" He's the liar who lied in his pop song, and you're lying when you sing along."
Pop Lie by Okkervil River
This post will deal with musicians, and I use the term somewhat loosely in certain cases, who, through either popular acclaim or record sales, people love. Well, in these instances, I don't. So, while I'm sure it will piss some of you off, here is my list and some arguments to back up these feelings. Feel free to tell me to shut up, or call me a moron if you will, but I do like a good debate. The following are charged with crimes against my ears:
Janis Joplin
It can always be debated that if she had lived, would she be playing Vegas or Casino Rama by now? I honestly don't understand the appeal at all. At the mere sound of her "voice", I run screaming from the room. Maybe Big Brother & the Holding Company were a great band, but I'll never know because I can't get past her singing. Those who like her claim it's her soul, that she has the blues man, but to my ears she has a bad case of no discernible talent. Her version of Summertime alone deserves the death penalty. I've known tons of people in my life who worship her, lots of them female, and...I just don't get it.
Jim Morrison
So, you're probably asking why I'm picking on all the dead folks, but bear with me, I've got some live ones coming up. Outside of a handful of songs, at least 1 of which may appear on a forthcoming yearly list, this guy is the most bloated and overrated of them all. A Shaman? Nope, a wannabe. Poet? I wrote better stuff stoned on glue in high school. I guess he was fairly good looking and that would account for his appeal to the fairer sex. I also resent the fact that fucking Ray Manzarek ( a noted blowhard if there ever was one) has continued making money off Morrison's long ago turned to ashes corpse. If I hear Light My Fire one more time! Look, the Doors were OK and Morrison could sing passably, but he was really just a drugged-out fuck-up who believed his own hype and died much too soon because of it. Sorry, but...I just don't get it.
Metallica
I could insert other Metal bands in here, but these guys, especially that light-shines-out-of-his-ass drummer Lars Ulrich, are held in way too high esteem by some usually sane people. Look, I saw them in 1990 in Detroit, and they were appallingly bad. Most of their songs were indistinguishable from the next and the almost Hitler at Nuremburg sway they had on the crowd was downright unnerving. But, most of my venom is saved for you, Lars. Talk about a dude who thinks the world revolves around him! Go piss off and make your stupid drum-faces somewhere I don't have to look at you! Whining about people sharing your files after you are already worth millions made you no friends in this here neck of the woods pal. I only like 2 or 3 of their songs, but after the Napster thing went public, I downloaded everything I could find of theirs, regardless of whether I wanted it or not, just to try and piss him off some more. Lars Ulrich farting? Damn straight, I downloaded it! Picking his nose and flinging it at Hetfield's back? I have the mp3! You know what Lars?...I just don't get it.
Kurt Cobain
Nevermind was a fairly good record. But earth shattering? Puh-leeze! For the most part, all it did was spawn a bunch of horrid imitators like Creed and Seven Mary Three and subject my ears to this garbage for most of the 90s. Look, I think he was misunderstood by society, and maybe he didn't want to be that famous, but lots of people feel that way. He married the poster girl of whackjobs Courtney Love, and that likely put him over the edge. Personally, I prefer Dave Grohl's Foo Fighters by miles over Nirvana. So, let the hate mail begin because...I just don't get it.
The Police (Well, mostly Sting)
Here's another voice that bugs me to no end. They also had a few good songs like Can't Stand Losing or Synchronicity II. But, I beg of you, do not ever play Roxanne around me, unless you like it when someone starts spewing hatred and cuss words for the next hour. His solo work is also putrid, always looking for the next cool jazz dude to play with and coming up with tripe like If On A Winter's Night. Wanker! He once talked about how great the Police were and how it would have been so much easier to just play power chords and put out regular rock music. What? No. let's rip off reggae instead and play 3 note oom-pah-pah bass lines while we're at it. To me Sting, you will always be just a bellboy since otherwise...I just don't get it.
Dave Matthews
Sorry Mark. Please accept my apologies on this one buddy, but he bores me to tears. You have great taste in movies, TV shows and music, but I fail to see what the draw is here. I know, his band is fantastic and his sax player is a genius and his drummer is the second coming of Steve Gadd. Could you imagine him fronting, say, Led Zeppelin? Or anybody? He's like your nice next door neighbour, great to have a beer with while on a break from mowing the lawn, but please don't sing. I know he's very accomplished, and he seems like a great guy, but his music goes in one ear and out the other I'm afraid. Sorry Dave, and Mark, but...I just don't get it.
Broken Social Scene
Ok, the next couple are for the hipsters out there. I love Metric. I love Feist. I love Stars. You know why? It's because they have honest to goodness songs. That's right. Songs. BSS hasn't got a single good song. It sounds like they got together, smoked some too good weed and then started playing. Then, all the cool people smoked some too good weed too and listened and went, " Wow man, are they ever cool!" Wrong, wrong, wrong. Whenever they release a new record, the blogosphere lights up (excuse the bad pun) in anticipation. Then, out come the requisite glowing reviews about African influences and isn't that a great vuvuzela solo on track 4 and isn't it great that they had 400 people on stage at their last show. I apologize for offending any of you who like them, but I need help I guess since...I just don't get it.
TV On The Radio
Apart from their very interesting cover of Bowie's Heroes, they suffer from the same malaise as BSS. Songs. Melodies. Too much machinery for me, kids. Somebody got the keys to the studio and went nuts, and I find it appallingly awful. I know it's cool to like them and to some, I must sound like a boring old fart, but they leave me cold. I know they are a multi-racial group, and their heads are in the right place. Great! Now, go write some songs ferchristsakes! Frankly...I just don't get it.
Britney, Rihanna, Katy, GaGa, J-Lo, et al
Oh crap! Why would I waste my breath? I once saw an interview with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and he was bemoaning people like J-Lo going on about how they worked really hard in the studio on their new record. He said it best, and I quote, " J-Lo wouldn't even know where the friggin' light switch was in the studio." I couldn't have put it any better myself since...I just don't get it.
There are more that could be added to this rant, but I'll leave it there for now. Again, sorry if I offended anyone who reads this, but that's what the comments section is for.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Listomania! - 1967
OK, OK. 1967 - A huge year in music. I know, I know.....but it was also a huge year personally. I mean, we moved from tiny little Capreol to the massive metropolis of London, Ontario.....population at the time of about 250,000 as compared to 3,000 back home. Now that was culture shock to a 6 1/2 year old lemme tell ya! It was Canada's Centennial. It was the Summer of Love. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I saw actual Hippies! Detroit was burning, literally, and we didn't get to go to that Red Wings game yet. In a far away land, (Czechoslovakia) in a far away city, (Prague) my future true love (Martina) (awwww) was born. So other than singing that annoying song by one Bobby Gimby at school ( for those too young to remember it, ask me sometime after I've had a couple and I may sing it), it was a very good year for this guy. Musically, it was one of the most important years of all. So, here's the list, which really omits several great songs, but them's the rules!
Top 10 of 1967
10. Somebody To Love - The Jefferson Airplane
Gracie Slick comes burning in right away, and off we go. My mother thought she had a thyroid condition because of her wide-eyed stare. The guitar is very tinny and the production quality lacks that oomph, but this song is a touchstone of this era in my books.These folks were part of the San Francisco scene, all Haight-Ashbury and flower power. Please forgive them for their sins against music in the 1980s, particularly We Built This City, as they must have needed the money since they apparently smoked it all away in the 60s. "When the truth is found, to be lies." My first inkling that things were not as they seemed.
9. Incense And Peppermints - The Strawberry Alarm Clock
These guys were pretty much one-hit wonders, but this gets on the list for the double hi-hat shot at the 1:40 mark alone. All Farfisa organ and singalong melody, this is the first song that comes to mind when I think of that summer of '67. I remember hearing that one of the dudes in this band went on to play in Lynyrd Skynyrd, but this sounds nothing like them. "Turn on, tune in, turn your eyes around." Groovy baby!
8. Different Drum - The Stone Poneys
OK, who taught them to spell? I used to think this was a great women's lib sort of song when I was younger. Then, I found out it was written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees and that theory was shot down. This is a very young Linda Ronstadt before her solo career, but that voice is unmistakable. The harpsichord rears its wonderful head again here, but it is all about the vocal. " I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty, all I'm sayin's I'm not ready, for any person place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me." She probably wants to see Europe first or something pal!
7. The Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendrix
A gorgeous song! The shimmer of Mitch Mitchell's ride cymbal, Noel Redding's bass grooving along, and Jimi and that magnificent guitar sound! I was never really a big Hendrix guy, but this song is just too beautiful to resist. It would have been too easy to put Purple Haze on this list because it was the A-side of the single, and it almost made it, but I wore out the grooves on this B-side. " And the wind it cries Mary." 'Nuff said.
6. Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream
Starting in the summer of '67, we went for holidays back to Capreol to my Grandparent's house. My Grandmother, who we kids all called Nan because she was from England, would give me money to go to Del Papa's variety store and buy candy and stuff. On this day, I spent my money on my first Hit Parader magazine because it used to print the lyrics to all the latest hits on its back pages. One of the songs printed in that edition was this psychedelic gem from Cream. This was a very new sound to my ears at the time. It was heavy and bluesy and soulful, and it still is. With Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton trading off the vocals, and Ginger Baker pounding away in the background, it was my entry into the possibilities of the sound of the electric guitar. This was also when they used to write "Clapton Is God" in the Charing Cross tube in London, England. " I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going, in the sunshine of your love." They made a believer out of me!
5. Expecting To Fly - Buffalo Springfield
This is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs that Neil Young ever wrote. The guy was a genius even at this stage of his career. Legend has it that he was reluctant to sing lead because he hated his own voice, but Stephen Stills encouraged him to sing and we all owe Stills a pat on the back in thanks. A very fragile voice to be sure, but this song could never have been sung by anyone else. It is a true masterpiece which was really helped by producer Jack Nietsche's arrangement. This song really stretched the conventions of the rock song at the time too, with the strings and time changes and all. " There you stood on the edge of your feather, expecting to fly." Amazing!
4. I Am The Walrus - The Beatles
What? No song from Sgt. Pepper? Sacriledge! Sorry peeps, but if I were to rank Beatles albums, the crusty old Sarge would be in the lower half of the list. It's still a great record, but I much prefer Revolver or Abbey Road myself. This is from the much maligned (at the time) Magical Mystery Tour and it was the apex of weird. People were just starting to analyze their lyrics, so, in typical Lennon fashion, he decided to give them something to ruminate on for hours. The lyrics probably mean nothing, but I have read that Lennon had written at least part of it on LSD and that may explain lines like " Sitting on a cornflake, waiting for the van to come." The orchestration by George Martin is exquisite and I spent hours and hours listening to the end part trying to figure out just what the hell they were saying. Paul is dead! Oh dear!
3. Tin Soldier - The Small Faces
This beauty was written by lead singer Steve Marriott and is one of the finest examples of a white boy singing R 'n' B ever. I love the way the instruments build at the beginning and then Marriott says " Come on" and away we go! These guys remain one of my fave bands to this day, and it is because of things like the keyboard break about a minute and a half into it that I feel this way. Great keyboards by Ian McLagan and brilliant bass by the ever-awesome Ronnie Lane just kick my ass every time! What a groove! " So treat me like a man, 'cos I ain't no child." The sound of young, mod England!
2. Alone Again Or - Love
This may be the brilliant Arthur Lee's greatest achievment. The strings are great, the acoustic guitar is fab, and the trumpet solo sounds like they hired Herb Alpert to play it. Psychedelic, folky and gorgeous! From the groundbreaking album Forever Changes, (maybe my favourite album of all time, depending on which day I'm asked) this songs leads one into the intoxicating songs on the rest of the record. These guys were from L.A. but never made it in the States, so they spent a lot of time in the U.K. where they were much bigger stars on the charts. " And I will be alone again tonight my dear." I would have hung out with you Art!
1. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
Sha-la-la! One of the most beautiful songs the English language has ever known! For me, this is the peak of Ray Davies' songwriting abilities. This saga of Terry and Julie makes London town come alive for someone like me who has never been there. It may be the quintessential song about swinging London and I think old Ray must have been quite satisfied when he finished this one. A true masterpiece by a true master of his craft. " But I don't need no friends, as long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise." Perfection!
Top 10 of 1967
10. Somebody To Love - The Jefferson Airplane
Gracie Slick comes burning in right away, and off we go. My mother thought she had a thyroid condition because of her wide-eyed stare. The guitar is very tinny and the production quality lacks that oomph, but this song is a touchstone of this era in my books.These folks were part of the San Francisco scene, all Haight-Ashbury and flower power. Please forgive them for their sins against music in the 1980s, particularly We Built This City, as they must have needed the money since they apparently smoked it all away in the 60s. "When the truth is found, to be lies." My first inkling that things were not as they seemed.
9. Incense And Peppermints - The Strawberry Alarm Clock
These guys were pretty much one-hit wonders, but this gets on the list for the double hi-hat shot at the 1:40 mark alone. All Farfisa organ and singalong melody, this is the first song that comes to mind when I think of that summer of '67. I remember hearing that one of the dudes in this band went on to play in Lynyrd Skynyrd, but this sounds nothing like them. "Turn on, tune in, turn your eyes around." Groovy baby!
8. Different Drum - The Stone Poneys
OK, who taught them to spell? I used to think this was a great women's lib sort of song when I was younger. Then, I found out it was written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees and that theory was shot down. This is a very young Linda Ronstadt before her solo career, but that voice is unmistakable. The harpsichord rears its wonderful head again here, but it is all about the vocal. " I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty, all I'm sayin's I'm not ready, for any person place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me." She probably wants to see Europe first or something pal!
7. The Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendrix
A gorgeous song! The shimmer of Mitch Mitchell's ride cymbal, Noel Redding's bass grooving along, and Jimi and that magnificent guitar sound! I was never really a big Hendrix guy, but this song is just too beautiful to resist. It would have been too easy to put Purple Haze on this list because it was the A-side of the single, and it almost made it, but I wore out the grooves on this B-side. " And the wind it cries Mary." 'Nuff said.
6. Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream
Starting in the summer of '67, we went for holidays back to Capreol to my Grandparent's house. My Grandmother, who we kids all called Nan because she was from England, would give me money to go to Del Papa's variety store and buy candy and stuff. On this day, I spent my money on my first Hit Parader magazine because it used to print the lyrics to all the latest hits on its back pages. One of the songs printed in that edition was this psychedelic gem from Cream. This was a very new sound to my ears at the time. It was heavy and bluesy and soulful, and it still is. With Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton trading off the vocals, and Ginger Baker pounding away in the background, it was my entry into the possibilities of the sound of the electric guitar. This was also when they used to write "Clapton Is God" in the Charing Cross tube in London, England. " I've been waiting so long, to be where I'm going, in the sunshine of your love." They made a believer out of me!
5. Expecting To Fly - Buffalo Springfield
This is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs that Neil Young ever wrote. The guy was a genius even at this stage of his career. Legend has it that he was reluctant to sing lead because he hated his own voice, but Stephen Stills encouraged him to sing and we all owe Stills a pat on the back in thanks. A very fragile voice to be sure, but this song could never have been sung by anyone else. It is a true masterpiece which was really helped by producer Jack Nietsche's arrangement. This song really stretched the conventions of the rock song at the time too, with the strings and time changes and all. " There you stood on the edge of your feather, expecting to fly." Amazing!
4. I Am The Walrus - The Beatles
What? No song from Sgt. Pepper? Sacriledge! Sorry peeps, but if I were to rank Beatles albums, the crusty old Sarge would be in the lower half of the list. It's still a great record, but I much prefer Revolver or Abbey Road myself. This is from the much maligned (at the time) Magical Mystery Tour and it was the apex of weird. People were just starting to analyze their lyrics, so, in typical Lennon fashion, he decided to give them something to ruminate on for hours. The lyrics probably mean nothing, but I have read that Lennon had written at least part of it on LSD and that may explain lines like " Sitting on a cornflake, waiting for the van to come." The orchestration by George Martin is exquisite and I spent hours and hours listening to the end part trying to figure out just what the hell they were saying. Paul is dead! Oh dear!
3. Tin Soldier - The Small Faces
This beauty was written by lead singer Steve Marriott and is one of the finest examples of a white boy singing R 'n' B ever. I love the way the instruments build at the beginning and then Marriott says " Come on" and away we go! These guys remain one of my fave bands to this day, and it is because of things like the keyboard break about a minute and a half into it that I feel this way. Great keyboards by Ian McLagan and brilliant bass by the ever-awesome Ronnie Lane just kick my ass every time! What a groove! " So treat me like a man, 'cos I ain't no child." The sound of young, mod England!
2. Alone Again Or - Love
This may be the brilliant Arthur Lee's greatest achievment. The strings are great, the acoustic guitar is fab, and the trumpet solo sounds like they hired Herb Alpert to play it. Psychedelic, folky and gorgeous! From the groundbreaking album Forever Changes, (maybe my favourite album of all time, depending on which day I'm asked) this songs leads one into the intoxicating songs on the rest of the record. These guys were from L.A. but never made it in the States, so they spent a lot of time in the U.K. where they were much bigger stars on the charts. " And I will be alone again tonight my dear." I would have hung out with you Art!
1. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
Sha-la-la! One of the most beautiful songs the English language has ever known! For me, this is the peak of Ray Davies' songwriting abilities. This saga of Terry and Julie makes London town come alive for someone like me who has never been there. It may be the quintessential song about swinging London and I think old Ray must have been quite satisfied when he finished this one. A true masterpiece by a true master of his craft. " But I don't need no friends, as long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise." Perfection!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
I'll Meet You Halfway......
"She gets dressed up like a pillow, so she's always in bed."
Where'd All The Time Go? by Dr. Dog
Since 2010 is about half gone, I thought I'd throw out a list of albums that I think are amongst the best this year, in case you're tired of Led Zeppelin IV and feel like picking up something new to listen to instead. In alphabetical order then:
Home Acres by Aloha (see post below)
Highlights: Microviolence, Blackout
Infinite Arms by Band Of Horses
Highlights: Factory, Laredo
This is their third album. This Seattle band features the Neil Young-ish vocal stylings of Mr. Ben Bridwell.
Teen Dream by Beach House
Highlights: Silver Soul, Walk In The Park
This dream pop duo is fronted by Victoria Legrand, niece of French composer Michel Legrand. They are based in Baltimore, but likely don't live in the neighbourhood where The Wire was filmed.
The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night by The Besnard Lakes
Highlights: Albatross, This Is What We Call Progress
A husband and wife team from Montreal, this is their second album with a dramatically long title. I saw them open for My Morning Jacket a couple of years ago and they are loud! They take turns on lead vocals and the guy can sing just as high or higher than his missus.
Destroyer Of The Void by Blitzen Trapper
Highlights: Destroyer Of The Void, The Tree
The second record from the Portland, Oregon group. It is folky, melodic and full of great harmonies.
The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae
Highlights: Are You Here?, The Blackest Lily
This chick from Leeds has a gorgeous voice. She has overcome the overdose of her husband to make a brilliant second album.
Shame, Shame by Dr. Dog
Highlights: Station, Where'd All The time Go?
These dudes from Philly have a way with a melody. Their sixth album is a very solid affair from front to back.
Total Life Forever by Foals
Highlights: Miami, Total Life Forever
Out of Oxford, England, these guys will get your feet moving with a sound like Fear Of Music era Talking Heads. This is their second album.
Maintenant by Gigi
Highlights: Some Second Best, The Marquee
This is a Vancouver-based collective who recorded this debut using old-school techniques. It really works, and if you like the sounds of the early 60s, this is for you. A contender for album of the year in my books.
Congratulations by MGMT (see post below)
Highlights: Flash Delerium, Siberian Breaks
High Violet by The National
Highlights: Sorrow, Conversation 16
Hailing from Cincinnati, these Kings of Sadcore are back with their fifth and most accessible record yet. Beautiful, haunting music.
Together by New Pornographers
Highlights: Crash Years, My Shepherd
Once again, these purveyors of Power Pop have made a great record. One of my favourite bands around, led by writer extraordinaire Carl Newman and featuring the distinctive vocals of Miss Neko Case.
Wake Up The Nation by Paul Weller
Highlights: No Tears To Cry, Aim High
The Modfather still has it! What a great record! I was hesitant about this at first as I was disappointed in his last couple of records, but this psychedelic masterpiece proves that the old geezer still has fresh ideas.
Innerspeaker by Tame Impala (see post below)
Highlights: It Is Not Meant To Be, Lucidity
Mojo by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Highlights: First Flash Of Freedom, I Should Have Known It
Another geezer who still has it. The guitars on this album are magnificent. Echoes of Zeppelin, Dylan and maybe even a little Brooce.
Expo 86 by Wolf Parade
Highlights: Palm Road, Ghost Pressure
These Montrealers continue a great run with their third record. I wish I had half the energy of these guys. An exhilarating listen for sure!
Well, what are you waiting for? Get thee to a record store!
Where'd All The Time Go? by Dr. Dog
Since 2010 is about half gone, I thought I'd throw out a list of albums that I think are amongst the best this year, in case you're tired of Led Zeppelin IV and feel like picking up something new to listen to instead. In alphabetical order then:
Home Acres by Aloha (see post below)
Highlights: Microviolence, Blackout
Infinite Arms by Band Of Horses
Highlights: Factory, Laredo
This is their third album. This Seattle band features the Neil Young-ish vocal stylings of Mr. Ben Bridwell.
Teen Dream by Beach House
Highlights: Silver Soul, Walk In The Park
This dream pop duo is fronted by Victoria Legrand, niece of French composer Michel Legrand. They are based in Baltimore, but likely don't live in the neighbourhood where The Wire was filmed.
The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night by The Besnard Lakes
Highlights: Albatross, This Is What We Call Progress
A husband and wife team from Montreal, this is their second album with a dramatically long title. I saw them open for My Morning Jacket a couple of years ago and they are loud! They take turns on lead vocals and the guy can sing just as high or higher than his missus.
Destroyer Of The Void by Blitzen Trapper
Highlights: Destroyer Of The Void, The Tree
The second record from the Portland, Oregon group. It is folky, melodic and full of great harmonies.
The Sea by Corinne Bailey Rae
Highlights: Are You Here?, The Blackest Lily
This chick from Leeds has a gorgeous voice. She has overcome the overdose of her husband to make a brilliant second album.
Shame, Shame by Dr. Dog
Highlights: Station, Where'd All The time Go?
These dudes from Philly have a way with a melody. Their sixth album is a very solid affair from front to back.
Total Life Forever by Foals
Highlights: Miami, Total Life Forever
Out of Oxford, England, these guys will get your feet moving with a sound like Fear Of Music era Talking Heads. This is their second album.
Maintenant by Gigi
Highlights: Some Second Best, The Marquee
This is a Vancouver-based collective who recorded this debut using old-school techniques. It really works, and if you like the sounds of the early 60s, this is for you. A contender for album of the year in my books.
Congratulations by MGMT (see post below)
Highlights: Flash Delerium, Siberian Breaks
High Violet by The National
Highlights: Sorrow, Conversation 16
Hailing from Cincinnati, these Kings of Sadcore are back with their fifth and most accessible record yet. Beautiful, haunting music.
Together by New Pornographers
Highlights: Crash Years, My Shepherd
Once again, these purveyors of Power Pop have made a great record. One of my favourite bands around, led by writer extraordinaire Carl Newman and featuring the distinctive vocals of Miss Neko Case.
Wake Up The Nation by Paul Weller
Highlights: No Tears To Cry, Aim High
The Modfather still has it! What a great record! I was hesitant about this at first as I was disappointed in his last couple of records, but this psychedelic masterpiece proves that the old geezer still has fresh ideas.
Innerspeaker by Tame Impala (see post below)
Highlights: It Is Not Meant To Be, Lucidity
Mojo by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Highlights: First Flash Of Freedom, I Should Have Known It
Another geezer who still has it. The guitars on this album are magnificent. Echoes of Zeppelin, Dylan and maybe even a little Brooce.
Expo 86 by Wolf Parade
Highlights: Palm Road, Ghost Pressure
These Montrealers continue a great run with their third record. I wish I had half the energy of these guys. An exhilarating listen for sure!
Well, what are you waiting for? Get thee to a record store!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Listomania! - 1966
" Christ, I'm so sick of seeing that Beliveau with the Cup!"
-Russell Paul (My Dad), May 5, 1966
The above statement comes from my first disappointment as a sports fan. The Montreal Canadiens had just beaten my Dad's ( and soon to be mine) beloved Detroit Red Wings in overtime in Game 6 of the 1966 Stanley Cup finals. The Wings would continue to disappoint me for another 31 years, so I got plenty used to it over that time. The Monkees and Batman were on TV and it was an exciting time to be a 5 1/2 year old. Starting with 1966, these lists will be a whole bunch harder to compile. You see, I could probably do a Top 50 for this and every following year, so whittling it down to 10 songs will be difficult. But, it must be done, so away we go. Many of the usual suspects of the time show up here again, but I never claimed that diversity of artists would be a feature of these lists, Steve!
10. Hold On, I'm Comin' - Sam & Dave
Unlike Motown, which used strings to soften their Northern Soul sound, these Memphis cats at Stax-Volt were much rawer sounding. Written and produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, this beauty of a tune has Booker T and his MGs as the backing band and utilizes the now legendary Memphis Horns as well. The tight groove of this song and Sam & Dave's rough, soulful vocals urge you out on the dancefloor and one is powerless to resist their charms. " Now don't you ever be sad." Not with this playing on the old console stereo!
9. My Little Red Book - Love
This is the genius Arthur Lee and Love's reworking of the Burt Bacharach-Hal David tune. The way the guitar is played drives this song along at an urgent pace, making a sort of garage anthem out of a song that was cut the same year by Mel Torme! The way it begins with the smashing tambourine and then the driving bass line is certainly music to these ears. I've heard that this song's guitar sound was an inspiration to Syd Barrett and the sound he wanted for his guitars. You can find this on Love's self-titled first album. " I just got out my little red book the moment that you said goodbye." If I'd had a little red book, it would have been very little.
8. Get Ready - The Temptations
Featuring the falsetto lead vocal of Eddie Kendricks, this song has the usual great Motown backing band the Funk Brothers kicking it out and as it was written by the amazing Smokey Robinson, you know the lyrics are way cool! Motown's slogan was "The Sound of Young America" and this one fits the bill to a tee. My Dad really hated this song too, so I was hooked! " I'm bringing you a love that's true, so get ready." Get down with the funky sound!
7. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again - Bob Dylan
From his masterpiece Blonde On Blonde, this 7 minutes-plus track sums up Dylan's greatness for me. I do a very bad impression of his distinctive voice, and it is usually this song that comes to mind when I break out that bad boy. The Hawks (later The Band) back him up on this one, with Robbie Robertson weaving his lithe lead runs throughout the song. Where Highway 61 Revisited had a more garagey sound, this one is bluesy and country-tinged. " And he just smoked my eyelids and punched my cigarette." Huh?
6. I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
All chiming guitars and British Invasion trendiness, this gem clocks in at a cool 2:24. Upon hearing this song, future bandmate David Crosby said that Graham Nash sounded like he swallowed a trumpet. It is the high harmonies of Nash that glue this song together. It is so full of hooks that they could have loaned a few out to others looking for that catchy sound. The chorus has that classic call and response bit too. I dare you to resist the urge to sing along with this! " Though I'm just one of your lovers, and I know there are so many others." Oo-er missus!
5. Big Black Smoke - The Kinks
Paul Weller would later use the opening bells on The Style Council tune A Man Of Great Promise, so we know he was a fan of this song. Although it sounds all English whimsy and such, it deals with a darker subject matter of the innocent girl caught in the clutches of the big and full of temptation London town. It does have Ray Davies' wry sense of humour though, especially the lines "Well, she slept in cabs and coffee bars and bowling alleys, and every penny she had was spent on purple hearts and cigarettes." Be careful out there!
4. Walk Away Renee - The Left Banke
One of the most gorgeous melodies ever written - hands down, no debate. This song incorporates an almost classical music sort of quality. I mean, listen to the violin as it winds its way through this song. These guys were from New York, but they sound just like they stepped out of rainy England. A fantastic lead vocal and a flute solo do this up right. Then there's that chorus - " Just walk away Renee, you won't see me follow you back home, The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same, You're not to blame." Oh Maria, my little heart is breaking. (Read that in your best McBain voice.)
3. Rain - The Beatles
This was on the B-side of my Paperback Writer 45. Back then, one played both sides of the 45s, and while I love the A-side to this day, Rain is maybe in my top 5 Beatles tunes ever. This is when they started experimenting with the backward vocals and slowing the tapes down and other studio gimmicks, and that's all fine, but for me, this is all about McCartney's God-like bass playing. Next time you listen to this song, just sit back and listen to the bass. Wow! Best bass ever! If my fingers weren't all crooked and useless, I would love to be able to play like this. Did I mention that the bass playing is pretty good? Apparently, he played this on a Rickenbacker bass, not his storied old Hofner. Ringo does a great job here as well, and John justifies his place as my fave Beatle with a great song and stellar vocals. The backward stuff is at the end and man, it was weird at the time! Why was this not on Revolver?
2. Eight Miles High - The Byrds
This is the one of the finest examples of the benefits of smoking a little weed in music history. This song is all colours and warmth and jangly, strange guitars. The noisy, freakout guitar parts were the strangest sounds these young ears had ever heard. One of many songs that my Dad would call "bloody noise" in the coming years, but my Grandmother knew better and took me to Sudbury to pick up this 45. It seems to be about them playing in England hence the lyric "Rain-grey town, known for its sound, In places Small Faces unbound." Far out man!
1. Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
Brian Wilson's genius reaches its peak! He was never the same after this, and it's no wonder. He spent over $50,000 on it which was a fortune at the time. It is said he recorded at least 15 versions of this song. I think that he deserved a few years in the sandbox after this one! It has always struck me as almost a modern hymn, with the chuch-sounding organ, beautiful harmonies, a cello, and....a theremin! One of the most perfect songs ever created and not a surfboard in sight!
-Russell Paul (My Dad), May 5, 1966
The above statement comes from my first disappointment as a sports fan. The Montreal Canadiens had just beaten my Dad's ( and soon to be mine) beloved Detroit Red Wings in overtime in Game 6 of the 1966 Stanley Cup finals. The Wings would continue to disappoint me for another 31 years, so I got plenty used to it over that time. The Monkees and Batman were on TV and it was an exciting time to be a 5 1/2 year old. Starting with 1966, these lists will be a whole bunch harder to compile. You see, I could probably do a Top 50 for this and every following year, so whittling it down to 10 songs will be difficult. But, it must be done, so away we go. Many of the usual suspects of the time show up here again, but I never claimed that diversity of artists would be a feature of these lists, Steve!
10. Hold On, I'm Comin' - Sam & Dave
Unlike Motown, which used strings to soften their Northern Soul sound, these Memphis cats at Stax-Volt were much rawer sounding. Written and produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, this beauty of a tune has Booker T and his MGs as the backing band and utilizes the now legendary Memphis Horns as well. The tight groove of this song and Sam & Dave's rough, soulful vocals urge you out on the dancefloor and one is powerless to resist their charms. " Now don't you ever be sad." Not with this playing on the old console stereo!
9. My Little Red Book - Love
This is the genius Arthur Lee and Love's reworking of the Burt Bacharach-Hal David tune. The way the guitar is played drives this song along at an urgent pace, making a sort of garage anthem out of a song that was cut the same year by Mel Torme! The way it begins with the smashing tambourine and then the driving bass line is certainly music to these ears. I've heard that this song's guitar sound was an inspiration to Syd Barrett and the sound he wanted for his guitars. You can find this on Love's self-titled first album. " I just got out my little red book the moment that you said goodbye." If I'd had a little red book, it would have been very little.
8. Get Ready - The Temptations
Featuring the falsetto lead vocal of Eddie Kendricks, this song has the usual great Motown backing band the Funk Brothers kicking it out and as it was written by the amazing Smokey Robinson, you know the lyrics are way cool! Motown's slogan was "The Sound of Young America" and this one fits the bill to a tee. My Dad really hated this song too, so I was hooked! " I'm bringing you a love that's true, so get ready." Get down with the funky sound!
7. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again - Bob Dylan
From his masterpiece Blonde On Blonde, this 7 minutes-plus track sums up Dylan's greatness for me. I do a very bad impression of his distinctive voice, and it is usually this song that comes to mind when I break out that bad boy. The Hawks (later The Band) back him up on this one, with Robbie Robertson weaving his lithe lead runs throughout the song. Where Highway 61 Revisited had a more garagey sound, this one is bluesy and country-tinged. " And he just smoked my eyelids and punched my cigarette." Huh?
6. I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
All chiming guitars and British Invasion trendiness, this gem clocks in at a cool 2:24. Upon hearing this song, future bandmate David Crosby said that Graham Nash sounded like he swallowed a trumpet. It is the high harmonies of Nash that glue this song together. It is so full of hooks that they could have loaned a few out to others looking for that catchy sound. The chorus has that classic call and response bit too. I dare you to resist the urge to sing along with this! " Though I'm just one of your lovers, and I know there are so many others." Oo-er missus!
5. Big Black Smoke - The Kinks
Paul Weller would later use the opening bells on The Style Council tune A Man Of Great Promise, so we know he was a fan of this song. Although it sounds all English whimsy and such, it deals with a darker subject matter of the innocent girl caught in the clutches of the big and full of temptation London town. It does have Ray Davies' wry sense of humour though, especially the lines "Well, she slept in cabs and coffee bars and bowling alleys, and every penny she had was spent on purple hearts and cigarettes." Be careful out there!
4. Walk Away Renee - The Left Banke
One of the most gorgeous melodies ever written - hands down, no debate. This song incorporates an almost classical music sort of quality. I mean, listen to the violin as it winds its way through this song. These guys were from New York, but they sound just like they stepped out of rainy England. A fantastic lead vocal and a flute solo do this up right. Then there's that chorus - " Just walk away Renee, you won't see me follow you back home, The empty sidewalks on my block are not the same, You're not to blame." Oh Maria, my little heart is breaking. (Read that in your best McBain voice.)
3. Rain - The Beatles
This was on the B-side of my Paperback Writer 45. Back then, one played both sides of the 45s, and while I love the A-side to this day, Rain is maybe in my top 5 Beatles tunes ever. This is when they started experimenting with the backward vocals and slowing the tapes down and other studio gimmicks, and that's all fine, but for me, this is all about McCartney's God-like bass playing. Next time you listen to this song, just sit back and listen to the bass. Wow! Best bass ever! If my fingers weren't all crooked and useless, I would love to be able to play like this. Did I mention that the bass playing is pretty good? Apparently, he played this on a Rickenbacker bass, not his storied old Hofner. Ringo does a great job here as well, and John justifies his place as my fave Beatle with a great song and stellar vocals. The backward stuff is at the end and man, it was weird at the time! Why was this not on Revolver?
2. Eight Miles High - The Byrds
This is the one of the finest examples of the benefits of smoking a little weed in music history. This song is all colours and warmth and jangly, strange guitars. The noisy, freakout guitar parts were the strangest sounds these young ears had ever heard. One of many songs that my Dad would call "bloody noise" in the coming years, but my Grandmother knew better and took me to Sudbury to pick up this 45. It seems to be about them playing in England hence the lyric "Rain-grey town, known for its sound, In places Small Faces unbound." Far out man!
1. Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
Brian Wilson's genius reaches its peak! He was never the same after this, and it's no wonder. He spent over $50,000 on it which was a fortune at the time. It is said he recorded at least 15 versions of this song. I think that he deserved a few years in the sandbox after this one! It has always struck me as almost a modern hymn, with the chuch-sounding organ, beautiful harmonies, a cello, and....a theremin! One of the most perfect songs ever created and not a surfboard in sight!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
I Went Back To Ohio.........
"Alright, hold tight, I'm a highway star."
Highway Star by Deep Purple
Cleveland indeed does rock. It was mausoleum humid on the day my youngest sister Shannon and I went to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and there were moments when we were walking from the parking lot to the Hall that I thought I may never see it on account of my collapsing in a heap on the sidewalk, but we made it. It is a strange sort of triangular building that juts out over Lake Erie. It is 6 floors of memorabilia and exhibits, so it takes 5 or 6 hours to go through, and even then I didn't spend as much time as I would have liked at each display. I won't go into great detail about everything we saw, but some highlights included John Lennon's 12-string Rickenbacker, handwritten lyrics to several songs ( Joe Strummer had very neat printing, who knew?) and costumes like Grace Slick's very tiny white fringe vest that she wore at Woodstock. It is a truly fascinating place to see, and I intend to go back again to catch what I missed the first time. Any of you who love music should get there at least once in your life.
That night, we went to Chef Michael Symons' Lola Restaurant. Fabulous decor, terrific ambiance and amazing food and wine! Shannon is the most adventurous eater in our very picky family, but for some reason, when I go to these kind of places with great professional chefs, I try to eat something I've never had before and would not usually eat at any other time. We both had the bibb and watercress salad as our appetizer and the white truffle vinaigrette was amazing! Shannon had the salmon as her main course and I swung for the fences by going for the calf's heart( I ate it with some fava beans and a nice Chianti, in my best Anthony Hopkins voice) with homemade cream corn, green chiles, habaneros and morel mushrooms. It was thinly sliced and cooked rare and friggin' delicious! Now, those of you who know me well understand that organ meat is not a usual choice of mine, but this was quite exceptional. We washed it all down with a tasty Oregon Shiraz blend and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. After a couple of beers at an Irish pub around the corner, we called it a night.
The next afternoon, we went to Progressive Field to witness the second coming of Christ, errr, the second start of the season by rookie phenom Steven Strasburg as his Washington Nationals took on Cleveland's hapless Indians. A sellout crowd was in attendance (perhaps the only one poor Cleveland will see this year) and the Nats prevailed quite handily 9-4. Strasburg was very good, striking out 8 over 6 innings and giving up only 2 hits, one a solo homer by Travis Hafner. He walked 5 though, so he was a little wild, but it was awesome to see him pitch and something to tell the grandkids about. Lots of ballpark food was consumed and a few Leinenkugel's and it was a great day! It was Shannon's first live big-league ball game and she was quite impressed by the stadium and the atmosphere. Now she'll be a pro when she takes my Dad there next time he visits. All in all, it was a fantastic trip and I would like to thank my sister for putting up with me for 4 days and being so hospitable to her much older brother.
Highway Star by Deep Purple
Cleveland indeed does rock. It was mausoleum humid on the day my youngest sister Shannon and I went to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and there were moments when we were walking from the parking lot to the Hall that I thought I may never see it on account of my collapsing in a heap on the sidewalk, but we made it. It is a strange sort of triangular building that juts out over Lake Erie. It is 6 floors of memorabilia and exhibits, so it takes 5 or 6 hours to go through, and even then I didn't spend as much time as I would have liked at each display. I won't go into great detail about everything we saw, but some highlights included John Lennon's 12-string Rickenbacker, handwritten lyrics to several songs ( Joe Strummer had very neat printing, who knew?) and costumes like Grace Slick's very tiny white fringe vest that she wore at Woodstock. It is a truly fascinating place to see, and I intend to go back again to catch what I missed the first time. Any of you who love music should get there at least once in your life.
That night, we went to Chef Michael Symons' Lola Restaurant. Fabulous decor, terrific ambiance and amazing food and wine! Shannon is the most adventurous eater in our very picky family, but for some reason, when I go to these kind of places with great professional chefs, I try to eat something I've never had before and would not usually eat at any other time. We both had the bibb and watercress salad as our appetizer and the white truffle vinaigrette was amazing! Shannon had the salmon as her main course and I swung for the fences by going for the calf's heart( I ate it with some fava beans and a nice Chianti, in my best Anthony Hopkins voice) with homemade cream corn, green chiles, habaneros and morel mushrooms. It was thinly sliced and cooked rare and friggin' delicious! Now, those of you who know me well understand that organ meat is not a usual choice of mine, but this was quite exceptional. We washed it all down with a tasty Oregon Shiraz blend and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. After a couple of beers at an Irish pub around the corner, we called it a night.
The next afternoon, we went to Progressive Field to witness the second coming of Christ, errr, the second start of the season by rookie phenom Steven Strasburg as his Washington Nationals took on Cleveland's hapless Indians. A sellout crowd was in attendance (perhaps the only one poor Cleveland will see this year) and the Nats prevailed quite handily 9-4. Strasburg was very good, striking out 8 over 6 innings and giving up only 2 hits, one a solo homer by Travis Hafner. He walked 5 though, so he was a little wild, but it was awesome to see him pitch and something to tell the grandkids about. Lots of ballpark food was consumed and a few Leinenkugel's and it was a great day! It was Shannon's first live big-league ball game and she was quite impressed by the stadium and the atmosphere. Now she'll be a pro when she takes my Dad there next time he visits. All in all, it was a fantastic trip and I would like to thank my sister for putting up with me for 4 days and being so hospitable to her much older brother.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Listomania! - 1965
What do I recall about 1965? Well, we lived up in Northern Ontario in a small town called Capreol and winters were pretty much as you would imagine -freezing cold and tons of snow. I recall my Dad going to open the door to let me out for school and we couldn't get out the door because the snow was as high as the top of the front door. He grabbed a shovel from the basement and dug his way out. The car was buried so driving me was not an option. Back then, there was no such thing as a snow day, so he strapped me into a pair of snowshoes and off I went to school. I'm not sure if they had bought these snowshoes for me or if they were his or a neighbour's, but I do remember the damn things falling off several times on the way to school. My other memory is having a huge crush on my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thompson. She had jet black hair and huge blue eyes and I was smitten! My Mom called her Bonnie because she had gone to school with her, but at the time, I found it funny that teachers had first names. They were Miss Or Mrs., not Bonnie!
Top 10 of 1965
10. Heart Full Of Soul - The Yardbirds
Once, while Steve and I were listening to Little Steven's Underground Garage on the radio, he played a take of this with a sitar doing the beginning guitar part. I'm glad that they decided to put out the version they did, because that Strat of Jeff Beck's is one of the most iconic guitar parts ever. Keith Relf's vocals do the trick too as he sang in a lower register and the whoa-o-o-o-ohh backing vocals add to its charm. "And I know, well if she had me back again, well I would never make her sad." Promises, promises.
9. The Sound Of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
This is one of the true sounds of the 60s. Art Garfunkel's beautiful high tenor harmonizing with Paul Simon like they were born to sing together. The electric guitar part is kind of funky with its incessant bending in and around the rest of the band. "And the sign said the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls." A great song foreshadowing the civil rights struggles and protest movement that was just gathering steam at the time.
8. Till The End Of The Day - The Kinks
Scratchy garage rock at its finest. Ray Davies sounding like the schoolboy in disgrace backed by his rollicking brother Dave and the boys. I love the way the voice comes bursting in after the guitar intro and off we go!"You and me we're free, we do as we please, from morning till the end of the day." I often had this in my head while skipping class later in high school. Ahh, youth!
7. It's Not Unusual - Tom Jones
Crisp horns, muted trumpets, and that giant sack of Welsh testosterone that is Tom Jones! His signature song from the height of the Swinging Sixties. I had the 45 on the old Parrot record label. This one was one of the few songs that was directly influenced by my parents as they were big fans of his. I dare you to sit still through this one. You can't help but tap your feet! I know a lot of you will think this is just a big ball of cheese, and maybe it is, but it remains a great memory for me. It's hard to believe it clocks in at just over 2 minutes as it seemed longer back then. " Love will never do, what you want it to, why can't this crazy love be mine?" Judging by the amount of ladies' undergarments that were tossed on stage, you did OK, Tom old boy.
6. We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place - The Animals
A great little bass intro leads into the menace that is Eric Burdon. He caused fathers to lock up their daughters when these guys came to town. Unlike Paul McCartney, he was no baby-faced, smiling, polite young man. He had the blues, and a sneer that would frighten Billy Idol. He wants to take your little girl out of this one-horse town and the implications were scary in '65. Martina tells of her brother Karel rocking out to this, very seriously, as a 5 or 6 year old and that is what I think of when I hear it now. "I've been working too babe, every day, waaaaaaooohhhh!!!!" You know it too!
5. Ticket To Ride - The Beatles
This has been called the first heavy metal song. I suppose the droning bass and the rolling tom-toms do give credence to the theory, but it is Lennon's vocal delivery that makes this special.
The much under-appreciated tambourine is essential here as well, especially in the middle eight. This is one of Ringo's better sessions too and quieted his detractors somewhat. "She says that livin' with me was bringin' her down, yeah, she would never be free when i was around." You have officially been dumped buddy.
4. Nowhere To Run - Martha & The Vandellas
I once saw a documentary on the civil rights marches and this was played while they were turning fire hoses on the blacks in the South which is my lasting image of this song. But, at its essence, it is another great session by the Motown rhythm section and an urgent, soulful vocal by the amazing Martha Reeves. I love the line "It's not love that I'm running from, it's the heartbreak I know will come." Why do all the girls like the bad boys?
3. Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan
What the hell is that instrument at the start? It sounds like a New Year's party favour, but it is a real contrast to the dark subject matter of this song. From the great album of the same name, I remember hearing this in the car at night coming home from my Grandparents' house and my Dad turned it off, complaining about the bloody noise that was passing for music at the time. This is the first song I ever heard that dealt with something other than boy-girl relationships and I can remember learning all the words at around age 11, but still not getting what it really meant. I do love it when Dylan gets into a blues shuffle beat like this. "But the second mother was with the seventh son, and they were both out on Highway 61." Someday I'd like to travel this Highway 61!
2. The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Bob Dylan called him "America's greatest living poet" at the time and I think he was right. The sense of heartbreak and wistful sadness contained in Smokey's falsetto delivery still makes my spine tingle when I hear it. Linda Ronstadt did a great cover of this, but this version trumps it for sheer emotion. " Ooh yeah, since you put me down, my smile is my makeup I wear since my break up with you." Excuse me while I reach for the Kleenex.
1. The Kids Are Alright - The Who
It's all here, the opening strum of Townshend's guitar, Daltrey's great voice, Entwhistle's nimble-fingered bass, and the outlandish, unique drumming of Keith Moon. It's even got that hallmark sort of power-chord, noisy bit that they would incorporate into many of their tunes. If someone asked what the Mod sound is, I would play this for them. At first listen, you can hear the Beatles in the melody and harmonies, but once you hear it, you realize that this ain't Ringo on drums! I will sing this song without much prompting, so be careful when you're in my company and don't mention this song! " I don't mind other guys dancing with my girl." Neither does my girl!
Just a quick note, this will probably be my last post until Tuesday as I will be in Cleveland for a few days.
Top 10 of 1965
10. Heart Full Of Soul - The Yardbirds
Once, while Steve and I were listening to Little Steven's Underground Garage on the radio, he played a take of this with a sitar doing the beginning guitar part. I'm glad that they decided to put out the version they did, because that Strat of Jeff Beck's is one of the most iconic guitar parts ever. Keith Relf's vocals do the trick too as he sang in a lower register and the whoa-o-o-o-ohh backing vocals add to its charm. "And I know, well if she had me back again, well I would never make her sad." Promises, promises.
9. The Sound Of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel
This is one of the true sounds of the 60s. Art Garfunkel's beautiful high tenor harmonizing with Paul Simon like they were born to sing together. The electric guitar part is kind of funky with its incessant bending in and around the rest of the band. "And the sign said the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls." A great song foreshadowing the civil rights struggles and protest movement that was just gathering steam at the time.
8. Till The End Of The Day - The Kinks
Scratchy garage rock at its finest. Ray Davies sounding like the schoolboy in disgrace backed by his rollicking brother Dave and the boys. I love the way the voice comes bursting in after the guitar intro and off we go!"You and me we're free, we do as we please, from morning till the end of the day." I often had this in my head while skipping class later in high school. Ahh, youth!
7. It's Not Unusual - Tom Jones
Crisp horns, muted trumpets, and that giant sack of Welsh testosterone that is Tom Jones! His signature song from the height of the Swinging Sixties. I had the 45 on the old Parrot record label. This one was one of the few songs that was directly influenced by my parents as they were big fans of his. I dare you to sit still through this one. You can't help but tap your feet! I know a lot of you will think this is just a big ball of cheese, and maybe it is, but it remains a great memory for me. It's hard to believe it clocks in at just over 2 minutes as it seemed longer back then. " Love will never do, what you want it to, why can't this crazy love be mine?" Judging by the amount of ladies' undergarments that were tossed on stage, you did OK, Tom old boy.
6. We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place - The Animals
A great little bass intro leads into the menace that is Eric Burdon. He caused fathers to lock up their daughters when these guys came to town. Unlike Paul McCartney, he was no baby-faced, smiling, polite young man. He had the blues, and a sneer that would frighten Billy Idol. He wants to take your little girl out of this one-horse town and the implications were scary in '65. Martina tells of her brother Karel rocking out to this, very seriously, as a 5 or 6 year old and that is what I think of when I hear it now. "I've been working too babe, every day, waaaaaaooohhhh!!!!" You know it too!
5. Ticket To Ride - The Beatles
This has been called the first heavy metal song. I suppose the droning bass and the rolling tom-toms do give credence to the theory, but it is Lennon's vocal delivery that makes this special.
The much under-appreciated tambourine is essential here as well, especially in the middle eight. This is one of Ringo's better sessions too and quieted his detractors somewhat. "She says that livin' with me was bringin' her down, yeah, she would never be free when i was around." You have officially been dumped buddy.
4. Nowhere To Run - Martha & The Vandellas
I once saw a documentary on the civil rights marches and this was played while they were turning fire hoses on the blacks in the South which is my lasting image of this song. But, at its essence, it is another great session by the Motown rhythm section and an urgent, soulful vocal by the amazing Martha Reeves. I love the line "It's not love that I'm running from, it's the heartbreak I know will come." Why do all the girls like the bad boys?
3. Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan
What the hell is that instrument at the start? It sounds like a New Year's party favour, but it is a real contrast to the dark subject matter of this song. From the great album of the same name, I remember hearing this in the car at night coming home from my Grandparents' house and my Dad turned it off, complaining about the bloody noise that was passing for music at the time. This is the first song I ever heard that dealt with something other than boy-girl relationships and I can remember learning all the words at around age 11, but still not getting what it really meant. I do love it when Dylan gets into a blues shuffle beat like this. "But the second mother was with the seventh son, and they were both out on Highway 61." Someday I'd like to travel this Highway 61!
2. The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Bob Dylan called him "America's greatest living poet" at the time and I think he was right. The sense of heartbreak and wistful sadness contained in Smokey's falsetto delivery still makes my spine tingle when I hear it. Linda Ronstadt did a great cover of this, but this version trumps it for sheer emotion. " Ooh yeah, since you put me down, my smile is my makeup I wear since my break up with you." Excuse me while I reach for the Kleenex.
1. The Kids Are Alright - The Who
It's all here, the opening strum of Townshend's guitar, Daltrey's great voice, Entwhistle's nimble-fingered bass, and the outlandish, unique drumming of Keith Moon. It's even got that hallmark sort of power-chord, noisy bit that they would incorporate into many of their tunes. If someone asked what the Mod sound is, I would play this for them. At first listen, you can hear the Beatles in the melody and harmonies, but once you hear it, you realize that this ain't Ringo on drums! I will sing this song without much prompting, so be careful when you're in my company and don't mention this song! " I don't mind other guys dancing with my girl." Neither does my girl!
Just a quick note, this will probably be my last post until Tuesday as I will be in Cleveland for a few days.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Road Leads Where It's Led
" Maybe the rain will stop following me, with millions of colours reflected in daylight, right on the kick drum."
Nowhere Again by Secret Machines
I have always shown a weakness for big sounds. It stems from my youth when I listened to lots of music with loud drums and guitars - you know, the Zeppelins and those other 70s guys who banged and smashed and created a huge hullabaloo. In 2004, i discovered these dudes called Secret Machines from Dallas, TX of all places. They don't sound like my idea of what a Texas band would sound like. They are a cross between Pink Floyd's psychedelia, Led Zep's bombast and the prog rock tendencies of say early Genesis. They started out in 2000 from the ashes of Tripping Daisy (remember 1995 and "I Got A Girl" you 90s fans?) and consisted of brothers Brandon (lead vocals, bass, keyboards) and Ben (guitar, backing vocals) Curtis and Josh Garza (drums). In 2007, Ben Curtis left to form The School Of Seven Bells and was replaced by Phil Karnats on guitar. I had the good fortune to see them live in 2005 when they opened for Interpol in Toronto. They blew Interpol off the stage that night! I mean, Interpol was actually very good, but they never should have asked these guys to open for them. They came on and launched into the huge synth, bass and drum riff of First Wave Intact and I was hooked! It was the kind of sound that makes your insides vibrate. The drummer was set up sideways on the stage and he just had his head down and pounded the whole show. Incredible! Anyway, they are a great band who can really play their instruments and the huge cacaphony they create will make your hair stand on end!
Here are their releases so far:
September 000 E.P. (2002)
Now Here Is Nowhere (2004)
Ten Silver Drops (2006)
Secret Machines (2008)
Watch for a new album to be released sometime this year.
Best Of The Secret Machines
1. First Wave Intact
2. Last Believer, Drop Dead
3. Nowhere Again
4. Atomic Heels
5. Breathe
6. Underneath The Concrete
7. All At Once (It's Not Important)
8. Sad And Lonely
9. Light's On
10. Alone, Jealous And Stoned
11. Pharaoh's Daughter
12. I Hate Pretending
13. The Road Leads Where It's Led
14. Lightning Blue Eyes
15. Marconi's Radio
Nowhere Again by Secret Machines
I have always shown a weakness for big sounds. It stems from my youth when I listened to lots of music with loud drums and guitars - you know, the Zeppelins and those other 70s guys who banged and smashed and created a huge hullabaloo. In 2004, i discovered these dudes called Secret Machines from Dallas, TX of all places. They don't sound like my idea of what a Texas band would sound like. They are a cross between Pink Floyd's psychedelia, Led Zep's bombast and the prog rock tendencies of say early Genesis. They started out in 2000 from the ashes of Tripping Daisy (remember 1995 and "I Got A Girl" you 90s fans?) and consisted of brothers Brandon (lead vocals, bass, keyboards) and Ben (guitar, backing vocals) Curtis and Josh Garza (drums). In 2007, Ben Curtis left to form The School Of Seven Bells and was replaced by Phil Karnats on guitar. I had the good fortune to see them live in 2005 when they opened for Interpol in Toronto. They blew Interpol off the stage that night! I mean, Interpol was actually very good, but they never should have asked these guys to open for them. They came on and launched into the huge synth, bass and drum riff of First Wave Intact and I was hooked! It was the kind of sound that makes your insides vibrate. The drummer was set up sideways on the stage and he just had his head down and pounded the whole show. Incredible! Anyway, they are a great band who can really play their instruments and the huge cacaphony they create will make your hair stand on end!
Here are their releases so far:
September 000 E.P. (2002)
Now Here Is Nowhere (2004)
Ten Silver Drops (2006)
Secret Machines (2008)
Watch for a new album to be released sometime this year.
Best Of The Secret Machines
1. First Wave Intact
2. Last Believer, Drop Dead
3. Nowhere Again
4. Atomic Heels
5. Breathe
6. Underneath The Concrete
7. All At Once (It's Not Important)
8. Sad And Lonely
9. Light's On
10. Alone, Jealous And Stoned
11. Pharaoh's Daughter
12. I Hate Pretending
13. The Road Leads Where It's Led
14. Lightning Blue Eyes
15. Marconi's Radio
Monday, June 7, 2010
Listomania! - 1964
Blame it on the bossa nova, the dance of love."
Blame It On The Bossa Nova by Eydie Gorme
Everybody loves a good debate. So, I will undertake a rather ambitious series of posts on this here blog. It is my intention to list my 10 favourite songs for each year from 1964 to the present and a brief point about each. I will do this one year per post and it comes with a couple of ground rules. Firstly, each artist can only have 1 song in each year. It would be too easy to put 7 or 8 Beatles songs in,say, 1964, so I have imposed this 1 song limit. Also, it could be a cover version, so I won't be a stickler for including the original versions. I decided on 1964 as a starting point because it is the year that I became conscious of popular music. It is also the year that I bought my first 45 RPM single, I Wanna Hold Your Hand by The Beatles. My earliest memory of hearing a song on the radio is 1963. The song was Blame It On The Boss Nova by Eydie Gorme and I vividly recall driving my toy dump truck on the living room floor while my mother waxed the kitchen floor and sang along with the radio. So, here goes, and remember, I would like your feedback and also some of your top 10 lists too.
Top 10 of 1964
10. Wishin' And Hopin' - Dusty Springfield
One of many Bacharach/David covers she did in her illustrious career, Dusty knocks this one out of the park, The lyrics are a bit, shall we say, dated, but her voice is magnificent, especially on the "So if you're lookin' to find love you can share" part. There is a very Phil Spector-ish quality to the production here too, with booming tom-toms and all.
9. I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
Of all the songs on this list, this one best exemplifies the prevailing innocence of the era. " I walked her home and she held my hand, I knew it couldn't be just a one night stand." Now that was getting some real action back in '64! Sung in his usual non-threatening, teen-idol, cheerful way by Peter Noone, this was a huge worldwide hit and was amongst a string of them that these guys had. They disappeared off the charts here in North America once the summer of love happened, but they were loved by all, even my Lawrence Welk -loving father.
8. I'm So Proud - The Impressions
Straight outta Chicago! This group was best known for being led by the incredible Curtis Mayfield, who had much bigger success in the 70s as a solo act with songs like Freddie's Dead and Superfly. The first version of this song I ever heard was actually by Todd Rundgren who included it in a soul medley he used to do. Mayfield's clear falsetto is the real deal though, and lyrics like " And it would hurt, hurt to know, if you ever were untrue" get me singing right along with him.
7. Baby Love - The Supremes
The first Motown song that I recall hearing. I had my tonsils out that year, and as a present for going through the ordeal, my parents bought me a record player and a couple of 45s. This was one and the other was When a Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge. Pure Motown magic this one is! Diana Ross before her ego took over, all cooing and grooving and wonderful! James Jamerson on the bass and the similarly so- nice- they- named- him- twice Benny Benjamin laying it down on the skins! A fab baritone sax! What more could you want?
6. It Ain't Me Babe - Bob Dylan
Before he upset all the folkies by actually plugging in an electric guitar, Dylan just used his acoustic and played the troubadour. I think this was the warning shot fired over Joan Baez' bough before he scorched her with Positively 4th Street. He's warning her that he isn't the marrying kind, and he means it maaan! " A lover for your life and nothing more, but it ain't me babe." No ambiguity here babe!
5. The Warmth Of The Sun - The Beach Boys
Those familiar harmonies that wash over you like the title of this song! Brian Wilson, before the sandbox and acid trips, just popping out another gorgeous "teenage symphony to God" as he once described his songs of this era. This hints at the peak he would reach 2 years later with Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations. He was still under the spell of his abusive prick of a father when he did this one, but it is as beautiful as pop music gets to these ears. " The love of my life, she left me one day. I cried when she said, I don't feel the same way." We all know where he's coming from here folks!
4. You Really Got Me - The Kinks
Every garage band in the world has hacked out these 3 chords. Ray Davies sounds different than all the teen-idol types too. There's a bit of menace in that voice, a bad-boy in waiting so to speak. The sound is all sloppy and the production too, making it the standard for those that followed like The Faces and Iggy And The Stooges and the like. The messy guitar solo just kicks! 3 chords and a cloud of dust!
3. If I Fell - The Beatles
John as the bad guy. He's not trying to be the knight in shining armour here. He's saying to the new bird that he doesn't want her to screw him over like he's about to screw over the last bird. Catch my drift? He wants a guarantee in a world where there are none and where he isn't willing to give any. "I found out love was more than just holding hands." But John, I thought that's all you wanted to do? Fantastic high harmony by Paul here as well, and one of my fave melodies they ever wrote.
2. Walk On By - Dionne Warwick
Burt Bacharach at his best. Dionne Warwick at hers. The rolling piano before the "Don't stop!" backing vocal is truly sublime. The melody is one every songwriter wishes they would have written. The trumpet line! "I just can't get over losing you, and so if i seem broken and blue, walk on by." When all you have left is "foolish pride", well, say no more!
1. She's Not There - The Zombies
So jazzy! The keyboard sound and the bubbly little Chris White bass line at the start and then the utterly fantastic, breathy vocal by Colin Blunstone. One of my all-time all-timers for sure! "Her voice was soft and cool, her eyes were clear and bright, but she's not there." The hipster keyboard solo by Rod Argent in the middle is killer, driven along by the hi-hat work by Hugh Grundy. A perfect pop song!
Blame It On The Bossa Nova by Eydie Gorme
Everybody loves a good debate. So, I will undertake a rather ambitious series of posts on this here blog. It is my intention to list my 10 favourite songs for each year from 1964 to the present and a brief point about each. I will do this one year per post and it comes with a couple of ground rules. Firstly, each artist can only have 1 song in each year. It would be too easy to put 7 or 8 Beatles songs in,say, 1964, so I have imposed this 1 song limit. Also, it could be a cover version, so I won't be a stickler for including the original versions. I decided on 1964 as a starting point because it is the year that I became conscious of popular music. It is also the year that I bought my first 45 RPM single, I Wanna Hold Your Hand by The Beatles. My earliest memory of hearing a song on the radio is 1963. The song was Blame It On The Boss Nova by Eydie Gorme and I vividly recall driving my toy dump truck on the living room floor while my mother waxed the kitchen floor and sang along with the radio. So, here goes, and remember, I would like your feedback and also some of your top 10 lists too.
Top 10 of 1964
10. Wishin' And Hopin' - Dusty Springfield
One of many Bacharach/David covers she did in her illustrious career, Dusty knocks this one out of the park, The lyrics are a bit, shall we say, dated, but her voice is magnificent, especially on the "So if you're lookin' to find love you can share" part. There is a very Phil Spector-ish quality to the production here too, with booming tom-toms and all.
9. I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
Of all the songs on this list, this one best exemplifies the prevailing innocence of the era. " I walked her home and she held my hand, I knew it couldn't be just a one night stand." Now that was getting some real action back in '64! Sung in his usual non-threatening, teen-idol, cheerful way by Peter Noone, this was a huge worldwide hit and was amongst a string of them that these guys had. They disappeared off the charts here in North America once the summer of love happened, but they were loved by all, even my Lawrence Welk -loving father.
8. I'm So Proud - The Impressions
Straight outta Chicago! This group was best known for being led by the incredible Curtis Mayfield, who had much bigger success in the 70s as a solo act with songs like Freddie's Dead and Superfly. The first version of this song I ever heard was actually by Todd Rundgren who included it in a soul medley he used to do. Mayfield's clear falsetto is the real deal though, and lyrics like " And it would hurt, hurt to know, if you ever were untrue" get me singing right along with him.
7. Baby Love - The Supremes
The first Motown song that I recall hearing. I had my tonsils out that year, and as a present for going through the ordeal, my parents bought me a record player and a couple of 45s. This was one and the other was When a Man Loves A Woman by Percy Sledge. Pure Motown magic this one is! Diana Ross before her ego took over, all cooing and grooving and wonderful! James Jamerson on the bass and the similarly so- nice- they- named- him- twice Benny Benjamin laying it down on the skins! A fab baritone sax! What more could you want?
6. It Ain't Me Babe - Bob Dylan
Before he upset all the folkies by actually plugging in an electric guitar, Dylan just used his acoustic and played the troubadour. I think this was the warning shot fired over Joan Baez' bough before he scorched her with Positively 4th Street. He's warning her that he isn't the marrying kind, and he means it maaan! " A lover for your life and nothing more, but it ain't me babe." No ambiguity here babe!
5. The Warmth Of The Sun - The Beach Boys
Those familiar harmonies that wash over you like the title of this song! Brian Wilson, before the sandbox and acid trips, just popping out another gorgeous "teenage symphony to God" as he once described his songs of this era. This hints at the peak he would reach 2 years later with Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations. He was still under the spell of his abusive prick of a father when he did this one, but it is as beautiful as pop music gets to these ears. " The love of my life, she left me one day. I cried when she said, I don't feel the same way." We all know where he's coming from here folks!
4. You Really Got Me - The Kinks
Every garage band in the world has hacked out these 3 chords. Ray Davies sounds different than all the teen-idol types too. There's a bit of menace in that voice, a bad-boy in waiting so to speak. The sound is all sloppy and the production too, making it the standard for those that followed like The Faces and Iggy And The Stooges and the like. The messy guitar solo just kicks! 3 chords and a cloud of dust!
3. If I Fell - The Beatles
John as the bad guy. He's not trying to be the knight in shining armour here. He's saying to the new bird that he doesn't want her to screw him over like he's about to screw over the last bird. Catch my drift? He wants a guarantee in a world where there are none and where he isn't willing to give any. "I found out love was more than just holding hands." But John, I thought that's all you wanted to do? Fantastic high harmony by Paul here as well, and one of my fave melodies they ever wrote.
2. Walk On By - Dionne Warwick
Burt Bacharach at his best. Dionne Warwick at hers. The rolling piano before the "Don't stop!" backing vocal is truly sublime. The melody is one every songwriter wishes they would have written. The trumpet line! "I just can't get over losing you, and so if i seem broken and blue, walk on by." When all you have left is "foolish pride", well, say no more!
1. She's Not There - The Zombies
So jazzy! The keyboard sound and the bubbly little Chris White bass line at the start and then the utterly fantastic, breathy vocal by Colin Blunstone. One of my all-time all-timers for sure! "Her voice was soft and cool, her eyes were clear and bright, but she's not there." The hipster keyboard solo by Rod Argent in the middle is killer, driven along by the hi-hat work by Hugh Grundy. A perfect pop song!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
All The Little Chicks With Their Crimson Lips..........
"Your sunrise knocks me to the ground,
Your sunrise oh I must be going."
Blackout by Aloha
I will be traveling to Cleveland next weekend to visit my youngest sister Shannon. On Saturday, we plan to visit the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and eat at Michael Symon's Lola restaurant. Sunday, we will go to see the Indians play the Washington Nationals with pitching phenom Steven Strasburg starting for the Nats that day. Cleveland is often called "The Mistake By The Lake" and sometimes with good reason. The weather can be nasty in the winter and hot, sticky and rainy in the summer. It is in the heart of the Rust Belt and conjures up images of industrial wastelands and slums. This would all be true, but it does have its charms, some of which I have listed above.
I got to know Cleveland back in 1975. I went over to Steve's house and heard a great radio station emanating from the stereo in his living room. He explained that it was an FM station called M105 from Cleveland, Ohio that he was able to get by attaching his TV cable wire to the back of his receiver. I was hooked! They played all the great album cuts and tracks you could never hear on any of the pitiful London stations. I even pestered the hell out of the manager of the pizza place I worked at until he got us hooked up with cable there too! It was the height of FM radio in the 70s and they played all the stuff I was into back then like Led Zeppelin, Todd Rundgren and the rest. I was in teenage radio heaven! Through the commercials they played on M105, I got to know the names of all the smaller places around Cleveland like Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Elyria, where Shannon now resides.
Cleveland has always been a great rock music city, which is probably one big reason why the Hall Of Fame is located there. It has been immortalized in song quite often too, most notably in Ian Hunter's Cleveland Rocks ( see the quote in the title of this post). My latest discovery to come out of there is a band called Aloha. They are a four piece band that began in 1997 and their sound is hard to pin down. Their songs are based on strong melodies, but they often incorporate elements of progressive rock and jazz into them. I love the sound of the keyboards on their records, and the drumming is first-rate. Singer Tony Cavallario's voice is perfect for their sound as well, urgent but not forced at all. Their latest album is called Home Acres and was released earlier this year. I won't do a song by song breakdown of this one, but I do recommend that you high-tail it over to your closest record shop and grab it. It is quite simply a fantastic album and I play it nearly every day. I would also recommend that you get their 2006 release Some Echoes while you're there. The other releases by Aloha are:
That's Your Fire (2000)
Sugar (2002)
Here Comes Everyone (2004)
Light Works E.P. (2007)
Your sunrise oh I must be going."
Blackout by Aloha
I will be traveling to Cleveland next weekend to visit my youngest sister Shannon. On Saturday, we plan to visit the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and eat at Michael Symon's Lola restaurant. Sunday, we will go to see the Indians play the Washington Nationals with pitching phenom Steven Strasburg starting for the Nats that day. Cleveland is often called "The Mistake By The Lake" and sometimes with good reason. The weather can be nasty in the winter and hot, sticky and rainy in the summer. It is in the heart of the Rust Belt and conjures up images of industrial wastelands and slums. This would all be true, but it does have its charms, some of which I have listed above.
I got to know Cleveland back in 1975. I went over to Steve's house and heard a great radio station emanating from the stereo in his living room. He explained that it was an FM station called M105 from Cleveland, Ohio that he was able to get by attaching his TV cable wire to the back of his receiver. I was hooked! They played all the great album cuts and tracks you could never hear on any of the pitiful London stations. I even pestered the hell out of the manager of the pizza place I worked at until he got us hooked up with cable there too! It was the height of FM radio in the 70s and they played all the stuff I was into back then like Led Zeppelin, Todd Rundgren and the rest. I was in teenage radio heaven! Through the commercials they played on M105, I got to know the names of all the smaller places around Cleveland like Cuyahoga Falls, Akron and Elyria, where Shannon now resides.
Cleveland has always been a great rock music city, which is probably one big reason why the Hall Of Fame is located there. It has been immortalized in song quite often too, most notably in Ian Hunter's Cleveland Rocks ( see the quote in the title of this post). My latest discovery to come out of there is a band called Aloha. They are a four piece band that began in 1997 and their sound is hard to pin down. Their songs are based on strong melodies, but they often incorporate elements of progressive rock and jazz into them. I love the sound of the keyboards on their records, and the drumming is first-rate. Singer Tony Cavallario's voice is perfect for their sound as well, urgent but not forced at all. Their latest album is called Home Acres and was released earlier this year. I won't do a song by song breakdown of this one, but I do recommend that you high-tail it over to your closest record shop and grab it. It is quite simply a fantastic album and I play it nearly every day. I would also recommend that you get their 2006 release Some Echoes while you're there. The other releases by Aloha are:
That's Your Fire (2000)
Sugar (2002)
Here Comes Everyone (2004)
Light Works E.P. (2007)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Under The Influence
Today, I have decided to delve into the art of the cover version. We've all sung in the shower or warbled a drunken dirge to a friend on a late Saturday night, but these guys actually had the balls to tackle these songs and record them for public consumption. Some of these are well known songs, others obscure, but all of fairly top quality as far as I'm concerned. Seek them out and either you will agree, or you will want to get your hands on whatever it is I'm imbibing. These songs will fit on a standard CD.
Move On Up - The Jam
Originally done by the legendary Curtis Mayfield on his 1970 album Curtis, this call to arms for black youth is transformed into a feel-good kick in the butt for all by Paul Weller and the boys. From the opening double snare hit, a great horn section drives this number, and Weller's fervent lead vocal pushes my feet to the dance floor. Recorded just before the demise of the Jam, it hints at the direction he would take with his next project, The Style Council. "Bite your lip, and take a trip" indeed!
The Passenger - Siouxsie & The Banshees
This is a pretty straightforward take on the Iggy Pop song from his album Lust For Life in 1977. Again, a fantastic horn groove and Siouxsie's almost breathy vocals make it spring to life. This is a much smoother and polished cut than the Iggy version, causing some to say they like the rougher edges of Iggy, but this one works for me. " So let's take a ride and see what's mine." OK, just let me get my coat!
Down In A Hole - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Penned by Jerry Cantrell and originally found on Alice In Chains' second album Dirt from 1992, this cover is faithful enough to the original. The special touch here is the drawing back of the heaviness of the sound and letting the heaviness of the lyric stand out. Plus, you can't go wrong with a little pedal-steel guitar, and there is lots of that awesomeness in this track. "Down in a hole, losing my soul." Hide the razor blades!
Are 'Friends' Electric? - The Dead Weather
The first version of this one was by Gary Numan (yes, of "Cars" fame) and The Tubeway Army from a 1979 album called Replicas. I lived in a crappy apartment in a crappy part of London at the time and Steve would bring that album over and we'd play it a lot. It was almost all synthesizers and sounded quite weird at the time. The cover version is much different. It appeared in 2009 as the b-side to the Hang You From The Heavens single. The synth hook is there, but it's all sloppy drumming by Jack White and much heavier guitars backing Allison Mosshart's too-cool-for-school stoner drawl. Martina digs this cover a ton, but, while I like it, I think I still like the Numan one better. "So now I'm alone, and I can think for myself, about little deals, and issues, and things I just don't understand." The cool kids dig this one!
Wichita Lineman (live) - R.E.M.
This re-working of the 1968 Glen Campbell classic from the album of the same name is just great. Michael Stipe gives it just the right amount of reverence and the band backs him with proper restraint. There's a gorgeous organ underneath there and Peter Buck's stellar guitar work. The original reminds me of driving up North to see my grandparents as a 7 year old and belting out the song until my Dad made me quiet down. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time." Beautiful.
Police And Thieves - The Clash
This one was from a Jamaican Reggae singer called Junior Murvin in 1976. He wrote it with the legendary producer and performer Lee "Scratch" Perry and it was a big hit in Jamaica and the U.K. The Clash must have heard it and loved it, because only a year later, it appeared on their debut self-titled album. It was one of the first songs I ever heard with Reggae being incorporated into a rock tune and it stuck in my head from my first listen. It is about police brutality and gang wars, but it also worked well when I was slugging away on the furnace at Wolverine Tube. I would sing it lots on the midnight shift. Great little bubbly Paul Simonon bass line too! "From Genesis to Revelation, the next generation, hear me!" Praise the Lord and pass the blunt!
I Can't Let Go - Linda Ronstadt
By The Hollies from their 1966 album Would You Believe, this is just one of many songs that Ms. Ronstadt covered. The original version is one of The Hollies best, all chiming Rickenbackers and such, but what makes the cover stand out is the backing vocal she does on the chorus. I must confess to a huge teenage crush on the lovely Linda, and when she gets to the part where she screams." I want YOOOO BAY-BEEE!", well, as Garth said in Wayne's World, " It sorta makes me feel funny all over."
Sister Europe - Foo Fighters
Definitely one of the few cover versions that I like better than the original. Not that there is anything wrong with the Psychedelic Furs rendition from their debut in 1980, but this cover is the real deal maaan. It may be one of the biggest musical surprises ever for me. I mean, the Foos covering a tune by an '80s New Wave band that namedrops Charles Aznavour? Incessant drums with an exquisite melody, full of longing and loss. "Sister of mine, home again." Dave Grohl, you old sentimentalist you!
I See The Rain Again - Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs
The original was done by a group of Scots called The Marmalade back in 1967. This cover takes the original's signature guitar hook and amps it up. It slithers through the whole song and the wonderful melody is played off of it. Also, I have always liked Susanna Hoffs' errrr... voice...a lot and Matthew Sweet is obviously no dummy for teaming up with her. This is from the first of 2 all-covers albums they have released, the first one dealing with the 60s and the second with tunes from the 70s. A great sitting-out-on-the-deck tune! " I see the rain again, I'll take the blame again." Matthew gives hope to all us fat guys!
My Back Pages - The Byrds
Maybe the most covered songwriter ever, Mr. Bob Dylan, recorded this in 1964 for his album Another Side of Bob Dylan. This song really appeals to those who dislike his voice, as the dulcet tones of Messrs. McGuinn, Crosby and Clark harmonize their way into your heart. This version is from 1967 and jangles along on Rickenbackers and I love the old style of production on this, where the guitars are in your left ear and the drums in your right. I used lyrics from this in the title of my last post, which inspired me to do this post on covers. "Sisters led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow." Peace, love and protest!
Oliver's Army - Blur
Elvis Costello wrote and recorded this for my favourite album of his, Armed Forces, in 1979. This cover is from a 1993 benefit album for Northern Ireland called Peace Together. Damon Albarn sings it in his own laconic way, sounding very bored and very English. I just love this song a ton and Graham Coxon plays a great scratchy guitar throughout. I believe it deals with the unemployment situation at the time in the U.K. and how they were preying on the poorest areas to get their enlistment numbers up. " With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne." These areas were all quite poor at the time and it is a great lyric.
Sorrow - David Bowie
From Bowie's 1973 covers album called Pin-Ups, this was originally done by a British band called The McCoys in 1966. I love the way the strings weave their way through the whole tune with a brilliant little bass line and a great sax solo to boot. The call and response vocals near the end are super, too! "With your long blond hair and your eyes of blue, the only thing I ever got from you was sorrow." This version is the bomb, as the kids say.
The "In" Crowd - Bryan Ferry
Ultra-cool Mr. Ferry rocks up a jazz tune from the Ramsey Lewis Trio from 1965. Ferry played a bunch of covers on his solo albums over the years. One always knows his sound as he has one of the most distinctive ways of phrasing I've ever heard. The original is quite good, too, but this is just the ultimate in cool-guy chic. Great guitar soloing as well. "I don't care where you been, you ain't been nowhere till you been in." Great music to strut along to!
Let Me Roll It - The Grapes Of Wrath
Having always been accused by reviewers of having a big 70s fetish, the Grapes decide to indulge it by doing a smokin' version of the song by Paul McCartney and Wings from the album Band On The Run in 1974. Superb guitar sound and echoey vocals here. It's not as good as the original, but on its own it stands up well because you can tell just how much they love this song. " Let me roll it to ya." 'Nuff said.
Any Major Dude Will Tell You - Wilco
OK, first I confess to absolutely adoring both bands involved here. This was penned by Becker & Fagan and Steely Dan put it out on their Pretzel Logic album from 1974. Wilco's is from the Me, Myself & Irene soundtrack. They take the sheen off of Steely's version and Alt-Country it all up with twangy guitars, a shimmering organ and a snappy snare drum sound. I just adore the sound of this! "When the demons are at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more." Just what the hell is Pretzel Logic anyway?
Rich Girl - The Bird And The Bee
All squawky synths and drum machines, this is actually quite true to the original, done by Hall & Oates on their 1976 album Bigger Than Both Of Us. Inara George sings this in a sort of lounge kind of way whereas the Hall & Oates is more classic Philly soul. I like the phrasing and musicality in her voice very much though. " It's so easy to hurt others when you can't feel pain." Too right baby!
The Ballad Of El Goodo - Evan Dando
Originally done by the magnificent Big Star on their brilliant first album #1 Record in 1972, this has to be in my all time Top 10. I still like the original best, but Evan Dando does a really good job of conveying the message here. It's like he was born to sing these lyrics. Nice chiming guitars here too, but much quieter than the Big Star tune. "I've been built up and trusted, broke down and busted, but they'll get theirs and we'll get ours." Ain't no one going to turn me 'round!
Couldn't I Just Tell You - Game Theory
Scott Miller and his "miserable whine" (that is what he calls his voice) take a stab at Todd Rundgren. A real "college rock" sound on this, but so genuine! Todd put this on his 1972 masterpiece Something Anything, which inspired Game Theory in so many ways that I guess they figured they'd give it a go. The Rickenbacker rears its strings once again and the production is pretty sub-par, but it's just too much fun! "Keep your head and everything will be cool, You didn't have to make me feel like a fool." A real San Franciscan treat!
Chelsea Hotel - Lloyd Cole
From Leonard Cohen's 1974 album New Skin For The Old Ceremony, this is another case in which I like the cover version best. Lloyd Cole's quiet turns of phrase make Cohen's fab lyrics come to life. A gorgeous chorus here too, and i love the little harmonica solo followed up with a bendy guitar solo. "You told me again you preferred handsome men, but for me you would make an exception." Now that is poetry!
With A Girl Like You - Alex Chilton
Martina and I were at Mark's and Sylvia's a couple of weeks ago and Mark played the original of this by The Troggs from 1966. Though they were basically one-hit wonders on this side of the pond, they were massive in the U.K. with plenty of chart hits, this being one of them. Chilton does a great job here in his own demented sort of way. It is quite true to the original but the sound is more Power Pop than the first version. " Ba ba ba ba baaa, ba ba ba ba baaa." This is also poetry!
Let's Go To Bed - Ivy
The Cure's first foray into dance music from 1984 is toned down and given the modern electronic treatment by Ivy. I don't know much about them, other than it's a side project for the bass player from Fountains Of Wayne and his Parisian wife. I like her laid-back vocals and it's hard to ruin a great song, which this indeed is. "You think you're tired now, but wait until three." Phew, I am tired! That was a lot of two-finger typing!
Move On Up - The Jam
Originally done by the legendary Curtis Mayfield on his 1970 album Curtis, this call to arms for black youth is transformed into a feel-good kick in the butt for all by Paul Weller and the boys. From the opening double snare hit, a great horn section drives this number, and Weller's fervent lead vocal pushes my feet to the dance floor. Recorded just before the demise of the Jam, it hints at the direction he would take with his next project, The Style Council. "Bite your lip, and take a trip" indeed!
The Passenger - Siouxsie & The Banshees
This is a pretty straightforward take on the Iggy Pop song from his album Lust For Life in 1977. Again, a fantastic horn groove and Siouxsie's almost breathy vocals make it spring to life. This is a much smoother and polished cut than the Iggy version, causing some to say they like the rougher edges of Iggy, but this one works for me. " So let's take a ride and see what's mine." OK, just let me get my coat!
Down In A Hole - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Penned by Jerry Cantrell and originally found on Alice In Chains' second album Dirt from 1992, this cover is faithful enough to the original. The special touch here is the drawing back of the heaviness of the sound and letting the heaviness of the lyric stand out. Plus, you can't go wrong with a little pedal-steel guitar, and there is lots of that awesomeness in this track. "Down in a hole, losing my soul." Hide the razor blades!
Are 'Friends' Electric? - The Dead Weather
The first version of this one was by Gary Numan (yes, of "Cars" fame) and The Tubeway Army from a 1979 album called Replicas. I lived in a crappy apartment in a crappy part of London at the time and Steve would bring that album over and we'd play it a lot. It was almost all synthesizers and sounded quite weird at the time. The cover version is much different. It appeared in 2009 as the b-side to the Hang You From The Heavens single. The synth hook is there, but it's all sloppy drumming by Jack White and much heavier guitars backing Allison Mosshart's too-cool-for-school stoner drawl. Martina digs this cover a ton, but, while I like it, I think I still like the Numan one better. "So now I'm alone, and I can think for myself, about little deals, and issues, and things I just don't understand." The cool kids dig this one!
Wichita Lineman (live) - R.E.M.
This re-working of the 1968 Glen Campbell classic from the album of the same name is just great. Michael Stipe gives it just the right amount of reverence and the band backs him with proper restraint. There's a gorgeous organ underneath there and Peter Buck's stellar guitar work. The original reminds me of driving up North to see my grandparents as a 7 year old and belting out the song until my Dad made me quiet down. "And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time." Beautiful.
Police And Thieves - The Clash
This one was from a Jamaican Reggae singer called Junior Murvin in 1976. He wrote it with the legendary producer and performer Lee "Scratch" Perry and it was a big hit in Jamaica and the U.K. The Clash must have heard it and loved it, because only a year later, it appeared on their debut self-titled album. It was one of the first songs I ever heard with Reggae being incorporated into a rock tune and it stuck in my head from my first listen. It is about police brutality and gang wars, but it also worked well when I was slugging away on the furnace at Wolverine Tube. I would sing it lots on the midnight shift. Great little bubbly Paul Simonon bass line too! "From Genesis to Revelation, the next generation, hear me!" Praise the Lord and pass the blunt!
I Can't Let Go - Linda Ronstadt
By The Hollies from their 1966 album Would You Believe, this is just one of many songs that Ms. Ronstadt covered. The original version is one of The Hollies best, all chiming Rickenbackers and such, but what makes the cover stand out is the backing vocal she does on the chorus. I must confess to a huge teenage crush on the lovely Linda, and when she gets to the part where she screams." I want YOOOO BAY-BEEE!", well, as Garth said in Wayne's World, " It sorta makes me feel funny all over."
Sister Europe - Foo Fighters
Definitely one of the few cover versions that I like better than the original. Not that there is anything wrong with the Psychedelic Furs rendition from their debut in 1980, but this cover is the real deal maaan. It may be one of the biggest musical surprises ever for me. I mean, the Foos covering a tune by an '80s New Wave band that namedrops Charles Aznavour? Incessant drums with an exquisite melody, full of longing and loss. "Sister of mine, home again." Dave Grohl, you old sentimentalist you!
I See The Rain Again - Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs
The original was done by a group of Scots called The Marmalade back in 1967. This cover takes the original's signature guitar hook and amps it up. It slithers through the whole song and the wonderful melody is played off of it. Also, I have always liked Susanna Hoffs' errrr... voice...a lot and Matthew Sweet is obviously no dummy for teaming up with her. This is from the first of 2 all-covers albums they have released, the first one dealing with the 60s and the second with tunes from the 70s. A great sitting-out-on-the-deck tune! " I see the rain again, I'll take the blame again." Matthew gives hope to all us fat guys!
My Back Pages - The Byrds
Maybe the most covered songwriter ever, Mr. Bob Dylan, recorded this in 1964 for his album Another Side of Bob Dylan. This song really appeals to those who dislike his voice, as the dulcet tones of Messrs. McGuinn, Crosby and Clark harmonize their way into your heart. This version is from 1967 and jangles along on Rickenbackers and I love the old style of production on this, where the guitars are in your left ear and the drums in your right. I used lyrics from this in the title of my last post, which inspired me to do this post on covers. "Sisters led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow." Peace, love and protest!
Oliver's Army - Blur
Elvis Costello wrote and recorded this for my favourite album of his, Armed Forces, in 1979. This cover is from a 1993 benefit album for Northern Ireland called Peace Together. Damon Albarn sings it in his own laconic way, sounding very bored and very English. I just love this song a ton and Graham Coxon plays a great scratchy guitar throughout. I believe it deals with the unemployment situation at the time in the U.K. and how they were preying on the poorest areas to get their enlistment numbers up. " With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne." These areas were all quite poor at the time and it is a great lyric.
Sorrow - David Bowie
From Bowie's 1973 covers album called Pin-Ups, this was originally done by a British band called The McCoys in 1966. I love the way the strings weave their way through the whole tune with a brilliant little bass line and a great sax solo to boot. The call and response vocals near the end are super, too! "With your long blond hair and your eyes of blue, the only thing I ever got from you was sorrow." This version is the bomb, as the kids say.
The "In" Crowd - Bryan Ferry
Ultra-cool Mr. Ferry rocks up a jazz tune from the Ramsey Lewis Trio from 1965. Ferry played a bunch of covers on his solo albums over the years. One always knows his sound as he has one of the most distinctive ways of phrasing I've ever heard. The original is quite good, too, but this is just the ultimate in cool-guy chic. Great guitar soloing as well. "I don't care where you been, you ain't been nowhere till you been in." Great music to strut along to!
Let Me Roll It - The Grapes Of Wrath
Having always been accused by reviewers of having a big 70s fetish, the Grapes decide to indulge it by doing a smokin' version of the song by Paul McCartney and Wings from the album Band On The Run in 1974. Superb guitar sound and echoey vocals here. It's not as good as the original, but on its own it stands up well because you can tell just how much they love this song. " Let me roll it to ya." 'Nuff said.
Any Major Dude Will Tell You - Wilco
OK, first I confess to absolutely adoring both bands involved here. This was penned by Becker & Fagan and Steely Dan put it out on their Pretzel Logic album from 1974. Wilco's is from the Me, Myself & Irene soundtrack. They take the sheen off of Steely's version and Alt-Country it all up with twangy guitars, a shimmering organ and a snappy snare drum sound. I just adore the sound of this! "When the demons are at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more." Just what the hell is Pretzel Logic anyway?
Rich Girl - The Bird And The Bee
All squawky synths and drum machines, this is actually quite true to the original, done by Hall & Oates on their 1976 album Bigger Than Both Of Us. Inara George sings this in a sort of lounge kind of way whereas the Hall & Oates is more classic Philly soul. I like the phrasing and musicality in her voice very much though. " It's so easy to hurt others when you can't feel pain." Too right baby!
The Ballad Of El Goodo - Evan Dando
Originally done by the magnificent Big Star on their brilliant first album #1 Record in 1972, this has to be in my all time Top 10. I still like the original best, but Evan Dando does a really good job of conveying the message here. It's like he was born to sing these lyrics. Nice chiming guitars here too, but much quieter than the Big Star tune. "I've been built up and trusted, broke down and busted, but they'll get theirs and we'll get ours." Ain't no one going to turn me 'round!
Couldn't I Just Tell You - Game Theory
Scott Miller and his "miserable whine" (that is what he calls his voice) take a stab at Todd Rundgren. A real "college rock" sound on this, but so genuine! Todd put this on his 1972 masterpiece Something Anything, which inspired Game Theory in so many ways that I guess they figured they'd give it a go. The Rickenbacker rears its strings once again and the production is pretty sub-par, but it's just too much fun! "Keep your head and everything will be cool, You didn't have to make me feel like a fool." A real San Franciscan treat!
Chelsea Hotel - Lloyd Cole
From Leonard Cohen's 1974 album New Skin For The Old Ceremony, this is another case in which I like the cover version best. Lloyd Cole's quiet turns of phrase make Cohen's fab lyrics come to life. A gorgeous chorus here too, and i love the little harmonica solo followed up with a bendy guitar solo. "You told me again you preferred handsome men, but for me you would make an exception." Now that is poetry!
With A Girl Like You - Alex Chilton
Martina and I were at Mark's and Sylvia's a couple of weeks ago and Mark played the original of this by The Troggs from 1966. Though they were basically one-hit wonders on this side of the pond, they were massive in the U.K. with plenty of chart hits, this being one of them. Chilton does a great job here in his own demented sort of way. It is quite true to the original but the sound is more Power Pop than the first version. " Ba ba ba ba baaa, ba ba ba ba baaa." This is also poetry!
Let's Go To Bed - Ivy
The Cure's first foray into dance music from 1984 is toned down and given the modern electronic treatment by Ivy. I don't know much about them, other than it's a side project for the bass player from Fountains Of Wayne and his Parisian wife. I like her laid-back vocals and it's hard to ruin a great song, which this indeed is. "You think you're tired now, but wait until three." Phew, I am tired! That was a lot of two-finger typing!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
I Was So Much Older Then......
"The storm has come,
Or is it just another shower?"
- Swamp Thing by The Chameleons
I'm sure this will be a recurring subject in this blog, so a little back story is in order. In Grade 11, back in 1975, I took a vocal music class which was being offered for the very first time at my school. There, I met a guy who would become my oldest and dearest friend. Steve was a big time star wrestler at our school, and I was a middling basketball player. We did not know each other in our first 2 years there as we had come from different feeder schools and hung out in separate crowds. But, we hit it off immediately in that class and the rest is history. He had, for me at the time, a very eclectic taste in music and introduced me to many of the artists that I still love today. He was listening to Iggy, Lou Reed and Bowie way before anyone else of our age group, and he had the t-shirts to prove it! His Mom was responsible for a lot of his listening choices as she was much cooler than anybody's parents that I knew.
Fast forward to 1983 and Steve came over to my place one day with this album that his Mom had picked up by a new band from Manchester called the Chameleons U.K. They added the U.K. over in North America because some impostors apparently already had the name. The album was Script Of The Bridge and it was for me an instant connection. Layered guitars and urgent vocals with lyrics that really hit home to my 22 year old head. In 1985, when my marriage was breaking up, their second album What Does Anything Mean, Basically? ( now there is an awkward title) came out and solidified how I felt about these Mancunians and got me through many a dark, wasted, depressing night. About a year later came Strange Times, which was a very appropriate description of my state of mind back then. Their songs deal with feelings of alienation during the reign of Margaret Thatcher and helped crystallize my lefty political leanings. Three glorious albums by these guys who none of my friends had ever heard of! Even better! In early 1987 (memory just a little fuzzy here) they played in Toronto at what is now Kool Haus but was called R.P.M. back then. Steve and I ventured to the Big Smoke to see them and it remains to this day in my top 5 of any concert I've ever seen. A roaring, sweaty, rapturous show it was! Steve didn't like them as much as I did, claiming to this day that he liked the opening band, the Mighty Lemon Drops better. But, he would be quite erroneous in regards to this you see. In 1992, the Chams released an album of the very show I was at! The sound on it is iffy as it was from a CFNY (known to you young'uns as the Edge) broadcast, but I can say I was present for the recording of a live album. If you listen closely, that's me woo-hooing very loudly throughout. They had a very acrimonious break up in 1987 and then got back together in 2001 and toured and put out another album called Why Call It Anything? but they had lost the magic in my eyes. I prefer to remember them from those 3 killer albums in the 1980s and that one live show which I will never forget.
So, now to my Best Of The Chameleons:
1. Don't Fall
2. Monkeyland
3. Singing Rule Britannia (While The Walls Close In)
4. A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Days
5. Swamp Thing
6. Inside Out
7. Thursday's Child
8. Perfume Garden
9. Second Skin
10. As High As You Can Go
11. Soul In Isolation
12. Seriocity
13. On The Beach
14. In Answer
15. Pleasure And Pain
16. Up The Down Escalator
17. Silence Sea And Sky
Or is it just another shower?"
- Swamp Thing by The Chameleons
I'm sure this will be a recurring subject in this blog, so a little back story is in order. In Grade 11, back in 1975, I took a vocal music class which was being offered for the very first time at my school. There, I met a guy who would become my oldest and dearest friend. Steve was a big time star wrestler at our school, and I was a middling basketball player. We did not know each other in our first 2 years there as we had come from different feeder schools and hung out in separate crowds. But, we hit it off immediately in that class and the rest is history. He had, for me at the time, a very eclectic taste in music and introduced me to many of the artists that I still love today. He was listening to Iggy, Lou Reed and Bowie way before anyone else of our age group, and he had the t-shirts to prove it! His Mom was responsible for a lot of his listening choices as she was much cooler than anybody's parents that I knew.
Fast forward to 1983 and Steve came over to my place one day with this album that his Mom had picked up by a new band from Manchester called the Chameleons U.K. They added the U.K. over in North America because some impostors apparently already had the name. The album was Script Of The Bridge and it was for me an instant connection. Layered guitars and urgent vocals with lyrics that really hit home to my 22 year old head. In 1985, when my marriage was breaking up, their second album What Does Anything Mean, Basically? ( now there is an awkward title) came out and solidified how I felt about these Mancunians and got me through many a dark, wasted, depressing night. About a year later came Strange Times, which was a very appropriate description of my state of mind back then. Their songs deal with feelings of alienation during the reign of Margaret Thatcher and helped crystallize my lefty political leanings. Three glorious albums by these guys who none of my friends had ever heard of! Even better! In early 1987 (memory just a little fuzzy here) they played in Toronto at what is now Kool Haus but was called R.P.M. back then. Steve and I ventured to the Big Smoke to see them and it remains to this day in my top 5 of any concert I've ever seen. A roaring, sweaty, rapturous show it was! Steve didn't like them as much as I did, claiming to this day that he liked the opening band, the Mighty Lemon Drops better. But, he would be quite erroneous in regards to this you see. In 1992, the Chams released an album of the very show I was at! The sound on it is iffy as it was from a CFNY (known to you young'uns as the Edge) broadcast, but I can say I was present for the recording of a live album. If you listen closely, that's me woo-hooing very loudly throughout. They had a very acrimonious break up in 1987 and then got back together in 2001 and toured and put out another album called Why Call It Anything? but they had lost the magic in my eyes. I prefer to remember them from those 3 killer albums in the 1980s and that one live show which I will never forget.
So, now to my Best Of The Chameleons:
1. Don't Fall
2. Monkeyland
3. Singing Rule Britannia (While The Walls Close In)
4. A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Days
5. Swamp Thing
6. Inside Out
7. Thursday's Child
8. Perfume Garden
9. Second Skin
10. As High As You Can Go
11. Soul In Isolation
12. Seriocity
13. On The Beach
14. In Answer
15. Pleasure And Pain
16. Up The Down Escalator
17. Silence Sea And Sky
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Critical Mass
"I can't listen to that much Wagner.
I start getting the urge to conquer Poland."
- Woody Allen
Oh to be that witty! That quote tickles my funny bone every time.
The new MGMT record Congratulations is on my turntable today, as it has been many times since it's release. (OK, not really on my turntable because mine doesn't work and I don't own a vinyl copy of this particular album.) Their first CD Oracular Spectacular was a massive out-of-the-blue smash with the public. I thought it was alright, maybe a 6.5 out of 10 or so. It had really catchy singles like Time To Pretend and Kids, but mostly I didn't get the gushing praise and instant superstar status that was bestowed upon them by the blogosphere and critics. I think that is common to us all. I mean, there may be those of you who disagree strongly with my assessment of Phil Collins in yesterday's post and quite like his fashion sense and cover versions. To you I say "Get your bloody eyes checked and get your head outta the bag of glue!" But really, opinions are what makes life interesting and prompts people to put in their two cents in places like this.
The bloggers and critics at the music rags have been very split on the 2nd MGMT record, some hailing it and some, like Paste magazine, just trashing it. I fall into the former category. I avoided it altogether for awhile, my reason being all the hype over the last record and thinking they would make Oracular 2.0. Yes, I was sadly mistaken ( say that with an English accent) and indeed, it is quite a shocking and different little album. Melodic, trippy, with a real sense of importance which belies the fact that these guys are quite young. I'm not sure how old they are - let's just say that they don't remember when one actually had to go into the bank to get money out. So, here is an actual track by track review of this Magnum Opus of theirs:
Track 1: It's Working
A great little bass line drives this. A harpsichord? (Jason help me out here.) Great backing vocals too! The chorus ( It's working in the blood, but you know it's not the same as love, love's only in your mind, not your heart) is wonderful. Sing along! You will fall under its spell!
Track 2: Song For Dan Treacy
The first of 2 songs named for legendary artists, this dealing with the leader of the British band Television Personalities. Catchy Farfisa-like organ here leading the way. The melody is relentless too and you will be caught with this in your head as well.
Track 3: Someone's Missing
The shortest song on the record. It starts out with some falsetto singing, all echoey and sparse and turns into a full-blown summertime singalong anthem. The fast part reminds me of the Peanuts cartoons when Snoopy is so overcome with joy and he starts dancing with his nose pointed to the sky and his feet moving a mile a minute.
Track 4: Flash Delerium
This sounds like an English band. I can't put my finger on it, but it is all jerky, quick direction changes and there is even a bloody flute solo! I do love this song a lot, and the ending is positively cacaphonous.
Track 5: I Found A Whistle
"Hey I found a whistle that works every time." I shall sing this one too, and so shall you! " Such conviction to paint all the walls with the blood, of the young and the faithful and the good." Great line, very effective here and there's more! Sort of a weird almost church organ thingy happening here. Nice bluesy guitar toward the end too. Love it!
Track 6: Siberian Breaks
Quite possibly my favourite song of this year so far. Twelve bleeding minutes long! Starts out all Simon and Garfunkel, morphs into ABBA-like harmonies, then veers off into a Beatles Day In The Life sort of middle part. Martina's favourite lyric: " If you're conscious you must be depressed, or at least cynical." Fucking brilliant! "It's not right" Then we get a Pink Floydian Dark Side of the Moon bit which changes yet again into a psychedelic melancholy swirly kind of deal. Still with me? Another great line riffing on the Who's My Generation " I hope I die before I get sold." OK, then we'll rock out for a bit just to get the dust off of us. Then back to the Simon and Garfunkel stuff- now they do some synthy stuff just to finish us off. I need a smoke and a glass of red after that! Phew!
Track 7: Brian Eno
Holy New Wave Batman! It's 1978 all over again with this catchy paean to the founding member of Roxy Music and uber-producer of amongst other things The Joshua Tree. All squeaky synths and melodies. If you do not get a day long earworm from this, then you must be dead. "We're always one step behind him, he's Brian Eno (Brian Eno)."
Track 8: Lady Dada's Nightmare
Ahh yes! An instrumental. Beautiful keyboards here, which then get all Gothic and it sounds like someone may be having a root canal in the background. Either that or Heathcliffe has appeared on the moors again.
Track 9: Congratulations
Martina's Mom is Czech and as such speaks English with a very heavy accent. She would say the title of this song as Con-gra-too-lay-shuns. So now every time we hear this song, we sing it with her Mom's Slavic accent and piss ourselves laughing. It is a nice folky way to end the album though, but you must sing it with the accent too!
No best of today, just go out and get this record and their first one too. It will definitely be a keeper for years to come.
I start getting the urge to conquer Poland."
- Woody Allen
Oh to be that witty! That quote tickles my funny bone every time.
The new MGMT record Congratulations is on my turntable today, as it has been many times since it's release. (OK, not really on my turntable because mine doesn't work and I don't own a vinyl copy of this particular album.) Their first CD Oracular Spectacular was a massive out-of-the-blue smash with the public. I thought it was alright, maybe a 6.5 out of 10 or so. It had really catchy singles like Time To Pretend and Kids, but mostly I didn't get the gushing praise and instant superstar status that was bestowed upon them by the blogosphere and critics. I think that is common to us all. I mean, there may be those of you who disagree strongly with my assessment of Phil Collins in yesterday's post and quite like his fashion sense and cover versions. To you I say "Get your bloody eyes checked and get your head outta the bag of glue!" But really, opinions are what makes life interesting and prompts people to put in their two cents in places like this.
The bloggers and critics at the music rags have been very split on the 2nd MGMT record, some hailing it and some, like Paste magazine, just trashing it. I fall into the former category. I avoided it altogether for awhile, my reason being all the hype over the last record and thinking they would make Oracular 2.0. Yes, I was sadly mistaken ( say that with an English accent) and indeed, it is quite a shocking and different little album. Melodic, trippy, with a real sense of importance which belies the fact that these guys are quite young. I'm not sure how old they are - let's just say that they don't remember when one actually had to go into the bank to get money out. So, here is an actual track by track review of this Magnum Opus of theirs:
Track 1: It's Working
A great little bass line drives this. A harpsichord? (Jason help me out here.) Great backing vocals too! The chorus ( It's working in the blood, but you know it's not the same as love, love's only in your mind, not your heart) is wonderful. Sing along! You will fall under its spell!
Track 2: Song For Dan Treacy
The first of 2 songs named for legendary artists, this dealing with the leader of the British band Television Personalities. Catchy Farfisa-like organ here leading the way. The melody is relentless too and you will be caught with this in your head as well.
Track 3: Someone's Missing
The shortest song on the record. It starts out with some falsetto singing, all echoey and sparse and turns into a full-blown summertime singalong anthem. The fast part reminds me of the Peanuts cartoons when Snoopy is so overcome with joy and he starts dancing with his nose pointed to the sky and his feet moving a mile a minute.
Track 4: Flash Delerium
This sounds like an English band. I can't put my finger on it, but it is all jerky, quick direction changes and there is even a bloody flute solo! I do love this song a lot, and the ending is positively cacaphonous.
Track 5: I Found A Whistle
"Hey I found a whistle that works every time." I shall sing this one too, and so shall you! " Such conviction to paint all the walls with the blood, of the young and the faithful and the good." Great line, very effective here and there's more! Sort of a weird almost church organ thingy happening here. Nice bluesy guitar toward the end too. Love it!
Track 6: Siberian Breaks
Quite possibly my favourite song of this year so far. Twelve bleeding minutes long! Starts out all Simon and Garfunkel, morphs into ABBA-like harmonies, then veers off into a Beatles Day In The Life sort of middle part. Martina's favourite lyric: " If you're conscious you must be depressed, or at least cynical." Fucking brilliant! "It's not right" Then we get a Pink Floydian Dark Side of the Moon bit which changes yet again into a psychedelic melancholy swirly kind of deal. Still with me? Another great line riffing on the Who's My Generation " I hope I die before I get sold." OK, then we'll rock out for a bit just to get the dust off of us. Then back to the Simon and Garfunkel stuff- now they do some synthy stuff just to finish us off. I need a smoke and a glass of red after that! Phew!
Track 7: Brian Eno
Holy New Wave Batman! It's 1978 all over again with this catchy paean to the founding member of Roxy Music and uber-producer of amongst other things The Joshua Tree. All squeaky synths and melodies. If you do not get a day long earworm from this, then you must be dead. "We're always one step behind him, he's Brian Eno (Brian Eno)."
Track 8: Lady Dada's Nightmare
Ahh yes! An instrumental. Beautiful keyboards here, which then get all Gothic and it sounds like someone may be having a root canal in the background. Either that or Heathcliffe has appeared on the moors again.
Track 9: Congratulations
Martina's Mom is Czech and as such speaks English with a very heavy accent. She would say the title of this song as Con-gra-too-lay-shuns. So now every time we hear this song, we sing it with her Mom's Slavic accent and piss ourselves laughing. It is a nice folky way to end the album though, but you must sing it with the accent too!
No best of today, just go out and get this record and their first one too. It will definitely be a keeper for years to come.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Let Me Say Here For A Moment Chris.........
"There's a party in my head
And no one is invited."
- Solitude Is Bliss by Tame Impala
First off, some things you will never find here:
1. Celine Dion - The single most overrated performer in the history of performers! My cat howls at night sometimes and it brings to mind Celine's "singing." Also, she is a publicity-seeking-grade 'A' whackjob.
2. Bryan Adams - Another Canadian that most of the world loves and makes me ashamed to think that his drivel is what represents Canada in the world's ears. A little advice B - stick to the photography and never write another song and I'll forgive you for Summer Of Fucking '69.
3. Praise for the Toronto Maple Leafs - The only time I will ever mention them is when I feel like spewing vitriol over something Blowhard Burke says or does, or to laugh at their idiot fans for buying up any object emblazoned with their stupid, grammatically incorrect logo. 43 years and counting losers!
4. Phil Collins - If you must like people like Phil Collins, I'm OK with Genesis pre- 1980. Otherwise, his axe-murdering of Motown songs or general bad taste in wardrobe will send me into a profanity-laced tirade. Good drummer though.....
There are more items to be added to this list, but those will do for today.
Now, as for the quote at the top of this post, it comes from a great new Aussie 3-piece called Tame Impala. What first attracted me to them was their name as I drive a very blue, very tame Impala. Their debut album Innerspeaker is already out in Australia and comes out June 8th over on this side of the orb. I have been listening to it for about 2 weeks now (got an advance copy from a, errr, friend) and it is the dogs bollocks as the Brits would say. All swirly and psychedelic and 60s and 70s and whew! Pass the joint and put on some patchouli! Like the Beatles and the Stone Roses got together and ate some brownies and had to go to a nunnery for 9 months and out popped this band! I like every single track and I highly(harr harr) recommend that you get out and grab this one kids! I won't be including a "Best OF" for these dudes as it is their debut album, but it is my Record Of The Week for sure.
And no one is invited."
- Solitude Is Bliss by Tame Impala
First off, some things you will never find here:
1. Celine Dion - The single most overrated performer in the history of performers! My cat howls at night sometimes and it brings to mind Celine's "singing." Also, she is a publicity-seeking-grade 'A' whackjob.
2. Bryan Adams - Another Canadian that most of the world loves and makes me ashamed to think that his drivel is what represents Canada in the world's ears. A little advice B - stick to the photography and never write another song and I'll forgive you for Summer Of Fucking '69.
3. Praise for the Toronto Maple Leafs - The only time I will ever mention them is when I feel like spewing vitriol over something Blowhard Burke says or does, or to laugh at their idiot fans for buying up any object emblazoned with their stupid, grammatically incorrect logo. 43 years and counting losers!
4. Phil Collins - If you must like people like Phil Collins, I'm OK with Genesis pre- 1980. Otherwise, his axe-murdering of Motown songs or general bad taste in wardrobe will send me into a profanity-laced tirade. Good drummer though.....
There are more items to be added to this list, but those will do for today.
Now, as for the quote at the top of this post, it comes from a great new Aussie 3-piece called Tame Impala. What first attracted me to them was their name as I drive a very blue, very tame Impala. Their debut album Innerspeaker is already out in Australia and comes out June 8th over on this side of the orb. I have been listening to it for about 2 weeks now (got an advance copy from a, errr, friend) and it is the dogs bollocks as the Brits would say. All swirly and psychedelic and 60s and 70s and whew! Pass the joint and put on some patchouli! Like the Beatles and the Stone Roses got together and ate some brownies and had to go to a nunnery for 9 months and out popped this band! I like every single track and I highly(harr harr) recommend that you get out and grab this one kids! I won't be including a "Best OF" for these dudes as it is their debut album, but it is my Record Of The Week for sure.
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