The Band Guestbook, April 2012

Entered at Mon Apr 30 21:32:03 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Al E: Thanks - am enjoying it as I type. Don't Rick and Robbie look like the Smothers Brothers at the start?

Entered at Mon Apr 30 21:07:47 CEST 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Posted by:

Bob F

Web: My link

Subject: Peter Stone Brown's new Blog

Check out Peter Stone Brown's new site. Teriffic articles and interviews with much Band content. Great job PSB!

Entered at Mon Apr 30 20:21:54 CEST 2012 from (92.18.163.134)

Posted by:

Solomon

Subject: Paris

I wonder if anyone remembers the footage of The Band in Paris? I think the song was Slippin' And Slidin and was posted a few years ago on the website.

Entered at Mon Apr 30 19:26:26 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Not sure if this 1970 footage already posted - certainly worth it again even if it has

I'm pretty much convinced this is the finest example of The Band performing in concert that I've ever seen.

It's from 1970 just after the release of Stagefright their third album - hence opening the show with their lesser known nod to country rock Time To Kill with the Rick on lead vocal. Track two is the best version of The Weight I've ever heard - with Levon's singing wonderfully recreating Big Pink almost note for note, Robbie's almost exact Big Pink opening guitar riff albeit non-acoustic , just enough of Richard [or Garth's????] piano which we usually find overpowered by Garth's or [Richard's????] organ but whoever's playing which on here - thanks to God [as for me it's so vital to the track working at its best] - not here. Third track is an irresistibly fabulous vocal by Rick on Wheels on Fire - which not only recreates the Big Pink version until the mid break organ/guitar saunter but for me comfortably transcends it. Final track Levon again on Cripple Creek. Perfection.

Ever since first hearing Big Pink 40 odd years ago I've craved to see something this good. Something that captures them as I always knew they were. The sole crucial thing missing is a lead vocal from Richard plus you scarcely see garth but as massive a void as that creates it's still, from the perspective of my ears, the closest to a perfect capture of what they've always represented to me. All 5 are bang on their game individually and collectively, instrumentally and vocally. And they all [well nearly all as you don't really see Garth :)] look terrific to boot, especially Rick.

I may be a tad biased due to my excitement at finding this but as much as we clearly all love seeing them in the Last Waltz, I'm not sure anyone can argue that in terms of capturing them at their zenith this little gem is actually a notch or two above the level they were 6 years later when they were merely fantastic and until somebody unearths decent footage of other shows around this period or of their New Years Eve New York Academy concert [Rock of Ages] I'm sure this will remain the finest footage I'll see. I've watched it 6 times already this afternoon.

And apart from highlighting just how amazing they were, we can also at this sad time treasure two of the tracks showcasing the wonderful Levon's uncanny gift of bringing home both the lead vocal whilst somehow sustaining without the merest hint of a skipped beat his incredible rhythmic drumming.

Entered at Mon Apr 30 18:33:27 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Peter: And as you've recommended in the past, LEVON HELM AND THE RCO ALLSTARS LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM NYC NEW YEAR'S EVE 1977 (a Levon Helm Studios release) is essential listening and sill available.

Entered at Mon Apr 30 17:45:31 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

I'd suggest a 3 CD replica card sleeve reissue with bonus tracks myself … Summertime Blues has been hanging around for years (it was a Dutch 45). I'd be very surprised if they didn't. I actually looked in HMV today expecting to see a rack of the Vanguard albums.

Entered at Mon Apr 30 16:47:53 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

One would hope that Universal Music, as a tribute to Levon, would reissue his first three solo albums in a deluxe 2-disc package. This would include Levon & the RCO Allstars (1977), the self-titled 1978 release and American Son from 1980, hopefully including some out-takes. I believe EMI/Capitol has the rights for Levon's 1982 self-titled release recorded at Muscle Shoals.

Entered at Mon Apr 30 15:22:13 CEST 2012 from (71.34.21.35)

Posted by:

Jerry

Web: My link

For Levon. I've not seen this before, very nice...

Entered at Sun Apr 29 19:37:45 CEST 2012 from (109.150.134.43)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

I got the tribute album for John Martyn at Christmas. Having never played the accompanying DVD, I played it yesterday.

I was surprised when it finished with a full page picture of Levon. It explained how his contribution to the album could not go ahead because of health problems.

Nux's friend, Syd Kitchen, who also recently passed, made a great contribution to the album.

So three musicians now no longer with us. A sad post this.

Entered at Sun Apr 29 19:09:01 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Tom (Bayou Sam)

Location: NY

It really is heartwarming to see the outpouring of warmth from all over the place for Levon. Warmth is the best word I can think of. Even in sadness, people start talking about Levon and can't help smiling. What a tribute that is to the man and how he touched people - and these are people (like me) who didn't know him personally.

It's just an amazing thing that that auora came out of Levovn effortlessly, and struck so many people. God bless him.

Entered at Sun Apr 29 11:01:31 CEST 2012 from (75.34.53.22)

Posted by:

Adam

Web: My link

I'm happy to see Levon get such a great service. May he rest in peace. The link is another classic Scheele photo of Levon, about 1972. I've been playing music non stop since the news, and I'll continue to do so.

Entered at Sun Apr 29 09:10:14 CEST 2012 from (124.170.196.30)

Posted by:

dlew919

Subject: We've entered the twilight zone...

AFter Peter V.'s post on Emmy Lou, I thought I'd just add I downloaded Sam Bush's Circles around me: a great album, btw.

Entered at Sat Apr 28 22:58:45 CEST 2012 from (78.167.42.170)

Posted by:

Location: Lawrence, KS
Web: My link

Bob Dylan to receive the Medal of Freedom (see link).

Entered at Fri Apr 27 21:04:52 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Levon's procession up Rock City Road to Woodstock Cemetery.

Entered at Fri Apr 27 20:50:32 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

much thanks for that, Jon -- I you-tubed a bunch of versions -- thru Johnny, Johnny and June, Emmylou, Loretta, Dolly, Geo. Jones, Monkees et many al. -- but I managed to miss out on that one, and it is the best. Hands down. No question it could have gone on the record . . . and what super musicians! Was it Levon who said that Amy and Teresa were his "secret weapon"?

Entered at Fri Apr 27 20:26:56 CEST 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Web: My link

sadavid, here's Levon and band performing Angel Band in 2006... I take it it was a song he liked. This would have been right at home on Dirt Farmer.

Entered at Fri Apr 27 20:06:15 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Subject: americana

Jon Lyness: thanks for the _NY Times_ link; it was interesting to see the memorial card, which quotes from the old hymn "Angel Band."

The song is probably best known in the Stanley Brothers version from "O Brother, Where Art Thou" -- the soundtrack lists it as "traditional," but the music is by William Bradbury, setting a text by the Rev. Jefferson Hascell. Hascell (1807-87) was an elder of the Worcester (Mass) Methodist Conference, and "an earnest advocate of a vigorous prosecution of the war to suppress the slave holders’ rebellion." The hymn in its present form was first published in 1862.

About halfway down the page at [My link] there's a sample sung in one of the shape-note methods.

Entered at Fri Apr 27 19:32:33 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Pete Fornatale

I'm very sad to hear of Pete's passing.I loved his program on WNEW ( which was the beet station and followed him to WFUV. Pete lived in my town and was very instrumental in bringing great music to our local theater. He will be missed.RIP Pete

Entered at Fri Apr 27 17:46:44 CEST 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Web: My link

Nice article in the NY Times on Levon's memorial, with some quotes from Woodstock-area fans and musicians. I'm going to excerpt the ending here, with some touching thoughts from John Sebastian... like him, and like many others I'm sure, I would love to see Levon's wonderful band and the Rambles return in some form when the time is right.

---

"But others, while saying it is far too early to contemplate what comes next, noted that Mr. Helm had put together a remarkable house band that was led by Mr. Dylan’s longtime associate, Larry Campbell, and included his daughter, Amy Helm, as a featured singer. And they said that what Mr. Helm had built meant too much to the music and the town he had loved to let it simply disappear.

“What started as this second act, like an afterthought, almost a footnote to this tremendous career, became this thing that Woodstock came to depend on, at the center of this remarkable musical community,” John Sebastian, the former leader of the Lovin’ Spoonful and now one of Woodstock’s leading musical elders, said in an interview this week.

“So what happens next?” he added. “I have asked this question at dinnertime three days running, and I ask it of all the brothers and sisters, who are part of this thing. We really as a community are holding our breath hoping that what Levon has created doesn’t have to evaporate the minute he’s not there. Some really deep foundations have been drilled on that little hill, and it’s going to be our challenge to see how we can keep this spirit going.”

Entered at Fri Apr 27 17:10:23 CEST 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Posted by:

Carmen

Location: PA
Web: My link

Subject: Levon

Levon Video discussing Dirt Farmer from USA Today

Entered at Fri Apr 27 16:22:42 CEST 2012 from (92.18.175.115)

Posted by:

Web: My link

Subject: full concert 31 Dec 83

George from LA: I just came across this also; it was linked on Garry Trudeau's _Doonesbury_ site the other day. This is the same lineup, give or take, and more or less the same setlist they brought to Winnipeg that summer . . . although I don't recall Rick using a Telecaster . . . but I do remember "You Don't Know Me" as a high point . . . .

. . . it's not like it used to be . . . .

Entered at Fri Apr 27 14:18:05 CEST 2012 from (108.195.3.91)

Posted by:

Todd

Location: CT

Subject: Levon's Memorial

Went up to Woodstock yesterday to pay my last respects. I'm very glad that we had the opportunity. It was definitely a different vibe in the studio, and so much more fitting for Levon than if the event was held in a traditional funeral home. Very well done and peaceful, and it seemed very appropriate to have it there right beside his drumset flanked by beautiful flower arrangements with a slideshow of photos projected on a screen in the background.

I've had a hard time listening to much music over the past week...especially Levon and the Band music. But yesterday on the way into town I put the Basement Tapes on in the car as I got closer to Woodstock and was comforted by the familiar sounds. After the memorial, I had lunch at the Landau grill and was able to reminisce with some other folks there who had also been to a number of Rambles.

Before heading home, I decided to drive around many of the Woodstock roads for a while and continued listening to The Basement Tapes and Music From Big Pink and thought about the impact the area has had on the music I love and the many interesting characters who have made their mark on Woodstock over the years. I drove up Ohayo Mountain Road to admire the view, back around into Bearsville, then up along the Glasco Turnpike down Rick's Road, and along the way saw several familar signs that brought up memories of the area and the Band's legacy. Wittenberg Road, Spencer Road, Streibel Rd, Bellows Lane, Speare Road, Plochmann Lane, John Joy Road, Zena Road. Finally I headed up Stoll Road and up Parnassus to take a quick look at Big Pink. Somehow it made me feel better to see that it was still there, still pink, and relatively unchanged....just a little faded.

Levon Rest in Peace

Entered at Fri Apr 27 10:06:39 CEST 2012 from (122.108.184.47)

Posted by:

Michael O'R

Location: Brisbane

RIP Levon, love your music

Entered at Fri Apr 27 06:42:27 CEST 2012 from (96.251.23.129)

Posted by:

George from LA

Location: Los Angeles

Subject: Band Video New Year's Eve 1983

I just found this video on YouTube of the Band's complete show New Year's Eve 1983 opening for the Dead in San Francisco: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_6pqQDC7TY

Entered at Thu Apr 26 22:58:04 CEST 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Posted by:

Carmen

Web: My link

Subject: The Three Definitive Songs of The Band (In Honor of Levon)

Entered at Thu Apr 26 22:48:17 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Web: My link

Subject: Damn

Ths is not a good year.Pete Fornatale died too. One helluva great DJ and radio persoanlity. Had a very strong love for the music of Poco and The Band. To the end he was tight with Richie Furay, and while rick and Richard were alive he was close with them.The 1985 MIxed Bag show at the Lone Star was amazing- Rick and Richard, Hot Tuna, i tihnk McGuinnn maybe too.but rick and Richard were amazing. i rememembr Rick chain dragging his cigarette on the bottom steps of the staircase while Richard was doing his solo numbers.Pete broadcast that show and i taoped it, still have it sosmewhere.It is in circulation.... one helluva perofmance,,,, She Knows.Country Boy, Unfaithful Servant,Shape I"m In.......,They also teamed with Pete for a PUblic Tv fundraiser for UNICEF, and did Hungerthons from THe U.N.with him.Harry chapin started it with PEte, Pete kept it going after his death.

On air, the man was blue collar middle class eloquent,not highfallutin or phony sounding. Had a lovable, warm very light Bronx accent. His liner notes to Deliverin still great to read.And he was cheerful! Knowledgeable, and loved playing great music ansd talking about it. One of the great radio personalities of our time.

Entered at Thu Apr 26 22:08:16 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Levon's greatest legacy...

Entered at Thu Apr 26 20:46:39 CEST 2012 from (76.170.243.197)

Posted by:

Marianne Izzo

Location: Hollywood, California

Subject: Levon's passing

My condolences to the Band, Levon's family and the world for the loss of a great musician and man. Rick, Richard and Levon will be jammin' and it will be wonderful!

Entered at Thu Apr 26 20:44:50 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

Safe travels to all visiting Levon's today. And I hope that there are future rambles. They should put up a big picture on stage of Levon... and keep on keeping on... RIP Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 26 14:56:36 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Arkansas' Governor Mike Beebe's proclamation to lower the state's flags to half mast tomorrow (April 27th) in honor of Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 26 10:44:40 CEST 2012 from (24.44.240.97)

Posted by:

Joe

The thought that after years of Saturday nights in Woodstock with Levon's Rambles filling the night with music & fans the barn has now fell silent is very sad.

Entered at Thu Apr 26 10:39:34 CEST 2012 from (24.44.240.97)

Posted by:

Joe

The thought that after years of Saturday nights in Woodstock with Levon's Rambles filling the night with music & fans the barn has now fell silent.

Entered at Thu Apr 26 09:59:00 CEST 2012 from (76.111.161.35)

Location: New Jersey

Subject: Weird Coincidence

Levon Helm's last gig outside of NY State

March 19, 2012 - Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI

Rick Danko's last gig

December 1999 - The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI

Entered at Wed Apr 25 21:08:05 CEST 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Posted by:

Carmen

Location: PA
Web: My link

Subject: Levon

The Cabin Dogs Tribute to Levon Helm. Great Band from Philly that everyone should check out. Very much influenced by the BAND.

A little info taken from their web site.

"After the death of their two dogs (Cornelius and Leonardo), Rich and Rob would again retreat to the mountains, this time in Upstate New York, and begin writing songs for a new album. In their travels, the brothers and the band (now known as Cabin Dogs) would meet up with Woodstock based musician/producer (The Band, Rick Danko) and invite him to play with them at the Newport Folk Festival. Shortly thereafter, the Cabin Dogs and the Professor would retreat to a converted farmhouse studio (LRS Studios in Hurley NY) and record what would become the first Cabin Dogs record, Electric Cabin. Critics would compare the album to classic works by the Grateful Dead and The Band, with shades of Gillian Welch and Wilco, and describe the music as something like a conduit into a colorful pastoral timeless American story."

Entered at Wed Apr 25 20:41:54 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Subject: Mynah Birds

Bonk (and NB if lurking): A friend turned up a promo photo of the Mynah Birds that might clear up the discussion we had hear a year or so ago about the place of Bay Ridges in the group's history. The lineup was the version that the three remaining guys put together after Rick James, Neil Young and Bruce Palmer left. In the bottom left corner it said "Management: Ray V, Bay Ridges, Ontario". Was it Ray who you knew?

Entered at Wed Apr 25 20:21:58 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Thanks Solomon for the live '76 link.

Link of Rick Danko talking (while driving) about The Hawks & Bob Dylan.

Entered at Wed Apr 25 16:54:20 CEST 2012 from (92.18.187.172)

Posted by:

Solomon

Web: My link

In tribute to drummer and vocalist Levon Helm who passed away this week, Chris Hawkins presents The Band recorded live in 1976 at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, Washington D.C.

Entered at Wed Apr 25 15:58:34 CEST 2012 from (41.162.7.114)

Posted by:

Web: My link

Courage and Peace to Amy Helm.....

Entered at Wed Apr 25 09:11:11 CEST 2012 from (41.162.7.114)

Posted by:

Nux

Subject: Classic Albums(Richard Haslop)

THE BAND Rock Of Ages By Richard Haslop

Helena, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi from Clarksdale, has seen better days and is not really on the road to anywhere either, but there are nevertheless one or two good reasons to visit. It’s where the second and better known of the two Sonny Boy Williamsons died, and it’s still the home, seventy years down the line, of King Biscuit Time, the first live blues radio show, where he made his name pretending to be Chicago’s original Sonny Boy as he plied his blues trade daily in the company of Robert Lockwood Jr, who had learned from his mother’s boyfriend, Robert Johnson. It’s also the home of Bubba’s Blues Corner, a fine record store whose walls are decorated with photos of owner Bubba Sullivan with an impressive array of blues and rock musicians who have visited it.

One such musician is a local, whose image also graces a large mural on the river’s levee. Levon Helm, best known as the drummer with The Band, whose rough hewn good old boy voice was often the punter’s favourite in arguably rock’s greatest vocal front line, grew up in nearby Turkey Scratch, surely the most evocatively named home town of any halfway famous musician. It’s the sort of name, in fact, that tempts you to visit just to see what kind of place would have such a name, but with just enough daylight to get us to Memphis and Graceland, even the pull of seeing the type of land that could have produced Helm’s timeless voice and natural down home funkiness proved insufficient. If you’ve heard Helm sing, though, you can imagine what it must be like.

Helm died last week, of the throat cancer that had miraculously relented just long enough a few years ago to allow him to add two wonderful final solo albums to his magnificent legacy.

The first two albums by the Band are among the greatest rock has heard, and a couple more are only a step down from that, but Helm himself apparently thought that Rock Of Ages, a live double later expanded to two CDs featuring a four song encore with their former employer Bob Dylan, was the best The Band ever sounded on record. Their most recent album, Cahoots, was largely dull and somewhat lifeless but one song, Life is A Carnival, for which New Orleans R&B genius Allen Toussaint had arranged the horns, stood out. So he was hired to write the charts for a horn section that would accompany The Band at a series of late 1971 New York concerts, including one on New Year’s Eve, that would be recorded.

Working against significant odds, including the loss, at the airport on the way to meet the group, of all his original arrangements, he produced, with Crescent City inspiration, they say, from Dr John and Bobby Charles who were hanging around The Band’s Woodstock home, a set of horn charts that gave several of the songs a quite different feel, but also managed to sound exactly like you would have hoped The Band would sound with horns. The horn section, with a combined pedigree that took in Count Basie, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and Ray Charles, hardly had time to rehearse before the first gig, which might actually have contributed to the ease with which they fitted into the group’s loose-limbed swing. The songs, with the exception of a couple of superb Motown covers, were the old ones, but dressed up in new outfits they seemed already to have grown into; Helm, Richard Manuel and Rick Danko sang their hearts and souls out; Robbie Robertson’s guitar stretched just a little, but just enough, and Garth Hudson’s long intro to Chest Fever, timed to quote from Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight, predictably brought the house down.

Entered at Wed Apr 25 07:23:31 CEST 2012 from (108.195.3.91)

Posted by:

Todd

Location: CT

Subject: Levon Interview

Solomon, thanks for posting the link to the interview with Levon. Really nice to hear Levon's perspective in his own words, and just to hear him laugh so much during the interview was really heartwarming and healing in a way. Nice piece of tape that I'm glad was shared.

Entered at Wed Apr 25 04:54:08 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Subject: John Lennon/ Beatles..

A change is as good as a rest, so here goes...

This is old news, but I don't remember this ending to it. Memory isn't what it used to be..

Get a KLUE True story.

In an interview in the London Evening Standard on 4 March 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles compared the band's popularity to Christianity:

Experience has sown few seeds of doubt in him: not that his mind is closed, but it's closed round whatever he believes at the time. "Christianity will go," he said. "It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first -- rock 'n' roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It's them twisting it that ruins it for me." He is reading extensively about religion.

In 1966, there was no Twitter to flash headlines around the world, making stories go "viral" in 20 minutes. It took months for those comments to be published widely in the U.S., even though the band was already famous here -- they had been on the Ed Sullivan Show two years before.

But when news finally did spread here, some were (shall we say?) peeved. The Rev. Thurman H. Babbs of the New Haven Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, called for churches to excommunicate all Beatles fans.

Some protests were a bit more ...well... typical. Time for an update on book burning! "We are inviting local teenagers to bring in their records and other symbols of the group's popularity to be burned at a public bonfire on Friday night, August 13," said the station manager of KLUE radio (1280 AM) in Longview, Texas.

The next day -- a Sunday -- a bolt of lightning hit the radio station's transmission tower. The station's news director was rendered unconscious, and damage to broadcasting equipment was so extensive, the station was off the air for months.

The station eventually lost its KLUE: those call letters are now assigned to an FM station in Missouri.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Wed Apr 25 03:50:52 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Web: My link

Subject: Live Green

I might have already posted this a few minutes back, but, am getting the feeling that i forgot to hit the submit button.

No disrespect to Levon.The regulars ,particpating or lurking, all know the depth of my feeling for him, and also know the depth of physical & emotional connection i've had to his sounds, and The Band's music , since i was about ten years old and heard The Weight when it came out. that said :

For Al Edge,myself, and the other Peter Green fans here, that link is to some serious live Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac from 1970 in Boston.

Entered at Wed Apr 25 02:41:58 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Subject: SPECIAL THANX

To all you posters for all the links and wonderful posts that have been here...The more we read/see on LEVON helps get through the sadness we are feeling..Love you all for taking the time to care so much about one of our own.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Tue Apr 24 23:36:34 CEST 2012 from (134.174.21.2)

Posted by:

Tim

Location: Boston
Web: My link

Subject: A fan remembers The Band 1984 Concert

Entered at Tue Apr 24 21:12:42 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

From Helmland: "Services for Levon

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Levon’s friends & fans are invited to pay their final respects on Thursday, April 26, 2012 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at his home/studio in Woodstock. Personal vehicles will not be permitted at the studio, however. Parking will be available at 3 locations in Woodstock: The Woodstock Playhouse 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, Cucina Woodstock, 109 Mill Hill Road and Andy Lee Field, Rock City Road, Woodstock.

Buses will run continuously between 10 and 3 from Andy Lee Field and from The Woodstock Playhouse.

Thank you, all, for your kindness and respect for privacy during this very emotional time."

Entered at Tue Apr 24 19:24:17 CEST 2012 from (99.251.220.178)

Posted by:

Web: My link

Austin’s Band of Heathens have recorded a spur-of-the-moment to the great Levon Helm. Here’s what they said:

4.20.12 – Yesterday one of our musical heroes, a true American original, Levon Helm passed on.

By some strange twist of cosmic fate, we were in his birth-state of Arkansas when we heard the news. There was some sort of comfort in knowing we were treading on the ground that sculpted the man and set him on the path to utter and complete righteousness.

We wrote this song (“One More Song”) right before our show in Little Rock last night to play during a mini-Levon tribute encore. This is a demo of the song as we recorded it in the parking lot.

Although we’ll never get to hear his voice in the present anymore, we are incredibly lucky to be able to be with our friend whenever our ears are open.

Play us one more song cuz.

Love, The Band of Heathens

MP3: “One More Song” by the Band of Heathens....as well as other Levon MP3's.

And a bonus...."Happy Pills" for Jan H....courtesy of Norah Jones.

Entered at Tue Apr 24 14:26:39 CEST 2012 from (184.144.108.227)

Posted by:

Web: My link

Today would have been Roy Orbison's 76th b'day & the link is Levon performing "Mean Woman Blues" @ a '90 homeless benefit.

Entered at Mon Apr 23 18:29:53 CEST 2012 from (72.78.54.248)

Posted by:

PSB

Location: City of Brotherly Love
Web: My link

Subject: Blue House of Broken Hearts

BEG, Thanks for the link to "Blue House of Broken Hearts." I've been checking for that the past few days and guess it just got put up. If you check out my Levon interview, I talk to him about that song.

Entered at Mon Apr 23 18:19:17 CEST 2012 from (67.71.1.25)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Jorma Kaukonen Remembers Levon

..."Life dealt him his share of adversities and he took his lumps and kept on pickin’ for all of us. I got to hang with him a little more when I recorded my River Of Time project and then Hot Tuna’s Steady As She Goes. We would talk about music… a little, but what we really connected on in this part of our life… was family. To see him happy with his wife, his daughter and his grandson was to know that he was right where he needed to be. After all is said and done… it is the love of family that brings us home."

Entered at Mon Apr 23 18:07:30 CEST 2012 from (67.71.1.25)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Levon Helm’s 7 Lessons For Filmmakers

Entered at Mon Apr 23 17:52:43 CEST 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Posted by:

Carmen

Location: PA

Thanks David

Entered at Mon Apr 23 17:30:05 CEST 2012 from (174.54.84.211)

Posted by:

Osceola

Location: Chambersburg, PA

Subject: R.I.P. Chris Ethridge (Flying Burrito Bros)

Unfortunately more sad music news to pass along: got a memo from the Gram Parsons website Chris Ethridge (Flying Burrito Bros, Willie Nelson) passed away today. :( 2012 is shaping up to be a pretty sad year for everyone who loves music :(

Entered at Mon Apr 23 17:21:07 CEST 2012 from (78.145.116.160)

Posted by:

Solomon

Subject: Levon

The Ties That Bind: The Best Of Levon Helm 1975-1996 has been on my CD player a lot lately. I think it's a really good compilation.

Entered at Mon Apr 23 16:59:07 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Subject: Levon's solo releases

Carmen: Australia's Raven label reissued Levon's 1978 & 1982 self-titled albums last year in a two-for-one package with "Summertime Blues" as a bonus cut.

Entered at Mon Apr 23 16:50:07 CEST 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Web: My link

Subject: Great quote from Joe Henry/LA Times article

"In the same way that his great friend and sometimes-boss Bob Dylan connected the dots between Jimmy Reed, Arthur Rimbaud and Muhammad Ali, so Levon drew the second line that had Howlin’ Wolf, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marvin Gaye and Hank Williams all dancing out in front of the same New Orleans funeral parade."

Entered at Mon Apr 23 16:31:31 CEST 2012 from (67.71.1.25)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Levon Helm: Blue House of Broken Hearts

Entered at Mon Apr 23 16:17:00 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Levon

Great sadness in my life losing Levon.

Entered at Mon Apr 23 15:22:41 CEST 2012 from (24.108.143.105)

Posted by:

JT and LvdB

Subject: BARK Duncan Garage

You can see a live stream of both sets by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (BARK) from last night's April 22 show (both sets) if you go to the Duncan Garage site.

Entered at Mon Apr 23 14:28:21 CEST 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Posted by:

Carmen

Location: PA

Subject: Levon

Still feeling very sad and I hope all of Levon's friends in the music business continue his legacy of making great Rock and Roll. If you had to pick a Mt Rushmore of American Rock and Roll music, Levon makes it.

I am very familiar with all of Levon's recent work and Band work, however, are his early solo releases available or are they out of print. What better way to honor Levon then to buy and turn on others to his music?

Entered at Mon Apr 23 09:06:08 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Thanks for that link, Scott. The one that jumped off the page for me was from Simone Felice:

“Could it have been little more than a month back that I sat on a wooden bench not five feet from his drum-riser as he played and sang Ophelia with the grace of a veteran dancer, the spirit of a country preacher, at once lithe, weather-worn, fiery, weary, imperishable.”

Entered at Mon Apr 23 03:27:16 CEST 2012 from (62.140.137.136)

Posted by:

Hilda F

Location: The Low Countries

One hour before closing time this saturday I decided to go and buy the Dylan SinglesBox on offer for Recordstore Day after all....and lo and behold wat did I also find.....a cd of The Band with The Cate Brothers, Live in Tokyo 1983...... I did not know this was a bootleg until I found out on the site here....It seems there is also a video of that show circulating on the internet.....I hope one of my brothers will help me find it..........

Entered at Mon Apr 23 02:48:54 CEST 2012 from (72.230.109.86)

Posted by:

Bashful Bill

Location: Minoa, NY

Subject: High Walls

We listened to several cuts off of Jesse James today. High Walls has been one of my favorite Levon vocals ever since I bought my vinyl copy away back in what - 78 or 79. At one of the Wed nite Barnburners shows at Joyous he signed both my vinyl and CD copies and said he was as proud of his work on that album as anything he's done.......

Entered at Mon Apr 23 02:17:40 CEST 2012 from (108.202.113.212)

Posted by:

Location: Jacksonville, FL

I believe Levon was a rare exception to the "successful rocker" he was humble & never forgot his roots. God Bless You Levon. Now you can jam With some old friends. Nothing is going to stop you from singing & playing.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 20:50:52 CEST 2012 from (65.95.181.63)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Video of "Days Gone By" with Levon, Garth and The Hawk.

I saw all three of them together at Ronnie's Tribute at Massey Hall, Toronto. It would be the closest I would ever get to greatness.....

Entered at Sun Apr 22 20:47:25 CEST 2012 from (24.124.109.239)

Posted by:

ray pence

Location: lawrence kansas
Web: My link

Subject: Levon and Bobby and the Bonemasters

Here's another priceless recollection. Don't know if it's been posted yet, but once more can't hurt!

Entered at Sun Apr 22 18:50:29 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Tom (Bayou Sam)

B.E.G.

Thanks for posting this:

“If you pour some music on whatever’s wrong, it’ll sure help out.” – Levon Helm

I absolutely LOVE it.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 18:48:58 CEST 2012 from (65.95.181.63)

Posted by:

Web: My link

POEM FOR LEVON

-Unknown Poet posted (friend of a friend) on tumblr.com (I inserted the lines.)

Levon Helm at the helm of The Band crossed over the great divide and made the continent sound.
Americana, Canadiana. North American music.
He carried the weight of the beat through whispering pines, thistles and thorns, scarecrows and yellow moon, carnivals at the edge of town.
Up cripple creek to where the acadian driftwood got caught tangled up in the blues of the Great Lakes.
He brought the Southern cross to the Northern lights, four young men from the land of snow.
Levon Helm meets Robbie Robertson, a handshake across centuries, roots entwined.
They flew high as The Hawks.
They flew, obviously five believers, with the Freewheeler, down Highway 61 again and again.
By the time they got to Woodstock this Band were ready to be released.
Rag band, jug band, blues band, rocking rockabilly band, with barnyard ballads and turkey scratch trotters.
Front porch pickings, saloon alley lickings, shellshocked military marches and long black tales of murder and madness.
Ghosts of notes in the forest of chords around the rambling acres of Big Pink, woodshedding art, crafting out a style of a song that would wrap itself around a half a hundred years of ears.
A style that went back in time to the last waltz.
Blues fade to white light the further north one travels in the land of coca cola.
Up north its freezing cold, too cold for tears of rage, chest fever gloom or dreams in a room.
There is only one star but that's enough to get inside out of the blue.
There is only one light that comes shining from the west down to the east.
To have seen that light, Levon Helm, to have seen that man caught in the spotlight, the ploughboy up on the stage singing to Ophelia and Anna Lee, Bessie girl and Lonesome Suzie.
Crazy mamas that rag mama rag “while Levon, Levon slowly dies”.
Out of nine lives he has spent two more than seven, now out of the jailhouse he has found his way to heaven.
He has gone out yonder, hope he finds peace in the valley.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 16:03:54 CEST 2012 from (24.108.143.105)

Posted by:

JT and LvdB

Location: Toronto and Victoria intermittently

Subject: 'Unsung Heroes' in BARK

We must not forget the unsung heroes, John Dymond on bass and Gary Craig on drums in the Blackie and the Rodeo Kings concert of last night in Victoria. These stalwarts of the group are vital organs. See BARK tonight if you can in Duncan BC (not far from Victoria). The spirits descend for a short time to the musical stage each time Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson put on their BARK suits and give their all.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 15:54:33 CEST 2012 from (24.108.143.105)

Posted by:

Web: My link

Ralph McLean crammed a good few Band/solo songs in to his radio show on the BBC. Click the above link if you want to hear it and live in the UK.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 09:34:18 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

The Daily Telegraph obit is linked … the day before had an article too, but they mix up the Robbie and Garth quotes. They had a nice Jane Fonda quote:

"I got to know Levon personally because he played my husband in the movie The Dollmaker. He was kind and deep and devoted to music, as a singer and playing not only drums, but harmonica, fiddle, mandolin, you name it."

Entered at Sun Apr 22 09:01:56 CEST 2012 from (24.108.143.105)

Posted by:

JT and LvdB

Location: Toronto and Victoria intermittently

Subject: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings in Victoria tonight (21.4.12)

BARK was at the top of their game tonight at the Alix Goolden Hall in Victoria. They played 2 sets and covered material from old to new. Stephen Fearing's performance was superb and Colin Linden played fantastic guitar. Tom Wilson's voice and wit were equally wonderful. There were repeated references throughout to the love and respect for Levon Helm. Amy Helm was mentioned at the start of one of the Kings and Queens numbers. "Remedy' was another shout out to the Band. The encore was Endless Highway. During one number in the midst of it all, I felt like I was back in the tavern with the Hawks. Excellent show. Tom Wilson said they'd be back to Vancouver in October with some of the Queens and maybe Murray McLaughlin again if they can talk him into it. We loved the show. The links in the chain go on and on...

Entered at Sun Apr 22 05:24:14 CEST 2012 from (67.41.99.186)

Posted by:

Dave

Subject: Lyrics to The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Think about it 1865 near the end of the great Civil War and for the people of the south this was a demoralizing and devastating time to be alive... The people of Dixie surely were not singing "la la la la la la" but rather na na na na na na na na na .. Otherwise good job ya'll.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 05:17:57 CEST 2012 from (67.41.99.186)

Posted by:

Dave

Subject: Lyrics to The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Think about it this is near the end of the great Civil War and for the people of the south this was a demoralizing and devastating time to be alive... The people of Dixie surely were not singing "la la la la la la" but rather na na na na na na na na na .. Otherwise good job ya'll.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 04:52:14 CEST 2012 from (65.95.95.111)

Posted by:

Bill M

Yes, it is indeed commendable that Robbie made the effort to visit Levon in Levon's final days. Levon would surely have appreciated the visit, as should we.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 03:12:33 CEST 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Posted by:

kristie

Location: Nelson, BC

it is strange, I can't help feeling like I lost a dear friend, but I never met Levon. I guess his voice just always seemed like the voice of an old friend singing to me, ever since I heard the fist words of "The Weight." Just something about the honesty in his singing that will never be replaced for me.

Entered at Sun Apr 22 01:38:22 CEST 2012 from (72.18.251.74)

Subject: Mr. Lee's passing

How can I say goodbye? How can I wrap Amy's family and Sandy's family and Larry's family in my arms and hug the pain away? I only discovered the greatness of Levon when he first came down with throat cancer and was doing those Barnburner shows. Butch Dener had me come up to Woodstock to catch a show and I was hooked after the first few notes. Mr. Lee pulled me into the music of the blues and changed my whole way of thinking. He let me come to studio sessions, he let me bring him 'brownies', he let me hang with him and the fellas in the back, but mostly, he had such patience with me, slowly teaching me the simplest things about making music. When Lee showed me how he could play the drums on a mandolin I knew I had experienced greatness and am so honored that i was allowed in for those few years. I'm thinking the next time it rains and the thunder is outrageous, that's the three amigos getting back together!!!

Entered at Sat Apr 21 16:18:08 CEST 2012 from (109.150.134.43)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland
Web: My link

Subject: Britain Remembers

There's a very good obituary for Levon in 'The Independent' today. The newsprint copy has different photographs - a colour picture with the Band and Dylan, and the photograph of Levon with heart and beard.

Entered at Sat Apr 21 13:52:49 CEST 2012 from (109.150.134.43)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Levon RIP

The last of the three great voices to pass. Hope Levon's family is bearing up.

Listening to the drumming on Moondog Matinee jut now. Love this album.

Entered at Sat Apr 21 09:50:06 CEST 2012 from (122.59.251.42)

Posted by:

Rod

Saturday night down here in NZ. Levon night on the CD player. Once the kids go to bed it will be Levon night on the DVD.

Entered at Sat Apr 21 07:51:59 CEST 2012 from (74.198.9.142)

I am sad.

Entered at Sat Apr 21 05:40:06 CEST 2012 from (66.87.87.155)

Posted by:

brian okie

Location: drummer for " Humm and a Buzz"

Subject: levon

Thanx 4 the memories levon!!!!!!!!! You were an inspiration to all musicians. RIP, UP ON CRIPPLE CREEK!!!!

Entered at Sat Apr 21 03:18:22 CEST 2012 from (24.82.14.107)

Posted by:

Cupid1d

Location: Squamish BC
Web: My link

Subject: Levon

So long Levon, thank you for the music. We'll miss you but you'll only ever be as far away as the turntable.

Peace and Prayers to your family.. Doug

Entered at Sat Apr 21 02:40:14 CEST 2012 from (75.32.35.60)

Posted by:

Bob Schuller

Location: Illinois

Subject: Levon

Thanks Levon for sharing your gift. I enjoyed seeing you in concert many times. Thanks for the music and the memories ! God Bless..

Entered at Sat Apr 21 01:58:33 CEST 2012 from (174.7.3.165)

Posted by:

Terry

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Subject: Levon

Levon, you're the best, and I'm not going to miss you, rather I'm going to play the crap out of your music. Sweet dreams my man. You're a true inspiration.

Entered at Sat Apr 21 00:12:37 CEST 2012 from (31.53.142.18)

Posted by:

david gill

Location: thirsk north yorks uk

Subject: levon helm

thanks for all music levon hope you are jamming in jupiter hollow with rick and richard

Entered at Sat Apr 21 00:00:02 CEST 2012 from (84.27.213.14)

Posted by:

Jos Bruls

Location: The Netherlands

ray pence

Subject: Another well-known Arkansan lauds Levon

Statement by President Clinton on the passing of Levon Helm April 19, 2012 | New York, NY | Bill Clinton | Statements “I was saddened to learn of the death of my fellow Arkansan Levon Helm. Levon was one of America’s great musicians. His music, with the Hawks, the Band, and throughout his career, and his standout performance in Coal Miner’s Daughter, touched a cord with me and with many Americans. He never forgot his roots. I was always grateful that he helped the annual Delta Blues Festival get off the ground. He will be deeply missed.”

Entered at Fri Apr 20 20:40:22 CEST 2012 from (129.237.250.19)

Posted by:

ray pence

Location: Lawrence Kansas
Web: My link

Subject: Love to Levon

A unique tribute and one of the best: "A deacon who spoke our gospel."

Entered at Fri Apr 20 20:39:59 CEST 2012 from (69.158.84.147)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Subject: From Bow Thayer.

"The Passing of the great Levon Helm is going to take some adjusting to. The man was a leader, a teacher, and a bad ass drummer who defines the phrase "go down swinging". He taught me well before I met him and even more after we became friends. Words can not describe the genuine wisdom behind his back beat, what it did to the souls of so many. Cancer may kill flesh and blood but it will NEVER take the spirit of a man like Levon. His generosity and friendship will be missed but his style and musicality will live in the hearts and fingers and feet of the many who succumbed to his infectious groove for eternity."

Entered at Fri Apr 20 18:27:48 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Tom (Bayou Sam)

Web: My link

Let's try that the right way. Link above.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 18:26:53 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Tom (Bayou Sam)

From Amy Helm's FB page. This is beautiful. I hope it's OK to link this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100003745312724&sk=wall

Entered at Fri Apr 20 18:17:17 CEST 2012 from (78.79.52.36)

Posted by:

NorthWestCoaster

Location: Nordic Countries

Subject: Thanks Peter Stone Brown/ Webmaster jh

A wonderful article on Levon Helm and The Band by the gb regular Mr. Brown (visit his link). Thanks.

Norwegians are going thru hard times this week. They have a terrorist trial in Oslo. I can imagine that there are a lot of emotions in the hearts of webmaster's students going on. We'll be patient here in this gb, right :-)

Entered at Fri Apr 20 18:09:55 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Web: My link

….such a lovely tribute by Bernie Taupin because one knows how happy Levon would have been to have it said ( a point never said enough ) about The Band have THREE of the greatest singers in the history of rock n roll music……………..also a beautiful and word perfect tribute from Randy Ciarlante…

Entered at Fri Apr 20 18:04:41 CEST 2012 from (108.195.3.91)

Posted by:

Todd

Location: CT

Subject: Levon RIP

Can’t even begin to put the feelings of loss into words, but I will miss Levon and his pure joy of sharing his musical gifts and talent. I’m so very proud of what he accomplished. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Helm family. God bless.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 17:57:29 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Web: My link

Peter B

Location: Fredericton NB Canada

Subject: R.I.P. Lavon

"muscle, swing, economy and finesse" - Jon Pareles's NY Times description of Levon's drumming - perfect. Saw them in Montreal in winter 1969/70 (Jesse Winchester opened) Best concert I've ever been to.

Great to hear Robbie spent some time with Levon - they didn't always see eye-to-eye, but some things transcend the bullshit, right?

Entered at Fri Apr 20 14:53:49 CEST 2012 from (12.31.142.82)

Posted by:

jay moll

Location: mn

i ejoyed the band from a from akid to nowat the age of 50 . i will miss him and always have great memorys god bless.we no he is at peace at gods side now

Entered at Fri Apr 20 14:40:37 CEST 2012 from (213.48.38.66)

Posted by:

Chris Hockenhull

Location: Liverpool, UK

Subject: Levon Helm RIP

Sadly The Band visited these shores too little so many never saw them live. I was luckyo to see Levon and the chaps at Wembley Stadium, London in Sept 1974 on a CSNY date. Sadly Tour 74 never came this way too. But I loved - and still do - all The Band's music and will forever more. Sad to hear of Levon's departure but his legacy wil live on FOREVER

Entered at Fri Apr 20 14:37:07 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

"The Daily Beast" Levon obituary.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 14:28:41 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Levon remembered by Billboard.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 14:12:08 CEST 2012 from (24.127.17.210)

Posted by:

test...

Entered at Fri Apr 20 05:03:35 CEST 2012 from (66.45.129.2)

Posted by:

Dexy

Subject: Jan's site

The Internet is not that old. It seems to me it coincided with the relaunch of The Band, at least the Jericho version. The first site I really cared about was this one. Funny how this band - the most rootsy, the least techno band of all - benefited from the earliest, best website. I've always thought that this site helped, at least some, to reintroduce the greatest collection of rock musicians who ever collaborated, to younger people and even to oldsters who may not have understood their significance the first time around. The fact that The Band embraced Jan's site to the extent that they declared it "official" was too cool to describe. Thanks, Jan - and, of course, thanks, Levon, Rick, Richard, Garth and Robbie. (and Randy, Rick and Jim, too)

Entered at Fri Apr 20 04:50:27 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Well said JT - I do hope Levon's mandolin work is remembered as much as his great work on the drums.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 04:33:52 CEST 2012 from (166.205.9.20)

Posted by:

Lisa

Location: Texas

Rest in Peace Levon .

Entered at Fri Apr 20 04:21:42 CEST 2012 from (114.73.96.6)

Posted by:

Fritz

Location: Sydney, Australia

Thanks for the music, Levon. Your music helped, inspired, moved, formed, and changed me in ways I will be eternally grateful for.

Oh, to be home again.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 04:15:20 CEST 2012 from (207.215.186.44)

Posted by:

John Clemmons

Location: CA

A Great Band. Loooved the Last Waltz. RIP Levon.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 04:03:54 CEST 2012 from (24.108.143.105)

Posted by:

JT

Location: Toronto and Victoria intermittently

Subject: Levon and the mandolin

It is indeed a sad day and a great loss to family, friends and those of us whose lives he enriched. His drums and voice are legend. I always have been knocked out by his virtuosity as musician and actor. But it was the mandolin that added so much to those songs where it appeared in Levon's capable hands. I know all of us loved that sound. The photos of Levon with his mandolin tell a story of a man whose expression of life was his music.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 03:38:48 CEST 2012 from (62.1.166.66)

Posted by:

Chris

This evening, I've been listening again and again to every Band track on which Levon sings lead. Haven't been able to bring myself to play Dirt Farmer again yet.. but I'll get there. After 35 years of listening to the man from Turkey Scratch, I can't imagine the music world without him. The greatest rocker ever to sing from behind a drumkit will be missed so much... RIP

Entered at Fri Apr 20 03:39:07 CEST 2012 from (68.32.196.76)

Posted by:

dennis de freest

Location: oakland,n.j.

Subject: levon n the band

thank you!for your humanity,talent.levon the band for that 'feeling'

Entered at Fri Apr 20 03:38:20 CEST 2012 from (198.36.218.33)

Posted by:

Location: Richmond

Subject: it's The TERRACE CLUB!

Don, the name of what the club in Stamford was has been bugging me for a long time. Thanks for the reminder! I was in the audience with you.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 03:15:10 CEST 2012 from (76.195.221.7)

Posted by:

Susan

Location: Champaign

Like so many others, I'm returning here after a long absence to find other who share the pain. Levon was so essentially himself, so vitally of the moment, it seemed he could never die. I'm glad he had the last 10 years, for him and for the rest of us. His was as successful a life as one could wish.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 03:09:41 CEST 2012 from (64.252.112.111)

Posted by:

Don

Location: Bethel, CT

The last couple of days I have looked at many pictures of Levon and I was struck by how many recent photos had the ever present "SMILE". Man he had a great smile. He seemed so happy the past few years and played such great music and kept us Band fans going by seeing the "real deal" pounding on the skins and signing his heart out.

Location: the Guestbook Archives

Subject: RIP Levon

I just got the sad news. What a bummer.

Rest in peace, Levon. You were a force, and you'll be sorely missed.

The news article I read mentioned that Robbie visited with Levon in the hospital before his death.

I'm glad to hear it; I hope it's true.

I had the impression that Levon swore by the mud below his feet that their friendship would never be raised back up from defeat. So I never expected them to reconcile, although I always hoped they would-- and perform together with Garth, even if only on one gig or track somewhere.

The dream of their performing together in this world is gone now, but the report of their belated reconciliation is a bittersweet silver lining.

Condolences to family and friends.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 00:37:33 CEST 2012 from (108.67.137.109)

Posted by:

Muffy S.

Location: Memphis now, Woodstock for a while

Subject: Godspeed, Levon

A chorus of angels will surely sing you to your rest, Sweet Prince. Glad you found a life you could live so well.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 00:36:52 CEST 2012 from (216.209.129.86)

Posted by:

Su Bianco

Location: Canada

Subject: Levon

So sad to hear of Levon's passing. He was a true musician and will be missed by those of us who grew up with his music. He will be remembered....because those of us who knew him in the day will tell our children about The Band...who they were and what they represented. My deepest sympathies to his family,

Entered at Fri Apr 20 00:16:00 CEST 2012 from (76.186.217.139)

Posted by:

KM

Location: USA

Subject: R.I.P. - Mr. Levon Helm

R.I.P. Mr. Levon Helm and deepest sympathies to your family. Thank you for blessing this world with your amazing musical talent and that voice. You will never be forgotten.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 00:14:56 CEST 2012 from (75.162.43.239)

Posted by:

Larry

Location: Des Moines

Subject: Levon

So sad to hear of Levon's passing. I've had many wonderful times and have great memories of 40 years or so of listening to, seeing, and following The Band. My heart goes out to Levon's family and friends.

Entered at Fri Apr 20 00:07:10 CEST 2012 from (68.77.26.205)

Posted by:

I'm grateful. Rest in peace, Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:53:32 CEST 2012 from (99.250.10.113)

Posted by:

GregD

Subject: Levon

R.I.P. Levon. Your immeasurable talents brought so much pleasure to so many people, including myself, for so many years. You will be missed.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:48:50 CEST 2012 from (76.79.75.218)

Posted by:

Ben Pike

Location: Cleveland Tx

Subject: Farewell, Levon.

All things end, but this one does really hurt. I saw the original line up on the last tour. Some years later, saw Rick and Levon in a little bar in the Chicago Suburbs. These shows were not in the pantheon of great Band music. What stands out from the evening was Levon was concerned and a little embarrassed that they had started late and there were sound problems. Saw the surviving and performing three on the last tour at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Joe Walsh came out and did a song with them. Rick Danko had a stool on stage for when he got tired. That was goodbye. Our great love of the Group has been well served by this rather peerless website. Hope it continues to stand for years to come. Thanks, Ben Pike.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:48:04 CEST 2012 from (124.149.167.195)

Posted by:

Dlew919

Subject: Rip Levon.

Thoughts are with his family, and his friends.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:45:59 CEST 2012 from (98.238.41.231)

Posted by:

Geno Egiziaco

Location: Ft Myers, Florida

R.I.P. Levon ! The Band will always be Remembered !!!

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:38:16 CEST 2012 from (63.140.229.158)

Posted by:

Charlie Y

Location: Down in Old Virginny
Web: My link

Subject: Levon

Thanks for giving me over 40 years of musical pleasure, not to mention the movies, the book, everything else you gave us, Levon.

Here's Bruce Springsteen singing "Rag, Mama, Rag" in memory of Mr. Helm. His wonderful work will live forever...

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:22:22 CEST 2012 from (71.184.194.88)

Posted by:

Tim

Location: Boston

Subject: Levon

Rest in Peace Levon. 28 years to the day I first saw him live April 19, 1984.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:21:19 CEST 2012 from (76.125.241.12)

Posted by:

Amy Jo & Ray

Subject: R.I.P.

Thanks for all the memories & joy you gave us.... Be at PEACE

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:20:39 CEST 2012 from (83.160.180.22)

Posted by:

Ragtime

Location: The Low Countries

Subject: Levon

I never met him personally, but it feels like a close friend passed away.

End of a Band, a friend, a great musician, a wonderful man.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:07:22 CEST 2012 from (74.65.241.107)

Posted by:

Diane

Location: NY

Subject: Levon

My Condolences to Amy and Sandy and all of Levon's family. Though i hadn't seen you in awhile i thought of you always. R.I.P. my dear dear old friend. Your music, your laughter, as i see you now, slapping your leg at something funny, will remain in my heart as I sit here remembering so many moments flowing by. I am sure you are singing with the angels.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:07:41 CEST 2012 from (67.71.3.148)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

"680News showbiz editor Gloria Martin talks to musician Ronnie Hawkins about the passing of Levon Helm, drummer and singer for The Band. Hawkins was the first one to discover Helm and bring him to Toronto as part of his back-up band "The Hawks."

Entered at Thu Apr 19 23:02:46 CEST 2012 from (207.253.225.197)

Posted by:

Greg Przygocki

Location: Canada

RIP, Levon.

Thank you for your music, my dear Friend.

Greg

Entered at Thu Apr 19 22:55:33 CEST 2012 from (173.8.132.25)

Posted by:

Wayne Szurka

Subject: Passing of Levon Helm

The Band was a big influence in my love of music. Hearing of the passing of Levon brought back good memories. I first saw them live in 1970 at Upsula College in New Jersey. it was a small theater and held only 500 people. There was dancing and birthday request. so intimate.

I last saw Levon at the Lone Star Cafe in NYC when it was on 13th Street and 5th Avenue. he was playing with Richard, Garth and Rick. After their set I actually got to sit and talk with Levon at a small table near the bar. He was so open, positive and treated me like an old friend. I will never forget that evening. I am sure he found the path to the Light.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 22:51:54 CEST 2012 from (92.233.71.236)

Posted by:

Luke M

Subject: thanks Levon

So long since I was here, but - what Calvin said. I'm so sad. Maybe those three singers needed to be in the same place again..

Entered at Thu Apr 19 22:48:22 CEST 2012 from (24.213.146.4)

Posted by:

Troy S

Location: Rochester NY

Subject: RIP

RIP Levon - truly gifted musician and artist, many were moved, and will continue to be, with your contributions to the world - you truly left it better than you found it

Entered at Thu Apr 19 22:38:28 CEST 2012 from (24.252.146.188)

Posted by:

Calvin

There isnt really anything to say, except condolences to those who knew him-and godspeed Levon-if there is a hereafter I hope you, Richard and Rick are setting up to play right at this moment.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 22:07:15 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Subject: obit in Toronto Star

Entered at Thu Apr 19 22:20:05 CEST 2012 from (74.176.16.166)

Subject: There's nothing I can say …

Except Levon has passed in peace. My thoughts are with his family over these next difficult days. It is the end of an era.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 21:51:12 CEST 2012 from (209.116.12.14)

Posted by:

Peter M.

Thanks, Lee.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 21:47:30 CEST 2012 from (174.54.84.211)

Posted by:

Osceola

Location: Chambersburg, PA

RIP Brother Lee. Thank you so much for all the great music and memories. You'll always be one of my absolute favorites.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 21:38:33 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Entered at Thu Apr 19 21:39:39 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

RIP Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 21:35:42 CEST 2012 from (63.88.115.195)

Posted by:

p.s. Sadavid, thanks for your info on the paint machines the other day, that was nice and above all courageous.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 19:33:51 CEST 2012 from (91.52.125.24)

Posted by:

Norbert

Location: Germany

On Dutch TV yesterday Nico Dijkshoorn (Dutch writer) said this about his hero Levon Helm.

“This is the way it went: I lay in bed, I become awake on Sunday morning and then waited for the voice of Levon Helm, the singing drummer of The Band. My father always turned on the same side of Music From Big Pink. I waited till The Weight came. That song my father always sang along. My father and I didn’t understood each other during our life, but Levon helm’s magic brought us together; I softly sang the second voice. And later it always went that way, I only sang it for people I loved. I have sung it together with my son, together with my daughter. I sang it for my ex-wife as I was cutting a chicken breats. I’ve sung it in the car for my three year old daughter. I sing it almost every week for my girlfriend. When Levon Helm sings, millions of people, all around the world, automatically start to sing. I think Levon Helm knows that. He is dying now but, if there is one person that will never die, that will be Levon Helm.”

Entered at Thu Apr 19 19:11:32 CEST 2012 from (184.145.69.113)

Posted by:

Mike Nomad

Well said, Lars. Your sentiments mirror mine. (Hope you are well.)

Entered at Thu Apr 19 18:35:18 CEST 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Posted by:

Lars

Location: Pine Bush, NY

Subject: Levon

I find myself coming in here a lot these last few days, and with ambivalent feelings. On the one hand, I dread the news that will eventually befall me: that Levon's passed away. Yet I feel sorry for his suffering when I realize he is still with us. I'm probably not the only one who feels this way.

Levon has always been my personal favorite of the Original Band. Besides his musical abilities I've always admired him as a person. It seems like when the chips are down and you need him to come through, that's when he really shines (take for example, his performance of TNTDODD at TLW). I enjoyed his acting, especially on his first movie "Coal Miner's Daughter." I was proud of him then and when I look at what he's accomplished in his life, I'm proud of him now. He's an extraordinary person who has given me a lot of pleasure and the only thing I ever gave him was a photograph of the stonemasons who built his first barn, the one that burned down. Years ago I e-mailed a copy to his son Ezra and Ezzie told me that Levon's copy had gone up in flames. So I put it in a cheap frame and presented it to Lee just before the Working Man's Ramble they had a few years back. I had a chance to talk to Levon for a while and I remember the look on his face when he asked me my name. A warm handshake and a few more minutes together and then I felt like it was wrong to take up too much of his time. So I left him, but afterwards I realized what Ezra said was true, that when he really looks at you and smiles you can feel him taking you into his world, if only for a minute. And that warm feeling has never stopped glowing.

I take Levon and Ezra with me wherever I go. And they'll be a part of me for as long as I live.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 17:51:30 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Subject: laugh to keep from cryin'

. . . linked often before; it seems appropriate today . . . a very funny Helm / Glover composition; a memphis blues so delicate it dances; tasty licks of Butter over all . . .

'blues so bad that I hurry -- to find a place just to worry'

Entered at Thu Apr 19 17:48:50 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Web: My link

….What always resonated with me was how Levon once said that while others might not have liked the road, he liked nothing better than just pulling into a town and setting up at a club….meeting the owners, doing sound check and then playing for people and seeing their happiness with the music………………the ‘What’s New” section of this website has linked some great videos by the No Depression website and one of them is a tune Levon did on SCTV…………It is a play on doing a sound check but watch it and just allow your imagination to wonder how many multi-thousands of times he did this and how much joy he brought……….and if ya didn’t dance – damn if you didn’t tap your feet a bit……

Link to that video…

Entered at Thu Apr 19 17:28:21 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Funnily enough, David, I had just opened the Guestbook to post the same thing (having spent the afternoon with my youngest, who is 14 months). You're right about the greatest personal events of the decade, I'm sure.

BBC Radio Two had an item this morning, mentioning the Grammys and the Rambles, and particularly saying how the whole world of rock music had reacted. Don't forget in the many years when Radio Two had a very short "approved classic" list, "Rag Mama Rag" was on it.

I have The Band CDs, and all the solo CDs in my office. Always have. I felt moved to go and seek out the old, original UK single of Forty Days I found last year and put it face forward next to Ramble at the Ryman. Just consider the huge amount of wonderful music Levon has given the world between those two points.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 17:00:24 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

While most of the recent articles about Levon mention his recent string of three Grammy Awards, I imagine he's most proud of the accolade of grandfather, following the births of two grand children.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 16:45:37 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

A thank you article to Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 16:43:18 CEST 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Thanks BEG, I enjoyed that.

Speaking of quotes, does anyone know the source (interview, article, bio?) of this Levon quote:

"If you pour some music on whatever's wrong, it'll sure help out."

I've seen it cited in a couple of articles this week and really love it, as it just seems to sum him up so perfectly, but would like to know where and when it came from, and that he did indeed say it.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 15:55:39 CEST 2012 from (67.71.3.148)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Some quotes from a 2005 article....

Levon: ''You need to learn to see the cheerful side of things,'' he says with a smile. ''If you don't have a positive attitude and a little bit of music to rub on the hurt you'll give yourself an ulcer or a heart attack. Or,'' he adds, and now he can barely get the words out before exploding with laughter, ''finally go completely crazy and kill two or three people and yourself in the process!''

Soon Helm, a high school senior, was playing drums behind rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins. For his first gig, Helm got paid the not-inconsiderable sum of $15. Hawkins told him that was just ''hamburger money''; before long, he said, they would be ''fartin' through silk.'' While his time with Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks didn't exactly score Helm the cash for fancy drawers, over the next few years, he gained a wealth of experience —musical and otherwise — touring the U.S. and Canada.

''That kid was gifted from day one,'' recalls Hawkins, 72. ''I just put Levon in charge. He was the bandleader. He's got that unbelievable style. It's just funky.''

''Levon took me under his Southern wing,'' says Robertson. ''He was this walking, talking piece of music. We became partners in crime.''

''Levon and Robbie were Siamese twins,'' Hawkins remembers. ''I thought they were gonna be another McCartney-Lennon.''

Helm admits he is ''still not sitting on top of the world,'' financially speaking. But it looks like he'll be sticking around for a while yet in Woodstock, whose rural beauty and small-town values remind him of the Arkansas of his youth. ''Woodstock really hasn't changed,'' he says, staring out over the lake to the woods beyond. ''That's one of the things I appreciate about it. It still looks and acts like itself. It doesn't want to be anything else.''

"And for a moment it's hard to tell whether Helm is talking about the place he has made his home — or himself."

Entered at Thu Apr 19 15:17:01 CEST 2012 from (67.71.3.148)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

blog post Garth Hudson reacts to Levon Helm’s struggle with cancer

Entered at Thu Apr 19 14:55:57 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Location: Liverpool

Subject: LEVON

Many thanks Mike for linking that piece about our boy. As you say it is a lovely tribute.

Struggled to read it through watering eyes with Levon's drums and vocals towering majestically over it but its fond message so heartens the spirit by serving to remind us just how transcendant and life changing was the music he and the rest of the boys brought us.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 14:41:50 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Tears

So many tears keep falling.The music keeps on playing.Memories of Richard and Rick are flooding my mind.Love and prayers for Robbie and Garth.So many tears.Loving Levon.Praying for Sandy and Amy.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 13:31:58 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Very nice article on Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 11:34:05 CEST 2012 from (203.62.236.12)

Posted by:

Tom M

Location: Perth Australia

Subject: Levon

An important voice in the history of Rock and Roll will be sadly missed.Levon and family my prayers are with you.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 11:28:27 CEST 2012 from (76.98.218.136)

Posted by:

Carmen

Location: PA
Web: My link

Entered at Thu Apr 19 11:03:17 CEST 2012 from (82.72.117.171)

Posted by:

JM

Location: The Netherlands

Subject: Levon

The love, the fun, the smile, the music Levon gave us will stay, long after Levon himself has gone. Thanks Levon for that.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 10:47:35 CEST 2012 from (203.131.220.88)

Posted by:

Peter

Subject: Levon

The last great voice of the best band of them all. Very sad news but at least Levon was able to play live and keep rockin almost to the end. The music he helped to create has enriched my life over the last 40+ years and for that I am ever grateful. Thank you Levon and peace to your family and friends.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 06:53:27 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Subject: LEVON & family

To Sandy and Amy: Have faith through these sad times. Prayers are with you and LEVON.

There are many times in life,

When dark clouds may hide the light of day,

The storms and trials of life surround you,

And try to make you lose your way. In the midst of every storm,

Jesus stands with outstretched hands,

He will whisper peace unto you child,

And the storms will cease at his command.

God Bless you and help you through your time of sorrow. xoxoxo

Entered at Thu Apr 19 06:53:58 CEST 2012 from (75.66.188.64)

Posted by:

Kip Caven

Location: Austin, Tx

Subject: Memories

My best memory was getting the bands first album as a present for making it through high school!

I almost wore the grooves out trying to learn how to play it on my little pearl drum set.

RIP brother-you will be missed more than you can ever imagine

Entered at Thu Apr 19 06:23:33 CEST 2012 from (99.113.77.229)

Posted by:

LAURA HOLT RICE

Location: H- TOWN aka Houston, Tx

Subject: MARK LEVON LEM

I'm sick. I don't want to ramble on...although Levon would think that is fitting with the MIDNIGHT R. But I am truly at a loss. I haven't posted in a while. I know so many of you. Diane and Donna and BWMWT and so many others that have been loyal posters while I have strayed. I have cried off and on all day. I wanted to contact Aedla but we have not spoken in some time. As Unfortunate a situation as it is, bottom line to ALL BAND FANS, I hope everyone is holding up as good as they can. God bless you all. Lets bless Amy, Sandy and Mrs. L. Titus. On MY note to Lee... I met you in AK for the fist time in 2003 after years of loving you since 1976. I saw you several times in NY...PAWLING, THE CITY (aka NY), and your wonderful Midnight Ramble twice at your beautiful barn w/ Mrs.D. LIL, Butch and JAN ...king of the website. I must say that I feel grateful that I was in your presence at all. I am about to cry again so I will stop this post. It was nice to see some of the same familiar faces once again on this weboage. Just like that old rockin chair ain't goin nowhere. Well neither is Mr. Helm. EVER!!

Entered at Thu Apr 19 05:48:25 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Bayou Sam (Tom)

In my last post I typed "JTull", when I meant to type BWNWITenn. Sorry

Entered at Thu Apr 19 04:51:37 CEST 2012 from (71.163.200.211)

Posted by:

Yazooman

Location: Maryland, by way of Calcutta

Subject: Levon

Just devastated.

The Band's music was the soundtrack to my life for years and continues to be one of the most important parts of my life. One of my happiest memories is meeting Levon at BB King's before the Hubert Sumlin benefit, shaking his hand and being able to tell him how much I loved his music. He was gracious and incredibly nice, treating me like a long-lost friend. What a man, what a musician.

I am just incredibly depressed. Its been many years since I posted here, but just had to return to this community that understands the pain.

My thoughts and prayer go out to Levon's family. My love to Levon for everything.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 03:50:39 CEST 2012 from (24.228.243.127)

Posted by:

Rob (Mookie)

Location: Long Island

Subject: My thoughts and prayers go out to you Levon

Levon, I just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had the pleasure of briefly working on parts of your "High on the Hog" and "Life is a Carnival" tours. And those memories are ones that I cherish and share with my children. You are a gentleman and I just wanted to say thank you. God Bless You

Entered at Thu Apr 19 03:38:25 CEST 2012 from (98.87.143.139)

Posted by:

BWNWITenn

Web: My link

Slash from Guns 'n Roses sends his prayers to Levon. See link. :-)

Entered at Thu Apr 19 03:17:20 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Bayou Sam (Tom)

As JTull said below - the one positive that we can cling to is the run Levon had the last few years. I remember when he first had the throat battle and we waited with baited breath for Butch to give us updates. Early on he said Levon was mending well but that it was still uncertain if he'd EVER sing again, let alone be alble to talk loud.

But look was Levon was indeed able to do. My God what a great ride he enjoyed after things looked so grim back then.

My heart goes out to Butch and all the people close to Levon up in Woodstock. As hard as this is for us mere fans to stomach, it must be brutal for them.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 03:06:45 CEST 2012 from (69.119.30.114)

Posted by:

Ray G

One of the true joys of my life was at the Tarrytown Music Hall 7 or 8 back. Levon was playing a benefit for a group of folks from Yonkers, NY. My wife and I arrived early for the show, our plan was to pick up our tickets from the box office and go have dinner. While getting the tickets we heard a familiar tune and a familiar voice from behind the theatre doors. The band was doing a soundcheck and the familiar voice was Levon singing Evageline... this was after Levon's battle with throat cancer and I wasn't aware that he regained his singing voice at this point. Words can't describe the joy I felt hearing Levon sing again... I was overcome with a wave of happiness. This is the musical highlight of my life and a moment I'll always treasure. Thanks, Levon.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 02:54:25 CEST 2012 from (75.75.162.20)

Posted by:

arley

Location: central, pa

Subject: Levon

Levon- You and yours are in my prayers.Your voice and music have given me such joy and pleasure for a long time.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 02:47:32 CEST 2012 from (98.216.97.52)

Posted by:

Bruce in Boston

Subject: Levon

Dear Brother Levon,

I'm sending out a prayer now to you and your family and the people who took good care of you.

Thank you for the music and thank you for being there.

Dear Guestbook friends and esp. Jan, thanks for keeping the flame alive.

-Bruce

Entered at Thu Apr 19 02:09:27 CEST 2012 from (108.34.138.27)

Posted by:

mike

Location: rhode island

words do no justice to describe my sorrow at this time.my first album i ever purchased with my first paycheck was the THE BAND.from the background harmonies in whispering pines along with richard manual.to the romp of jemima surrender.I was smitten with THE BAND.I had the pleasure of meeting levon in person in providence rhode island. he was playing at a club with max weinberg.jim weider was there also.ihad a beer at the bar with levon. I told him he inspired me to play the mandolin.He took me backstage invited me to sit on the couch.handed me his mandolin and taught me a couple of tunes.whiled he rolled a cigarette.Yes just aregular cigarette. I called him the marlboro man and he chuckled.he signed a pair of sticks and gave me a marine band harmonica. key of "c" I caught a few rambles since then and have always been warmed by his presence. his smile his song and the memories. God bless you ,your family and friends.LOve and peace

Entered at Thu Apr 19 00:58:44 CEST 2012 from (79.97.2.198)

Posted by:

Seán

Location: Ireland

Levon, I'm picturing you now on that great poster from Moondog Matinee.

Your voice and your music will live forever.

Entered at Thu Apr 19 00:37:41 CEST 2012 from (71.140.101.117)

Posted by:

Location: Oxford, UK

I wish Levon peace and as much comfort as possible during this time. It's a long time since I posted here, I'm just sorry it has taken this very sad news to bring me back. It's good to see many of the familiar names I remember are still here on the GB. Hopefully Levon and his family will draw some degree of comfort from the good wishes expressed here by so many.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 22:40:25 CEST 2012 from (206.19.235.171)

Posted by:

DGS

Subject: Levon

I love "The Band". One of the most talented and probably most underated bands in history. I saw the "The Last Waltz" when it was originally relaesed in the theatres and I own on DVD and watch it every coule of years. Levon Helm is a true artist.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 22:30:56 CEST 2012 from (24.105.217.223)

Location: Suffern, NY

Love and respect to Levon and his family. Thank you for the wonderful musical memories. I smile when I think about how many great musicians gravitated to Levon's arena to play great music with him.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 20:57:46 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Levon

Thank you Levon for all the music. I''m glad that Levon and Robbie came to some peace. May you not suffer any longer and go in peace.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 20:50:23 CEST 2012 from (68.82.148.7)

Posted by:

Ivor

Location: Philadelphia
Web: My link

Subject: Levon

"And then the sun's gonna shine

Through the shadows

When I go away"

I first saw The Band in 1969 and was immediately impressed by the vituosity and honesty in the music. I saw them scores of times over the years, as solo acts and numerous configurations, and was never disappointed. Rick and Levon were my favorites, but the contributions of them all to contemporary music were monumental. My thoughts are with Levon and his loved ones. I'm confident there will always be a song in Levon's heart and his memory will live on in mine.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 20:42:22 CEST 2012 from (68.172.209.246)

Posted by:

JRC

Location: ULSTER COUNTY NY

Subject: BARN BURNERS

I am praying for Lee and his family. I wish I had a chance to talk to Him 1 last time. I have also noticed that none of the media is metioning His Barn Burner project. When He couldn't sign,but could play this band provided a diverson from His medical and financial problems. I loved Wed. nights at The Joyous Lake in Woodstock. I understand they recorded an album at Levon's studio that was never released. I would sure like a copy of that CD.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 20:32:15 CEST 2012 from (108.195.3.91)

Posted by:

Todd A

Location: CT

Subject: Thanks Levon

I had the good fortune to meet Levon after a small club show in Liberty, NY about 25 years ago. I was just a 20-year-old kid at the time and was quite nervous to meet one of my heroes, but he was very gracious and took the time to have a conversation with me. We got to talking about music and he mentioned that one of his favorite albums was the Ray Charles at Newport Live album.

Over the years I was lucky enough to see him with The Band in the 1980’s and 90’s and then many Barnburners gigs. When the first Ramble was announced, which at that time was called “Uncle Remus and the Whole Show”, I was so excited and didn’t want to chance missing it, that I drove the two hours from Connecticut to Woodstock to mail my ticket request from the Woodstock Post office, to lessen the chance that it might get lost in the mail.

That first Ramble and the many Rambles that followed it were like a rebirth, and I felt blessed to be a fly on the wall and witness some of the best live music and good times that I will likely ever experience. A couple of the tunes that Levon did at those early Rambles were Ray Charles songs and it really felt like things had come full circle. As the Rambles grew, it seemed to me that Levon had created an experience that captured some of that energy and style from the Ray Charles at Newport album….a top notch horn section, fantastic female vocalists, and some of the best musicians around. Levon’s backbeat and vibe provided the foundation for some amazing soul music.

The music has been a great gift, but even greater is the feeling of love that’s been shared through the music. For that I will always be grateful. Thanks for the ride Levon.

Love and peace to Levon, Amy, Sandy, and the many friends who helped Levon realize his dream.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 19:56:54 CEST 2012 from (82.42.60.252)

Posted by:

Pemo

Location: Liverpool

Subject: Levon

Sending love and prayers to Levon and his family, your music continues to inspire and move me and always will

Entered at Wed Apr 18 19:41:12 CEST 2012 from (78.79.23.176)

Posted by:

NorthWestCoaster

Location: Nordic Countries

Subject: Thanks PSB / Ragtime

Thanks PSB for posting the text to the few of us who can't or don't want to access Facebook.

Good to see my old friend RAGTIME from Lowlands to post here again - even in such a sad issue as this.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 19:25:13 CEST 2012 from (72.78.54.248)

Posted by:

PSB

Location: City of Brotherly Love

Drew, wanted to add to the thanks for posting that recording.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 19:00:27 CEST 2012 from (2.100.157.208)

Posted by:

Solomon

Very moving knowing Robbie got to see Levon one more time.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 18:42:36 CEST 2012 from (70.60.190.33)

Such heartbreaking news to read this morning. My heartfelt wishes go out to Levon and his family.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 16:00:29 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Our lasting memory of Levon, aside from the last time we shook his hand, was catching him w/ a huge smile on his face standing next to Larry Campbell while watching Billy Bob & The Boxmasters perform in his home. When it comes to music, Levon is like a kid in a toy store. We'll love him forever.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 15:45:54 CEST 2012 from (87.192.81.243)

Posted by:

Simon Bourke

Location: Kilkenny, Ireland
Web: My link

Subject: The Unfaithful Servant - horns

Enjoyed the notes on The Unfaithful Servant. However, I bought the (UK release) single hot off the press when it was first released - Rag Mama Rag c/w The Unfaithful Servant and right there on the center label, the horn parts were credited to the Memphis Horns. I wish I still had it - maybe my memory is playing tricks.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 15:33:25 CEST 2012 from (129.237.250.19)

Posted by:

Ray Pence

Location: Lawrence, KS

"When I ran on the hilltop following a pack of wild geese."

Entered at Wed Apr 18 15:28:39 CEST 2012 from (96.57.36.93)

Posted by:

Tony

Subject: Levon

Thank you, all, for the outpouring of kindness and love. I know Levon is feeling it and that love will help guide him through this final journey. Thank you for your respect for his, Sandy's and Amy's privacy. YOU are truly people with class and Levon would think the world of you. The pain of knowing we're going to lose him is almost too much for all of us to bear at the moment. But it can't be about US. This is about honoring this great man's dignity and privacy. Let's send him off with love, positive energy, lots of light and words of support and comfort. Keep sending the great posts. I'm going to read them all to him. Thank you so, so much! --Barbara O'Brien

Entered at Wed Apr 18 15:25:25 CEST 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Thank you for the recording, Drew. Beautiful.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 15:22:44 CEST 2012 from (70.24.109.245)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Peace to Levon and his family and friends.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 15:11:43 CEST 2012 from (167.206.190.114)

Posted by:

Gary

Location: Connecticut

Prayers for Levon, his family, and his friends.

I'm truly honored to have met the man, and will remember his warmth and generosity for the rest of my days.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 14:15:52 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Subject: bound for glory

Entered at Wed Apr 18 14:02:49 CEST 2012 from (192.101.250.250)

Posted by:

Drew

Web: My link

Subject: My Levon tribute

I wanted to share this little tribute video to Levon I put up yesterday. This is a recording of the last song he performed at the Michigan Theatre show last month and struck a real chord with me listening back yesterday. Like all of you I am devastated right now, but praying that Levon is free of pain on this journey. This song means so much to me right now.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 13:24:52 CEST 2012 from (24.252.146.188)

Posted by:

Calvin

What can I say that hasnt already been said.........

Entered at Wed Apr 18 12:44:06 CEST 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

Posted by:

joe j

Entered at Wed Apr 18 08:56:09 CEST 2012 from (96.244.11.186)

Posted by:

Pete, Sheila and Michael

Location: Baltimore

Subject: Great Memories

Levon, We are truly sorry to hear about your setback, know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I was lucky enough to meet you backstage in Annapolis after a peformance with the Barn Burners, you could not have been more gracious. When my wife asked what I wanted for my 50th birthday, I suggested that we attend a ramble. We truly felt welcome in your home. You are a true gentleman and a musical legend, thanks for everything. God Bless... "When I get off of this mountain you know where I wanna go"....

Entered at Wed Apr 18 08:29:14 CEST 2012 from (24.136.188.115)

Posted by:

Tom

Thanks Levon.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 08:15:52 CEST 2012 from (41.162.7.114)

Posted by:

Nux

Subject: Levon

To Levon and familie,my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much Love Nux

Entered at Wed Apr 18 07:20:02 CEST 2012 from (24.108.143.105)

Posted by:

JT

Location: Toronto and Victoria intermittently

Subject: Levon and the Hawks

Levon Helm was the leader when a leader was needed. Five talented young men were pulled together by Ronnie Hawkins first and then were held together when independence set in by Levon Helm. I saw it happen. It was no accident that they were called 'Levon and the Hawks'. He took them forward so they were primed and ready for Bob Dylan. The rest is history. Even in those early days, his joy of playing was evident and he made everyone better by his presence.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 06:31:37 CEST 2012 from (203.35.170.209)

Posted by:

dlew919

Subject: With thoughts and deepest feeling to the Helm Family, the friends, and the colleagues

Thanks to Levon, I picked up mandolin. I watched him play drums (on video). I heard his voice. There went a great performer. I read with interest his memoirs. I enjoyed his acting. There's an old song by Kevin Johnson: I can't remember the title. It's about Johnson's love of the Beatles - the chorus is 'I may not have been friends of theirs, but they sure were friends of mine.' I know what he means when it comes to the Band.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 06:16:29 CEST 2012 from (68.199.198.175)

Posted by:

John W.

Aw, damn. Wishing the best to Levon and his family. Thinking right now of all the great music and good times that were freely given to me by this icon of mine who I feel so humbled I actually got to meet him and sort of got to know him, and through him I got to meet so many great people of, whether you want to call it "his" network or The Band's network. So many nice people and I know they are all thinking of Levon right now.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 05:24:33 CEST 2012 from (184.145.69.113)

Posted by:

Mike Nomad

Such sad news tonight.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 05:22:28 CEST 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Posted by:

Tom (Bayou Sam)

As I posted elsewhere...../n God - please don't let Levon suffer anymore than he must./n And God - thank you for letting him be so productive and do what he does best these last few years. He sang again after it looked like he never would again./n Rick and Richard left us suddenly. This somehow hurts more. All three of those great voices will forever live on./n Godspeed Levon

Entered at Wed Apr 18 05:21:33 CEST 2012 from (98.14.148.51)

Location: Rockport, ME

Subject: Levon

A voice we know and love - a soulful seat in the rhythm section - no equals. Thank you for helping me rise above my fears and showing me that all of those phantoms are powerless - play the music and dance and sing. Beautiful Levon.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 03:03:06 CEST 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Posted by:

Brien Sz

Thank you Levon. Thank you.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 02:50:25 CEST 2012 from (74.198.9.142)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Subject: To Paraphrase.........

........and he shook all of our hands and THANK YOU was all he said........

Entered at Wed Apr 18 02:25:36 CEST 2012 from (74.176.16.166)

Posted by:

Mike C

Location: Cumming, GA

Subject: Levon

Levon, I can't think of anyone who sings and plays with more soul than you, and I can't begin to count the number of times you've touched my soul, beginning with that amazing drum sound at the start of The Weight punching from my car radio in 1968. Thank you for making this world a much better place. May peace be with you and your family.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 02:23:23 CEST 2012 from (24.218.16.94)

Levon,you quite simply made my life better. I'm forever grateful to you. I'm thinking of all of you on this GB as well. I haven't posted in a long time, but I've been with you every day. Very sad day.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 01:36:46 CEST 2012 from (204.122.111.254)

Posted by:

Joe Frey

Location: Albany

Subject: Levon

I can recall the first time that I heard Cripple Creek and was floored. The kiss he gave my wife after one of his shows. His smile. The way he walked on stage and started Slippin' and a Slidin' and the whole place exploded. The way he made me drill down to understand and appreciate the roots of his music. The way his fellow musicians gravitated to him and wanted to play music with him. His ability to bring music to life and make everyone smile. I didn't personally know Levon, be he struck me as someone who cared about people. His musical gift alone would have been enough, but he gave more. His life of giving needs to be celebrated. Levon, my prayers are with you and your family. joe

Entered at Wed Apr 18 01:36:16 CEST 2012 from (24.161.48.86)

Posted by:

Tom

Location: Woodstock, NY

Subject: Levon

May you pass in peace surrounded by your loved ones, Levon. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful spirit with so many of us in this world, and for communicating the healing gift of music in our lives.

My thoughts and love to Levon’s family. I spent six months knowing my dad was going to go. You can’t communicate that dread and fear. But the night my mum died, thirty years later, the phone to tell us rang at 1 a.m. After the silence, four of us stood there, listening to a bird singing its heart out in the darkness right outside the window at 1 a.m. in February. That memory and feeling remains with me.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 00:07:54 CEST 2012 from (67.171.242.198)

Posted by:

Bud Shaver

Subject: Levon

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Levon's friends and family members.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 00:02:50 CEST 2012 from (24.124.106.41)

Posted by:

Ray Pence

Love, prayers, and respect to Levon Helm and family. He makes his audience feel part of his family when he makes music.

Entered at Wed Apr 18 00:02:13 CEST 2012 from (74.59.199.34)

Posted by:

Landmark

Location: Montreal

Thank you Levon.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:55:32 CEST 2012 from (131.252.4.4)

Posted by:

Lyman

Location: Portland, OR

Subject: Levon

Thank you, Levon, for the tremendous impact you have made in my life, and in the lives of so many. Our hearts are with you and with your family. You will live forever, dear man.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:53:45 CEST 2012 from (75.72.126.40)

Posted by:

Dave Z

Location: Sad right now...

Prayers for Levon and his family...

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:34:07 CEST 2012 from (76.125.241.12)

Posted by:

Amy Jo & Ray

Location: Western PA

Subject: Levon's Failing Health

My prayers to Levon's family... May he be at peace and may you all be consoled by God's Grace & Comfort.... Lost my dad to cancer during this past year, I know your pain... Levon will always be remembered for his ability to lighten our bodies, minds & spirits with his MUSIC.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:32:10 CEST 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: When I get my reward........

I still put that old VHS tape in the machine fairly often. The making of Circle 2 with the Dirt Band......mostly to watch Levon sing, "When I get my reward.

There's a big reward waiting for you there Levon. We've all gotten our reward from knowing you and your life time of music........Norm Jones

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:25:46 CEST 2012 from (66.45.129.2)

Posted by:

Dexy

Location: Lawrence, KS

Subject: Levon

Sad news about one of the true greats. Very nice note from his family. Wishing him and each of them the very best!

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:24:56 CEST 2012 from (65.216.194.62)

Posted by:

Joe

Location: The Plains, VA

Subject: Levon

Thanks Levon.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:10:13 CEST 2012 from (216.226.180.2)

Posted by:

Deb

I join everyone here in wishing Levon and his family peace.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:09:24 CEST 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

+1 to all the kind comments. Levon, bless you and family. You have changed our lives, that's for sure.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:07:38 CEST 2012 from (134.174.21.2)

Posted by:

Tim

Location: Boston

Subject: Levon

Feel blessed to have discovered his music and to have seen him live. God Bless

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:03:09 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Yes Levon, thank you for everything.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 23:00:24 CEST 2012 from (130.219.8.234)

Posted by:

BK

Subject: Levon

Lil

Love you Levon.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 22:17:50 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Levon

Praying for Levon. So many tears in my home today.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 22:15:33 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: Good point re the useful Boy Scout skills. On the other hand, there's absolutely no chance that you'd depart this life with a smile on your face.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 22:10:21 CEST 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Posted by:

Kristie

Subject: Levon

I am sending out prayers to Levon and his family. May all be well.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 22:03:30 CEST 2012 from (174.54.84.211)

Posted by:

Osceola

Location: Chamberburg, PA

Subject: Brother Levon

I am terribly saddened to learn of Levon's illness. Prayers and good vibes go out to him. Thanks for all the great music!

Entered at Tue Apr 17 22:01:43 CEST 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Posted by:

Kristie

Just listened to an album by a band call The Big Pink. The album would probably would not be popular in the GB...

Entered at Tue Apr 17 21:47:06 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Subject: Sad news from Levon's camp.

"Dear Friends,

Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern. From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy"

Entered at Tue Apr 17 21:39:18 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Subject: petites boîtes, toutes pareils

I can't help it, it's Pavlovian . . . someone mentions "Little Boxes," I post the link . . . .

Entered at Tue Apr 17 21:32:25 CEST 2012 from (70.28.32.74)

Posted by:

Landmark

Location: Montreal

For some reason, reading Peter's post about the relative merits of Pete Seeger over Stevie Nicks reminded me of the Monty Python sketch about the starving survivors in the lifeboat deciding who they'd like to eat.

"You've got a gammy leg. I'd rather eat Johnson".

"He's not kosher".

"It all depends how we kill him".

Entered at Tue Apr 17 21:29:22 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Peter's desert island

Yes, he mustn't sing or whistle. If you need entertainment just blow the conch shell loud enough for me to hear on my island, and I'll have Rachel Unthank sing "Fog On The Tyne" through a megaphone made of coconut shells.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 21:19:34 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Me & Pete Seeger

I recanted to a degree some time ago, Bill, when we decided who we could be stuck on a Desert Island with. My choice was between Stevie Nicks and the straw, and Pete Seeger. As I said, I think Pete Seeger would have useful Boy Scout skills, and I could ensure we burned the banjo to start the first fire, that we could then keep alive. I'm sure he'd agree never to sing, hum or whistle Little Boxes.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 20:34:38 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Subject: Record Store Day 2012

Lots of interesting releases scheduled for this Saturday's Record Store Day. Of GB note there are a couple live EPs:

The Civil Wars "Live at Amoeba" (June 14, 2011)- 8 songs including their cover of "Billie Jean"

Leonard Cohen "Live in Fredericton" (2008) -- 5-song EP

Peter: Here in the U.S., Byrds were the word with Bells of Rhymney in 1965.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 18:04:52 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Peter V: You mean 'pyre' as in 'Our love will be a funeral pyre'? If so, there's something else that you and Jimbo have in common - spelling.

Al E: Great stuff - and I mean no slight on either Bruce or his song to say that the guy singing "Downbound Train" looks more than a bit like Mitt Romney to me. And you know, Mitt did spend his childhood summers in Grand Bend, Ontario, the storied summer venue for our guys when with Hawkins in the early '60s. Imagine Ronnie meeting the young Mitt:

"Whatcha got in your hand son?"
"A bible, sir."
"A bible. Why, I used to plow through that thing like nobody's business, looking for all them dirty bits. Lotsa screwin' goin' on in there if you look close."
"What is 'screwing', sir? ...

Entered at Tue Apr 17 12:40:33 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Just add to the last Downbound Train link

Just watched it again. From around 1 minute in you'd swear Bruce's life depended upon him delivering that song. By the time we reach his primeval yelp of despair at around 2.30 it's like that life has been finally sucked out of him. Incredible stuff.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 12:31:17 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Downbound Train

You can sometimes forget the sheer magnificence of some of what Springsteen has written. Like the rest of BIUSA I probably haven't listened to this track in 25 years but he pulled it out at Albany last night.

What a truly epic piece of rock music that comes alive on the stage in a way it doesn't quite manage on vinyl. Still vital. Still yielding that rare emotional surge that rock music was always supposed to do and the very best did. Amazing. The hairs on the back of my neck refuse to go down.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 12:15:10 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Guess Who?

Try as I might to keep schtum about Bruce I feel that if there's anybody reading the GB who might just be wavering in their thoughts on whether to go see him on this tour then the sort of impromptu performance I've linked may just persuade you to go catch this incredible man - I mean who knows if it's his last tour? Probably not but if grandkids enter the equation we may not see him in this guise again.

:-0)

Linked is his acoustic performance of Janey Don't you Lose Heart at Albany last night... Pretty much right after Bruce was dumped back on the stage from the crowd surf and concluded the Apollo medley, he went over to the pit at stage right, seeking the sign someone was holding requesting Janey [for me arguably his finest ever pop song but one he has hardly ever performed and never in all the shows I've attended]. The sign was a request "in memoriam" for the person's mother, who was named Jane and died this month.

Class move by Bruce to honor the sign. (Even if his whistling was way off in the interlude.)

Reminded me why the man is who he is and why I love the bones of the fella. When he was born they certainly threw away the mould.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 10:32:39 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: accents

One for the film buffs. Did anyone see Polanski’s “Carnage”? I was after opinions on the accents … To me, I hadn’t even realized Christoph Schwartz was Austrian until the credits rolled and it listed a “dialect coach.” Ditto for Kate Winslet’s American. I thought I only picked up one thing. British actors doing American have no problem for ‘noo’ instead of ‘nyu’ for NEW, or ‘toon’ instead of ‘tyune’ for TUNE. But when words are less frequent they have to think. Tulips feature heavily in the story, and I think she emphasized the TOO … ‘toolips’ enough to show she was having to think. Otherwise impeccable to me … but I’m very interested whether it was perfect to Americans.

I was also thinking about TYRE which Brien noticed yesterday. Nearly all those words … wire, fire, shire, spire, hire … have an "i". Tyre, pyre and byre are the three I can think of with "y" in British … but I think 'pyre' and 'byre' are 'y' in America too.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 10:04:20 CEST 2012 from (193.239.56.21)

Posted by:

lotte

Location: bromberk
Web: My link

love nothern lights!

Entered at Tue Apr 17 06:01:36 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

the ever expanding list of streaming sites is creating new sources of revenue for songwriters, performes, and producers.. I just looked at my CDBaby account, and see that a streaming site named Deezer just paid me a total of 8 cents for quite a few streams of songs of mine they sold back in December. I think I've noticed Deezer paymentsbefore, but now that they are paying well, I'll probably pay more attention to them in the future.

Al, the reality of the music business manages to make the realities of the construction business seem romantic.:-)

Going to the store to buy witch hazel.

Entered at Tue Apr 17 01:49:08 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Web: My link

Subject: Bob Dylan

LINK: Bob Dylan's anniversary today of his, "Blowin' In The Wind"...

SOLOMON: You're welcome!!

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Mon Apr 16 21:02:52 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Subject: Alabama Shakes

The Alabama Shakes are handled by Red Light Management, a top-flight group, which is affiliated with AS' recording label ATO Records.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 20:42:01 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Subject: Alabama Shakes

Interesting though as I thought their choice of song on David Letterman was not the best to introduce the band…Had I just seen that and not had the benefit of the talent evaluators here at the GB – I might well have not gone further.

Good management is so critical…..take a look at how Jeff Beck has been handled in the last few years as a great example…….Being simply the best electric guitar player in the world was not enough……being put into just the right projects and appearances by astute management was. Thank goodness for that.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 19:51:11 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Solomon: A wise choice. Peter would have been the obvious alternative, but that's been done before.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 19:31:13 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: DR John

How are people getting on with the new Dr John? I picked it up today, started it three times in the car and felt it too jangly / messy and switched to Simone Felice each time. Reviews say it's the "new Gris Gris" and that wasn't an album you got into first time either.

What I did notice is that in HMV's "chart" (aka what we want to sell this week), The Alabama Shakes is number two. Simone Felice which got equally glowing reviews in the same mags wasn't even in stock. I would say The Alabama Shakes have extremely astute managers.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 19:04:59 CEST 2012 from (78.145.114.209)

Posted by:

Solomon

Subject: Loudon

Thanks for the link Serenity! I love Loudon Wainright III and can't wait to hear this one. Simon, Sorry about that I didn't realise we had a Simon in the guestbook.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 18:23:17 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Levon

I sincerely hope that Levon is better and wish him a speedy recovery, but, Having back problems myself, I can well understand why he might be out of commission for a while.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 17:58:53 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Subject: Loudon Wainright III

Interesting!!

Music Review: Loudon Wainwright makes the personal universal singing about decline and death

Loudon Wainwright III, "Older Than My Old Man Now" (2nd Story Sound)

This marvelous album will resonate with sons, daughters, parents, spouses or those mindful of their mortality.

In other words: everyone.

Few make the personal universal better than Loudon Wainwright III, and on "Older Than My Old Man Now," he sings for us all on the topics of decline, death and family dysfunction.

These have been recurring subjects in the Wainwright oeuvre, but now that he's 65 — and well aware his dad passed away at 63 — nearly every song touches on death. Even the novelty tunes fit with the album's theme — "Date Line" looks at the passage of time from the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the hilarious "My Meds" is a druggy tune for the Medicare crowd.

Inventive musical arrangements keep things from becoming too grim, and a large supporting cast helps, too. Among those contributing are all four of Wainwright's children and even his late father, who was a columnist for Life magazine. Loudon reads two eloquent essays by his dad that fit beautifully.

Also included is the only song co-written by Wainwright and his late first wife, Kate McGarrigle, a tune from 1975 called "Over the Hill." Some 37 years later, Wainwright finds the clock still running out.

The album closes with "Something's Out to Get Me," a ballad full of foreboding but also life-affirming. As the closing lyric notes, we're all in this together.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Both funny and sad, "In C" ranks with Wainwright's best songs. It begins as a spoof on his rudimentary piano playing but cuts to the bone when he begins airing out his family's dirty laundry.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Mon Apr 16 16:11:38 CEST 2012 from (86.128.140.223)

Posted by:

Simon

Location: Liverpool

The post by 'Simon' earlier today wasn't from me. I just wanted to clarify in case anyone was wondering. Best wishes to all.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 15:59:52 CEST 2012 from (124.149.167.195)

Posted by:

dlew919

Subject: Speculation..

is a fruitless and damaging practice. Robbie might well have just been trying to build bridges. He may have ... lost a bet? I don't know. I hope that Levon is well. If not, i hope he is being looked after well, adn that he recovers.

that's all...

Entered at Mon Apr 16 15:54:05 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Thanks Bill … what would they say instead of 'stationer'?

Robbie wished Levon well in a speech at the R&R Hall of Fame … the speculation mentioned in the article came from someone else.

A short building story. When we had our studio / office done, we had an architect. They’re an odd profession, architects. They send you a large round figure invoice, then add ‘Photocopying 65p’ at the bottom. I know an author who used to charge his publisher for paper and photocopying. I think he single-handedly annoyed my publisher so much that contracts now say ‘The author will provide two copies of the manuscript at the author’s expense.’ Anyway, the builder employed an elderly ground worker, who I assume was of Romany heritage. He had two speeds, dead slow and stop as he couldn’t work without a roll-up on his lip and he had to stop to roll them. He started and said he needed to see the architect, who came over. The ground worker told him the route to the sewage pipe on the plans was wrong, and the correct route was three times longer. The architect got quite angry and accused the ground worker of trying to create a bigger job out of it. The man just smiled, and said ‘How long was you at architect school, mush?’ The architect said five years.

‘Well, you want to go back, then. Cos there’s a near 12 inch slope your way, and it don’t matter how clever you are, you can’t make shit flow uphill.’

The ground worker was, of course, right.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 15:43:47 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: I hadn't heard that Jasper Carrot story (by the way, the use of 'stationer' would have befuddled anyone west of the Atlantic), but I do recall seeing him talk about the Australian wandering into a shop in England and asking if they had Durex (meaning scotch tape) - a roll of it. Probably too racy for his TV show in the early '80s, so must've been the "Secret Policeman's Ball" movie. On that score, I think it was Carrot who said that he realised that comedy had changed when the crowd roared with approval at Alexei Sayle's line, "Save a child - kill a social worker!"

Entered at Mon Apr 16 15:29:56 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Rubber in British English is eraser too, Bill. On his 1970s comedy record, there was a long routine by the British comedian Jasper Carrot, who described his adventures when he tried to buy a rubber in California. This involved a series of problems, (You don’t need a stationer, you need a drugstore) exacerbated when he said, I only want a little rubber. I’ve only got a small pencil.

This joke was so widespread, probably due to endless TV repeats, as well as a hit comedy album, that everyone in Britain knows it. For example, in November 2010, the Graham Norton chat show in Britain (BBC1) had two Americans, Joan Rivers and Johnny Knoxville, as guests. Norton was asking the audience about mishaps, and a young lady said she’d once got a rubber stuck up her nose. Mild amusement from the British audience, we all know that children get pencil erasers stuck in extremities. Rivers and Knoxville were in paroxysms of shocked laughter. Rivers is never one to wait for a double entendre when a single will do the job, and I wouldn’t discount a set-up. Norton is funny, but crude. But the British audience immediately caught on. Everyone knew what they were laughing at, and the young lady immediately said she meant eraser. In fact the funniest bit wasn’t crude at all. She said her brother put it there and told her not to move it or she’d erase her memory.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 15:14:16 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Joan: No, Moon will be plucking it apart, string by string. Kinda reminds me of the very early SNL skit where they needed to fill some time at the very end of the show and Lorraine Newman did her imitation of a possessed chicken.

jh: Obviously that's not the real real Robbie. Total absence of neckwear.

Peter V: The concept of a puncture kit - though probably it was labelled 'tire repair kit' is not at all foreign. I had one myself until I got rid of my bike maybe five years ago. As for 'a rubber', for all of my growing-up years that meant 'an eraser', and though I came to understand the condom reference, I can't think of ever having encountered anyone who used it in conversation as a word for 'condom'. I guess it was understood to be one of those words than the old and/or the English use ... But of course I've lived a sheltered life.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 15:01:16 CEST 2012 from (78.145.114.209)

Posted by:

Simon

Subject: Robbie & Levon

I find it strange Robbie has started people talking on the Internet about Levon's health. I just wouldn't expect Robbie to be the first to know anything about Levon's health. I'm sure he didn't want to reveal anything to anyone that Levon would like to keep private.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 14:44:51 CEST 2012 from (124.149.167.195)

Posted by:

Dlew919

Subject: Levon..

Right with you in agreement, Adam.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 12:36:38 CEST 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Posted by:

Brien Sz

With a nod to your dad Peter...happy birthday. An aside...you say tyre, I say tire. funny in that wry smile sort of way.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 11:49:10 CEST 2012 from (99.141.54.182)

Posted by:

Adam

Web: My link

Subject: Robbie Robertson sends wishes to Levon Helm regarding health problems

Check the link above. There is speculation that because of Robbie's comment at the Rock Hall event re: Levon and his health, Levon himself may be seriously ill. Obviously we don't know what the truth is yet, but this is upsetting to think about. I hope Levon is okay.

Entered at Mon Apr 16 09:49:41 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

My dad was born 100 years ago today, the day after the Titanic sank. He died in 1966, missing England’s world cup victory by days. I had remembered this date yesterday but it wasn’t on my mind this morning. I wanted to research some pictures of package design in a book called “Unmitigated England” which has photos of loads of old stuff like cigarette and chocolate packets. I opened it up, and the page it opened on was a John Bull Puncture Repair kit. My dad was a sales rep for the John Bull Rubber Company which made them. Their main business was car tyres, but they also made the puncture repair kits and John Bull Printing Outfits which were little rubber letters that kids used to print stuff.

For our North American readers, I should add that the puncture repair kit was intended for bicycle tyres and contained sandpaper and glue and a large patch. Rubber doesn’t mean ‘condom’ in British English.

Entered at Sun Apr 15 20:36:40 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Emmitt and co

Sound like quite a crew Jeff. The building game certainly throws up its extraordinary characters yet some for all their rough edges are sound as a pound. Unlike some of the clients. As for the guys who kept schtum while you were erecting that cladding. Bastards. Pure and simple. Problem is what d'you do? If they want to play dirty like that and are twattish enough to try and screw you even if the job's a good one they stick to the fact it's not what they asked for and demand you fix it hiding behind the fact you're the builder - the expert. I bet the cost differential of the material was buttons in the scheme of things but they had you by the short and curlies.

Entered at Sun Apr 15 20:25:09 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Nah!!!

Just burnt all them Avett Bro albums. Same old, same old!

:-0)

Entered at Sun Apr 15 16:02:40 CEST 2012 from (97.100.133.124)

Posted by:

Oscar Edwards

Subject: the best band ever

the band was and is the best talanted group of musicans that ever came together. thank you Bob Dylan for giving the the reconation they deserve

Entered at Sun Apr 15 13:45:29 CEST 2012 from (85.255.44.135)

Posted by:

jh

Web: My link

From the RS article on the RRHOF:

"The 1994 ceremony was full of no-shows. Levon Helm didn't attend the Band's induction due to lingering bitterness towards Robbie Robertson. Rick Danko, Garth Hudson and Robbie Robertson did show up, though, and they performed The Weight together. It's the only time Robertson has performed with his former bandmates since The Last Waltz."

No. it's not. Check link above.

Entered at Sun Apr 15 13:44:46 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Yiss!!!!

My bargain bulk order of every Avett Brothers album has just arrived from Amazon. Cheers for the nod Pete lad. Just off to give them a listen.

:-0)

Entered at Sun Apr 15 03:21:36 CEST 2012 from (24.34.90.173)

Posted by:

Richard Wall

Web: My link

Subject: Canada's Walk of Fame

Click the link above.

Entered at Sun Apr 15 03:16:16 CEST 2012 from (24.34.90.173)

Posted by:

Richard Wall

Subject: Please keep voting

Voting is still open for Canada's Walk of Fame. Please vote for Garth, Richard and Rick as often as you can – one vote per day, per email address.

THANKS!

Entered at Sun Apr 15 02:13:19 CEST 2012 from (69.229.194.68)

Posted by:

the Basque

Location: winnemucca

Subject: your the coooolest

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION ONE OF THE GREATEST GROUPS IN HISTORY EVEN THE BEATLES WANTED TO BE THE BAND-CHECK OUT THE PICS OF THE BEATLES AS THE BAND-ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY!-THIS BAND CHANGED I WAY I THINK LIKE THE CLASH AND STONES AND BEATLES==CARRY ON!

Entered at Sun Apr 15 01:40:02 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Fiend0

Subject: clapton in new paltz ,tonight

Clapton is playing in new palz tonight.Friend in saugerties just told me.couldn' talk, calling back w/ more info..

Entered at Sat Apr 14 23:12:47 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Similarities in melody

Entered at Sat Apr 14 19:46:13 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Keith Moon

Will he be on drums or is he playing a celestial harp?

Entered at Sat Apr 14 19:26:28 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Gibson SG, black girl, huge voice, animated presence. Aha! It was Sister Rosetta Tharpe that I was thinking of when watching the singer from the Alabama Shakes, but couldn't quite put my finger on it at the time.

Entered at Sat Apr 14 13:36:12 CEST 2012 from (203.160.29.153)

Posted by:

Fred

I read that Keith Moon has been invited to play at the London Olympics. Brilliant. : )

Entered at Sat Apr 14 04:25:42 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Al, you'da loved and maybe hated Emmitt. He was a gawdamn redneck socialist of some kind, only he didn't know it. I never asked or knew how they worked out the truck and equipment expense, but Emmit ran the crew, he was the boss, and his policy was they split the money 5 ways from the top. Now if this crew was guys paid by skill and task, there woulda been three pay levels. And usually the boss ran the crew, paid for the equipment, and paid his guys by the hour or a percent of the job, according to their conribution to the effort. but the way Emmitt saw it, they all came from the same place, none of em were any better than the other, they were all working, they all got a equal share. The guy used the n word regularly, whether he was or wasn't a racist i never knew., but he seemed like he might be. Now, using a word doesn't make someone a rqacist, and he did live in an ntegrated part of town.

When i returned to Missouri in 97, i found Emmitin late 98, he was about 53, but came back to working for me.sometimes alone, sometimes with me, or with one or two other guys...Got liquered up one night, 5 or 6 teens of a minoirty background blocked the street he lived on.so he gets out cursing and swinging, the bunch of em beat the living piss out of him, he ws in the hospital for a little while, then came back to work.Had been working one night a week tending bar at the Eagles, when they asked him to come on full time, he hung up his tool belt, and jumped behind the bar.

Entered at Sat Apr 14 02:41:57 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Subject: ROBBIE

ROBBIE on Aboriginal Achievement Awards now. This show maybe repeated on the APTN channel. They often repeat the show. He looks good...

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Fri Apr 13 21:13:08 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Web: My link

I talked about the Avett Brother here a few years back.....Here's an encore of that link - spot the Band references..

Deb: Nice to see you back................I often think of you when reading album credits........."and I would like to thank scarf makers everywhere"......classic

Entered at Fri Apr 13 17:32:00 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Avett Brothers

By new, I mean "new to me" as they've only done ten albums.

Entered at Fri Apr 13 17:03:56 CEST 2012 from (217.5.150.254)

Posted by:

JTull Fan

Web: My link

Subject: Pirate Radio at Watkins Glen concert

Scroll down maybe 20% and there is an interesting blurb and photos of a pirate radio station being operated out of a camper at the 1973 Watkins Glen concert.

Entered at Fri Apr 13 16:48:39 CEST 2012 from (134.174.21.2)

Posted by:

Tim

Location: Boston
Web: My link

Subject: John Simon article

Entered at Fri Apr 13 16:39:04 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Playing bass with Bill Haley might have been easy. On the other hand, climbing on top of it while doing so required athletic ability and a sense of balance.

Here's one for Al … Amazon sent me one of those "You've bought this, you'll like that" e-mails, this time The Avett Brothers, the link being that Simone Felice drums on three tracks and Rick Rubin produced it. I just got it … "I And love And You" (2010)… another fabulous new Americana band, I'm afraid. One you'll have to get.

Entered at Fri Apr 13 16:30:46 CEST 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Bonk on the Rondesvous

Hey Karl, how'er you doing old kid?? That property is one I was looking at just a while ago too.

But!.....The only good property on those islands has been taken long ago. That 12 acres is rock bluffs & cliifs. Very steep. That is why that guy built that straight up and down shack there. I think there is a building site blasted out of the rock. It's not a great beach and not real protected moorage.

If you'd like to see it, all you got to do is come over. We can run up there in my boat in about 2 and a half hours. Just toward Vancouver Island from there is Read Island where I grew up and went to school at Surge Narrows in 1950. Matter of fact on my Face Book page is a picture of my two older brothers and two other guys we went to school with there, taken last November at mum's funeral service. "Class of 1950"

All you gots to do is drive up to Comox, (Little River Ferry Terminal) leave your wheels there. Walk on the ferry and I pick you up. It's about 5 minutes from my house.

Entered at Fri Apr 13 02:13:10 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: PV/Bill M

Bill, regarding Peter's comment below, this is not necessarily xenophobic.

Why, in my house ANY sports team not playing cricket are considered thus.

Entered at Fri Apr 13 00:19:09 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Bill, a team playing American football visiting the UK would be thought of as a bunch of growlers whatever their name.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 23:11:27 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Growl and grunt

Peter, well handled considering you didn't have Stephen Fry or the Reverend Spooner to aid you as I did and were - as it were - ploughing a lone furrow.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 23:06:42 CEST 2012 from (68.164.6.115)

Posted by:

Pat B

Skip Bittman will be making a special appearance.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 22:26:46 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: There must be dozens of highschool football teams in Canada and the US called the Growlers. I wonder how they'd fare if they toured the UK? Pull in lots of curious fans in the east end, I expect.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 21:23:19 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Beer in growlers

David, the British food & TV critic A.A. Gill had an article on growlers recently. It seems British visitors were crying with laughter at signs saying "Why not fill one of our growlers and take it home?" in microbreweries. It was news to me, as I'd never heard of it before, but according to Gill, a "growler" is Cockney rhyming slang, and the reference is a "growl and grunt." So all you have to do is find a word that rhymes with "grunt" to see the reference.

I must say I had never heard of it until I read Gill's article, but I don't use Cockney rhyming slang.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 21:07:57 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Web: My link

Subject: Warm Beer and Cold Women

"Warm beer and cold women, I just don't fit in
Every joint I stumbled into tonight
That's just how it's been..."
--Tom Waits

There was a time, not so long ago, when not that many drank ale here in the U.S. However, with the growing microbrewery industry, ales have really caught on, with new varities being introduced constantly. Another trend catching on here in Georgia is the sale of beer growlers -- sealed quart or gallon jugs tapped from kegs. My local shop (see link) usually offers choices of around 20 or so microbrewed beers & ales. Their license doesn't allow you to consume on premises, so you just drop in to get your growlers to go.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 20:28:11 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Location: that bird is defunct ...

Joan: Sorry to hear. If it died at the hand of some nephew visiting from England, consider yourself lucky. Especially after he found out that all he was getting for his trouble was alcohol-free designer root beer.

Deb: Nice to hear from you, as Peter said. And thanks for the attempt to convert. Faster for sure, but most punk rock is. Keep trying though - you know I always do.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 20:16:40 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Brewing

Peter, there are microbreweries now making root beers. They are a very tasty alternative to alcohol.

Al I used to have a very beloved budgie who had about a 100 word vocabulary. All 21/2 ounces of him.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 19:41:24 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Good to see you, Deb … it was Deb who advised me to buy tickets for The Alabama Shakes in the first place, and I was too late!

Entered at Thu Apr 12 19:37:22 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Subject: your TV guide

on the talk shows tonite:
Letterman: (latest GB crush) Alabama Shakes
Jay Leno: (recently oversold as the new Joni) Feist
The Daily Show: Esperanza Spalding
Sammy Maudlin: Mississippi Sheiks

Entered at Thu Apr 12 19:34:41 CEST 2012 from (216.226.180.2)

Posted by:

Deb

Web: My link

Subject: Faster Otis

Bill M, give this one a try. It's the Alabama Shakes at the 40 Watt in Athens, GA, this past January, opening for the Drive-By Truckers. I haven't checked in here in a while; hope everyone is well and happy.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 19:16:44 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

I know you guys think I'm joking. Follow the link!

Entered at Thu Apr 12 19:11:14 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Budging the budgies

Bill, I should explain that these were pigeons. Being from North America, you’re used to everything being larger, like cars and lakes and people in bikinis and stuff. Here we have a more modest scale and our budgies are tiny birds, whereas yours are no doubt the size of our pigeons, and Texas budgies can lift a whole sheep in their beaks. A few years back there was a major fuss (it was a quiet season for news). Apparently, someone had discovered there was no law against killing pigeons in Trafalgar Square, and being tame, the birds would waddle over and climb into a net if there was a musty bit of sandwich crust in the corner. Every restaurant in London suddenly had pigeon pie (or “game bird pie” for the squeamish) on the menu, and within two weeks Trafalgar Square was ominously quiet and pigeon free, a major relief to Lord Nelson who had spent the best part of two centuries encased in pigeon shit. A law was rapidly passed to protect the pigeons, much to the annoyance of everyone who was spending a fortune on pigeon spikes on window sills. The kitchen suppliers moved further afield and laid tranquilizing bait,. Hence dozy pigeons on the pavement.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 18:53:03 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Ha ha - dead London budgies

:-0)

Entered at Thu Apr 12 18:01:49 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

While not a beer drinker myself, I know enough who do to hit the "warm beer" myth. Real ale is drunk at just below room temperature or room temperature, like red wine. "Warm beer" would be warmer than room temperature, and we don't do that. Chilling is like adding gas, not needed. I'd never thought about a south-north difference in real ale. I suppose the south had gone further down the chilled lager-style beer direction in the first place, so had more to react against.

On the real ale (aka microbrewery) movement, I was surprised in Bristol a couple of weeks ago to see the same process is happening with cider. They had a shop selling nothing but small producer ciders and perrys. We were in Taunton, Somerset today, and saw even more "microbrewery cider and perry."

What we also saw (and got) was The Alabama Shakes on vinyl with a three-track 7" bonus disc.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 17:06:23 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Thanks Al E. The things you learn here. Until now, I'd assumed that the dead birds on the sidewalks of central London had banged into office towers at night. Your information must also say something about N-S differentials in crime rates.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 14:36:22 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Chaps and warm beer huh and a bad case of the shakes

Ha ha - warm beer huh!

Thanks Jeff and Kev for kind sentiments. A human touch, even across a huge ocean, is a wonderful thing. As it is I hope I didn't lay it on too thick. I just winced at the thought of me being retired. :-0)

The fact is 2 years down the road Bri and myself have dug ourselves out of the hole pretty well. If we can keep it going for the same time again - which I know we can - we shouldn't end up too bad.

Jeff, the range of the real ales in this country is just so diverse that you just can't generalise. English real ale is not pasteurised shit but a living breathing thing in its own right and you have to drink them when the landlord has kept them just right otherwise you may as well pour them down the drain. If you have a nice foaming malty flavoured one and catch it perfect it's honestly worth killing your aunty's pet budgie for. In fact even your aunty too. Funnily enough though it pains me to admit it real ale is about the only thing they seem to do better down south than up north. ;-0)

Kev, made up you got the shakes. And Rob. Fact is I couldn't imagine you in particular Kev not getting them. Pete does come in handy now and again doesn't he? :-0)

Entered at Thu Apr 12 06:39:17 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

It sucks when hardworking guys get screwed by dickheads who essentially only push pencils, play golf, and run their mouths and air conditoned vehicles all day long. I get pissed off thinking about this Al, you are too fine a chap. Chap? Chap, i actually typed chap. Not sure what that might mean, but i know that no matter what,i ain't drinking no warm fucking beer. The line is drawn.

Entered at Thu Apr 12 01:08:11 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Web: My link

Subject: For the guitar enthusiast

The Alabama Shakes again, with a very prominent Harmony Rocket. The Rocket was one of the classic (but USA made in Chicago) everyman's affordable guitars from the original version with one cutaway through to the version here (H56/1 to be precise) that was "335-shaped".

I'm biased as I collect and play old Harmony guitars, but they have generally been reappraised and promoted to where they belong: the lower echelons of nevertheless genuine American made instruments with quality hardware from the likes of DeArmond and Bigsby. Fantastic guitars; I wouldn't be without my H75s or H49 "Jupiter".

The "new red Harmony" mentioned in John Hiatt's "Smashing Up A Perfectly Good Guitar" is of course a Rocket. Hiatt plays Harmony-made Silvertone guitars from time to time to this day.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 22:30:31 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

I checked out a few Alabama Shakes tunes on YouTube, but everything sounded like slow Otis to me. Slower even than this follow-on link to Doug Paisley (with Garth Hudson, presumably) from one of them.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 21:34:00 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Web: My link

Subject: For Al and anyone else affected by thses timers we live in.......Play it Loud and Smile

Entered at Wed Apr 11 21:16:00 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Thank you very much to Joe,Peter for highlighting The Alabama Shakes.........just knocked out by what I have seen.........Wow! I'd even stand for this band.......a bit of stagecraft.....a management sensible enough to keep them away from the professional songwriters gang and what a career we could be in for....Leave it all to the great Jack White and everything should be alright.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 21:01:24 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Quite so, PV, it would take Stephen Fry to get away with it.

Bill M: Will check out the Thatcher-era book at some point, after I've ploughed through "Blood Lands" by Timothy Snyder which is my sofa and coffee companion at the moment. If you are into WW2 history, I thoroughly recommend it, as it is one of the most balanced accounts (free of any emotion whatsoever) of the murders committed in Eastern Europe by both Nazi and Soviet hands. Too many historical works on that war are either written by those of a persecuted race (who fail to highlight the plight of other ethnic groups and thus fail to tell the whole story) or by outright neo-facists. Snyder (like Ian Kershaw) seems to be able to offer facts, sensible insight and still make for a bloody good read.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 18:57:24 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Subject: Jed....Mike H.....WOF........Sherry

....I sometimes wondered what went on here on long weekends...............drilling (lots and lots of drilling), a touch of Sherry, a bit of storage, and a Boney M reference..........and confirmation that there are NO SEATS in any venue anywhere in the UK that showcases music....Yikes! Standing in/at a bar is one thing and being 18 and standing at a rock n roll show was great fun but standing in a venue for hours to music you can't even dance to seems torture..........................Simon Felice - I love and happy to see he is bringing some joy across the pond and around the world.......if this was 1972 - he might well be on his way to starting a Neil Young type career.......sadly at 2012 I just don't know if those types of careers are possible anymore...

Jed: Thank you.......appreciate your suggestions....I'll look out for the Allmans/Clapton you mentioned.

Mike H: Thank you and yes - good to see Jacques - and motorsport for that matter - recognized in the WOF...........and wrt to voting, know that I don't mean any disrespect to Garth, Rick or Richard - It's just with the WOF in my hometown, I really would like to see The Band properly recognized..........Their mentor Ronnie Hawkins is in, the band often referred to - in Canada at least - as their descendants Blue Rodeo are in as well as every other famous Canadian band ( Rush, Guess Who, etc. ) but not The Band.........Side note: and you might have had to live in Canada to understand but Robbie has had the distinction of cleaning up at Canada's Grammys -Juno's - once in a big way and been a presence and winner with many other releases as well over the years....he is simply more famous than even The Band by the everyday person. Canada's Walter Cronkike genuflects in his presence and features him on national news programs.....Right or Wrong.....fame is fame and it just seems unlikely to me that the WOF and its various corporate sponsors will induct 3 more members of the Band stand alone when none of them had achieved any measurable levels of fame individually........Canada Post has yet to recognize a musical group...The Band should be the first one.

One more sign that Mongolia is looking more promising by the day: RTO falling for The Civil Wars................no drums is bad enough....but having people stand shoulder to shoulder for hours can't be good for the "brand" or "franchise".......rest assured by 2032 that little "bump" in the stomach will make this insufferable duo a trio and still I'll be wondering where the tigers are........Desert island hell......finding out the only club on the place has the Nylons and The Civil Wars booked for 10 straight years........spear through the heart please!

Entered at Wed Apr 11 18:35:54 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

I'd forgotten that one, Rob. If you or I said it would be plain crude, but Stephen Fry's languid educated tone made it fall over hilarious. The joy of it is that it's constantly updateable, even if few fit it as much as the horrendous Piers. A classic scene in the TV show was showing the outside of the café, then he's interviewing the proprietor, 'Well, that's the best meal I've had in ten years," he says, "And the best wine." "Only £60 a bottle," says the proprietor, "Do take a couple home with our compliments." Not that the programme was advertising or anything.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 12:30:06 CEST 2012 from (84.92.203.141)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Piers Moron

Ah, Peter. I remember the evening shortly after the death of Willie Rushton where Stephen Fry took his place on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue and shocked the listeners at just 6:15pm or thereabouts.

Humph: "Right now, next round is Call My Bluff where we imitate the well loved TV show of the same name and define a given word. First up is Stephen; Stephen, please define 'countryside' for us."

Fry: "Is it slaughtering Piers Morgan?"

Having alluded to the naughtiest of words in successive posts, I will now take a profanity breather for at least the next four.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 10:52:19 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Poole is to property developers what Woodstock is to musicians, or San Francisco to rainbow flags, Camden Market to drug dealers or Soho (London) to prostitution. It hit the news a few years back when Sandbanks (in Poole) outpaced New York, Tokyo and London at price per square foot for apartments. It was in every newspaper. It was a scam. A ring of local property developers bought a tiny seafront apartment and bought and sold it round the ring over two years until it reached a ludicrous price which they then publicized. Property values shot up and they all replaced their Bentleys … they only drive Bentleys. At the cafe at Sandbanks I've seen five parked up in a row. Then the dreadful Piers Moron did a TV programme about them, where he was driven around in open top Bentleys puffing their developments on national TV.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 06:12:25 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Akin to Peter's post about the license plates..... going back about 40 years, i was about 13, there was a contractor who beat a bunch of subs out of money..... one day he went on a call for an estimate, rang the bell, was told to come om in..... in he walked, but he probably crawled out.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 03:28:09 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Yikes, Al,I'd no idea you were a subcontractor.I was about ready to bust your beitzim about being a spoon fed union man.

sounds like you were subbing framing or foundation work, or plumbing, something like that,naybe drywall or maybe finish work, and possibly even being on the line for the materials. builders are the worst to get paid from... and contractors in general are hard to get paid from.... Not all, but most like to jerk the subs around, nickel and dime em to death, and make em wait for their money.

but it does sound like you;ve got some good ones that you 've a relationship with, and they know you'll get them paid, so they pay you.

Sounds liek we're in different ends- i tend to stick with roofing, siding windows, though i did a kitchen last winter, and only work for homeowners, though i deal with tons of incurance comapnies and paperwork........All these years,i've only did one job as a sub, and that was cause a prior customer of mine was having a building he owned renovated, and he told the G.C. i had to do the windows.... so i met the G.c, didn't like him, told Mendy as long as i get half down, and he guarantees that regardless of who pays me i get paid soon as i am finished, and that was what i out int he contrqact with the G.c, that Mendy had the right to pay me personally and deduct it from his bill with the G.C...So i did the job, that was it.... bout 24, 25 years ago.

if you are in high end work, you are also dealing with a slightly better class of G.C...... watch your scouser ass in all this.

i;ve some thoughts for yu, if you want to read em, e mail me.. no need t go into detailed construction nonsense here.but there is a recession proof construction idustry, if you want to konw bout it.

Entered at Wed Apr 11 03:15:48 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Don't start me off on property developers (or S-class types!). They take storage space while they do a project, for which I must admit my gratitude. Then a year later (which is me being decent as our company T&Cs reserve the right to hike it up every six months) they piss and moan about a 3% per calendar month rate increase, and visit me in their spanking new Range Rover Sport or Audi S8 to tell me how times are hard and they can't afford any more. Err...(ladies present)...did you say "Cunch of Bunts?", Mr Spooner?

Entered at Wed Apr 11 02:38:58 CEST 2012 from (184.66.107.77)

Posted by:

BONK

Location: SaltSpring Island/Cabbagetown

Subject: Rockin Chair

Hey Tugman. How the hell are you? I've been looking at 12 acres on the southwest shore of North Rendezvous Island. They say it's 20 minutes from Big Bay on Stewart Island. Two stories sort of built in the trees near the shore. No electricity, but nothing a generator can't fix. Do you know anything of the area. It's all about solitude man! I'm getting older and Salt Spring is wearing thin.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 23:27:49 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Bill M

Bill, remind me to hire you as a musical director/arranger if I ever come your way. I liked the way you described a twenty second guitar break as EXTENDED earlier; got a lot of time for that.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 22:02:12 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Al, if you want to spit on a developer, come to Poole. You can’t spit without hitting one. We had two bad experiences. We had an old garage converted and extended to form an office / studio 15 years ago. The builder went bankrupt the week after it was finished. We got to know all the sub-contractors working on it and most of them never got paid, though we had paid the builder. The builder was a major shareholder in AFC Bournemouth and nearly took that down with him too (another developer now owns it). He also had his own employees working on site. The electrician (an employee) told me he reckoned they were going bust because the last two weeks, the owner had the employed electrician and plumber doing garden clearance and house painting on his own property to squeeze the maximum out of the company before it went bust. Anyway, I ran into the electrician in the supermarket a few months later. He had the local glossy free “Dorset Society” magazine. Having taken down about a dozen sub-contractors on his various projects, the guy had himself photographed three months later at a party receiving the first of the (then) new line of S-Class Mercedes in the area. A mere £78,000. It beggars belief … not that he was a crook, so many are … but that he had the gall to have his photo taken with the car. And so dumb that the photo showed the number plate, as the electrician pointed out to me. I wondered why he was carrying the picture …

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:53:09 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Out to grass

Jeff, not a chance in hell mate. My working buddy and me are in so much debt due to the bottom falling out of the 'developer's' market a few years back. It preceded the credit crash. We basically used our overdraft to pay ourselves in the mistaken belief the developers we were working for would be paying us.

They couldn't. And didn't. We should have been less trusting but that's how it sometimes goes.

By going back to more reliable previous clients and working ridiculous hours we've managed to reduce our overdraft by around 40k over 2 years but we've still a way to go. We've currently got sound contractors who trust us, keep coming back and most important pay us for what we've done unlike the other bastards who got us in such deep shit. That's possibly a bit unfair because they couldn't see it coming but it's hard to keep the bitterness from surfacing because it's caused such hardship.

This past month or so the pressure has eased. we've just been ticking over - which is why you've had to put up with my tiresome humour on here - but we've got to get back to the ridiculous hours again soon otherwise we won't make the headway we need to in order to clear the debt.

It's shit but there's far worse off than me and Bri. As I'm sure you know mate. As for retirement. It's something I dare not even dream about right now.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:38:52 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Alabama Shakes

Yes, I trekked through the pissing rain yesterday morning (typical Bank Holiday weather) to get "Boys & Girls" from HMV. I knew it was due. Respected advisors told me to get it … I did without listening. I played it all day.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:37:34 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Subject: life in the construction trades

The definitive musical account (as hirsute as they come); lyrics by Dominic Behan of "The Auld Triangle" of Basement fame . . . .

There's a Finn, also.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:29:06 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Bat Masterson's prodigies plus a bad case of the Alabama shakes

Cheers dave. Yet another cave to explore

:-0)

As for the Shakies

What a great spot. Not sure if you realised it pete but the album was only released yesterday. After looking at that linked You Tube plus a few others I bought the MP3 album off Amazon for £4-99 this morning.

Having now listened right through three times I have to say first impressions are that it's quite stunning. There's obviously the singer's exceptional Aretha/Yvonne Fair vocals of course but then that's cloaked by a really authentic feel for old style Muscle Shoals/R&B/Blues/Soul but with completely fresh riffs that become more prominent with each listen. I'm also getting quite huge early 70's Stones/Van Morrison St Dominics Preview influences. I'm made up with it.

Cheers Pete.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:22:36 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Location: Tronno
Web: My link

Another Spencer Davis Group hit was "Keep On Running", which I don't recall having come up last week. Actually, the hit here wasn't by SDG, it was a cover version by Grant Smith and the Power. The flipside - see link - is of greater interest to the Band fan because of the extended sub-Robbie guitar break from 1:10-1:30 (and again at the end). I know we had some Smitty fans in the house, so if they're still around, they might like to check out some of the follow-on links. While Smitty wasn't on the 45, he's on much of the rest of the group's album, as are all three of the other members of the splinter-group, Motherlode.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:13:55 CEST 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

Posted by:

sadavid

Web: My link

Subject: small airless paint sprayer

Norbert - a few years back, I had some louvered metal closet doors to paint, so I bought a unit similar to this. Result was pretty good, but the stress of dealing with the device reduced my projected life span by a couple of years.

Awkward to fill / prime / adjust / aim. Noisy. Messy. It is quick to apply paint; they don't mention that it takes forever to clean.

I will only take it off the shelf again if I have a VERY large job OUTSIDE and I can find someone foolish enough to volunteer for the cleanup. Otherwise it will be the blessed silence of the paintbrush, conducive to healing meditation or listening to the radio.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 17:12:32 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

It's hard to tell, only a quarter of the way in, but I have a feeling 2012 is looking set to be a good year for albums. Don't worry, summer's coming and no one will release anything for three months.

Entered at Tue Apr 10 15:55:49 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Ha ha

But Bill you're so ancient you think anybody younger than Kirk Douglas is a spotty teenager

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Don't ya tell Henry

Actually.....don't tell Joe Jennings....I mowed my lawn for the first time this weekend. Today that Magnolia tree in my back yard is in full bloom......man is she beautiful.

It got me to humming that old tune while I worked in the back garden this afternoon. What a good year for the roses..many blooms still linger there. The lawn could stand another mowin'....funny I don't even care. And as you turned and walked away......and as the door behind you closes.......the only thing I know to say....it's been a good year for the roses.

I been down sanding the bright work on that Rockin Chair this morning. I need some gawd damn good weather finally so I can get 'er spruced up. Got to go away to work tomorrow. I'm supposed to be retired gawd damn it!

Entered at Tue Apr 10 01:16:13 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: Bob W

Bob- i'm getting spam form your email address daily.

Entered at Mon Apr 9 22:35:03 CEST 2012 from (68.171.231.82)

Posted by:

Bill M

Subject: Everyb ody Slides

David P: Reminds me of Martin Mulls shtick in the '70s. He'd use a plastic milk bottle, which seemed appropriate since the blues guys always seemed to be singing about baby.

Re slide guitar in general, I love Colin Linden's instrumental version of Richard's "Whispering Pines" on the "Everbody Slides" comp. Another worthy number from that CD is Amos Garrett's "Sharks Ate My Wahini". Heartbreaking if you take the title literally, positively painful if you take it in the Pat Paulsen sense: "We all know what a wahini is - something to put on a bahun with plenty of mahustard."

Entered at Mon Apr 9 21:59:45 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: PV's recommendations

Spent the last couple of hours trawling through the Civil Wars, Alabama Shakes, Decemberists (whose output actually I do know and like, but haven't indulged for a while), Bap Kennedy and Jonathan Wilson.

Wilson I have already commented on, but once again, lovely to hear some proper mature-sounding guitar playing from both he and his oppo. Lovely TONES; the vast collection of vintage gear no doubt helps.

Love the Civil Wars. Enough said. Classic combo of a suited chap with guitar and shapely chanteuse with a real "old school" tone of voice that you warm to straight away. All the clips I watched were the basic duo format; Peter, did you say that you'd seen them as a full band? That would be the thing; I can only take so much cut-down acoustic stuff in one hit before I pine for the thump of a Gretsch or Ludwig bass drum and the throb of a Fender bass. Will delve deeper.

The real surprise is Bap Kennedy who I had indeed seen on the ubiquitous monthly mag cover CDs that I never seem to play anymore. Not a good start for me was that a cover of Hey Joe was the first thing I picked up. Done to a train beat, though so a half mark for that, and the presence of a good frontman is indeed there as PV has hinted.

The turning point for me was when I realised he was the main man of that Irish 80s act Energy Orchard, who I remember seeing on the telly a few times back in the day, including one time on the old Nicky Horne show "Rock Steady" where they not only played their stuff but backed Steve Earle. I found them to be AWFUL (all earnest strumming with what seemed like about fifteen acoustic guitars), so the quality of Kennedy now is a real 100% knuckle down and watershed - the boy done good!

The Alabama Shakes? SUPERB. Endearingly ramshackle in the same sense as Richard Manuel's drumming, and just as likely to never actually put a foot wrong for all of that. Will order the album immediately. No surprise at Peter's news of ticket drought...

Entered at Mon Apr 9 21:15:16 CEST 2012 from (86.183.34.113)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Joe J

I had never thought of the meetings of polar bears and humans.

Entered at Mon Apr 9 20:34:36 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Subject: Sippin' & Slidin'

Years ago, when I had a regular gig playing in the confines of a small bar arena, I would often pick up an empty beer bottle off a nearby table and use it for a slide. Once, in a pinch, I even admit to grabbing my own half-empty pint glass perched atop my amp when I'd forgotten to get my slide out of my pocket in time for a solo. An important lesson boys & girls in improvisation :-)

Entered at Mon Apr 9 20:13:49 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Alabama Shakes

After a day getting into the album (and thanks to the several people who told me I'd like them, all of them right) I went online to look for tickets. It's taken me a while to work out that every button said SELL not BUY. Yes, they sold out the lot! And also the nearest is Birmingham which is 140 miles. Still next time …

Entered at Mon Apr 9 19:55:31 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Spark plug sockets for slide guitar? Luxury! Whatever happened to broken bottles, David?

Entered at Mon Apr 9 19:48:00 CEST 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Slippin' & Slidin'

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Gigs

Doesn't matter how you try and dress it up with statistics pete, the guy's still a cheating twat!

:-0)

Forgive me pete. Intersting stuff. Never really thought about the categories before. The Civil wars gig we've booked for is 17 quid at the Philharmonic hall which from the sort of prices you're talking about seems like fantastic value. Plush seat. Plush venue. great spec and acoustics.

Reading your Simon Felice review I went to book his November show in Liverpool but it's in one of those all standing trendy city centre club/box venues you mentioned. It was only 14 quid but the prospect of being stood desperate for a leak for hours amongst a crowd of freaky late teens didn't appeal so i didn't book. From what you're now saying it'll be a bunch of pensioners i might reconsider. My flask of tea and blanket won't look so out of place!!

:-0)

Don't forget there are still the larger city venues such as the Empire/Royal court and then there's these new arenas such as the MEN and Echo Arenas. Then, of course, you have your outdoor venues, the football stadiums and such like.

Entered at Mon Apr 9 14:43:31 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Specially for Norb!!

Norb, couldn't possibly let your thread re our basic human work ethic pass without posting The Gourds wonderful celebration of it. As a lifetime fully paid up member of the construction game the opening lines in particular always have me choking up.

Pity I can only find a live link on You Tube - it's the closing track on their debut and I'd say best ever album Dem's Good Beeble - but the live take is probably the nearest to capturing the beauty of the original recording and so well worth a listen Norb.

They don't quite get to the carpentry section with the makita drills but hey you can't have everything mate.

:-0)

Bill …

Rah … Rah Rasputin

Lover of the Russian Queen

Bony M.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 23:41:20 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Thanks for all your concerns friends, love it! and love you all (good to see you Lars!). Anyway some things just have to be said, no offence.

Peter (you old man), knew you liked the cheerleader part, that was another poetical highlight, and it was not a subtle reverence to my brother’s playboy under my bed!

Anyway a beautiful day here, great bicycle race and now the berkerfinale PSV-Heracles (Almelo) speak you later (chips & beer).

Entered at Sun Apr 8 18:15:01 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: Special Rider Blues Time To Drill

A great tool in the right hands might make a rough task easier. However, a craftsman finds other ways to make do if need be. Yet, the better tool helps.

a good tool, in the wrong hands, is worthless. a superior caulking gun is a good example. the tool is designed sturdier, holds the tube more securely and steadily, and allows smoother, more consistent and better controlled delivery. An amateur, even with said gun, will still sputter, run off course, leave stop and start marks, and end up with caulk everywhere. yet a pro, can caulk like Michaelangelo. Plus, in the event that he need, knows how to wet and use each finger (usually just rub a finegr across his tongue) to smooth his work perfectly and leave it with a healthy gleam while it cures..

As hijacked by Lars, Norbs thread proves the old adage- "It ain't the horse, it's the rider."

Getting done with work, and going home, what ya gonna do tonight? -"drill.I;m gonna drill".."after that i called little charlie the Driller.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 17:35:40 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: tools

Link to a classic British seaside postcard on the subject of drills and tools.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 17:16:11 CEST 2012 from (68.171.231.80)

Posted by:

Bill M

Norb: Don't forget "The Last Of The Blacksmiths" - "How're you gonna replace human hands?"

Speaking of dirt and hands, it wasn't until relativley recently (listening to Eugene Smith sing the words live) that I realised that Dylan's line is "His clothes are dirty but his hands are clean". My adolescent ears had - not surprisingly - heard "His thoughts are dirty ..."

Not that they weren't.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 16:27:34 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Location: USA

Subject: "drilling"

NORB- I can understand your passion, there are a lot of people over on this side of the Atlantic who think the world of it too, although we don't call it "drilling." When I was 18 I was a lot more excited about it than I am now, although it's still important to me (it's not that vital to my wife these days, I'm sorry to say).

Maybe you should start listening to some music, or take up carpentry, or gardening. Go easy on your back, you won't always be young. ;)

On a Band note, Garth played both organ and accordian with the Bush Brothers the last time they played at High Falls Cafe. I read somewhere that Leonardo da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other one, at the same time. Garth's mind must work like that, although he has to switch off on his instruments...he needs two more hands.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 14:50:05 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Or for me, a youthful fun-loving Great Auntie?

Entered at Sun Apr 8 14:47:36 CEST 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

Posted by:

joe j

Subject: Survival

Happy Easter or whatever. It seems as if spring may have arrived after all. The icebreaker arrived this weekend and we're on polar bear alert. Crocuses? No.

Norbert

Subject: Drilling or To Be of Use

Dear friends with all respect, allow me to disagree with you, the beautiful previous posts about tools are all ultimate Band posts! It’s the essence of The Band, the honest working man proud of his Makita, it's about the pride of the carpenter, it's about the farmer watching the sun go down over of his cornfield at the end of the day. It’s about sincere working hands with dark nails, ragged but straightforward working cloth. Genuine upright people with serious, open faces and heartfelt bodies opposite to the bankers and other bureaucratic criminals in this world that rob your hard earned, decent, money and then kill you with a smile.

Some random thought about drilling a hole from the www:

“Working with your hands: in many traditions, this is an time-honored and revered way to make one's living. The inventiveness, the pride, the usefulness, beauty and economy of an experienced worker performing his or her craft well. Such work is often called "honest," honesty being a characteristic held in highest regard across cultures worldwide

In other cultures -- such as the one our affluent community is a part of -- working with your hands is considered by many to be both menial and demeaning. It is below us, we who prize academic and intellectual achievement so highly. The "white collar" remains white because it is not sullied by unseemly toil, with all the implied purity of cleanliness intact.

He says that working with his hands in this way challenges his intellect and problem-solving abilities in a manner that purely cubicle-bound work simply cannot. Rather than shut off his mind, work with his hands actually enlivens and engages it more fully and vividly.

The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight. They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals bouncing like half submerged balls."

---------------------------to be of use -------------------------

"I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who stand in the line and haul in their places, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud. Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust. But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident. Greek amphoras for wine or oil, Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums but you know they were made to be used. The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real."

----------------------------------------------------------

This poem is written by Marge Piercy, but it could also be a Band song written by Robbie & Levon.

But ok let’s skip the Makita’s for now, if that’s what you want … let’s take a look at airless spray pumps :-)

Entered at Sun Apr 8 12:38:42 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Instruments for boring (cont)

Reluctant as I am to talk of tools, I lost one of the three tools I possess, a pair of pliers, a couple of weeks ago. It was only thirty years old and though rusty had another half century left in it. We'd just had decorators in. A pal of Mrs V's was visiting and said, 'You should never leave tools lying around near workmen. They'll always save you the bother of putting them away." (She was from Al's city and has the knack of expressing such things well). Anyway, an electrician friend says he used to have all the top quality tools, but now only buys cheap ones because they last until someone steals them, which is all you need.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 12:04:44 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norbert

Web: My link

Subject: A Sunday In Hell

Today the other clasic bicycle race: Paris-Roubaix. Even harder, more brutal then last week, this one is for animals; l'enfer du Nord (Hell of the North) starts at about 12.00hr (Europe time).

"Paris-Roubaix is a single-day professional bicycle road race held in northern France starting in Compiègne and finishing in Roubaix, near the Belgian frontier. Famous for rough terrain and cobblestone roads, it is regarded as one of the 'Monuments' or Classics of the European professional cycling calendar and carries the nickname The Hell of the North, Queen of the Classics or La Pascale: the Easter race.

The race usually leaves riders caked from head to toe in mud and grit, over the cobblestoned roads and hard rutted tracks of northern France's former coal-mining region. However, this is not how this race earned the nickname l'enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North. The term was first used to describe the race when it was run immediately following the end of the Great War, or World War I. The course followed the front lines of the war and hence passed through many of the ruins, craters and destruction along the way, earning it the name l'enfer du Nord, or the Hell of the North bestowed by the journalists."

Don't miss it! (check the link to get an idea)

Entered at Sun Apr 8 11:18:39 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norbert

Location: Europe
Web: My link

Subject: small airless paint sprayers

In the USA, I’m told, they use a lot of airless paint sprayers like Graco and Titan, in Europe it’s not so often used. I’m thinking of purchasing a small one, for the wooden shed etc.. Is there someone out there, who has some experience with such machines, please let me know, thanks.

Jeff , seriously if you use a cordless drill on a regular basis buy the Makita BDR442 (14,4V), they are the best, enough power for a day work, it drills in metal and wood easily and it will last a life time. Only the batteries have to be replaced so now and then ( 5-8 year, but you only need one, it recharges in 20 min.). And if you need a rotary hammer buy the BHR162 (SDS +) also, unbelievable, it sucks in concrete like a hot knife through butter. Ok expensive, but better buy one good tool then 10 cheap Chinese copies and after that buy a good one. I think only the Festool perhaps is even better, but they cost a small fortune, and there is no need for that unless you’re a tool addicted pro pro (but all professionals here use the Makita). P.s. for big concrete jobs use the big Bosch wired rotary hammer.

Entered at Sun Apr 8 11:11:55 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: An instrument for boring

I always thought that was Clapton's guitar, Pete?

Entered at Sat Apr 7 20:39:43 CEST 2012 from (68.171.231.80)

Posted by:

Bill M

Subject: a Traffic reference to help jolly RtO along ...

Norbert: What, squirrel meat again?

Entered at Sat Apr 7 19:57:29 CEST 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Stan & stuff

Bill; You are right on that point.

Kevin; Watch the youtube video. The first 4 or 5 punches thrown were rights by Johnathan. Bouchard ate every one of 'em. That little Indian bull dog was one of the toughest ever.

I never have been never could or would be a Montreal fan. However there were great players to admire and respect there. John Beliveau, Guy Lafleur, my all time favourite Henry Richard, Larry Robinson, Bob Gainey. In those years tho' Montreal had their share of real dirty players, not the least of which, (way back) was Rocket Richard. So did Detroit.

It was hard not to admire the Bob Orr era Bruins. There was a lot of good players there. Do you recall after a time when for what reason I can't remember, but New York traded Brad Park to Boston, and for a short while there was Bobby Orr and Brad Park on the blue line on a power play.....that is scarey.

My most memorable hockey time was in Langley, when the old time Canadians came on their tour and played the Langley old timers. There was the usual dinner, and autograph signing. My son Craig was 5 at the time and in his first year of hockey. Craig had very blond, very curly hair. As we came along in the line, Henry Richard spotted Craig. He picked him up and held him on one arm for quite a while while he signed autographs. Craig of course at the time didn't know what to make of it. Years later it came to him what a very special time that was. Watching Henry Richard skate, even at that age with his silver hair was something to savour. I'll never forget watching that little man move. UNFORGETTABLE!

Entered at Sat Apr 7 19:24:29 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

I inherited my dad's Black & Decker in 1966, It was probably five or six years old then. I used it until about eight years ago, but now I'm disinclined to trust its electrical safety. Plus I haven't drilled a hole in anything since then.

Entered at Sat Apr 7 17:47:38 CEST 2012 from (84.92.203.141)

Posted by:

RTO

I'm at work and dashing straight to a gig after, but have to quickly dive in and offer my support to Jeff on the issue of the keyless chuck. A pox on such things, the good old keyed Jacobs was your man.

While we are at it, anybody plugged in a proper mains drill after years of the rechargeable ones? Blimey! We've been had! You don't need to spend fortunes on pro-grade stuff for a bit of power, you just need to go back to tools that plug into the mains properly!

Entered at Sat Apr 7 17:41:19 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norb

Location: the kitchen
Web: My link

Bill yes the Stan is an icon, when Makita was still Mikita (as I recal correct here). Brings back memories, famous screwed. But only fair to say, it was a bit heavy and you had always to watch his back.

Bill I'm of to the kitchen cooking now, the scharrel chicken in the oven (we try something new here).

Entered at Sat Apr 7 17:38:34 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Norbert, back from 85 though all the 90s i used reasonably light weigth Makita and Ryobi cordless drills as Screwguns on a daily basis.Not alot of volts, maybe 9 I'm guessing,these were the ones that had short handles , and you did not charge the batter pack separately, but plugged the charger directly into the guns. I needed them to be lgihter and smaller than those monstrous ones with the removable packs, and to stay in my over stuffed tool belt. Man,for small guns they were rather powerful. and you couldn't kill em. Some of em dropped from second to 4th floor windows quite afew times, and occasioanlly form about 40 or 50 feet off a scaffold ,ladder, or roof. I probably only went through about 7 0r 8 of em in all those years. My final,2 holdout antique Makitas took me through the 2000s, as i used em much less. Finally about two years ago, the last died for good, and i replaced it with some lithium batteried real nice and real ligt Ryobi that i've used less than a hndful of tmes and i',lll never like as well as the old suckers.Chuck sucks in reverse, which seems to be a universal problem these days.......Why do chucks need to be keyless.This is wrong, chuck keys make for a better, tighter chuck.

Entered at Sat Apr 7 16:33:41 CEST 2012 from (68.171.231.80)

Posted by:

Bill M

Norbert: As Pat B will confirm, the old 'Stan' was the best Makita ever built.

Entered at Sat Apr 7 15:13:07 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norbert

Location: the milky way
Web: My link

Back to the music! ever heart of Kevin Mcgraw and his soldier, rocks I think (see the link).

Entered at Sat Apr 7 15:07:11 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norbert

Web: My link

Subject: BHR162

p.s. b.t.w. a splended supplement for the BDF442 is the cordless rotary hammer BHR162 (works with the same 14.4V batteries)... ok for later..

Entered at Sat Apr 7 14:47:40 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norbert

Location: Germany
Web: My link

Subject: Makita BDF 440 or BDF442?

As we all know is farming and working with your own hand is very Bandish. I do it a lot and is eases the pain of getting older and the constant ponder of all the missed Band concerts and the worries about 911’s getting more expensive every f* waiting day.

Anyway, a man needs good tools. Most of you know I’m, besides a Band fan, also a, not without merrit, Makita fan. Yesterday morning I got an email from a rightly strained Band fan with an important question:

“Norbert, should I buy the Makita corldless screw driver BDF440 or the BDF442, the 442’s planetary gears are out of metal isn’t it?”

Dear Peter V (I’ve altered his name cause I have no permission to reveal his true identity),

The BDF 442’s transmission gear wheels are indeed made out of metal, that’s correct. However the BDF 440 wheels are exactly the same!!! I have the 440 and have him already dismantled into it’s individual parts. However the transmission case is not made of metal, the gear wheels definitely are. Whether one needs a metal housing for the transmission, I don’t know. I do not know also if the 442 has a metal transmission house or not. But today's plastics are often more durable than the, widely used, aluminum castings.

Anyhow the material of the gear wheels doesn’t makes the difference we’re looking for here. The internal structure of the screwdriver, the entire layout from the engine and the transmission looks, in it’s individual design, very simular. The broader ring of the 442, for adjusting the torque, marks the only visible difference. But what great invention should hide behind that to make a serious difference Peter? Another spindle stop?

I decided to post this information so that all Band fans can take full advantage of this information. I hope this post covers some of the problems afflicting fans currently in this fast modern world.

*Your best Band friend is always the one online.*

Hi Serenity, good to see you!

Entered at Sat Apr 7 07:15:00 CEST 2012 from (124.170.209.216)

Posted by:

dlew919

Web: My link

Subject: Yo Ho Ho and the Island of Rhum...

One of the great scientific hoaxes of all time happened on teh island of Rhum... I can't find my book on it, but a naturalist, John Heslop Harrison, claimed all this fauna and flora from Rhum which actually DIDN"T come anywhere near the area... see link for an ok synopsis

Entered at Sat Apr 7 03:11:24 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Location: Kitchener, Ont. Canada
Web: My link

Subject: R&R HOF in Cleveland

Hi, Guys. Another page from RS. This one is about the biggie coming soon. Good reading for anyone interested.

MIKE H: Thanx for the link to Canada's WOF. Will be nominating. Not sure, but TOM JACKSON deserves one too..

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Sat Apr 7 02:20:07 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: Simone Felice Band

Ecstatic review of the first gig of their 2012 UK tour added … see link. This is an astonishing band. The support act was Simi Stone (also in the main band) and I've never seen a support get so many shouts for "More!" Well, she did do No Easy Way Out!

Entered at Sat Apr 7 02:07:23 CEST 2012 from (198.228.221.108)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: Local Hero

Dunc - We just watched it the other day and it remains brilliant, with a solid spot in my best of ever list. I was surprised how much dialog from that movie I use all the time, shamelessly.

Entered at Sat Apr 7 01:02:21 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Al,booze yes, Bluz- dont even dare....

Pete, yep, good sherry is good sherry, harvey's is harvey's, but it works pretty well and is readily obtainable. .Dry Sack is more better, and then there are the finer ones, as you know.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 23:28:54 CEST 2012 from (86.183.34.113)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland
Web: My link

Subject: Mike

That's right about George Orwell.

Local Hero is a popular film here. It was filmed on both sides of the country. Saw Mark Knopfler last year on the Dylan tour and was disappointed he never played Local Hero.

I visited Rhum for the day about a year and a half ago. You sail out from Mallaig. It's a beautiful island, but the day was spent in rain.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 22:36:43 CEST 2012 from (184.145.69.113)

Posted by:

Mike Nomad

Subject: Jura

I'm guessing 1984 by George Orwell, Dunc. Right, wrong? BTW, can one travel to Rhum? And second, have you ever seen the 1983 film Local Hero, set in the region? Just curious . . . .

Entered at Fri Apr 6 22:12:43 CEST 2012 from (86.183.34.113)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Enjoyed the Posts

Just back from the Highlands where I was from Monday to Friday and enjoyed reading all the posts - a really good standard. Too many posts to answer. But I did think of the GB site when in the Highlands because often in the Highlands there are no people. They were cleared to make way for sheep and many settled in USA or Canada. You sail past an island like Jura and on the north coast you see one house. What great book was written on Jura? Then I met an American on the beautiful island of Mull and he felt he had achieved something by visiting where his family came from.

Peter: visited Tobermory distillery and would recommend Ledaig and Tobermory - beautiful single malts.

RTO - Deepest condolences. Am enjoying Nick Lowe.

The Blues Boom. I would be hypocritical if I said I didn't enjoy it. Really enjoyed Fleetwood Mac and Cream. But I didn't really categorise. I went to see new to me music and would go to any concert and saw many bands and individuals from Deep Purple to Stan Webb to Kevin Coyne to Davey Graham to Pentangle to the Who to Jethro Tull to Taste. Some I enjoyed, some I didn't. Made a special visit to Glasgow to see Clapton. The first I heard of the Band was 'Rag Mamma Rag'.

Still play Family. But I wonder if Steve Winwood at his best was Spencer Davis. Some of the sixties music is stll hard to beat.

I think Dr Feelgood are very good, but never saw them -the best of British R 'n B. My brother who is four years younger than me saw them about six times and thought they were great.

Regional variations. I agree with you PETER that there are regional variations and obviously in Scotland country variations. I've always been fairly complete on the Average White Band, but until this GB did not know about Forever More. In Scotland, the importance of being able to dance to the music was important. The Sensational Alex Harvey Band were great live and perhaps not captured on albums. I thought John Martyn would have been more greatly appreciated on this GB. Stealers Wheel, Rab Noakes, Gallacher and Lyle are also important. And Rob...what about Frankie as a great voice?

Al Edge. It's sad seeing what's happened to Kenny and Liverpool. In Dalglish, was the greatest player in the world a Scot for his two greatest seasons? I mean that seriously.

Adam: Great review, thanks.

The music I took on holiday was tracks from Levon's solo albums, tracks from Dylan's Hard Rain,tracks from The Hollies, Tom Waits, Manassas, Lyle Lovett and the Stills Young Band

Entered at Fri Apr 6 22:10:56 CEST 2012 from (99.141.45.131)

Posted by:

Adam

Best wishes Rob. I'll listen to your recording as soon as I can later today.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 22:02:04 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Bill M - "We're a fade you missed this"

I've got a blues Hammond side project on the go, Bill, so will save it for that. Good shout though.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 21:48:30 CEST 2012 from (68.171.231.81)

Posted by:

Web: My link

Subject: Ferdinand Porsche, designer of the 911 model, dies at 76

For me the 911 (994,993,997) is the ultimate car, perfection by design (the connection). Thanks Mr Ferdinant Porsche.

"It's very German. Everything has a purpose, every button, it all makes sense, there are no gizmos. You won't look back 20 years later and say 'why did they put that on there'."

Entered at Fri Apr 6 20:19:17 CEST 2012 from (91.52.120.25)

Posted by:

Norbert

Location: minutes before Ben Hur
Web: My link

Subject: Full Metal Jacket quotes

Motivation speech (link), some great great script writing there.

"Were you born a fat, slimy, scumbag puke piece o' shit, Private Pyle, or did you have to work on it?"

"I bet you're the kind of guy that would fuck a person in the ass and not even have the goddamn common courtesy to give him a reach-around. I'll be watching you."

Entered at Fri Apr 6 20:07:28 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: RTO

Rob, my condolences to you and your family. You were indeed lucky to have had her for so long. I;m not sure if it is because I'm older or there have been more losses in the natural stream of life. In the past 4 months I've lost 2 Aunts aged 93 and 100 and a very dear cousin. The Aunts had a good run, but the cousin was a shock. Your Gram looks like she was a lovely lady.

Peter, I'm rather fond of Madeira.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 18:41:35 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Jeff, I'd drink a schooner of La Ina (very dry) but Harveys Bristol Cream … no way.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 18:03:58 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: (American) Roulette

On the same page on YouTube, Tommy James has his say on Levy.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 17:20:28 CEST 2012 from (72.78.54.248)

Posted by:

Subject: Thanks to all..and a new debate

Thanks to all for their kind words; there's a huge element of truth that there has been a lot of "well, it was a good innings" as Peter hinted, but at just shy of two months from being 109, there is also a huge element of truth in the sentiment! Yes, to be celebrated. Given that she was so active (she outdid most 85 year olds up to age 102 or so) we all had our times of sadness at her rapid decline (which actually hadn't got a lot wose over the last six years or so, but with no mobility, acute deafness and also her eyesight getting very poor, the knitting, daily dose of "Countdown" and newspaper crosswords and all that which kept her fiercely sharp soon went to ground. So her final passing is truly one of release and though she muddled on latterly, she herself said "there didn't seem any point anymore", albeit with a laugh and no obvious signs of distress. So yes - truly a deserved release and her moment of death was very peaceful too. Can't find any fault with that.

Now then, as per Mike, let us discuss: Greil Marcus: Insightful critic and shrewd commentator - or pompous old scrote?

I'll kick off with a vote for the latter...the floor is open, folks!

Entered at Fri Apr 6 14:38:42 CEST 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Posted by:

Bob F.

Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Web: My link

Subject: Happy Easter

Regina McCrary and The Chicago Mass Choir performing Bob Dylan's beautiful 'Pressing On'. Regina sang this song with Dylan on the Saved record and toured with him during that time frame.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 14:11:43 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

Web: My link

Rob - very sorry for your loss. It's been a rather trying week as my family lost my maternal great uncle (82-yrs) due to very aggressive cancer. Also, Bow Thayer's musical family lost a great musician & friend from Marlborough, MA, James "Scott" Ricciuti (48-yrs) due to an early AM car accident.

Link to an article by a writer who is not a fan of Greil Marcus.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 14:01:14 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Loved the story. I bet when she said 'Have you moved your bowels?' you thought it was the sort of thing priests asked in a threatening manner (at least in "Portrait of the Artist.) Every family has its own idiolect which can change mightily just one step away. Every summer I used to stay with my auntie for a fortnight in Hounslow, excitingly close to Heathrow. She was a fascinating character, having left school in South Wales at fourteen, joined the women's army in 1940 as soon as she could, and emerged five years later as a first lieutenant with a cut-glass accent, with a major as her partner. It was only forty years later I found out they were never married. Her house was totally different. No TV. Strict sit-down meals and huge signs of education, i.e. they took both the Readers Digest and National Geographic and stored them neatly on shelves. Every summer we did the London museums and art galleries … a great effect on me. But the language was totally different. Different words for everything. It's the first place I ever heard of bowel movements too. We used more basic words down in Dorset.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 13:00:56 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Sincere condolences to you and your family Rob

With now being a grandad myself the passing of a grandparent inevitably resonates far more powerfully than it ever did.

Yet at the risk of sounding trite Rob - because I know there'll be so many strong emotions around your family at the moment - but that really is one hell of an innings and, dare I say it, a cause for celebration rather than mourning. Just hoping she didn't suffer at the end.

We were at my aunty's funeral a month or so back. She was a mere nipper compared to your grandmother and had reached a paltry 95!!! She had outlived all six of her brothers and sisters by some 30 years or more - forinstance my own dad [her younger brother by a year] had left us in '86.

Anyroad, my cousins were determined it would be a celebration of their dear mam's life rather than a funeral and so it was. Daft as it seems when you're talking of the passing of a loved one, the huge length of their lifetime actually does mean it can become a truly joyous day. In our own instance this was particularly the case when everyone was recounting their own personal tales of dear Aunty Kay.

My own tale concerned a time I was staying at their house. It was only down the street from ours and for a spell I practically lived at theirs. Anyroad, this particular day I was suffering from a terrible tummy ache and even now I can recall my Aunty Kay asking me what was the matter and me telling her and she saying it was probably my bowels. Problem was back then I was only 8 years old, 9 at most, and had never before heard the term "bowels" and in my innocence thought she was saying "balls" in this mock Cockney accent. Which was bad enough in itself to hear my auntie using such a profanity but then when she offered to rub them for me I froze on the spot. I mean I was a good clean living catholic boy - an altar boy to boot - devoid of most venial sins let alone heinous mortal ones. No matter how fond I was of my Aunty Kay there was no way I was going to have her rubbing my balls and getting me into deep shit with our lord and maker. I shot out back to that outside loo faster than Usain bolt and stayed there till the coast was clear.

:-0)

Needless to say, on the day of her funeral, music also came into play and when we all got back to the house we all joined in with our take on "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen" which was the song my uncle Denny [her husband] used to embarrass here with by serenading her with it at family do's. I'd done a CD copy of The Furey's version of the song [three others had done different recordings of the same song - but I have to say I thought The Fureys version nailed it] I also pulled out of the hat the beautiful sad Gene Clark song 'Kathleen' which nobody had ever heard and all were suitably tearfully impressed.

I'm sure you realise what I'm trying to say in my usual clumsy way Rob. The fond memories are are what ultimately count.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 10:24:58 CEST 2012 from (124.170.209.216)

Posted by:

dlew919

Subject: Condolences Rob

Many great memories to sustain you, hopefully.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 10:08:06 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Sorry to hear your news, Rob. you have a week or so of everyone saying "it was a good innings" which indeed it was, but that doesn't lessen the feeling of sadness when someone goes. You also think, what was it like to be ten when the Great War started? Or 35 when WW2 started?

It started me thinking about others who've died at a ripe old age, though I only know of ones in their late 90s. My brother-in-law's aunt held out to 99, waiting for the Queen's telegram, but just missed it by weeks. She'd lived with the family since she retired. This was a good few years back. She was a strict teetotaller, but had been left shares in Harveys of Bristol and a distillery. Every year for fifty years they'd sent her a bottle of sherry and a bottle of whisky. They were all neatly stored unopened (as a teetotaller, giving someone else alcohol was a bad thing). I told my brother-in-law to find a film properties company to sell these vintage bottles to, but they drank it. They offered, but I never touch sherry, and don't like blended whisky. Single malt is different. She was of the generation of women that lost fiancés or husbands in WW1. Richmal Crompton in the "William" books wrote about them extensively in the 1920s and 1930s. (And 1940s and 1950s)

I don't think "William" ever made it to the USA, but was definitely popular in Australia, as I see by copies on sale on ABE books. Crompton originally wrote these stories with vignettes of village life for women's magazines. They featured the 11 year old William, but really the interest is the society around him. They're hilarious and enduringly popular here in audio books versions. By the mid 1920s she was publishing them first in magazines for adults (The Happy Mag) then as books for children.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 04:18:07 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Rob, as you indicate 108 years is a long time, and you knew it was coming, but, neveetheless, my condolences on your grandmother's passing. Meant strictly as a compliment to your grandmother- in the picture you linked her personality sparkled snd shined the grandest. She appeared like quite a lively old gal.

Derek and the Dominoes was as good as it gets. . i need to order bobby whitlock's bio.. Been meaning to for a while.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 03:02:51 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Web: My link

Subject: Bill M and Peter V - sincere thanks

Gents, I cannot thank you enough for keeping all this Traffic talk coming.

Yesterday my maternal grandmother, at the extremely ripe old age of 108, nevertheless passed away and it has been a funny old day. Though in truth we all did our weeping long ago when her deafness and lack of mobility meant that we could no longer even have a decent natter, let alone take her out anywhere (the linked pic is my wedding day, probably the last day unassisted out on her own two feet she had), it's still been a sobering day of thought.

When I think back to that Traffic stuff I think of my late teens and being at home at my folks place, my first Hammond organ still being a few months away and so I would absorb every note of those bloody Traffic LPs. My dear old Gran (who lived at home with us all through my life at the folks and stayed after I left home until she finally went into a home aged around 102) and I would often be in the house with Mum and Dad at work and I would generally break from absorbing music to make us a pot of tea and have a natter.

It's been good therapy today and I thank you for making me dig out four albums (Mr F, Traffic, last Exit, John B) that shaped my life more than I ever imagined, on exactly the right day when rising above the immediate loss and thinking of the good times was exactly what was needed. Thanks Bill and Peter, and anyone else I've forgotten x

Entered at Fri Apr 6 02:58:16 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Derek & Dominos

Producer of Dominos Layla album,the late,great Tom Dowd,as well as EC himself make clear that the energy and distictive sound of Duane Allman "made" that record.Much has been written about this.And,Carl Radle was a tremendous and particularly tasteful bass player.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 01:33:52 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Bill M and Pat, plus last minute thought for Peter V (though not necessarily in that order)

Agree 100% that from ECs back catalogue, Derek & The Dominos is the highlight. There are others (I loved the organ player Dick Sims from the 461 era) but totally agree with Pat here. Just the right balance of guitarist and general singer/writer was upheld. Too stodgy and loud before and too wishy-washy after.

Of all the bass players to stand alongside Eric, I also rate Carl Radle the highest. FANTASTIC bassist, right on the money and authorative without overplaying. My kind of bassist. More recently, I like Dave Bronze with Eric. Or Dave Peacock!

Dave Mason is a complicated guy, I'm thinking. He has bitched and moaned about Traffic even recently, but ought to remember that it was that vehicle that saw him propelled into the arena that saw him (briefly) as an original member of Derek & the Dominos and in a position to churn out the likes of Alone Together with the right kind of people helping out.

It must have been hard for him to have to pick the bass up and see Steve W shine on guitar as well as his organ stylings. But to be fair to Winwood, Mason must have known this as it is fairly well documented that the Traffic guys were in Winwoods entourage at the closing stages of Winwood-era SDG, and as we know they also contributed percussion and backing vocals to I'm A Man. In that band, Winwood would move from guitar to organ too so if Mason felt put upon, he shouldn't have signed up. The entire body of work that Winwood was central to from SDG through to the Traffic changeover is a fine legacy and all those involved, however minor (which is NOT true of Mason as a fine musician) should puff their chest out with pride.

The "original" D & the D was an interesting concept, and only produced that swiftly-pulled "Roll It Over" single. With EC, Mason and George Harrison on guitars it could have been very impressive, but to be fair it probably lasted as long as it would have done even without contractual differences. I think Mason did honour the first "proper" Dominos gig, though. I'm sure there are pics of it.

Ah, but what of Mason, Capaldi, Wood & (Wynder K.) Frog? (aka "Wooden Frog"). To wit - Traffic's gig dates honoured after Winwood split. It is rumoured that they are the extra people jamming on one of those identity nightmare Hendrix LPs from the Albert Hall in 1969....certainly Wynder K. Frog (Mick Weaver) is a fine, fine Hammond player, even to this day if his performance with Taj Mahal I saw a few years back at The Barbican, London is anything to go by.

And Peter V: Mick Weaver's organ piece "Tadpole" is very good indeed and actually makes for seven minutes of listenable music by...God forbid...the Keef Hartley Band (It's on The Battle of NW6)!

Entered at Fri Apr 6 01:01:39 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: Hold Your Nose

kevin---when the blues targets some one, they either come to terms with em some solid way, or they spend a lot of time denying them. and it doesn't have to be settled once and for all either i don't think.

look at some players and singers--- that expression may have been the settlement, and it is enough. some who mastered thre writing too, that obviously was part of the settlement.Do they know it? maybe maybe not.

I know one great, totall;y insane, paranoid, unique guitarist and amazing singer, i knew him well.Far as i know, really only wrote instrumentals, any words he wrote were pretty much rip offs. , the guy was a total nut....never made a real living in music, but should have. Made his living running pot cross country in his eldorado, and later dealing crack on the street. We are talking about a very well revered, musician, a name amongst blues aficionados. .Not a commonly known musical name, but there was a basketball player with his name, and the name was a common one..but the guy 's blues chops were pure as could be, as deep as true and as genuine as possible, as blues as blues canbe. but he never coudl deal with it comfortably. All he had was his music, and it was so personal to him, and he frlt ripped off- not in terms of anything real- just ripped off in general, that he pretty much decided he was takign his music to the grave with him when he went. Wasn't gonna give lessons, wasn't gonna take gigs that didn't pay a certain a mount, etc etc..Some of it was legit, most of it wasn't , his beef about getting ripped off was not tied to recordings or anything like that.... used to call Muddy,Son Seals, other successful peopel Uncle Tom's.no shit. i once offered to make a record with this guy... he flipped, wanted to know what my credentials were. 6 months later i was in the studio with JJ. ..

the blues owned this Other Guy, but beyond his musical talent, he never had a grasp on any part of it..Is that enough? i;d have to say yes, the musical talent is enough, but, it sure makes a man;s life hard in sonme regards... this poor sonofagun had a miserable life, still may,i think he is still alive. And if he is, i know he is one miserable fuck. i;ve seen it.

blues- if they own a musician or songwriter- they will always be there . could be a children's play, or a tv pilot sitcom,,the blues will be there somehow, even if it;s just a wisp, it;ll be there. could be country music, coudl be calypso, could be rap too, the blues will be in it somehow.

Entered at Fri Apr 6 00:46:18 CEST 2012 from (99.115.145.68)

Posted by:

Pat B

Whatever Clapton has or hasn't done in his career, D&tD is a good as it gets. I don't care what people call it. Jeff Beck is on another world, no matter what people call it.

Winwood often said that he and Wood and Capaldi wrote together but Mason treated them as a backup group for his songs. There is also a story that Gimme Some Lovin is the first time Winwood played a Hammond. Supposedly Jimmy Miller had it on and the drawbars set when Stevie sat down and noodled until he came up with that mighty lick. What generally goes unnoticed is the great rhythm piano he overdubbed on the song.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 23:52:01 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Blues...more of it

BTW,Dylan has a lot of blues in his sound,in different ways at different phases.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 23:46:42 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Kevin-EC's Blues

Kevin,you may want to sample the 5/20/09 show of the 2nd set of The Allman Brothers show--EC sits in with the boys--check on it.It feels blue as can be.Also,EC with Duane on Derek and Dominos outtakes is quite cool and deeply blue.And,EC's tour with Derek Trucks is Dominos shade of blue.I'd love to hear your thoughts.And,how do you and others feel about Jeff Beck's blues chops? Mike Bloomfield,Al Kooper,& Johnny Winter are heavily blue on The Lost Concert Tapes-12/13/68.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 23:33:54 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: This is England

Two comments overheard today. First, in the salvation Army shop – they had a stack of rare 60s kids annuals in the window which drew me in.

MAN: Are you open tomorrow?

SALES GUY: No, it's Good friday.

MAN: All the other shops are open. Why not?

SALES GUY: Well, the Salvation Army is a Christian organisation, so …

MAN: What's that got to do with it?

Other comment, next to the Easter eggs in Waitrose.

WOMAN 1: So what is Easter? Is it some kind of religious thing?

(Two women. Both white, English, middle-aged).

Entered at Thu Apr 5 23:30:15 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Rob, coincidental that you posted that the day Jim Marshall went. Six Marshall stacks across the stage? That must have been for the whole show not just Traffic, or possibly decoration as MARSHALL is across the front of the stage. They're very tall (or Traffic are very short)… what's in the speaker cabinets? They look too big for 4 x 12s. 4 x 15s?

I think it clinches the Traffic point. There's a stance and moves that both Steve Winwood and Steve Marriot shared when playing guitar. Must be in the name.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 23:09:19 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Subject: Easter songs

Subject: preaching to the choir

a big Amen - EC doesn't always move me; to take Jeff's point, he's got the tone and the time; he's also got the taste -- if he errs, it's maybe by being too tasteful and careful, but on the other hand when he takes a solo 9 times out of 10 he's got something original and interesting to say, where a lot of perpetrators do nothing but string together bits you've heard before.

The common denominator among the good guys is they swing - Gregg, Canned Heat, Tull v.1. Can't define the swing any better than the man defined pornography ("I know it when I see it") but it does raise a question . . . .

The Band (of course) swings like crazy . . . and (Mr. Rebennack's observation) that their pocket was somewhere mid-way between New Orleans and Memphis tailoring has more than a little to do with this. But they seldom called a blues and when they did, it didn't. I'm wondering if it has something to do with: when I think of a (standard bar band) blues, the rhythm section is all stomping on that same beat; the drama comes from the singer / harp player / guitaristo stretching over / around / under / through that foundation. What I hear from The Band is more often a sort of collective shared concept of "the beat" that's tossed from one player to another - it's well understood, so there's no need to be blatant about it, it lives there somewhere in between the grace notes, digressions, mini-solos and sidebar conversations; you won't map it by following the drummer's right foot. Perhaps this approach and the blues don't coexist easily . . . for some reason I think of Little Feat here, much blues-based but with something of that negotiable time sense . . . .

Entered at Thu Apr 5 22:15:35 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Web: My link

Subject: For Bill M

Bill, buddy - sorry if you've seen it already - as you know there is precious little footage of Mr Fantasy-era Traffic, so gird your loins, pull up a fireside chair, forgive the overall quality and enjoy this clip of the title track and (one of my favourite moments of the LP) "Giving To You" from the underground happening "Christmas On Earth Continued" 1967. Mason on bass and Wood on organ on the title cut, and then Winwood on organ and bass pedals and Mason/Wood on their more familiar instruments for Giving To You.

Note that the intro of the second cut sticks to the fairly sober introduction that the UK single version (B side of Paper Sun) featured rather than all the group pitching in to recreate that "See this town, baby some day it can all be yours!....but I mean...jazz" vocal collage that the LP versions had (different ones for mono and stereo, mind! There are at least three versions of that track!).

Entered at Thu Apr 5 21:51:41 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: You know, mine coulda been 2007 too, though it feels like I've owned it much longer. I just did a thorough check, or as thorough as these aging eyes can manage with all that eeny-weeny CD printing, and couldn't find a date anywhere (except in the references to '67 and '68). At any rate, that was a great bargain at three pounds and change. You get to hear "Mr Fantasy" and its magical guitar solo twice without having to hit replay.

As for blues, I have told more than one person that the very best CD ever made (in any genre) is volume 14 in the Rhino Blues Masters series, "More Jump Blues". 'More' is a key word; the first "Jump Blues" (around #5 in the Rhino series) is very good, but #14 is a must-have. I think of jump blues as a deep and beautiful lake that is made even more interesting when you consider both the tributaries that fed it and the separate news streams that flowed from it.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 21:16:12 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Kevin/Al, Jeff, Peter

Kevin/Al: I thank you. Not remotely offended at not being on the Canadian doo-dad nominations, as have absolutely no links there whatsoever. Were it the Thames Ditton, Esher & Elmbridge Roots Music Hall of Fame, I might be a little miffed, mind. I think Richard Briers and Penelope Keith present the gongs there, this year.

Jeff: I did indeed start my reliably seasonal rant about how overrated our own late sixties blooze boom was, with my predictable "turgid" and "lumpen" buzzwords. But I see what Peter means about Canned Heat; they alone appear to have all the natural swing of an English band, and whether that makes them endearing is I guess a matter of taste. I like some songs "Sic 'Em Pigs On You" was always good fun and own one LP "Hallelujah". Couldn't face that live version of Refried Hockey Boogie (or whatever it was) now. No sirree!

The posting this past week or so has been really absorbing and an education as folks with real insight and an awful lot to offer have been coaxed into revealing some of it. I look forward to more of the same.

Oh okay then I'll be honest. I look forward to more Bruce discussions. LOL

:-0)

Entered at Thu Apr 5 19:19:16 CEST 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Posted by:

Bob F.

Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Web: My link

Subject: Link to Bonnie Raitt's New CD

Bonnie Raitt's new cd Slipstream can be heard on NPR's First Listen. I'm loving this record.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 19:13:51 CEST 2012 from (217.5.150.254)

Posted by:

JTull Fan

Subject: Thick As A Brick 2

David, today was a rare day in that i decided to lurk out here and saw your nod to me. Ironically I just got TAAB2 in the mail today and it is much better than I hoped. IA and Marin Barre have had a falling out and although Jethro Tull is not officially split up, both are solo now and TAAB2 is officially by 'Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson'. If you like, email me at kobathecat@comcast.net and I can send you my facebook info and you can friend me, assuming you have an account yourself.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 19:00:01 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Subject: Hooker 'n Heat

Before Alan Wilson's death in 1970, Canned Heat recorded a double-LP set with John Lee Hooker approriately entitled "Hooker 'n Heat". At the time it helped bring Mr. Hooker, who had greatly influenced Canned Heat, to the attention of a younger audience.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 18:55:39 CEST 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

Posted by:

mike h

"When The Band was doing their thing in Woodstock out at Big Pink, Rick Danko was once quoted as saying, “When people were stacking up Marshall amps and blowing out their ear drums, The Band was down in the basement at Big Pink trying to get a balance. It wasn’t about one person trying to blow the others away, it was about trying to play together and find an economical common ground.”

Entered at Thu Apr 5 18:48:49 CEST 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Kevin and Clapton

Are your feelings about EC based on all eras of his work or are you referring to a particular period of his long career? And,any discussion of great British blues players can't omit Jack Bruce,although he's superb bass player,piano player,and singer in more than blues music.

Entered at Thu Apr 5 18:36:51 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Location: Nordic Countries

Subject: British blues

PutEmUp(Friend0, Canned Heat worked together with John Mayall and had - in my ears - more British than American sound. On the other hand, _you_ sound more Finnish than American also :-)

Entered at Thu Apr 5 17:01:45 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Web: My link

Subject: Shangri-La

In 2004 Mark Knopfler recorded an album by the same name at Shangri-La. The limited edition version of that release included a bonus DVD which included footage from the recording sessions (see link).

Bill M: As I mentioned recently, the rejected first set of "Stage Fright" mixes prepared by Glyn Johns have already been released on CD, albeit inadvertently, by Capitol and the DCC reissue label. Both Glyn Johns and Todd Rundgren did two sets of mixes working from the original studio multi-track tapes. Would anyone but die-hard fans be willing to spend the higher price for a multi-disc box set containing all the mixes?

Entered at Thu Apr 5 16:58:30 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Here, there and everywhere:

* Bands have been voted in to the Canada Walk of Fame. Voting for the Band is the most sensible way to get Rick, Garth and Richard in as none of them achieved any measurable level of fame in Canada individually.………Also calls to Canada Post for a Band stamp would be a worthwhile gesture.

* A few rules to live by………if an aging athlete arrives to a camp at the beginning of any season in any sport and announces that they are “in the best shape of my career”…………Stick a fork in them as they are done and take that to the bank 100% of the time………………….If “White” is put in front of any form of music……it’s not worth listening to – simple as that………………The .Beatles were not called “white rock”…….Eminem is not called “White Rap” ( Vanilla Ice is as is Kid Rock ), Richard Manuel does not have “white soul” for christsakes….he had SOUL – period end of story.

Subject: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood …

Assuming you know House of The Rising Sun backward and forwards by Eric Burdon, then try Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood for dessert. And any Animals LPs for blues covers.

I think the finding material point is the important one on Jackie Lomax … I found the Apple single of Sour Milk Sea last month (written by George). Lomax was a George Harrison signing and was backed on his Apple album by Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Klaus Voorman.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 23:31:36 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

I'll bet you that you wouldn't like Gary Moore. I don't know why, but I feel pretty sure from your comments on Jagger and Clapton. If you regard (e,g.) Son House or Blind Willie McTell to Clapton as a divide, then double it between Clapton and Gary Moore.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 23:29:01 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Al / Kevin / another four penn'orth from yours truly

Al: When I said Burdon, I was referring to people of national success. The Animals and The Stones, Peter's two significant offerings from the pre-67 "revival revival" and more from the beat group era...(I'll even flatter you here) a la Mersey. (Now I'll get my own back). I believe that unless you went to see the house band at Bootle boys club (or similar) Jackie Lomas would n'est have meant shit pas? That was my point - of the UK 1963-65ish "Hitmakers" I would say Burdon wins the vocal prize.

Funnily enough, Al: one thing I do have about Peter Green - as i do of Hendrix - is what a beautiful singing voice he had and how it is a shame this is often overlooked in favour of seeing them as nothing but a plank-spanker.

Kevin: In answer to your question about Gary Moore being the best blueser...and "what does it all mean?", the answer is simple: the guy on the train AND your buddies in Eindhoven lied to you. ;-)

Now one thing that always bears fruit as a theory is that the grass is always greener. For me (and considering there is a school of thought that reckons UK white boys played better blues than their white USA counterparts) the best white blues guitarist of the sixties is Mike Bloomfield. And funnily enough, Zal Yanovsky: I don't think that in 1965 Britain had offered anything more impressive than The Lovin Spoonful's "Night Owl Blues" with some great guitar from Zal and also some beautifully articulate harp from John Sebastian.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 23:26:59 CEST 2012 from (68.164.6.115)

Posted by:

p.s. tour of Flanders:

Joan you're right, I've tried cycling a little up hill ones, it kills you.

Jan, Edvald Hagen is indeed a talented man I heard, maybe next time (wasn't he in the first group escape ahead?)

Entered at Wed Apr 4 22:20:44 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

Apropos of little, I was in LA last week and stopped outside of Shangri La. It really is a beautiful location up from Zuma Beach and really easy to find. I did think of how odd it was that the Band would move from the green leaves of Woodstock to the sunny climes of Malibu. But a few days later I was driving through the Hollywood Hills and thought it equally weird that they recorded most of the Brown Album there.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 20:08:46 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Subject: The Blues

The Blues is a lot like sex appeal……some have it….some, no matter how hard they try just do not. Take Demi Moore, she wanted so badly to be sexy….publicist after publicist would find just the right magazine cover photo shoot from little clothing, to no clothing to full body paint…….culminating in a movie called Striptease which confirmed beyomd any doubt that no sex appeal existed………Why? She had the looks, everything was in the right place and in tip-top shape but yet nothing……….An Ellen Barkin never made an effort and was without any of the sex marketing machinery – yet it oozed from her………………..The Blues is like this, if you can learn to play an instrument, someone can teach you to play the Blues……but unless it is in you and most importantly, unless you can transmit the Blues to the bones of the listeners then it’s not the Blues.

Bless his heart, Mick Jagger and many others tried but it really was only a first step to where they were all going. I never believed his “y’all” and I never felt the blues when listening to his efforts. A perfect rock n roll frontman and one of the great rock stars of all time – no doubt……………Clapton is another that studied the blues and wanted so badly to play the blues but I also never – not for one second – ever felt the blues from him. A beautiful elegant guitar player but not an authentic blues player at all………………………..al that said, sometimes we just have to accept that people take their influences from geography or upbringing…………….some French guys no doubt feel Johnny Hallyiday IS rock n roll and to them maybe he is……….I was travelling by train in Holland last November……..a guy on the train noticing my guitar asked me if I liked the blues/played the blues…….”Sure” I answered and he then said “Ah, Gary Moore……best blues guy ever”………………………..I got to Eindhoven and mentioned this to my friends and they replied “Ah Gary Moore, best blues guy ever!” or something that that effect” I don’t think I have ever heard any of his stuff – so what does it all mean……..

Entered at Wed Apr 4 17:24:12 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Wow

Thanks again Dave. Didn't know that. Just a few seconds into that clip and you're thinking to yourself "I'd recognise that drumming anywhere". I'll go back now and home in on the bass. Hopefully some Rick harmony too.

So then - belated Jackie Lomax Band link.

:-0)

Entered at Wed Apr 4 17:12:03 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Subject: Ha ha

Nobody mentioned this was three card brag!!

:-0)

Entered at Wed Apr 4 16:38:34 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

I'll raise you one Steve Marriott … and a Van Morrison and Chris Farlowe for three of a kind.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 16:24:12 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Best British vocalist

No question huh Rob?

:-0)

Okay then, I'll take your Geordie Eric burdon and raise you a scouse Jackie Lomax [linked]

Entered at Wed Apr 4 16:17:04 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Web: My link

Subject: Vinyl Siding; Peter Green

Apropos with current discussion, lately I've been listening to Sundazed's recent mono LP reissue of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers' 1967 album "A Hard Road". For me, Peter Green's stellar fretwork on the two instrumental tracks, his original "The Supernatural" (link) and Freddie King's "The Stumble", are the highlights of the album.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 16:09:25 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Jane Mayall

Ha ha - made me howl NWc.

:-0)

Entered at Wed Apr 4 16:08:33 CEST 2012 from (84.92.203.141)

Posted by:

Location: Camp Granada

Subject: The Animals

The Animals were a major band here. As for influence, Baby Let Me Take You Home (UK 21) and House of The Rising Sun (UK 1 in 1964, UK 11 in 1982) from the first Dylan LP, bounced back as an influence on Dylan. To the Guinness Book of Hit Singles next to my desk as ever … I’m Crying (UK 8), Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (UK 3), Bring It On Home To Me (UK 7), We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place (UK 2), It’s My Life (UK 7), Inside looking Out (UK 12), Don’t Bring Me Down (UK 6), Help Me Girl (UK 14).

The Eric Burdon & The Animals version (with Zoot Money) were bigger in the USA I think, and they were based in the USA and hardly appeared here. Good Times (UK 20), San Franciscan Nights (UK 7), then Sky Pilot (UK 40), Ring of Fire (UK 35). The last really does lend itself to some Deadhead style jokes.

Then you have the Alan Price Set with four Top Ten singles, including The House That Jack Built for a John Simon connection. And then you have Chas Chandler discovering and managing Jimi Hendrix, then Slade, among the biggest-sellers here in the early 70s.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 14:16:36 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: A Big Oy

I certainly await some ill fate for confusing Alan Sherman (Hello Mudda,Hello Fadda) with Norman Greenbaum ( Spirit inthe Sky). Recognition, while brushing my teeth just now, almost included injury.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 14:03:04 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Clapton is an odd case - noone knows but him, and if he has a shrink, or team of shrinks, the shrink (s) may know. But there is blues in Clapton - and a strictly musical assessment is it seems as if the man has done his best to deny them their full access for an exceptionally long time now. Truly not fair to speculate, and without a grant to support me locking myself ina room with a stereo and a pile of recordings, not about to go into this in depth. I've never read his book, so, there is no connection to that document here.

Mick Taylor-when he plays hard blues, there's no question.

there is a difference between technical proficiency and real that you can hear.And once blues takes root,there is no exorcism. there is denial, and there is avoidance. Someone can make a blues record, and still avoid the blues.

Kinda funny, i was about to write Mick Jagger and the Stones are the real thing in one of my earlier posts, and forgot to. But i agree with Peter. the Stones were a great blues band, still could be. And for all his offputting ways,Jagger sings for real blues, and plays some bad ass harp.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 12:42:00 CEST 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Posted by:

Brien Sz

Were the Animals bigger in England than the U.S. I just don't recall them being a big thing here. They had two hits from what I recall (and my recollection is based on radio play). Unlike other bands from that era I remember reading about in Creem and other rock mags, I don't recall them being a big thing - I'm sure they were at the time of the hits but as for lasting power in the consciousness of rock minds (at least my awareness of it) in the mid to late 70's, they were not a powerhouse band. I don't ever recall anyone putting them in a Top 10 of anything and I don't ever remember my friends listening to them or their older siblings listening to them outside of the radio.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 12:21:57 CEST 2012 from (74.59.199.34)

Posted by:

Landmark

Location: Montreal

Here is one to think about. While following the Traffic thread, I realize that John Barleycorn is a rarity in that every one of its tracks (albeit there are only six) still get played on classic rock radio and streams. Not too many albums can claim that distinction.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 10:26:49 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Terrific posts from Jeff and PV

You've certainly unleashed some quality posting Rob. Nice one mate.

:-0)

Entered at Wed Apr 4 10:04:58 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Yer Blues

I’m going to pull you up on the Animals and The Stones, Rob. I don’t think any British band has done blues better than the Stones, and you are sentenced to a day with the first two albums on constant replay. They understood the necessary “lurch”, and Mick Jagger is the only Englishman who can say “y’all” to the audience on stage without appearing a tosser. “Little Red Rooster” is as good as a white guy gets doing the blues. The Animals, while maybe only Burdon and Price are in the first division musically, did have one of the great white blues singers.

The thing is authentic blues is a bit ramshackle and indeed “weedy” in sound. The British guys were faced with an issue. Most of the American bluesmen turned up solo, for financial and Musician’s Union reasons. The earliest wave, late 50s, were backed by trad jazzers like Chris Barber, who actually made a very good job of it judging by the recent CDs, though trombone and clarinet are mildly surprising additions. Then they used British pick up bands. Both John Lee Hooker and Chuck Berry often used semi-pro bands as £20 was about what they were willing to pay. A friend, while still semi-pro, backed John Lee and said you had two possibilities. Try to follow, or try to lead. Following was extremely hard as John Lee had no concept of a key, used his own tuning and never played a twelve bar, just an 11.5 or a 13 as the mood took him. They say Sonny Boy was much the same. My friend’s band made the mistake of trying to play sympathetically and follow.

John Lee’s popularity meant he got a better class of band quite quickly, notably The Groundhogs, and later Savoy Brown. They eradicated the problem by playing a loud mechanical 12 bar which the singer was forced to follow, because it wasn’t “weedy” but loud with the then recent improvements in amplification. The relentless 12 bar is the hallmark of the British blues band in the late 60s. The stupid thing is, when I saw John Lee, he did three songs in the middle without the band and was fantastic. He should have just gone out on his own. I saw a lot of bluesmen, and the reason why Muddy Waters was head and shoulders above everyone is partly that he was most unusual in bringing his own band.

Going to Fleetwood Mac, they were major purveyors. McVie and Fleetwood later turned this hugely solid rhythm section into a virtue in the mid-70s Buckingham-Nicks band, but then they had decent tunes to work with. I agree with Al … Oh, Well, Green Manalishi, Albatross, Man of The World are all magnificent performances … but there was one hell of a lot of mechanical 12 bar round that, especially live. As I said in the earlier post about the Eddie Boyd / Fleetwood Mac single, Peter Green’s playing is transcendant on both sides. Beautiful stuff, but take away Peter Green, and back then you had another efficient, profiing blues outfit.

I agree with Jeff on John Mayall. The Mark Almond drummerless / acoustic guitars version were incredible. I saw them twice in quick succession. That was the best band Mayall ever put together … I’m including The Bluesbreakers, who were also in a different class to the mainstream. That goes back to the point … when Mayall developed that line-up, he deliberately went out way quieter than the bands around him … one reason for eradicating the drummer. So it contrasted to the relentless way most of the bands approached the blues.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 05:56:00 CEST 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

Posted by:

PutEmUp(Friend0

Interesting article Serenity. I hope that Neil is able to present us with the technology that he wishes to. what is available in digital files today still makes me feel like crying.

I was hoping the article was actually about trademarking... trademarkign has me hung up,,i have a pile of stuff i want to do that i know i need to get trademarks for... evey time i try to figure it out,i'm quickly lost. Copyrights are no big deal to figure out.... and fact is,most entertainment attorneys i;'ve dealt with don't knwo what the fuck they are doing with them. i either figured em out on my own, or with the help of a copyright examiner- i;m talking projects, not individuals.. individual ones were common sense, 1,2,3 read the directions,,,

trademarksa re a whole nother story, confusing as hell, and , yes,i;ve tried discussing them with attorneys, and it got me nowhere. the two i talked to did not do a great job of making me feel comfortable that they knew just what to do and why or could explain it t me...... i got a feeling that trademarks are a very very deep well of pay to play, learn by burn, attorney's bonanza....

I know what you mean in broad terms but for me your sort of broader hindsight perspective doesn't quite capture the unique intrinsic nuances of an artist who might well have become something truly special had it not been for the demons that destroyed him.

Also let's not forget around 1968 just how massive they were in the UK.

But Fleetwood mac per se is not my point. Peter Greeen is the point and that kind of glib way you seem to talk of his emotion and sensitivity as an artist kind of worries me. For me that is the key to the true stature of any artist. If it's not within them. If they aren't truly in touch with the music that inspires them then they don't stand out. And for me Peter green certainly stood out from the crowd back then. not simply his all round talent as an outstanding songwriter, guitarist and vocalist but more for the sort of inner musical integrity he brought to the table.

I do firmly believe he was a real Mccoy. A huge talent in a sort of Richard Manuel way. The music was simpy within him. It was an organic, almost spiritual thing. Like it was with Richard. The music he did turn out testifies to that. Yes, there was a significant element of what he presided over that did appear to cling somewhat anachronistically to that purist blues stream you speak of but for me his work such as Oh Well parts 1 and 2, manalishi and man of the World point to a future that promised to be so rich - before chemicals put a premature end to it.

Maybe we'll have to agree to disagree on this one Rob. But for me Greeny if not already a proven musical giant was certainly one in the making before his intrinsic human flaws as distinct from any artistic shortcomings saw him hit the wall.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 02:24:28 CEST 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Posted by:

Serenity

Web: My link

Subject: Beatles' kids

Hi. Interesting link on the offsprings' of the Beatles. Some look like their parents!!

Hope everyone is safe in Texas?

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Wed Apr 4 01:55:12 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Al re: Fleetwood Mac

Al, I think Peter would agree with this, but in any case I'll say it: though Peter Green was a very fluid and emotional player, his band were almost singlehandedly responsible for British R&B stagnating due to their success and legion of cover acts that followed.

Though the guitar playing was great, and the whole thing has raised its game a bit accuracy-wise and material wise over the Stones/Animals days of weak, twangy Bo/Chuck/Jimmy Reed covers, this was a backward step. In the early sixties there were bands that started out playing blues covers and then learned to write songs and moved on. Jagger/Richards (or Nanker/Phelge for the discerning) were locked in a room until they wrote a hit, and then went to become rather good at it. We have seen, therefore, a British R&B that made some progress and a new rock was created. Likewise Cream - came out of the Mayall (yawn) "purist" stable and within 6 months, I Feel Free was born.

Peter Green left the Mayall band and put one together that relied on minor blues songs to show the lead guitar off, and Elmore James covers for the prat that played bottleneck, and Elvis piano songs (for the prat that played bottleneck and basic piano) and.....it would be ages before something original and different came along. Albatross appeared in 1968, but you still had albums of covers or near-cover 12 bars. We'd moved on from that as far back as The Last Time, no? This opinion is, granted, from someone who wasn't there. But I've been playing organ in bands for many years and I promise you that some places audiences are so sodding backward you STILL can't get a reaction if you dare to try something that departs from the 12-bar format, 1967 style...honestly!

Entered at Wed Apr 4 01:41:06 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Peter and Adam

Peter: I am aware of that! The mere mention of Blossom Toes in the same sentence as any turgidity without "how different" or "a far cry" etc was enough to flag the auto sense check up! A pox on British blues, just to be sure... Adam: send me your email address to rob no space millis no space seventy four (in numbers) at "mail which is the opposite of cold", dorothy (shortened) com

Entered at Wed Apr 4 01:37:45 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Web: My link

Subject: Fleetwod mac - shite?????????????????

Not sure which version of Fleetwood mac you meant but whatever the blues is/was I'd say Peter Green [link] had it within him more than any other Englishman.

Entered at Wed Apr 4 01:17:20 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Great review, Adam … but the accolades are there. GH and LH!

Entered at Wed Apr 4 00:36:04 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Wanna play the blues so bad and they do

There are many suspects … The Animals, The Yardbirds and Manfred Mann all backed Sonny Boy Williamson. As posted here, Paul Jones admitted on his Blues show that it was probably Manfred Mann he meant, who had a major row withSonny Boy over the definition of "twelve bars.'

BUT looking for stuff on that Marmalade (LABEL) sampler, it turns out that Blossom Toes (perhaps as The Ingoes) also backed Sonny Boy Williamson in the UK.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 23:24:53 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Adam

Congrats on that piece and seeing the gig! I too (with PV and Roger W) saw GH a few years back and it is something to shout about! Funny seeing him on a B3, isn't it! The absolute quality choice when hiring an organ, for sure, but just so...odd seeing Garth behind a Hammond!

Entered at Tue Apr 3 23:06:44 CEST 2012 from (99.141.44.192)

Web: My link

Subject: Lovely Green Stat as well as stealing the show..........what a talent!

Entered at Tue Apr 3 22:40:29 CEST 2012 from (92.238.33.140)

Posted by:

RTO

Subject: Kevin, David P, Peter V

Kevin: I got a lot of flak for not liking Steely Dan much here once. I thought I'd remedy it by taking some Fagan influence in how long it takes to make an album! Love the Joni quip - me and my mates all used to go "oooh!" and make handbag gestures whenever that bit of the Isle of Wight film came up!

David P: I like Alone Together too, and several of his earlier Traffic moments such as You Can All Join In, Don't Be Sad etc...but was disappointed a couple of years ago when Mason was interviewed and STILL bitching about Traffic. I did post about it on here...will dig through. Imagine him and Dave Davies in the same band.....no, actually don't, it's too horrible to contemplate. As for the Allmans tune, yes indeed - it opens their first LP and in very fine style too. I always think that it is the polar opposite of what we'd have served up over here - ie a turgid, lumpen groove complete with Stan Webb imitating Hylda Baker or similar. "Those Brits want to play the blues so bad...and they do!". The Allmans opening medley is a fine piece of work.

Peter: With you 101% on the recent Winwood output being marred slightly by all that sodding percussion. A little extra percussion goes a long way, as the saying goes...and a long way away is the best place for it! Didn't mind Reebop in Traffic much (though he was sacked for over playing) despite not liking GSL '71 style (Gimme Some Bucket) workout as I so daintily said earlier, but stuff like 40,000 Headmen came to life. But let us hark back to the nineties where every major gig was hi-jacked by Ray F@@king Cooper and turned into the Ray F@@king Cooper show. A pox on him.

At least two mates of mine say they'd have liked Santana if it was just "a good guitar and organ band" and "all the conga players and tin can rattlers sodded off".

Entered at Tue Apr 3 22:06:31 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Yonge St Video

Bill it still doesn't work here. How did your friend get access?

Entered at Tue Apr 3 22:02:13 CEST 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Posted by:

Joan

Subject: Hockey

With all this"hockey talk" I was just missing Steve...

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:59:48 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

I can remember back in their early days the Allman Brothers Band used to perform an instrumental version of the Spencer Davis Group's "Don't Want You No More" that segued into "Not My Cross To Bear".

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:51:49 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Here again, a year later, is a link to the Yonge Street Rock and Roll Stories documentary that aired in Canada only. I had the impression that the website was geocoded so that people outside Canada couldn't see it, but a friend in NJ tells me he's seen it a number of times. The link is to the first of three parts, each maybe 45 minutes long, with cuts where commercials were inserted. For the Band fan, the third-best feature is a live clip of the Hawks with Hawkins onstage (London, Ontario, I believe), the second-best feature is a modern-day Robbie telling stories about the old days, and the very best feature is a very young Robbie playing with Levon in what appears to be a basement - but was really a dancehall - BEFORE he was even in the Hawks. The same clip appears several times, included about 5 seconds in, as the introductory credits roll.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:43:02 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Subject: With the Sweater saga now over and in the spirit of...

“Time Flies”….I believe it was a year ago this Thursday that RR released “How to Become Clairvoyant”…….and with RTO now entering Robertsonian territory with work on his new recording…….bets are being taken on the release date of the Robbie Robertson biography…………..will it be:

a) Before or after RTO’s 2nd album

b) Before or after Jeff finally turns those phrases dropped about tin that long delayed date with an old flame into a hit record.

c) Before or after Bob Dylan has turned out 5 new albums and is nearing the end of Chronicles 7

d) Before or after lovely Joni really blows a fuse and declares everyone in rock n roll except her to be a fraud

On a serious note, listened to Garth Hudson’s “Celebration of the Band” recording yesterday in the car……first time in a long while and oh what an album………………..Is there another example in music where an annoying/almost turgid song like “The Moon Struck One” is turned into a thing of beauty the way Raine Maida does? Garth sounds great throughout as well………Give it another listen folks….

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:36:33 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Pity, Pat. It's blocked in the UK by "either UMG or EMI."

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:32:46 CEST 2012 from (68.164.6.115)

Posted by:

Pat B

Web: My link

As long as we're here. GSL has an interesting history. The original single had neither the chorus, organ, nor piano, and has a different vocal. The release here has the organ, a new vocal, but no big chorus--only a small one at the end. The final version has the same organ track, a new piano track, more percussion courtesy the roadies and future members of Traffic, Wood and Capaldi, a new lead vocal and the big chorus. Jimmy Miller magic no doubt.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:32:20 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

The link above starts with a paragraph or two about a reasonably obscure recording by Dave Mason. Mason or not, the story's an intersting wander touching on Billy Joel's early solo career (Merryweather played bass on the "Piano Man" demo, for example), Richard Bell, Kal David and tons of others.

NWC: Note the mentions and photos of Timo Laine.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:06:09 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Subject: Dave Mason

A Band link would be that John Simon played on Dave Mason's "Alone Together" album. That LP is one of my all-time favorites. Still have my original copy of the record, pressed on marbled, multi-colored vinyl.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 21:02:35 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: Keep On running

There are many versions on YouTube, but i think Stevie miming to the original single wins. Linked.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 20:50:11 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter, I believe you are correct. Which reminds me. What did the Deadhead say when he ran out of acid? This band sucks.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:56:04 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Ha ha

Nice spot Pat.

Actually, though, although I was silph like back then [still am from certain angles and in a certain light hmmph - well okay in pitch darkness :-0)] my dancing is more like the guy with the beard at 3.19 - 3.23. Mind you, I can't vouch for the Poole sex on legs mover groover next to me.

:-0)

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:54:07 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Thanks Pat. Gotta admire their elfin exuberance. And was that Joan at 2:48-50? As for the music, I expecially liked Jim Capaldi's big moment at the mike at 3:07; not quite as good as Rick's big moment with Dylan in Manchester, getting to sing "behiiind" on "One Too Many Mornings", but at least in the same vein.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:53:20 CEST 2012 from (68.164.6.115)

Posted by:

Pat B

Odd, since I distinctly recall screaming, "Beware those damn Le Habs sweaters" before Lemaire let loose.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:51:17 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

I didn't know you'd warmed up the camera for Watkins Glen at Glastonbury, Pat. Yes, that might be me wearing the curtain before I had the operation. The comment below that David Mason seemed uninvolved is an understatement. It's a bastard in a band when everyone's really getting off except some bugger's sulking about something. But do you know, now I look at that video, it strikes me that some of these people might have been taking drugs.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:40:30 CEST 2012 from (68.164.6.115)

Posted by:

Pat B

Web: My link

As we all know here, Peter V was seen dancing in the Band video taken from Wembley, 1974. Well we got lucky again, only this time it's Peter with Al Edge. Check out 2:26-2:39 on this one.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:31:52 CEST 2012 from (70.53.45.108)

Posted by:

Kevin J

Web: My link

Subject: Pat B

I’d like to think that as Jacques Lemaire was crossing centre ice and winding up for that slapshot in 1971 ( with Chicago on verge of winning the 7th game of Stanley Cup finals ) the Hockey Gods had a little meeting……….they no doubt foresaw that as Canada continued to share its game with the world that many of the new converts would blatantly disregard some traditions like the very name of garments worn by players when the game was invented….they understood this was inevitable……..they also knew well that this had nothing to do with Canadian English and USA English…..they even knew that hundreds of years from now if Canada somehow got control of the American Civil War Re-enactment industry that Canadians ( some anyhow ) would care enough to not change the name of uniforms or weapons used in these exercises……………The Gods only had a second or two to mull this all over and decided that the 95ft shot would beat Tony Esposito……..The Canadiens would go on to win the game and 8 more Stanley Cups before the curse of the Blackhawks would be broken.

Rocking Chair: I remember that Jonathan-Bouchard fight well as it was the only fight Pierre Bouchard ever lost in his career with the Habs……..Bouchard was actually winning and throwing some of the best straight rights you will see in a hockey fight…….the turning point was when Jonathan switched hands and started throwing lefts…..he clocked Bouchard with one and broke his nose………ended Bouchard’s stay with the team and effectively his career……………..A bit of hockey trivia………Don Cherry protected the name for years but for those who care, in the famous May 1979 “Too many men on the ice” game where Boston pretty much had the game and series wrapped up until that penalty allowed the great Guy Lafleur goal on the power play……………the 6th skater was Stan Jonathan………….See Hockey Gods above………………I now fear that the Habs are under a curse from the hockey Gods for moving from Atwater and Closse…..shame on Ronald Corey.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:23:05 CEST 2012 from (82.42.122.89)

Posted by:

Al Edge

Subject: Stevie W's vocals

Yeah. Got to go with that. I love his vocals full stop and in this restaurant we used to go each Saturday night the owner used to love him and would have on The Arc of A Diver every time. Didn't have to fork out for the album. :-0)

Beautiful refined vocals, probably technically perfect but never gave me the shivers down the spine like when you'd hear - or still do hear - that unique piercing rawness of the young Winwood belting out those Spencer Davis 3 minute classics.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 18:22:14 CEST 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Bill, three were only the ones I discussed Cream with. I rarely talked about Cream.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 17:30:28 CEST 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

Posted by:

David P

Web: My link

Subject: Steve Winwood

I've always been a big fan of Steve Winwood & Traffic. Got to see the group several times in the late '60s & early '70s, including the tour with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Link above to Mr. Winwood performing "Back in the High Life". Featured in the video on organ & background vocals is Georgia musician Randall Bramblett, who has also worked with both Robbie & Levon. He's also an incredible sax player and singer/songwriter. His song "Use To Rule The World" is the opening cut on Bonnie Raitt's soon-to-be-released new album "Slipstream". You can listen to Ms. Raitt's new release in its entirety for free at NPR.

Entered at Tue Apr 3 17:16:34 CEST 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: Bully for you - three girlfriends fighting for your favour. No wonder they had no time to pay attention to mere pop stars like Cream.

As for peripherality, that's something else that's in the eye of the beholder. I'd rather be stuck in a room with Traffic's post-Barleycorn catalogue than Clapton's post-Layla oeuvre. It's nice that Robbie brought both Clapton and Winwood in for the Clairvoyant sessions; I think the latter's playing and singing are the very finest elements of what is a fine album throughout.

[The rest of the entries from April 1-3 lost due to server failure]

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