Modern Guilt on Vinyl

Listening to Beck's latest album "Modern Guilt" on Vinyl. It sounds totally different. The instruments sound so much more real and less electronic. The Album actually came with a code to download a full quality version taken off the Vinyl Master for your mp3 players. But the code expired a year ago. So I just imported it on the USB turntable. I think there could be a market place for this kind of thing (Full quality downloads taken from a Vinyl master rather than a CD Master). I would be willing to pay for it.

TJR 08/29/10

The Year of the Blues - Robert Kinsler

It occurred to me sometime a few months ago that 2010 is really proving to be the year of the blues.

Although mainstream radio and television outlets have mostly ignored the musical tide, the fact that so many well-known artists have released blues-centric releases in 2010 seems to be part of a larger search by artists to find something infinitely more real than the fabricated stuff that often passes for music nowadays.

Indeed, a wide-range of artists not typically associated with blues including Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, the Steve Miller Band, John Mellencamp and even Cindi Lauper have released collections celebrating the genre, while blues greats (Walter Trout, Otis Taylor, Jimmie Vaughan) have added gems to their retrospective discographies.

Although I have not had time to listen to every blues-centric release (yet), I wanted to highlight many that have caught my attention and are worth pursuing for those who love the genre as much as I do.



Artist: Joe Bonamassa

Album: Black Rock

Singer-guitarist Joe Bonamassa long ago proved he is one of the world’s most talented electric guitar players. And as the New York native proved on 2009’s The Ballad of John Henry, he now has the vocal and songwriting talents to match his incredible skills playing a six-string. Bonamassa may never reach the kind of global success of John Mayer (both were born in 1977), but there is little doubt who is the greater talent. Black Rock was released a mere year after John Henry and is every bit its equal. Although the heavy blues of “I Know a Place” with his voice soaring above the sonic roar and the Cream-styled British blues rock of “When the Fire Hits the Sea” will fuel air guitar lovers, discerning listeners will hear his burgeoning musicianship in the original folk-rock gem “Quarryman’s Lament” and an outstanding cover of Leonard Cohen’s elegiac “Bird on a Wire.”

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Get it on CD



Artist: John Mellencamp

Album: No Better Than This

For most of August, No Better Than This has been just that in my musical world. John Mellencamp’s latest album boasts 13 songs recorded in a mere 13 days, but is a masterpiece and has received loads of play in my car stereo, at home and in the office. Produced by T Bone Burnett, the Rounder Records release was recorded in three historic locations in the South: Savannah’s First African Baptist Church, Sun Studio in Memphis (used by Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley in the 1950s) and Room 414 of San Antonio’s Gunter Hotel where Robert Johnson recorded seminal blues tracks in the 1930s. The mix of folk and blues with tinges of gospel and country is magical, especially on the infectious “Save Some Time to Dream,” gentle “Thinking About You” and probing “No One Cares About Me.”

only $7.99 on CD (For now)

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Artist: Otis Taylor

Album: Clovis People, Vol. 3

Listening to Otis Taylor’s Clovis People, Vol. 3 (released by Telarc International/Concord Music Group on May 11, 2010) is to experience something that both celebrates and redefines blues. While there is plenty of tradition in Taylor’s authentic style, there are clearly shades of other sonic genres that serve his stories-minded songs on this stunning disc.

Known as “trance blues,” Taylor’s sound is built with a mix of in-the-pocket blues rhythms, as well as the work of pedal steel guitarist Chuck Campbell, cornetist Ron Miles and lead guitarist Gary Moore layered around his involving vocals.

“Lee and Arnez” is among my favorite songs on the album, with Taylor’s vocals delivered quietly and the guitar breaks taking a similarly-effective melancholy path before the song builds to a dramatic musical finish.

Other songs – take “It’s Done Happened Again” – recall the naked poetry and improvisational jams of the Doors. Real world-mired pain and loss come to life in the authentic “Rain So Hard,” while the tonic of love emerges in the elegant “She’s Ice in the Desert.”

Those unfamiliar with Taylor’s “trance blues” may well start here, and then explore his earlier works.

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Artist: Walter Trout

Album: Common Ground

It’s hard to believe Common Ground is Walter Trout’s 20th album. There is never any hint of weariness and “been there, done that” in evidence across the exceptional 12-song collection. Like Joe Bonamassa, Trout’s guitar playing is both technically breathtaking and expressive. Additionally, Trout has a baritone that is powerful and emotive.

On Common Ground, Trout displays all his talents: raucous blues rock (“May Be a Fool,” “Loaded Gun”), slow burners (the confessional “Open Book,” beautiful “Song for my Guitar”) and soul-styled blues (“Common Ground”).

Another great album from one of America’s blues-rock heroes.

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Artist: Jimmie Vaughan

Album: Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites

Jimmie Vaughan’s first solo release (Shout! Factory released the 13-song disc on July 6) in nine years proved to be well worth the wait. Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites features the singer-guitarist-harmonica ace at the top of his game, delivering some of his favorite material from blues and country music greats. Upbeat guitar-driven material (“The Pleasure’s All Mine,” “How Can You Be So Mean”), ballads (“Wheel of Fortune”) and a laid-back harmonica-anchored gem (Jimmy Reed’s “Come Love”) all benefit from Vaughan’s magical touch. He is joined by a strong line-up of players, including bassist Ronnie James, drummer George Rains and vocalist Lou Ann Barton. Vaughan’s own rockabilly-tinged instrumental “Comin’ & Goin’” is among the disc’s highlights.

Produced by Vaughan and recorded in his hometown of Austin, Texas, Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites is a sonic stew sure to please just about every blues fan.

Vaughan headlines an excellent bill that includes opener Shawn Jones at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010.

For more information, visit www.jimmievaughan.com.

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Get it on CD





Various Artists




Albums: This Is The Blues: Volume Three and This Is The Blues: Volume Four

If you don’t know much about the blues, Eagle Rock Entertainment’s This Is The Blues collections (the first two volumes were released in June, while volumes three and four were issued in July 2010) are a darn good place to start.

Volume Three kicks off with a raw sparse number (“Crawlin’ King Snake”) from the Peter Green Splinter Group that provides the perfect introduction to the genre. Elsewhere on that disc, and Volume Four, there is a strong mix of traditional acoustic-minded selections and blistering electric guitar-anchored workouts.

Highlights on Volume Three include the hard-charging “If You Be My Baby” (with Dave Peverett, Rod Price, Southside Johnny and others joining forces) and the classic slow electric blues of “Little Red Rooster” (courtesy of Savoy Brown).



Volume Four kicks off with an outstanding track featuring one-time Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, who offers up a quick-on-its-feet John Lee Hooker-penned “This is Hip.” In fact, legendary material from not only John Lee Hooker, but the aforementioned Peter Green, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker and Willie Dixon are covered by Taylor, Jeff Beck, Gary Brooker, Jack Bruce and others.

Vol 3 CD

Vol 3 mp3

Vol 4 CD

Vol 4 mp3

If you could only pick 6 songs part II - TJR

I asked a number of people this question from my previous post.

If someone who didn't know anything about Rock'n'Roll asked you to play 6 songs that would describe Rock'n'Roll, what 6 songs would you pick.

Below are the answers that everyone gave me. A few of you also offered explanations regarding your choices so I have included those as well.

All lists and comments below are cut and pasted, so if I got anything wrong or messed up your names. please let me know.

If anyone wants to have their 6 songs included, just include them as a response to this post.

You will find my 6 songs at the very end......Enjoy! :)

*********************
Jude H.

Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
I Am the Walrus - The Beatles
When the Levee Breaks Led Zepplin
Gloria - Van Morrison (Them)
Rolling People - The Verve
25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago

*************************
Sandy S.

There obviously are SO MANY choices!
I tired to place myself as someone who was trying to explain what rock and roll music was to someone who was from another country or not old enough to know, etc.
I unfortunately, am old enough to remember the beginnings of rock and roll music. To me, and just myself only, much of today's music or much of anything beyond the eighties qualifies as "rock and roll" music. It is rock, hard rock, pop rock, classic rock, but NOT rock and roll.

My six song choices (in no particular order)
Twist And Shout/The Beatles
Good Vibrations/The Beach Boys
Light My Fire/The Doors
Like A Rolling Stone/Bob Dylan
Rock N' Roll/Led Zeppelin
Jack And Diane/John Melloncamp/Tie
R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A./John Melloncamp/Tie

More that deserve are Chuck Berry: Johnny B. Goode, Elvis: Jailhouse Rock, Bill Hailey: Rock Around The Clock, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other pioneers of rock and roll. To me, that would and should explain how rock and roll was formulated and how it evolved and why it still exists.

*************************
Jeffrey T.

The song list ends at about 1980, stopping the story 30 years early.

Does the analysis/exercise presume that were are putting a
flattering/positive description of rock n¹ roll?

Would the describer be required to demonstrate some of the popular dreck too?

My six songs to explain to the 80 year old that he didn¹t miss anything:

Ain¹t nothin¹ but a hound dog² Elvis Presley
The Streak² Ray Stevens
Superbowl shuffle² 1985 Chicago Bears
I want action² Poison
The right stuff² New Kids on the Block
Livin¹ la vidda loca² Ricky Martin

How¹s that?

(just jokes)

********************************
Bill T.

hey TJR

I've read the book or at least most of it. let's set the record
straight. black musicians laid the foundation of "Rock 'n' Roll". Little Richard and Chuck Berry were well known ones.
there had to be unknown older blues guys that influenced them. Elvis and all these later white guys were basically imitators. volumes have been written on that subject.

I would have a tough time including all, but a good top Six could
include:

Good Golly Miss Molly Little Richard
Johnny Be Good (tonight) Chuck Berry
Rock me Baby (all night long) several older artists (from waaaay back)
Jail House Rock (one of the better Elvis) Elvis Presley
Great Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee could rock) Jerry Lee Lewis
Layla (it's a Classic) Eric Clapton/Derek and the Dominoes

There are dozens, maybe hundreds more, but I only get to pick six!

***************************************
Jim

OK, I'm game...

Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley)

A Hard Days Night (The Beatles)

Like a Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan)

Hey Joe (Jimi Hendrix)

God Save The Queen (Sex Pistols)

Feels Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)

In compiling my list, I thought about the 'game changers', those groups or individuals who forced a change in popular music, or who captured the change in rock music the best.

*********************************
Dale M.

Hey hey
How' bout

What'd I say; Lucille( L Richard); Johnny B Goode
I Want To Hold Your Hand (Beatles)
LIKE A ROLLING STONE (Actually, I believe the list could stop RIGHT HERE,but...) Gimme Whole Lotta Love; Purple Haze,

...impossible, but fun trying! rock on!

***********************************

Wild Bill

long tall sally, little richard
chuck berry johnny b goode.
jerry lee lewis, great balls of fire.
beatles, i wanna hold your hand.
stones, satisfaction
elvis, jailhouse rock.

12 bar stuff is cool.

************************
Francisco R.

what a great question,

i'd have a slightly different list i think,

in no particular order:

Chuck Berry: Johnny B. Goode
The Clash: Should I Stay Or Should I Go
The Beatles: Twist & Shout
Neil Young: Cinnamon Girl
The Rolling Stones: Rip This Joint
Bob Dylan: Like A rolling Stone

okay it's a little predictable, but those were the ones i couldn't live without at this moment while i type.

.......oh and number 7, Iggy Pop & The Stooges: Raw Power

it counts.

******************************

Rick B.

Great Question! I would pick:

1) The Beatles - I Saw Her Standing There
2) The Yardbirds - Train Kept a Rollin'
3) The Animals - It's My Life
4) The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
5) Stevie Wonder - Black Man
6) Tom Petty - Swingin'

Rock 'n' Roll is action that reflects the times it exists. Rock 'n' Roll should always be rocking the beat and the times it lives in while never backing down.

*******************************
TJR
.....And in no particular order, here are mine.

I made my list very fast. I tried not to over think it. Then I walked away from it and when I came back I added a little commentary to each song choice.

No Particular Place to Go - Chuck Berry
(I almost chose Johnny Be Goode, but I thought this song better summed up the fun of Chuck Berry's music)

Love Me - Phantom
(This is a little known lost classic from the 50's - Seek this song out It's Rock in it's purest form).

Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
(This song has one of the coolest grooves ever and represents a real shift into darker and more mature lyrical themes)

Won't Get Fooled Again - The Who
(One of the most powerful songs ever with lyrics that mean something new to each generation)

Where The Streets Have No Name - U2
(Rock becomes a powerful force all that is positive)

A Day in the Life - The Beatles
(Rock meets high art)

**********************************

Thanks to everyone who took part. Remember, you can add your 6 by just responding to the post.

*************************************

CD Reviews The New Pornographers & As Tall As Lions - Music Worth Buying episode 31

Listen to more samples and get The New Pornographers on CD

Currently just $5.99 on mp3

It's on Vinyl too!


Listen to samples and As Tall As Lions on CD


currently only 9.99 on mp3


Get the deluxe CD Edition here


And it's on Vinyl too

If you could only pick 6 songs......

I’ve been reading the book “This is your Brain on Music the Science of A Human Obsession” by Daniel J Levitan.

The book is all about how and why our brains react to music.

Early on the in the book, there is a section where the author is asked by a scientist in his 80’s to explain Rock’n’Roll to him (something he had never paid attention to and didn’t understand).

He asks the author to play him 6 songs that captured all that was important to know about rock and roll.

The author himself mentions that he would be hard pressed to think up 6 songs that could sum up the Beatles much less Rock’n’Roll.

Now the author lists the 6 songs that he chose:  Long Tall Sally (Little Richard), Roll Over Beethoven (the Beatles),  All Along the Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix), Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton), Little Red Corvette (Prince), Anarchy in the UK (Sex Pistols).

But, this got me thinking……What if I was asked this same question?

What 6 songs would I pick?

I am still thinking about this, but I thought it would be fun to ask the rest of you.

What if someone who didn't understand Rock'n'Roll asked you the same question?

What 6 songs would you pick?

Send me your answer.

It would be fun to read and compare each other’s answers.

Learn more about: This Is Your Brain on Music