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...
Showing posts with label Joe Walsh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Walsh. Show all posts
Monday, October 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Three from the Train: Alice Cooper, The James Gang, The Rolling Stones
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. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really want the world to appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"
Some mornings are tough to choose only three songs from, but I will not break my own rule - 3 songs. Period. I'll also try to not repeat the artist, too often. Here's what I heard this morning:
Alice Cooper: "Billion Dollar Babies"
So, I've heard a lot of Alice over the last few weeks, but some of it I am hesitant to share here. The guy can be dark. And weird. And controversial. So, here's a fairly mainstream track that seems "safe." This is the title track from 1973's Billion Dollar Babies. It's a fantastic album. Produced by genius Bob Ezrin, it features my two favorite Alice Cooper songs, "Elected" and "Hello, Hooray." Glen Buxton, Steve Hunter, and the recently-passed Dick Wagner are all on this record. On this track, Alice shared vocals with Donovan.
The James Gang: "Funk #48"
The one everybody knows, because they still play it often on classic rock stations, is "Funk #49," but "Funk #48" was released a year earlier on 1969's Yer' Album. You can hear a similarity between the two tunes and see how the band was evolving the theme. Joe Walsh is one of my favorite guitar players and this is what he was up to before he joined the Eagles in 1975. It's raw and gritty and everything I love about rock and roll.
The Rolling Stones: "I Don't Know Why aka Don't Know Why I Love You"
This track, written in part by Stevie Wonder, is from 1975's Metamorphosis, a collection of outtakes and alternate versions of well-known songs recorded from 1964 to 1970. A lot of studio musicians, i.e. Jimmy Page, play on some of these tracks instead of the Stones (though they are here), and some were intended to be recorded by other artists. I discovered this record in the cutout bin at Woolworth's when I was about 13 or 14. I love it. This is one of my favorite tracks on the record with Mick Taylor killing it on the guitar. Jimmy Miller's production of this song is great. I particularly love the horn arrangements.
Until next time...
Some mornings are tough to choose only three songs from, but I will not break my own rule - 3 songs. Period. I'll also try to not repeat the artist, too often. Here's what I heard this morning:
Alice Cooper: "Billion Dollar Babies"
So, I've heard a lot of Alice over the last few weeks, but some of it I am hesitant to share here. The guy can be dark. And weird. And controversial. So, here's a fairly mainstream track that seems "safe." This is the title track from 1973's Billion Dollar Babies. It's a fantastic album. Produced by genius Bob Ezrin, it features my two favorite Alice Cooper songs, "Elected" and "Hello, Hooray." Glen Buxton, Steve Hunter, and the recently-passed Dick Wagner are all on this record. On this track, Alice shared vocals with Donovan.
The James Gang: "Funk #48"
The one everybody knows, because they still play it often on classic rock stations, is "Funk #49," but "Funk #48" was released a year earlier on 1969's Yer' Album. You can hear a similarity between the two tunes and see how the band was evolving the theme. Joe Walsh is one of my favorite guitar players and this is what he was up to before he joined the Eagles in 1975. It's raw and gritty and everything I love about rock and roll.
The Rolling Stones: "I Don't Know Why aka Don't Know Why I Love You"
This track, written in part by Stevie Wonder, is from 1975's Metamorphosis, a collection of outtakes and alternate versions of well-known songs recorded from 1964 to 1970. A lot of studio musicians, i.e. Jimmy Page, play on some of these tracks instead of the Stones (though they are here), and some were intended to be recorded by other artists. I discovered this record in the cutout bin at Woolworth's when I was about 13 or 14. I love it. This is one of my favorite tracks on the record with Mick Taylor killing it on the guitar. Jimmy Miller's production of this song is great. I particularly love the horn arrangements.
Until next time...
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