An Excellent New Cheap Trick Record: I Love When That Happens

 

"Another World," Cheap Trick's 20th studio album since their classic debut in 1977, is in a word, terrific! A quick perusal of past releases and it looks as if "Another World" falls in at number ten on my CT Top 10. It's that good.

Is it a departure from previous records? Does it break new ground? Are there special guests to entice a younger audience?

Thankfully, no, no and no.

This is Cheap Trick doing what they do best. "Another World" is riff heavy and rocking. "Another World" is big on choruses. "Another World" finds the miracle of Robin Zander's voice as powerful as ever. If you love Cheap Trick there is no reason on Earth to not love "Another World."

The title track is represented twice, first as a lovely ballad and later reprised as a revved up rocker. "The Party," sprinkled with a bit of Jimi's "Crosstown Traffic," is about as Cheap Trick as Cheap Trick gets. And "So It Goes" is possibly the most beautiful CT song since "Mandocello" from their still brilliant debut. 

"Another World" has few speed bumps and it did for me, what a record is supposed to do. It made me start all over once it was finished. This is a late career gem from an all time favorite band and I love when that happens.

"Recent Favorites, Volume 2": THE WEEKEND MIX

 

 

Here is volume two of the new series that premiered last week "Recent Favorites." This will continue to be a series without a theme other than collecting songs I have been enjoying over the last week and zipping them up for your enjoyment.

TRACKLIST

Flat Backin'- Brother Jack McDuff
From Russia With Love- Ray Barretto
There Goes A Tenner- Kate Bush
The Place- The Action
Black Scorpio- Mott The Hoople
Back N Blue- Cheap Trick
The Sun Never Sets- Cheap Trick
Everybody Knows- Cheap Trick
Branches- Midlake
Be With Me- Beach Boys
The Fool On The Hill- Aretha Franklin
Moon Rappin'- Brother Jack McDuff

zip

 

Why the block of Cheap Trick? I'll tell you. A friend from Rockford, Illinois, who claims to love the band, made a comment about giving up after "Dream Police." I am well aware that many feel the same way. I do not. As a matter of fact, I prefer all six of the records in the photo above to "Dream Police." There is life after "Dream Police!" My first thought was a mix of post-"Dream Police" tracks, but a) it was too difficult to keep it under 80 minutes and b) I may have done it before, but was too lazy to check. So, here are three faves smack dab in the middle.

I thought I'd share a track from "Senor 007," which is still featured as a capsule review on the left. This record is a blast.

Sal Maida's Spin Cycle radio show was a winner once again last week. (You haven't lived until you've heard Suicide segue into Little Anthony & The Imperials.) But I really enjoyed hearing "There Goes A Tenner" by Kate Bush. I like Kate, but admittedly only know bits and pieces from her records, and this track was new to me.

I've written about The Action a number of times and I am sure I have shared "The Place" just as often. But a discussion with a friend on Tuesday night about how much he loved The Action made me want to hear the band, and that song specifically, yet again.

Mott's "Black Scorpio" is a track that was originally written for "Brain Capers," but then got reworked and Bowie-fied for "All The Young Dudes" as "Momma's Little Jewel." I think I prefer the slinky, slower "Dudes" version, but I really loved hearing those backing vocals on the coda of the original when it popped up on the iPod the other day.

A new reissue of Midlake's "Trial Of Van Occupanther" was released last week and it made me play the record for the first time in ages. Man, it was better than I remembered it. Simply gorgeous from head to tail. Check out "Branches."

Why the Beach Boys' "20/20" doesn't get the kudos that "Sunflower" or "Surf's Up" get is a mystery to me. This record has been in and out of heavy rotation for a few months now, and dare I say, it's becoming my third favorite BB's album. 

I picked up a cheap copy of Aretha's boxed set of Atlantic 60's albums, worth every penny of course, but even better to have that rarities collection on vinyl. Every track a winner, especially this version of "Fool On The Hill."

We open and close with two tracks from "Moon Rappin'," Brother Jack McDuff's oft-sampled, 1970 groove fest for Blue Note. It is finally getting a reissue and come May, vinyl lovers won't have to shell out $150 for a copy. That announcement made me want to hear it and it kicked my ass so hard, I played it twice. It took all I had not to share the whole damn thing. What a badass session! Listen to that drum sound, for Pete's sake.

If you're not into the whole unzipping thing, do me a favor and dial up your favorite streaming site and listen to Brother Jack McDuff's "Moon Rappin'." Trust me on this. I'll get you started.

The Other 100: 71-75

71. The Move-Shazam

Here in the USA, The Move are too often referred to as the band Jeff Lynne played with before forming ELO. They seem to be that odd cousin who is likable enough, but still never gets picked to play on the team, even though they had 9 top 20 singles in the U.K.. I guess releasing only 4 albums, each with a completely different sound than the other, might have something to do with it. But it is still no excuse to cast off four of the most amazing records in music history, as if there was not enough to compete with the heavies. If the coffin was wide enough, all four would come with me when I die. But it is "Shazam" that you will have to physically tear from my arms. Six songs, three of them covers of folk and pop tunes turned into psychedelic epics, "Shazam" is all about the mad genius that is Roy Wood, one of the great voices of all time in Carl Wayne, and a rhythm section that rivaled Jonesy and Bonzo in Rick Price and Bev Bevan. There is not a bad clam in the half dozen. As a matter of fact, "Shazam" is about as perfect as a late 60's, eccentric, psychedelic, pop, metal record gets.

72. Cheap Trick- Cheap Trick

And speaking of The Move, no U.S. band has ever paid tribute to or has recognized the genius of Roy Wood and The Move, as much as Cheap Trick. The band has covered "Brontosaurus," "Down On The Bay" and "California Man," as well as Roy Wood's "Rock & Roll Tonight." I might be missing one or two, if you count live performances. I've been a Cheap Trick fan since their 1977 debut, though I will admit, their hits, especially "I Want You To Want Me," "The Flame," and "If You Want My Love," are my least favorite songs by the band. 40 years later, it is their debut that still continues to do it for me. It feels the most like The Move, with real heavies like their Terry Reid cover or "Taxman, Mr. Thief," and the beauty that is "Mandocello." Throughout, Robin Zander, who might just be the be the greatest rock vocalist still working today, reaches for the stars, and the band never abandons their knack for hooks and melody. This is the one.

73. Sam Cooke- Night Beat

Sam Cooke's 1963 masterpiece, might be on the usual critics list of all time best records, but I'm taking a chance and including it anyway. Sue me. How can you pick one? So many hits and really, no bad records. Even Cooke's early pop records for the Keen label have one amazing thing going for them, Sam Cooke. But it's "Night Beat" that you can really feel in your bones and soul. A late night session that simply smokes. The record works for me on a Sunday morning or on a Saturday night. It's gospel and blues, and it's an artist surrounded by some of the best-- Barney Kessel, Hal Blaine, Billy Preston--in an intimate setting that welcomes anyone who will allow themselves to be taken in.



74. Beastie Boys- Paul's Boutique

And here is where I lose many of you. "I hate rap." "Rap is not music." "It's called the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame." Yeah, yeah! Tell it to the Marines. "Paul's Boutique" is a masterwork. It is a piece of art. It is a party record. It's got a good beat and you can dance to it. And if could find the patience and a little reason, you will hear the genius in the words of Mike Diamond, Adam Horowitz and the late, great Adam Yauch, not to mention the brilliance in their choices of sampling and mashing-up.

75. Sparks- Kimono My House

There are few as odd as the Brothers Mael. For over 40 years, Russell and Ron Mael have been making some of the smartest...and weirdest records as Sparks. Yes, this band is an acquired taste. I won't deny that. You are either in or you're out. I've been in since 1974's "Kimono My House," a masterpiece of glam, that sounds like nothing else before, and not much since. "Kimono My House" is never a bore and it never slows down. "This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us," "Amateur Hour," "Talent Is An Asset" and "Falling In Love With Myself Again" have become glam standards. All four of Sparks records for the Island label are essential, but this one comes with me.

Songs Of The Week, 2023: 2/11-2/17

 

 

The Scum Lives On- Demolition 23
Where Have You Been- Arthur Alexander
Daddy Rollin' Stone- Johnny Thunders w/Phil Lynott & Steve Marriott
Oh, Candy- Cheap Trick
Speak Now, Or Forever Hold Your Peace- Terry Reid
She's Pulling Out The Pin- Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Just Walkin' In The Rain- The Prisonaires

 

 

 

The Scum Lives On- Demolition 23
Whether with Hanoi Rocks or solo, Michael Monroe has been making consistently solid records for over 40 years, but 1994's "Demolition 23" is his finest hour. Produced and co-written with Steven Van Zandt, this is 38 minutes of hook-filled rock and roll that never lets you forget Monroe is a punk at heart. It recently got a first time vinyl release on Little Steven's Wicked Cool label and I highly recommend the whole damn thing.

Where Have You Been- Arthur Alexander
I had been listening to Arthur Alexander's excellent compilation "A Shot Of Rhythm & Soul" and this one took me by surprise.

Daddy Rollin' Stone- Johnny Thunders w/Phil Lynott & Steve Marriott
Speaking of punks, Thunders' "So Alone" ranks very high on my list of all time great punk records, and this cover is about as grimy as it gets. You can hear the drugs in every verse.

Oh, Candy- Cheap Trick
Still my favorite Cheap Trick album and here is one of the reasons why.

Speak Now, Or Forever Hold Your Peace- Terry Reid
First time I heard this song was on the aforementioned Cheap Trick album. It tooks years before I could track down Terry Reid's original.

She's Pulling Out The Pin- Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Elvis is currently in the middle of his 10 Night, $765 a ticket run at NYC's Gramercy Theatre. I have a week's worth of posts about that scam, but I am trying to get over it. For now, here's one of many gems found on the very underrated "Delivery Man" album.

Just Walkin' In The Rain- The Prisonaires
And we take it home with this beauty.

zip

Cheap Trick In Black & White

 

Cheap Trick (1977)

Sophomore year of college found me volunteering at the campus radio station while considering a major change from art to media. I'd pick up a pile of LPs to screen, write up nutshells, and make recommendations. Being the new guy, I ended up with the records no one was interested in. In the middle of an armload of forgettable dreck, was Cheap Trick's 1977 debut. It knocked me right out. I raved, and the station got me tickets to a show at The Starwood, in Hollywood, with John Cale opening. Still one of the best concerts I've ever seen. "Cheap Trick" remains in my top 30. I found this identical replacement for my original in Spin That! my neighborhood shop, a few months ago for $10.

"In Color" was a huge disappointment to me after this. It was the sound, not the songs. In 1997 they recut it with Steve Albini, and even though it was never finished or released, the leaked bootlegs are the real deal.

Happy Monday!

-BBJ

Thursday, I Have Friday On My Mind

I'm hoping there are still a few of you who care about the compact disc. Back in the CD's heyday, the word "remaster" was almost erotic. It wasn't just "Compact Disc Guy" with his duct taped frames and bulletproof lenses, and his TV Guide and highlighter and his armful of Kinks LPs and Sharpie, (just in case he bumped into Mick Avory), that cared about sound and content. For a little while, everyone seemed to be waiting and drooling for their favorite artists catalogue to be upgraded with more songs and superior sound. Labels like Rhino, Sony Legacy and UMG have made this process a religion. But lately, a few smaller people have been putting their oars in the water. This is a good thing.

Wounded Bird and American Beat have been keeping the reissue alive with their no frills product. Licensing the material from all the major labels, these two companies have put out some solid releases, satisfying the collector with records that have either gone out of print, or in some rare cases, had never had a prior CD release. Neither Wounded Bird (check'em out HERE) nor American Beat (check'em out HERE) claim to have done anything with the sound. There is no boast of remastering, just a simple release, to keep some old faves, popular and obscure, on the market. Huzzah!

Then, there is Friday Music.
www.fridaymusic.com

Friday Music has a pretty impressive roster and a website to match. What caught my eyes was their reissue campaigns for Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren, and most recently Cheap Trick. As a fan of all three, I have purchased and repurchased the back catalogues, finally satisfied with 20 bit remasters from Japan that are now between 5-8 years old. Still, I would purchase again, (because I'm a nut) especially if the label posted "remastered from the original tapes" right there on the booklet. In the case of Hall & Oates, Friday is calling the H&O remasters "definitive." I dived right in, just like "Compact Disc Guy."

I purchased Hall & Oates' "Along The Red Ledge" and "Private Eyes," Todd Rundgren's "Second Wind," and just this past week, a nice Cheap Trick two-fer-one, "One On One" and "Next Position Please."

MEH!

None of these "remastered" releases sound any better than the five and eight year old versions. The Rundgren was identical to the original. No amount of A-B-ing was going to change my mind...and it was an embarrassing amount of A-B-ing. As a matter of fact, the Cheap Trick sounded worse. It's muddy and quite frankly, sounds like the very first pressing on Sony from the year Gimmel.

Needless to say, I felt cheated. I decided to write to Friday Music. When I couldn't find any satisfying contact info on their website, I posted something on their Facebook "fan" page. To be honest, I can't remember my exact words, and I can't check. You'll see why. I do recall not being too much of an asshole. (No really.) It went something like this:

"Anybody keeping the reissue alive is a friend of mine. But, I do have a question. Are the CDs truly remastered? Just purchased the Cheap Trick and it actually sounds worse than the five year old Japanese remaster. Any info would be appreciated."

The comment was deleted. No response. I was just wiped off the discussion board.

I tried again, still keeping the snark to a minimum.

"Hi. Just wondering why my question was removed. Not trying to cause trouble, but can I please get a confirmation on the remastering?"

Deleted again.

I made a third attempt as, this time, the asshole. But I also employed some preventive maintenance, and after a couple of hours, removed the comment myself, saving myself from another ruthless deletion. I started thinking...sound quality is subjective, and I really have no way of proving that these releases are bogus, though the lack of response and brat-like moves on Facebook seemed to speak volumes. (And the type and pics in the booklets are blurry.)

Me thinks, Friday Music may be full of shit.

Anyone out there know anything about these guys?

I'd like my $58 back.

"Sal's Self-Indulgent But Hopefully Entertaining Top 10 Project Realized, Parts 1-3" : THE WEEKEND MIX(ES)

Back when I was a much younger music dork making mixtapes on those sexy Memorex Chromium Dioxide cassettes with the switchblade-style case and that killer, new tape smell, I'd go absolutely mental when a great idea for a theme would come to mind. I couldn't wait to lock myself in my room with a big glass of Hawaiian Punch, a box of Milk Duds, and my air traffic controller-size Koss headphones carefully balanced on my head. Of course, looking back at some of those old tapes, those "great ideas" were mostly just ideas.

"B-Sides." "Girls' Names." "All Instrumental."

Meh.

One theme was a series called "Top 10," where I chose my ten favorites songs by one artist and compiled them in ascending order. Chillingly brilliant, no?

~yawn~


A few years ago, I had a conversation with a friend who was getting rid of almost all of his CD collection. I mean, thousands of CDs, just packed and ready to move. I understand that feeling. I've been there, and am actually there now.  (I have about 4,000. I'd like to have about 500. Any interest? Let's talk.) What bothered me about my friend was this statement, "All I need are the 'greatest hits' of everyone." I wanted to slap him with a pike. Suddenly, all these fabulous artists, these brilliant singers and songwriters, these stellar musicians, were no longer necessary to this long time music fanatic. His words, "'I Want You To Want Me' and 'Surrender' are Cheap Trick's only good songs anyway," caused my heart to attack me.


I was so taken by his change of heart about all of his music, I offered to make CDs...an endless supply...each featuring 20 songs that weren't greatest hits by, well...everyone. I just couldn't accept the fact that someone who claimed to love music, could be satisfied with a lone Bob Dylan CD that had ten songs, one of which was "Lay Lady Lay." Or worse, that he passed judgement on bands that I considered my all time faves like Cheap Trick, Queen, and Hall & Oates, based solely on radio hits like "The Flame," "We Will Rock You" and "Maneater."

(You still with me?)

I married these two stories and came up with a project I've been wanting to attack for years. For this "WEEKEND MIX," here are the first three of what I hope to be many, Top Tens, featuring the not so obvious. Maybe the naysayers and the uninterested will find something they never knew existed. And for the fans, maybe you'll just have some fun comparing my fave non-hits with yours.

Up first, David Bowie, Cheap Trick and Hall & Oates. (We'll save Queen for the new year.)

In the case of Bowie, I focused solely on his last 4 albums. Too many people gave up after "Scary Monsters," which is one of my least favorite Bowie records by the way, and didn't even bother after he released such 80's dreck like "Tonight" and "Never Let Me Down." As for Cheap Trick and Hall & Oates, well as I said, I love these people, so it wasn't easy to narrow it down to ten. But I did, keeping your ears and three years of your comments in mind while editing.


Have fun!

TRACKLIST

New Killer Star
Something In The Air
Slow Burn
Seven Years In Tibet
5:15 The Angels Have Gone
She'll Drive The Big Car
You've Got A Habit Of Leaving
Survive
Fall Dog Bombs The Moon
Everyone Says "Hi"

TRACKLIST

Back 'N Blue
Let Go
Oh, Candy
Everything Works If You Let It
Mandocello
I Don't Love Here Anymore
That Means A Lot
Closer, The Ballad Of Burt & Linda
Heaven's Falling
Southern Girls (Steve Albini Mix)

TRACKLIST

Abandoned Luncheonette
Grounds For Separation
London, Luck, & Love
Someday We'll Know w/Todd Rundgren
Guessing Games
70's Scenario
Head Above Water
August Day
So Close
Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid

DB

CT

HO

"And Then There Were These" : THE WEEKEND MIX

There are many people out there who have never heard anything but "Roundabout" by Yes or "Another Brick In The Wall" by Pink Floyd, with some believing "Dark Side Of the Moon" was Pink Floyd's first album. Of course, not everyone is supposed to know as much as this blog community does about music and I am not here to criticize. I am simply fascinated by it all, especially by my favorite recurring theme of fans putting a halt to all listening by an established and often favorite artist, once they release an unfavorable album or two.

Time again, I'd have baffling converstions with customers, while manning the counter at my shop and three specific incidents always come to mind.

One customer shared this with me when the news of Meat Loaf's "Bat Out Of Hell II" was about to be released in 1993: "How can a guy just pick up where he left off 20 years later? What was he doing all that time?" When I broke the news that Meat Loaf never really went away but had released 5 records after "Bat Out Of Hell," the poor guy's jaw dropped, as if I was playing some nasty trick on him.

Another afternoon, I had been listening to "See Emily Play" when a customer asked, "Who is this playing?" I said, "Pink Floyd." He snapped back, "COME ON! Who the fuck is this," as if I was playing some nasty trick on him.

A very prominent political writer who was not only a regular, but also loved just how much he (thought he) knew about music, once traded in hundreds of classic CDs and stated "I only need a Greatest Hits CD by most of these artists. I mean, Cheap Trick doesn't have much worth listening to beyond Surrender & I Want You To Want Me anyhow." When I responded with variants on "You're getting rid of "Tommy" and "Ram?," he came back with "All anyone really needs is "Quadrophenia" and "Band On The Run." He also went on to say Queen sucked because "We Will Rock You sucks." Man, he annoyed me, damn Cheap Trick hater.

To each his own...I never say.

This mix is something I'm pretty sure I hadn't posted earlier, but if I did, you crafty readers will surely inform me.

Here are some faves by some faves that you may not have heard before.

From their debut, Yes gets psychedelic almost on "Beyond & Before."

Hall & Oates were already MTV darlings and mega-stars by 1982, but this Oates cut from "Private Eyes" is a pop gem. (That's right an Oates cut.)

From one of the "no Stones record after Exile is any good" Stones records, here is my fave cut off of "It's Only Rock & Roll," a reeally great post-Exile record.

More a Jeff Lynne solo track than an ELO track, check out "One Day." What a melody.

Richard Wright's "Summer '68" from PF's "Atom Heart Mother" is a standout from a mostly difficult LP.  So many beautiful twists and turns.

The Macca track is from "Chaos & Creation In The Backyard," a record that I admit, did nothing for me at first and now, is in my Top 5 solo Paul's of all time. I cannot stress enough how good this record is.

From Ray & Dave's last studio release, "Scattered," a Ray Davies tune that rivals his greatest.

Can Marvin Gaye's greatest vocal performance be on a record originally left on the cutting room floor? Maybe.

I am a fan of the band Bread, though not necessarily of some of David Gates wedding day hits like "If" and "Lost Without Your Love." This track here was written by the other guys in the band, James Griffin and Robb Royer and boy, it's a heartbreaker.

I wrote about Elton's underrated classic "Blue Moves" some time ago, and here is my fave from that collection, "Idol."

The Bowie track is from the soundtrack to the British TV series "Buddha Of Suburbia," another album that seemed like a toss off at the time of its release, but has grown on me tremendously over the years.

Almost 20 years after Boz Scaggs took over the airwaves with his now classic post-Disco release "Silk Degrees," his 1994 release "Some Change" was every bit as strong, if a tad more adult. "Lost It" speaking of heartbreakers.

"Heaven's Falling" was written by Todd Rundgren, or should I say rewritten as it more than resembles "Cry Baby," Todd's hit with Utopia. This can be found on Cheap Trick's Rundgren-produced album, "Next Position Please," which features a dozen songs I like more than "I Want You To Want Me."

Finally, the one song that probably caught your eye above all else and possibly the one I'd say is the most likely for you to blow off.  For all of you who know Harry Connick Jr. as the crooning Sinatra-wannabe on the soundtrack of "When Harry Met Sally" and not the New Orleans native and student of James Booker, here is the title track from his 1994 curveball, sorta funk record, "She." Many Meters are on this record, as well as some of NOLA's finest. Give it a shot. It's worth the drumming alone.

zip

Difford, Tilbrook, Zander, Nielsen, Pierce, Fenner & Ziggy

Something needs to be said about Glenn Tilbrook's guitar playing and Robin Zander's voice.

Last night's double-bill of Squeeze and Cheap Trick at Radio City Music Hall was something of a dream concert. I mean, why not tack on Irma Thomas and have the New York Yankees giving away free pizza in the lobby, while you're at it? I expected good things and I got great things.










Precisely at 8, CT took the stage, and for the next 75 minutes vocalist Robin Zander, defying age, at least from Row UU, stood aglow and proved with song after song that he is one of the greatest voices of our time. Rick Nielsen thinks so as well, introducing him as "my favorite vocalist in the world."

Even better was the set list. I once wrote a piece about how Cheap Trick, a band who could give Bob Dylan a run for his money with their relentless touring, rarely mixes up the set list on stage. You can read it HERE.

I followed it up with a request from a reader for my "dream Cheap Trick set list."
That's HERE.

Happy to say, 5 of my choices and only 3 of the band's usually tired set made it last night. From memory, and not in order, Trick wowed us with the following:

BABY LOVES TO ROCK
I CAN'T TAKE IT
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
COME ON, COME ON
HEAVEN TONIGHT
WAY OF THE WORLD
(The great opener)
BALLAD OF T.V VIOLENCE
DREAM POLICE
BORDERLINE
(freakin' Borderline!!)

And of course, I Want You To Want Me & Surrender.

Totally fab!




But wait! There is more.


9:40 and Squeeze comes right out of the box with an inspired "Black Coffee in Bed," which thankfully, spared us the usual 10 minutes of audience participation, by its use as an opener and not a closer.

Difford & Tilbrook, along with almost original bassist John Bentley, and two younger dudes on keys and drums, plowed on flawlessly with a tasty set list of their own.

Annie Get Your Gun, Goodbye Girl, Loving You Tonight, Hourglass, both Is That Love & If It's Love, all sounding as fresh as ever. They even pulled out "Hope Fell Down," one of the better songs from the still disappointing "Difford/Tilbrook" solo album.








I need to point out that Glenn Tilbrook has never been mentioned in his 35 year career as a "guitar god." It's a shame, really. This man's playing gets better and better. Sure, it is overshadowed by the brilliance of the songwriting and melodies with more hooks than the Stella Maris Bait & Tackle Shop on Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead bay. But if you're a fan of the band, listen to a handful of the hits, specifically "Take Me, I'm Yours," "Another Nail In My Heart," "Is That Love," and Pulling Mussels From The Shell," and this time, refrain from singing along and focus on the guitar solos. Tilbrook could and should duel it out with any of the obvious guitar players one thinks of when the subject comes up. He has it all, flavor and phrasing, speed and style.

Did anyone who was there last night catch the note perfect rip of Freddie Stone's "Dance To The Music" solo that Glenn placed right in the middle of "Cool For Cats?"

Genius.

Next up, The Hollies and Dwight Twilley at the Highline Ballroom!

~wink~

"Buy Some Swag" : THE WEEKEND MIX

Swag's time in the spotlight was all too fleeting, not to mention that said spotlight never really got above 25 watts, anyhow.

Here was a power pop "supergroup" consisting of members, official or honorary, of Cheap Trick, Wilco, The Mavericks, and Sixpence None The Richer, as well as Doug Powell, Todd Rundgren (who overdubbed Trick bassist Tom Petersson's bass parts for a re-release when Cheap Trick's management decided to give a shit and demand all Cheap Trick memorabilia be removed from the album cover, as well as any of Petersson's involvement), Bill Lloyd, and producer Brad Jones.

It all started in the late 90s with a Christmas song that appeared on an indie compilation, followed by a 7", and then the 2001 debut full length CD, "Catch All," which I will go on record as saying, is one of the greatest pieces of pop brilliance in the history of pop brilliances.

I saw them play a very short gig, opening for The Mekons, with a line-up that included Jerry Dale McFadden, Robert Reynolds, Tom Petersson, Doug Powell, and Ken Coomer. I've been obsessed ever since, especially knowing they recorded a cover of The Who's "Early Morning Cold Taxi" for a still unreleased tribute.  (Please! Find that for me.)

Hungry for more, I started compiling anything I could find---b-sides, solo tracks, songs by related artists, really....anything.

This is what I came up with. It includes the aforementioned 7" and Christmas single, as well as some odd ball tracks and album cuts by most of the Swag constituency.





TRACK LIST
Sweet Lucinda- Swag
Every Little Truth- Swag
Bye Bye Magpie- Doug Powell
My Before & After- Cotton Mather
When She Awoke (Demo)- Doug Powell
All I Get- The Mavericks
Thirteen- Wilco
She Satisfies- Doug Powell
Trixie-Swag
I Don't Want To Tie You Down- Bill Lloyd
Step Inside- Bill Lloyd
Automatic Soup- Robin Zander
True Love Ways- The Mavericks
Everyday Is Christmas- Swag


THE ZIP

Swag's debut, "Catch-All," is available for 49 cents on Amazon. I urge everyone to buy it! You will NOT be sorry. 49 cents doesn't even buy you 48 cents, these days! You know, when I was a kid, we had to walk 12 blocks to find a store with a pinochle deck. I was so ugly, my mother used to feed me with a slingshot. Things were so bad....ok...sorry.




Here, listen to 2 tracks, on me:

WHEN SHE AWOKE


LOUISE

The New Sell Out

Do you remember this?

Swag's time in the spotlight was all too fleeting, not to mention that said spotlight never really got above 25 watts, anyhow.

Here was a power pop "supergroup" consisting of members, official or honorary, of Cheap Trick, Wilco, The Mavericks, and Sixpence None The Richer, as well as Doug Powell, Todd Rundgren (who overdubbed Trick bassist Tom Petersson's bass parts for a re-release when Cheap Trick's management decided to give a shit and demand all Cheap Trick memorabilia be removed from the album cover, as well as any of Petersson's involvement), Bill Lloyd, and producer Brad Jones.






That was from something I posted in 2011. You can read all of that post HERE.


There was one small detail from that post that caught the eye of reader Cryptique.


I've been obsessed ever since, especially knowing they recorded a cover of The Who's "Early Morning Cold Taxi" for a still unreleased tribute.  (Please! Find that for me.)

Well, Mr Cryptique, you've outdone yourself.

Here's what I found in my in-box:

Put together 12 years ago and gathering cobwebs ever since, The New Sell Out is finally out! Dedicated to Rick McBrien, the soul of Futureman. Thanks to every contributing artist and everyone who worked on this! Full liner notes and artwork included in download.

P.S. Like the original, these tracks connect with each other. For best results, please burn a -gapless- cd!

credits 

released 28 May 2012

The New Sell Out – Futureman Records 




Reading like a power pop fan's wet dream with performances by Brendan Benson, The Shazam, Mitch Easter, The Grip Weeds, and of course SWAG, this long lost tribute to my favorite record by The Who finally sees the light of day.

FULL TRACK LIST


Monday – Mike Giblin

1. Armenia City In The Sky - Paranoid Lovesick

Whoopie - Mike Giblin

2. Heinz Baked Beans - The Andersons

More Music – Cockeyed Ghost

3. Mary Anne With The Shaky Hands - The Phenomenal Cats

Premier Drums – Barely Pink

Bah Bah – Ed James

4. Odorono- The Atomic Numbers

Smooth Sailing - Brendan Benson

5. Tattoo - The Jigsaw Seen

Church of Your Choice - Linus Of Hollywood

6. Our Love Was - Splitsville

Big L - Ed James

Rotosound Strings - Mitch Easter

7. I Can See For Miles - The Shazam

Charles Atlas - John P. Strohm

8. I Can't Reach You - Chris von Sneidern

9. Medac - Brendan Benson

10. Relax - Cloud Eleven

Rotosound Strings (demo) - The Jellybricks

11. Silas Stingy - Zumpano

12. Sunrise - Willie Wisely

13. Rael - Myracle Brah

Top Gear - Fundaro & Moll

14 Commercial Break

Pt 2. Welcome - Rodney Bingenheimer

Radio London - The Rubinoos

Pro-Stripe - The Breetles

Great Shakes - The Magic Christians

15. Glittering Girl - The Flashing Lights

16. Commercial Break

Radio London - Double Naught Spies

Mullet Man - P. Hux

Gino's Hair Cappucino - DM3

17. Melancholia - The Grip Weeds

18. Commercial Break

Coke - Fundaro & Moll

Dr. Giggle's Ginsing Root - Devin Hill

Radio London - Roger McGuinn

John Mason - The Jellybricks

19. Jaguar - Jim Babjak's Buzzed Meg

20. Commercial Break

Radio London - The Masticators

Dizzy Mouse - The Masticators

Spaz Cola - Ed James

Radio London - The Merrymakers

21. Someone's Coming - The Pearlfishers

22. Commercial Break

Radio London - Bobby Sutliff

Coke - The Anderson Council

Yellow Pilsner - John McMullen

Radio London - The Chevelles

23. Early Morning, Cold Taxi - SWAG

24. Commercial Break

Radio London - Bingo Durango

Jock-A-Lot - The Popdudes

Top Popsicles - crash into june

Great Shakes - The Absolute Zeros

Radio London - Heavy Blinkers

25. Glow Girl - The Vandalias

Track Records - R. Stevie Moore

26. Bonus Track: Doctor, Doctor – Brendan Benson


Words fail me.

Thank you Cryptique and thank you Futureman Records.

Now go buy it HERE for a paltry sum of money, $7.

BW's 150: 101-117

 

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES....

Every one of these songs means something to me. Whether it's a lyric, a harmony, a chord change or a memory attached to it, these 15 songs all deserve to be in my Top 100 for one reason or another. Yet as wonderful as I think they are, there are still others I love more. 

This list is flawed. The songs are just about perfect. But as expected, and as predicted by some of you, this task is daunting and will no doubt haunt me. What have I missed? Can I really include (insert song title) and not (insert song title)? Nevertheless, after considerable thought, and relentless editing, these songs make the cut.

That said, here is the continuation of the bottom 150, sequenced in optimum playing order, not by rank.

Green Onions- Booker T. & The MGs
The mother of all badass grooves, and a quintessential example of how a great drummer needn't flex his muscles or show-off. Just driving the ship like Al Jackson Jr. does here is showing off enough.

The Golden State- John Doe & Kathleen Edwards
This is a perfect pop song. I love the sexy lyrics--"You are the lick of my lips, I am on the tip of your tongue"--the great chord changes and the two emotional vocal performances. That chord change and melody when they sing the title on the chorus gets me every time.

Stupidly Happy- XTC
I devoted an entire post to this song in October of 2010. You can read that here, if you like. I feel like there are two XTC camps, pre-"Skylarking" and post-"Skylarking." I am definitely a post-"Skylarking" guy and it's because of songs like this. The structure of this song is genius, as are the lyrics and the arrangement, which is layered to perfection. An Andy Partridge masterwork.

Bus Stop- The Hollies
Graham Gouldman strikes again. One of the first 45s I owned. Almost 60 years later and the harmonies on this track still knock me out.

Mandocello- Cheap Trick
Where the hell did this come from? There is nothing on this record or on any Cheap Trick record that followed that sounds like this! A stunning piece of pop with ridiculous harmonies on the bridge. My favorite Cheap Trick song.

Tell It Like It Is- Aaron Neville
Written by Naomi Neville, aka Allen Toussaint, this should be on everyone's favorites list.

You're A Big Girl Now- Bob Dylan
Dylan at his most heartbreaking. When anyone says Bob can't sing, play them this song.
"Love is so simple, to quote a phrase
You've known it all the time, I'm learnin' it these days
Oh, I know where I can find you, oh
In somebody's room
It's a price I have to pay
You're a big girl all the way"

Do Right Woman- Do Right Man- Aretha Franklin
Songs like this don't really need to be discussed. Thank you, Dan Penn & Chips Moman.

Moody's Mood For Love- King Pleasure
It took years, but I finally learned all the words and phrasing and can just about keep up singing along with King Pleasure. If you didn't know, the melody of this song is a James Moody sax solo from his version of "I'm In The Mood For Love" with lyrics penned by Mr. Pleasure. A classic.

21st Century Gypsy Singing Loving Man- Taj Mahal
This is a Jon Cleary tune that he himself didn't get to recording until many years later. I prefer this version. I think this is Taj Mahal's greatest vocal. You can feel it. Another arrangement to die for.

Take Me For A Little While- Vanilla Fudge
Another perfect 45 and another song I devoted an entire post and mix to. There are no bad versions of this song, but this is the one that I think takes the cake.

Pancho & Lefty- Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard
I want to love Townes Van Zandt the way others love Townes Van Zandt, but I find his records difficult to get through. His songs, on the other hand, are brilliant and almost always sound better covered by others. This is my very favorite.

Sea & Sand- The Who
This is the second track by The Who to appear and I bet it isn't one you'd expect to see at all. But this is my favorite track off "Quadrophenia" and one of my favorite Roger vocals. The way he sings the following verse, especially the line "I'm wet and I'm cold" is all the evidence you need.
"Come sleep on the beach
Keep within my reach
I just want to die with you near
I'm feeling so high with you here
I'm wet and I'm cold
But thank God I ain't old
Nothing is planned, by the sea and the sand"

What Am I Doing Hangin' Round- The Monkees
Written by Michael "Wildfire" Murphy, but recorded first by The Monkees, this song, quite simply, makes me happy. What a chorus, I mean how can you not sing along? Could be my favorite Monkees track. Murphy recorded it a few years later, but it pales in comparison.

Silver Springs (Live)- Fleetwood Mac
Loved it as a b-side. But the now legendary live version with Stevie glaring at Lindsey and singing these words AT him, deserves a Best Picture Oscar. And again, I need to mention the harmonies. Gorgeous.

If We Never Meet Again- Reckless Sleepers
Few can write heartbreak like Jules Shear. This song is a beauty. It's somehow sad and uplifiting at the same time. It's anthemic! It's an all time fave.

Layla- Derek & The Dominoes
Two-two-two songs in one. Do I need to say anything more about this song?

 

TRACKLIST

Green Onions- Booker T. & The MGs
The Golden Stare- 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 Loving 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

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COMING SOON:

THE TOP 100

Monday's Forgotten Gem

When was the last time you listened to "Special One," Cheap Trick's 2003 release? Have you ever listened to it? Do you care?

My answers to these questions before this weekend were 2003, once and not really, but I found a handful of vinyl copies that I didn't know existed at last week's record show and I bought all of them.

Before I gush, a mildly amusing story.

I bought 4 copies of this baby, as each was pressed on different color vinyl. I thought it would be a good investment. (Already sold one.) The records were sitting on the floor next to my table when another dealer saw them and said, "Wow! I hated that album and now I love that album." I laughed and replied, "I don't remember anything about it except never wanting to hear it again." He said, "Yeah. Cheap Trick fans hated it. I think I threw it out after one listen. But I love it now."

The All Music review is vague. It mentions how it doesn't really hit anything out of the ball park, but it isn't terrible. It's better than some of the 80's records, but not really. "It's not embarrassing, but doesn't deliver the goods." As a matter of fact, Stephen Thomas Erlewine who is usually very thorough, doesn't even mention one song. I wonder if he really listened at all, or, like me and many others, played it once and gave it a resounding "MEH!"

"Special One" stayed on the turntable all weekend and will find its way revolving again sometime today.

This record lists a dozen or so producers and admittedly feels a bit unrealized. Occasionally, I found myself questioning the lyrics, which on a few tunes, sound improvised. But it's those flaws that make this record work so well. I was enthralled, as always, by Robin Zander's vocals and hearing him work his way through these lyrics was invigorating, as if we were experiencing his inspiration as it was happening. Some of the arrangements also feel spontaneous. I couldn't wait to hear what was coming next, and I mean that in the best way,

The structure of both the title track and "Too Much," both included here for your listening pleasure, seems like the band was trying to achieve something a little higher than just your ordinary Cheap Trickery.

There are a few misses on Side Two, but there are enough twists and hooks and experiments to keep you on your toes. After you check out the four tunes here, the other two sounding more like classic CT pop, "My Obsession" and "Pop Drone,"  and you're interest has been piqued enough to continue, check out "Sorry Boy" from Side Two. 

This is one of those "damned if you don't/damned if you do" records. If a band keeps releasing the same material over and over, they're written off as being out of gas. If a band tries something new, fans and critics clamor for something old and familiar. "Special One" doesn't stray too far from the Cheap Trick formula, but it does veer to the left, just enough to make this record bright. This is a gem.

Songs Of The Week, 2023: 7/22-7/28

 

A Girl Like You- Edwyn Collins
Waterloo- Abba
Someday- Concrete Blonde
Perfect Stranger- Cheap Trick
Runnin' Out Of Fools- Kiki Dee
This Is The Land- The Bees
She Goes On- Crowded House

A Girl Like You- Edwyn Collins
A prime example of brilliant record making. At its core, this track is simple, with a boring repetitive melody. But in the right hands, it became huge.

Waterloo- Abba
Speaking of huge, this is pop genius. "Waterloo" has a dozen things going for it.

Someday- Concrete Blonde
From day one, this song has reminded me of another and I've yet to figure it out.

Perfect Stranger- Cheap Trick
About four times a year, I sing the praises of Cheap Trick, and my song is always the same. All of those records that no one cares about are just as good, some better, than the ones that put them on the map. This is from one of those excellent forgotten records, "Rockford." (and don't forget to check out today's Small Faces cover.)

Runnin' Out Of Fools- Kiki Dee
The first time I heard this song was in either 1983 or 1984, when Elvis Costello performed it live. Once I tracked it down, an Herculean task back in the pre-internet days, Aretha's version became a favorite. But the song is so good, it's pretty great by anybody, including Kiki Dee.

This Is The Land- The Bees
In 2004, "Free The Bees" seemed to be everyone's favorite album, at least in my circles. After playing it twice a day for a year, I gave it a rest...for 18 years. Listening again, it could probably use a trim, but what's great is still great.

She Goes On- Crowded House
Somewhere out there is a live clip of Neil Finn and Sinead O'Connor performing this song. I think this is a lovely tribute to Sinead.

sotw

And for those who showed an interest in the Dion & The Belmonts reunion record but had trouble tracking down audio, here it is.

dion

Songs Of The Week, 2025: 3/15-3/21

 

Alone In My Room- Dwight Twilley
Clocks All Stopped- Kasim Sulton
Dream The Night Away- Cheap Trick
James Bond- The Selecter
Release It- The Time
Don't Touch Me There- The Tubes
Karina (Domingo No Grajau)- Arthur Verocai

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Alone In My Room- Dwight Twilley
(From "Twilley," Twilley's third and first without Phil Seymour. My fave from the record.)

Clocks All Stopped- Kasim Sulton
(From Kasim's third solo album, with help from Todd Rundgren. Could have been on a Utopia album. A lovely record.)

Dream The Night Away- Cheap Trick
(I always say, don't sleep on those Cheap Trick albums after "Dream Police." So many got off the bus early, and so many of the later records are just as good, a few even better, than the big ones, like "Rockford" from 2006, for instance. This is one of many gems from that album.)

James Bond- The Selecter
(I'm a sucker for a James Bond tune.)

Release It- The Time
(Love the drums on this one. Funky, baby.)

Don't Touch Me There- The Tubes
(No sophomore slump here. The debut got a lot of attention. Then some years later, they had big MTV hits. But "Young & Rich," The Tubes second album from 1976 is one of their strongest. Who doesn't love a Phil Spector, girl group pastiche?)

Karina (Domingo No Grajau)- Arthur Verocai
(The closing track on one of the greatest Brazilian records of all time, closes things out here. Quente!)

"For Casual Fans" : THE WEEKEND MIX

In the last week or so, I made reference to "Greatest Hits" CDs and how they don't always best represent the artist, or at least I think I did. I can't remember in which post I brought it up. I do remember saying that I thought the material on Cheap Trick's hits CD, a band I absolutely adore, was some of their weakest material. Same with ELO.

My thought for this week's "Weekend Mix," was to possibly surprise and delight, not the die-hard, but the casual fan, who may only be familiar with the obvious. You may think 10 songs by Cheap Trick is enough, satisfied with "Surrender," "I Want You To Want Me," and "Ain't That A Shame." But owning their "Greatest Hits" also subjects you to "The Flame," "If You Want My Love," and "Can't Stop Falling Into Love," arguably three of their most cringe-making tunes.

I thought it a good idea to take ten of my favorite bands, and make ten separate, ten track mixes of not-so-obvious songs for each artist; a huge project that I may still attack at some point. Until then--

Here are ten legendary artists and songs you may not have heard before. Remember, I am not addressing anyone who owns the German only, mono digipaks with monitor mix bonus tracks of any of these artists. This mix isn't for you. (though you may still enjoy it) If YOU don't own "Axis" Bold As Love," then buying that should be the first thing you do today after posting your new status on Facebook.

TRACK LIST

One Rainy Wish- Jimi Hendrix
("Axis: Bold As Love")
The Calling- Yes
("Talk")
Heaven's Falling- Cheap Trick
("Next Position, Please")
She'll Drive The Big Car- David Bowie
("Reality")
Stranger On A Quiet Street- ELO
("Zoom")
Blue, Red, & Grey - The Who
("The Who By Numbers")
All About You- The Rolling Stones
("Emotional Rescue")
Your Own Worst Enemy- Bruce Springsteen
("Magic")
Time Table- Genesis
("Foxtrot")
Black Muddy River- Grateful Dead
("In The Dark")

ZIP FILE

Hanging Up Your Rock & Roll Shoes

 

 

Timothy B. Schmit is making the rounds, discussing his new record "Day By Day," which was released in May and features Lindsey Buckingham and Jackson Browne. In the one interview I read, he was asked if there would be any new Eagles music. He said, "No. Probably not." He elaborated a bit, saying no one cares. People come to the shows to hear the hits, not new music. 

I'm no loyal Eagles fan, but I don't hate them either. I actually love most of their ballads and country songs. It's their rock songs that make me cringe. But, I would like to hear new music. Why not? I would think that long time Eagles fans want to hear new music, as well.

I think about all of the artists I have followed for years--Todd Rundgren, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Finn and Cheap Trick for starters. At no time have I ever hoped that their live sets would be just the hits. As a matter of fact, I stopped seeing Cheap Trick live for years because their sets were mostly their hits, which happen to be my least favorite songs by the band. But they eventually came around and their sets started to go deep. 

Looking at the set list for Elvis Costello's recent tour, I was a bit disappointed that only four or five songs from "The Boy Named If" were being performed live. That album may not have sold the amount of units a successful record of the past would have sold, but not having such a fantastic record 45 years into Costello's career because the artist thinks "no one cares" is pretty horrifying.

The Who's last, "WHO" was damn good! It was critically acclaimed. Fans loved it. I believe only two songs made their recent set list. But at least we got to hear new music, and there is still a possibility for a follow-up.

Cheap Trick have been on a roll. I know there are some fans who gave up after "Dream Police," but that's just lazy. I'd argue some of their later records are stronger than their earlier records.

Even Van Morrison, prior to going completely batshit, always had something worthwhile on every record. That quick trio of double albums, with one that included the recently departed Joey DeFrancesco, all had their moments. Sadly, it's hard for me to listen to anything now, not even "Moondance, in light of recent events. But that's for another post---"Is It Harder To Separate The Art From The Artist When The Art Is So Good?"

Think about all of the artists you have loved and followed for years, are there any who you would NOT want to hear new music from? (Aside from Eric Clapton.) The whole concept of an artist not releasing new music in the traditional way--vinyl/CD--has never sat well with me. But to think there are artists who are still inspired to create but ultimately not bothering because "no one cares" seems like a sad way to go.

Not The Best Of 2009: DISAPPOINTMENT #1

I'm not even convinced this looked good on paper. 4 semi-superstars (superstars?), each in his own successful band, collaborate on a new power pop, super project--yeah, maybe. But who? Well, Adam Schlesinger, chief songwriter of Fountains Of Wayne, the oldest Hanson brother, Taylor, Smashing Pumpkins bassist James Iha (uh-oh) and Cheap Trick's larger than life drummer, Bun E. Carlos. I guess we'll just have to hear it.

(~twiddles thumbs, listens~)


Well, I heard it and I don't need to hear it again. What's missing from Tinted Windows' debut is just about everything you thought the 4 members would contribute, well, with the exception of Taylor Hanson. Each of the 11 songs that comprise this project runs out of gas almost immediately after kicking off. Absent from this incredibly boring and disappointing release? The clever lyrics and hooks found on all 4 Fountains Of Wayne records, the kick, drive and often subtle beauty found on Cheap Trick's classics, and though I have never liked the Smashing Pumpkins, there's nothing here (thankfully) that represents them at all, except James Iha. What Tinted Windows DOES sound like is an over-produced, slightly grown-up Hanson record. And to that, I say, so what.

Take a listen to one of the two tracks I don't mind.

"We Got Something."





Now for the good stuff.

The great people over at Power Pop Criminals have compiled over 200 power pop covers over the course of many posts.

Here is a mix of 15 that I find really special...and more fun than anything on the Tinted Windows record.

Somebody Made For Me (Emitt Rhodes) - David Grahame
Between Us (The Rutles) - Teenage Fanclub
When Your Lights Turned On (The Hollies) - Billy Sullivan
That Means A Lot (Billy J. Kramer via Lennon & McCartney)- Cheap Trick
Let Me Roll It (Paul McCartney) - Brendan Benson
God Only Knows (The Beach Boys) - The Mockers
Look Sharp (Joe Jackson) - Lisa Mychols
Why Can't This Be Love (Van Halen) - Gigolo Aunts
Take Me With U - (Prince)- Marshall Crenshaw
It Don't Matter To Me (Bread) - Matthew Sweet
See Emily Play (Pink Floyd) - The Grapes Of Wrath
New York's A Lonely Town (The Trade Winds) - Jeffrey Foskett
Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy (Queen) - Sparkwood
Good Morning, Good Morning (The Beatles) - Lolas
We're For The Dark (Badfinger) - The Loud Family

ZIP FILE


When you're done paying respects here, go say hello to them and spend some time on their very fine blog.

"It seems to me, I've heard that song before"

Here's my thought for the day:

Cheap Trick has been on a non-stop tour since 1976. And while the current trend of bands performing one classic album in its entirety has become less of a lagniappe and more of a necessity, it is only right that we hail CT has one of the forefathers of this practice. (1998 saw the boys recreating their first three classic releases on consecutive nights in selected cities. It seemed special in 1998. The practice has become commonplace since.)

Now I'm not one to complain (settle down) but..has anyone noticed Cheap Trick's set lists lately? Here is one from last month in California:

01. Hello There
02. Big Eyes
03. California Man
04. Welcome to The World
05. If You Want My Love
06. She's Tight
07. Heaven Tonight
08. I Want You To Want Me
09. I Know What I Want
10. Best Friend
11. Don't Be Cruel
12. The Flame
13. Surrender
14. Goodnight
15. Dream Police
16. Auf Wiedersehen

Here's one from The Wiltern in L.A.,2006:

1. "Hello There"
2. "Big Eyes"
3. "Oh, Candy"
4. "Welcome to the World"
5. "If You Want My Love"
6. "Come on Come on Come on"
7. "Best Friend"
8. "I Want You to Want Me"
9. "I Know What I Want"
10. "Voices"
11. "It Takes a Lifetime"
12. "The Flame"
13. "That '70s Song"
14. "Surrender"
15. "Dream Police"
16. "Auf Wiedersehen"
17. "Goodnight"

Here's one from Irvine, Ca.,2008


Hello There
Big Eyes
Welcome to the World
If You Want My Love
California Man
She’s Tight
I Want You to Want Me
I Can’t Take It
The Flame
Surrender
Goodnight
Dream Police


They seem quite lazy to me. I mean, is there any CT fan who would balk at hearing more than one song from either say... "Next Position Please," the near-perfect 1983 release produced by Todd Rundgren, or their brilliant debut, or "One On One" or maybe something other than the same two songs from "Dream Police." My point is, why do so many bands fall into this rut; 300 songs in their catalogue, but they keep playing the same 15.

This still has nothing...really...to do with my post. Just felt like ranting in hopes of Bun E. Carlos seeing my blog and asking me to put together my dream Cheap Trick set list.

My real thought for the day is this:

"Heaven's Falling," a song written by Todd Rundgren from the aforementioned, Todd Rundgren produced "Next Position Please," is the same song as "Crybaby,"a song written by Todd Rundgren from 1984's Todd & Utopia release "Oblivion," isn't it? I mean...just listen. It's not me.





ZIP OF BOTH

Songs Of The Week, 2020: 8/15-8/21

Everything Works If You Let It- Cheap Trick
Johnny Hit & Run Paulene- X
Human Kindness- Neil Finn
Warm Heart Pastry- Mike Heron
Storm Warning- Mac Rebennack
WPLJ- The Mothers Of Invention
Snake Oil- Steve Earle & The Dukes

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Everything Works If You Let It- Cheap Trick
Sir George Martin producing Cheap Trick? Yeah, yeah, yeah! But not really. "All Shook Up" was more like meh, meh, meh. This single, not on the album of course, was pretty terrific though.

Johnny Hit & Run Paulene- X
Been listening to a lot of X lately because I love their new one "Alphabetland" a whole lot.

Human Kindness- Neil Finn
Reading a book called "Human Kind," which explains through history, that we are much better people during a crisis than what we've come to believe. This song came to mind, a song not originally on Neil Finn's second solo record, "One Nil," but tacked on to the US repress, retitled "One All."

Warm Heart Pastry- Mike Heron
Heron was one half of the Incredible String Band, and this solo track is a favorite of mine because he is backed by a band called Tommy & The Bijoux, which is Pete Townshend, Ronnie Lane & Keith Moon.

Storm Warning- Mac Rebennack
A bit of early Dr. John when he was still playing guitar.

WPLJ- The Mothers Of Invention
Zappa and friends cover the Four Deuces. This one always makes me feel good.

Snake Oil- Steve Earle & The Earle
I know the remixing of older records is a touchy subject, but "Copperhead Road" is such a great collection of Earle songs, it's a shame that the record is drowning in 80's reverb.  This one rocks anyhow.