The Lightning Seeds' 1992 album Sense spawned the hit single "The Life of Riley." While I knew the title, I had not heard the song before. I was not even familiar with any of the other titles on this disc prior to listening. However, I was willing to take a chance on this album thanks to my recent infatuation with the song "Pure."
When I first heard "Pure," my thoughts were that it sounded like New Order being sung by Pet Shop Boys. For me, this was awesome, because I love both. This isn't an original comparison, however, as others have used similar ones to criticize The Lightning Seeds. Oh well.
Anyway, Sense is a solid album filled with more tunes in a similar vein. Standout tracks for me include the title track, "The Life of Riley," "A Cool Place," "Happy," and "Tingle Tangle."
Track listing:
1. Sense
2. The Life of Riley
3. Blowing Bubbles
4. A Cool Place
5. Where Flowers Fade
6. A Small Slice of Heaven
7. Tingle Tangle
8. Happy
9. Marooned
10. Thinking Up Looking Down
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I Want Too Much (A House)
I have to admit that I bought A House's I Want Too Much without having actually heard any A House material. It was a gamble, but a relatively cheap one, so I was willing to take the chance. The first striking thing about the album for me was the lead singer's vocal style. I don't know much about music, so I'm not sure how to describe it, but it immediately made me think of Ironhorse's "Sweet Lui-Louise," if that gives any indication. The second thing that struck me was that the title track was unique, and I couldn't decide if I really liked it or really didn't. However, as I got further into the album, I found some songs that were more up my alley (which isn't to discredit the opening cut "13 Wonderful Love Songs," which I also enjoyed). Standout songs for me would be "Marry Me," "I Think I'm Going Mad," and "Small Talk."
Track listing:
1. 13 Wonderful Love Songs
2. I Want Too Much
3. Talking
4. The Patron Saint of Mediocrity
5. Shivers Up My Spine
6. Marry Me
7. I Give You You
8. Now That I'm Sick
9. I Think I'm Going Mad
10. Bring Down the Beat
11. Manstrong
12. Keep the Homefires Burning
13. You'll Cry When I Die
14. Small Talk
Track listing:
1. 13 Wonderful Love Songs
2. I Want Too Much
3. Talking
4. The Patron Saint of Mediocrity
5. Shivers Up My Spine
6. Marry Me
7. I Give You You
8. Now That I'm Sick
9. I Think I'm Going Mad
10. Bring Down the Beat
11. Manstrong
12. Keep the Homefires Burning
13. You'll Cry When I Die
14. Small Talk
Song of the Day: "Violet Hill"
ARTIST: Coldplay
TITLE: "Violet Hill"
YEAR: 2008
Coldplay's new single "Violet Hill" has been made available as a free download from their website. The song is brilliant. I love it! It is just under four minutes of awesome and leaves me hankering for their forthcoming album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.
TITLE: "Violet Hill"
YEAR: 2008
Coldplay's new single "Violet Hill" has been made available as a free download from their website. The song is brilliant. I love it! It is just under four minutes of awesome and leaves me hankering for their forthcoming album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends.
Still Life (The Connells)
Since I'd had such success with my first two Connells albums, I figured I'd give Still Life a try. It's another good album, but it doesn't stand out quite as much as the others did. There's no "Slackjawed" or "Stone Cold Yesterday" on here. Still, it's not bad. I can't really pick any tracks that stood out, though.
Track listing:
1. Dull, Brown and Gray
2. The Leper
3. Bruised
4. Curly's Train
5. Gauntlet
6. Glade
7. Soul Reactor
8. Still Life
9. Crown
10. Circlin'
11. Gonna Take a Lie
12. Queen of Charades
13. Pedro Says
Track listing:
1. Dull, Brown and Gray
2. The Leper
3. Bruised
4. Curly's Train
5. Gauntlet
6. Glade
7. Soul Reactor
8. Still Life
9. Crown
10. Circlin'
11. Gonna Take a Lie
12. Queen of Charades
13. Pedro Says
Monday, April 28, 2008
Song of the Day: "Dream Catch Me"
ARTIST: Newton Faulkner
TITLE: "Dream Catch Me"
YEAR: 2007
Newton Faulkner's "Dream Catch Me" is a supremely good track. Already a hit in his native UK, the song is now being promoted in the United States as his lead single, although it's unfortunately not catching on too well. Still, that doesn't detract from the enjoyable listening experience.
You can hear the song here. It is available for purchase on Faulkner's album Hand Built by Robots.
TITLE: "Dream Catch Me"
YEAR: 2007
Newton Faulkner's "Dream Catch Me" is a supremely good track. Already a hit in his native UK, the song is now being promoted in the United States as his lead single, although it's unfortunately not catching on too well. Still, that doesn't detract from the enjoyable listening experience.
You can hear the song here. It is available for purchase on Faulkner's album Hand Built by Robots.
Singles (New Order)
New Order's Singles is a 32-track compilation collecting the majority of the group's output. One of the cool things about this compilation is that many of the recordings here appear in their popular hit versions - that is, the 7" versions and radio edits. One of the drawbacks, unfortunately, is that neither the track listing or liner notes specify exactly which edit is included for each track. However, that is a minor cataloguing complaint that will only affect people as anal as I am. For the sake of my sanity, I'll simply be listing titles with no version information for the track listing in this blog.
Version information aside, this compilation is awesome. For one thing, New Order's music is superb. There is not a single song here I dislike. I can't pick standout tracks because they're all little slices of musical heaven. Also nice is the inclusion of single cover artwork in the liner notes.
Basically, if you enjoy (or at least don't mind) 7" and radio edits, then this is an awesome New Order compilation full of amazing music. If 12" edits or album versions are more your thing, you may want to seek elsewhere. However, in my opinion, while this isn't every New Order song you would ever want (e.g., no "Age of Consent"), it's an awesome start to any collection.
Tracks:
1. Ceremony
2. Procession
3. Everything's Gone Green
4. Temptation
5. Blue Monday
6. Confusion
7. Thieves Like Us
8. The Perfect Kiss
9. Sub-Culture
10. Shellshock
11. State of the Nation
12. Bizarre Love Triangle
13. True Faith
14. 1963
15. Touched by the Hand of God
Disc 2
16. Blue Monday '88
17. Fine Time
18. Round & Round
19. Run
20. World in Motion
21. Regret
22. Ruined in a Day
23. World (The Price of Love)
24. Spooky
25. Crystal
26. 60 Miles an Hour
27. Here to Stay
28. Krafty
29. Jetstream
30. Waiting for the Sirens' Call
31. Turn
32. Temptation (Secret Machines remix)
Version information aside, this compilation is awesome. For one thing, New Order's music is superb. There is not a single song here I dislike. I can't pick standout tracks because they're all little slices of musical heaven. Also nice is the inclusion of single cover artwork in the liner notes.
Basically, if you enjoy (or at least don't mind) 7" and radio edits, then this is an awesome New Order compilation full of amazing music. If 12" edits or album versions are more your thing, you may want to seek elsewhere. However, in my opinion, while this isn't every New Order song you would ever want (e.g., no "Age of Consent"), it's an awesome start to any collection.
Tracks:
1. Ceremony
2. Procession
3. Everything's Gone Green
4. Temptation
5. Blue Monday
6. Confusion
7. Thieves Like Us
8. The Perfect Kiss
9. Sub-Culture
10. Shellshock
11. State of the Nation
12. Bizarre Love Triangle
13. True Faith
14. 1963
15. Touched by the Hand of God
Disc 2
16. Blue Monday '88
17. Fine Time
18. Round & Round
19. Run
20. World in Motion
21. Regret
22. Ruined in a Day
23. World (The Price of Love)
24. Spooky
25. Crystal
26. 60 Miles an Hour
27. Here to Stay
28. Krafty
29. Jetstream
30. Waiting for the Sirens' Call
31. Turn
32. Temptation (Secret Machines remix)
Vampire Weekend
Another bookstore buy on a whim is Vampire Weekend's self-titled album. I'd heard a couple of their songs and liked them well enough, so I decided to give it a try. I'll start with the positives: visually, I enjoy the presentation. The album cover, track listing, and disc itself all appeal to me. Perhaps my setup was a bit dramatic and you're expecting me to trash the music now. Well, I won't be doing that. It's actually a decent album. It may or may not grow on me. I don't find it amazing at this point, but it's okay. The standout track is easily "Oxford Comma," although it pains me slightly to say that. Why? The opening line is "Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma" and, well, I do. I'm a proponent of the usage of the Oxford comma. Wow, it feels good to get that off my dorky chest. Anyhow, the other tracks I currently enjoy are "A-Punk," "Campus," and "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance."
Tracks:
1. Mansard Roof
2. Oxford Comma
3. A-Punk
4. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
5. M79
6. Campus
7. Bryn
8. One (Blake's Got a New Face)
9. I Stand Corrected
10. Walcott
11. The Kids Don't Stand a Chance
Tracks:
1. Mansard Roof
2. Oxford Comma
3. A-Punk
4. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
5. M79
6. Campus
7. Bryn
8. One (Blake's Got a New Face)
9. I Stand Corrected
10. Walcott
11. The Kids Don't Stand a Chance
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Song of the Day: "Pure"
ARTIST: The Lightning Seeds
TITLE: "Pure"
YEAR: 1990
"Pure" is an amazing song. It was a fairly big alternative hit when it came out, and it even managed to cross over to some degree. I guess occasionally even the U.S. gets it right. Such a great song. I missed this song when it was popular, but I've recently discovered it and am spinning it like crazy to make up for lost time.
You can hear the song here. It's available for purchase on such CDs as Cloudcuckooland and Like You Do...Best of the Lightning Seeds.
TITLE: "Pure"
YEAR: 1990
"Pure" is an amazing song. It was a fairly big alternative hit when it came out, and it even managed to cross over to some degree. I guess occasionally even the U.S. gets it right. Such a great song. I missed this song when it was popular, but I've recently discovered it and am spinning it like crazy to make up for lost time.
You can hear the song here. It's available for purchase on such CDs as Cloudcuckooland and Like You Do...Best of the Lightning Seeds.
Other People's Songs (Erasure)
Erasure's Other People's Songs is, as the title states, an album of remakes. For the most part, they don't stray too far from the originals (although there are some exceptions to this), but do have that identifiable Erasure sound. Therefore, while the remakes aren't usually something which will wow people, they're quite good and worth hearing. The only one about which I wasn't crazy was "Goodnight," which, while pretty, dragged a bit. As both a fan of good remakes and a fan of Erasure, this album was a must get for me. Those who enjoy the Erasure sound will likely find it at least somewhat satisfying.
It's tough to pick standouts, although I do love their versions of "Walking in the Rain" and "Video Killed the Radio Star."
Tracks:
1. Solsbury Hill
2. Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime
3. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)
4. Everyday
5. When Will I See You Again
6. Walking in the Rain
7. True Love Ways
8. Ebb Tide
9. Can't Help Falling in Love
10. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
11. Goodnight
12. Video Killed the Radio Star
It's tough to pick standouts, although I do love their versions of "Walking in the Rain" and "Video Killed the Radio Star."
Tracks:
1. Solsbury Hill
2. Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime
3. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)
4. Everyday
5. When Will I See You Again
6. Walking in the Rain
7. True Love Ways
8. Ebb Tide
9. Can't Help Falling in Love
10. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
11. Goodnight
12. Video Killed the Radio Star
Oracular Spectacular (MGMT)
MGMT's Oracular Spectacular benefited from being a CD that my bookstore had out in its now greatly-reduced selection of music. This wasn't a high priority album, but when I saw it there, I decided to give it a shot, having heard and enjoyed "Time to Pretend."
Perhaps I was just in the mood for MGMT today, but this album made an extremely positive impression on me. First, I thought the look of the disc itself was quite cool. When I put "Time to Pretend" on, I found myself enjoying it even moreso than when I heard it the few times prior. Perhaps the CD quality audio allows be to better appreciate the production, or perhaps I finally listened to the lyrics and realized how great they are. Whatever the case, the song blew me away. However, the entire album isn't made up of "Time to Pretend" clones. It's fairly diverse. This doesn't prove problematic, as it sometimes does, as the songs all work. It doesn't really leave one with the feeling that the album is itself one cohesive unit (that is, you could probably get a similar effect listening to these tracks in any order, though maybe not), but in this day and age, that's a very minor complaint. The music itself is top notch.
Standout tracks include "Time to Pretend," "Electric Feel," and "Kids."
I haven't had a chance to play with the interactive "Electric Feel" video yet, but that could be fun.
Tracks:
1. Time to Pretend
2. Weekend Wars
3. The Youth
4. Electric Feel
5. Kids
6. 4th Dimensional Transition
7. Pieces of What
8. Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
9. The Handshake
10. Future Reflections
Perhaps I was just in the mood for MGMT today, but this album made an extremely positive impression on me. First, I thought the look of the disc itself was quite cool. When I put "Time to Pretend" on, I found myself enjoying it even moreso than when I heard it the few times prior. Perhaps the CD quality audio allows be to better appreciate the production, or perhaps I finally listened to the lyrics and realized how great they are. Whatever the case, the song blew me away. However, the entire album isn't made up of "Time to Pretend" clones. It's fairly diverse. This doesn't prove problematic, as it sometimes does, as the songs all work. It doesn't really leave one with the feeling that the album is itself one cohesive unit (that is, you could probably get a similar effect listening to these tracks in any order, though maybe not), but in this day and age, that's a very minor complaint. The music itself is top notch.
Standout tracks include "Time to Pretend," "Electric Feel," and "Kids."
I haven't had a chance to play with the interactive "Electric Feel" video yet, but that could be fun.
Tracks:
1. Time to Pretend
2. Weekend Wars
3. The Youth
4. Electric Feel
5. Kids
6. 4th Dimensional Transition
7. Pieces of What
8. Of Moons, Birds & Monsters
9. The Handshake
10. Future Reflections
Stronger (Carlene Carter)
I was glad that Carlene Carter's Stronger was on sale at the Elvis Costello show, which she opened, as I've been wanting to get it. The album is great! It contains new material from Carter with one older track, an update of "I'm So Cool" from the 1980 Musical Shapes album. The style is some hybrid of rock and country, leaning more towards one on some tracks and the other on others. For Carlene Carter fans, this is far from unfamiliar territory. The wonderful thing is that she pulls off both styles very well, delivering a highly satisfying album.
I think my favorite track on here is "Judgement Day," followed closely by the title track. I can honestly say I like every song, though.
At the moment I write this, the Yep Roc Records website is down. However, when it is up, you can go there to stream the entire album should you want to check it out. My suggestion is you do!
Tracks:
1. The Bitter End
2. Why Be Blue
3. To Change Your Heart
4. Bring Love
5. I'm So Cool
6. Spider Lace
7. On to You
8. Judgement Day
9. Break My Little Heart in Two
10. It Takes One to Know Me
11. Light of Your Love
12. Stronger
A digital-only bonus track is also available for anyone who purchases the album before March 2009. That song is a pretty remake of Paul Thorn's "When the Long Road Ends."
I think my favorite track on here is "Judgement Day," followed closely by the title track. I can honestly say I like every song, though.
At the moment I write this, the Yep Roc Records website is down. However, when it is up, you can go there to stream the entire album should you want to check it out. My suggestion is you do!
Tracks:
1. The Bitter End
2. Why Be Blue
3. To Change Your Heart
4. Bring Love
5. I'm So Cool
6. Spider Lace
7. On to You
8. Judgement Day
9. Break My Little Heart in Two
10. It Takes One to Know Me
11. Light of Your Love
12. Stronger
A digital-only bonus track is also available for anyone who purchases the album before March 2009. That song is a pretty remake of Paul Thorn's "When the Long Road Ends."
Set list: Robert Cray Band
On 25 April, I got to see the Robert Cray Band perform. Despite sitting next to a drunken ass, the show was amazing. Cray's set included traditional blues numbers and the blues-rock for which he's best known. He and the band kicked serious ass with some awesome guitar, keyboard, and drum work in addition to Cray's emotive and well-delivered vocals. He also played "Right Next Door," which I love, so yay for that.
Set:
1. Phone Booth
2. The Twelve Year Old Boy ... awesome guitar work here
3. I Was Warned ... also particularly awesome. As I recall, this one sounded Santana-esque.
4. Poor Johnny
5. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
6. Midnight Stroll
7. Bad Influence
8. Twenty
9. The One in the Middle
10. Back Door Slam
11. Smoking Gun
Encore
12. Sitting on Top of the World
13. I'm Walkin'
14. Time Makes Two
Set:
1. Phone Booth
2. The Twelve Year Old Boy ... awesome guitar work here
3. I Was Warned ... also particularly awesome. As I recall, this one sounded Santana-esque.
4. Poor Johnny
5. Right Next Door (Because of Me)
6. Midnight Stroll
7. Bad Influence
8. Twenty
9. The One in the Middle
10. Back Door Slam
11. Smoking Gun
Encore
12. Sitting on Top of the World
13. I'm Walkin'
14. Time Makes Two
Próxima Estación: Esperanza (Manu Chao)
Manu Chao's 2001 album Próxima Estación: Esperanza is another one of my Record Store Day finds. Earlier this year, I found Chao's Clandestino album in a used shop and fell in love with that record. I was therefore quite excited to pick up this one, and it did not disappoint. A lot of the material is similar to that found on Clandestino. Two of the tracks, "Mr. Bobby" and "Homens," use the backing music from "Bongo Bong & Je ne t'aime plus." It is still high quality, though, and, like the other album, includes songs in a variety of languages. Good stuff.
Hard to pick standout tracks here, but "Promiscuity" was one of my faves.
Tracks:
1. Merry Blues
2. Bixo
3. Eldorado 1997
4. Promiscuity
5. La primavera
6. Me gustas tu
7. Denia
8. Mi vida
9. Trapped by Love
10. Le rendez-vous
11. Mr. Bobby
12. Papito
13. La chinita
14. La marea
15. Homens
16. La vacaloca
17. Infinita tristeza
Hard to pick standout tracks here, but "Promiscuity" was one of my faves.
Tracks:
1. Merry Blues
2. Bixo
3. Eldorado 1997
4. Promiscuity
5. La primavera
6. Me gustas tu
7. Denia
8. Mi vida
9. Trapped by Love
10. Le rendez-vous
11. Mr. Bobby
12. Papito
13. La chinita
14. La marea
15. Homens
16. La vacaloca
17. Infinita tristeza
Set lists: Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Carlene Carter
On 23 April, I had the pleasure of seeing Elvis Costello & The Imposters. As an additional treat, the opening act was the lovely Carlene Carter.
Carter was great fun. She still has a great voice and she seemed to be in fine spirit despite recent rough times, making jokes for the audience, narrating stories, and just being generally lively. Perhaps her best line of the night was when she claimed to finally be "putting the try back in country." She performed a mix of some of her 90s material and songs from her recent album, Stronger. As a cool treat, she also threw in "Cry," from her 1980 album Musical Shapes. She also demonstrated the importance of her family by not only mentioning them and dedicating songs to them, but also by singing some Carter material, including The Carter Family's "My Dixie Darling" and the June Carter-penned "Ring of Fire." It was a good set.
Costello and band were also very good. Costello, too, did a mix of classic and current material. It was great to see him live, and I had a pretty decent view of him and the band from my seat, so that was cool. I won't say this is the best concert I've ever seen, but it was definitely solid, and I would recommend catching a Costello live show. He and the band sounded quite good to my ears, and obviously the man has a vast catalogue of awesome songs. One song he performed that came as a very pleasant surprise is "Indoor Fireworks." The only other thing I can really say is that, through the uptempos, midtempos, down-tempos... through the wild abandon on some of the numbers and the potential energy of others... through it all, it was quite an experience.
Carter's set:
1. Every Little Thing
2. Bring Love
3. To Change Your Heart
4. The Bitter End
5. Me and the Wildwood Rose
6. Ring of Fire
7. My Dixie Darling
8. It Takes One to Know Me
9. Why Be Blue
10. Cry
11. Stronger
Costello's set:
1. Stella Hurt
2. (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea
3. Clown Strike
4. Wonder Woman
5. Either Side of the Same Town
6. Every Day I Write the Book
7. Song With Rose (a Rosanne Cash co-write)
8. Accidents Will Happen
9. Harry Worth
10. Drum and Bone
11. Flutter and Wow
12. Femme Fatale (the Velvet Underground song)
13. Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve
14. The River in Reverse
15. American Gangster Time (which was dedicated to Jay-Z and Beyoncé)
16. Beyond Belief
17. You Belong to Me
18. The Impostor
19. Radio Radio
Encore
20. My Three Sons
21. Indoor Fireworks
22. Man Out of Time
Encore
23. No Hiding Place
24. Turpentine
25. Go Away
Encore
26. Mr. Feathers
27. Alison
28. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
"Peace, Love, and Understanding" made an awesome closer, but I have to say, Nick Lowe's acoustic rendition was so amazing that I'd have to give him the nod there. Still, I'm glad I did indeed get to see both perform it within the span of a few nights.
As you can see, he played a substantial set, and I am grateful for that!
And lest there be any doubt, let me say here that the Momofuku material is excellent. I wasn't inclined to buy the vinyl edition, but I'm definitely interested in the forthcoming CD release and would recommend anyone check it out in whichever edition is more desirable.
Carter was great fun. She still has a great voice and she seemed to be in fine spirit despite recent rough times, making jokes for the audience, narrating stories, and just being generally lively. Perhaps her best line of the night was when she claimed to finally be "putting the try back in country." She performed a mix of some of her 90s material and songs from her recent album, Stronger. As a cool treat, she also threw in "Cry," from her 1980 album Musical Shapes. She also demonstrated the importance of her family by not only mentioning them and dedicating songs to them, but also by singing some Carter material, including The Carter Family's "My Dixie Darling" and the June Carter-penned "Ring of Fire." It was a good set.
Costello and band were also very good. Costello, too, did a mix of classic and current material. It was great to see him live, and I had a pretty decent view of him and the band from my seat, so that was cool. I won't say this is the best concert I've ever seen, but it was definitely solid, and I would recommend catching a Costello live show. He and the band sounded quite good to my ears, and obviously the man has a vast catalogue of awesome songs. One song he performed that came as a very pleasant surprise is "Indoor Fireworks." The only other thing I can really say is that, through the uptempos, midtempos, down-tempos... through the wild abandon on some of the numbers and the potential energy of others... through it all, it was quite an experience.
Carter's set:
1. Every Little Thing
2. Bring Love
3. To Change Your Heart
4. The Bitter End
5. Me and the Wildwood Rose
6. Ring of Fire
7. My Dixie Darling
8. It Takes One to Know Me
9. Why Be Blue
10. Cry
11. Stronger
Costello's set:
1. Stella Hurt
2. (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea
3. Clown Strike
4. Wonder Woman
5. Either Side of the Same Town
6. Every Day I Write the Book
7. Song With Rose (a Rosanne Cash co-write)
8. Accidents Will Happen
9. Harry Worth
10. Drum and Bone
11. Flutter and Wow
12. Femme Fatale (the Velvet Underground song)
13. Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve
14. The River in Reverse
15. American Gangster Time (which was dedicated to Jay-Z and Beyoncé)
16. Beyond Belief
17. You Belong to Me
18. The Impostor
19. Radio Radio
Encore
20. My Three Sons
21. Indoor Fireworks
22. Man Out of Time
Encore
23. No Hiding Place
24. Turpentine
25. Go Away
Encore
26. Mr. Feathers
27. Alison
28. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
"Peace, Love, and Understanding" made an awesome closer, but I have to say, Nick Lowe's acoustic rendition was so amazing that I'd have to give him the nod there. Still, I'm glad I did indeed get to see both perform it within the span of a few nights.
As you can see, he played a substantial set, and I am grateful for that!
And lest there be any doubt, let me say here that the Momofuku material is excellent. I wasn't inclined to buy the vinyl edition, but I'm definitely interested in the forthcoming CD release and would recommend anyone check it out in whichever edition is more desirable.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Q 1998: Best (Various Artists)
Q 1998: Best is the second of two Q Magazine compilations in the bargain box I picked up on Record Store Day. While I enjoyed Rule Britannia, I'm currently leaning toward this as the one I prefer. It has a diverse representation of styles, but it sticks (mainly) to tracks I like, and introduced me to a few new discoveries I love along with some songs I already greatly enjoyed. My favourite of the new discoveries is Catatonia's "Road Rage." I was going to list other standouts, but I realized it would be easier to go the opposite route. I wasn't crazy about Marilyn Manson's "The Dope Show," but all the other tracks on here range from reasonably good to excellent listens.
Tracks:
1. Air: "La femme d'Argent"
2. Fatboy Slim: "The Rockafeller Skank"
3. James: "Destiny Calling"
4. Placebo: "Without You I'm Nothing"
5. Massive Attack: "Teardrop"
6. Marilyn Manson: "The Dope Show"
7. Garbage: "I Think I'm Paranoid"
8. Gomez: "Here Comes the Breeze"
9. Manic Street Preachers: "My Little Empire"'
10. Neil Finn: "Sinner"
11. Madonna: "Drowned World/Substitute for Love"
12. Catatonia: "Road Rage"
13. R.E.M.: "Daysleeper"
14. The Beautiful South: "Look What I Found in My Beer"
15. Oasis: "The Masterplan"
16. Bernard Butler: "Stay"
Tracks:
1. Air: "La femme d'Argent"
2. Fatboy Slim: "The Rockafeller Skank"
3. James: "Destiny Calling"
4. Placebo: "Without You I'm Nothing"
5. Massive Attack: "Teardrop"
6. Marilyn Manson: "The Dope Show"
7. Garbage: "I Think I'm Paranoid"
8. Gomez: "Here Comes the Breeze"
9. Manic Street Preachers: "My Little Empire"'
10. Neil Finn: "Sinner"
11. Madonna: "Drowned World/Substitute for Love"
12. Catatonia: "Road Rage"
13. R.E.M.: "Daysleeper"
14. The Beautiful South: "Look What I Found in My Beer"
15. Oasis: "The Masterplan"
16. Bernard Butler: "Stay"
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Great Expectations (Tasmin Archer)
Tasmin Archer's Great Expectations contains a song I love, "Sleeping Satellite." That was more than enough reason for me to give this 1993 album a chance. I was a bit surprised in that her music was a tad edgier than I expected. This isn't a bad thing, though, as her songs are, for the most part, quite good. Archer wrote all of the tunes on the album along with John Beck and John Hughes, and the lyrics are one area in particular where these songs succeed.
Of the new discoveries, my favorite at this point is "Lords of the New Church." Other standouts include "Arienne," "Somebody's Daughter," and "Ripped Inside."
Tracks:
1. Sleeping Satellite
2. Arienne
3. Lords of the New Church
4. When It Comes Down to It
5. Steel Town
6. The Higher You Climb
7. In Your Care
8. Somebody's Daughter
9. Hero
10. Ripped Inside
11. Halfway to Heaven
Of the new discoveries, my favorite at this point is "Lords of the New Church." Other standouts include "Arienne," "Somebody's Daughter," and "Ripped Inside."
Tracks:
1. Sleeping Satellite
2. Arienne
3. Lords of the New Church
4. When It Comes Down to It
5. Steel Town
6. The Higher You Climb
7. In Your Care
8. Somebody's Daughter
9. Hero
10. Ripped Inside
11. Halfway to Heaven
Enrique (Enrique Iglesias)
For whatever reason, I really enjoy the music of Enrique Iglesias, so I was happy to find his Enrique album at a bargain price. It contains a lot of light pop music, some of it with Latin influence, and all of it nice ear candy.
Tracks:
1. Rhythm Divine
2. Be With You
3. I Have Always Loved You
4. Sad Eyes
5. I'm Your Man
6. Oyeme
7. Could I Have This Kiss Forever (with Whitney Houston)
8. You're My #1
9. Alabao
10. Bailamos
11. Ritmo total
12. Mas es amar
13. No puedo mas sin ti
Tracks:
1. Rhythm Divine
2. Be With You
3. I Have Always Loved You
4. Sad Eyes
5. I'm Your Man
6. Oyeme
7. Could I Have This Kiss Forever (with Whitney Houston)
8. You're My #1
9. Alabao
10. Bailamos
11. Ritmo total
12. Mas es amar
13. No puedo mas sin ti
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Song of the Day: "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight"
ARTIST: Rodney Crowell
TITLE: "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight"
YEAR: 1978
I have no idea why this song popped into my head as I was watching Elvis Costello perform. But it did. And it's a good song with awesome harmonies. So it deserves a spotlight in my blog.
The song can be purchased on various CDs, including several Crowell collections and the Ain't Living Long Like This album.
TITLE: "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight"
YEAR: 1978
I have no idea why this song popped into my head as I was watching Elvis Costello perform. But it did. And it's a good song with awesome harmonies. So it deserves a spotlight in my blog.
The song can be purchased on various CDs, including several Crowell collections and the Ain't Living Long Like This album.
One Simple Word (The Connells)
I was excited to see The Connells' One Simple Word sitting in the bargain bin during my CD hunt as I had such a positive experience with their Ring album earlier this year. (See that entry here.) One Simple Word is Ring's predecessor, released in 1990. It spawned the hit single "Stone Cold Yesterday," which is a great song. Other cool tracks include "Speak to Me," "Get a Gun," "What Do You Want?," "Set the Stage," and "Too Gone." One thing I noticed on some of these tracks that I had not picked up on while listening to Ring is a vocal similarity to Duran Duran, another band I love. Perhaps it's not really there, but either way, The Connells proved that they knew how to make more than one album's worth of solid college rock.
Tracks:
1. Stone Cold Yesterday
2. Speak to Me
3. All Sinks In
4. Get a Gun
5. What Do You Want?
6. Set the Stage
7. One Simple Word
8. Another Souvenir
9. Link
10. The Joke
11. Too Gone
12. Waiting My Turn
13. Take a Bow
Tracks:
1. Stone Cold Yesterday
2. Speak to Me
3. All Sinks In
4. Get a Gun
5. What Do You Want?
6. Set the Stage
7. One Simple Word
8. Another Souvenir
9. Link
10. The Joke
11. Too Gone
12. Waiting My Turn
13. Take a Bow
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Come Find Yourself (Fun Lovin' Criminals)
I had no idea what to expect when I bought Fun Lovin' Criminals' Come Find Yourself, and that proved both a good and a bad thing. The bad part was, FLC is so unique and eclectic that it took me a while to figure out what was going on. The good thing is, once I did figure it out, the surprise was a pleasant one. FLC bring an interesting mix of hip-hop, rock, and other styles to their music, and it makes for a pretty cool listen.
Tracks:
1. The Fun Lovin' Criminal
2. Passive/Aggressive
3. The Grave and the Constant
4. Scooby Snacks
5. Smoke 'Em
6. Bombin' the L
7. I Can't Get With That
8. King of New York
9. We Have All the Time in the World
10. Bear Hug
11. Come Find Yourself
12. Crime and Punishment
13. Methadonia
Tracks:
1. The Fun Lovin' Criminal
2. Passive/Aggressive
3. The Grave and the Constant
4. Scooby Snacks
5. Smoke 'Em
6. Bombin' the L
7. I Can't Get With That
8. King of New York
9. We Have All the Time in the World
10. Bear Hug
11. Come Find Yourself
12. Crime and Punishment
13. Methadonia
Q Presents Rule Britannia (Various Artists)
Q Presents Rule Britannia has a title that pretty well explains itself. Q magazine assembled a CD with some classic tracks by British artists. The contents is varied chronologically and the quality of the tracks generally runs high. The latter is only to be expected when the artists represented include Madness, The Jam, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kinks, Pulp, etc. Overall, it's a cool compilation.
Tracks:
1. Bloc Party: "Helicopter"
2. Suede: "The Drowners"
3. The Small Faces: "Don't Burst My Bubble"
4. The Kinks: "Misty Water"
5. The Jam: "The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow) (first version)
6. Pulp: "Dishes"
7. Madness: "Mr. Speaker Gets the Word"
8. Ian Dury & The Blockheads: "Wake Up and Make Love With Me"
9. The Departure: "Be My Enemy"
10. Lloyd Cole & The Commotions: "Perfect Skin"
11. Echo & The Bunnymen: "Crystal Days"
12. The Only Ones: "The Beast"
13. Feeder: "Just the Way I'm Feeling"
14. Kaiser Chiefs: "Caroline, Yes"
15. Dexy's Midnight Runners: "One of Those Things"
Tracks:
1. Bloc Party: "Helicopter"
2. Suede: "The Drowners"
3. The Small Faces: "Don't Burst My Bubble"
4. The Kinks: "Misty Water"
5. The Jam: "The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow) (first version)
6. Pulp: "Dishes"
7. Madness: "Mr. Speaker Gets the Word"
8. Ian Dury & The Blockheads: "Wake Up and Make Love With Me"
9. The Departure: "Be My Enemy"
10. Lloyd Cole & The Commotions: "Perfect Skin"
11. Echo & The Bunnymen: "Crystal Days"
12. The Only Ones: "The Beast"
13. Feeder: "Just the Way I'm Feeling"
14. Kaiser Chiefs: "Caroline, Yes"
15. Dexy's Midnight Runners: "One of Those Things"
The Hour of Bewilderbeast (Badly Drawn Boy)
On the strength of the single "You Were Right," I picked up Badly Drawn Boy's album Have You Fed the Fish a few years ago. While some tracks, like the one mentioned, were strong, overall the album was pleasant but unexceptional. However, as part of my National Record Store Day festivities, when I saw this album priced at $0.50, I decided to give BDB another shot.
The result with The Hour of Bewilderbeast is much the same. The album makes great background music, but only a few tracks actually stand out. It's a nice, mellow album that isn't unenjoyable but ultimately won't win a lot of spins from me.
To his credit, both of the albums have amazing flow. He certainly has that down.
Standout tracks: "This Song," "Bewilderbeast," "Cause a Rockslide," "Disillusion"
Tracks:
1. The Shining
2. Everybody's Stalking
3. Bewilder
4. Fall in a River
5. Camping Next to Water
6. Stone on the Water
7. Another Pearl
8. Body Rap
9. Once Around the Block
10. This Song
11. Bewilderbeast
12. Magic in the Air
13. Cause a Rockslide
14. Pissing in the Wind
15. Blistered Heart
16. Disillusion
17. Say It Again
18. Epitaph
The result with The Hour of Bewilderbeast is much the same. The album makes great background music, but only a few tracks actually stand out. It's a nice, mellow album that isn't unenjoyable but ultimately won't win a lot of spins from me.
To his credit, both of the albums have amazing flow. He certainly has that down.
Standout tracks: "This Song," "Bewilderbeast," "Cause a Rockslide," "Disillusion"
Tracks:
1. The Shining
2. Everybody's Stalking
3. Bewilder
4. Fall in a River
5. Camping Next to Water
6. Stone on the Water
7. Another Pearl
8. Body Rap
9. Once Around the Block
10. This Song
11. Bewilderbeast
12. Magic in the Air
13. Cause a Rockslide
14. Pissing in the Wind
15. Blistered Heart
16. Disillusion
17. Say It Again
18. Epitaph
Song of the Day: "Is That Love"
ARTIST: Squeeze
TITLE: "Is That Love"
YEAR: 1981
Perhaps it was the excitement of discovering that Squeeze will be playing Nashville that got this song in my head. In fact, I'm almost sure that's it. Regardless, this is amongst my favorite Squeeze songs, although I think "Another Nail in My Heart" wins the #1 spot. Still, this is a great song that's always worthy of a spin or two.
The song can be heard here. It is available on CD in various forms, including the compilation Greatest Hits and the remaster of the album on which it originally appeared, East Side Story.
TITLE: "Is That Love"
YEAR: 1981
Perhaps it was the excitement of discovering that Squeeze will be playing Nashville that got this song in my head. In fact, I'm almost sure that's it. Regardless, this is amongst my favorite Squeeze songs, although I think "Another Nail in My Heart" wins the #1 spot. Still, this is a great song that's always worthy of a spin or two.
The song can be heard here. It is available on CD in various forms, including the compilation Greatest Hits and the remaster of the album on which it originally appeared, East Side Story.
"Crazy" single (Andy Bell)
It's rare that I hear so many official remixes of a song I like (and a dance-oriented song at that) that miss the mark for me. Unfortunately, this is the case with Andy Bell's "Crazy" single. Half of the duo Erasure, Bell released "Crazy" as a single off his solo album, Electric Blue. The song itself is great, as evidenced by the original radio edit present on this single; however, not all of the mixes are able to capture that. Many interfere with the deep emotion of the track in the name of the dance floor, or at least, such is my perception of the first three MHC mixes and the King Roc remix. Thankfully, all is not lost on this disc. The Cicada vocal remix is decent, and the Vince Clarke remix is actually quite good. Curiously, the MHC Master mix is also decent, despite the relative blah-ness of the other MHC mixes.
Tracks:
1. Crazy (MHC Stateside Remix)
2. Crazy (MHC Stateside Dub)
3. Crazy (MHC Alternative Stateside Remix)
4. Crazy (Original Radio Edit)
5. Crazy (Cicada Vocal Remix)
6. Crazy (King Roc Remix)
7. Crazy (Vince Clarke Remix)
8. Crazy (MHC Master Mix)
Tracks:
1. Crazy (MHC Stateside Remix)
2. Crazy (MHC Stateside Dub)
3. Crazy (MHC Alternative Stateside Remix)
4. Crazy (Original Radio Edit)
5. Crazy (Cicada Vocal Remix)
6. Crazy (King Roc Remix)
7. Crazy (Vince Clarke Remix)
8. Crazy (MHC Master Mix)
Set lists: Nick Lowe, Ron Sexsmith
On 21 April, I saw Nick Lowe, and it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. The man is so versatile. It was just him and his guitar, and yet he still managed to do awesome versions of various songs from his catalogue. Also, as many times as I've heard it, I have never felt "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding" the way I did seeing him perform that acoustic version. Amazing.
As a bonus, this gave me a good reason to wear my "We finally nailed the Jesus of Cool" t-shirt. I don't actually need a special reason to wear it, as I rather love it, but it was cool to have one.
The opening act was Ron Sexsmith. Having seen Feist a couple nights before, I was kinda hoping he'd perform "Secret Heart," which she did after saying she was told he was in attendance. He didn't disappoint in that respect, so now I've heard two cool renditions of that tune within the last few nights. His music was quite good and I'm actually pretty interested in checking him out at some point.
Right, so, set lists. Here's Sexsmith's:
1. Former Glory
2. Cheap Hotel
3. Jazz at the Bookstore
4. Reason for Our Love
5. Where's My Everything (Nick Lowe's song)
6. Secret Heart
7. One Last Round
8. This Is How I Know
9. Lebanon, Tennessee
10. Just My Heart Talking
11. Strawberry Blonde
12. For a Moment
And Nick Lowe's:
1. People Change
2. Soulful Wind
3. When I Write the Book
4. What's Shakin' on the Hill
5. Long Limbed Girl
6. Lately I've Let Things Slide
7. Has She Got a Friend
8. All Men Are Liars
9. I Trained Her to Love Me
10. I Read a Lot (a new song accompanied by some amusing talk about two kinds of concert goers: those who hear new songs and think how genius the artist must be to have time to write yet another amazing song, and those who are wondering when the new material will end and the familiar stuff will come back.)
11. Cruel to Be Kind
12. Heart
13. Man That I've Become
14. I Live on a Battlefield
15. Hope for Us All
16. Without Love
17. Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
18. Shelley My Love
19. I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)
20. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
Encore
21. Heart of the City
22. My Baby's Gone (with Ron Sexsmith ... they sounded so much like a modern version of The Everly Brothers on this. Good stuff.)
23. The Beast in Me
Encore 2
24. Seven Nights to Rock
And just to keep the Nick Lowe goodness going...
1) He's in my CD player right now.
2) My next concert will be Elvis Costello (obvious connection there - perhaps he'll be the next to give me a second version of a song I recently heard live? I actually doubt it but we'll see) with opening act Carlene Carter (the former Mrs. Lowe).
Not that I imagine Nick Lowe needs any validation, but if I hadn't been cemented as a full-on fanatic before tonight's show, I can confidently say that is the case now. I am on such a musical high that I want to ramble more, but I'll cut it off here, enjoy a bit more Lowe tunage, and then I suppose it's time to sleep and rejoin reality.
As a bonus, this gave me a good reason to wear my "We finally nailed the Jesus of Cool" t-shirt. I don't actually need a special reason to wear it, as I rather love it, but it was cool to have one.
The opening act was Ron Sexsmith. Having seen Feist a couple nights before, I was kinda hoping he'd perform "Secret Heart," which she did after saying she was told he was in attendance. He didn't disappoint in that respect, so now I've heard two cool renditions of that tune within the last few nights. His music was quite good and I'm actually pretty interested in checking him out at some point.
Right, so, set lists. Here's Sexsmith's:
1. Former Glory
2. Cheap Hotel
3. Jazz at the Bookstore
4. Reason for Our Love
5. Where's My Everything (Nick Lowe's song)
6. Secret Heart
7. One Last Round
8. This Is How I Know
9. Lebanon, Tennessee
10. Just My Heart Talking
11. Strawberry Blonde
12. For a Moment
And Nick Lowe's:
1. People Change
2. Soulful Wind
3. When I Write the Book
4. What's Shakin' on the Hill
5. Long Limbed Girl
6. Lately I've Let Things Slide
7. Has She Got a Friend
8. All Men Are Liars
9. I Trained Her to Love Me
10. I Read a Lot (a new song accompanied by some amusing talk about two kinds of concert goers: those who hear new songs and think how genius the artist must be to have time to write yet another amazing song, and those who are wondering when the new material will end and the familiar stuff will come back.)
11. Cruel to Be Kind
12. Heart
13. Man That I've Become
14. I Live on a Battlefield
15. Hope for Us All
16. Without Love
17. Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
18. Shelley My Love
19. I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)
20. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
Encore
21. Heart of the City
22. My Baby's Gone (with Ron Sexsmith ... they sounded so much like a modern version of The Everly Brothers on this. Good stuff.)
23. The Beast in Me
Encore 2
24. Seven Nights to Rock
And just to keep the Nick Lowe goodness going...
1) He's in my CD player right now.
2) My next concert will be Elvis Costello (obvious connection there - perhaps he'll be the next to give me a second version of a song I recently heard live? I actually doubt it but we'll see) with opening act Carlene Carter (the former Mrs. Lowe).
Not that I imagine Nick Lowe needs any validation, but if I hadn't been cemented as a full-on fanatic before tonight's show, I can confidently say that is the case now. I am on such a musical high that I want to ramble more, but I'll cut it off here, enjoy a bit more Lowe tunage, and then I suppose it's time to sleep and rejoin reality.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Song of the Day: "Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To"
ARTIST: Ian McNabb
TITLE: "Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To"
YEAR: 2005
Ian McNabb may be best known for his work as a member of Icicle Works, but he has produced some quality solo material. "Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To" was released as a single to promote his 2005 album Before All of This. I've not heard the album, but this song is amazing. I love it, and it still sounds fresher to me than a lot of the tracks being released three years later. Another song from the "should've been a big hit" department.
I can't find anywhere online streaming the song, but trust me, you want to check it out if you don't know it. It is available for purchase on the album Before All of This or its CD single.
TITLE: "Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To"
YEAR: 2005
Ian McNabb may be best known for his work as a member of Icicle Works, but he has produced some quality solo material. "Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To" was released as a single to promote his 2005 album Before All of This. I've not heard the album, but this song is amazing. I love it, and it still sounds fresher to me than a lot of the tracks being released three years later. Another song from the "should've been a big hit" department.
I can't find anywhere online streaming the song, but trust me, you want to check it out if you don't know it. It is available for purchase on the album Before All of This or its CD single.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Song of the Day: "Leavin'"
ARTIST: Jesse McCartney
TITLE: "Leavin'"
YEAR: 2008
I don't know when I became susceptible to enjoying this kinda stuff! While I wasn't big on Jesse McCartney's singles from his first album, "Right Where You Want Me," the lead from his second, was a huge guilty pleasure. "Leavin'," the lead single from his upcoming album, is shaping up to be another pleasure of the guilty variety. Don't know what it is about this song. Judge for yourself.
You can hear the song here. It will be available on CD with the May 2008 release of the album Departure.
TITLE: "Leavin'"
YEAR: 2008
I don't know when I became susceptible to enjoying this kinda stuff! While I wasn't big on Jesse McCartney's singles from his first album, "Right Where You Want Me," the lead from his second, was a huge guilty pleasure. "Leavin'," the lead single from his upcoming album, is shaping up to be another pleasure of the guilty variety. Don't know what it is about this song. Judge for yourself.
You can hear the song here. It will be available on CD with the May 2008 release of the album Departure.
"Caught Out There" single (Kelis)
Kelis's "Caught Out There" deserved more respect than it got. I think the video got some play, but why didn't radio give it more love? Regardless, I enjoy it, and was happy to pick up this single.
Four versions of "Caught Out There" comprise the track listing:
1. Single radio edit
2. The Neptunes extended mix
3. LP Version
4. The Neptunes extended instrumental mix
The instrumental mix isn't anything too special, but the rest are cool.
Four versions of "Caught Out There" comprise the track listing:
1. Single radio edit
2. The Neptunes extended mix
3. LP Version
4. The Neptunes extended instrumental mix
The instrumental mix isn't anything too special, but the rest are cool.
The 13th (The Cure), Ingram Hill Unplugged, Don't Let Me Down / You and I (CD1) (Will Young)
I celebrated National Record Store Day yesterday with a trip to The Groove. It was pretty cool. I really just love record stores, and I spent hours browsing and could have spent more time had I not needed to get back to my room. I actually spent most of my time wading through boxes of 45s that they have. Fun stuff.
Anyway, to consolidate space, this post will knock out 2 singles and an EP that I picked up as part of my NRSD celebration:
The Cure: "The 13th" single
It's a two-track single. The a-side is "The 13th (Swing Radio Mix)" and, if you're a Cure fan, you've probably already heard this 1996 release. It was sent out in support of Wild Mood Swings, which many consider to be one of the weaker Cure albums. I can't judge the album, but I do like the song. The flip side is a cool track titled "Adonais."
Ingram Hill Unplugged
I've been lazy and cheap and therefore have still failed to pick up Ingram Hill's latest album, Cold in California. However, I still recommend their previous one, June's Picture Show, which contains some quality tracks. This EP includes 4 acoustic versions of songs from that release.
Tracks:
1. Almost Perfect (acoustic)
2. Will I Ever Make It Home (acoustic)
3. On My Way (acoustic)
4. Chicago (acoustic)
Will Young: "Don't Let Me Down" / "You and I" (CD1)
This single was released in 2002 as the official BBC Children in Need charity single. I prefer "Don't Let Me Down" to "You and I." They're both decent tracks. B-side "If That's What You Want" is also pretty cool. I'm pleased. Hearing these tracks reminded me that I still really want Gareth Gates's third album, which in turn made me feel pathetic.
Anyway, to consolidate space, this post will knock out 2 singles and an EP that I picked up as part of my NRSD celebration:
The Cure: "The 13th" single
It's a two-track single. The a-side is "The 13th (Swing Radio Mix)" and, if you're a Cure fan, you've probably already heard this 1996 release. It was sent out in support of Wild Mood Swings, which many consider to be one of the weaker Cure albums. I can't judge the album, but I do like the song. The flip side is a cool track titled "Adonais."
Ingram Hill Unplugged
I've been lazy and cheap and therefore have still failed to pick up Ingram Hill's latest album, Cold in California. However, I still recommend their previous one, June's Picture Show, which contains some quality tracks. This EP includes 4 acoustic versions of songs from that release.
Tracks:
1. Almost Perfect (acoustic)
2. Will I Ever Make It Home (acoustic)
3. On My Way (acoustic)
4. Chicago (acoustic)
Will Young: "Don't Let Me Down" / "You and I" (CD1)
This single was released in 2002 as the official BBC Children in Need charity single. I prefer "Don't Let Me Down" to "You and I." They're both decent tracks. B-side "If That's What You Want" is also pretty cool. I'm pleased. Hearing these tracks reminded me that I still really want Gareth Gates's third album, which in turn made me feel pathetic.
Set lists: Rites of Spring (Day 2)
Well, I only actually attended two sets on the second night: Feist and Lil Jon. I enjoyed both. Musically I preferred Feist, but for entertainment value at an outdoor festival, Lil Jon probably won.
I didn't even try to keep Lil Jon's set, but he did a lot of what you'd expect him to do, including "I Don't Give a Fuck," "Bia' Bia'," "What You Gon Do," "Get Low," "The Anthem," "Salt Shaker," "Let's Go," "Snap Yo Fingers," etc. He ended the show with some interesting selections: "Sweet Home Alabama," "Sweet Child o' Mine," and "Don't Stop Believin'."
I did try to keep Feist's set, but I proved kind of inept there. I have half of it and will see if anyone can help me complete it. Anyway, as it currently stands:
1. When I Was a Young Girl
2. My Moon, My Man
3. Gatekeeper
4. I Feel It All
5. ???
6. Secret Heart
7. Inside and Out
8. 1, 2, 3, 4
9. Mushaboom
10. Sea Lion Woman
The fifth song is probably "So Sorry," although we had one guess of "Intuition."
I didn't even try to keep Lil Jon's set, but he did a lot of what you'd expect him to do, including "I Don't Give a Fuck," "Bia' Bia'," "What You Gon Do," "Get Low," "The Anthem," "Salt Shaker," "Let's Go," "Snap Yo Fingers," etc. He ended the show with some interesting selections: "Sweet Home Alabama," "Sweet Child o' Mine," and "Don't Stop Believin'."
I did try to keep Feist's set, but I proved kind of inept there. I have half of it and will see if anyone can help me complete it. Anyway, as it currently stands:
1. When I Was a Young Girl
2. My Moon, My Man
3. Gatekeeper
4. I Feel It All
5. ???
6. Secret Heart
7. Inside and Out
8. 1, 2, 3, 4
9. Mushaboom
10. Sea Lion Woman
The fifth song is probably "So Sorry," although we had one guess of "Intuition."
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Song of the Day: "All I See"
ARTIST: Kylie Minogue
TITLE: "All I See"
YEAR: 2007 / 2008
Kylie Minogue's "All I See" is a track on her latest album release, X. It's the first single being promoted in the United States. It's not met with the greatest response from her fans, but I rather like it. It's a light, enjoyable listen. A remix with rapper Mims was also sent to radio, and it's not bad either.
You can hear the song here and the Mims remix here. Both are available on the US release of X.
TITLE: "All I See"
YEAR: 2007 / 2008
Kylie Minogue's "All I See" is a track on her latest album release, X. It's the first single being promoted in the United States. It's not met with the greatest response from her fans, but I rather like it. It's a light, enjoyable listen. A remix with rapper Mims was also sent to radio, and it's not bad either.
You can hear the song here and the Mims remix here. Both are available on the US release of X.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Set lists: Rites of Spring (Day 1)
Well, the first day of Rites of Spring has turned out to be a bit of a bust as I'm a wimp who can't take the rain. As it turns out, my phone couldn't take it either as it's now screwed up. Oh well.
Anyway, I did stay out for the entirety of Lady Antebellum's set, and I'm glad I did. They're awesome. Here's what they played:
1. Love's Lookin' Good on You
2. Slow Down Sister
3. Mason-Dixon Line / Free Fallin' medley
-He sang a few lines from "I Can't Stand the Rain" here-
4. Lookin' for a Good Time
5. Things People Say
6. Long Train Running
7. Love Don't Live Here
8. Woman Scorned
9. Hard to Handle
I then went back to my room, dried off, and opened my window to hear Cupid. He led off with "Do Yo Dance," did pieces of "Buy U a Drank" at some point, and ended with "Cupid Shuffle." Not sure what else he did.
Then I listened to Colbie Caillat, but her stuff doesn't translate as well for window listening.
1. Oxygen
2. Hard to hear and some idiots outside my window kept drowning her out
3. Realize
4. Thought it was "Battle" but then she performed that later, so...
5. Couldn't tell
6. Missed this too... this sucks
7. Battle
8. Bubbly
9. I don't know
10. Beast of Burden ... and that was a really cool rendition.
11. Feelings Show
I also listened to Spoon's set through my window. They sounded good but at this point I gave up on even trying to keep set. I did hear "The Underdog" near the end, which I love, so yay.
Anyway, I did stay out for the entirety of Lady Antebellum's set, and I'm glad I did. They're awesome. Here's what they played:
1. Love's Lookin' Good on You
2. Slow Down Sister
3. Mason-Dixon Line / Free Fallin' medley
-He sang a few lines from "I Can't Stand the Rain" here-
4. Lookin' for a Good Time
5. Things People Say
6. Long Train Running
7. Love Don't Live Here
8. Woman Scorned
9. Hard to Handle
I then went back to my room, dried off, and opened my window to hear Cupid. He led off with "Do Yo Dance," did pieces of "Buy U a Drank" at some point, and ended with "Cupid Shuffle." Not sure what else he did.
Then I listened to Colbie Caillat, but her stuff doesn't translate as well for window listening.
1. Oxygen
2. Hard to hear and some idiots outside my window kept drowning her out
3. Realize
4. Thought it was "Battle" but then she performed that later, so...
5. Couldn't tell
6. Missed this too... this sucks
7. Battle
8. Bubbly
9. I don't know
10. Beast of Burden ... and that was a really cool rendition.
11. Feelings Show
I also listened to Spoon's set through my window. They sounded good but at this point I gave up on even trying to keep set. I did hear "The Underdog" near the end, which I love, so yay.
Song of the Day: "7"
ARTIST: Prince
TITLE: "7"
YEAR: 1992
Prince's "7" is a rediscovery for me. I heard it the other day when I was letting my music play randomly. I honestly had forgotten just how good this tune is, but of the many songs I heard, this is the one that remained stuck in my head. What a great song!
The song can be purchased on Prince's love symbol album as well as on various compilations.
TITLE: "7"
YEAR: 1992
Prince's "7" is a rediscovery for me. I heard it the other day when I was letting my music play randomly. I honestly had forgotten just how good this tune is, but of the many songs I heard, this is the one that remained stuck in my head. What a great song!
The song can be purchased on Prince's love symbol album as well as on various compilations.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Twenty Four Seven (Tina Turner)
Tina Turner's 2000 album Twenty Four Seven is pretty solid. It contains some strong tunes that make for enjoyable listening. Her voice and personality both shine on this album, and it's overall a good one. Standout tracks include "All the Woman," "When the Heartache Is Over," "Don't Leave Me This Way," and the Bryan Adams duet "Without You."
Tracks:
1. Whatever You Need
2. All the Woman
3. When the Heartache Is Over
4. Absolutely Nothing's Changed
5. Talk to My Heart
6. Don't Leave Me This Way
7. Go Ahead
8. Without You
9. Falling
10. I Will Be There
11. Twenty Four Seven
Tracks:
1. Whatever You Need
2. All the Woman
3. When the Heartache Is Over
4. Absolutely Nothing's Changed
5. Talk to My Heart
6. Don't Leave Me This Way
7. Go Ahead
8. Without You
9. Falling
10. I Will Be There
11. Twenty Four Seven
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Set list: The Raconteurs
On 14 April, I went to see The Raconteurs play their first of two shows here. They were awesome, so I would have loved to have seen the second as well, but I'm just glad I made it to any of them. For a while, it didn't look like that would happen.
The opening act was Magic Wands. Don't know much of anything about them, but they were okay. Nothing special. Lacking in stage presence. You can hear their music at their MySpace page.
The Magic Wands' set:
1. Kaleidoscope Hearts
2. Black Magic
3. Teenage Love
4. Heartbreak Whirl
5. Kiss Me Dead
The Raconteurs:
1. Consoler of the Lonely
2. Hold Up
3. You Don't Understand Me
4. Top Yourself
5. Old Enough
6. Yellow Sun
7. Blue Veins
8. Level
9. Attention
10. Hands
11. Salute Your Solution
12. Steady, As She Goes
13. The Switch and the Spur
14. Carolina Drama
Encore
15. Many Shades of Black
16. Rich Kid Blues
17. Five on the Five
The opening act was Magic Wands. Don't know much of anything about them, but they were okay. Nothing special. Lacking in stage presence. You can hear their music at their MySpace page.
The Magic Wands' set:
1. Kaleidoscope Hearts
2. Black Magic
3. Teenage Love
4. Heartbreak Whirl
5. Kiss Me Dead
The Raconteurs:
1. Consoler of the Lonely
2. Hold Up
3. You Don't Understand Me
4. Top Yourself
5. Old Enough
6. Yellow Sun
7. Blue Veins
8. Level
9. Attention
10. Hands
11. Salute Your Solution
12. Steady, As She Goes
13. The Switch and the Spur
14. Carolina Drama
Encore
15. Many Shades of Black
16. Rich Kid Blues
17. Five on the Five
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Classic Country Volume 6: Sony Ladies (Various Artists)
Classic Country Volume 6: Sony Ladies has a title that accurately describes its contents. The disc is a hodgepodge of country chart hits by female artists released by Sony. The eighteen selections here represent multiple decades and degrees of popularity, containing everything from a big hit that even crossed over to the pop market to a minor hit that scraped the bottom of the country chart then disappeared. It's therefore perhaps more useful to examine its individual parts.
Tracks:
1. Bobbie Cryner: "Daddy Laid the Blues on Me" (#63 Country / 1993)
This is a cool country-blues number. Good song.
2. Shelby Lynne: "Things Are Tough All Over" (#23 Country / 1991)
Lynne is still around and recording. This is one of her earlier selections, and one of her more commercially successful ones. It's a nice tune.
3. Tina Rainford: "Silver Bird" (#25 Country / 1977)
Great song! It was produced by German recording star Drafi Deutscher. It sounds pretty pop to me, but I really like it.
4. Joy White: "Little Tears" (#68 Country / 1992)
A solid 1990s country tune. Fairly clever songwriting.
5. Dolly Parton: "Dumb Blonde" (#24 Country / 1967)
One of Parton's earliest hits that has endured fairly well. Still a fairly well-known tune, I believe. Well-liked, and it deserves the admiration.
6. Lynn Anderson: "Isn't It Always Love" (#10 Country / 1979)
A Karla Bonoff song, and it sounds it. Nice song with lyrics that give a fairly relatable examination of love.
7. Calamity Jane: "I've Just Seen a Face" (#44 Country / 1982)
A country-pop remake of the Beatles song. It's actually one of the reasons I wanted this disc, as it's quite a good version. Definitely recommend it.
8. Sweethearts of the Rodeo: "Since I Found You" (#7 Country / 1986)
A good song, but as mentioned in my recent Sweethearts CD review, I prefer others from them.
9. Debbie Lori Kaye: "Come on Home" (#68 Country / 1968)
An early weeper. It works pretty well.
10. Barbara Fairchild: "Baby Doll" (#6 Country / 1974)
Another weeper. Fairchild has a good voice, but I'm not a huge fan of this song. A bit too maudlin or something.
11. Sue Richards: "Feel Free to Go" (#56 Country / 1971)
"Stay 'cause you want me, not 'cause you feel like you're tied." It's a pretty sentiment, delivered simply but pleasantly. I like it. It makes a nice love song.
12. Terri Lane: "Daisy May (And Daisy May Not)" (#37 Country / 1973)
This is solid 1970s country-pop. It's somewhat reminiscent of Lynn Anderson's rendition of "Rose Garden" production-wise. Not sure why it didn't become a bigger hit, because it's a good song and it sounds like it could have crossed over.
13. Joni Bishop: "Heart Out of Control" (#71 Country / 1987)
I like this one. Something about the way the vocals are delivered, I think. Not that it's a unique structure, but it's just a cool style. I wish I had the musical background to describe it. Anyway, it's a good song.
14. Sammi Smith: "So Long, Charlie Brown, Don't Look for Me Around" (#69 Country / 1968)
This is another one whose lack of success surprises me. It seems to have what it takes. It's a lyrical brush-off that includes some well-crafted verses and a chorus that builds upon itself. Very cool selection.
15. June Stearns: "Empty House" (#47 Country / 1968)
It sounds a bit older than 1968 to me. Maybe that's what held it back. Her vocals are a bit drowned by some of the instrumentation and backing singers, too. Not sure if that's just the remastering here or the production of the original song. Not a bad song, but it could use some cleaning.
16. Mary Kay Place: "Baby Boy" (#3 Country, #60 Pop / 1976)
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman impacts the music charts. It's not a bad song. Amusing enough. Fun, even.
17. Marshall Chapman: "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls?"
This didn't hit the country charts, and that's not surprising. That's not to say it's a bad song - it's actually quite cool. But it doesn't sound any too country. It's Southern rock, maybe with a little blues influence thrown in. Country radio has never been broad enough to attack anything like this. It sure has a killer guitar solo, though. It was released on her album Marshall in 1979.
18. Connie Smith: "('Til) I Kissed You" (#10 Country / 1976)
This is a version of the hit by The Everly Brothers from 1959. It's a decent version. Nothing terribly exciting about it, but it's a good song and Connie Smith sings it well.
Tracks:
1. Bobbie Cryner: "Daddy Laid the Blues on Me" (#63 Country / 1993)
This is a cool country-blues number. Good song.
2. Shelby Lynne: "Things Are Tough All Over" (#23 Country / 1991)
Lynne is still around and recording. This is one of her earlier selections, and one of her more commercially successful ones. It's a nice tune.
3. Tina Rainford: "Silver Bird" (#25 Country / 1977)
Great song! It was produced by German recording star Drafi Deutscher. It sounds pretty pop to me, but I really like it.
4. Joy White: "Little Tears" (#68 Country / 1992)
A solid 1990s country tune. Fairly clever songwriting.
5. Dolly Parton: "Dumb Blonde" (#24 Country / 1967)
One of Parton's earliest hits that has endured fairly well. Still a fairly well-known tune, I believe. Well-liked, and it deserves the admiration.
6. Lynn Anderson: "Isn't It Always Love" (#10 Country / 1979)
A Karla Bonoff song, and it sounds it. Nice song with lyrics that give a fairly relatable examination of love.
7. Calamity Jane: "I've Just Seen a Face" (#44 Country / 1982)
A country-pop remake of the Beatles song. It's actually one of the reasons I wanted this disc, as it's quite a good version. Definitely recommend it.
8. Sweethearts of the Rodeo: "Since I Found You" (#7 Country / 1986)
A good song, but as mentioned in my recent Sweethearts CD review, I prefer others from them.
9. Debbie Lori Kaye: "Come on Home" (#68 Country / 1968)
An early weeper. It works pretty well.
10. Barbara Fairchild: "Baby Doll" (#6 Country / 1974)
Another weeper. Fairchild has a good voice, but I'm not a huge fan of this song. A bit too maudlin or something.
11. Sue Richards: "Feel Free to Go" (#56 Country / 1971)
"Stay 'cause you want me, not 'cause you feel like you're tied." It's a pretty sentiment, delivered simply but pleasantly. I like it. It makes a nice love song.
12. Terri Lane: "Daisy May (And Daisy May Not)" (#37 Country / 1973)
This is solid 1970s country-pop. It's somewhat reminiscent of Lynn Anderson's rendition of "Rose Garden" production-wise. Not sure why it didn't become a bigger hit, because it's a good song and it sounds like it could have crossed over.
13. Joni Bishop: "Heart Out of Control" (#71 Country / 1987)
I like this one. Something about the way the vocals are delivered, I think. Not that it's a unique structure, but it's just a cool style. I wish I had the musical background to describe it. Anyway, it's a good song.
14. Sammi Smith: "So Long, Charlie Brown, Don't Look for Me Around" (#69 Country / 1968)
This is another one whose lack of success surprises me. It seems to have what it takes. It's a lyrical brush-off that includes some well-crafted verses and a chorus that builds upon itself. Very cool selection.
15. June Stearns: "Empty House" (#47 Country / 1968)
It sounds a bit older than 1968 to me. Maybe that's what held it back. Her vocals are a bit drowned by some of the instrumentation and backing singers, too. Not sure if that's just the remastering here or the production of the original song. Not a bad song, but it could use some cleaning.
16. Mary Kay Place: "Baby Boy" (#3 Country, #60 Pop / 1976)
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman impacts the music charts. It's not a bad song. Amusing enough. Fun, even.
17. Marshall Chapman: "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls?"
This didn't hit the country charts, and that's not surprising. That's not to say it's a bad song - it's actually quite cool. But it doesn't sound any too country. It's Southern rock, maybe with a little blues influence thrown in. Country radio has never been broad enough to attack anything like this. It sure has a killer guitar solo, though. It was released on her album Marshall in 1979.
18. Connie Smith: "('Til) I Kissed You" (#10 Country / 1976)
This is a version of the hit by The Everly Brothers from 1959. It's a decent version. Nothing terribly exciting about it, but it's a good song and Connie Smith sings it well.
Song of the Day: "Top of the World (Make My Reservation)"
ARTIST: Canyon
TITLE: "Top of the World (Make My Reservation)"
YEAR: 1975
"Top of the World (Make My Reservation)" was a very minor hit for the group Canyon in 1975. However, it's a catchy rocker that I very much enjoy. It got stuck in my head earlier today and helped distract me during a rather boring lecture.
I thought I'd try to find some info about Canyon for this post, but that's proving quite a task. According to a book by Joel Whitburn, the members of Canyon were Richard Carmichael, Randy Davidson, Bill Frazier, and Mark Lance. When I plugged a couple of those names into Google, I came up with this website devoted to a garage band from the 1960s called The Es-Shade, who have apparently reunited and still make appearances. My best educated guess would be that the Carmichael and Lance from that group are the same who were in Canyon.
Other than that, I can't find much information.
Somebody was kind enough to post this song to Youtube here if you'd like to hear it. I'm not aware of any CD that contains this tune.
TITLE: "Top of the World (Make My Reservation)"
YEAR: 1975
"Top of the World (Make My Reservation)" was a very minor hit for the group Canyon in 1975. However, it's a catchy rocker that I very much enjoy. It got stuck in my head earlier today and helped distract me during a rather boring lecture.
I thought I'd try to find some info about Canyon for this post, but that's proving quite a task. According to a book by Joel Whitburn, the members of Canyon were Richard Carmichael, Randy Davidson, Bill Frazier, and Mark Lance. When I plugged a couple of those names into Google, I came up with this website devoted to a garage band from the 1960s called The Es-Shade, who have apparently reunited and still make appearances. My best educated guess would be that the Carmichael and Lance from that group are the same who were in Canyon.
Other than that, I can't find much information.
Somebody was kind enough to post this song to Youtube here if you'd like to hear it. I'm not aware of any CD that contains this tune.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Song of the Day: "A Young Girl"
ARTIST: Noel Harrison
TITLE: "A Young Girl"
YEAR: 1965
Noel Harrison's minor 1965 hit "A Young Girl" was an English adaptation of a Charles Aznavour song. It's one of those lost 1960s tunes that should be getting some replay, but in general is simply forgotten. Shame, because it's a good song. A fine examples of the folky happenings of the time.
The song can be heard here. The eponymous album which contained it will be released on CD on 22 April of this year.
As a bonus, here's the Dutch adaptation that became a hit the same year as Harrison's, as performed by Boudewijn de Groot.
TITLE: "A Young Girl"
YEAR: 1965
Noel Harrison's minor 1965 hit "A Young Girl" was an English adaptation of a Charles Aznavour song. It's one of those lost 1960s tunes that should be getting some replay, but in general is simply forgotten. Shame, because it's a good song. A fine examples of the folky happenings of the time.
The song can be heard here. The eponymous album which contained it will be released on CD on 22 April of this year.
As a bonus, here's the Dutch adaptation that became a hit the same year as Harrison's, as performed by Boudewijn de Groot.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sweethearts of the Rodeo / One Time, One Night
Sweethearts of the Rodeo was the duo of sisters Janis (former wife of Vince Gill) and Kristine Oliver. While they found success at country radio, they were more prone to describing their sound as country-tinged rockabilly, in the vein of The Everly Brothers. That's a very good description of the music found on their first two albums, Sweethearts of the Rodeo (1986) and One Time, One Night (1988).
Thanks to the folks at Collectables Records, these two albums are available together on one CD. These were their first and most successful albums, spawning all their biggest hit singles. As bonus tracks, Collectables tacked on their other three charted singles, making this disc a complete retrospective of hits.
The song that drew my interest to Sweethearts of the Rodeo is the opening track of this disc, "Midnight Girl/Sunset Town." I think it's an amazing song. I would rate it amongst the top songs in any genre, in large part because of the masterful songwriting of Don Schlitz. (And because school is occasionally good for something, I got to hear Schlitz himself do a little bit of "Midnight Boy/Sunset Town" and talk a bit about the inspiration behind it. Great guy, great song, great experience.)
Tracks:
1. Midnight Girl/Sunset Town
See above. This one was a big hit, and deservedly so.
2. Hey Doll Baby
This is an old R&B tune that had been a hit for The Clovers. The Sweethearts took on eclectic material, but they did it well. This one was a fairly big hit.
3. Since I Found You
Another big hit from the album. Not as memorable as some of the other singles, but good.
4. Gotta Get Away
I'd not heard this one before, but it's quite good. Yet another big hit from the album.
5. Chains of Gold
Nice song. Not the strongest on here but good. Also a big hit.
6. Chosen Few
Very clever song, in my opinion. Another Schlitz songwriting credit.
7. Everywhere I Turn
This one almost sounds Buddy Holly-influenced to me. It's a great song! Janis Oliver cowrote it.
8. I Can't Resist
To end the self-titled album, the Sweethearts slowed it down a bit on this one. Rodney Crowell co-wrote this tune. The harmonies on this are beautiful. It reminds me of something Roy Orbison might have tackled in his heyday. I think it was a good idea to focus this album on uptempos, which the pair does very well, but this is a very strong slower selection.
9. Satisfy You
The opening track from One Time, One Night was also its first single, and yet another big hit for the Sweethearts. Don Schlitz and Janis Oliver did the writing for this one. The theme is a familiar one, but the song works very well.
10. Blue to the Bone
This sounds like an updated version of "Lovesick Blues" to me. It's nothing special, in my opinion, but it's not bad. It was another big hit.
11. We Won't Let That River Come Between Us
A Kevin Welch cowrite. Nice tune. I like the lyrics on this one. It doesn't showcase their vocal style as well as some of the other tracks, though. Still, a good tune and further evidence of the Sweethearts' diversity.
12. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)
A remake of the old Everly Brothers hit. They do it very well, keeping that sibling harmony duo effect strong.
13. Don't Look Down
Further evidencing the diversity of their material is this song, which bears a Lindsey Buckingham cowriting credit. This isn't surprising, as there is a faint rock influence on this, but for the most part it sticks to the rockabilly the Sweethearts do so well. Strong song.
14. One Time, One Night
The album's title track is a good one. Lyrics contain some good subtle commentary.
15. You Never Talk Sweet
Another Janis cowrite with Schlitz. Kind of a different, perhaps some more modern way of addressing the same topic as "So Sad." Quality track.
16. I Feel Fine
This remake of the big Beatles hit became another big Sweethearts hit. Adapting Beatles songs to other genres is always a tricky affair, and when it's not done properly, the results tend to be nearly unlistenable. Thankfully, that is not the case here. This arrangement works very well, and the song remains great.
17. If I Never See Midnight Again
The last single from the album was a moderate hit. In my opinion, it deserved better. Schlitz cowrote it, and it's a lyrically creative and poetic expression of love. It may have been too sophisticated for the average listener. I can't think of any other good reason why it wouldn't have become huge.
18. Gone Again
This is a decent song about life on the road. It's not one of the better songs on the album, but it's worth a listen.
19. Until I Stop Dancing
One Time, One Night closes with this track. Not a bad choice. It's quite pretty.
20. This Heart
The first bonus track is their final top 40 hit and only charting single from their 1990 album Buffalo Zone. It's a very rockabilly-sounding song and it's quite good.
21. Hard-Headed Man
The second bonus track is another Don Schlitz cowrite. It was a minor hit in 1991 from the Sisters album. It's a clever take on the subject of men that deserved better. "When I say yes / He says no / When I want to stay / He says come on baby let's go / He'll roar like a lion / Then he'll cry like a man / But when it all comes down to me / He's tender as can be / He's a hard-headed, soft-hearted man."
22. Devil and Your Deep Blue Eyes
The third bonus track was the final Sweethearts song to chart, though just barely. It too comes from the Sisters album. It's more of what they do well, and while it's not quite as striking a track as "Hard-Headed Man," it's still quite good and didn't deserve to tank.
So there you have it. The folks at Collectables have done a nice job with this disc. It's perfect for those looking for an overview of the Sweethearts' most popular songs, and even those looking for a more complete picture of their career will likely find this disc to be a fine starting point. While their popularity didn't last long, the Sweethearts of the Rodeo made some undeniably good music.
Thanks to the folks at Collectables Records, these two albums are available together on one CD. These were their first and most successful albums, spawning all their biggest hit singles. As bonus tracks, Collectables tacked on their other three charted singles, making this disc a complete retrospective of hits.
The song that drew my interest to Sweethearts of the Rodeo is the opening track of this disc, "Midnight Girl/Sunset Town." I think it's an amazing song. I would rate it amongst the top songs in any genre, in large part because of the masterful songwriting of Don Schlitz. (And because school is occasionally good for something, I got to hear Schlitz himself do a little bit of "Midnight Boy/Sunset Town" and talk a bit about the inspiration behind it. Great guy, great song, great experience.)
Tracks:
1. Midnight Girl/Sunset Town
See above. This one was a big hit, and deservedly so.
2. Hey Doll Baby
This is an old R&B tune that had been a hit for The Clovers. The Sweethearts took on eclectic material, but they did it well. This one was a fairly big hit.
3. Since I Found You
Another big hit from the album. Not as memorable as some of the other singles, but good.
4. Gotta Get Away
I'd not heard this one before, but it's quite good. Yet another big hit from the album.
5. Chains of Gold
Nice song. Not the strongest on here but good. Also a big hit.
6. Chosen Few
Very clever song, in my opinion. Another Schlitz songwriting credit.
7. Everywhere I Turn
This one almost sounds Buddy Holly-influenced to me. It's a great song! Janis Oliver cowrote it.
8. I Can't Resist
To end the self-titled album, the Sweethearts slowed it down a bit on this one. Rodney Crowell co-wrote this tune. The harmonies on this are beautiful. It reminds me of something Roy Orbison might have tackled in his heyday. I think it was a good idea to focus this album on uptempos, which the pair does very well, but this is a very strong slower selection.
9. Satisfy You
The opening track from One Time, One Night was also its first single, and yet another big hit for the Sweethearts. Don Schlitz and Janis Oliver did the writing for this one. The theme is a familiar one, but the song works very well.
10. Blue to the Bone
This sounds like an updated version of "Lovesick Blues" to me. It's nothing special, in my opinion, but it's not bad. It was another big hit.
11. We Won't Let That River Come Between Us
A Kevin Welch cowrite. Nice tune. I like the lyrics on this one. It doesn't showcase their vocal style as well as some of the other tracks, though. Still, a good tune and further evidence of the Sweethearts' diversity.
12. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)
A remake of the old Everly Brothers hit. They do it very well, keeping that sibling harmony duo effect strong.
13. Don't Look Down
Further evidencing the diversity of their material is this song, which bears a Lindsey Buckingham cowriting credit. This isn't surprising, as there is a faint rock influence on this, but for the most part it sticks to the rockabilly the Sweethearts do so well. Strong song.
14. One Time, One Night
The album's title track is a good one. Lyrics contain some good subtle commentary.
15. You Never Talk Sweet
Another Janis cowrite with Schlitz. Kind of a different, perhaps some more modern way of addressing the same topic as "So Sad." Quality track.
16. I Feel Fine
This remake of the big Beatles hit became another big Sweethearts hit. Adapting Beatles songs to other genres is always a tricky affair, and when it's not done properly, the results tend to be nearly unlistenable. Thankfully, that is not the case here. This arrangement works very well, and the song remains great.
17. If I Never See Midnight Again
The last single from the album was a moderate hit. In my opinion, it deserved better. Schlitz cowrote it, and it's a lyrically creative and poetic expression of love. It may have been too sophisticated for the average listener. I can't think of any other good reason why it wouldn't have become huge.
18. Gone Again
This is a decent song about life on the road. It's not one of the better songs on the album, but it's worth a listen.
19. Until I Stop Dancing
One Time, One Night closes with this track. Not a bad choice. It's quite pretty.
20. This Heart
The first bonus track is their final top 40 hit and only charting single from their 1990 album Buffalo Zone. It's a very rockabilly-sounding song and it's quite good.
21. Hard-Headed Man
The second bonus track is another Don Schlitz cowrite. It was a minor hit in 1991 from the Sisters album. It's a clever take on the subject of men that deserved better. "When I say yes / He says no / When I want to stay / He says come on baby let's go / He'll roar like a lion / Then he'll cry like a man / But when it all comes down to me / He's tender as can be / He's a hard-headed, soft-hearted man."
22. Devil and Your Deep Blue Eyes
The third bonus track was the final Sweethearts song to chart, though just barely. It too comes from the Sisters album. It's more of what they do well, and while it's not quite as striking a track as "Hard-Headed Man," it's still quite good and didn't deserve to tank.
So there you have it. The folks at Collectables have done a nice job with this disc. It's perfect for those looking for an overview of the Sweethearts' most popular songs, and even those looking for a more complete picture of their career will likely find this disc to be a fine starting point. While their popularity didn't last long, the Sweethearts of the Rodeo made some undeniably good music.
I Fell in Love (Carlene Carter)
Carlene Carter's life has never been easy, especially in recent times. It is a testament to her strength that she managed to release a new album, Stronger, earlier this year. Her music, however, stands as a testament to her talent, and I Fell in Love is no exception in this respect.
I Fell in Love was released in 1990. Carter contributed to the writing of the majority of the tracks, which likely helps keep her connected to the material. She also does a version of a Carter Family song, "My Dixie Darlin'," keeping her connected to her country roots. Perhaps this is why I tend to like Carlene Carter - she's always been experimental in her approach to country music, incorporating many rock and other influences; however, she never seems completely disconnected from the country tradition. Whatever exactly it is that Carter does, she does it well.
The song from this album with which I was previously familiar was "Come On Back." I hadn't realized this was the case until it started playing, and suddenly it came back to my memory. This one is infectious and it's easy to see how it was a hit. The other big hit from the album was its title track, which is a fun song with a great arrangement. My favourite new discovery is the track "The Leavin' Side." Other standouts include "My Dixie Darlin'," "Goodnight Dallas," "One Love," "Me and the Wildwood Rose," and "You Are the One." "Me and the Wildwood Rose," penned by Carter herself, is a tribute to some of the previous Carter Family generations, including her mother, June.
Tracks:
1. I Fell in Love
2. Come On Back
3. The Sweetest Thing
4. My Dixie Darlin'
5. Goodnight Dallas
6. One Love
7. The Leavin' Side
8. Guardian Angel
9. Me and the Wildwood Rose
10. You Are the One
11. Easy From Now On
I Fell in Love was released in 1990. Carter contributed to the writing of the majority of the tracks, which likely helps keep her connected to the material. She also does a version of a Carter Family song, "My Dixie Darlin'," keeping her connected to her country roots. Perhaps this is why I tend to like Carlene Carter - she's always been experimental in her approach to country music, incorporating many rock and other influences; however, she never seems completely disconnected from the country tradition. Whatever exactly it is that Carter does, she does it well.
The song from this album with which I was previously familiar was "Come On Back." I hadn't realized this was the case until it started playing, and suddenly it came back to my memory. This one is infectious and it's easy to see how it was a hit. The other big hit from the album was its title track, which is a fun song with a great arrangement. My favourite new discovery is the track "The Leavin' Side." Other standouts include "My Dixie Darlin'," "Goodnight Dallas," "One Love," "Me and the Wildwood Rose," and "You Are the One." "Me and the Wildwood Rose," penned by Carter herself, is a tribute to some of the previous Carter Family generations, including her mother, June.
Tracks:
1. I Fell in Love
2. Come On Back
3. The Sweetest Thing
4. My Dixie Darlin'
5. Goodnight Dallas
6. One Love
7. The Leavin' Side
8. Guardian Angel
9. Me and the Wildwood Rose
10. You Are the One
11. Easy From Now On
Set list: Etta James & The Roots Band
I went to see Etta James & The Roots Band perform on Tuesday. It was a great show! James is still in excellent voice, and her stories were very entertaining as well. It would be fun just to hear her reminisce for a while. She's very engaging and certainly still has plenty of spark and sass left in her.
Anyway, the set. The first two numbers were performed by The Roots Band before James came out.
1. Cissy Strut
2. Second Roots Band instrumental (don't know which it was)
3. Come to Mama
4. I'd Rather Be a Blind Girl
5. I Want to Ta-Ta You Baby
6. You Can Leave Your Hat On
7. Piece of My Heart
8. A Lover Is Forever
9. At Last
10. Baby What You Want Me to Do
11. You Don't Have to Go
12. Sugar on the Floor
Some great songs there, and like I said, part of the entertainment came from hearing her stories about the songs and the people she's known. Great stuff.
Anyway, the set. The first two numbers were performed by The Roots Band before James came out.
1. Cissy Strut
2. Second Roots Band instrumental (don't know which it was)
3. Come to Mama
4. I'd Rather Be a Blind Girl
5. I Want to Ta-Ta You Baby
6. You Can Leave Your Hat On
7. Piece of My Heart
8. A Lover Is Forever
9. At Last
10. Baby What You Want Me to Do
11. You Don't Have to Go
12. Sugar on the Floor
Some great songs there, and like I said, part of the entertainment came from hearing her stories about the songs and the people she's known. Great stuff.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Song of the Day: "Knight in Shining Armor"
ARTIST: Rod Michael
TITLE: "Knight in Shining Armor"
YEAR: 2008
I don't know much about Rod Michael other than the information on his MySpace. However, his song is definitely catchy, and it makes a nice warm weather jam, in my opinion. I hope it catches on at least enough so that we get an album released.
You can hear the song at the above-linked MySpace or here. No clue when it'll be available for CD purchase.
TITLE: "Knight in Shining Armor"
YEAR: 2008
I don't know much about Rod Michael other than the information on his MySpace. However, his song is definitely catchy, and it makes a nice warm weather jam, in my opinion. I hope it catches on at least enough so that we get an album released.
You can hear the song at the above-linked MySpace or here. No clue when it'll be available for CD purchase.
Monday, April 7, 2008
All the Best (Tina Turner)
To slightly alter the expression: go broke while the iron's hot. My last post brought up the Tina Turner song "What You Get Is What You See." While I was in the mood, I decided to finally start my Tina Turner collection by picking up a copy of All the Best. This is a two-disc set focusing on Turner's solo career, although a couple of Ike & Tina tracks are present.
As far as the music goes: It's awesome. There's a reason Tina Turner has had a long career in the industry and has achieved the great status she has. The tracks here represent diverse styles and time periods, but they all range from pretty good to awesome. Not one bad track present.
The selection of hits is also pretty representative. With a discography as extensive as Turner's, it would take several more discs to even come close to being complete; however, most of her major hits are present. Also included is "Open Arms," a great track that is amongst the few new songs on this set. I could pick out a few more tracks I'd like to have, but overall I can't fault the song selection here.
My one complaint is that the liner notes are pretty sparse. You get writing and production credits for the songs, a few photos, and that's it.
Tracks:
1. Open Arms
2. Nutbush City Limits (Ike & Tina Turner)
3. What You Get Is What You See
4. Missing You
5. The Best
6. River Deep, Mountain High (Ike & Tina Turner)
7. When the Heartache Is Over
8. Let's Stay Together
9. I Don't Wanna Fight
10. Whatever You Need
11. I Can't Stand the Rain
12. Goldeneye
13. I Don't Wanna Lose You
14. Great Spirits
15. Proud Mary (note: This isn't the Ike & Tina hit version, but a 1990's solo version. I believe it was recorded for What's Love Got to Do With It but I'm not positive there.)
16. Addicted to Love (live)
Disc 2:
17. In Your Wildest Dreams (solo version)
18. Private Dancer
19. Why Must We Wait Until Tonight
20. Typical Male
21. Tonight (David Bowie with Tina Turner) (This is the studio version from Bowie's Tonight album, not the one from Turner's live album)
22. Complicated Disaster
23. On Silent Wings
24. Something Special
25. We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdrome)
26. It's Only Love (Bryan Adams and Tina Turner)
27. Cose della vita (Eros Ramazzotti with Tina Turner)
28. Steamy Windows
29. Paradise Is Here
30. What's Love Got to Do With It
31. Better Be Good to Me
32. Two People
33. Something Beautiful Remains
As far as the music goes: It's awesome. There's a reason Tina Turner has had a long career in the industry and has achieved the great status she has. The tracks here represent diverse styles and time periods, but they all range from pretty good to awesome. Not one bad track present.
The selection of hits is also pretty representative. With a discography as extensive as Turner's, it would take several more discs to even come close to being complete; however, most of her major hits are present. Also included is "Open Arms," a great track that is amongst the few new songs on this set. I could pick out a few more tracks I'd like to have, but overall I can't fault the song selection here.
My one complaint is that the liner notes are pretty sparse. You get writing and production credits for the songs, a few photos, and that's it.
Tracks:
1. Open Arms
2. Nutbush City Limits (Ike & Tina Turner)
3. What You Get Is What You See
4. Missing You
5. The Best
6. River Deep, Mountain High (Ike & Tina Turner)
7. When the Heartache Is Over
8. Let's Stay Together
9. I Don't Wanna Fight
10. Whatever You Need
11. I Can't Stand the Rain
12. Goldeneye
13. I Don't Wanna Lose You
14. Great Spirits
15. Proud Mary (note: This isn't the Ike & Tina hit version, but a 1990's solo version. I believe it was recorded for What's Love Got to Do With It but I'm not positive there.)
16. Addicted to Love (live)
Disc 2:
17. In Your Wildest Dreams (solo version)
18. Private Dancer
19. Why Must We Wait Until Tonight
20. Typical Male
21. Tonight (David Bowie with Tina Turner) (This is the studio version from Bowie's Tonight album, not the one from Turner's live album)
22. Complicated Disaster
23. On Silent Wings
24. Something Special
25. We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdrome)
26. It's Only Love (Bryan Adams and Tina Turner)
27. Cose della vita (Eros Ramazzotti with Tina Turner)
28. Steamy Windows
29. Paradise Is Here
30. What's Love Got to Do With It
31. Better Be Good to Me
32. Two People
33. Something Beautiful Remains
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Song of the Day: "What You Get Is What You See"
ARTIST: Tina Turner
TITLE: "What You Get Is What You See"
YEAR: 1987
While this was a pretty big hit for Tina Turner at the time, it's pretty much ignored now. That's a shame, because it's a really great song. Turner brings such energy to it, and it's a good blend of rock's past with rock's present. Kinda rockabilly-meets-rock. However you describe it, it's a solid song.
The song can be heard here and is available for purchase on many Turner compilations, including All the Best.
TITLE: "What You Get Is What You See"
YEAR: 1987
While this was a pretty big hit for Tina Turner at the time, it's pretty much ignored now. That's a shame, because it's a really great song. Turner brings such energy to it, and it's a good blend of rock's past with rock's present. Kinda rockabilly-meets-rock. However you describe it, it's a solid song.
The song can be heard here and is available for purchase on many Turner compilations, including All the Best.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Song of the Day: "Jeans On"
ARTIST: David Dundas
TITLE: "Jeans On"
YEAR: 1976
I have been listening to this all day. I don't know why. But hey, it's a good song. Yes, I just said it was a good song. Deal.
You can hear the song here. I'm not entirely sure if there's a decent CD easily purchasable that contains it.
TITLE: "Jeans On"
YEAR: 1976
I have been listening to this all day. I don't know why. But hey, it's a good song. Yes, I just said it was a good song. Deal.
You can hear the song here. I'm not entirely sure if there's a decent CD easily purchasable that contains it.
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