Blog of note: Swingin' the Blues (and great new Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis pairing!)

Here in the blogosphere, we all have kindred souls, and one of ours here at Traveler Blues is our good friend Jason over at Swingin' the Blues, a site rife with socio-political commentary (the views of which we may or may not endorse). However, the blog also has a good smattering of music info, such as Jason's latest post, in which he draws our attention to a great new project pairing country legend Willie Nelson with the great curator of jazz, Wynton Marsalis (see photo). In particular, there's an outstanding video of the two performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center (as well as another "treat" or sorts for Willie fans). Check it out.

[Photo courtesy of the AP.]

Best albums of the '90s, number one: Cake, "Fashion Nugget"

And now, for our final entry, is the album that, I believe, is the finest album of the 1990s, Cake's Fashion Nugget (1996). This will probably be viewed by many as a shocker, considering that it isn't exactly one of the most touted albums of the decade (and because it's not U2, Radiohead, or Nirvana). But it's my opinion that it has all the key elements of rock n' roll at its best (including a rough swagger, a solid beat, gritty guitar riffs, occasional horns, and even some maracas and other mixed percussion!), and reminds me quite a bit of late '60s/early '70s Stones. And the most well-known song from the album, "The Distance," is just, well, killer.

[And for our final honorable mention, we have one of the more acclaimed albums of the '90s, Beck's Odelay (1996). Several great songs from this album, including "Devils Haircut," "The New Pollution," and my personal favorite, the faux hip-hop number "Where It's At." Great stuff.]

So there you have it, the Traveler Blues (or, "Dave's") best albums of the '90s. Tally up your scores at home, and we hope you'll play again next time...

More Al Green goodness

I couldn't help it; I need to share with you, dear reader, this review from The New Yorker of the new Al Green album, also mentioned here. (I guess, as I'm trying to expand your mind to great sounds, I'm also trying to introduce you to more "high culture.") I particularly love the New Yorker piece because it mentioned "Jesus Is Waiting," probably the single most underrated number in Green's repertoire, and because it reminded me of the fact that the Dap-Kings horns appear on the album, as well. (You're probably more familiar with the Dap-Kings than you think, as they were the backing band on Amy Winehouse's breakout record.) You can even listen to a few tracks from the Reverend Al's new album (and a killer version of the Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" from back in the day) here. Enjoy.

[Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone.]

Yet even more choice music writing from NONzine

The quality keeps pouring in from the music reviewer over at NONzine. Here's yet another great piece, this time on the debut album from the punk band Thomas Function (pictured) and the latest from the Karl Denson Trio. By the way, if you haven't heard of the young guns Thomas Function up until this point, you are now officially without excuse. They are just about the perfect modern blend of '70s punk and new wave, and they are not to be missed.

[Photo courtesy of Alive Records.]

Several good A/V pieces on the late Bo Diddley

A quick post to point your attention to some great audio/visual material from the New York Times on the late bluesman and rock n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley, who sadly passed away earlier this month. Click here for a great slideshow with some brief facts about the man, and then click here for more in depth A/V goodness. [Update: Apparently that second link won't work from here, though you can currently find it on the NYT music page. As a consolation, here's another good little piece following Bo's passing.]

[Photo courtesy of the New York Times.]

Best albums of the '90s, number two: Beastie Boys, "Ill Communication"

In the number two spot on our countdown, we have what is, in my mind, perhaps the most memorable album of the '90s, the Beastie Boys' Ill Communication (1994), which also contained one of the most memorable songs of that decade, "Sabotage" (which EJ, Chris, and I laid to waste on the Guitar Hero recently!). Not only was it a fantastic album, but it was so incredibly diverse, mixing good rapping with some killer instrumentals. And whether they used sampling or their own playing, the old-school funk influence was heavy, and the Beasties left you wanting more. In my opinion, it's the best album of their career.

[Today's honorable mention nod maybe doesn't fit too well with the aforementioned album, but here it is, anyway: the Dave Matthews Band album Crash (1996) -- and no, it's not great because of the song from it that everyone knows, but for the rest of album. That seemed important to say.]

[Photo courtesy of JamBase.]

Essential: Audio programs on John Coltrane

Can you have too many posts involving John Coltrane? (The answer, in case you weren't sure, is "No.") Here's a brief shout-out to bring your attention to a new audio program from NPR on the man who was truly the last giant of jazz. Part of NPR's "Jazz Profiles" series, it clocks in at close to an hour, but it's well worth your sweet time. Also, while you're at it, allow yourself some room to check out a great series of podcasts on Coltrane called The Traneumentary, which features interviews with numerous musicians who played with Trane, others who were influenced by his music, and a number of scholars who have devoted themselves to studying the man and his art. If you're not already familiar with Coltrane, now's your chance to bring balance and harmony to your life. I strongly suggest you do so.

Best albums of the '90s, number three: Townes Van Zandt, "Roadsongs"

Number three on our list is a compilation of live songs from the late, great folk singer Townes Van Zandt, entitled Roadsongs (1994). This was issued near the end of Van Zandt's life, and consists entirely of covers, a rare treat from a songwriter known so well for his own immortal compositions. The highlights here include several Lightnin' Hopkins covers (the Texas blues master was one of Van Zandt's strongest influences), as well as a rendition of the Rolling Stones country number "Dead Flowers," which is one of my absolute favorite covers, and one of the few songs I can listen to on repeat for an endless amount of time. And while we're at it, here's a great review of the album from the late music scholar Robert Palmer in Rolling Stone.

[And for our honorable mention, we can't forget about another psuedo-country masterpiece, Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels On a Gravel Road (1998).]

[Photo courtesy of the AP.]

Recent listening: A couple late, less touted Beatles tracks

A quick post on some of my recent listening: I just haven't been able to get enough, these past few weeks, of two later Beatles tracks, both penned by John Lennon, that just don't seem to get the attention they deserve. I'm talking about "Don't Let Me Down" and "The Ballad of John and Yoko." Neither was included on any of the Beatles' official studio albums, though each found a place on a couple compilations there at the end, as both were recorded in the period surrounding the Abbey Road and Let It Be albums. I've always found the first song to be incredibly moving, particularly with that electric piano, and the second has a simply irresistible rhythm. Something interesting to me about "Ballad" is that it was recorded by just Lennon and Paul McCartney. I've also had on my mind lately the song "Mother" from Lennon's solo album Plastic Ono Band, recorded shortly thereafter. That song, too, is quite affecting, though more for its cathartic impact than anything else. Anyway, just thought I'd share (ah, the joys of blogging...)

Blog of note: The Set List (& the new Al Green album!)

While his lack of recent posts is troubling, you can always count on Barrett to introduce you to a solid new blog. One of particular note is The Set List, a music industry blog by an editor at Variety. The author tends to have good taste and a good ear (two things which usually go together), and I thought I'd share a few of my favorite posts: this one on John Coltrane, as well as several great posts on the Stones, and a good post about how a recent lost Bob Dylan recording was found in none other than Neil Young's archives. Finally, here's a more recent post about the new Al Green album, which, by the way, has anyone listened to yet? I've just heard one track, and it was pretty good, but I'm anxious to hear more...

[Photo of Al Green and ?uestlove in the studio courtesy of Skope Magazine.]

Best albums of the '90s, number four: Junior Kimbrough, "Sad Days, Lonely Nights"

I don't know if any list on Traveler Blues could exist without a solid blues reference, and the list of top albums from the 1990s is no exception. It was in that decade that, under the guidance of the late blues scholar Robert Palmer, Fat Possum Records began issuing records from some of the great, obscure blues musicians of the North Mississippi hill country, including the late Junior Kimbrough (pictured, on guitar). On Sad Days and Lonely Nights (1993), Kimbrough's second album for Fat Possum, his loose, hypnotic grooves are on full, raunchy display. This is real juke joint music, unencumbered by anything and everything. It's raw, it's funky, it's grim and it's glorious. [Bonus: In my limited research for this post, I found this good little piece on Kimbrough from 2000.]

[And, of course, here's your honorable mention for the day: the previously mentioned Spin Doctors and their album Pocket Full of Kryptonite (1991). Ever since I first heard the song "Two Princes," I've been hooked. And I know my buddy Chris feels the same way.]

New John Ellis interview, videos from Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey

Not to beat the John Ellis drum too severely, but here's a good recent interview piece with the exciting young jazz saxophonist (pictured) at allaboutjazz. In the interview, Ellis discusses his incorporation of a tuba player in lieu of a traditional acoustic or electric bass, which works tremendously well on his new record, giving it a thick New Orleans feel. As was pointed out terrifically in another recent write-up in NONzine, "Ellis is one of a select few who currently make up the vanguard of jazz." Along with a few others, such as Charlie Hunter and the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, he gives fans of true jazz a reason to be optimistic about the future of the genre.

Speaking of JFJO, here's the link to a recently posted video of the band playing a cover of a Louis Armstrong tune called "Song of the Vipers," taken from their current tour (and currently highlighted on the group's website). For more official videos from Jacob Fred, check out their YouTube page.

[Photo courtesy of JamBase.]

Best albums of the '90s, number five: Johnny Cash, "American Recordings"

I couldn't wait. So I've gone ahead and posted here my Number Five selection in the five best albums of the '90s. And yes, it's American Recordings from 1994, the first in a series of "comeback" albums from Johnny Cash, produced by Rick Rubin. This is definitely my favorite of the entire series, and when I first heard it, it gave me a whole new appreciation, not only for Cash himself, but for Americana, folk, and country music in general. The sound is haunting, from the first words of the opening track, "Delia's Gone," until the very end. The thing I like about this album the most -- and what sets it apart from the rest of the albums in the series, in my opinion -- is that it's the most pure of the bunch, the only one where it's just Cash and his guitar, nothing else. He is allowed to captivate you all by himself, and it's then that, at least late in life, he was most affective.

[Also, with each of the top five selections, I'll give one of my top five honorable mentions in this same category. The first is another acoustic affair, Live at Luther College, the 1999 live album (recorded in '96) by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds.]

New reader poll: Best American blues-rock guitarist of the 1960s (and you can't pick Hendrix!)

Okay, the new Traveler Blues reader poll is now in the sidebar at right. (For results of our first poll, click here.) The question: Who was the greatest American blues-rock guitarist of the 1960s? (And no, you can't pick Hendrix. That just wouldn't be fair. I truly don't understand how people can place him in any category other than "greatest popular musician of the Twentieth Century," but that's just me.)

The choices for this new poll: (1) Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers and scores of sessions for artists at Atlantic Records, (2) Mike Bloomfield, who played with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and his own group the Electric Flag, as well as with Bob Dylan and Al Kooper, (3) Johnny Winter, the Texas blues wizard who had a solid solo career that began in the late '60s, (4) the amazing Steve Cropper of Booker T. and the M.G.'s and an endless list of Stax Records sessions (and if you think he wasn't a blues player, just listen to this album he cut with Albert King and Pop Staples), and (5) the definite wild card of the bunch, Henry "Sunflower" Vestine of Canned Heat.

Yeah, we left out a few contenders, like Ry Cooder (who I don't think could really be classified as a "blues" player, per se), Jerry Garcia (whose finest blues material is from the early '70s, which is the only reason he's not on this list), and Dickey Betts. Any other beefs with our list? Let us know. Just don't let it keep you from voting...

What are the top five albums of the '90s?

In the past few days, I've given some long-overdue spins to what I believe is, in fact, the greatest album of the 1990s, and it got me thinking, "What are the top five albums of the '90s?" So now I'm going to undertake that feat and give you, dear reader, my picks. Please keep in mind that this is, of course, completely subjective to my own refined taste and whims. As well, I can revise my list any time I want if a forgotten selection is brought to my attention (potentially by you, dear reader).

So, who will make the cut? Much to the great chagrin of many of you (including Barrett), there won't be any U2 or Radiohead on the list. But who does that leave? Maybe the Spin Doctors (pictured), you say? Well, you just might be right. Check back again soon for the first selection...

Clapton wins reader poll of best '60s British blues guitarist

Well, the people have spoken, and out of the 15 authentic music lovers who voted in our first-ever reader poll, a resounding majority has stated emphatically that Eric Clapton (right) of John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, the Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, and, well, Eric Clapton, was the finest British blues guitarist of the 1960s. Barrett and one other true believer went with Jimmy Page of the Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin, while I went with my heart and cast my pregnant chad for none other than Peter Green of the Bluesbreakers and the original Fleetwood Mac. No one had the stomach, apparently, to go with either Keith Richards or Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones. Oh, well. Next poll coming soon: Best American blues guitarist of the same decade...

By the way: In my searching for a good image of "Slowhand" to go with this post, I stumbled across this '70s album featuring Clapton, Page, and Jeff Beck. Looks very intriguing. Can anyone provide some insight?

NONzine reviewer continues to amaze with impressive writing, fine taste

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: That music "critic" over at NONzine really seems to have his stuff together. Here's yet another solid pair of album reviews from the guy. This time, he holds forth on the latest release from the jazz saxophonist John Ellis (left), who is, without a doubt, one of the more exciting young artists in the genre today. He also spins the most recent album from Detroit soul legend Nathaniel Mayer (who, I've learned, has fortunately made it through some recent health scares). Hope you enjoy as much as we did... And yes, the music's good, too!

Very disturbing: Top 10 selling albums of all time

There are a lot of disturbing things in the world. Like, for instance, the fact that this is our first post on the blog this month. Or the fact that no one else besides me had the gravitas to admit that Peter Green was the best British blues guitarist of the 1960s and vote for him in our inaugural poll (more on that later...). But what's even more disturbing are some of the titles on this list of the top 10 highest-selling albums of all time. Few of the names on the list I can bring myself to mention. Fortunately, I can say I own only two of them (the Beatles and the Pink Floyd, in case you thought about suggesting otherwise). Barrett, on the other hand, he's probably got copies of at least seven. We'll see if he responds...