Bonnie Raitt “Nick of Time”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#160 in the Series) is Bonnie Raitt, Nick of Time.
In 1988, Bonnie Raitt was one of many performers that would continuously pound out good release after good release but never really popped! We’ve seen a ton of these acts. ‘Boy is she good. I’m surprised that she’s not better known.’ There was the odd Me and the Boys or Angel From Montgomery, but the lady from California still wasn’t a household name. Heck she wasn’t as well-known as her stage star father John Raitt.
Then she met Don Was. Don was a producer that had done well with the great band Was (Not Was) and had produced a few other acts as well. Be his career was quite a bit like Bonnie’s. Ok, but not spectacular.
They met when Don was putting together a compilation of Disney songs for an album. The session went well and Raitt and Was decided to continue in to another project that would become, Nick of Time. It was if the title track decribed both of their feeling about meeting the other at this point in their careers.
Nick of Time ended up selling 5 million copies and garnered Ms. Raitt three Grammy Awards. It was ranked #229 on Rolling Stone Magazines Top 500 Albums of All Time. It won Grammy’s for Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
The biggest hit on Top 40 radio was Have a Heart. The biggest hit on rock radio was John Hiatt’s Thing Called Love. The best song on the album was the title cut, Nick of Time.
Guest artists a plenty were on the album. To name some, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Sweet Pea Atkinson and Sir Harry Bowens from Was (Not Was), Paulinho Da Costa, Ricky Fataar, Herbie Hancock and Kim Wilson.
Don Was continued to produce Bonnie on her next album, Luck of the Draw. It sold seven million copies.
Here’s some Bonnie Videos. Nick of Time, Have a Heart and lastly a live version of Thing Called Love from an old Farm Aid show complete with John Hiatt!
The Kinks “State Of Confusion”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#159 in the Series) is the Kinks, State of Confusion.
We’re running with the Kinks today. I wonder what they’re running away from on that cover anyway. I guess it was the graffiti, again! They also used a graffiti themed cover on the previous release, Give the People What They Want.
State of Confusion was more later day Kinks. This release was an album that I really liked. They were still putting out good music until the end. Ray Davies continues to get it done to this day. His album from a few years ago, Working Man’s Café, is brilliant.
But I digress. State of Confusion actually had the highest charting single in Kinks history. Yes, that is correct. Come Dancing peaked at #6 on the Billboard Top 100 singles chart. It tied, Tired of Waiting at that spot. I would have lost a boatload of money if you asked me that one. I would have guessed Lola, All Day and All of the Night or You Really Got Me.
Back during this era, 1983, I used to see many Chicago Blackhawk games at the old barn, aka Chicago Stadium. Then captain, Denis Savard was known for his creative skating. Evertime he would do his Spino-o-rama, the organist would quickly play out Come Dancing. I caught it. I don’t know who else did. But that wasn’t as obscure as when this player named Craig Ludwig came to town. I saw him get beat up once on the ice and then our creative minded organist played Todd Rundgren’s Bang On the Drum All Day. Ludwig, get it?
Once again I digress… So back to State of Confusion. Amongst the other great tracks..we have the title cut, Definte Maybe, Don’t Forget to Dance and Heart of Gold.
The kinks at this time were Ray and his brother Dave Davies on guitars, Mick Avory on drums, Jim Rodford, bass and Ian Gibbons, keys.
Ray Davies wrote and produced the complete effort.
It peaked at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young “Déjà Vu”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#158 in the Series) Is Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Déjà Vu.
I was just sharing the story on Facebook about remembering buying Déjà Vu back in 1970. I purchased it at the famous Chicagoland record chain called Hegewisch Records. I was spending the summer at a cousin’s in Calumet City. We road our bikes to Hegewisch and quickly we were in the store. I plopped down my $3.49 and we were off. All their LPs were $3.49 back then. I still remember the sticker on the shrink wrap! On the way back I wiped out on the bike and the album went flying. Fear not, it was OK. I still remember the fear as that brown square cover hit the ground, hard.
Déjà vu was the first album by CSNY, however, it was not their first recording. That was the single ‘Ohio’ recorded a little earlier. Ohio never did appear on an album before it appeared on the greatest hits package called So Far.
Adding Neil Young to a band with Steven Stills was not a huge stretch since they had played together for years in The Buffalo Springfield. In fact, the opening number Stills’ Carry On contains lyrics from The Buffalo Springfield’s song, Question.
Teach Your Children features a fine pedal steel part by Jerry Garcia.
Almost Cut My Hair is David Crosby’s first addition to the disc. I remember discussing this album when I was a freshman in high school. I told my friend that I didn’t like this song all that much. I distinctly remember him saying ‘If you don’t like that song, then you don’t like rock and roll.’ I think he was wrong.
Neil Young joins with his first solo writing credit on Déjà vu with his classic Helpless.
Side one ends with the Joni Mitchell penned classic, Woodstock.
We open side two with the title cut written by David Crosby, But then again, haven’t we all been here before? Listen for John Sebastian on harp.
Graham Nash makes his first lead vocal appearance with Our House. A song that would remain in his, and their live shows for years.
4 + 20 was always one of my favorite Steven Stills songs.
Country Girl (Young) and Everybody I Love You (Stills, Young) end our journey.
As the front cover told us Greg Reeves, bass and Dallas Taylor drums filled out the band. This would be the highlights of both of their careers.
Déjà vu was a #1 album on the Billboard Album Chart.
Woodstock peaked at #11 on the Billboard Singles Chart
Teach Your Children hit up to #16 and while Out House made it up to #30.
Here’s a live Carry On from ’74. It’s in two parts. It’s followed by Teach Your Children, 4 + 20 and Deja Vu.
James Taylor “That’s Why I’m Here”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#157 in the Series) is James Taylor, That’s Why I’m Here.
“Come on everyone, come on… let’s go! James is recording a new album. We all have to help him out!
Was that the clarion call throughout Los Angeles in 1985 when James Taylor decided to record for the first time in years,who knows? ButI’m guessing it was close. It seems like every hot musician from within 100 miles played on this album.
So before I get into the rest of album, let me make a list of who answered that call.
Here’s who makes an appearance on That’s Why I’m Here.
Don Henley, Leland Sklar, Peter Asher, Randy + Michael Brecker , Russ Kunkel, Tony Levin, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Billy Payne, Deniece Williams, Rory Dodd, Clifford Carter, Greg ’Fingers’ Taylor, Jimmy Maelen, Airto and David Sanborn.
I wonder is songwriters feel the need to write exceptionally well when they know the heavyweights are right outside the studio door?
If James Taylor felt that weight then he certainly delivered. There are some absolute gems on this one.
Some of the best on the disc are the title cut, That’s Why I’m Here, the great ballad, A Song for You Far Away,and Only a Dream in Rio. There’s also one of the few songs I know about a pig, Mona.
James also does a fine rendition of his brother Livingston’s Going Around One More Time.
He also adds a couple of nice covers, Burt Bacharach/Hal David’s …thru Gene Pitney ..(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance and Buddy Holly’s Everyday.
I remember seeing James Taylor at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago in 1991. It was an interesting crowd. One half were old hippies, the other half, yuppies. Safe to say I wasn’t one of the yuppies.
It also was the best sound I ever heard at a concert. Sitting directly in front of the mixing board didn’t hurt!
That’s Why I’m here was produced by JT along with Peter Asher and Frank Filipetti.
It reached #34 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart.
Here’s a few live cuts followed by Liberty Valance.
The Decemberists “The Crane Wife”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#156 in the Series) is The Decemberists, The Crane Wife.
The Decemberists are one of the more current bands that I’ve written up here on Cool Album of the Day. They have been a band since 2001 and actually began getting known about 2005. This coinciding with their move to a major label.
They hail from Portland, Oregon. The band’s name refers to The Decembrists revolt in Imperial Russian. Many, including band leader Colin Meloy view the 1825 revolt as a communist revolution.
The Crane Wife album was inspired by a Japanese folk tale. And you thought Rock and Rollers were shallow people!
This was the band’s first album for Capitol Records. It received a nice media push that included national appearances on shows like Late Night with David Letterman.
The Crane Wife, released in 2006, is a good old fashioned concept album. I wish more bands would bring us back to that era. The Decemberists have actually made a career out of that. God bless ‘em!
Some of the highlights include The Crane Wife, Pt 3 (Which is actually the opening number), The Perfect Crime, Sons and Daughters and of course the superb, O’ Valencia!
The album peaked at #35 on the Billboard Album Charts.
The Perfect Crime #2 did well on the Billboard Dance Charts peaking at #3.
Here’s their rock solid performance of O’ Valencia on the Letterman Show. Note to Dave: You need more room for acts this size! (Dig the vibes! ) I actually hadn’t listened to this song for sometime. While watching this video I’m reminded just how great a song this is. PLUS…As an added fun bonus.. Check out The Decemberists jammin’ on Heart’s Crazy on You. Check it out.
Robin Trower “Bridge of Sighs”
Today’s Cool Album Of The Day (#155 in the Series) is Robin Trower, Bridge of Sighs.
Bridge of Sighs was Robin Trower’s gigantic breakthrough album.
He was in Procol Harem until 1972. This was Robin’s second solo album and it was released in 1974.
It contained many of the songs that people to this day consider the highlights to his catalog.
The title cut, Bridge of Sighs and Day of the Eagle top that list. However, do not overlook Too Rolling Stoned. That was a rock radio standard as well.
Robin Trower toured recorded and toured as a three piece back in this era. His bassist/vocalist was James Dewar. Reg Isidore was on drums.
Bridge of Sighs reached #7 on the Billboard Albums Charts. It actually stayed in the Top 200 for 31 weeks.
It was produced by Matthew Fisher. You know Matthew Fisher for creating the wonderful organ sound on Procol Harem’s 1967 hit, Whiter Shade of Pale.
Here’s some great live video’s!!
Merle Haggard “I Am What I Am”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#154 in the Series) is Merle Haggard, I Am What I Am.
I was REAL late coming to the Merle Haggard appreciation society. I’ve loved traditional country for many years. But for some reason Merle slid though the cracks for me.
That changed due to his classic song, Sing Me Back Home. About five years ago I started noticing all these artist I really respected had covered it. The Grateful Dead, Flying Burrito Brothers, Heartfield, Gram Parsons and Keith Richards together, The Everly Brothers, etc etc. I had to look in on it. Then I started checking out all these old albums and wow. I sure missed quite a bit.
Instead of featuring one of those classics albums, I’m going to go right to the end of the list. His most current. I Am What I Am was one of my favorite albums of 2009.
There are absolutely some wonderful songs on this album. I’m going to attach two videos. I challenge you to listen to them and tell me they are not a couple of great songs. Merle fans know this already. The challenge is more aimed at those that are thinking, What the hell is he doing!
This also gives me a chance to bitch at country radio. They didn’t touch this work. But they continue to pollute the airways to lazy pop music that they pawn off as country just because as an afterthought a fiddle or pedal steel was added.
Merle hasn’t won a country award since 1982. He hasn’t had a #1 hit since 1987. Thanks country radio.
Give these two a listen. I’ve Seen It Go Away and Pretty When It’s New.
Nick Lowe “Labour of Lust”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#153 in the Series) is Nick Lowe, Labour of Lust.
When you’re in a crappy mood there is nothing better than popping on a good ol’ Nick Lowe disc!
We already did Rockpile about four months ago. Rockpile was, of course, the joint effort of Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds. This was Nick on his own. Well supposedly it was. However, even though it’s a Nick Lowe album, the band lineup is the same as the Rockpile album. Nick on bass, Dave Edmunds on guitar, Billy Bremmer on guitar and Terry Williams on drums. Elvis Costello added harp to American Squirm.
There are 11 tracks totaling 33 minutes of music here. Or as one of my friends says, Get to the point, get it done and get onto the next song!’
The first song was probably the song that Nick Lowe was most identified by. Cruel to be Kind. A great ditty as we would say. It was written by Nick and here’s a name you might have forgotten, Ian Gomm!
You may have also heard such songs as Cracking Up, Big Kick, Plain Scrap, Born Fighter and of course, Switchboard Susan.
Labour of Lust was released in 1979 and produced by Nick Lowe.
The album did not chart in the USA even though Cruel to be Kind hit number 12 on the Billboard Singles Chart.
Fun Stuff!
Here’s Cruel to be Kind from Live at Daryl’s Place. I followed it with the original promotional video. Look for ‘then wife’ the lovely Carlene Carter! I’ve never done two versions of a song before. I’ll make an exception for a pop masterpiece.
Joni Mitchell “Court and Spark”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#152 in the Series) is Joni Mitchell, Court and Spark.
Court and Spark was the album that took Joni Mitchell from a pretty darn good selling artist to a star. It was a monster album.
It reached #2 on the Billboard Album charts but had long time staying power on rock radio. It fit in perfectly with the singer/songwriter period which was very hot in 1974.
Sure this was three or four years after she had written Woodstock, but it’s Court and Spark more often than not when people think Joni Mitchell.
This album contains songs such as Help Me, Free Man in Paris, Car on a Hill, Raised on Robbery and the fun, Twisted.
As you know, I always like to say who played on an album. Especially when I have names to type such as Tom Scott, Davis Crosby, Graham Nash, Larry Carlton, Robbie Robertson, Jose Feliciano and even …Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong!
They all appeared on the album.
Court and Spark was produced by Joni Mitchell.
Rolling Stone Magazine called it the 111th Best Album on their All-Time Top 500.
The Edgar Winter Group “They Only Come Out at Night”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#151 in the Series) is The Edgar Winter Group, They Only Come Out at Night.
This was a pretty big deal when I was in 8th grade. I always remember walking across the street because my friend Joe Moncada bought a couple new albums. To this day I remember it was this and Curtis Mayfield, Super Fly.
They Only Come Out at Night was a HUGE album for Edgar Winter and his band in 1972.
It contained two well known songs. They were the instrumental Frankenstein and Free Ride.
The Edgar Winter Group was quite the band. Many of the names were or became quite well known. Rick Derringer and Ronnie Montrose were on guitar. Dan Hartman was one of the main vocalists.
Rick Derringer had a well known solo career punctuated by the hit, Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo. Hoochie Koo hit #1 the next year and featured Edgar on keyboards. (Not to mention it also had Joe Walsh on guitar and Joe Vitale on drums.)
Ronnie Montrose would of course, start the band Montrose with then named, Sam Hagar as his front man. He then would start performing under his name Ronnie Montrose. This is where we first saw drummer Steve Smith.
Dan Hartman was quite the different story. He went into the disco world and did quite well for him self. He had a big hit in 1978 with a song called Instant Replay. (It sucked)
But his biggest hit would be in 1984 song called I Can Dream About You. It hit to #6 on the Billboard Singles Chart. It was featured in the film Streets of Fire. It actually didn’t suck.
They Only Come Out at Night was produced by Rick Derringer and also was featured a young up and coming technical director named Bill Szymczyk. He went on to produce such acts like The Eagles, James Gang and The Who.
They Only Come Out at Night peaked at #3 on the Billboard Album chart.
Frankenstein was a #1 hit. (One of few instrumental #1 hits.)
Free Ride peaked at #14 (One of many songs with vocal to peak at #14)
Check out this great extended live video for Frankenstein. It’s follow by Free Ride.
Steely Dan “Katy Lied”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day ( #150 in the Series) is Steely Dan, Katy Lied.
Last year Steely Dan did a tour where they played one of three albums in their entirety. They would ‘hunker down’ in town for four nights. The first three nights they would play either The Royal Scam, Aja or Goucho. The fourth night would be requests. Unfortunately, they didn’t play my favorite Dan album, Katy Lied.
Don’t get me wrong, I love those other three releases. But give me Katy Lied.
I could list nearly every track as a favorite. How can you choose from Black Friday, Bad Sneakers, Doctor Wu, Chain Lightning. Everyone’s Gone to the Movies or Any World (That I’m Welcome To)
Steely Dan has always been two men, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. They would surround themselves with some of the best hand picked musicians every time they would enter into a new project.
Katy Lied had some wonderful players.
Michael McDonald was all over this record with his distinctive backround vocal sounds. (I one heard a disc jockey say Michael McDonald’s voice sounded like trying to start a car on a freezing morning. I had to laugh along but I like it.)
Numerous guitar players were asked in. Rick Derringer added the solo to Chain Lightning, Larry Carlton played on Daddy Don’t Live in That City No More. Elliot Randall could be heard on Throw Back the Little Ones. Dean Parks appeared on Rose Darling.
Drums were handed by Jeff Porcaro. When you have Jeff Porcaro you need not look elsewhere.
Katy Lied, 1979, was produced by Gary Katz.
It peaked at #13 on the Billboard Album Charts
Black Friday hit #37 on the Billboard Singles Charts.
Here’s a couple live tracks. Bad Sneakers and Black Friday.
Dave Mason “Let it Flow”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#149 in the Series) is Dave Mason, Let it Flow.
Dave Mason has put out a big ol’ chunk of good music. From the days he spent with Traffic through a long solo career. His latest album, 26 letters and 12 Notes is as good as anything he’s done. It’s too bad radio didn’t go near it. He commented from the stage at a recent show I saw, It’s like ‘I’m Selling Encyclopedias to them.’
Let it Flow was released in 1977. Yup, that’s 33 years ago folks!
It contained his biggest hit. ‘We Just Disagree.’ I think it’s one of the best divorce songs ever written.
Memorable moments here include So High (Rock Me Baby and Roll Me Away), Let it Go, Let it Flow, Spend Your Life With Me and Mystic Traveler,.
I was surprised to read that Let it Flow only hit #37 on the Billboard Top Album Charts. I would have bet big bucks that it would have been much higher than that.
Three singles charted. We Just Disagree peaked at 12. I would have thought that was higher too. Let It Go, Let it Flow peaked at 45. So High hit to 89.
It was produced by big time producer Ron Nevison. (Bad Company, UFO, Zep Physical Graffiti, Starship, Heart, Chicago.
As alluded to earlier, I had a chance to see Dave Mason recently, He was outstanding. He played a tiny 400 seat venue. He played everything from Feeling All Right, 40,000 Headman, Only You Know and I Know, Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave (a real highlight!) World in Changes (opening song). He encored with Dear Mr. Fantasy and All Along the Watchtower.
If you have the chance to see Mr. Mason, Go. . He’s highly recommended. But be for warned. You might not recognize him. He looks REALLY different. As you can see below.
Nick Heyward “North of a Miracle”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#148 in the Series) is Nick Heyward, North of a Miracle.
Do you remember Nick Heyward? If you don’t remember his name, you may remember his band before he went out on his own. Does Haircut 100 sound familiar? They had a nice hit called Love Plus One in 1982. North of a Miracle was released in 1983.
Numerous tracks gathered some nice airplay from this disc. Whistle Down the Wind comes to mind first. But we also heard Atlantic Monday, Blue Hat for a Blue Day, Club Boy at Sea and The Day it Rained Forever.
Some players that added to the sound here that you might now included Pino Palladino, Morris Pert and Steve Nieve.
North of a Miracle peaked at #178 on the Billboard Album Chart in 1984.
Whistle Down the Wind hit #20 on the Adult Contemporary Singles Chart in 1983.
The album was produced by Geoff Emerick He was best known for being the long time engineer at Abbey Road Studio.
Here’s a studio version of Whistle Down the Wind and then a live Atlantic Monday.
Sex Pistols “Never Mind the Bullocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#147 in the Series) is the Sex Pistols, Never Mind the Bullocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.
This album was a huge deal when it came out in 1976. Punk Rock is Here. CBGBs!!! Malcolm McLaren!!! Johnny Rotten!! Sid Vicious!! ….and on and on and on.
What I remember about this album at the time was that I liked the songs. I think many of them were pretty darn catchy and poppy myself, thank you. Sure they were played with a much harder edge. But there was quite a bit of commercial pop in those tracks. Don’t fool yourself. For a movement that was so ‘anti-establishment’ there sure was a sound and a plan to sell records and make a pile of cash.
But that’s OK. I really liked a ton of songs on this record.
God Save the Queen, Anarchy in the UK, Pretty Vacant are all great tracks.
For those who don’t remember, the Sex Pistols were Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Sid Vicious, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook.
Never Mind the Bullocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols reached #106 on the Billboard Album Charts.
It was produced by Chris Thomas and Bill Price
Here’s Pretty Vacant performed on Letterman’s Show in 1996! It’s followed by the original studio version of God Save the Queen.
Material Issue “International Pop Overthrow”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#146 in the Series) is Material Issue, International Pop Overthrow.
One of the finest rock and roll albums to come out of the Chicago area in 1990s, Material Issue, International Pop Overthrow.
Material Issue was a three piece power pop band that wasn’t around very long. They did put out some wonderful music while they did.
They were led by Jim Ellison. He was Material Issue. He wrote most of the songs, sang the songs, played guitar on the songs and found a record label to release the songs, etc.
When Jim Elison died in 1996 so did Material Issue.
Ted Asani and Mike Zelenko made up the rest of the trio.
International Pop Overthrow was released in 1991. It contained three well known songs that were the highlights of their career. They were, Diane, Renee Remains the Same and Valerie Loves Me.
The early to mid nineties was a hot time for Chicago bands. Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill and Liz Phair led the way.
I’d rather listen to Material Issue myself.
Here’s the video for Valerie Loves Me followed by Diane performed live on the Dennis Miller Show. Last up is Renee Remains the Same
The Church “Starfish”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#145 in the Series) is The Church, Starfish.
The Church was/is an Australian band that, although still together and touring, had their most success in the late 80s, early 90s.
That success was surrounded by the wonderful album, Starfish.
When I was thinking one day if I should feature this album, my friend Terry Witmer mentioned ‘Sure, You never heard anything like that on the radio at that time.’
That made me think, yup. Gotta do The Church.
Starfish was The Church’s fifth full album released. They had a bunch of EPs tossed in there as well. It held their highest charting single Under the Milky Way.
When this was released in 1988, The Church consisted of Steve Kilbey, Marty Wilson-Piper, Peter Koppes and Richard Ploog.
Besides the aforementioned Under the Milky Way, other highlights included Reptile, Blood Money, North South East West and Destination.
One thing I didn’t realize until now was that Starfish was produced by Greg Ladanyi and Waddy Wachtel. How did I miss?
Starfish peaked at #41 on the Billboard Top Album Chart.
Under the Milky Way peaked at #26 on the Billboard Singles Chart.
Be sure to check out some of the solo album Steve Kilbey and Wilson-Piper also recorded in this era. I loved Earthed by Kilbey and Art Attack by Wilson-Piper.
Here’s a great unplugged version of Under the Milky Way.
The Notorious Cherry Bombs “The Notorious Cherry Bombs”
Today’s Cool Album of the day (#144 in the Series) is the self titled album by, The Notorious Cherry Bombs.
OK, who knows who these guys are? I’ll explain.
Rodney Crowell was an original member of EmmyLou Harris’ Hot Band in the 70s. Gaining notoriety there, he decided to act on a solo career and began forming his own band. It wasn’t known at the time, but he put together of band of players that would become some of the most well known players (with in the industry, not really house hold names except for one) in country, country rock and even rock in roll.
Vince Gill was brought in play just about every string instrument. Mandolin, guitar, electric guitar, violin, banjo, dobro and on and on.
Hank DeVito would play on everyone’s record and write a ton of hits.
Richard Bennett would play guitar in Mark Kopfler’s band for years. He still does.
Emory Gordy, Jr. and Glen Hardin filled out the lineup.
After 30 years, Rodney decided to ‘Put The Band Back Together!’ This album was the result.
It had a couple great rock and roll tracks included Let it Roll, Let it Ride and Sweet Little Lisa.
Sweet Little Lisa has been covered by everyone including Albert Lee and Dave Edmunds.
There are a few superb ballads such as Making Memories of Us and Heart of a Jealous Man.
One song however was the one that got the airplay. How this wasn’t a HUGE country hit I’ll never know. It’s called It’s Hard to Kiss the Lips at Night that Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long. What a track. A must hear. Last night I watching a Lewis Black stand up DVD and even he was talking about it!
The Notorious Cherry Bombs was released in 2004.
It reached #135 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and #23 on the Country Album Charts.
Here’s Hard to Kiss the Lips followed by Dave Edmunds performing Sweet Little Lisa.
801 “Listen Now”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#143 in the Series) is 801, Listen Now
Some times you have to pull one out that I bet no one has listened to in years! I’m guessing that’s true for 801.
When was the last time you pulled this one off the shelf? There even a good chance that you never even heard of this one.
801 is a band put together by Phil Manzanera, Phil is best known as lead guitarist for one of my favorite bands, Roxy Music.
Roxy would take time off now and then and like most bands, many members would work on solo projects. This was Phil’s
It took two years to record. He started in 1975 and finished in 1977. Oddly enough, while working on putting this together, 801 released a live album in 1976 called Listen Live.
Phil recruited a ton of great players for Listen Now. When I put this together, I was shocked to see that one of my favorite vocalists Tim Finn! Who knew!!
Here’s a list of some of the others. Brian Eno, Rhett Davies, Mel Collins, Simon Phillips, Eddie Rayner(!!!!), Eddie Jobson, Lol Crème and Kevin Godley.
The two songs that received the most airplay were the first two tracks on the disc.
Listen Now and Flight 19.
Todd Rundgen “The Hermit of Mink Hollow”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#142 in the Series) is Todd Rundgren, The Hermit of Mink Hollow.
I can’t believe it’s been 32 years since The Hermit of Mink Hollow was released. But when you do the math 1978 …2010 yup, 32 years.
This was one of the very first album that I can remember that the artist played EVERY instrument. The only one I can think of that might have been earlier was Jon Anderson, Olias of Sunhillow. That was 1976 but did have a very minimum of contributors. The Hermit of Mink Hollow was exclusively Todd.
It’s even harder to believe it’s been that long when you give it a listen. It easily passes the test of time.
Stand out tracks include the opener, All The Children Sing, Can We Still Be Friends, Hurting For You, Too Far Gone, You Cried Wolf and the great Onomatopoeia.
When I was looking for information on this album I found a great story. This is from Wikipedia:
In The 30 Rock Episode The C Word, the character Frank says that this is his favorite Todd Rundgren album. Show runner Liz Lemon tries to tell Frank that someone’s insulted her with a word that ‘rhymes with your favorite Todd Rundgren album” expecting him to name Runt. Frank responds: “It rhymes with The Hermit of Mink Hollow?
You have to love when Todd gets a reference on network television.
Hermit of Mink Hollow peaked at # 36 on the Billboard Album Charts.
Can We Still Be Friends peaked at #29 on the Pop Singles Charts.
There is great website called Live From Daryl’s House. It features the great Daryl Hall and various guests. Todd was a guest about a year ago. Here’s a video of a great version of Can We Still Be Friends with the two Philly boys, Todd, Daryl and the late, T-Bone Wolk. Following that is a rare video of All The Children sing.
Rush “2112”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#141 in the Series) is Rush, 2112.
Every once in a while you have to just go with a good old fashioned rock and roll album.
Rush 2112 fills the bill.
I really liked Rush back in this era. I was a Fly By Night fan, A Caress of Steel fan and then a 2112 fan. The follow up live release All the Worlds a Stage is a fantastic live album that captured that era perfectly. It was a real treat seeing Rush back in 2000 seat venues during that time. Shortly after that, I was done with Rush. I haven’t seen them nor considered buying anything since about 1980. Don’t tell me about Moving Pictures.
Once again, we have an entry that one song is one full side. I never realized how many of those albums I had until we started doing this.
The title cut, 2112 is all of side one. It is broken into seven segments
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I: Overture
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II: The Temples of Syrinx
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III: Discovery
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IV: Presentation
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V: Oracle: The Dream
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VI: Soliloquy
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VII:: Grand Finally
Side two contains one of Rush’s best songs, Something for Nothing.
2112 was produced by the band, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart along with Terry Brown. Terry Brown also produced such acts such as Max Webster, Klaatu and Voivod.
2112, released in 1976 and reached #61 on the Billboard Charts.
Paul McCartney “Tug of War”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#140 in the Series) is Paul McCartney, Tug of War.
I had not purchased a new Paul McCartney album in years when Tug of War was released in 1982. I hadn’t even thought about it. Then my friend Phil Lucafo asked me if I heard the new McCartney album. He highly recommended it. So on his suggestion, I grabbed it.
I’m glad he did. This was some of the best music that Paul had done in many moons.
It was produced by former George Martin and it appears that he added nice motivation.
I was just looking back. Rolling Stone gave it 5 starts, Allmusic gave it 4.5. So it looks like many agreed.
Highlight, well there’s the title cut, Ballroom Dancing, Take It Away (with Ringo Starr on drums), the great ballad Someone Who Cares and of course Paul’s tribute to John Lennon, Here Today.
There’s also a duet with Carl Perkins called Get It.
Tug of War featured Denny Laine on guitar, Steve Gadd on drums, Andy MacKay on lyricon and Stanley Clarke on drums.
It was #1 on the Billboard Album charts for three weeks,
It received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
John Prine “Bruised Orange”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#139 in The Series) is John Prine, Bruised Orange.
John Prine’s debut album, called simply John Prine is considered his masterpiece, and rightly so.
It’s quite the feat when you think that he wrote Sam Stone, Illegal Smile, Donald and Lydia, Angel From Montgomery, Paradise, Six O’Clock News, You’re Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore and of course, Hello in There ALL before he was 25.
Looking at that track list you can see why that album is held in such high regard. I am, however, going to feature Bruised Orange.
I’m not sure why this album was always so high on my list of Prine classics. Part of it might be that it was new when I got my first guitar and I learned how to play many basic chords strumming to what’s here.
The songs here that I enjoyed attacking and killing on that old Ovation were Fish and Whistle, Aw Heck, Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone and of course, That’s the Way That the World Goes ‘Round.
Some great players made their way to the great Chicago Recording Company studio in 1978 to help with the sound. Jethro Burns (Homer and Jethro), John Burns (Flyer), Tom Radtke (Bill Quateman), Corky Siegel (Siegel-Schwall), Mike Utley (Coral Reefer Band), Jackson Browne, Bonnie Koloc, and many, many more.
It was produced by Steve Goodman.
It reached #116 on the Billboard Album Charts.
Here’s a great version of That’s the Way That the World Goes Down (aka Happy Enchilada). By John, at his kitchen table.
I’m following it up with a song not on Bruised Orange, but a great song none the less. It’s just something I want you to hear. It’s called In Spite of Ourselves. It’s hilarious!! Please check it out. It begins with John telling a story about a movie he made where he and Billy Bob Thorton played brothers. Their father was Andy Griffith. How ’bout that!
Levon Helm “Dirt Farmer”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#138 in the Series) is Levon Helm, Dirt Farmer.
Every year since the early 80’s I’ve come up with my own Album of the Year. This won easily as my Album of Year in 2008. (It was actually released late in 2007, I know!)
We all know Levon Helm as drummer, picker and lead vocalist of The Band. If you’re a fan of The Band, or just Americana music in general, you must add Dirt Farmer to your collection.
It was strange. I actually had this album for quite some time before I really got into it. I had it, gave it a quick spin when I must have been busy, or in a crappy mood, and then set it aside for at least three months. Why, I don’t know. But thankfully, I did give it a second listen. Some albums you have to be in the correct mood for it to work that first time.
So when I gave Dirt Farmer a second chance I was truly moved. Levon Helm is an absolute amazing human. He recorded this album when he was 67 years old and was just coming off throat cancer. His voice was a little weak in places, and quite robust in others. We have good days and bad days. He’s since released a follow up called Electric Dirt and has been touring constantly. Of Course he still has his acting career as well. And he’s now 70 years of age.
On Dirt Farmer, Levon is joined by his daughter Amy Helm as well as former Bob Dylan band member, Larry Campbell.
The album begins with the traditional False Hearted Woman Blues. Next up is Poor Dirt Farmer. It is pure ‘Band’ sounding, complete with Levon leading the verse vocals with a full vocal, full band chorus. I would have loved to hear this with Rich Danko at his side.
Steve Earle contribute a track called The Mountain. Got Me a Woman is a great blues track with basically Levon and his 8-string.
Single Girl, Married Girl is a fun sing-a-long explaining the differences of the two.
There is one song however that puts Dirt Farmer over the top. It took the album from a very good album to a great album. That song is the ballad duet that Levon performs with his daughter Amy. It’s called Anna Lee. Written by Laurelyn Dossett, it is just Levon, Amy and Larry Campbell’s fiddle. Father and daughter sound amazing together. If you don’t want to buy this complete album at least download this track. Levon has a hard time hitting some of the notes. But it just adds to the mystique and loveliness of the song. It actually feels like Amy is pulling him up at times. Plus it fun to hear him sing about someone named ‘Anna Lee’ again.
Dirt Farmer was Levon’s first studio album since 1982.
It was released by Vanguard Records.
It won a Grammy Award for best Traditional Folk Album in 2008.
It peaked at #102 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.
I’m attaching a few videos. The first is a great interview that Levon did describing his fight with throat cancer. Please watch it. It’s an inspiring tale. Next up will be Poor Old Dirt Farmer and Anna Lee.
Tears for Fears “The Seeds of Love”
Cool Album of the Day 