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!

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!

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.

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!

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 :)