Manchester Country

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”  

– C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

The Smiths from Manchester, England were one of the biggest alternative bands of the ‘80s and mostly picked up fans by word of mouth and from the sharing of tapes and records. The pairing of Morrissey’s (at times) witty lyrics and Johnny Marr’s jangling guitar style helped give rise to a style of ‘80s and ’90s music called jangle pop which may have owed a debt to the bright, shimmering guitar sounds of ‘60s bands like the Byrds and the Beatles (though no one ever accused the Smiths or their legions of fans of being bright or shimmering). My first exposure to the Smiths was when I was 13 years old and a friend played me a cassette tape version of Louder Than Bombs. At that time I was musically transitioning from the Monkees to the Sex Pistols and while I liked a few of their songs, the Smiths just didn’t excite me.

When I got to high school there was no shortage of Smiths fans dressed in black and acting like they were carrying the pain of some secret, unrequited love- and enjoying every minute of it. Perhaps today’s teens might be shocked at the large number of Smiths songs where the protagonist does not get what he wants and so has to deal with pain and disappointment before coming to the sensible conclusion that there is another world. There must be. Over the years I’ve grown to like more of the Smiths’ music and my favorites usually involve Morrissey the Irish Catholic finding humor in tragedy- or gaining wisdom from a broken heart. Many Smiths songs might make for great country recordings by say George Jones (“Girlfriend in a Coma”, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”). Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy! 

01. The Smiths – “Ask” (1986)

02. The Smiths – “Girlfriend in a Coma” (1987)

03. The Smiths – “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” (1986)

04. The Smiths – “Asleep” (1985)

05. The Smiths – “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” (1984)

06. The Smiths – “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before” (1987)

07. The Smiths – “Rubber Ring” (1985)

08. The Smiths – “Reel Around the Fountain” (1984)

09. The Smiths – “This Charming Man” (1983)

10. The Smiths – “Frankly, Mr. Shankly” (1986)

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Johnny Marr – What's In My Bag?

Morrissey talks about his youth

The World of Scott Walker II

Scott Walker died last week in London. He was 76. One of the few ‘60s artists whose music is more alternative than anything else, Walker’s music was at best ahead of its time although even he would admit some of it is just embarrassing. But to me that’s what makes it fun to explore his work. Especially on his ‘60s solo albums Walker’s songs strike me differently each time I hear them- depending on my mood- and I continue making new discoveries and growing fonder of songs I once dismissed. Here are some more of my favorites. Farewell, Scott. Enjoy!

01. Scott Walker – “Best of Both Worlds” (1968)
02. Scott Walker – “Joanna” (1968)
03. Scott Walker – “Butterfly” (1969)
04. The Walker Brothers – “After the Lights Go Out” (1966)
05. The Walker Brothers – “The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress” (1975)
06. Scott Walker – “Mrs. Murphy” (1966)
07. Scott Walker –“If You Go Away” (1969)
08. Scott Walker – “The Lady Came from Baltimore” (1967)
09. Scott Walker – “Rhymes of Goodbye” (1969)
10. The Walker Brothers – “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” (1966)

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Iconic musician Scott Walker dies aged 76

Folkies V

Spring is here and growing up in New York I never trusted it since from the very first day of spring the weather remained dreary and unpredictable; everything was scarred, ugly, and soiled from winter's grip; and even on warm, sunny days in April there remained a chill in the air as the bare trees and bushes struggled to be reborn. To this day I am usually anxious between St. Patrick’s Day and the first of May. Folk helps me maintain my sanity in changing and unpredictable times- like springtime- and there is much to learn about the history and joy of folk music. We can even share it with our children.

Loudon Wainwright III

For most people life is a struggle for survival and folk songs help to brighten days and soften the blows of daily living. In the twentieth century folk music became associated with leftist causes and politics since at its roots folk is the music of the common people. Folk records for posterity the stories of the common people- stories which they think should survive and be taught to the next generation who will have their own struggles. Here are some more of my favorite folk songs including British folk, Celtic folk, Scottish folk, traditional folk, new folk, folk pop, folk revival, Americana, and political folk & protest songs. That’s right, folks, the folk tunes just keep on comin’. Enjoy- and Happy Spring! 

01. Burl Ives – “Fooba Wooba John” (1950)

02. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “Mountain Dew (Live)” (1961)

03. The Clancy Brothers – “Beer, Beer, Beer” (1970)

04. Burl Ives – “Buckeye Jim” (1956)

05. Loudon Wainwright III – “Presidents’ Day” (2018) 

06. John Gorka – “The Water Is Wide” (1998)

07. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “I’ll Tell My Ma (Live)” (1962)

08. The Chieftains – “Dochas” (1977)

09. Joan Baez – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright (Live)” (1963)

10. James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards – “Lights of Cheyenne (Live)” (2003) 

11. Billy Bragg – “Lay Down Your Weary Tune” (2012) 

12. June Tabor and Oysterband – “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (2011)

13. Dick Gaughan – “Ruby Tuesday” (1996)

14. Arlo Guthrie – “Victor Jara” (1976)

15. Billy Bragg and Wilco – “California Stars” (1998)

16. Simon & Garfunkel - “April Come She Will” (1966)

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All Is Groovy

Folkies VI

Joanie from Staten Island

Kiss Me I’m Irish II – Part 2

Shamrock! – Part 3

Kiss Me I’m Irish II – Part 2

“Ireland, a little island at the edge of Europe that has known neither Renaissance nor Enlightenment- in some ways, a Third World Country with, as John Betjeman claimed, a Stone Age culture- had one moment of unblemished glory. For, as the Roman Empire fell, as all through Europe matted, unwashed barbarians descended on the Roman cities, looting artifacts and burning books, the Irish, who were just learning to read and write, took up the great labor of copying all of western literature- everything they could get their hands on. These scribes then served as conduits through which the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian cultures were transmitted to the tribes of Europe, newly settled amid rubble and ruined vineyards of the civilization they had overwhelmed.

Van Morrison

Without this Service of the Scribes, everything that happened subsequently would have been unthinkable. Without the Mission of the Irish Monks, who singlehandedly refounded European civilization throughout the continent in the bays and valleys of their exile, the world that came after them would have been an entirely different one- a world without books. And our own world would never have come to be.” 

– Thomas Cahill, How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe

Thin Lizzy

01. Dropkick Murphys – “4-15-13” (2017)

02. Van Morrison – “Cyprus Avenue” (1968)

03. Van Morrison – “Astral Weeks” (1968)

04. The Clancy Brothers, Robbie O’Connell, Tommy Makem – “When the Ship Comes In (Live)” (1992)

05. The Undertones – “You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It?)” (1979) 

06. The Divine Comedy – “Tonight We Fly” (1994)

07. Sex Pistols – “Pretty Vacant” (1977)

08. Public Image Ltd – “Public Image” (1978)

09. Thin Lizzy – “Dedication” (1991)

10. The Gaslight Anthem – “Howl” (2012)

11. Sex Pistols – “Anarchy in the U.K.” (1977)

12. Dropkick Murphys – “Walk Away” (2003)

13. The Divine Comedy – “A Lady of a Certain Age” (2006)

14. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “I’ll Tell My Ma (Live)” (1962)

15. Craig Finn – “Maggie I’ve Been Searching for Our Son” (2015)

16. The Cranberries – “Dreams” (1992)

17. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem – “Mountain Dew (Live)” (1961)

18. The Hold Steady – “Chillout Tent” (2006)

19. The Chieftains – “Dochas” (1977)

20. The Gaslight Anthem – “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” (2014)

21. The Gaslight Anthem – “’45’” (2012)

22. The Clancy Brothers – “Beer, Beer, Beer” (1970)

23. The Gaslight Anthem – “Great Expectations” (2008) 

24. The Gaslight Anthem – “Ain’t That a Shame” (2014)

25. Shane MacGowan – “Leaving of Liverpool” (2013)

The Chieftains

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Kiss Me I’m Irish II – Part 1

“Londoners had no choice but to accept the Irish because there were so many of us, and we do blend in better than the Jamaicans. When I was very young and going to school, I remember bricks thrown at me by English parents. To get to the Catholic school you had to go through a predominantly Protestant area. That was most unpleasant. It would always be done on a quick run. ‘Those dirty Irish bastards!’ That kind of shit. Now they transfer it onto the blacks or whomever.

Sex Pistols

There will always be hate in the English because they’re a hateful nation. That’s the trouble with working-class people throughout the world. They always try to spur their hatred onto what they see as being lower down the scale, rather than going for the fucking jugular of the upper- and the middle-class bastards who are keeping them down in the first place. We were the Irish scum. But it’s fun being scum, too.” 

– John Lydon, Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs

The Undertones

01. Snow Patrol – “Crack the Shutters” (2008)

02. Dropkick Murphys – “Fields of Athenry” (2003)

03. Sex Pistols – “Holidays in the Sun” (1977)

04. Snow Patrol – “Chasing Cars” (2006)

05. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – “Hope I Never Lose My Wallet” (1989)

06. Sex Pistols – “God Save the Queen” (1977)

07. Sex Pistols – “Seventeen” (1977)

08. Morrissey – “Suedehead” (1988)

09. Snow Patrol – “Chocolate” (2003)

10. Morrissey – “Irish Blood, English Heart” (2004)

11. Smashing Pumpkins – “Disarm” (1993)

12. U2 and Green Day – “The Saints Are Coming” (2006)

13. Smashing Pumpkins – “Perfect” (1998)

14. Oasis – “Champagne Supernova” (1995)

15. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – “Someday I Suppose” (1993)

16. Smashing Pumpkins – “Tonight, Tonight” (1995)

17. The Gaslight Anthem – “The ’59 Sound” (2008)

18. Thin Lizzy – “Cowboy Song” (1976)

19. The Chieftains feat. Sting – “Mo Ghile Mear (‘Our Hero’)” (1995)

20. The Undertones – “Teenage Kicks” (1978)

21. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones – “The Impression That I Get” (1997)

22. Van Morrison – “Snow in San Anselmo” (1973)

23. Morrissey – “The Last of the Famous International Playboys” (1989)

24. Sex Pistols – “No Feelings” (1977)

25. The Divine Comedy – “Gin Soaked Boy” (1999)

Oasis

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Declan MacManus – Part 2

I first began listening to Elvis Costello’s music during my senior year of college when I somehow came into possession of a cassette tape copy of The Very Best of Elvis Costello and The Attractions which I must admit took some time but eventually grew on me. I introduced some friends to it while in my car on a road trip from Boston to New York and by the end of the album they too had become fans. For those wanting to learn more about Costello’s music, I would recommend starting with that fine compilation.

It was also during my senior year of college I started enjoying the Pogues and my respect for Elvis Costello increased when I learned he had produced the Pogues’ masterpiece Rum, Sodomy & the Lash (Costello even married the sole female member of the Pogues, Cait O’Riordan, in 1986). While normally not overtly political (he's obviously no fan of Margaret Thatcher), Costello knows how to bite- lyrically- and “Tramp the Dirt Down” may be one of the the best political/musical takedowns ever.

After college I entered graduate school in 1997 and All This Useless Beauty became one of my favorite albums from that period (which I consider my existentialist years). It’s been fun revisiting Elvis Costello’s music and it’s encouraging to know he’s still touring and making music (he married Canadian jazz singer Diana Krall in 2003). Here are some more of my favorite Elvis Costello songs. Enjoy!

01. Elvis Costello – “Tramp the Dirt Down” (1989)

02. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “The Other End of the Telescope” (1996)

03. Elvis Costello & The Imposters – “American Gangster Time” (2008)

04. Elvis Costello – “My Funny Valentine” (1979)

05. Elvis Costello – “The Other Side of Summer” (1991)

06. Elvis Costello – ”Deep Dark Truthful Mirror” (1989)

07. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “Girls Talk” (1980)

08. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “Accidents Will Happen” (1979)

09. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “Oliver’s Army” (1979)

10. Elvis Costello and the Attractions feat. Chet Baker – “Shipbuilding” (1983)

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Elvis Costello sets the record straight on his cancer scare

Declan MacManus – Part 1

Born Declan Patrick MacManus and of Irish-Catholic descent on his father’s side, Elvis Costello rose to popularity in the late ‘70s as an English new wave (pub rock) upstart dancing on the ashes of punk and classic rock and returning to popular music a much needed spirit of rebelliousness, unpredictability, and passion for music. His albums (nearly 40) are all over the map but his risk taking, verbose songs, and unique vocal delivery are always there to remind you it’s Elvis Costello.

Costello always had one eye on America- since the prize for most British musicians is to make it big there- yet there will always be some English artists whose music just doesn’t translate well to American audiences. Despite Costello’s early success in the States, he probably could have been much bigger had he modified his songs to suit American tastes- but he refused. 

The irony of course is that Costello was steeped in traditional American music- blues, rock, soul, pop, country, and jazz- but only critics, college kids, and other musicians seemed to really appreciate and understand what he was trying to do. He eventually stopped caring and still just does what he wants. Here are some of my favorite Elvis Costello songs. Enjoy!

01. Elvis Costello – “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” (1978)

02. Elvis Costello and the Attractions –“Radio Radio” (1978)

03. Elvis Costello – “Veronica” (1989)

04. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “All This Useless Beauty” (1996)

05. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “You Belong to Me” (1978)

06. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “Pump It Up” (1978)

07. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “Watch Your Step” (1981)

08. Elvis Costello & The Imposters – “Everyday I Write the Book (Live)” (2011)

09. Elvis Costello and the Confederates – “Brilliant Mistake” (1986)

10. Elvis Costello and the Attractions – “I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down” (1980)

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Elvis Costello – CBS Sunday Morning

Belfast Blues – Part 2

I first started exploring Van Morrison’s music in the mid ‘00s and my first stop was Moondance which I think is the ideal starting point for newcomers to Van’s music. Some have called Moondance a perfect album and it’s definitely much more accessible than Van’s previous album- Astral Weeks. Moondance is a jazzy, life affirming record that provides soulful fun and good vibes without insulting your intelligence.

Some years ago my housemate and I were hosting a summer backyard party. It was the end of the night and guests had started taking control of the music but nobody could agree on what album to play. Arguments were breaking out and the party seemed about to end when my housemate started playing my copy of Moondance and the crowd suddenly settled down and the party resumed. Such is the power of Moondance. For me the 1970 album remains Van Morrison’s finest hour (well, 38 minutes). Grade: A

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Belfast Blues – Part 1

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner so now feels like a good time to celebrate with some of my favorite Van Morrison songs. Born George Ivan Morrison in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Van is said to have learned his love of blues and jazz music from his father’s huge American record collection and then the kid from Belfast turned it into something all his own.

Starting out as lead singer for the British Invasion band, Them, Van the Man then went onto a successful solo career with “Brown Eyed Girl” being his best known song- but there are so many other great ones to discover in his vast catalogue. And he is still making music! Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. Van Morrison – “Tupelo Honey” (1971)

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

03. Van Morrison – “Man Has to Struggle” (2001)

04. Van Morrison & The Band – “Caravan (Live)” (1976)

05. Van Morrison – “Comfort You” (1974)

06. Van Morrison – “Domino” (1970)

07. Van Morrison – “Dweller on the Threshold (Live)” (1983)

08. Van Morrison – “Sweet Thing” (1968)

09. Van Morrison – “Crazy Face” (1970)

10. Van Morrison – “In the Garden” (1986)

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Minneapolis Blues II – Part 3

It must have been 1988 or 1989- I was a teenager on Long Island- and my friend Toast and I used to join our other friends in riding the bus to Babylon (about 30 minutes west of our hometown) in order to shop at a record store there that carried punk and hardcore records (there was also a pretty good donut shop next door). It was on one such Saturday trip that- with my limited funds- I purchased a Replacements cassette tape compilation- Boink!!- and while this import collection had only eight songs each one was totally different and I couldn’t stop listening to it. I had found my band. Over the next couple of years, Toast and I managed to acquire every album by the Replacements who were without a doubt one of our band Twinkie Force’s biggest musical influences.

I’m not big on nostalgia but a few years ago Toast and some of my other Long Island friends went to see the Replacements live on the band’s “reunion" tour (Paul and Tommy were the only original members- Chris declined to participate). While I would have loved to see the Replacements live back in the ‘80s, I had no interest in seeing them a quarter of a century later in what was obviously just a shameless cash grab. But that doesn’t change what the Replacements’ music meant to me- and still means to me- which is try to get some fun out of life. Here are some more of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. The Replacements – “Portland” (1989)

02. The Replacements – “Shiftless When Idle” (1981)

03. The Replacements – “Go” (1982)

04. The Replacements – “Customer” (1981)

05. The Replacements – “Takin’ a Ride” (1981)

06. The Replacements – “Careless” (1981)

07. The Replacements – “Another Girl, Another Planet (Live)” (1989)

08. The Replacements – “Here Comes a Regular (Alternate Version)” (1985)

09. The Replacements – “Johnny’s Gonna Die” (1981)

10. The Replacements – “Kiss Me on the Bus” (1985)

The Jean circa 1989 (Photo courtesy of Toast)

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Paul Westerberg on Alex Chilton

Paul Westerberg Remembers Prince

Minneapolis Blues II – Part 2

As demonstrated on their first few albums, the Replacements were capable of playing as hard and fast as their ’80s hardcore contemporaries and yet stylistically they preferred to try a little bit of everything including country, folk, and power pop. That’s Peter Buck from R.E.M. playing guitar on “I Will Dare” and the band even covered “Black Diamond” by KISS without a trace of irony. Nobody else at the time sounded like- or were as good as- the Replacements and yet mainstream popularity eluded them.

The band had a reputation for hard living and bad decision making. The same themes that inspired the Replacements’ music- boredom, disappointment, alienation- also exacerbated their own personal demons and eventually led to Bob Stinson’s expulsion in 1986. Without Bob’s oddball playing style and insanely great guitar solos, they weren’t really the Replacements anymore but sort of like the Rolling Stones without Keith Richards. The band broke up in 1991. Bob Stinson died in 1995.

“A rock 'n' roll band needs to be able to get under people's skin,” said Paul Westerberg. “You should be able to clear the room at the drop of a hat.” While there was always an air of self-deprecation and self-destruction in the Replacements’ songs, those things have been a part of rock music from the beginning and I think stories of the band self-sabotaging their own success- especially during their live shows- are mostly exaggerations. Anyway, I don’t listen to the Replacements because some of the members were raging, insecure alcoholics- I listen because I like the music. Here are some more of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. The Replacements – “Here Comes a Regular” (1985)

02. The Replacements – “If Only You Were Lonely” (1981)

03. The Replacements – “I Will Dare” (1984)

04. The Replacements – “Within Your Reach” (1983)

05. The Replacements – “Nowhere Is My Home” (1985)

06. The Replacements – “Red Red Wine” (1987)

07. The Replacements – “Black Diamond” (1984)

08. The Replacements – “Color Me Impressed” (1983)

09. The Replacements – “Shutup (Live - Demo)” (1980)

10. The Replacements – “Hayday” (1983)

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Our Band Could Be Your Life

Minneapolis Blues II – Part 1

The Replacements are proof that not all ‘80s music was slick garbage and if anyone was carrying on the rebellious spirit of rock during the Reagan years then it was Paul Westerberg, Chris Mars, and the Stinson brothers, Bobby and Tommy. Their music not only helped me get through my awkward teenage and college years but taught me that if you stay true to your own sound and vision then people will eventually catch on and respect it. In a world awash with fake music, the Replacements always stood out for me as the real deal and listening to them didn’t insult my dignity or make me feel guilty in the morning. If I had to pick my top ten favorite musical artists/influences then they would be on the list.

The Replacements’ sound- from their punk/garage rock debut Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash right up until their almost commercial breakthrough album Don’t Tell a Soul- still holds up remarkably well three decades later which leads me to believe they were not just four crazy kids from Minnesota but actually knew what they were doing- and exactly what sound and message they wanted to convey from the underground to rest of the world. “Left of the Dial” may be their best song as it captures everything great about the Replacements in one tune and was written at a time when the band was touring through the thriving American underground music scene, meeting all the other bands, and college radio was at its peak- and there was no Internet. Here are some more of my favorite Replacements songs. Enjoy!

01. The Replacements – “Left of the Dial” (1985)

02. The Replacements – “Something to Dü” (1981)

03. The Replacements – “Answering Machine” (1984)

04. The Replacements – “Shutup” (1981)

05. The Replacements – “Androgynous” (1984)

06. The Replacements – “I’ll Be You” (1989)

07. The Replacements – “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ghost” (1989)

08. The Replacements – “Waitress in the Sky” (1985)

09. The Replacements – “Hold My Life”  (1985)

10. The Replacements – “Can’t Hardly Wait (Outtake -Electric)” (1985)

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Any Way You Want It II

My early ‘80s American childhood was dominated by album-oriented rock (AOR) which at that time dominated radio and MTV. Steeped in traditional rock music but stripped of its humanity, AOR was all about drama and seemed strangely obsessed with celebrating dehumanization and mimicking what it thought was humanity. And people loved it! This was perhaps a tribute to the carefully produced formula AOR used to either beat or lull its listeners senseless and into submission.

Pat Benatar

For me the best of AOR takes control of your mind and body- against your will- and while it may not be what rock’s rebellious founders originally had in mind, AOR paid the bills in the late ‘70s- and most of the ‘80s- and it got people through the day (and kept them company at night). And some of it still sounds good- especially coming out of a boom box. Here are some more of my favorite AOR songs. Enjoy!

Tina Turner and Bryan Adams

01. Pat Benatar – “Invincible” (1985)

02. Pat Benatar –“Hit Me with Your Best Shot” (1980)

03. Pat Benatar – “Heartbreaker” (1979)

04. The Hooters – “Where Do the Children Go” (1985)

05. Toto – “Africa” (1982)

06. Bryan Adams feat. Tina Turner – “It’s Only Love” (1985)

07. Heart – “Alone” (1987)

08. Boston – “More Than a Feeling” (1976)

09. Pat Benatar – “We Belong” (1984)

10. John Waite – “Missing You” (1984)

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Pat Benatar - Invincible (Theme from "The Legend of Billie Jean")

Pat Benatar – “Love Is a Battlefield”

Classic Rock: Choice Cuts V

While many classic rock bands tried to emulate the sound and success of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, none ever reached the fame, influence, and popularity of those two bands- though a few came close. In writing this blog I have come to discover that classic rock’s time has sadly come and gone but there is still enough there for one to spend a lifetime discovering and rediscovering its pleasures.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Some were British, some were American, and some were Canadian, but classic rock artists all shared a common musical language that lasted into the ‘80s- but never quite made it into the ‘90s. For me classic rock will always stir up Long Island radio memories from my youth: summer days, backyard barbecues, and driving around in the car with my dad. Here are some more of my favorites. Enjoy!

Bad Company

01. The Band – “Long Black Veil” (1968)

02. Neil Young – “Tell Me Why” (1970)

03. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” (1970)

04. The Rolling Stones – “Loving Cup” (1972)

05. The Rolling Stones – “Moonlight Mile (2009 Mix)” (1971)

06. The Rolling Stones – “Brown Sugar (2009 Mix)” (1971)

07. Neil Young – “Love and War” (2010)

08. The Rolling Stones – “Angie” (1973)

09. Bachman-Turner Overdrive – “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” (1974)

10. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” (1969)

11. Neil Young – “Unknown Legend” (1992)

12. Bruce Springsteen – “American Skin (41 Shots) (Live)” (2000)

13. Bad Company – “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1975)

14. Eagles –“Take It to the Limit” (1975)

15. Jackson Browne – “Love Minus Zero/No Limit” (2012)

16. Van Morrison – “Comfort You” (1974)

17. Traveling Wilburys – “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” (1988)

18. B.W. Stevenson – “My Maria” (1973)

19. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide” (1975)

20. Van Morrison – “Domino” (1970)

Eagles

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Stones II

“Something happens when we play together. It’s impossible to copy. Every band follows the drummer. We don't follow Charlie. Charlie follows Keith. So the drums are very slightly behind Keith. It’s only fractional. Seconds. Minuscule. And I tend to play ahead. It’s got a sort of wobble. It’s dangerous because it can fall apart at any minute.” 

– Bill Wyman, Crossfire Hurricane

I recently watched the 2012 Rolling Stones documentary Crossfire Hurricane which confirmed for me yet again the Stones were one of the first punk bands. In the archival black and white live footage from the band’s early days, the Stones are raw, funky, and electrifying and their performances whip young girls in the audience into a shrieking frenzy and set boys fighting with cops. The ‘60s studio recordings are good but if you want to see the Stones tear it up live in their prime- the live versions are so much better with the famed “wobble” in full effect- then check out the documentary. Here are some more of my favorite Rolling Stones songs- up to and including their 1969 rock masterpiece Let It Bleed. Enjoy!

01. The Rolling Stones – “Monkey Man” (1969)

02. The Rolling Stones – “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968)

03. The Rolling Stones – “Let’s Spend the Night Together” (1967)

04. The Rolling Stones – “Salt of the Earth” (1968)

05. The Rolling Stones – “No Expectations” (1968)

06. The Rolling Stones – “Tell Me” (1964)

07. The Rolling Stones – “It’s All Over Now” (1964)

08. The Rolling Stones – “I Just Want to Make Love to You” (1964)

09. The Rolling Stones – “Paint It Black” (1966)

10. The Rolling Stones – “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1969)

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Blue Jean Rock Poets IV

“Singer-songwriter became less relevant… people stopped listening to it. The form of it, the sound of it- it just didn’t sound like of the moment. And so it went away. But I’m still writing out of that form. I break the form a lot- and I use sounds that are not from the ’60s. I’m using sounds from everywhere. But that’s what I mean. The form of this kind of writing that has a content, that has a story- that’s more 20th century than it is 21st century- at the moment. It could come back. It probably will come back.”   

– Paul Simon

Dar Williams

I started enjoying ‘70s singer-songwriters in the mid-00’s and haven’t looked back. Many of these blue jean rock poets are still going strong today and they- as well as the artists they inspired- keep the singer-songwriter flame burning in a dark time when the new generation of singer-songwriters (I assume there must be some) are having trouble saying anything witty, wise, or literate. Perhaps these new kids on the block lack the attention span, thoughtfulness, and patience good songwriting requires. Or perhaps- like Paul Simon said not too long ago- the time of the singer-songwriter has passed. Here are some more of my favorite singer-songwriter songs. Enjoy!

Randy Newman

01. Randy Newman – “Korean Parents” (2008)

02. Randy Newman – “A Few Words in Defense of Our Country” (2008)

03. Joni Mitchell – “River” (1971)

04. Dan Fogelberg – “Same Old Lang Syne” (1981)

05. Rickie Lee Jones – “On Saturday Afternoons in 1963” (1979)

06. Dar Williams – “The Christians and the Pagans” (1996)

07. Jesse Winchester – “Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding” (2009)

08. Jim Croce – “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way” (1973)

09. Warren Zevon – “Lawyers, Guns and Money” (1978)

10. Warren Zevon – “Excitable Boy” (1978)

11. Leonard Cohen – “The Future” (1992)

12. Ted Hawkins – “Happy Hour” (1986)

13. Jim Croce – “Walkin’ Back to Georgia” (1972)

14. Bruce Cockburn – “If I Had a Rocket Launcher” (1984)

15. Tom Waits – “Big Joe and Phantom 309 (Live)” (1975)

16. Joni Mitchell – “Both Sides Now” (2000)

17. Tom Waits – “(Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night” (1974)

18. Leonard Cohen – “Memories” (1977)

19. Jackson Browne – “Before the Deluge” (1974)

20. Tom Waits – “San Diego Serenade” (1974)

21. Joni Mitchell – “Both Sides Now” (1969)

22. Elton John – “Friends” (1971)

23. Cat Stevens – “I Love My Dog” (1966)

Leonard Cohen

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