The Lost Lennon…..

August 22, 2008 at 9:22 am | In 2000 and beyond, 80's music, The Beatles, looking for a second listen, music, songwriters corner | 2 Comments

The Beatles have been the greatest influence on my life, especially from a musical standpoint. My mother bought me a copy of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”, and was hooked. Never figured out where she got it, or why she gave it to me (it certainly wasn’t because she like them), but was a fan from then on. However, most of my recollection occurred after their break up. Looking back, I suppose I was a Paul fan, but have had mixed feelings about that. I always thought that Paul was the most melodic, however, has always had to deal with the triteness of his lyrical content during his Wings period. At the same time, John was wildly inconsistent with his output in his solo years, with his best outshining the other three, but there just wasn’t enough of it. His death in 1980 was a terrible thing, and have wondered many times since, what we had lost with not only the death of a musical icon, but what could have been with an older and wiser John around.

I remember getting chills the first time on hearing “Valotte” in 1984 Julian’s voice was so similar to his dad’s, and can remember thinking at the time, “How is He going to deal with being John’s son?”. Over 20 years later, I still wonder that. Much of what I’ve read has led me to believe that he has spent much of his life dealing with having a dad who everyone in the world seemed to know, but was never given the chance to know personally.

After his solo album in, Julian spent a couple of albums drifting, and in due course fell out with record buyers. The good news is that the last couple of CD’s, “1991’s “Help Yourself”, and 1998’s “Photograph Smile”, has shown a real maturity in his writing and one song in particular, “Saltwater” (which is the video you see above) showing not only brilliance, but a concern for the environment which he has expanded on in his personal dealings over the years.

With a new CD coming out soon, (“Conscious”), his work in film (his documentary, “WhaleDreamers” was shown at Cannes in 2007), and other business ventures, it seems as if maybe the world will be ready for Julian again. He understands that there will always be comparisons to his famous father; however, with maturity that comes with age, it seems as if he has come to grips with it. And hopefully, he will have the chance to share his music and his love for environmental issues to effect on his generation as well.

The video below is an interview with Julian from 1999. But it shows a man who has come to grips with his past. Enjoy….

Goin’ to church with Mike Farris……

August 20, 2008 at 9:36 am | In 2000 and beyond, going to church...., music, people that you HAVE to hear | Leave a Comment

Am not sure how I came across Mike Farris (probably Rhapsody), but am happy that I have. Instead of going through his past, it’s probably easier and better for you to read about his story from his website. http://mikefarrismusic.net/bio.php.

He is going to be in Nashville Sunday and am planning to be there to see him. His soulfulness and passion that he puts into his stage shows only comes from a man who is living through the process of redemption that he sings about. A truly inspiring story and truly inspirational music.

The feeling that you can’t get this song out of your head….

August 19, 2008 at 8:38 am | In 2000 and beyond, music, power pop...thank god | Leave a Comment

Have you ever heard a song before and just cannot get the tune out of your head?

I do a lot of surfing for music. Used to frequent myspace a lot for it, but have found that Rhaposdy is even better. To just choose a genre and listen to what is out there is a great feeling, and a wonderful substitution for music on the radio.

If it’s not been mentioned before, power pop is one of my favorite types of music. So when I came across this song, it got lodged somewhere and won’t leave. So instead of fighting it, I’m going to share it with all of you.

The Feeling are five guys from the UK: Dan Sells (Lead vocals, electric guitar), Richard Jones (Bass, background vox.), Kevin Jeremiah (guitars/back. vox.), Ciaran Jeremiah (Keyboards, back. vox.), Paul Stewart (drums). They have two albums out, Twelve Steps and Home (2005), and Join With Us (2008).

Twelve Steps and Home reached the US charts, but there has been no actions with singles, which is a real shame as their very catchy pop would be welcome on the radio. They have had much better time of it in their homeland with both CD’s making the top five and several singles in the top 10.

Anyways, the video is from the single “I love it when you call”, and a very good example of their music. The album reminds me of a cross between 10cc and Supertramp, which if you like either one of those groups, or power pop in general, check them out….

August 2008 country top 40; like it or not….

August 17, 2008 at 1:31 pm | In Sunday Feature, country top 40, music, top 40 country | Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago, I did a Saturday blog which looked at five of the top country songs of that week. It turned out being one of my more popular posting, so I thought to expand on it a bit and look at the charts again, and give my opinions. If there is a video that I think you’d like to see, it will be added as well.

Ashton Shepard: Sounds So Good–This is the second single off her debut CD of the same name. There is a more than a passing resemblance to the Dixie Chicks in general and Natalie Maines in particular. As impressive to me is that fact that she wrote this song as well as much of the material. In Nashville, that’s always a plus. Good stuff.

Chris Young: Voices–Chris is the 2006 winner of the TV contest/show, “Nashville Star”. Never watched the show before, nor was I familiar with Chris. This single here is new enough that I was not able to grab a copy of the song for review, but came across this video of him doing it live, and was impressed. This is his third single and is his first top 40 song. I am a sucker for a song with good keys even if the vocals are not all that distinctive.

Jewel: I Do–Pardon me for being more than a bit cynical about Jewell’s conversion to country music. However, I can remember during the period from the mid 70’s to early 80’s that more then a few country artists crossed over to pop with various degrees of success. It’s not a bad thing, and probably speaks more of the state of what country is today, then it does of the singer herself. Bottom line, if you liked Jewell before, then you will really like this, if you don’t I am doubtful this was make a lot of converts.

Randy Houser: Anything Goes–Randy is probably known more for writing, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” for Trace Adkins. This is his first single and has hit the top 40. A pleasing debut.

Pat Green: Let Me–Pat Green’s albums over the last seven years have sold well, but with the exception of the excellent, “Wave On Wave” and 2006’s “Feels Like it Should”, he has always had difficulty cracking the top 20. Am not sure this will be any different. Pleasant, but nothing to write home about.

Eli Young Band: When it rains–OK….don’t’ know a lot about this band, but their press release compares them to The Jayhawks, which an apt description at least about this song. They are opening for the Dave Matthews Band which also seems like a good fit. This is a great song, and am looking forward to checking out their CD as soon as I can get a copy.

Adam Gregory: Crazy Days–Adam has been releasing CD’s since 2000 at the age of 15 in his native Canada. He has three releases there and several top 10 singles. This is his first single here in the states, with an album forthcoming. The video is a good one as well. Am looking forward to hear more from this guy.

Lady Antebellum: Looking for a good time–I really, really want to like this song, but sonically it reminds me of two groups on the charts now, Little Big Town and Sugarland. And at this point, in that comparison, they fall a bit short. That is not totally fair as both of these other groups have been playing long enough to have shaped distinctive sounds. And maybe that’s it. They are great to look at, and pleasant to hear, but there isn’t anything (at least on this song) to separate them from the pack. However, there is more then enough here to convince me that there is the potential of being a lot more then just nice videos and pleasing background music.

Jo Dee Messina: I’m Done–Jo Dee has kept a fairly low profile since Delicious Surprise. This is the second single off of what will be the CD, “Unmistakable”. Of the modern era female country singers, all who are now following in the Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, school of tough chicks have to pay homage to Jo Dee Messina. Her best material has mixed a sense of feminine vulnerability with a tough no nonsense exterior. Am not sure this is up to her earlier stuff, but it’s great to hear her sassy self back on the charts.

Jamey Johnson: In Color–Am not a huge fan of this type of singer/songwriter, but this is pretty good stuff. His story of coming to Nashville after years in the military, starting to make inroads the old fashioned way (playing in clubs and networking) then going through a career downturn which included a divorce and now restarting it over again makes me want to root for him.

I didn’t even know there was a Phoenix in France….

August 16, 2008 at 1:39 pm | In 2000 and beyond, music | Leave a Comment

I ran across this song over the internet, and found it kinda catchy in a quirky way.

Phoenix consists of Thomas (pronounced Toh-mah) Mars (vocals), Deck D’Arcy (bass), Laurent Brancowitz (guitar) and Christian Mazzalai (guitar). They formed in 1991 as a trio and added Brancowitz in 95 and offically named themselves Phoenix in 1997.

“United” was the first release in 2000. The single, “Too Young” was used in the 2001 movie, “Shallow Hal”, and again in 2003’s, “Lost in Translation”. Following in 2004 was “Alphabetical”, then “Live! Thirty Days Ago” in 2005.

The song “Long Distance Call” was the first single from the 2006 CD, “It’s Never Been Like that”.

Otis Redding and the My Girl you haven’t heard….

August 12, 2008 at 7:41 pm | In 60's soul, music, soul music | 2 Comments
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“My Girl” was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White. The lyrics were inspired by Smokey’s wife, Claudette, and was intended for the Miracles first. However, upon hearing him working on the song, several members of the Temptations asked him to allow them to record. It was released in December of 1964 with David Ruffin singing lead (his first lead on a Temptations single).

The version that is shown in this video is the one recorded the next year by Otis Redding. Otis had been recording since 1961 without a lot of stir and began to make some inroads, on both pop and R&B charts in early 1964. With Steve Cropper as producer, Otis entered the studio in 65 and recorded the album, “Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul”. His version of “My Girl”, was not released in the US, given the success of the Temp’s version. However, it was in the UK, and reached #11, which was his highest charter to that time in Britain.

This song has been covered numerous times, why bring up this one? Well, first of all, this is a wonderful example of two sides of the same coin. The popular version (Temp’s) was the pop soul of its day, with David Ruffin and his smooth crooning. Otis Redding’s version gives a harder edge to it. Both are a wonder to hear. But if you have not heard Redding’s cover, it is a must listen. Many know nothing of Otis Redding other then “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay” and as good as that song is, this (and the entirety of Otis Blue) shows him in his most natural setting; soul with a bit of grit to it.

To you great Eric CarmEn fans out there….

August 12, 2008 at 10:42 am | In homeboy musings, mailbag, music | Leave a Comment

My post of a couple of days ago about Eric and The Raspberries has garnered quite a bit of attention. First of all, thank you for even taking the time to checking out the blog. Secondly, my bad for spelling Eric’s name wrong (yeah…I know it’s CarmEn). This reminds me to re-check in the morning after writing a blog late the night before.

The rest is just my personal opinion so take it or leave it as you will. I will say however, that I never thought that Eric forgot how to rock, anyone who listens to “Live on the Sunset Strip” can see that even after 30 years, The Raspberries are still the best power pop band in history. One just has to wonder what would have happened if he had continued in a pop/rock vein. (Either with the Raspberries or solo).

The cat’s who’s a bad mother (shut your mouth..)

August 11, 2008 at 8:57 pm | In 70's top 40, music, soul music | 1 Comment

Not too much to say this evening, am working on other projects, but I couldn’t go another day without remembering a giant of soul music…the way it’s suppose to be made.

I found this video and was just delighted to see it….also notice who is introducing him…

RIP Issac Hayes

Raspberries and lots of fluff…(what happens when you worship at the alter of the soft rock(?) gods.

August 11, 2008 at 11:51 am | In 70's rock, 70's teen idols, music, soft rock heaven | 2 Comments

Happy 59th Birthday to Eric Carmen….

Along with Badfinger, the Raspberries introduced me to 70’s style power pop. It’s a love that has never left me. Maybe it’s my guitar envy, but the mix of crunchy pop/rock and harmonies are a mix that always gets me going. In fact, it was my interest in the Raspberries that led me back to THEIR influences, namely The Who, and The Beach Boys.

The media (not to mention their PR guys) didn’t know how to package them. They rocked harder then any “pop” group, but was positioned as teen idols which always seemed odd to me considering some of the lyrical content was anything but tame. (I mean…could YOU see David Cassidy and/or Donny Osmond singing, “I just wanna make you feel good inside baby”)

It seems odd now that there was a fuss about such things, but until the late 70’s, the gulf between “FM rock” and top 40 was a divide that was not easily bridged. That, along with a difference in direction between Carmen and bandmates Dave Smalley and Wally Bryson broke apart the band.

What bothered me since their breakup was Eric’s sharp turn into soft rock. He always showed that side during his Raspberries days, however, there was more than enough rock to balance things out. There are a few songs that have interested me since (“Hungry Eyes”, and especially, “Make Me Lose Control”), but never felt as if he ever got his power pop groove on again.

What you see here are two clips both from the 70’s…The first are the Raspberries in all of their power pop glory (this is one of my favorite songs from them….however if you like this, you will love hearing “Overnight Sensation” (Hit Record) one of the great lost singles of the 70’s.

To you young rockers out there, this is what happens when you go for the top 40 gold by sacrificing at the altar of the soft rock (isn’t that an oxymoron?)…however…it’s still a galaxy better then Celine Dion’s version.

Mamma Mia, I’m finally facing my Waterloo….

August 6, 2008 at 10:58 am | In 70's top 40, music | Leave a Comment

On this day 34 years ago (1974), Waterloo reached No. 6 on the US charts. It was also the day that ABBA visited America for the first time on a promotional visit…..This video was from the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.

Last night I was on the phone with my youngest daughter (23). We were talking about movies we have seen this summer and she commented that she had seen “Mamma Mia”. She liked the movie and was intersted in seeing the stage production. I have seen it when it came through N-town several years ago and we compaired and contrasted the differences between the two when I just happened to mention that enjoying either one had to be contingent on one like ABBA’s music. There was silence on the other end…then she said, “That was ABBA?”

I felt so old….

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