Classical Music Faves IV

Let this latest installment of my classical music favorites help you paint a picture of a relaxing picnic in a verdant pasture beside a babbling brook under the shade of a tree in summertime. If classical music serves any purpose then it is to help us relax, reflect, and enjoy our surroundings, whether they be a pastoral setting, a comfortable sofa, or a car stuck in traffic. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Ludwig van Beethoven in Erlengebüsch bei Wien by Franz Hegi

01. Paisiello: “Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville): Act I: Cavatina: Saper bramate”

       – Ádám Fischer, Krisztina Laki, Denes Gulyas, Attila Fulop, Csaba Reti, Gabor Vaghelyi, Istvan 

          Gati, József Gregor, Miklos Mersei, Sándor Sólyom-Nagy, Hungarian State Orchestra (1985)

‎02. Pachelbel: “Kanon und Gigue”

      – Jordi Savall (2001)

03. Beethoven: “II. Adagio cantabile from Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 ‘Pathetique’ -

Instrumental”

      – Murray Perhahia (1994)

04. Orff: “Carmina Burana: In Trutina”

      – Kate Royal, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Edward Gardner (2007)

05. Bach: “Unaccompanied Cello Suite No.1 in G Major, BWV1007: I. Prélude”

      – Yo-Yo Ma (2018)

06. Bach: “Prélude No. 1 en Do majeur BWV 846”

      – Zhu Xiao-Mei (2010)

07. Delibes: “Lakmé, Act 1: Dôme épais, le jasmin”

      – Mady Mesplé and Danielle Millet, Alain Lombard, Choeurs du Théâtre National De l'Opéra-

         Comique (1970)

08. Handel: “Orch. Hale: Keyboard Suite in D Minor, HWC 437: III. Sarabande”

     – Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Alexander Briger (2002)

09. Mozart: “Horn Concerto No. 4 in E Flat Major K. 495: III. Rondo (allegro Vivace)”

      – Dennis Brain, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra (1954)

10. VioDance – “The Scientist (Violin Version)” (2016)

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Emo/Hardcore! II

Funny hair and acting bored
Don’t seem to matter anymore
Everything’s already been done
And we don’t know what we want

– Screeching Weasel, “Teenage Freakshow” (1991)

T.S.O.L.

The ‘60s generation had the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Byrds; the ‘70s generation had punk and new wave; and in the ‘80s and ‘90s, my friends and I had Bad Brains, Fugazi, Bad Religion, and Screeching Weasel. You were never going to hear these American hardcore/punk bands on the radio or see them on MTV, but they had millions of followers around the world. Since there was no Internet then, it really was like a secret society passing along this “underground music” from town to town by mix tape and word of mouth. By the time Green Day hit it big in the mid-‘90s and became worldwide superstars, my friends and I were already beginning to pack it in, call it a day, and get jobs. 

Rites of Spring

For me part of the fun of going to punk/hardcore shows back in the day was recognizing the band members from their album photos (they always looked shorter in person) and even talking with them before and after the show. While the music and lyrics were great- and in many cases life changing- the sounds as well as the messages these artists were peddling (“The changes that alter us are a product of our own volition”; “You are not what you own!”) were just not going to make it onto the radio or MTV; so, these bands and their friends and followers organized and produced it all themselves into a community that came to be know simply as “the scene”. Here are some of my hardcore/punk favorites. Enjoy!

Fugazi

01. Screeching Weasel – “I Wrote Holden Caufield” (1994)

02. Bad Religion – “No Control” (1989)

03. Screeching Weasel – “Teenage Freakshow” (1991)

04. Bad Brains – “How Low Can a Punk Get” (1983)

05. Fugazi – “Bad Mouth” (1988)

06. Screeching Weasel – “Veronica Hates Me” (1991)

07. Sick of It All – “My Life” (1989)

08. Screeching Weasel – “99” (1994)

09. Descendents – “Hope” (1983)

10. Fugazi – “Suggestion” (1988)

11. Descendents – “Coolidge” (1987)

12. Screeching Weasel – “Planet of the Apes” (1994)

13. Bad Brains – “Sailin’ On” (1983)

14. Screeching Weasel – “I Can See Clearly” (1991)

15. T.S.O.L. – “Wash Away” (1983)

16. Bad Religion – “I Want to Conquer the World” (1989)

17. Rites of Spring – “Hidden Wheel” (1987)

18. Screeching Weasel – “What We Hate” (1991)

19. Rites of Spring – “For Want Of” (1985)

20. Screeching Weasel – “You’ll Be in My Dreams Today” (1996)

21. Fugazi – “Margin Walker” (1989)

22. Descendents – “’Merican” (2004)

23. Fugazi – “Merchandise” (1990)

24. Fugazi – “Great Cop” (1993)

Ramones cover album I purchased at a SW show in 1993

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Ian MacKaye on the Power of Punk

Punk: Attitude

Suburbia - TSOL

Power Pop Heaven III

Power pop helped bridge the gap between the Beatles’ break up and the rise of punk/new wave and its cathartic sound continues to inspire adherents to the present day. Power pop was the product of an era in the ‘70s when popular music was more mixed up and you might hear Raspberries, KISS, Bill Withers, Cher, the Jackson 5, and Bob Dylan all in one afternoon. Listening tastes were much more eclectic back then, a reflection perhaps of all the good radio tunes there were to absorb from so many different types of artists who were all competing to have that number one record. Listeners were the beneficiaries of this musical competition which sadly no longer exists, but luckily we still have the music (though for me songs just sound better on the radio). Here are some of my favorite power pop songs. Enjoy!

Weezer

01. Fountains of Wayne – “Mexican Wine” (2003)
02. The Barracudas – “Violent Times” (1981)
03. Raspberries – “I Don’t Know What I Want” (1974)
04. The Greenberry Woods – “Trampoline” (1994)
05. King Tuff – “Bad Thing” (2012)
06. The Plimsouls – “Now (Live)” (1983)
07. Big Star – “When My Baby’s Beside Me” (1972)
08. Weezer – “Island in the Sun” (2001)
09. Raspberries – “I Saw the Light” (1972)
10. Big Star – “Nightime” (1975)
11. Raspberries – “Go All the Way” (1972)
12. Weezer – “Put Me Back Together” (2009)

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King Tuff – “Bad Thing”

Here Comes the New Wave III

When I was a kid, new wave music and MTV kind of went hand in hand and while by the middle of the ‘80s it had become a cartoon of itself, there is little doubt new wave gave us some of the best and most memorable songs of the Carter-Reagan era. If it wasn’t for the power and innovation of new wave (which was a huge umbrella term for any artist who was even remotely interesting or cutting edge), then much of the ‘80s musical landscape would have been even more of a wasteland than it was.

New Order

My first real taste of new wave was the huge 1984 Duran Duran hit “The Reflex” which may have been the first 7” single I ever purchased (probably cost me less than $2.00- not bad entertainment for two bucks). I played it over and over on our living room record player and don’t know whatever happened to it- most likely tossed in the trash. And that is what used to be the deal with popular music and especially new wave- it was meant to provide immediate, disposable pleasure whether on vinyl, on the radio, or in a club- and the law of supply and demand made sure the new hits kept coming. Here is some of my favorite new wave including new romantic, pub rock, Goth, synth pop, punk, and ska revival. Enjoy!

The B-52’s

01. Blondie – “Union City Blue” (1979)
02. David Bowie – “China Girl” (1983)
03. The B-52’s – “Mesopotamia” (1981)
04. The Suburbs – “Love is the Law” (1984)
05. Blondie – “Dreaming” (1979)
06. Talking Heads – “(Nothing But) Flowers” (1988)
07. Blondie – “Hanging on the Telephone” (1978)
08. Alphaville – “Forever Young” (1984)
09. The Human League – “Don’t You Want Me” (1981)
10. Pretenders – “Kid” (1979)
11. Howard Jones – “No One Is to Blame” (1985)
12. The Selecter – “On My Radio (Live)” (1991)
13. Yaz – “Only You” (1982)
14. Yaz – “Don’t Go” (1982)
15. Spandau Ballet – “True” (1983)
16. The Clash – “The Right Profile” (1979)
17. The Cure – “In Between Days” (1985)
18. Elvis Costello – “Riot Act” (1980)
19. New Order – “True Faith” (1987)
20. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – “So in Love” (1985)

The B-52’s

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Duran Duran - The Reflex (Official Music Video)

Rock Hard II

In the late ‘60s, there began a decades long competition among rock bands about who can rock harder but for my money the Kinks’ 1964 “You Really Got Me” still stands as one of the greatest hard rock songs ever recorded. In the late ‘70s, KISS was everywhere including in Pathmark supermarket on Long Island where one evening I got separated from my mom while stopping to check out KISS Colorforms in the toy aisle (people forget hard rock’s primary audience was children). After being lost for what seemed like an eternity, Mom and I were finally reunited near the bakery and she bought me the Colorforms.

KISS

Hard rock for me is menacing, primal, leather clad music that when blasting from the radio frightened me as a child; seduced me in prepubescence; and took one last gasp of air as grunge just as I was entering manhood. Every generation needs their own form of hard rock- who knows where kids are finding it now- and sometimes nothing but hard rock (including ballads) will do when you just want to pump your fist and/or play air guitar in the mirror. Here are some of my favorite hard rock songs. Enjoy!

The Kinks

01. David Bowie – “Suffragette City” (1972)

02. The Rolling Stones – “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)

03. Ozzy Osbourne – “Crazy Train (Live)” (1981)

04. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “All Along the Watchtower” (1968)

05. Pearl Jam – “Alive (2004 Remix)” (1991)

06. The Kinks – “You Really Got Me” (1964)

07. KISS – “Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)” (1975)

08. Bon Jovi – “You Give Love a Bad Name” (1986)

09. Mötley Crüe – “Home Sweet Home” (1985)

10. The Darkness – “Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us” (2012)

11. Skid Row – “I Remember You” (1989)

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KISS – “Rock and Roll All Nite (Live)”

Adults Only III

Adult alternative’s turn of the century golden age has passed and, looking back, it was a pretty good time when radio still played a critical role in getting music to the people. Wherever there were Clinton-Bush era office workers stuck in traffic, there also would be the comforting sounds of adult alternative music which has become the soft rock of my generation.

Alanis Morissette

I didn’t know much about adult alternative until the late ‘90s when I joined the Peace Corps and went to Bulgaria and began learning all about it from my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and MTV Europe and I will always associate many of the sounds of adult alternative to that special time in my life. But the best of adult alternative remains good for all times and places- and might even sound pretty good to Sting’s grandkids. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. R.E.M. – “Nightswimming” (1992)
02. Adele – “Make You Feel My Love” (2008)
03. Liz Phair – “Why Can’t I?” (2003)
04. Ben Folds Five – “Brick” (1997)
05. R.E.M. – “Imitation of Life” (2001)
06. Beck – “The Golden Age” (2002)
07. Counting Crows – “A Long December” (1996)
08. Adele – “Someone Like You” (2011)
09. The Calling – “Wherever You Will Go” (2001)
10. Alanis Morissette – “Thank U” (1998)
11. Sarah McLachlan – “Answer (Live)” (2003)
12. Sting – “Why Should I Cry for You (Radio Mix)” (1994)
13. Sheryl Crow feat. Sting – “Always on Your Side” (2005)
14. The Subdudes – “Papa Dukie and the Mud People” (2006)
15. Joan Osborne – “One of Us” (1995)
16. Sheryl Crow – “Sweet Child O’ Mine (Remix)” (1999)
17. Joan Osborne – “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” (2017)

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Rock Me Softly III – Part 2

A few summers ago, I was back in the U.S. after being overseas for two years and had to borrow my brother-in-law’s convertible for the day to do some errands. The car had Sirius XM radio and was set to the Bridge, a channel featuring mostly ‘70s soft rock, lite rock, yacht rock, or whatever, and it was the perfect mix of music for cruising around town with the top down.

Jim Croce

Soft rock is for when you’re tired of thinking and searching and just want to settle in with some old faithful rock tunes that aren’t going to disappoint or distract you from what you’re trying to get done, whether it’s driving down the highway, writing a blog, or hosting a summer barbecue. And hey, if you discover a new soft rock favorite, then all the better. Here are some more of mine. Enjoy!

Fleetwood Mac

01. Jim Croce – “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (1973)
02. Bee Gees – “Stayin’ Alive” (1977)
03. Paul McCartney – “Wanderlust (2015 Remix)” (1982)
04. Don McLean – “American Pie” (1971)
05. Don McLean – “Till Tomorrow” (1971)
06. Neil Diamond – “Both Sides Now” (1973)
07. Neil Diamond – “Cherry, Cherry (Live)” (1972)
08. Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way” (1976)
09. Neil Diamond – “Solitary Man (Live)” (1972)
10. Neil Diamond – “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” (1969)
11. Loggins and Messina – “Danny’s Song” (1971)
12. Charlene – “I’ve Never Been to Me” (1976)
13. Elton John – “Blue Eyes” (1982)
14. Steely Dan – “Dirty Work” (1972)
15. Simon & Garfunkel – “Mrs. Robinson” (1968)
16. Paul Simon – “Love and Hard Times” (2011)
17. Three Dog Night – “Out in the Country” (1970)
18. Bread – “Diary” (1972)
19. Paul Simon – “The Late Great Johnny Ace” (1983)
20. Paul Simon – “Mother and Child Reunion” (1972)
21. Loggins and Messina – “House at Pooh Corner” (1971)
22. Poco – “Rose of Cimarron” (1976)
23. Paul McCartney and Wings – “Silly Love Songs” (1976)
24. Cat Stevens – “Oh Very Young” (1974)
25. Journey – “Faithfully” (1983)

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Rock Me Softly III – Part 1

The soft rock highway begins innocently enough with the likes of Gordon Lightfoot and the Eagles and soon you are grooving to Air Supply and Phil Collins before realizing you have somehow strayed into adult contemporary territory. By then, it’s too late- there is no escape!

Carpenters

Soft rock is the music of my early childhood. While one person’s soft rock is another’s hard rock, soft rock was the more lucrative. There was just so much money to be made from selling the emotional salve soft rock provided its listeners, especially in the ‘70s when the artists were young and year after year the new hits just seemed endless. Here are some of my soft rock faves. Enjoy!

Air Supply

01. Eagles – “Take It to the Limit” (1975)
02. Eagles – “Hotel California” (1976)
03. José Feliciano – “Light My Fire” (1968)
04. Elton John – “Tiny Dancer” (1971)
05. Air Supply – “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” (1983)
06. Phil Collins – “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” (1984)
07. Elton John – “Levon” (1971)
08. Bread – “If” (1971)
09. Carpenters – “Rainy Days and Mondays” (1971)
10. Paul McCartney – “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1971)
11. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide” (1975)
12. Elton John – “Rocket Man” (1972)
13. Loggins and Messina – “Watching the River Run” (1973)
14. Paul Simon – “Loves Me Like a Rock” (1973)
15. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’” (1981)
16. Air Supply – “Lost in Love” (1980)
17. Paul McCartney and Wings – “My Love” (1973)
18. Jim Croce – “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” (1972)
19. Bee Gees – “More Than a Woman” (1977)
20. Elton John – “Little Jeannie” (1980)
21. José Feliciano – “California Dreamin’” (1968)
22. Gordon Lightfoot – “Talking in Your Sleep” (1971)
23. Don Henley – “The End of the Innocence” (1989)
24. Gordon Lightfoot – “Same Old Loverman” (1971)
25. Gordon Lightfoot – “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970)

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Country Rock!

Country rock for me is less about the South and more about the West Coast (CCR did not hail not from the swamps of Louisiana but from the streets of San Francisco). The Byrds in L.A. had been blending country and rock since the mid-‘60s and by the early ‘70s country rock was synonymous with the new laid back California sound led by artists like the Eagles and Jackson Browne. Many consider Mike Nesmith (of the Monkees) one of the most underrated country rock artists- and I agree- though country rock as a popular sound did not survive the end of the decade. I particularly like country rock (as well as film and TV) that conjures up dusty images of the American Southwest including sunsets, cactuses, and endless desert highways. Here are some of my favorite country rock songs. Enjoy!

Linda Ronstadt

01. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” (1970)
02. Linda Ronstadt – “Desperado” (1973)
03. Michael Nesmith – “Joanne” (1970)
04. Poco – “Rose of Cimarron” (1976)
05. The Byrds – “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968)
06. The Byrds – “Time Between” (1967)
07. Michael Nesmith – “Silver Moon” (1970)
08. Jerry Jeff Walker – “L.A. Freeway (Live)” (1984)
09. Gene Clark – “Tried So Hard” (1967)
10. Michael Nesmith – “Some of Shelly’s Blues” (1973)

Michael Nesmith and The First National Band

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End of an Era

Easy Does It V

While easy listening didn’t survive the ‘80s, I have childhood memories of my paternal grandfather- a veteran of World War II- listening to and enjoying his easy listening radio station with its soothing instrumental covers of hit songs. After retiring to Florida, grandpa led an Alcoholics Anonymous group that also used the phrase “Easy Does It”. Perhaps what I like best about vocal/easy listening music is it serves a purpose by providing listeners a calming oasis in what can be a rough world.

I’ve recently discovered the Frank Chacksfield Orchestra but am confused on when these songs were recorded. Chacksfield died in the ‘90s but has someone since then trademarked his name and released new albums under the Chacksfield moniker? Anyway, I’m a sucker for any music that can take me on an imaginary trip around the globe without leaving home. My family and I are moving to the Caribbean this summer and I imagine I’ll be exploring more Harry Belafonte albums in the coming months. Until then, here are some of my favorite vocal/easy listening songs- including some Calypso. Enjoy!

01. Frank Chacksfield Orchestra – “Marakesh Express” (Unknown)

02. Esquivel! – “Misirlou” (1959)

03. Frank Sinatra – “I Would Be in Love (Anyway)” (1970)

04. Carpenters – “Superstar”(1971)

05. Maureen McGovern – “The Morning After” (1972)

06. Harry Belafonte – “Jamaica Farewell” (1956)

07. Frank Chacksfield Orchestra – “J’Attendrai” (Unknown)

08. George Martin – “The Beatle Suite” (1974)

09. Harry Belafonte – “Angelina” (1961)

10. Carpenters – “Rainy Days and Mondays” (1971)

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Good Time Boys III – Part 2

These days, the best of Britpop takes me back to my younger days, especially the turn of the century when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria and music videos on MTV Europe by Britpop heavies like Kula Shaker, Travis, Richard Ashcroft, and Oasis gradually seduced me. Britpop really was the last big musical movement I can remember and now we have very little in the way of good (forget great) popular music. Decades used to have a feel- now most days I can’t even remember in which decade I’m living. But, fortunately, joy and inspiration do not have a shelf life and music is a spiritual enterprise. All I have to do is play the music and it’s happening- here and now (even if I can’t remember what day it is). Here are more of my favorite Britpop songs. Enjoy!

The Stone Roses

01. Oasis – “Don’t Look Back in Anger” (1995)

02. Shack – “Re-Instated” (1999)

03. Maximo Park – “Going Missing” (2005)

04. Snow Patrol – “Chocolate” (2003)

05. Blur – “Song 2” (1997)

06. Keane – “Silenced by the Night (Live)” (2019)

07. Radiohead – “Karma Police” (1997)

08. The Boo Radleys – “There She Goes” (1993)

09. Travis – “Writing to Reach You” (1999)

10. Richard Ashcroft – “A Song for the Lovers” (2000)

11. Kaiser Chiefs – “I Predict a Riot” (2004)

12. World Party – “Ship of Fools” (1987)

13. Travis – “Flowers in the Window” (2001)

14. Oasis – “Lyla” (2005)

15. The Stone Roses – “Elephant Stone” (1988)

16. U2 – “Vertigo” (2004)

17. Arctic Monkeys – “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” (2006)

Radiohead

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Oasis – “Don’t Look Back in Anger”

Travis - 8. River (Joni Mitchell cover)

Good Time Boys III – Part 1

The musical movement that came to be known as Britpop didn’t really explode until the mid-‘90s (when I was in college) and it was perhaps a direct response to the American grunge invasion. As far as coolness, there was no question- the Brits were smarter, funnier, and had catchier and more life affirming tunes than their flannel shirt wearing American cousins. Surviving longer than grunge but fizzling out sometime around the rise and election of Barack Obama, Britpop can still serve as ideal fist pumping and foot tapping music for warm, sunny days when raising a pint or two with the lads (well, assuming you’re not on lockdown). Here is some of my favorite Britpop. Enjoy!

Ocean Colour Scene

01. Travis – “As You Are” (1999)

02. Kaiser Chiefs – “The Angry Mob” (2007)
03. Keane – “Chase the Night Away” (2019)
04. Shack – “Comedy” (1999)
05. Stereophonics – “Positively 4th Street” (1999)
06. Radiohead – “No Surprises” (1997)
07. U2 – “Miracle Drug” (2004)
08. Oasis – “Champagne Supernova” (1995)
09. Travis – “Sing” (2001)
10. Super Furry Animals – “It’s Not the End of the World?” (2001)
11. Ocean Colour Scene – “The Circle” (1996)
12. U2 – “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own (Live)” (2005)
13. The Boo Radleys – “Wish I Was Skinny” (1993)
14. The Bluetones – “Bluetonic” (2009)
15. Morrissey – “Everyday Is Like Sunday” (1988)
16. The La’s – “There She Goes” (1988)
17. Kula Shaker – “Hush” (1997)

Oasis

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Travis – “Sing”

Neil from Brooklyn

Born in Coney Island, Brooklyn in 1941, Neil Diamond (we share the same birthday) was descended from Jewish European immigrants and started writing songs in high school. By the early ‘60s, Diamond was an established songwriter, penned hits for the Monkees, and soon found success as a solo artist. By the end of the ‘70s, Neil Diamond was a worldwide superstar with a distinctive, rough singing voice and a rabid, loyal following (mostly women).

My first memories of Neil Diamond are from the early ‘80s when his likeness seemed to be everywhere, especially that album cover showing him barefoot; and “Heartlight”, his shmaltzy tribute to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, was all over the radio (especially when mom was driving). I grew up thinking Diamond was uncool. Then, as an adult, I began discovering his ‘60s back catalogue and songwriting chops and even dug some of his ‘70s and ‘80s songs (though I’m still not sold on any one Diamond album). 

Now diagnosed with Parkinson’s’ Disease (like my dad), I wish Mr. Diamond well and thank him for the music. I respect the way he’s always hung in there and did things his own way. Perhaps Neil Diamond is living proof that if you stay true to yourself and hang around long enough, the audience (not to mention the women) will eventually come to you. Here are some of my favorite Neil Diamond songs. Enjoy!

01. Neil Diamond – “Love on the Rocks” (1980)

02. Neil Diamond – “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” (1969)
03. Neil Diamond – “If You Go Away” (1973)
04. Neil Diamond – “Both Sides Now” (1973)
05. Neil Diamond – “Solitary Man (Live)” (1972)
06. Neil Diamond – “Cherry, Cherry (Live)” (1972)
07. Neil Diamond – “America” (1980)
08. Neil Diamond – “Hello” (1980)
09. Neil Diamond – “Done Too Soon (Live)” (2008)
10. Neil Diamond – “Brooklyn Roads” (1968)

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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – Official Trailer

Neil Diamond changes lyrics to "Sweet Caroline" in coronavirus PSA

Rock Grab Bag VIII

By the early ‘70s- just before my birth- rock had gone as far is it could go while still maintaining some semblance of dignity and yet people continued making and demanding more of it and thus began rock’s period of unbridled excess and eventual implosion. Rock crawled on through the barren ‘80s searching for dignity, and tried to stand up in the ‘90s, beaten and humbled, and despite some late century bright spots in the adult alternative scene we all knew it was over. And yet it’s 2020 and no one has officially declared rock dead (Charlie Daniels just died; Ringo Starr turned 80). Here are some of my favorite rock songs including folk-rock, Southern rock, classic rock, jam rock, blues & boogie rock, singer-songwriter, lite rock, and adult alternative. It’s the summer rock grab bag. Enjoy- and rock on!

The Beatles

01. The Byrds – “All the Things” (1970)
02. The Charlie Daniels Band – “Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)” (2014)
03. The Beatles – “In My Life” (1965)
04. The Byrds – “Time Between” (1967)
05. Crosby & Nash – “Where Will I Be?” (1972)
06. The Beatles – “Nowhere Man” (1965)
07. Jim Croce – “Photographs and Memories” (1972)
08. Joan Osborne – “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” (2017)
09. Jim Croce – “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” (1972)
10. Grateful Dead – “Ripple” (1970)
11. The New Seekers – “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” (1971)
12. Susan Tedeschi – “Lord Protect My Child” (2005)
13. Jack Savoretti – ‘Nobody ‘Cept You” (2015)

14. Sting – “Girl from the North Country” (2012)
15. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Summer in the City” (1966)
16. John Phillips – “Topanga Canyon” (1970)
17. Bread – “If” (1971)
18. The Beatles – “Let It Be” (1970)
19. The Wallflowers – “The Difference” (1996)
20. Counting Crows – “Hangingaround” (1999)

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The Beatles – “In My Life”

Oldies: Pass the Fritos VIII

Oldies represent a time when the music business made sense (no pun intended) and the mass production and consumption of popular music was a seemingly win-win situation for everyone involved including songwriter, performer, producer, arranger, engineer, studio musician, record label, record store, radio station, and listener (though not necessarily in that order). Things have certainly changed and while it’s now easier than ever for artists to create and share their music with the world, without the profit generating music machine there is not as much money to be made. Money drives art and without a strong profit incentive then popular music will not be profitable and will not attract the best and brightest (one has only to watch the GRAMMY awards to see that. Who the hell is Billie Eilish?)

The Mamas and the Papas

If you are expecting an endless stream of good and new popular music like back in the day then you are going to be waiting a very long time because the music machine that made the great popular music of the ‘50s, ’60, and ‘70s no longer exists nor will it ever exist again as most of the people who kept that machine running are dead. But take heart and do not be discouraged. Oldies will always be there to comfort and inspire us, just as ancient art, literature and music are timeless and will always be there. Here are some of my favorite ‘60s oldies including British Invasion, garage rock, psychedelic, folk-rock, and sunshine pop- and some new live Monkees! Enjoy- and peace and love to all!

Mick Jagger

01. Spirit – “Fresh-Garbage” (1968)
02. Sagittarius – “Song to the Magic Frog (Will You Ever Know)” (1968)
03. Mick Jagger – “Out of Time” (1966)
04. The Byrds – “Mr. Spaceman” (1966)
05. The Monkees – “You Just May Be the One (Live)” (2019)
06. The Monkees – “Papa Gene’s Blues (Live)” (2019)
07. The Kinks – “Sunny Afternoon” (1966)
08. Herman’s Hermits – “I’m into Something Good” (1964)
09. Andy Kim – “Baby, I Love You” (1969)
10. Chris Farlowe – “Out of Time” (1966)
11. The Searchers – “When You Walk in the Room” (1964)
12. Spiral Starecase – “More Today Than Yesterday” (1969)
13. The Mamas and the Papas – “Look Through My Window” (1967)
14. The Association – “Birthday Morning” (1966)
15. The Monkees – “The Door into Summer (Live)” (2019)
16. Front Page Review – “Silver Children” (1968)
17. The Sunshine Company – “Back on the Street Again” (1967)
18. The Buckinghams – “Why Don’t You Love Me” (1967)
19. The Gants – “(You Can’t Blow) Smoke Rings” (1966)
20. The Association – “Everything That Touches You” (1968)

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The Association – “Everything That Touches You”

Coming Home Trailer

Summer Every Day

In addition to being a great movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Original Motion Picture Soundtrack stands on its own as a righteous ‘60s compilation and groovy time machine chock full of Tarantino-ish gems with nary a clunker. It celebrates the age of radio but eschews what we’ve come to consider ‘60s hits and goes for lesser known AM pop tunes that sound as fresh and exciting as they probably did back in 1969 on KHJ in Los Angeles where it’s summer every day and you can always roll down your car windows or sit by the pool with a cool drink in you hand while letting the radio crank. So forget all this jive about what’s going to be the song of the summer. Find your inner Cliff Booth or Sharon Tate and make your summer music standby Once Upon a Time. And Happy Independence Day! Grade: A-

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KHJ, L.A.’s Coolest AM Radio Station

What’s the Alternative? III – Part 2

John 15:16-17: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

Stephen Malkmus

The first (only?) openly gay ‘90s pop punk band, Pansy Division, sang, “Is this my community? Sometimes I want immunity” and that’s how I feel about being labeled and getting lumped in with Generation X (although I suppose it’s better then being a Millennial- people really seem to despise those kids.) I fear in the wide lens of history my generation will simply be remembered for grunge and maybe Obamacare. It really has all gone by in the blink of an eye. And I still don't understand the Cloud.

The Divine Comedy

But it’s not too late for my generation to grab for the brass ring and save the day. Though at times I may feel alone and disconnected, we are all going through the same thing and I can draw strength from my Gen X brothers and sisters to push forward and, in the immortal words of the ‘90s indie/alternative band, Jawbreaker, “If you can save yourself, you can save us all.” Here are some more of my favorite odd and uncompromising sounds from the (mostly) Gen X world of indie/alternative music. Enjoy! Help!

Superchunk

01. Scott Walker – “30 Century Man” (1969)
02. They Might Be Giants – “Haunted Floating Eye” (2007)
03. Stephen Malkmus – “Shiggy” (2018)
04. Stephen Malkmus – “Jenny & the Ess Dog” (2001)
05. Superchunk – “Cruel Summer” (2012)
06. Liz Phair – “Why Can’t I?” (2003)
07. Superchunk – “FOH” (2013)
08. Superchunk – “Learned to Surf” (2010)
09. Evan Dando – “Rudy with a Flashlight” (1997)
10. R.E.M. – “Texarkana” (1991)
11. The Divine Comedy – “Generation Sex” (1998)
12. Superchunk – “Digging for Something” (2010)

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Superchunk – “Digging for Something” (2010)

What’s the Alternative? III – Part 1

Rock grew bigger in the ‘60s and by the ‘70s was too big and so punk came along and tried to destroy the bloated, drug riddled carcass rock had become and start from scratch- or at least return rock to its primitive origins. Punk didn’t last long and from its ashes bubbled up such unassuming bands as R.E.M., the Smiths, and the Replacements- Gen X children like me, mostly, who didn’t want to wear tight leather pants and play 20 minute guitar solos and who might have fit in better had they formed in the mid-‘60s. Indie/Alternative music (or college radio as it was known when I was a lad) continued to gain adherents and by the ‘90s eventually reached the mainstream. Here are some of my favorite indie/alternative songs including ‘80s alternative, post-modern pop, ‘90s alternative, lo-fi, and chamber pop. Enjoy!

Stephen Malkmus

01. The Divine Comedy – “Our Mutual Friend” (2004)

02. The Divine Comedy – “Have You Ever Been in Love” (2010)

03. The Go! Team – “Everyone’s a V.I.P. to Someone” (2004)

04. The Magnetic Fields – “All My Little Words” (1999)

05. The Replacements – “Darlin’ One (Bearsville Version)” (1988) 

06. Dinosaur Jr. – “We’re Not Alone” (2007)

07. Migala – “Fade into You” (1997)

08. Stephen Malkmus – “Freeze the Saints” (2005)

09. R.E.M. – “Green Grow the Rushes” (1985)

10. Smashing Pumpkins – “Disarm” (1993)

11. Pavement – “Here” (1992)

12. The Mountain Goats – “Love Love Love” (2005)

R.E.M.

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