Drive-In Movies

‘Round Midnight Drive-In Movies – Every Friday

July 3, 2011 – 07:07

DAUGHTER OF HORROR (1955) Without a doubt, one of the weirdest flicks ever to masquerade as a horror movie. Daughter Of Horror plays like an avant-garde theater piece, or some newly discovered, under-developed b&w footage found in Dali’s basement. The bizarre, sometimes hypnotic, sometimes grating, soundtrack score dominates the entire 55 minutes, which is nearly silent except for the gloriously spooky monologues. Midgets selling newspapers? Come on! A Wells-ian fatcat flicking his cigar in the work of a kneeling scrub woman? This is too much! Genuinely weird. Great photography, horrid print, bad acting, arty naked city locales, musically fueled nightmarish visions… it doesn’t end. In one scene, even the way a waiter innocently walked by made me laugh. I never saw this one as a kid, and it never aired on my local television midnight creep show. And… not likely, anywhere else. Anywhere else outside of… the Twilight Zone (do do do do, do do do do).  New Movies… Fridays ‘Round Midnight.

Comments (62)
Various Artists

VARIOUS ARTISTS White Lace & Strange (Heavy Psych And Power Fuzz From The USA 68-72) (2007)

December 29, 2011 – 09:10

White Lace & Strange (2007)
Truth In Advertising.

If you’re the type that came of age during the Cream/Experience era, or if you just get a chubby when you hear the words “heavy psych and power fuzz,” then you’re in the right place. This is the obscure stuff, originally issued in 2004, then re-issued in 2007. The only names I recognized were Road (Noel Redding’s band), Illinois Speed Press and an early incarnation of Genesis. Please watch your step entering the Wayback Machine. Amazon.


THIRD POWER Persecution (3:29)
THUNDER & ROSES White Lace & Strange (3:15)
THE HOOK Dimples (2:54)
THE POWER OF ZEUS It Couldnt Be Me (3:53)
BANCHEE John Doe (4:33)
BROTHER FOX AND THE TAR BABY Steel Dog Man (3:47)
THE LEMONADE CHARADE Hideaway Of Your Love (2:26)
GENESIS Angeline (2:53)
BLUE MOUNTAIN EAGLE Loveless Lives (3:35)
MOUNT RUSHMORE Someone Else’s Games (4:36)
THE ILLINOIS SPEED PRESS Get In The Word (2:59)
THE FIELDS Bide My Time (3:19)
ROAD Spaceship Earth (3:32)
EDEN’S CHILDREN Knocked Out (3:16)
T.I.M.E. I Think You’d Cry (4:22)
UNDERBEAT Darkness (3:00)
THE YELLOW PAYGES I’m A Man (5:06)
LINCOLN STREET EXIT Time Has Come, Gonna Die (4:11)
THE UNIQUES My Babe (2:30)
THE FORT MUDGE MEMORIAL DUMP The Seventh Is Death (5:30)

Comments (5)
CYNICS

THE CYNICS Sixteen Flights Up (1988/1990)

December 28, 2011 – 12:10

Sixteen Flights Up (1988/1990)
Fun With 60s Fuzz

Won’t take you long to suss these guys out. The Cynics’ second is pure psych/fuzz garage rock, buoyed by marvelously cheesy organ work and hooky Sunset Strip simplicity, just reeking of The Seeds and Standells. Basic pop chops are fleshed out with an authentic sounding teenage impudence, this, despite the band’s advanced age and veteran status in Pittsburgh. You’ll hear familiar genre-twisting here; L.A. folk rock, Iggy’s pre-punk, even textbook Monkees beats. First released in 1988 as Twelve Flights Up before the CD reissue added 4 more tracks.


Creepin‘ (2:53)
Yeah! (3:15)
I Know (2:22)
Took Her Hand (2:45)
I Never Loved Her (2:58)
Erica (4:52)
A Basket Of Flowers (2:09)
Abba (3:14)
Nothin‘ (3:03)
Useless (2:13)
Gloria’s Dream (2:33)
I’m In Pittsburgh And It’s Raining (2:10)
Smoke Rings (2:33)
Little Girl (3:26)
Cat And Mouse (2:06)
But Now I Find (2:27)

 

Comments (8)
CHINGON LOS LOBOS ROBERT RODRIGUEZ Soundtracks Various Artists

VARIOUS ARTISTS Mexico And Mariachis: Music From And Inspired By Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi Trilogy

December 28, 2011 – 12:05

Mexico And Mariachis: Music From And Inspired By Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi Trilogy
The Cinematic Sounds of Mexico

RE-UPPED A 2004 collection of material that, as the title states, bears a relationship to the films of Robert Rodriquez. It’s a cross section of styles, all with a Mexicali theme, featuring many of Rodriguez’s familiar crew of go-to guys – an incestuous array, featuring Chingon (with Rodriquez himself on lead guitar), The Cruzados (with Tito Larriva, who also performs solo), Del Castillo (Chingon’s main man) and even pals Los Lobos (naturally). The Cruzados material dates back to the days of 80s roots rock, and there’s a killer rendition of “Cancion Del Mariachi” by Los Lobos & actor Antonio Banderas from Desperado. Watch the film’s stylish intro below (and check out that Guitar Bar). There’s also a face ripping “Malagueña Salerosa,” which appeared during the credits of Kill Bill 2 (hear it on our Chingon post). Fans of Rodriquez know how essential music is to his films’ flavor & feel, and Mexico And Mariachis helps to bring those musical elements into view.


CHINGON Malagueña Salerosa (4:07)
TITO LARRIVA & CHINGON Alacran Y Pistolero (3:36)
PATRICIA VONNE Severina (3:04)
THE CRUZADOS Flor De Mal (4:04)
VARIOUS ARTISTS Theme From El Mariachi (1:36)
TITO LARRIVA Back To The House That Love Built (Acoustic) (3:45)
ANTONIO BANDERAS & LOS LOBOS Cancion Del Mariachi (2:07)
LOS LOBOS Volver, Volver (Live) (3:49)
THE IGUANAS Por Mi Camino (5:31)
THE CRUZADOS Just Like Roses (4:59)
DEL CASTILLO Spanish Castle Tango (3:06)
LOS LOBOS La Pistola Y El Corazon (3:29)
THE LEFTOVERS Torquay (2:43)
VARIOUS ARTISTS Once Upon A Time In Mexico (Main Titles) (2:40)

Tags | Comments (8)
MASK MAN AND THE AGENTS

MASK MAN (AND THE AGENTS) One Eye Open (1969) + extrasRE-UPP

December 28, 2011 – 12:00

One Eye Open (1969)
Shuck & Jive Soul/R&B To Die For

RE-UPPED I first scored this music in 2006 from WFMU, the greatest oddity blog on planet Earth. Since then, rarely has a year passed without it getting played. If gimmicky, low-budget, 50s-style jive rockin‘ R&B soul floats your boat, One Eye Open will make you think you’ve died and gone to the Otis Day & The Knights Memorial Tray Table on the south side of heaven. This stuff is so catchy, silly and vibrant that it’s a marvel it hasn’t been rediscovered and lionized. Veteran 45 poachers know this style of music well. Quick-buck singles issued and re-issued repeatedly for the black market, dated 1968-1970, though… it could just as easily been recorded 8 or 9 years earlier – as if pockets of old school musical resistance never developed beyond the early 60s. The stuff is obscure, and I’m not sure this is even the proper track list for this LP. Getting a correct band name spelling requires a P.I. license. But, the music speaks for itself, and if it speaks to you like it does me… then you may have found the meaning of life.


One Eye Open (2:50)
Y’all (2:35)
Wigs (2:24)
Roaches (2:11)
The World Is A Cafeteria (2:23)
It’s The Thing (2:26)
In A Crowded Station (2:34)
Love Bandito (2:12)

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

I was thrilled to discover that WFMU had just recently posted even more from The Mask Man and his many aliases and associated monikers. The history of these sides is even more confusing than the above LP, consisting mostly of music made by Harmon Bethea (The Mask Man) and a slew of different band configurations spread over various 45s and decades. Most of the details are culled from this valuable (but still understandably incomplete) resource, Soulful Kinda Music. Just to illustrate how immediate (and temporary) these singles and bands often were, some of the releases are credited to The Cap-Tans, L’Cap-Tans, L’Cap-Tans w/The Go Boys, Wailing Bethea & The Cap-Tans, Mask Man & The Cap-Tans… you get the idea. The same goes for multiple variations of Harmon Bethea and his Mask Man (Masked Man, Maskman, Maskmen) configurations. In the end, the names probably don’t matter, because it all sounds sublime. It’s more of the same shuck and jive (sometimes even the same re-written progressions), though, some of the early 70s material begins to introduce civil rights themes, while “Prices and Crises” speaks just as effectively to today’s current market situation. There are even a couple Harmon Bethea sides from the early 50s. Enjoy. This stuff is fun. And, after a few listens, you might even be convinced it’s important, as well. As it should be.


Prices And Crises - The Mask Man & The Agents (Jan 804, 1974) (3:52)
Talking About The Boss And I – Harmon Bethea (Musicor 1483, 1973) (3:44)
Stand Up Part 1 – The Mask Man & The Agents (Vigor 707, 1970) (2:23)
Moon Dream – Bethea The Mask Man & The Agents (Dyna 139, 1969) (3:28)
When You Got Money – Bethea The Mask Man & The Agents (1969) (2:55)
I Wouldn’t Come Back – The Mask Man & The Agents (Dyna 143, 1969) (1:54)
Chicken Wings – The Mask Man & The Cap-Tans (Ru-Jac 220, 1964) (2:36)
Soul Party Part 1 – Billy Clark & The Maskmen (2:26)
Hot Gravy – Billy Clark & His Orchestra (2:29)
I’m So Crazy For Love – The Cap-Tans (Dot 1009 & 15114, 1950/1953) (2:46)
Say Yes – L’Cap-Tans (Savoy 1567, 1959) (2:31)

 

Comments (8)
HARRY NILSSON

HARRY NILSSON Bonus Tracks (1967-1993) (2012 Edition)

December 27, 2011 – 14:11

Bonus Tracks (1967-1993) (2012)
A Smorgasbord, Just Like His Albums

2012 Edition! It’s about time we gave Nilsson the ‘alternate universe’ treatment. 67 glorious outtakes, demos and hidden rarities… bonus tracks from Nilsson’s officially released CDs. We’ve finally reorganized these collections to include new bonuses issued in the last few years on Japanese imports, some from upgraded 2007 sources, along with a couple of odds and ends that shouldn’t be left out. The three sets boast some stunning, previously unreleased tunes (“Wasting My Time”), nifty alternate versions (an early “Gotta Get Up,” three years before Nilsson Schmilsson), foreign versions of “Without You” and obscure non-LP covers, like John Lennon’s “Isolation.” A Little Touch Of Schmilsson In The Night‘s outtakes come from the 1973 LP’s little known follow-up, 1988′s A Touch More Schmilsson In The Night (though, it’s all incorporated into reissues of ALTOSITN). Harry also soundtracked a Gene Wilder composition – “Ain’t It Kind Of Wonderful” (from the brilliant World’s Greatest Lover) in the same ‘standards’ vein. There are also intimate Nilsson Sings Newman outtakes, piano demos for much of Nilsson Schmilsson and two tracks thought to be slated for Harry’s last, unreleased 1993 album. The overall quality is much improved and the collection seems complete (if not, you’ll let us know). So, if you got these three years ago from us, you’re advised to get ‘em again. We’ve got more Bonus set collections (Mott, ELO, Doors, Costello, Byrds & others) in the archives, so collect them all. We’re upgrading For The Love Of Harry to include more items, images and better quality. We’ve got better sounding files so it’s time for an overhaul, which will take months, but we’ll be moving stuff up top and sharing some new oddities over here on occasion.


VOLUME 1
As I Wander Lonely (2:02)*
She Sang Hymns Out Of Tune (Mono Single Version) (2:21)*
Sister Marie (B-Side To “One”) (3:03)**
Miss Butter’s Lament (2:22)**
Girlfriend (1:50)**
I Will Take You There (Alternate Mix) (2:45)***
I Will Take You There (Single Mix) (2:43)****
Best Friend (0:58)****
Waiting (Non-LP Single Version) (2:23)*****
Rainmaker (Mono Single Version) (2:27)*****
Wasting My Time (3:34)*****
Snow (2:30)#
Love Story (Demo) (3:24)#
Cowboy (Demo) (2:22)#
I’ll Be Home (Demo) (2:42)#
Living Without You (Demo) (2:41)#
Down To The Valley (2:12)##
Buy My Album (Non-LP Single) (1:32)##
Think About Your Troubles (Take 4) (2:36)##
Life Line (Take 4) (2:32)##
Down To The Valley (Alternate Version) w/hidden I’ll Never Leave You (Demo) (4:55)##
From:
*Pandemonium Shadow Show 2002,
**Aerial Ballet 2002,
***Skidoo/The Point! 2000,
****Life Lines The Songs Of Nilsson (Promo) 1998,
*****Harry 2007,
#Nilsson Sings Newman 2000,
##The Point! 2007

VOLUME 2 (Schmilsson & Son)
Without You (Demo) (3:55)*
Driving Along (Demo) (0:56)*
Gotta Get Up (Demo) (1:53)*
Coconut (Demo) (4:03)*
Down (Demo) (4:01)*
The Moonbeam Song (Demo) (1:50)*
Jump Into The Fire (Single Edit) (3:34)*
How Can I Be Sure Of You (Previously Unreleased) (3:06)*
The Moonbeam Song (Previously Unreleased Version) (3:32)*
Lamaze (Previously Unreleased) (1:44)*
Gotta Get Up (Previously Unreleased 1968 Version) w/hidden Radio Spots (5:07)*
Si No Estas Tu (“Without You” Spanish Version) (3:20)*
Per Chi (“Without You” Italian Version) (3:17)*
What’s Your Sign? (Previously Unreleased) (3:05)**
Take 54 (Alternative Take) (3:39)**
Campo de Encino (Previously Unreleased) (4:55)**
Daybreak (Single Version) w/hidden It Had To Be Dead (Jam) (5:51)**
Joy (Demo Version Guitar) (1:56)**
Joy (Demo Version Piano) (0:57)**
Joy (Alternate Mix) a.k.a. Grunt Version (3:47)***
From:
*Nilsson Schmilsson 2007,
**Son Of Schmilsson 2007,
***Everybody’s Talkin’ – The Very Best Of Harry Nilsson 2000

VOLUME 3
You Can’t Do That (Alternate Take) (2:15)*
Isolation (Previously Unreleased) (2:59)*
Joy (Demo) (2:31)*
Early In The Morning (Demo) (2:18)*
Walk Right Back w/hidden 30 Second Filler (3:10)*
You Made Me Love You (I Didn’t Want To Do It) (Alternate Version) (2:29)**
Lullaby In Ragtime (Alternate Take) (3:48)**
Always (Alternate Take) (1:47)**
It Had To Be You (Alternate Take, Alternate Lyrics) (2:40)**
Outro (0:14)**
Down By The Sea (Alternate Version) (5:37)***
The Flying Saucer Song (Alternate Version) (6:31)***
Save The Last Dance for Me (Alternate Version) (4:29)***
Old Forgotten Soldier (Demo 1) (3:10)***
Old Forgotten Soldier (Demo 2) (2:44)***
Turn Out The Light (Demo) (2:32)****
Ain’t It Kinda Wonderful (Bonus Track) (2:11)*****
Old Dirt Road (Previously Unreleased Alternate Version) (4:05)#
Animal Farm (Previously Unreleased) (4:54)#
U.C.L.A. (Previously Unreleased) (4:22)#
This Could Be The Night (Previously Unreleased Demo) (1:52)#
Duit On Mon Dei Radio Spot (hidden) (1:02)#
From:
*Aerial Pandemonium Ballet 2000,
**A Little Touch Of Schmilsson In The Night 2002,
***Pussy Cats 2007,
****Duit On Mon Dei 2002,
*****Knnillssonn 2002,
#Perfect Day – The Songs Of Nilsson (Promo) 2006

Comments (11)
VANILLA FUDGE

VANILLA FUDGE Box Of Fudge (2010)

December 26, 2011 – 23:12

Box Of Fudge (2010)
4CDs Of Studio & Live Material. Fans Weren’t Pleased.

Which came first? The iconic opening psych riff from Status Quo’s “Picture Of Matchstick Men,” or the same progression that anchors Vanilla Fudge’s cover of The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hanging On?” You make the call (answer below). I’ve always liked the Fudge, despite – no, probably because of – the band’s uniquely 60s approach to rearranging the popular music of the day. Joe Cocker’s bands would (later) become something of a quality benchmark for stoned and vivid re-envisioning of hit radio tunes, but Vanilla Fudge were equally adept, and were at it years earlier (their debut LP contains no original material). Box Of Fudge, however, is considered by many to be a rare misstep by Rhino Handmade. Hard core fans were pretty agitated at the $80 price tag, as it featured two CDs of recycled hits and 2CDs of live stuff. For the casual fan, who hasn’t purchased much of this material in the past, Box Of Fudge is a fine, if not excellent, introduction. Faithful fans with all the albums were expecting more, however, and have copped an attitude about it – like the dissing comments on the Rhino website, or that guy on Amazon who suggested this collection be renamed Fudge Pack. 15 unreleased tracks and the previously unreleased 1969 New Year’s Eve show from the Fillmore West. Hopefully, a Super-Deluxe version will surface with a free lid of weed. Three figures at Amazon. $80 direct from Rhino.


1
All In Your Mind (3:05)
Take Me For A Little While (3:20)
Ticket To Ride (5:55)
People Get Ready (6:31)
She’s Not There (4:57)
You Keep Me Hanging On (6:46)
Where Is My Mind (2:46)
The Look Of Love (2:52)
Sketch (3:01)
The Beat Goes On (2:08 )
Come By Day, Come By Night (2:59)
The Sky Cried – When I Was A Boy (7:39)
That’s What Makes A Man (4:29)
Faceless People (6:06)
Season Of The Witch ( 8:53)

2
Shotgun (6:14)
Some Velvet Morning (7:40)
You Can’t Do That (4:26)
People (5:23)
Good Good Livin’ (Long Version) (5:48 )
Heartache Jam (4:21)
Need Love (4:59)
Lord In The Country (4:33)
Street Walking Woman (6:13)
The Windmills Of Your Mind (6:05)
Jealousy (3:59)
My World Is Empty (4:03)

3
She’s Not There (Live) ( 8:41)
Shotgun (Live) (6:35)
People Get Ready (Live) ( 8:36)
You Keep Me Hanging On (Live) (7:24)
Season Of The Witch (Live) (11:14)
Break Song (Live) (22:15)

4
Good Good Livin’ (Live) (5:04)
Ticket To Ride (Live) (5:48 )
Medley: Moonlight Sonata/Fur Elise/Eleanor Rigby (Live) (15:50)
Take Me For A Little While (Live) (5:08 )
Like A Rolling Stone (Live) (7:00)
Love Jam (10:22)
Movin’ On (9:16)
VF Studio Jam (12:27)


PS: Status Quo’s “Pictures Of Matchstick Men” (above) was released in November 1967, “You Keep Me Hanging On,” Vanilla Fudge’s one take “demo,” was first issued as a single in June 1967.

Comments (9)
Uncategorized WILLIE NELSON

WILLIE NELSON & THE OFFENDERS Me And The Drummer (1998)

December 26, 2011 – 09:50

Me And The Drummer (1998)
Willie’s Past And Future Fusion

Willie gets together with some pals from the old days, The Offenders, to cover material from his country gentleman past on the self-released Me And The Drummer. Musically, it’s laid-back Willie – live in the studio with fiddles and pedal steel guitars. Willie even produces. But the project part of this project was pretty far-thinking for old Willie. Me And The Drummer began life online in 1998, enhanced by tons of praised multi-media. Fast forward two years later, and Willie releases the entire online kit and caboodle (clips, interactivity, music) on own makeshift label, Luck (Interactive Film Records). The disc even came with a cool pair of tiny dice in the spine. Unfortunately, though the interactive disc is recognized by my computer, it won’t do a damn thing. Probably old technology, or it wasn’t developed for Mac (yeah… hard to believe these days). I thought about copying it and offering it anyway, but that just sounds like a recipe for a lot of wasted time. Besides, the music’s OK. You can get this one cheap at Amazon. Willie’s latest, Remember Me, Vol. 1 (follow the link), is another fine look back.

Me And The Drummer (5:07)
Home Motel (4:08)
Let My Mind Wander (5:04)
I’d Rather You Didn’t Love Me (3:25)
Something To Think About (2:48)
No Tomorrow In Sight (3:11)
I’m So Ashamed (3:41)
A Moment Isn’t Very Long (3:19)
Rainy Day Blues (3:34)
You Wouldn’t Cross The Street To Say Goodbye (3:25)
I Guess I’ve Come To Live Here In Your Eyes (2:46)
Forgiving You Was Easy (2:59)
What A Way To Live (4:09)

Comments (8)
Wormholes

A 25CD Collection

December 25, 2011 – 11:43

 

 

Merry Krimble… Click Me.

Comments (8)
BEATLES Video / Streaming (Films, Shorts, Clips)

The Beatles And Bond (1966)

December 22, 2011 – 23:56

The Beatles and Bond… the real Bond. The video, for all I know about Bond, may or may not be. Whether genuine or someone’s cut of the rumor, here’s the info from YouTube: When setting up the production of the fifth James Bond film, You Only Live Twice, producer Albert R. Broccoli hit upon an idea – since most of the movie scenes were to be filmed in Japan, why not include a scene of James Bond attending a Beatles concert? The Beatles happened to be playing concerts in Japan from June 30 to July 2 of 1966, and Broccoli was able to make a verbal agreement with Brian Epstein to include part of the Beatles concert in the show. The scene was filmed in pre-production for You Only Live Twice, but Lennon’s “Christ” statement fiasco in August of ’66 had Broccoli worried. The scene was re-shot in January of ’67 to show James Bond at a Sumo wrestling match. And now, for the first time, you can view the intended original scene.

Comments (20)
WILLIE NELSON

WILLIE NELSON Willie Nelson & Family (1971)

December 20, 2011 – 10:06

Willie Nelson & Family (1971)
The Country Gentleman Evolves

Something happened to Willie at the dawn of the 70s. The established country writer and performer was his usual dapper self on the cover of 1970′s Both Sides Now (click for a pop-up look). But, by 1971′s Willie Nelson & Family, he was hanging, commune-style, in the woods, seemingly just waiting for a time when he could both be himself and be a part of the oft-conservative country music establishment… at the same time. It would take a few more years before the “outlaw movement” would induct Willie, but until then, there was this tentative baby step outside the restrictive confines of C&W convention. And it starts with the material. Willie singing Kris Kristofferson’s “wishin’ lord that I was stoned” in “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” sets the tone, while James Taylor’s “Fire And Rain” was part of a relatively new practice of covering modern pop songwriters. Willie still clearly had a foot in old tradition on this LP (country weepers, gospel sources, over-production), but you can see the cracks in the country facade starting to show. Willie Nelson & Family isn’t what you’d call “essential” Nelson, as it’s more of a missing link than anything else [hard copies are missing from Amazon, too]. But, it’s Willie, nonetheless. After this baby step, it was just a matter of time.


What Can You Do To Me Now (3:26)
Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down (5:46)
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (2:22)
Fire And Rain( 2:56)
Kneel At The Feet Of Jesus (2:44)
I’m A Memory (2:22)
Yours Love (2:59)
I Can Cry Again (2:56)
That’s Why I Love Her So (2:29)
Today I Started Loving You Again (4:00)

Comments (10)
WARREN ZEVON

WARREN ZEVON The Alternate Warren Zevon (1976)

December 19, 2011 – 17:22

The Alternate Warren Zevon (1976)
The Debut Album, Using Outtakes

I casually tossed around some derogatory remarks regarding Warren Zevon’s L.A. crew getting out-rocked by some Georgia boys (REM) on our Sentimental Hygiene post. Well… I’m munching on those tasty words, all while enjoying this alternate universe version of Warren Zevon’s outstanding (decade-long) debut, Warren Zevon. As the title suggests, The Alternate Warren Zevon is a collection of alternate takes (along with a demo and a live track), giving noisy skeptics (ahem) a chance to hear those L.A. guys in action, live in the studio. And, virtually all of this recreation either is, or at least sounds, live. Besides the great songwriting, the groove is creative and irresistible, flubs and alterations intact, and Zevon & his keys fit snugly into L.A. studio surrounds. Listen to “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” (with a gypsy violin lead instead of a second guitar), just to hear how much fun these guys are having. These tracks come from the 2008 2CD Deluxe Warren Zevon (though, the label didn’t bother to ‘replicate’ the original). PS: After compiling this and playing with the digital cover art – using the same advanced techniques that the Maysles Brothers used on Gimme Shelter to root out a killer Hell’s Angel – I’ve come to the conclusion that Zevon is giving us all the finger.


Frank and Jesse James (Alternate Version) (4:41)
Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded (Live WMMS 10-13-76) (2:01)
Backs Turned Looking Down The Path (Take 1) (2:33)
Hasten Down The Wind (demo) (2:50)
Poor, Poor Pitiful Me (Alternate Version) (3:24)
The French Inhaler (Take 1) (3:48)
Mohammed’s Radio (Take 2) (4:02)
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (Alternate Version) (3:06)
Carmelita (Alternate Version) (3:39)
Join Me in L.A. (Take 2) (4:23)
Desperados Under The Eaves (Take 2) (4:14)

Comments (11)
HARRY NILSSON RANDY NEWMAN

RANDY NEWMAN Newman Sings Nilsson Sings Newman (Version Two 2012)

December 17, 2011 – 18:30

Newman Sings Nilsson Sings Newman (2012)
Why? Because We Have The Technology

Version Two: Randy Newman singing Nilsson Sings Newman. We’ve re-done our previous 2007 tribute to Newman & Nilsson using mostly newer recordings coming from his recent solo studio albums, The Randy Newman Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2 (as well as Randy Newman, Little Criminals and the box set Guilty: 30 Years Of Randy Newman). There is one hitch, however. Randy never recorded his own song “Caroline,” which is on Nilsson Sings Newman. So, for flow, we’ve included Nilsson’s own Nilsson Sings Newman version (with Randy on piano) to complete the set. Technical note: The sound quality on Randy’s “Vine Street (Demo)” is challenged at the source. There’s more, of course, at For The Love Of Harry, which we’re now quietly renovating (though, it’s gonna take forever).


Vine Street (Demo) (Guilty Box Set)
Love Story (You and Me) (Randy Newman)
Yellow Man (The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2)
Caroline (Harry Nilsson – Nilsson Sings Newman)
Cowboy (The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2)
The Beehive State (Randy Newman)
I’ll Be Home (Little Criminals)
Living Without You (The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1)
Dayton, Ohio – 1903 (The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2)
So Long Dad (The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2)

 

Comments (6)
REM WARREN ZEVON

WARREN ZEVON Preludes: Rare And Unreleased Recordings (2007) + Sentimental Hygiene (1987)

December 16, 2011 – 10:11

Preludes: Rare And Unreleased Recordings (Complete) (2007)
Sadly, The Last Word

When first issued, in the aftermath of Warren Zevon’s overlong Death Watch Tour, Preludes had a lot of fans panting for one last taste from an old friend. Zevon had a way of winning hearts and inspiring loyalty, despite his often caustic view of humanity… something to do with his renegade drinker’s attitude, no doubt. But, I can safely say that I’ve never seen an audience so gleefully shout every word to every song like they have the few times I’ve seen Zevon live. When it’s just him, a piano and fans, he barely has to open his mouth, the crowd does all the work for him. This tribute (of sorts) was put together by his son from a cache of unreleased tapes. Unfortunately, the concept was stretched thin when adding a bunch of interview segments to necessitate a two disc package that barely tops 86 minutes. Dumb. (But then… I cluelessly neglected to combine it all into a single download, so who am I to talk?) If all the music was gold, the producers could be forgiven. But there are also a handful of sonically challenged demos along with the aforementioned chat, making this package easy to bitch about. Still, there are a few wonderful unreleased moments that fans will enjoy. Fairly cheap @ Amazon. JUST ADDED: There’s also a Limited Collector’s Edition version with three bonus tracks, “Workin’ Man’s Pay,” “Frozen Notes” and “Some Kind Of Rider” – which 3410 just kindly donated to complete this post (the first two tracks are better than most of the album). Many thanks.


1
Empty Hearted Town (3:07)
Steady Rain (4:20)
Join Me In L.A. (2:31)
Hasten Down The Wind (2:33)
Werewolves Of London (3:38)
Tule’s Blues (3:03)
The French Inhaler (3:33)
Going All The Way (2:19)
Poor Poor Pitiful Me (3:11)
Studebaker (2:27)
Accidentally Like A Martyr (3:06)
Carmelita (3:58)
I Used To Ride So High (2:45)
Stop Rainin’ Lord (2:13)
The Rosarita Beach Cafe (4:10)
Desperados Under The Eaves (3:44)
2
I Was In The House When The House Burned Down (3:03)
“Warren Speaks On Songwriting And The Early Days Of His Career” (7:15)
“Musings On Mortality, Song Noir And The King Of Rock N’ Roll” (5:09)
“A Chat About Producers And The Stark Sounds On The Album Life’ll Kill Ya” (5:10)
Back In The High Life (3:11)
“Warren’s Take On Winwood’s Classic And Warren’s Inspirations” (3:59)
“Talk Of TV, Movies, Acting And Performing” (5:15)
Don’t Let Us Get Sick (Solo Acoustic) (Recorded Live 12/3/1999 At Austin City Limits Studios) (3:10)

JUST ADDED! Bonus Tracks
Workin’ Man’s Pay
Frozen Notes
Some Kind Of Rider

 

Sentimental Hygiene (1987)
One Of Zevon’s More Rewarding LPs

Most fans gravitate to his early material. You know… the Werewolf stuff. But, my favorite Zevon has always been Sentimental Hygiene, a hard-hitting album recorded with pals REM (and friends like Dylan, Henley, Young and, fortunately, only a few L.A. guys) that includes his best mid-career compositional work. This was recorded at about the same time as Zevon and REM’s Hindu Love Gods album (HERE, along with their rare debut 45, an after hours jam session consisting of old blues tunes and a winning cover of Prince’s “Raspberry Beret”). In fact, the reason Sentimental Hygiene resonates with so much power and enthusiasm is probably because of REMs delicious simplicity, rare for Zevon albums as he usually utilized L.A.’s finest when in the studio. “Boom Boom Mancini” is a monster. So simplistic, even awkward in a way, but powerful nonetheless. “Even A Dog Can Shake Hands” is Zevon’s indictment of record industry denizens. The synths don’t wear as well in the ’10s, but if you like your Zevon wound up tight and rockin’ the house, this is a good one to get. Ripped from the original 1987/1990 CD release. Amazon‘s got the ’03 remaster.


Sentimental Hygiene (5:06)
Boom Boom Mancini (4:55)
The Factory (2:45)
Trouble Waiting To Happen (3:33)
Reconsider Me (3:10)
Detox Mansion (3:16)
Bad Karma (3:15)
Even A Dog Can Shake Hands (3:26)
The Heartache (3:19)
Leave My Monkey Alone (4:12)

Comments (22)
HINDU LOVE GODS REM WARREN ZEVON

HINDU LOVE GODS Hindu Love Gods (1986/1990)

December 16, 2011 – 09:30

Hindu Love Gods (1986/1990)
After Hours With Zevon & REM
…Plus The Long Lost Debut 45

This one-off, after-hours jam from Warren Zevon and REM (sans Michael Stipe) has made the rounds online for years. But, I recently came across the collective’s previous 45 in my collection and figured I’d post it for all for those that have never heard it. As you probably know, during the making of Sentimental Hygiene (still my favorite Zevon), Warren and three-fourths of REM (Peter Buck, Bill Berry & Mike Mills) jammed together on a bunch of, mostly, blues oldies. The result is more drunken frat than earthy blues and, according to legend, takes as long to listen to as it did to record. Their very cool, REM-esque cover of Prince’s “Raspberry Beret,” which stripped the paisley to reveal the tune’s rock essence, got most of the attention. Probably because this album, never intended for release, contained no original material from WZ or REM. The Hindu’s debut 45, released in 1986 (before the LP’s 1987 recording and 1990 release), did contain an REM tune, “Narrator,” but the 45 is not available in any other format. The back cover says Zevon is not shown, but if you look close you can see his cut-off face on the far left. Amazon has it.


Walkin’ Blues (4:15) (Robert Johnson)
Traveling Riverside Blues (4:03) (Robert Johnson)
Raspberry Beret (3:54) (Prince)
Crosscut Saw (3:06) (Fred Ingrahm/Bill Sanders)
Junko Partner (2:41) (Bob Shad)
Mannish Boy (6:58) (Bo Diddley/Melvin London/Muddy Waters)
Wang Dang Doodle (3:51) (Willie Dixon)
Battleship Chains (3:08) (Terry Anderson)
I’m A One Woman Man (2:18) (Tillman Franks/Johnny Horton)
Vigilante Man (2:55) (Woody Guthrie)

Gonna Have A Good Time Tonight (3:31) (George Young/Harry Vanda)
Narrator (2:24) (Bill Berry/Peter Buck/Mike Mills/Michael Stipe)

Comments (6)
Wormholes

Enter The Wormhole #32

December 15, 2011 – 07:36

<—Click To Enter

… More Wormholes.

Comments (3)
RANDY NEWMAN

RANDY NEWMAN The Randy Newman Songbook, Vols. 1 & 2 (2003/2011)

December 14, 2011 – 09:09


The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1 (2003)
The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2 (2010)
Just Randy, A Piano And That Glorious Music

I wish more artists did this. Unless you’re a film score buff, there’s no better Randy Newman music than when he’s alone at the piano. It’s what a lot of his early records sounded like, before he (or his label) felt the pressure to more fully augment his music with rock instrumentation to compete with others for radio time. These two discs include many of Newman’s classic works, recorded live in the studio with gorgeous sound. Think of them as alternate universe best of’s. Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 are at Amazon.


VOL. 1
It’s Lonely At The Top (3:14)
God’s Song (3:25)
Louisiana (2:58)
Let Me Go (2:38)
Rednecks (3:06)
Avalon (0:58)
Living Without You (2:18)
I Think It’s Going To Rain Today (2:58)
You Can Leave Your Hat On (2:34)
It’s Money That I Love (2:19)
Marie (2:57)
When She Loved Me (1:03)
Sail Away (2:59)
The World Isn’t Fair (3:08)
Political Science (2:05)
The Great Nations Of Europe (3:26)
In Germany Before The War (3:51)

VOL. 2
Ragtime (1:25)
Dixie Flyer (3:21)
Yellow Man (2:06)
Suzanne (2:48)
The Girls In My Life (Part 1) (1:49)
Kingfish (2:17)
Losing You (2:46)
Sandman’s Coming (2:19)
My Life Is Good (3:27)
Birmingham (2:22)
Last Night I Had A Dream (1:58)
Same Girl (2:47)
Baltimore (3:05)
Laugh And Be Happy (2:20)
Lucinda (1:37)
Dayton, Ohio – 1903 (1:54)
Cowboy (2:24)

Comments (14)
GIL SCOTT HERON Various Artists

VARIOUS ARTISTS A Place For You – A Tribute To Gil Scott-Heron (2011)

December 12, 2011 – 10:31

A Place For You (2011)
A Little Something For Gil

I forget what I was poking around for when I stumbled on this, a righteously expert tribute to Gil Scott-Heron that surfaced not long after his death in May, 2011.  The main theme involves a Marvin Gaye riff, from “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler),” and an original composition (spearheaded by French vocalist, Sandra Nkake). There’s also a musical introduction to the project that’s delivered in an effectively ghostly fashion, mimicking Heron’s style, and attitude. The remixers make ample hay of the Marvin riff, blending and bending it into reggae, hip-hop and different groove musics. I quibbled with a couple, but overall liked the entire package. The one-page tribute, HERE, credits all the other artists involved. You can download the poorly tagged 160 kbps files individually from the source… or you can grab a more organized zip in comments.


A Place For You (Original Track) (6:04)
Introducing A Place For You (2:04)
Mark de Clive Lowe Remix (4:28)
Loik Dury Remix (4:18)
Dj OIL Remix (7:07)
Grant Phabao Remix (5:43)
Vadim Vernay Remix (3:51)
Jeff Sharel Remix (6:33)
Doctor L Remix (5:30)

Comment (1)
Capitol Blues Series MISSISSIPPI FRED McDOWELL

MISSISSIPPI FRED McDOWELL I Do Not Play No Rock ‘N’ Roll (Deluxe Edition 1969)

December 10, 2011 – 19:59

I Do Not Play No Rock ‘N’ Roll
Essential 1995 ‘Deluxe Edition’

This Capitol Blues series re-issue is actually an expanded version of Mississippi Fred McDowell’s 1969 album of the same name, adding 11 tracks (three previously unreleased) recorded at the original sessions. The other eight additional tracks were first released on Mississippi Fred McDowell: 1904-1972, on the Just Sunshine label just after Fred’s death. The original I Do Not Play No Rock ‘N’ Roll was a wryly-titled classic, McDowell’s first using an electric guitar, and it still stands as one of the more engaging Delta blues albums ever. Though he had been performing since the 20s/30s, McDowell wasn’t “discovered” until the mid-60s, and it was this material that brought his name to the masses. McDowell is probably best known for writing (though, it’s disputed) “You Got To Move,” immortalized in the modern era by The Rolling Stones. We’ve got even more from the Capitol Blues series coming, so stay tuned.


ONE
Baby Please Don’t Go (4:49)
Good Morning Little School Girl (4:28)
Kokomo Me Baby (3:02)
That’s All Right Baby (5:05)
Red Cross Store (4:06)
Everybody’s Down On Me (9:14)
61 Highway (4:45)
Glory Hallelujah (2:49)
Jesus Is On The Mainline (3:40)
Someday (4:33)

TWO
Write Me A Few Of Your Lines (3:37)
Mortgage On My Soul (4:25)
Baby Let Me Lay Down (In Your Cool Iron Bed) (4:30)
Drop Down Mama (3:44)
Rap/Louise (8:18)
Somebody Keeps Callin‘ Me (3:33)
Eyes Like An Eagle (4:40)
My Baby She Gonna Jump And Shout (Previously Unreleased) (2:40)
Long Line Skinner (Previously Unreleased) (5:54)
Baby Please Don’t Go (Alternate) (Previously Unreleased) (3:08)

 

Comments (23)
Capitol Blues Series SON HOUSE

SON HOUSE Delta Blues & Spirituals (1995)

December 10, 2011 – 19:58

Delta Blues & Spirituals (1995)
Live At London’s 100 Club, 1970

Recorded over two nights in London, during what was supposed to be Son House’s final tour before retirement and his last gig in the UK. Instead, Son went on to perform for a few years after this, while age and incoherency attacked the legendary blues man’s abilities. Originally released on Liberty in the UK, this re-issue’s title comes from its equal balance of spirituals and coarse Delta blues… alongside a couple of rambling monologues. Canned Heat’s Alan Wilson sits in on a couple of tracks (only months before his death from an overdose). Pretty intense stuff with a pretty appreciative crowd. More from the Capitol Blues series.


Monologue – The B-L-U-E-S (3:23)
Between Midnight And Day (6:33)
I Want To Go Home On The Morning Train (3:30)
Levee Camp Moan (7:07)
This Little Light Of Mine (1:01)
Monologue – Thinkin’ Strong (4:19)
Death Letter Blues (3:59)
How To Treat A Man (16:23)
Grinnin’ In Your Face (1:59)
John The Revelator (2:18)

 

Comments (8)
Capitol Blues Series T-BONE WALKER

T-BONE WALKER The Complete Capitol / Black & White Recordings (1995)

December 10, 2011 – 19:55

The Complete Capitol/Black & White Recordings
His Fans Are Your Favorite Guitarists

From Capitol Records’ 1995 blues reissue series comes 3 glorious CDs, 75 tracks from “the most influential blues guitarist of the post-World War II era,” T-Bone Walker. B.B. King had to have an electric guitar when he first heard him, Duane Allman based his philosophy on his work and everyone from Hendrix to Clapton tore a page or two from his playbook. In short, he did first whatever your favorite blues guitarist did later. T-Bone Walker’s full band arrangements waver from pensive blues to full-tilt shuffles, but T-Bone’s electric guitar playing routinely draws an angular, wiry contrast to his silky smooth vocals and melancholy atmospherics. This isn’t the fiery, stomping blues of his disciples – Walker’s post-big band blues has a softer, more intimate essence that’s both sweet and sad. He’s probably best known for “Stormy Monday” (and those amazing shots of him playing the guitar behind his head while doing the splits), but these sides, almost all recorded in 1949, provide the bigger picture. The example below will tell you all you need to know about this collection. We’re posting more from the Capitol Blues series this week, so check back. Find it at Amazon.


ONE
T-Bone Blues
I Got A Break Baby
Mean Old World
No Worry Blues (Alternate Version)
No Worry Blues
Don’t Leave Me Baby (Alternate Version)
Don’t Leave Me Baby
Bobby Sox Blues (Alternate Version)
Bobby Sox Baby
I’m Gonna Find My Baby
I’m In An Awful Mood
It’s A Lowdown Dirty Deal
Don’t Give Me The Runaround
Hard Pain Blues
I Know Your Wig Is Gone
T-Bone Jumps Again
Call It Stormy Monday But Tuesday Is Just As Bad (Alternate)
Call It Stormy Monday But Tuesday Is Just As Bad
She Had To Let Me Down (Alternate Version)
She Had To Let Me Down
She’s My Old Time Used To Be
Dream Girl Blues (Alternate Version)
Dream Girl Blues
Midnight Blues (Alternate Version)

TWO
Long Lost Lover Blues (Alternate Version)
Long Lost Lover Blues
Triflin‘ Woman Blues (Alternate Version)
Triflin‘ Woman Blues
Long Skirt Baby Blues (Alternate Version)
Long Skirt Baby Blues
Goodbye Blues
Too Much Trouble Blues (Alternate Version)
Too Much Trouble Blues
I’m Waiting For Your Call
Hypin‘ Woman Blues (Alternate Version)
Hypin‘ Woman Blues
So Blue Blues
On Your Way Blues
Natural Blues
That’s Better For Me
First Love Blues (Alternate Version)
First Love Blues
Lonesome Woman Blues (Alternate Version 1)
Lonesome Woman Blues (Alternate Version 2)
Lonesome Woman Blues
Vacation Blues
Inspiration Blues (Alternate Version)
Inspiration Blues
Description Blues (Alternate Version)

THREE
Description Blues
T-Bone Shuffle (Alternate Version)
T-Bone Shuffle
That Old Feelin‘ Is Gone
The Time Seems So Long
Prison Blues
Home Town Blues
Wise Man Blues (Alternate Version)
Wise Man Blues
Misfortune Blues (Alternate Version)
Misfortune Blues
I Wish You Were Mine (Alternate Version)
I Wish You Were Mine
I’m Gonna Move You Out And Get Somebody Else
She’s The No-Sleepin’est Woman (Alternate Version)
She’s The No-Sleepin’est Woman
Plain Old Down Home Blues
Born To Be No Good
Go Back To The One You Love (Alternate Version)
Go Back To The One You Love
I Want A Little Girl
I’m Still In Love With You
You’re My Best Poker Hand (Alternate Version)
You’re My Best Poker Hand
West Side Baby

 

Comments (9)

Next Page »

Next Page »