Here's a question that came up today as the family and I were driving to the grocery store. If you had to limit your musical listening to exactly one band (or artist), who would it be?
The question came up as we backed out of the driveway with Squeeze's "Another Nail in My Heart" on the radio. It's not the first (or second or third) Squeeze song that comes to mind, but it's a darn good song. My wife went one further, saying that -- now that she's thinking of it -- if she had to only listen to one band for the rest of her life, it would be Squeeze.
Now, Squeeze wouldn't be my choice. I'd probably go for The Clash for sheer variety -- there's garage rock, punk, ska, dub and pop in The Clash catalog. So I throw it out there -- if you had to listen to one artist -- and only one artist -- forever, who would it be?
Christmas songs fascinate me. Hundred of thousands of songs are recoded and played for 30 days straight, and then disappear until the next year to do it all over again. I like Christmas songs. There are good ones and bad ones, originals, and poor covers of songs. For today's Three for the Road, I choose three that you probably know, but are not radio mainstays. Don't get me wrong, Springsteen, Sinatra, Andy Williams,Vince Guaraldi, and even the Waitresses are special, but I thought, why not look at three that I would be glad to sing along with in the car.
"I Wish it Was Christmas Today." - Julian Casablancas
Originally written and performed on Saturday Night Live by Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, and the dancing styles of Tracy Morgan, this song has been a reoccurring skit that has been done live several times. The Strokes voice, Julian Casablancas obviously got the joke and covered it. Something about it is catchy.
"Mele Kalikamaka" - The Puppini Sisters
An odd holiday song, but the cover by the "Swing Punk" trio (they are not really sisters) is clean and peppy. Their influences range from the Andrew Sisters and Fred Astaire to the Smiths and Tom Waits. I couldn't even tell you how I found them.
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McLachlan
There is something pure and simple in this version from our neighbors up North that I really like. Funny, for neither the group of the founder of the Lilith Fair do much for me otherwise, but this version lakes me back to, what I imagine, are simpler times.
The most recent Rolling Stone magazine came up with their 25 best live albums (in no particular order.) They did a decent job covering a pretty wide spectrum. Before looking, I tried to come up with my five favorite (not saying best) live records. I specifically took into account some that were major influences to my musical tastes, or that I still listen to live. Great records like "Live at the Fillmore," "Kiss - Alive!" "Live at the Apollo" or "Stop Making Sense" do not make the cut for these reasons. Feel free to post whatever you feel is deserving or was omitted.
Neil Young - Live Rust.
A favorite of mine. So many great songs. Much like many great live records (Cheap Trick's Live at Budakon, or Frampton Comes Alive comes to mind), the performance of these are better than their studio versions. CD's might not do this record justice, as it came out with side A being acoustic, and side B being electric. So many great performances. "Powderfinger," "Like a Hurricane," and even "Lotta Love," just make this record such a classic.
Grateful Dead - Live Europe '72
You cannot discuss live music without including the Dead. I know, with all the Dick's picks, and vast catalog of liver recordings, to go with this one makes me look like a poser. This record turned me on to so many great Dead songs. Dead worlds collided on this record as it was the last one with Pigpen, but also the first to feature the Godchauxs. A true classic.
Bruce Springsteen - Live '75-'85
This one is kind of a cheat, but I must include it. Christmas 1985 my parents bought me a cd player. I was the first kid I knew to have one. With it I received this box set. I wasn't a hug fan of Springsteen at the time, but my parents (my mom, who helped form my musical tastes) felt it was an essential set to have. I must have listened to it in its entirety and shuffled for a few years. I can still do Bruce's "rap" before the River" or "Growin' Up." Cannot say I play much off of it anymore, but boy, did they create a serious foundation for my musical tastes.
Nirvana - Unplugged
Never has an album, so stripped down, shown the true talents of a band like this "unplugged." Kurt Cobain was struggling with drug withdrawal and nervousness at the time, and things were very tense going into that performance. What made this special and different than all the other "unplugged" shows, Nirvana did these song sin one take, like a true live show. I love that Nirvana shied away from the "hits" and played 6 covers. The songs with the Meat Puppets really showed the talents of the group.
Not a true, live concert performance, but a live recording, none the less. The Stones put out various live recordings, but this 1968 Jagger-based concept is something most causal Stones fans have never seen. Based off of a circus theme, the Stones gathered up some strong acts such as the Who, Jethro Tull, and the Dirty Mac to perform. The performance was supposed to air on the BBC, but the Stones felt it was substandard and fought its release until 1996. Their performance of "Sympathy for the Devil" alone is worth this recording.
When I was in college, I was heavily into the Doors. around the same time, the Oliver Stone movie came out, and Val Kilmer put on a performance truly becoming the lizard king. I own every record they put out. I have read countless biographies on them. Yet, I rarely listen to them now days. Picking three songs is not an easy task, but it should be a fun one.
1. "The Soft Parade." On their fourth album, Morrison is deep into his poetry and alcoholism, and Robbie Kreiger has to step forth and really give a presence to the album. This one is all Jim. From the sermon at the beginning to the poppy middle and odd lyrics, to the heavy blues based ending. It is a bizarre masterpiece. The band did not perform this song live often, but did record it for a PBS special. Organist Ray Manzarek later called the performance "A mother... all four Doors in perfect sympatico". It also features a rare bearded Morrison. "The Monk...bought...lunch!"
2. "Hello, I Love You."
Surprisingly, my last two come from Waiting for the Sun, my least favorite album from the Doors. The songs are fine, it just doesn't flow conceptually as well as Morrison Hotel, or the self titled Doors. This to me, is their best radio friendly single. A cool groove, a spacy, slow motion bridge, and Morrison screaming "HELLO!" to end the song. the video, shot on a Paris street, was one that caught my attention to the coolness that is Jim Morrison.
3. "Love Street." A contrast to "The Soft Parade" and the radio-friendly, "Hello, I Love You," is this nice little ode to his wife, Pam, and a simple moment of happiness he found while sitting on the front porch of his Laurel Canyon home. A simple little poem that features a little spoken-word. Pleasant, and what I feel, was the closest to a love song Morrison has gotten.
Congratulations go out to Rush & Public Enemy for their acceptance into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Both groups have led to a few discussions by the boys of the Discordants.
Rush, although eligible since 1998, were only put on the ballot for the first time. The Canadian trio are something that girls just cannot understand, but seems to resonate with most 30+ men. The master drummer & lyricist, the quiet guitar soloist, the bass, playing, keyboard playing high pitched lead singer make up a group that has spanned almost 40 years. They deserve their moment in the limelight.
Public Enemy was just discussed in our Three for the Road: Hip-hop post. I will share this little anecdote. About 20 years ago, my father was flying (1st class.) when he returned home, I remember him telling this story that he sat next to this strange man. He was African-American with gold teeth. He had a baseball hat with a top hat on top of it, and he wore this giant clock around his neck. He was on a cellular phone (before it was common to have one) the whole time. My mother cracked up, and I was floored to know my dad brushed with a legend - only he thought the guy was crazy. Keep on fightin' the power boys!
Has there been an artist who has had more relevance for as long as David Bowie has? He's been pushing the envelope on many levels -- music, visual arts -- for decades. But having said that, my picks all come from the 1970s -- here goes:
"Heroes" - We had a German language version of this song growing up ("Helden") and even that was good.
"Starman" - I always love Bowie's soaring choruses -- like on this track and also on "Life on Mars" (which admittedly I probably like because of its inclusion in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou).
"Kooks" - Always a fan of this one -- and even more so now that I'm a dad.
Notice, no inclusion of "The Laughing Gnome." And that wasn't an oversight on my part. By the way, Bowie's five-borough tour in New York City a few years ago was one of the highlights of my concert-going life.
As I was taking care of me weekly grocery shopping, I strolled through the magazine department to look at my usual favorites (Car & Driver, Men's Health, Rolling Stone, etc.) when I saw the cover of the newest Rolling Stone magazine featuring the 50 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. The top portion of the chart is filled with many old school rap, which, like most Rolling Stone charts, plays ode to pioneers and ground breakers. So this led me to my "Three for the Road" for today. Three hip-hop songs. I excluded all Beastie Boys songs, out of an unfair bias. Still, I had a hard time whittling down the list to just three. So, with all respect to Jay Z and Kanye West, who both JUST missed out with "Jesus Walks" & "Big Pimpin'" respectfully, here are my three.
"Peter Piper" - Run-DMC.
I practically wore out my Raising Hell cassette, not because of "Walk the Way," but because of this song. So much of the newer hip-hop owes respect to Jam Master Jay for sampling so many classics that show up in today's rap world: the bell, video games, and some fine scratching. Awesome!
"Can't Truss It" - Public Enemy
Truly one of the pioneering hip-hop groups. So powerful. Chuck D.'s vocals are so booming, intertwined with the playful interjections of Flavor Flav. Mix that with the live presentation of Professor Griff, and the mixing of Terminator X, and this group was the coolest around. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb listening to this, but you cannot go against greatness. Most people do not choose a song form their later catalog, but it's quality. The video was also a solid and striking one. I still get ticked when I see the baby, and it's the slave masters!
"My Mind's Playing Trick's on Me" - Geto Boys
In my mind, this is the greatest hip-hop song of all time. Gald to see it got soem respect form RS, coming in at #5. Scarface tells about how he is delusional and cannot handle his new day to day life. He was supposed to do all three verses, but then Bushwick Bill comes through with a gem. This group was so hardcore, that when Bill suffered a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the eye, the boys met him at the hospital and posed for a photo that would later become the cover art for the album.
Maybe I'm pushing it a little too hard. But the new song from Bob Mould proves the ex-Husker Du and Sugar frontman is back at the top of his game. It's called "The Descent" and even my kids like the video.
I bought a new car today. So now I have cars. Plural. And that got me thinking about today's Three for the Road entry, about classic rock's favorite new wave band. The Cars came out of Boston in the late 70s and were pegged as part of the new wave, but with guitars AND synths they were acceptable to mainstream rock and today remain unique in their status as the only new wave band in the classic rock pantheon. And they were one of the first new bands I listened to as a kid and kind of got into -- you know, knowing the band members by name and instrument and all that. Definitely brings me back to my youth.
Needless to say, they've been an influence - albeit an understated one - on a lot of bands, and they've had a bunch of great songs. Here are my three:
1) "Let's Go" - I like the nightlife, baby. OK, this is an obvious choice for the leadoff spot, but too bad.
2) "It's All I Can Do" - The highlights for me are Greg Hawkes' synths over Benjamin Orr's chorus, and the great interplay between Hawkes and Elliot Easton's guitar solo.By the way, that's two-for-two off Candy-O.
3) "Moving in Stereo" - Let's give Hawkes his full due on this one -- he partially wrote the song, from the band's debut album. Not sure who gets credit for the great line "Life's the same, except for my shoes."
What's the last musical purchase you made? Yesterday, I picked up a used copy of the 1973 Krautrock classic Future Days by Can. It was $6.99 at Academy Records in New York. What a deal! And, like our recent posts about the Grateful Dead, Can's at heart a jam band. Check out the title track of Future Days.
For today, I tried to go with a band that has such a vast catalog that we wouldn't share a song. I had a very hard time picking the three songs to go with. Here is what I came up with (and I'm still debating #3 as I type.)
1. Jack Straw. Something tugs at my heartstrings as we learn of two forced outlaws where one has to kill the other just to be able to stay on the run. It is one of the few Dead songs that have Jerry and Bob trade the lead vocals. I still love the line "We use to play for silver, now we play for life." The slow start which picks up pace is the best opener to get moving.
2. Brown-Eyed Women. Another song that tells a story of a time and place of the American past, that sounds romantic. So much to like here. The band gets into a nice groove that allows Jerry to freestyle in between verses. It has a catchy chorus to sing along with and a nice, soft ending. A very underrated Dead song.
3. Box of Rain. A masterpiece. Written by Phil Lesh to his dying father. I melt with this song. So emotional. The harmonies following Phil's lead are just a thing of beauty. The sweeping slide guitar of Jerry, and the drum fills just make this, in my opinion one of the greatest songs of all time. I almost didn't go with this, for it's not truly a car song. I debated "U.S. Blues," "New Speedway Boogie," "Ramble on Rose," among so many other gems. Good luck!
When people begin their foray into Jazz, they go to Coltrane, Armstrong, Holliday, Gillespe, Monk, or even Miles Davis. For me, it was Dave Brubeck. The first time I heard "Take Five" I was mesmerized. Something about it just screamed cool. I even remember Infiniti using it to sell cars early on in their birth. The Quartet made many great songs like "Take the 'A' Train," "Blue Rondo a la Turk" & "Unsquare Dance" which have been used in countless movies. Dave was 91.
I enjoyed today's balmy weather by taking the day off. I'm owed a lot of time at work after what has been a busy year, and it was just luck of the draw that I took off on a December day when temperatures reached the 60s. In any case, I was driving by the local high school during their lunch hour -- this was not planned, I'm not one of those pathetic losers -- windows down and "How Soon is Now" playing loudly in my sensible family station wagon. And that little anecdote leads to my Three for the Road, Smiths edition:
1) "Hand in Glove" - It fades up on Marr's guitar riffs and then that harmonica kicks in and it's gold. Johnny Marr at his finest.
2) "Half a Person" - "Sixteen clumsy and shy" pretty much sums up the Smiths for me.
3) "The Headmaster Ritual" - A song after your own heart -- about public education.
As a middle school teacher, I am surrounded by kids who love Beiber, One Direction and Ke$ha. I usually am listening to music on my prep period while I work. As my sixth period shuffles in, they usually are curious as to what I am listening to. They also love to give requests - mostly to songs I would never be playing. But, for some strange reason, this class loves to request RUSH. Guys, girls, you name it. Strange to see a 12 year old girl ask for "Tom Sawyer." So, if you need three by the Canadian trio, here is what I would go with:
1. "Spirit of the Radio": It is a great wake up song as it tells of getting in your car and starting your day, only to be influenced by commercialism. It also features Geddy Lee hitting astronomical high notes with the words, "...of salesmen."
2. "Closer to the Heart": name anotehr song that uses bells so well. It interrupts the song only to bring it back to the next verse. I actually think it's a nice song.
3. "Fly by Night" : Is there an automobile company that better implements music than Volkswagen? From "Da, Da, Da" to this gem, which is, by far, my favorite commercial of the year.
I happily read the feature article in this Sunday's New York Times about the reunification of Graham Parker with his old band-mates, The Rumour. And yet I can probably only name one friend of mine who actually likes Graham Parker - and he's over 60.
According to the Times, Parker "anticipated the energy of punk and set the bar for smart, literate lyrics married to a danceable beat." And while critics here in the States compared the band to Bruce Springsteen, American record buyers didn't. And Parker - at least in this country - faded into oblivion.
But now Graham and his mates are back together thanks in large part to Judd Apatow, who cast them in the new movie "This is 40" as a once-famous band whose career is revived -- no stretch there.
And that got me singing one of Parker's best and best-known songs, "Discovering Japan". If you're unfamiliar with Parker's work, or the great 1979 album Squeezing Out Sparks, I encourage you to listen to it.
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