Classic Rock: Choice Cuts II

This is the second entry in my classic rock series and includes many British artists- and where would classic rock be without the British? I find it interesting how most if not all British classic rock artists point to American blues and jazz  as their main musical influence and yet most of their fans express little or no interest in blues or jazz. The ‘70s was the golden age for classic rock and the genre will most likely die along with the British and American artists who created it (R.I.P. Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr.). But the music will survive as long as there are people. Here are some (more) of my favorite classic rock songs. Enjoy!

Paul McCartney and Wings

01. Paul McCartney – “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1971)

02. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Band on the Run” (1973)

03. Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah – “Lake Shore Drive” (1971)

04. Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way” (1976)

05. The Stills-Young Band – “Long May You Run” (1976)

06. Elton John – “Levon” (1971)

07. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “You Don’t Have to Cry” (1969)

08. John Lennon – “Nobody Told Me” (1980)

09. Ringo Starr – “It Don’t Come Easy” (1971)

10. Traveling Wilburys – “End of the Line” (1988)

11. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Silly Love Songs” (1976)

12. Steely Dan – “Dirty Work” (1972)

13. Electric Light Orchestra – “Can’t Get It Out of My Head” (1974)

14. Pink Floyd – “Wish You Were Here” (1975)

15. Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – “Night Moves” (1976)

16. Traveling Wilburys – “Dirty World” (1988)

17. The Moody Blues – “The Story in Your Eyes” (1971)

18. Van Morrison – “Saint Dominic’s Preview” (1972)

19. Electric Light Orchestra – “Livin’ Thing” (1976)

20. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Live and Let Die” (1973)

Electric Light Orchestra

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Runnin' Down a Dream

Rock Me Softly

Lite rock (also known as soft rock, or yacht rock) surfaced in the early ‘70s and was invented for casual music fans- parents, kids, yuppies, playboys, office workers- who wanted to feel cool and rock out in their own way but without all the noise and yelling. Lite rock’s early flag bearers were ‘70s album acts like Bread, Chicago, and Loggins and Messina but there were also plenty of one hit wonders hopping aboard the post-Vietnam soft rock gravy train (even the Brady Bunch formed a rock band). My earliest listening exposure to lite rock was in our family car where it was either dad’s Bread or mom’s Air Supply.

Bread

Many people today make fun of lite rock but I remember listening to these songs as a child without irony. The best of lite rock taught me a lot about love, heartache, hope, and joy. These songs were popular for a reason. They pack elaborate, meticulous production that reaches deep down and grips the human condition without mercy. Most lite rock songs are about love but may also flirt with such themes as astrology, sailing, escaping, and getting back to nature. So let your guard down, come aboard, and set sail with some of my favorite lite rock tunes. Enjoy!

Loggins and Messina (Is that Hawaii?)

01. Jay Ferguson – “Thunder Island” (1977)
02. Kenny Loggins feat. Stevie Nicks – “Whenever I Call You ‘Friend’” (1978)

03. Bread – “Everything I Own” (1972)

04. Air Supply – “All Out of Love” (1980)

05. Little River Band – “Cool Change” (1979)

06. Dave Mason – “We Just Disagree” (1977)

07. Boz Scaggs – “Lido Shuffle” (1976)

08. Christopher Cross – “Sailing” (1980)

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Just a Man and His Fans

Hard to believe it’s been twelve years since this album's release and, according to his website, Jackson Browne is still touring after half a century of making music. I’m a JB fan though I’ve always been frustrated by his studio albums as I haven’t found one where I like the majority of the songs, and his greatest hits compilations are just too hit-heavy and overpowering. This live collection of songs does a good job of showcasing Browne’s singer-songwriter talents- alternating between guitar and piano- and his storytelling and banter with the audience between songs is endearing and doesn’t feel scripted or forced. The fans yell out the tunes they want to hear and Jackson rewards them, but he also slips in some of his own favorites.

Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 is nice, laid back background music- a special treat for long time fans- and if you take the time to listen to the words, well, that’s just a bonus. The man can definitely paint pictures and create feelings with his words and music- that’s what he gets paid to do. Not every Jackson Browne song touches me but when it does it’s simply magical. And that’s probably what keeps the people showing up. Grade: B+

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Jackson Browne

Blue Jean Rock Poets

Raised on doo wop and Chuck Berry tunes, and following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan and the Beatles, singer-songwriters write and perform their own music and this makes them not only multi-talented musicians but also liberated solo artists since they are beholden to no one but their muse. Most people would agree the golden age of singer-songwriters was the early 70’s when blue jean rock poets like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor forged the template for a new sub-genre that espoused personal expression, universal goodwill, and getting in touch with our feelings but today seems struggling to survive. 

Jim Croce

Emerging from the political turmoil of the 60's, the singer-songwriters were a breath of fresh air for many listeners. They were barefoot, wandering minstrels and former flower children turned wide-eyed realists, writing and singing songs for the everyman and championing the song itself over any vocal or instrumental chops. Besides expressing their empathy for the human condition, I think what I dig most about singer-songwriters is their ability to (every now and then) craft and polish that perfect song which has just the right mixture of wit, wisdom, and vulnerability to become a classic.

Jackson Browne

For me, the best of the singer-songwriters respect the power of words. They know how to stoke those secret corners of our minds and souls and leave us something worth remembering. Sure, singer-songwriters can come across as a bit too serious and introspective at times but I believe their compassion, humor, and humanity are still sorely needed in our world today. Here are some of my favorite singer-songwriter songs. Enjoy!

01. Gordon Lightfoot – “Protocol” (1976)

02. James Taylor – “Wandering” (1975)
03. Gene Clark – “For a Spanish Guitar” (1971)
04. Gordon Lightfoot – “Carefree Highway” (1974)
05. Jim Croce – “Time in a Bottle” (1973)
06. Jackson Browne – “Running on Empty (Live)” (1977)
07. Gordon Lightfoot – “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970)
08. Jackson Browne – “Sky Blue and Black (Live)” (2008)
09. Carly Simon – “You’re So Vain” (1972)
10. Tim Buckley – “Once I Was” (1968)
11. James Taylor – “Mexico” (1975)
12. Cat Stevens – “Father and Son” (1970)
13. Jackson Browne – “Jamaica Say You Will” (1972)
14. Randy Newman – “Louisiana 1927” (1974)
15. Jim Croce – “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (1973)
16. Warren Zevon – “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” (1978)
17. Gordon Lightfoot – “Ordinary Man” (1972)
18. Jackson Browne – “Doctor My Eyes” (1972)
19. Paul Simon – “Mother and Child Reunion” (1972)
20. Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” (1972)
21. Cat Stevens – “I’ve Got a Thing About Seeing My Grandson Grow Old” (1970)
22. Warren Zevon – “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (1976)

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