Michael Doherty's Music Log: June 2012

Friday, June 29, 2012

Wes Montgomery: "The Very Best Of" (2012) CD Review

The Very Best Of Wes Montgomery features eleven tracks from his years on Riverside Records (1959 - 1963). I love listening to Wes Montgomery play guitar. There is something about his seemingly easy mastery of the instrument that raises my spirits. His playing feels like the natrual extension and expression of a good soul. He also surrounds himself with other excellent musicians.

"Groove Yard"

This collection opens with "Groove Yard," the title track from The Montgomery Brothers' 1961 album. It's a groovy little gem featuring Buddy Montgomery on piano. It's interesting to start this collection with a song in which the piano is so prominent. But Wes Montgomery's turn at lead is wonderful. And that's Monk Montgomery on bass.

"Groove Yard" was written by pianist Carl Perkins (not to be confused the "Blue Suede Shoes" Carl Perkins).

"Besame Mucho"

"Besame Mucho" is such an interesting track, because while the guitar work is phenomenal, as you'd expect, the song has a strangely subdued quality, as if threatening to burst out at any moment. And nearly two minutes in, it does get louder, reaching another level, when the organ and guitar almost working as two parts of a lead. That's Mel Rhyne on the Hammond B-3 organ.

This tune, written by Consuelo Valasquez, is from Boss Guitar.

"Delilah"

I'm always surprised at how many of Wes Montgomery's songs have such great grooves. This tune moves just right, you know? Of course, it doesn't hurt that it features Philly Joe Jones on drums (from The Miles Davis Quintet) and Sam Jones on bass (best known for his work with Cannonball Adderly). And there is some fun work on vibes by Milt Jackson. But what really stands out is Wes Montgomery's incredible work on guitar. One of his lead sections is just amazing, and I only wish it were much longer. He's so generous in leads - the piano and vibes both get plenty of time.

"Delilah" was written by Victor Young, and was originally on Bags Meets Wes! (1961).

"West Coast Blues"

"West Coast Blues" was written by Wes Montgomery (three of his compositions are included in this collection). There are moments when you can year a rock and roll influence in this track (in later years, Wes would cover several rock tunes). I also dig Percy Heath's work on bass. This is from The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery (1960).

"Four On Six"

The second of the three Wes Montgomery compositions, "Four On Six" has a fantastic and seriously catchy rhythm during the first section of the song, which I completely love. It's like some kind of new delightful musical vehicle approaching. And that leads into Wes Montgomery's lead, a section that is sometimes playful, sometimes stunning, but always wonderful. There is a nice lead by Tommy Flanagan on piano, and then even a welcome lead section by Percy Heath on bass before going back to that great opening section.

"Four On Six," probably my favorite track from this collection, is also taken from The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery.

"Sandu"

"Sandu" is a completely delightful tune written by Clifford Brown. This track features great dialogue between Wes Montgomery and Sam Jones on bass (following a wonderful bass solo). This is a seriously fun track with a different feel from the rest of the album. This tune was originally included on Movin' Along.

"Cariba"

The Very Best Of Wes Montgomery concludes with the third Wes Montgomery composition, "Cariba." It's a somewhat strange tune, with a bass solo coming within its first minute. "Cariba" is only live recording of the collection, and also the only track to feature a horn. That's Johnny Griffin on tenor saxophone. "Cariba" is a bright, happy tune, originally included on Full House (1962).

CD Track List

Groove Yard
Besame Mucho
I'm Just A Lucky So And So
Delilah
West Coast Blues
'Round Midnight
Four On Six
Canadian Sunset
Sandu
Gone With The Wind
Cariba

The Very Best Of Wes Montgomery was released on June 12, 2012 through Concord Music Group. Also released on that day were The Very Best Of The Miles Davis Quintet, The Very Best Of Chet Baker, The Very Best Of Sonny Rollins, and The Very Best Of John Coltrane: The Prestige Era.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

The Miles Davis Quintet: "The Very Best Of" (2012) CD Review

The Very Best Of The Miles Davis Quintet includes ten tracks taken from six albums recorded in 1955 (just the first track) and 1956. Choosing the best tracks from Miles Davis, even from such a limited time period, has to be difficult. But these ten tracks are good choices, showing a range, from the wild energy of "Airegin" to the soft, intimate touch on "You're My Everything."

"Just Squeeze Me"

This compilation opens with "Just Squeeze Me," which starts off with Red Garland on piano. This rendition is sweet, mellow, even pretty, particularly in Miles Davis' playing (his trumpet just makes me feel so damned good on this song - like a kind voice). It's an easy-going tune written by Duke Ellington and Lee Gains, and originally on the album Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet.

"Oleo"

This collection includes a truly interesting take on Sonny Rollins' "Oleo." Listen to that intense, unrelenting bass line by Paul Chambers, over which the others play and dance, trying different things, coming together at times. There is some spirited playing here, particularly during the various leads.

"Four"

"Four" is a tune written by Miles Davis (one of two in this collection). This one features some great work by Philly Joe Jones on drums (including some short solos). Davis' trumpet is bright and joyous, and there is something wonderful in the precise playing by Red Garland on piano during his turn at lead.

"Well, You Needn't"

What I really love about this recording of "Well, You Needn't" is the way Davis and Coltrane play together, particularly at the beginning. Don't get me wrong - the lead sections are great, but there is something completely wonderful when those two are interacting. And there is some seriously cool stuff by Paul Chambers on bass.

"Well, You Needn't" was written by Thelonious Monk, and included on Steamin' With The Miles Davis Quintet.

"In Your Own Sweet Way"

It's great hearing Miles Davis cover Dave Brubeck. This is another sweet tune, and there is a really interesting flow, especially from Miles Davis to John Coltrane. There is something light in the playing in certain sections that feels so good. This track is from Workin' With The Miles Davis Quintet.

"Tune Up"

This collection concludes with its second Miles Davis composition, "Tune Up," a spirited, fast-paced tune, with some tremendous playing by Miles. There is also a brief drum solo. "Tune Up" was originally included on Cookin' With The Miles Davis Quintet.

CD Track List

Just Squeeze Me
Oleo
'Round Midnight
Four
My Funny Valentine
Well, You Needn't
In Your Own Sweet Way
Airegin
You're My Everything
Tune Up

Musicians

The Miles Davis Quintet is Miles Davis on trumpet, John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums.

The Very Best Of The Miles Davis Quintet was released on June 12, 2012 through Concord Music Group. Also released on that day were The Very Best Of Wes Montgomery, The Very Best Of Chet Baker, The Very Best Of Sonny Rollins, and The Very Best Of John Coltrane: The Prestige Era.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Durocs: "Durocs" (1979/2012) CD Review

Durocs are two musicians: Ron Nagle and Scott Mathews. They're probably more well known for their songwriting. They wrote The Tubes' "Pound Of Flesh" from Now (Ron Nagle also co-wrote that group's "Don't Touch Me There"). They wrote "Don't Believe What You Read" with Barbra Streisand. Ron Nagle was also a member of the San Francisco band Mystery Trend in the 1960s (and did sound effects for The Exorcist, and later for Cat People). Scott Mathews was in a band called Ice with Steve Perry (yes, the guy who would go on to sing in Journey).

But they also put out an album together under the name Durocs. Durocs' self-titled album, originally released in 1979, features mostly original songs (with one exception).

They're best when they're being fun and a bit silly, in songs like "We Go Good Together" and "Seeker (You Be Sucker)." The band is less effective on slower, more serious tunes like "Don't Let The Dream Die" and "One Day At A Time," which are cheesy and really feel like products of their time. It's hard to connect to those songs. But on the funnier material, they really shine, and the album succeeds based on those songs.

"Hog Wild"

The CD kicks off with "Hog Wild," a ridiculously happy power-pop track. It has quite a full, dense feel for the work (essentially) of two guys. This is sort of the band's title track, for the name of the band is mentioned in the lyric: "We got the Duroc stance." So perhaps it's a sort of anthem for the band. By the way, Duroc is a breed of pig. Steve Douglas plays saxophone on this track.

The song's use of the phrase "take it to the max" really brings me back to my childhood.

"We Go Good Together"

"We Go Good Together" is a track that really works because it's sillier. This is when these guys are most effective, with lines like "The same as bread and butter/Bum and gutter" and "The same as ropes and whips/Fish and chips, black and pink." (Black and pink worked so well in the late seventies and through much of the eighties, and I think still are great - they're also the colors of the album's cover.) This one also features Steve Douglas on saxophone. "We Go Good Together" is totally catchy and fun.

"No Fool No Fun"

"No Fool No Fun" is an interesting song about a guy who becomes a jerk when he drinks. It sounds like it would be heavy, but it's actually a fun track, with some vocal effects that remind me a bit of Electric Light Orchestra. Here is a taste of the lyrics: "But it's Jekyll and Hyde when you give him a drink/Instant reaction from a sociable nip/Turns a man into a monster when he takes his first sip."

"It Hurts To Be In Love"

"It Hurts To Be In Love" is the album's sole cover. Gene Pitney had a hit with it in 1964. Durocs give us a lively, somewhat goofy late-1970s version of the song written by Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller. This version has Steve Douglas on saxophone, and Larry Reed on backing vocals.

"Seeker (You Be Sucker)"

"Seeker (You Be Sucker)" is another fun one, which reminds me a bit of Devo at first. It takes jabs at some of the indulgent self-help trends and fads of the 1970s, which is wonderful. It starts with these lines: "So you thought you found an answer in your TM/You graduated self-assured from EST/You donate all your money to the reverend/Support the movement, get it off your chest." Plus, it's fun to dance to. This is my favorite track.

"Saving It All Up For Larry"

The original album's final track, "Saving It All Up For Larry," begins as a '70s rock tune with a hard, steady beat. This is a song in which the singer tries to convince a girl to cheat on her man. But, in spite of the great ego of the singer ("Other girls would die for your chance"), she is saving it all for Larry.

"Saving It All Up For Larry" is kind of silly, particularly in the higher range vocals for the woman's part ("Oh no, I'm saving it all up for Larry/He's the kind of guy/Every girl in the world would want to marry").

Bonus Tracks

This special re-issue contains eight bonus tracks. The first, "Pete Has Got The Power," is a somewhat goofy, somewhat cheesy song about a guy who has the power to get and control a girl young enough to be his daughter.

"There's Always You" becomes interesting nearly three minutes in when it picks up in pace. The instrumental section is wonderful, especially with the saxophone. One thing to note: the CD track list on the back reverses the order of two songs. "There's Always You" actually comes before "Stranger On The Street."

The best of the bonus tracks is "Drinkin' One Day At A Time," a country song, which itself is a surprise, with acoustic guitar and pedal steel. And the bigger surprise is that it really works. Here is a bit of the lyrics: "Don't look at me like I've got some disease/I won't stay here forever/Just till she's off my mind/I'm drinkin' one day at a time." I completely love this song; it's one of my favorites from this CD.

CD Track List

Hog Wild
Lie To Me
Don't Let The Dream Die
We Go Good Together
No Fool No Fun
It Hurts To Be In Love
Seeker (You Be Sucker)
True Love
One Day At A Time
Saving It All Up For Larry
Pete Has Got The Power
No Big Deal
There's Always You
Strange On The Street
Drinkin' One Day At A Time
Love With A Capital 'L'
Burn & Chill
Nawgahide

This special re-issue of Durocs was released on May 22, 2012 through Real Gone Music.

The Brian Kinler Band at M Bar, 6-23-12

The Brian Kinler Band put on another excellent show at M Bar in Hollywood on Saturday, June 23rd. Jon Weiner, the band's original drummer, returned for this show, which was wonderful. Matt Whitney and Andrea Gaspar were on bass and violin respectively, so the original core of the band was intact (including, of course, Brian Kinler on piano). And joining them for several songs was Francesca Capasso on vocals.

This was Francesca's first time singing with the band, and she was seriously fantastic. She has a great voice, and complete control over it. The first two songs she sang were her own - "Hard Driving Man" and "Naked." She then sang two songs featured in films - "To Hell With Love," which was featured prominently in Robert Altman's Short Cuts, and "Living Inside My Heart," which was in About Last Night... (the 1986 film version of David Mamet's Sexual Perversity In Chicago). All four were great, but my two favorites were "Hard Driving Man" and "To Hell With Love."

Brian Kinler introduced a new song, titled "Morphine," about his recent trip to the hospital, and dedicated to his nurse, who was in the audience. Featuring an excellent lead section by Andrea on violin, this song became an instant favorite of mine. He also played the relatively new "Mama's Gumbo Pot," first telling the story of his mom renewing her driver's license (Look out, New Orleans).

Later in the set, they played what Brian introduced as his two favorite songs to perform - "The Fall" and "The Leap" (the first about an ex, and the second about his partner). At the end of the set, Francesca Capasso returned to sing "You're No Good" and Aretha Franklin's "Think."

Interestingly, the set featured only two songs from the band's 2010 release, Stories From The Quarter : "Wookiee Boogie" and "Rosedown."

Set List

Open All Night
Wookiee Boogie
Mama's Gumbo Pot
Morphine
Rosedown >
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Hard Driving Man
Naked
To Hell With Love
Living Inside My Heart
The Fall
The Leap
Slobbertongue
You're No Good
Think

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Germs: "(GI)" (1979/2012 re-issue) CD Review

The Germs' full-length album, (GI), is now back in print, thanks to the folks at Real Gone Music. The energy captured on these recordings is incredible. I've never been into slamdancing (I think it's kind of retarded, and I don't want anyone banging into me), but I get it while listening to this. I want to throw my body around, hurl myself into objects, just to Feel as much as possible. You know?

Like a lot of punk tunes, these songs are short. In and out, say what you need to say, no screwing around. Most of the songs are less than two and a half minutes. In fact, the opening track is less than a minute, and "American Leather" is just over a minute long.

Produced by Joan Jett (in that time between The Runaways and the start of her solo career), (GI) is the band's only full-length album. Lead singer Darby Crash died the following year (on December 7, the day before John Lennon was killed). Guitarist Pat Smear would go on to play in bands like Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

This special re-issue includes one bonus track. And hey, the lyrics are included in the packaging, which is great.

"What We Do Is Secret"

The album opens with "What We Do Is Secret," a short explosive tune. There is no easing into this album; they bare themselves right away. "Dementia of a higher order/What we do is secret, secret." "What We Do Is Secret" is the shortest song on the album, at only forty-four seconds.

"Land Of Treason"

I love the angry, snarling way that Darby sings "Land Of Treason." It works perfectly with lines like "We're packs of dogs - we're enemies of men - we are not desired." This is the perfect song to turn up if you're angry with the world, and want to get all your energy out in a short, violent burst. Dance around your apartment, after moving any glass objects to a safe place. After two minutes you'll be feeling better, or at least exhausted.

"Lexicon Devil"

"Lexicon Devil" is my favorite track from this album. The vocals are excellent, particularly the quirky, singular delivery of the last line of the chorus - "Gimme gimme this, gimme gimme that, yeah, yeah, yeah" - just fantastic. Truly.

"Lexicon Devil" was also the title track for the band's 1978 three-song EP.

"Manimal"

Okay, did the creators of that short-lived television series get the idea from this song? Darby drags out the chorus like an angry, wounded animal. "I was never quite tamed" - no shit. And the howling near the end is perfect.

"We Must Bleed"

"We Must Bleed" is more than three minutes, and it's weird, because it's a minute too long. These guys really are best when they keep it at around two minutes (with one huge exception). The last minute feels unnecessary.

"The Other Newest One"

"The Other Newest One" is a weird sort of punk love song with some damn good lyrics. I dig lines like "You send my dreams to their demise" and "I take your hair into my hands/I pull it tight to fill your demands/I feed my body into yours." She's not his first, she won't be his last. There are no illusions about the longevity of this relationship. We know what it's about when he sings, "Embacing my life between your thighs." I can't help but love this song.

"Shut Down (Annihilation Man)"

After all those incredibly short tunes, "Shut Down (Annihilation Man) comes as a total surprise. It's an epic song, at nearly ten minutes. That's like five or six of their regular songs. "Shut Down" is a slower, creepier tune (in the same realm as Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put A Spell On You" and some of the wilder Doors stuff - it has that same hypnotizing power or effect). This one features some pretty wild work on guitar. By the way, only a few of the lines are included in the album's lyrics.

Bonus Track

The CD's sole bonus track, "Caught In My Eye," is actually the album's least interesting track, especially following "Shut Down," which is bloody glorious.

CD Track List

What We Do Is Secret
Communist Eyes
Land Of Treason
Richie Dagger's Crime
Strange Notes
American Leather
Lexicon Devil
Manimal
Our Way
We Must Bleed
Media Blitz
The Other Newest One
Let's Pretend
Dragon Lady
The Slave
Shut Down
Caught In My Eye

Musicians

Germs are Darby Crash on vocals, Pat Smear on guitar, Lorna Doom on bass, and Don Bolles on drums.

(GI) was originally released in 1979 on Slash Records. This special re-issue was released June 5, 2012 through Real Gone Music.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Michael Doherty's Music Log is now on Twitter

Yes, it's true. I broke down and started a Twitter account for this blog. I will post links to new reviews, as well as brief updates on CDs, bands, music that I'm listening to, and other related bits. My name on Twitter is Michael Doherty, and the address (or handle, or whatever it's called) is MDMusicLog. Please consider following me there as well as here. Thanks, everyone.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Seth Walker: "Time Can Change" (2012) CD Review

I started this blog to share my love of music. And what's happened is others have been sharing their passion for music with me. I've been getting turned on to all sorts of great musicians and songwriters. One of those is Seth Walker, whose new album Time Can Change I've been enjoying for a few weeks now. This album immediately put a smile on my face. It's filled with good, positive grooves.

It's blues with a laid back attitude and a fun vibe (at times almost with a sort of lounge thing happening, like in "Something's Come Over Me"). Sometimes blues can feel like a pose, like a costume folks wear for the length of a song. But you never get that from Seth Walker. Everything sounds true, everything sounds honest. And this album is not overproduced - all that's here is what's needed. Seth Walker delves into different musical genres, but always keeps things feeling positive. There are shades of mid-1960s R&B on certain tracks (like the wonderful "All This Love"). Then a track like "Before It Breaks" is blues with a bit of a funky rhythm. This album also has one of the best songs of the year so far: "In The Meantime."

"Love Is Through With Me"

The first lines of the CD are, "I'm through with love/Love is through with me." Then he adds, "I ain't mad/I ain't even hurt," that love is just too much work. How's that for honesty? I love it. "Love Is Through With Me" has a groovy rhythm with sparse work on drums. It's an acoustic tune with a blues edge. There is also a nice short instrumental section, with some wonderful work on guitar.

"Stronger Than You Need To Be"

"Stronger Than You Need To Be," a song written by Gary Nicholson and Bruce McCabe, features great backing vocals with a 1960s gospel flavor. This song has an upbeat, positive vibe. Here is a taste of the lyrics: "Don't be stronger than you need to be/Don't make it harder than it has to be/It's no sign of weakness to give your love to me."

"In The Meantime"

"In The Meantime" is a slower tune that is one of my absolute favorites (not just of this album, but of this year so far). This is a song in which he asks to be able enjoy something while it lasts, something that will inevitably end. Check out these lines: "In the meantime will you be mine/I'll be the fool that sees you through the meantime/I'm not talking about forever/And we don't have to play for keeps/'Cause I know that one day you just might pack up and leave." I love the feel of this one. A couple of minutes in, some backing vocals are added that are just perfect. This song has a mid-1960s R&B thing, particularly in his vocals. That's one of the elements that really wins me over.

"In The Meantime" was written by Seth Walker and Jarrod Dickenson.

"Wait A Minute"

"Wait A Minute" is an interesting mix of blues with a reggae rhythm. And as such, it has a definite happy, optimistic feel (can reggae ever be negative?). And it's a song about a new love, a time that is nearly always a time of optimism. Written by Seth Walker and Jimmy Wallace, "Wait A Minute" features an innocent vibe, which is refreshing. There are also nice touches on organ by Kevin McKendree. And this tune features backing vocals by Regina, Ann and Alfreda McCrary.

"Rosalie"

"Rosalie" is a wonderful love song about coming home. It has a nice slow build. Coming home always sounds wonderful and so positive in songs, like in these lines: "So leave the porch light on/I'm coming home/And Rosalie, you're the one for me/I'll prove my love somehow/Rosalie, there's a change in me/I swear I won't let you down." In addition to organ, Stefano Intelisano plays accordion on this one.

"Rosalie" was written by Seth Walker and Jarrod Dickenson.

"More Days Like This"

Time Can Change concludes with "More Days Like This," another tune with a happy, positive vibe. This is a life-is-good tune, and it's important to hear these songs from time to time, as a sort of reminder of what life can be. Seth Walker sings, "I want to have more days like this/And more nights like that." Indeed. I dig what Stefano Intelisano does on piano on this one. "More Days Like This" was written by Seth Walker and Gary Nicholson.

CD Track List

Love Is Through With Me
Stronger Than You Need To Be
Found Myself Lost
In The Meantime
Before It Breaks
I've Got A Thing For You
Wait A Minute
All This Love
Rosalie
Something's Come Over Me
What Now
More Days Like This

Musicians

Musicians on this album include Seth Walker on vocals and guitar; Steve Mackey on bass; Derrek Phillips on drums; Kevin McKendree on Wurlitzer, organ and piano; Stefano Intelisano on piano, organ and accordion; Ephraim Owens on trumpet; Raul Malo on bass; Ray Benson on guitar; and Evan Hutchings on percussion. Jessi Alexander, Regina McCrary, Ann McCrary and Alfreda McCrary provide backing vocals.

Time Can Change is scheduled to be released on June 19, 2012.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Jimbo Mathus: "Blue Light" (2012) Vinyl EP Review

Vinyl is making a comeback, thanks in part to Record Store Day, when tons of exclusive new material, as well as the re-issues of classic albums, are put out solely on record (through independent stores and then later at much higher prices from greedy, callous online dealers). Another indication of the resurgence of vinyl's popularity is the release throughout the year of EPs and LPs of new material, including the new six-song EP from Jimbo Mathus.

Like a lot of folks, I know Jimbo Mathus primarily from his work with that fantastic old-timey-sounding band Squirrel Nut Zippers (in which he played guitar, shared lead vocal duties, and wrote a number of the songs). Boy, those guys put on a great concert. Because of my love for that band, I had fairly high expectations when I put on his new record, Blue Light. I also expected that the music wouldn't be tied too tightly to any one musical genre. Beyond that, I wasn't sure what to expect.

The tracks on Blue Light are, as I'd hoped, an interesting mix of genres. What surprises me is just how at home he is in each musical realm. Each song makes it seem like he's been playing just that type of music (and no other) his whole life. This is a very impressive and seriously fun collection of songs.

"Blue Light"

The album opens with its title track, a loose kick-ass driving country tune. And it's sung with an authentic country voice. This song sounds like something from a honky tonk bar in the 1970s. That's to say, I totally love it. I particularly dig the piano. Here is a taste of the lyrics: "The worst is what happened/Last Saturday night/The road runs down from the Tennessee hills/All the way to Mobile/Called Highway 45/Tupelo in the dead of night/That's where I saw the blue light." The song sort of fizzles out at the end, sort of matching the way it eased in at the beginning.

"Ain't Feelin' It"

Jimbo Mathus follows up the country tune with "Ain't Feelin' It," a groovy bluesy rock number with a simple rhythm. It's wild that he can create a totally authentic country sound, and then turn around and give us a true and honest blues number. Very cool. Here is a bit of the lyrics: "Keep my name out your mouth/Lose the number off your phone/Stay away from my house/Baby, you deserve to be alone."

"Haunted John"

"Haunted John" has kind of a late 1960s garage flavor to it, and is maybe my favorite tune on this record. It has a great catchy rhythm. Sure, the lyrics are nothing really to speak of, but it's such a cool tune. And it's the kind of song that seems like it would be fantastic in a live setting. And guess what - Jimbo Mathus is on tour now.

"Fucked Up World"

Okay, the beginning of "Fucked Up World" sounds a bit like a section of the Grateful Dead's "Hell In A Bucket." Seriously. Give it a listen. But once the vocals kick in, it no longer reminds me of that tune. This is a tough, angry little number that I can't help but like. This one starts, "Well, there ain't no grave/No, I ain't no slave/There ain't no chain gonna hold my body down."

"Shackles And Chains"

The very beginning of this song makes me sing "Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop" (It will do that to you too. Or maybe not). This one has a bit of a Stax feel. You can just imagine Booker T & The MGs playing this one. "Sometimes I wonder how can I get free/From these shackles of love, these chains of devotion/That's what's holding me."

"Burn The Honky Tonk"

Blue Light concludes with "Burn The Honky Tonk," a great late-night country tune, a closing time, weep-in-your-warm-beer kind of song. It has a loose, unpolished feel, which I appreciate. "Oh, sweet dark angel of night, please take me home."

EP Track List

Blue Light
Ain't Feelin' It
Haunted John
Fucked Up World
Shackles And Chains
Burn The Honky Tonk

Blue Light is scheduled to be released on July 17, 2012 on Big Legal Mess Records. Later this year a full-length album titled White Buffalo is scheduled to be released.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Music In Boston, 2012

I just got back from my trip to Boston. Each time I go, I make sure that I catch at least a few concerts. This time I was a bit bummed to miss The Grownup Noise in Somerville (though word is they'll be heading west for a series of shows later this year). But I did get in three excellent nights of music...

Thursday, May 31st: Two very good friends and I went to Toad, a venue I love in Porter Square. I've been there many times before. This night we caught two bands. Melvern Taylor And His Fabulous Meltones did two totally fun sets to start the night. I had seen Melvern Taylor perform at Toad once before, a few years ago, so I knew he was good. The second band was one that was totally new to me. Faces For Radio. Electric mandolin, banjo, electric bass, drums and accordion. They did a really good version of "Pig In A Pen" (a song I learned as a teenager from the Old & In The Way album). They definitely had a bit of a jam thing going on, which I appreciated. I'm hoping to catch these guys again the next time I'm in Boston.

Friday, June 1st: My brother hosts a series of house concerts in Billerica (which is a bit northwest of Boston). This time he had Flynn, an excellent singer/songwriter who doesn't perform that much these days, at least not on his own (he still sits in with Ellis Paul on a somewhat regular basis). Opening for Flynn was Rebecca Loebe, whom I'd not seen before. I totally dug her set, which focused on songs from her most recent release, Mystery Prize. Flynn put on an excellent show, as always. He played a lot of my favorites, including "An American Wake," "As I Roved Out" and (of course) "White." He also did "Road Trip," a song from Ellis Paul's first children's album. He performed that one because of the children in the audience (one of whom was his own daughter). During the encore, Flynn asked Rebecca if she wanted to join him for a song. She suggested "Let It Be," as each of them had performed the song with Ellis Paul. But they quickly realized that neither actually knew the song. They gave it a go anyway, and were helped by an audience member who pulled the lyrics up on her phone.

Saturday, June 2nd: Whenever I'm in Boston, I try to get to at least one show by Josh Lederman. Josh Lederman Y Los Diablos were one of my all-time favorite bands. They used to do New Year's Eve shows at Tir Na Nog that were among the most fun concerts I've ever attended. Josh's new band, Josh Lederman & The CSARS, is completely fucking great too. The name is short for Cambridge/Somerville All Stars, and as you might imagine, the band features a lot of excellent musicians. What's interesting is that the band is different each time, depending on which musicians are available. So sometimes there is a horn section; other times they're closer to bluegrass. The band on the evening of June 2nd featured (in addition to Josh Lederman on vocals and acoustic guitar) two fiddles, stand-up bass, mandolin and accordion. Also, a female vocalist joined them for a few songs. Josh did two sets, and included "Listen To That Train Whistle Blow," a tune from the Los Diablos days (one featured on The Town's Old Fair, one of my favorite albums). The encore was the Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers," a song that Melvern Taylor also covered.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Complete List Of Articles, With Links, Part 2: N-Z, Plus Compilations And Miscellaneous

I have been keeping a list of all of my reviews, with links to each one. But suddenly Blogger went ahead and deleted a third of my list. My guess as to the reason is that the blog had become too long. But it was completely horrid of them to delete a good chunk of my list without any warning. So now I've divided the list into two blogs. I hope that will be sufficient to keep the Blogger beasts satisfied.

So this lists all reviews, N-Z, plus compilations and miscellaneous articles.

Gary Nicholson
- Gary Nicholson: "Texas Songbook" CD review

The Nields
- The Nields Celebrate 20 Years Of Excellent Music

Willie Nile
- Willie Nile: "The Innocent Ones" CD review

ODi
- ODi: "Maslow's Songbook" CD review

Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez
- Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez: "The Deep End" CD review

The Orlons
- The Orlons: "The Wah-Watusi/South Street" CD review

Over The Rhine
- Over The Rhine: "The Long Surrender" CD review

Buck Owens
- Buck Owens: "Bound For Bakersfield 1953 - 1956: The Complete Pre-Capitol Collection" CD review

Alex Painter
- Alex Painter: "The Joyful Process" CD review

Parker, Gillespie, Powell, Roach, Mingus
- Parker, Gillespie, Powell, Roach, Mingus: "The Quintet: Jazz At Massey Hall" CD review

Patrolled By Radar
- Patrolled By Radar at The Federal Bar, 6-1-11
- Patrolled By Radar: "Be Happy" CD review

Ellis Paul
- The Day After Ellis Paul Day
- Ellis Paul at McCabe's in Santa Monica 1-23-11 Concert review
- Ellis Paul at The Hotel Cafe 5-24-11 Concert Review
- Ellis Paul Day In Boston, Massachusetts
- Ellis Paul Is Coming Back To Los Angeles
- Ellis Paul: "The Speed Of Trees" CD review
- Ellis Paul: "Sweet Mistakes" CD review
- Ellis Paul: "Translucent Soul" CD review

Lucky Peterson
- Lucky Peterson: "You Can Always Turn Around" CD review

Phish
- Phish: "Live Phish 20: 12-29-94" CD review

Phranc
- Phranc and Peter Case at California Plaza, 8-20-11

Steve Poltz
- Steve Poltz: "Noineen Noiny Noin" CD review

Punk Is Dead
- Punk Is Dead: "One Hesher, Two Punx And A Hippy" CD review

Eddie Rabbitt
- Eddie Rabbitt: "13 Original #1 Hits" CD review

Otis Redding
- Otis Redding: "Live On The Sunset Strip" CD review

Tony Rice
- Tony Rice: "The Bill Monroe Collection" CD review

Chelle Rose
- Chelle Rose: "Ghost Of Browder Holler" CD review

Leon Rosselson
- Leon Rosselson: "Harry's Gone Fishing" CD review

Todd Rundgren
- Todd Rundgren: "Todd" DVD review

Mitch Ryder
- Mitch Ryder: "The Promise" CD review

Evan Seligman
- Evan Seligman: "Fidelitorium 7-11 Recordings" CD review

Martin Sexton
- Martin Sexton: "Black Sheep" CD review
- Martin Sexton: "Fall Like Rain" CD review
- Martin Sexton: "Sugarcoating" CD review

Dee Dee Sharp
- Dee Dee Sharp: "It's Mashed Potato Time/Do The Bird" CD review

Allan Sherman
- Allan Sherman: "For Swingin' Livers Only!" CD review
- Allan Sherman: "My Son, The Celebrity" CD review
- Allan Sherman: "My Son, The Folk Singer" CD review
- Allan Sherman: "My Son, The Nut" CD review

Frank Sinatra
- Frank Sinatra: "Ring-A-Ding Ding!" CD review
- Frank Sinatra: "The Concert Sinatra" CD review
- Frank Sinatra And Count Basie: "The Complete Reprise Studio Recordings" CD review
- Sinatra/Jobim: "The Complete Reprise Recordings" CD review

Fred Small
- Fred Small: "I Will Stand Fast" CD review

Chris Smither
- Chris Smither: "Hundred Dollar Valentine" CD review

Sons Of The Never Wrong
- Sons Of The Never Wrong: "One If By Hand" CD review

Amy Speace
- Amy Speace: "Land Like A Bird" CD review

The Spongetones
- The Spongetones: "Odd Fellows" CD review

Rick Springfield
- Rick Springfield: "Beginnings..." CD review

The Staple Singers
- The Staple Singers: "Be Altitude: Respect Yourself" CD review

Cat Stevens
- Cat Stevens: "Mona Bone Jakon" CD review

Stone River Boys
- Stone River Boys: "Love On The Dial" CD review

The String Cheese Incident
- The String Cheese Incident: "Rhythm Of The Road Volume One" CD review

Jon Svetkey
- Jon Svetkey: "This Is Now" CD review
- Jon Svetkey and Heather Quay at Main Streets Market & Cafe, Concord, MA 6-16-11 concert review

Johnnie Taylor
- Johnnie Taylor: "Taylored In Silk" CD review

Tea Leaf Green
- Tea Leaf Green: "Radio Tragedy!" CD review

Thee Shambles
- Thee Shambles: "Jenny's Waltz E.P." CD review

Rufus Thomas
- Rufus Thomas: "Do The Funky Chicken" CD review

Paul Thorn
- Paul Thorn: "What The Hell Is Goin' On?" CD review

Carl Tjader/Stan Getz
- Carl Tjader/Stan Getz: "Sextet" CD review

TriChromes
- TriChromes: "Dice With The Universe" CD review
- TriChromes: "TriChromes" CD review

The Tubes
- The Tubes: "Young And Rich/Now" CD review

Tuscadero
- Tuscadero: "The Pink Album" CD review

The Deanna Varagona Trio
- The Deanna Varagona Trio: "The Goodbyes Have All Been Taken, Hello" CD review

Wagons
- Wagons at Hotel Cafe 9-21-11 concert review
- Wagons: "Rumble, Shake And Tumble" CD review

Steve Wariner
- Steve Wariner: "No More Mr. Nice Guy" CD Review

Was (Not Was)
- Was (Not Was): "Pick Of The Littler 1980 - 2010" CD review

Bob Weir
- Bob Weir: "Ace" CD review
- Bob Weir: "Heaven Help The Fool" CD review

The Whooligans
- The Whooligans: "The Whooligans" CD review

Keller Williams
- Keller Williams: "Bass" CD review
- Keller Williams: "Kids" CD review

Wishbone Ash
- Wishbone Ash: "Live Dates Volume Two" CD review

Wesley Woo
- Wesley Woo And The Halftime Heroes: "Fall Again" single review

Howard Wooden
- Howard Wooden: "Friends Gone By" CD review

Stephane Wrembel
- Stephane Wrembel: "Origins" CD review

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings
- Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings: "Collector's Edition Box Set" review

Xyzyx
- David Daskal - Lead Singer Of L.A. Rock Group Xyzyx interview
- David Daskal - Singer For Los Angeles Band Xyzyx interview
- Xyzyx: "Xyzyx" CD review

Yonder Mountain String Band
- Yonder Mountain String Band: "Elevation" CD review

The Young Dubliners
- The Young Dubliners Perform At Warner Park, 6-27-10

Younger Brother
- Younger Brother: "Vaccine" CD review

John Zacherle
- John Zacherle: "Monster Mash/Scary Tales" CD review

Compilations and Soundtracks
- Cameo Parkway Holiday Hits CD review
- Christmas Of Hope
- Dr. Demento: Holidays In Dementia
- Halloween Party Music CD review
- Haunted Hits: An Hour Of Scary Songs & Sounds CD review
- Hits Of 1984 CD review
- Irish Beer Drinking Favorites CD review
- Irish Drinking Songs CD review
- Jerry Jams For Rex CD review
- Jerry Jams For Rex II CD review
- Let It Snow: A Holiday Musical Collection CD review
- Meet Me At Mardi Gras
- The Monster Mash Rock 'N' Roll Party CD review
- NBC Celebrity Christmas
- Protest Rock CD review
- Remember Me Baby: Cameo Parkway Vocal Groups Vol. 1 CD review
- A Rock 'N' Roll Christmas CD review
- The Rocky Horror Show Original London Cast Soundtrack CD review
- Run For The Roses: Celebrating The Music Of Jerry Garcia... CD review
- A Song For My Father CD review
- Stax Number Ones CD review

Miscellaneous Music Articles
- Best Concerts Of 2011
- Buy CDs (The Future Of Music Depends On You)
- Christmas Music: The Best Original Christmas Songs
- Christmas Music: Covers Of Traditional Holiday Songs
- Father's Day Songs
- France Rocks CMJ Nights, October 19th And 20th
- Halloween Music: Classic Halloween Songs For A Party
- Halloween Music: Fun Songs For A Halloween Party
- Halloween Music: Song Choices For Your Halloween Party
- Photos From The Hotel Cafe, 9-21-11
- Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Song Analysis
- Suwannee Springfest Adds Tea Leaf Green To The Lineup
- Valentine's Day Music: Folk And Acoustic Songs For Your Holiday
- Valentine's Day Songs For Your Valentine

Complete List Of Articles, With Links, Part 1: A-M