He would have been 67 today, and this song is rotating on the turntable inside my head. It's from The Band's second album (sometimes called "The Brown Album"), and was co-written by Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson. Rick sang lead, and it's one of his most tender, expressive vocals.
For an analysis of this unusual song, see Peter Viney's essay. Carol Caffin also relates an amusing story regarding the discrepancy surrounding Rick's birthdate on her blog.
Ollie told me that I'm a fool. So I
Walked on down the road a mile, went to the house that brings a smile,
Sat upon my grandpa's knee, and what do you think he said to me?
(Chorus)
When you awake, you will remember ev'rything, you will be
Hangin' on a string, from your . . . when you believe, you will relieve the only soul
That you were born with to grow old and never know
Ollie showed me the fork in the road.
You can take the left or go straight to the right,
Use your days and save your nights,
Careful where you step and watch wha-cha eat,
Sleep with the light on and you got it beat.
(Repeat Chorus)
Ollie warned me it's a mean old world.
The street don't greet ya, yes, it's true;
But what am I supposed to do:
Read the writing on the wall,
I heard it when I was very small
(Repeat Chorus)
Wash my hand in lye water. I've got a date with the
Captain's daughter. You can go and tell your brother. We sure gonna
Love one another, oh! You
May be right and ya might be wrong, I ain't gonna worry all day long.
Snow's gonna come and the frost gonna bite, my old car froze
Up last night. Ain't no reason to hang your head, I could wake up in the
Mornin' dead, oh! And
If I thought it would do any good, I'd stand on the rock where Moses stood.
(Lyrics courtesy of Jan Hoiberg's Band page.)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
It's not Christmas until I hear . . .
Here are some of my favorite holiday-themed recordings - some expected, some not so much. I hope you'll enjoy them all, and please feel free to share some of your own favorites with me in the comments section below.
What rock and roll Yule playlist is complete without this . . .
. . . this . . .
I shared Keith Richards' cover of this in my most recent post; here's Chuck Berry's original.
There are several versions of this, but Bruce's is the most fun.
Not traditional, but still beautiful. Emmylou Harris's ethereal harmonies make it more so.
One of my favorite Christmas songs that you won't hear on the radio.
Here's two versions of "Pretty Paper," because they're both so lovely I can't choose.
One's by the author . . .
. . . and the other is a cover by one of rock's immortal voices.
And while I've got Sun Records recording artists on my mind, they sure don't make Christmas specials like Johnny Cash used to.
Here's one for when you've had a little too much family-togetherness . . .
. . . and one for when you haven't.
Steve Earle wrote this, but Joan Baez's version is my favorite.
OK, so these last two aren't rock and roll, but they're essential. "O Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas song, and most rock singers who've performed it just leave me cold (yes, I'm looking at you, Celine and Mariah). Michael Crawford (the original Phantom of the Opera in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical) possesses a voice that actually does this difficult-to-sing carol justice.
And just in case I ever start forgetting what Christmas is really all about, Linus, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang are always there to remind me.
May you and yours have a very merry, blessed Christmas, and a most joyous New Year.
What rock and roll Yule playlist is complete without this . . .
. . . this . . .
. . . this . . .
. . . this . . .
. . . or this?
I shared Keith Richards' cover of this in my most recent post; here's Chuck Berry's original.
There are several versions of this, but Bruce's is the most fun.
Not traditional, but still beautiful. Emmylou Harris's ethereal harmonies make it more so.
There's a radio station around here that plays this on the air every year. A friend of mine would also bring it on a '70s-themed Christmas CD to work during the holidays, and we would play it after closing time. It gave us all a much-needed laugh after a stressful day in holiday-retail hell.
One of my favorite Christmas songs that you won't hear on the radio.
Here's two versions of "Pretty Paper," because they're both so lovely I can't choose.
One's by the author . . .
. . . and the other is a cover by one of rock's immortal voices.
And while I've got Sun Records recording artists on my mind, they sure don't make Christmas specials like Johnny Cash used to.
Here's one for when you've had a little too much family-togetherness . . .
. . . and one for when you haven't.
Steve Earle wrote this, but Joan Baez's version is my favorite.
Joan's onetime duet partner Bob Dylan confounded expectations yet again last year and released a Christmas album. It - and this video - became instant classics.
I've shared this one on my blog already, yet my list won't feel complete if I leave it out now.
And just in case I ever start forgetting what Christmas is really all about, Linus, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the Peanuts gang are always there to remind me.
May you and yours have a very merry, blessed Christmas, and a most joyous New Year.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Happy birthday, Keith Richards
Rock and Roll Woman would like to wish the ultimate Rock and Roll Man, Keith Richards, many happy returns of the day!
Keef's been getting tons of press since the recent release of his memoirs. On October 29, he was interviewed by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis at the New York Public Library, where he also gave a reading from Life. (While there, he also allegedly killed NYPL executive Marie d'Origny's orchid with secondhand cigarette smoke.) For those who couldn't attend, the Library has graciously made a video of the proceedings available, which you can download for free from iTunes.
And, as 'tis the season, here's Richards' roasting cover of the Chuck Berry holiday chestnut "Run Rudolph Run," which he originally released in 1978. (For a limited time, the Keith Richards official store is giving away a free download of this song with any purchase.)
Keef's been getting tons of press since the recent release of his memoirs. On October 29, he was interviewed by Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis at the New York Public Library, where he also gave a reading from Life. (While there, he also allegedly killed NYPL executive Marie d'Origny's orchid with secondhand cigarette smoke.) For those who couldn't attend, the Library has graciously made a video of the proceedings available, which you can download for free from iTunes.
And, as 'tis the season, here's Richards' roasting cover of the Chuck Berry holiday chestnut "Run Rudolph Run," which he originally released in 1978. (For a limited time, the Keith Richards official store is giving away a free download of this song with any purchase.)
Listen to Richards' recent interview with NPR's Terry Gross and read an excerpt from his book here. (And Santa baby, if you're wondering what to get a Rock and Roll Woman for Christmas, Life is still on my wish list, and I've been a very good girl this year!)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Is Happening!
I participated in a Facebook discussion yesterday in which we collectively lamented, among other things, the usurpation of traditional religious Christmas carols by silly, soppy secular ones. So imagine my delight when I signed into Facebook this morning and was greeted by the posting of another friend (not involved in said discussion) sharing this website:
It's an online musical Advent calendar; each day a different song is revealed with accompanying artwork or Bible verse. Most songs are religious in nature, though one offering is a poetry recitation (Day 10, "A Stranger Comes") and two others are secular (Day 4's "All I Want For Christmas is You," which takes on a different, deeper meaning à la Sister Act in this context; and Day 13's "Panther Chorus," which is "Jingle Bells"). I spent a pleasant morning catching up through today (Day 16, "O Little Town of Bethlehem"), and there are some real gems here. Two particular favorites are "The Race That Long in Darkness Pined" (Day 5) and "Silent Night" (Day 9).
I've no idea who the musicians are, and the website doesn't say. The title of my friend's Facebook posting wondered if this might be "A Mumford and Sons Christmas?" A couple of the songs do indeed sound like the British folkies, and if you are a fan of their music, or of folk music in general, you will love these carols. And to whom it may concern: Merci beaucoup for putting this site together, and for doing your part to put the "Merry" back into Christmas.
It's an online musical Advent calendar; each day a different song is revealed with accompanying artwork or Bible verse. Most songs are religious in nature, though one offering is a poetry recitation (Day 10, "A Stranger Comes") and two others are secular (Day 4's "All I Want For Christmas is You," which takes on a different, deeper meaning à la Sister Act in this context; and Day 13's "Panther Chorus," which is "Jingle Bells"). I spent a pleasant morning catching up through today (Day 16, "O Little Town of Bethlehem"), and there are some real gems here. Two particular favorites are "The Race That Long in Darkness Pined" (Day 5) and "Silent Night" (Day 9).
I've no idea who the musicians are, and the website doesn't say. The title of my friend's Facebook posting wondered if this might be "A Mumford and Sons Christmas?" A couple of the songs do indeed sound like the British folkies, and if you are a fan of their music, or of folk music in general, you will love these carols. And to whom it may concern: Merci beaucoup for putting this site together, and for doing your part to put the "Merry" back into Christmas.
Update: The credits have now been posted on the website. To see the list of artists and musicians involved with this project, click on the red question mark in the upper left-hand corner of the home page.
Remembering Rick Danko: December 29, 1943 - December 10, 1999
The uncut version of "It Makes No Difference" from The Last Waltz.
Listen to more The Band at Wolfgang's Vault.
I'm an emotional person by nature; I'll cry at the drop of a hat or sentimental TV commercial. It's one of the reasons I'm so drawn to music. In a song, it's possible to express things that you could never say in plain language to someone's face without fear of rejection or embarrassment.
That being said, I've rarely really, truly lost it during a musical performance. I'm usually too wrapped up in trying to commit everything to memory to allow myself full immersion in the moment.
That is, until the night I heard "It Makes No Difference" performed live by the Levon Helm Band.
This sadly incomplete video is from their appearance at the Horseshoe Casino's Bluesville venue on April 24 of this year. When this song came up in the setlist, I was surprised by the emotion that swept over me; I was unable to restrain myself from crying openly. (To the nice lady sitting next to me: I'm sorry if I freaked you out.) Besides the fact that this was a very special show - Levon was playing for his hometown crowd, and literally sang his heart out that night - and that Amy Helm and Teresa Williams absolutely nailed this song, I never thought I would ever get to hear "It Makes No Difference" performed by any member of The Band live. (I was lucky enough to meet Teresa afterwards and I told her my reaction to their performance. Her eyes grew very large, and she took hold of my arm and with all sincerity said, "If I'd been in the audience, I would have lost it too." I was lucky enough to meet Levon and several of the other musicians as well, but I'll save that story for later.)
This is hands-down my favorite Band song; I identify with it a little more deeply than I care to analyze or admit. The Band weren't known for their love songs, so it was a bit of a departure for them. Maybe that's part of the reason why this one is so special. They really pulled out all the stops, from Garth's last-call saxophone to Robbie's stinging, sewing-needle guitar solo, and the beautiful cry in Levon's harmony vocals - much like the ones I heard him sing live that night. All that, and then there are those poignant, poetic lyrics.
But what makes it and sells it is Rick's singing. His was an unusual tenor - sometimes plaintive, as during "Unfaithful Servant"; sometimes goofy, as during his famous "Crazy Chester" verse from "The Weight." He captured the feeling of schizophrenic terror in "Stage Fright" and the haunted, uncertain mood of "Caledonia Mission." But as great as these and other performances of his are, this song sums up for me everything he was about. With lyrics this transparently emotional, you've got to sing it like you mean it, or it will fall flat. Rick sang this one like he'd lived it. His sobbing, desperate vocal teeters dangerously on the edge; he sounds as if any moment he will come unhinged before our very eyes.
"It Makes No Difference" drags you to the brink of the abyss and forces you to look at rock-bottom. It's not a pleasant sight - or sound., for that matter. It captures perfectly that feeling of waking up bleary-eyed in the bleak a. m., having to remember all over again that he or she is gone, and feeling the sour swell of pain and knowing rise anew in your chest. It's unabashed, it's unafraid. In sum, it's everything that a truly great song should be.
Rick has been gone for 11 years now. To paraphrase Sir Elton, I would have liked to have known him, but I was just a kid. Yet I feel like I've gotten a glimpse of him through the musical legacy he left behind. His was a voice of many colors, and I believe that each shade reveals a different facet of his character. In other words, when Rick Danko sings, no matter what he's singing about, I believe him. That is the highest praise I could ever bestow upon any musician.
I also feel I've gained an understanding of Rick through Carol Caffin's fine blog, Sip The Wine. She was Rick's friend and publicist for many years, and on her blog she generously shares stories, anecdotes, and observations about Rick. If you want to know more about the man, there is no better source.
See also Jan Hoiberg's Band site, which features Carol's biography of Rick and several of her BandBites articles - essential reading all.
Since you've been gone, it's a losing battle
Stampeding cattle, they rattle the walls . . .
Couldn't have put it any better myself. Ad courtesy of Jan Hoiberg's Band site.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
This week's musical miscellany
With all of the happenings of this past week (the GRAMMY announcements, the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death) I'm a little behind on the latest conglomeration of all the music news that's interesting to me (and hopefully to you, too!). So let's get to it, shall we?
It was reported this week that Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer. My prayers and best wishes go out to the Queen of Soul.
I was sorry to hear today of the passing of R. L. Burnside, Jr., the son of the late Mississippi hill country blues legend R. L. Burnside; his wife Marlena had passed away just a few weeks before. He wasn't an active musician like his father or his brothers, but he would sometimes sit in during their performances. I was lucky enough to see him once - at the 2009 North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic, where I snapped this photo of him singing with his brother Duwayne. My condolences to the Burnside family on their loss.
Many happy returns to Jakob Dylan, who turns 41 today. I thought Women + Country was his best work to date and one of this year's finest albums, so I was a little disappointed to see it overlooked come awards time. If you've not heard it, you owe it to yourself to check it out; it's one of those rare records that you can listen to start to finish - not a bum track in the bunch.
Yesterday would have been Jim Morrison's 67th birthday, and today came the news that he was finally granted a posthumous pardon by the state of Florida for his indecent exposure and profanity conviction stemming from the infamous Doors Miami concert on March 1, 1969. Not everyone was happy to hear this; according to the Miami Herald, former Miami police office Angel Lago "said it sent the wrong message to the nation's youth, and that a pardon was tantamount to accusing officers involved in the incident of perjury." Patricia Kennealy Morrison, who claims to have married Morrison in an unofficial, Celtic pagan ceremony, wanted the conviction expunged rather than pardoned. "The pardon says that all of his suffering and all that he went through in a trial, everything both of us went through, was negated," she told the Associated Press.
Morrison's former band members, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger, were pleased, however; they've long maintained that he never flashed the crowd. Outgoing Florida governor Charlie Crist defended the state clemency board's decision, made at his recommendation. Speaking to the Miami Herald, Crist said, "It strikes me that everyone deserves a second chance. You have to have the capacity for forgiveness."
Hear, hear, governor; let's hope that Hudspeth County, Texas will show the same sort of mercy towards Willie Nelson. His recent felony marijuana possession charge was bumped down to a misdemeanor when it was determined that he was carrying 4 ounces instead of the originally-reported 6. The misdemeanor charge carries with it a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Nelson is reportedly being represented by attorney Joe Turner, who had his '94 possession charge dismissed.
The response to Nelson's arrest from the media has taken the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Department by surprise. Even Snoop Dogg has weighed in on the situation:
For his part, Willie has taken the high road (no pun intended) and has asked his fans to contribute to the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office Gifts for Children Program, which ensures county schoolchildren will receive a visit from Santa Claus at Christmas. I'd expect no less from a true class act like him.
I love a good mystery as much as I love good music, and the story of Jim Sullivan and his album U. F. O. has both. He was a favorite around Malibu in the '70s and recorded with Phil Spector's musicians, but stardom always seemed just out of his reach. Then one day he hit the road, leaving California and his family behind for Nashville. He thought maybe he could be successful there, but he disappeared somewhere along the way. To this day his fate is unknown; his car was found abandoned in New Mexico, and he had apparently taken nothing with him - not even his guitar.
Light in the Attic Records has re-released U. F. O. in CD, LP, and MP3 format. I'm quite enchanted by his voice; it has a West Coast-Gordon Lightfoot sort of quality to it - smooth, robust, but lonely, and touched with a melancholy sweetness. I look forward to hearing the album in its entirety.
In Rolling Stone #1119, fifty musicians were asked to contribute playlists of their favorite music. RS is releasing those lists online by the week; here are some of my favorites so far.
RS also recently published an online gallery of its Top 10 Rockers Who Found God. As far as #2 choice Bob Dylan is concerned, I have to admit that I get very tired of the was-a-Christian-is-now-Jewish-again argument. For one, Dylan never stopped being Jewish; for two, he has never publicly renounced his Christian beliefs; and for three, he has never stopped performing the songs. He may not beat people over the head with the Bible anymore, but I'll argue that in songs such as "Every Grain of Sand" (please see also the version on Bootleg Series Vol. 1-3), the revamped "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking," or "'Cross the Green Mountain," glimpses of his faith are still evident.
And then, of course, there's this marvelous quote from an interview last year with Bill Flanagan in which they discuss Christmas in the Heart:
BF: You really give a heroic performance of O’ LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM The way you do it reminds me a little of an Irish rebel song. There’s something almost defiant in the way you sing, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” I don’t want to put you on the spot, but you sure deliver that song like a true believer.
In other Dylan news, the Wall Street Journal's John Jurgenson asks the musical question Should Bob Dylan Retire? In my humble opinion, people should only be allowed to inquire about such things when, like Mr. Dylan, they have also enjoyed forty-plus years of success in the music industry and have produced a body of work that has immeasurably influenced the course of popular musical history.
Not to mention kicking out the jams some 100 nights per year for the last 21 years and counting . . .
Gonna put my best foot forward, stop being influenced by fools.
Tomorrow, Sotheby's will auction Dylan's original handwritten lyrics for "The Times They Are A-Changin'." The estimated value of this fragile yet historical sheet of paper? $200,000-$300,000. If anybody's wondering what sort of Christmas gift to get for the Dylanologist who has everything . . .
Update (12/10/2010): Dylan's lyrics were sold today, and for more than originally estimated. Accept It: Dylan's Lyrics Are Sold at Auction (ArtsBeat/NY Times)
And finally, tonight Paul McCartney sang the original lyrics to "Yesterday" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - with a little help from his host. I don't know about you, but now I'm craving scrambled eggs and waffle fries. I'll pass on the tofu wings, though - sorry, Sir Paul!
We marked the loss of another Beatle this past week as well - George Harrison passed away nine years ago on November 29. The 40th anniversary edition of All Things Must Pass was re-released on November 26, and right now you can download a free track from the album when you sign up for email updates at his official website.
It was reported this week that Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer. My prayers and best wishes go out to the Queen of Soul.
I was sorry to hear today of the passing of R. L. Burnside, Jr., the son of the late Mississippi hill country blues legend R. L. Burnside; his wife Marlena had passed away just a few weeks before. He wasn't an active musician like his father or his brothers, but he would sometimes sit in during their performances. I was lucky enough to see him once - at the 2009 North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic, where I snapped this photo of him singing with his brother Duwayne. My condolences to the Burnside family on their loss.
Many happy returns to Jakob Dylan, who turns 41 today. I thought Women + Country was his best work to date and one of this year's finest albums, so I was a little disappointed to see it overlooked come awards time. If you've not heard it, you owe it to yourself to check it out; it's one of those rare records that you can listen to start to finish - not a bum track in the bunch.
Yesterday would have been Jim Morrison's 67th birthday, and today came the news that he was finally granted a posthumous pardon by the state of Florida for his indecent exposure and profanity conviction stemming from the infamous Doors Miami concert on March 1, 1969. Not everyone was happy to hear this; according to the Miami Herald, former Miami police office Angel Lago "said it sent the wrong message to the nation's youth, and that a pardon was tantamount to accusing officers involved in the incident of perjury." Patricia Kennealy Morrison, who claims to have married Morrison in an unofficial, Celtic pagan ceremony, wanted the conviction expunged rather than pardoned. "The pardon says that all of his suffering and all that he went through in a trial, everything both of us went through, was negated," she told the Associated Press.
Morrison's former band members, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger, were pleased, however; they've long maintained that he never flashed the crowd. Outgoing Florida governor Charlie Crist defended the state clemency board's decision, made at his recommendation. Speaking to the Miami Herald, Crist said, "It strikes me that everyone deserves a second chance. You have to have the capacity for forgiveness."
Hear, hear, governor; let's hope that Hudspeth County, Texas will show the same sort of mercy towards Willie Nelson. His recent felony marijuana possession charge was bumped down to a misdemeanor when it was determined that he was carrying 4 ounces instead of the originally-reported 6. The misdemeanor charge carries with it a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Nelson is reportedly being represented by attorney Joe Turner, who had his '94 possession charge dismissed.
The response to Nelson's arrest from the media has taken the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Department by surprise. Even Snoop Dogg has weighed in on the situation:
For his part, Willie has taken the high road (no pun intended) and has asked his fans to contribute to the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office Gifts for Children Program, which ensures county schoolchildren will receive a visit from Santa Claus at Christmas. I'd expect no less from a true class act like him.
I love a good mystery as much as I love good music, and the story of Jim Sullivan and his album U. F. O. has both. He was a favorite around Malibu in the '70s and recorded with Phil Spector's musicians, but stardom always seemed just out of his reach. Then one day he hit the road, leaving California and his family behind for Nashville. He thought maybe he could be successful there, but he disappeared somewhere along the way. To this day his fate is unknown; his car was found abandoned in New Mexico, and he had apparently taken nothing with him - not even his guitar.
Light in the Attic Records has re-released U. F. O. in CD, LP, and MP3 format. I'm quite enchanted by his voice; it has a West Coast-Gordon Lightfoot sort of quality to it - smooth, robust, but lonely, and touched with a melancholy sweetness. I look forward to hearing the album in its entirety.
In Rolling Stone #1119, fifty musicians were asked to contribute playlists of their favorite music. RS is releasing those lists online by the week; here are some of my favorites so far.
RS also recently published an online gallery of its Top 10 Rockers Who Found God. As far as #2 choice Bob Dylan is concerned, I have to admit that I get very tired of the was-a-Christian-is-now-Jewish-again argument. For one, Dylan never stopped being Jewish; for two, he has never publicly renounced his Christian beliefs; and for three, he has never stopped performing the songs. He may not beat people over the head with the Bible anymore, but I'll argue that in songs such as "Every Grain of Sand" (please see also the version on Bootleg Series Vol. 1-3), the revamped "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking," or "'Cross the Green Mountain," glimpses of his faith are still evident.
And then, of course, there's this marvelous quote from an interview last year with Bill Flanagan in which they discuss Christmas in the Heart:
BF: You really give a heroic performance of O’ LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM The way you do it reminds me a little of an Irish rebel song. There’s something almost defiant in the way you sing, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” I don’t want to put you on the spot, but you sure deliver that song like a true believer.
BD: Well, I am a true believer.
One of the best essays on this subject I've ever read is Alan Jacobs' "The Songs Are My Lexicon," which Dylan's old website used to host. Isn't Web Archive a beautiful thing?In other Dylan news, the Wall Street Journal's John Jurgenson asks the musical question Should Bob Dylan Retire? In my humble opinion, people should only be allowed to inquire about such things when, like Mr. Dylan, they have also enjoyed forty-plus years of success in the music industry and have produced a body of work that has immeasurably influenced the course of popular musical history.
Not to mention kicking out the jams some 100 nights per year for the last 21 years and counting . . .
Gonna put my best foot forward, stop being influenced by fools.
Tomorrow, Sotheby's will auction Dylan's original handwritten lyrics for "The Times They Are A-Changin'." The estimated value of this fragile yet historical sheet of paper? $200,000-$300,000. If anybody's wondering what sort of Christmas gift to get for the Dylanologist who has everything . . .
Update (12/10/2010): Dylan's lyrics were sold today, and for more than originally estimated. Accept It: Dylan's Lyrics Are Sold at Auction (ArtsBeat/NY Times)
And finally, tonight Paul McCartney sang the original lyrics to "Yesterday" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - with a little help from his host. I don't know about you, but now I'm craving scrambled eggs and waffle fries. I'll pass on the tofu wings, though - sorry, Sir Paul!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Happy birthday, Gregg Allman
This moving performance of "Floating Bridge" is from the October 16, 2010 Speaking Clock Revue concert at Boston's Wang Theatre. The Sleepy John Estes tune is the opening track of Gregg's new album Low Country Blues, which drops on January 18. This was one of his first public performances since his liver transplant surgery back in June; he thanks both God and his liver donor before beginning the song.
Gregg, we're thankful that you're recovering well, and we're looking forward to Low Country Blues' release. Many happy returns of the day!
Gregg discusses his new album in this documentary short, courtesy of Rounder Records.
Related articles:
Speaking Clock runs on electricity (Boston Globe)
Gregg Allman Undergoes Liver Transplant Surgery (Rolling Stone)
Low Country Blues (GreggAllman.com)
Remembering John Lennon: October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980
John Lennon: The Teamaker, by Yoko Ono Lennon. Please share your memories of John here: http://bit.ly/JL2010 love, yoko
Could not think of a better way to be honouring Dad today, than be Singing My Heart out, with his Love in Mind......http://fb.me/P9q5MMmH
Thank you for all the kind words. Let's all just pray for peace on earth. That's what he cared about most. Love, S.
John Lennon, by Verlyn Klinkenborg (NY Times)
John Lennon Remembered: 10/9/40-12/8/80 (Rolling Stone)
Beatles John Lennon Slain; Shot Down Outside New York Apartment (Daily Mirror/LA Times)
Beatles fans remember that grim, sad night (Washington Post)
Lennon fans celebrate his life in Tupelo (WTVA.com): Lennon once said "Before Elvis, there was nothing," so it's nice to see fans remembering him in Elvis's hometown.
John Lennon's Death: HuffPost Bloggers on the 30th Anniversary (Huffington Post)
Update (12/9/2010): Photos: The World Remembers John Lennon (Rolling Stone)
“The hardest thing is facing yourself. It’s easier to shout ‘revolution’ and ‘power to the people’ than it is to look at yourself and try and find out what’s real inside you and what isn’t when you pull the wool over your own eyes. Your own hypocrisy, that’s the hardest thing, and that’s what I’m involved in.” (From Lennon's final interview, courtesy of Rolling Stone's Tumblr)
War is over, if you want it.
War is over, if you want it.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Happy birthday, Tom Waits
Too infectiously delightful not to share. I should've stood in line to buy this 78 when I had the chance!
Many happy returns of the day to you, Tom.
Many happy returns of the day to you, Tom.
The 2010 GRAMMY Nominees: Rock and Roll Woman's Picks
The biggest music news of this past week was the announcement of the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Award Nominees, which took place during a live concert televised on CBS December 1st.
I generally have mixed feelings where the GRAMMYs are concerned; I'm either happy my favorites were nominated or upset that they weren't. These emotions are usually chased with a shot of cynicism over the fact that the awards seem to be more of an enshrinement of popular, multi-million selling acts rather than a recognition of artfully-created music that possesses an actual soul. (Not that the two are mutually exclusive, of course. Remember the year the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack cleaned up?)
At any rate, here are the nominations that I'm happiest about this go 'round. "I ain't no monkey, but I know what I like."
Oh, and be advised - this post is extra-long! So if you're down with it, let's get down to it . . .
Song of the Year: Nice to see the excellent Ray LaMontagne earn this prestigious nom for "Beg, Steal or Borrow" from his latest album God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise.
Best New Artist: The British folkers Mumford & Sons are up against some stiff competition in this category (Justin Bieber, Drake), but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll pull an upset win.
Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals: Elton John. Leon Russell. Need I say more? The powerhouse duo earned this nom for "If It Wasn't For Bad" from their album The Union. Love the film noir-esque video, too.
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Probably the only category in which I wouldn't be disappointed to see any of the nominees win - well, with the possible exception of John Mayer. (Sorry, y'all; I just find his version of "Crossroads" a bit anemic.) Eric Clapton's "Run Back To Your Side," from Clapton; "Helter Skelter," from Paul McCartney's Good Evening New York City; "Silver Rider," from Robert Plant and his Band of Joy; and "Angry World," from Neil Young's Le Noise all earn the Rock and Roll Woman Seal of Approval©. All of these men sing very well on their tracks; McCartney sounds especially invigorated, and Plant's cover of the Low song is achingly lovely. But I'm hedging my bets with Neil's "Angry World." I don't know if it's Neil himself or Lanois' sonic magic that's responsible, but Mr. Soul sounds as good here as he ever has.
Best Rock Song: Neil's "Angry World" is up again in this category, along with Mumford & Sons' "Little Lion Man." As good as the M&S song is, "Angry World" rocks just a little bit harder.
Best Rock Album: I liked Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Mojo, and I have nothing but respect for the immense talents of Jeff Beck, nominated here for Emotion & Commotion. But again, I see Le Noise taking this one home.
Best Americana Album: Another category full of worthy contenders - Roseanne Cash's The List, Los Lobos' Tin Can Trust, Willie Nelson's Country Music, Robert Plant's Band of Joy, and Mavis Staples' You Are Not Alone.
My money's on Country Music. Here's a haunting live version of my favorite track from Willie's T Bone Burnett-produced gem.
Though I find the choice of categorization a little odd, I'm nevertheless thrilled to see Mavis' marvelous new album nominated for an award. Here she is performing You Are Not Alone's title track with its author, Jeff Tweedy, who also produced the album. She has said that this is "one of the most beautiful songs I ever sang," and I love the way he looks at her while she's singing it.
Best Traditional Blues Album: No disrespect meant to Cyndi Lauper - I've always liked her singularly unique voice - but what is Memphis Blues doing here? Impressive guest list (Allen Toussaint, B. B. King, Charlie Musselwhite) aside, she's sadly out of her depth in this material. When I think of traditional blues, I'm more inclined to think of artists like Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (Joined At The Hip), or James Cotton (Giant). These two albums, plus Charlie Musselwhite's The Well, are all strong contenders for this award.
From Joined At The Hip, I quite enjoy Messrs. Perkins' and Smith's laid-back take on "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."
Here's a smoldering live version of Muddy Waters' "Sad Sad Day," which James Cotton recorded for Giant.
As much as I hate to choose here, I can see Charlie Musselwhite winning this one. The Well is the first album in which Musselwhite either wrote or co-wrote every song, and he really knocked this one out of the park. Here he and his fine band perform "Rambler's Blues," which I had the pleasure of hearing live at the 7th Ever ShedHed Blues Festival in Ocean Springs, MS, just four days before this video was made.
Best Contemporary Blues Album: Okay, I lied - THIS is the only category in which I'll be happy no matter who takes it home. The late Solomon Burke is up for Nothing's Impossible, which was his sole collaboration with the late Memphis soul producer Willie Mitchell. This is the only video of a song from the album I can find on YouTube. It's a bit odd; made by a fan, it features the photography of Edmund Teske. But close your eyes (or don't, if you like the photos) and listen to the song - Burke is in fine voice here.
Dr. John won the GRAMMY in this category for 2008's The City That Care Forgot. Here's the video for "Feel Good Music," from this year's nominee Tribal. If this doesn't make you homesick for New Orleans, nothing will.
Buddy Guy is indeed Living Proof that the blues is alive and well in the 21st century, and on his album by the same name he's sounding as great as ever. On "Stay Around A Little Longer" he's joined by B. B. King, and here's hoping that both of these treasures are around for a long time to come.
If forced to choose one of these for the win, I'm going with Bettye LaVette. Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook was inspired by her appearance at the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors, where her stunning version of honoree The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me" stole the show. Here's her performance from that night; I love the looks of awe on Pete Townshend's and Roger Daltrey's faces while she's singing. (Check fellow honoree Barbra Streisand at 1:13 - even she's down with it!)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is joined by an impeccable roster of blues greats, including Hubert Sumlin and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, on Live! In Chicago. Here, Shepherd and Sumlin jam on Howlin' Wolf's "Rockin' Daddy" with Bryan Lee, Buddy Flett, and KWSB members Noah Hunt and Chris Layton.
Best Traditional Folk Album: The Carolina Chocolate Drops' Genuine Negro Jig could and should win this category. They should also perform at the Awards ceremony - I guarantee they'd take the tops of everybody's heads off - but, alas, we don't live in a perfect world. Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up Style" was my jam in the summer of 2001; the Drops lay some serious folk-revival hoodoo on their version, which is now my preferred one!
Onward And Upward, from Luther Dickinson & The Sons of Mudboy, is the North Mississippi Allstar and Black Crowes guitarist's heartfelt tribute to his late father, the Memphis producer and keyboard master Jim Dickinson. Here, Luther performs "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning," a song he originally learned from the Mississippi Fred McDowell album Amazing Grace.
Maria Muldaur & Her Garden Of Joy sees the bluesy folk siren return to her jug band roots. This album full of "Good Time Music for Hard Times" is a delight, and I highly recommend it.
Best Contemporary Folk Album: It wouldn't surprise me to see Ray LaMontagne win this one, but Guy Clark's Somedays The Song Writes You is a strong contender as well. The legendary songwriter's moving ballad "Hemingway's Whiskey" will haunt you long after you've listened to it.
Best Traditional World Music Album: I had the honor of seeing Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba perform with Béla Fleck on the latter's Africa Project tour at the Lyric Oxford this past February. The ngoni is an African ancestor of the banjo, and you owe it to yourself to check out these amazing musicians' latest album, I Speak Fula.
Best Contemporary World Music Album: Again, I cannot recommend highly enough Béla Fleck's Throw Down Your Heart: Africa Sesssions Part 2 - Unreleased Tracks; Fleck's first album in this series won this category last year. While you're at it, a viewing of the documentary Throw Down Your Heart - about Fleck's journey to the African birthplace of the banjo - is also essential. Prepare to have your mind and your heart opened.
Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees!
I generally have mixed feelings where the GRAMMYs are concerned; I'm either happy my favorites were nominated or upset that they weren't. These emotions are usually chased with a shot of cynicism over the fact that the awards seem to be more of an enshrinement of popular, multi-million selling acts rather than a recognition of artfully-created music that possesses an actual soul. (Not that the two are mutually exclusive, of course. Remember the year the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack cleaned up?)
At any rate, here are the nominations that I'm happiest about this go 'round. "I ain't no monkey, but I know what I like."
Oh, and be advised - this post is extra-long! So if you're down with it, let's get down to it . . .
Song of the Year: Nice to see the excellent Ray LaMontagne earn this prestigious nom for "Beg, Steal or Borrow" from his latest album God Willin' And The Creek Don't Rise.
Best New Artist: The British folkers Mumford & Sons are up against some stiff competition in this category (Justin Bieber, Drake), but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll pull an upset win.
Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals: Elton John. Leon Russell. Need I say more? The powerhouse duo earned this nom for "If It Wasn't For Bad" from their album The Union. Love the film noir-esque video, too.
Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Probably the only category in which I wouldn't be disappointed to see any of the nominees win - well, with the possible exception of John Mayer. (Sorry, y'all; I just find his version of "Crossroads" a bit anemic.) Eric Clapton's "Run Back To Your Side," from Clapton; "Helter Skelter," from Paul McCartney's Good Evening New York City; "Silver Rider," from Robert Plant and his Band of Joy; and "Angry World," from Neil Young's Le Noise all earn the Rock and Roll Woman Seal of Approval©. All of these men sing very well on their tracks; McCartney sounds especially invigorated, and Plant's cover of the Low song is achingly lovely. But I'm hedging my bets with Neil's "Angry World." I don't know if it's Neil himself or Lanois' sonic magic that's responsible, but Mr. Soul sounds as good here as he ever has.
Best Rock Song: Neil's "Angry World" is up again in this category, along with Mumford & Sons' "Little Lion Man." As good as the M&S song is, "Angry World" rocks just a little bit harder.
Best Rock Album: I liked Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Mojo, and I have nothing but respect for the immense talents of Jeff Beck, nominated here for Emotion & Commotion. But again, I see Le Noise taking this one home.
Best Americana Album: Another category full of worthy contenders - Roseanne Cash's The List, Los Lobos' Tin Can Trust, Willie Nelson's Country Music, Robert Plant's Band of Joy, and Mavis Staples' You Are Not Alone.
My money's on Country Music. Here's a haunting live version of my favorite track from Willie's T Bone Burnett-produced gem.
Though I find the choice of categorization a little odd, I'm nevertheless thrilled to see Mavis' marvelous new album nominated for an award. Here she is performing You Are Not Alone's title track with its author, Jeff Tweedy, who also produced the album. She has said that this is "one of the most beautiful songs I ever sang," and I love the way he looks at her while she's singing it.
Best Traditional Blues Album: No disrespect meant to Cyndi Lauper - I've always liked her singularly unique voice - but what is Memphis Blues doing here? Impressive guest list (Allen Toussaint, B. B. King, Charlie Musselwhite) aside, she's sadly out of her depth in this material. When I think of traditional blues, I'm more inclined to think of artists like Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (Joined At The Hip), or James Cotton (Giant). These two albums, plus Charlie Musselwhite's The Well, are all strong contenders for this award.
From Joined At The Hip, I quite enjoy Messrs. Perkins' and Smith's laid-back take on "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."
Here's a smoldering live version of Muddy Waters' "Sad Sad Day," which James Cotton recorded for Giant.
As much as I hate to choose here, I can see Charlie Musselwhite winning this one. The Well is the first album in which Musselwhite either wrote or co-wrote every song, and he really knocked this one out of the park. Here he and his fine band perform "Rambler's Blues," which I had the pleasure of hearing live at the 7th Ever ShedHed Blues Festival in Ocean Springs, MS, just four days before this video was made.
Best Contemporary Blues Album: Okay, I lied - THIS is the only category in which I'll be happy no matter who takes it home. The late Solomon Burke is up for Nothing's Impossible, which was his sole collaboration with the late Memphis soul producer Willie Mitchell. This is the only video of a song from the album I can find on YouTube. It's a bit odd; made by a fan, it features the photography of Edmund Teske. But close your eyes (or don't, if you like the photos) and listen to the song - Burke is in fine voice here.
Dr. John won the GRAMMY in this category for 2008's The City That Care Forgot. Here's the video for "Feel Good Music," from this year's nominee Tribal. If this doesn't make you homesick for New Orleans, nothing will.
Buddy Guy is indeed Living Proof that the blues is alive and well in the 21st century, and on his album by the same name he's sounding as great as ever. On "Stay Around A Little Longer" he's joined by B. B. King, and here's hoping that both of these treasures are around for a long time to come.
If forced to choose one of these for the win, I'm going with Bettye LaVette. Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook was inspired by her appearance at the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors, where her stunning version of honoree The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me" stole the show. Here's her performance from that night; I love the looks of awe on Pete Townshend's and Roger Daltrey's faces while she's singing. (Check fellow honoree Barbra Streisand at 1:13 - even she's down with it!)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is joined by an impeccable roster of blues greats, including Hubert Sumlin and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, on Live! In Chicago. Here, Shepherd and Sumlin jam on Howlin' Wolf's "Rockin' Daddy" with Bryan Lee, Buddy Flett, and KWSB members Noah Hunt and Chris Layton.
Best Traditional Folk Album: The Carolina Chocolate Drops' Genuine Negro Jig could and should win this category. They should also perform at the Awards ceremony - I guarantee they'd take the tops of everybody's heads off - but, alas, we don't live in a perfect world. Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up Style" was my jam in the summer of 2001; the Drops lay some serious folk-revival hoodoo on their version, which is now my preferred one!
Onward And Upward, from Luther Dickinson & The Sons of Mudboy, is the North Mississippi Allstar and Black Crowes guitarist's heartfelt tribute to his late father, the Memphis producer and keyboard master Jim Dickinson. Here, Luther performs "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning," a song he originally learned from the Mississippi Fred McDowell album Amazing Grace.
Maria Muldaur & Her Garden Of Joy sees the bluesy folk siren return to her jug band roots. This album full of "Good Time Music for Hard Times" is a delight, and I highly recommend it.
Best Contemporary Folk Album: It wouldn't surprise me to see Ray LaMontagne win this one, but Guy Clark's Somedays The Song Writes You is a strong contender as well. The legendary songwriter's moving ballad "Hemingway's Whiskey" will haunt you long after you've listened to it.
Best Traditional World Music Album: I had the honor of seeing Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba perform with Béla Fleck on the latter's Africa Project tour at the Lyric Oxford this past February. The ngoni is an African ancestor of the banjo, and you owe it to yourself to check out these amazing musicians' latest album, I Speak Fula.
Best Contemporary World Music Album: Again, I cannot recommend highly enough Béla Fleck's Throw Down Your Heart: Africa Sesssions Part 2 - Unreleased Tracks; Fleck's first album in this series won this category last year. While you're at it, a viewing of the documentary Throw Down Your Heart - about Fleck's journey to the African birthplace of the banjo - is also essential. Prepare to have your mind and your heart opened.
Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees!
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