Alejandro Who? – Part 3

In addition to his distinctive singing voice, I like Alejandro Escovedo’s style. In this age of hipster wannabes in t-shirts and blue jeans, Escovedo still dresses like a rock star- including the trademark sunglasses- and this only adds to his coolness and mystique. He’s a musician’s musician and in recent years Peter Buck from R.E.M. has been playing in AE’s band- something the 61-year old Buck doesn’t have to be doing unless he really wants to. People want authenticity- and AE has it.

I’ve never been to an Alejandro Escovedo concert but I’m guessing the guy puts on a great show and strives to give folks their money’s worth. I don’t know much about Escovedo’s personal life- and I don’t want to know. Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones- we love these artists for their music and not for what they do in their spare time. In a world where rock stars seem to be fading by the day, Escovedo is an endangered species and perhaps that’s why he garners so much praise and respect from musicians and critics alike. As Alejandro Escovedo’s music goes, so goes the state of late 20th century folk, rock, country, and even alternative music. Here are some more of my favorite AE songs. Enjoy- and Happy Thanksgiving! 

01. Alejandro Escovedo – “Man of the World” (2012)
02. Alejandro Escovedo – “Sister Lost Soul” (2008)
03. Alejandro Escovedo – “This Bed Is Getting Crowded” (2010)
04. Alejandro Escovedo – “Farewell to the Good Times” (2016)
05. Alejandro Escovedo – “Sway (Live)” (1996)
06. Alejandro Escovedo – “After the Meteor Showers” (2010)
07. Alejandro Escovedo – “Castanets” (2001)
08. Alejandro Escovedo – “Anchor” (2010)
09. Alejandro Escovedo – “Tired Skin” (1992)
10. Whiskeytown feat. Alejandro Escovedo – “Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight” (1997)

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Recommended Links:

Alejandro Escovedo – CBS This Morning: Saturday

Austin City Limits Interview with Alejandro Escovedo

Alejandro Who? – Part 2

Alejandro Escovedo comes from a musical family- his brothers played with Santana and his cousin, Sheila E., with Prince- and AE cut his teeth as a guitarist in the punk band the Nuns (who opened for the Sex Pistols during the latter’s final concert in San Francisco in 1978). Escovedo’s music defies classification- which is a good sign- and to me it sounds like he draws inspiration from everything from Vivaldi to Beethoven to Frank Sinatra to Paul Westerberg to cowboy, doo wop, and even psychedelic music. You name it and the guy probably has it stashed away in his house somewhere- on vinyl.

Escovedo writes and sings it like he’s lived it, and in a music business career nearly as old as I am that’s a lot of experience. While not overtly political, after listening to his songs for a while you begin to discern Escovedo’s views on life, love, and how people should treat each other. He supports the underdog, sees beauty in sadness, and knows each of us carries a broken heart. He’s an optimist (he’s American), believes music can help point the way toward salvation, and- like most good artists- he eventually comes to the sensible conclusion that love- real love- is the only thing worthwhile. Here are some more of my favorite Alejandro Escovedo songs. Enjoy!

01. Alejandro Escovedo – “Headstrong Crazy Fools” (2012)

02. Alejandro Escovedo – “Always a Friend” (2008)
03. Alejandro Escovedo – “Across the River” (2001)
04. Alejandro Escovedo – “Rosalie (Live)” (2001)
05. Alejandro Escovedo – “Pale Blue Eyes” (1999)
06. Alejandro Escovedo and Bruce Springsteen – “Always a Friend (Live)” (2008)
07. Alejandro Escovedo – “Irene Wilde” (1999)
08. Alejandro Escovedo – “She Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1992)
09. Alejandro Escovedo – “Last to Know (Live)” (1994)
10. Alejandro Escovedo – “Silver Cloud” (2010)

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Alejandro Escovedo – Live on The Bridge – PBS

Alejandro Who? – Part 1

Don’t tell Alejandro Escovedo rock is dead- that’s how he still makes his living (as well as from folk, punk, and country music). He may not be a household name- for years his records got tossed in the Latin music section simply because of his Spanish name (for the record, he’s more cowboy poet than mariachi band singer)- but he is a prolific artist and there’s lots to unpack in Escovedo’s long and varied musical career which spans two states- Texas and California- and four decades- and, despite a health scare in the ‘00s, this proud son of Mexican immigrants is still going strong.

I first became aware of Alejandro Escovedo’s punk infused rock music about 10 years ago on Little Steven’s Underground Garage radio show but only recently have I started discovering his solid folk and country chops which dominate the majority of his output. He likes to sing about women and actually seems to understand them which leads me to believe he has sisters and close female friends. He covers songs by the Stones, the Stooges, Lou Reed, John Cale, and the Velvet Underground; employs violin, harmonica, and slide guitar whenever he feels like it (not to mention female back up singers); and these things make him not only cool, dangerous, and unpredictable but also human, authentic, and worth listening to- especially his live stuff. Here are some of my favorite AE songs. Enjoy!

01. Alejandro Escovedo – “Amsterdam” (1999)

02. Alejandro Escovedo – “Losing Your Touch” (1994)

03. Alejandro Escovedo – “Tell Me Why” (1994)

04. Alejandro Escovedo – “Five Hearts Breaking (Live)” (1995)

05. Alejandro Escovedo – “Wedding Day” (2001)

06. Alejandro Escovedo – “Ballad of the Sun and the Moon” (1994)

07. Alejandro Escovedo – “Heartbeat Smile” (2016)

08. Alejandro Escovedo – “Follow You Down” (2001)

09. Alejandro Escovedo – “Sally Was A Cop” (2012)

10. Alejandro Escovedo – “Pissed Off 2 A.M. (Live)” (1996)

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Little Steven's Underground Garage

Rock Grab Bag V

While I don’t believe rock music is dead I think it’s probably going the way of the mix tape, fanzines, and letter writing and is finally headed for the museum. This doesn’t mean one still can’t enjoy, revisit, and even create rock. But once people started writing books and teaching college courses about it- or using it in TV commercials and political campaigns- rock began to lose its innocence and now seems about as revolutionary as a crossword puzzle.

Don McLean

But this loss of innocence and inevitable corruption happens in all revolutions, so why should rock music be any different? Just remember the good times and carry the spirit of rock with you. Here are some more of my favorite rock songs including krautrock, hard rock, AOR, folk-rock, classic rock, singer-songwriter, contemporary hard rock, and adult alternative. It’s a true rock grab bag. Enjoy!

Led Zeppelin

01. Neu! – “Isi” (1975)

02. Led Zeppelin – “That’s the Way” (1970)
03. John Waite – “Missing You” (1984)
04. Don McLean – “American Pie” (1971)
05. David Crosby – “Music Is Love” (1971)
06. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” (1969)
07. The Band – “Long Black Veil” (1968)
08. Neil Young – “Unknown Legend” (1992)
09. Neil Young – “Tell Me Why” (1970)
10. Jackson Browne – “Before the Deluge” (1974)
11. Scott McKenzie – “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair” (1967)
12. Leonard Cohen – “Memories” (1977)
13. New England – “Alone Tonight” (1979)
14. Jake Clemons – “All Undone” (2017)
15. Bruce Cockburn – “If I Had a Rocket Launcher” (1984)
16. Bush – “Glycerine” (1994)
17. Matchbox Twenty – “How Far We’ve Come” (2007)
18. Van Morrison – “Domino” (1970)
19. Crosby & Nash – “Southbound Train” (1972)
20. Don McLean – “Vincent” (1971)

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Oldies: Pass the Fritos IV – Part 2

I  think what I like best about oldies music- besides its universality- is its inclusivity; all are welcome to join in the fun- kids, parents, hippies, businessmen- even the squarest of the square can feel cool listening to it. And even when ‘60s oldies music dares to explore more mature themes- lust, death, anxiety, adultery- the songs are done in such a way as to not offend young ears.

While the ‘60s was a rough and painful decade for many, as far as popular music is concerned I think people paid much more attention to quality and detail back then simply because there was so much money to be made from music and it was a winning situation for everyone- artist, producer, and consumer. Will we ever see another decade of music like the ‘60s? No. Will ‘60s oldies continue to survive for centuries? Yes. Now think on that all you current artists and musicians as you bow to the power of the Mamas & the Papas and all their groovy friends. Here are some more of my faves. Enjoy!

The Mamas & the Papas

01. The Mamas and the Papas – “Midnight Voyage” (1968)

02. The 5th Dimension – “Sweet Blindness” (1968)

03. Brian Hyland – “Gypsy Woman” (1970)

04. The Mamas and the Papas – “Got a Feelin’” (1966)

05. The Walker Brothers – “After the Lights Go Out” (1966)

06. The Mamas and the Papas – “Monday, Monday” (1966)

07. The Cyrkle – “Red Rubber Ball” (1966)

08. Mungo Jerry – “Alright, Alright, Alright” (1973)

09. The Mamas and the Papas – “Safe in My Garden” (1968)

10. Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood – “Arkansas Coal” (1972)

11. The Mamas and the Papas – “Twist and Shout” (1967)

12. The Mamas and the Papas – “The ‘In’ Crowd” (1966)

13. The Mamas and the Papas – “Straight Shooter” (1966)

14. The Left Banke – “Barterers and Their Wives” (1967)

15. Mungo Jerry – “Lady Rose” (1971)

16. Billy Fury – “Nothin’ Shakin’ (But the Leaves on the Trees)” (1964)

17. Mungo Jerry – “In the Summertime” (1970)

18. Neil Diamond – “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” (1967)

19. The Mamas and the Papas – “Somebody Groovy” (1966)

20. The Archies – “Sugar, Sugar” (1969)

21. Neil Diamond – “Solitary Man” (1966)

22. Neil Diamond – “Cherry Cherry” (1966)

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Brill Building

Monterey Pop

Oldies: Pass the Fritos IV – Part 1

Summertime and oldies music go together like hot dogs and mustard and while summer may be officially over the Jean refuses to let it go without a fight. To me, ‘60s oldies- which also includes girl groups, surf, and Bril Building pop- is timeless, fun, far out, campy, and groovy- and represents good times and good vibes for all (not to mention non-stop, market driven hits and top shelf talent often accompanied by a legendary group of L.A. studio musicians known as the Wrecking Crew).

The Mamas & the Papas

With the exception of the Monkees, perhaps no group represents ‘60s oldies music better then the Mamas & The Papas. While I was always aware of their hits, it was not until about five years ago when I was living in Zambia that I took a chance and purchased All the Leaves Are Brown- a mammoth collection which includes all their ‘60s albums and which quickly became my go to album for hanging out at home on the weekends and cooking Italian food. Here are some of my favorite ‘60s oldies. Enjoy!

The 5th Dimension

01. The Knickerbockers – “Lies” (1965)

02. The Everly Brothers – “Bowling Green” (1967)

03. The 5th Dimension – “Wedding Bell Blues” (1969)

04. The Monkees – “Mary, Mary” (1966)

05. The 5th Dimension – “A Love Like Ours” (1970)

06. The Mamas and the Papas – “For the Love of Ivy” (1968)

07. The Mamas and the Papas – “Words of Love” (1966)

08. Harpers Bizarre – “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” (1967)

09. The Ventures – “Hawaii Five-O” (1969)

10. The Mamas and the Papas – “Dream a Little Dream of Me” (1968)

11. The Mamas and the Papas – “No Salt on Her Tail” (1966)

12. The Mamas and the Papas – “I Call Your Name” (1966)

13. The Bobby Fuller Four – “I Fought the Law” (1965)

14. The Mamas and the Papas – “Dancing Bear” (1966)

15. The Mamas and the Papas – “Sing for Your Supper” (1967)

16. The 5th Dimension – “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All” (1972)

17. The Mamas and the Papas – “Frustration” (1967)

18. The Knickerbockers – “Stick with Me” (1966)

19. The Mamas and the Papas – “Once Was a Time I Thought” (1966)

20. The Castaways - “Liar, Liar” (1965)

21. The Mamas and the Papas – “Do You Wanna Dance” (1966)

22. The Mamas and the Papas – “Spanish Harlem” (1966)

The Knickerbockers

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Hawaii Five-O

Garage Freaks! II

‘60s garage rock pioneers and psychedelic music can sound very similar to each other especially American artists like Blues Magoos, the Litter, the 13th Floor Elevators, and the Seeds- bands whose musical styles straddle both sub-genres. But whereas psychedelic was more associated with hippies, love-ins, and LSD, you were much more likely to hear garage rock at a frat party or high school dance. Psychedelic music was experimental, questioning, and wanted to explore your mind; garage rock was snotty, rebellious, and wanted to punch you in the gut and steal your girlfriend.

The Sonics

They may be average looking, struggling to make ends meet, and dealing with girl problems, but for me garage rock pioneers still project a certain coolness, swagger, and mystique, and despite major setbacks they refuse to throw in the towel but instead brim with humor, defiance, and overconfidence. The success of the British Invasion definitely inspired garage rock but while garage rock pioneers may have been attempting to channel the Beatles or the Stones they actually ended up creating something altogether new and different- music that was tougher, angrier, and more primitive than anything British Invasion had to offer. Garage rock pioneers were in fact the first punks (and many garage rock singers were also surprisingly soulful- I always get a kick out of hearing white boys imitate Little Richard).

My earliest exposure to garage rock came when I was a kid watching my favorite TV shows- mostly ‘60s and ‘70s reruns like The Groovie Goolies, Gilligan’s Island, The Banana Splits, and Hanna-Barbera cartoons. By high school I was singing in my own garage band- Twinkie Force- and garage rock (along with all those children’s TV shows featuring kiddie versions of it) was a major influence on my early singing, songwriting, and attitude and helped prepare me for punk and hardcore music. 

About ten years ago I began tuning into Little Steven’s Underground Garage which features lots of classic garage rock and while I’ve listened to the Rosetta Stone of ‘60s garage rock and psychedleic compilations- Nuggets: Original Artifacts from the First Psychedelic Era 1965-1968- it was all a bit too much for me and I eventually settled on the single disc Nuggets from Nuggets which is briefer but packs a bigger punch. Here are some more of my favorite garage rock pioneers songs. Enjoy!

01. The Third Bardo – “Five Years Ahead of My Time” (1967)

02. The Syndicate of Sound – “Little Girl” (1966)

03. The Gants – “(You Can’t Blow) Smoke Rings” (1966)

04. Kit and the Outlaws – “Don’t Tread on Me” (1966)

05. Paul Revere & the Raiders – “Steppin’ Out” (1965)

06. The Barbarians – “Are You a Boy or a Girl” (1965)

07. Paul Revere & the Raiders – “Hungry” (1966)

08. The Litter – “Action Woman” (1967)

09. Larry and the Blue Notes – “Night of the Sadist” (1965)

10. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs – “Lil’ Red Riding Hood” (1966)

11. The Shadows of Knight – “Oh Yeah” (1966)

12. The Shadows of Knight – “I’m Gonna Make You Mine” (1966)

13. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs – “Ring Dang Do” (1966)

14. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs – “How Do You Catch a Girl” (1966)

15. Kenny and the Kasuals – “Journey to Tyme” (1966)

16. The Sonics – “Have Love, Will Travel” (1965)

17. The Standells – “Hey Joe, Where You Gonna Go?” (1966)

18. The Sonics – “Do You Love Me” (1965)

19. The Sonics – “The Witch” (1964)

20. The Sonics – “Psycho” (1965)

21. The Seeds – “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine” (1965)

22. The Standells – “Riot on Sunset Strip” (1967)

23. Blues Magoos – “(We Ain’t Got) Nothin’ Yet” (1966)

24. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs – “Red Hot” (1966)

25. The Sonics – “Leave My Kitten Alone” (1967)

The Gruesomes

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Recommended Links:

Flinstones – The Hatrocks & the Gruesomes

Little Steven's Underground Garage

The Mosquitoes – “Don’t Bug Me/He’s a Loser”