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.