Three for the Ride: Chris Whitley.

I'm taking a break from the usual format to focus on one artist today. A good friend and band mate sent me a link to a rough cut of a Chris Whitley documentary. As a result, I feel compelled to share just his music today. If you love music and you don't know who he was, you should. You've been missing out on the most unique talent to come along in the last 30 years. We lost Chris in 2005 to the ravages of his addictions. It's tragic. There is likely to never be anyone like him ever again. As they said in the documentary, "we have his records."

Chris's music goes way beyond just blues or rock as it is often categorized. There's something raw and essential about his music. He released over a dozen records and every one is different from the next. He was an ever-changing artist, but that amazing guitar talent and voice always remained. Take a listen. If you like what you hear, and want to hear more, pick up his debut album, Living With the Law (1991). It's a must for every collection.

Here's three for today:

Chris Whitley: "To Joy (Revolution of the Innocents)"
This is the opening track from 2001's Rocket House, Chris's sixth studio album. Chris added a DJ to his band for this record, so it's a departure from a lot of his earlier work. Other guest artists on the record include Dave Matthews and Bruce Hornsby. It's a very "accessible" record.



Chris Whitley: "Accordingly"
In 1998, Chris had been dropped by Columbia records and signed with a small indie label, Messenger Records. Unlike the high production value of his earlier records, Dirt Floor (1998) was basically Chris with one microphone, singing and playing in a barn. He recorded it in a day. It's a very pure record - an artist exposed and vulnerable. I got to see him play solo like this, years earlier, in a club with about 50 people in attendance. It remains the most impactful performance I have ever experienced.



Chris Whitley: "Dust Radio"
This song evokes an almost spiritual experience. It reaches me in ways that are devastating. I think it's his best work and the production on it is amazing. It's from his debut record Living With the Law (1991), a must-have-on-the-island record.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Snow Patrol, Adele, Motorhead

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Snow Patrol: "Chasing Cars"
This video has over 85 million views on YouTube. Chances are, you've heard it. It's been in my head for days, so I needed to hear it. Not so random, but hey... It's a beautiful song from Snow Patrol's fourth album, Eyes Open (2006). It's a long crescendo that eventually is just rapturous. "Those three words are said too much, they're not enough."



Adele: "Skyfall"
This girl has a monster voice. It's bluesy and soulful and powerful. Adele reminds me a lot of Dusty Springfield. This track is obviously the theme song from the 23rd James Bond film of the same name, Skyfall (2012). As Bond theme songs go, it's in my top four (The others being "Live and Let Die," "Casino Royale," and, of course, "Goldfinger").



Motorhead: "Ace of Spades"
I first saw this video/heard this song on BBC's The Young Ones in 1984. The song originally appears on 1980's Ace of Spades.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Bruce Springsteen, Cheap Trick, Utopia

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Bruce Springsteen: "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"
From the ever classic Born to Run (1975) comes this song that was the second single released from the album. It's more of a story kind of song that tells about the formation of the E-Street Band. The third verse says "...the Big Man joined the band" clearly referring to saxophonist Clarence Clemons. Great little ditty. Born to Run is my favorite Bruce album. It should be a part of any serious music collection.



Cheap Trick: "I Can't Take It"
It's strange sometimes how one thing mysteriously flows into another here. This amazing song (songs like this are why I started this theme on my blog) appears on 1983's Next Position Please. Crunch pop just doesn't get any better than this. The cover for this record is a comical version of the cover for Born to Run. The album was produced by Todd Rundgren and there's no denying his influence on the sound.



Utopia: "More Light"
Speaking of Todd, here's yet another great song from Todd Rundgren's band, Utopia. This is from 1985's P.O.V. which is an acronum for Price of Victory, Pillar of Virtue, Point of View, or maybe Persistence of Vision. You choose. P.O.V. is, thus far, Utopia's final record. (Insert sad face here.) The song is huge. Right at about 2:35, the song just melts your face as Todd reminds us all of what an incredible guitar player he is and drums by John "Willie" Wilcox that will give you chills. Layered background vocals on this song just add to its hugeness. Listen over and over.

I couldn't find it on Youtube, but I found this: More Light on rdio

Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Scott Weiland, Burt Bacharach, Chicago

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Scott Weiland: "Missing Cleveland"
Power Crunch Pop Perfection. That's how to best describe this song. I love's Scott's writing. The chorus progression is classic pop stuff. This song is from his 2008 solo release, "Happy" in Galoshes. The drum break coming back in off the bridge gives me chills. And lyrically, it's brilliant. "The lonely thoughts where everybody knows the truth and lets it be." Maybe one day he and the DeLeo brothers will work things out so STP can make more great music.



Burt Bacharach: "This Guy's in Love With You"
Tied for the greatest pop writer of the 20th century, Burt Bacharach has written or co-written some of the most iconic songs ever to grace the AM airwaves. This song is just dreamy. From 1990's Bacharach & David They Write the Songs, this version is mostly instrumental except for a group of background singers on the chorus. The melody is handled by a mix of brass and wind instruments.



Chicago: "Feelin' Stronger Every Day"
This great song is from 1973's Chicago VI. It features Pete Cetera's amazing voice. Not a whole lot more to say about this one, but listen to it.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride, Jughead, Kansas, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Jughead: "C'mon"
Jughead features King's X guitarist Ty Tabor along with Derek Sherinian on keyboards (Dream Theater), Matt Bissonette on bass (David Lee Roth), and his brother, Gregg Bissonette, on drums (David Lee Roth). Their sole release was a self-titled CD in 2002. A lot of the songs are progressive crunch pop stuff written, for the most part, by Ty. I've been asking Ty to make another release happen and maybe even tour with these guys, but they are all very busy fellows.



Kansas: "Song for America"
Here's the rock anthem for the week. Kansas's 10-minute long epic was on the 1975 album of the same name, Song for America. It's a wonderful song, and the first one that comes to mind if anyone ever mentions Kansas to me. It's very symphonic in its structure and has some great melodies and movements. If you can find the time...



Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: "Here Comes My Girl"
There's a reason that 1979's Damn the Torpedoes has sold millions of copies. It has great songs on it that have become part of our cultures lexicon: "Refugee," "Even the Losers," "Don't Do Me Like That," and this gem, "Here Come's My Girl." Mike Campbell's layered guitar textures in this song are perfect. I love the way Tom speaks the lyrics. It sets a great mood. And the vamp at the end, I could listen to for hours. Then, there's the bridge. The bridge is pure magic. I get chills every time I hear it. "Watch her walk..."



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Hum, P.O.D., Wings

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Hum: "Stars"
I discovered these guys because this song was used in a Cadillac ad. The groove in that 5 seconds was so heavy and layered so beautifully I had to hear more. It's a very melodic wall of sound. The song is from 1995's You'd Prefer an Astronaut, Hum's third studio album. The Champaign, Illinois band has been defunct since 2000.



P.O.D.: "Goodbye For Now"
This track is form P.O.D.'s sixth record Testify, released in 2005. The track is more of a groove and laid back thing that is a big departure from their usual heavy sound. It also features Katy Perry on vocals (she's also in the video), back before anyone knew who Katy Perry was. It's her best work ;). The song is produced by Glen Ballard, who's credits are way too long to list here, but include the likes of Michael Jackson, Van Halen, Aerosmith, and Alanis Morissette.



Wings: "Getting Closer"
I am a huge McCartney fan, if you hadn't already figured that out. This is one of my favorite tracks from 1979'a Back to the Egg, Wings's last record. Although the album received horrible critical reception, I think it is one of Paul's better efforts. This song reminds me of earlier Wings stuff, like "Jet", "Juniors Farm", "Band on the Run", etc. It has such distinct parts; two different verses, a chorus, and the end which goes to an entirely different place than the rest of the song. Only McCartney can write and construct this kind of song with such stellar success.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Joe Walsh, Steve Vai, Jars of Clay

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Joe Walsh: "Theme from Boat Weirdos"
But Seriously, Folks (1978) is best known for its hit, "Life's Been Good," but there are some other great songs on that record, and this instrumental piece is one of them. There are two very distinct parts in this song, one very dreamy and ethereal with a smooth flute melody played by drummer, Joe Vitale, and the other a more funky guitar-driven bit that features Joe's different guitar styles. It's one of my favorite tracks on this record.



Steve Vai: "Viv Woman"
This is turning into an instrumental sort of day. in 1984, Zappa alumnus Steve Vai released his first solo record, Flex-Able. It's a great first effort that reflects Zappa's influence in a huge way. The most impressive thing is that the record is recorded in his home studio, and as rumor has it, on an 8-track. The sound on this record is great.



Jars of Clay: "The Valley Song"
I've seen these guys 4 times now; twice in 1996 and then twice more recently. The show I saw a couple years ago was one of the best live music performances I have ever experienced. These guys know how to paint beautiful sonic pictures. This song from 2003's studio/live double album, Furthermore: From the Studio, From the Stage, is one of those paintings.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Pink Floyd, Gerry Rafferty, Ted Nugent

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Pink Floyd: "Have a Cigar"
I know that 1973's Dark Side of the Moon is most people's must-have Pink Floyd record, but for me, 1975's Wish You Were Here is that record. This track, featuring Roy Harper on vocals, is one of my favorite tracks from that record. I have a lot of fond and vivid memories with this record. One in particular involves a good friend from high school who is no longer with us. Cheers, Mike, this one's for you.



Gerry Rafferty: "Baker Street"
This song has one of the most iconic melodies played on the sax by Raphael Ravenscroft. There's also a guitar solo by Hugh Burns at the end of the song which gives me chills every time I hear it. The song is on 1978's City to City album and was a huge hit going to #2 when it was released. It's a hauntingly beautiful song that begs to be listened to again and again as the fade out leaves you wanting more.



Ted Nugent: "Cat Scratch Fever"
A long time ago, before the political rhetoric and the white man's angst, Ted was the Motor City Madman - a great guitar player and the misogynistic hero of every teenage boy who heard him. His album, 1977's Cat Scratch Fever sold millions of copies and this song was a top 40 hit on American rock radio.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Bee Gees, Poundhound, Queensryche

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Bee Gees: "Nights on Broadway"
Let's start by saying I did not like the disco era. The Bee Gees were the poster boys for the disco era. That said, there's no denying their vocal prowess and that they wrote some amazing tunes. This particular song is one that was the opening track on 1975's Main Course. It was just on the cusp of their becoming disco megastars and they were still very pop. It also features one of Barry Gibb's strongest vocals. Now, all these years later, I'm able to appreciate what they accomplished and am even saddened that Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb have passed away.



Poundhound: "Jangle"
Poundhound is one of Dug Pinnick's many side projects. In 1998, Dug released Massive Grooves from the Electric Church of Psychofunkadelic Grungelism Rock Music. This is the opening track. I can't find words to express how much I love this song. I'm not sure anyone else will get it the way that I do, but that's what music is about- the very personal and unique experience. It's heavy. It's poppy. It speaks to me... "Something to believe in." Dig it.



Queensryche: "I Don't Believe in Love"
Geoff Tate has one of the greatest voices in rock. Period. He was a huge influence on my own singing style. The production values on Queensryche's records is insane. The musicianship is incredible. And they write some seriously good songs. This is one of their songs that demonstrates all of the above. This is from their 1990 release, Empire.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Klaatu, Audioslave, Beach Boys

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Klaatu: "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft"
This Canadian pop-prog-rock band, Klaatu, was formed in the early 70's and had several "hits" including this one that was released on 1976's 3:47 EST. It would eventually be covered by several other artists, including The Carpenters. In the mid seventies, there were many rumors that this band was the Beatles recording under a pseudonym. You can hear some of the similarities. That rumor helped fuel some of the band's success. That said, they are certainly worthy of recognition in their own right.



Audioslave: "Cochise"
What happens when Rage Against the Machine gets a new lead singer? Audioslave. Rick Rubin suggested former Rage' members, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, pursue Chris Cornell from Soundgarden as a new singer and Audioslave was born. Their debut album Audioslave was released in 2002 and this track was one of the singles. This album is a great hard rock record with all the energy rage delivered with the more-musical sensibilities Chris Cornell brings.



Beach Boys: "Good Vibrations"
Brian Wilson is the guy you see in the encyclopedia next to the entry for "tortured artist." His genius shows through on this song. I don't even know where to begin. When I first heard it, as a kid, it was a goofy AM radio hit that went in one ear and out the other. Now, I consider it a masterpiece. The songwriting, the arrangement, the production - they all come together perfectly. The audio dynamics- the swells, the under-stated vamps, the huge harmonies. I suggest, if you can, that you listen to this song in a good pair of headphones and listen to each track in the song. It's one of those great, magical songs where the sum is greater than the parts. Released as a single in 1966, "Good Vibrations" was recorded during the Pet Sounds sessions but wouldn't find its way onto an album until a year later on Smiley Smile



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Ty Tabor, Mandalay, Lee Dewyze

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Ty Tabor: "The Island Sea"
Ty Tabor is the amazingly talented and hugely under-appreciated guitarist for King's X. In 1998, Ty released his first solo album, Moonflower Lane. (He had recorded several of the songs on an earlier effort that wasn't formally released.) It's one of those desert island records. I'd have to have it. It is my and my wife Krista's favorite album. We played it to death on many a road-trips to Michigan. It is clear, when you listen to this record, what it is that Ty brings to King's X. Ty's a great songwriter (having written my favorite song of all time, "Goldilox") and this record is full of great songs.



Mandalay: "Deep Love"
"Deep Love" is the first single from Mandalay's second album, 2000's Instinct. It's dreamy, in a word. I think I played this song several times in a row when I discovered it. The production by Andy Bradfield is great. The song starts out so understated, then the chorus is huge with beautiful, lush background vocals. I love, love, love Nicola Hitchcock's vocals on this track. They're angelic. The song is one of those tracks that just "takes you away."



Lee Dewyze: "Backbird Song"
So I'm watching The Walking Dead one evening and there's this great song playing during the episode. I immediately jump to the iPad to discover who the artist is. Well, imagine my surprise when I discovered the artist was none other than American Idol winner Lee Dewyze. Not at all what I would have imagined from him. It's a very mature and dark folk blues tune. This track (2014) appears on The Walking Dead soundtrack, volume 2. That show has some great music in it, but this is a real stand out.



Until next time...

Three for the Ride: Deep Purple, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Deep Purple: "Highway Star"
Originally released on 1972's Machine Head, "Highway Star" is also the opening track on the best-selling live album Made in Japan that was released later that same year. This version is from that album. The song is a clinic in Hammond B3 organ soloing put on by keyboardist Jon Lord. Ritchie Blackmore's solo on the song is also considered one of the most iconic and one of the best guitar solos ever. Add Ian Gillan's insane vocal prowess and you have this:



No Doubt: "Comforting Lie"
From their 4th album, Return of Saturn (2000), this song reminds me of a cabaret-style number. I'd heard Gwen Stefani's "Simple Kind of Life" on the radio at some point and loved her voice. The album offers up a lot of accessible material. This song has a bit of a latin flavor to it but is pretty representative of No Doubt at this time in their career.



Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Behind the Sun"
The Uplift Mofo Party Plan is RHCP's third studio album and was released in 1987. "Behind the Sun" is a serious departure from the rest of their material. In fact, rumor has it that the record company refused to release it as a single stating that it was too melodic. Maybe that's part of why I love this track. It is the first RHCP song I ever heard and it is my favorite RHCP track. It has a very eastern sound with the droning sitar-like guitar parts and great harmonies. The video wasn't released until 1992 and shows Chad Smith on drums, however, Jack Irons - who cowrote the song - is the actual drummer on the track.



Until next time...