45 Number One Hundred

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1lof5Ho1Jw&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AVGxdCwVVULXf1RRc7r7JjL-WN86z7JkhP

Well, here we are. This last month or so, computer woes caused this project to skip like I was dancing next to the record player, but number 100 is finally spinning. In full disclosure, I pulled the last five records of this set over a month ago and slid them into the blog during moments of computer clarity. Fitting that this record was part of the final five 45s , and is in the coveted one hundredth slot.

Mr. Lowe is Mr. Pop. Nick has been a mainstay in my pop music life since the day I became enlightened enough to not rely on commercial radio to dictate my musical choices. The link above is to the original video to "Cruel To Be Kind," Nick's only commercially successful song. You'll notice Nick's Rockpile mates appearing in various roles throughout the video, as well as Nick's ex-wife Carlene Carter playing the role of bride. In this Youtube clip from the Letterman Show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIuBkn59MGg , Nick implies the video contains his and Carlene's actual wedding ceremony, but he is somewhat vague. Also in this clip he shares the disdain that I also have for bland bands like Journey, Styx, and REO.

I thought I knew this single inside and out, but was surprised to learn I never noticed it was co-written by Ian Gomm, Nick's Brinzley Schwarz band mate who had an American radio hit in the late seventies with the song "Hold On." Here is Ian doing his own rendition of Cruel To Be Kind from the Nick Lowe tribute album Lowe Profile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFAZKncU5J8 .

I was amazed at the number of Nick Lowe Youtube selections spanning his entire career. I could watch and listen to Nick all day. Some favourite selections;

"Surrender to the Rhythm" with the band Brinsley Schwarz in 1973. Great archive a young Nick Lowe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSlyn0WoSjc

1978 performance of "Heart of the City" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlCxGDMvvNw&feature=related

"I Knew the Bride" from the late 70s with the band Rockpile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZII112jg7s&feature=BFa&list=AVGxdCwVVULXd_Z90TYTkxTyVB4cJ4ycIf&index=14

Nick performing "I Live on a Battlefield" live at Daryl's House (yes, that Daryl), with Mr. Hall and T-Bone Wolk. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IvVtYtL5S4&feature=related

Nick from 2008 performing "People Change" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGfFjMuOA0k&NR=1

A glimpse of a current Nick performance in this 2010 mini concert from the NPR "Tiny Desk Concerts" series. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKhawkQQQmY&feature=related

Nick is responsible for connecting me with my like-minded, musically kindred spirit, friend Dan. Dan was reporting on entertainment news for a local paper when I moved to this area in the 90s. I remember being amazed that he was writing about great music in what I saw as a musically challenged town. So I contacted him and told him so. I don't remember the details, but I am pretty sure the article that pushed me to contact him was his review of Nick's "The Impossible Bird " record (1994). Shortly after that, we ended up heading to Rochester, NY to see Nick. Since then Dan and I have shared many great musical experiences, and he has opened my ears to many great pop sounds. Another great thing about Dan is that in the middle ages of his life, he has followed his passion. He picked up his guitar, got out and played, and now has a band of his own. A great inspiration to do what you love. It's never too late.

So we have reached 100. It was nice to dig through the stacks and review old thoughts. Not as many 45s bought these days. Availability, time, and $$$, are all factors. But I still remain a singles guy. I used to love to make mix tapes. I really resisted an i-pod and going digital. While it will never take the place of my love for the sound and feel of vinyl, the visual of the picture sleeve and album cover, or the beauty of a jukebox, the i-pod has taken a significant place in my musical life, and the pop songs continue to ring out with new and old artists.

Time to take this project off the turntable. Thanks for hanging in there.

45 Number Ninety-Nine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOJNTgWwpNs&feature=fvwrel

Funny this song should come up as we get ready to close this project. It was a song that really got me going when I was kid. I remember always turning the radio up a little louder when it came on, and singing away. One of my earliest pop faves. I checked out several of the Outsiders' live performances that are available on YouTube, but the song didn't hold up. So I went with the spinning record.

45 Number Ninety-Eight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGR1cCIFKvg

The link is to John Fogerty's original version of the song. Dave's version is one of the few songs in this whole project that I couldn't find on You Tube. This was from Dave's great "Twangin" record, which included Dave's version of "Singing The Blues" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_lYPhiNb-Y and "Three Time Loser" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz8yFAOguQw .

45 Number Ninety-Seven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNW9q6tk43c

This is the B side. The benefit of being so crazy about an artist that you dig either side of them. Jackson was my first rockin' roll crush (definition below). I sang his songs for hours. Every song on the record. Not just a couple of them. When I have seen Jackson, it is has always been different than other shows. I have often felt it was what some people must feel when they are really moved in their church service. I hang on every word of every song, and get chills. I thought I was over it, but I got to tell you I felt it all again when I clicked on the above video from 1974 of just him and David Lindley performing the song. Over the years I have found that it isn't Jackson that I feel that strong connection to. It was at a John Prine Show that I most recently had a near church experience.

Rockin' Roll Crush- An intense feeling of connection to the music of a particular artist. You listen to not just the one or two hits on the album (or no hits as the case might be), but to every track. Over and over. Singing away. More than merely a fan, you obsess to own all recorded material from the artist. You write down the set list (or take right off the stage) of the multiple shows you have attended. You hang out behind the venue until the wee hours of the morning, just to say, "Hey." You love to turn the uninformed on to the greatness you have recognized. It is a true a sickness, that others often politely tolerate.

My other rockin' roll crushes;
NRBQ, Neil Young, T-Bone Burnett, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds,
Ian Hunter, Marshall Crenshaw, John Hiatt, Warren Zevon, Jonathan Richman,
John Prine,Todd Snider,
and most recently The Avett Brothers and Rhett Miller (Old 97s).

Wait one more; Dar Williams.

45 Number Ninety-Six

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzlgJ-SfKYE

I am so glad this 45 came up, because now I can post this incredible cover of the song by The Folksmen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzkILGr2-Ok . This from the comedic minds that brought us Spinal Tap. If you have never heard their cover of this song please click the link and turn your knob to eleven. You won't be disappointed.

45 Number Ninety-Five

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-R06pGyrMs&playnext=1&list=PLB05B8A27AB5B66AE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANy4x3wgTSA

Hello. After a forced computer hiatus, lets try to bring this baby home.

Don't you love the label on this one. Tears, stickers, DJ notes; this has been a well played 45. The first link above is to Roy in 1965. I love just looking at him. The hair, the glasses. I love that geek/rocker look. The second link is to the late 80s Orbison and Friends movie "Black and White Night." What a line up: Roy joined by Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Waits, T-Bone Burnett, and others (see photo on post of 45 number 56). The old rocker resurrected by the new old rockers. It's sad but it took this kind of thing to move me into the back catalogues of guys like Roy, and get beyond "Pretty Woman." I am thankful that artists I grew up with have linked me to their inspirations like Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash. Again, not just "Maybe Baby" and "Johnny B. Goode," but "You're So Square, Baby I Don't Care" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MNMG_5flWc and "Around and Around" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5q7OTyKCRw . By the way, I have been hearing great new interpretations of Buddy Holly songs on a new collection called "Rave On, Buddy Holly." Look at the artists on this track list:
01 The Black Keys: "Dearest" 02 Fiona Apple and Jon Brion: "Every Day" 03 Paul McCartney: "It's So Easy" 04 Florence and the Machine: "Not Fade Away" 05 Cee-Lo: "(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care" 06 Karen Elson: "Crying, Waiting, Hoping" 07 Julian Casablancas: "Rave On" 08 Jenny O.: "I'm Gonna Love You Too" 09 Justin Townes Earle: "Maybe Baby" 10 She & Him: "Oh Boy" 11 Nick Lowe: "Changing All Those Changes" 12 Patti Smith: "Words of Love" 13 My Morning Jacket: "True Love Ways" 14 Modest Mouse: "That'll Be the Day" 15 Kid Rock: "Well... All Right" 16 Detroit Cobras: "Heartbeat" 17 Lou Reed: "Peggy Sue" 18 John Doe: "Peggy Sue Got Married" 19 Graham Nash: "Raining in My Heart"

I liked Roy's Traveling Wilburys stuff, although I am generally not a fan of Jeff Lynne's productions (e.g. Edmund's Information album). As you know, Dirty World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKj4MOKrkSI is a favourite of mine. (Go listen to it this time.) I think my favourite Orbison song is "Ooby Dooby" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ijEWj2xmg.

45 Number Ninety-Four

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlH7FzpdEfg

I have to say Dwight brought me to appreciate real country music. I heard this and realized the connection to rockabilly music, which I was really digging at the time (early to mid 80s). After I heard this song I went digging back into the country music I had dismissed, like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. Thanks Dwight for bringing me to "Guitars, Cadillacs, and Hillbilly Music" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DkcQ09h2Vo&feature=related .

45 Number Ninety-Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxSEDnJ-1eA

It's weird, as kid I thought of Led Zeppelin as music that was beyond me. I don't mean too sophisticated or something. It was like it was darker, edgier music. Maybe I mean forbidden music. No one ever said that to me, but I some how got that message. I still don't know a lot Led Zeppelin music. I know more of their lore.

I have enjoyed Robert Plant's last two records. He has chosen some really good songs, and found great musicians to sing with. I think I posted this version of the Everly Bros. "Gone, Gone, Gone" he did with Alison Krauss, but I am posting it again because it is so hip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WRm3VsmXRE .

45 Ninety-Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtKd_LDczUQ

I remember as kid being drawn to this song. It seemed to have a tone of sincerity that other pop songs didn't. I always liked this Rickie Lee Jones cover http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSgO-gFnpSk&feature=related . I found a Billy Bragg cover, but it turns out to be more of poem, with The Left Banke song played in the background on the acoustic guitar. Here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuYHBDrbmrA&feature=related .

45 Number Ninety-One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrZluYnMJUY

A little bit of candy for the soul. The label is a little hard to read. It's Wilson Pickett's version of "Sugar Sugar."

45 Number Ninety

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyzSk8HVZTc

I like this video. A young Sean Ono Lennon project. His dad would be proud. Gotta love Iggy's mug. Musically, I don't tend to be a big fan of the multi-celebrity benefit songs. Was Geldof the first to do it with "Do They Know It's Christmas?" I did like that one. I can't think of any others that came about before that. Certainly many followed for good causes. I kinda of prefer the benefit album where an artist sings a whole song, rather than just doing a line or two.

45 Number Eighty-Nine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q7KXWzA2fQ

The Beatles. I knew it would come to this. So yeah, I am not a big Beatles fan. When you say that to people they usually smile and think it is some kind of joke. I mean, to speak ill of the Beatles offends most everyone, from the casual music listener to the most dedicated musician. My intent is not to offend. It's not even to malign the talent of the Beatles. (Even if Paul is a wanker for giving us "Silly Love Songs" and "Let 'Em In." No, I won't post the links.) The fact is, they have recorded incredible pop songs, and are the most influential pop rock band ever. But my irritation is in hearing the songs over and over and hearing the accolades over and over, particularly from those casual music listeners. It is as if you have to praise the Beatles if you like music even a little. And you have to like their entire collection. So my aversion to the Beatles, I guess, is more social than musical. But then I think many of you knew that, didn't you?
(Editor's Note: I think Kevin's music appreciation is more social than musical.)

45 Number Eighty-Eight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEmJ-VWPDM4

I hate to end a great pop myth, but the guy that wrote this has a different interpretation of the meaning of this song than we have all been taught. Check it out here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvB3079g_4s .

45 Number Eighty-Seven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vae_AkLb4Q

What self respecting jukebox would go on without this.


Here is Todd Snider with a little history lesson; "The Ballad of the Kingsmen" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd6pgqe3fAg .

45 Number Eighty-Six

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEYl8TtckjI

"Ahuh, huh..." This one takes me back to listening to the tunes they played over the loud speakers at the Little League field back in the early 70s. Whenever this song came on I always felt like I was hearing something I wasn't supposed to.

45 Number Eighty-Five

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uRBTVSROhI

Funny that this one follows Ray Charles. Seems like old Doug got some inspiration from Ray on this one. "Tribe" record label. Many of these old record records are interesting just for the labels. I am sure there is whole group of folks who study/collect records for the social history reflected in the record labels. Not politically correct, but I like how this one looks.

45 Number Eighty-Four

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPP8w0wMRgQ


Man, this is one man I wished I'd seen live. There was, and is, nothing like Ray.

"I Got a Woman" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrd14PxaUco&feature=related

"Mess Around" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqz876VkwwY&feature=related

"The Night Time is the Right Time" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4rG4GRTVB4&feature=BFa&list=AVGxdCwVVULXfT9ETBBFDVTaE_CuMD5Wb1&index=10

"Come Rain or Come Shine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxs3jGy9k9w&feature=related

"Hallelujah I Love Her So" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-JsqKlVVGk&feature=related

"Hit The Road Jack" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI_nrfxV2ps&feature=related

45 Number Eighty-Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXq81-cGJr4

Todd is one of my pop heroes. I remember a late night outside a club waiting for him after a Utopia. show. The rest of the band finally came out and told us Todd was glued to a video game. We waited a long time, but he never came out. Must have been some game.

Everyone knows Todd's solo hits, but I really like his work with his band Utopia. Some of my favourite power pop is from this band. Like;

"Say Yeah" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF5pZaz6MnE .

"Call It What You Will, But Don't Call It Love" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=324i4zs8I_M&feature=related .

"Forgotten But Not Gone" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLp1WHxFCP8&feature=related .

"Feet Don't Fail Me Now" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97H6diExocA&feature=related .

"Neck On Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97H6diExocA&feature=related .

"I'm Looking At You But I'm Talking To Myself" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0_CqDWunQg .

"Lysistrata" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGIB7Aph_lE .

45 Number Eighty-Two

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69O4PXzAQ5Y&feature=related

I once went through a menu from an Italian restaurant and wrote additional lyrics to this song.

(Some of the clean ones)

"When you wait for her call like a big meat-a ball, that's amore."

"When you want her alone like a nice hot calzone, that's amore."

"When her love makes you strong just like veal parmigiana, that's amore."

"When you're both stuck like glue just like tiramisu, that's amore."

45 Number Eighty-One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHJzRhk08iU&feature=related

Another amazing find of Neil Young on 45. I just never thought of a song like this as a single. The link takes you to a 1976 live acoustic version. Neil played this song often before it ever made it on to the record Comes A Time. The Neil song I don't have on 45, but want on my jukebox; "Motorcycle Mama" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19_w5UP3PAc .

45 Number Eighty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeWC59FJqGc

A buddy once described guys like Eddie and Gene Vincent as the heavy metal acts of the 50s. I think I would describe them more like the punk/new wave of that era, but either way great music and good fun. My favourite Cochran songs; "C'mon on Everybody" (of course) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyU5bsfRdpE and "Nervous Breakdown" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apO0d0hdZbo . The latter was just covered by Wanda Jackson on her, Jack White produced, record from last year. A lot of chatter about Wanda's record, but I wasn't crazy about it. Wanda though will forever be in my hip category for her songs "Fujiyama Mama" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vtGwGBuBHc and "Let's Have a Party" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ksBcV-qrgo&feature=related .

45 Number Seventy-Nine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ2iHC5YilM

So if there is no big hole in the middle is it still a 45? I mean I can't play it on the jukebox. Man that ticks me off.

45 Number Seventy-Eight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaqRwFyoGgQ&feature=fvst

Another band I under appreciated until I was older. Their music was all over the AM radio when I was a youngster, and I knew all the lyrics, but I didn't really know the band, or perhaps I should say John Sebastian. John is an NRBQ fan, and performed with them often in the 80s, and it was through this connection I revisited the Spoonful. Sebastian and the Spoonful have written some great pop songs. Songs that to me seem as if they just always existed on my radio. A couple of favourites; "Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEAHDk2MAlM&feature=related and "Darlin' Be Home Soon" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyICxs10_4I .

45 Number Seventy-Seven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTlv5LoSsIs&feature=related

This is in on my list of essential jukebox singalong songs. Along with their other hit "Baby, Now That I Found You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CvuadC8_c&feature=related . Both ear worm songs I don't mind catching. But of course now I have all my bad ear worm songs running through my head (Beach Boys-Kokomo and Falco-Rock Me Amadeus), and now you have all your bad ear worm songs running through your head. Your welcome.

45 Number Seventy-Six

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS-NQ5UXCPc&playnext=1&list=PL276D13D142085B15

I left the sleeve on this. Most of the 45s I have that are not picture sleeves don't have the original paper sleeves. I ran into a garage sale that happened to have a bunch of Stones in the original London paper. Very cool. Oh yeah, this is a nice 1960's nugget from English bad boys, with the original band line up in the video. I still haven't read Keith's recent bio. I did read the excerpt in Rolling Stone magazine. It was a part from the turmoil during the Brian Jones era. Very interesting, though sad.

45 Number Seventy-Five

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKj2p2xqzGc

I'm not known as a blues fan. I like it in measured doses, and mixed in. Lightnin' is the real deal.

45 Number Seventy-Four

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqiDOuwUJxk

Chose the B side for this record. This song was my pensive, alone in my room, singing along, high school years' song. From the great Turnstiles album. The link takes you to a nice live 1977 recording. The A side ain't to shabby either; "Say Good Bye to Hollywood" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ5Nek7HFqw&feature=related . The link is to another 1977 live performance, drummer Liberty DeVitto playing great right in the middle of the stage.

45 Number Seventy-Three

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgYO3Se-VHk

Wow! Check out this video of this song from Elvis' Sundance music show. It features Ron Sexsmith and Elvis singing Ron's arrangement of the song. It is fantastic! That's Neko Case, Sheryl Crow and Jessie Winchester giving Elvis and Ron longing looks as they sing.

Ok, book songs:

"When I Write the Book" - Rockpile (Nick Lowe)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qhX-E4IyTk

"The Book of Love" - Magnetic Fields
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkjXr9SrzQE

"Can't Judge a Book by Looking at It's Cover" - Bo Diddly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lch0o4wwGyw&feature=related

"My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors" - Moxy Fruvous
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9F_XHb81N0

"Encyclopedia" - NRBQ