JDIZZY's 365 # 114: Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent Lights - The Webb Brothers (2000)

Though they never made the commercial splash into megastardom with their major label debut, The Webb Brothers presented a perfect album in those heady days of nu-metal and boy bands. They did so by melding time-honored songwriting chops inherited from their legendary father with modern sensibilities, kind of Glen Campbell meets The Flaming Lips. Their independent releases continue to shine, and they are currently working with their father, of all people. Give a listen to this soaring ballad, and then track down a copy of Maroon, a forgotten gem from the turn of the millennium!

JDIZZY's 365 # 113: Sliver

Sliver - Nirvana (1990)

Here is the conundrum : In Utero is my favorite album. Unplugged in New York is my favorite memory. "Sliver" is my favorite song. Every listen brings back memories of the summer of 1994 and the first time that I purchased a vinyl 45 in years. It was from the Sub Pop mail order catalog, just two months after Kurt's passing. It is a timeless little ditty about being shipped off to your grandparents when your parents need a few days off. It is told with a child's sense of wonder and an adult's anger. It is a lullaby and a punk classic. Finally, it wraps up into a neat package everything we loved about Messrs. Cobain, Novoselic and Grohl (Even though it's Dan Peters of Mudhoney drumming on the track), and all that we lost in a moment of human weakness.

JDIZZY's 365 # 112: Candida

Candida - Tony Orlando & Dawn (1970)

Let's not try to understand why this piece of pop confection holds up after all these years. There's no explaining it. Just sit back and enjoy the magic, and look further into these softer than soft rock legends catalog for more happy times!

JDIZZY's 365 # 111: The Jamestown Ferry

The Jamestown Ferry - Tanya Tucker (1972)

Adolescents should not feel this much pain! Recorded when she was a mere 13, Tanya sang this song out of the park, as she did with all of the tracks from her Billy Sherrill-produced debut album Delta Dawn. Tanya could make about anything her own, but this tale of men running away from their loves would always be the "Country Madonna" 's best.

JDIZZY's 365 # 110: Ireland

Ireland - Garth Brooks (1995)

Leave it to the guy who crossed over to the pop world stronger than any country artist before or after to give us his best song completely out of the genre. No, I'm not talking about the Chris Gaines fiasco, even though said fiasco's music was stronger than anyone would care to acknowledge except for your friendly neighborhood JDIZZY. No, I'm speaking of this album track from his 1995 release Fresh Horses. In an album where he co-wrote eight of the ten songs, Garth runs the gamut, almost more so than he did with his alter ego. This track closes out the album, and tells the heart-wrenching tale of Irish immigrants forced to fight each other on both sides of the American Civil War. This song is aching in its portrayal and epic in its passion. It would have made a much stronger end credits piece for Gangs of New York than that U2 song. Garth's true worth shines through now more than it ever did during his commercial juggernaut, wiping away the sheen and showing us what a rich, deep talent he is. A little album track exploring is definitely in order.

JDIZZY's 365 # 109: Toxic

Toxic - Britney Spears (2003)

As a wiser man than me once said, this is "The only Britney that matters". While that may not be completely true (I think I could round up a decent top five for her), it is the greatest thing she ever put to wax (or to computer space, or whatever recording engineers put music to these days). Produced by pop masterminds Bloodshy & Avant, it sizzles with Bollywood undertones, bubbling along with robotic coldness, enveloping the listener in a silicone world. If ever there was a song made for Daryl Hannah's character to sing in Blade Runner, this would be it. No wonder Britney played a fembot in the Austin Powers films.




What a fabulous chanteuse version!

JDIZZY's 365 # 108: Pass The Mic

Pass The Mic - The Beastie Boys (1992)

Ah, the hip hop posse track! From The Sugar Hill Gang to The Wu Tang Clan, on down to the super group that gave us "Swagger Like Us", it has been a standard of braggadocio and aplomb in the field. Oddly enough, my favorite comes from a trio of white guys on their second best album (Let's think of Paul's Boutique as hip hop's Thick As A Brick: Concept Perfection!). Mike D, Ad-Roc and MCA rap like their lives depended on it, all while playing their own instruments (And you gotta love that rhyme of "commercial" to "commercial"!).


Beastie Boys - Pass the Mic
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JDIZZY's 365 # 107: Island

Island - Renaissance (1969)

Progressive rock makes for a very strange family tree. Lineup changes plague almost every major group in the genre (Remember Emerson, Lake and Powell? How about The Buggles-led Yes?) However, none come close to Renaissance. By the time Annie Haslam took the band into the British Top Ten, not a single original member remained! Annie's version is transcendent, beautiful music, but my pick comes from their debut album, when Keith Relf of The Yardbirds was their leader. He started the group because he wished to explore the combination of Rock, Folk and Classical sounds. This strain would run through the remainder of Renaissance's existence, but this track lead the way for all that was to come. One thing's for certain: it's a long way from "For Your Love"!

JDIZZY's 365 # 106: El Cantante

El Cantante - Hector Lavoe (1978)

Before hearing this, Salsa music was something I thought I only heard in Mexican Restaurants. After hearing this, I learned that it was a style that had originated in Puerto Rico and that Hector Lavoe was the undisputed king, having helped create it. This song grabs me from the first few seconds, floating me away on a sea of piano, horns, strings and Mr. El Cantante himself's incredible voice. No other tune makes me wish I could dance more than this one. It is a shame he is gone, and it is a shame more gringoes don't know about this music. Pick up Comedia and fall in love with the best in Latin Music.




The Film El Cantante starring Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, is better than anyone could expect, and Mr. Anthony does of Mr. Lavoe's signature hit.

JDIZZY's 365 # 105: The Court Of The Crimson King

The Court Of The Crimson King - King Crimson (1969)

Prog Rock finds its feet right here. For an album that can consider every track a classic of an entire genre, King Crimson stops you in your tracks for their debut's finale. Both ancient and modern, giving us strings, but through a mellotron, giving us choirs, but through long-haired rock musicians, this is the true lover's knot of the Moody Blues' dream and The Beatles' Concept, with just a sprinkling of Procol Harum for musicianship. They would never be the same after this first album (never after any album Crimson released, to be honest), but this is where the glory of Robert Fripp, Greg Lake, Mel Collins, Pete Sinfield and Ian MacDonald began. These legends were only together for one perfect platter, but oh how sweet it is!

JDIZZY's 365 # 104: I Sing The Body Electric

I Sing The Body Electric - The Cast of "Fame" (1980)

If you're going to make a movie about a performing arts high school, you gotta have a kick ass finale to end the film and demonstrate the journey the kids have made. Such a song was written by Michael Gore and Dean Pritchard for this 1980 classic that has spawned tv shows, musicals and a remake. This song, and the film it came from, are better than all of these spin-offs combined, and should be watched immediately, especially if the bad taste from the 2009 version is still in your mouth!



Punk rock, you never grow up, do ya? Ya gotta love this!

JDIZZY's 365 # 103: Everything I Own

Everything I Own - Bread (1972)

Soft rock nirvana from the greatest and most underrated of the genre's progenitors. This song is kinda perfect.



The covers, there are so many!!!

JDIZZY's 365 # 102: Delilah

Delilah - Tom Jones (1968)

Story songs rule the 365 this week with an iron fist! Another classic example of the genre is this emotionally charged murder ballad, done up right by the King of Wales himself. None could emote like Mr. Jones, and to see him have such a critical and artistic comeback this year brings a smile to this music lover's face. However, Delilah is a sad tale, so off it comes!



Two Great Covers From the Worlds of Metal and Punk!

JDIZZY's 365 # 101 : Dark Lady

Dark Lady - Cher (1974)

Cher's story songs of the early 1970's rank as some of my favorite guilty pleasures in music, but this one takes the cake. An eerie tale of murder, fortune tellers and infidelity, it screams "PRODUCTION VALUE!" (which is through the roof with strings, percussion and Cher's voice sounding stronger than ever.) One day this period of her career will be revered like Picasso's Blue, mark my word!



Lea Laven had a huge hit in Finland that same year with her cover version.

JDIZZY's 365 # 100: The Way

The Way - Bonnie "Prince" Billy (2003)

Will Oldham has done a little bit of everything. He's been an actor, musician and an all about indie icon. But he is at his best as "Prince Billy", and his Master & Everyone is one of the best albums of this still new century. Recorded, it seems, in a log cabin, Oldham weaves rustic folk music that sounds as old as traditional appalachian ballads. "The Way" introduces the platter with a killer opening line, and the quality continues to build from there. Much like Weezer's "My Name Is Jonas" from The Blue Album, it is what draws you back time and time again to this subdued hootenanny.

JDIZZY's 365 # 99: I Don't Like Mondays

I Don't Like Mondays - The Boomtown Rats (1979)

Sometimes tragedy begets great art. The Shooting Spree of 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer in 1979 was one of those times. It somehow lead to the creation of the perfect New Wave Song. Before The Wall, before Live Aid and before Live 8, Sir Bob Geldof was a master storyteller making a tale of pain and suffering into a pop hit with hooks for days. It topped the charts in the UK for four weeks and sticks in the head of anyone who has heard it more than once. Just listen to it twice, I dare you. You'll be singing it for the next couple of years.


Boomtown Rats - I Don't Like Mondays
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Leave it Tori to make it her own!


tori amos - i don't like mondays (the boomtown rats cover)
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JDIZZY's 365 # 98: Grace Is Gone

Grace Is Gone - Dave Matthews Band (2000)

Very few released albums are as good as The Lillywhite Sessions, likewise any unreleased ones. Having already taken enough time up on the subject, I leave you simply with my favorite Dave Matthews song, one that aches, heals and teaches with every listen. It is perfect song craft from a master of song, one that will enrich his already deep and lasting legacy. Our children will speak of DMB like we spoke of the Stones, the Allmans, and Cat Stevens (just conveniently rolled into one amazing entity).



See, the younger generation is already catching on!

JDIZZY's 365 # 97: For Crying Out Loud

For Crying Out Loud - Meatloaf (1977)

When I was in 8th grade I wrote a treatment for a Broadway Musical based on Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell. The First act ended with the lead character regretting the marriage he entered thanks to "Paradise By The Dashboard Light", and longing for the girl who got away (the one who made him realize that "Heaven Can Wait"!). He then sings us this power ballad, Wagnerian in scope, combining the best parts of Phil Spector, Opera and Bruce Springsteen's keyboard player. It has always been my favorite of Meat's, and I believe it would have segued nicely into the second act, made up of songs from Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell. I think now I will have to revise it, since 2006 gave us Bat Out Of Hell III. Speaking of Wagner, this looks as if it could be as long as The Ring Cycle

JDIZZY's 365 # 96: Time After Time

Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper (1984)

The perfect pop song from the most amazing voice to come out of the 80's. Written late at night after a recording session with a member of the Hooters, Lauper gave us the ultimate lighter ballad, and my favorite song to ever hit number 1 on the Billboard charts. As underrated as she has become, Cyndi deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame for this performance alone.....AND THOSE LYRICS!!! Poetry with a Day-Glo sheen never sounded so good!



Covers abound, but these are my three favorites.

JDIZZY's 365 # 95: Oh Father

Oh Father - Madonna (1989)

With so many watermark moments in her storied career, it may seem strange that I pick this painful ballad from her greatest album, Like A Prayer. It only made it to #20 on the billboard charts, becoming her first single since "Holiday" not to make it into the top ten. However, on an album filled with gems, this stands out for me like no other work in her Catalog. This is Madonna at her most confessional, describing why she became the "Material Girl" in the first place. Singer/songwriters have a hard time being this honest, and she does it without simile and metaphor. In a body of work that shines with trends, style and glitter, this symbolizes the make-up being washed away. Miss Ciccone stands before us, letting us into her memory, if only for the briefest of moments. Monumental, to say the least.


Madonna - Oh Father
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I knew I liked Sia for a reason!

JDIZZY's 365 # 94: Shanti

Shanti - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (1998)

Oh Left of Cool, you came along at the right time! All I needed was a Dave Matthews cameo to open my eyes to Bela Fleck's insane talent. With Futureman, Victor Wooten and Jeff Coffin, Bela has come up with the tightest instrumental group since Weather Report. Good things abound in their catalog, but I always return to Left Of Cool for its staggering diversity. This is exemplified in "Shanti", a Eastern-tinged ballad that features Bela playing a Sitar-Banjo hybrid. It is transcendental in its scope, and the tip of the iceberg for a perfect album.

JDIZZY's 365 # 93: Love At The Five & Dime

Love At The Five & Dime - Kathy Mattea (1986)

Outside of country circles, very few music fans know what they are missing in the immense talent that is Kathy Mattea. She was a sizable star in the country world in the late 80's, but has since gone on to the minor labels, making intense artistic expressions like 2008's Coal album, an album full of songs about the plight of miners. What brought her to our attention though remains my favorite of her recordings, a Nanci Griffith cover that also helped show Ms. Griffith off as a songwriter. It's a great story, something that gets lost in modern country's hair metal with fiddles. Enjoy this, and find a copy of her greatest hits and Coal.... you won't be disappointed!



Mad respect to Nanci's original as well!

JDIZZY's 365 # 92: Fernando

Fernando - Abba (1975)

If ever a group was "critic-proof", it would be these Swedes. Only Nickelback has been as hated by the intelligentsia and as loved by the public. However, Abba backs up their popular praise with actual talent. And the critics have come around, as they always tend to do when they get it wrong. The ballad love continues today with this Spanish tinged story song. Though they would be more adventurous, lovely, and perfect, they would never combine all three attributes as seamlessly as they do hear. If only they could reunite for a single concert...what a pop lover's dream that would be!

JDIZZY's 365 # 91: I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer

I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer - Stevie Wonder (1971)

It is impossible to pick the greatest Stevie Wonder song of all time. Like the Beatles, Stevie Wonder put out an impressive string of albums that are completely uncrackable, meaning they are flawless. From 1971's Where I'm Coming From until Songs of the Key of Life in 1976, Stevie released six undisputed classics, five of which show up constantly on lists by critics and fan's alike. However, sometimes Where I'm Coming From is overlooked. When talking of his classic period, they tend to start with Music of My Mind from 1972. If you leave out Where I'm Coming From, you miss out on one of the most fantastic set-ups in history. Like Rubber Soul is to Revolver, such is the same in Stevie's discography (Even though it is shamefully out of print). Each song is a growth of epic proportions from his previous release, and you can see the beginnings of that streak bursting from "Where.."'s vinyl seams. My favorite is the ballad, of course. "I Never Dreamed..." aches with the surprise of a love's end that the narrator simply didn't see coming. It became even more poignant as Stevie sang this song through tears at Michael Jackson's memorial service last year. As with most ballads of the rock era recorded by giants, it is timeless, and will always be there when you need it. Stevie's roll was just beginning, but this gentle powerhouse lead the way.



Joanie's version was the first I ever heard, so I had to include it here as well!

JDIZZY's 365 # 90: It's A Man's Man's Man's World

It's A Man's Man's Man's World - James Brown (1966)

The Godfather of Funk gets all biblical on this track, saying that man may run everything, but he couldn't do it without the love and support of his woman. While it has a slightly dated view of life, it nevertheless is the greatest single James ever released, beating his funk experiments with its vocal power. You can hear the inklings of dozens of songs that this track influenced (I'm looking at you, "Fallin' "!), and it's hard to find a better Orchestra swell opening outside of classical music. The man is gone, but his music will remain timeless, as will this song's chill inducing potential.



Xtina just nails this song here!

JDIZZY's 365 # 89: Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)

Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Nancy Sinatra (1966)

Kill Bill's opening credits brought this Sonny Bono composition to my attention, and I guess it hasn't really left since. The metaphor of childhood games sweeping through time to the end of a love affair is striking, as is Nancy's delivery and that oh-so stark guitar production from Lee Hazlewood. There is a wealth of strong material between those two, and it is ripe for rediscovery. But start with this track, late at night, in the dark comfort of your room. It will haunt you.



Here is Cher's 80's update in all its campy glory!!

JDIZZY's 365 # 88: Vincent

Vincent - Don McLean (1971)

In 2009, this song comforted my circle of friends as we mourned the sudden death of a crazy diamond. The situation caused me to ponder why Don McLean wrote this beautiful tribute to a fallen painter. I believe now it was to comfort the grieving multitudes who in themselves have multiple interpretations, finding solace in its gentle melody whenever it is needed. Classic Rock radio can have American Pie. This is why I love Mr. McLean. He truly can kill softly with his song.

JDIZZY's 365 # 87: I'll Never Fall In Love Again

I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Dionne Warwick (1969)

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the Broadway musical Promises, Promises, this stellar tune took on a life of its own when Ms. Warwick took a shot at it. Her track record with their work is perfection in songbook form. No one sings them like her (Well, except maybe for Aretha!).



And I must include this, for it lead me to an impeccable collaboration!

JDIZZY's 365 # 86: A Change Is Gonna Come

A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke (1964)

The most beautiful, sad and poignant statement of the civil rights movement from the most beautiful, sad and poignant singer rock and roll has ever known. It also might have helped elect a president!



Oh Otis, you and Sam are surely missed!

JDIZZY's 365 # 85: Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wannna Holler)

Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler) - Marvin Gaye (1971)

Marvin Gaye was the master of smooth R&B, but there is nothing smooth about this song's message from his seminal album. The world has gone to hell, especially in the inner city. Not only did this song influence modern soul up to the present, it tought Motown that it was perfectly acceptable to be reliant on a preformer's writing and production skills!






Listen to Etta turn up the funky knob!

JDIZZY's 365 # 84: Same Auld Lang Syne

Same Auld Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg (1981)

No matter how often this song is referred to as a Christmas song (Don't get my girlfriend started!), it is a powerful story of your past coming back to say hello. The Innocent Age is a brillliant double lp, and it is just the peak of the mountain of talent that was Mr. Fogelberg.

JDIZZY's 365 # 83: Mother Goose

Mother Goose - Jethro Tull (1971)

To many, they are the kings of Prog. To me, they defy genre, as this classic folk song motif suits them just as well as Thick Bricks and Plays of bespectacled hares and Passion. Who knew Mother Goose was so wild?

JDIZZY's 365 # 82: I Couldn't Believe It Was True

I Couldn't Believe It Was True - Willie Nelson (1975)

It is the greatest country album ever made from one of it's greatest stars, and from it springs this classic love-lost tale. It's so short you have to replay it again because you hate that it's over. Pop efficiency at its finest!



The original's not half bad, even though Willie owns it!!

JDIZZY's 365 # 81: Are You Sleeping?

Are You Sleeping? - Harry Nilsson (1971)

He is the most underrated genius in pop music, but the reason I love Harry Nilsson is this. As a child, The Point called to me from the Disney Channel, opening up avenues into psychedelic animation that I still follow today. Also, it's a great story!

JDIZZY's 365 # 80: Cabaret

Cabaret - Liza Minnelli (1972)

No one made life feel more like a cabaret in the 1970's than Miss Liza with a Z. While her zenith would peak in that decade , she honestly never had to work again after such heights. Her legend was sealed, and remains so, no matter how wacky she gets. And it all springs from this Oscar Winning performance of a song from a musical set in a Germany right on the cusp of the Nazis. Heavy material it was, but who could have laughed better in the face of despair than Judy's little girl? Very few.



Get it Satchmo!!