Suzanne Vega has a new record, "Flying With Angels," due out in May. I have not thought about Suzanne in ages, but there was a six year span in the 80's when she was in my life almost all the time because her brother Tim and I were inseparable. From 1984-1989, Tim and I hung out almost every night, and during that time, we must have seen Suzanne live at least a dozen times, probably more, occasionally hanging back stage either at The Bottom Line, or Carnegie Hall or the Shubert Theater. I don't think I appreciated Suzanne Vega's music back then as much as I do now.
I've written about Tim a number of times and there is a whole chapter in this book I've written that is about our friendship. Here's a bit of it:
Every night was the same, mostly spent at my apartment on Mercer Street,
drinking Budweiser "tall boys," getting stoned and listening to records. It was
during this run when I first heard Miles' "Sketches Of Spain," Herbie
Hancock's "Speak Like A Child," and R.E.M.'s "Life's Rich Pageant." Tim
had them all. I wasn't completely useless. Tim got a kick out of my Todd Rundgren and ELO records, and though he had known a bit about John Cale through
Suzanne, Tim hadn't really heard much of his music. So I contributed with
Cale's "Helen Of Troy" and "Honi Soit." My Zappa collection, as well as
some of my 60's Brit Invasion stuff, also made Tim happy, as did
getting really high and watching "Baby Snakes" on the USA network's "Night Flight." I still don't think I
have ever laughed so hard and so long.
Often, Suzanne would call, though she never sounded as if she was calling my house looking for Tim. I'd come home and there'd be a message, "Tim, got you and Sal on the guest list for John Cale at the Bottom Line," or, "Tim, meet me at the side entrance of the Shubert Theatre by 7:30. I go on at 8:10. Bring Sal, if you want." He spent so much time at my house, maybe she thought he lived there and I was just visiting. One night she called and played a new song for him over the phone. I just stood there watching Tim cry. You couldn't say much to Tim regarding Suzanne, so I didn't."
That song, by the way, was "Gypsy" and it is included here.
Maybe all you know is "Luka," or "Tom's Diner." Neither are included here today.
Maybe you're already a fan and this is old news.
Or maybe, like me, you haven't thought about Suzanne Vega in ages and this mix will remind you of her wonderful songwriting, like it did me.
TRACKLIST
Tired Of Sleeping
(I'll Never Be) Your Maggie May
In Liverpool
Gypsy
Some Journey
The Queen & The Soldier
(Me and Tim. Mercer Street, 1986)
I found a couple of stubs in the back tray of a Suzanne CD. Those jogged the memory, as well, and put this post into gear.
12 comments:
I knew her pre-stardom in the Village. She was very cool. She also worked as a messenger for a while back then -- out of One Park Avenue, which is where Stereo Review was, so I used to see her a lot in that capacity.
Hi Sal- curious when your autobiography will be published/released. Hopefully soon!
I wish I could tell you. It's finished and raring to go. It seems I am smart enough to write a book, but apparently to stupid to figure out the self-publishing part of the process. I may need to pay a 12 year old to do the work.
I grew very tired of "Luka," as one does of most big pop hits, at least for a while. Then she went on the Grammys with just her and a guitar and absolutely killed it, reclaimed the song's power and her own talent. Then my appreciation really kicked in when she released four albums in the Close-Up series from 2010 to 2012 (maybe for copyright or some other reason), stripped down versions of songs from her catalog before Taylor Swift made rerecording music cool again. They were so strong that sent me back to her albums, which really hit greatness with Days of Open Hands and Nine Objects of desire. I see I've rated every single album she recorded as solid or better, which is very rare for me. She's the real deal.
Oh that Sixpack is tasty! Thanks Sal!
Who is the long haired child in the photo with Tim?
Good weekend all.
It's easy to self-publish on Amazon. I want to read this book!
No. It's not! if it was easy, it would have been out six months ago.
the writing of the book was the HARD part. DIY ethos rules with publishing. Ask Tim's sister if she knows anyone that will help. she knows u I don't @ all but been reading here 4 awhile & u have both a way with words & a fly on the wall story 2 tell. two selfish reasons I want 2 read; I'm figuring we've been @ same events in both Big Easy & Apple, mainly the former. & a few times I was being amused here I u were quoting/cut & pasting but I thought was u. get it done we ain't getting any younger :) back2marrchmadness!
Performing an appendectomy is easy...for a surgeon. Making a Sunday pasta sauce your Italian grandmother would be proud of is easy...if you know how to cook. Playing "Jumping Jack Flash" on bass is easy...unless you're not a bass player.
Either I missed your previous posts about Tim, or I forgot them. Anyway, thanks for sharing these memories.
I always liked Suzanne, musically and visually. I met her once backstage on the Days Of Open Hand tour, and I was so nervous and twitchy I'm sure I traumatized her.
I look forward to anything she does.
here's to friendship. we could all use more of it these days.
e***
Haven't listened yet, but I don't know what made me smile bigger -- the absolute joy on you guys' faces, or the rubber chicken nailed up on the wall behind you guys.
C in California
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