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?
6 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.
Well, this is coincidental. I pulled out The Joker two nights ago because not only is the title track one of my "perfect songs" (like Association's Never My Love, Glen's Wichita Lineman, Jackie's Higher And Higher, Spinners' I'll Be Around, etc), but album closer Something To Believe In is one of my favorite soft rock songs, just gorgeous. The eccentricity of the early stuff and the commercial acumen of the later stuff was imbued in that album. And, lord, the bass playing on that album is OFF THE CHARTS. So ol' Steve's more'n alright in my book.
C in California
Unfortunately I'm of a later generation that had to endure Fly Like An Eagle, Jet Airliner, The Joker, and everything else from his hits album on AOR even before Classic Rock was an established trend. I'm sure I've missed out on some tasty stuff, but I don't get Patti Smith either.
Love the Anthology compilation, that is sort of a greatest hits collection of his early albums. Not a fan of his late 70s-80s catalogue, but was surprised to learn that some of his recordings afterwards were somewhat of a return to his earlier material.
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