“Paul was one of the most innovative bass players ever. And half the stuff that is going on now is directly ripped off from his Beatles period. He is an egomaniac about everything else about himself, but his bass playing he was always a bit coy about . . . He is a great musician who plays the bass like few other people could play it.”
– John Lennon, 1980
 |
| Paul McCartney |
01. Funkadelic – “Can You Get to That” (1971) from Playlist: Soul by the Dozen
My introduction to Funkadelic came in the early ‘90s with a cassette version of Maggot Brain (probably through my friend Toast). After the terrifying opening title track, “Can You Get to That” was the second song on the LSD-drenched album and still holds up as some solid soul.
02. The Beatles – “Penny Lane” (1967) from Playlist: In Search of Baroque Pop
A real place in the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool and a symbol of childhood innocence, Penny Lane may as well be my hometown- or yours.
03. Kris Kristofferson – “Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” (1971) from Playlist: Country Grab Bag
Ah, the golden age of singer-songwriter confessionals. Long hair, blue jeans, and long, dusty roads looking for freedom, sex, and mind altering substances. Maybe it will come back?
 |
| Clyde Stubblefield (center) |
One of my favorite JB live performances of all time, I believe this was recorded in Dallas in 1968. It’s been said to death but as a performer Brown (from Augusta, GA) was a force of nature (and it didn’t hurt that he always had a killer band playing behind him). Drums: Clyde Stubblefield.
05. James Brown – “Funky Drummer” (1970) from The Man Who Invented Funk
One of the most sampled songs in the history of rap. Drums: Clyde Stubblefield.
06. Dizzy Gillespie – “No More Blues (Live)” (1962) from Playlist: Jean’s Jazz: Smells Good II
Love the way this song just gives itself room to stretch out and fly. Now that’s what I call jazz!
07. Dinosaur Jr. – “Watch the Corners” (2012) from Teenager Music to Save the Planet
J’s guitar solo starting around 3:26 is so intense- it’s almost otherworldly. I don't think he’s ever been able to repeat it.
08. John Gorka – “I’m from New Jersey” (1991) from Playlist: Folkies II
“They will try harder, they may go further.” No matter how many songs the poor guy has in his repertoire, you just know at every John Gorka show there’s going to be people in attendance who are from the Garden State and shouting at him, “I’m from New Jersey!”
09. Jackie DeShannon – “Splendor in the Grass” (1966) from Playlist: Folk-Rock Explosion!
10. Lloyd Cole and the Commotions – “Brand New Friend” (1985) from New Faves 04/01/2022
“Jane was in a turtleneck. I was much happier then.” For many women, a simple black turtleneck can be such an attractive look. Why don’t more women wear them? I really like the way the studio back up singers here show total commitment to the lyrics. And really, who doesn’t need a brand new friend?
11. Heron – “Smiling Ladies” (1970) from Playlist: Folk-Rock Explosion!
While it almost failed to make my final cut, I then remembered this song was from Heron’s first album which they recorded entirely outdoors on an English farm (listen for the birds). Pretty cool.
 |
| Heron |
12. Sammy Davis Jr. – “Mr. Bojangles” (1972) from Pipes and Thrills
Schmaltzy and over the top, there is also something genuine and comforting in Sammy’s performance here. Despite his talent, versatility, and large body of work, Davis is mostly remembered for his off-stage life which included a glass eye, conversion to Judaism, Rat Pack membership, and rumors of devil worship. I hope this and not “The Candy Man” will be the one song for which Davis is remembered.
13. Superchunk – “On the Mouth” (1991) from Chapel of Unrequited Love – Part 1
“I’ve never even been to your new house- I bet I know exactly what it’s like.” Still sounds as passionate and intense as it did over 25 years ago. And they still play this one live!
 |
| John Lennon and Paul McCartney, 1967 |
14. Frank Chacksfield Orchestra – “J’Attendrai” (Unknown) from The Easy Way
Translated from French: “I will wait”. Not sure when this was recorded but it fits into that ‘50s and ‘60s era of easy listening music that uplifted listeners and took them to exotic locations, in this case France. Also reminds me of some of my favorite Technicolor movies of that era including Around the World in 80 Days and Fanny (both featuring Charles Boyer).
15. The Beatles – “Here, There and Everywhere” (1966) from Playlist: Four Guys from Liverpool
Lennon’s favorite McCartney tune. McCartney’s, too! Backing vocals by John, Paul, and George.
16. The Zombies – “I’ll Call You Mine” (1968) from Playlist: In Search of Baroque Pop
A beautiful, realistic love song. Dig that piano.
Well, that’s it for this year, folks. Hope you enjoyed this musical trip down memory lane. Take care, God bless, and see you next year? – The Jean
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.
 |
| Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles by Duccio di Buoninsegna (14th Century) |
Listen to the playlist on Spotify...
No comments:
Post a Comment