Wednesday, July 28, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 79: I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight

I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard and Linda Thompson (1974)

They were brilliant on their own, but together they were a force of nature. Off of their first and greatest album, here are the two in full mariachi mode, with Linda proclaiming her need for nothin' but a good time. Folk rock has never been so hair metal, and never would need to again. That non-existent sub-genre was covered in spades by this classic!

Monday, July 26, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 78: A Whiter Shade Of Pale

A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum (1967)

Progressive Rock, like most things, has two parents: Sgt. Pepper's and Procol Harum. With music lifted from Bach's Air On A G String, this band swept the world off its feet with its melding of rock and classical music. Keith Reid's lyrics don't hurt either, giving us medieval imagery transplanted into the summer of love. It strikes a universal chord. While most people don't know how amazing the rest of the Harum's recorded oeuvre is, they know this song. No wonder it is the most played song ever in British public places!



Covered by countless artists, I have always preferred these two.





And ya gotta love Colosseum's miraculous re-interpretation!

JDIZZY's 365 # 77: The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia

The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia - Vicki Lawrence (1972)

What do Carol Burnett, Hannah Montana and the number one spot on the pop charts have in common? Vicki Lawrence, who took this southern gothic masterpiece to number one back in the 70's. I would love to see her perform this classic in her Momma costume!



Reba's video is ridiculous, but she sings the hell out of it!

JDIZZY's 365 # 76: God If I Saw Her Now

God If I Saw Her Now - Anthony Philips (1977)

Some fans grow frustrated when their favorite artists become huge, no longer a secret between them and a select faithful few. I have never had those feelings. If Anthony Phillips could be as big as The Beatles, I would be right there wearing a Geese & Ghost t-shirt to a sold-out appearance at the Wachovia Center. Sadly, it will probably never happen. This is quite a shame, because his music deserves to be heard as much as his former band's, Genesis. Leaving after two albums because of stage fright, Ant bided his time before releasing his solo debut, an album of 12-string mastery. Bringing in a man whom he had never played with in Genesis to handle lead vocals, Phillips finds a suitable partner in Phil Collins. Collins' voice has never been more subtle and pretty as it is on this ballad. It is a tale of remembrance and realization that old loves leave quite an imprint on you, even when in the arms of a new. Anthony does wonders with the rhythm guitar here and throughout the album. His solo work has continued to flourish down many different alleys, and, while not massively available in the states, is all over the net. Seek him out, and find your new favorite artist.

Friday, July 23, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 75: Hair

Hair - The Cast of Hair (1968)

You don't get much more rebellious on the great white way than you do with Hair. Since it its original production up until the 2009 revival, it has been a calling card for true fans of rock and roll to enter into the Broadway world. It's songs have been huge pop hits as well, for The Fifth Dimension, Oliver, Three Dog Night and The Cowsills. That latter singing family's version of the song featured today went to number 2 on the charts in 1969. It did so because it can be seen as a parody of hippie culture or as a towering anthem of individuality and freedom. Give the original cast a listen, and see this show as soon as you can. It is life-changing to say the least!

JDIZZY's 365 # 74: The Night Chicago Died

The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace (1974)

How do you follow up a song about a soldier dying in the civil war? How about with one about a police officer that survives a shoot-out with mobsters? That's exactly what Paper Lace did in those heady story-song days of the 70's and went straight to number one in the US. This track is an eternal earworm, from the blazing siren that opens the track, to the insane fun sing along that is the chorus (and just try to visit Chicago without singing it every other minute!).

Thursday, July 22, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 73: True Love Ways

True Love Ways - Buddy Holly (1960)

Buddy Holly helped make Rock and Roll what it was, but he also was a diverse talent. This posthumous ballad showcases the road he might have continued to explore had his life not been cut short on the day the music died.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 72: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack (1972)

Some songs stand up to multiple covers without ever losing their power. Artists as varied as George Michael, Gordon Lightfoot and Johnny Cash have all turned in magnificent versions of Ewan MacColl's love ballad to his wife, Peggy Seeger. But none, including the songwriters, have come close to Ms. Flack's soul-chilling take. It is one of the finest moments in recorded music history, stretching out longer than the original, basking in the glow of the love it is describing. In a time when rock and roll was becoming more and more genre-fied, it spoke to all walks of life, all tastes in sound, and became a universal anthem. It still fulfills that feeling. Play it for a loved one and watch them melt into your arms! Unless your loved on happens to be Mr. MacColl. He hated Roberta's version, which goes to show that there is an exception to every rule, and that even poets can be idiots.

Monday, July 19, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 71: When Annie Took Me Home

When Annie Took Me Home - Tom Paxton (1973)

Some songs are all the more precious because they are hidden, like this criminally out-of-print gem. It is a masterwork of love by a master folk singer. Enjoy!

JDIZZY's 365 # 70: Find Your Grail

Find Your Grail - The Cast Of Spamalot (2005)

Sometimes a parody is just as good or better than the style it is making fun of. This is one of those instances.

JDIZZY's 365 # 69: Late For The Sky

Late For The Sky - Jackson Browne (1974)

No one has ever captured the feelings associated with loss more perfectly than Jackson Browne. This song, off of one of his three perfect albums, is a place to go whenever the pain seems too much to bear. Jackson has experienced it too, and although you might not find the answers you're looking for in the five-plus minutes of this confession, it will forever change you, because you know someone else has felt the exact same way as you. Several times in my life this song has offered solace in times of need. It is the pop song as therapy.

JDIZZY's 365 # 68: All I Want Is You

All I Want Is You - U2 (1988)

It is odd to me that it has become trendy to hate this band. While I understand that Bono's political activism could rub someone the wrong way ( I don't know who, since he is a tireless promoter of peace, love and health, but who am I to be in the mind of every type of person!?!), there is simply no denying the power and quality of their work, from Boy all the way to No Line On The Horizon. Tell me you hate this ballad from Rattle & Hum. Tell me you didn't think it was brilliantly used in Reality Bites. Tell me the orchestra doesn't give you chills. You can tell me all of these things...... but I won't believe you. Their music is of too high a standard for anyone to dislike, and I stand by that statement....Prove Me Wrong!!!!

JDIZZY's 365 # 67: Gethsemane ( I Only Want To Say)

Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Ian Gillan (1970)

Judas has the best role in this, my favorite musical of all time. However, Jesus gets the best song, with this garden lament of fear, anger, and finally, acceptance. This has as much to do with the sweeping Webber orchestration, Tim Rice's finest lyrics, and that unstoppable voice of Deep Purple's Ian Gillan. Nobody has sung this song with as much power and restraint as Mr. Gillian and I sincerely doubt they ever will. Concept albums of musicals are the rough outlines of what the show could be. This 1970 version trumps all future recordings of the work, making it the gold standard for all concept recordings to come. This is a headphone masterpiece children, so hook up your ear-buds to your laptop or iphone or whatevers, and push that youtube button! You're about to get religion!



However, Jean Valjean's version ain't half bad!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 66: Sally Simpson

Sally Simpson - The Who (1969)

Tommy has become much more than it originally was. Through Film, Broadway, and Legend, we have forgotten what first brought us to this cultural phenomenon was simple: A great record. From start to finish, the first "rock opera" leaps off the stereo. Pete Townshend's tale of the deaf, dumb and blind kid is more cohesive than most books and it gains power with each sequential listen. It is very hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to do so, it would be this track, sung by a never better Roger Daltrey. It's easy to forget how integral the acoustic guitar was to this album. It brings the story of Sally to life with its opening strums, and provides succulent rhythm throughout the entire track. While "Underture" and "Christmas" vie for second place, this concise, tight little jam is secure at first. They had made great albums before and would do so again, but never would they mike a product so stuffed to the brim with hidden gems. It makes you remember the glory that is The Who and makes you forget all about that Super Bowl thing!



The movie versions pretty cool too, with alternate lyrics and lead vocals by Pete!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 65: Peaches En Regalia

Peaches En Regalia - Frank Zappa (1970)

Go ahead, I dare you to call this modern master a one-trick pony! For every one of these, there are one of these. For every sophomoric joke, there is a work of raw beauty. Yes, he was tasteless, but he was also refined. He was the most complicated, brilliant and hilarious person to ever grace pop. He will never have an equal, and he probably shouldn't. The world is not ready for another Frank.
In a career of high points, this instrumental powerhouse stands out. I dare you to find another work this zany, awe-inspiring or chill-inducing. This is a genius at the height of his powers. However, what's great about Zappa is that not even his most rabid fans can say they have heard everything the man did. You could fill an entire 365 of his pieces and still leave out another 365 just as brilliant. So, explore, discover and treasure..... but first.......Let your face be melted by the Grand Wazoo's finest moment!



The Covers Come In Waves Today!!!!!!





Monday, July 12, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 64: Thirteen

Thirteen - Big Star (1972)

Alex Chilton was only 22 years old when he composed this tender ballad to adolescence. At this point, he had already fronted the highly successful Box Tops, and was putting together the first album of his new band, Big Star. While their debut helped invent the power pop movement of the 70's, this tiny little track influenced much more. It has been covered by the kings of alt-rock, from Jeff Tweedy to Elliot Smith. It has been used in films, placed on Rolling Stone lists and is a calling card for the Illuminati of music nerds. What's all the fuss about? Fresh from his teenage years, Chilton captures the thrill of young love, the power of rock and roll and the innocence of youth all in under 3 minutes. The world lost an amazing storyteller this year. Put on this track and smile in reverence at his memory.



Shirley, this shouldn't work, but it so does! Goes to know good material can work wonders.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 63: Tubular Bells Pt. I

Tubular Bells, Pt. I - Mike Oldfield (1973)

Want to know why we have Virgin Megastores, Airlines and Galactic space flights? One little album. A modern symphony using guitars, synthesizers and percussion, Tubular Bells is much more than just the opening few minutes, used to great extent in The Exorcist. It is instrumental prog, the beginning of New Age music back before it was a cliche. Mike Oldfield played virtually every instrument on this piece, setting up a career of making album length masterpieces by himself, overlaying track upon track, fiercely satisfying his muse. It has sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, and single-handedly bankrolled the fledgling Virgin Records, which issued it as its first release. Richard Branson even named one of his first Virgin Airline planes Tubular Belle. Yet, all of this aside, the first part of this piece is simply breathtaking, especially when listening to the 2008 reissue. A headphone masterpiece of the highest order, listening to it in 5.1 is also a massive treat (A DVD of which was included in said reissue). From the stark opening that builds and builds to Vivian Stanshall's introduction of the instruments, part one is a mercurial work form a singular talent, whose recent special edition releases of later works should stand him up as one the greatest composers the world has ever known.

This performance of Part One is the best available, featuring Steve Hillage of Gong and Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones.







And this cover is breathtaking in its undertaking and musicianship!

JDIZZY's 365 # 62: Ball Of Confusion ( That's What The World Is Today)

Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) - The Temptations (1970)

Psychedelic Soul, for lack of a better word, is a cool genre. For a brief period of time, no one did it better than Motown's Beatles, The Temps. Following up the success of the "Psychedelic Shack" single, They hit a career high in a career made out of nothing but high spots with this caustic tale of the state of the world. Not since Dylan's "Masters Of War" had protest been so raw, visceral and powerful. However, Dylan wasn't afforded the studio mastery that Motown had at its disposal at the beginning of the decade. The strings, horns, rhythm section and vocals seem to be at war themselves, fighting together in a cacophony of perfected sound. And Melvin Franklin's delivery of "...and the band played on.."? Chills, I tell ya, chills! The Temptations would hit on this style for one more master class moment. However, no matter how short-lived the sound was, its influence has inspired some incredible modern soul and hip-hop. Put on some headphones that fit over your ears and get inspired yourself.



Tina Turner got her "comeback" deal with Capital in the 80's because of this cover. I told ya this song was special!

Friday, July 9, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 61: Growltiger's Last Stand

Growltiger's Last Stand - The Cast of Cats (1981/1982)

It's compare and contrast day here at the 365. On the one hand, we have the original London cast version of this strange, wonderful piece, which features a lovely center section entitled "The Ballad of Billy M'Caw". On the other hand, we have the original Broadway cast recording, which came out a year later. Webber revised the song for New York, placing an Aria parody in the middle section, thinking it fit better. He has since retracted that statement, but it really doesn't matter now, because most versions of Cats produced today in America cut the song anyway (The Brits keep it in, bless their souls!). It is a shame, because it is the most original number in the entire over-the-top, schmaltzy spectacular that we know as the 2nd longest running Broadway show of all time. Listen to both versions with a discerning ear, and discuss!





Thursday, July 8, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 60: Adios

Adios - Jimmy Webb (1993)

I came to this song early in life, thanks to my parent's copy of Linda Ronstadt's seminal album of the 1980's Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like The Wind. On the Brian Wilson produced version featured there, Linda makes a strong case for singers usurping the songwriters. However, songwriters sometimes wait to record their own compositions, like Carole King did with "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?", making previous covers pale in proverbial comparison.

Jimmy Webb is one of my top five songwriters of the 20th century. He's written two songs already in the 365. His songwriting will be featured again. And, in 1993, he went back to a tune he'd written in the previous decade.........and stole it back. Webb has always been a master storyteller, but this tale rings with a truth not found in his previous work. This version , sang so beautifully before, was treated like a musical theatre piece by Ms. Ronstadt: she was playing a part. I have no proof that Mr. Webb lived anything in this song, but the honesty is overpowering. Let it sneak up on you, as it did for me when I purchased Suspending Disbelief at a used record store in 2005, and you will leave the proceedings floored. Listening to this song will no longer be a choice. It becomes a need. A need for the constant reminder that art and pop are not strange bedfellows, but intimate, passionate lovers who will spend eternity painting this world with light, love and intrinsic good.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 59: The Kiss

The Kiss - Judee Sill (1973)

Oh, this song just stops you in your tracks, doesn't it? Rarely has love sounded so perfect and holy, a god given gift that humanity luckily had bestowed on them. Ms. Sill never got the recognition she deserved in life, but Indie Rock's current landscape has embraced her style and songs, turning her into a "Nick Drake-like" comeback kid. I just wish she was here to see how much her music has meant, and how much she is missed.



Sidney, you've really got me going after cool covers now!

JDIZZY's 365 # 58: Golden Ring

Golden Ring - George Jones & Tammy Wynette (1976)

Sometimes songs come along at the right time. In 2008, I was getting over a bad relationship and a friend turned me on to this #1 Country Classic. Not only did the song absolutely floor me with its story of love gone wrong from the wedding ring's point of view, but it also demonstrated how strong we as human beings can be. George and Tammy had only been divorced for less than a year when they recorded this song. Then, they had to go on TV to promote it, perform it and smile at each other while doing it!!! Their tumultuous relationship and freshly hurt feelings were brushed aside for this track to become the song it is today. If that isn't devotion to your craft, I don't know what is. Needless to say, it put my own troubles into perspective, since I was working with my former flame as well. I stayed with the job and started dating the love of my life just a few months later (She's the one I live in Philly with!!). I don't know if I can thank this song directly for my good fortune, but I smile every time I hear it, just like George and Tammy did on TV all those years ago.



Dwight and Emmylou, you just invented Cowpunk!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

JDIZZY's 365 # 57: Oliver's Army

Oliver's Army - Elvis Costello (1979)

Who would've thought that the punk era's greatest poet was inspired by.....Abba?! In truth, the keyboard intro to Costello's best selling single was written by the Attractions' Steve Nieve as a tribute to "Dancing Queen". It's a good thing too, because the song was about to be scrapped from the Armed Forces album because it was unfinished (The things you learn on Wikipedia!!). This track has always made me happy, even though it's message of Ireland and the world's troubles during the late 70's is anything but. The rare genius of this "other" Elvis shines through by connecting the caustic words to such a happy little song. Such polarity in songwriting wouldn't be seen again until the days of Everclear and never on such an epic scale.



Good Old Damon! There's a reason you will be featured on the 365 three times :)