Traveler Blues

The Purdie Shuffle

2009-03-31T09:53:00.003-05:00

A great multimedia article about little-known Bernard Purdie, one of the most prolific drummers in history, is best known for a rhythm called the Purdie Shuffle. NYTimes, March 31, 2009. Sounds a little like Bonzo ripped the Shuffle for "Fool in the Rain!"

http://www.bernardpurdie.com/

15 Artists to Pay It Forward With

2009-03-30T14:17:00.000-05:00

Sonny Landreth

Unless you discovered them on your own- radio, online, or rummaging through your parents' record collection- someone showed you your favorite little-known artists. These are some of the best artists to share with others or that others have shown us (and those responsible!):

(1) Martin Sexton - "Glorybound" was the first song I heard (Chuck Bingham, c. 2000)
(2) Blind Lemon Jefferson - E. Texas bluesman (Drew Carlson, Wortham Blues Fest., c. 1997)
(3) Sonny Landreth - amazing slide guitarist, (Bill Clanton, 2006)
(4) Finley Quaye - "Sunday Shining" + "Your Love Gets Sweeter" (Jesus Rodriguez, c. 1999)
(5) Geggy Tah - "Gina" (my brother Hunter)
(6) The Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music (link is a fan page)
(7) Nick Drake- "Pink Moon" (Volkswagon, not embarrassed 2000)
(8) Toots and the Maytals - (Josh Van Maele, c. 2005)
(9) Beta Band - "Dry the Rain" John Cusack, Hi-Fidelity (also now defunct)
(10)Hayes Carll - "Chickens" Joe Judd + John Childers, c. 2004 (Floore's Country Store)
(11)Little Walter - Dave Bond, 2004
(12)Gomez - Bingham, 2000
(13)Daft Punk- great Euro techno duo
(13)Supergrass - Jesus Rodriguez, 1999
(14)The Word- virtuoso Robert Randolph, w/ North Mississippi All-Stars and John Medeski
(15)Old Crow Medicine Show - amazing bluegrass Appalachia/folk country

NYTimes Critics' Choice

2009-03-30T14:03:00.002-05:00

Article here:

New York Times music critics review the new releases from Prince, Gorilla Zoe, Diana Krall, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Walking Through Clarksdale

2009-03-26T11:13:00.006-05:00

Clarksdale, MS is the blues Mecca- constantly calling to those who love Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and the later British blues explosion that reinvigorated the American icons in our minds. This is where Hwys 61 and 49 intersect at the fabled Crossroads, where some say you can still make the timeless bargain- your soul for limitless musical ability.

The Dallas Morning News has a great article about this storied destination, and who's keeping the town intact, thought you would enjoy!
Clarksdale native Muddy Waters.
Link to Article

Festivals in Clarksdale:

Juke Joint Festival, April 17-18. www.jukejointfestival.com

Clarksdale Caravan Music Festival, May 9. www.clarksdaletourism.com

Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, Aug. 7-9. www.sunflowerfest.org

SXSW Update- Quincy Jones Keynote Address

2009-03-20T12:39:00.002-05:00

Quincy Jones with Herbie Hancock, 2006.

Quincy Jones gave the keynote speech at SXSW on Thursday, and made an astonishing admission about an early choice of profession: gangster. A run-in with a musical instrument during a break-in "saved his life."

Music legend Quincy Jones stirs SXSW crowd
By Hector Saldana and Jim Beal Jr. - San Antonio Express-News

AUSTIN — Frank Sinatra was the first to call him “Q.” The nickname stuck. It's become the platinum standard.

In his 60 years in music, Quincy Jones has worked with almost everyone of note in the industry, from Lionel Hampton and Ray Charles to Lesley Gore, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Alicia Keys, along with Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey.

from the San Antonio Express-News: complete article here.

"Who Knows" - Jimi Hendrix, The Band of Gypsys

2009-03-16T22:11:00.007-05:00

I have several songs I still remember hearing this for the first time, Zeppelin's Kashmir + Fool in the Rain, Robin Trower's Bridge of Sighs, and this track, one of Hendrix's first outings with his new backing band after the Experience, live at the Fillmore East (1970). It's the first cut of the self-named live album, if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up:

Do you remember where you were when you first heard a song that blew your mind? In the back of your VW van? Friend's dorm room? Sneaking copies of your older brother's record collection that he would still beat you if he found out?

Something for Wes Anderson- The Feelies

2008-07-13T15:48:00.009-05:00

Rob Bennett for The New York Times; Photo illustration by The New York Times

A few weeks ago, the NYTimes had a great article on a band called The Feelies. I went to their myspace page and the song "Slow Down" evoked images of a young Tripping Daisy- simple but inevitably charging on and catching your ear... Check them out and read up on their sordid tale!

(A wager to Bond: $10 says they're on one of the next two Wes Anderson movie soundtracks.)

http://www.myspace.com/thefeeliesband

Watch this. I dare you. More Guy & Miles

2008-07-11T13:14:00.003-05:00

Is YouTube great or what? Here's yet another fantastic video of our heroes, Buddy Guy and Buddy Miles, along with Jack Bruce on bass (he was on harmonica in the other video), in what appears to be the same show, or at least a similar one to the 1969 video from the other day.

After you're done watching that a few times, try this one: Miles' cover of the song "Sunny" from when he was with the Electric Flag, also in the late '60s. Ridiculous.

Still a living legend: Buddy Guy

2008-07-09T23:41:00.002-05:00

While I'm at it, can't resist posting this one as well (see below). If you ever have the chance to see Buddy Guy perform live, go. Few other things are as important. I've seen him twice now, and each time it is an absolute joy to witness him open the show with this number...

They even know the words over in Japan! Catch up, America!

Holy. Crap. Buddy Miles & Buddy Guy together on stage

2008-07-09T23:14:00.005-05:00

Buddy Miles and Buddy Guy on some British television show with a bunch of white folks sittin' around watchin' in 1969. Killer. No need to explain further. Just watch. You will be illuminated.

UPDATE: Just. As. Freakin'. Good. Another clip (looks like from the same show) of Guy, this time with Roland Kirk backin' him up! Testify!

More NONzine goodness: Reviews of Townes Van Zandt, Sleepy John Estes

2008-07-08T17:57:00.007-05:00

Wouldn't you know it -- here's yet another quality piece of music writing from that hep cat over at NONzine. The guy keeps cranking out solid material, and he's showing no signs of stopping. In the latest issue, he discusses newly reissued material from singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt, as well as from blues legend Sleepy John Estes (pictured). Enjoy.

[Photo courtesy of some Turkish blues appreciation site.]

Reader poll ends in tie for best American blues-rock guitarist

2008-07-05T13:27:00.006-05:00

Well, dear reader, apparently it's a little harder for people to determine just who exactly was the greatest American blues-rock guitarist of the 1960s (as opposed to selecting the British equivalent). According to the most faithful of your fellow readers, Duane Allman (pictured) and Johnny Winter have equal stature among the music literati, as each garnered a whole two (count 'em: 2) votes apiece. Meanwhile, both Mike Bloomfield and Steve Cropper each received a single, solitary vote, while Henry Vestine did not. Here's hoping that our next reader poll receives a little more participation...

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

2008-06-25T17:20:00.005-05:00

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"

2008-06-21T17:10:00.004-05:00

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

2008-06-20T15:03:00.004-05:00

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

2008-06-20T12:40:00.005-05:00

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

2008-06-20T11:02:00.009-05:00

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"

2008-06-20T10:09:00.005-05:00

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

2008-06-19T21:57:00.005-05:00

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"

2008-06-19T17:07:00.006-05:00

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

2008-06-19T16:35:00.005-05:00

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!)

2008-06-18T23:03:00.006-05:00

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"

2008-06-18T10:36:00.006-05:00

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

2008-06-18T09:43:00.008-05:00

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"

2008-06-17T11:58:00.005-05:00

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!)

2008-06-17T11:01:00.005-05:00

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?

2008-06-17T10:37:00.006-05:00

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

2008-06-16T23:06:00.007-05:00

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

2008-06-16T22:58:00.005-05:00

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

2008-06-16T22:44:00.004-05:00

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...

NONzine writer touches on Black Keys, Adolphus Bell, displays impressive skills

2008-05-22T12:08:00.012-05:00

Here's the latest new piece from a local writer for the arts and culture rag NONzine here in the Oklahoma City area who appears to know his stuff. The topics are albums from the Black Keys (left) and Adolphus Bell. Apparently, in addition to his impressive writing skills, the writer has good taste, as well...

If that's not enough for ya, the writer has also written a feature piece on jazz pioneers the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, as well as several other good music reviews (1, 2, 3). Check 'em out, pronto.

Poll: Best British blues-rock guitarist of 1960s

2008-05-14T13:14:00.001-05:00

Today we've opened up our first poll (see sidebar at right). The question: Who was the best British blues-rock guitarist of the 1960s?

The choices are: Jimmy Page (Yardbirds; Led Zeppelin), Eric Clapton (Yardbirds; John Mayall; Cream; Blind Faith), Jeff Beck (Yardbirds; solo group), Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Peter Green (John Mayall; the original Fleetwood Mac), and Mick Taylor (John Mayall; Rolling Stones).

Sure, we could've included others, like Alvin Lee of Ten Years After, Tony McPhee of the Groundhogs, maybe even George Harrison or Pete Townshend. But we didn't. Let us know if you think we left out anyone we shouldn't have.

Please vote, and also let us know your take in the comments section below. The poll closes on June 1.

Also, let's take suggestions for the next poll: Who was the best American blues-rock guitarist of the 1960s? Duane Allman, Mike Bloomfield, Johnny Winter and Steve Miller all come to mind. Should we include Dickey Betts or Elvin Bishop? Does Carlos Santana count? Ry Cooder? Anyone else we haven't thought of?

Should we even include Jimi Hendrix at all, or is that just not fair? Let us know.

Top Ten iTunes Tracks

2008-05-14T12:03:00.008-05:00

Barrett’s Top 10 iTunes Tracks

The first writing assignment is now complete and the managing editor found it fit for publishing. Find here, in reverse order, my top ten most-played tracks in iTunes.

Though I’d like to claim my tastes are assorted, they sadly fall short of earning the adjective “eclectic.” Most tunes fall into three general categories: “Songs Played by a Classic Rock God,” “Rebel Country,” or “That Song I Heard in That Cool Movie.”

What are your top ten iTunes tracks? The videos are included so you can ask yourself: Why aren't they on my Top 10?

10. “Cinnamon Girl,” Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

One of the catchiest guitar riffs ever written. And NY wrote this in a hospital bed! “Ma send me money now…”

9. “Coma Girl,” Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Streetcore

I like the Clash, I like Big Audio Dynamite. Strummer’s last band was equally great. R.I.P. Mr. Joe Strummer.

8. “Veridis Quo,” Daft Punk, Discovery

“Electronica, meet Bach.” “Bach, Electronica.” I first heard this group circa 1996, right after their first album was released. Listen to a track like “Aerodynamic” to discover they’re really just frustrated guitar players! I can relate.

7. “John the Revelator,” Son House, The Original Delta Blues

This man invented the blues, rumor has it he taught Robert Johnson a few licks. And just to prove it, as if it needed proving, he puts his guitar down and sings about the original man in black.

6. “The Bucket,” Kings of Leon, Aha Shake Heartbreaker

I had to stop listening to this in my car. Too many speeding tickets. And I love it when they harmonize around “you kicked the bucket” in the middle of the second verse. Winner: "Most Indicative of My Personality."

5. “That Certain Female,” Charlie Feathers, Kill Bill: Volume 1

Quentin Tarantino taught me a great deal about music- a research project itself. I even have a “Quentin” play list with just his movie soundtracks.

4. “Things Have Changed,” Bob Dylan, Modern Times

Every line Dylan sings is a weighty verse out of his own life’s Gospel- enough to save you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQDeYzUkXOU

3. “Shape of My Heart,” Sting, Ten Summoner’s Tales

Great chord progression. This song closes the Luc Besson film, The Professional, which stars Jean Reno and a young Natalie Portman. I stumbled upon this intimate live performance with Sting and his guitarist in a living room.

2. “All Night,” Sam Phillips, A Boot and a Shoe

This will stay with you- something about Sam Phillip’s gravelly voice, the jangly guitar, and a drum set that sounds like it was made by household consumer products.

No video, so The Kinks will have to do:

1. “Music for a Found Harmonium,” Patrick Street, Irish Times

I was mesmerized by this song as a kid, in a preview preceding Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Yes, it was VHS. The original band plays it live here:

U2 & Radiohead- A Constant Reinvention

2008-05-12T15:35:00.001-05:00

Bond recently purchased his first Radiohead album, unexpectedly going for Kid A, not the more mainstream OK Computer. He's excited to listen to it, but I sent a word of caution, knowing his musical propensities. My experience with Radiohead's Kid A was much similar to when I began listening to U2 a few years before.

In 1997, U2 had just toured through Dallas supporting their latest album, Pop. Having been a casual listener to Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, I bought Pop which also happened to be my first compact disc purchase (I was a late-bloomer). The album was panned by critics and all but the most diehard fans. But the missed point about this is that Bono et al. were doing what they'd been doing all along- deconstructing their sound and building a new one.

U2 had only continued on the trajectory they had started 20 years before, by defining themselves only with their constant redefinition. Boy/War/Unforgettable Fire to Joshua Tree, then exploding into the 1990s with Achtung Baby. When listeners wanted the new album to sound just like the last (harkens back to the critics' screams when Zeppelin III wasn't just Zeppelin II, The Sequel), the band was intent on forging past the new sounds they had created, and doing the truly difficult thing- making newer ones.

As for the Radiohead album, a friend gave it to me in college while I had been a casual listener to some of the singles from RH's earlier days. To me, Kid A sounds like a Ridley Scott soundtrack- at times sparse then lush, with Thom Yorke's voice battered and bruised into new characters, as if he's finishing the job started on earlier albums, in songs like "Climbing Up the Walls." The band's usage of Phil Selway's drumming is sometimes as a full set in the studio, but on other songs just the rhythm track only electronic techno beats, a frantic student of Morse Code. With this album, Radiohead inverted the anthems of OK Computer into electronic dirges. Ding -dong the witch is dead.

The Point

I was introduced the both bands in the midst of dark periods of transformation (also after amazingly successful previous albums). Both bands have had continued commercial success, but by taking different paths. U2 has closed the loop by returning to its pop-driven late 80s and 90s music with "Vertigo" and "Beautiful Day." Meanwhile, Radiohead has continued downward on its deconstructing arc, stripping out its guitars and keeping most of its three-guitar-rock fans displeased. Be that as it may...

Enough ranting; Dave, have a good listen!

Will Vinyl Kill the CD Star?

2007-10-30T14:01:00.001-05:00

Will Vinyl Kill the CD Star?
Though I doubt vinyl is the biggest worry that record companies face (see www.seeqpod.com and iTunes), it's nice to see the old wise mage of audio technology making a resurgence. What have you done with your record player?

Jeff Tweedy plays Neil Young's "Walk On"

2007-10-05T20:56:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure exactly when or where this is from. And I don't care. Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, solo with an acoustic guitar, playing "Walk On", from my favorite Neil Young album On the Beach. It's outstanding. I found it when I was skimming through the "News" section at ropeadope.com. If you're a hard-core Wilco fan, you probably knew long ago that Tweedy was playing this one. I didn't, but I'm glad I do now. Check it out.

[After a little searching, I discovered the full set from the 2006 performance that the song came from on this blog.]

Adolphus Bell is saving the Blues

2007-09-27T18:07:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since we had a real Bluesman rise up. Albert King, John Lee Hooker and Junior Wells passed away in the 1990s. B.B. King and Buddy Guy are still playing (and still put on great live shows), but much of their new music in the past 10 years has been waterlogged with overproduction or guest appearances.

In the mid '90s, Fat Possum Records started tapping into one of the last wells of pure blues musicians by pulling true (read: old) masters out of the north Mississippi hill country and into their own makeshift recording studio. But now most of them have passed on, too: Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Asie Payton, and Paul Jones, to name a few. Most of the ones who haven't are, sadly, too old to record. The Bluesman (or woman, for that matter) seems to have become all but extinct.

Then I started hearing (from Barrett, actually) about the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Located in North Carolina and run by a guy named Tim Duffy, the organization has made a mission out of aiding old, financially strapped southern blues and folk musicians. In particular, they help the artists make and release new records and schedule gigs so they can support themselves. Of course, they've only been able to find so many of these living wonders, and many have died in the few years since. But just the fact that they found them at all has been a cause to rejoice.

One of Music Maker's most significant discoveries has been Adolphus Bell, the 62-year-old "one man band" from Birmingham, Ala. As befits his title, Bell plays the drums (hi-hat and bass drum), guitar and harmonica, sings and talks, all simultaneously. You’d think the end product might be just a novelty act, but over nearly four decades of playing, Bell has actually perfected a stripped-down, funky blues style that is nothing short of incredible. And with One Man Band – his first album ever – the man proves he is a master of his craft.

Bell delivers on each of the album’s 13 tracks, including covers like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” But it’s his originals, like "Alabama Women", "Child Support Blues", and the title track, that are the true gems. With lyrics ranging from the political to the hysterical -- not to mention Bell's pure, stripped-down style -- you're always left wanting more.

The end result is that, in a record not from 1966 or even 1996, but 2006, someone has actually contributed songs to the canon of timeless blues numbers. Needless to say, Adolphus Bell's One Man Band is one of the most exciting new blues albums in years. A treasure, indeed.