Do Dogs named Boo listen to 70’s soft rock?
July 31, 2008 at 12:34 pm | In music, soft rock heaven | Leave a Comment
Happy 65th birthday to Roland Kent Lavoie…
The artist known as Lobo began his career at the age of 16 with a local Florida band called, “The Rumours”. Most notable about this group was his band mates Gram Parsons and Jim Stafford. He played in several bands during the 60’s and was signed by Laurie records in 1969 when he released the single, “Happy Days in New York City”. Soon afterward going to Big Tree Records.
By 1971, he had begun going by the name “Lobo” (which means lone wolf in Spanish) and the single “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” which reached #4 in the states and #5 in the UK. This began a string of soft rock hits. “I’d Love You to Want Me” (#2-1971), and “Don’t Expect Me to Be Your Friend” (#8-1973) were his other top 10 hits. However, he charted another 11 times on the top 100 between 1971 and 1979. He also produced several Jim Stafford’s hits as well.
He spent much of the 80’s recording on his own label which was more country flavored, and producing. He had always had a loyal following in the UK and especially in Germany, and a late-80 greatest hits package in Japan brought him renewed respect and popularity. It also leads to him recording several albums just for the foreign market.
There is a fantastic interview with him at: http://www.mybestyears.com/InterviewSpotlights/LOBOKentLavoie110507.html
The Guy to bridge the gap between rock and blues…..
July 30, 2008 at 8:24 am | In just the blues baby, music | Leave a Comment
Happy 72nd birthday to Buddy Guy.
When researching the roots of rock music in the 60’s, one of the branches comes directly through the blues. While many were influenced by Elvis, and others by folkies in the 50’s, many who we consider pillars in the history of rock; Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards were influenced by the blues.
The list of mentors is as impressive as the list of students; Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Willimson, among many others. The guitarist however who probably bridged the gap between blues and rock was Buddy Guy.
Buddy spent his early career with Chess records which, because of their belief that his distinctive, bold style wasn’t marketable, kept him under wraps for years, with very little output. It was not until 1968 and his switch to Vanguard that his recording career took off. In those early years, his influence was felt through his live shows. Word spread early about his showmanship and style. Before any real recorded output in America, he was seen as a guitar hero in Britain. Not only was his playing style imitated, but many ideas from his stage show was as well. It has been said Jimi Hendrix would cancel a show if he knew Buddy Guy was in town, so that he might go himself.
During the 70’s and early 80’s, like many other blues players, there was a decline in fortunes. But with the middle 80’s (and the rise of another Guy disciple, Stevie Ray Vaughn), and the support of friends like Clapton, Guy’s star began to rise once again.
He has a huge output of recorded material, and his influence will be felt as long as rock guitarists play the blues….
My Heart’s Not Ready For the Rocking Chair….
July 29, 2008 at 1:49 pm | In top 40 country | Leave a Comment
Happy 42nd birthday to Martina McBride…..
Country music holds an odd appeal to me. Growing up in a home where my dad’s country music was Hank Williams Sr. flavored, I smile to hear much of what is played on top 40 (country) sounds suspiciously like 70’s pop/rock with a fiddle or steel guitar thrown in. Is it country? There are purists who would say no. However, there were also artists like Ray Price and Bob Willis in the 40’s and 50’s, and Waylon, Willie and the whole Austin scene in later years who were putting out a form of country that pushed the idea of what, “country” was all about. Just like in any genre, there are purists who say that the way the music was in an earlier day was the “real” music. Anything that does not conform to that standard wasn’t actually the real thing.
Why does this involve Ms. McBride? Well, directly it doesn’t, but country, like ALL music (except maybe classical) are formed and shaped by the artists who make it. Many (or most) of what is heard on country music radio today ARE influenced by 70’s pop/rock. Just like I was, their homes were filled with George Jones, Loretta Lynn, and Kiss and Fleetwood Mac. I tell my partner that the vibe I get when listening to Martina (even when singing “pure” country songs) is Linda Ronstadt. Ms. McBride herself cites Pat Benatar as an influence. That is NOT a bad thing.
My personal taste among country singers (and songs) is wildly inconsistent. Almost all of them have several songs that I like, but as a whole stay away from. From early on, her choice of material, coupled with a very powerful voice (and again in a Linda Ronstadt, rather then a Celine Dion) attracted my ear. And yeah it IS very pop influenced, but like many of my generation, musically we are shaped and formed by our influences. Given all of that, I have to admit that she is one of my favorite country singers.
The above clip was a single off of her Wild Angels CD. It had been written by Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Rose, and Pat Bunch. There are several versions of the song out. Baillie and the Boys in 1989, and Kennedy Rose in 1994. Martina’s version reach #4 in 1995, with Michelle Wright scored #4 in Canada with her version the same year.
We got kickin’ in the barn….
July 28, 2008 at 2:01 pm | In 50's rock and rollers | Leave a Comment
51 Years ago today, Jerry Lee Lewis performed on television for the first time.
Jerry Lee had already begun to make a name for himself having sold 300,000 copies of “Crazy Arms” for Sam Phillips’ Sun Records. His piano can also be heard on “Matchbox”, and “Your True Love” by Carl Perkins. During this time he also backed Billy Riley and his Little Green Men on their rockabilly classic, “Flying Saucer Rock and Roll”
His band consisting of his cousin J.W. Brown on bass, Jimmy Van Eaton on drums, and Roland James on guitar recorded “Whole Lot of Shakin Goin On”. His bio has been a matter of discussion for years and how his outspokenness and fiery disposition got him in a lot more trouble then he deserved. At the same time, one could argue that “the killer” would be that if it was not for that same attitude.
Steve Allen never hid his dislike for Rock and Roll and would never pass up a chance to poke fun at it. (see Elvis singing “Hound Dog” to a basset hound) At the same time, he was smart enough to know that it brought ratings. Jerry Lee named one of his sons Steve Allen Lewis in honor of the show host.
Anyway…the clip above shows Jerry Lee in all of his fiery glory….enjoy.
Now there’s a Real Animal….
July 27, 2008 at 9:55 pm | In Album Review, Sunday Feature | Leave a Comment
I remember the night in 2006 even if the actual date escapes me. We were at our favorite club in Nashville to hear an up and coming singer/songwriter. She was opening for someone we were totally unfamiliar with. After her set, the stage was being set up for the band. Two guitars, bass, keys, drummer, violin and cello. My interest was peaking. Shortly afterwards, Alejandro Escovedo took the stage, and for the next 90 minutes we were taken on a musical and emotional ride that I’ve yet to recover from. Ballads with a Mexican flavor that were perfectly seasoned with the strings, paint peeling rock with a very punk edge to it. The thin, almost gaunt (this was his first tour since an almost fatal bout with Hepatitis C) gentleman with the pinstripe suit blended this mix with lyrics that could not have been more intimate if he just sat with you and shared his innermost secrets.
In the two years since, I’ve have learned a great deal about Alejandro. About his first band, “The Nuns”, who opened for the Sex Pistols in San Francisco? About their stay at the Chelsea Hotel in the day that Nancy Spungen died. About his years in the highly underrated group ‘True Believers’, with his brother Javier and Jon Dee Graham. Speaking of siblings, his brothers Coke and Pete are also percussionists of note. Pete’s daughter is known to the world as Sheila E who garnered fame working with Prince, then as a solo artist. About the suicide of his wife of 13 years after their separation and divorce, which is much of the subject of his first two solo albums. About the bout of Hepatitis C, his near death, and the contribution of many top notch artists who knew him, loved him, and had been influenced by his work to complete a double album of his songs to help with the medical bills that had accumulated over time.
With co-writer Chuck Prophet, he documents much of this with his latest release, “Real Animal”. The title track is written for Iggy Pop, who was a large influence. The sound of the music itself is almost always what grabs me, however the perfect mix of lyric to music draws me to really listen to what is being said. As for what is saying? The imagery mixed with a brutal honesty about life as he sees it (and believe me, he has lived a lot of life) makes him one of the best at his craft. No Depression magazine named him the artist of the 1990’s, his work this decade makes him a candidate for artist of the decade this time as well.
Just a short word before I go….If you like this record or the others that has been released. You HAVE to see him on concert. I’ve been to many concerts over the years, and have never been to one that grabs you at the beginning and doesn’t’ let go like this one. Both videos above are from the tour this summer, one a cut from “Real Animal”, and the other from a previous album. When he came through Nashville this summer it was was him, and his lead guitarist, David Pulkingham. We were blown away by the skills of both, but the intensity. At times it was as if it were the same man playing such was the flow between the two of them. Most of the tour however has been with the full band. Another amazement to me, is how he can use different configurations of band members on a certain song one year, and the next change things up without a change of intensity. Very highly recommended.
http://www.alejandroescovedo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/alejandroescovedo
Five top 40 songs like it or not….
July 26, 2008 at 3:32 pm | In music, todays top 40 | Leave a Comment
I wanted the Saturday and Sunday versions of this blog to be special, so have decided that the first part of the weekend, will be to look at popular music today. It’s a bit of a check for me, to listen to what’s on top 40 music in different genres today…to keep current. And of course…as always to give my opinion. So….here goes.
Katy Perry: I kissed a girl
Actually had seen a video of this song last week (I think on VH1) while flipping through channels. The video caught my attention as did the song. I have to admit that it’s a very catchy. My issue with this isn’t with the content, that stuff doesn’t affect me at all, although if you’re a bit squeamish about girls kissing…this may not be the song for you. However, given my cynicism about big record companies, this feels like the next chapter in the Maddona/Brittney/let’s see how far we can push this sexual stuff sweepstakes. Katy does sing more like Maddona then Brittney, which at least piques my interest a bit. If her marketing savvy is as impressive, then it might be interesting to see where she heads…
Rihanna: Take a Bow
This was the best song of the group that I heard this week. She obviously has a thing for Beyonce and I admit that Beyonce doesn’t do a lot for me, but here, Rihanna sound confident and sexy in a lush musical bed that sounds impressive. I have heard very little from this young lady, but if this is any indication of what she does…..I’d like to hear more.
Chris Brown: Forever
My partner informed me (via People online) that Chris Brown and Rihanna are an item. Interesting, because I could hear them doing a song together. Didn’t care much for this song, but am impressed by his voice, which reminds me a bit of Usher. Would be interested in hearing more, because he certainly has the pipes.
Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major: Lollipop
In almost every genre I can find at least a few artists who I connect with. Rap is no exception. There are many who have mastered the art of rapping and have a great respect for those who are just not proficient, but who have something to say. However, unless your Kelis, talking about your sex, sexually, sexual prowess, in terms of food just has never done it for me. Especially in ways that are unimaginative….
Coldplay: Viva La Vida
This group has always posed a quandary for me. I like Chris Martin’s voice, and admired his piano skills. Hearing that Brian Eno was producing this album excited me as well, and his guiding hand can be heard through this song. It reminds me of hearing the song, “Clocks”, I was blown away by the atmospheres of the sound. But after repeated listening it never fully clicked with me again. Someday maybe I can figure out what it is about these guys….but this song sounded great….by about the third time…it was like, are we done yet??
Best song of the group Take a Bow
Most interesting song: I kissed a girl
Song that needs to be consumed already: Lollipop
Good Morning America, How Are Ya?
July 25, 2008 at 1:36 pm | In songwriters corner | Leave a CommentTags: Add new tag
Sixty years ago today, Steve Goodman was born. He is known to most by “City of New Orleans”. He had his own career as a singer-songwriter which we will chronicle someday. He died much too soon of Leukemia at the age of 36. What many do not know was that he was diagnosed in 1969 at the age of 21. He fought the disease all of his adult life.
The story of this song is a wonderful one as well. In 1971, he opened for Kris Kristofferson who was impressed by the younger singer and introduced him to Paul Anka, who brought him to New York to record some demos. This trip opened up the opportunity to sign with Buddah Records. While there, he went to see Arlo Guthrie at a club. After his set, Steve asked to play a song for him. He agreed on the condition that Goodman buys him a beer first, and he would listen for as long as it took him to drink it. Not only did he sing the song, but Guthrie liked it enough to ask permission to record it.
The money he gained from this allowed him to launch his music career full time. Arlo Guthrie’s rendition is by far the best known, but artists from Johnny Cash, and John Denver, to Judy Collins and Sonny Boy Williamson.
Before his death, Goodman recorded 11 albums, not to mention several albums after.
Many have heard the song…not near enough have heard the songwriter….just thought you would like to know…..
….meanwhile, I’m still thinking…..
July 24, 2008 at 1:46 pm | In 70's teen idols, glam, music | 1 Comment
On this day in 1971, “Bang a Gong” reached No. 1 in the UK. In January of 72, it reached its peak of #10 here in the states.
The Album “Electric Warrior” was the second album billed as “T Rex”, which continued their bold move into what is known now as glam rock. The song itself was a blend of crunchy guitar licks, lyrics that were wonderfully evasive, and a look that was somewhere between Little Richard and late 60’s hippie mystic.
I remember hearing it for the first time in 5th Grade. As you will soon note over the days and months, I have always been more of a melody guy then a lyric guy. It didn’t matter to me what he was saying, it was the sound and the look that drew me to the song. Given that, there was no way this post would be made without doing some investagative work about those lyrics…so…here they are.
Well you’re dirty and sweet
Clad in black don’t look back and I love you
you’re dirty and sweet, oh yeah
Well you’re slim and you’re weak
you’ve got the teeth of the hydra upon you
you’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Well you’re built like a car
You’ve got a hub cap diamond star halo
You’re built like a car, oh yeah
Well you’re an untamed youth
That’s the truth with your cloak full of eagles
You’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Well you’re windy and wild
You’ve got the blues in your shoes and your stockings
You’re windy and wild, oh yeah
Well you’re built like a car
You’ve got a hub cap diamond star halo
You’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Well you’re dirty and sweet
Clad in black, don’t look back and I love you
you’re dirty and sweet, oh yeah
Well you dance when you walk
so let’s dance, take a chance, understand me
you’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Take me, for a meanwhile I’m still thinking ….
Now…I’m not going to try to read into the lyrics (although I encourage you to….there is actually some pretty cool imagery here, although the line about being built like a car doesn’t seem like much of a pick-up line), but what was important was the sound….and the look. There will be time later to look at all of this closer as there was a lot more to Marc Bolin then just this song. However feel free to search this on your own, as well as artists like early David Bowie, Sweet, New York Dolls, and Alice Cooper.
Just in case we had any doubt of his redneck cred….
July 23, 2008 at 4:53 pm | In Kid Rock, artists gone wild, music | Leave a CommentI am not going to spend time doing “entertainment pieces”, however, whenever our musical heroes (or enemies) hit the news, from time to time, we’ll report it. Considering that Mr. KR had gotten into trouble by getting into a fight outside a Nashville strip club. I just couldn’t resist passing this along.
DECATUR, Ga. – Kid Rock has been sentenced to a year’s probation and fined $1,000 for his role in a fight at a suburban Atlanta Waffle House last fall.
The DeKalb County solicitor’s office said the 37-year-old was also sentenced Monday to six hours of anger management counseling and 80 hours of community service.
The entertainer, whose real name is Robert J. Ritchie, pleaded no contest to one count of simple battery. Four counts of battery were dropped.
Ritchie’s tour bus stopped at the Waffle House about 5 a.m. on Oct. 21 after a performance in downtown Atlanta. An exchange of words with a customer escalated into a fight that spilled from the restaurant into the parking lot.
Ritchie and five members of his entourage were arrested. They appeared with him in court, and two of them pleaded no contest and received similar sentences of probation and community service. The judge dropped charges against the other three.
“After viewing the videotape, it was decided that they weren’t involved,” said Artealia Gilliard, spokeswoman for Solicitor-General Robert D. James Jr.
Ritchie’s attorney, Darryl Cohen, said Tuesday that Ritchie was “not terribly unhappy” with the outcome although he believed he was not at fault.
“I think my client is satisfied,” Cohen said. “He would have liked to have tried it. He came within a hairbreadth of going to trial.”
That drumbeat sound is a love beat baby….
July 23, 2008 at 12:05 pm | In 70's teen idols, bubblegum pop, music | Leave a Comment
Happy 53rd Birthday Marisa Defranco….(she’s the chick on the right)
To anyone who was around in the summer of 1973 could not escape the sound of “Heartbeat, It’s a Lovebeat” on AM radio. It’s infectious sound was catchy even as one was trying to avoid it (although unless you turned your transistor** that wasn’t going to work). In fact, the hook just wouldn’t let go…much the same way the Hanson brothers did with “Mmm bop” over 20 years later.
** If you don’t know what a transistor is….please ask your parents or anyone over 40….
The Defranco children were born in Ontario Canada to Italian parents. Benny, the oldest took up the guitar, and was playing professionally by the time he was 18. Marisa followed by learning the accordion and organ and Nino also took up the guitar. Merlina took up the drums, and little Tony (4 at the time) was given the maracas.
As the Defranco quintet, they played at weddings, on local TV, and other functions staying solely to instrumentals. One evening, after being bribed 5 dollars to do it, Tony sang onstage. The response convinced the group to focus more on vocals and to allow Tony to sing lead.
Pictures of the group were sent to Charles Laufer who was publisher of Teen Beat Magazine. Shots were taken of them and placed in an issue of the teen rag. The response convinced him that these kids were special. A few sides were cut and brought to Russ Regan who was president of 20th Century Records who signed them after hearing the sides just once.
“Heartbeat, it’s a Lovebeat” was released in June of 1973 and rose to a high of #3. Shortly after came “Abra-Ca-Dabra (#32) in January of 1974 and the last top 40, “Save The Last Dance For Me” (#18 ) in the spring of 1974. The last song pointed to the beginning of the end, as their handlers were pushing for more of the “covers” route, while the group wanted to do original material, even to write some of their own as well. Things broke down during the recording of the third album and after several more years of touring, called it quits in 1979.
How good is this stuff? It only makes sense to compare them to groups similar to them. The sound is distinctive of other groups of the day (Partridge Family, Cowsills), but at least to my ears, somewhat fresher. Tony had a great voice of a kid, but one that could be a bit whiny, however that probably did not deter any of the legion of girls who had his face pined upon their wall.
Before I leave the birthday wishes behind and face tomorrow….I do have to wonder what woulda/coulda/shoulda have happened to talented teenagers if in the hands of music business people who actually cared about their future and allowed them to grow in their talent instead trying to push them to places they did not want to go. On the other hand, one could argue that being Tony Defranco (or any Defranco for that matter) has not hurt in opening doors for them as they all grew up and found success on their own terms
….best left to the past…but a hell of a lot of fun listening to them this afternoon.
till tomorrow….peace
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