn, soul ballad where Rundgren excels and this one from 1976's "Faithful" is my favorite of all.
"Looking for a love with no strings attached. Take me like I am, that's the only catch."

7. Mississippi- Bob Dylan
I've written about "Mississippi" three or four times before. It's Bob's best song. It's one of the greatest songs ever written. As I said in the intro, next week, this could be my favorite song of all time. Every line is a work of art, but I'll offer these, for now.

Walkin' through the leaves, falling from the trees
Feelin' like a stranger nobody sees
So many things that we never will undo
I know you’re sorry, I’m sorry too

Some people will offer you their hand and some won’t
Last night I knew you, tonight I don’t
I need somethin’ strong to distract my mind
I’m gonna look at you ’til my eyes go blind

Well I got here followin' the southern star
I crossed that river just to be where you are
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

6. Waterloo Sunset- The Kinks
This is probably a favorite of many. David Bowie and Paul Weller, and I am pretty sure Elton John and David Gilmour all said it was theirs, at some point. Who could argue against such beauty?

5. A Girl Like You- The Rascals
The arrangement of this Rascals' song can literally bring tears to my eyes. Dino's drumming on this song brings tears to my eyes. This is lightning in a bottle. This is pure bliss captured in under three minutes. This is what pop music is all about. 

4. God Only Knows- The Beach Boys
"I may not always love you/But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it/I'll make you so sure about it
God only knows what I'd be without you
If you should ever leave me/Though life would still go on believe me
The world could show nothing to me/So what good would living do me
God only knows what I'd be without you"

That's it. That's the whole song. It doesn't even need Carl's lead vocals, or the Boys harmonies. But thank God for both.

3. Who Knows Where The Time Goes- Fairport Convention
Could be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Could also be the most beautiful lead vocal ever committed to tape. Ask me next week, and it could be my favorite song of all time. There is no voice like Sandy Denny.

2. The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore- The Walker Brothers
I've loved this song my whole life, but something changed when I saw Jules Shear and Marshall Crenshaw sings this together at a benefit for Victoria Williams in 1992. It was their harmony on the line "the tears are always clouding your eyes." Something shot through me and I never heard this song the same way again. It's got to be the Wallker Brothers. Nothing wrong with the Four Seasons. But the Walker Brothers take this to a different level of greatness. It's big!

1. Stardust- Nat "King" Cole
Are you surprised? Shocked? I've held this as my favorite song of all time for years. My dad used to say it was his favorite song of all time and I'd laugh. I thought he was kidding. When asked who his favorite singer was, he'd say Tony Martin. That was a joke, and so I thought "Stardust" was a joke...until I paid attention. It's Hoagy Carmichael's masterpiece and I believe Nat "King" Cole owns it. It doesn't get more beautiful than "Stardust."

And now the purple dusk of twilight time
Steals across the meadows of my heart
High up in the sky the little stars climb
Always reminding me that we're apart

 

You wandered down the lane and far away
Leaving me a song that will not die
Love is now the stardust of yesterday
The music of the years gone by

 

Sometimes I wonder how I spend
The lonely night
Dreaming of a song
The melody haunts my reverie
And I am once again with you

When our love was new
And each kiss an inspiration

But that was long ago
And now my consolation
Is in the stardust of a song

 

Beside the garden wall
When stars are bright
You are in my arms
The nightingale tells his fairytale
Of paradise where roses grew

Though I dream in vain
In my heart it will remain
My stardust melody
A memory of love's refrain

 

zip

 

Next up, the Top 150 power pop bands that sound like Big Star.

 

Burning Wood's 150
I Got You- Split Enz
Here Comes My Girl- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Nothing Rhymed- Gilbert O'Sullivan
Every Kinda People- Robert Palmer
In A Sentimental Mood- Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
Her Town Too- James Taylor & J.D. Souther
Someday- Steve Earle
Pinball Wizard- The Who
Bell Bottom Blues- Derek & The Dominoes
Amie- Pure Prairie League
It'll Take A Long Time- Sandy Denny
Sing It- Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball & Tracy Nelson
I Walk In My Sleep- Berna-Dean
My Baby's Taking Me Home- Sparks
Go Or Go Ahead- Rufus Wainwright
Throw Your Arms Around Me- Crowded House
Don't Stop Me Now- Queen
Aja- Steely Dan
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes- Crosby, Stills & Nash
More Today Than Yesterday- Spiral Staircase
On The Wings Of A Nightingale- The Everly Brothers
Care Of Cell 44- The Zombies
Elvis Presley Blues- Gillian Welch
New Lace Sleeves- Elvis Costello
Percy's Song- Fairport Convention
Station To Station- David Bowie
Hard Times- Ray Charles
My Man- Billie Holiday
This Will Be Our Year- The Zombies
Dawn (Go Away)- The Four Seasons
Lonely Boy- Andrew Gold
Fairytale Of New York- The Pogues w/Kirsty MacColl
Soliloquy- Frank Sinatra
Green Onions- Booker T. & The MG's
The Golden State- John Doe & Kathleen Edwards
Stupidly Happy- XTC
Bus Stop- The Hollies
Mandocello- Cheap Trick
Tell It Like It Is- Aaron Neville
You're A Big Girl, Now- Bob Dylan
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man- Aretha Franklin
Moody's Mood For Love- King Pleasure
21st Century Gypsy Singing Lover Man- Taj Mahal
Take Me For A Little While- Vanilla Fudge
Pancho & Lefty- Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
Sea & Sand- The Who
What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round- The Monkees
Silver Springs (Live)- Fleetwood Mac
If We Never Meet Again- Reckless Sleepers
Layla- Derek & the Dominoes
Not Where It's At- Del Amitri
Hurt- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Walk On By- Dionne Warwick
Listen, Listen- Sandy Denny
Into The Mystic- Van Morrison
Old Town- Phil Lynott
Brief Candles- The Zombies
1952 Vincent Black Lightning- Richard Thompson
Until The Night- Billy Joel
Comfortably Numb- Pink Floyd
Heaven & Hell- The Easybeats
Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel- Todd Rundgren
If I Fell- The Beatles
(Baby) You Don't Have To Tell Me- The Walkler Brothers
The Worst That Could Happen- Brooklyn Bridge
Company- Rickie Lee Jones
Ol' 55- Tom Waits
I'm Not In Love- 10cc
Let's Stay Together- Al Green
The March Of The Black Queen- Queen
You Get What You Give- New Radicals
What A Fool Believes- The Doobie Brothers
Sally Go Round The Roses- The Jaynettes
Maybe I'm Amazed- Paul McCartney
I Wish It Would Rain- The Temptations
Like A Rolling Stone- Bob Dylan
I Wish I Was Your Mother- Mott The Hoople
Surf's Up- The Beach Boys
Stand- Sly & the Family Stone
I Believe (When I Fall In Love With You It Will Be Forever)- Stevie Wonder
Summer Wind- Frank Sinatra
Summer, Highland Falls- Billy Joel
I Never Dreamed- The Cookies
To Sir With Love- Lulu
Caroline, No- The Beach Boys
It Makes No Difference- The Band
Blue, Red & Grey- The Who
Without You- Nilsson
Drive All Night- Bruce Springsteen
Days- the Kinks
What Is Life- George Harrison
Sunny- Bobby Hebb
Walking In The Rain- The Ronettes
Walk Away Renee- The Left Banke
You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling- The Righteous Brothers
Both Belong- The Grays
How Can I Be Sure- The Rascals
Marquee Moon- Television
True (Live From Montreux)- James Booker
You Can't Always Get What You Want- The Rolling Stones
Street Fighting Man- The Rolling Stones
Baby Baby (I Still Love You)- Cinderella
Sunrise- The Who
It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference- Todd Rundgren
Rain- The Beatles
Comin' Back To Me- Jefferson Airplane
Atlantic City- Bruce Springsteen
American Tune- Paul Simon
Happy- The Rolling Stones
All The Young Dudes- Mott The Hoople
Somebody To Love- Queen
Something- The Beatles
(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave- Martha & The Vandellas
I Can See For Miles- The Who
America- Simon & Garfunkel
Willin'- Little Feat
Suspicious Minds- Elvis Presley
Reflections Of My Mind- Marmalade
September Song- Erroll Garner
Both Sides Now- Jason Falkner
Thunder Road- Bruce Springsteen
I Saw The Light- Todd Rundgren
Save The Last Dance For Me- the Drifters
Behind Blue Eyes- the Who
Wichita Lineman- Glen Campbell
A Case Of You- Joni Mitchell
Hot Fun In The Summertime- Sly & The Family Stone
Heroes- David Bowie
Born To Run- Bruce Springsteen
Just One Victory- Todd Rundgren
The Kids Are Alright- the Who
And Your Bird Can Sing- The Beatles
Don't Worry Baby- The Beach Boys
What's Going On- Marvin Gaye
Groovin'- The Rascals
Darlin'- The Beach Boys
For No One- The Beatles
Reach Out, I'll Be There- The Four Tops
Elenore- the Turtles
Paris 1919- John Cale
My Girl- The Temptations
My Whole World Ended- David Ruffin
The Verb "To Love"- Todd Rundgren
Mississippi- Bob Dylan
Waterloo Sunset- The Kinks
A Girl Like You- The Rascals
God Only Knows- The Beach Boys
Who Knows Where The Time Goes- Fairport Convention
The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore- The Walker Brothers
Stardust- Nat "King Cole

Riffing In Times New Roman

 

When the Queens Of The Stone Age hit it, they hit it out of the park. Since their 1998 debut, you can count on at least half of every album to have big time riffage over big time thumping with enough hooks to decorate the Louvre. The problem is the other half. QOTSA often get lost in their own repetition, and by the end of Side Two, it all becomes one long song. Your miles may vary, of course, but I am a fan and I love what I love, though more times than not in 25 years, I wished I could love more.

"In Times New Roman" is the new Queens Of the Stone Age album, and it's the first since 2013's "Like Clockwork" that didn't leave me wanting less. This album is relentless, but in the best possible ways. There are no left turns, so it's a fairly easy ride from side to side, and what works, like one of the first singles "Emotion Sickness," works really well.

The best thing I can say about "In Times New Roman" is that I am ready for another spin.

Got 28 Live Albums If You Want Them

 

The Rolling Stones have released 27 studio albums since their debut in 1964. In related news, the Rolling Stones have released 28 live albums since their first, "Got Live If You Want It" in 1966. Many of those live albums were part of their "live archive" series, a practice that was once a unique treat for fans but has since become, like everything else, boring and pointless. Do we need a live recording from every night of a tour when the tour's set list mostly goes unchanged, save one or two audibles? 

But even without that spate of archive releases, the Stones released eight live albums in their first 35 years! Many of them were real crap. 

Of course, "Get Yer Ya Ya's Out" is widely considered to be one of the greatest live albums of all time. And I won't take that away from it. Some think the greatest live performances ever given by the Stones were those in Texas that were filmed in 1972 for what became "Ladies & Gentlemen, the Rolling Stones." "Brussels 1973," once a cherished bootleg and now a commercial release as part of the "Goat's Head Soup" box, is another that tops many Stones' fans list. All of these are terrific. "Still Life," "Flashpoint," "No Security," and "Live Licks," not so much.

Personally, I think the short set played at London's Marquee Club in 1971 rivals them all. If they had only played "Live With Me" and nothing else, I might still feel the same. They launch into that song like they were shot out of a cannon, and they don't let up.

We recently got to hear the infamous Mocambo shows of 1977 in their entirety and again, the band is on fire. With respect to "Ya Ya's," as great as the band was in 1969, by comparison, the Marquee and Mocambo sets feel more exciting. Admittedly, that just might be because I've spent less time with the latter two.

But, my favorite "live" set of all, is "Stripped" from 1995. Not "Totally Stripped," or "Kinda Stripped," or "Stripped Again," or any of the inferior repackages that followed. Just "Stripped," a two LP set that was recorded at a few small venues in 1995, with some newly reworked acoustic versions of classics recorded live to tape at a few rehearsals.

The set list mixes deep cuts and obvious  crowd pleasers. Mick's voice is as good as it's ever been live. The arrangements sound sincere, like the band actually cared. They even pull off a more than reasonable stab at "Like A Rolling Stone." "Stripped" plays perfectly, sequenced with love. It feels more like a fan curated collection than just another moneygrab. If you can't remember the last time you listened to "Stripped," that means you should listen to it toot sweet.

 

 

Songs Of The Week, 2023: 6/17-6/23

 

 

To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)- David Rawlings Machine
When It Rains- Brad Mehldau
Great Day- Paul McCartney
Xodokan Iko- Hu Na Ney- Chief Adjuah
Banal- Bill Nelson
The Last Ride- Todd Rundgren
When You Were Mine- The Church

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To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)- David Rawlings Machine
I first heard this on a Ryan Adams album. I like this version, too.

When It Rains- Brad Mehldau
Brad Mehldau's "Largo" was a game changer in 2002. Produced by pop genius Jon Brion, "Largo" was nothing like the piano jazz of Mehldau's previous records. This record blew my mind then, and now, with a brand new, stellar sounding, first time vinyl release, it is blowing my mind all over again. Even if you are not a jazz person, I suggest listening to this track, the opener from "Largo" and if you like it even a bit, you might be compelled to hear more.

Great Day- Paul McCartney
One more reason Macca needs to do an acoustic record.

Xodokan Iko- Hu Na Ney- Chief Adjuah
I first saw Chief Adjuah when he was 17 years old, playing in New Orleans under his given name Christian Scott, alongside his uncle Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. I knew then he was going places. Since then, he has released a number of heavy duty, Grammy nominated jazz records, that resemble Miles Davis electric period. On this brand new single, he seems to be embracing his New Orleans roots. I am looking forward to the upcoming record, "Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lightning" coming July 28th.

Banal- Bill Nelson
I bought a small collection a few weeks ago which had a number of Bill Nelson records in it. I remembered loving this track when it first came out in 1981. It features both Nelson's post-Be Bop Deluxe electronic sound, but still has some old guitar fire.

The Last Ride- Todd Rundgren
One last tip of the hat to Todd as he celebrates #75.

When You Were Mine- The Church
And last, but not least is this grinder from the Church's debut.

Got Stuff If You Want It!

 

 

INCOMING!

It's Saturday! The best day for record shopping.

Lorts of new stuff since my last vinyl post.

Check'em out over here!

Buy some records. You'll feel good and so will I.

Thanks for looking.

BW's 150: 11-20

 

 

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES....

We have reached the Top 20! 

By process of elimination, a not very scientific method of determination, these ten songs have remained in the Top 20. What remains in the Top 10 are ten songs that I consistently feel I love more than the rest. But looking at what's here today, 11-20, I see songs that on any given day could be swapped out and placed in the Top 10.

If you don't have a headache from that last paragraph, read on.

(These songs are sequenced in optimum playing order, not by rank.)

 

The Kids Are Alright- The Who
The topic of "first power pop song" comes up often, and I think this should be a contender. But it's not just the mellifluous melody, or that opening chord, or those harmonies on "I don't mind" which kick the song into gear. It's all of that and the fact that Pete Townshend wrote this when he was 21 years old. He's already thinking about getting away, and trusting his friends to watch after his girl. He has plans. I still don't have plans and I'll be dead soon. This song has layers of brilliance.

And Your Bird Can Sing- The Beatles
Speaking of "first power pop songs," this jangling masterpiece from "Revolver" does not waste a second. It's 2:01 of musical bliss.

Don't Worry Baby- The Beach Boys
Speaking of "not wasting a second"...
"Well it's been building up inside of me for oh, I don't know how long"
What an opening line!
Check out Brian Wilson's solo piano version if you have any doubts about how perfect this melody is.

What's Going On- Marvin Gaye
What more can be said about this song that hasn't already been said thousands of times? It's beloved for a reason.

Groovin'- The Young Rascals
Did they know they were writing a song that would end up exemplifying summer? Like Sly's "Hot Fun In The Summertime," "Groovin'," within seconds, takes me to 100 places I've loved in my summertime life.

Darlin'- The Beach Boys
People question my memory. How can you remember something from 50 years ago, something so minor? Well, my long term memory is pretty damn good. Short term, not so much. Yesterday, I walked to my corner grocery store for a bottle of white vinegar to clean my Keurig, and I came back with a box of Cheerios. Yet, I can tell you, in detail, all about the day I bought this 45. I was with my father and I wanted "Come A Little Bit Closer" by the Jay & The Americans. House Of Oldies on Bleecker Street was out of it and my father said, "Get 'Darlin' by The Beach Boys. It's better." He was right, like 1000 times better. 2:14 of pop perfection. 

For No One- The Beatles
A 23 year old Paul McCartney somehow finds this song inside of him.
"In her eyes, you see nothing. No sign of love behind the tears, cried for no one. A love that should have lasted years." Conversely, these lyrics are from the Top 5 smash, "Kill Bill" by SZA.
"I might kill my ex, not the best idea
His new girlfriend's next, how'd I get here?
I might kill my ex, I still love him though
Rather be in jail than alone"

Reach Out, I'll Be There- The Four Tops
The Beatles are not overrated. They are UNDERrated. And Motown, too! UNDERrated.
I could have easily filled my Top 40 with nothing but Motown songs. The sound is miraculous. It's hard to reconcile that people are making the sounds you hear on these singles. It's like they were born already created; miracles of pop music. This Four Tops track is one of the very greatest.

Elenore- The Turtles
Again, it's all about the melody and the harmony. That chorus! This is another gem that evokes nothing but good times. "You're my pride and joy, etcetera." ~sigh~

Paris 1919- John Cale
This might look like the outlier, but it's just as brilliant and beautiful and unique as the other nine listed here. This wasn't the first John Cale record I owned. I had "Fear" and "Slow Dazzle" before "Paris 1919." I was already a fan of those records, but this album was something else. It still knocks me out. Like the first Left Banke album, or "Pet Sounds," "Paris 1919" is its own island.

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A Long Time, And A Long Way To Go: Happy 75th Todd

 

 

May 8th, 1977, was the Sunday I was confirmed like a good Catholic boy. There was an early evening party at Spike's Bar & Grill on MacDougal Street, with family and friends expected. But as I exited the church, in my red Catholic boy gown, I could see my friend Carl standing across Carmine Street, waving something in the air. He crossed over to my side and handed me a first row ticket to see Todd Rundgren & Utopia at The Palladium that evening. I left my own confirmation dinner early and enjoyed an epic three hour set from Todd and the boys. I sat alone, getting my mind blown. Carl had been able to get three together in the third row, where he sat with our friends Louie and Vinny. He gave me the single in the first row. Two girls sitting next to me were chatting me up before showtime, convinced I was the bass player Kasim Sulton’s brother, as we both had similar haircuts and bad teeth, and also, why the hell would this kid be in the front row unless he is related to the band? 

 

From that day on, there was no looking back. I went all in with Todd Rundgren. Nearly 50 years later, and attending somewhere between 100-150 shows since, I don't know if I should thank Carl or blame him.

 

I've said this before and I'll say it again. I believe more than any other art form, musical artists get judged and dismissed based on nothing. It's the weak ass "Stones haven't made a good record since Sticky Fingers" routine. Of course that's not true, but what makes matters worse is that many who make these blanket statements, do so without having listened to the records they claim aren't any good. In the case of Todd Rundgren, it seems like he hasn't made any records at all, good or bad, since "Something/Anything?" 

 

It was only recently, about 12 years ago, that "A Wizard/A True Star" started to get recognized by young, hip artists, causing a renaissance of sorts, for Todd Rundgren. But before that, if you weren't all in, you were out after "Something/Anything?," out of sheer apathy. Benefit of the doubt, maybe some true music lovers stayed on but were then put off by the insanity of "A Wizard/A True Star" finally jumping overboard for good with what immediately followed. But since 1975, Todd Rundgren, with and without Utopia, has released an additional 25 records, as well as producing a couple of dozen classics, and more often than not, these records, theoretically, have music that should have appealed just as strongly to those "Runt" and "S/A?" fans...if they'd only listened. But sadly, it's easier to just say, "Todd hasn't made a good record since..." Seems like a raw deal to me.

 

Something else I have said before, I am a Todd fan. I am not a Todd fanatic. There is a difference. It's not all good, and I have no issue saying so. But I do believe too many have given up far earlier than what's fair. 

 

I've already written extensive pieces...buyer's guides...to both Rundgren's solo career and his career with Utopia. So at the risk of repeating myself, I just want to acknowledge the 75th birthday of someone who I do believe is a genius, whether writing a three minute pop gem, or an eight minute slow burn soul ballad, or a twenty minute excursion into prog and metal, Todd has done it all convincingly. (Well, almost all. I'd give a kneecap to never hear him rap again.) Few artists can convey such deep soul, joy and pain, with just a voice.

 

So, if you feel like giving his music a shot, preferably something, anything other than "I Saw The Light" and "Hello It's Me," check out my two buyer's guides.

 

Todd Solo 

 

Utopia 

 

And Happy Birthday Todd.

 

 

 

 

Ringo Could Have Played This...

I love Ringo Starr. You love Ringo Starr. We all love Ringo Starr.

But, I think the five second demonstration of "Ticket To Ride" with that heavy 4/4 beat, is pretty damn hot!

 

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Songs Of The Week, 2023: 6/10-6/16

 

Clean Money- Elvis Costello
Rainchild- Octopus
Stupid Marriage- The Specials
O My God- The Police
All Lovers Are Deranged- Pete Townshend
Time For The Sun To Rise- Earl King
Nobody Got No Bizness- New York Dolls

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Clean Money- Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello's two stray track collections, "10 Bloody Marys..." (aka 'Taking Liberties" in the U.S.) and "Out Of Our Idiot" play as well, if not better than a number of proper albums in his long career. This track opens the first, and it opens this week's set.

Rainchild- Octopus
See the post from Monday, 6/12, re: Octopus.

Stupid Marriage- The Specials
The Specials take the legendary Prince Buster's "Judge Dredd" to new heights. (40 years later and I still haven't had enough of that first Specials record.)

O My God- The Police
This one popped up on the iPod shuffle last week. So many big tracks off "Synchronicity," you forget just how good the little ones are. I particularly love Stewart Copeland's stuttering fills when Sting sings "Fill it up! Fill it up!"

All Lovers Are Deranged- Pete Townshend
From "Scoop 3," my favorite of Pete's "Scoop" collections, this was commercially released by David Gilmour on his second solo album, "About Face." Good version, but I like Pete's more.

Time For The Sun To Rise- Earl King
This is one of my favorite tracks out of New Orleans. The vibe is to die for, but only on this version from 1977, which features the French Brothers, Bob and George. Earl King rerecorded this in 1990, and it just doesn't work as well.

Nobody Got No Bizness- New York Dolls
"Hi everybody. I'm David Jo of the New York Dolls. We're from New York City and we like our Philly soul, Chicago style." The reunion of The Dolls and Todd Rundgren, "'Cause I Sez So" sounded a lot better last week than it did when it was released. Give this album a new spin, if like me, you thought it was just okay in 2009.

Jesse Malin

 

If you haven't heard the news, New York punk icon and humanitarian Jesse Malin, suffered a rare spinal stroke which has left him paralyzed from the waist down. It is a sad and devastating story and it shouldn't happen to anyone. But as one friend put it, "It really shouldn't happen to Jesse."

I am not at liberty to go into detail, but I want you to trust me when I say, Jesse Malin is not just a songwriter and rocker. Jesse Malin is someone who has been there for so many people in need, from fellow musicians to fans. It is time for people to now be there for him.

You can do some research and read more about Jesse. Maybe someone who knows more about just what Jesse has done for others will say so in the comments. But again, trust me when I say, we should all be like Jesse Malin.

There is a Sweet Relief Fund that is accepting donations to help Jesse Malin get back to being Jesse "Fucking" Malin. Check it out if you can.

Extreme: An Aptly Named Band From Boston

 

I have a love/hate relationship with the band Extreme that isn't very complicated at all. I love about half of their output and I hate about half. Extreme is the perfect name for this band, for reasons I am sure they hadn't considered.

Let's get the bad news out the way.

The lyrics across their 30 year, six album career, can be hilariously dumb. I don't mean life/strife, fire/higher dumb. I mean, overly cute and not terribly clever or funny, like calling songs "Polticalamity" or "Little Jack Horny." Gary Cherone's vocals are too often too much, like trying to crack an egg with a ball peen hammer. Worse though, is that I think Gary Cherone's biggest fan is Gary Cherone, and that comes across in too many of the songs, even in the ones I love. 

On the upside, Nuno Bettencourt has more talent in his uvula than most musicians currently dominating the music world. He sings better than Cherone and has a keen ear for harmony. And while I am not a fan of shredders and/or shredding, Nuno is the absolute best at it, and that is because it's more than just a show. He uses his ear for melody and harmony and so his guitar solos sing while also taking your breath away.

I've listened to "Six," twice. This is the band's "comeback" album and I think it might be their most consistent. Are there songs I hate? Hell yeah, but fewer than usual. I can't help but wince when Cherone sings "We're all rich and we're all PO-WUH, we're all searching for what it's all FO-WUH" in "The Mask." And no one wants to hear a bunch of metal heads from Boston play reggae.

But...I can't stop listening to the new single "The Other Side Of The Rainbow." This is record making at its finest. This song has more hooks than the Louvre. The harmonies are to die for. And that bridge! Listen to that bridge! Those chord changes! This is without question the best Gary Cherone has ever sung. 

But that's not all, ladies and germs. I don't like music videos. They distract. But I love this video and I love the edit at the end of the bridge. Wait for that cut from the hand turning up the volume on the car radio to Nuno's guitar solo, which is, as expected, insanely wonderful.

As a matter of fact, the opening track "Rise" has a little of everything. There are a few cringeworthy moments and some badass moments, including more mindblowing guitar playing from Mr. Bettencourt.

Is Extreme "Six" going to turn the haters around? No, especially if you've already started writing your snarky comments after reading the title of the post. But fans of hard rock and heavy metal or not, there is a lot of good music and terrific playing on this record. "Six," like the first five, goes from one extreme to the other, and I've come to accept that. I'll ignore the "Little Jack Hornies," or just keep moving so I can hear some very solid rock and roll, which when they focus, Extreme plays as well as anybody.

Mollusc Music

 

I first mentioned Octopus in 2019, sharing the first track from their 1971 debut as a Song Of The Day. I hadn't played the album since then and hearing a track pop up this weekend on the iPod shuffle, reminded me that I did indeed dig "Restless Night." I featured that iPod surprise as yesterday's Song Of The Day, but here it is again, with two more.

Octopus were one and done, though Nigel Griggs did go on to play with Split Enz. "Restless Night" deserves a proper reissue. Original copies of the album fetch up to $1000 and even some shakey reissues are getting close to $100, if you include shipping from Malta. Of course, these numbers only apply to those like me who like hard copies.

You can and should listen to the whole thing on YouTube.

As I said in the brief blurb in 2019, Octopus reminds me of Badfinger with balls. In any event, enjoy these tracks and maybe you'll dig for more.

Songs Of The Week, 2023: 6/3-6/9

 

(Due to some technical issues, this week's SOTW zip file will not be tagged or sequenced. You'll need to do that yourself. Apologies from the staff of Burning Wood/Now Playing. Your regularly scheduled SOTW zip files will hopefully be back to normal next week.)

 

All Over My Head- Matthew Sweet
I Close My Eyes- Bee Gees
Forget About It- Ginger Wildheart
You Still Owe Me A Kiss- Danny Wilkerson
In My Lonely Room (Alternate Mix)- The Supremes
Television Light- Marshall Crenshaw
Built To Last- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

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All Over My Head- Matthew Sweet
Some days I think "Blue Sky On Mars" is Matthew Sweet's best record. There's no question that "Girlfriend" is brilliant, but it's just too long. "Mars" is short and...sweet. And packs a real punch, like this, my favorite track.

I Close My Eyes- Bee Gees
Keen readers will have noticed that I love Kevin Gray and have said so many times. His ears belong in the Smithsonian. His work on mastering the first three Bee Gees records is by far, some of his best. These records have never sounded this big. Here is the mono version from Kevin Gray's master of their first album, though I strongly suggest listening to the real thing and not an MP3 to get the true effect of his genius.

Forget About It- Ginger Wildheart
As I continue to plow through Ginger's 352 releases, I continue to find gems, like this one.

You Still Owe Me A Kiss- Danny Wilkerson
I raved about Danny Wilkerson's album in 2018 saying, "With more than a little help from power pop hero Bleu and Jellyfish alum, Roger Manning Jr., Danny Wilkerson serves one gem after another." Here is one of those gems.

In My Lonely Room (Alternate Mix)- The Supremes
The Supremes "A Go-Go" was just released as a deluxe MONO LP and it is a winner. Even better, if you purchase the album from Amazon, your download includes a ton of bonus tracks. One of those tracks is a version of one of my favorite Motown songs, which I honestly did not realize the Supremes had covered. I actually should have known this since that was Berry Gordy's M.O.--having ten artists record the same song and releasing the best of the lot, which in this case was Martha & The Vandellas, though this version is a very close second.

Television Light- Marshall Crenshaw
M.C. went through an extended period with writer's block. For a few years, this was the only new song he would perform live and during that stretch, I got sick of it real fast. But now, "#447" is one of my fave M.C. records and this track is a beauty. I particularly love the understated production.

Built To Last- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
"Into The Great Wide Open" was a bit disappointing after "Full Moon Fever" and because of that, I didn't play it as much, and by not playing it as much, I wasn't as familiar with it. I played it last week. It's better than I remember, but still only about half as memorable. This track, the last on the record, is my favorite. Jeff Lynne's almost girl group production is brilliant.

Gallagher: The One With The Guitar, Not The Watermelon

 

I'm still working my way around "Council Skies," the new record from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds." Full disclosure: when "Definitely Maybe" was released, I hated every second of it. All of The Beatles' comparisons drove me apeshit. Ending a few songs on a major seventh chord, and ripping a few chords from "Hello Goodbye" does not make you The Beatles. But then, "(What's The Story) Morning Glory" was released, and I completely changed my tune. I loved it so much, I bought tickets to see Oasis at the Hammerstein Ballroom and loved that show as much as the record.

Then...nothing. Every record that followed left me cold. They were interchangeable, as were the various solo projects from the Gallaghers, from Beady Eye to the High Flying Birds, I couldn't tell one song from another. 

But here's the rub. I keep trying because there is something that draws me back to the Gallaghers. They love the same music that I do, and I do hear some of that from time to time. The records sound good. They are big and noisy, with plenty of jangle and harmony, and at times, have a real nasty attitude, as well. The problem is, they keep writing the same song over and over for the last 30 years. Even my beloved "Morning Glory" could use a few snips.

That said, if there are any loyal and devoted fans of the Gallaghers out there, no need to suggest any particular record, as I have heard almost all of them. Sadly, I only remember the first two.

And so...that brings us back to "Council Skies" which did not hit me right off the bat. But the two songs I am sharing here, did indeed, make me go back for second and third spins.

 

 

 

 

Yes Virginia, There Are Worse Things Than A Cars Tribute Band

 

Dear Peter Gabriel, HURRY THE F**K UP!

 

Peter Gabriel, who hasn't released a new record in over 20 years, has been really trying my patience by prolonging the process even further and releasing just one song a month for 12 months until the new album "i/o" is finally set free. I've mostly avoided it all. I don't like this process at all. One single ahead of time is fine. Not 12. This is not a preview. It's a pre-ruining of the album proper. I want it all at once, sequenced, as a whole.

That said, I couldn't resist listening to "Road Of Joy." I'm a long time fan, and I needed to hear what Gabriel has been up to for the last two decades. I am happy to say, it sounds like Peter Gabriel, with a touch of "Sledgehammer" and a sprinkling of "Games Without Frontiers." That's not a bad thing, though one would think rewriting two of your hits would take 20 minutes not years.

But I am not here to rag on Mr. Gabriel. He's been an artist I have respected for years, both with and without Genesis, and I do sincerely dig this new track. But, COME ON already! We ain't getting any younger! Put the damn record out so you can get the follow-up out on your 92nd birthday.

Folkocracy

 

Rufus Wainwright's new record, "Folkocracy" is a collection of traditional songs sung with a bevy of special guests, some expected and a few not so much. As a fan, some of this record looked interesting on paper. I know many have an issue with Wainwright's voice. I hear what the critics hear, but I don't mind it. I think it's huge and emotive, and best of all, especially for the non-fans, it blends beautifully with others, which is why I think these duets may work for everyone.

I said "some of this record looked interesting." Songs like Neil Young's "Harvest" sung with Chris Stills, The Mamas & The Papas' "Twelve Thirty" sung with Susanna Hoffs and Sheryl Crow, and "Black Gold" with Van Dyke Parks sparked real interest. But I have never been a fan of John Legend. Brandi Carlisle just doesn't do it for me. David Byrne can very easily get under my skin. And what the hell is Chaka Khan doing here?

Well guess what? The biggest and best surprises are the tracks that I was sure wouldn't be. "Heading For Home" with Legend and "Cotton Eyed Joe" with Chaka are stunning. Byrne and Wainwright sound as if they were singing together their entire lives. And as expected, the Mamas and Papas cover is as perfect as you want it to be.

What's wrong with this record? The same thing that is wrong with most records these days. It's 20 minutes too long. The setlist being what it is doesn't allow for peaks and valleys. There are no rockers. Nothing to dance to. These are folk songs, and so the peaks and valleys come not in the songs themselves, but in the arrangements, which are either understated or sweeping, causing a bit of sameness as we approach the 45 minute mark. It's like listening to "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" 15 different ways. I was drained, in a good way, by song six. I needed to collect myself and go back in after a cold glass of water and a few deep breaths.

If "Folkocracy" was a ten track, single LP, priced at $25 instead of $40, I'd have nothing but praise for it. Rufus Wainwright is a powerhouse and it's hard not to get caught up in the beauty of this record, a few songs at a time.

 

 

 

 

Songs Of The Week, 2023: 5/27-6/2

 

Not That Well-Defined- Sparks
Perfect- John Cale
45- Elvis Costello
A Place Where We Can Be Free- Ernie K. Doe
I'll Take A Melody (Original Mix)- Frankie Miller
Jesus is Going To Make Up My Dying Bed- Pops Staples
Fisherman- The Congos

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Not That Well-Defined- Sparks
I have yet to write a proper review for the new Sparks album, and I still might. But for now let me say, these guys have delivered another classic.

Perfect- John Cale
I haven't had a working CD player in years and Cale's "Black Acetate" isn't on vinyl, so I hadn't really thought about it in a very long time. That record, along with the record right before it, "Hobosapiens," rank very high on the list of Cale releases. I streamed "Black Acetate" last week and it sounded better than ever.

45- Elvis Costello
I put up a rare vinyl edition of "When I Was Cruel" that I expected to sell immediately, so I gave it farewell spin. Two things--it's a damn good record, and, it still hasn't sold.

A Place Where We Can Be Free- Ernie K. Doe
A deep cut from K. Doe's self-titled, all Toussaint album.

I'll Take A Melody (Original Mix)- Frankie Miller
And speaking of Allen Toussaint, he once called Frankie Miller the greatest soul singer he ever heard. Hyperbole? Maybe. But so what! Miller had the pipes and on his Toussaint-produced album "High Life" he really shows them off. There were two versions of "High Life," a New Orleans-centric/heavy on Toussaint mix, and the cleaned up commercial release. Both can be found on the Frankie Miller Chrysalis Years boxed set. This is the original mix of "I'll Take A Melody."

Jesus Is Going To Make Up My Dying Bed- Pops Staples
My kind of Sunday morning gospel music. More tremolo!

Fisherman- The Congos
One of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite reggae records of all time. If you dig it, I suggest listening to the entire "Heart Of The Congos" record.

BW's 150: 21-30

 

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES....

We have reached the Top 30! 

Man, this is tough. These ten songs could have easily been in the Top 20 and at least five could have been in the Top 10.

These songs are sequenced in optimum playing order, not by rank.

Thunder Road- Bruce Springsteen
Back in 2015, I was running a vinyl group on Facebook that was incredibly successful until it wasn't. One afternoon, I put up a copy of "Born To Run" for sale, $10, shipped. One of the members of the group commented, "Featuring the worst song ever written, Thunder Road." Needless to say, I was stunned by the remark. It appears here because it is obviously one of my favorite songs of all time, and on certain days, I think it's the best song Bruce has ever written. But what do I know? That member, who made that comment, by the way, plays bass in a Cars tribute band.

I Saw the Light- Todd Rundgren
One of the most perfect pop songs ever written. Rundgren likes to call it crap. "I wrote this in three minutes," or some other annoying comment dismissing this gem. This rarely leaves his live set, and more times than not, he breezes through it like he hates it, which I also find annoying. But nothing he says or does will change my mind. It's pop genius.

Save The Last Dance For Me- The Drifters
Doc Pomus wrote this about his wedding night and how he told his wife to go have fun and dance, since he himself was crippled and could not. I found that out years after first loving this song and once I did find out, I never heard this track the same way again.

Behind Blue Eyes- The Who
My favorite Pete lyrics of all:
"When my fist clenches, crack it open
Before I use it and lose my cool
When I smile, tell me some bad news
Before I laugh, and act like a fool
And if I swallow anything evil,
Put your fingers down my throat
And if I shiver, please give me a blanket,
Keep me warm, let me wear your coat

Wichita Lineman- Glen Campbell
"And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time"
Do I need to say more?

A Case Of You- Joni Mitchell
It's hard to find a song as stunningly beautiful as this one.

Hot Fun In The Summertime- Sly & The Family Stone
This song evokes summer for many people. Those opening piano chords FEEL like summer. How the hell did Sly do that?
"Buh-buh-buh-buh-buh when I want to!"
Damn right.

Heroes- David Bowie
There's not a lot going on in this song and yet it has everything. This became one of my favorite songs of all time the first time I heard it. That last verse when he sings full throat. The background vocals singing "We can be heroes." Fripp's relentless two notes on the guitar. Simple, yet very effective.

Born To Run- Bruce Springsteen
Was there anything on the radio in 1975 that sounded like this? This was ten years after the heyday of Spector's Wall Sound and probably the first time it was used in a big rock song. This record is a monster. "Someday girl, I don't know when, we're gonna get to that place, we really want to go and we'll walk in the sun." Gets me everytime.

Just One Victory- Todd Rundgren
This one's personal. Between 1975-1985, I must have seen Rundgren and/or Utopia 50 times, and this would always close the show. Everyone was waiting for it, and when he sang the opening line, "We've been waiting so long" the crowd would explode. It's a song of faith, hope and love. It's the Utopia National Anthem. 

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Tom. Zimmy.

 

 

 

 

 

I think this is pretty great.

(h/t BMC)