Browne’s Blues – Part 2

My first exposure to Jackson Browne’s music was in the late ‘80s when I borrowed my dad’s cassette tape copy of Lives in the Balance. At that time I was listening to whatever music I could find and while the overall ‘80s production of Lives in the Balance may not have aged well the songs inspired me and I really dug Browne’s simple and direct social and political messages. We were living in the depths of the Reagan era- when most commercial artists were singing about nothing- but Jackson Browne was trying to make his voice count for something real and even as a kid I respected that.

Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and 
Tom Petty at No Nukes concert 1979

Besides being known as one of the genuinely nice guys in rock music, for decades Browne has also been a political activist and like many ‘60s artists he’s not shy about speaking out on issues important to him. Whether it’s protesting nuclear power, gun violence, or corporate greed, Browne remains an active citizen and seems always happy to lend his voice to the fight- even if doing so might cost him some fans or endorsement deals. Whether it’s his birth in Germany, wild youth in L.A., romance with Nico, ‘70s collaborations with Warren Zevon, left wing politics, or sense of humor, there’s always more to discover about Jackson Browne and his music. Here are some more of my favorites. Enjoy!

Browne arrested outside Diablo nuclear power plant 1981

01. Jackson Browne – “You Know the Night” (2014)

02. Jackson Browne – “Doctor My Eyes” (1972)

03. Jackson Browne – “In the Shape of a Heart” (1986)

04. Jackson Browne – “Lives in the Balance” (1986)

05. Jackson Browne – “Lawyers in Love” (1983)

06. Jackson Browne – “Barricades of Heaven (Live)” (2004)

07. Jackson Browne – “The Long Way Around” (2014)

08. Jackson Browne – “These Days (Live)” (2004)

09. Jackson Browne – “For a Dancer (Live)” (2004)

10. Jackson Browne – “Everywhere I Go” (1993)

Jackson Browne and Dawes at Occupy Wall Street 2011

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Bruce Springsteen inducts Jackson Browne – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions 2004

Browne’s Blues – Part 1

One of my favorite artists from the golden age of ‘70s singer-songwriters is Jackson Browne who is still writing, recording, and performing today more than 50 years after he first started out as a professional musician (that’s Browne playing guitar on Nico’s 1967 recording of “These Days” which he wrote at the age of 16.) While I’ve struggled to find a Jackson Browne studio album I can enjoy from start to finish, I have dug and collected many of Browne’s songs over the years and a few of them can still make me cry (that’s hard to do and a testament to Browne’s powers as an artist and a human being).

I’m a real fan of Browne’s live stuff especially the more recent concerts where it’s just the artist and his guitar- or the piano- connecting with fans in an intimate setting where every now and then he’s still able to demonstrate his singer-songwriter wizardry, cast a spell upon the audience, and hit one out of the park. A good songwriter lets the songs speak for themselves and while I know Browne’s had some pain in his life- suicides, including his wife- I don’t need to know the backstory to each and every song (and Browne is too smart to box himself- or the audience- in). 50 years later and Jackson Browne- one of the few masters we have left from the blue jean rock poet era- can still breathe life into old songs (old spells) and I celebrate and am grateful for his many gifts. Here are some of my favorite JB songs. Enjoy!  

01. Jackson Browne – “Linda Paloma” (1977)

02. Jackson Browne – “Song for Adam” (1972)

03. Jackson Browne – “Running on Empty (Live) (1977)

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

05. Jackson Browne – “Sky Blue and Black (Live)” (2008)

06. Jackson Browne – “The Pretender” (1977)

07. Jackson Browne – “I Am a Patriot” (1989)

08. Jackson Browne feat. Los Cenzontles– “The Dreamer” (2017)

09. Jackson Browne – “Jamaica Say You Will” (1972)

10. Jackson Browne – “All Good Things (Live)” (2008)

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End of an Era

Punk Fourth of July! II

“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” 

– President George Washington, Farewell Address 

Jello Biafra

Before you go out of your mind worrying about the Deep State or the Russians, take a deep breath and ask yourself: am I a critical thinker who seeks out diverse and reliable sources of information before weighing all sides of an issue, reflecting, and then forming a sound opinion on matters of public policy; or am I an ill-informed, reactionary tool of an out of touch political party that puts its own survival ahead of what’s good for our country? Hopefully you are a thinker and not a tool and if you’re a thinker then you know America may be politically divided but we’ve been divided before and the day we’re no longer divided may be the day democracy is dead because even though it’s ugly and messy the very fact that two political parties are in conflict is usually a good sign that our democracy is still alive. 

Blondie

That being said, I agree with George Washington- political parties threaten our freedom- yet if we must have political parties in this country then I think what we need is a third party which stands for common sense and works for the common good. I could say the current bullying, fear mongering, and general lack of civility in our politics is un-American but then I’d be lying since populist goon rallies, racism, and vitriol have been around since the dawn of the republic when Burr shot and killed Hamilton. But at least on this day- Independence Day- let us be united in celebrating our freedom from the British Empire and thank God for the countless blessings we continue to enjoy as Americans; and let us ask ourselves: do we want to be the land of hope, freedom, and the American Dream- or just another country? 

Ramones playing before an unfriendly crowd in Toronto, Canada 1979

Fun holiday fact: most people know John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day- the Fourth of July- exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence; but Adams and Jefferson were not the last of the signers to die. That honor goes to Mr. Charles Carroll of Maryland- the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence- who died in 1832 at the age of 95 in Baltimore. Here are some more of my favorite punk songs in honor of the Fourth of July including cowpunk, ska punk, pop punk, skate punk, punk pioneers, and old school punk. Enjoy the fireworks!

The Clash – British, yes, but probably would have supported the American Revolution

01. Bad Religion – “Change of Ideas” (1989)
02. Ramones – “I Wanna Be Sedated” (1978)
03. Blondie – “Dreaming” (1979)
04. Screeching Weasel – “I Can See Clearly” (1991)
05. Rancid – “Wrongful Suspicion” (1998)
06. Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon – “Where Are We Gonna Work (When the Trees Are Gone?)” (1994)
07. Bad Religion – “You Are (The Government)” (1988)
08. Rancid – “Up to No Good” (2009)
09. Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon – “Love Me, I’m a Liberal” (1994)
10. The Queers – “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got an Ugly Daughter” (1998)
11. The Clash – “I Fought the Law” (1979)
12. The Queers – “You’re Tripping” (1993)
13. Screeching Weasel – “Planet of the Apes” (1994)
14. Greg Graffin – “Millport” (2017)
15. Descendents – “’Merican” (2004)
16. Ramones – “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment (40th Anniversary Mix)” (1977)
17. Common Rider – “Cool This Madness Down” (2002)
18. The Clash – “(White Man) In Hammermsith Palais” (1978)
19. Rancid – “Last One to Die” (2009)
20. Rancid – “Civilian Ways” (2009)

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Alternative Grab Bag IV – Part 5

The ‘90s was a period of great change for alternative music and as many of its artists shot to the top of the charts- and the record companies pillaged what was left of the “underground” music scene- I felt hurt, angry, and confused by the ending of the precious “scene” to which I had given so much and which had changed my life. Cavemen who once bullied Goth kids were now wearing Nirvana t-shirts and metal bands were cutting their hair in order to appear more “alternative”. For most of the ‘90s I refused to have anything to do with this new alternative music circus which was- as the Clash had lamented and predicted 15 years earlier in “(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais”- “turning rebellion into money”.

blink-182

By decade’s end I began to loosen up and decided to let go of the anger. I joined the Peace Corps and while living overseas began enjoying all kinds of music including ‘90s alternative artists like Beck, blink-182, and Smashing Pumpkins- without shame or guilt. I was learning the world is not black and white and there is more to life than worrying about whether or not my favorite pop punk band is going to sign to a major label. I was growing up and would spend the next decade trying to catch up on all the alternative music I had missed during my angry years. Here are some more of my alternative faves. Enjoy!

Smashing Pumpkins

01. Mike Ness – “Don’t Think Twice” (1999)

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

03. Nico – “I’ll Keep It with Mine” (1967)

04. blink-182 – “The Rock Show” (2001)

05. U2 – “Miracle Drug” (2004)

06. Jason & the Scorchers – “Absolutely Sweet Marie” (1983)

07. The Cure – “The Caterpillar” (1984)

08. Ramones – “My Back Pages” (1993)

09. Cat Power – “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” (2007)

10. The Smiths – “Ask” (1986)

11. Talking Heads – “(Nothing But) Flowers” (1988)

12. They Might Be Giants – “Electric Car” (2009)

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

14. blink-182  - “First Date” (2001)

15. U2 – “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own (Live)” (2005)

16. Green Day – “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” (1997)

17. Smashing Pumpkins – “Perfect” (1998)

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

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

20. The Smiths –  “Rubber Ring” (1985)

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Smashing Pumpkins – “Tonight, Tonight”

Alternative Grab Bag IV – Part 4

Alternative music falls into two basic categories: the kind you listen to with other people; and the kind you listen to alone in your bedroom, or in your car. Through the years alternative music has taught me a lot about life, kept me company, and helped me make friends- and on the whole it’s been a pleasure and a gift. Because alternative music takes so many risks it’s perhaps more prone to failure than other musical genres (heaven knows I’ve heard my share of awful alternative music) but that’s part of the bargain- and the fun. When one desires weird, offbeat, modern music with wit, pathos, and sensitivity that will not insult your intellect, for me there’s really nowhere else to go except alternative music. Here are some more of my faves including a couple of experimental songs by the one and only Nico. Enjoy!

Nico

01. Nico – “The Fairest of the Seasons” (1967)

02. Nico – “These Days” (1967)

03. The Cure – “Let’s Go to Bed” (1982)

04. Stray Cats – “Rock This Town” (1981)

05. Dinosaur Jr. – “Over It” (2009)

06. Alphaville – “Forever Young” (1984)

07. Thompson Twins – “If You Were Here” (1983)

08. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – “If You Leave” (1986)

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

10. Bright Eyes – “Devil Town” (2004)

11. The Damned – “Alone Again Or” (1986)

12. The Go-Go’s – “Vacation” (1982)

13. The Cure – “In Between Days” (1985)

14. Migala – “Fade into You” (1997)

15. Hellogoodbye – “Here (In Your Arms)” (2006)

16. Lou Reed and John Cale – “Style It Takes” (1990)

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

18. Sebadoh – “Willing to Wait” (1996)

19. The Cure – “The Lovecats” (1983)

20. Shack – “Re-Instated” (1999)

The Cure

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Dinosaur Jr. – “Over It”

Stray Cats – “Rock This Town”

Alternative Grab Bag IV – Part 3

For me one of the early appeals of alternative music was its mystique. Back in the dark ages of my youth it was often difficult to acquire “underground” music and so in order to get my hands on the good stuff- with the exception of new wave- I had to know someone or find my way to a hip record store. Unlike their rock cousins, alternative artists are much more likely to experiment, explore, and get in touch with their feelings (things you ain’t gonna find on a Guns N’ Roses album). Alternative tends to attract souls who march to the beat of a different drummer and who are searching for thrills, surprises, and authenticity in their music- and their lives. Aren’t we all? Here are some more of my favorites. Enjoy!

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

01. Big Star – “Stroke It Noel” (1978)

02. The Lemonheads – “The Outdoor Type” (1996)
03. Big Star – “When My Baby’s Beside Me” (1972)
04. The Weakerthans – “Plea from a Cat Named Virtute” (2003)
05. Superchunk – “Fractures in Plaster” (2010)
06. David Bowie – “Blue Jean” (1984)
07. Talking Heads – “Road to Nowhere” (1985)
08. The Divine Comedy – “A Lady of a Certain Age” (2006)
09. Superchunk – “This Summer” (2012)
10. Screeching Weasel – “Planet of the Apes” (1994)
11. Screeching Weasel – “I Wrote Holden Caufield” (1994)
12. Screeching Weasel – “99” (1994)
13. The Dead Milkmen – “Jellyfish Heaven” (1987)
14. Yellowcard – “Ocean Avenue” (2003)
15. The Romantics – “Tell It to Carrie” (1980)
16. Elvis Costello – “Tramp the Dirt Down” (1989)
17. Migala – “Moon River” (1997)
18. Superchunk – “Cruel Summer” (2012)
19. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – “The Boxer” (1999)
20. The Lemonheads – “Luka” (1989)

Superchunk

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Alternative Grab Bag IV – Part 2

I remember a time before the ‘90s when the term alternative music didn’t even exist, but as bands like the Cure, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam cracked the mainstream music scene the suits needed some kind of inoffensive marketing label to help sell these freaks to conformist consumers- and alternative was born. (I remember MTV even aired a one hour “special report” in 1991 to help explain this  “new” alternative music phenomenon to its confused viewership.)

King Tuff

To me alternative represents artists who- for the most part- grew up listening to commercial radio and followed the well-worn rock and oldies highway before going off-road and forging their own musical paths- only to find lots of other people following them. Here are some more of my favorite alternative songs including Goth, grunge, new wave, garage rock revival, ska revival, and alt dance. Enjoy!

The Gaslight Anthem

01. Pearl Jam – “Supersonic” (2009)

02. Pavement – “Frontwards” (1992)

03. Pearl Jam – “The Fixer” (2009)

04. King Tuff – “Screaming Skull” (2012)

04. New Order – “Weirdo” (1986)

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

06. Superchunk – “FOH” (2013)

07. The Cure – “The Only One” (2008)

08. The Specials – “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think)” (1980)

09. Superchunk – “What a Time to Be Alive (Acoustic)” (2018)

10. The Cure – “The End of the World” (2004)

11. Fucked Up – “Queen of Hearts” (2011)

12. Lou Reed – “I’m So Free” (1972)

13. Jack White – “I’m Shakin’” (2012)

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

15. Stereophonics – “Positively 4th Street” (1999)

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

17. Descendents – “Suburban Home” (1982)

18. Devo – “Whip It” (1980)

20. Baby Gramps – “Cape Cod Girls” (2006)

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Devo – “Whip It”