A friend and I were discussing how much we love the Steve Miller Band's first five records, and to some extent, most of the big radio hits. (How can you not like "Swingtown?") I particularly like the "Abracadabra" album, as long as I don't ever have to hear the title song. He mentioned listening to "Brave New World" just the other night and so I asked if he knew the story behind "My Dark Hour." He did not, and in case you do not, it goes like this.
The Beatles were at Olympic Studios one late night in May of 1969, and after a bitter argument over Allen Klein, John, George and Ringo walked out, leaving Paul at the studio, where he bumped into Steve Miller. This is when "My Dark Hour" was recorded, with Miller on guitar, and Paul on drums, bass and backing vocals. Once you know this information, you can tell it's Paul on drums, especially if you're a fan of his first solo album and "The Ballad Of John & Yoko." He does have a style.
My friend hadn't heard Miller's 1993 release "Wide River." I told him to at least listen to the title track. He did and he texted, "Nice! And a fine guitar solo, too!"
And here's a favorite from the "Abracadabra" album, because why not?
3 comments:
The first two, with Boz Skaggs, are masterpieces.
I agree with Simels but would add the third album as wonderful also.
Captain Al
Great memories of college parties where we would blast Space Cowboy and sing "bet you weren't ready for that!" at the top of our lungs. Thanks for the A.M. flashback, Sal.
Post a Comment