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. It's inevitable that it will happen. I own entire catalogs of certain artists (e.g. Paul McCartney), so some will show up more than others.
Here's what I heard this morning:
Chris Botti: "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets"
There's something "old school" about Chris Botti, trumpeter extraordinaire, that really resonates with me. His music has integrity and a lasting quality. This track is from the 2004 release, When I Fall in Love. It features Domnic Miller and Sting who cowrote the song.
Paul Anka: "Wonderwall"
In 2005 and 2007, respectively, Paul Anka released two albums, Rock Swings and Classic Songs, My Way that were rearrangements of contemporary rock and pop songs. On Rock Swings, Anka even covered songs like Nirvana's "Smells Like Team Spirit" and Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun". Had I heard about this ahead of time, I'd have thought the idea was ridiculous. But I was at a wedding reception when the DJ played "Black Hole Sun". I was blown away and had to know who it was. These tracks are brilliant and the arrangements, simply great. Here's Oasis's "Wonderwall":
Dido: "All You Want"
1999's No Angel has sold over 21 million copies worldwide. "Here With Me" was the opening track and became a huge hit. This little gem was buried right in the middle of the track listing and is a little less known, but is my favorite from the album. I love this record. In fact, it's the last time I fell asleep with a pair of headphones listening to an album. Funny how having kids can kill that little pleasure. (Have to keep an ear out for their mischief ;) ). I love her voice. There's something unique about it and it's so very soothing at the same time.
Until next time...
Monday, August 25, 2014
Friday, August 22, 2014
Three from the Train: Joe Bonamassa, Pearl Jam, Steely Dan
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:
Joe Bonamassa: "Bridge to Better Days"
Nothing quite blues rock on a Les Paul. If you haven't heard about this guy yet, get on it. The guy is in the discussion when it comes to great rock blues players, i.e. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, etc. His sound is KILLER. This is from his 2006 release, You and Me which also features Carmine Rojas on bass and Jason Bonham on drums.
Pearl Jam: "Go"
I didn't get Ten. It just didn't click. And then I heard Vs. That, I got. It's a much harder, more in-you-face record than Ten. I was into that sort of music at that time: in-your-face. I was fed up with over-produced pretentious music. I needed something that hit me like a baseball bat to restore my faith that somewhere, raw, honest music still existed. This is the opening track from 1993's Vs., written by Pearl Jam's drummer, Dave Abbruzzese. You can kinda tell it was written by a drummer, can't ya?
Steely Dan: "Josie"
Cool. Slick. Funky. L.A. Smooth. Jazz. Refined. Mature. Josie. I love this track. Probably my favorite on 1977's Aja, like you can have a favorite track on such an amazing record. IMHO, Aja is Steely Dan's best work. It is such a refined and mature sound. like the band had finally arrived. Not to say that all their preceding records aren't great, too. They are. But this record gives me chills when I listen too it. And the list of players on this record reads like a who's who of Jazz-Rock (Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour, Tom Scott, Steve Gadd, etc.).
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:
Joe Bonamassa: "Bridge to Better Days"
Nothing quite blues rock on a Les Paul. If you haven't heard about this guy yet, get on it. The guy is in the discussion when it comes to great rock blues players, i.e. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, etc. His sound is KILLER. This is from his 2006 release, You and Me which also features Carmine Rojas on bass and Jason Bonham on drums.
Pearl Jam: "Go"
I didn't get Ten. It just didn't click. And then I heard Vs. That, I got. It's a much harder, more in-you-face record than Ten. I was into that sort of music at that time: in-your-face. I was fed up with over-produced pretentious music. I needed something that hit me like a baseball bat to restore my faith that somewhere, raw, honest music still existed. This is the opening track from 1993's Vs., written by Pearl Jam's drummer, Dave Abbruzzese. You can kinda tell it was written by a drummer, can't ya?
Steely Dan: "Josie"
Cool. Slick. Funky. L.A. Smooth. Jazz. Refined. Mature. Josie. I love this track. Probably my favorite on 1977's Aja, like you can have a favorite track on such an amazing record. IMHO, Aja is Steely Dan's best work. It is such a refined and mature sound. like the band had finally arrived. Not to say that all their preceding records aren't great, too. They are. But this record gives me chills when I listen too it. And the list of players on this record reads like a who's who of Jazz-Rock (Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour, Tom Scott, Steve Gadd, etc.).
Until next time...
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Three from the Train: Army of Anyone, Devo, Rush
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:
Army of Anyone: "Father Figure"
The DeLeo brothers (Stone Temple Pilots) joined forces with Richard Patrick (Filter) and Ray Luzier (David Lee Roth, KXM) and formed Army of Anyone. In 2006, the band released their only album, thus far, called Army of Anyone. They had two singles, this being the second. I love this record and it's a crime that it didn't get more attention and that they didn't do more.
Devo: "Freedom of Choice"
I discovered Devo in 1976 when I heard "Mongoloid" on a compilation album that I can no longer remember the name of. I then saw their now-famous Saturday Night Live performance of The Stones's "Satisfaction" live in 1978. As weird as they want to be, their pop sensibilities still shine through on occasion. From the 1980 album of the same title...
Rush: "La Villa Strangiato"
Back in the late 70's I had such an insatiable appetite that I joined every record club I could find so I could get 13 albums at one shot for a penny. Then, once I'd fulfilled the agreement, I'd do it again. When you forget to mail back the card, though, you get the album of the month- whatever it may be. Well, 1978's Hemispheres was one of those records. I didn't know anything about Rush. This album changed that and it remains my favorite album from their catalog to this day. This song is, IMHO, THE quintessential Rush song. It just doesn't get any better or more impressive than this.
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:
Army of Anyone: "Father Figure"
The DeLeo brothers (Stone Temple Pilots) joined forces with Richard Patrick (Filter) and Ray Luzier (David Lee Roth, KXM) and formed Army of Anyone. In 2006, the band released their only album, thus far, called Army of Anyone. They had two singles, this being the second. I love this record and it's a crime that it didn't get more attention and that they didn't do more.
Devo: "Freedom of Choice"
I discovered Devo in 1976 when I heard "Mongoloid" on a compilation album that I can no longer remember the name of. I then saw their now-famous Saturday Night Live performance of The Stones's "Satisfaction" live in 1978. As weird as they want to be, their pop sensibilities still shine through on occasion. From the 1980 album of the same title...
Rush: "La Villa Strangiato"
Back in the late 70's I had such an insatiable appetite that I joined every record club I could find so I could get 13 albums at one shot for a penny. Then, once I'd fulfilled the agreement, I'd do it again. When you forget to mail back the card, though, you get the album of the month- whatever it may be. Well, 1978's Hemispheres was one of those records. I didn't know anything about Rush. This album changed that and it remains my favorite album from their catalog to this day. This song is, IMHO, THE quintessential Rush song. It just doesn't get any better or more impressive than this.
Until next time...
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Three from the Train: Petula Clark, Sheryl Crow, Yes
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:
Petula Clark: "Don't Sleep in the Subway"
I love this song. It's pure and perfect pop. From 1967's These Are My Songs, this song went to number 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 and is written by Tony Hatch, the same guy who wrote "Downtown."
Sheryl Crow: "It Don't Hurt"
I may have this wrong, but I don't think Sheryl Crow gets the props she deserves as an artist or a songwriter. When I ask what people think, many say, "eh, she's o.k." Are you kidding me? She's one of the best song writers of the last 20 years. And she is so diverse. I love this track from 1998's The Globe Sessions. I love the humorous lyric and even the affectation she puts on her voice. The guitar jam on the end is great, too. (Very Mike Campbell-like.)
Yes: "Awaken"
OK, this is a long one. Clocking in at over 15 minutes, this track from 1977's Going for the One is considered by many to be Yes's best work, ever. This is classic Yes with amazing guitar work by Steve Howe (he co-wrote the piece with Anderson), some of Rick Wakeman's best keyboard work, and incredible bass parts by the unparalleled Chris Squire. Jon Anderson provides the usual weird, yet colorful lyrics and, of course, Alan White;s drumming is impressive. If you're not too familiar with Yes, but want to know what they're all about, give 15 minutes to listen to this track and you'll hear all you need to understand Yes.
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:
Petula Clark: "Don't Sleep in the Subway"
I love this song. It's pure and perfect pop. From 1967's These Are My Songs, this song went to number 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 and is written by Tony Hatch, the same guy who wrote "Downtown."
Sheryl Crow: "It Don't Hurt"
I may have this wrong, but I don't think Sheryl Crow gets the props she deserves as an artist or a songwriter. When I ask what people think, many say, "eh, she's o.k." Are you kidding me? She's one of the best song writers of the last 20 years. And she is so diverse. I love this track from 1998's The Globe Sessions. I love the humorous lyric and even the affectation she puts on her voice. The guitar jam on the end is great, too. (Very Mike Campbell-like.)
Yes: "Awaken"
OK, this is a long one. Clocking in at over 15 minutes, this track from 1977's Going for the One is considered by many to be Yes's best work, ever. This is classic Yes with amazing guitar work by Steve Howe (he co-wrote the piece with Anderson), some of Rick Wakeman's best keyboard work, and incredible bass parts by the unparalleled Chris Squire. Jon Anderson provides the usual weird, yet colorful lyrics and, of course, Alan White;s drumming is impressive. If you're not too familiar with Yes, but want to know what they're all about, give 15 minutes to listen to this track and you'll hear all you need to understand Yes.
Until next time...
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...
Monday, August 18, 2014
Three from the Train: Supertramp, Van Halen, After Edmund
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:
Supertramp: "Breakfast in America"
Selling over 20 million copies, 1979's Breakfast in America was Supertramp's hugely successful follow-up to 1977's Even in the Quietest Moments. The album cover is a classic and this title track is my favorite from the album. That's saying a lot considering how much I love this album. I heard the album track, but here's a great live version:
Van Halen: "Hear About It Later "
Fair Warning (1981) is my favorite VH record. It's much darker than the rest of their stuff and I've always felt it was a more mature record. For me, they peaked on this record. I love Eddie's numerous guitar textures on this song.
After Edmund: "Clouds"
I caught this Grammy-nominated act opening for another act. I was really impressed. They opened with this track from 2008's Hello. It's one of many strong tracks on this band's debut record. They've become a favorite of mine.
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:
Supertramp: "Breakfast in America"
Selling over 20 million copies, 1979's Breakfast in America was Supertramp's hugely successful follow-up to 1977's Even in the Quietest Moments. The album cover is a classic and this title track is my favorite from the album. That's saying a lot considering how much I love this album. I heard the album track, but here's a great live version:
Van Halen: "Hear About It Later "
Fair Warning (1981) is my favorite VH record. It's much darker than the rest of their stuff and I've always felt it was a more mature record. For me, they peaked on this record. I love Eddie's numerous guitar textures on this song.
After Edmund: "Clouds"
I caught this Grammy-nominated act opening for another act. I was really impressed. They opened with this track from 2008's Hello. It's one of many strong tracks on this band's debut record. They've become a favorite of mine.
Until Next Time
Friday, August 15, 2014
Three from the Train: Haven, Dusty Springfield, Frank Zappa
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:
Haven: "Beautiful Thing"
Sometimes great bands don't get the fame and fortune they deserve. Haven is one of those bands. From Cornwall, England, they were discovered in the mid-90's by the Smith's former manager. After two albums, they disbanded. Sad. This cut is from their first album released in 2002, Between the Senses. I discovered them when I bought a box of unopened CDs from a former music reviewer for an entertainment magazine in Phoenix. I love this record. It's got a Beatle-esque psychedelic pop-rock sound that sticks with you.
Dusty Springfield: "All Cried Out"
Dusty, one of the greatest female pop vocalists, ever, was a British singer who killed it in the 60's. She charted over a dozen top 20 hits in the U.K. and 5 in the us during the mid 60's. In 1999, she was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, shortly after her death. A lot of her stuff was written by Burt Bacharach or Carole King, two of the greatest pop writers. This song, written by Buddy Kaye and Phil Springer, was the opening track on 1964's Dusty.
Frank Zappa: "Apostrophe'"
Frank's one of the most under-appreciated guitarists of all time. Here he is playing with Jack Bruce ("fuzz" bass) on the instrumental title track from 1974's apostrophe.
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:
Haven: "Beautiful Thing"
Sometimes great bands don't get the fame and fortune they deserve. Haven is one of those bands. From Cornwall, England, they were discovered in the mid-90's by the Smith's former manager. After two albums, they disbanded. Sad. This cut is from their first album released in 2002, Between the Senses. I discovered them when I bought a box of unopened CDs from a former music reviewer for an entertainment magazine in Phoenix. I love this record. It's got a Beatle-esque psychedelic pop-rock sound that sticks with you.
Dusty Springfield: "All Cried Out"
Dusty, one of the greatest female pop vocalists, ever, was a British singer who killed it in the 60's. She charted over a dozen top 20 hits in the U.K. and 5 in the us during the mid 60's. In 1999, she was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, shortly after her death. A lot of her stuff was written by Burt Bacharach or Carole King, two of the greatest pop writers. This song, written by Buddy Kaye and Phil Springer, was the opening track on 1964's Dusty.
Frank Zappa: "Apostrophe'"
Frank's one of the most under-appreciated guitarists of all time. Here he is playing with Jack Bruce ("fuzz" bass) on the instrumental title track from 1974's apostrophe.
Until next time...
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