Friday, April 29, 2011

45 Number Sixty-Seven


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3uf5V0pDA

I've always really liked this band, particularly Chrissie Hynde's voice and her song writing. Really like their first couple of albums. I love hearing the opening drums to Mystery Achievement on the radio, and waiting for the guitar to kick in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hKbmnnYeq8 . Tattooed Love Boys http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjXnhT3jXM4&feature=related (great video), Precious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YA3hZEDPNI and Message of Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCf5wLyfkvQ , man Chrissie can rock.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

45 Number Sixty-Six


This is one of my favourite 45s. The Alpha band is T-Bone Burnett's late 70s band. I found this at Yesterday and Today Records in Rockville MD. Another one of those "Oh My God, they put this out on 45." It's a Dylan cover. I have the reputation as a Dylan hater. But that's not the case. I just prefer his songs sung by others. Can you believe You Tube doesn't have this song by the Alpha Band. They do have Dylan's version. I looked elsewhere on the net, and couldn't find any place to hear the Alpha Band song except a sample on Amazon. So my choice was the Dylan original, or 29 seconds of the song from an online store. So maybe you can do some shopping after the 29 seconds are up.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

45 Number Sixty-Five

As far as Little Richard goes I prefer "Lucille" or "Rip It Up," but I am not a huge fan at any rate. My early rockin' roll leanings go towards Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly, and Eddie Cochran.

Monday, April 25, 2011

45 Number Sixty-Four

Another one that gives me trouble deciding on the "A" side. I am sure most would go with "I Walk The Line", and the numbers on the label indicate that it is the hit side. I am a big fan of "Get Rhythm" though. What a great record for the jukebox. You get two fantastic songs by Johnny. Both videos are from the late 50s when Johnny appeared on the Tex Ritter Show. Great Stuff. And how about this, Carlene Carter, Johnny's daughter, introduces NRBQ doing "Get Rhythm" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u8UmdH_CM4 . The boys have made the song almost as much theirs as Johnny's over the years. Almost.

Many have done covers of Johnny's songs, but Johnny can do a hell of a cover. I know I have mentioned this here before, but if you all haven't checked out the recordings he did in the last years of his life with Rick Rubin producing on American Recordings, you must. He does lots of covers, as well as his own. Here are some links to some of my favourites, but seek out the entire catalogue you won't be disappointed.

Delia's Gone (Cash) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1iKEPzF1Js

Drive On (Cash) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLkNy7_xlcs

One (U2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQIrxhNkiAs

The Beast In Me (Nick Lowe) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkP3KAgyqMw

Tennessee Stud http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_X_SWuwM7k

I've Been Everywhere http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFN9C9PVpg

I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty) w/Petty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiLiTpBfpQM

Father and Son (Cat Stevens) w/Fiona Apple http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KY5vqfSKUY

Redemption Song (Bob Marley), w/ Joe Strummer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGVSTsgcCvw

Solitary Man (Neil Diamond) w/Tom Petty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5rVmXyZP5s

Thanks for putting up with me. I get wrapped up in this stuff.



45 Number Sixty-Three


Got to love that genetic harmony of family members singing together. I always thought Phil and/or Don wrote this, but was surprised to find Bryant and Bryant given the credit.

My favourite cover of this song is by David Lindley and El Rayo -X, and since I have no singles by David, this will be my only chance to plug an album you should own. Here are some great tracks from this record:



She Took Off My Romeos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnIe3eP5qEg

45 Number Sixty-Two


This one started my love of the rockin' roll organ. The link is to a rare live video of ? and the Mysterians from the 60s.

This is the second 45 to get the double sided treatment. The B side is a song I first became aware of from an English new wave/pop band back in the early 80s. ? did it first, so here is their version , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwvOjWfgdfw, but I recommend this version of "I Can't Get Enough of You Baby" by The Colour Field http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2UsVvwhK9M . No Smash Mouth here man.

45 Number Sixty-One


CCR is one of those bands that I really like, but there are couple of their songs that get played way too much. This is not one of those songs. This one isn't played enough. The video is excellent, and I recommend full screen. I used to think of CCR as one of the best, if not the best, American rockin' roll bands. But then I met NRBQ.

45 Number Sixty

I stepped away from the turntable for a minute. I have some catching up to do.


This is one of those 45s you don't set out to buy, but then there it is for a dime at the garage sale down the street. You look at the title and then start searching for the tune. Pretty soon you've got it;
"1,2,3,4--- Sha la la la live for today," and the record is yours.

The link above takes you right to the Jimmy Durante show (yes Mark there is someone whose nose was bigger than yours), and the G-Roots guest spot. Who knew the lead guitar player in the striped shirt on the left would grow up to be Creed, my favourite character on the TV show "The Office." Here is a link to see Creed on "The Office" showing off his guitar work, and discussing his rockin' roll past.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

45 Number Fifty-Nine


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFNXgsF15es&feature=related

The link takes you to a great quality audio of Nick and Dave on a radio show singing the Everly Brothers, including my favourite "Crying in the Rain." My God it is fabulous. These two really need to get together and do some more acoustic stuff. Someone get them on the phone.

So the story goes me and my buddy Ozark (his chosen name) are hang outside a club waiting for Nick Lowe to appear. Nick comes out and my buddy asks him to autograph a copy of the picture sleeve you see above. Nick draws a speech bubble coming out of Dave's mouth, and writes in it "Nick Lowe?" After that we always wanted to catch up with Dave and let him have a go at it.

Monday, April 18, 2011

45 Number Fifty-Seven


One of the all time great instrumentals. Instrumentals are not typically my thing, but here are some I dig:



Wild Weekend -The Rockin' Rebels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuuWpe_Xptw

Pipeline-The Ventures http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sWII-0JCUQ

Taste of Honey - Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrzkJBEcTbk

Tell me that one doesn't remind you of the Dating Game TV show. The album cover is one of the four currently displayed on our living room wall.


Sunday, April 17, 2011

45 Number Fifty-Six

http://www.tboneburnett.com/

If you click on the link above you can sample this song as well as all T-Bone songs. You can also check out the list of artists he has produced. It is some list, and to my surprise includes Spinal Tap. But what T-Bone is known best for in my life is writing the song my wife and I danced to at our wedding; "Poetry" from the Trap Door EP.

This picture of T-Bone and friends hangs over my stereo.Lots of familiar faces.


Saturday, April 16, 2011

45 Number Fifty-Five

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

I remember when I first found this. I thought, "Oh my God! These songs were put out on a 45?" Don't get me wrong. I love both of these songs. I think this is the first of the 45s to get both sides scanned in. It' s just that there are some songs that I think of as album songs and not singles.

The video link above for "Simple Man" takes you to an incredible live performance, with Crosby wandering in to sing harmony at the end. It's one of those performances for me that's like being in church.

CSN put out a CD called Demos in 2009, which contained demos from 1969 to 1971 of songs from their first two albums and solo albums, performed in an "unplugged manner" by the song's writer. It's worth a listen if you ever come across it. I really enjoy hearing the songs as they were first presented to the rest of the band
.

45 Number Fifty-Four

How about this for a triple bill and venue; Georgia Satellites, The Del Fuegos, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Weedsport County Fairgrounds. I have seen the Heartbreakers several times, but that was the most fun. It was a beautiful summer night. Standing right against the stage, and outside at a small county fair grandstand. I am a big fan of Tom's early pop songs. Here are some. The live clips are fantastic if you have the time.

"Anything That's Rockin' Roll" (Live 1977) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyTe_atJg_c

"Rockin' Around With You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n45ZFgNyF9o



"American Girl" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akiBVlrRvEQ&feature=related

"When the Time Comes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlUY-GyklE0

"She's Gonna Listen to her Heart"(Live 1978 Old Grey Whistle Test) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZpBhi04IoI

"I Need to Know" (Live Midnight Special 1978) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXMkx0vTazM

"You're Gonna Get It" (Live 1978 Santa Monica) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnws0utH9LA

Friday, April 15, 2011

45 Number Fifty-Three


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGGlTR71FEk

Back again to the early eighties. I don't know. This song just doesn't hold up for me. I struggled to listen to it. Not sure I will spin it again soon.

Best Depeche Mode cover; Johnny Cash, "Personal Jesus."Now I want you to all go and click on this link to hear Johnny and grab this image of Johnny for this week's Facebook profile picture. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVAZYI6IDTM

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

45 Number Fifty-Two


O.K., here right in front of all of you, I admit it. I wanted to be Danny Partridge. I had red hair. I wanted to be in band. Well, maybe not with my mother.
How about a real family band, The Cowsills and their hit
"The Rain, The Park, and Other Things" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFtuTktbofc&feature=related .

Susan Cowsill is making some great music these days. I'm a fan of her former band The Continental Drifters. Here they are with her singing may favourite, "The Rain Song" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UDXdEoTWOU.

Monday, April 11, 2011

45 Number Fifty


I can't think of a better band to celebrate being halfway home with this thing. I have a friend who recently shared that when ever he was asked who he preferred "The Stones or The Beatles," he always replied the "The Kinks." The Kinks are a very under appreciated band. I speak from experience. I must have seen them five or six times before I ever got beyond "You Really Got Me," "Lola," and the other two Kinks songs classic FM radio will play. Ray Davies has written some wonderful pop songs that way to few people know about. A couple of my faves:

"Starstruck Baby" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d8moA2Iksg&playnext=1&list=PL535138B65EE7F0EA (also a great cover of this song by Steve Forbert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOW4-P176EY )

"Better Things" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXioctDPGn0
( covers of this one by Dar Williams http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXioctDPGn0 and Fountains of Wayne, can't find a link damn it's good)

"Stop Your Sobbing" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZQUKN5G9xk
(cover by The Pretenders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB9zg_JIL0k&feature=related )

"Where Have All The Good Time Gone" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnB3CHwPipU

One More Thing!

This Saturday, 4/16, is National Record Store Day. Look at this picture of heaven.

This Broad Street Records in Waverly NY. If you live in my area, it's one of the best places to look for music. Here are their details for this weekend:

Broad Street Records to participate in National Record Store Day

To celebrate the day a store-wide SALE to be held

Thursday 4/14 to Sunday 4/17

On Saturday April 16th there will be refreshments and live music starting at 1:30 pm.

Performers will include: Joel Rounds (guitar/vocals) and Matt Montgomery (djembe) known as King and the Duck. Roger Bacorn (guitar/vocal) and Frank Lake (guitar).

Special limited release Record Store Day only lps and cds will be on sale.

Visit the store website for updates and hope to see you at the store.

Thanks for shopping at Broad Street Records.

Patrick Ayres, owner Broad Street Records 369 Broad St., Waverly

www.bsrecordshop.com aayres@stny.rr.com 607-565-7921



Get out to your local record shop and get some music!



Sunday, April 10, 2011

45 Number Forty-Nine


The anchor song for the Mental Health mixed tape , along with:

"I Wanna Be Sedated," "Teenage Lobotomy," and "Psycho Therapy" - The Ramones
"Crazy" -Patsy Cline
"Manic Depression" - Jimi Hendrix
"Comin' After Me" - The Flamin' Groovies
"Nervous Break Down"- Eddie Cochran
"Crazy as a Loon" - John Prine
"Psycho Killer" - Talking Heads
"Out of My Head" and "Crazy Girl" - NRBQ
"Mother's Little Helper" - Rolling Stones
"Therapy" - Loudon Wainwright III
"Everyone I Know is Crazy" - Dan Maloney (Hear this song and others from my friend Dan at http://www.myspace.com/search/Music?q=danny%20maloney&ac=t )

I am sure you all have other psycho songs you could add.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

45 Number Forty-Eight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPAj19vHPNc

Did the Stones ever cover this? I hear Mick every time. Never was a big J.Geils fan. However, they did the one thing I always thought I would do if I was ever in a successful rockin' roll outfit.

I saw them at the Capital Center in Landover MD in the early eighties. I think it was the "Centerfold" tour. They did two encores. The lights came up and everyone started to head out of the arena. All of sudden they are back on stage and Peter Wolf yells "Where the F--k are you going?!" The lights go out and they launch into a couple more songs. Nice.

45 Number Forty-Seven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHejhUFFX7w

Cool to think they were doing this stuff in 1968. Great video. They got the drum set way out in the front, nice. I am glad that a visual record of this was captured.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

45 Number Forty-Six



I love the vibe of this band. I remember when I first heard their music it was so unlike anything I had ever heard. I wasn't sure what to make of it. It was kind of artsy, which was not my pop music. I often didn't know what they were singing about. But with such a tight groove, soul grabbing rhythms, and quirky lyrics, I had no choice but to go with it.

On 10-10-83, in a gym at George Washington University, I witnessed an unforgettable performance. I remember we were standing around at show time looking at an empty stage, and wondering what the hell was going on. Had the band been a no-show? Was there going to be a delay? Then the lights go out, and David Byrne walks out with a boom box and acoustic guitar. He turns on the boom box and the rhythm starts. He straps on the guitar and begins to strike the strings. He delivers a version of Psycho Killer that is killer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pCZ5E5tn4I , check it out, still killer).

Then with each new song a new element or band member is added to the stage. Right before our eyes the the show was constructed. It was amazing. We talked about it for months. Then within a year the movie Stopping Making Sense came out, and we realized what we had witnessed. The beginnings of what would become their live performance masterpiece. I believe the movie was filmed in LA, some months after the show I saw.

My ticket for that show had been a "frontstage" pass sticker that they gave out to the student helpers. I don't even remember how I got it, as I was no helper. But I wore it on the butt pocket of my jeans. When I got home I cut the pocket of my pants, and hung the whole thing on my wall. I still have it to this day. Here it is scanned in for you.

Stop Making Sense is famous for another reason as well. Early in our relationship, my wife and I scooted out of dinner party early to go see it at a theater.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

45 Number 45


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrbNeOEG0GY

This one reminds me of why I like music so much. Takes me back to the mid seventies, listening to WDOS on the AM dial, and singing along. I love singing along, especially in the car. It's why I keep trying to play guitar. So I can sing along. Hopefully, not while I am driving.

This picture sleeve is a great example of the album art I loved from this band. Makes you smile. I also just liked how the guys in OMD looked on their album covers. Like freaky musicians. A favourite cover and picture of the band are below.




(This is not the band.)


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

45 Number Forty-Four




I had forgotten how good this video was. Never was a Genesis fan. But I have enjoyed Gabriel's solo hits. They tend to be a bit slick and over produced, but his tunes are more palatable than the crap his bandmate Phil Collins has done.

Monday, April 4, 2011

45 Number Forty-Three


I have had this 45 since1975, when I was fourteen years old. Probably bought it at some department store like FBC or Jamesway. I remember buying 45s way before I ever bought an album. We had a little portable record player. I have the other 10cc hit on 45 from the same time period as well "The Things We Do For Love." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgptvsHHYK4&feature=related . But then I moved up in the world and bought their next album, Bloody Tourists. At the time I thought this song from that album was the bomb; "Dreadlock Holiday" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGLsAkeRd84 . Man, look at this video. Yikes! These guys were butchering reggae way before the Police.

45 Number Forty-Two




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

Givin' it one more little Squeeze. If you are a fan, check out this link. It is a live version of the song (no lip sync) from 1979 on The Old Grey Whistle Test TV show. It features an intro from Jools Holland, and then the performance. Check out Jools with the hat and big stogie.

Red vinyl. Some of the great things about record collecting; cover art, liner notes, picture discs, shaped vinyl, and colored plastic. A couple of Christmases ago I was searching for a gift idea for my kids to give my wife. I always like to try to think of something they can make. I stumbled across cooking vinyl records and making objects out of them. So I looked through my stacks, picked out some colored and black discs, and we burned some. We made a couple of bracelets, hair clips, and some bowls. Just to make some of my record collecting friends gasp. Here is a picture of the pink vinyl, Rolling Stones, 12 inch single, "Miss You” shaped into a bowl.