Country Grab Bag II – Part 1

My favorite country music period runs from the late ‘60s to the late ‘70s when country rock, country-folk, and country pop all took off in a big way (in the U.S. the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 was the best-selling album of the 20th century) and it seemed like everyone in America was going country before it all went to hell in the ‘80s- and didn’t really start sounding good again until the mid-‘90s.

John Prine

Truth be told, most mainstream country turns me off and sends me running. For me to like a country song it helps if the song is weird, offbeat, or just too introspective to pass for casual entertainment (although sad songs have always been a big part of traditional country music). Here are some more of my favorite country songs including traditional country, country-folk, Texas country, outlaw country, country rock, new country, and alt country. It’s the return of the country grab bag. Enjoy!

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash

01. Bob Dylan feat. Johnny Cash – “Girl from the North Country” (1969)

02. Miranda Lambert – “Tin Man” (2016)

03. Michael Nesmith – “Silver Moon” (1970)

04. John Prine – “Paradise” (1971)

05. Jerry Jeff Walker – “Mr. Bojangles” (1968)

06. Johnny Cash – “Why Me Lord” (1994)

07. John Denver – “Garden Song” (1979)

08. Joe Henry – “Our Song” (2007)

09. Johnny Cash – “Don’t Go Near the Water” (1974)

10. Martina McBride – “Concrete Angel” (2001)

11. John Prine – “Knockin’ on Your Screen Door” (2018)

12. John Prine – “That’s the Way the World Goes Round” (1978)

13. John Prine – “Bruised Orange [Chain of Sorrow]” (1978)

14. John Prine – “Grandpa Was a Carpenter” (1973)

15. John Prine – “Summer’s End” (2018)

16. Old Crow Medicine Show – “Wagon Wheel” (2003)

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Cheer Up, Sleepy Jean II – Part 2

Some of the biggest names in ‘60s songwriting composed many of the Monkees’ songs- Boyce and Hart, Goffin and King, Neil Diamond, Harry Nilsson; and the groovy lyrics- which often viewed the world through children’s eyes but never felt dumbed down- greatly influenced my own earliest songwriting efforts. The Monkees were eventually allowed to play their own instruments- and their music became weirder. The Monkees TV show was cancelled in 1968- the same year the Monkees appeared in their box office bomb- Head- and by 1970 the band was done.

Several Monkees reunions have occurred through the years, the last being in 2016 when the three surviving members- Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Micky Dolenz- released Good Times! (the only British Monkee- Davy Jones- died in 2012). While living and working in Zambia some years ago, I was introduced to Micky Dolenz’ daughter at a dinner party where I’m pretty sure I then proceeded to tell her about how I am a huge Monkees fan (yeah, I’m sure she’s never heard that line before). Here are some more of my favorite Monkees songs. Enjoy!

01. The Monkees – “Cuddly Toy” (1967)

02. The Monkees – “Goin’ Down” (1967)

03. The Monkees – “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” (1967)

04. The Monkees – “Tapioca Tundra” (1968)

05. The Monkees – “Zor and Zam” (1968)

06. The Monkees – “I’m a Believer” (1967)

07. The Monkees – “Take a Giant Step” (1966)

08. The Monkees – “Me & Magdalena” (2016)

09. The Monkees – “Sometime in the Morning” (1967)

10. The Monkees – “Someday Man” (1969)

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Cheer Up, Sleepy Jean II – Part 1

I first started getting into the Monkees and their music in the ‘80s when MTV was regularly showing reruns of The Monkees ‘60s television show. For me, The Monkees was a fascinating window into ‘60s pop culture and although the show's humor was goofy, the four Monkees were so hip and likeable and the songs so perfect for pre-pubescent kids looking for cooler music; I immediately went and bought a Monkees album- as well as a Monkees poster to hang on my bedroom wall. It might as well have been 1967- but it was the Reagan years. Here are some more of my favorite Monkees songs. Enjoy!

01. The Monkees – “She” (1967)

02. The Monkees – “Randy Scouse Git” (1967)

03. The Monkees – “Porpoise Song (Theme From ‘Head’)” (1968)

04. The Monkees – “Shades of Gray” (1967)

05. The Monkees – “Listen to the Band” (1969)

06. The Monkees – “Words” (1967)

07. The Monkees – “As We Go Along” (1968)

08. The Monkees – “(Theme From) The Monkees” (1966)

09. The Monkees – “Can You Dig It?” (1968)

10. The Monkees – “Daddy’s Song” (1968)

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Davy Jones on the Brady Bunch – Part 1

The Monkees TV Show Intro

A Spoonful of Summer

The Lovin’ Spoonful were advertised as a “jug band” and the New York City group found their niche in the eclectic ‘60s music scene with fun, feel-good folk-rock that delivered good vibes, catchy songs, and fond memories of first loves and sunny days. Still one of my favorite band names, the Spoonful’s music was a big part of my childhood and I started rediscovering their songs when I was in my 30’s.

In less than two years the Lovin’ Spoonful (led by singer-songwriter John Sebastian) served up an impressive batch of tunes that for me still hold up some 50 years later. I usually start listening to the Spoonful when the weather is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, and I'm dreaming of lying in a hammock somewhere with a gentle summer breeze blowing over me and sunshine kissing my face. Here are some of my favorite Lovin’ Spoonful songs. Enjoy- and Happy Mother’s Day!

01. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Nashville Cats” (1966)
02. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Darlin’ Companion” (1966)
03. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Summer in the City” (1966)
04. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice” (1966)
05. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Do You Believe in Magic” (1965)
06. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Darling Be Home Soon” (1967)
07. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Daydream” (1966)
08. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Rain on the Roof” (1966)
09. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Coconut Grove” (1966)
10. The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Butchie’s Tune” (1966)

John Sebastian performing at Woodstock, 1969

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John Sebastian – “Younger Generation (Live)”

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 4

John F. Kennedy’s murder in 1963 seems to have really pissed off David Crosby who (while still with the Byrds) would rail on stage against the Warren Commission and spout conspiracy theories- much to his bandmates’ chagrin. I saw Crosby perform live with Stills & Nash some years ago and the Cros was still a spitfire on stage only now he was throwing insults at George W. Bush and making the audience laugh. Say what you want about David Crosby but the guy is fun to listen to- and still has that ‘60s rebel spirit.

Gene Clark died of alcoholism, Roger McGuinn became a Christian Republican, but the spirit of the Byrds- the spirit of the ‘60s- lives on though it is in danger of disappearing. Where are the innovative bands of today? Who are today’s Byrds? Why aren’t there more people making and listening to mind blowing music today? I mean can you imagine walking into a garden party circa 1966 and hearing “Captain Soul” playing? It would blow your mind. Where is the political action, the protests, and the youth rebellion of 2018? I guess we’re all too busy in our own private universes to want to change the world.

I hope you have enjoyed Byrds week and that the Byrds’ (birds’) spirit of peace, love, and exploration serve to enrich your life and inspire you to do good things and spread good vibes. By the way, not only does tomorrow mark World Migratory Bird Day but 2018 is the Year of the Bird. Here are some more of my favorite Byrds songs. Enjoy!

01. The Byrds – “He Was a Friend of Mine” (1965)

02. The Byrds – “Renaissance Fair” (1967)

03. The Byrds – “Mr. Spaceman” (1966)

04. The Byrds – “What’s Happening” (1966)

05. The Byrds – “John Riley” (1966)

06. The Byrds – “Here Without You” (1965)

07. The Byrds – “Captain Soul” (1966)

08. The Byrds – “The Bells of Rhymney” (1965)

09. The Byrds – “It’s No Use” (1965)

10. The Byrds – “I Knew I’d Want You” (1965)

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2018 is the Year of the Bird

Don Henley Inducts the Byrds into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

End of an Era

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 3

“‘Eight Miles High’ has been called the first psychedelic record. It’s true we’d been experimenting with LSD, and the title does contain the word ‘high’, so if people want to say that, that’s great. But ‘Eight Miles High’ actually came about as a tribute to John Coltrane. It was our attempt to play jazz.”  

– Roger McGuinn 

For better or worse by 1965 rock music was maturing and becoming more complex. Lyrically the first two Byrds albums are nothing special although the “love songs” Clark and McGuinn were writing back then seem darker and more realistic than what had come earlier with the Beatles or even the Rolling Stones. But for me it’s always their music that makes the Byrds special: the harmonies, the guitars, and that mysterious element that one can’t put into words- but you can feel it. Then came the Byrds’ third album- Fifth Dimension- and all rock rules went out the window.

Although blessed with a beautiful singing voice, David Crosby had a reputation for being difficult, self-indulgent, and unpredictable and in 1968 the Byrds fired him- just as the band was about to enter their country rock phase. The disgruntled Crosby went on to find great success with Crosby, Stills & Nash but his resentment toward McGuinn would reportedly last decades.

The Byrds recorded music at a time when rock records were thought to be disposable but now it’s 50 years later and their songs still sound great to me. If there were contemporary bands who sounded this good then I would listen to them but until then here are some more of my favorite Byrds songs. Enjoy! 

01. The Byrds – “Wasn’t Born to Follow” (1968)

02. The Byrds – “Draft Morning” (1968)

03. The Byrds – “Time Between” (1967)

04. The Byrds – “The World Turns All Around Her” (1965)

05. The Byrds – “My Back Pages” (1967)

06. The Byrds – “Have You Seen Her Face” (1967)

07. The Byrds – “So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star” (1967)

08. The Byrds – “It Won’t Be Wrong” (1965)

09. The Byrds – “I Know My Rider (I Know You)” (1966)

10. The Byrds – “Eight Miles High” (1966)

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Rock Goes Psychedelic

Byrds of a Feather II – Part 2

“At one time, he was the power in the Byrds, not McGuinn, not Crosby—it was Gene who would burst through the stage curtain banging on a tambourine, coming on like a young Prince Valiant. A hero, our savior. Few in the audience could take their eyes off this presence. He was the songwriter. He had the ‘gift’ that none of the rest of us had.”

– Chris Hillman on Gene Clark

The Byrds were somehow part of my early childhood (in the late ‘70s) and I have hazy memories of listening to their music in the car with my dad while driving around Long Island on warm, sunny days with the windows rolled down. I was 30 when I started rediscovering the Byrds’ music and while their various incarnations and lineups can be confusing for newbies, for me the band’s overall spirit of excitement and adventure remains whether its ‘60s Byrds (mop-tops) or ‘70s Byrds (“the Beards”).  

From their first album the Byrds were loaded with secret weapons: Roger McGuinn’s guitar playing, those beautiful vocal harmonies, and Gene Clark’s songwriting. Clark flew the coop in 1966- just as the Byrds were entering their psychedelic phase and McGuinn was emerging as the main songwriter and arranger. If I had to pick my favorite Byrds period then it would probably be their country rock years when the band was performing a public service by taking country music away from rednecks and giving it back to the weirdos- where it belongs. Here are some (more) of my favorite Byrds songs. Enjoy!

01. The Byrds – “Chimes of Freedom (Live)” (1969)

02. The Byrds – “Everybody’s Been Burned” (1967)

03. The Byrds – “Nashville West (Live)” (1971)

04. The Byrds – “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” (1965)

05. The Byrds – “Old Blue” (1969)

06. The Byrds – “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” (1965)

07. The Byrds – “Old John Robertson” (1967)

08. The Byrds – “Goin’ Back” (1968)

09. The Byrds – “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue (Version One)” (1965)

10. The Byrds – “Lover of the Bayou (Live)” (1970)

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Gene Clark Documentary

Roger McGuinn Explains Folk-Rock