Late Night Playlist

iPod on shuffle play and with headphones on, late night / early morning playlist.

• Colin Linden - Power On
• Delta Moon - Clear Blue Frame
• Levon Helm & The RCO All Stars - Blues So Bad
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - No More .... So many radio hits!! Sometimes the other album tracks don't get heard like they should.
• Pierce Pettis - All In Good Time .... Sometimes you find yourself joining in with the backing vocalists. 
• Tom Waits - Introduction to Better Off Without a Wife .... Hillarious Waits!! "Well usually about two thirty in the morning you've ended up taking advantage of yourself." 
• The Emmitt / Nershi Band - Love Is Like a Train .... Newgrass with some enjoyable toe-tapping jamming.
• The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - Jackie Blue .... Memories of 70's radio. The chorus reminds of Todd Rundgren.
• Stephen Stills - Isn't It About Time
• Nick 13 - Carry My Body Down .... Has a traveling through a endless western desert feel to it.
• Dave Matthews - Gravedigger
• JJ Grey & Mofro - Orange Blossoms

Time Fades Away

Live Neil Young. A record from my youth that I've always loved. I scratched the hell out of my original 1973 copy. Didn't always properly care for things in those days. I've been looking for a clean copy for many years. It's out of print and difficult to find. I was going through the "recent arrival" bins at my local record store today and there it was. Almost glossed right by it as I never expect to see it. Turns out it's one of two copies that the store owner had in his personal home collection. He said that he had the need to make space for recent and future vinyl recordings so came to what must have been a tough decision to part with one of the records. I should have inquired what else he had parted with? It must have been a good day timing-wise for me as I don't think it would have been there in the bins for too long. Probably any true diehard Neil Young fan would be aware that this is a rarity and snatch it up had they spotted it. I know that there's plenty of those sorts wandering around Oregon.

It's been noted that supposedly Neil Young hates this album, which is why it's never been released on compact disc. I hope Neil doesn't mind that I love the record.

So what do I do now with my own original copy? Throw it out? I don't think so. It has sentimental value. And who knows, maybe someday someone will be able to restore it to pristine condition.

Insane Record Collectors (Like I)

Insane Record Collections and the People Who Own Them

And people think that I'm crazy. My personal vinyl collection pales in comparison to those in the article. It's been close to 45 years now that I've been collecting. Not that I ever remotely suspected all those years ago, that my first purchased records would turn into my current level of insanity. The anticipation for each record search and discovery has not lessened in the least. In fact, I think that I'll go tomorrow! There's gotta be something cool that I missed the last fifty trips.

Ellis Paul

Beautiful!! No other words are needed.

Rock Me On The Water

My unquestioned favorite in the 1970's, 80's and into the 90's was Jackson Browne. This goes back to the very beginning. I've always been proud to say that I discovered his music with his first records. Doctor My Eyes was the first song to receive exposure but Rock Me On the Water was right behind. I often tend to think of it as the first song. To my ears, the songs were completely different from anything that I'd heard before. Years later, I felt the same comparing them with anything that came after as well. As corny as it sounds, the songs and what followed from Jackson Browne, spoke to what I was feeling inside when it came to life, friends, relationships, etc. His first six albums are all classics in my mind. Each song played so often, that if one were to play over the radio today, no lyric sheet is needed. You can't know my history and of my past without hearing these songs.

Alice's Restaurant

"You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant ..... Exceptin' Alice."

A favorite since I was a teenager. The song that is, not Alice. I've never met Alice. Or Arlo. And I've never driven a red VW microbus. But I have listened to various Arlo versions of the song dozens of times.

Ever Continuing Random Playlist Insanity

Just another mindless Friday evening playlist with the iPod on shuffle play. Wishing that ya'll could plug in to my headphones and listen in with me .....

• Paul Westerberg - Once Around the Weekend .... The title seems appropriate for a late Friday evening.
• R.E.M. - Imitation of Life .... Remember those early R.E.M. records where you couldn't understand Michael Stipe's lyrics? You literally couldn't make out the words that he was singing. Just remembering.
• Pierce Pettis - Farewell .... A great time when it seemed that all these new singer/songwriters were emerging all at once. Pierce Pettis, Ellis Paul, Richard Shindell, Bill Morrissey, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and others. I'm sure they'd been around a few years by then, attempting to make it big, but they all suddenly popped up on my radar around the same time. Late 1980's-early 1990's.
• David Saw - Some Love
• Jupiter One - Flaming Arrow
• Julie Moffit - Let Him Be
• Bruce Cockburn - Love Loves You Too .... When I first heard Bruce Cockburn's music in the mid-1970's, even though he was played frequently on my local FM radio station, his records being imports, were difficult to find. Those first two or three records were real treasures when initially found. Still are actually!! 
• Carole King - So Far Away ..... Brings back a torrent of memories and actual feelings of youth. Just that sound and its association with those years in my concious.
• Sonny Landreth - Levee Town .... It's like I just died and went to slide guitar heaven!!
• Ellis Paul - Looking For My Friends
• Otis Spann - Worried Life Blues
• Uncle Tupelo - True to Life .... I had to discover Son Volt and Jay Farrar before finding my way to Uncle Tupelo.
• The Band - Atlantic City .... Singing along and loving The Band's accordion and harmonies sound.
• Bruce Cockburn - See You Tomorrow 
• The Mammals - Plank Road .... A good old-timey sounding, banjo and fiddle playing, hand clapping, foot stompin' tune (and time). 
• The Freddy Jones Band - This Time Around

Just a Little List of Things Listened to This Weekend

• The Mammals - Evolver ..... A public library, used book sale find. Not a gamble, they are a known quality. Americana, Appalachia, banjos, rootsy, folkie. Great cover of Richard Thompson's song, 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. There's also a beautiful acoustic guitar and banjo instrumental called, Chinese Irishman. It ends with spoken word wisdom from Pete Seeger over beautiful banjo accompanyment which merges eventually with bomb-like drums.
• Son Volt - Trace .... The new remastered release for all of its demos. Always love those demos and bonus tracks. And there's also a bonus disc live show in the package!!
• Big Band Old Time Radio Show - Kraft Music Hall with Paul Whiteman from 11/30/33
• Real Friends - Daytrotter Session from 1/28/15
• Bob Dylan and Tom Waits - (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) .... Covering The Beastie Boys. And they make it work. 
• Jason Isbell - Live at the Newport Folk Festival 2015 .... A National Public Radio, All Songs Considered podcast. 
• Eric Lovre Band - Dreaming All Day Long .... Heard in the car. Local guy on KMUZ-fm radio and a local music program.

Listening To Bob!!

Can't believe that I've done it but I've opened my wallet for the six disc, deluxe edition. I'm justifying it as an early 60th birthday present. Fascinating sounds for me!! Plus extensive liner and song notes and a 120 page hardcover book with rare photographs. It'll take a few days or weeks to get through it all.

After seeing this 12th Volume in the Bootleg series, you wonder if there's anything left in the Bob Dylan catalogue/vaults to release? It's amazing the amount of time that went into all the various takes on the songs on his records and how they evolved from beginning of the process to what made it to the records and how Dylan is willing to share it all, all these years later. I find even the short false starts to be fascinating.

If I had been approaching my 70th birthday, I might have sprung for the 18 disc, Collectors Edition for $600. Reportedly includes every note he recorded for these sessions.

Tom Rush - Classic Rush

So many great songs from long ago. The Circle Game .... Urge For Going .... No Regrets .... Joshua Gone Barbados. It's where I first heard Jackson Browne's song: Shadow Dream Song. You can honestly say that they don't make records like this anymore. And a great voice!!

Bought my first Tom Rush record in the mid-1970's. Took a chance as I recall. I had gone into Rising Sun Records searching for John Stewart's, Wingless Angels album and picked up Tom Rush's, Ladies Love Outlaws record as well. I had no idea at the time who he was. It just looked interesting. That's my memory anyway. It may not be entirely accurate.

The Nurturer

Contemporary Jazz (1990) with tradition in mind from pianist, Geri Allen and bandmates. A fifty cent find at the Salem Public Library's, Friends Store annual book sale. Occasionally you find a treasure or two at these crowded events. The compact discs set out for sale were overwhelmingly recordings for children but hidden among all the kids titles was this recording.

Also found ..... Evolver by The Mammals. Their first studio album. An Americana-Folk sound.

Learning To Dance

My introduction to Jack Tempchin was way back in the early 1970's. The songwriter of the song that The Eagles made famous, "Peaceful Easy Feeling." The song that I personally identify with discovering FM radio. Forty-plus years later and he has a new album. (I'm assuming that there were a few in between but he never became a huge name.)

Causes me to wonder how many singer/songwriters over the years, never had the big break that put them out there for greater exposure and more listeners? How many songs worthy of an ear, never were heard beyond a small circle of friends? I suppose that's why I keep looking for more music. Why I keep flipping through those racks of records and compact discs. The seemingly insatiable hope that I'll find something new or older .... but still enjoyable to give a listen to.

Weekend Record Store Finds

Found yesterday in the record store. Working on filling out my Tom Waits collection.

Read a review calling this album "the great lost Waits masterpiece."

Found on vinyl. Elliott Smith's, "Either/Or" album.

He's not from my generation but there's a local Portland connection. His songs have some quirky turns in them .... to my ears anyway, but still someone that I enjoy listening to.

First Weekend of Autumn Playlist

Saturday evening. First weekend of Autumn. We made it through the hot Summer. Brisk evening air outside. Though I don't think it recognizes the change in seasons the iPod is offering up .....

• A.A. Bondy - American Hearts ..... Acoustic guitar and harmonica. 1960's Dylanesque.
• John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers - I'm Your Witchdoctor
• James McMurtry - 60 Acres
• Richard Shindell - Merritt Parkway 2 AM .... Rare Shindell instrumental. No vocals. Maybe the only one.
• Steve Earle - Sara's Angel ..... Another instrumental. I didn't know that the iPod could detect no vocals. Or else it's an incredible coincidence.
• Jeff Black - These Days .... NOT a cover of the Jackson Browne song. 
• Nick Drake - From the Morning ..... I was looking at some Elliott Smith records this afternoon in the record store. Two singer/songwriter types who ended their lives. 
• Jackson Browne - Ready Or Not .... Bootleg version from 2004. Accompanied by piano only. "Take a look in my eyes and tell me brother if I look like I'm ready." One of my favorite lines. 
• Big Country - Fields of Fire & We're Not in Kansas
• Peter Mulvey - Bright Idea
• James Keelaghan - River Run
• Peter Gabriel - Family Snapshot
• Josh Joplin Group - Fire .... A hint within the music and lyrics of something from long ago. Possibly a place. Not sure though.
• JJ Grey & Mofro - On Palastine
• Wendy Waldman - When I Rode Next to You .... Memories of a Winter night long ago in the College Inn at OSU, listening to "The Wind In New York City." 
• Tim Buckley - Morning Glory .... That 1960's folk song feel that I love. Phil Ochs, Steve Noonan to name a few others.
• The Subdudes - Brightest Star
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Southern Accents

Monday Evening Playlist

As if I ever needed a reason to fire up my iPod, slip on my headphones and manufacture a random playlist, the fact that it's a Monday evening seems entirely appropriate.

• Todd Rundgren - I Saw The Light .... One of my college roommates for a short while was a huge fan. I got to listen to all kinds of sounds from Todd Rundgren while he was subjected to my Jackson Browne and Neil Young records.
• Vega4 - Life Is Beautiful .... From one of those Paste Magazine sampler discs.
• Depeche Mode - Precious .... There was a time not all that long ago when I would have never admitted to listening to Depeche Mode. I've broadened my horizons since then. You can't deny the beat in this song. Had to play it twice!!
• Rodney Crowell - Beautiful Despair .... There's some small element of this song that's reminding me of Strawberry Fields era Beatles. Maybe the cello?
• Damien Jurado - Bad Dreams
• Little Feat - Roll Um Easy .... For my old friend, Mitch. Rest in peace.
• Freedy Johnston - No Violins
• The Kinks - Tired Of Waiting For You .... For some odd reason, I never associate this song with The Kinks.
• Brownie McGhee - My Baby's Leavin' .... Feels like sitting on your front porch while the friends and neighbors gather around. Guitar, harmonica, singing, hooting and foot stomping. 
• Bob Dylan - Shelter From The Storm .... I was a Freshman in college when the album, Blood On The Tracks came out. Guy across the hallway in Sackett Hall dormitory playing it with the volume way up. That's always my first memory of this album. 
• The Mynabirds - Numbers Don't Lie
• John Hiatt - Hold On For Your Love

Stuff Like That There

A new Yo La Tengo album. Always welcome sounds. Some cover versions, re-workings of past songs and a few new tunes.

Yo La Tengo can sound alternatingly hip, cool and modern Indie Rock and also as if they are from the 1960's. Or all-of-the-above at the same time.

They can take well known songs and if you failed to recognize the lyrics, you would never know that it was a cover version.

Formerly a trio, they've added a fourth member on this recording ..... an additional guitarist.

NPR Album Review

Massachusetts Daily Collegian Review

Friday Night Playlist

Celebrating two actual days away from work with an iPod playlist. Scrolling through many songs, stopping on some for a moment, playing a few seconds and quickly moving on. These are the ones where I chose to stay and listen a little longer.

• The Outsiders - Time Won't Let Me .... Flashing back to the 60's. It's cliche but it almost seems like yesterday. Staying up late at night, listening to the radio. 
• The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - If You Want to Get to Heaven .... Flashing back to the 70's. Playing a little air harmonica!
• Pat Metheny Group - Slip Away
• Patty Griffin - Tony .... Powerful message about teen suicide. Causes me to wonder who I may have crossed paths with in the past who may have been silently struggling with suicidal thoughts and if unknowingly did or said anything that contributed in any small way to a decision made that either helped or worsened with what the person might have been struggling with?
• Pierce Pettis - Envelopes of Light .... "When he's down so dark, she mails him little envelopes of light."
• R.E.M. - The Outsiders & All The Way to Reno
• Seals & Crofts - Summer Breeze .... Amazing the faces that flash by when playing something from your teenage years and for a few nostalgic and heartaching moments, you are 18 again. And I've probably forgotten more than I'll ever remember about those years. It would be nice if for just a few hours a year, you could go back.
• Steve Noonan - Leaning Back and Laughing .... Either Steve Noonan reminds me of Phil Ochs or vice versa. 
• Teddy Thompson - I Should Get Up
• Terry Tufts - Dirty Little War

Random Late Night Playlist

Because late night is the best time to listen to music ..... though occasionally I'd argue for early morning. Oh and there are days now and then when it's definitely afternoon. And the other day it was early evening. Oh what the hell! Anytime is the best time!

• The Feelies - Invitation
• Tom Freund - October Girl
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Something Big
• Anthony John Clarke - But Then I'm Irish
• Bon Iver - Skinny Love .... Reminding me of something or someplace that I can't quite identify.

• Van Morrison - Wonderful Remark .... Seems like one of those songs that should be playing at the end of a movie while the credits roll across the screen. Turns out it is. It's on, The King of Comedy.
• Wheat - Slow Fade
• Van Morrison - Cleaning Windows .... Guess the iPod wanted one more from Van. A favorite song with the ex-wife, wherever she is tonight.
• Peter Gabriel - Listening Wind
• Pete Townshend - Crashing by Design
• Golden Smog - V

The Joshua Tree

It's difficult to realize that this album is almost thirty years old.

How did U2 come up with the ideas for this collection of songs? There's not a single song that could be thought of as just existing in order to fill space on the record. When finished, did they pause and wonder how they could ever match this effort?

As recalled, there was a huge build up leading up to its release in 1987. It seemed to be considered a masterpiece before it was released. You don't see that any more where the release of a record was a major event. A significant moment or landmark in cultural history. That's how I remember this record. It's differfent today and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's what I used to wonder about .... that you would reach a point in time where with a finite number of musical notes available to be used in the writing of songs, that eventually songwriters would run out of combinations of those notes to leep music truly evolving and original

I intially fell in love with side one of the record and rarely listened to side two. Maybe it was due to it being the height of the music video age on television and the anointed radio hits of the day were all on side one. It was years later before I truly listened to and discovered the beauty of side two. It's just as strong as the first side if not moreso.

Heart of the Heartland

I've laid in bed over several late evenings, with the Ken Burns, Lewis & Clark documentary in the DVD player, playing the portion of the film containing this song over and over until eventually drifting off to sleep. Not one that I can just play one time and move on to the next song. It stays with me!!

Another great one from that film, the song; "Done for Prosperity."

Playlist

Just another random playlist inspired by another crazy evening at work .... well maybe not inspired by but just what I've ended up listening to upon returning home.

• Martin Sexton - Give It Up
• World Party - What Does It Mean Now?
• Karen Matheson - Waiting For The World to Turn .... Nothing quite like getting your extremly sore toe set free from the restraints of the shoe and sock and into the TLC of your comfy plush slippers. 
• Dry Branch Fire Squad - Red Rocking Chair .... About now I could greatly use a red rocking chair and a little banjo accompanyment to help unwind from the loud and hectic pace of work. 
• Roy Rogers - Feel My Care
• Jackopierce - Finest Hour .... The finest hour of the day has always been that first hour after leaving work.
• Derek and the Dominos - Layla
• Neil Young - Journey Through the Past
• Jackson Browne - Sky Blue and Black ..... "And I'd have fought the world for you, if I thought that you wanted me to ..... "
• Lyle Lovett - I've Had Enough
• Willard Grant Conspiracy - Lady Of the Snowline

Hiss Golden Messenger

The latest in my continuing and lifelong journey of discovery and music listening evolution. Gotta find something fresh and new consitently. I tend to get caught thinking that there is no new original music of quality being made these days. Always exciting to be proven wrong and discover new sounds for my old ears!!

I've Got Those, Don't Want To Go To Work Today Blues ..... Playlist

Random iPod playlist:

• Sonny Terry - She's So Sweet
• The Rounders - How Can You Love Me When My Skin is Rough
• Dive Index - Agatha
• Rosanne Cash - Last Stop Before Home
• The Soggy Bottom Boys - I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow
• Yo La Tengo - Song For Mahila
• Modest Mouse - Missed the Boat
• John Gorka - When You Sing
• Thrillbilly - Bonita
• Shawn Mullins - Shimmer 
• Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Badlands
• Pete Townshend - Secondhand Love
• Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown - Shackles

Vinyl Find of the Week

Chet Baker - In New York. Trumpet player!!!

"Cool Jazz" or "West Coast Jazz." I'm not hip enough to know the difference between it and Jazz from the other coast.

The album cover initially grabbed my attention. Then there's the "OJC" in the catalogue number, Original Jazz Classics. I've yet to find a recording with that tag that I didn't enjoy.

Garnet Rogers

A short Garnet Rogers playlist. Storyteller. Great deep voice. Great songs!!

• Shadows On the Water .... A song for his friend Bill Morrissey.
• Night Drive .... About being on the road and his brother, the late Stan Rogers. Very visual lyrics.
• One Bullet .... About the Battle of Gettysburg. The story of the battle must have moved him deeply for a Canadian to be writing a song about American history.
• Small Victory
• Next Turn of the Wheel

Jazz Playlist

Jazz playlist from time spent on youtube where one thing (video) always leads to another ....

• Oliver Nelson - Stolen Moments from the album, "The Bues and the Abstract Truth"
• Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder from the album of the same title. About halfway through found myself playing air piano.
• Wayne Shorter - Witch Hunt from "Speak No Evil"
• The Yellowjackets - Wildlife
• Chick Corea Akoustic Band - Spain
• Bill Evans - You and the Night and the Music from "On Green Dolphin Street." 
• Bill Evans - My Heart Stood Still
• Chet Baker - Almost Blue
• Red Garland Trio - C-Jam Blues from the record, "Groovy,"
• Lester Young - They Can't Take That Away From Me from the album, "Laughin' To Keep From Cryin'."

You think that you have a comprehensive collection of Jazz but then you realize that there's so much more out there to hear. These Jazz guys were so incredibly prolific especially compared with other genres. And many of the best played on each others records.

Something Different Tonight

The Kronos Quartet's recording, Caravan. 

How to describe? ..... Chamber Classical/Jazz with some occasional minimalism mixed in. A couple violins, a viola and a cello. All played beautifully and masterfully. Playing pieces from various modern times composers.

Found the compact disc during a bin browsing excursion a week or two ago. One of those: "HEY! What's this?" moments.

Thursday Evening in July Listening Pleasure

What I'm listening to tonight .....

• The Eagles - King of Hollywood .... 1979. I had just bought a new turntable. The Eagles had just released their "The Long Run" album. I used to wait anxiously for those moments where I was home alone and play their song, King Of Hollywood with the volume waaaaaayyyyyy up high. Doing the exact same thing right now. Desert Island song selection for me. 
• Steely Dan - Rikki Don't Lose That Number .... The song that more than any other, reminds me of high school even though it hadn't been released yet. I don't know why. There's something embedded in its melody that I associate with 1974.
• Craig Fuller and Rusty Young - Night Train To New Orleans
• Neil Diamond - Mr. Bojangles .... Just found a copy on vinyl of the album this is on replacing my old scratched original copy. It may have been the first album that I actually owned and it remains one of my favorites 45 years later. I've also just read the chapter in Todd Sniders book about his friendship with Jerry Jeff Walker who wrote this song. There's a story about their walking around New Orleans and coming across a street musician who was playing the song and who had no idea that the songwriter was standing there listening to him. 
• Poco - It's A Good Feeling To Know .... From the years (early 70's) when I truly became interested in albums instead of primarily the radio hits. A friend had this album and that was my introdution to the Poco sound.
• Craig Fuller & Eric Kaz - Feel That Way Again .... I assumed for years that I was the only person in the world who owned this record. Finding more and more people lately who have shattered my erroneous assumption.
• Eric Burdon - Water
• Crosby, Stills and Nash - Wooden Ships .... I was watching this DVD titled, "Under The Covers" about the stories behind the artwork on several records from the early 1970's and Wooden Ships was among the music used. It was suddenly like I was hearing the song for the first time in 35 years.

My Personal Vinyl Addiction

This could be me ..... If I won the lottery. While I think that I have a large collection compared to most people, it's not quite at this level. Though the search would be a great adventure!!

It's a strange process. I purchase a few records, get them home, then a few days later start feeling the urge to look for more. Not only for the listening pleasure but also for the visual pleasures of each. The album covers, front and back. The artwork, the liner notes, the names, etc. It's history!!!

It's funny how it all evolved. I went from twenty years of vinyl and resisting every urge in the 1980's to switch to compact discs, to eventually accepting the inevitible compact disc trend, as vinyl was disappearing from record shops. The lure of 'bonus tracks' on the CD was the final selling point in my mind. For the next twenty years it was almost exclusively the CD. I'd pick up a rare vinyl record of interest that I came across along the way but they were few and far between. Then about five years ago, vinyl started to take off again. Inventory in the record shops began to expand. It helped that my local record shop cared about quality. Not only of the record itself but of the album covers. Their selections were in good shape, not scratched, wrinkled, tattered and torn.

Now I'm probably at a 60% vinyl (mostly used but in good shape) and 40% compact disc rate. Maybe closer to 50/50? I do feel a little sense of disapoinment when I go with the CD. Like I should have searched harder for the vinyl.

A couple of friends attempted to convince me at one time, to give up my collection. They failed in their goal. I thought that they might resort to gathering a dozen mutual friends and trying an intervention. It wouldn't have been pleasant.

Will I ever listen to each of my records? I'd like to but have to admit, probably not. But I will gaze at those album covers and titles on the spines. I will treasure some of the more unknown and obscure names in my collection. I will feel excitement at the thought of what I might find tomorrow. I will feel anticipation as I drive down the street approaching each search possibility.

Video Time

Richard Shindell playing his song, "Your Guitar."

I became a fan of Richard Shindell in the early 1990's. A great time to discover singer/songwriters. There was Ellis Paul, John Gorka, Pierce Pettis, Bill Morrissey, Lucy Kaplansky, Greg Brown and Richard Shindell. Maybe one or two that I'm forgetting? I came upon their recordings around this time. Pierce Pettis may have been first on a Windham Hill Records sampler release of new acoustic folk music. That find led to the others. All with great songs!! Songs that hit a nerve somewhere deep inside my emotions.

Vinyl Finds (Continued)

They told me in the record store that they had just put this out the same day that I found it. Good thing that I came along when I did. It might not have been there later that day.

I may have told this story here previously. I first heard Otis Redding on 1960's, AM-radio and his song: "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay." The radio DJ would say by the "Late Great Otis Redding." Being only ten or eleven years old at the time, I certainly understood that he just might be "great" but initially had no idea what the word "late" used in that way meant.

The song that was my introduction to his talent, while not on this record, is still a favorite to this day and can still often be heard being played on the radio. His voice is among the greatest ever!!

Todays Blues From Chicago

These days it seems, I trend more towards the old and classic in music than I do towards what's new.

Another great album cover. Keep returning and browsing through those used vinyl record bins because you never know what you might find on any given adventure. It's a genuine thrill when I come across a recording like this!!

Records with "Various Artists" has mostly been a good label in my search experiences.

When I was younger I wouldn't give The Blues a second thought. It wasn't a consideration in my music choices. But about ten years ago, through the desire and search for more slide guitar sounds in my life, my eyes and ears were finally opened .... enter, The Blues!!!

Mindless Monday Playlist

Because overly warm Monday's also deserve a randomly shuffled iPod playlist don't you think ....

• Michael Franti & Spearhead - See You In the Light
• Grant Lee Buffalo - Honey Don't Think .... I've always had problems separating Grant Lee Buffalo, Donna The Buffalo and Buffalo Tom. There must be some other "buffalo" musical references out there?
• Paul Westerberg - What a Day (For a Night)
• James Keelaghan - My Skies
• The Police - King of Pain

"There's a dog outside barking up a storm. There's a three legged cat offering half a meow. There's a set of headphones pressing on my brain" ..... The beginnings of an additional verse for King of Pain.

• Eric Burdon - Water .... That voice sure takes one back to the 1960's!!
• Rickie Lee Jones - Altar  Boy .... Being a former altar boy, I have to stop and listen to this one.
• Drive-By Truckers - Sounds Better In the Song
• Bob Dylan - Dreamin' Of You
• Tom Freund - North American Long Weekend ..... Had it actually been a long weekend, I might not be here now lamenting Monday.
• David Bowie - Rebel Rebel .... Not a huge David Bowie fan but occasionally you hear a song that causes you to run to iTunes for a download.
• Arc Angels - Paradise Cafe
• Peter Gabriel - Whole Thing

ECM Radio

Listening lately to the ECM Records Radio on iTunes ...... ECM Records

It started with Keith Jarrett's, Koln Concert forty years ago. So many various record releases that spark my interest. Each month brings several new additions. Now there's one place to hear selections from the extensive catalogue. Primarily Jazz, World and Classical themes. Sometimes minimal. Sometimes the sounds are quite challenging. Maybe even a little strange. Almost always interesting though.

Their motto: "The Most Beautiful Sound Next to Silence"

New Unearthed Tom Waits

A live fm-radio broadcast from 1977. Tom Waits in his best gravelly voice and playing the piano backed by acoustic bass, drums and saxophone. If you enjoyed his "Nighthawks At The Diner" album from 1975, then you'll likely enjoy this recording as well. Hopefully there's more live stuff in a vault somewhere waiting to be released one day soon.

The highlights for me are the songs, "Invitation To The Blues" and "Eggs and Sausage." 

It was around 1977 or 1978 when my college roommate introduced me to "Nighthawks At The Diner." Partly spoken and partly sung, we laughed at his wit and borrowed several of his lines from the record to use in everyday conversation, even competing to see who could best imitate Wait's voice. It's one of those albums remembered fondly almost fourty years later. If a reunion were to happen tomorrow, we'd likely end up playing the record again, remembering old times ..... And not to forget that the album contains my personal anthem, the song, "Better Off Without A Wife."

Album Cover Artwork

Because I'm a huge fan of exciting images, great album covers and album design, especially from the late 1950's and the 1960's ..... Found at the record store yesterday.

And I'll give it a listen too.

Shuffle Time Again

Another round of the iPod on shuffle play. Late night/early morning weekend edition ..... because someone, somewhere has to be playing music for the night to hear. In case it's feeling a little lonely and anxious in the darkness.

• Son Volt - Caryatid Easy
• Yo La Tengo - I Feel Like Going Home
• Matt Nathanson - To The Beat of Our Noisey Hearts
• Blue Merle - Part of Your History
• John Prine - Unwed Fathers (Live) .... So many great songs that he's written!
• Bob Mould - The Breach .... Finger tapping on my desk, adding a second drummer to the song.
• Poco - You Better Think Twice
• Big Country - We're Not In Kansas .... Acoustic version.
• Keith Richards - 999
• Assembly of Dust - Vaulted Sky
• Ryan Adams - Oh My Sweet Carolina
• Hunters & Collectors - When the River Runs Dry .... Aussie band. Along with The Church, Midnight Oil and Paul Kelly, my favs from Australia!
• Sweet Billy Pilgrim - Stars Spill Out Of Cups

Record Store Day!!

Another "Record Store Day" today! My kind of holiday! Vinyl junkies, geeks and dorks galore in the record store. Wait a minute ..... I'm one of those geeks. Just not the insane variety that stands in a long line for several hours waiting for the doors to open. I mosey on in whenever I get around to it. And glad that I do. From the photos that I've seen it looks like it was a mob scene during the first hour. I probably missed out on some good stories but I'm way too old and lacking in perseverance for this standing-in-line stuff.

It's fascinating to me, the number of kids, teenagers and 20-somethings, that frequent record stores today. Sometimes I think they outnumber us geezers. How did they discover these black discs called records? I feel the urge occasionally to stop and tell them about the grand old days of record stores, the BCD era (before compact discs) when there was three or four in town. When one might go out of business but another would always pop up. When every decent sized town had a record store. When they would burn incense in the store. Long before the internet .... When every store would have the huge Schwann Catalog on the counter for reference. When the majority of the band and musician names on the records were known to me. When I was young!! I wonder if they would listen?

I did pick up a couple Record Store Day limited releases to do my part to observe and honor todays occasion .....

• Typhoon - Prosthetic Love (Piano Version) ..... 7-inch vinyl. A local band!
• The Animals - The Animals No. 2 ..... 10-inch vinyl. From 1965. Their second EP.

Also found .....

• Kai Winding & J.J. Johnson - The Great Kai and J.J. ..... Jazz from 1961. Both are trombonists. Bill Evans on piano. On Impulse Records, another of the great classic Jazz record labels.
• Clyde McCoy - The Uncollected 1938 .... Big Band Swing. From radio broadcasts. On Hindsight Records. Part of a series of enjoyable recordings of different big bands from the 1930's-50's. I've been taking home anything that I can find from this series. History to me. Something my parents may have listened to in their youth which makes it fascinating. With the live narration introducing each song, you almost feel like you are back in those days, in front of your radio.

Slow Train Coming

Dylan's born again album. I just think that it's great music. Right there with "Blood On The Tracks" as his best from the 1970's and 80's. And there's Mark Knopfler on guitar!!

Dylan appeared on Saturday Night Live back then. Viewing the program in those days was a Saturday evening routine for me, before the first big cast change in the Not Ready For Prime Time Players. He played songs from the new album. I have to remind myself that this was new music in the late 70's not the classic that I view it as today. I was still in the process of getting to know the songs. As I recall they gave him the time to perform three songs. Two songs has generally been the norm.

Matthew Ryan

Just for you guys, my longtime friends and gang here on the Facebook... This is well obviously me rehearsing Suffer No More up in my lair. Enjoy...? Really wanting you guys to come out to these shows. This band is gigantic and we're committed to giving you guys the very best we have. Not just from Boxers, but also a lot of surprises from all over the span of things from May Day on. Even a Strays song? Maybe even a new cover of a song most of us probably love. Visit the site www.matthewryanonline.com/tour. Come see us! Help spread the word. Por favor.#matthewryan #boxers #livemusic

Posted by Matthew Ryan on Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Rockin' With The Ramones

I don't just listen to old Jazz, Blues, Singer/Songwriter tunes and classic 1960's.

During excursions and pilgrimages years ago to Salem and Portland record stores, a friend and I would make a point to stop and ponder the song titles on Ramones albums and chuckle. (It's probably a good thing for the two of us that a genuine die-hard Ramones fan didn't walk by and take offense.) We would occasionally bring them up as a topic in casual conversation. Talk about being a couple of "Pinheads." Eventually though, I started listening to the actual songs. Maybe it was because of the MTV video for "Pet Cemetary."  I used to think of The Ramones as Punk Rock ..... but it's really just fun Rock! Songs that are guitarish, short and quick and meant to be played loud!! Even if "Shelia Is A Punk Rocker" and "Suzy Is A Headbanger."

Vinyl Finds - Continuing Adventures

From 1969. Looks like the original vinyl. Great voice!! The liner notes calls his music, "swamp music." His most famous song is "Pork Salad Annie." It's not found here but his "Rainy Night In Georgia" is. And once again, great album cover artwork! The 1960's, probably the best decade for album covers.

While following Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, etc., during the 1970's and beyond, Tony Joe White (and others) went mostly un-noticed. It's time now to make up for that.

Singer/Songwriter! Blues-rock! Swamp music! It's just great sounds missed out on for so many years. It feels like unearthing lost treasures when finding and giving an initial listening, 46 years later. And it just looks cool visually in a collection! Put it inside a plastic sleeve and it looks like a rare collectors item.

The search for more continues!

The Dollar Vinyl Record Bin

I can't help it. No matter how hard I try to kick the habit, I'm always searching for sounds. Especially for new old sounds. Those black platters call me back again and again. The dollar vinyl bargain bin has been good to me of late. Occasional gems and surprises are unearthed. Titles that maybe hadn't been on my radar or watch list but that immediately strike a chord or emotion upon unexpected discovery. Found this evening:

• Dick Gregory - In Living Black and White (1961) ..... Comedy / Spoken Word
• Jimmy Webb - Words and Music (1970)
• The Sandpiper Movie Soundtrack (1965) ..... Not so well known Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor movie. Charles Bronson is in it as well.

Historical documents. Part of the era where I grew up. Looking back, it's become a fascinating time for me. Too young during much of those days to have much knowledge of the world. I first saw The Sandpiper late one night, probably in the later 1970's or early 1980's. The perfect late night movie! The themes and the feel of the movie caught my attention .... The California beach lifestyle, an artist community, being unfaithful in marriage, changing seasons. And it's theme song: "The Shadow of Your Smile" ..... haunting, yearning, unrealized love, a tinge of sadness. Familiar emotions.

I'm always interested in words, thoughts, expressions and attitudes from years long ago and how they've changed since. Towards that concept, the Dick Gregory record is a must have!! If nothing else, just simply to hear a voice from 55 years ago and what people found amusing in those days ..... the messages they wanted to share.

And Jimmy Webb ..... One of the alltime greatest songwriters!! He wrote two of my favorites ....  "Wichita Lineman," and "The Highwayman." And so many others.

It's funny but a day or two after posting this, the movie, The Sandpiper, (which is not often on television) was on Turner Classic Movies cable channel. 

Cannonball Live!!

Vinyl find today ..... Great Jazz!! And it was live! From 1960. It must have been an exciting time to be a Jazz fan. Riverside is one of those classic Jazz labels that was all about great music. And once again for me, the album cover artwork is a huge part of the attraction. There's liner notes too. Something all recordings should have.

Recurring Image

I think that I desire to get one of those Crosley record players. So I can just sit in the corner and listen to records. Just like in the younger days before one could afford to purchase a component stereo system. A little minimalism for seven inch vinyl and 45-rpm's. 78's too! Even the occasional long playing album. Especially those from the 1960's or older. A return to youth. A little nostalgia. An image that I have floating around in my head of how certain things were meant to be. Just the basics please. Only the time to listen required.

You Never Know Just What You Might Find

Thumbing through the one dollar vinyl bin at my local record store and I came across this gem from 1967. Cashman, Pistilli and West, "Bound To Happen."

I used to hear a song or two by Cashman and West on 1970's FM radio. And Terry Cashman is known for his song, "Talkin' Baseball." It was a hit in the 1980's and he's written lyrics since that are specific for most of the major league teams.

It's funny the thoughts that come to mind as you listen for the first time to music from decades ago. Upon first listen I hear bits and pieces of The Association, Peter Paul and Mary and Donovan in this recording. For an instant I even thought that I heard a little snippet of 60's British Invasion. Maybe the next listen will bring someone else to mind?

All Those Years Ago

Another playlist from long ago. There's like a personal visual video snippet playing in my eyes, from a moment of my life that goes with each. Though I suppose that's true with most songs that will cause you to stop and listen every time that they are heard.

• The Eagles - King of Hollywood
• U2 - New Years Day
• Steely Dan - Doctor Wu
• Grateful Dead - Uncle Johns Band
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Listen To Her Heart
• Tom Jans - Gotta Move
• Neil Young - Like a Hurricane
• Benjamin Orr (from The Cars) - Stay the Night
• Jim Carroll Band - Day and Night
• The Boomtown Rats - I Don't Like Mondays
• Warren Zevon - Lawyers, Guns and Money
• Big Country - Lost Patrol
• Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
• Bruce Springsteen - Factory

Complicated Game

The new one from James McMurtry!!! It took awhile but I finally found it. A journey from Salem to Beaverton, back to Salem and then onward to Corvallis. One hundred thirty or so miles round trip, but worth it. A record store that I'd never visited previously, also being a part of the agenda. I guess I need to acknowledge that my music of preference is becoming a victim of the times. More and more difficult to find in a physical format.

There's typical great McMurtry here. He's incapable of writing a weak song. It's been Twenty Five years since his first album, six years since his last studio album. There's a consistency that I've come to expect and look forward to in his sound. It's present here once again. Maybe a little more use of banjo than usual but that's a good thing here.

Paid My Late Library Fees

Been in arrears for awhile now so I broke down and paid my overdue library fees ($4) and am now free to check out music again!! First selection, Bill Frisell's, "Ghost Town."  From 1999. It might be labeled as Contemporary Jazz. He plays all the instruments. Mostly guitars though. Both electric and acoustic with occasional banjo, loops and bass added.

The material, a mix of originals and instrumental covers. A guitar master!!

Slide Into Heaven

Delta Moon's song, "Ghost In My Guitar." There's not much that I enjoy more than slide guitar. Doesn't matter whether it's acoustic or electric. And if you enjoy images of old guitars, there's plenty in the video.

Sunday Pilgrimage to Everyday Music

The group is Hiss Golden Messenger. The album, "Bad Debt." This recording is actually the group's leader, M.C. Taylor, singing and playing acoustic guitar into a tape recorder at his kitchen table. Beautiful songs about life and faith. The music and lyrics grab your attention and refuse to let go.

All Music Guide Review

Elliott Smith's, "Needle In the Hay." A 7-inch, vinyl single. Three songs. Chilling and aching. In all his works that I've listened to, you can actually hear pain expressed in his voice. Close your eyes and in the dark of your thoughts an image is created.

From Portland. Another musician who left this world too soon leaving behind a great body of music. I would have loved to hear where he might have gone with his songwriting.



Other found treasures still awaiting a listen .....

• JJ Grey & Mofro - "Ol' Glory" .... His latest. Just released. Blues-Rock.
• Red Norvo & His Allstars - "Original 1933-1938 Recordings" .... Big Band Swing.
• Sea Wolf - "Turn the Dirt Over" and "Song Of the Magpies" .... Both 7-inch vinyl singles.

...... And in the fifty cent bargain box, a group called Woodsy Pride. Their self titled five song EP. Might as well take a chance for fifty cents on something that looks interesting. There's short liner notes that compare their music to Neil Young and John Fogerty. 

Book Time

A great book to spend an hour or two browsing through. R. Crumb's, "The Complete Record Cover Collection." Full of his drawings and graphics for various record covers, mostly of old Blues, Country and Jazz recordings from the 1920's and 30's. Many obscure musicians and recordings. It's fascinating pausing and lingering for a moment or two, over each illustration before turning the page and discovering what's next. It causes me to want to search out each and every record.

Goodreads

An example of one of the many unique, imaginative and colorful images that fill the pages of this book. I've never heard of any of the musicians on this record but would happily give it a listen and add to my record collection based on the cover art alone.

Time For Discovery

From 2014 ..... Sonny and the Sunsets - Talent Night at the Ashram. Thanks to my local record store for ordering it for me and getting it in quickly! Another case of just when you think that there's nothing new to discover, you stumble onto some song samples online and are instantly hooked. There's a variety of sounds and influences on this recording.

Just Another Mood Inspired Tuesday Evening Playlist

A little slice of Americana on a Tuesday night. Inspired mostly while searching for a better alternative for the evening. By a need to turn off the mind numbing noise on television. Changing the channel didn't seem to help for this moment in time ....

• Bruce Hornsby & Ricky Skaggs - Gulf of Mexico Fishing Boat Blues
• Arlo Guthrie - Deportees .... Written by his Father which always adds a little extra feeling to the listening experience. I imagine to the playing experience of the performer as well.
• Rosanne Cash - Motherless Children
• Robert Earl Keen - I Gotta Go
• Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band with Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - So Good .... I once saw Gillian Welch and David Rawlings doing an in-store show at Music Millennium in Portland. Well I didn't really "see" them during the actual performance. I was there, was even firmly planted in a good viewing spot, or so I thought. But second by second got inched out of my spot by people arriving. When the show started it was so crowded and I was so far away from my original perch that I couldn't see a thing. Heard them play though. And when it was all over they walked right by me as they departed. Though I didn't realize it until they were past. I could have said hello but too late. 
• Justin Townes Earle - Can't Hardly Wait .... Saw him end a concert at Mississippi Studios in Portland with this tune. Covering an old Replacements song. Seemed at the time like the greatest ending ever!!!
• Loudon Wainwright III - Motel Blues .... He appears in some of the earliest episodes of M.A.S.H. as "Spalding" He was in three episodes of season three, guitar in hand if memory serves.
• The Seldom Scene - Wait a Minute .... Old classic Folk/Country/Bluegrass/Americana. Not sure what to label it besides a great song. 
• Chris Pureka - Swann Song .... "But you just learn to love the little things, I've lived long enough to know. And I'm still waving from this front porch and this is still my swan song."
• Freedy Johnston - Wichita Lineman .... Another time proven classic song and for myself, a Desert Island Disc song. 
• Eliza Gilkyson - The Beauty Way
• The Naked and Famous - Young Blood ..... It just came up and I started listening. Searching for a way to connect it to Americana. Hmmmm, parts of it remind of Kate Bush. Oh she's British you say. Well I suppose that could be considered real early Americana. 
• Iggy and the Stooges - Gimme Danger .... OK I'm officially headed in a different direction now with this playlist. You can't come around here and only expect to hear one genre. 
• Joe Brown - That's The Way It Goes .... From "The Concert for George" (Harrison.) I love the George Harrison slide guitar sound on this.

Time For Some New Steve Earle Tunes

Some new Steve Earle music came out this week. It's a little different sound from what he's done before. It's his Blues album. Though listening to it for the first time, you might think he's been writing The Blues forever. Terraplane by Steve Earle and backed up once again by The Dukes. It wasn't long ago that I was wondering if maybe he had something new out and if I had missed its release?

All Music Guide Review

Music Choice Blues Playlist

Another late night playlist. Because I've got those, ain't no work in the morning Blues, and late evening is unquestionably the best time to listen to music.

• Gregg Allman - Floating Bridge
• Omar Kent Dykes - Man Down There .... A new name for me and one to check into further hence the bold lettering on the title.
• Jimmy Carpenter - Walk Away .... There's a few notes in the song that sounds like they were possibly borrowed from the song, "Harper Valley PTA." I suppose with all the songs written in the history of time and a definite finite number of musical notes and their combinations to use in songwriting, there might be an occasion or two using the same combination (or close) for a few seconds.
• Peggy Scott-Adams - Bill .... Should I know who Bill is?
• John Mayall - Why Did You Go Last Night ..... With accordion that gives the song a bit of Zydeco feeling. One to seek out if not currently in my collection.
• Sam Cooke - Shake
• Percy Mayfield - My Jug And I ..... A little repetitive Jazz saxophone line included. Catchy, though I can't place who it reminds of. 
• Janiva Magness - One Heartache Too Late
• James Carr - You've Got My Mind Messed Up .... 1960's R&B. Did it receive much or any  radio play? It should have. It's not posted in my head though as one that I've heard before. A hint of early Van Morrison in there.
• The Mannish Boys - I Idolize You
• Lightnin' Hopkins - L.A. Blues .... Classic old piano Blues!!
• Professor Longhair - Big Chief .... I've missed out on so much great music over the years by not listening to The Blues. Trying to make up for that serious omission these days. 

Time Fades Away

My original vinyl from 1973 is scratched to hell. It's never been released on compact disc. You can't even find a used vinyl copy anywhere. A remastered vinyl was supposed to be released on Record Store Day a year or so ago but was called back. Then I heard it was released on the last Record Store Day, Black Friday event a few months ago but my local store received no copies. (Or maybe the owner, since I know he's a big NY fan, kept their copy for himself?) Guess I should have expected that since it was limited to around 3000 copies and not released by itself but as part of a box set of re-issues and likely with a hefty price tag. Supposedly Neil Young hates it.

So I'll just have to continue to be happy with my scratched original vinyl. (At the time, I was still a year or two away from realizing the importance of proper care of one's vinyl treasures. My attitude apparently being that I'll just buy another one.) It was a little different take on the live album concept ..... New songs done in concert!! It trails only Harvest and After The Goldrush as my favorite Neil Young records.

Eleventh Confession

One of my favorites from the 1980's!!! I love the drums and percussion in this. I recall reading a magazine article or album review back then about his song, "This Father's Day." (I'm never quite sure of anything these days but I think it was in Rolling Stone.) His music was new to me at the time. I found a cassette tape of the album that it was on and discovered "Eleventh Confession."

Thursday Evening Playlist of the Sleepy Eyed Man

Tonights playlist. Just because. Do I have to have a reason besides a hankering to hear the songs before the evening has passed?

• Jay Farrar - Open Ground
• James Keelaghan - Your Secret .... "I won't be your secret anymore."
• Pearl Jam - Wishlist .... Kinda the same as a playlist in my mind. 
• Greensky Bluegrass - Old Barns .... Memory of driving home late evening after seeing the band in concert with this tune playing loudly on the car CD player and of having that floating on clouds feeling!!
• The Boxer Rebellion - If You Run
• The Strokes - Two Kinds of Happiness
• Matthew Ryan - The Complete Family
• Ray Charles - I Got a Woman
• Stephen Bruton - Bigger Wheel
• Paul Kelly - Big Fine Girl
• In-Flight Safety - Surround
• Gregg Allman - Multi Colored Lady .... Flashbacks to Freshman year in college. Being on my own for the first time. Big change from all that I knew before. Feeling a little cold and alone but curious to see what was up ahead in life.
• Fitzmaurice Band - Barely a Man
• The Appleseed Cast - Blind Man's Arrow
• The Steel Wheels - The Cuckoo ..... A little modernized Americana, Appalachia, Old-Timey, toe-tappin, get up and dance feel. Which is exactly what I did. Probably won't be able to sleep now.
• Liz Story - Leo .... Solo piano to calm my soul.

Thinking Of An Old Friend Tonight

For my old buddy Mitch (Rest in Peace), who's favorite band was the original lineup of Little Feat. Bill Payne providing the vocals here. Hope you are hearing this tonight Mitch!!

Mitch lost his battle with cancer a little over a year ago. Though he shattered the timeline given him by the doctors. I'll never forget the time that I had came across and purchased an old Victrola record player. The only problem ..... I had no 78's to play on it. One day there was a knock on my door. It was Mitch with an armful of pitch black 78rpm records that he had saved for years from his parents collection. There must have been forty or fifty records in his arms. A thing of beauty!! Most worn and scratched but there were several keepers among the stack. Even if there had been none though, it was the thought that mattered.

Mitch was a huge fan of the groups original leader and main voice, Lowell George. Another who passed away far too soon. He loved the groups music from the 1970's and was extremely loyal to the band that he knew. When they broke up in the early 1980's and then got back together at the end of the decade, he had no interest in the new band. Even despite all major efforts on my part to demonstrate that the re-formed group was worthy of listening to and that Craig Fuller's voice even somewhat resembled Lowell George's. There was no Lowell George so it wasn't really Little Feat as far as he was concerned. Some people are just not replaceable. I didn't understand his attitude at the time but I do now.

Memories of Wheatfield Soul

Flashing back to teenage years and memories of listening to The Guess Who at a friends house. Two songs have always stood out ..... The classic and beautiful, "These Eyes" and the possibly haunting and frightening, "Friends of Mine" which despite being ten minutes long, and despite lyrics describing a condemned man walking to his hanging (we probably thought that the lyrics were cool), would often get repeat listenings. It was one of those songs that would get an after school playing/listening before my friends parents arrived home from work so we could crank up the volume. Certainly not a tune that you would ever hear on the AM radio top-40 weekly hit list being counted down by Casey Kasem. I'm not sure but we may not have listened to anything else from the album? It was likely an eye opener for a young teenager just released from eight years of Catholic School. I recall a teacher who let us play "Atlantis" by Donovan and Simon and Garfunkels, "The Sounds of Silence" in the classroom but I suspect that "Friends of Mine" just might not have been allowed.

When I think of the conclusion of the 1960's and the transition into the 1970's, this record always comes to mind. Sitting on the floor listening to it on a portable turntable. Quoting lyrics. Pondering the meaning of Friends of Mine. Forty-six years later though, it's the heartbreak described in These Eyes that stands out. I used to assume that it was a love song .... possibly because those two words, "these eyes," was the vision taken and absorbed from the song but the rest of the lyrics are about heartache.

 Friends Of Mine Lyrics

Today's Vinyl Jazz Discoveries

An afternoon stop at my local record store. Seems to be a Jazz kind of day. Lured in by the liner notes, song notes and album cover artwork of each.

• Don Shirley - Drown In My Own Tears
• Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra
• Clark Terry / Bob Brookmeyer Quintet - The Power of Positive Swinging

Then listening to the "Divaville" Jazz program on KMHD-radio, Gresham, Oregon ..... Dedicated to exploring Jazz Vocal recordings primarily from the 1930's-1960's years. Great voices heard here!! Despite the news and rumors over the past decade that it's dying, there's still good sounds to be heard on the radio.

Divaville Radio
KMHD Jazz Radio

In the liner notes ..... "One index of the singular pleasures to be had from the music of the Clark Terry - Bob Brookmeyer Quintet is that it not so much defies categories but rather ignores them."

I wonder occasionally that if it wasn't for myself, would some of these records ever be taken home?  I often declare, "No more!" ..... but then a week or two later, I'm back searching through the vinyl bins. There always seems to be something previously un-noticed. It's my addiction I suppose.

Local Music Art On Display

Culture on display in Salem, Oregon!!! In the middle of an empty lot in town. One story that I've heard is that there once was a used car dealership on this spot (which I don't recall) and this is all that remains. Though what the connection is with used cars is a mystery. It blends in with everything around it. It's easy to miss if you are not looking for it.

On a street well traveled while engaged with my daily life journeys and missions ..... I likely drove by for years before noticing. I wouldn't mind having it at the approach to my front door.

Fading Into Oblivion

There's currently only a few still remaining but there was once a time when every decent sized city or town had several stores where you could shop for components to make up your dream stereo system. Speakers, turntables, receivers, tape decks, etc ..... And all manner of add ons that would better your sound quality and light up like a Christmas tree. And a dozen or more major brands with their lines of equipment. There were periods of fashion where silver was the preferred color. Black had its time as well. People would browse up and down the aisles like it was a record store, oooohhhhhhing and ahhhhhhing especially at the speakers, where size used to matter. Each visit was an adventure. These stores were popular hang out spots in the 1970's and 80's.

Many years ago, I purchased a graphic equalizer. I never really learned how to properly use it and never knew the proper verbiage. It had 16-20 different sliding knobs/levers where you could manipulate and play with the audio. All I knew was to experiment from the central setting of each slider ...... up, down, down, up ..... find a spot you enjoyed and leave it alone for a song or a day or a week, then experiment some more.

People would share and discuss the wattage of their receivers/amplifiers. I never got into that. I always had a little volume to spare if suddenly called for by changing situations ..... you know, in case your parents left home for awhile or you noticed that the neighbors were away. I recall once putting on the Eagles song,  The King of Hollywood, with its biting guitar riff and sleazy vocals and having both floors of the house shaking. It wasn't heavy metal or punk or even approaching such but it was rock!! And getting lost in the big sound!! Kids these days with all their headphone and ear bud wearing ways, never experience that. Unless they have some damned good, extremely caring, music loving parents or a old weird uncle like me.

Everything always looked so pretty on the store shelves. How does one choose? I used to think that if I ever were to get rich, I'd build a home with six or seven listening rooms and equip each with a different sound system. Instead of collecting classic cars, I'd collect stereo equipment. 

Always Time For A Good Story

In John Prine's case, every song tells a story!! John Prine is a master songwriter and storyteller!! And there's occasionally a healthy dose of wry humor in his lyrics.

This record was a chance taken long ago. Purchased because I noticed Jackson Browne listed in the credits as contributing backing vocals on one song. I was initially disapointed because I couldn't identify JB's voice in the background. (The voices of Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther are mixed in there as well.) Then I listened to the songs. Turned out to be a risk that was full of years of rewards. There's not a weak offering in his forty-plus year catalogue.

This album contains one of my alltime favorite song titles  ..... "Come Back To Us Barbara Lewis Hare Krishna Beauregard."

A Jazz Playlist

Choose from Mainstream, Swing, Big-Band, Bebop, Improvisational, Jazz Fusion, West Coast, etc .... Many sub genres. I enjoy both the older and more recent sounds.

• Chick Corea - The Hilltop ..... A dance!!
• Oregon - Witchi-Tai-To .... A Native American chant. Covered by several, I first heard it by Rachel Faro. 
• Pat Metheny Group - Slip Away
• Jean-Luc Ponty - Renaissance
• Keith Jarrett Trio - Lifeline .... Approaching hypnotic. Swirls and builds, swirls and builds, then slowly fades away.
• John Coltrane - Central Park West .... Always keep your eyes and ears open. You never know what might suddenly be there in front of you. I found the vinyl LP that this song is on at a flea market.
• Charlie Christian - Seven Come Eleven
• Charles Mingus - Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
• Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli - J'attendrai Swing
• Bill Evans - Remembering The Rain .... Introduced by Venus Flytrap at the conclusion of the WKRP in Cincinnati episode dealing with the real life stampede when the doors opened for a 1979 Who concert in Cincinnati resulting in the loss of life of eleven people.
• Bill Frisell - Keep Your Eyes Open
• Turtle Island String Quartet - Stolen Moments