Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.
Here's what I heard today:
Dionne Warwick: "A House is Not a Home"
I know Luther Vandross made it a hit a second time, but the 1964 version of this Bacharach/David song recorded on Make Way for Dionne Warwick is perfect.
Muse: "Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 (Redemption)"
Beautiful. The final track on 2009's The Resistance. Great album. Muse makes me think "Euro-Metal version of Queen." Matthew Bellamy's vocals are unique and very dramatic. I think it works really well.
Foo Fighters: "Everlong"
The version I heard this morning is from 1997's The Colour and the Shape. The version below is live on Letterman. Great music evokes a sense of desperation. Abandon. Passion. An indescribable welling up inside. This song does it as well as any.
Until Next Time...
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Three From the Train: Thomas Dolby, Todd Rundgren, Peter Gabriel
Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.
Sorry for the recent break, I was in London for a week.
Today, we have samples from three of my favorite songwriters and performers.
Thomas Dolby: "Hot Sauce"
From his 1988 release, Aliens Ate My Buick. If you don't own this album, you should. It's a masterpiece. Criminally overlooked.
Todd Rundgren: "Is It My Name?"
What can I say about Todd? Every bit as important to pop-music as Carole King or Burt Bacharach. And an amazing guitar player. And an accomplished producer (Meatloaf, The Tubes, Cheap Trick, and far too many more to list here). This track is from his 1973 release A Wizard, a True Star.
Peter Garbriel: "Family Snapshot"
After he left Genesis, Peter released a series of albums simply called, Peter Gabriel. This is from the third of such albums, released in 1980. The song is apparently based on would-be assassin Arthur Bremmer who attempted to kill George Wallace mixed in with imagery from the Kennedy assassination.
Until Next Time...
Sorry for the recent break, I was in London for a week.
Today, we have samples from three of my favorite songwriters and performers.
Thomas Dolby: "Hot Sauce"
From his 1988 release, Aliens Ate My Buick. If you don't own this album, you should. It's a masterpiece. Criminally overlooked.
Todd Rundgren: "Is It My Name?"
What can I say about Todd? Every bit as important to pop-music as Carole King or Burt Bacharach. And an amazing guitar player. And an accomplished producer (Meatloaf, The Tubes, Cheap Trick, and far too many more to list here). This track is from his 1973 release A Wizard, a True Star.
Peter Garbriel: "Family Snapshot"
After he left Genesis, Peter released a series of albums simply called, Peter Gabriel. This is from the third of such albums, released in 1980. The song is apparently based on would-be assassin Arthur Bremmer who attempted to kill George Wallace mixed in with imagery from the Kennedy assassination.
Until Next Time...
Friday, July 11, 2014
Three from the Train: Harry Nilsson, Foghat, Galactic Cowboys
Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.
I didn't take the train this morning, but if I had, this is what I would have heard:
Harry Nilsson: "Gotta Get Up"
The version I heard this morning was from 1971's Nilsson Schmilsson. The version below is live from the BBC in 1971. What an amazing song-writer, lyricist, and vocalist. If you get a chance, see the documentary, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010). It will reduce you to tears.
Foghat: "Chevrolet"
From 1978's Stone Blue. Foghat is one of those bands that was a staple when I was a kid. They're still in my rotation.
Galactic Cowboys: "Someone for Everyone"
Co-founder Wally Farkas is a good friend of the guys in King's X. My love of King's X eventually led me to discover GC and I fell in love with this song from their 1990 self-titled debut, Galactic Cowboys. The Cowboys opened for King's X in May, 1992 at the Chestnut Cabaret in Philadelphia and forever solidified themselves as a favorite of mine. I mean, how can you not like a band that has Thor (Ben Huggins) as their lead singer?
Until Next Time...
I didn't take the train this morning, but if I had, this is what I would have heard:
Harry Nilsson: "Gotta Get Up"
The version I heard this morning was from 1971's Nilsson Schmilsson. The version below is live from the BBC in 1971. What an amazing song-writer, lyricist, and vocalist. If you get a chance, see the documentary, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?) (2010). It will reduce you to tears.
Foghat: "Chevrolet"
From 1978's Stone Blue. Foghat is one of those bands that was a staple when I was a kid. They're still in my rotation.
Galactic Cowboys: "Someone for Everyone"
Co-founder Wally Farkas is a good friend of the guys in King's X. My love of King's X eventually led me to discover GC and I fell in love with this song from their 1990 self-titled debut, Galactic Cowboys. The Cowboys opened for King's X in May, 1992 at the Chestnut Cabaret in Philadelphia and forever solidified themselves as a favorite of mine. I mean, how can you not like a band that has Thor (Ben Huggins) as their lead singer?
Until Next Time...
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Three from the Train: Wendy and Lisa, The Beatles, Ramones
Wendy and Lisa: "Crack in the Pavement"
OK, I'm gonna get grief for this. Wendy and Lisa are an example of the chicken/egg paradox. I really appreciate what Prince has accomplished as an artist. But none of his stuff (with maybe the exception of the Purple Rain soundtrack) appeals to me as much as Wendy and Lisa's 1990 album, Eroica. There are songs on this record that are devastating. And in listening to the sound of this record, it begs the question, who had the bigger influence on whom? I KNOW that it's blasphemy to suggest that Prince wasn't the bigger influence, but I'm not convinced that it couldn't have been the other way around. Either way, enjoy this track and please, check out the rest of this record.
The Beatles: "She's A Woman"
Released Thanksgiving, 1964, "She's a Woman" was the b-side of the "I Feel Fine" single. It wouldn't show up on an album until Past Masters Volume 1, released in 1988. The song did appear briefly in the movie, HELP! What stood out to me, this morning, was Paul's killer vocal on the song and his piano part in the background.
Ramones: "Commando"
First rule is: Listen to Ramones
Second rule is: Like Ramones
Third rule is: Listen to More Ramones
Fourth rule is: Repeat.
Originally from 1977's Leave Home (the version I heard this morning), Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Ramones "Commando" live...
OK, I'm gonna get grief for this. Wendy and Lisa are an example of the chicken/egg paradox. I really appreciate what Prince has accomplished as an artist. But none of his stuff (with maybe the exception of the Purple Rain soundtrack) appeals to me as much as Wendy and Lisa's 1990 album, Eroica. There are songs on this record that are devastating. And in listening to the sound of this record, it begs the question, who had the bigger influence on whom? I KNOW that it's blasphemy to suggest that Prince wasn't the bigger influence, but I'm not convinced that it couldn't have been the other way around. Either way, enjoy this track and please, check out the rest of this record.
The Beatles: "She's A Woman"
Released Thanksgiving, 1964, "She's a Woman" was the b-side of the "I Feel Fine" single. It wouldn't show up on an album until Past Masters Volume 1, released in 1988. The song did appear briefly in the movie, HELP! What stood out to me, this morning, was Paul's killer vocal on the song and his piano part in the background.
Ramones: "Commando"
First rule is: Listen to Ramones
Second rule is: Like Ramones
Third rule is: Listen to More Ramones
Fourth rule is: Repeat.
Originally from 1977's Leave Home (the version I heard this morning), Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Ramones "Commando" live...
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Three from the Train: The Who, King Crimson, Bare Naked Ladies
Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.
I didn't take the train this morning, but if I had, this is what I would have heard:
The Who: "Join Together"
I was a late comer to The Who. I always loved certain songs ("Who Are You" and "Won't Get Fooled Again") but it wasn't until the late 90's that I started listening with any real intent. I bought The Ultimate Collection and then Who's Next. Wow. Anyhow, Keith Moon's work on this tune is fantastic.
King Crimson: "Fallen Angel"
From the album Red, this song highlights John Wetton's vocal ability. (Sorry, I originally thought this was Greg Lake- my bad.) Oh well. King Crimson.
Barenaked Ladies: "The Old Apartment"
I discovered this song thanks to Apple Computers: they included the original music video as a bonus on one of their system releases in the late 90's. What I saw was Stephen Page channeling Elvis and what I heard was magical. Unfortunately, I never followed up to learn more about them and, when I did hear other stuff, it failed to compare to that original exposure. Anyhow, I have this one BNL song on my iPhone and it found its way into the rotation this morning.
The Who: "Join Together"
I was a late comer to The Who. I always loved certain songs ("Who Are You" and "Won't Get Fooled Again") but it wasn't until the late 90's that I started listening with any real intent. I bought The Ultimate Collection and then Who's Next. Wow. Anyhow, Keith Moon's work on this tune is fantastic.
King Crimson: "Fallen Angel"
From the album Red, this song highlights John Wetton's vocal ability. (Sorry, I originally thought this was Greg Lake- my bad.) Oh well. King Crimson.
Barenaked Ladies: "The Old Apartment"
I discovered this song thanks to Apple Computers: they included the original music video as a bonus on one of their system releases in the late 90's. What I saw was Stephen Page channeling Elvis and what I heard was magical. Unfortunately, I never followed up to learn more about them and, when I did hear other stuff, it failed to compare to that original exposure. Anyhow, I have this one BNL song on my iPhone and it found its way into the rotation this morning.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Three from the Train: Nicole Croissille, Cheap Trick, Jeff Beck
Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.
Three songs that highlighted my morning train ride:
Nicole Croissille: "Aufourd'hui c'est toi" from the Un Homme et Une Femme Original Soundtrack
I owe thanks to Ben Vaughn for this one. He has a Saturday afternoon show on WXPN here in Philly called, "The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn." One particular afternoon, Ben decided to play some of his favorite film music. Thanks to the iPhone app, "Shazam," I was able to finally identify a piece of music I've loved for years. This isn't that track, but it is from that same album. Close you eyes and imagine yourself in a convertible riding along the southern French coast.
Yeah, you get it.
Cheap Trick: "Clock Strikes Ten"
When I was a kid, live albums were a big deal. In the mid-70's, Kiss Alive, Kiss Alive II, Peter Frampton Comes Alive, and Cheap Trick at Budokan were some of the biggest-selling albums of the decade. 'Budokan made Cheap Trick into household names. "Clock Strikes Ten" is one of my favorite tracks on this record (In case you're wondering, "Need Your Love" is my favorite.) The clip below is from Rockplast, 1983.
Jeff Beck: "The Final Peace"
I have a lot of Jeff Beck on my iPhone. He is, after all, one of my favorite - if not the favorite - guitarists. I love his use of vibrato, tremolo, bending, and volume to create a truly unique style. This track from There and Back is a great example of all of the above.
Until next time...
Three songs that highlighted my morning train ride:
Nicole Croissille: "Aufourd'hui c'est toi" from the Un Homme et Une Femme Original Soundtrack
I owe thanks to Ben Vaughn for this one. He has a Saturday afternoon show on WXPN here in Philly called, "The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn." One particular afternoon, Ben decided to play some of his favorite film music. Thanks to the iPhone app, "Shazam," I was able to finally identify a piece of music I've loved for years. This isn't that track, but it is from that same album. Close you eyes and imagine yourself in a convertible riding along the southern French coast.
Yeah, you get it.
Cheap Trick: "Clock Strikes Ten"
When I was a kid, live albums were a big deal. In the mid-70's, Kiss Alive, Kiss Alive II, Peter Frampton Comes Alive, and Cheap Trick at Budokan were some of the biggest-selling albums of the decade. 'Budokan made Cheap Trick into household names. "Clock Strikes Ten" is one of my favorite tracks on this record (In case you're wondering, "Need Your Love" is my favorite.) The clip below is from Rockplast, 1983.
Jeff Beck: "The Final Peace"
I have a lot of Jeff Beck on my iPhone. He is, after all, one of my favorite - if not the favorite - guitarists. I love his use of vibrato, tremolo, bending, and volume to create a truly unique style. This track from There and Back is a great example of all of the above.
Until next time...
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Three from the train: Cake, Killing Joke, Garbage.
Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.
I've been looking for a reason to post regularly on my blog, so here goes: three songs that highlighted my morning train ride.
Cake: "The Winter"
Cake isn't for everyone. But I get it. I love the song writing, the wit, the arrangements, the instrumentation, etc. They resonate with me. This song, in particular, reminds me of the great early 70's songs written by Burt Bacharach or Harry Chapin. One of my favorites. Love the chorus and the lyric.
Killing Joke: "Change"
In the early 80's, I was talking with a fellow musician about how "tight" I thought a particular band was when he schooled me by playing this track for me. I never looked back. That first Killing Joke record - the 1980 self-titled release - had a lasting impact and has been a staple in my collection ever since. This will always be a favorite track for me. Love the guitar work in the last minute.
Garbage: "Fix Me Now"
I discovered these guys somewhere on TV when I saw the video for "Stupid" Girl, circa 1995. Always been a big fan of Butch Vig as a producer (Nirvana, SonicYouth, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters), so no surprise that I find Garbage's production to be stellar as well. I also love lead-singer Shirley Manson's voice. This is another great track off their debut album that is a great example of their sound.
Hope you get a chance to listen and enjoy these tracks!
I've been looking for a reason to post regularly on my blog, so here goes: three songs that highlighted my morning train ride.
Cake: "The Winter"
Cake isn't for everyone. But I get it. I love the song writing, the wit, the arrangements, the instrumentation, etc. They resonate with me. This song, in particular, reminds me of the great early 70's songs written by Burt Bacharach or Harry Chapin. One of my favorites. Love the chorus and the lyric.
Killing Joke: "Change"
In the early 80's, I was talking with a fellow musician about how "tight" I thought a particular band was when he schooled me by playing this track for me. I never looked back. That first Killing Joke record - the 1980 self-titled release - had a lasting impact and has been a staple in my collection ever since. This will always be a favorite track for me. Love the guitar work in the last minute.
Garbage: "Fix Me Now"
I discovered these guys somewhere on TV when I saw the video for "Stupid" Girl, circa 1995. Always been a big fan of Butch Vig as a producer (Nirvana, SonicYouth, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters), so no surprise that I find Garbage's production to be stellar as well. I also love lead-singer Shirley Manson's voice. This is another great track off their debut album that is a great example of their sound.
Hope you get a chance to listen and enjoy these tracks!
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