More Soul

It's kinda funny .... I came across an article/review online about this record, listened to some song samples and decided that I needed to seek it out. A couple days later I walked into an antiques shop and there it was, in vinyl format, at the front of the Jazz bins. Like it knew that I had come looking.

The recording is from 1960. A septet that sounds even larger at times. An introduction to an old classic jewel

"A" Playlist

The A's have it!!! Songs beginning with the letter, A. In alphabetical order direct from my iPod.

• Damien Jurado - Abilene
• Dave Alvin - Abilene
• Jackson Browne - About My Imagination .... So many great songs written in the previous century. His best song from the current century.
• The Tragically Hip - About This Map
• The National - About Today
• Pierce Pettis - Absalom, Absalom
• The Subdudes - Absolutely
• Richard Shindell - Abuelita
• The Band - Acadian Driftwood .... Also can be found on any of the Desert Island Disc lists that I've dreamed up.
• Warren Zevon - Accidently Like a Martyr .... "We made mad love, shadow love, random love and abandoned love." One of my favorite lines.
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Accused of Love

Mayflies

Recently came across a few songs by Benjamin Francis Leftwich. Now he has a new album and another batch of songs to discover.

The Bigger The Ocean .....

From 1979. On vinyl. Rock on the Virgin Record Label. Don't recall how I discovered this band. It's been so long since my last listen that it's like hearing the record for the first time.

1979 .... A time of discovery. Branching out into New Wave and edgier Rock sounds. Joe Jackson and The Boomtown Rats. Dire Straits just starting out. I hadn't lost interest in Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens and Neil Young but I was suddenly searching in different directions. I can likely blame that on college.

The record sounds very much dated now but is still of great historical value. It assists in recalling those long ago days of youth. You can browse through the bins of countless used record stores and see a lot of the same records from the 1970's and 80's but you're not likely to come across Big Oceans by Interview.

Wednesday Morning Coming Down, Playlist

Wednesday morning playlist inspired by suggestions from my Twitter feed ....

• Neil Young - Southern Man
• Royal Southern Brotherhood - I've Seen Enough To Know
• Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Howling At Nothing
• Junior Kimbrough - Most Things Haven't Worked Out
• BJ Barham - Unfortunate Kind

Late For The Sky

"How long have I been dreaming? ...."

Late For the Sky ….. From 1974. A masterpiece!!! Freshman year in college. Finding my way. Feeling lost in this sudden new environment. Not sure of the memory but I recall walking from the OSU campus to Everybody’s Records in downtown Corvallis when it first came out. What’s still perfectly clear is that I played it daily back then. Often two or three times. The lyrics to each song became engraved inside. I can still recite them probably 95% accurately. Likely wore out my original vinyl copy. The new songs had such a unique feel ….. even for a Jackson Browne record. The two songs that were my least favorite back then (not that I disliked any of them), are my favorites from the record today.

For many years, I said that I wanted “For a Dancer” played at my funeral. I don’t think much about such things nowadays but I wouldn’t object (even if I could somehow) if it was played.

The record paralleled my first experience with heartbreak and the girl moving away.

"Don't know why I'm happy, I've got no reason to feel this good ...."

Walking back to the dorm from class one afternoon and on the sidewalk I could hear the record being played by the guy who lived across the hall from me. And being played loudly!! The song, “Walking Slow” as I recall. Taking a giant leap for a shy 18 year old, I knocked on his door and told him that I also had the record. He invited me in. Introduced me to his record collection and stereo system. If envy is a sin, then I sinned heavily that day.

Forty-plus years in time tends to muddle memories but I can still recall so clearly, the visual images and emotions associated with this record when it was new. Teenage yearning and chills. Contemplating each word of the record review in Rolling Stone magazine. So much emotion inside that I still can’t express. Anyone wanting to know what’s beneath my admittedly gruff and sometimes unwelcoming exterior should listen to the record daily, You might see me a little differently. Listen from start to finish, until you “get it.” Don’t skip a single song. Each is vital listening. While you should also read any available record reviews, it’s OK to assign your own emotions and personal meanings to the lyrics. I certainly did!!

"Just do the steps that you've been shown, by everyone you've ever known ...."

Late For The Sky is not my favorite Jackson Browne album but it is the one that had the greatest affect on my world!!

Wednesday Night Playlist

• Buffalo Ruckus – If It’s For Love
• Jeffrey Foucault – 4&20 Blues
• Son Volt – Dust of Daylight …. What country music should sound like.
• Richmond Fontaine – I Can’t Black It Out If I Wake Up and Remember
• Martin Sexton – Doin’ Something Right …. Sometimes it’s not the doin’ but instead knowing what is right that is the difficult thing.
• Griffin House – Live To Be Free
• The Jayhawks – Martin’s Song
• Josh Ritter – Getting Ready to Get Down
• Richard Buckner – Rainsquall
• Screaming at Motorists – Doors Are Closing
• The Allman Brothers Band – Double Cross …. An outtake from the “Brothers and Sisters” album.

Record Collecting 101 (Continued)

I keep thinking, "why don't I just buy everything remotely interesting? Vinyl recordings are a record of events right? They're history right?"

Everything has value!!

Of course those thoughts always enter my mind when I'm not actually standing in the aisles of the record store, looking at the price tags and worrying about the funding of my retirement days ahead.

And then I have this thing that when making a decision to purchase, I want every track on the record to be something I'll instantly love. No waiting for it to grow on me over time.

And as things currently stand, I most likely have more vinyl than 99.8% of the general population. So why do I crave more? I'm relatively positive that it's not just some freaky hoarding fetish.

But I do constantly feel the pull and temptation to add to the collection. It's my drug, my addiction. Where nearly every unknown title encountered is a temptation where I feel the need to find something unusual or something new. Or something to fill out my collection of a particular musician. or maybe it's just the artwork on the record cover luring me in.

Arches and Aisles or The Other Guy

The Spinanes – Arches and Aisles

Every decade has it’s discoveries. Looking back, the 1990’s seems a particularly interesting and fruitful time. There was a Saturday late night music video program on a local television channel called, “The Other Guy.” For a half hour (or maybe an hour) they would play an assortment of videos that you would likely see nowhere else. Often there would be live performances recorded in their studio by musicians passing through Portland. Sometimes there would be short comedy skits involving two or three regular characters (one being, “The Other Guy”) as they faded to or returned from commercials. Occasionally a local artist or band would be featured. It was the type of television programming that I wish we had today. Especially from the local channels.

Sadly these days, all that remains of the program in my music collection is a live studio video of Jonatha Brooke introducing and performing her song, "Inconsolable."

It was on one of these late night visual fests that I first saw The Spinanes. A Portland band (If memory serves) made up primarily of a female guitar player/lead vocalist, Rebecca Gates, and a drummer, Scott Plouf. Their songs likely would fit into the Indie Rock genre. Maybe similar to Yo La Tengo minus the fuzzy, distorted guitar sound they sometimes employ. A stripped down sound with the ringing guitar and minimal drumming ….. there was drumming but not excessive and overpowering. And then some great songs.

Wikipedia - The Spinanes
________________________________________________________________

And some words I found about ...... The Other Guy .......
"I loved watching "the Other Guy" with its skits and live music of new artists and Bohemia Afterdark with it's music and skits as well."

And a reply from The actual Other Guy .........
The Other Guy Lives!
by: Bobby Castaneda - The Other Guy

When I tell my work colleagues that I produced and hosted a music show in Portland for 10 years, they do not believe me. I worked at Fox and started The Other Guy as a labor of love in honor of local/regional artists who were most excellent but not getting any airplay. I figured "Heck, I work in television! I can put them on the air! There's MTV and VH1, so I will just be the alternative to top 40 - The Other Guy!" If I had any idea how much work it would become to do it well, I likely would not have done it at all. But that is the beauty and power of naivete. The show gained national attention and before long, record labels were vying to get their artists to perform live on the show - several of which were Grammy award winners (Sheryl Crow, Duncan Sheik, Taj Mahal, Soundgarden and more). I admit the host segments were goofy, but in the spirit of my original intent, my drive was to always air under-appreciated artists that were innovative and exceptional - no matter the genre. Producing that show kept me in the industry 10 years longer than I should have (broadcast television is not a spiritually/ethically healthy industry), but every time someone took the time to write to the show or approach me on the street to tell me how much they enjoyed the show, I knew it was all worth it. I am currently working in the energy efficiency industry, which I love and living in Kansas City, which is surprisingly hip and rife with an amazing music scene. I will be returning home to Portland this fall. Thank you for taking the time to mention the show. I have all the original shows and hope to someday slow down long enough to put some of them on YouTube, as often requested. Before I go, I want to take a moment to thank all those such as yourself who watched the show every week, and for taking the time to let me know that it mattered. Take care and I will see you on the streets of Puddletown. Hopefully some will recognize me. Even though my hair is silver and I no longer have the Kramer do, I still have the hipster sideburns...

Willard Grant Conspiracy

The song is titled: "Good Morning Wadlow." Beautiful!! Causes me to close my eyes and imagine that I'm telling all my stories to someone intent on listening. Thoughts long kept bottled up waiting for the person that I trust enough to share with ..... Someone who cares.

Never Too Late

New one just released a week or two ago from Tony Joe White. Love the deep voice. I've seen his sound described as "swamp rock."

Never too late ..... It took many years before I really heard his song "Polk Salad Annie" for the great tune that it was. I stumbled across the album the song is included on in an antique shop and though I really didn't know much about his music at the time, I was looking to bolster my vinyl record collection with classic 1960's and early 70's sounds. What a great find it turned out to be!! And now I'm a huge fan!!

When a musician has a forty-plus years career (or more) there's always a then and now comparison. More often than not, it seems that "then" prevails. For Tony Joe White though, both eras are great!

Crosby, Stills & Nash

One of my first album purchases. And there's a vague memory that it was actually a Christmas present from my parents.

It's been awhile since I've listened to it in its original format. You can still get lucky on the radio dial and pick up random selections from the record. Most of the songs became FM-radio staples back in the early 1970's. And most of the songs appeared years later in various greatest hits or other Crosby, Stills and Nash (and sometimes Young) compilations.

Their best album!! It still sounds great 45 years later. It doesn't seem possible ..... Closing in on half a century. Proud to say that I was there when the album initially came out. A teenager searching for great new sounds.

They came from The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies. From here they branched out into CSNY, Crosby & Nash, Stills and Young, Manassas and everyone doing numerous solo projects. There were more great songs to follow. Also some forgettable stuff. This first group effort is strong through-out.

Tom Petty and Mudcrutch

Newly released .... The second studio album from Mudcrutch. Tom Petty's pre-Heartbreakers band. Sharing thoughts with the owner of my local record store this weekend .... We agreed that it sure was nice of Tom Petty and the other Heartbreakers who are involved, to take part in these Mudcrutch projects to assist the guys who didn't make it into Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, a little recognition.

And the music is pretty solid as well!! But then, that was never in doubt.

New Jayhawks!!

A new one from The Jayhawks!! Paging Mr. Proust. A little word association .... You say "Americana" or "Alternative-Country" and The Jayhawks are the first band that I think of. Another collection of great songs!! Guitars and vocal harmonies and the involvement of former R.E.M. members!

I'm not sure of my initial introduction to their music. Probably through my love of Son Volt's sound and the search for related music.

Always an emphasis on songwriting so there's never a danger of filler material.

On my short list for the best new releases of 2016.

Playing Roulette

A 2016 Record Store Day find. On ten-inch vinyl. Recorded in 1960. Part of my striving to be a John Coltrane completist though the actual music sure doesn't disappoint. He certainly was prolific in his relatively short time making music.

Nine Stories

Jazz bassist!! Having read a few sentences of an album review from a two or three year old Jazz Times magazine that was laying around at home combined with one look at the album cover artwork and knew I had to seek out this recording. There's also something about the albums title that caught my attention. Music should tell stories and spark imagination and memories. Jazz is the perfect genre for inspiring imagination.

The Attic Tapes

Another Record Store Day observed and celebrated. My kind of holiday!!

So many special vinyl record releases for the occasion. And so many these days that I find myself knowing very little about. But John Renbourn is from my youth.

"Mastered from old tapes found in a friend's attic, this is a vintage collection of previously unreleased rarities and early works by one of the guitar's truly great innovators. The Record Store Day edition features five vinyl-only tracks and sleeve notes written by John shortly before his death in March 2015."

Gather Around Folks, It's Old Timey Hour

Various Artists - Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians.

Keeping great traditional tunes alive!! Old timey harmonica, fiddle, guitar, dulcimer and banjo tunes. You can almost see the players, sitting on their front porch, with children, friends and neighbors all gathered around, picking, clapping and stomping away.

Part of my ongoing search for obscure and historical recordings. They shouldn't be forgotten. Found this one recently on vinyl. Great artwork on the cover.

1960's AM Radio Hits Playlist

Very little causes a sense of aching (as in something I miss badly) nostalgia for me like memories of times spent listening to AM-radio hits from the later half of the 1960's. A time when radio was king!! Memories of anxiously waiting by your radio because you knew that one of your favorite songs would be playing soon. Just when I was reaching the age where I began to notice that there was more to the world around me besides sports ..... like music. Oh and girls also.

• The Turtles - You Showed Me
• The Troggs - Love Is All Around
• Small Faces - Itchycoo Park
• The Delfonics - La La Means I Love You
• The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You
• Gary Puckett and The Union Gap - Young Girl
• Eric Burdon and The Animals - San Francisco Nights
• The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
• The Guess Who - These Eyes
• The Box Tops - Cry Like a Baby
• Manfred Mann - The Mighty Quinn
• The Seekers - Georgy Girl

I've likely noted most of these songs here previously but they deserve repeated listenings. From a genuinely unique time in music. Makes me wish that at least a few people still wrote music like this.

Watching and Hearing

It's very wet and windy outside so there's a lot of time for music.

Via car radio, iTunes, dvr and Youtube ...... Just some stuff that I've heard this weekend at what seemed like just the right moment for each.

• Mimicking Birds - Burning Stars
• R.E.M. - What's the Frequency Kenneth?
• Star Anna - Nerves
• Mumford & Sons - Ditmas
• Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill
• Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World
• Joseph Arthur - Travel As Equals
• Joseph Arthur - Saint of Impossible Causes
• Bob Mould - The Silence Between Us

The Velvet Underground

From 1969. Two evenings at a club in San Francisco. Live recordings. And the voice of Lou Reed!! Helping take rock music of the later half of the 1960's in a different direction. A fascinating listen from a fascinating period of music.

Obscure Vinyl

Those much treasured records where you are pretty sure that you're the only person in the world (besides possibly the musicians and their family) who has a copy.

• The Rhead Brothers - Dedicate (1977)
• The Lost Gonzo Band - The Lost Gonzo Band (1975)
• The Gyuto Monks - Tibetan Tantric Choir (1987)
• David James Holster - Chinese Honeymoon (1979)
• Meisburg and Walters - Love's An Easy Song (1977)
• Michael Katakas - A Simpler Time (1977)
• Peter Bardens - Vintage '69 (1976)
• Jo Jo Zepp & The Falcons - Screaming Targets (1980)
• John Dawson Read - Read On (1976)

Playlist

• Poco - Faith In The Families .... I keep coming back to this one lately. It's like I just have to hear it a couple of times a week.
• Steely Dan - Jack of Speed
• Donald Fagan - I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World) ..... I recall hearing this early one Sunday morning many years ago. Felt perfect for that moment. That's when it grabbed me. I love the horns.
• Johnny Mandel - The Shadow of Your Smile ..... From the soundtrack for the 1965 movie, The Sandpiper. One of those movies that I first saw most likely late one Saturday night. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. California beach feel. An artist community. Sad and lonely feel. Defining a time and place. Also listened to a Frank Sinatra version. 
• Arlo Guthrie - The Motorcycle Song (The Significance of the Pickle) .... Arlo telling a story.
• John Coltrane Quartet - Central Park West ..... A classic mid-1960's Coltrane ballad. I love how it fades out.
• Tallis Scholars - Allegri: Miserere .... It's the blend of voices!! I could sit in one place for hours just listening, taking it all in.
• David Lindley and Wally Ingram - Cat Food Sandwiches ..... Saw Lindley play this in concert in Portland a few years ago. At Mississippi Studios. The highlight of the evening!! 

Three Days In May

Solo piano on vinyl. Not really Jazz or Classical and far from Pop These types of recordings were sometimes called New Age for no good reason. I've always hated that label. It's not part of that way of life. It's just piano playing. There were a great many of these recordings (solo acoustic piano and solo acoustic guitar) made in the 1980's starting with the Windham Hill records but by the early 1990's the form had devolved into adding other instrumentation and slowly began to fade away. 

From 1984. This is a alternate version of the album cover. Not what was used on my copy. I couldn't find a better image of the actual artwork.