blogalive

Shellac [Redux] - Wingwalker

2005-02-27T18:03:00.000-05:00

~~Shellac - Wingwalker [Studio Version]~~
[From The Uranus 7"]
~~Shellac - Wingwalker [Live]~~
[Recorded live: October 17, 2000]
[Annie Mae Swift Hall, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill]

Weekend bonus, more Shellac by request. See you Monday, enjoy!

PJ Harvey - 1991 Peel Sessions

2005-02-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

PJ Harvey - Sheela Na Gig
~~PJ Harvey - Oh My Lover~~
~~PJ Harvey - Victory~~
~~PJ Harvey - Water~~
[Recorded August 28, 1991]
[Maida Vale Studios, London]
[Complete Performance]

I've posted PJ Harvey before, and probably will again. Is the new work as good as the original from, say, "To Bring You My Love" or "Rid Of Me" for instance? You bet. But here are four early tracks recorded at Maida Vale Studios, London from August 28, 1991. Her first UK Radio appearances for the John Peel show. This is the complete show - the first time posting a complete performance. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Shellac - Watch Song

2005-02-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

~~Shellac - Watch Song [Studio Version]~~
[From The Album "1,000 Hurts"]
~~Shellac - Watch Song [Live]~~
[Recorded live: October 17, 2000]
[Annie Mae Swift Hall, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill]

I love Shellac's "Watch Song" from "1,000 Hurts", with it's meaty riffs and stupid posturing. Yeah, Steve Albini's singing about a fight, "Hey man, I wanna have a FIGHT with you", but it's all for show - like your asshole loudmouth friend who gets you in trouble while he runs for cover. It's more funny than dangerous. Steve Albini is the driving force (writer, singer and guitarist) behind Shellac - a musical temper-tantrum side project away from demanding production duties. He's got a reputation as a loudmouth headache, but gets away with annoying fellow record execs by under-producing great (selling) records by The Pixies, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, Bush, and many, many more. But cranky indie-rock nerd or not, after producing so many great bands, he's picked up a few math rock tricks of his own. I've included the studio version of "Watch Song" from "1,000 Hurts" for comparison (the first non-live track on Blogalive!). Buy the CD if you like it. Enjoy!

Portishead - We Miss You

2005-02-23T01:16:00.000-05:00

~~Portishead - Strangers~~
~~Portishead - Glory Box~~
[Recorded Live: August 21, 1998]
[Bizarre Festival, Cologne, Germany]

Portishead's Beth Gibbons haunted vocal style is not as memorable as, say PJ Harvey or Bjork [though neither has she had the recognition of those two] but the trip-hop soundscapes of Portishead are surely as interesting as anything out there. Unfortunately you can file them in the "Where Are They Now?" drawer. Their high water mark was 1994's "Dummy" as well as the great 1998 live CD [and accompanying Video] "Roseland NYC" which surprised critics and fans with skillfully reproduced studio tracks in a live setting. But Portishead never came up for air after 1998. Apparently a new record is in the works, but it's already been seven long years, so who knows. However Portishead did perform live this week for the first time since 1998 to benefit victims of the Asian Tsunami. A worthy cause - respect. [more info here: http://www.crisisinasia.com ] These tracks were recorded live at the Bizarre Festival in Cologne, Germany on August 21, 1998. Enjoy!

Pixies - Boston's Best

2005-02-22T00:38:00.000-05:00

~~Pixies - U-Mass~~
~~Pixies - Where Is My Mind?~~
~~Pixies - Velouria~~
[Live: Fine Line Music Cafe, April 14, 2004]

The Pixies are a gift from the alt-rock gods. What have we done to deserve such beauty? As a boston resident in the 1980's & '90's, you couldn't hop on the Red Line without finding something new from the Pixies. Their output was daunting, even as a fan I had trouble keeping up (mind you these were the days before the Internet). The band has been touring again. I caught them on Austin City Limits this January. They still sound great. Usually these "reunion" tours are sorry states, but the Pixies held it together like half a dozen years hadn't passed at all. These three tracks come from the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis. [BTW: Look at the picture of Frank Black - could there be a more inappropriately named band?] Enjoy!

Coldplay - Shiver & Trouble

2005-02-21T00:10:00.000-05:00

~~Coldplay - Trouble~~
~~Coldplay - Shiver~~
[Live: August, 27 2002, Olympia, Paris]

Why do I think of Coldplay's Chris Martin as a talented but slightly annoying Radiohead-lite version of Thom Yorke? Is it the voice? Maybe it's because he looks exactly like a guy who used to work for me, also a musician, who thought he was "the shit" and daily annoyed me with his oh-so-hip music selections. Or maybe it's because Chris Martin is dating Gwyneth Paltrow - lucky bastard... But irritating or not, Coldplay's CD's are just great - everything is memorable. You know Coldplay when you hear them. Even with only the two CD's. Is it really two? Yes, the official site lists just the two - not including singles and a few EP's ("Safety" [Early Demos], "Brothers & Sisters" & "The Blue Room" [both, pre-"Parachutes" EP's], "Trouble" [Live]) But even with a limited output, they've found their voice. You can listen to Coldplay just about anytime, anywhere. Jeez, my parents even like them - maybe that's not such a good sign, I don't know - but they're certainly easy on the ears. Though maybe for the next release it would be nice to hear something challenging too.

Radiohead - Acoustic

2005-02-20T23:17:00.000-05:00

~~Radiohead - There There~~
~~Radiohead - I Might Be Wrong~~
~~Radiohead - Knives Out~~
~~Radiohead - Scatterbrain~~
[Live: "Breakfast With Radiohead" KROQ Radio]
[September 29, 2003, Hollywood, CA]

God bless Thom Yorke. With a mug like that, you know he's only in it for the music. "I started playing guitar for the girls" just doesn't cut it Thom - you know you were chasing them off with a stick even before Radiohead warmed the cynical hearts of critics and fans worldwide. But where have Radiohead been lately? Guitarist Jonny Greenwood and drummer Phil Selway have been working on the next Harry Potter movie (yeah, really...) as actors in an on-screen band, "The Wyrd Sisters". "The Most Gigantic Lying Mouth Of All Time" DVD was released last year to impatient fans. But the last new track we heard was "Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, featuring Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood - the number one selling UK single for 2004 thank you very much, but not quite a Radiohead song. There's been nary a peep since "Hail To The Thief". Unlike the days of "Kid A" and "Amnesiac" when you couldn't check your email without a new iBlip popping up. We're still waiting...

Led Zeppelin - Friends

2005-02-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

~~Led Zeppelin - Friends~~
[Live 1970]

I've been away dealing with family issues - another repeat of an original post today - don't forget about me...

Led Zeppelin rocked harder than anyone in the early 70's, but "Friends", from their third album [creatively titled "III"] shows off their folky side. The addition of Sitar and Tabla makes this live version especially interesting. It starts off slow, the boys don't show up until a minute into the song, but spreads out like an early morning sunrise, A warm, pre-summer vibe continuing the eastern flavor of the previous two posts. Enjoy.

Gong: Can You - You Can

2005-02-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

~~Gong - Can You : You Can~~
[From The Album "Shapeshifter"]

I've been away dealing with family issues - another repeat of an original post today - don't forget about me...

Daevid Allens Gong family sprouted forth from merry old England smokin' weed and sipping tea during the early days of the new hippie movement. Living together communally they hit it big (relatively) with a trio of early albums and haven't stopped since. Surprisingly, even recent recordings are rather good. True to their mission, they're still wearing pointy hats, pixie dancing and rallying against "the man". This track from "Shapeshifter" shows off their well oiled jam band chops - these guys were noodling before Phish were out of diapers. The CD mostly contains studio tracks, but live Gong is pretty easy to find as the band allows taping - I was able to video tape Gong at Mama Kin's in Boston, Massachusetts on the Shapeshifter tour.

Repeat: Tabla Beat Science - Satellite

2005-02-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

~~Tabla Beat Science - Satellite~~
[From The CD "Live in San Francisco at Stern Grove"]

I've been away dealing with family issues - a repeat today - don't forget about me...

The ubiquitous Bill Laswell drops by the Asian Underground scene, pulls together a few regulars, exchanges introductions all around and the result is Tabla Beat Science. Highly spirited and technically proficient, they're further progressing what Talvin Singh, Future Soundz Of India, Asian Dub Foundation and others started almost a decade ago (can you believe it?). Nice use of studio tweaking - ala: Matthew Herbert, Akufen, etc - which adds a contemporary twist to otherwise traditional musical roots. Nicely avoids obvious turntable tricks, too. The track "Satellite" on disc 2 is soaring and spirited and should be played loud enough to awaken your soul and your neighbors.

G-Love & Special Sauce - Hold The Mayo

2005-02-08T19:07:00.000-05:00

~~G-Love & Special Sauce - Soda Pop~~
~~G-Love & Special Sauce - This Ain't Living~~
[Live, October 27, 1995]
[Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, Providence, RI]

[A short lived break - back with the posts]

Paul over at Aurgasm posted two choice G-Love & Special Sauce tracks tonight - check them out. I have a recording from Providence's own Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel recorded on October 27th, 1995. It was a long show, clocking in at 2 hours & 20 minutes. I brought a taper friend that night who stealth taped the performance (G-Love allows taping now, but at the time he had to wear mic's in his hat). The recording ended up on an "official" bootleg. I think he was both annoyed and proud. Anyway, G-Love is still chillin', still touring and you can visit their buggy website at www.philadelphonic.com. Or just give them a ring at (215) 739-4700 (I wouldn't kid you about that...)

Rerun Week - Prince

2005-02-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

~~Prince - Housequake~~
[Live August 18, 1988, Paard Van Troje Holland]

Rerun Week
Unexpected family issues - repeating early posts.

"Knock Knock" - "Who's There?" - "Joe..." - "Joe who?"... This live recording of "Housequake" (From "Sign O' The Times") comes from what is perhaps one of the best Prince live shows circulating. A soundboard recording, the complete show is around two hours long. It's easily found on CD, try trading or search Limewire. The show is commonly known as "Small Club". Prince is in a fun & friendly mood, telling jokes, very loose & funky. 1987-88 was a creative and challenging period from Prince's otherwise inconsistent career. Enjoy.

David Bowie - Station To Station Tour

2005-02-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

David Bowie - TVC 15
David Bowie - Word On A Wing
David Bowie - The Jean Genie
[Live [March 23, 1976] Nassau Coliseum, New York]

Like Videodrome's Blondie, apparently a television has eaten David Bowie's girl ("TVC-15"). Long live the new flesh! And long live Bowie too it seems. How can this man still be so important and vital after, what, 40 years? Though he was almost consumed by Gotham City's drug scene in the 70's ("The Jean Genie") like all Rock-N-Roll survivors, he eventually finds redemption ("Word On A Wing"). Just watch any "VH1: Behind The Music" and you already know the rise, and fall, and rise again story arc. Only Bowie never strayed too far off course. A consummate artist. This recording shows that even the cavernous Nassau Coliseum can spit out a decent recording if you're talented enough. These performances are taken from the 1976 "Station To Station" tour. A spirited performance from rock's ultimate showman. I can't help but think that like Oscar Wilde's Dorian Grey, somewhere there hangs a portrait of an aging Bowie. This man does not look 57. Maybe it's all the smoking that's kept him young and fresh... Enjoy

Jill Scott - Soul For Your Soul

2005-02-03T16:18:00.000-05:00

~~Jill Scott - Love Rain~~
~~Jill Scott - Do You Remember~~
[From The Album "Experience: Jill Scott"]

Jill Scott is the real deal. Her intelligence and positivity remind us of what real "soul" music can achieve. Not merely a phat beat, some vocal pyrotechnics and a pretty face, (although they're all there...), Jill gets to the heart and soul of the matter with odes to love - real, candid love - family, womanhood, childhood and pride with a feel for the real. Moving beyond artifice is easy when you're keeping it real simply because you're real to begin with. She lays it down with sweet harmonies, easy beats, tasteful instrumentation and spoken-word style word poems. Jill Scott is candid. A refreshing voice in amongst "packaged" & nurtured entertainers. Jill Scott nurtures our soul instead. A big thanks for dropping such beauty from a beautiful human. Early in her career she performed at local Philadelphia live spoken word shows, and when I first bought "Who Is Jill Scott?.." I thought her voice sounded familiar. Maybe I can track down a compilation tape somewhere with her spoken word work. Anyone else have any? These tracks come from 2001's official "Experience: Jill Scott". Enjoy

Veruca Salt - Sweet & Sour

2005-02-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

~~Veruca Salt - Shutterbug~~
[Live [May 15, 1997] Saturday Night Live]
~~Veruca Salt - Seether~~
~~Veruca Salt - Volcano Girls~~
[Live [August 15, 1997] Water Festival, Stockholm]

I have a sweet tooth for Veruca Salt. Not the ill-mannered Veruca from Willy Wonka, but Chicago's own kid rock girl group. Sure they're not all girls, but the 'little sister' vibe permeates the performances here. With teen-girl angst and double the attitude, Veruca Salt was essentially Nina Gordon (songwriter - for the memorable songs) and Louise Post (the "other" one). They eventually lost momentum and called it quits, and though they barely left a ripple in the halcyon days post Grunge, their heavy rotation singles still hit you in the face like a pack of old Bubble Yum. Sure the punk-pop-crunch was juvenile and the sentiments even more so, but the rest - the hooks, earnestness and attitude - were all Rock-n-Roll: "Blow it out your ass, it's Veruca Salt" was the title of their Steve Albini produced second EP. The title says it all. Enjoy.

David Bowie - Saturday Light Live

2005-01-31T21:45:00.000-05:00

~~David Bowie - Little Wonder~~
~~David Bowie - Scary Monsters~~
[Live [February 8, 1997] Saturday Night Live]
[From The Bootleg CD "Earthling TV"]

Englishman David Bowie (pronounced Bo-wee) has languished in obscurity as a musical outsider for years. I'll post more of his music in the weeks to come in the hopes that the world might finally take notice.

Jeff Buckley - Tragic & Talented

2005-01-29T22:56:00.000-05:00

~~Jeff Buckley - Eternal Life~~
~~Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah~~
[From The Album "Live at Sin-é"]

I know you come here to listen to and read about music I like, but I have to admit I'm on the fence with this one. I discovered Jeff Buckley late, only after "Grace" was released. I thought is was so fantastic, it still is, especially the Leonard Cohen cover "Hallelujah". I couldn't get enough. Next I picked up the ''unfinished' compilation "Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk" with the sultry "Everybody Here Wants You" - lovely. And then a few live imports, "Mystery White Boy", "Live At L'Olympia" and "Live At Sin-E". Like his father Tim Buckley before him, Jeff Buckley died tragically, which only adds a layer of sobriety to his music (not unlike Nick Drake or Eva Cassidy). And if you had asked me I would have said I was a "fan". That is until I had the chance to see him live. I bought the DVD "Live In Chicago" and have seen other recordings since, and, well, I don't think he's very endearing as a performer. Rather, he's a little arrogant. He was talented and he knew it and at times was embarrassingly self indulgent, like a young guitar hero who noodles away until you find yourself annoyed. Only with Jeff Buckley it's his voice. But I still think, like most people, that Jeff Buckley was very talented and I enjoy these two performances. I find it a little difficult to criticize a performer who died so young, especially as Mary Guibert (Jeff's mother, Tim's wife) lovingly picks through the fragments of his brief career for a steady stream of posthumous CD & DVD releases. The title to the CD "Live at Sin-é" refers to the Greenwich Village cafe where he first gained public attention as well as recognition from Columbia A&R folks who released his one and only proper album, "Grace". This was a comfortable setting and it shows.

A Jeff Buckley story.
[try to picture the "High Fidelity" record store as you read this] Jeff Buckley was performing in Providence many years back. A local "guy" (a friend of someone who worked for me - he'll remain nameless) was browsing "In Your Ear Records" and asked the sales clerk (& friend) if he was going to see Tim Buckley play that night. The clerk joked, "Only if they dig up his dead corpse and prop it up on stage..." The friend corrected himself, "I mean Jeff Buckley", but the clerk said no, probably not, "...he sounds too much like Robert Plant." and wasn't interested. The friend agreed. Then a voice from behind a stack of records sneered, "Yeah, I do sound like him sometimes, don't I?". I can just picture the two of them rewinding their conversation and cringing that they just joked about Jeff Buckley's dead father. But then again, I think that fits in with the personality Jeff Buckley portrays live. Rather than be gracious and just let it go, he embarrassed them. Not that they didn't deserve it, but still... Anyway, I hope I haven't soured your listening experience. His songs are beautifully bitter sweet in a "Candle In The Wind" tragic sort of way. But for me, I'll stick to the CD's. Enjoy!

Buy at Amazon

World Party - Thank You World

2005-01-28T22:31:00.000-05:00

~~World Party - Thank You World [Live]~~
[From The EP "Thank You World"]
~~World Party - Mystery Girl [Live]~~
[From The CD "KCRW Rare On Air Volume II"]

World Party is actually a one-man-party. Karl Wallinger (previously of the Waterboys) writes, performs and produces the World Party albums. A bit like Prince in that respect - the art for "Private Revolution" reminds me a little of "Sign O The Times". The first three Albums, "Private Revolution", "Goodbye Jumbo" and "Thank You World" are quite good, if you dig that eighties, world-lite, funky, pop, beat thing. He clearly has a talent for songwriting, which is obvious despite the intricate production and arrangements. He tackles Peter Gabriel "So" era pop with "Is It Too Late" and "Show Me To The Top", blue eyed soul with "Ain't Gonna Come Till I'm Ready", political folk with "And I Fell Back Alone" and Donavan meets Ringo Starr meets Tears For Fears with "Thank You World". Yeah, OK we get it, the guy's talented. "Thank You World (Live)" comes from the aptly titled EP "Thank You World" which still appears to be in print, though with different cover art than the CD I have. I can imagine nods from the Polyphonic Spree for this one.

Mystery Girl
The live recording of Mystery Girl comes from the compilation CD "KCRW Rare On Air [Volume II]. I've listened to this track at least a dozen times this evening and asked Mr. Google a hundred different ways for more information. But either this really is a cover and the Google folks aren't giving up any info whatsoever about the original version or it's the most instantly infectious song since the Beatles' "Baby's In Black". I swear I've heard this before, but where? A mystery to me. Other than being a bonus track on the "Give It Away" CD Single from "Bang!", the World Party website is no help. I even searched the U.S. Copyright Office records, but came up empty. Chalk it up to aural deja vu I guess. Karl Wallinger has been compared to the Beatles by some reviewers and you can hear the similarities in this performance. Enjoy. (And somebody, please tell me, is this a cover?...)

Buy at Amazon

David Bowie - Pre Earthling Tour [Acoustic]

2005-01-26T20:57:00.000-05:00

~~David Bowie - Scary Monsters~~
~~David Bowie - Dead Man Walking~~
~~David Bowie - The Jean Genie~~
~~David Bowie - Seven Years In Tibet~~
~~David Bowie - I Can't Read~~
[Live [04/08/97] Radio 99X Atlanta, Georgia]
[From The CD "Seven Months In America"]

On April 8th, 1997, David Bowie stopped by the studios of radio station "99X" in Atlanta, Georgia, with Reeves Gabrels in tow, to perform an on-air acoustic set in preparation for the Earthling world tour. In between reminiscing about "some time spent in the 'can' with Johnny Cash" and "strange riffs" from Jimmy Page, the two fill the room with more music than seems possible with just two guitars, while entertaining an energetic and receptive studio audience. But David Bowie is a pretty large presence on his own. Another artist who's lived a charmed and beautiful life. More Bowie to follow in the next few weeks. Enjoy

[BTW: I use Explorer to post to & review blogalive but recently have been using Firefox more frequently and have only just noticed that with Firefox, Safari, and even Netscape there is a large gap (a few blank lines) between the date / title headers and the photo / song listings for each post. I've fixed this as of todays post. A small error. I hope this looks better. Explorer treated these line breaks a little differently, so I hadn't noticed until surfing the site with Firefox on a friends Powerbook. Yet another reason I should finally trash Explorer...]

David Sylvian & Robert Fripp - Nakano Sun

2005-01-25T13:12:00.000-05:00

~~David Sylvian & Robert Fripp - Exposure~~
~~David Sylvian & Robert Fripp - Gone To Earth~~
~~David Sylvian & Robert Fripp - Jean The Birdman~~
[Live [10/26/93] Nakano Sun Plaza]

Herr K. over at Totally Fuzzy commented on the Japan post (see below) and kindly included a link to Broken Sky which archives live recordings of Japan and David Sylvian shows. One of the performances is together with Robert Fripp and includes a live version of "Exposure" from Robert Fripp's album of the same title. "Exposure" (the album) is fantastic. It's not entirely in the King Crimson style, however there certainly would be nothing wrong with that. It follows a short-lived King Crimson hiatus and is more like a Peter Gabriel or Todd Rundgren project: it's experimental and thematic with a longing, yearning quality. The Album features Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno (some keyboards), Daryl Hall of Hall & Oats (yeah, really) and angelic singing by Terre Roche of Roaches fame - amongst others. There are beautiful, subtle passages ("Mary", "North Star") together with Fripp landscapes and guitar fireworks ("Disengage"). But I digress...

David Sylvian & Robert Fripp - Nakano Sun Plaza
I admit I have to review this performance at face value because I'm not as familiar with David Sylvian's solo work as I am with Robert Fripp. The show features Fripp's wonderfull Frippertronic soundscapes in a few songs. David Sylvian's singing is mature without sounding nostalgic or old. The live electronic drums give the performance a peculiar sound which is both dated and contemporary. How's that for a non committal review? Anyway, I like it, you should too. Again, for the complete concert and more, head on over to the Broken Sky website. Enjoy.

We Lost A Great One - Johnny Carson

2005-01-24T18:16:00.000-05:00

~~Johnny's Last Show - One For My Baby (And One For The Road)~~

Only Dave Letterman since has come close to the gracious talent that was Johhny Carson who died today, January 24th. Take it away Doc...

MP3 And The Art Of Audio Maintenance

2005-01-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

MP3's are here to stay (I think...)

Like all (mostly all) audio blogs, blogalive takes advantage of MP3 technology - for today's post I wrote a little bit about discovering, experimenting with and learning to respect MP3's.

A long post...

My experience with MP3's are that they're not a replacement for CD's (or radio, or live performances) despite the rhetoric from the Record Companies (emphasis on "Company" not "Records"). There are different ways to disseminate music which profit the "industry" and it's true that digital files will hurt it financially in the short run. But as the end user, my experience using each format differs. I listen to CD's when I want to "commit" or listen to a band or album in high quality the way it was originally intended. Herbert's "Bodily Functions", Greg Davis' "Arbor", Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, John Coltrane, Robert Fripp, these artists & albums are best experienced with headphones or on a decent stereo via a high-quality format. I think everyone agrees that there is and always will be a place for high quality music reproduction.

Due to “lossy” compression MP3's are not high quality, but they have benefits which CD's don't - such as the fact that they're readily available. You already know why - or maybe you don't - but it's because MP3 coding and compression creates small files which are easy to store and transfer. I bet anyone reading this (making the effort to visit an audio blog, this one or any one) can probably download several megs of music at a time by poking around the internet. The music is out there and that's the benefit of MP3's. With CD's, we have a financial and esthetic commitment to the CD's we buy. After all, a CD collection represents "you" to a degree. When someone looks through my CD's, they get an idea of who I am and what I like. You won't find a Justin Timberlake CD in my collection, but I do have a Justin Timberlake MP3 in iTunes ("Rock Your Body" and I'm not a fan), I was curious and wanted to check it out.

MP3's have afforded us the luxury of more experimentation than we ever had with CD's. Most of all to sample music we might otherwise hesitate to purchase. When I first started using LimeWire I'd scrutinize search results and carefully pick and choose the songs I wanted to download. I had a CD buyer mentality. Music was a commodity. This was the result of the "industry" of music. Admittedly it wasn't long before I was downloading music like the plug was going to get pulled at any moment (I still feel the plug is going to get pulled at any moment). The opportunity for a music fan to exchange and experiment with music is MP3's greatest gift. I'm now mining musical genres, checking out obscure bands, rediscovering lost favorites, essentially broadening my interests and diving into the musical pool head first. Heck, I even have a Justin Timberlake song. This wasn't possible financially with CD's, nor did we have a plethora of editorial audio blogs to hold our hands and introduce us to new music - and so quickly.

When I was young there was plenty of music around of course but like most suburban teens I was fenced in by radio and the tastes of the people around me, I wasn't exposed to much diversity. Fortunately my mother had relatively unusual musical tastes, so I at least had the notion that there was more out there to be discovered (even if I wasn't diggin' Joan Armatrading as much as she was). As I came to the realization that music had an important role to play in my life, I began the process of discovery from magazines, friends, MTV, record stores, wherever. When I first strayed from Pop radio, my tastes in music were still juvenile, but music soon became a hobby. I'm more a fan than collector, but I understood the idea of ownership. These were "my" CD's (tapes and vinyl in the very beginning...) and they represented "my" tastes. I tried to choose carefully.

Of course there were other ways to experience music: radio, tape trading with friends and fans, mix tapes, live performances and recordings, MTV, Night Flight, etc. And that was what I experienced for years: I'd discover something new, try it out on CD, hopefully it was good or had some redeeming value, sometimes I'd trade tapes with friends or make mix tapes (mostly for girlfriends). Then I'd buy more CD's relying on my opinion of the ones I previously bought, trade more tapes, talk to more friends. The CD's started to pile up. By 2000 (when I practically stopped buying music) I had 4,000+ CD's which covered a wall - not a ton, but a lot to me and a focal point of my studio. I still have them, boxed away - I don't even know why I keep them all.

Then I started reading about a new 'thing' called MP3. Reviews focused on the quality, which I think was described as "sucked", but not so much on the eventual obvious implementation of small audio files. They were being compared to CD's of course since MP3's were being ripped from CD's, it made sense to compare "before" and "after". I can remember listening to MP3's with MacAMP and being disappointed, maybe I too expected MP3's to compare to CD's. But eventually I realized this was unfair. I could connect my stereo to my G4, and in an art studio environment, with people talking and working, the convenience of MP3's started to win me over. And the fidelity may have been inferior to CD's that's true, but it was better than radio. And radio programming was pretty bad anyway. What started as a convenience - a way to share music with the people who work with me (they'd bring in CD's to rip to my computer) - became a new way of experiencing music. Buying a CD was expensive and a commitment. Burning CD's from friends was less expensive, but still required a little bit of time - artwork was still important. But MP3's were something different. Because they were almost disposable. They didn't have value, any more or less than a Quark document or Excel spreadsheet. (now however, my MP3 collection as a whole has value and I back it up)

In 2001 I read about the iPod on the Apple website and thought that maybe MP3's day had come. I mean, Apple was on board, and they were really great too - I placed my pre-order for the first generation 5G iPod, which was released on a Tuesday (don't quote me on that) but the following Wednesday Apple sent the iPod via DHL Next Day Air from the factory (somewhere in Asia, how much did they pay for that?) so I had one of the first iPods around - well, around my own tiny universe. I bought a cassette adapter for my Volkswagen and showed the guy at Tweeter my new iPod which he sniffed at, "An Apple walkman, huh?" I think I actually said, "I guarantee you'll be seeing more of these." as if I knew something he didn't. But I just felt the tide turning. I think a lot of us did. I hadn't walked into a record store in ages, the Internet bubble was still inflating and MP3's were part of the love-fest with "new technology". Digital Music was the next big thing.

Sure the sound quality didn't compare to CD's, but I had plenty of CD's already. And although I had a cable modem there still wasn't *that* much music out there. But overall my experimentation with music had never been more, ah, experimental. I was listening to new music and enjoying the process of discovery, and re-discovery, of new styles, artists and bands. MP3's weren't just an encoding format, they were opening my eyes and ears in a way that was proactive and exciting. I liked the little guys. I still have a collector mentality, so organizing MP3's by artist, album, genre, etc. with iTunes gave the files a face - and a clean, user friendly face from Apple too. Nice!

MP3's were about the implementation - sharing - not the compression.

Then the Internet bubble burst. The music labels started yelling time-out, the media predicted the death of music as a career choice and even Lars Ulrich was crying no-fair. And to bring it home, my favorite local record store, "In Your Ear", went out of business. A Providence institution as far back as I could remember and they closed their doors. That sucked. The RIAA cracked down on ISP's and University students. Napster closed up shop (I didn't have much experience with Napster). What a legacy for the lowly MP3 encoding algorithm. Karlheinz Brandenburg probably never imagined what a Frankenstein his little creation would become. A Godzilla really.

And still we hear about the demise of the music industry. Tonight we had a small dinner party and the topic came up and I asked how many people actually downloaded music, no one did but me. And everyone still buys CD's. The problems of the music industry may be exacerbated by digital file sharing, but record companies are in the same position as the rest of retail America - adapt or sink, but stop complaining. I'm willing to spend my money on music, I think we all are. I recently purchased "Live Mixtape Pt. 2" by Breakestra and "Teeter" from Gregory Douglass since both are independent and not raking it in from the industry machine. But it was a conscious effort. I don't really purchase music from iTunes either as I fill my quota with audio blogs, LimeWire, Epitonic, surfing the 'net, and sharing with friends. But the record industry needs to recognize digital files as an opportunity, not the enemy. Apple's iTunes is a start.

In the end MP3's have changed the way I experience music - and for the better, despite what the labels are saying. And I support - in spirit - Apple's effort to force the commodity issue with digital downloads, 200,000 iTunes Music Store downloads can't be wrong. MP3's have a place of their own, that's different from classic radio, Internet radio, satellite radio (we have Sirius), CD's & tapes. They've allowed me to step away from the commercialization and "packaging" and get back to what I always loved about music - the experiment. And for that, I fondly respect the little MP3 with the less-than-perfect sound.

If the record labels can find a way capitalize on the digital revolution, they'll have my money again. But there's plenty of music to enjoy without an associated cost at the moment, so the ball's in their court. (no more sports references, promise).

In the meantime, I'll try to do my part so here are today's live tracks. Enjoy.

~~Tortoise - TNT~~
~~Tortoise - Ten Day Interval~~
~~Tortoise - In Sarah~~
[Recorded live at the "German Festival", Frankfurt, Germany - October 23, 1999]

Theme Week: New Wave - Japan

2005-01-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

Japan - Quiet Life [Live]
Japan - Alien [Live]
Japan - My New Career [Live]
Live February 7, 1981 - Hammersmith Odeon, London

David Sylvian lives a charmed life. Before he embarked on a musically diverse solo career he was the charismatic leader of the British band "Japan". They've been compared to contemporaries "Roxy Music", "David Bowie" and the "New York Dolls" and influenced followers such as "The New Romantics" and "Duran, Duran" (listen to the similarities in "Quiet Life" - also note the Robert Fripp style guitar solo). All very different from David Sylvians post Japan career as collaborator with Robert Fripp, ~~Brian Eno~~, Holger Czukay, Ryuichi Sakamoto and others. Japan achieved a respected and influential nod from musicians and critics while eluding popularity here in America. Why Duran Duran and not Japan? David Sylvian surely had the looks and style to pull it off. He's currently married to Ingrid Chavez - Prince fans will recognize her name as she's one of his numerous female singer / persona side projects. The tracks here come from a live performance from the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1981. Enjoy.

Theme Week: New Wave - The Fixx

2005-01-16T20:11:00.000-05:00

The Fixx - Deeper And Deeper [Live]
The Fixx - Stand Or Fall [Live]
The Fixx - Are We Ourselves? [Live]
[From The Album "React"]

Why didn't The Fixx connect with audiences more than they did? The Fixx tour bus stopped for a performance at the Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island during the "Phantoms" tour - this would have been 1984. A bunch of us were eager to see them live and made our way to the front. The playing - top notch. The songs - catchy. The band - well, a little lackluster, and their vibe - not what we expected. Like Mr. Waternoose says, "It's about Presence!". We were let down and maybe the rest of the '80's fans were disappointed too. Whatever the reason, The Fixx might have a catchy back catalog (which doesn't sound all that dated to my ears) but they're mired in relative obscurity. Were the lyrics too dark? Too indecipherable? Too Political? Maybe it was lead singer Cy Curnin's lack of a smile. I'm not complaining, I still very much like "Phantoms", "Reach The Beach", and "Shuttered Room". They have a unique sound that both fits right into the 80's new wave family and stands apart from the pack. Where are they now? Visit www.thefixx.com and you'll find, as I did, that they have a new album out. Go figure. I always feel bad when a band I once liked is still around and touring. Like I've brushed off a friend. Has anyone heard the later releases? These tracks come from the official live release "React" which culls performances from two Canadian appearances on the Walkabout tour: October 22 & 24, 1986. "This lingering problem we have - of not knowing who we are..." - from "Are We Ourselves" - is prophetic I think. Enjoy.

Theme Week: New Wave - Oingo Boingo

2005-01-15T22:52:00.000-05:00

~~Oingo Boingo - California Girls [Live]~~
~~Oingo Boingo - Louise [Live]~~
[From "Madam Wong's West"]
~~Oingo Boingo - Ain't This The Life [Live]~~
[From The Video "URGH! A Music War"]

Spirited New Wave with a sunny California twist, "Boingo" is an onomatopoeia (yeah, I had to look up the spelling) for the on-stage theatrics and music the band released in the '80's. Danny Elfman, lead singer, songwriter, arranger & esthetic chieftain for the Boingo style, successfully transitioned to life after the Big '80's as a composer with credits including "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure", "The Nightmare Before Christmas", "The Simpsons", "Big Fish," "Good Will Hunting", "Men in Black" and a bunch more (Check out IMDB). Oingo Boingo had hits including "Dead Man's Party", "Just Another Day" and of course the throwaway "Weird Science" from the John Hughes teen flick of the same name. Their sound encompassed sca, punk, new wave, and pop and Elfman's stage experience added a theatrical style often compared to Devo, but I think that's a lazy comparison to their early sound. Oingo Boingo comes off more like a lighter, happier version of The Fixx to me. The first two tracks are from the well known bootleg "Madam Wong's West". "Aint This The Life" comes from "URGH! A Music War", the quintessential video document of early punk & new wave. Sound quality is typical for bootlegs, but the energy comes through crystal clear. Enjoy!

Theme Week: New Wave - Thomas Dolby

2005-01-12T21:42:00.000-05:00

~~Thomas Dolby - Windpower [Live]~~
~~Thomas Dolby - Airwaves [Live]~~
~~Thomas Dolby - Europa & The Pirate Twins [Live]~~
NEW:
~~Thomas Dolby - One Of My Submarines [Live]~~
[From The Album "Forty"]

Science! Thomas Dolby - like Gary Numan - was saddled with a novelty hit, however he's not a one-hit-wonder. There were "Hyperactive" as well as "One Of My Submarines", which charted higher than "She Blinded Me With Science". His dad was an archaeologist and I imagine that's where some of the Dolby imagery comes from. I attended a talk of his regarding technology and music at Brown University in the late 1980's [I wasn't a student, just a visitor]. Although he didn't perform, he was very gracious and came out to talk to us afterwards. "The Flat Earth" is a great album from start to finish (though "Hyperactive" could have been saved for release elsewhere). 1992's "Astronauts & Heretics" was an attempt to capture the Dolby magic again and succeeded at some level but is also a little self conscious. A true renaissance man, he's dabbled with technology [Beatnik], film, music and the internet as well as family life. He notes on his website that he sometimes answers email & posts to chat groups. Science! Enjoy!

Theme Week: New Wave - Gary Numan

2005-01-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

~~Gary Numan - Are 'Friends' Electric [Live]~~
~~Gary Numan - Metal [Live]~~
~~Gary Numan - Cars [Live]~~

[The Flux Capacitor has shifted from "Big '80's" to "New Wave"] Between Tubeway Army and his solo work, Gary Numan is best known here in America for the somewhat novelty hit "Cars", but one of my favorite tracks, "Are 'Friends' Electric?", reached #1 on the UK singles chart in 1979 - who knew? I have to say his sincerity and longevity are respectable. He's got his own particular style, you know a Gary Numan track when you hear it. He's comfortable doing what he does best with a limited palette - Kraftwerk meets Adam Ant - but does it well. The early albums are best listened to from start to finish, back when an Album was a one hour journey into one mans (or one bands) musical vision. I recommend the obvious "The Pleasure Principle" as well as "Replicas" and "Telekon". He also hasn't seemed to have aged much, he's got more hair now than back in the day, what's up with that? [My Girlfriend at the time - now wife - created a nice piece of Book Art while at the Rhode Island School of Design inspired by the lyrics to "Cars"]

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Big '80's - Psychedelic Furs

2005-01-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

~~Psychedelic Furs - Heartbeat [Live]~~
[From The Album "Should God Forget: A Retrospective"]

A critic favorite with loyal fans who hide skinny ties and mousse in their closets for a chance to shake their 36-year old asses at the hit-or-miss reunion performances, Richard Butler's "Psychedelic Furs" made a mark on '80's post-punk, new-wave teens stateside - and worldwide. Me included. What would those John Hughes films be without the Furs? Actually, there's only the one, "Pretty In Pink", but looking back, I guess Butler's voice just seemed right for all those films. There's something to be said for a sound which can define a period in ones life. Even the Love Spit Love material came off as nostalgic, simply because of Richard Butler's droning snarl of a voice. But where are they now? Enjoy!

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Big '80's - Elvis Costello

2005-01-09T01:30:00.000-05:00

~~Elvis Costello - Radio, Radio [Live]~~

Elvis Costello is a formidable talent, a clever lyricist who seems to know what's cool before we do even if he's the nerdy geek at the high school prom. "Radio, Radio" is one of those tracks that straddles different ideas and genres - punk, new wave, first wave, rockabilly, pop. I think this recording holds its own with the Police & Joe Jackson tracks previously posted for this theme week - as a trio I think they sound nice together. Rock-N-Roll trivia: Elvis Costello is married to Diana Krall and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 (thanks Google). Enjoy!

Theme Week: Big '80's - Joe Jackson

2005-01-07T23:14:00.000-05:00

~~Joe Jackson - I'm The Man~~

Joe Jackson states the obvious: he's a man. [and it may be different for girls but is she really going out with him?] Joe Jackson is best known as a singer-songwriter but wants to be considered a composer, after all he's a former student of the Royal Academy of Music. That's him singing on the new Shatner / Ben Folds "Has Been" track, "Common People" [which is a surprisingly fantastic album...] Years ago when I was living in Boston and just launching my company, I'd visit Tower Records on Newbury Street (around the corner from the original Newbury Comics) to look at CD's I couldn't afford and instead I'd rent concert videos to record the audio portion onto TDK SA-90 tapes. Live music for the poor - but hey, they were good times. There was a particularly good Joe Jackson video which I think was this one [Live In Tokyo]. The first trio of albums, "Look Sharp!", "I'm The Man" and "Beat Crazy" are great. Enjoy!

Theme Week: Big '80's - U2

2005-01-06T22:14:00.000-05:00

~~U2 - Out Of Control [Live]~~

These young lads say they need 500.00 Pounds and I think they're serious - look at Bono, he's packin'. This performance has great energy. I've never seen U2 live, but this is the kind of show you'd want to see. Forget the Pop Mart blitzkrieg, I'll take an intimate local Dublin show any day - even with Bono doing his thespian thing. But I'm not getting on stage to dance. Not even if they play "Bad". Did I just say U2 plays bad? Remember Live Aid, who was that girl and where is she now? You have to give them credit for still giving it a go after so many years and effort. Glad they didn't call it quits like The Police, though like all great bands, the early work is the best. Enjoy.

Theme Week: Big '80's - The Police

2005-01-05T20:22:00.000-05:00

~~The Police - Bring On The Night [Live]~~

I've been featuring the 70's for a while so this weeks "theme" is the '80's - specifically pop of the eighties. Starting off with the Police [who passed the torch to U2 in 1986 - they're next] but you gotta ask yourself, why did Sting have to break up the band after Synchronicity? "The Dream Of The Blue Turtles" was great and all, and I think he's had a bunch of hits since. But I don't know if the music has mattered as much as what the Police recorded. I can remember driving around the suburbs of southern Rhode Island listening to the Police on my friend Tim's tape deck, trying to figure out to the different parts - I played keyboards, he played guitar. For years I never made the connection between the band name "Police" and the name "Sting". I guess it was so obvious I never really thought about it. Enjoy.

Theme Week: Progressive - Pink Floyd

2005-01-04T16:39:00.000-05:00

~~Pink Floyd - Atom Heart Mother~~
[BBC Studios July 16, 1970]

My Christmas Pink Floyd story: We had a holiday party here at the house and one of the guests was looking through our DVD's and commented that he was a big Pink Floyd fan but not familiar with the DVD "Live At Pompeii". But I said, sure, you know the film, slow camera pans in the Pompeii Amphitheater? Careful With That Axe Eugene? You know, with Roger Waters noodling away at an early version of On The Run? No, he says.. "Never heard of it, but I'm a huge fan you know... I was there at the early beginning, you know, when they released Dark Side". All I could do was nod and say yeah, great album. I mentioned this to my wife and asked, does it matter? Does it matter that I knew more about Pink Floyd than our guest or that I may have a better understanding of their place on the Rock History Family Tree? I never really get to use this information - maybe here on the blog, but not everyday. Who cares if I know about Syd's schizophrenic descent or that I once read Shine On? Does any of that matter? Does it make me a better dad, friend or husband? It didn't make me a better host. What's the use of being interested enough to learn and read about music when it practically never comes in handy - or when you do decide to bring it up you come off as a nerd or aloof or worse, as obnoxious. Does sharing my music here with the world matter? I mean, in the big picture?

Check out the Pink Floyd ROIO website.

Theme Week: Progressive - King Crimson

2005-01-02T13:54:00.000-05:00

~~King Crimson - The Great Deceiver~~
~~King Crimson - Starless & Bible Black~~
[Asbury Park, NJ June 28, 1974]

There have been many King Crimson shows officially released over the years - visit Amazon for an exhaustive list of CD's. This performance comes from an unauthorized CD of a show which is dated June 28, 1974, though I'm suspect about the accuracy. There is an official CD titled "USA" which lists the same date, but not the same tracks as my boot CD. What gives? Inaccurate CD review? Sloppy bootleggers probably... Any Crimson fans out there can help? Regardless, the performance is top notch. I love Fripp's guitar - always have. King Crimson seems to be in a world of their own. A world that's nice to visit now and then. If I can correct or confirm the date, I'll post it here. Enjoy!

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Progressive - Wishbone Ash

2005-01-01T12:02:00.000-05:00

~~Wishbone Ash - The Pilgrim~~
[Live WMKC Studios Memphis, TN - 08/21/72]
[From The EP "Live In Memphis"]

Wishbone Ash were to their 1970's British fans what the Allman Brothers are to southern rock Americans: a hard rockin' salt-of-the-earth band with two lead guitarists - easy enough to nod to at the backyard BBQ yet interesting enough to take a long hard listen to over a few Buds. This 10 minute track, written for their "Pilgrimage" album, was originally only available on the hard to find "Live In Memphis" Promo EP. It's now available as a bonus track on the 30th anniversary re-issue of the seminal "Argus" album. They seem to be going for something akin to King Crimson lite, however not many of my fellow Americans know much about them so I thought this would make a nice post. "The Pilgrim" is an instrumental with both guitarists taking the the reigns in their nimble hands. This was recorded for Memphis radio station WMKC without overdubs in 1972 - sounds pretty nice for a 32 year old recording. They're still touring today. Enjoy!

Wishbone Ash Homepage

Theme Week: Progressive - Peter Gabriel

2004-12-30T16:55:00.000-05:00

~~Peter Gabriel - A Song Without Words~~
~~Peter Gabriel - Humdrum~~
~~Peter Gabriel - Modern Love~~
[Recorded Live April 9, 1977]
[The Roxy - Los Angeles, California]

I'm back for a bit, though still in-and-out until the first week of January. Hope you're all having a great holiday break. Our hearts go out to those lost and still suffering from the tsunami. It feels like the end of the world. Here is Peter Gabriel live from April 9, 1977. I'm not including "Here Comes The Flood" as it would be in poor taste I think. This recording comes from a bootleg CD which I assume has been recorded elsewhere in better quality. My version has the classic "bootleg" sound, maybe there's a pristine version out there somewhere, but I sort of like the sound this show has. I've read a review which mentions Robert Fripp on guitar, but during "Modern Love" Peter introduces the band without Robert Fripp, however an audience member shouts out, "What about Robert Fripp man?". Was he there or wasn't he? A mystery to ponder. Enjoy!

Details

Theme Week: Progressive - Aphrodite's Child

2004-12-17T01:20:00.000-05:00

~~Aphrodite's Child - Babylon~~
[From The Album "666"]

Where Ya' Been? This is a busy time of year for me so I'll be in and out sporadically until the big day hits - Christmas. Until then, ~~here's a mystery track - tell me who it is and I'll send you a disc~~, a Christmas treat from Blogalive. This trio was fronted by a one-named greek artist who later wrote the soundtrack to the classic sci-fi movie adapted from "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by a favorite author of mine, Philip K. Dick. This track opens the bands' swansong double disc number-of-the-beast. Give me the band, album and track name. Cheers!

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Progressive - Grobschnitt

2004-12-03T18:27:00.000-05:00

~~Grobschnitt - Solar Music~~
~~Grobschnitt - Food Sicore~~
[From The Album "Solar Music Live" 1978]

If you're not a fan of German progressive rock of the seventies, click on over to another blog for today. While searching around the 'net for information regarding the band Grobschnitt (English translation: "Rough Cut"), I came across this little gem of a review for their classic live album "Solar Music Live":

"A progressive rock milestone. "Solar Music" evokes a perfect harmony between strong lyrics and heavy repertoires of long drum solos"

Ah yes, the marriage of strong lyrics and long drum solos... just what you've been looking for. (I also came across this comment: "Some call this the best live album of all time, and I would be tempted to agree"... huh? I don't know about that...) These guys eventually find themselves mired in the dreaded "symphonic rock" rut - the pedestrian cousin to progressive rock. But here they're proudly wearing their pointy hats, mixing effects-heavy vocal solos with Keith Emerson keyboard sweeps and showing off just how familiar they are with their better known English counterparts. They even convinced Roger Dean to design an Album cover. Grobschnitt may be a bit derivative, but this album is a well respected and classic prog / kraut performance from 1978. Take a listen and decide for yourself... [the two tracks run together]

Buy at Amazon

Soft Machine - BBC Radio 1971

2004-12-03T17:46:00.000-05:00

~~Soft Machine - Out Bloody Rageous~~
~~Soft Machine - Eamonn Andrews~~
~~Soft Machine - All White~~
[Live - BBC Studios 3/11/71]
[From The Album "Soft Machine Live"]

What do Daevid Allen from planet Gong, Robert Wyatt (Shleep, fantastic album BTW), William S. Burroughs, policeman Andy Summers and the instrumentalists Kevin Ayers and Mike Ratledge have in common? They've all spun around the hub of the Soft Machine wheel - except for Mr. Burroughs of course who's cranky ravings in "The Soft Machine" gave the band it's name. There are two distinct periods in the bands history: first was a brief Daevid Allen influenced trippy psychedelic machine, followed by a longer jazz inspired progressive period. I like both and consider them two different bands which happen to share the same name and a few members. These tracks obviously come from Soft Machine's jazzy, progressive, fusion period and were recorded live at BBC studios. The accompanying video is expectedly trippy (water & oil swirling on overhead projectors behind the band) but you can't deny these guys their chops. A handful of Jazz, a pinch of psychedelic fusion - light up and enjoy. [the three tracks run together]

These tracks come from an unauthorized CD. Other BBC sessions have been officially released: Buy at Amazon

Keith Jarrett - The Koln Concert

2004-11-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

~~Keith Jarrett - "Part IIa [partial]~~
[From The Album "The Koln Concert"]
[Koln, Germany - 01/24/75]

Anyone with a passing interest in Keith Jarrett knows the Koln Concert is his best selling album ever. [Album of the year, 1975 - Time Magazine] If you haven't yet experienced this recording, it's an improvised performance - he's just letting it happen, making it up as the piece progresses. Impressive technical abilities mix together with raw emotion to build improbable structures by force of will and ability alone. (As an aside, the Koln Concert has been transcribed for piano, can you believe that?) This is one of my all time favorite concerts - by anyone, anytime - so why sit on it. I'd like to know if anyone else is as emotionally transformed as I am when I hear this. I've played it enough times to know it note for note, and still remember just where I was my first time: I was walking across America (I did that once) and somewhere in California spent the night in the loft of a farmhouse that happened to have a record player and the Koln Concert. I didn't think such beauty was possible. The liner notes stated it was improvisation [whaaaa???]. I played it over and over 'til sunrise. Later I learned that once, when I was too young to remember, my Mother brought me along to a Keith Jarrett performance. She says he took the stage, sat down, leaned over the keyboard quietly until someone from the audience shouted something like, "D-Flat!" and Keith nodded and began to improvise. Thanks mom!

Buy at Amazon

Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant Massacree

2004-11-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

~~Arlo Guthrie - Alice's Restaurant Massacree~~
[From The Album "Alice's Restauraunt"]

Thanksgiving Song #3 - It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without Alice's Restaurant, all 18 minutes of it. Happy Thanksgiving.

Buy at Amazon

Adam Sandler - The Thanksgiving Song

2004-11-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

~~Adam Sandler - The Thanksgiving Song~~
[From The Album "They're All Gonna Laugh At You"]

Thanksgiving Song #2 - Enjoy!

Buy at Amazon

Think Tree - The Word

2004-11-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

~~Think Tree - The Word~~
[From The Album "Eight/Thirteen"]

Thanksgiving Song #1 - "Think Tree" were a local Boston band - Boston is considered 'local' to us here in tiny Providence, Rhode Island. They had a couple of hits, "Hire A Bird" from "Eight/Thirteen" and "Rattlesnake" from "Like The Idea". I don't think they received much attention outside of New England and Google wasn't able to add much in the way of biographies or photographs. "The Word" is meant to be humorous, half the track is musical performance, the other half is evangelical, preachy performance art. Or, well... you decide. And PLEASE - I'm begging, comments anyone? Just let me know whether you like this or not. Or just say hello. Or tell me where your Blog is, or your dogs name, I don't care... I feel like I'm in an M. Night Shyamalan movie - I know someone's out there - my stats counter tells me so - but it's a one way communication. I'm friendly, really. Thanks.

"Eight/Thirteen" is out of print. The follow up "Like The Idea", with the single Rattlesnake, is available at Amazon

Love Spit Love - Am I Wrong

2004-11-24T00:07:00.000-05:00

Love Spit Love - Wake Up
[San Francisco, CA - July 15, 1994]
Love Spit Love - Am I Wrong
[San Francisco, CA - July 15, 1994]

"Love Spit Love" is the second coming for Richard Butler of Psychedelic Furs fame. The band's debut album was released in 1992 with the hit single "Am I Wrong". I rather liked the album, and then... nothing for five years, until a second release on the Maverick label, and then another nine years pass and I guess Richard Butler is on to (ahem...) bigger and better things. These two tracks were recorded live for the radio station KFOG in San Francisco July 15, 1994. Enjoy - and please comment. Do you like these tracks? Any requests? Is this a first visit?

The album with the studio version of these songs is Love Spit Love

Fred Frith - Cage de Verre

2004-11-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

~~Fred Frith - Cage De Verre~~
[From The Album "Nous Autres"]
[Sorcerer Sound Studios, NY - 01/06/91]

I recently saw the Andy Goldsworthy documentary "Rivers and Tides". I recommend it if you're interested in his work, natural and temporary outdoor art installations. I couldn't help but thinking that the soundtrack reminded me of Fred Frith's solo guitar pieces and was surprised to see that in fact he had collaborated with the filmakers as writer and performer for much of the soundtrack. It's available everywhere: "Rivers and Tides (Working with Time)". Here, for your listening pleasure, is a live performance from January 1991, together with René Lussier, entitled "Cage de Verre" from the official release "Nous Autres".

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Acoustic - Martin Sexton [redux]

2004-11-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

~~Martin Sexton - Glory Bound~~
[Central Park, NY - July 19, 1997]
[From The Promo CD "Live IN NYC"]

Theme Week Zinger: a second live Martin track. Yesterday [11/18/04] I mentioned the Promo only "Live In NYC" CD and this version of "Glory Bound" is from that release. The original disc is hard to find however there [was] one up on ebay right now [ended 11/20]. But copies (CDR, mp3) aren't hard to find either. Enjoy - PS: I look forward to reading comments...

This is a promo only release. Ask Mr. Google or eBay...

Theme Week: Acoustic - Martin Sexton

2004-11-18T20:25:00.000-05:00

~~Martin Sexton - Beast In Me~~
[From The Album "Live Wide Open"]

~~Martin Sexton - Can't Stop Thinking About You~~
[The Iron Horse, Northhampton, MA, 1996]

Martin Sexton rocks. He's got soul. He's got talent. He's preacher and sinner and ready to reach right down and tear out his heart for you - and you'll still want more. The recording of "Beast In Me" comes from the official release "Live Wide Open" - finally a live release after 12 years... [There was a seven track, promo-only live EP released in 1999 titiled "Live In NYC" which is difficult to find] The studio version of "Beast In Me" is from the CD "The American" and he'd been playing it live for a while. "Can't Stop Thinking 'Bout You" is a quiet version recorded at the Iron Horse in North Hampton, MA in 1996. Martin Sexton allows taping, I'll post additional live shows in the future. In the meantime, check out this site.

Buy "Live Wide Open" at Amazon

Theme Week: Acoustic - Dave Matthews

2004-11-17T19:46:00.000-05:00

~~Dave Matthews - Stream~~
[From The Album "Live at Luther College"]
~~Dave Matthews - Lover Lay Down~~
[From The Album "Live at Luther College"]

Everyone knows who Dave Matthews is so I don't need to elaborate here. This particular live performance took place on February 6, 1996 prior to the release of "Crash" and "Before These Crowded Streets", before Dave Matthews was the hottest concert ticket around. So you'll hear excited fans, but thankfully not too many sloppy fair-weather fans singing along to every lyric. It's nice to hear familiar songs with the energy of a live show but with the hushed intimacy of a private performance. The recording is clean with Dave on guitar together with Tim Reynolds. The song "Stream" picks up where yesterday's "Mediterranean Sundance" left off, it's a quick flamenco style instrumental duet with Tim Reynolds. And "Lover Lay Down" shows off what Dave Matthews is best at, creating vivid images with his lyrics and technically difficult, yet easy to appreciate, guitar playing. This is an official release and still in print.

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Acoustic - John McLaughlin +

2004-11-16T22:42:00.000-05:00

~~Di Meola, McLaughlin, De Lucia - Mediterranean Sundance / Rio Ancho~~
[From The Album - "Friday Night In San Francisco"]

Spanish virtuoso Paco De Lucia, American born and bred Al Di Meola and Englishman John McLaughlin (from Miles Davis fame) sit down for a crazy Friday night in, you guessed it, San Francisco, where they wow fans with some very dextrous playing. Listen carefully for 16th & 32nd notes - seriously, they're that fast. Imagine if you will you're visiting a planet where the native intelligent life descended from avians, instead of shit throwing primates. Now imagine they pick up guitars, start playing and are, well, quite good actually. Maybe that's a stretch, but it's what I picture when I listen to "Mediterranean Sundance": flightless human sized birds (like David Brin's lavender scented avian "Gubru") pecking away at skittish flamenco and literally flying (get it, flying) on their guitars. I don't listen to this too often as I get a bit overwhelmed. It reminds me of how badly I suck on the guitar. But this is absolutely fantastic nonetheless. Pick it up if you like it as this is from an official release.

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Acoustic - Greg Brown

2004-11-15T19:46:00.000-05:00

~~Greg Brown - Canned Goods~~
[From The Album "The Live One"]

"I am weary of chickens
They look up at us with their small eyes
as if we were unimportant.
And we are.
But it's hard to take it from a damn chicken."

Greg Brown's voice may be down and dirty, but his lyrics and guitar playing will pick you up and drop you back down into a beautiful summer in America, a summer we wish we all knew. Greg Brown is as much a storyteller as musician and you really get a sense of who he is listening to his songs, moreso than many other songwriters. You can't help but think that these songs are all basically about him, "Canned Goods" included - he's talking about his own family, right? He can't just be making this stuff up. This song is just so damn sweet. An enjoyable ride. This track is from the officially released "The Live One". Check out his website: www.gregbrown.org

Buy at Amazon

Theme Week: Acoustic - Glen Phillips

2004-11-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

~~Glen Phillips - Everything Matters~~
[Messiah College, Grantham, PA 11/15/03]
~~Glen Phillips - Duck And Cover~~
[Messiah College, Grantham, PA 11/15/03]

Live from Messiah College, straight from Heaven itself, it's the son of god... just kidding. Nope, it's Glen Phillips, the first post for my first theme week - acoustic. This show is what I guess you'd call classic singer songwriter fare, or emo-folk if you're down with the kids. Competant guitar work, thoughtful singing, you know he's sincere. Very nice for a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy - more acoustic performances to folllow this week.

Get this entire show here

Jamiroquai - Finsbury Park 06/08/97

2004-11-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

~~Jamiroquai - Cosmic Girl~~
[London Finsbury Park · June 8th 1997]
~~Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity~~
[London Finsbury Park · June 8th 1997]

No matter what planet you're from Jamiroquai is ready to get your head bobbin'. They're in a category all by themselves - a little bit Stevie Wonder, a little bit of Prince and a whole lot of Jason Kay, lead singer, songwriter and driving force behind the band throughout a few line-up changes. Jamiroquai are huge in the U.K. - not so huge here in America. Whether you call it funk, soul, R&B or dance, they resonate with many types of fans. These tracks are from a CD titled "The Cosmic Ride". [Feel free to comment below or make requests]

These tracks are from an unreleased show. Check out "Jamiroquai - Live In Verona (2003)" at Amazon

Fugazi - Club Border, Burlington, VT.

2004-11-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

~~Fugazi - Officer Friendly / Two Beats Off~~
[Live at Club Border, Burlington, VT 1991]
~~Fugazi - Repeater~~
[Live at Club Border, Burlington, VT 1991]

Exact date unknown (did some searching, no luck - anyone know for sure?). Everyone should see Fugazi's "instrument". The band is relentless and has never lost their integrity - a rarity in todays music business, and they have suffered popularity due to it - but good for them. Offered here are two tracks from a typical live show. Check out the rest of the performance including between song political banter.

Get the complete show here

Prince [Redux] - Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic

2004-11-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

~~Prince - Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic~~
[Live 08/18/88, Paard Van Troje Holland]

I don't mean to repreat myself so early and I promise to post something else tonight, but I have requests for more from this show. Who knew there were still so many Prince fans around (and before you fire off an email, I'm a bigger fan than you are and can prove it - so I'm on your side...). This is another song from Prince's aftershow performance on Thursday, August 18th, 1988. A very energetic, upbeat and early version of Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, which later became the title track of a Prince album eleven years later. The James Brown theatrics are great, "No more! No more!... Kick some ass!". I guarantee you'll be up and moving by the end of this one. Another post tonight - promise.

Where to find: Ask around Prince fansites or mailing lists.

Todd Rundgren's Utopia - Fox Theater

2004-11-11T19:10:00.000-05:00

~~Utopia - Don't You ever learn~~
[Live 11/08/73]
~~Utopia - Black Maria~~
[Live 11/08/73]
~~Utopia - The Last Ride~~
[Live 11/08/73]

What hasn't Todd Rundgren done? He wears the hats of "...songwriter, video pioneer, producer, recording artist, computer software developer, conceptualist, interactive artist, and CEO, Rundgren has made a lasting impact on the form, content, and delivery of popular music..." So says his biography. I've always found Todd Rundgren to be intriguing in that "older brother's music" sort of way. It's impressive that he wrote, performed and produced entirely on his own the "Something/Anything?" album - you know, the one with "Hello It's Me". A talented guy, 'nuff said. These tracks are from a 45 minute radio broadcast including the bubbly DJ ("Todd who? Hey, it's only my day job"). Enjoy. Comments?

This is an unreleased show. Search for: "Todd Rundgren - Fox Theater"

XTC - Scissor Man

2004-11-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

~~XTC - Scissor Man~~
[Live 04/17/81]
~~XTC - Making Plans For Nigel~~
[Live 04/17/81]
~~XTC - Generals And Majors~~
[Live 04/17/81]

I thought XTC never played live? They're a bit rushed here, maybe the rumors are true and Andy Partridge is just flying through the set to get off stage and sulk in the dressing room. XTC was one of the first college radio bands that turned me away from spoon-fed "popular" radio and I will always have a soft spot for English Settlement. I bought it on vinyl, and then cassette and now own the CD - and record companies wonder why we hate them... Anywhy, here are three tracks from a rare 1981 performance.

More Here

Pete Townshend - Slit Skirts

2004-11-10T20:46:00.000-05:00

~~Pete Townshend - Slit Skirts~~
[Live 04/30/97]
~~Pete Townshend - Won't Get Fooled Again~~
[Live 04/28/96]

"Let's see if I can break the rest!". Pete just about loses all six strings performing a spirited acoustic version of "Won't Get Fooled Again" at the 1996 VH1 Honors show. The sentiments of the song are just as vital and important today as they were in 1971, especially considering the recent election results. Despite his recent brush with the law, I still think Pete Townshend has something important to say. Take "Slit Skirts" for example - you know he's ripping his heart out for us, though honestly I'm not so sure exactly what he's trying to say. Two emotional performances - one in your face, one from the heart.

Search Limewire or fansites for more from these shows.

Tabla Beat Science - Satellite

2004-11-09T21:07:00.000-05:00

~~Tabla Beat Science - Satellite~~
[From The CD "Live in San Francisco at Stern Grove "]

The ubiquitous Bill Laswell drops by the Asian Underground scene, pulls together a few regulars, exchanges introductions all around and the result is Tabla Beat Science. Highly spirited and technically proficient, they're further progressing what Talvin Singh, Future Soundz Of India, Asian Dub Foundation and others started almost a decade ago (can you believe it?). Nice use of studio tweaking - such as Matthew Herbert, Akufen, etc - which adds a contemporary twist to otherwise traditional musical roots, without any obvious turntable tricks. The track "Satellite" on disc 2 is soaring and spirited and should be played loud enough to awaken your soul and your neighbors.

Easily available. Buy at Amazon
[There's a Tabla Beat Science DVD out there, has anyone viewed this?]

PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love

2004-11-09T18:14:00.000-05:00

~~PJ Harvey - To Bring You My Love~~
[11/08/98 Water Festival, Stockholm]

PJ Harvey - we're all familiar with her songs covering topics such as tortured psychosis, lost love, bodily functions and revenge. This track toes the line but sounds sweet and yearning at the same time. Recorded in Stockholm during the "Is This Desire?" tour. An FM Broadcast, though you wouldn't know it.

This is an unofficial release. My copy is a CD on the Moonraker label titled Desire Road.

Ellen McIlwaine - Weird Of Hermiston

2004-11-09T18:01:00.000-05:00

~~Ellen McIlwaine - Weird Of Hermiston~~
[From The Album "Up From The Skies"]

A little bit Bonnie Raitt, Joni and Joplin with guitar skills and no fear of belting one out - that's what you get with Ellen McIlwaine. She missed the boat in the late sixties - maybe all that clean Canadian air kept her out of Los Angeles, and the spotlight, either way she's not as well known as her contemporaries (as John Martyn is to Nick Drake) but still there's something she captured of the time in her voice and guitar. I only wish the audience was a little more enthusiastic. ("oh, is it time to clap?")

This one's still in print and available everywhere. Buy at Amazon

Gong - Can You: You Can

2004-11-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

~~Gong - Can You : You Can~~
[From The Album "Shapeshifter"]

The Gong family sprouted in merry old England smokin' weed and sipping tea during the early days of the new hippie culture. Living together communally they hit it big (relatively) with a trio of early albums and haven't stopped since. Surprisingly, even recent recordings are rather good. True to their mission, they're still wearing pointy hats, pixie dancing and rallying against "the man". This track from "Shapeshifter" shows off their well oiled jam band chops - these guys were noodling before Phish were out of diapers. The CD mostly contains studio tracks, but live Gong is pretty easy to find as the band allows taping - I was able to video tape Gong at Mama Kin's in Boston, Massachusetts on the Shapeshifter tour.

Shapeshifter is still in print Buy at Amazon

Prince - Housequake

2004-11-09T10:17:00.000-05:00

~~Prince - Housequake~~
[Live 08/18/88, Paard Van Troje Holland]

"Knock Knock" - "Who's There?" - "Joe..." - "Joe who?"... This live recording of "Housequake" (From "Sign O' The Times") comes from what is perhaps one of the best Prince live shows circulating. A soundboard recording, the complete show is around two hours long. It's easily found on CD, try trading or search Limewire. The show is commonly known as "Small Club". Prince is in a fun & friendly mood, telling jokes, very loose & funky. 1987-88 was a creative and challenging period from Prince's otherwise inconsistent career.

Ask around Prince fansites - every fan should have a recording of this.

Led Zeppelin - Friends

2004-11-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

~~Led Zeppelin - Friends~~
[Live 1970 - source & exact date unknown]

Led Zeppelin rocked harder and heavier than anyone, especially in the early 70's. However "Friends", from their third album (remember those?) creatively titled "III", shows off their softer, folky side. I like this live version because of the added sitar & what sounds like tabla. Starts off slow, the boys don't show up until a minute into the song, very nice.

This is not an official release, however check out How The West Was Won (CD) Also available on DVD - highly recommended.

Post Prime [with Robert Fripp]

2004-11-08T22:43:00.000-05:00

~~League Of Gentlemen - Dislocated~~
[From The Album "Thrang Thrang Gozinbulx"]

Robert Fripp bops, hops and flies on the guitar. Not quite post-punk, more like messy, punky virtuosity. Fripp's playing is as always complex and intricate while the rest of the band (coming from a punk background) add enough energy to avoid pretentious noodling. The League of Gentlemen played a total of 77 gigs between April and November of 1980. This official album features the original line-up

"Thang Thrang Gozinbulx" is still in print. Try Amazon