The Band Guestbook, October 2013

Entered at Thu Oct 31 23:42:54 CET 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: 'One day'

Sounds good to me. 'So it shall be written, so it shall be done." The island is a beautiful place. Some Canadians never get to see it. That is sad because its about as good as it gets on this side of the pond. (maybe a few places match it but no place beats it).

Entered at Thu Oct 31 23:29:39 CET 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Lindi Ortega in Victoria BC

Any of you captivated by both a beautiful city and a beautiful voice and with a penchant for travelling should consider Lucky Bar in Victoria on Nov. 14 2013 (I think that is the correct date) to hear Lindi Ortega perform. (with a Cuddy offspring apparently opening) This small venue seems to capture some excellent performers over the years. Keep it in mind as she tours. Not a bad place to be as the cold sets in. I am a big fan of small venues (Hugh's Room Toronto, even small halls like Massey in Toronto or MacPherson in Victoria - the best shows happen in those places. One of my favourite Dylan shows occurred in the Masonic Temple on Yonge St. in I think '94 (of course next to the 15.11. 65 show with Levon and the Hawks at Massey Hall).

Entered at Thu Oct 31 23:25:29 CET 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Name Sake

Thank you Jerry. It's not far fetched to think of sitting at the teak table by the bar up on top deck sipping a cold one of your choice, (under the Bimini cover) one day.

This summer when we anchored in the lee of Harwood Island, and had Susan's son Ken and his wife Crystal pledge their wedding vows, it was a beautiful summer day.

We enjoyed the soft summer breeze, I played them a couple of songs on my guitar while we all sat on that top deck. We counted our blessings in a small quiet group. To each his own for what you really enjoy, but for me, that was as good as it gets.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 23:09:23 CET 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: 'Rockin' Chair'

'Rockin' Chair' has never been lost for me. It has always been one of my favourite Band songs. To me, it forms the essence of what I love about The Band (along with TNTDODD, 'Chest Fever' and 'Long Black Veil.'. For Rockin' Chair,it is the vocals with the exquisite subtle evocative musical backdrop that brings back so many memories of good sweet times. A boat in the hands of the salt of the earth is fortunate to have this beautiful song as its namesake.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 21:40:21 CET 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Festival Express

Jimmy; Rockin Chair has never been forgotten by some of us. You need to do the search on youtube, so you can watch them play it in Calgary on the Festival Express tour.

My friend Lars Pedersen here, is an old sailor from the Navy of the vintage Vietnam era.

Lars came to Vancouver Island to visit me a few years back. We were out on my boat fishing prawns. I now own a 54 foot Monk McQueen motor yacht that is named Rockin Chair for the song, and for the fact that is my "Rockin Chair" where I intend to spend my golden years. Just wandering around our coast with my wife. Fishing crabs, walking beaches and enjoying our wild life.

I wish there was a way I could put a picture here so every one could see the "Rockin Chair".

Entered at Thu Oct 31 20:21:32 CET 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 31 19:26:47 CET 2013 from (97.81.222.55)

Jimmy Nelson

Subject: 'Rockin' Chair' is a great lost treasure from the Band. Nice to see it get some love!

Entered at Thu Oct 31 18:52:25 CET 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Great find. Thanks

Entered at Thu Oct 31 18:46:13 CET 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Thu Oct 31 16:24:59 CET 2013 from (174.89.105.117)

brown eyed girl

Thank you Al.....A lot of emotions as he represented to me a club to join that all who felt alienated, misunderstood and struggling with demons.....could freely join. He really was an artist as he could have taken over his father's accounting firm but chose not to and followed what he needed to do.....express himself through words and music. He was out there at a time when being different wasn't really tolerated and yet he didn't let anyone stop him. It's no wonder that his shield was his nastiness at times. I get it....Can you imagine your own family making you go to have electro-shock treatments? (Kill Your Sons from Sally Can't Dance addresses this)......All his life.....He just wanted to be loved by his own family.....(Families from The Bells recording addresses this). I only hope I can have half the strength he showed during difficult times....Glory of love, glory of love, glory of love, just might come through....My new mantra.

I never had the chance to meet him. I did see him perform a few times at Massey Hall and one time at the Kingswood Theatre. Also, was very fortunate to see him read his poetry along with Jim Carroll in Toronto.

Btw Al, in case you didn't know....Bruuuuce was on one of Louuuu's recordings....."Street Hassle (1978). Reed combined studio tracks with live tapes for this ambitious work, which features a spoken-word section by an uncredited Bruce Springsteen (Oh no Louuuu!) on Street Hassle: Slipaway."

Link is to the complete song this time of one of Louuuu's most beautiful love songs......

Entered at Thu Oct 31 15:57:48 CET 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

'British music journalist Charles Shaar Murray told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Reed "completely changed the cultural landscape we inhabit". Mr Murray added that Reed "did not suffer fools... or journalists gladly", adding that "he was not considered a likeable man, except by his closest friends". He used the "deliberate withholding of charm as a weapon" and "performed to a smallish but loyal audience sufficient in number to sustain a comfortable lifestyle"."

Entered at Thu Oct 31 15:37:05 CET 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

I guess you must be really feeling it kiddo, such was your touching devotion to the man. Been there a few times with my own icons and it's as if a close friend or relative has gone. He stood out as a true innovator in music at a time when there was a glut of real musical giants who walked the earth. And that is really quite something. There won't be another one like him, that's for sure.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 14:57:08 CET 2013 from (174.89.105.117)

brown eyed girl

RICK DANKO JOINS THE HAWKS - 1961

An interview with drummer Glen Silverthorn, who played in the Starlights with Rick Danko in the Simcoe area from 1959 to 1961.
Recorded at the Port Dover Harbour Museum on March 28, 2013.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 14:48:23 CET 2013 from (174.89.105.117)

brown eyed girl

THE BAND 7/8/91
Richie Havens joins for encore.
Arrowhead Ranch. Sullivan County NY.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 14:46:18 CET 2013 from (174.89.105.117)

brown eyed girl

THE Reformed BAND 7/8/91.
Billy Preston's "Will it Go Round in Circles".
Arrowhead Ranch. Sullivan Country NY. + "Life is a Carnival".

Entered at Thu Oct 31 14:36:09 CET 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Entered at Thu Oct 31 11:53:11 CET 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Subject: Lindi Ortega

Cheers for that tip Calvin.

Looks like we're talking of something pretty special in the vocal department

Certainly be following it up. She's in Liverpool in the early new year. Just booked.

The link is a stunning vocal of I'm on Fire

What exactly is it they put in the water in Toronto to stimulate the tonsils this way? Richard, Rick, that other woman who's name escapes me and now this new magical voice.

:-0)

Entered at Thu Oct 31 05:20:46 CET 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Just a Suggestion, but if you hadnt listen to Lindi Ortega-the link will take you a song on you tube-a young Canadian who has dove into Americana-actually old school country-and just has an amazing voice. Colin Linden Produced her 2cd album as well.

I just got back from seeing her for a 2cd time and am convinced she is an emerging talent.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 01:58:06 CET 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Tom Stoppard's "Rock'n'Roll"

We happened to catch this play in San Francisco. In this Wiki link, you will see mention of The Plastic People of the Universe. Note their involvement with the Prague production of the play.

There was also the Velvet Revolution, of course.

Incidentally, my wife and I got to shake Vaclav Havel's hand at an after-show for a Suzanne Vega concert in Pargue, a few years back. It's an extended story involving several chance occurences.

Entered at Thu Oct 31 00:10:35 CET 2013 from (174.89.94.151)

brown eyed girl

I remember in school maybe two of us were into Louuu. Two very innocent adolescent gals who were drawn to this Coney Island Baby...Louuuu.

Entered at Wed Oct 30 23:55:07 CET 2013 from (174.89.94.151)

brown eyed girl

"JOYLESSNESS was an Achilles heel of Communist rule in Europe. The portly grey men who ran the show wanted tightly scripted and uplifting culture, not the subversive improvisation of the 1960s. After Soviet tanks crushed Czechoslovakia's Prague Spring in 1968, all performing musicians were vetted for loyalty to the new regime. The criteria included: no English lyric or band names, and no long hair. “Plastic People of the Universe” failed on all counts.

Their inspiration was America's “Velvet Underground”, a band managed by Andy Warhol which had been a spectacular commercial failure, but a cultural landmark. Until the mid-1970s, the Plastic People performed semi-legally, ostensibly illustrating (rather brief) lectures on music by their Svengali, the poet Ivan Jirous. But the Czechs came for the music. Even second-hand, the mordant, irreverent lyrics of Lou Reed brought comfort and hope."

On Monday (day after Louuu's passing) even our BNN (Business News Network) channel, Andrew McCreath acknowledged Louuuu's passing before he began his financial reports. Louuu is very well known in the world and if you were fortunate to appreciate him.....He helped you deal with darkness by always allowing some light to peak in and finally let you come through......

Entered at Wed Oct 30 22:26:30 CET 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Subject: Nenad Bach

Great to see new discoveries. Never knew there was a video of this. See link above for info. about CD releases.

Entered at Wed Oct 30 21:19:41 CET 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Wed Oct 30 20:34:43 CET 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 30 20:31:24 CET 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 30 20:29:35 CET 2013 from (88.171.122.91)

Uspilone

Paul Simon is 72 years since the October 13, 2013, and reminds you that I was born in 1941 already.

Entered at Wed Oct 30 20:18:10 CET 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Oct 30 19:56:44 CET 2013 from (92.18.161.232)

Solomon

Subject: Can We Go Higher? A Song for the Victims of War - 1992

Nenad Bach is joined by Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, The Indigo Girls, Richie Havens in a recording to benefit victims of the war in Croatia and Bosnia.

Entered at Wed Oct 30 17:52:56 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

While I purchased several of Lou Reed's solo albums, I never had any interest in the Velvet Underground. After being exposed to their music when friends played it, I realized, however innovative, it just wasn't my cup of tea. As Mr. Reed matured as an artist and honed his skills, I found his music compelling.

Entered at Wed Oct 30 17:52:34 CET 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Front Page

Joan: Thank you for letting us know that Lou Reed appeared on the front page. He is 'one of their own' and that is 'proper'. There is an interesting article in the NY Times in the last day or two from chefs in local restaurants and their relationships with Mr. Reed. It gives a slightly different perspective on him and is worth a read.

Entered at Wed Oct 30 17:47:03 CET 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

The NY Times had Lou Reeds obit on the front page, Granted it was below the fold, but front page nonetheless

Entered at Wed Oct 30 00:26:01 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I will proudly admit to buying the third VU album when it was still 'the latest album' even if not immediately on release. Loaded was the day it came out. The Guardian had the Eno quote as 30,000 bought the first album and they all formed bands. I has remembered it as 3000, which sounds more likely.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 22:38:38 CET 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

I have been following the journalists' comments regarding Lou Reed. The praise that has been given to his innovative creativity is correct and appropriate. It was not always so. Where were these comments and acknowledgements over the past 40 years (with a few exceptions)? It is once again a case of not acknowledging enormous impact because of issues other than the artistic creativity (he was difficult, he had a different lifestyle, he did not conform, he didn't tow the line with the rock journalists, etc. etc. etc.). It is the same brilliance that Lou Reed always had and demonstrated but some just couldn't get around the extraneous issues. Lou Reed deserves prominence as do many others who have been overlooked. As I said, he had an 'indie' heart (one like Bob Dylan and a few others in those earlier times) that led the way for others. I wonder how many could say that they bought the records when they first came out? Not many.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 19:16:37 CET 2013 from (88.171.122.91)

Zouice Felon

Some musicians are very important in our daily life, to cheer us up in this time of crisis.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 19:03:10 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Alexis Petridis obit in The Guardian ends with a Lou Reed quote. It’s discussing one of his last interviews.

PETRIDIS: He came up with a flat rejection of any attempt to make sense of a 55-year long recording career that had transformed rock, and a line that could stand as his epitaph: “I am what I am, It is what it is. And,’ he added, ‘fuck you.’

Entered at Tue Oct 29 16:48:45 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Solomon: I reminded of one of the many famous Ronnie Hawkins tales. It seems The Hawk once fired keyboardist David Foster for playing an additional second chord in "Bo Diddley."

Entered at Tue Oct 29 16:33:24 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Oct 29 16:30:13 CET 2013 from (92.18.199.255)

Solomon

Till the Night Is Gone is one of the best tribute albums! The only song on it I didn't particularly like was the Brian Wilson version of Sweets For My Sweet.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 16:19:36 CET 2013 from (92.18.199.255)

Solomon

Subject: R.I.P. Lou Reed "One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz."

In the mid-1960s, when the Velvet Underground was first trying to make it, someone, possibly Andy Warhol, was trying to get Dylan to see Lou Reed's young band. Robbie Robertson went to see the Velvets instead, and was not impressed. Referring to Reed, Robertson said, "That guitar player, he ain't nothin' ". Reed retorted by saying that Dylan's songs were "marijuana leftovers", and something like "Dylan is the type of person you'd want to punch out at a party."

Entered at Tue Oct 29 16:15:30 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Louuuu's Magic

One of the last projects Lou Reed worked on was for the recently previewed documentary film "A.K.A. Doc Pomus." As part of the narration, it includes Mr. Reed reciting from the personal journals of the legendary songwriter, who was a close friend of Mr. Reed.

In 1995 The Band took part in the Doc Pomus tribute compilation "Till the Night Is Gone," which included their cover of "Young Blood," featuring a rare vocal by Garth. Lou Reed recorded a version of "This Magic Moment" (link above). Other highlights included Dylan's "Boogie Woogie Country Girl," Shawn Colvin's "Viva Las Vegas," Los Lobos' "Lonely Avenue," and Aaron Neville's "Save the Last Dance For Me." Actually, every cover version included on the CD is excellent in my opinion, so I apologize for those I omitted.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 15:31:22 CET 2013 from (88.171.122.91)

Gizone

Lou Reed est décédé le 27 octobre 2013 à Southampton, il était âgé de 71 ans pour info.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 14:18:39 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Oct 29 13:29:06 CET 2013 from (217.159.246.52)

Peter

Subject: RIP Lou Reed

RIP Lou Reed, Your music and soul will forever live on among us!

Entered at Tue Oct 29 12:21:48 CET 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

It's pretty true. The album was too outré for most tastes (personally, I thought zappa and beef heart were more skilled at that type of thing). But the claim made by Ray pence - most influential album of the 1960s, is not unwarranted.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 10:45:02 CET 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

You're right, Ari. I shouldn't comment on a book based on a fairly cursory glance. I have several books "on the go" at the moment (one of them many-paged), so it will have to wait its turn.

I try to avoid using Amazon when I can and, in this case, got it from another supplier a few pounds cheaper than Amazon. When the book arrived, very well packaged, it had a very small tear in the dust jacket. I requested a replacement dust jacket which the supplier couldn't do but knocked a further 40% off the price. That bodes well, I think.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 02:44:45 CET 2013 from (173.3.254.192)

Ari

In terms of Lou Reed, I actually happen to be in Southampton, Long Island right now. I'm normally out in Sag Harbor but we happened to be in Southampton the night/morning he died. It had been a very strange day as our car broke down at the beach. There was certainly a time where Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground were a big deal to me, but I got into them soon after I got into The Band and they just paled in comparison.

They keep bringing up that Eno quote that VU didn't sell but anybody that saw them started a band after. While I really hope that isn't true I have noticed that Lou and The Velvets have always stayed cool and relevant. Freshman Year at NYU, all the jerkass hipsters loved VU and all tried to be like Lou…behaviorally…Most people aren't as talented as Lou, and what's great about Lou is that even with his gigantic personality, he truly loved music. But in terms of his influence, he's really paved the way for d-bags culture. I don't think any of theses d-bags realize that the music was at the bottom of this self-important, aggressive attitude. I hate to say it but because of his death, I think his musicianship will return to the foreground the beautiful music he made will now be what defines Lou rather than wearing sunglasses indoors. Same thing happened with Michael Jackson.

Entered at Tue Oct 29 01:56:58 CET 2013 from (24.225.109.198)

ray pence

i was and remain awestruck by lou reed's achievements and legacies. but brown eyed girl, you helped me appreciate LR even more than i did before we communicated and i thank you for that.

i know someone, used to work with this person at a restaurant--she witnessed VU in philadelphia in 1967, she sneaked in underage. now THAT is cool.

this is some facebook communication i just had with her--

"i felt lou's passing, that is not an exaggeration. his music used to give me chills, the good kind that you feel when you experience artistry, and his death made me feel those same chills, but this time in trying to fathom his being gone--things really do seem like a big piece has been taken out of our culture."

Entered at Mon Oct 28 23:30:31 CET 2013 from (174.89.93.16)

brown eyed girl

Many thanks for thinking of me as one of Louuuu's biggest fans since 1974....so sweet.....

Garland Jeffreys..."50 years of friendship from '63 - 2013.
For me he was a sweetheart of a guy."

"Rock ‘n’ roll legend, SU alumnus Lou Reed dies at 71

BY ANNIE PALMERASST. NEWS EDITOR
Published October 28, 2013 at 12:09 am
Rock ‘n’ roll legend and Syracuse University alumnus Lou Reed died Sunday at the age of 71.

Reed, who was the front man for the Velvet Underground, suffered of complications from a recent liver transplant, according to an Oct. 27 NPR article.

Reed graduated with honors from SU in 1964, receiving a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences as an English major. In 2007, the university presented Reed with the George Arents Award, which is the highest alumni honor given for excellence in writing and the arts, according to the SU website.

“The Syracuse University family learned today of the passing of one of its own. While the SU community mourns his loss, we celebrate his poetic soul and innovative spirit,” university officials wrote in an Oct. 27 SU News release.

Reed established a scholarship titled the Lou Reed/Delmore Schwartz Scholarship at SU to honor him and support aspiring creative writers, according to the news release.

Reed drew much of his inspiration from poet, short story writer and SU professor Delmore Schwartz, who taught Reed. He referred to Schwartz as the first “great man” he ever encountered, crediting him for encouraging him to become a writer. Reed eventually honored him in the song “My House,” according to an online article published by People magazine.

While attending SU, he hosted a late-night radio show on WAER titled “Excursions On A Wobbly Rail,” which played jazz, rhythm and blues and doo-wop music, according to an Oct. 27 article published by The Post-Standard.

Reed collaborated with his friend from SU, guitarist-bassist Sterling Morrison, Welsh viola player John Cale and drummer Maureen Tucker to form the band Velvet Underground in the 1960s. The band would go on to create one of the most influential rock albums of all time, “The Velvet Underground & Nico,” according to People.

The band’s singles, “Rock & Roll” and “Sweet Jane,” earned it widespread recognition, including an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, according to The Post-Standard. Reed also pursued a successful solo career, gaining critical acclaim for singles such as “Walk on the Wild Side,” “Perfect Day” and “Satellite of Love.”

Both his involvement with the Velvet Underground and his solo career were characterized for exquisitely yet simply blending art and noise while telling stories of “street deals and odd characters,” according to the NPR article.

“One chord is fine,” Reed said in the NPR article, “Two chords are pushing it. Three chords you’re into jazz.” ;-D

Reed is survived by his wife, musician Laurie Anderson, according to the article.

My favourite book on Louuuuu....Transformer The Lou Reed Story by Victor Bockris

_In Dreams Begin Responsibilities and Other Stories_ by Delmore Schwartz...great read for children of immigrant parents.

Now the two poets from Brooklyn are together once again.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 23:03:48 CET 2013 from (174.89.93.16)

brown eyed girl

LOUUUUUUU........ROCK AND ROLL HEART

..."Glory of love, the glory of love
the glory of love,
might see you through"
(Louuu Reed...Coney Island Baby)

Entered at Mon Oct 28 21:34:12 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

sadavid: As evidence of Capitol not knowing what was in their vaults, the original Capitol CD version of "Stage Fright" and the 1994 DCC reissue feature a different set of mixes than that of the original LP. I guess that goes back to the problem of inadequate info on the tape boxes.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 20:20:13 CET 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

David P: According to the interview, we have Ms. P to thank for the re-issues in the first place (not to mention follow-on projects). Not a JRR vanity project at all . . . .

"I wouldn’t be so fast to identify the new kids in the business as part of the problem. I ran into that when I proposed doing the Band reissues to the folks at Capitol (Records) way back in the mid-‘90s. We had “Stage Fright” in the budget catalog which I thought was a tragedy. I went to the folks at Capitol, and I said, “Listen, this (catalog) needs to be tended to. This needs to be refreshed. There’s stuff sitting in the vault. A lot of the guys are still around. This is great stuff.” They basically told me, “Don’t waste our time. It was great music, but it never sold.”"

Entered at Mon Oct 28 18:44:36 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Twin Lead Guitars

One of the landmark examples of twin guitar soloing goes back to Eldon Shamblin (electric guitar) and Leon McAuliffe (steel guitar) with Bob Wills' Texas Playboys. Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant soon took that style into the stratosphere out in California.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 18:14:32 CET 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Oct 28 18:01:24 CET 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Angelina, my thoughts are with you, RIP Lou

Entered at Mon Oct 28 17:37:51 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Oct 28 17:11:23 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Several years ago, after heading A&R at Rhino, Ms. Pawleski co-founded the fine label Omnivore Recordings. They specialize in reissuing out-of-print recordings and previously unreleased gems from the vaults. Some of their great work includes:

Gene Clark's "Here Tonight: The White Light Demos"
Richard Thompson's "Strict Tempo!", long out-of-print
Several titles from Townes Van Zandt

Entered at Mon Oct 28 16:56:15 CET 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

If Peter V say the Rock and Roll Animal band in '72, I guess it would have been Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner on guitars, Prakash John on bass, Whitey Glan on drums and Ray Colcord on organ. But if it was '74, it's more likely to have been the group shown on this video clip (syched to the live album version); there you have three Torontonians - John, Glan and keyboardist Michael Fonfara and a guitarist backing Lou. Maybe there's a second guitarist on stage that we don't see, but my guess is that there's just the one, and that it's Danny Weis, who'd played in Rhinoceros and Blackstone with Fonfara from '68-'72. Two other Rhinoceros vets - Peter Hodgson and Mouse Johnson - were subsequently drafted as Prakash and Whitey dropped out.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 16:44:48 CET 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Lou Reed - Legends, Icons & Rebels

I only saw Lou Reed once and, then, only for one song. Here it is:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIvfgVCJm4A

I recall three things. First, it was a courageous song choice because it wasn't generally known at the time. Second, Lou kept glancing at one of the autocue machines to check the words. Third, people around me were asking one another the title of the song, which I knew of course. I spoke out and, as a result, quite a few people talked to me afterwards. Did you come all the way over to New York for just this show? Yes, but also for Dylan's four warm-up shows.

Lou is not in "Legends, Icons & Rebels", which I got today. It's more a glance-through book, though I really liked the illustrations. I am not sure exactly who the book is aimed at. The texts are short but use words and phrases (such as "chitlin circuit") that I would have thought younger readers would struggle with.

A couple of things I've noted so far. The quotes from Dylan are not from the most obvious sources, which suggests that a fair amount of fore-thought went into this. On the other hand, the material on the two CDs could easily fit on to one disc.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 16:50:36 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dick Wagner & Steve Hunter with Prakash John on bass. I suspect it was 1973 looking back … the album was 74, but the show we saw at Southampton UK was earlier than the live recording. I just realized that he died in Southampton, Long Island as I typed that, also a place I know as we spent two days filming there,

As on the record, the band started with a long intro before Lou came on, Sweet Jane, I assume as on the record. Anyway, when he did come on, he plugged in his guitar. There was a loud humming noise and as he started strumming, no sound came out at all. He seemed oblivious to that and to the hum. I looked to the side of the stage and the roadie was just sitting there, "nodding out" is I think the expression. i looked at the amp, and looked at Lou Reed and the roadie, and wondered whether I should just stand, walk forward six feet and push the jack plug in. It was a low stage at Southampton Guildhall. But with Lou Reed you didn't know whether it was deliberate or not.

Lou Reed was one of the great rhythm guitarists.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 16:39:53 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Mon Oct 28 16:36:18 CET 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: R.I.P. Lou Reed

"They say he didn't have an enemy
His was a greatness to behold
He was the last surviving progeny
The last one on this side of the world."
(from Last Great American Whale -- Lou Reed)

His dreams challenged responsibilies.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 15:41:23 CET 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

You were lucky and blessed to have seen R&R Animal.Can you recall who played the guitars/leads on that tour/album? Thanks.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 14:35:40 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was also pissed off to a huge degree by the highly derogatory and unpleasant article on Lou Reed in the Daily Mail (it's free if you spend over £5 at Waitrose supermarkets) .

Entered at Mon Oct 28 14:31:39 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Oct 28 14:07:31 CET 2013 from (86.128.176.70)

Dunc

Subject: Lou Reed

It was 'Walk on the Wild Side' when I first heard Lou Reed, which took me back to the Velvet Underground and I followed most of Lou's solo stuff.

I was lucky to see Lou Reed just a few years ago, in Glasow - terrific band with brilliant guitar player, drummer and bass player. Really enjoyable concert. I remember speaking to Bill M about it and me mixing the bass player up with a great Canadian player.

Peter posted a Velvet Underground list on Toppermost and I responded a few weeks ago. It's a good article.

Will miss Lou. I like people who are different.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 13:31:47 CET 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

And all of our southern uk posters. Please check in when you can.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 02:15:22 CET 2013 from (70.27.26.33)

Richard

Subject: Lou

This is indeed a sad day. The passing of Lou Reed must affect anyone who has ever considered rock music to represent a community. A community that takes in new members simply because they want to join. The example of Lou Reed assures us that, no matter how fucked up we are or how many times we fail, we can always count on the restorative power of music.

Music is home, and home is place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 01:55:35 CET 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

He said, ' I thought they'd have to drive a stake through his heart'. Such was the size if the personality of him. I was never a massive fan, though I had some inside knowledge as to his behaviour... None the less, a massive influence. Ray said most influential album of the sixties? Hmm... Close, but I'd still put MFBP or perhaps revolver, abbey road or gst peppers. Still, it's close.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 01:43:58 CET 2013 from (24.108.150.14)

JT

Subject: Liver transplantation

From CBC : "Reed died in Southampton, New York, of an ailment related to his recent liver transplant, according to his literary agent, Andrew Wylie, who added that Reed had been in frail health for months"

Infection because of immunosuppressant medication (required to help 'tolerate' the transplant) and rejection are clearly the 2 likeliest issues he would have faced. In addition, there are all kinds of other cardiopulmonary and renal issues aside from hepatic issues that a liver transplant patient would face. Whatever it was, this is indeed a sad day.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 01:25:16 CET 2013 from (24.108.150.14)

JT

Subject: Lou Reed: a creative force

Lou Reed was a creative force in music. He was one of the early 'indie' hearts with a mind that matched his independence and his creations led the way in many ways. It is indeed a sad day. For those who watched him soar, just listen and marvel.

Entered at Mon Oct 28 00:57:08 CET 2013 from (67.85.102.246)

Jersey Girl

Thinking of you tonight, Angelina.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 22:46:58 CET 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

A great loss.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 20:40:03 CET 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Calling my son today to tell him of the passing of Lou Reed had the same effect; on him as I; when hearing of the passing of John Lennon. For my Son, Lou was everything. I emceed a show with Lou at Massey Hall a number of years ago; when some Canadians were in his band; who were old friends of mine. A moody guy. A brilliant performer and songwriter. My son and I went to see Lou a number of years ago at a Library; in New York; where he was reading his poetry. Now that was special.

-30-

Entered at Sun Oct 27 20:14:03 CET 2013 from (24.225.109.198)

ray pence

NY Times has a brief story, with the exquisite typo about Lou being sober since "the 1880s," he would love that one...better look quick, they'll be correcting it soon

Entered at Sun Oct 27 19:54:31 CET 2013 from (24.225.109.198)

ray pence

Very, very hard to fathom this, on the same level as it was hard to comprehend the loss of Levon last year. I am thinking of Brown Eyed Girl and her infectious love for this man and his artistry and genius. The Velvet Underground and Nico is perhaps the most influential album of the 1960s.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 19:47:11 CET 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Oct 27 19:35:47 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Very saddened indeed by the news about Lou Reed. One if the all-time greats who I've been listening to since 1969.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 19:26:40 CET 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Subject: Lou Reed Has Died

Very sad news today. Lou reed has died. He was 71. Reasons not given yet; but he did have a liver transplant in May.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 18:36:52 CET 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Funny stuff. Thanks

Entered at Sun Oct 27 18:21:30 CET 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Apologies, the duet with Ringo was Sweet Little Sixteen, not Only Sixteen, but close enough.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 11:44:15 CET 2013 from (124.40.253.90)

Roger Woods

Subject: Lurkers unite

Been lurking and following too. Loved the JLL update Peter.

Entered at Sun Oct 27 03:32:13 CET 2013 from (69.121.106.202)

Jeff A.

Mike. Would you send me your email address? I'm cousinmoe58ataoldotcom.Glad you enjoyed the video.

Entered at Sat Oct 26 23:36:45 CEST 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Sat Oct 26 23:03:36 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Sat Oct 26 19:00:59 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.202)

Jeff A.

Subject: Speaking of videos

Some of you would have seen this, B.O.B. has it on FB. Those of you that haven't, the singer is beautiful, and a wonderful singer.... but, get a load of the drummer.

Entered at Sat Oct 26 09:05:47 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

From those lost tapes. The Jerry Lee Lewis session.

Jerry: What’s this Twilight, Robbie?

Robbie: It’s the loneliest time of day, Jerry.

Jerry: Yeah, but when you like shoot yourself in the leg or whatever, they give you this twilight anaesthesia. When they dig the bullet out, though my old paw swore by a pint of whiskey whenever he shot hisself.

Robbie: It means dusk.

Jerry: I thought, maybe, it was a kind of downer. A red, or something.

Robbie: No. Just dusk.

Jerry: Cos I got an improvement, spice it up, ‘Don’t leave me alone with my cousin.’

Robbie: Let’s just stick to the lyric, Jerry.

Jerry: Shit. That Ringo Starr was the same. With that Only Sixteen we done yesterday. I told him, sixteen is a married woman with three kids where I come from. I suggested we sing “Only thirteen,” but he plain refused me.

Robbie: That’s the way it goes.

Jerry: Then that English fucker asked me what it was like working with Dean Martin!

Entered at Sat Oct 26 02:57:27 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.202)

Jeff A.

New songs written for kids- Garth would be the guy to write the music.............maybe some of the or all of the words too.Certainly he'd do a helluva job singing or speaking some of em..... Grandpa Garth would be the favorite for all the kids

Entered at Sat Oct 26 02:39:52 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.202)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sat Oct 26 01:42:20 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Foreigner

I guess, sometimes late at night on my old tug, I dig back into those cassette carriers of mine, and relive some of those days.

I loaded a load of logs in Smith Inlet last week. Transported them down to Howe Sound and unloaded, and hardly saw a thing. We've been in fog for about 10 days now. So my music keeps me going.

I think I would put this song in the category of "Whiter Shade of Pale", or "The Weight". I don't think it gets much better than this.

Entered at Sat Oct 26 01:04:59 CEST 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

Been lurking. Enjoying the show, as always. One question... Has anyone heard from serenity?

Entered at Sat Oct 26 00:11:52 CEST 2013 from (78.251.65.88)

Feezine

I do not think anyone had ever run for Jerry Lee, then we'll see.

Entered at Fri Oct 25 21:47:22 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Oct 25 21:23:57 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: IiiiiEEEEE!!

Yer not being any gawd damn help Jeff -:) what am I to do about this?

Anyway......I got this old Casette on my tug, "Summer Heat". It has a lot of good old stuff from the eighties and before.

Key Largo, the Beach Boys, Bob Marlie, and so on. I especially like this song I have linked. I hope some of you will give it a listen. I brought it up on youtube just to see about it.

This is sung in Portugese.......the band is in Brazil, Kaoma. This was such a big hit in '89. I've always really loved her voice. To watch this video is some pretty cool dancing......yikes!

Entered at Fri Oct 25 21:09:54 CEST 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Fri Oct 25 20:20:55 CEST 2013 from (174.1.247.160)

Lisa

Subject: Watkins Glen

In 1993 Robbie Robertson was the keynote speaker in a Vancouver area music event called Music West, a three-day workshop and performance venue to showcase new talent. During a question-and-answer session he told this Watkins Glen story, which I thought you all might enjoy. I'm setting this down from memory as best I can:

"Before Winterland, Bill Graham had visited us in Woodstock to try to persuade us to perform live, because after Music from Big Pink we hadn't played or toured or anything. He was quite the talker, and kept referring to "The People", saying The People needed to hear our music, and that we owed it to The People to get out there and perform live. So eventually he made his case and we did ..."

At Watkins Glen the stage was very, very high up and the crowd was huge. When we were playing, some of the fans rushed the stage and somehow managed to scale it. Bill would come running on and, as a fan would reach stage-height, would step on his fingers, so he'd fall back, and you'd hear this "Ahhhh" (sound of voice fading away as the fan fell). So I said to him, "Bill, what are you doing? What about The People??" As he stepped on another set of fingers he said to me, "Robbie, you can't smother them with love all the time ..."

Entered at Fri Oct 25 18:57:27 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.202)

Jeff A.

Entered at Fri Oct 25 18:36:08 CEST 2013 from (70.53.44.213)

Kevin J

I know exactly what Cheryl Pawleski was getting at in hoping to hear a better version of Twilight. I had always thought it a beautiful song that was never done properly. The Robbie Robertson demo that he would have brought to the guys is stunning – in fact, the only version I ever listen to and it is an example of him being almost too giving in terms of spreading the joy inside The Band. Someone should have realized that it was perfect the way it was……..the only other improvement ( I guess ) would have been to have Richard just do it in exactly the way Robbie did.

……a great link to that Cheryl story by the way. Most enjoyable. Thank you John.

Entered at Fri Oct 25 18:33:20 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.202)

Jeff A.

Entered at Fri Oct 25 18:30:01 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Dunno???

Whats going on here. Just got home and thought I'd take a look here. The script is so wide, I have to keep sliding back and forth to read....annoying...how come??

Entered at Fri Oct 25 17:35:29 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Oct 25 16:52:58 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

This song is so good I'm going to send it to Jerry Lee Lewis!

Who knew?

Entered at Fri Oct 25 16:04:40 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

John D: Thanks very much for that link; I loved this bit:

"Sometimes I have had to lobby and say, “This is important.” I will give you a real world example. Let’s go back to the Band for a minute. I was going through Robbie Robertson’s cassette tapes, and I found a cassette probably from around 1975. I am listening through side A, and there’s nothing there. I whip it over, and I’m filing records—I want to listen to every last inch of tape—and in the middle of Side B, I hear “play record” (the record button) get pushed down, someone lights a cigarette, puts the lighter down on the piano, and proceeds to play very quietly. Of course, it’s Robbie, and it the very first version, the demo of the song “Twilight”

It’s beautiful, and it made it to the box set

Here’s the thing. I had been looking for a straight ahead version of “Twilight” because I never liked the sort of pseudo reggae thing that they released as a single. We found a straight ahead rock version, and I was like, “That’s great but the song is beautiful. It just doesn’t capture the essence of it.” Robbie was like, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Then I found this one.

I literally had to hold my breath when I played it for Robbie. This is really close-up. This is really intimate stuff. I’m guessing that the kids were asleep, and he was trying to be quiet. He just needed to get this down on tape. That’s what it sounds like, and it’s beautiful.” The song ends and I’m sitting there sweating bullets, and Robbie goes, “Well, that’s really great.” He pauses. You know that Robbie pause. He liked it so much that he sent it to Jerry Lee Lewis when he was working on his “Last Man Standing” record (released in 2006 with Robertson on the track). The version that Jerry cut for that record is based on the demo that we found on Robbie’s cassette."

Entered at Fri Oct 25 15:34:30 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Entered at Fri Oct 25 15:10:36 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Oct 25 14:21:30 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Link to Pat B's article on Watkins Glen. Pat reckoned that Endless Highway was studio. I'd guess the other stuff was live, but not from Watkins Glen, except where Pat notes.

Entered at Fri Oct 25 13:42:34 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Here is a link to that very interesting interview.

Entered at Fri Oct 25 13:32:48 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Cheryl worked with Robbie on The History of The Band set. Here is a portion of that interview that ran in Celebrity Access Magazine with my friend Larry Leblanc.

"Is it true that when you went looking for the Band’s tapes in Capitol’s vault that you discovered their catalog was in disarray.

That’s very common. But I don’t know if it was in disarray as it was just that being able to identify what we needed. I think we probably listened to every last inch of tape that exists on the Band that we were able to find.

“The Brown Album” masters are still missing. [“The Band,” the eponymous second studio album released in 1969.] The tape boxes are missing. I’m not sure where they are. But you know, when you get down to session reels, sometimes there are no track sheets. There might be a phone number of a girl friend or the pizza guy and that’s all you get. So you listen to it. I don’t know if was necessarily any worse or any better than any other collection of tapes.

The “Live at Watkins Glen” thing (album) was just wrong. That was a fake record.

Studio outtakes with fake crowd noises?

Yeah, it was a fake record because the actual Watkins Glen tape aren’t useable. They had a lot of line and mike problems".

Well she should know. It makes me wonder that the Watkins Glen album then is in fact another studio Band album. Should it be renamed? Could it be a lost studio album. In name only of course. Thoughts?

Entered at Fri Oct 25 00:00:12 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Oct 24 23:34:55 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Buffalo Soldier

Upon further checking you are quite right Pat & Bill. Yet, those later named Buffalo Soldiers can trace their roots back to those Civil War regiments who fought against the Confederate oppressors fighting to maintain slavery. And when they fought along side of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders at the Battle of San Juan Hill, one could say they were on the side New World oppressor fighting against the Old World oppressor.

One has to wonder if Bob Marley drew inspiration from the earlier song "Buffalo Soldier" by The Flamingos(link), later covered by the Persuations.

Then there was the old white former soldier who died in Buffalo, N.Y. while visiting his daughter in 1894 -- George Stoneman.

Entered at Thu Oct 24 23:31:47 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.40)

brown eyed girl

"Buffalo Soldier" is a reggae song written by Bob Marley and Noel G. "King Sport" Williams from Marley's final recording sessions in 1980. It did not appear on record until the 1983 posthumous release of Confrontation, when it became one of Marley's best-known songs. The title and lyrics refer to the black U.S. cavalry regiments, known as "Buffalo Soldiers", that fought in the Indian Wars after 1866. Marley likened their fight to a fight for survival, and recasts it as a symbol of black resistance."

Entered at Thu Oct 24 23:26:39 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.40)

brown eyed girl

Bill M: You may have something there.....Here Robbie compares Canadian and American Thanksgiving.

I think Levon would have put Marley on the cover. I've never heard or read Robbie say anything about reggae or Marley's writing. I can appreciate that he wouldn't get off on the guitar playing as it's purpose is to be hypnotic for the most part and then when Junior Marvin joined he added rock licks as well as the other Al Anderson....I can't say I've read or heard Marley ever mention The Band as well.....

Entered at Thu Oct 24 22:38:22 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 24 22:29:10 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Oct 24 21:50:39 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Regiments of the United States Colored Calvary (Buffalo Soldiers) were part of the Union forces operating out of East Tennessee in 1864. In December they were part of Maj. Gen. George Stoneman's raid into Saltville and Marion in southwest Virginia.

Entered at Thu Oct 24 20:46:17 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 24 20:15:14 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.40)

brown eyed girl

...and there's Robbie's haunting The Far Lonely, Cry of Trains from Jimmy Hollywood Soundtrack.

Bill M: Ohhhhh how I wish I was there at Massey Hall to experience Bob Marley and The Wailers!!!!!! However......I did see Marley at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1979. I've also seen Peter Tosh and Judy Mowat on their own. I saw Tiger in Kingston, Jamaica.

There will never be a Bob Marley again.......He's number 1 for touching more lives than anyone else. There are certainly more oppressed people than not......His love songs move the heart as well.

I would have put Marley on the cover of Legends, Icons and Rebels.

Entered at Thu Oct 24 18:41:05 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

When Robbie was compiling the soundtack for "The King of Comedy," Tom Petty had given him the song "Best of Everything," which was an outtake from Mr. Petty's "Hard Promises" album with The Heartbreakers. Robbie went into the studio and reworked the song, overdubbing a brass arrangement, Garth on keyboards and Richard on background vocals. Mr. Petty already had a contentious relationship with his record label, MCA, which wouldn't let the song appear on a Warner Bros. soundtrack. Thankfully, the version produced by Robbie was later used to close the 1985 Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers album "Southern Accents."

Entered at Thu Oct 24 18:40:48 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 24 17:37:57 CEST 2013 from (70.53.44.213)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Oct 24 17:28:54 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.40)

brown eyed girl

Once again.....For those of you who still don't have Between Trains...You can download via vinyl rip.

Entered at Thu Oct 24 17:04:33 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.40)

brown eyed girl

Pat B: It's so great that you're able to create a mash with your son! Great selection of photos too!
I've included another, but different mash.....a Robbie mashpedia...Your mash is there as well. :-D

Entered at Thu Oct 24 15:32:33 CEST 2013 from (99.249.67.189)

GregD

Excellent job Pat and crew centering around what most of us agree is one of Robbie's better (solo) songs. It must have taken a lot of editing but well worth it!

Entered at Thu Oct 24 07:41:20 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Great work guys. Kind of makes me sad though .... what could have been a great Band song (and a new begining?)

Entered at Thu Oct 24 03:47:08 CEST 2013 from (99.233.212.70)

Mark from Toronto

Excellent job guys!!! Will we ever see a digital/cd version of Between Trains?

Entered at Wed Oct 23 21:46:05 CEST 2013 from (75.34.33.65)

Adam

Entered at Wed Oct 23 21:30:52 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 23 21:23:15 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill lM

Entered at Wed Oct 23 20:57:32 CEST 2013 from (74.176.225.239)

Mike C

Congratulations, Pat (& Kevin) for your great work on the mash-up. Very moving. And I agree with others who have remarked on what a great song it is in its own right.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 20:19:46 CEST 2013 from (70.53.44.213)

Kevin J

New Flash: Just confirmed that the world will end in 2 hours……..world leaders are advising all to hug family and friends………..Peter V is urging all to go to Toppermost !

Entered at Wed Oct 23 19:49:54 CEST 2013 from (63.88.115.195)

Carmen

Subject: Between Trains

Kevin J - I agree. She's Not Mine is another emotional vocal by RR.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 18:59:42 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I just suggested we should put a link on the Toppermost Robbie page to the video too. A lot of the earlier pages there were much shorter than the later ones (and we did Robbie early) … do feel free to add stuff as comments.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 19:32:21 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Pat that was fantastic. I really liked it . I think that is Robbie's best solo song

Entered at Wed Oct 23 19:23:55 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Enjoyed the mash-up Pat.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 19:13:37 CEST 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Well done.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 18:36:53 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 23 18:26:04 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 23 18:05:46 CEST 2013 from (173.3.50.80)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 17:18:26 CEST 2013 from (70.53.44.213)

Kevin J

……Really Beautiful. Thank you Pat. I‘ve listened to it a number of times since the audio was first posted a few weeks back and fun to pick out the bits of Band songs. The photos with the video really add to the emotion as well – interesting how that happens. The emotion in RR’s singing on Between Trains was never equaled by him again. I would love to see this become a hit.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 14:02:55 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Brilliant, Pat. Really enjoyed it … when I clicked on it three hours ago it went to Jessica by The Fillmore Revival Band and I was kind of puzzled. But now it's all correct.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 13:56:47 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Warren Zevon was on Toppermost last week, Jan!

Entered at Wed Oct 23 13:49:05 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Subject: Zevon and van Zandt (and Dylan)

Warren Zevon, actually, Peter. But Townes van Zandt is up there with the best of the best.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 13:48:01 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Absolutely Brilliant!!!

Entered at Wed Oct 23 10:12:48 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Townes Van Zandt

One for Jan … Toppermost today is Townes Van Zandt, your other favorite.

Yesterday was Ringo. The day before Little Feat.

Entered at Wed Oct 23 06:06:37 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

My son and I made another video. Many thanks to Jan whose work here is extraordinary.

Entered at Tue Oct 22 20:01:20 CEST 2013 from (205.206.30.113)

Braeden C.

Hi,

Seeing as you guys are the most active Band community I've found on the internet in the past couple of years, during which I have used this website many many times, I'd like to invite you to check out a new "subreddit" about the Band that I am helping to set up. We would love to have a more active userbase. If you use Reddit, or even if you would like another place to talk about The Band check us out!

www.reddit.com/r/LevonHelmandTheBand

Note: the name isn't meant to imply any importance over Levon Helm instead of the rest of the band, generic subreddit names like "theband" had been taken already. All members, with our without the Band, are respected and can be discussed!

Hope you can help us be more active, don't feel shy to post anything. And thank you for keeping this wonderful website up over the years.

PS: Looking at the terms and conditions, I hope this doesn't apply as an advertisement? Not trying to sell anything, if it is regarded as such feel free to remove this as I won't be able to pay any fee.

Entered at Tue Oct 22 19:44:29 CEST 2013 from (173.3.50.80)

Jeff A.

I just realized that with all the times since Levon died that people have suggested that Robbie and Garth perform together, and that doing so with Ronnie Hawkins would be a great way to do it, well,one thing hasn't been suggested, and a few things have occurred to me.

Dylan is always performing. Why not Garth, Robbie, and Dylan? Hawkins could join for a song or two as well. ut, the trifecta, Dylan, RR, and Garth, together, for a month on Broadway, or anywhere.That's the ticket baby. If anything would ever stir those guitar strings the way they used to get played, at this point, that's the ticket. And i think it would be one helluva show.

Entered at Tue Oct 22 17:06:31 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Peter V: In addition to my "RL" original Capitol LP version, I have quite a few other pressings, including a German EMI. I would have to say that the new MoFi reissue, which will only be available for a limited time, is essential for anyone who wants a reference vinyl version. MoFi has also recently released a SACD version of "The Band," which I haven't heard yet.

Entered at Tue Oct 22 15:22:14 CEST 2013 from (174.89.106.149)

brown eyed girl

Nomadic Mike...Sorry that I only used the initials of Levon's doc AIIFMH in my post. I found the clip from youtube.

ROBBIE ROBERTSON ON HIS NEW BOOK AND FINDING NEW GREATNESS IN THE BAND

by Nick DeRiso

Nick DeRiso: "It couldn’t have been easy for Garth Hudson to take up his sax, considering that celebrated horn section featured members of the Count Basie, Miles Davis and Charlie Mingus bands. Yet on tracks like ‘W.S. Walcott,’ he not only held his own — he took one of his most stirring turns. He really was your secret weapon, wasn’t he?

Robbie: Absolutely. And when Garth played, when we were doing this, he didn’t blink an eye. When he played, those guys were, like, “Whoa! (Laughs.) That’s the s—!” They completely got it, because of Garth’s tone and his phrasing. First of all, they’d never heard a keyboard player, ever, play anything like what Garth was doing. That was completely mysterious. And then, when he’d pick up the horn and play, and they were backing him up, it was a beautiful sight to see.

At the same time, it must have been emotional for you hearing your departed friends again, performing at the peak of their powers.

Very much so. (Pauses.) It was exhilarating, and heartbreaking, at the same time.

The third- and fourth-disc presentations of the New Year’s Eve show via a soundboard mix make for an intriguing listen. There are glimpses there into those times you mentioned when everything didn’t go perfectly. After so much myth-making surrounding the Band, that has the effect of humanizing everyone.

I completely agree with that. The mix that Sebastian did, my son, and the mix that Bob Clearmountain and I did are very different. One is absolutely as valid as the other. The one that Sebastian did, it has no frills. It’s not trying to make the thing sound as glamorous as it can be. It’s really kind of, “Well, here’s what it is. No tricks, no nothing. This is just the way it sounded that night.” That’s a beautiful thing, to be able to go back and forth between these two things. If you really care about sonics, and you really care about music, an experiment like this is a terrific idea. I was just delighted when the record company agreed — and so we did the whole Friday night concert, just the way it was played. You can hear all of the ranting between songs from the audience. One thing is just trying to make it beautiful, while the other says, “I fear no blemish.” (Laughs.)

It has the raw energy of one of those old bootlegs from the 1970s.

That’s what Sebastian said when he was doing it! He said, “I love this idea of this being, like, a fantastic bootleg.”

Entered at Tue Oct 22 15:13:20 CEST 2013 from (174.89.106.149)

brown eyed girl

Dominique Robertson

Entered at Tue Oct 22 09:39:46 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

David got me looking at the scratched etchings on my original copy of the brown album. This is an early original Uk pressing with green Capitol label, but it has no RL scratched on it. I wonder, is this because is a UK EMI pressing, or does it mean I would benefit from the new MoFi pressing? I also have a virtually unplayed copy I bought new early in 1971, because I wanted to put one away unworn for future listening and realized how much I had played the first copy. I failed to predict CDs, remastering and 180g repressings to come.

Entered at Tue Oct 22 04:39:41 CEST 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Thanks for info. I have yet to see Ain't In It . . . . Actually, I passed on seeing it. Maybe some day. We'll see.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 23:02:58 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Vinyl Siding: The Brown Album / MoFi LP Reissue

I highly recommend the new Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab LP reissue of "The Band." Although the whereabouts of the original master tape is still in question, the MoFi reissue is apparently sourced from the best-sounding, non-equalized tape copy that sounded closest to the original "RL" pressing mastered by Bob Ludwig. The result is detailed, with a clean, life-like dynamic sound, pressed on quiet vinyl. Even though I already have an original Capitol green label "RL" pressing, this new reissue comes close to conveying the impact of the "woody-thuddy sound" of the original. See link to analog maven Michael Fremer's detailed & enthusiastic review. If you have a turntable, don't pass up this opportunity to acquire a copy of this limited edition LP reissue of a true classic.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:51:45 CEST 2013 from (92.18.166.93)

Solomon

It's one of the best folk albums of 2013! I hope it gets the appreciation she deserves. The new album includes appearances by many alumni of the British folk scene, including John Kirkpatrick, Dave Swarbrick, Martin and Eliza Carthy, as well as American musicians such as David Mansfield, Amy Helm, Sam Amidon, Jenni Muldaur and Tony Trischka, among others.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:50:45 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:39:57 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Well Pat; as I said I tried it both ways and they both bounced back for whatever reason. Anyway I just wanted to tell you that I spoke with Serge; about a year ago and he rarely visits the site. He lives in London Ontario. He may visit and attempt to email you. I don't know why I can't get through to you; with email. I used the letter l the first time and then the #1. Both bounced back. All the best Pat.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:33:26 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:31:27 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

p j l brennan at mindspringdotcom

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:22:01 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Pat is that a #1 or the letter l; after pj. I've tried both ways and it bounces back.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 20:01:53 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I'll email you in a moment.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 19:58:57 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Pat I just tried to email you and it bounced back.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 19:37:49 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Mike I just logged on; but this clip is from the Levon Movie, Ain't In It For My Health.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 19:25:43 CEST 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Mon Oct 21 19:16:34 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

pjlbrennanatmindspringdotcom

Entered at Mon Oct 21 16:15:40 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Pathetique

John D: Pathetique (Tchaikovsky) soon came after Beethoven. I wanted to play an instrument after I heard that so I took the 'Seashore' test and did not do well enough and so I was put into a vocal music class rather than an instrumental class. How I loathe that decision by the authorities. Probably my earliest psychological revolutionary phase. That decision still disturbs me. So I got a guitar a few years later (with Robbie's advice via my dad) and at least I can play a few cords. What I wanted back then was to be part of a student band.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 16:09:51 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Dysphonia

Peter V: A renewed interest in Linda Thompson. She will not be performing, she told a journalist (article in Wall St. Journal) because she suffers from dysphonia and never knows when the sound will fail to materialize from her vocal cords. This condition apparently started many years ago and is sporadic but it can occur without warning. The record is excellent and the songs superb.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 13:59:29 CEST 2013 from (174.89.37.59)

brown eyed girl

OpenVault
WGBH Media Library and Archives

Robbie Interview Parts 1-4

Entered at Mon Oct 21 08:45:04 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Me too, that Richard Williams article had me pull Wild Life off the shelf, and it was a song I'd totally forgotten. And it is indeed a great performance.

Sir Paul was great doing "New" on TV on Friday night's Graham Norton show. His voice has been slightly dodgy in recent appearances, but he was right on top live on Friday.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 02:36:50 CEST 2013 from (86.135.207.114)

Simon

Subject: JT/Al

JT - Very nicely put (as always). I hope to get the book myself and looking at the reviews on Amazon (exclusively five stars) and reading the comments from those in the GB one has to be excited about the possibilities.

Al, you read my mind re. "Dear Friend". I've played it a couple of times a day for the last week or so. To be honest I'm not that familiar with Paul's stuff beyond the first two albums and other bits and bobs. "Band On The Run" is nice too and of course I'm familiar with other songs via the radio. Dear Friend has that certain something though, and like you I'd never heard it until now.

Don't know if anyone here has bought it yet but I haven't seen it mentioned here ... the new book by Mark Lewisohn: "All These Years. Volume One: Tune In". The link above should take you to the Financial Times review - hope it can be accessed. To say this book's publication is special would be an understatement. This promises to be *the* book on The Beatles. This volume only covers 1845 to December 31st 1962. Amazon UK have had some excerpts available both on the Kindle page (Prologue and first two chapters) and the hardback page (various bits and bobs.). The 'Author's Cut' (twice the length of the trade edition) isn't available for a month or so.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 01:59:55 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

In my case JT, it was Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #1 by Arthur Rubinstein that my Dad bought me. Before that my classical music training were snippets; from Bugs Bunny cartoons. I have loved that concerto all my life. My most recent purchase of it is by Lang Lang.

Entered at Mon Oct 21 00:01:34 CEST 2013 from (24.108.150.14)

JT

Subject: Robbie Robertson: a cultural preservationist

What a pleasure to listen to Robbie Robertson discuss music. The reverence he has for the artists confirms his place in the important people who have understood the craft of contemporary music. He has reflected and he 'gets it' and he and his co-author are savvy enough and care enough to want to give young people a chance to also 'get it'. I would have never understood Beethoven at all if my dad hadn't brought in a $5 LP and then buy a record player so we could listen to it. Consider that with the way music is bought and accumulated today, many kids will never know Billie Holiday or Sam Cooke or many others discussed in this book. To me, that is tragic. The book with a cd should be taught in schools (like art is taught) so that our kids are enriched. Contemporary music should be part of that enrichment. Robbie (and Sebastian, who gets deserved credit form Robbie for the idea). Don't stop!! There is more and maybe the cd's should appear in the iTunes store etc. Jimi Hendrix, The Stones, Beachboys, and so many more shaped musical approaches in the 60s. And let us not forget the other blues artists - Robert Johnson, Howling Wolf, and the others. On reflection, as Robbie said in one of his interviews, it is amazing that this has not occurred sooner. My dad would have been proud and he would have bought the book. Robbie has been true to the impression he gave even as a 16 year old. He's had it and he's still got it!

Entered at Sun Oct 20 15:26:22 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.141)

brown eyed girl

Robbie on CBS This Morning

Entered at Sun Oct 20 15:24:28 CEST 2013 from (174.89.36.141)

brown eyed girl

Hei Ilkka!

Robbie Robertson live Sanremo 1988

Entered at Sun Oct 20 14:14:29 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

There are eleven good reasons to get this album but a Band connection … Amy Helm sings with Linda on If I Were A Bluebird (co-written by Linda and Ron Sexsmith). The title track It Won't Be Long Now also has Amy Helm and Kami Thompson on harmony vocals, plus David Mansfield on mandolin and Tony Trishka on banjo.

Larry Campbell played on her "Versatile Heart" album in 2007 so there's a strong connection.

And "Paddy's Lamentation" on the new one is from Gangs of New York OST (music supervisor Robbie Robertson).

Richard Thompson plays on Love's For Babies & Fools which most reviews single out as the best track.

Entered at Sun Oct 20 09:25:21 CEST 2013 from (92.18.180.33)

Solomon

Snooky Young was making eleven Dollars a night in 1939! I wonder how much he got paid for Rock of Ages in the early 70s? He sounds like a nice man who stayed well clear of the wild side of life. Check the link. Glenn, I don't think the album would have been the classic live album it was without the horns. I hope this isn't true! I think you can tell by the way Levon makes the guys stand up after the first song and the thrill on Robbie's face.

Entered at Sun Oct 20 04:16:42 CEST 2013 from (108.217.93.87)

glenn t

A few of the reviews I've read of the new mixes suggest that the horns have been muted in the overall sound, lacking the punch heard on Rock of Ages. Can those of you who have listened to the new album speak to that? Thanks.

Entered at Sat Oct 19 17:13:00 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.108)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sat Oct 19 16:54:36 CEST 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Subject: Si - the Richard Williams blog

Ta la. I'll be visiting that site when I can. I must dig out my 42 year old cutting of the NME review by Nick Logan and scan it to put up here. Always remember the line where he said 'you could scarcely get into the Albert hall for the Ford transits circling the place'!!

I never followed Wings but reading Williams's Macca review his link to 'Dear Friend' [linked above] introduced me to something pretty special I'd not heard before - not least a veritable lesson in how a male falsetto can sound better than anything when it's done so exquisetely as Paul does in this extraordinarily beautiful song.

Entered at Sat Oct 19 16:48:42 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.108)

Jeff A.

Previous answers aside, John has a point. Not to detract from the book, but , book fpor kids, well, what about a kid's book title and cover. I mean you grab em or you don't. The kid should want to pick up the book, dive in. Icon? Rebel? for a 9 or 10 year old? 8year old?
Not these, but, this sorta thing....
When Tony the Tiger, Bullwinkle and Scooby Doo learned to play guitars
Songs that made the cow jump over the moon
Music that made grandpa and grandma dance naked in the rain

Entered at Sat Oct 19 13:30:33 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Tell Me That It Isn't True

Beside that "Tell Me That It Isn't True" is a gentle and touching song (Nashville Skyline, Bob Bylan) it reminds me of the words of our gb friend and my compatriot Kalervo: "It is Levon''s people."

Entered at Sat Oct 19 12:33:06 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Female posters (A tragic post)

On a serious side... why at least one female poster is now missing.

By the time I fooled around as a deputy moderator in Norbert´'s gb (Peter V was the Patron and Hidalgo) gb terrorists put a malware in our computer. They got our address list and browsing history. I used to visit sites with naked and half-naked women. Terrorists took their time to copy these pics in paper form and send them to my wife's family, including my 80-years old mother-in-law. They sent the package in the name of her late husband which was a rather untasty joke(?). No harm done, I was the rotten egg anyway.

Tragic points (2) will come now: 1) My wife took part in discussions of American literature. After this she couldn't trust to them anymore. "A nice aunty" from Georgia did send a malware camouflaged as a Christmas Card Java applet. My wife posted occassionally even to this gb. NOPE! - 2) Swedish internet police said to us: "It is probably Norman." It took years for me to understand that it was our internet security suite _Norman_ he meant, not the gb regular with the same name. - Sometimes I feel really stupid. We all hope that Joan and Brown Eyed Girl will stay forever !

Entered at Sat Oct 19 09:58:40 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Rick(y) Nelson

Rick Nelson is today's Toppermost, the 100th in the series and one I'm particularly pleased with as it was so enjoyable listening to lots of Rick Nelson to do it. The video links are Garden Party in 1985, but embedded in the text you'll find Rick duetting with James Burton from the Ozzie & Harriet show and the Travelin' Man promo, alleged to be the first "rock video."

Yesterday was a great article on Betty Harris, most of it news to me.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 21:32:22 CEST 2013 from (67.84.78.237)

Jeff A.

John's question. though i;ve not seen the book, it seems that the marketing/merchandising approach and considerations of the book are aimed at parents(the 40 to 50 year olds with little kids) , grandparents, great grandparents, and aunts and uncles, to purchase the book for the small children in their families.. That is not said to detract at all. For something to succeed, there needs to be a consumer. Both a purchaser and a user.who need not be one and the same. Once upon a time, it was very simple to educate and expose younger people to great music- people played music for their younger family memebers to hear.i would hope that still happens, but the book is not a bad way either....oh- in the past, great music from the past was on the radio all day long- today, well, it's on sirius all day long and you have to go to different channels for different things.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 20:46:32 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

If your memory serves you well, we're going to meet again and wait
So I'm going to unpack all my things and sit before it gets too late
No man alive will come to you with another tale to tell
And you know that we shall meet again if your memory serves you well

If your memory serves you well, I was going to confiscate your lace
And wrap it up in a sailor's knot and hide it in your case
If I knew for sure that it was yours and it was oh so hard to tell
And you know that we shall meet again if your memory serves you well

If your memory serves you well, you'll remember that you're the one
Who called on them to call on me to get you your favours done
And after every plan had failed and there was nothing more to tell
And you know that we shall meet again if your memory serves you well

Entered at Fri Oct 18 20:29:08 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Peter is not over rating the case, This book is great. It is beautifully presented, The illustrations are good and the set up top notch.

I bought this figuring I would get it for my 7 year old niece, and perhaps I will pass it to her in a couple of years but for now I'm keeping it for myself.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 19:49:15 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Oct 18 19:46:23 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Oct 18 18:08:22 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Subject: Legends Book

This is an open question; about the book; which Peter Viney seems to love. I seemed to remember that; when Robbie and Sebastian started talking about the book; that it was aimed for children and our grandchildren; so that they would have a better understanding of Rock and Roll.

Therefore that said, is it an adult book as well; or (upon looking at the artists involved) artists that many of us grew up on? I'n just a little confused on the demographic that they are aiming at. In the link; in the interview, the interviewer refers to it as a children's book. Just wondering.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 15:55:52 CEST 2013 from (99.255.116.43)

GregD

Bill M-I remember well the Rollin' on the River show on CTV hosted by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition that you mentioned. I don't remember the show featuring the Hawk and Bo Diddley but they had many other interesting and assorted guests on the show, including Crowbar, if memory serves me well. After "Just Checking in to See What Condition My Condition Is In", it was hard to imagine Mr. Rogers re-inventing himself just a few years later as a very successful country artist.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 15:36:08 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Mr. Armstrong

I figured Ralph Gleason would take care to get it right.
In this interview, he begins by addressing 'Loueee' then introduces the first track by 'the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band with LouIS Armstrong . . . ."

More research needed.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 15:30:53 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Oct 18 15:18:44 CEST 2013 from (184.145.65.247)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Fri Oct 18 15:16:01 CEST 2013 from (67.84.78.237)

Jeff A.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 15:01:36 CEST 2013 from (174.89.37.201)

brown eyed girl

Getting to Know Rick Danko (Through Notebook Doodles and Videos)

Ben Hauser

Entered at Fri Oct 18 14:53:38 CEST 2013 from (174.89.37.201)

brown eyed girl

Elizabeth Danko and Levon Helm in AIIFMH.

Hi Peter! Reading previous posts I see I need to also say hi to John D and Nomadic Mike!

Entered at Fri Oct 18 14:47:37 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

St. Louis, two different ways of saying it. kind of like Louisville Kentucky. Chuck Berry may have said it a certain way to fit with the lyrics.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 14:43:36 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

BUT main post is congratulations to Sebastian and Robbie on "Legends, Icons & Rebels". My copy just arrived and i'm leafing through looking at all those beautiful illustrations first. Also it's remarkable to have The Beatles, Dylan, Beach Boys, Joni, Carole King, Motown all together on the compilation CDs. I assume that needed some major work behind the scenes on permissions!

Seeing Carole King in her rightful place was my first pleasure in reading the contents.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 14:19:42 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

When I was growing up I always called him Louie. I started going to New Orleans in 1980 and have been there countless times. I was corrected almost immediately; when using the name Louie. It is indeed Louis. I believe the Louie version was a sort of nickname and it stuck; for many. I also think it was used by only "close" friends in the early days; as a term of endearment.

I don't believe it's wrong to use Louie; but technically it is indeed Louis.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 13:12:33 CEST 2013 from (78.149.136.204)

Sparks

Subject: Heaven or Hell

Is the song Heaven or Hell by Robbie Robertson from the Tucson Folk Festival available as a studio recording? It is an awesome track and beat the other performances hands down.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 11:29:59 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

I posted once that "lead singer of The Band" is near to get Nobel Prize in literature. Ragtime posted "what, is Ronnie Hawkins going to get the Prize". When he realized that it was Dylan he said something like "Lay Lady Lay is surely an achievement". - What a cruel and uncivilized poster he was!

Entered at Fri Oct 18 10:53:36 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The Tavis Smiley interview was a great start to the day. Thanks. I want to pick up on a tiny point we discussed before. Robbie says Lou-ee Armstrong, then Lou-ee Jordan about three times, then slips in a "Lewis" Armstrong, then Tavis Smiley goes back to "Lou-ee" Armstrong. I had a discussion on this last week. Old jazzers in the UK say "Lewis Armstrong" possibly based on Hello Dolly, (This is Lewis, Dolly). The general non-specialist listener invariably says "Lou-ee." Any opinions?

This also goes through to St. Louis. You came a long way from St. Lou-ee. St. Lou-ee Blues. And Chuck Berry sings "St. Lou-ee" too, and he should know. But I've often heard Americans say "St. Lewis."

Why? How? When? Where? … seriously, I'd be grateful for opinions and enlightenment!

Entered at Fri Oct 18 09:55:21 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Mickey Jones

Mickey Jones once attended a Dylan Convention in Manchester (here in the U.K.) and I chaired Mickey's session. It has been represented as an interview but Mickey's description on page 253 of his book is more accurate (try the link). Mickey just talked, needed very little prompting and I just tried to keep him to the chronological narrative.

He was a great guy - pleasant, polite, enthusiastic and very open, offering his time to everyone there. A terrific guest.

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=i93iCfK_dEQC&pg=PA253&lpg=PA253&dq=Ian+Woodward+Mickey+Jones&source=bl&ots=5-UJhhUqL6&sig=L8lJo5Qqf3nldcznSCjRnc8GXjM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OeVgUpaSIs7M0AX-oIGADw&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Ian%20Woodward%20Mickey%20Jones&f=false

Entered at Fri Oct 18 01:50:48 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Subject: Robbie TV interview

Nice one, from Tavis Smiley's show yesterday.

Entered at Fri Oct 18 01:18:32 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

First great to see BEG back on line.

Thanks for the Mickey Jones link. I read it originally but had forgotten the details. The Carny anecdote at first sight seems harsh, but I can kind of see it. Robbie is starting a new career in movie production. Does he really want a friendly guy saying, 'hey, Robbie, you remember that night in Stockholm when ...'

He didn't get a part though. And he is a good character actor.

Interesting that he saw both Robbie and Richard as aloof ... The two main songwriters.

Maybe Robbie just found out Mickey had been paid more. Mickey has never kept it quiet ... Probably telling everyone at the casting audition!

Entered at Fri Oct 18 00:54:44 CEST 2013 from (174.89.104.168)

brown eyed girl

I only became aware of James Maddock via Garland Jeffreys.
Maybe some of you would also like to get acquainted with this singer-songwriter/guitarist as well....Yeah....I dig him alright.

On the Music Business Rollercoaster, James Maddock Stays Positive

by Kay Cordtz (known to some here)

Entered at Fri Oct 18 00:49:55 CEST 2013 from (174.89.104.168)

brown eyed girl

Hi Bill M and Joan. It's always good to "see" you.

Robbie on Tavis Smiley.
"The celebrated musician and founding member of The Band shares his insight on the business that made him a legend."

Entered at Thu Oct 17 23:14:06 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Mr. Jones

For those who may not have read it, here's a link to Carol Caffin's fine interview with Mickey Jones. One of many intereting revelations relates to one movie role he didn't get after an uncomfortable audition, with Robbie present, for "Carny."

Entered at Thu Oct 17 22:55:27 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Band of Heroes

I've been reading at this site for many years and its only in the past few years that I thought I might have something to contribute. I am often in awe of the knowledge and erudite comments made by so many that visit this site and add to the enjoyment of the music with their knowledge and opinions. It is because of this that I value the return of those who have been (for whatever reason) absent. Gender notwithstanding, there is a lot of experience from both sides of the water over a lot of years with respect to the music we all love.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 21:51:22 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 17 21:20:49 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

And don't forget, after touring with Dylan, Mickey Jones joined the Kenny Rogers' First Edition and enjoyed even more success.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 20:43:54 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: not just another pretty face

David P: it's Mr. Jones's success as an actor that always astonishes me . . . imdb lists him with 128 credits and (for an actor) essentially constant employment since 1975.
No doubt reliability plays a big part there as well.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 20:34:41 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

One of the very few times Hal Blaine went on the road was a brief tour with Simon & Garfunkel in 1969. The backup band also featured former Hawk Fred Carter Jr. on electric guitar, Larry Knechtel on keyboards and Joe Osborn on bass. He once remarked in an interview that Nancy Sinatra once made him an offer he couldn't refuse to do a Vegas gig, so I'm sure S&G compensated him well also.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 19:57:42 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Along with his skills as a drummer, Mickey Jones had proven his reliability as a musician, as he'd toured extensively with both Trini Lopez and Johnny Rivers throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 19:19:38 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Glad to see you back. I've missed you. It's tough holding up the feminine side by myself, :-)

Entered at Thu Oct 17 19:13:21 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: Ronnie Hawkins and His Band

NWC: There's always this one, from 1970. Don't worry about being late; what's 43 years between friends?

Entered at Thu Oct 17 18:36:05 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: The "Band"?

Many Swedish bands have taken their names after a band member or manager. How about "The Jaime's" or "The Albert's"? - Sorry if I am a few decades too late.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 18:34:42 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Oct 17 18:32:41 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 17 17:52:09 CEST 2013 from (67.84.78.237)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 17:00:34 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: John Henry Ramistella

Speaking of Johnny Rivers, it's a shame that the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame continues to ignore him, further evidenced with yesterday's announcement of nominees. Even today, he's still an engaging performer. Link above to a recent performance with Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives. They play "Poor Side of Town" around the 4:22 mark and "Summer Rain" at 21:14. In answer to the question of why he's not in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame he quips "Just lucky, I guess."

Entered at Thu Oct 17 16:14:01 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Positively 4th Street was on "Realization" with Hal Blaine on drums and James Burton on guitar, but it was an earlier Johnny Rivers that led Bob Dylan to recruiting his drummer, one Mickey Jones, for the 1966 tour.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 16:02:00 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:55:03 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Nobody Sings Dylan like Dylan....but...

John D. That is a great cover, but the venom is maybe missing a bit. Its the grit that makes it the ultimate 'how do you sleep' song for me. AND WHILE WE ARE AT IT, there are so many great Dylan covers (and some dire) that it becomes a dizzying experience to quantify and qualify. His songs continue to attract, from PPM to Jason and the Scorchers, to Adele. I really enjoy the interpretations of his work.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:48:20 CEST 2013 from (174.89.92.29)

brown eyed girl

Hey JT...Seven Canadians posted in a row...record breaking.

Here's my favourite song from Garland's latest CD Truth Serum....James Maddock on guitar.

On the Music Business Rollercoaster, James Maddock Stays Positive by Kay Cordtz

You got to open Levon Helm’s Ramble once. What was that like?

James Maddock: "I’ve watched The Last Waltz 100 times and to me, it’s one of the greatest movies of all time. So when I heard about the Ramble, I wanted to be there. I had some friends in the Levon band like Clark Gayton and Erik Lawrence, and I think they put in a good word for me. After a lot of hassling I finally got a phone call and his manager said, ‘Hey you want to do the Ramble?’ And it was the thrill of a lifetime, I can’t tell you. At the end of the night when we all got up to do ‘The Weight,’ I’ll never forget Levon looking over and going, ‘You know the first verse of The Weight?’ I’ve been singing that song since I was 16! I know every verse. And there he is, just my dream come true. It’s unbelievable.

I’m friends with Rob Stoner and Rob also came to the Ramble with his wife Marjorie. Rob knows Levon from way back. One of my favorite memories of Levon is from after the gig, when Rob and Marjorie and I went back into the kitchen. I had a moment with Levon but basically I was just there as Levon and Rob were catching up. They hadn’t seen each other in maybe 20 years and just to listen to those two talking about music for the first time in years, it was just brilliant for me. I was just listening, just liked to be in his presence. He was very nice to me and I’ve got a poster upstairs in my bedroom. Luckily he’s been immortalized: we all know The Last Waltz and we have all the records.

You are often compared to another Last Waltz musician and former Woodstock resident, Van Morrison.

Astral Weeks is my number one album of all time. And I think Van Morrison is the greatest. There was a Van Morrison period when the music was kind of rambling and loose, and that’s the model for what I’m trying to do in a lot of ways. I think he’s one of the greatest singers of all time, and those were his finest albums. Unbelievable. And Richard Manuel too — beautiful cat, beautiful singer. They’re the kind of people where you’re always aiming for those performances. That’s as good as it gets, that’s my holy grail. I’ve never seen those guys, but in my mind I’m trying to imagine what it was like and trying to get there. But it’s a different time, different musicians. It’s hard to get musicians who are in that place —all at the same place at the same time with the same kind of ideas. Back in the day, people had record deals and there was money and you could have consistency. And it’s particularly hard in New York because everyone’s playing with so many different people. It’s really hard to have a band that’s always available."

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:36:16 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: INITIALS initially AND Ontario lakes

or is that JRR? Lots of beauty in north Ontario, Bill. Sounds nice. I always stay near water wherever I live. I can hear the Pacific at night in the backyard.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:34:39 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Bob Dylan was once quoted as saying that Johnny Rivers version of Positively 4th Street was Dylan's absolute favorite cover of any one of his songs.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:29:44 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: BEG, RJRand GJ

Thank you for the links for RJR as he speaks to his new book. I am looking forward to his biography. Its good to have you back here contributing your extensive knowledge. And thanks for reminding me to revisit Garland Jeffreys. He continues to put out new albums and is touring Europe and USA. An overlooked excellent songwriter/performer. I'll never forget hearing him at Montreal jazz Festival maybe 11 or 12 years ago.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:21:35 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Come to think of it, I hear "The Weight" fairly often in malls and bars and wherever else either muzak or satellite is played, but never "The Shape I'm In". I would say, however, that the latter seems to be the dark horse in the race towards legacy. "The Weight" will be with us always, on stages and over the air, but the others slowly fade from view - except "The Shape", which seems to have taken on a new life in the repertoires of bar bands. At least those is southern Ontario.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 15:00:09 CEST 2013 from (174.89.92.29)

brown eyed girl

ROBBIE ROBERTSON AND JIM GUERINOT ON GLOBAL’S THE MORNING SHOW.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 04:27:35 CEST 2013 from (24.108.1.255)

BONK

Thanks for that man. Hadn't even thought about John for 25 years. What a talent!

Entered at Thu Oct 17 03:16:25 CEST 2013 from (174.89.38.3)

brown eyed girl

Robbie Robertson visited Indigo Bookstore, October 8.

"On stage, Canadian broadcaster and music writer Alan Cross interviewed Robbie Robertson and Jim Guerinot about Legends, Icons & Rebels."

Entered at Thu Oct 17 03:12:01 CEST 2013 from (174.89.38.3)

brown eyed girl

Jian Ghomeshi interviews Robbie Robertson and Jim Guerinot.

27 legends young music lovers must hear
Music vets Robbie Robertson and Jim Guerinot profile just under 30
groundbreaking musicians in their new book and CD set.

Entered at Thu Oct 17 01:35:11 CEST 2013 from (96.30.173.135)

joe j

Subject: Golden Years

Hey you all. Link is to Johnny Rivers' 'Positively 4th St.'. Just slays me.

Got my 'Another Self Portrait', waiting on me ROA-3.

Got an invitation to join the local 'Golden Age' club. I'm sure it was a mistake on their end.

Harvest moon tonight. I'm know Neil Young is recording somewhere.

Play safe and don't go near the water.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 23:43:06 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Haust in the house

If Mr.Haust is in our 'house' (or at least visits once in a while), could he please send us an update on the state of this highly anticipated work. And please, don't trim the 'Fat'. If anyone reading here can let him know that we eagerly anticipate Levon and the Hawks 62-64, that would be a great help. I know I'm not alone in this from all the comments over the last few days. Sometimes, a few comments can mushroom. Maybe....

Entered at Wed Oct 16 22:50:09 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Dexy: With a $25K budget and locations in Mass and CA, I guess 'Garth Goes Hollywood' is not a big risk . . . .

Entered at Wed Oct 16 22:28:42 CEST 2013 from (24.124.96.66)

Dexy

Subject: Garth in a new movie?

According to IMDB, Garth is acting in a new film called A Sea of Green. See link above.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 20:52:10 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Wed Oct 16 20:49:50 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Damn. Your right! I know the guy! What was I thinking? Too much on my mind I guess.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 20:38:53 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Songs in unlikely places

"Like A Rolling Stone" - Toronto Airport Terminal 1 as I walked to my gate. "The Weight" -Yorkdale Mall in Toronto and while waiting for John Cleese to come on stage last Saturday. Wonders never cease. The songs we love are indeed evolving into Muzak et al.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 20:23:12 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Nirvana in Athens

While Nirvana once played "Smells Like Teen Spirit" at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia in 1991, check out this rendition by the Athens (Greece) Big Band. And who can forget the version of TNTDODD performed on the Lawrence Welk show years ago.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 19:37:09 CEST 2013 from (67.84.77.114)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 18:56:58 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I got it yesterday, well actually I didn't, I bought it and got the AutoRip version from amazon while the post wends its way with the real thing … incredibly good! Sample "Love's For Babies and Fools" and "As Fast As My Feet". Oh, and "If I Were A Bluebird," but you can't go wrong.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 18:52:50 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Oct 16 18:37:24 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 16 18:08:20 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

My daughter used to play "Unplugged" by Nirvana and I must admit to a sneaking liking for "Where did you sleep last night?" (aka In The pines / Black Girl). But one Monday morning I watched as Nirvana Live on the sound system emptied a record store. The link is to an article I did in 2007 ("Thank You For The Muzac") on music in public places which mentions that Nirvana Monday.

But seriously … do you know the original UK band Nirvana? They're definitely worth looking up.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 17:44:44 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

The book "Follow the Music: the Life and High Times of Elektra Records in the Great Years of American Pop Culture," written by Jac Holzman with Gavan Daws, is an interesting read. It also included an Elektra CD compilation of some rare tracks.

1965 in particular was an important year in my appreciation of music, as I purchased the following Elektra LPs:

"Tom Rush"
Fred Neil's "Bleecker and MacDougal
"The Paul Butterfield Blues Band"
Tom Paxton's "Ain't That News"
"Judy Collins' Fifth Album"

I can say that I still listen & enjoy all those albums all these years later.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 17:27:58 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

But yes, the fans getting a single vote among the 600 "official" Ballots is clearly a stunt-probably to placate the KISS fans.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 16:02:40 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

I've just been reminded that it was on this day in 1970 that Canada suspended _habeas corpus_ and detained a few hundred citizens under the terms of the War Measures Act. Greil Marcus alludes to this at the end of the The Band section in _Mystery Train_; he recounts a conversation with Dominique Robertson where the episode is characterized in words to the effect of "a terror was imposed on the people."

Entered at Wed Oct 16 15:10:17 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Calvin, at 1/600 between everyone who submits a vote, it’s not worth the wear on my keyboard to vote, but mine would be, in order:

1) Link Wray 2) Peter Gabriel 3) Chic 4) Hall & Oates 5) Cat stevens.

2) So quite different. If you could apply your five choices as multiple votes to one artist, it would be Link Wray 3, Peter Gabriel 2.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 15:06:27 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

amazon.co.uk update … "expected delivery changed to October 18th" so they got it earlier than they expected. excellent.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 14:46:45 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Oct 16 14:43:31 CEST 2013 from (66.61.15.219)

Calvin

That Said The Paul Butterfield Blues Band is on the Nominees List this year, along with Linda Ronstadt, Cat Stevens, Yes, Peter Gabriel, LL Cool J, Nirvana, Yes, The Replacements, Chic, Deep Purple, Hall and Oates, Kiss, NWA, The Meters, Link Wray and The Zombies.

They HOF is basically pulling a stunt this year advertising fans can vote-which they can-but the top 5 will be placed in as the "Fans Ballot", and count as just one vote among the 600 Ballots sent out for official Voting.

Still, Ill be submitting my ballot for PBBB, Linda, The Meters, Nirvana and Peter Gabriel.

Im guessing Linda, with her recent medical issues, is a shoe in-as in Nirvana. After that it is anybodies guess I think.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 13:30:25 CEST 2013 from (86.186.46.43)

Simon

Thanks, Ian. Indeed the Melody Maker interviews are archived here. Peter, I think you'll like the bits on Richard Williams' blog that cover soul music, particularly last month's "Oh, what a sound (September 1963)". His love of this music really comes through. There was a time when these songs were brand spanking new and fresh.

I'd also recommend his book on Miles Davis, also called "The Blue Moment", which deals with Kind of Blue and stands alongside Ashley Kahn's study of that album. His description of Miles' solo on "So What": "the shimmering sound provides a perfect platform for the trumpeter, who prowls the scales like a cat picking its way between windowsill ornaments, his peerless lyricism in full bloom."

And finally, completely unrelated, here's a Mojo page with a link to Take 11 of "Into The Mystic" from the forthcoming reissue(s) of Moondance.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 09:14:40 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Correct, the notes were from a 1968 sampler Select Elektra. I am amazed it never sold like CBS and Island samplers, but they were low budget priced, and then shifted huge quantities of the albums they sampled. I guess the Elektra one was full price, a major error if so.

David's qualification of 'Jac Holzman's Elektra' is important!

Entered at Wed Oct 16 09:10:12 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

In the early 70s, if Richard Williams rated an album, I bought it. The most reliable British reviewer of all. Many thanks for the link to his blog which I will bookmark. Sad he hasn't heard discs 3 and 4 of Live at the Academy though.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 02:19:39 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

You may also like to check Section 3 of his 5 September 2013 blog (same link, just click the older blogs button) in which he tals about the 1969 Isle of Wight concert.

I'm pretty certain I still have those 1971 MELODY MAKER interviews in my files (probably yellowing and with the glue coming through) but I guess they've already been archived somewhere on this site.

I have had one or two contacts with Richard Williams about Dylan over the long decades and got to meet him earlier this year, very briefly indeed, at the opening of an exhibition on the long-gone Dobells record shop in London, but I was in a group, so I doubt he would even have noticed me. He seemed very personable.

Entered at Wed Oct 16 00:32:05 CEST 2013 from (86.159.96.22)

Simon

Subject: Richard Williams on The Band in London 1971

I discovered Richard Williams' blog a couple of weeks ago and was going to recommend it to the folks here. It's well worth spending an hour exploring the site. As chance would have it he has just posted a piece about The Band's visit to London in 1971 to play the Royal Albert Hall. He interviewed Rick and Robbie for a Melody Maker article at the time. There are some nice details.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 23:19:18 CEST 2013 from (161.185.157.22)

Ray

Entered at Tue Oct 15 19:10:00 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

OK. I haven't spoken to Jan House in a couple of years. I do know that he has all the tracks needed. His business partner in some ventures tells me it's still coming. When? I don't know. I do know that he is working on some major video documentaries. He did the one on Yonge Street that featured The Band among others.

I have to guess that Garth may know something about this; as Maud and Garth are very close to Jan. Final answer, I don't know. An update would be nice.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 19:10:37 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

I got my copy of Legends, It is terrific! The presentation is beautiful. The artwork is very good and the copy is well done. I haven't had a chance to listen to the CDs yet. I highly recomend it

Entered at Tue Oct 15 18:29:02 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Oct 15 18:12:18 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Jac Holzman's Elektra Records.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 17:47:00 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Only one person guessing?

Entered at Tue Oct 15 17:32:01 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Bacon Fat

Since this work is 'in the works' for a long time, I assume that the tracks and sources available could be listed by those who are working to prepare this for release. If they are reading this, could they please fill us in on 1) tracks and sources and 2) anticipated completion and time for release. Those who may know and could tell us could be anyone from Garth Hudson to the record company who will release this material ultimately. I know all of us here would be grateful to know what's up and coming. Thank you.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 15:54:04 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

amazon.co.uk just announced the UK book delivery estimate has been put back to October 26th, but that merely suggests they're selling US imported copies (I ordered it immediately it was listed).

Entered at Tue Oct 15 15:42:44 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Subject: New book from Robbie & Seb

The new book/2-CD set from Robbie and Sebastian Robertson is here: Legends, Icons & Rebels: Music That Changed the World. It's a wonderful thing, get it from amazon.com now! (link above)

Entered at Tue Oct 15 15:37:14 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

gotta be Island

Entered at Tue Oct 15 15:21:26 CEST 2013 from (161.185.157.22)

Ray

Supposedly OPM somehow got hold of higher quality recordings then got Garth involved and I think there was even going to be a DVD included with the package. If the recordings were even say 5 to 7 out of 10 quality-wise I'd buy Levon & the Hawks set in a heartbeat just because they were SO on top of their game at that point.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 14:35:54 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Just picked up an LP. This is an extract from the liner notes by John Peel. Guess which label it's on. I won't confirm until tomorrow.

There are those brave and beautiful companies feeding on miracles and devotion which have struggled for years without fouling their consciences. They have provided jewellery to scatter in our minds – they deserve our salutes and whenever support. (sic). Only one label has discovered purity lying in the same elusive bed as success. They sign few artists but those they sign find themselves overnight on Olympus. They release few records but those they release are honest and essential. They publicise little, for the very excellence of their crafts is, in itself a cry from every discerning rooftop. You know who I’m talking about.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 10:11:56 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Randy Newman

Today's Toppermost (linked) is me on Randy Newman. It's a long one because it was so hard to choose ten … disagreements or alternative tens are welcome (but please comment over there). Yesterday was Nick Drake … last week Prefab Sprout, U2. The U2 piece was particularly good.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 09:26:38 CEST 2013 from (92.18.161.121)

Solomon

I would just like to know what was going to be on those 8CDs worth of Levon & The Hawks stuff. I could at least die in some peace.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 09:23:31 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Adam, I remember me, Norm and Lars saying just that when we were 24. While it is possible that a couple of decent albums are hiding away, eight seems unlikely, as though I had several Hawks boots on cassette, the sound quality ranged from poor to piss poor. I will order a copy the minute it is announced whatsoever, but they had to be in range of decent equipment at some time. It is not impossible, only yesterday I was listening to a Dillard's 1963 concert that didn't get released till 1999 and the quality is great. So let us hope. But they can't be just somewhat better versions of the circulating tapes which are so poor there can't be much signal to play with or tweak.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 08:01:53 CEST 2013 from (98.15.190.173)

Lars

Norm- we need a loan for a little while. Please send 16 or 17 trillion dollars to PO Box 1, Del Rio, TX.

Entered at Tue Oct 15 04:48:42 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

Entered at Mon Oct 14 23:45:05 CEST 2013 from (161.185.157.22)

Ray

Entered at Mon Oct 14 21:05:31 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Thank you very much Joan. Very much appreciated.

Entered at Mon Oct 14 18:59:55 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Oct 14 18:54:43 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

To all the Canadian posters,,Happy Thanksgiving !

Entered at Mon Oct 14 17:19:55 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Buncha Turkeys!

Lars!....you only got a few days left to get that loan paid off. Then the Chinese are gonna repossess yuz.

All kinds of changes. Staton Island will become Hong Kong. New Joisey will become Cow Dung Stink Province.

You guys better start emptying yer piggy banks... we can't let this happen.

Entered at Mon Oct 14 17:11:14 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: RoA

Andrew Romano has proclaimed that "Rock of Ages" is the greatest live album ever in today's edition of The Daily Beast.

Entered at Mon Oct 14 17:00:51 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Same here Jerry. Capon for us.

Entered at Mon Oct 14 15:38:35 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Peter V: With "The Weight", as with most of the songs, the "soundboard" mix presents both a new mix, but a different performance as well (New Year's Eve rather than Dec. 30).

For guitarists, the "soundboard" mix really brings out all the subtleties of Robbie's playing, allowing one to hear detail previously buried in the original mix of performances.

Entered at Mon Oct 14 11:57:02 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Marine disaster (Rockin Chair's thread)

Thank God no disaster. Just a rare meet between world's largest container ship and world's smallest rescue boat. (Not my pic, I just watched from the shore.)

Entered at Mon Oct 14 02:42:40 CEST 2013 from (24.108.150.14)

JT

Subject: Vancouver Cleese

John Cleese finished his dates in Toronto at the Winter Garden Theatre on 28 Sept. The reviews were good, John. Sorry you missed him. He is in Vancouver shortly once he finishes Victoria. Maybe a good time for you to come west!

Entered at Mon Oct 14 02:39:00 CEST 2013 from (24.108.150.14)

JT and LvdB

Subject: Gobble Gobble

Not to worry John. I'm not a fan of the big bird. Chicken, believe it or not, is a favourite. Its simple and takes on whatever flavour you give it. I love that about chicken. Happy Thanksgiving to you John and to your family and to all who live here at least some of the time and live north of the USA. We have a lot for which to give thanks.

Entered at Sun Oct 13 22:53:22 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

JT! Watch your turkey intake. :-)

Entered at Sun Oct 13 21:21:59 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Wondering if he's coming to Toronto? He was the first to "quit" python. Told the others years ago while on a plane to another appearance; according to Eric Idle. I always loved his humor.

Entered at Sun Oct 13 19:43:22 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT and LvdB

Subject: Older man with pens and wit

Oh Oh. an error. John Marwood Cleese is 74. Looks older.

Entered at Sun Oct 13 19:13:33 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT and LvdB

Subject: John Cleese in Victoria BC Oct. 12, 2013

Last night we went to listen to John Cleese at the MacPherson Theatre in Victoria. He did a retrospective of his career, giving due credit to luck and to David Frost for starting him on his way. He spent some time on his early period with the Cambridge troupe and then with the 2 Ronnies. Marty Feldman got praise for those early years and interactions. He spoke considerably about his love of writing. Of course, the Monty Python and Fawlty Towers period was reviewed, all with photos and film to complement his comments. He spoke extensively about the British humour and how it changed when finally in the 60s comedians could be comfortable with mimicking and criticizing their politicians. He referenced his mother extensively (she lived through the entire 20th century and someone 'missed' all the events therein). 'A Fish Called Wanda" received high praise for all involved. He discussed Graham Chapman and his collaborations with him and Michael Palin and his hilarious interactions with him. He showed photos of the Python troupe but said little about the others.His fluid presentation and comfortable demeanour suggested hh has lost very little despite being an octogenarian. His take on his craft overall: The opportunity to be 'Silly' was the best part of it all. Highly recommended. "The Last Time To See Me Before I Die".

Entered at Sun Oct 13 17:19:37 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The joy of the soundboard mix is you’re probably hearing individual instruments better than you would have done in the hall on the night. We’re back to 1971. Speakers moving air, mics picking up the sound. Piano is always hard to get right (unless you’re Elton John and it’s all built round the piano). Most halls have good spots and bad spots. For CSN last week I sat too far forward (row C) and the mix was poor. Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison can get it right and part of the secret is bringing volume right down. I was saying to a friend that Cohen, Van, Paul Simon all got great sound all over the hall. ‘Ah, yes,’ he said, ‘but they send someone in advance to analyse the acoustics and write a program …’ as if it were cheating in some way. Anyone charging £55 to £75 a ticket can afford to do that. And I very much doubt that Van does that … they just take everything down to the sound of drums.

So I’m pretty sure that unless you were standing in the perfect spot, Live At The Academy sounds clearer and better than in the hall. There is a slight shock in The Weight … compare the two mixes. The soundboard virtually eliminates that burst of self-congratulatory applause as the audience realize it. I was aware that knowing it was live, I was sub-consciously waiting for it.

Recently I’ve really started noticing how you can improve the live sound by reducing volume, and not everyone has worked it out. In the summer, open air, Van Morrison sounded way, way better than K.T. Tunstall, and a major difference was less volume.

Entered at Sun Oct 13 01:38:06 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

Entered at Sun Oct 13 01:36:23 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

The new Clearmountain mixes really open up the sound field. As stated by others, Richard's piano is up front and clear. Check out his electric keyboard on "Caledonia Mission". His playing and singing really stand out among his finest periods.

Entered at Sat Oct 12 13:37:42 CEST 2013 from (72.82.163.57)

Ben

Subject: Levon- Ain't in it

I agree about Barney Hoskyns. I don't think he said anything that any guest book regular couldn't have said just as well. Greil Marcus would have been a better choice. I don't want to rehash the issues regarding the fued again, but maybe Levon's anger should have been directed at Albert Grossman rather than RR. Does anyone know what happened to "The midnight ramble vol 3" that was announced last year and has not appeared.

Entered at Sat Oct 12 09:51:36 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Ray Charles? There’s an era thing. When I first started going to live shows, it was Zoot Money, who like The Hawks was heavily into Ray Charles, so that What’d I Say, Sticks & Stones, The Night time Is The Right Time, I Got A Woman and It Should’ve Been Me were the centrepieces of the show. When I delved earlier, I didn’t like it so much. Van Morrison has an affection for the same Ray Charles area, but like the Hawks also goes into “Modern Sounds in C&W Music” with You Don’t Know Me and I Can’t Stop Loving You. I love that era too … Busted is a favourite. On the other hand, move on a few years and I find his covers of Eleanor Rigby and Yesterday embarrassingly awful.

Entered at Sat Oct 12 07:47:41 CEST 2013 from (92.18.164.67)

Solomon

I suppose we really needed Barney Hoskyns in the film to stir things up? I noticed Larry Campbell also said Levon was struggling with demons regarding The Band's legacy. I got the impression from the people who knew Levon that once he had made his mind up about something no one could change it. He sure as hell wasn't budging on The Lifetime achievement award.

Entered at Sat Oct 12 00:38:23 CEST 2013 from (69.121.106.11)

Jeff A.

Subject: The Magnificent Alter Kakhers

Forgive me if this has been posted already.The link is to Jeff Beck, Brian Wilson and company on the Jimmy Fallon show. Magnificent.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 23:33:49 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Georgia

As for Ray Charles: I admire his work but am not a huge fan, with the exception as noted of 'Georgia' (one of the true classics of popular music. A standard so evocative in emotional angst that it stands up as one of the top songs of its type. The other one is "I Only have eyes For You" by the Flamingos). 'Georgia' is exceptional! There are beautiful versions of 'Georgia' around as we all know.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 23:16:51 CEST 2013 from (72.82.163.57)

Ben

Subject: Aint In It For My Health

I finally got the chance to see this yesterday. It is a powerful and touching documentary. Several times I felt like yelling at the screen for Levon to put out the joint and eat a brownie instead or use a vaporizer... Seriously everyone on this guestbook should see this, if they haven't already.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 21:46:47 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Inventions

Sadavid: I agree. Critical thinking does go out the window. Inventions are not problematic for the fan. If that enhances their enjoyment, I guess - so be it. I'd like to believe that those who write about music can be critical and leave the inventions (of youth or current)behind. As for oxytocin, thank goodness for oxytocin.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 21:27:25 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

JT: I did note Mr. Fagan's reference to the greatness of Ray Charles, a Big Name among The Band members. It could become the acid test for musicians of a certain generation -- 'how highly do you rate Bro. Ray?'

Inventing personas for our musical heroines and heroes is just human nature. Music connects at a very deep (primitive?) emotional level - and once the oxytocin gets generated, emotional bonds get stronger and critical thinking goes out the window. In a sort of halo effect, we somehow expect they are as we want them to be.

No one is immune. My brother is a professional musician, and ought to know better, but I remember his reaction to seeing an interview of a brace of Steely Dan backup singers. He'd expected them to be as clever and hip as they were easy on the ears and eyes, but they came across as dull-normal. So many fantasies bite the dust when the objects of same open their mouths to speak.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 20:43:23 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Tabloid headline of the day:

KEITH RICHARD'S TARGET OF MILLIONAIRE EX-CHEMIST'S BOMB PLOT

Entered at Fri Oct 11 20:25:46 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Good 'rockin' tonight

Thank goodness for character flaws! Someone is listening. Thanks for the attention. It beats being ignored. As for not being spoken to. It won't be the first (or the last) time.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 19:58:39 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: So THERE!

I'm not talkin to you Jerry........you got too many character flaws.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 19:42:20 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

If you want to do an iTunes sample of Prefab Sprout's "Crimson/ Red" album, try "Billy." Incredible track.

I was wrong last week … Paul McCartney and Linda Thompson albums are next week.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 19:27:06 CEST 2013 from (96.54.178.226)

JT

Subject: Expectations

Thanks for alerting us to the Slate article (Donald Fagan). I read it. My comments: I'm looking forward to reading this. I am continually surprised by journalists, writers (and others)who develop childhood conceptions of artists and their expectations of these artists and their disappointment that these expectations are not fulfilled. These are normal humans with all their positive and negative attributes. They have a skill and that is their art. These preconceived notions of what they must or should be are in my view inappropriate and fail to pass the test of logic. They demean the individual who cannot accept that someone they admire can somehow 'let them down' for one reason or another. (extreme views or actions are the exception: Yes, of course, what is extreme for one person may be moderate or mild for another: I get that. But there is a medium) That they have the skill to write or play or paint or speak has little to do often with what they are or how they live. For me, I take people at face value with all their flaws. I am never surprised when I find that someone like Donald Fagan has negative attributes (as well as positive ones). It is that which makes him who he is. So much criticism is leveled at artists because somehow they fail to meet expectations. Enjoy him and all who are like him for what he (and they) can do to bring pleasure into our lives. While I'm at it, their politics and their views on the world, while interesting, are no more valid than mine. Being an artist does not necessarily somehow make one an expert in anything other than his/her art.. What I am interested in is the craft and the view someone like Fagan has on other artists. Like Robbie Robertson, who writes about his influences in his recent book, or Bob Dylan, who emulates his influences in his radio show, in his writings, and in his covers, those are areas that capture my interest. I am never disappointed though if somehow these people fail in other areas (so long as those areas are not in the extreme). Maybe these comments will raise some other opinions. I'd be interested.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 19:09:47 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

In my house they were called "washcloths" although I hear people calling them facecloths. Flannel is for plaid shirts and cozy winter sheets.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 17:31:25 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: have you heard about the sometime midnight rambler

While we're waiting on JRR, here's a review of Donald Fagan's forthcoming memoir _Eminent Hipsters_.

Entered at Fri Oct 11 07:31:25 CEST 2013 from (24.218.16.94)

Dave H

Tabloid newspapers are not always to be trusted, and I assume Charles and Camilla are still happily wed, but it is indeed true that Desiree Dennis-Dylan, the daughter of Bob Dylan and Carolyn Dennis, is engaged to another woman, and they are planning an August 2014 wedding--though they are not expecting Bob to attend (see link).

Entered at Thu Oct 10 23:18:19 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Oct 10 22:26:37 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Those trashy newspapers at the check out

Gawd Damn Peter. I was just in the super market getting a little groceries. Waiting in line at the check out, I'm staring at those crazy papers.

There on the front page is ol' Charlie & Camilla getting a 350 million divorce......what is going on boy??

At the bottom of the page is the headline, "Boy Dylan's daughter's gay wedding." Now some body better start explaining.

Entered at Thu Oct 10 21:06:25 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Perhaps the more relevant question would be "is the Other People's Music label still in existence?" Has anyone seen any other releaes from them lately?

Entered at Thu Oct 10 19:46:37 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V: I suspect that Joan will join me in saying No Peter, that's called a facecloth. Flannel is used only in making boring grey suits. Canada's mostly onboard with the US in those examples, though dummy and chips can go either way (for me anyway). For rubber, it'd be UK, though we'd be aware of the other meaning and possibly use that word in context. For me, a shag would first be a haircut, then a carpet. I'd thought the British used shag in place of fuck, but the photo looks more post than during. To me, a jumper is a plaid dress worn mostly by young girls (especially those at private schools) - a pinnie or pinnafore in NZ and Australia I learned, so maybe in the UK too.

Entered at Thu Oct 10 19:22:55 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Oct 10 19:19:43 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

I have a feeling we will never see it happen. 2013 is almost gone. Sad but I think true

Entered at Thu Oct 10 19:05:55 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Subject: Peter V

Peter etal A comparison of US English vs UK English

Entered at Thu Oct 10 18:30:52 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Oct 10 17:34:12 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: In Search of the Holy Grail

Will Cybil and Manuel be there???

Centurion! thwo him to the gwound!......yes verwe woughly please!

It doesn't matter what the man said, I couldn't watch him without laughing.

Entered at Thu Oct 10 17:12:46 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: "alter kakhers ewverywhere"

Absolutely! The known and not-so-well known. They've always been out there. But to be interesting to the public to the degree that masses will put out 'big bucks' to be entertained is a relatively newer phenomenon. Not music but this weekend we will spend our $$ to hear John Cleese speak to us from a stage in Victoria. He is on a tour of Canada and his shows are sold out. And so it goes... and we are happy to have the opportunity. He will be 'music to our ears'.

Entered at Thu Oct 10 16:02:16 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Alice Munro Nobelist literature

ALICE MUNRO is the winner of Nobel literature. Born in Ontario, she now lives in Victoria. She and her family own Munro Books on Government St in Victoria since 1963. It is an excellent book store and is in the tradition of the old (we try to get everything, popular or not) that is quickly disappearing for reasons that everyone knows. We are there often and hope this store will stay in business. Recognition of a body of work is a great honour. She apparently no longer writes, saying that she is old. Maybe she will change her mind. Older women with keyboard and screen (or maybe even pen and paper?)

Entered at Thu Oct 10 15:37:32 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Entered at Thu Oct 10 14:11:59 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Great review Peter. Yes that is Garth on Rag Mama Rag. I'll tell you I always enjoyed watching Richard on drums. He was so unorthodox it was just beautiful. Amy gave me that same feeling;when she went on drums; in the Ramble Band.

Well it's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. My son wants to watch Ain't In It For My Health. He may be surprised.

Entered at Thu Oct 10 13:47:19 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Oct 10 13:43:08 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

At last. I had a quick browse through “Live At the Academy” on Monday, but saved the full experience for yesterday, when I had a full four hours driving on my own … I have a very good car system with full natural bass and no ne was there to tell me to turn it down. The first thing is yes, you really do need the deluxe edition. There’s an energy and spirit and vibrancy on the soundboard mix, helped by having it in the order it actually happened.

Rick Danko’s bass playing that night was incredible … I’m sure he did less on the same songs later in the 90s. As has been said of the other melodic bass guitar genius, Paul McCartney, it’s not that it would be hard to replicate his bass parts, it’s that no one else would have thought of playing those parts in the first place. Also, if you have listened to a lot of Dylan / Band and Band live shows, you’ll know how rare it is to hear Richard’s piano properly. Maybe it was submerged in the halls on the nights too. Now you can hear it loud and clear, though surely the credits “Garth Hudson – organ, accordion, saxophone” is wrong, because that must be Garth playing piano on Rag Mama Rag. If Levon’s on mandolin, then Richard’s on drums … so …

I’ve maintained for years that with the possible exception of TLW “Dixie”, I’d always take the studio versions. Now I’m not so sure. Time To Kill surely beats the studio, as does Shape I’m In and Smoke Signal (but it’s still manifestly a weaker song). Richard is also on peak form vocally. I’m not sure that ever happened to that degree again.

I’m saving the 5.1 until I have time to listen through in one sitting … also my 5.1 Yamaha amp sounds fine, but the liquid crystal display has died to vague dots so it’s trial and error to get it right. When I replace it, the new one will have lots of buttons, not a control to turn and liquid crystal.

On the Dylan set … I do disagree that they didn’t need to rehearse because they all knew the stuff. The choice of Crash on The Leveee and Don’t Ya Tell Henry was odd, as neither had been officially released then, though I guess most people had heard tinny bootlegs. Also neither are melodic, and The Band sound a hell of a lot better without Bob than with him. When I Paint My Masterpiece reveals how much better Levon sings it, and that The Band Cahoots version’s polish of the lyric is an improvement. Then you go on to Levon and Bob singing together on Don’t Ya Tell Henry, and you really feel how frustrating it must have been for Levon backing Bob in 1965. He must have been thinking, ‘Why don’t I get up and sing this one?’ That’s why he jumped ship, I reckon. The intro to Like A Rolling Stone reveals that if you remember being at the Isle of Wight in 1969, you weren’t really there, as they announce ‘we haven’t played this for six years.’ And Bob forgets the words! Anyway, all good fun, and they definitely do it better than the Isle of Wight.

For Band fans, this release is a truly great moment. For me, I enjoyed The Band more yesterday than I have in years.

Entered at Thu Oct 10 10:45:23 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Oct 9 21:40:54 CEST 2013 from (72.76.183.92)

John Reid

Subject: omited concert

Hi just read through the past concert dates. I am positive i saw them in the summer of 1976 in Asbury Park NJ. Convention Hall I think---I have photos somewhere.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 21:32:29 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Jon: I don't know if it was Ringo or George who asked the guys to lend a hand. The Band were recording some tracks for "Moondog Matinee" at Capitol Studios in Hollywood (April 1973) at the same time Ringo & George were working in another studio in L.A. on the RINGO album.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 20:59:28 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Sunshine Life for Me

David, always loved that song. (Funny, I'm pretty sure it's the first Band-involvement song I ever heard, before I had any idea who they were.) The fiddles give it a fun Basement-Tapes-type feel. Did George contact them about playing on Ringo's album, I wonder?

Entered at Wed Oct 9 20:39:44 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: 1/2 Beatles + 4/5 The Band

Link to "Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond)", written by George Harrison for the 1973 album "RINGO." It features Ringo on drums & lead vocal, George-guitar & background vocal, Robbie-guitar, Rick-fiddle, Levon-mandolin, Garth-accordion, David Bromberg-banjo & fiddle, Klaus Voorman-double bass and produced by Richard Perry.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 20:38:41 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Well, the DVD finally got released this week; in Canada. Mine came today. I wasn't sure what to expect. One thing for sure...... this is a film about the real Levon. What you see is what you get. Seeing him get a treatment at the hospital was tough to look at it. His philosophies were indeed his. The scenes around the kitchen table reminded me of the days; when I would frequent that room. I came away feeling a little sad; but happy to see Amy, Sandy and Larry talking about the Boss. Something to pass on down to my son Jimmy; whom Levon really loved. I believe it's a must have for any one who loved Levon. Once he became your friend, he was a friend forever. And it's been said a thousand times before........what a musician!

Entered at Wed Oct 9 20:17:20 CEST 2013 from (273.222.212.139)

Jazzmaster '61

FBFTJD release in 2013!

Entered at Wed Oct 9 20:13:15 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

Subject: Legends Icons and Rebels

Here's a link to the children's book I just wrote with my dad. Our aim was to introduce young readers to some of the most influential musical artists of all time. We wrote a biographical piece on each artist, included a song from each, a beautiful illustration and many fun facts and added song picks. Not to mention that my dad writes a personal reflection on all 27 of the artists featured in the book. Check it out. Hope you enjoy.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 20:04:18 CEST 2013 from (173.3.49.122)

Jeff A.

Jerry, there have always been old men and old women slugging it out musically in celebration of every moment of their life and their art.. Before i forget, my grandmother, may father's mother,, in the hospital, near death...My cousin Mike was there, started singing Summertime to her. she sang in Yiddish theatre, and sang at the shul and community center till late in life. Well Mike starts singin Summertime. She gets a look of indignation on her face, says that;s not how you sing it, and just about belted it out, beautifully and melodiously...

If the music business doesn't kill or destroy someone, the making of music is what keeps em going.... the trick for many is surviving it without becoming bitter...those that do,stay musically productve for ages....alter kakhers ewverywhere...i got to see Johnnie Johnson go till the end,Tommy bankhead, when Henry townsend died at 98 was still playing a very little, but at 94 he was playing a good amount ....Jimmy norman was going till he got morbidly ill herre in NYC, Roscoe Gordon was goinggn till he died down in Tennessee, look at BBking, still on the road .......musicians play music, it's what they live for...........and yould be surprised how little money most of em make for playing live......there are old people sluggin it out in bars all over the country, some of em are unreal, amazing singers and players...........Gordon Edwards, with Stuff, gordon is one of the all time great bassplayers, he plays in clubs here with some of the greatest musicians anywher, no door charge,,, kikc in the bucket......Gordon is 75 or 76, and badass, MAe Wheeler, a n amzing jazz sibnger, was singign till she died in her 70s in st louis, alberta adams,last year was still singign around detroit..........they keep going....the old rock and roll and doo wop groups are doing shows all over NYC thse dyas, lots of these guys are in their 70s........But there are old folk playing music of all kinds all over the place....rock and roll,,blues, country, jazz,folk..can't imagine hip hoppers and rappers gettign away with it when they hit 70 and 80.... JT- if you send me your contact, there is something i'd like to send you...cousinmoe58ataoldotcom is mine

Entered at Wed Oct 9 19:37:18 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

After over four decades, the King of the Surf Guitar, Dick Dale, is still touring.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 18:17:43 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: On the cover of the ROLLIN STONE!!!!

You guys.....jeez......yer getting dementia..the list of guys is too long. Who was up against Levon for the award couple of years ago?? Hunh? Charlie Louvin.

There is Scotty Moore, Hank Snow went on forever as did Wilf Carter, just to name a couple. Wasn't Les Paul up into his nineties and still playing?

I got to form a list for yuz. Old guitar players never die, they just get "strung up."

Entered at Wed Oct 9 17:17:42 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Bacon Fat to Judgement Day

'The Time has come today". There is a huge interest in "Bacon Fat to Judgement Day". This is a no-brainer. Please release this as soon as possible so that the history of this quintet can be understood in the context of 1962-1965.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 16:43:42 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Sorry I screwed up your heading. It should have read instruments.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 16:42:19 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

JT, I have often thought of this subject. Your right. When I was younger there was still Bing Crosby, Sinatra and Tony Bennett; hanging in; until they got much older. Tony is still doing it; at I believe 86 years old. It was in fact the birth of Rock and Roll that extended the careers of musicians. It's why I get so upset every time someone makes a Rolling Stones joke. I'd like to see a lot of younger musicians run the stage like Mick does.

I think we the audience obviously have to take some credit for this. I'm more than happy that some of my favourite artists like, Dylan, Springsteen and re-issues of The Band continue on and I'm happy to help support them.

At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions this year, Randy Newman wrote a very funny song about artists who don't know when to skate off the ice. An old Canadian saying. The only danger, I believe are some artists who charge so much to see them these days; that it's almost impossible for many fans to go and see them.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 16:35:08 CEST 2013 from (193.167.195.60)

Quos

re: Syria Mosque missing footage. I have been told that the "whole concert" was filmed. I was always under impression that the concert was 14 or 15 songs in total, and therefore I assumed that the "whole concert" meant these 14-15 songs. Later on I learned about the expanded 18 track version Adam describes here below. Whether all 18 songs were infact filmed I don't know, but if the "whole concert was filmed" part is true, then I would assume this is the case.

Further (if my memory serves me right), a dutch collector did contact the broadcasting combany behind the 4-track re-broadcast in 1994(?) and inquired whether the complete footage was in their possession, but they only had those 4 songs. In addition this collector had contacted some persons who were in the original film crew back in time, but was not able find any more footage. (this is what I recall from emails long time ago, I might have got some details wrong).

Sometimes in tradelists, I have seen this show marked as 6- or 8-song video, but in reality it has always been only the 4 songs.

"From Bacon Fat to Judgement Day" is high on my list of things I would like to see released as well.

(I'm again reading emails at the quoss at-sign home and then the dot before se)

Entered at Wed Oct 9 15:09:20 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Old Men with instruments

So now that my previous post has been rightfully ignored for more than 24 hours, let me say that 3 old men with their instruments form the heart of my thoughts. First, the recently passed Levon Helm, whose work continues to be a marvel and whose contributions to my music world just grow more as time passes. Second, Garth Hudson, the teacher and a major creative force in that 'superentity' that became The Band. And finally, Robbie Robertson, the calculus of the guitar, who derived from small clubs in Toronto and grew to understand and lead 5 musicians to a utopia for those who were privileged to hear them as a quintet.

Entered at Wed Oct 9 11:24:19 CEST 2013 from (92.18.198.26)

Solomon

I always thought that very little video footage of The Band ever existed. It's amazing what has come to light in recent years! It's like finding a little shiny gem in a cold dark mine. I can still remember that little adrenaline rush after watching The Weight at Woodstock in the mid 90s and finding Cripple Creek on The Ed Sullivan Show via the Internet.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 22:39:29 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

At the time the Festival Express video was released it was assembled by director Bob Smeaton from 46 hours of surviving footage. In interviews at the time, however, he revealed that he was unable to locate some video footage to go along with some of the surviving audio tapes.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 19:39:14 CEST 2013 from (50.198.58.41)

Adam

I personally edited and circulated the raw Festival Express outtakes DVD that included: "Time To Kill" (2 angles), "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (3 angles) and "Across The Great Divide" (2 angles) from the JUNE 27 1970 show. The second volume included: "Time To Kill" (2 angles), "Chest Fever" (3 angles), "Don't Do It" (3 angles) and "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" (3 angles) from the JULY 5 1970 concert.

Historic Films released clips of "Jemima Surrender" from JUNE 27, "Jemima Surrender" and "The Genetic Method/Chest Fever" from JULY 5.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 19:26:03 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

The Band (OQ) was not active by the time MTV came along. As a person who never got to see them live, I would love to see more video if it exists.

n I second Ray about Bacon fat to judgement day.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 19:22:56 CEST 2013 from (50.198.58.41)

Adam

Entered at Tue Oct 8 18:55:33 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Quos again

Oops. - Actually I have no right to say "welcome" or "goodbye" to anyone. It is site owner's right and responsibality. So I say instead: "Good to see you back in gb, Markku."

Entered at Tue Oct 8 18:21:59 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster (Ilkka)

Subject: Quos

Welcome back to gb Markku!

Entered at Tue Oct 8 17:31:11 CEST 2013 from (72.78.47.89)

PSB

Subject: Re: The Band - Live

Hi Sebastian, If by any chance The Band's shows at the Fillmore East in NYC in '69, (their NYC debut) are in the vault, that could be really interesting as they did a lot of things they later dropped, and there was a lot of cool instrument switching. Both Rick and Levon took a turn on acoustic guitar and Robbie played bass at one point.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 15:36:53 CEST 2013 from (161.185.157.23)

Ray

It would be a joy if "From Bacon Fat to Judgement Day" gets released... 8 cd's of the guys playing live after they left Ronnie Hawkins and prior hooking up with Bob Dylan. I have early boots from this period and the performances are awesome although the quality of the recordings are bad to so so. This is a set that NEEDS to be released!

Entered at Tue Oct 8 14:26:03 CEST 2013 from (193.167.195.60)

Quos

We had a discussion related to this some 10 years ago at the newsgroup-land, titled "The Band - landmark shows (working theory)". Of course this was based on what recordings were available in the circulation back then, and some of this is not relevant anymore. Anyway I paste the discussion here below.

"Occasionally I see rmd posters casting about for recommendations for live shows by The Band. Though not an expert, I thought I would share my working idea of what might be landmark The Band shows to seek out, and invite comment. How does the following look?

It happens to be 10 entities, so for that zingy marketing hook, I'll call it Top 10 Landmark Live Recordings By The Band:

- 04/19/69 Winterland SF AUD 40 (1st show as The Band)

- 08/17/69 Woodstock fest SBD 25

- 07/10/70 Hollywood Bowl AUD 70

- 12/28-31/71 Rock of Ages (upcoming remaster w/ all 4 Dylan cuts)

- 07/28/73 Watkins Glen (oop official release had 2 bogus cuts)

- 08/01/73 Jersey City SBD 85 (avoid 7/31/73 - Manuel nadir)

- 1-2/74 Before the Flood (or sel'd complete shows with Dylan)

- 04/19/75 San Francisco SBD 45

- 08/29/76 Lenox MA AUD 90 (supposed to be top-notch)

- 11/25/76 Last Waltz (once remastered & restored a la RoA)

Some additional favorites of mine:

- "Ophelia, King Biscuit Flower Hour", -76 (aka "Live in Washington D.C.")

- "Take A Load For Free", The Palladium, NYC, Sep 18 -76

I would like to see more good quality stuff surface from the time before Rock Of Ages. Is there anything else than Woodstock, Ed Sullivan and Syria Mosque Pittsburgh -70? How much of the Canadian Festival Express -70 video is circulating in good quality?"

(End of quote)

Entered at Tue Oct 8 11:32:40 CEST 2013 from (72.82.161.75)

Ben

I agree with most of the comments so far. My two cents are regarding the packaging. As a music collector, I have a strong preference for jewel cases over digi-packs or cardboard eco-packs. For a 2 or 3 cd set, I prefer the old fat boy jewel case. The 'Dick's Pick's' series of GD releases were packaged that way, so that would be the model I would look at rather the 'Bootleg Series'.

Regarding content, my top two shows are "Roosevelt Stadium" from '73 and "The Palladium" from '76 with Paul Butterfield. If this comes to fruition, this would be a dream come true. In addition, I would love to see a series of live releases from the 80's and 90's. Obviously that would be outside of Sebastian's parameters, but I've long wondered why there hasn't been anything officially released from that period. The only title that has appeared is the grey area "Live from Japan" cd/dvd from '83 which is not that good.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 10:49:02 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

I'd love to see any unreleased video that may be out there - Wembley 75 would be great start. A 69 - 70 show would be interesting as I imagine it would contain a number of songs that would have been dropped over time - or maybe some done just after Moondog was released. In other words something that was different than their normal set list.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 09:36:10 CEST 2013 from (184.66.154.13)

JT

Subject: Old men with guitars

Old men with guitars: An amazing phenomenon when you think of it. No where in my memory did this phenomena occur. As a boy, I don't recall young popular singers growing old and remaining as popular as they once were. Bing Crosby maybe. It was the rare musician who extended his/her career into the 60's or 70's in the 50's and 60's . It has to be with great admiration that we acknowledge the continued prevalence of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Keith Richards, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, and so many others. These performers maintain centrality in the overall picture and are followed by young and older alike. True, the kids heard them in the houses and true they form the foundation of what is the best of what comes out from today's younger performers. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is an amazing contradiction of the usual dictum of 'your old when you hit 30 (or 40) and not worthy of attention. When I step back and look at this and when I speak to the kids (my kids, other kids) they see the value of the music and the lyrics of these elder states persons. Why am I writing this? Because I wouldn't have predicted it when I was 30. I am awed by the continued art. They are not rusting and they are not fading away.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 09:14:29 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Band reissues of live material would sit with "prestige" label releases, so I'd think look at Rhino or the UK label Ace. Rick Nelson's 1969 "In Concert" is a good example … 2012 remastered with extra tracks and a full bonus CD of outtake live concert material on Ace, £14.50 (or $23) for a double album. Or take the Ace Songwriter series, which has a single disc curated with 25 tracks of covers, with comprehensive liner notes. Randy Newman's second in the series is £14.50 on amazon.co.uk. (By the way, Ace songwriter series disc on Robbie Robertson would be excellent, and a good place to lead with the original Between Trains … you should contact Ace!)

Ace's London American label year-by-year series is also around £14.50 for a single disc in the UK, competing with rip-off out-of-copyright equivalents at £4.99. Collectors go for the Ace ones for the impeccable remastering and liner notes. People do go for quality.

So in the UK, carefully-done archive stuff retails at around 30 to 50% more than the price of a chart CD in HMV. I think that recognizes quality, and the obviously shorter run.

Having said that, the back of Record Collector advertises King Crimson's "Red" in a 16 CD, DVD, two blu-ray set at £125, with 14 full concerts, and they say there are 10,000 and the previous mega set sold out almost right away. That shows that an archive series is less price-sensitive, and the John Martyn box set, complete Bob Dylan and so are also in the £125 to £150 range.

But I do agree that 2 CD sets in a "Dick's Picks" style series are more fan-friendly than a massive box. I also think year-by-year is a good way to go. Pity about 1972!

I'm not particularly fond of then having a de-luxe version released the same day with a fancier cover and two extra tracks for a 40% price hike though, which is not uncommon, even with new releases (step forward, Sir Paul McCartney).

Entered at Tue Oct 8 04:30:52 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

To make my extremely long comments more compact and to the point:

I would really love for Band live releases to have a CD/DVD format. This would mean focusing on titles that have both the audio and video content. So "Woodstock 1969 CD/DVD", with the full show on CD and whatever DVD footage exists. Then "Syria Mosque 1970", complete audio and whatever DVD footage exists. Then "Royal Albert Hall 1971", complete audio and whatever DVD footage exists from the Europe '71 tour. Then "Watkins Glen 1973", complete audio and whatever DVD footage exists from that year. Then "Wembley 1974", complete audio by Elliot Mazer and whatever DVD footage exists. Then "Palladium Theater 1976", complete audio with any possible DVD footage from that year. So that's six titles so far, from '69, '70, '71, '73, '74 and '76.

A feature length, straight up concert film of The Band "Live At Festival Express 1970" would be one of the absolute crown jewels of The Band's official canon if ever released. There have been 5 tracks released so far, and there have been more and more surfacing with all the reels Historic Films have acquired and are digitizing. Historic Films was supposedly making a companion DVD with some Band outtakes, but it turns out the permission for their rights was never approved. Those YouTube clips from them have since been taken down, with a "copyright claim from Robbie Robertson". I truly hope this is good news, and something is being worked out for release.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 01:48:48 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

Sebastian – Thank you so much for considering future Band live releases.

To be honest, I have spent my entire adult life collecting, archiving and preserving unofficial live recordings from The Band. This has included: locating video sources (WOODSTOCK 1969 non timecode outtakes; FESTIVAL EXPRESS 1970 raw footage outtakes; SYRIA MOSQUE 1970 master video). securing uncirculated material (PARIS 1971 footage of “Slippin’ And Slidin’”; audience footage of tracks from CHICAGO 1971 and 1974). editing/remastering full concerts (SYRIA MOSQUE 1970 complete audio, “ACADEMY OF OUTTAKES” 2013 remaster, ROXY THEATRE 1978 final appearance).

I have a fully detailed archive compiled, which includes every circulating, professional and unofficial live recording of The Band from 1969-1978. Those contents give a starting point of what I would like to see released. If at any time in the future you would like to have a serious, dedicated fan perspective on any project, please contact me!

Entered at Tue Oct 8 01:48:18 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

1969-08-17 Woodstock Festival, Bethel, New York (SBD audio. 1969 DVD footage (“Tears Of Rage”/“The Weight” from Woodstock, “The Weight” from Isle Of Wight, “Up On Cripple Creek” from Ed Sullivan and Bearsville rehearsal).

1970-11-01 Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (LINE audio). 1970 DVD footage (complete Festival Express concerts from June 27 and July 5 1970! “Time To Kill”/”The Weight”/”This Wheel’s On Fire”/”Up On Cripple Creek” from Syria Mosque)

ROYAL ALBERT HALL 1971 audio. 1971 DVD footage (“Slippin’ And Slidin’” from Paris 1971. Any more?!!!)

1973-08-01 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey (SBD audio). 1973 DVD footage (Watkins Glen? Pat B, got any more?)

WEMBLEY 1974 audio and video

1976-07-17 Carter Barron Amphitheatre, Washington, D.C. (PRE FM audio). 1976-09-18 Palladium Theater, New York City, New York (FM audio). 1978-03-01 Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, California (SBD audio)

Entered at Tue Oct 8 01:46:50 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

At this point in time, I feel very strongly that there are a few titles that absolutely NEED to be properly released for the public to see and hear. These would be a complete FESTIVAL EXPRESS 1970 overhaul release for The Band on DVD/Blu Ray, and the complete ROYAL ALBERT HALL 1971 audio.

As a fan favorite, I think SYRIA MOSQUE 1970 is in the running as one of their best ever shows. I have mentioned several times, and will here, that I am personally responsible for circulating the widely bootlegged “Syria Mosque Legend” complete recording of this night. I personally edited the tracks into their correct concert sequence, after being shuffled years ago for unknown reasons by the only source somewhere, and lovingly shared it with the community and fans. Along with surfacing the remaining FESTIVAL EXPRESS 1970 outtakes, it remains my greatest accomplishment as a fan.

However, Syria Mosque is a line recording, taken from the camera audio feed. So I don’t think The Band members have possession of that audio. I am certain that somewhere, in some archive in Europe or Dutch TV, there is the full video of the full show. “Strawberry Wine”, “King Harvest” and “Across The Great Divide” were included in the original broadcast on TV. Through trading connections, I secured a master video copy of the widely bootleged re-broadcast from the ‘90s, with less songs. But the quality is the best to date. If Robbie wanted to find the footage and contacted the appropriate parties in the Netherlands, I think it could be located.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 01:09:41 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Entered at Tue Oct 8 01:06:20 CEST 2013 from (199.233.179.254)

Ignatius

Subject: Video?

Sebastian, while we are dreaming, the Musical History DVD and also the V-H1 Classic Album show both gave us glimpses of rehearsals in your Dad's Woodstock studio. King Harvest is the cut on the Musical History DVD, I think. Do we know what prompted that filming and what else might be in a vault somewhere? That feels so intimate, as close as we can get to Sammie Davis's pool house. I am sure I would not be alone in wanting to see as much of that film, outtakes and all, as might exist somewhere in the world.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 00:56:16 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

As for the two cd sets what is the price point that you think would be most comfortable? i will take a look at Bob's bootleg series for reference.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 00:41:54 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Yup.Some live shows from 69-70 is a great idea.Also the 2 cd sets to keep the prices down is a fine thought.Any more videos,never seen,might be nice.

Entered at Tue Oct 8 00:33:10 CEST 2013 from (72.224.51.211)

Joe Frey

Subject: More live sets

I agree with Jon. A "Dick's Pick" approach would definitely be welcomed. Joe

Entered at Mon Oct 7 22:02:23 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Oct 7 21:53:06 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: The Band - LIVE

Hi Sebastian, some unreleased Band concerts mixed by you would be a dream come true. A few quick thoughts:

--I would love to see the high-quality release of a show from the 1969-1970 period, where setlists drew on songs from the Big Pink and Brown album material that seem to have rarely been aired after 1971. Concerts with songs like We Can Talk and Kingdom Come would be something special for fans, as the live performances are true rarities. (That said, RAH and Palladium '76 would be treats as well, no question.)

--Not sure what is realistic, but in a perfect world, I'd love to see a series of 2CD concert sets a la Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series, rather than a megabox set, to keep the price points reasonable and to draw in casual fans as well as the hardcore ones.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 21:50:13 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Got it. Enjoying is an understatement. Stunning!

I was always hoping there was something live in the vaults that the bootleggers knew absolutely nothing about … as the complete shows here. Royal Albert Hall and Paladium 76 are great shows and it would be amazing to have them properly done.

There is a good Woodstock set around, so there must be good source material. Is the Isle of Wight Band set up to the Dylan set in sound quality? The boots are pretty bad sonically. They'd sit together nicely on a "Band 1969" release.

Then there's the later Jersey City shows in 1973, though definitely not the first.

CSNY are putting out a 1974 box set next year (and are Toppermost today - see link). As those video clips exist, I'd assume the 1974 Wembley Stadium Band show supporting CSNY must have been recorded properly.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 21:18:14 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the mixes I did. We have more multi tracks of different concerts in the vaults at Capitol... The response to my "soundboard" approach to the mixes has been so good we're thinking about compiling some kind of a LIVE BAND box set with a bunch of shows that have never been released... Any favorites of yours that we should pursue? Albert Hall and The Palladium in '76 are definitely in the discussion.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 20:58:00 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Subject: Win a copy of Live at The Academy of Music, signed by Robbie Robertson!

Universal Music are running a competition to give the fans a chance to win a copy of the new box set signed by Robbie, they've got 3 sets available. Link above.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 20:01:30 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Oct 7 19:08:35 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Lord Black vs. the King of the Rednecks

Bill M: Conrad's TV debut is tonite - 9pm your time, on the Vision (aka ZnaimerVision) network.

The program is "an exciting, timely and gutsy new 60-minute current affairs show" and this first episode features a round-table discussion on "radical longevity." That's where The Hawk comes into it.

Should be worth seeing anyway, Molly Johnson's the musical guest.

It seems His Lordship and His Hawkness are acquaintances of many years; at a party during Black's long fight with US Justice, Ronnie called out to him, "Hey Conrad, wanna make a record with me -- before you get one of your own?"

Entered at Mon Oct 7 18:36:54 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

I don't believe Syria Mosque is a multi-channel recording, but given the clarity it seems RAH 1971 is. Woodstock is also multi-channel.

There are 13 Band songs and two close enough songs in Mashed Between Trains. A video is forthcoming.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 18:13:18 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

John D: I can think of two potential candidates from The Band archives for Sebastian's "soundboard" mix treatment -- Syria Mosque 1970 and Royal Albert Hall 1971.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 17:13:34 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Rockin Chair; Marine disaster

Yes, Swedish and Danish public service TV showed it. It was like the Moon in August. - BTW There is a site in the internet which shows position of boats. I have submit a query "Rockin Chair" just for fun, but I get a line "out of reach".

Entered at Mon Oct 7 16:24:53 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Sean. It depends; on your budget. I think you should really have at least the first 4 discs. They are available on iTunes for $29.99 Canadian. Not sure at your end. I believe discs 3 and 4 are a must have and it makes for a wonderful comparison.

It is my feeling that Sebastian Robertson's agent will be getting requests; in the near future; from Classic (insert genre here) artists and young bands to do more Soundboard mixes. It has brought a new and exciting way to listen to a album that you thought you really knew well. Have to wait and see.

I think you have to be a certain age to remember this. There was a time years ago; when a friend would call and say the following. "Hey man! Have you heard Sgt. Pepper with your HEADPHONES ON!!!" That was about as good as it got ; in those times. I believe the "Soundboard" mix is definitely going to be something to look for in the future

Entered at Mon Oct 7 15:39:07 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Thanks Peter -- Very excited that Linda Thompson's album is finally coming out. "Won't Be Long Now" is an appropriate title... been waiting for it quite a while!

Entered at Mon Oct 7 11:17:00 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Today sees the UK release of "Live At The Academy" at last … but also new albums from Paul McCartney, Linda Thompson, Jonathan Wilson and the debut from The Full English (basically, a nu-folk supergroup). That's an expensive Monday. Mind you, we're getting into the major releases season.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 03:09:23 CEST 2013 from (79.97.31.127)

Seán

Subject: AOM Discs 1 & 2

Is it worth getting just the 2 remixed CDs of ROA alone?

Otherwise I think I'll wait a while to try to pick up a full used AOM set.

Entered at Mon Oct 7 01:25:44 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Spending every spare and not so spare moment listening.The soundboard mixes on discs 3-4 are truly outstanding and unique.I hear the music with greater detail than ever before.Sebastian-I was truly skeptical,but I turn it up and there it is.You did justice to this epic music.Thanks.

Entered at Sun Oct 6 20:32:45 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Marine Disaster

Have any of you seen the footage of the raising of the Costa Concordia.

If not, and you'd like to I can put a link here, if that's ok with Jan.

Entered at Sun Oct 6 12:27:41 CEST 2013 from (92.18.170.9)

Solomon

Entered at Sun Oct 6 02:02:27 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Crosby, Stills & Nash

My review of Saturday's CSN gig is linked, the first date on their UK tour. Marred somewhat by the sound mix, but they were in excellent form.

Entered at Sun Oct 6 01:50:20 CEST 2013 from (173.3.48.109)

Jeff A.

Subject: Breaking Badfinger

The power of TV on today's music sales.... See the link...Or not.

Entered at Sun Oct 6 00:00:06 CEST 2013 from (79.97.31.127)

Seán

Subject: Politics me bollix revisited

Update: Our Senate is safe by 51.7% to 48.3%. 39% turnout. Now I hope they can reform ir to make it somewhat democratic. Court of Appeal approved by 2:1

Ordered A Canadian Celebration the other day, considering AOM from what you are all saying here.

Entered at Sat Oct 5 20:31:38 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

I'm here lurking. Thank you for asking Doing well and \listening to AOM

Jan I really liked that mash up

Entered at Sat Oct 5 20:18:34 CEST 2013 from (24.108.1.255)

BONK

So far, Dixie, Cripple Creek, Tears of rage and I shall be released.

Entered at Sat Oct 5 18:49:06 CEST 2013 from (50.101.209.128)

Mike Nomad

Where's Angie? Serentity? Joan? Jersey Girl? Where have all the women gone?

Entered at Sat Oct 5 14:04:43 CEST 2013 from (87.116.0.30)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: TLW invites

I heard a female singer say this in 1977: "_Everybody_ did invite Emmylou Harris". She was only jealous. Emmylou Harris was not there either, I guess. - Never mind.

Entered at Sat Oct 5 12:10:30 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Neil Diamond also cut a decent (almost forgotten) live album there.

Nice Mash Jan.

Entered at Sat Oct 5 10:38:18 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Amazon just sent a "dispatched today" notice, so here's hoping for a Monday delivery!

Entered at Sat Oct 5 00:51:38 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Fresh from the mixing board of DJ Windy, we give you: "Mashed Between Trains!" (link above) Now, let's see who of you can identify all the samples!

Entered at Fri Oct 4 22:03:18 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

After Sneaky Pete Kleinow bailed out of the Stone Canyon Band Buddy Emmons filled in briefly on pedal steel. He apparently had too many studio dates to commit full time, so they lucked up when Tom Brumley ageed to step in.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 22:00:21 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

In other news, one of Canada's TV networks is flush with pride for having signed Conrad Black as an interviewer. I didn't see it on Youtube, but today's paper has a photo of his inaugural interview, with Ronnie Hawkins.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 21:48:50 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

According to the sleeve notes, they thought they had secured Sneaky Pete on pedal steel , who let them down, so Tom Brumley joined the band the day before the concerts began.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 21:46:34 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Not only has the expanded CD box set version of TLW been reissued in the last month or so, but the Record Store Day limited edition LP-set is getting another presssing scheduled for release next Tuesday.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 21:42:27 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

There'll be no "Y" in Rick. The remastered Ace CD set (2CDs) treaty improves the original set – three times as long for starters. Fabulous playing.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 21:17:23 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Got it .Listening now to Sebastian's mix.Wow.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 21:14:59 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Another connection would be that many who particpated at The Last Waltz were neighbors living in the Malibu area at the time.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 21:08:19 CEST 2013 from (208.120.36.230)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: TLW guests

Hanging around Shangri La in 1976? Ahem!
Guess his invite got lost in the mail...

Entered at Fri Oct 4 20:47:50 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Entered at Fri Oct 4 20:45:18 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

One of my all time favourite albums. Meisner and Brumley the key ingedients of that band.

Peter question? Will your Toppormost be that of RICKY Nelson; or RICK Nelson. Almost....almost two different artists.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 19:51:19 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Rick Nelson

Peter: I would certainly agree that In Concert The Troubadour 1969 is a seminal country-rock album. In addition to Randy Meisner, for me, pedal steel guitarist Tom Brumley was a key member of the Stone Canyon Band. Rick Nelson mangaged to lure him away from Buck Owens's Buckaroos bringing an authentic country pedigree to the new group. Link above to video of Mr. Brumley performing one of the quintessential pedal steel solos of all time with Mr. Owens.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 19:08:05 CEST 2013 from (81.147.178.205)

Dunc

Bought Uncut, Peter, good article on Clarence White too. As you stated, Ry Cooder review is lukewarm.

Thanks, David. Will probably go with Flaco Jiminez.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 19:04:16 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I've been relistening to this album while working on a Rick Nelson future Toppermost. Randy Meisner, fresh from poco, put together the band, and the bass guitar throughout holds everything down. I know we have Poco fans here (Jeff). The more I hear the more I agree that it's a seminal country-rock album. Any thoughts?

Entered at Fri Oct 4 16:37:28 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Various Band members has also recorded with Ringo. Rick, Levon, Robbie and Garth on "Ringo" in 1973 and Robbie on "Goodnight Vienna" the following year.

In 1975 there were a couple of other interesting connections that pose the "what if" question regarding The Last Waltz. Garth had appeared on Poco's "Head Over Heels," which was produced by Mark Harman, who'd previously worked as an engineer on "Cahoots" and "Moondog Matinee." And Levon had played on Crosby & Nash's "Wind on the Water," along with Stan Szelest.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 15:46:35 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Elliott's cover shot . . .

. . . for the forthcoming Compleat Basement Tapes (fully remastered in mono, stereo and 5.1 surround with DVD and bonus View-Master reels).

Photo by Elliott Erwitt, 1963.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 14:53:51 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Live at the Academy

No, the UK date got put back to Monday the 7th October. Hopefully amazon will dispatch on Saturday, but I'm not counting on it.

BTW, today's Toppermost, a particularly fine one, is Warren Zevon, which has meant the entire morning with the phenomenal "Life'll Kill Ya." I was intending to move on to other albums, but I can't take "Life'll Kill Ya" off.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 14:34:24 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Well Joan I finally left the box; in the light and then took it into a dark room. Yes Virginia, It does fully glow. Everything readable.

Peter did you get your copy on the 30th?

Entered at Fri Oct 4 12:37:04 CEST 2013 from (92.18.207.46)

Solomon

Entered at Fri Oct 4 12:36:13 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Oct 4 12:23:20 CEST 2013 from (92.18.207.46)

Solomon

Entered at Fri Oct 4 09:46:24 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I reckon Richard was closest to Van Morrison, think 4% Pantomime and the chat about doing a Ray Charles covers album together. Richard was also on No Reason To Cry.

But I do wonder who Garth might have invited.

Entered at Fri Oct 4 09:32:08 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

I'm sure a few of TLW guests were just there because they hung around Shangri La at the time (Ron Wood, Ringo Starr). Maybe they were personal friends rather than musical cohorts. Only Van Morrison ever appeared on a Band record. Diamond, Mitchell, Young, Clapton, Waters and Charles had various Band members play on their records. Those people would seem to fall in the Robertson / Danko . Helm camp. Obviously Hawkins and Dylan had a special place in the groups development. It would be interesting to know who Richard or Garth may have invited. Was it Richard who called out "Yow" when Ian Tysons name was mentioned?

Entered at Fri Oct 4 00:31:23 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Oct 3 23:55:22 CEST 2013 from (68.199.208.199)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 22:25:15 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

Entered at Thu Oct 3 20:04:04 CEST 2013 from (99.255.116.43)

GregD

The recent brief reincarnation of Buffalo Springfield was a bit of a puzzle. Neil Young seemed enthusiastic about it at the time, but just as quickly appeared to drop the whole thing when the chance came to reconnect with his old cohorts, Crazy Horse.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 20:01:43 CEST 2013 from (129.98.207.164)

Jed

This should be fun.Victor was a unique individual.I'd guess that the way his relationship ended with Dylan he will nonetheless be focused on the stories of their times together rather than focusing on a bad ending-i hope!

Entered at Thu Oct 3 19:53:15 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

sadavid: Yes indeed. Victor's end-run shows that Bob can be bested, despite his reputation as an excellent tactician.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 19:21:15 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: dead authors society

The late Victor Maymudes is co-writing a book about Bob Dylan.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 18:43:31 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Oct 3 18:22:49 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

More recently Young left Stills hanging again, along with Richie Furay, when he pulled out of already scheduled Buffalo Springfield reunion tour dates. Crosby and Nash stepped up and invited Stills to join them on their planned tour.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 18:01:48 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 3 17:54:29 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I expect he just came to see The Band, but … Stills played lead guitar and piano on the original CSNY version of Helpless (according to the CSN box set which has track-by-track credits in detail). The fact that he wasn't invited up for it is something I'd never thought of it till now.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 17:03:37 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

That Stephen Stills showed up at The Last Waltz, at which Neil Young was a featured performer, was somewhat curious, due to the often contentious relationship between the two off & on bandmates. In early 1976 the two had patched up their differences and began to work on an album project together at Criteria Studios in Miami. Crosby and Nash also joined the project, but the group rapprochement was shortlived, as C&N departed to focus on their own album and their contributions were erased from the session tapes. Stills and Young completed the album, with the ironic title "Long May You Run," and began a tour together before the album's release. The tour was booked for dates from late June through October. In July, however, Young suddenly left the tour, leaving the cryptic message, "Dear Stephen, funny how some things that start spontaneously end that way. Eat a peach, Neil."

Entered at Thu Oct 3 16:36:42 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

I always got a kick outta the jams.Here were all these stellar guitar players jamming some blues and who was the prominent musical voice in the jams? Garth! The swirling,always interesting Garth music was leading the way.Levon seemed to enjoy himself too laying down a mean backbeat.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 16:33:23 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Agree with Peter.As a long time deadhead it is clear that the musical chops in the band were owned by Phil and Jerry.Some of the keys guys over the years were fine musicians,but their health restricted their contributions...and ultimately killed them.Keyboard wasn't a place anyone should've wanted to be in the GD.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 15:57:12 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Which reminds me … I'm seeing CSN on Saturday. First date of UK tour. I just realised I last saw them a mere 39 years ago. And as that was pre-TLW, I can now add another "Last Waltzer" (only The Jam).

Entered at Thu Oct 3 15:55:05 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Dunc: I heartily recommend Flaco Jimenez's solo album "Partners" (Reprise), which features guest appearances by Stephen Stills, Dwight Yoakam, Linda Ronstadt, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder, Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos. Also, check out his work in the Texas Tornados with Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Augie Meyers.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 15:49:48 CEST 2013 from (99.255.116.43)

GregD

It's good to see the Hawk in fine form and ready to hit the road again. He said he recently spent some time with Robbie, who was perhaps plying him for memories for his upcoming autobiography?

Certainly no bands as such played at the Last Waltz, and it would be ludicrous to have expected the Dead to do so, for a number of reasons, not the least of which was their preference to use their own unique sound system. It is, however, conceivable (at least to some of us) that Jerry Garcia, for example, might have come out and plugged in and joined in on the jams at the end of the night, much like Stephen Stills. Otherwise the SF scene was represented by the Beat Poets.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 14:50:04 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: "They say I had a wonderful time"

The Hawk does his thing in an interview on CTV's "Canada AM" this . . . AM.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 12:37:59 CEST 2013 from (76.98.218.136)

carmen

Subject: Garcia

I always though Garcia solo was better than the full band. Garcia was obviously a fan of both Dylan and the BAND and I think a little restricted when with the full band.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 11:29:11 CEST 2013 from (81.147.178.205)

Dunc

Peter, I read review of the early music album and will buy it.

Will probably buy Ry Cooder on basis of review. The songs and accordion playing will influence me. I've nothing by Flaco Jiminez in collection, yet spent a few hours looking at his work on Youtube. The only Ry Cooder album I have now is Bop Till You Drop, which I really like.

Not seen Uncut review of John Martyn. Need to get it. My problem with that massive collection is that I've got every released Island album and a lot of the live albums released on smaller labels.

Enjoying Toppermost. Played every John Martyn and Michael Marra track I own and loved doing it. Playing all four Velvet albums this morning. I don't count the fifth album as a Velvet album, though I think Doug Yule is a talented guy.

Not sure if White Light/WhiteHeat is a great album, but others definitely are.

Was pleased to see that Michael Eavis's favourite set ever at Glastonbury was my John Martyn.

I'll also get Live at the Academy.

Still pursuing buying policy of supporting record shops.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 10:36:11 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The live Ry Cooder is weighted heavily towards covers.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 10:20:17 CEST 2013 from (81.147.178.205)

Dunc

Subject: Grateful Dead, Ry Cooder

I bought Working Man's Dead several years ago after reading about it being Band influenced. I didn't think of it as a classic album. I'll give it another go. However a few years ago I heard the Jerry Garcia version of TNTDODD and thought it was very good.

I think Ry Cooder is a better player than writer.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 09:40:16 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Beautiful Old / Ry Cooder

Link to my review of "The Beautiful Old." It's also on this site but I mirrored it. I've been enjoying it for months now, so has everyone else I've played it to. It is of course Garth's major appearance on record this year.

I mentioned the new Ry Cooder live last week. Another one I've been playing a lot. I was surprised to see UNCUT gave it a "6/10" review. I'd give it between 8/10 and 9/10. The three added vocalists are great as are Flaco Jiminez and a large horns section on some. Try Dark End of The Street for the three added singers. Try "School's Out" for a wonderful and infectious cover version. I think most Band fans will love this album.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 09:34:44 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Flying Burrito Brothers

On the Flying Burrito Brothers, Toppermost reaches them today (see link). Look back too at Dunc's article on Michael Marra a few days ago.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 09:30:18 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The Grateful Dead

I’m surprised that anyone’s surprised they were not on The Last Waltz.

There were no “bands” invited to join in. The logistics of having any new instrumental line up join them and set up would have killed the show’s momentum. Remember, you need a sound check again, and they were filming. Neil Diamond and Muddy Waters brought people along, but not bands.

The show also didn’t allow time for twenty minutes (trying) to tune up and find a groove.

There were connections via Festival Express and Watkins Glen, but then you might ask why no Allmans, or Buddy Guy or Seatrain or Flying Burritos.

It’s true that Rick, Levon and Garth have all covered Grateful Dead songs. On the other hand, Robbie has never retracted his “Rolling Stone” comments on West Coast bands in general, and also he wasn’t present on those bonding sessions on the train in Festival Express.

Not having a band join them, who would they single out? Sorry, Dead fans, but only Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh were “good enough” to stand on a stage with The Band (yes, I know about Woodstock 94). That’s not impossible … Rick could move to acoustic guitar, they used two lead guitars on Further On Up The Road anyway, and “Uncle John’s Band” would have been a treat with better vocalists than the original … and the original’s one of my all-time favourite songs too.

Remember those Robert Hunter quotes about Workingman’s Dead / American Beauty? They were heavily influenced by The Band, and while they’d jam with anybody, I think they’d have had trepidation about joining The Band for tightly-arranged vocal numbers without any long improvised bits. They would have looked bad vocally, without having a chance to show their strengths.

But they didn’t single out other members of bands in the audience, though Steve Stills joined them for the Jam. We don’t know that no Dead members were in the audience, but if they had been, you would have expected someone to join The Jam.

NEXT WEEK: Why were The Carpenters not invited to TLW? (FIRST IN A SERIES) Just what Levon needed … Karen replacing him on drums.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 07:50:22 CEST 2013 from (72.154.14.61)

BWNWITenn

So it appears that the Fall of 1976 was one of the very rare periods where the Grateful Dead had NOTHING going on, which makes it all the more surprising none of them were at the Last Waltz. And I believe Jerry Garcia had already met Bob Dylan at that point and had some level of friendship with him. Dylan hadn't played, or presumably been, in the Bay Area since Tour '74, so you'd think Garcia would want to make the drive across the bridge to visit.

I guess it's worth noting that the Dead signed with Arista Records in Sept. 1976, where Clive Davis had hopes to turn them into a band capable of having hit singles(!), departing from their distributor United Artists, which later distributed the Last Waltz film. But it's difficult to imagine that either one had any affect on their appearing in the film. Perhaps The Band just felt like the Dead wouldn't fit in with the general theme of the show, or there wasn't a place for a jam session. Maybe they were there and it's been lost to history since they weren't onstage. Perhaps it's a question Sebastian could ask his dad.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 06:50:53 CEST 2013 from (174.66.183.203)

Steve Sanz

Subject: lost band

One of the great mysteries out there is how the most important bands are ignored or not "remembered" to the degree that the music they produced deserve. I feel the biggest example of this disgrace and embarrassment is the way the public "ignores" THE BAND. They define what real music and lyrics are, the feeling you get when listened to and the influence that can be received when heard. I just don't understand... the world still needs to weep the death of Richard, Rick and Levon.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 06:06:50 CEST 2013 from (79.97.31.127)

Seán

Calvin,

The Pogues, (originally called Póg Mo Thóin, or Kiss My Arse) were banned from the BBC because of their name.

Little Village were the best supergroup that never were, imo.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 05:59:16 CEST 2013 from (79.97.31.127)

Seán

Subject: Politics me bollix

Tomorrow (Friday, we have here in Ireland have a referendum on whether we should abolish the Seanad (i.e. the Senate - the second house).

Actually we have two referenda - the second one is to introduce a Court of Appeal between the High Court and the Supreme Court (currently there is a four year waiting list for the Supreme Court).

Turnout will be relatively low, and the Seanad has been described as a political kindergarten/olds folks home (i.e. for aspiring politicians and defeated ex-politicians). The electorate is effectively gerrymandered as it is restricted to some university-qualified people and local politicians. Also, the leader of the government can nominate a number of members (usually enough to have a majority).

In spite of the apparently rotten constitution of the Seanad, it has at times proved itself to be very useful and effective. The savings that would be achieved in abolishing it have been estimated to be less than €10m.

Anyway, I think and hope that Rick (and Steve), if they had a vote, would vote No to abolishing the Seanad and Yes to the Court of Appeal.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 05:38:22 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Oddly enough Nick Lowe played a song from his new Christmas Album that he said he co-wrote with Ry Cooder (And its a Christmas Song the way Waits Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis or the Pouge's Fairy Tale in New York is a Christmas Song). So Im sort of in a Ry mood.

And I probably missed the conversation but does anyone have The Beautiful Old: Turn of the Century Songs. Of heard some of Garth's parts, some of Dave Davies parts, and some of Richard Thompsons contributions-seems something worth buying. Anyone have it?

Entered at Thu Oct 3 05:11:49 CEST 2013 from (79.97.31.127)

Seán

Subject: Paragraph, shmaragraph

Thinking of our Steve here. I know he's gone, but I still remember him fondly. He picked those stones up. The following quote from Solomon is (I hope) much easier to read with a few CRs. White space rules, and costs not a lot.

Solomon:

This Was Free @ Rock's Backpages

The Band: Rock Of Ages Dave Marsh, Creem, November 1972

ON A GREAT NIGHT, the Band grab and mesmerize, so that neither your eyes nor your thoughts can be on anything else. It helps that they look like a society of Viennese doctors, of course, but their magic is mostly in the music – what they are playing, and how it is played. On a great night, the Band's competition just doesn't exist. But on a good night, which they have sometimes, too, a night when the Band is just competent, maybe, or when Robbie is only strangling his guitar every third or fourth song, attention wavers, as it does with anyone. Unless you count the few minutes where the Organ plays its garth hudson solo, there isn't any show to lean on. If you sit and wait for the punch line a few times, and when it comes, it doesn't overpower you, the edge of your attention gets dispersed.

Rock of Ages was recorded on a good night, and it is not always engrossing. It is good, but spotty, and in one way that is enough. You can't recover from a disaster like Cahoots with a miracle, after all. Or you can, but most people don't. Besides, after the over-reaching of Cahoots, the mid-level excitement of Rock of Ages rehumanizes the Band. It's not one of the classic live rock records, and there are no earthshaking new songs – no attempts at any, even. It makes them easier to live with. There's more to it than sublimated entropy, though.

The Band are probably the biggest group in rock'n'roll who've never had a hit single. They'll still cast the proverbial long shadow, of course, but a little AM play would flesh out the image nicely. The latest attempt is 'Baby Don't Do It', which is right out of the Band's Motown heritage (dig the rhythm section).

It's not as good as the practice-tape bootleg that's been floating around for a year or so, but it might be good enough to hit. We've waited long enough. Here's Greil Marcus in the May, 1971 Creem on 'Don't Do It': "The Band play the best hard rock in the world when they want to. Now, why don't they release this and give us a chance to believe it." As everywhere else, 'Don't Do It''s horns are a throw-away.

They don't exactly suffer from lassitude, but from something like flabbiness. It's an interesting experiment, but one which never comes off, except on 'Life Is A Carnival', and occasional flashes here and there. The high-points have to be sought. Some are more obvious than others, but not one is arresting. 'Get Up Jake' is the only "new" Robertson song, and it has been recorded before – notably by Roger Tillison last year on his remarkable Atco album.

'Jake' also features what must be Robbie's best guitar work on the record. 'Life Is A Carnival' really comes off here; it's another place where the horns work well. Hudson's humorous organ solo leads into 'Chest Fever', in a version which does nothing to clarify the eternal question: "What's it about?" (Chests, maybe?) Still, 'Chest Fever' is the most powerful of all Band hard-rock. 'Hang Up My Rock'n'Roll Shoes' is the other "new" song (they've never recorded it before); it might be the Band's epitaph in another couple decades.

The rest is down to moments. Hudson has good ones all over. Richard Manuel has beautiful piano licks on 'The Weight', Levon bursts out now and again while Rick Danko's bass is always there, steady as a rock. He's the paragon of Motown-session-man-as-Canadian-rock-and-roll-hero. Robbie's Robbie, primal energy force, quiet, but always forceful. Like any snotty punk, my solution to the ennui of Ages would be to edit it.

As one record, the album might have the kind of sustaining power and drive the set it was recorded from probably possessed. Rock of Ages might then be just that, compelling rather than interesting and a little bit curious (the horns). On the other hand, there are advantages to a Band album that is less than crushing, but still good. Everybody has to have some entertainment betwixt the heaviness, and all of this record is entertaining.

The Band isn't wasting any time trying to find new things to worry about; they're waiting for the old ones to sink in. Meanwhile they're doing new things (the horns) but not over-reaching in superfluous attempts at profundity (Cahoots). Of course, it's also nice to know that unlike the Greatful Dead, the Band are still listenable when they operate at less than perfection. It's even reassuring to know they still see themselves in some sense as a live group; they haven't toured in so long you might begin to wonder.

Most importantly, Robbie Robertson does not dominate this album. Robertson is great, sometimes awesome, but the show is not his alone, as it might have been. The Band are still, after all, a band, and they know it and reinforce it. Only Creedence, among mainstream bands, has the guts to say the same thing. Indeed, there probably isn't a group with more raw courage in all of rock'n'roll. They're still here: the Band, playing the Music. Longer than almost anyone and better, too.

End quote.

Steve the stone picker - I remember.

Edit: Man, having to use 'backslash n' to create a paragraph is like picking up stones. Personally, Steve, I prefer throwing stones. I know you would approve.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 03:46:05 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Oct 3 00:50:58 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Yes, I knew that "gerrymandering" went back a long way. Indeed, the practice much predates the invention of the word.

I am not suffciently versed in U.S. politics to have made other than a general, perhaps anodyne, comment on the practice over there. I can recall a lot of accusations coming to the fore during the most recent presidential elections.

In the U.K., the most blatant example of what used to be called a "rotten borough" was Old Sarum. This was where the city of Salisbury was originally sited, complete with hill fort and a cathedral. In the early 1300s, it was invited to send two representatives to the House of Commons. Well before this, the city had moved two miles down into the nearby valley and a new cathedral had been built (New Sarum, now Salisbury). I guess that the bishopric remained in Old Sarum, which became a hamlet with very few inhabitants (some sources say none by the 1600s even) but still continued to elect two represenatives until the Reform Act of 1832.

Another term was "pocket borough", because it was in the metaphorical pocket of one individual. The land and the rights were bought and sold, for much more than the true value of the land, merely for the parliamentary influence that the purchase bought. The voters were owners of local land, none of whom lived there. At the end, about a dozen such voters elected the two representatives.

Some political commentators have argued that certain present U.K. constituencies are modern versions of "rotten boroughs", not so blatant or so extreme as Old Sarum perhaps, but nevertheless wielding political influence, through the voting of their Members of Parliament, far beyond the size of the constituency electorate.

Entered at Thu Oct 3 00:03:05 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Rick was one of the most innovative bass players around-to this day.His tone,rhythm,and most of all his instinctive sense of when to skip a note-the art of leaving space.I love listening to how Rick and Levon play off each other,each leaving spaces for the other to fill.Just listen to the bass and the bass drum.Just like Levon had that unique ability to drum and sing,Rick kept the bottom while singing.Amazing.Inspiring.

Entered at Wed Oct 2 21:31:57 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: "Chest Fever"

I can answer Dave Marsh's "eternal question" ("What's it about?") about "Chest Fever."

The term is a play on the phrase "buck fever," usually defined as "nervous excitement of an inexperienced hunter." The _Oxford Concise_ definition recognizes the more general application of the term: "nervousness when called on to act."

I've always understood it to mean primarily _failure_ to act, as in, "Johnny had that big ten-pointer square in the sights. Never pulled the trigger. Buck fever." The term can also be applied in the case of wild or, umm, premature shots.

In "Chest Fever" of course, it's a young lady that causes the freeze down in the knees. And before we entertain any thoughts or accusations of casual objectification or misogyny, let's recall that the protagonist is primarily preoccupied with the lady's personality and behaviour. I think it's his cohorts who hung the label on his preoccupation.

Entered at Wed Oct 2 20:08:29 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Solomon

Solomon!........damn boy.....now that is a paragraph!

Entered at Wed Oct 2 19:57:51 CEST 2013 from (92.18.163.224)

Solomon

Subject: This Was Free @ Rock's Backpages

The Band: Rock Of Ages Dave Marsh, Creem, November 1972 ON A GREAT NIGHT, the Band grab and mesmerize, so that neither your eyes nor your thoughts can be on anything else. It helps that they look like a society of Viennese doctors, of course, but their magic is mostly in the music – what they are playing, and how it is played. On a great night, the Band's competition just doesn't exist. But on a good night, which they have sometimes, too, a night when the Band is just competent, maybe, or when Robbie is only strangling his guitar every third or fourth song, attention wavers, as it does with anyone. Unless you count the few minutes where the Organ plays its garth hudson solo, there isn't any show to lean on. If you sit and wait for the punch line a few times, and when it comes, it doesn't overpower you, the edge of your attention gets dispersed. Rock of Ages was recorded on a good night, and it is not always engrossing. It is good, but spotty, and in one way that is enough. You can't recover from a disaster like Cahoots with a miracle, after all. Or you can, but most people don't. Besides, after the over-reaching of Cahoots, the mid-level excitement of Rock of Ages rehumanizes the Band. It's not one of the classic live rock records, and there are no earthshaking new songs – no attempts at any, even. It makes them easier to live with. There's more to it than sublimated entropy, though. The Band are probably the biggest group in rock'n'roll who've never had a hit single. They'll still cast the proverbial long shadow, of course, but a little AM play would flesh out the image nicely. The latest attempt is 'Baby Don't Do It', which is right out of the Band's Motown heritage (dig the rhythm section). It's not as good as the practice-tape bootleg that's been floating around for a year or so, but it might be good enough to hit. We've waited long enough. Here's Greil Marcus in the May, 1971 Creem on 'Don't Do It': "The Band play the best hard rock in the world when they want to. Now, why don't they release this and give us a chance to believe it." As everywhere else, 'Don't Do It''s horns are a throw-away. They don't exactly suffer from lassitude, but from something like flabbiness. It's an interesting experiment, but one which never comes off, except on 'Life Is A Carnival', and occasional flashes here and there. The high-points have to be sought. Some are more obvious than others, but not one is arresting. 'Get Up Jake' is the only "new" Robertson song, and it has been recorded before – notably by Roger Tillison last year on his remarkable Atco album. 'Jake' also features what must be Robbie's best guitar work on the record. 'Life Is A Carnival' really comes off here; it's another place where the horns work well. Hudson's humorous organ solo leads into 'Chest Fever', in a version which does nothing to clarify the eternal question: "What's it about?" (Chests, maybe?) Still, 'Chest Fever' is the most powerful of all Band hard-rock. 'Hang Up My Rock'n'Roll Shoes' is the other "new" song (they've never recorded it before); it might be the Band's epitaph in another couple decades. The rest is down to moments. Hudson has good ones all over. Richard Manuel has beautiful piano licks on 'The Weight', Levon bursts out now and again while Rick Danko's bass is always there, steady as a rock. He's the paragon of Motown-session-man-as-Canadian-rock-and-roll-hero. Robbie's Robbie, primal energy force, quiet, but always forceful. Like any snotty punk, my solution to the ennui of Ages would be to edit it. As one record, the album might have the kind of sustaining power and drive the set it was recorded from probably possessed. Rock of Ages might then be just that, compelling rather than interesting and a little bit curious (the horns). On the other hand, there are advantages to a Band album that is less than crushing, but still good. Everybody has to have some entertainment betwixt the heaviness, and all of this record is entertaining. The Band isn't wasting any time trying to find new things to worry about; they're waiting for the old ones to sink in. Meanwhile they're doing new things (the horns) but not over-reaching in superfluous attempts at profundity (Cahoots). Of course, it's also nice to know that unlike the Greatful Dead, the Band are still listenable when they operate at less than perfection. It's even reassuring to know they still see themselves in some sense as a live group; they haven't toured in so long you might begin to wonder. Most importantly, Robbie Robertson does not dominate this album. Robertson is great, sometimes awesome, but the show is not his alone, as it might have been. The Band are still, after all, a band, and they know it and reinforce it. Only Creedence, among mainstream bands, has the guts to say the same thing. Indeed, there probably isn't a group with more raw courage in all of rock'n'roll. They're still here: the Band, playing the Music. Longer than almost anyone and better, too.

Entered at Wed Oct 2 19:50:14 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

The November issue of GUITAR WORLD magazine has an article about the 1970 "Workingman's Dead" album. It mentions how lyricist Robert Hunter was influenced by The Band:

"For his part, Hunter, who also had a deep background in older folk music styles, found himself increasingly drawn to the Band. Their brilliant first two albums, 1968's 'Music from Big Pink' and 1969's 'The Band' (a.k.a. The Brown Album) had drawn from a multitude of early American music styles and fused them into an utterly distinctive and original rock amalgamation. As Hunter noted in an interview I did with him in 1988, 'The direction [leader/songwriter Robbie Robertson] went with the Band was one of the things that made me think of conceiving 'Workingman's Dead.' I was very much impressed with the area Robertson was working in. I took it to the West, which is an area I'm familiar with...regional but not the South, because everyone was going back to the South for inspiration at the time."

Entered at Wed Oct 2 18:55:15 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

… happens everywhere. It was rife with ludicrous boundaries in Ulster in the 60s and 70s. They were designed to assist the Unionists. It is a different matter to constituency size.

Sometimes there's a good reason for differing numbers of voters … like the Isle of Wight being a small constituency, but clearly a distinct entity with its own problems. But generally older city centre constituencies are over-represented against the suburbs and newer cities. Scotland's over-represented against England and Wales (but that was part of the Act of Union). In the late 60s, the extremes were said to be a Scottish one with less than a fifth as many voters as Billericay east of London with 110,000 voters. I should know the figures, but I can't be bothered to dust off my politics shelf. However much they try to reform it, and they have constantly, Labour will tend to drag heels as the main beneficiary of the present system. The Conservatives claim that equal sized constituencies would aid them greatly (increasing the suburban and rural vote).

Entered at Wed Oct 2 17:06:09 CEST 2013 from (99.255.116.43)

GregD

The newly reconstituted Band, supplemented by the Cate Brothers, also opened for the Grateful Dead at a concert at the Kingswood Theater north of Toronto in the summer of 1984, which I attended. Hard to believe it was almost 30 years ago. At that show, Rick and Levon also joined the Dead for the encore. I've always been a bit puzzled as to why none of the Dead were at the Last Waltz, given that it was literally on their home turf, and the fact that both bands had shared the stage and crossed paths several times over the years, from Woodstock and the Festival Express to Watkins Glen, Roosevelt Stadium, etc. Maybe it had to do with the fact that the Band didn't consider themselves a "jam band".

Entered at Wed Oct 2 15:35:26 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.81)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Oct 2 15:11:41 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Which makes their argument that stopping Universal Health Care was a mandate from the voters ridiculous.

Entered at Wed Oct 2 11:35:32 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

Tim

Subject: Grateful Dead 1983 with Rick Danko

Rick joins the dead for the last 4 songs on this pro shot video somewhere around 102 minute mark

Entered at Wed Oct 2 10:02:26 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

This is my understanding of the position in the UK. While the Queen does dissolve Parliament, she cannot decide to do so alone. The Prime Minister has to ask her. If a PM lost a vote of confidence in parliament, then the PM would go to the Queen. I'm not sure if they would be obliged to do so but that's what would happen. Other than that, it is for the PM to deide whether he or she can govern.

Peter said, in the past, a PM could decide to call an election at any time (i.e. go to the Queen and ask her to dissolve Parliament) and PMs tried to choose a propitious moment to do so from their own point of view. The UK's previous PM, having identified such a propitious moment, then got cold feet and decided not to call an election, which failure to act was characterised as a sign of weakness - he lost the next electiuon when it came.

The present UK government, a coalition, decided from the outset that it would have a five-year term, rather than manipulate the political circumstances and call an election at a propitious moment.

In terms of constituencies, we have a similar pattern in the UK. Many of the consituencies are regarded as "safe seats", in that they generally fall to one or other of the main parties. However, there can be surprises and it is not uncommon for there to be quite substantial governing majorities for the party that wins the election. Sometimes, this is the result of voters for one party simply staying away from the poll, rather than actually switching allegiances. As I recall, it is a legal obligation for voters in Australia to cast their vote - that is not so in the UK.

I understand that, in the USA, parties try to gain advantage by changes to district boundaries. In the UK, the Boundary Commissions, established by Parliament, set the constituencies. Unfortunately, for lack of cross-party agreement, the last Boundary Commissions review (admittedly, proposing major changes, including a reduction in the number of constituencies) was cancelled by Parliament. The effect is continued unfairness, in that a vote in a small consituency can be "worth" almost double that in a large constituency - the result of demographic changes, movements of population and the like.

Finally, there is now a greater number of voters in the UK choosing a postal vote. This has always existed and been used, for example, by those who work or study away from home. The postal voting system was then promulgated because voter turnout was so low on occasions and it was felt that this would increase "turnout". There is some suspicion that the postal voting system has been manipulated in the past - heads of households controlling the votes of all household members and the voter register still including people who have moved away or died, for example.

Entered at Wed Oct 2 06:54:48 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Oct 2 02:53:23 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Entered at Wed Oct 2 01:20:15 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Favourites of the Younger days......Van the Man

Today is Susie's birthday.....I was out and got flowers, now I'm cooking rice and ribs for her and her sister Donna.

Y'know how these things take you back to your youth. So here is Van, with one of these very best.....versions of my favourites.

Going back all those years can sometimes put a lump in your throat when you hear your favourite done this well.

In my own life, and things that went on, this will always be my favourite Van Morrison song. I hope some of yuz enjoy.

Entered at Wed Oct 2 00:39:08 CEST 2013 from (122.56.234.136)

rod

Entered at Tue Oct 1 23:43:54 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

However the current US crisis makes me think again. If we had a similar impasse here, the Queen would immediately dissolve Parliament. An election would be held 21 days later, and it would be fought on the issue of the impasse. The public would decide, and the political party held most responsible would no doubt get its comeuppance at the polls.

The simple existence of that power to call an election really concentrates minds. I hadn't realized its full advantages before tonight.

Entered at Tue Oct 1 21:57:02 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

If I open my window I can hear Pat B rubbing his hands together. I knew without looking that there'd be a new AsiaPoker77 post.

Entered at Tue Oct 1 18:30:19 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Foot Note

You are so welcome Jon. Happy you enjoyed it.

I should have mentioned also, young Maury Muehleisen, playing guitar with Jim was killed in the same plane crash as Jim. I think he was only about 24. It was so sad. He also was a real talent. A shy young guy who played and sang so well.

Entered at Tue Oct 1 18:17:43 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Operator

Thanks, RC! I enjoyed that.

Entered at Tue Oct 1 17:38:34 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Operator

I sorely miss this guy......some really great heartfelt songs, and left us way too soon.

The story is one night he woke his wife, and said I haven't told you I love you enough. He sang her, "I'll have to say I love you in a song." This became another hit, and is one of the greatest songs.

Entered at Tue Oct 1 16:48:10 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Foghorn Leghorn for President!!!

Lars........oh LARS!!!!! gather up a few of them old sailors and get yer ass up to congress and slap some of those fools around. Tell 'em to get their s--t together....gawd damn it.

Entered at Tue Oct 1 05:55:33 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Entered at Tue Oct 1 04:47:28 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Entered at Tue Oct 1 04:14:27 CEST 2013 from (75.34.55.84)

Adam

Subject: "Live At The Academy 1971" footage

Here is the link once again. A fan edit I put together from those promo clips.

I'm really not technically gifted or anything, but picked up what I needed to through collecting and archiving audio and video material. So I have a wonderful video editing program. I happily solved the lack of more Richard footage in "King Harvest" for my home copy. In the intro, there's about a 22 second closeup of him singing the refrain, which you can copy and splice in later in the song. The 2nd refrain has a different first line, so you can't use the footage of him singing that, but the title remains. And then at the end, right before Robbie's solo as he begins his fluttering intro sounds, you cut in the full closeup of Richard once again from the very beginning, singing the full refrain (which is identical to the first time). Almost a full minute of Richard footage. I'm not one to fiddle with official releases or anything, but I wanted more Richard and achieved that!

The footage of "King Harvest", "W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" and "Don't Do It" is truly remarkable, and an unbelievable addition to their canon.

[See the guestbook archive for more]