The Band Guestbook, February 2012

Entered at Wed Feb 29 20:43:15 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

TIM: Davy Jones has passed. What a sad thing this is.May he RIP.

Davy Jones of the Monkees has died of an apparent heart attack at age 66. The singer – who had been on a solo tour this month - complained of chest pains last evening and was admitted to a hospital this morning in Stuart Florida.

Jones was born in Manchester, England and started acting as a child, though he got his big break in 1965 when he joined The Monkees. The group had a hugely successful television series, and a slew of hit songs in the late 1960s. At their peak in 1967 they sold more records than the Beatles.

Jones played tambourine and was the lead vocalist on "Daydream Believer," "I Wanna Be Free" and many other classics. The group split in 1971, though they reunited many times over the past forty years. They toured last summer for the first time in nearly a decade, but it was called short because of what Monkees guitarist Peter Tork called a "glitch."

Rolling Stone will have more information as it becomes available.

I have their hits CD, and play it often. Love to hear him sing, "Daydream Believer" Great song by a great artist.

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

My condolences also to the following:

A powerful storm system that produced multiple reports of tornadoes lashed the Midwest early Wednesday, roughing up the country music resort city of Branson and laying waste to small towns in Illinois and Kansas. At least 13 people were killed.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxox

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Tim

Subject: Davy Jones

Just heard he died this morning. RIP.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 18:24:45 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Feb 29 18:19:24 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Attached link to what may not be the best version of Bessie but certainly the best looking one - besides I like it.

Chelsea Hotel......Yes Todd, me too and what a handsome building it is......I was there a few months back and note that there is now a plaque to L. Cohen very prominently displayed at the front door with some of the lyrics to the song.....

Entered at Wed Feb 29 17:57:10 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I'd agree that it's complicated, and I reckon it's likely there are bits done at different times. We do know when it was written and given to the Traums, but that's not necessarily the date of the Band recording. I'd assume they felt justified in calling it "basement" because the origins are back then (roughly). If the existing recording were simply a Cahoots session left-over, then they were completely mad not to use it. It would have been one of the best tracks on there, if not the best track and most obvious single. My guess is earlier recording, considerably improved in 1975.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 16:55:14 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

John D: I still listen to & enjoy that great LP by the Traums.

Of course Robbie further muddied the water when he included a reworked version of the Bessie recording on the "official" Basement Tapes album in 1975, It was later included on the AMH box set with the track notes indicating that it was recorded "Probably in late 1968 -- unknown studio" with John Simon producing. We do know that Mr. Simon did not work on Band sessions after the first two albums, with some confusion over the extent of his involvement on "Stage Fright".

Entered at Wed Feb 29 16:49:10 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Subject: The "Ulster 300."

Recently popped up pic of the "Ulster (NY) 300" from approximately '85. The assemblance of many cool musicians, including Paul Butterfield (front row ctr), Peter Yarrow (kneeling 3rd from right), Govt Mule's Danny Louis (2nd row far right - w/ hair :)) & The Band's Randy Ciarlante (2nd row 3rd from right).

Entered at Wed Feb 29 16:37:16 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

David I remember buying that 1st album; by the Traums; just for that song. Later I bought the Japanese import 2fer CD compilation; of both albums.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 16:34:27 CET 2012 from (108.199.119.76)

Todd

Subject: Bessie

I'd agree, based on things that Levon has said, Artie Traum has said, and Robbie has said, that the song predates Cahoots by quite a bit, but the real question is when was it recorded.

John Simon has made reference to testing out a studio.....could it have been an early Bearsville recording? It's general sound does sound more like a Music From Big Pink era performance, much as 'Katie's Been Gone' does. It will be interesting to hear what NUX comes up with, but I'm open to the possibility that it was actually recorded closer to Cahoots and muddied up for the Official basement Tapes release.

Are there any indications that they performed it live back in the early days as they did with 'Ain't No More Cane'

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David P

Entered at Wed Feb 29 16:06:20 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Evidence shows that the song originated years earlier than the recording of "Cahoots" in 1971, possibly in late 1968. Happy and Artie Traum learned the song from Rick & Robbie and recorded it as "Going Down the Road to See Bessie" on their eponymous Capitol debut album in 1969.

A version recorded earlier by The Band was included as a bonus cut on the remastered CD version of "Cahoots" merely because Robbie thought it would fit better there.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 15:57:25 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Feb 29 14:13:42 CET 2012 from (108.199.119.76)

Todd

Kevin, That gave me a chuckle...to be mentioned in the same breath as Janis and Lenny is somewhat flattering...even given the context. For the record, I've walked by the Chelsea Hotel, but never actually been inside.

NUX, I look forward to your thoughts on 'Bessie Smith' (one of my favorites), and I also think it's likely that it's from the Cahoots era.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 12:01:24 CET 2012 from (41.162.7.114)

NUX

I Have been listening intensely to this song and am now almost certain it is a Cahoots outtake.Some might chuckle but I will elaborate on it later.Just have to find a way to convince all Band fans that this is indeed so.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 04:00:50 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Leonard Cohen

I was wrong, He only lived on Mt. Baldy for five years from 1994- He just lives in LA now.

Entered at Wed Feb 29 01:41:03 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: Johnny Cash tributes,etc

Hi guys!! Thought those who don't buy Rolling Stone mag, might like this page..

CYA soon xoxoxo

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Bill M

Entered at Tue Feb 28 23:29:29 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Feb 28 22:45:44 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: Canadians/Americans

I thought Neil voted for Reagan? Or did he just back him?

I have heard from my Montreal friends that Leonard Cohen no longer maintains a Canadian residence. I think it is because he lives in a Buddhist monastery on a mountain in California for most of the year.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 22:30:51 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Rick Santorum: Trying to lead a party that claims to detest class warfare while calling those that promote university education such as Obama snobs and simultaneously calling for Obama to solve the unemployment problem while there is irrefutable evidence that the unemployment rate in the US among those with university education is 3%-4% and without university education is closer to 10% is really something. ………No need getting into a tizzy about this guy as he truly has no chance……..…..but the touch of grey man with too many cars to count will likely name a press darling like Chis Christie as a running mate and if the economy takes another dive we could well be faced with the Republicans back in power…….Obama really should have had the guts to take on Wall Street, raise taxes and put in place a proper health care system when he had his chance…….The world will be far better off with Obama in for a 2nd term rather than the other nuts but really let’s not forget that his first term has been hugely disappointing.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 21:11:29 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: ...the streets are paved with gold....

I think Norway is the place to live. I advised my daughters to move to either Norway or Denmark. In the end they never will, because their roots are here in the US. Kind of like Springsteen's "My Home Town," but extended to a country.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 20:26:42 CET 2012 from (66.104.136.165)

JQ

He used to take some tough swings at the US, particularly the GOP. I never had an issue with him doing that because he told the truth and normally proved it.

Given the appalling state of the US voter's awareness/ignorance in regard to our history, civics, economics, etc - any marginally informed non-American can easily amass a better understanding about the US than the typical Yank with their high level of gross ignorance.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:54:22 CET 2012 from (78.79.47.51)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: English language

Peter, comfort thee! - Here in Nordic Countries the students want to seek to Oxford, Cambridge and St Andrews College. Of course, it is a matter of money but not only for that. Many new Scandinavians come nowadays from countries in Middle East like Iran. They feel that UK is still more open society.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:43:46 CET 2012 from (108.199.118.148)

Todd

Subject: Born This Way

Kevin, You probably know that I don’t actually think that everyone worldwide wants to be an American. It was meant to be taken somewhat tongue-in-cheek. In fact, I’m not sure why anyone would want to come here. From what I hear, we have no culture, an abysmal health care system, and failing schools. (Thank goodness for our plumbing and bridges) Since I was born on these shores, I consider myself a native American, but my people are from Europe. But as a nation of immigrants we are generally very open to other cultures and proud of our mixed heritage.

People may come here to make money, but I can testify that there’s not a money tree in every back yard…..at least not anymore. In fact, after food, insurance, shelter, fuel, and taxes most Americans that I know don’t have much left over…..and we’re the lucky ones. So it may not be the land of opportunity that it once was and we may eventually see a shift in migration to other lands of plenty.

You are correct that most Americans probably wouldn’t view RR or Neil as Canadians, but instead as members of the community. We all came from somewhere, and once you’re here you’re here.

The beautiful thing is that Neil has the freedom to say whatever he wants to say, as long as he’s not stepping on anyone else’s freedom to say what they want to say.

I agree that America shouldn’t be the World’s policemen. We can’t afford the social, economic, or negative image anymore. Someone else should do it. Any volunteers?

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:31:22 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Hi Guys. Nice to hear LEVON is doing well.

Canada's icon, hockey player, Jean Beliveau is in hosptal suffering from a stoke. He was always my fave hockey player, along with Gordie Howe.

This came in my e-mails today...

50 YEARS IN THE MAKING WORTH EVERY MINUTE.

Have you heard the Chimes of Freedom 4 disc set yet? It's such an amazing musical treat, and has been so popular, we are already pressing a second run of CDs. Celebrate 50 years of Bob Dylan's magical music career, along with 50 years of Amnesty International, and the fight for equal human rights worldwide.

Buy your copy today

In Amnesty's 50 years, musicians have been powerful and passionate allies in the fight against injustice. From civil rights marches of the 1960s to Occupy Wall Street, music has always played a big part in social movements. Music can awaken our social conscience and unite us against hate, intolerance, and injustice.

Celebrate with us as we renew our commitment to ending unjust or unlawful imprisonment, and to protecting anyone peacefully expressing their beliefs. Buying this album will help protect human rights around the world. All proceeds from sales generated go directly to Amnesty International. We've been so moved by the response to this album.

Here is what people are saying:

"...This four-CD compilation is both musical and meaningful. The renowned performers on Chimes of Freedom possess not only ample talent but also a deep feeling for the political and personal messages that Bob communicates. And they clearly support Amnesty International, whose anniversary they celebrate. — Thomas, Amazon.com Review"

-------------------

Having nearly 80 Bob Dylan covers all in one place sounds almost too good to be true. The fact that the proceeds from these never-before-released versions also benefit Amnesty International's continuous efforts to support free speech and free political prisoners around the world is even better. — Hilary Saunders, Paste Magazine

-----------------------------------------------------------

I'm REALLY digging #ChimesofFreedom, the @Amnesty album of Bob Dylan covers. Great deal, too.. ~80 songs for $20. — Marc, on Twitter

We hope that you enjoy Chimes of Freedom as much as we do. Listen to clips and purchase your copy of Chimes of Freedom on the Amnesty website.

Sincerely, Helen Garrett, Director of Creative Services and Special Projects Amnesty International USA

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:29:26 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Kevin J makes an important point, and one by which I earned my living for decades. Traditional American ESL (English as a Second Language) textbooks assumed that every learner was a would-be immigrant, and it was obligatory to have texts on Thanksgiving and obtaining a Social Security number. As a result, while I’m sure more people in the world wanted to learn “American” than “British”, British textbooks had wider appeal in many countries because they assumed that people wanted to learn the language as a useful tool, but had no desire to emigrate to an English-speaking country, nor to read Shakespeare or Melville in the original. That difference narrowed twenty-five years ago with a new style of American English textbooks … but the American English best-sellers were still largely from the US branches of British publishers … and also French-owned and Spanish-owned publishers. I’m not knocking it. It enabled me to put food on the table, and sometimes even the odd bottle of champagne.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:19:13 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

"Let's impeach the president for lying
And leading our country into war
Abusing the power that we gave him
And shipping all our money out the door"

Peter: On the question of U.S. citizenship, I can only recall that Neil Young commented a few years ago that he's maintained Canadian citizenship and has not sought to become a U.S. citizen. His wife & children, however, are citizens of this country. His remarks came in interviews following his outspoken criticism of President Bush (43). Needless to say, as someone who hasn't voted in U.S. elections, one could say Mr. Young was a little bit presumptuous in recording "Let's Impeach the President" by including himself in the collective "Us" preposal of decision-making. On the other hand, one could say in his defense that he was being a good family man in speaking up for the interests of his wife & children.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:16:07 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Due to mediums such as TV and videos, the world knows a great deal more than they used to about the US (for better or worse)

When you talk about defaming the US vs just discussing "policy" and you wonder who all those Americans are that think war is OK and we should be the worlds policeman are the same people who applaud when Rick Santorum called Obama a "snob" for wanting everyone to have a College education, and claim that he wants people in college so he can brainwash them, Its pathetic, they are amongst us ans unfortunately, they vote.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:07:38 CET 2012 from (78.79.11.128)

NorthWestCoaster's Dog

Subject: Dog collars

Relating on Mr. Pedersn's recent post:

"Electric dog collars on every gb poster would be a good start."

Entered at Tue Feb 28 19:00:57 CET 2012 from (78.79.11.128)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Floyd Patterson

Thanks Lars for a friendly bounce. Of course, Floyd's brain were not damaged more than mine or yours(hopefully ;-). A bad "joke". I am ashamed.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 18:45:04 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

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Todd

Subject: What a Country

An old man once told me that there are two types of people in the world…Americans and people who want to be Americans. (In truth he was talking about Italians, but I'll appropriate his words anyway!) We must certainly be a fascinating land and culture to draw so much attention, notwithstanding the fact that a certain art critic once said that the only works of art America has given are plumbing and bridges. Unfortunately, many folks who have never lived in the United States have had their options shaped by pop culture, television and movies, which only form a narrow view of the unmatched diversity this country provides.

I’m perfectly fine with the likes of Robbie Robertson, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell (among others) commenting on America. Their choice about where they choose to live, work, and play says a lot about where they want to be.

Personally I’ve visited Canada, and enjoy having Canadians as neighbors, but not having lived there, I don’t feel qualified to comment or pass judgment on either the culture or political system. I am however grateful for their exports….especially four fellows named Robbie, Rick, Garth & Richard.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:48:08 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Buckwheat Zydeco, Prof Louie & The Crowmatix, & the Rock of Ages horns this Friday in Syracuse, NY.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:43:51 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:39:30 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:36:58 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars Pedersen

Subject: Boxing and Politics

NWCoaster- Floyd Patterson lived in my hometown of New Paltz, NY and he opened up a gym for young boxers. I had the honor of sparring with Floyd a few times, maybe a half dozen occasions. If you didn't bring your right hand back fast enough Floyd would give you one warning, then give you a taste of his famous left hook (thrown at half speed, but it would still get your attention). In his later years his mind seemed to get kind of scattered, as if all those punches he absorbed finally were taking their toll. He died in 2006.

As far as Canadians, or anybody else, criticizing the US for policies that they don't agree with, a lot depends on the tone. If someone is trying to throw dirt at my country then I'm going to throw dirt back at them. On the other hand, if someone makes an honest criticism- say for example, that the US has no right to play the policeman of the world- then I have to admit that they're right. I think the biggest mistake people around the world make is that they seem to think that all Americans agree with the government of our country; that they impose our will. Washington and the American people are two different entities. When I read quotes from the Pentagon that Defense spending cuts may mean that we won't be able to fight two wars at the same time, I have to admit that I'm thinking that we should be fighting NO wars at all. The US government hurts more than it helps. It's kind of like a man watching his poorly trained dog run amok in the fields and fight the other dogs that he encounters...instead of staying by his master's side. Those people in Washington are not doing what most Americans want. At this point, I don't know how they can ever be trained. Electric dog collars on every politician would be a good start.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:36:41 CET 2012 from (64.105.104.24)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:32:32 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Of Robbie, Neil & Joni, I believe Ms. Mitchell is unique in that she alone maintains homes in both countries. As they've all made significant contributions themselves to the culture of their adopted home, as well as paid a significant amount of dues no doubt in the form of U.S. taxes, they certainly have a right to express their opinions. Despite rumblings one may hear from the far right, freedom of speech & other forms of expression are still American cornerstones.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 17:19:36 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.13)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Canadian response

NorthWestCoster: (1) Floyd Patterson is my uncle, and he is currently more lucid than you are, (2) Canada is not a ‘bigger’ part of the U.S., in fact, we are just about polar opposites ('melting pot’ vs. ‘cultural diversity’), (3) invest in China if you want to make some cash…

Entered at Tue Feb 28 16:52:54 CET 2012 from (78.79.41.73)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Canada

1.) Yes, it was FLOYD Patterson, not Richard. Congrats for being able to post here with 45 per cent brain capacity anyway! We understand.

2.) To all Canadians: It is not only your right to comment America (what the hmmm, you are a bigger part of America, anyway), it is your GOD DAMN RESPONSIBILITY!!!

3.) Investing CANADA. - For some years ago my investments on Wall Street sank with 50 per cent, mainly due to the changes in currencies and sell outs of the big Internet related companies. I learned my lesson. For a time ago I invested in agriculture and mining in Canada instead.

USA WILL BE BANKCRUPT!!!

Entered at Tue Feb 28 16:20:08 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.13)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Canadian Critics

Hey NorthWestCoaster, must be a different Patterson :). Peter: I hear you. But Neil Young, for instance, has gone out of his way to retain his connections with Canadian culture, with regular nods to his father and the good old days on the Riverboat. I’m just wondering... How do today’s Americans feel about Canadians commenting on their policies/culture/history… (not that they don't affect the whole world).

Entered at Tue Feb 28 15:59:07 CET 2012 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

We (Canadians that is) can comment upon whomever and whatever we want to with impunity as we are a cuddly lot (except for those Canadians who are American-lites...I'm pointing my finger at your PM Harper & friends). It says so in the contract.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 15:48:45 CET 2012 from (78.79.41.73)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: The same PATTERSON???

I felt sorry when SONNY LISTON smashed your brain in heavy weight world champion title match in early sixties. Congrats for 45 per cent recovery.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 15:42:33 CET 2012 from (96.57.36.93)

Tony

We thank you all for your kind words during Levon's recovery period. We also thank you for respecting his and his family's wishes for privacy. As you all know, Levon is a very private and humble person - not one to have his personal medical issues discussed in the press, media or in blogs. Have faith in us and believe that he's doing great and will be back in action at the March 10th Ramble! Thank you. Remember to follow the most current and accurate information about Levon and Levon Helm Studios on Facebook and at www.levonhelm.com.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 15:19:43 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: qualified

Richard Patterson: Neil and Robbie are at least as qualified to comment on US culture as M. Jagger and J. Beck are qualified to play on a blues bill at The White House.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 14:36:11 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Um, yes. Robbie Robertson was travelling to the USA and spending much of the year there by the time the President was born (1961). He's effectively resided in the USA since 1966 … 46 years. That's a reasonable time in which to develop an opinion. Neil Young (or Joni Mitchell) aren't much different in this. Because of the similarities, Canadians blend into a group of Americans more easily than we British do, so are less likely to be seen as "foreigners" enabling them to hear more than foreigners might.. We British stand out because of our accents, irony, handsome features, obvious sexiness and badly-organized National Health Service teeth, but perhaps that's just my generation. My kids had orthodontics lavished on them in North American style.

Because the world is so heavily influenced by American culture, I guess most people have opinions, and as Robbie said interminably, the outside eye sees things that people who live there take for granted.

Entered at Tue Feb 28 14:04:55 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.13)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Canadians on America culture

Just saw 'Journey Through the Past' and it got me thinking about Canadians commenting on American culture. Certainly, Robbie Robertson has made a career out of both reproducing and commenting upon American culture. 'Journey Through the Past', a more successful example of the same kind of 'cinéma vérité' Dylan attempted with 'Eat the Document', is clearly an indictment of the American South, highlighting the differences between 'rich' and 'poor' and conjuring up images of the KKK cracking down on personal freedom. My question to you all is... are Canadians really qualified to comment upon on American culture? Or should guys like Neil Young and Robbie Robertson just shut up and play their guitars...?

Entered at Tue Feb 28 05:39:37 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: Canadian music,,,,

Hey guys!! All great posts and links as usual. Love reading all.

My link is good reading about our break through in music.

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Tue Feb 28 03:43:54 CET 2012 from (174.107.144.136)

Richard Glass

The Band is truly one of the greatest bands to ever exsist. They have enriched my life with their awesome music. They put Woodstock, NY on the map. Levon just keeps going and going. Their music will never die!

Entered at Mon Feb 27 22:42:44 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Buddy Miller included a powerful cover version of the song on his 2004 album "Universal United House of Prayer".

Entered at Mon Feb 27 22:35:17 CET 2012 from (134.174.21.2)

Tim

Subject: Beach Boys

I'm catching them in CT in May, Having Brian is the difference between me going and not going. I have seen them about 9 times over the last 32 years, and never the same lineup twice. Looking forward to it but I think the 90 dollars is about what the other 8 shows I caught cost me combined.

Entered at Mon Feb 27 22:32:06 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Manfred Mann did an early cover version on an EP … perhaps the first of their several successful takes on Dylan. Daniel Lanois produced the fabulous version by The Neville Brothers on "Yellow Moon."

Entered at Mon Feb 27 22:21:21 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Hilda F: Thanks for asking. By the last verse the reader/listener will have gotten the idea that the singer's on the ship and that he and his colleagues are looking forward to winning big when they get to land. And who is waiting there? - some other people who can look forward to being slaughtered despite having surrendered. 'Conquistador' seems a suitable word given that 'conquered' is the last word of the song. There's also Neil Young's "Cortez The Killer" (who would have portrayed god as his team-mate).

Entered at Mon Feb 27 21:14:49 CET 2012 from (64.105.104.24)

Pat B

Larry Campbell featured as an actor of sorts.

Entered at Mon Feb 27 21:02:16 CET 2012 from (91.52.117.29)

Norbert

Subject: Spotify, Deezer & Simfy

Will this be our future, social livestream playlists on Facebook, making playlists (without Dylan), sharing playlists, searching playlists? Making playlists is the new toy? Give me 16 million songs and I'll tell you who I am.

Entered at Mon Feb 27 20:03:45 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen were honored at Boston's John F. Kennedy Library this afternoon, receiving the first annual PEN New England Awards for Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence.

Bob Dylan could not attend, but sent his regards yesterday:

"To Chuck, the Shakespeare of rock and roll, congratulations on your PEN award, that's what too much monkey business will get ya . . . Say hello to Mr. Leonard, Kafka of the blues, and Lord Byron Keith (Richards) if he shows up. In all seriousness, Chuck, congratulations on this prestigious honor. You have indeed written the book with a capital B, and congratulations to Leonard, who’s still writing it - Bob Dylan"

Entered at Mon Feb 27 20:03:02 CET 2012 from (72.230.109.86)

Bashful Bill

Subject: With God On OurSide

It was the first Dylan song that I really " got into", as a young lad. I was in 7th or 8th grade.........

Entered at Mon Feb 27 19:44:34 CET 2012 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: The Weight live

Link is to a fun recent cover of The Weight by Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Steve Earle and many more.

Entered at Mon Feb 27 14:55:02 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.77)

Hilda F

Subject: The Ship/Bill M

I have always been taken with this song even though I did not fully understand the words when I first heard it. To me it ends on a note of optimism, that is no matter how few or how small you are, in the end you will conquer those that think they are bigger or larger in numbers than you are. It may have been written in 1963 but to me it is of all times! Weird though how one can interpret a song so differently! Your note on the conquistadorial view is completely new to me and I must say I find it hard to read that in there. Maybe because I take the biblical reference in the last verse rather at face value. I would like to know how you make that connection.

Entered at Mon Feb 27 02:52:13 CET 2012 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

JQ: Good to know that both of you like it.

Entered at Mon Feb 27 00:04:20 CET 2012 from (198.228.220.254)

JQ

Anybody else taken with his With God On Our Side? One of the best of that project for me -

Entered at Mon Feb 27 00:03:32 CET 2012 from (198.228.220.254)

JQ

Anybody else taken with his With God On Our Side? One of the best of that project for me -

Entered at Sun Feb 26 15:45:54 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.12)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Middle East Blues

Hey Peter, Yeah, there is always Dubai... But, apparently, the Canadian government has done something to really piss off the UAE, refusing to rubber stamp some trade deal or other. Anyhow, a weekend visa for Canadians is now $250 US, i.e., cover charge to spend your cash. Bahrain, an alternative get-away spot, is an on-going nightmare, one that the U.S. needs to rethink once they fulfill their 'world police' role in Somalia (present) and Syria (future). BTW, good work in Libya, Yanks!

Entered at Sun Feb 26 14:13:55 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Ah, well, Richard, there's always Dubai. I remember the British Council conference in Naples in 1990 just after the Berlin Wall had fallen. Not the Council's fault, but Longman's presentation (with film, slides and music) put the fall of the Berlin Wall down entirely to the humanising effect of English language teaching, and in particular to one Longman course book. I was sitting next to a Hungarian friend who was livid with fury.

Entered at Sun Feb 26 12:45:45 CET 2012 from (24.252.146.188)

Calvin

Entered at Sun Feb 26 12:37:55 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.12)

Richard Patterson

Subject: A Night Out

Hey Bill M, Had no idea you were in Saudi. I’m in Jeddah right now, taking a break this week in Sharm El Sheik Egypt, a respite from full-on Muslim culture… Yeah, a Saudi ‘night-out’ is all about smoking shisha at a public restaurant, with NO music, or film, or any other form of ‘happiness’… Working now at the British Council. The Council are all about ‘soft power’, i.e. “we may not conquer you through force, but we will through language”. Not sure how much longer I can stand this rubbish.

Entered at Sun Feb 26 05:06:42 CET 2012 from (208.120.213.56)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: The Beach Boys

John D, I'll be seeing Brian Wilson/The Beach Boys from the nosebleed seats when they come to NY's Beacon Theater in May. Even with all the caveats, in the end I couldn't resist taking the plunge. I do love their music, and it will be a rare treat to get to see and hear Brian do his thing.

Entered at Sun Feb 26 01:23:16 CET 2012 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Louisiana Red recorded at least an album for Henry Glover's Label in the mid '60s, so was almost a label-mate of our guys at the time.

lo

Entered at Sat Feb 25 23:28:58 CET 2012 from (91.52.117.29)

Norbert

Subject: Nice songs are writen by nice people

Great songs are written by great people. Dylan haunts Keys.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 23:07:08 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Sat Feb 25 21:34:06 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Yes Peter, Brian is indeed touring with them; which is why they are calling it the reunion tour and it is Brian's band that is backing them; which makes he and the others sound great.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 20:22:57 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

I loved the Beach Boys as I was growing up, and still like listening to their music. It is probably time they hang up their guitars, There are somethings that are better left in one's memory.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 19:33:08 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I saw them mid to late 80s and they were pretty good, though the girls dancing on in California Girls was cheesy and Mike Love looked about eighty … hunched over, finding it hard to move about. I doubt that thirty years has improved him

Is this the tour with Brian Wilson? If they use his band, and just sing a bit behind his band, they'll probably sound OK.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 19:29:00 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Feb 25 19:26:44 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Feb 25 18:41:01 CET 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Brien Sz

Entered at Sat Feb 25 17:29:54 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

If my memory serves me well, I believe it was The Eagles that set the new bar for cost of concert tickets. Well The Beach Boys are doing it on this tour. My wife jokingly is calling it, The Beach Boys Retirement Fund Tour. I checked out a couple of tickets for their June 19th show here and they would cost me about $364.00 each in section two. Now I can sit on the lawn; which is so far back the musicians look like ants for I believe $87.00 dollars each. They are also offering a package deal of going to the soundcheck, merchandise and a meet and greet. Those tickets can cost you over twice as much. I have always loved the Beach Boys; but this tour is too rich for my blood. However try to find seats. Somebody's got a lot of money to spend.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 17:10:10 CET 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Bob F.

Subject: Peter Stone Brown's Review of the new Springsteen record

Please see my link to the terrific review of Springsteen's new record, Wrecking Ball by Peter Stone Brown. I've been listening to the new Springsteen record for the last week and PSB's review perfectly captures this wonderful record. PSB, when it comes to writing about music, your in the same class as Ralph J. Gleason, Paul Nelson, Peter Guralnick, Mikal Gilmore and John Baudie. Every music fan who has ever cared about Springsteen will want to read your review of this record. Great job.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 10:29:50 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.15)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Gypsy Music

Hey Bill M.: Had a good "music night" on Thursday (equal to Canada's Saturday night, as the weekend here is Thursday/Friday). Gogol Bordello went down well, a "gypsy punk" outfit with roots in the Ukraine. Check out their tune "The Ultimate", if you're not already familiar with them... Can I post a link here? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGuOypqaYzU Any who...

Entered at Sat Feb 25 10:06:08 CET 2012 from (41.178.17.15)

Richard Patterson

Subject: Price of Gas

Peter V.: Come on over here for a while, in the land of sensory deprivation. Gas is cheap, but you'll be happy to get away.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 09:45:51 CET 2012 from (118.129.166.6)

hollister

Subject: Hollister

There are two perfect men; one dead, and the other unborn.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 05:34:12 CET 2012 from (124.168.25.103)

dlew919

As I see it, the right has gone insane and the left has gone senile. In Aus, the illegitimately installed Prime MInister (Ms Gillard) (and why it was illegitimate will take us right away from The BAnd) is being challenged for the leadership by her predecessor, who she succeeded... Meanwhile, the other side are the most unelectable rabble since, I don't know... Meaning: Australian politicians are about as good as Australian media - in other words not much. We need to keep fighting both teh rabids on the Right but make sure that better candidates come through - moderate, sincere, intelligent. (I don't care from which side, really...) (It's times like this I miss Steve throwing a little bomb in ... ;) )

Entered at Sat Feb 25 02:45:47 CET 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Link is to a 'Tears of Rage' review.

Entered at Sat Feb 25 02:40:43 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

MasterDisk,one of the long established premier mastering houses,now offers mastering specifically for iTunes. This came into being because Rick Rubin was unhappy with the way the latest red Hot chili peppers recording sounded on iTunes. Masterdisk engineers went to work ....and were successful..Eventually Apple provided them with software that would make the process quicker....Masterdik now offers separate mastering for iTunes, cd, and vinyl.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 20:20:01 CET 2012 from (64.105.104.24)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Feb 24 20:19:16 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: a hard road to hoe

These newspaper writers are always looking for an angle . . . here is another tortured "why" piece, pieced together from some slight and ragged bits of "expert" opinion . . . .
I provide the link only because my homeboy Burton Cummings (what, again?) testifies in support of The Robertsonian Proposition.

I do think that Mr. Cummings is something of an expert in these matters, but there's nothing here that's not in _This Wheel's On Fire_, at least between the lines.
The only time I saw Mr. C in person (on tour-aka-bender with MacLean & MacLean) he was plastered. But so was I.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 19:25:03 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

I can only speak for myself and women I know, but we are boiling mad. We find ourselves arguing issues that I thought were settled in the late 60's early 70's. They (the Repubs) have picked on the wrong social issues to create turmoil.

They were a poor lot to begin with, and ignoring the economy, they have chosen to expend their political capital deciding how women should live. A no win (literally) situation. Women pay attention and women vote. I believe this will be reflected in November.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 18:15:08 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Speaking of things 'Gypsy', here's a link to a song by local blues guy Al Lerman called "Gypsy Feet". I'm looking at a revue of the new album it comes from, and see the following: "Not for the only time here, there's the distinct influece of The Band." Later on there's ""She Calls Me River" invokes The Band even more strongly."

Entered at Fri Feb 24 17:33:02 CET 2012 from (83.249.105.152)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Dylan on banjo

Dylan has "stealed" so many Irish/Scottish/country/mountain tunes that playing banjo is rather easy. My favourite tune by 5-string banjo is an unusual song: "Went To See The Gypsy". Hands up who even remembers the tune!

Entered at Fri Feb 24 17:19:12 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Another thematic influence on Dylan at the time was the song "Pirate Jenny" from Kurt Weill & Bertolt Brecht's "Threepenny Opera".

Entered at Fri Feb 24 17:01:45 CET 2012 from (83.249.105.152)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Tunes we have learned from Dylan

BTW playing "When The Ship Comes In" on harmonica. - I use to carry a harmonica in my pocket and when no one will hear I use to play - only for myself - "Positively 4th Street" (like a north-western wind blowing through the coastal pines), "Blowing In The Wind" (reggae version) or "Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll" (moderately country waltz) or "My Back Pages" (mountain hymn style).

Entered at Fri Feb 24 15:25:13 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Northwestcoaster: I'm sure you're right in thinking that the Bobster had both books in mind. And also the conquistadorial attitude of the European countries that 'discovered' (stumbled upon) this hemisphere and its native residents post 1492.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 15:14:43 CET 2012 from (83.249.105.152)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Politics and religion

"...a better choice to run the country?" - BRIEN SZ, fortunately or unfortunately the President of the US will more or less run the whole world. It will make my life better or worse but I can't vote!

BILL M's post on "Ship" doesn't give me any rest. For me this song is Biblical, first part being from New Testament and second part being from Old Testament - or from the situation in the Middle East. Musically, it is a nice melody to be played with a simple harmonica, a light and groovy melody with a very strong ending.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 12:54:07 CET 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Brien Sz

Entered at Fri Feb 24 09:07:08 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Feb 24 05:47:36 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: interesting article linked/Band/got stuff right, got stuff wrong.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 05:15:17 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: Woodstock

COUSIN PAUL- what a coincidence. I was up in Woodstock today and was looking at a piece of real estate you seeded a few years ago. It's in good shape, although a beer bottle and some debris was lying around. I put some small Canadian flags in last year, but somebody took them. Everything else is in good shape.

Entered at Fri Feb 24 05:12:34 CET 2012 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Feb 24 03:50:15 CET 2012 from (173.238.168.34)

cousin paul

Subject: Band Fans.. I miss you

been watching Still alive!!!! Love Alway's C.P.

Entered at Thu Feb 23 22:00:58 CET 2012 from (109.154.212.65)

Dunc

Subject: Thanks

Thanks Kevin. I'm going to get the album. 'Down By The Henry Moore' is a real favourite of mine. It's interesting that Murray McGlaughlin was born about a mile from where I'm sitting just now.

Went to see a good show couple of weeks ago 'The Average White Band' still two of the originals, joined on stage by Michael Marra, a female singer from Edinburgh and Hue and Cry. Onnie McIntyre is such a good guitar player.

Tomorrow I'm going to see for the first time, Randy Newman.

And on the headphones is 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere'

Entered at Thu Feb 23 21:36:15 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: When it Blows it Sucks!

I may have put this video on before, if so, my apologies. It seems to me I tried and it didn't work.

"When it Blows it Sucks" is one of the songs from my brother Lorne's CD, (on which he wrote all the songs). You will hear them if you care to waste 11 minutes of your time.

There is a lot of really good footage of humpback whale, porpoises, eagle, seals etc on this vid. At 9:47 you will see the "Westcoaster" at sea. Some sillyness from Lorne's crew. Gearing up their log tow. The funny looking little almost bald, gotee guy with glasses, is Johnny Young. One of the most killer guitarists I have ever known and worked with. But for cocaine, I think John could have really been great.

This gives a pretty good picture of what we do out here.

Entered at Thu Feb 23 20:27:21 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Garth w/ Ezra.

Entered at Thu Feb 23 20:14:47 CET 2012 from (166.147.80.113)

JQ

What happened to the GOP's love of free markets and isn't the price of gas a free market deal?

Smart people have indicated that more aggressive oil production here wouldn't matter too much and we still export about 20% of our oil to others - I've only just heard that stat and can't verify it - anybody else?

Entered at Thu Feb 23 19:34:21 CET 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Brien Sz

Entered at Thu Feb 23 19:11:19 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Kevin J: Thanks for the link. Unfortunately the buttons don't work for me, and not because of geo-coding, presumably. Don't trust the release dates that appear when you move your curser across the thumbnail album covers. David P: Amos Garrett plays superbly throughout one of the middle-period albums - either "Sweeping the Spotlight Away" or "Whispering Rain", I believe.

Speaking of geo-coding, some of you may not be able to open the link, but it's worth an attempt. It's a very recent CBC clip of McLauchlan doing a new version of what is likely his best-known song outside Canada, "Child's Song". (Scroll down to the third photo.) I heard this when it was broadcast in January, so can say that it was made even more powerful by the spoken intro (not included here). The basic story is that he wrote it at 17 right after a huge fight with his father that culminated in him leaving home for good. His father wouldn't listen to his music or attend his shows until maybe five years later when he was convinced by his wife to accept front-row seats at Murray's first big show at Massey Hall. As you can well imagine, a old guy hearing such an understanding song that's all about him is going to crack into pieces right then and there.

Entered at Thu Feb 23 18:25:06 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Subject: ...Dunc might like this one.......

….the attached link is to an excellent compilation album by Murray Mcglauglin. It contains a number of great songs including perhaps my favorite “Canadian” song called “Out Past The Timberline”…….the Band connection here is that this song was featured in a music documentary called “Floating Over Canada” that featured Levon Helm doing “Acadian Driftwood” all dressed up in period costume……..it also contained a nice bit by the impossibly sexy Buffy St. Marie……………What is great about this link is you can sample any song –IN FULL – by tapping on any green link………………send me all the Canadian Tire money you have Kristie…..

Entered at Thu Feb 23 16:47:08 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Great, thank you, Bill M. I will see if the local bookstore has it. It sounds really interesting, and right along the lines of what I was looking for. I still have a month to finish the assignment.

Entered at Thu Feb 23 15:58:18 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Feb 23 14:44:12 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Last week, running short on the motorway, I paid £1.50 a litre (I only bought enough to get me home), or £6 a US gallon, which is $9.42. So is fuel passing $5 a gallon likely? As I pointed out last time we discussed this, I bought fuel at the last gas station before Death Valley a few years ago. The Americans were looking at the unusual price being charged and suggesting lynching the gas station owner. I was thinking, "Wow! This is REALLY cheap petrol."

Entered at Thu Feb 23 12:43:40 CET 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Brien Sz

Entered at Thu Feb 23 01:02:27 CET 2012 from (89.126.14.218)

Peter

Subject: Garth Hudson instrumental

Thanks, Im delighted to read it was from a TV show. I'll try and seek out the footage.

Entered at Thu Feb 23 00:22:13 CET 2012 from (174.62.159.193)

Richard Wall

Yes, it is Garth, from his appearance on Norwegian TV in 1994. The show was called Roots 94 and included the piano improvisation, an accordion improvisation, and an interview.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 23:47:21 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I think it was the Sunday Times which had an article last week on how Obama can relax, sit back and watch the extremists dig themselves so deep that he picks up the entire middle, basically anyone that’s sane.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 23:08:51 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Pat B: Mr. Santorum needs to be reminded that Woodstock took place under the watch of a Republican President and Governor, Richard Nixon and Nelson Rockefeller. And after Vice-President Spiro T. Agnew and President Nixon resigned in disgrace fellow Republicans Gerald R. Ford and Rockefeller briefly took over the watch in Washington.

As for the issue of "sexual freedom", perhaps Mr. Santorum also needs to be reminded of the controversy surrounding the circumstances of Nelson Rockefeller's death.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 22:33:25 CET 2012 from (198.228.220.254)

JQ

Pat B - I don't think that I've ever seen more extreme right-wing candidates in my whole time. George Wallace even pales in comparison. It seems they've gone so far over that the middle-of-the-roaders, the independents,etc could be heading over to Obama now. Dan Savage's definition of santorum is becoming more & more apt.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 22:31:31 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V: Wasn't it the function of drugs to overcome squeamishness about the quality of the toilets at such events?

Entered at Wed Feb 22 22:01:55 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Feb 22 21:45:34 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Pat B: That reminds me to post a review of a TV biography of Bill Clinton that appeared here a couple days ago. Even though Ronnie Hawkins is mentioned just once, there's an underlying sense of shared Arkansas goatishness throughout.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 21:33:40 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

The photos that accompany the interview with Larry A on YouTube (see link) includes a cover shot of Ronnie Hawkins' final Roulette album from '65. I believe it was released in Canada only, and was still in print in '73 (which amazes me). All songs feature at least Levon, Robbie and Rick.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 21:32:52 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Hi!! Dave Letterman has 2 Canadians we are very proud of on tomorrow night.

Thursday, 2/23: Nelly Furtado & K'NAAN. [Awhile back Nelly was signed, thanx to ROBBIE, to a Dreamworks contract]. It will be nice to see these 2 great artists here, and together with a song from their new album.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Wed Feb 22 21:27:01 CET 2012 from (64.105.104.24)

Pat B

The dude has serious problems.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 20:35:15 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

David P: Thanks - very interesting - Chris Izaak as much as Larry Atamanuik. The link above is to a label photo of the third of Larry's 45s that I know of. He's "L. Roberts" in the credits. It's actually a very lively instrumental, full of sub-Robbie guitar; the other side is a credible cover of "Born In Chicago".

Entered at Wed Feb 22 20:25:45 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Above link of Guy Clark and friends on David Letterman.....A good one...

Entered at Wed Feb 22 20:14:29 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

I haven't bought any versions of Barton Hollow, as I'm too busy checking out some other recent releases more to my liking, including the 2-CD Guy Clark various artist tribute compilation and Chris Isaak'a amazing "Beyond the Sun" tribute to Sun Records.

Bill M: You may be interested to know that Larry Atamanuik plays drums on quite of few songs on that Guy Clark tribute compilation.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 19:15:26 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

I'm not sure but it sounds a little like "I think it's going to rain today"

Entered at Wed Feb 22 18:50:22 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Feb 22 18:46:22 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Bob F: Thank you. A book I am very interested in reading. While in New York City last year on my way to Chinatown/Little Italy, I was in a taxi on Bowery street and noted to those I was with as to the musical significance of where we were…….it was completely lost on them……they were still buzzed about having seen “Occupy Wall Street”………..I noted that the Bowery area is now full of expensive condos………unlikely that much good music will come from that……………….and Bill M – very funny, a comma it should have been….

Entered at Wed Feb 22 18:36:54 CET 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Brien Sz

Entered at Wed Feb 22 18:07:22 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.112)

Hilda F

Subject: The Ship

I remember reading somewhere Joan Baez saying he wrote it right after he had been treated very badly in her company because of his scruffy looks or something.That might explain the anger in the last verse.That is also why I think it was very appropriate to have the very young black singer in I'm Not There perform it- don't remenber his name right now but I'm sure you know who I'm talking about.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 17:44:24 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: New Music Book about NYC in mid 1970's

There is a great new book out about NYC in the mid 70's and the music that was born there. The book is called Love Goes to Buildings on Fire: Five Years in New York That Changed Music Forever by Will Hermes. It takes in the birth of punk and CBGB's with a great deal about Patti Smith, Television, The Ramones...etc. There is much on the birth of Hip Hop. The author spends time discussing Springsteen at Max's Kansas City and how his music developed in NYC. Latin music and jazz created during that time are also covered beautifully. Not much on The Band but a great deal on the music Dylan created in NYC at that time.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 17:42:53 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

... but Kevin J meant to place a comma after the word 'saucy'. Didn't he?

Entered at Wed Feb 22 17:21:33 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Civil Wars

Kevin J, I have to agree with you about The Civil Wars. The first few listens it's interesting, but it doesn't hold up for me. Way to sweet. Give me Gillian Welch and David Rawlings any day. Also they're way to dramatic on stage. The way they act you would think they had come up with a classic duet along the lines of "I Got You Babe".

Entered at Wed Feb 22 17:12:50 CET 2012 from (83.249.105.152)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Islands

A usual walk to the lighthouse in the morning, fish soup from Iceland for lunch, then an intimate jazz concert with musicians from Faeroe Islands, then salmon (a recipe from Aland Islands). And now BIL M's post on "Ship". -Feels good, I believe I'll wait with evening cigarr for awhile...

Entered at Wed Feb 22 17:12:38 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Neat article on the historical significance of some band names.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 17:01:57 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Civil Wars: Sometimes attitude overwhelms talent…..I have decided NOT to like them simply on hearing an interview with them where the tall lanky one referred to appearing at the Grammys as “helping the franchise” and a few other business speak type of clichés that turned me off………………No place in rock n roll for this type of talk…….also just too cute by half…..something is wrong….very wrong.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 15:50:01 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I opened sadavid's link (no, Kevin J, not in hopes of seeing smut) and because I didn't read the fine print I found myself listening to the Decemberists rather than Civil Wars. I thought, ah yes, what a great song "When The Ship Comes In" is - and looked up the lyrics. First few verses are all charming and optimistic and you get the idea that the singer is on the shore, waiting for some kind of salvation, or maybe just riches, from the boat (okay Norm, ship) that's on its way. But no, he's with his chums onboard, looking forward to smiting the poor bastards on the shore. Clearly he's convinced that he's got a friend in a very high place. So, all in all, I now prefer to contemplate the arrival of Quinn the Eskimo, who is bringing nothing more dangerous than a carload of soporifics across the border - maybe higher-octane Canadian beer?

Entered at Wed Feb 22 15:11:07 CET 2012 from (208.120.213.56)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Garth piano instrumental

Very pretty playing. Maybe it's one of those 'Easter egg' sound clips from Garth's own site? If it were a home recording, that might explain the somewhat hissy quality.

Entered at Wed Feb 22 14:47:55 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: the irish civil wars

The Civil Wars collaborate with The Chieftains on "Lily Love" from The Chieftains' new album _Voice of Ages_ (there's something familiar about that title . . .).

Streaming at [My link].

Entered at Wed Feb 22 09:53:51 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Feb 21 22:55:13 CET 2012 from (89.126.14.218)

Peter

Subject: Garth Hudson Instrumental?

Hi folks, I found this song on the internet years and years ago and it came with very little information. I believe it to be Garth Hudson playing but I can find very little information on it. Just wondering could anyone help? Its a beautiful, I listen to it often so I'd love to know more. When it was recorded, whats it called and above all whether it is Garth or not? I've put a snatch of the song on Youtube http://youtu.be/vN5g3DrpE-I Many thanks, Peter

Entered at Tue Feb 21 22:18:43 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

WEA/Atlantic did eventually release a few cuts from The Band's 1969 performance at Woodstock in 1994. Long Black Veil, Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever and The Weight were included on the 4-disc Woodstock 25th Anniversary Collection box set and The Weight was included on the single disc Woodstock Diary compilation.

Capitol included the Woodstock performance of Ain't No Cane on the Brazos on the 1994 Band box set Across The Great Divide. Since that release came out around the same time as the Atlantic releases I wonder if license arrangement deal was worked out between Capitol & WEA.

Entered at Tue Feb 21 22:03:33 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: guess who?

Kevin J: you might find this interesting (if cringe-inducing); a long interview with Burton Cummings ca. 1980.

Brian Linehan was a movies guy, so the discussion is much about Mr. Cummings's upcoming role in _Melanie_ (though he's not able to disclose the title). Around the 8-minute mark there is much praise for L. Helm in _Coal Miner's Daughter_, and at about 37:00 both interviewer and -ee agree that they've heard JRR "is great" (in _Carny_).

A propos of his 200+ acid trips (22:00), Mr. C advocates the effect on music appreciation, e.g. The Doors: "Even though they weren't so great, it was tailor-made for the guy who was hallucinating."

Entered at Tue Feb 21 21:49:05 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

What amazed me was that Crosby was so clear and articulate.

Entered at Tue Feb 21 21:40:50 CET 2012 from (64.105.104.24)

Pat B

We talked about professionalism for a while. He mentioned that CSN&Y were professionals, but that they had gotten into making music for their audience and not for themselves. Young told him at the time that they had really played badly in New York City but that the audience really loved them.

Entered at Tue Feb 21 21:30:58 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Subject: Landmark

Above link to the great Garfield French....wish there was more on youtube...

Entered at Tue Feb 21 19:26:13 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

The attached link is an interview with David Crosby where he talks of his great respect for the Band and his total disdain for Jim Morrison and the Doors……….good bits begin at about the 6:00minute mark………….and God help us – we have now had “Battlescar” linked twice in a few days.

Thanks Serenity.

Entered at Tue Feb 21 17:13:58 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Tue Feb 21 16:22:18 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Landmark: Thanks. Wasn't just a martini - it was a very dry gin martini with olives. That and your company was easily worth the foregone $500 in Canadian Tire money. Thanks also to Kevin J and Kristie.

The link is to "Battlescar" by the massed forces of Max Webster and Rush. Max keyboardist Terry Watkinson was much older than all the others, and was playing and down Yonge Street in the early '60s. Max leader Kim Mitchell hails from Sarnia, where's he's bound to have caught our guys back in the old days at Grand Bend, as would all the other Sarnia guys who he called in one by one to replace departing Max members.

David P: Lightfoot also played Yonge Street in the early '60s, and certainly knew Hawkins and the Hawks quite well, and quite possibly sat in from time to time. While all five of his '60s albums were on UA, before he moved to Warners in '70, his very first major-label record, "For Lovin' Me" / "I'm Not Saying", came out on WB. Likely a licence deal because the songs (likely the same takes) were included on the first UA album.

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David P

The more significant Gordon Lightfoot / Band connection, career-wise, would be Albert Grossman. Mr. Grossman managed Mr. Lightfoot early in his career from 1964-1969, helping him get his first major label record deal with United Artists.

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PutEmUp(Friend0)

Entered at Tue Feb 21 01:19:42 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Hi all!! Wonderful posts and links. Thanx, guys.

KEVIN & SEAN: So nice to have you posting again.WELCOME BACK..Stay awhile. I don't post too much anymore, but I like to check things out.

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

Here's an excerpt from a text I received in my inbox. Maybe the rest can be found on the source's web sites. [??]

Wainwright's 'Prima Donna' given US premiere by New York City Opera at Brooklyn Academy

By Ronald Blum, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Rufus Wainwright's "Prima Donna" took an unusual path to its United States premiere, switching companies and sopranos.

Commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera and then dropped four years ago in a language dispute, "Prima Donna" opened Sunday in a performance by the beleaguered New York City Opera at the Brooklyn Academy of Music — a run threatened by labour strife until a contract was reached with unions last month.

At times haunting, at times filled with shimmering lyrical passages and at times maddeningly slow, the first opera by the 38-year-old singer-songwriter showed promise and was greeted with an enthusiastic response. It simultaneously delights and disappoints, a melodic throwback to the era when Puccini and Strauss were composing, with arias and duets and quartets. But the pacing is uneven, coming nearly to a standstill in the first act.

The son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Wainwright is a self-described opera junkie, and the composition is an homage that shows influences from several 19th- and 20th-century composers such as Puccini, Strauss and Britten. The harp and timpani are used in many pretty passages. The most effective number, an aria by the maid Marie entitled "Picardie," is at the start of the second act when she sings of the differences between Paris and her home. It is more concise than any of the music given to Regine.

Thanx again for all the "entertainment"..

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Mon Feb 20 18:00:16 CET 2012 from (174.88.217.221)

Mike Nomad

Subject: new book

Interesting item in today's N.Y. Times: a review of a tome on The Wrecking Crew, a group of backing musicians initiated by Phil Spector that made rock 'n' roll sound even better — on records, at least.

Entered at Mon Feb 20 16:39:04 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Kevin-Thank you for the link to the article. I found that to be very helpful. I have asked Bill M many questions about Canadian music. He turned me on to Kengsinton Market, which I listen to all of the time. $500 in Canadian Tire money is a little steep though!

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Prace maturalne

super strona

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Fred

Entered at Sun Feb 19 14:12:18 CET 2012 from (74.59.199.34)

Landmark

Only cost me a martini and it was fabulous! However your mention of Max Webster will remind him about our ongoing debate regarding "A Million Vacations". Not a good sign. Kevin, I am surprised that you didn't take the opportunity to plug "Old Time Movies" by Garfield French.

Anyway perhaps Bill can advise and teach us about that true, yet highly forgotten collabaration between Max Webster and those Canuckistani rock deities Rush, on the opus, "Battlescar".

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Peter V

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Kevin J

Subject: A

Kristie………the attached might help in your school project…….an article about Canadian music with a specific Band connection – as well as Lightfoot………………….Of course if you really want a grade of A guaranteed you would be advised to hire Bill M as a special consultant ( he’s a tad expensive at $500/hour but if you engage him for more than two hours he will agree to not push for a Max Webster inclusion in your paper…)…….The esteemed sadavid is bit less expensive but his reputation for steamy link attachments has resulted in him picking up a bit of a posse from the Eastern bloc that are known to scream “Great website!” wherever and whenever he rolls…..

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Kevin J

Subject: Norah Jones doing "Life is a Carnival" minus Levon's silly sunglasses

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Tim

Subject: The Band on Conan

someone threw this video up on youtube. they did a nice job.

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Peter V

Entered at Sat Feb 18 01:04:07 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Thank you for your comments. They were very helpful. I think I am going to focus on someone who is very much associated with Canada: Gordon Lightfoot.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 21:59:57 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: gone gaga

I'm not real familiar with her ladyship's body of work, except for p-p-p-p-p-p-p-pokerface, which mrs. s favours as a megadecibel accompaniment to treadmill sessions.

I will say, though, that Lady G's performance was the liveliest thing in Tony Bennett's "duets" special on PBS recently. Tony's also famous for his painting, of course, and he may have allowed her work as a model to influence their musical relationship. See [My link].

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Aleks

Subject: szkolenia bh

Very good website :):)

Entered at Fri Feb 17 20:13:41 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

The Rolling Stones covered Slim Harpo's "I'm A King Bee" on their debut album and Exile On Main Street featured another of Harpo's Excello hits, "Shake Your Hips".

"Baby Scratch My Back" has long been a staple of Little Sammy Davis in his performances with the Levon Helm Band and was featured on the Grammy award-winning Ramble At The Ryman.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 19:14:28 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

True, Bill, and I also think Mick Jagger is the only English singer who can sing 'y'all' and it not stand out like a sore thumb.

Trying to find out about Excello and Atlantic yesterday, I came across an Ahmet Ertegun quote, where he said Mick would really have liked to sign with Excello, but Atlantic was the only label with a 50s R&B pedigree that could afford millions of dollars.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 19:10:42 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: O Canada

The song with highest Canadian reference is Acadian Driftwood (link to ancient article) and that was really consciously trying to be Canadian, even somewhat forced, and it's late in the day for The Band too. I remember being in Toronto in the early 90s and reading a Robbie interview with a local paper where he said Toronto was his true home and he thought of himself as Canadian (could be 93 or 94), but that's obligatory for any famous exile talking to a home town journalist. The one who broke that rule was Ringo Starr, and look what trouble it ended him in. So we have two people who really prefer living on the Pacific Ocean, and Ringo was the one honest enough to say it.

As Robbie has said in a dozen interviews, the major Canadian influence was giving him an outsider's perspective on the South.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 19:06:06 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I don't think anyone ever saw the Stones as other than English, even when they were all tax exiles, and even if they've almost never sung songs about Kent or the Cotswolds.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 18:48:47 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Subject: The Band

Thank you, Kevin; that was my feeling about it as well. I am writing a paper about Canadian music, and I wanted to focus on The Band; however, I feel as if their music is much more American in ways, and to group them in to the Canadian music scene would maybe not be fair. At least after the Ronnie and the Hawk days. Like I said before, I was really disappointed that Celine Dion got two pages in my textbook, and The Band was not even mentioned. I guess this is because they are not really considered to be an Canadian band by many people.

I am always surprised with who comes to the defense of Lady Gaga. My grandmother told me she is "really interesting" and that I should give her a chance. I tried, and I was bored by the second song. I think the way she dresses should be reflected in her music, and there is certainly nothing innovative about her music. But I am not saying she lacks talent. I do think she has a nice voice. The link is for a cover she did of "Out on the Weekend" that my cousin told me to listen to try to get me to like her. I don't like it, but she does have a pretty voice.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 18:07:42 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

Lady GaGa: I have known a few strippers over the years make it out of the clubs to find acclaim in other areas ( including journalism )…..all good,,,,,,,..but really her career is not worthy of serious discussion at all…………..it is not just derivative of Madonna but a by the numbers straight out copy.

Kristie: 4 of 5 members happened to be Canadian but the Band were way above being from anywhere……….and I highly doubt any of them ever thought in terms of being a Canadian band or American band or World band – they were just the Band.

Grammy thoughts cont.: Something about that band Perry I really liked. The female lead has a great energy that is hard to describe – a great spark………funny – while travelling I would enter “The Band” into Google at airport lounge computers and Perry would always pop up……….I had no idea what this was until seeing them the other night at the Grammys.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 15:29:14 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Bob F: While the Guy Clark tribute album is certainly worthy of Grammy consideration, I believe it was released past the 2011 deadline for eligibility. One would hope it makes next year's list.

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mike h

Sebastian posted on RR's pg (yesterday) a recent pic of the Martin guitar used while writing "The Weight."

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mike h

Jimmy "Lefty" Evans (early The Hawks member) pic from '09 in Helena, Arkansas.

Entered at Fri Feb 17 11:02:18 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I just read Mark Ellen's interview / article in "The Word" with Lady Gaga. He was obviously bowled over (and you name them, he's interviewed them). Her being naked for part of the interview may have influenced him, as he admits. He mentions that while the show is the most elaborate of the lot, she goes off at different tangents every time, and the huge support go with whatever direction. I've seen her on a couple of chat shows and she's definitely a powerful personality with a lot of talent, albeit weird talent.

My granddaughter (age 8) said to me at Christmas: "You know Lady Gaga? I've been thinking about it. I don't think that's her real name."

Entered at Fri Feb 17 00:38:36 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Feb 17 00:28:55 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

I don't listen to Lady Gaga, but I generally don't like musicians that rely on gimmicks to sell records. I think she will not be relevant forever, no matter how many dresses made of meat she wears. She has a nice voice, I think she would make it in the music industry without all of the costumes.

I don't consider David Bowie to have relied on gimmicks to sell records, his talent is beyond compare, and although he went through phases, he was never stagnant in his public persona. I feel Lady Gaga just keeps recycling the same clothes and attitudes to shock the public in to listening to her music. It is really just ordinary music. Nothing special about it.

Now, a question about the Band:

Did any of the boys consider The Band to be a Canadian band? I am assuming Levon didn't, as the sole American; what about Robbie?

It is for a history paper I am writing.

Entered at Thu Feb 16 21:49:51 CET 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Bob F.

Subject: Kevin J's Post

Kevin J, great to see you posting again. Loved the Faces link. Thanks. Adele is a great singer and deserved ever Grammy she received. Don't agree with you about Lady GaGa. Lady GaGa is very talented. Just like there was room in 1973 for the Grateful Dead and David Bowie, there is is room in 2012 for both Adele and Lady GaGa. Also, in my opinion the winner of the Americana Grammy should have been Ollabelle or the Guy Clark tribute. That said, if anyone else was going to win it, I'm glad it was Levon.

Entered at Thu Feb 16 19:22:52 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Thu Feb 16 19:15:10 CET 2012 from (70.31.50.102)

Kevin J

A few thoughts after some time away……

* The Faces: See link above for part of a 1970 documentary on the band……..Dig Rod Stewart’s lovely auto and scene in the park with Ronnie Lane.

* Grammy’s: That scene near the end with Adele singing her song looking as frumpy as can be but no one caring because her talent is so transcendent and the camera flicking to the preposterously made-up Lady GaGa was as a perfect ‘hit you over the head moment” that captured all that is right and the wrong in the music business……………………Joe Walsh: Sitting front row with Sir Paul and looking great……go back 25 years and the bet might well have been Joe being a drug casualty and not the lovely Whitney Houston…..all the power to him as he is looking better now than he ever has…….loved the guitar jam to end the show as well………………….Finally, of all places I would have thought most here would have known enough to realize the real skinny on the Grammy and the relative worth of the individual awards…………….In short, the only award that has any meaning is Record of the Year…….It is the only one that anyone ever remembers………everything else ( other than lifetime recognitions ) is just pure gobbledygook whether it be “Best Rock Solo Vocal Performance” or “Best Heavy Metal Band” ( anyone remember Jethro Tull won this the first time it was handed out? )……………..and while I am always happy for any member of the band to get recognition………one does get the feeling that this “Americana” category is voted on a bit like Gold Gloves are in baseball ( once you have one - it’s yours for life )…..Congrats to Larry Campbell and associates for putting all of these projects together – great work that merits recognition – but t’s just hard for me to believe that an organization that purports to identify excellence and innovation in the category of “American” music can’t find something more deserving than a live album where 50% of its content is from a “golden oldies” band’s catalogue………. “Dirt Farmer” epitomized what the category should be but not “Ramble at the Ryman”…… While Robbie Robertson new one deserved to be nominated in the major categories with Adele and others., I guess he can take some solace in the fact that his songs were given award with the “Ramble at Ryman”. ……………………………Finally, Glen Campbell walking on to “Rhinestone Cowboy” was as uplifting and great a moment at an awards show that I have seen in years…….the Beach Boys was as sad a segment as I have seen. Why they agreed to be part of that horror show escapes me completely. Brian Wilson looked plain embarrassed.

* Sean: Lovely thoughts……….I too was thinking about January 2011……………Hope that Marge and family are ok.

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Bill M

Entered at Thu Feb 16 18:50:14 CET 2012 from (137.191.227.58)

Seán

Subject: Steve

I haven't been in the GB for a few years, and the first thing I did was to search for Steve's posts.... only to slowly realise the sad sad news. He was always the first person I thought of when the GB came to mind.

Marge, please accept my very belated condolences. I hope the farm is still is bringing you joy, especially now that spring is on the way.

Entered at Thu Feb 16 18:33:39 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

A nerdy record collector enquiry. I don't usually pick up US imports,. but I couldn't resist Slim Harpo for a pound in immaculate condition today. it's on Excello, but the sleeve is a "Distributed by the Atlantic-Atco-Cotillion Group" sleeve. Sleeves often get switched, but all the other American copies in the box (Albert Collins, H.P. Lovecraft, Flamin' Groovies) were in the right sleeves. I can't find any sign of it by Googling, but did Atlantic ever distribute Excello?

Entered at Thu Feb 16 17:57:18 CET 2012 from (68.164.5.204)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Feb 16 17:04:45 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: The Civil Wars near the path of the Stoneman Raid

Link to The Civil Wars performing Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me To The End Of Love" at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Ga. The club where they appeared is just off the town square where a historical marker notes that Union Gen. George Stoneman led three cavalry brigades through Decatur, days before his capture near Macon during the Civil War.

http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=8723

Entered at Wed Feb 15 22:17:47 CET 2012 from (24.44.101.8)

Brien Sz

Picked up the Civil Wars latest. Looking forward to listening to that tomorrow.

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David P

Link to photo of Levon with T Bone Burnett and The Civil Wars at Grammy nominee party.

Entered at Wed Feb 15 17:27:20 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

Joni and Neil at Grammy after-party.

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JT

Subject: Grammy afterthoughts

Bon Iver said it (Justin Vernon) - regarding receiving a major award (I'm paraphrasing what I recall) and the other nominees being just as great and what about those who are not identified by the Grammy nominations but (implied) have done great work. "Clairvoyant" is a very good album and is not diminished by its lack of inclusion. Neither are so many that were not identified. "Suburbs" (despite the packaging win) is a great album and stands tall with those nominated. There are so many others we know about and many we don't. Bon Iver came out of nowhere as an independent. He is not a new artist. (2008 Emma is a brilliant album). He is 'new' to fame. Its nice when that happens to 'indie' (whatever that is now) artists. Like the Oscars, Golden Globes and all the others, the benefit of such awards is to shine a light on a wonderful art form and its producers. Winning an award sure helps careers often and sells units. Being nominated has very positive benefits. "Ryman" is a great concert and album, winner or not. For Levon Helm to be identified 3 times in nomination and wins is indeed superb but he is and always was wonderful with or without the statuettes.

Entered at Wed Feb 15 14:51:45 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Ollabelle - Neon Blue Bird

I don't remember much discussion here about Ollabelle's last cd Neon Blue Bird. The record came out last summer and I'm still listening to it. Great record.

Entered at Wed Feb 15 05:59:42 CET 2012 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Feb 15 04:47:38 CET 2012 from (24.186.38.53)

Bayou Sam

Don Imus told an interesting story the othet morning while talking about the Grammy awards in general.

He said that he at Levon's one time and Levon walked up and handed him a Grammy award that Levon had won with the Band. He told Imus that he wanted him to have it, and that he (Levon) didn't want it.

Imus was flabbergasted, and honored that he was given this. You should hear Imus talk about Levon Helm. He adores the man. Calls him one of the greatest human beings on the planet just about any time he brings Levon up. Cool.

Entered at Wed Feb 15 04:41:21 CET 2012 from (208.120.213.56)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: The Civil Wars

Peter, thanks for that Billie Jean cover by the Wars, very enjoyable. Between this clip and the Duke and King appearances a year ago... we need Jools Holland over here! Wish I could find performances like this on TV here... seems like his show does a great job at showcasing some real talent.

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Serenity

Hi all!!

FOR ALL YOU: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY..

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Sugar is sweet

And so are all of you...

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

GRAMMYS:Disappointed that ROBBIE was passed.

Congrats to LEVON..well-deserved..

WHITNEY: Wonderful tributes to this gal with the angelic voice.

PERFORMERS: BRUNO MARS [a fave of mine] was great, as was BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. PAUL McCARTNEY. Always nice to see/hear these great artists.It was a good show with great performers. [Lip-syncing or not].

BEACH BOYS: A real joy to see them again.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Wed Feb 15 01:50:31 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Joan, I'm just saying that they are on the wrong track - eliminating important categories and adding some not so important ones. If they have too many, they need to eliminate ones that aren't important. I'm in agreement with you in that aspect, the problem is they try to keep the larger income producing people happy and aren't as concerned with important music that appeals to a mostly aging, shrinking, and less revenue producing demographic..

Entered at Tue Feb 14 22:53:12 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Just picked up tickets for Bristol in March! Thanks again, John D.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 22:22:50 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Billie Jean

The Civil Wars live doing Billie Jean on the Jools Holland show.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 22:21:15 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Tori Amos

Link to the Tori Amos version of "I Don't Like Mondays".

Entered at Tue Feb 14 22:18:19 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks, John D. I followed your post through to the Grammys, then amazon.co.uk. You can buy Barton Hollow now, or wait two weeks till March 5th and get it with six bonus tracks, including the Leonard Cohen and Michael Jackson covers. So I'll wait. The two earlier albums are unreleased in the UK (though I know the store that'll have them).

That led me to their cover of "Billie Jean" which I downloaded and have played a dozen times. Magnificent. I keep playing it next to the Toris Amos cover of "I Don't like Mondays" (Strange Little Girls) which I heard in a production of "Romeo & Juliet" last week. Also brilliant.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 20:02:52 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

I in no way meant to diminish Levon's #3 Grammy. It is terrific! It just struck me as silly when I read the list of all the awards. It kind of reminded me of school when they tried to give everyone a prize so no kid felt hurt. Levon deserved the awards.. It's not his fault that the Grammys are trying to be all things to all people

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David P

Entered at Tue Feb 14 18:46:28 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Tue Feb 14 17:47:11 CET 2012 from (24.67.209.191)

Kristie

I agree, I was pretty impressed with Taylor Swift. She seemed to be one of the only young performers who was not lip syncing. I was disgusted with Chris Brown, Rhianna and Katy Perry. Maybe if they danced a little less, they might be able to sing a little more. I know the purpose is to put on a good show, but it is a music awards show-sing people!

Bruno Mars(who I have never been a fan of)was also very good. I could see the Jackson and James Brown influence.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 16:41:10 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

May I just say that I don't ever remember buying an album based on seeing an artist perform for just a single minute. The Civil Wars blew me away. I immediately bought their first album on iTunes. Just $6.99. Thanks to Taylor Swift for bringing them along for the ride. By the way she is not on my radar; but she was brilliant in her song and her staging the other night.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 16:23:28 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Curiously Robbie's first album of new material in over a decade was passed over in the Grammy nominations. Timing-wise, it was released just over a month before Levon's Ramble at the Ryman came out last year.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 14:33:39 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

BTW, the press suggest the title was controversial, especially in America. As it's a quote from track one, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter, I don't think anyone even blinked at the mild double entendre. Is that right?

xxx

(kisses on the bottom)

Entered at Tue Feb 14 14:28:35 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

If you bought the deluxe 16 track version, don't forget today's the day you can download your four free live versions from Capitol Studios, 9th February 2012. I wondered why it was at Capitol when the album, like the last is on HearMusic, very much not EMI. What did surprise me was that Sir Paul thought saying 'Dis am de place!' was appropriate. It didn't get a lot of laughs.

Paul has said "I don't read or write music" in every interview. I suspect he is making a distinction between "don't" (habit) and "can't" (ability). Anyone who's been in a school choir as he was, should be able to pick their way along the melody line. I reckon he means he can't read or write a full orchestral score, which is a different thing. Maybe it's the "cat sat on the mat" writing compared to writing "Hamlet." But I bet he could follow (say) Tie A Yellow Ribbon on sheet music. I say that because a musician friend divides the world of musicians into those who could play Tie A Yellow Ribbon on their chosen instrument immediately without music or thinking, and those who can't do that. And points out some highly accomplished musicians who couldn't.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 14:25:38 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike

CBC "90 Minutes Live" (04/14/1978) interview w/ RR & Scorsese.

Entered at Tue Feb 14 10:04:26 CET 2012 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

It's amazing to think that Levon has won all those Grammys. He's the man. For years it seemed that Robbies solo career cast a shadow over the others but Levon has out shone him recently. Would just love to see him do something with Garth.

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Pat B

Entered at Tue Feb 14 06:34:44 CET 2012 from (96.244.11.186)

Pete

Subject: 3rd Grammy

Levon, Please sit down and cool off, you are way too hot. Three Grammy's in four years???? Congrats to you and the rest of the team, once again it's great to see good things happen to good people. Hope to see you and the band at some point soon. Listening to "A'int that a lot of love" as I write this, best wishes!!!!

Entered at Tue Feb 14 04:03:35 CET 2012 from (24.193.157.231)

Jon Lyness

Many congrats to Levon -- and to his wonderful band! -- the award is a tribute to their talents too, as I suspect Levon would be the first to agree. Also, hope he is recovering successfully from the procedure and will be back in action soon.

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Adam

Entered at Tue Feb 14 02:40:08 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Joan- they eliminated three extremely important categories- best traditional folk, blues and country. Without those musics, the rest wouldn't exist..

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Peter V

Entered at Mon Feb 13 22:14:09 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Peter: If you recall, when Levon won in the Americana category in 2009 for "Electric Dirt, the other nominees included Dylan, Willie Nelson & Asleep at the Wheel, Wilco and Lucinda Williams.

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Peter V

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Bill M

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Joan

Two things bugging me. One does it seem like the Grammys have as many categories as does JD Powers(i.e "The best car with wind shield wipers", The most satisfied customers in the small sedan with wheels") I'm kidding, but it does seem that way.

My second gripe is the coverage of Whitney Houston's unfortunate passing. She was beautiful and had a gorgeous voice at one time. She sadly lost both with her use pf drugs and drink. But my feeling is she did not deserve 10 minutes of a 30 minute news broadcast and an entire hour long "special" It just feels to me a little OTT. They have given less coverage to the passing of world leaders.

Please pardon my crabbiness. I guess I'm just in that kind of mood today. :-)

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Pat B

Entered at Mon Feb 13 17:24:19 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Cissy Houston, as a member of the Sweet Inspirations (along with Dionne & Dee Dee Warwick), also sang back-up on some sessions with Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks. One of those recordings, "You Know I Love You", produced by Henry Glover at Bell Sound NYC in 1961, was included on the "A Musical History" box set.

Entered at Mon Feb 13 16:06:57 CET 2012 from (24.108.131.161)

JT

Subject: Civil Wars : Barton Hollow

The Grammy Show was very well produced and there were some very good performances. The Beach Boys even with the other 2 groups opening were solid. Paul McCartney is inspirational. Congratulations to Levon Helm! Well-deserved!!! A nod to the twosome, Civil Wars, who had their 1-2 minutes on stage and made me aware of a terrific piece of work which I had somehow missed.

Entered at Mon Feb 13 14:57:46 CET 2012 from (174.44.143.11)

Jed

Congats on #3 Levon!

Entered at Mon Feb 13 14:09:41 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The BAFTAs saw "The Artist" sweeping up most of the prizes … Best film, best director and best actor and best cinematography, with Meryl Streep getting best actress for The Iron Lady. I haven't seen The Artist yet, having missed it locally, but no doubt it'll be back in the cinemas in force next week.

I knew Martin Scorsese was "diminuitive" in the words of the linked summary, but standing next to Stephen Fry and Max Von Sidow he looked "miniscule."

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Brien Sz

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Peter V

Levon's well-deserved Grammy award for Best Americana Album shines even brighter when you see the competition was Ry Cooder, Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris (I don't know the Linda Chorney nomination at all). Full list at the link.

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Kristie

Congratulations to Levon! So exciting and well deserved.

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Peter V

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jh

Subject: Levon Helm wins Grammy for "Ramble At the Ryman"

Yi-f**ing-ha!

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Lars

Subject: The Band at their peak

Thanks for the link to that article, Ian. What was written about The Boys was right on the money.

Entered at Sun Feb 12 22:34:11 CET 2012 from (99.242.137.141)

Ian

Subject: The Last Waltz

Sorry for the re-post folks....just trying to get a proper link into this blog entry about The Last Waltz. (Its entitled Right Place Wrong Time)

Entered at Sun Feb 12 14:31:26 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Well, I will admit I was pretty stoked about all the remaining Beach Boys coming together tonight for their 50th Anniversary; on the Grammys. That was; until I found out that the producers of the show have Maroon 5 and Foster the People singing with them and each doing one of their hits.

I've heard that producers were afraid that the younger more important demographic might tune out; if their wasn't a youth element; among our old guys. Crap. Have to wait and see I guess.

Entered at Sun Feb 12 14:24:58 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

I actually had to find a video to prove to me it was Pete Townshend singing Corrina. Never would have guessed it.

Entered at Sun Feb 12 10:47:33 CET 2012 from (90.239.114.169)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Whitney Houston

A classic moment here in Europe: WHITNEY HOUSTON and SERGE GAINSBOURG were guests in a French TV Talk Show:

- Serge (in French, without a warning): "I want to f**k you".

- Whitney (in English): "What..."

- TV host (embarraced): "He said he likes you." (Serge didn't leave it there, but it is another story.)

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Pat B

Entered at Sun Feb 12 05:33:01 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Date: Sat. Feb. 11 2012

Singer Whitney Houston, whose reign atop the pop charts was derailed by drug use and a tumultuous high-profile marriage, has died at the age of 48.

Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, confirmed the singer's death on Saturday evening, but did not reveal the cause.

Houston was pronounced dead in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton Hotel at 3:35 p.m. Saturday, Lt. Mark Rosen of Beverly Hills police told reporters. Attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.

There were no obvious signs of foul play and a coroner has been called in to investigate along with detectives, Rosen said.

Houston was reportedly at the hotel with a large entourage. Just two days ago, she performed at a pre-Grammy party with singer Kelly Price.

Houston's death came on the eve of the biggest night in music -- Sunday's Grammy Awards. She was expected to attend an annual pre-Grammy concert and dinner Saturday night hosted by her mentor, legendary producer Clive Davis.

A spokesperson for the gala said the show will go on.

"I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing," music producer Quincy Jones said in a written statement. "I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."

Tributes to Houston were pouring in on social media networks Saturday night. Mariah Carey, who has called Houston a role model, tweeted: "She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."

LUVYA all xoxoxo

Entered at Sun Feb 12 05:26:15 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Subject: Whitney Houston

Hi all!! Such sad news today on Whitney Houston's passing at 48 years. She had such an angelic voice.

R.I.P. dear, sweet Whitney. You will be missed by many. The angels now have you to sing with them.

My link to a performance at the Grammys.

Take care all...

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxooxo

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Peter V

I just realised … in the UK the set is on the Fontana label. It has Dylan, Baez & Seeger … just as on those Newport EPs Fontana were made to withdraw back in 1964 or 65. That's an interesting circle.

Entered at Sun Feb 12 00:10:29 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Amy Helm, Ollabelle, yes, loads of people it would have been good to hear. There is so much it's too hard to digest. I reckon 2 CDs now and 2 Cds in a few weeks would have made it easier! I would have liked The Waterboys actually - they're on a good run with "An Appointment With Mr Yeats."

Entered at Sat Feb 11 21:45:27 CET 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Bob F.

Subject: Chimes of Freedom

Peter V, I see your point. However, there are a bunch of people like Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Brett Dennen, Band of Skulls and Rise Against that I would never have expected to be on a Dylan cover set. I would have loved Amy Helm doing something like 'I Threw it All Away'. For me the worst thing on the set is Jeff Beck and Seal doing 'Like a Rolling Stone'. So bland and boring. I'm surprised there is no Springsteen or Waterboys contribution.

Entered at Sat Feb 11 21:01:10 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Not the usual suspects? Joan Baez, Bryan Ferry, Billy Bragg, Pete Seeger, Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler? So they ignored that one then.

I picked up Blowin' in The Wind by Lena Horne the other day. The credits read "Bobby Dylan."

On Mark Knopfler, he produced the new Bap Kennedy CD, "The Sailor's Revenge" and plays guitar throughout. Highly recommended. Mark's "Restless Farewell" is very good on Chimes of Freedom.

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Bob F.

Subject: Guy Clark Tribute

JQ, I'm really enjoying the Guy Clark tribute set also. Right now the Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson contributions are the stand out tracks for me.

Entered at Sat Feb 11 20:42:15 CET 2012 from (85.255.44.135)

jh

As you may have noticed, The Band site is not being updated these days, except for what's going on here in the GB. We have several site additions on the back burner, but no time or energy to deal with it at the moment. We'll be back when the smoke clears.

Entered at Sat Feb 11 20:38:05 CET 2012 from (68.198.166.204)

Bob F.

Subject: Miley Cyrus covering Mr. D

Miley Cyrus doing 'Your Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go' is actually very good. I read somewhere that Dylan's only request was they didn't ask the usual suspects.I'm really enjoying many of these versions. However, I could do without Sting. Always.

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Kristie

Subject: "Chimes of Freedom"

I agree with Peter. I think there should have been a Band connection.

As for the album itself, I really enjoyed the "I'm not there" soundtrack more. "I'm not there," to me, was more unique and less about making money( Miley Cyrus? Really?). There are a few songs I like on "Chimes of Freedom," though. Anything Lucinda sings is all right by me.

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Peter V

It's hard to tell … I don't think they're all "new" just unreleased. I'd have guessed they'd have a stack of decent live versions. I just thought it a shame there's no Band connection on the project … Robbie or Garth would have been great too.

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David P

Entered at Fri Feb 10 22:00:25 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

At a quick count I make it 76 tracks over 4 CDs all by different artists or combinations of artists. The Levon Helm Band should have submitted / contributed a new Blind Willie McTell or Don't Ya Tell Henry (everything is previously unreleased) but they didn't. It's hard to digest the extent of what's on offer, but I particularly like Sugarland's rollicking live "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight."

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JQ

In addition to the poetry of Mr. Cohen, I've been listening to "This One's For Him" a tribute to Guy Clark. That it's poetic stuff there's no doubt; I think he competes with Townes Van Zandt as the great Texas poet/songwriter, but whether it's in the same league with Mr Cohen's is likely a matter for more scholarly debate.

I've also picked up " Chimes Of Freedom-The Songs Of Bob Dylan; I have yet to listen to it but looking at the roster of the 30 artists represented, there's bound to be some winners. More later on this one -

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sadavid

Subject: the Obama campaign playlist

JRR will be pleased, I think, that C. Mayfield made the list as well.

"A spokesperson for the Obama campaign clarified in an e-mail that the president didn’t choose the songs; they were suggested by staff members and volunteers."

Entered at Fri Feb 10 17:00:39 CET 2012 from (90.239.116.84)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Rockin' Chair's cousin

I posted once that I don't understand RC's humor.

Nothing has changed.

Entered at Fri Feb 10 16:07:10 CET 2012 from (71.62.70.35)

Charlie Y

Subject: "The Weight"

It was announced this week that among the 29 songs to be played as Barack Obama hits the campaign trail will be Aretha Franklin's version of "The Weight."

Entered at Fri Feb 10 11:21:26 CET 2012 from (94.191.185.12)

Jensen

Subject: the interview

I saw the john simon interview and i think it was good. that man is an icon in my opinion. Nice day to your all :)

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Dave H

Entered at Thu Feb 9 21:38:36 CET 2012 from (136.167.102.118)

Dave H

Entered at Thu Feb 9 21:21:09 CET 2012 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Recent John Simon interview & pic (that he supplied).

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Rockin Chair

Subject: Old Man Mind

Bunch a gawd damn dirty old men! I have a cousin who is forever sending me these stupid joke e mails.....constantly! He's a pain in the ass. Now and then he sends me a good one.

An old guy in Alberta went to the Chev Dealer and picked up his new Corvette he had just ordered. Out on the highway feeling the wind blow thru what was left of his hair in his new convertible.

He couldn't resist, out on that highway. He wound her up to a hundred......110. Suddenlt the lights of a cop are flashing behind him. Now with his surge of power he says, "screw him!" He winds her right to 160. Suddenly he caves in, "What in hell am I doing? I'm an old man."

He pulls to the side of the road and waits. The cop pulls up, jumps out of his car, obviously a tad irritated. "Fer chris sake old man, what in hell are you doing?"....."Well, it's Friday afternoon. My shift ends in a half hour. I sure in hell don't feel like writing you out this ticket right now!".........."If you can give me one good reason why you were going so fast I'll let you go!"

The old guy thinks a bit......and he says, "Well last year, my wife ran off with a cop.........I thought you were bringing her back!"........cop, "Have a nice day sir!"

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David P

And, more politely, to sleep with someone doesn't always mean slumber: ay, there's the rub :-)

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Bill M

Entered at Thu Feb 9 18:21:49 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Levon Helm, mandolin

The old trifecta: "Temptation, Lust and Laziness".

Entered at Thu Feb 9 18:19:52 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Levon Helm's mandolin

Same model as Bill Monroe's . . . .

Entered at Thu Feb 9 16:50:11 CET 2012 from (70.28.32.74)

Landmark

Hey Bill,thanks for the "compliment" and shout-out on what is definitely, a great day at Stately Landmark Manor. Polka expert, a successful result with the IRS over a stunning trifecta hit at the track in 2010, and accolades over my supposed prowess in the field of Accounts Receivables at work have me in a fine state of mind.

Furniture and mandolin, more of dirge in my opinion.

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Bill M

She took the furniture
And left me the mandolin

However, I'm happy to defer to Landmark, our resident polka expert.

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David P

The Levon Helm Band with special guest Mavis Staples scheduled to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 5.

Entered at Thu Feb 9 05:16:36 CET 2012 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

This is when television was pretty good.

Entered at Wed Feb 8 19:33:45 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Glenn T: I follow your line of thinking, as I too often ponder the possibilities of different singing combinations regarding who would be an ideal alternative. In this case Levon could have also doubled on mandolin in addition to singing harmony. Mr. Winwood composed the song with Will Jennings, who first wrote the lyrics. I recall reading that Mr. Winwood came up with the melody playing a mandolin, which was one of the few possessions left in his English country home following a divorce. If he'd been writing a bluegrass song perhaps he could have sung "She took the furniture and left me the mandolin." :-)

Entered at Wed Feb 8 19:00:08 CET 2012 from (205.211.96.13)

Ian

Subject: The Last Waltz

Just a quick blog reference to the Last Waltz - worth reading for music fans. http://therockandrolllibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/01/right-place-wrong-time.html

Entered at Wed Feb 8 12:56:01 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.149)

Hilda F

Subject: Bert Jansch

Not so long ago Bert Jansch died and I believe there might be someone here who is interested in a vinyl copy of his very first album. It is a UK pressing and I bought it in the seventies (?) I think. There is no date on it and the only ref.nr I can find is TRA 125. All I'm asking for it is a cd copy in return. I live in Amsterdam but I think we can work something out.

Entered at Wed Feb 8 06:46:42 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

alex Ligertwood is still out touring.Has a band -Alex Ligertwood,David Garfield and the Cats.All heavy duty, Garfield has been musical director for goerge benson. Gonna ctach them this thursday,in my favrotie small club anywhere.

Entered at Wed Feb 8 04:46:50 CET 2012 from (128.104.61.102)

Ginger Kay Stevens

Subject: salt in the air

ginger.stevens1@gmail.com I went to your concert (with Bob Dylan) in 1974 at the Chicago Stadium. I sent in for 3 tickets by mail through a Chicago radio station. I went with my schoolmate Dave S. and his friend Mike ? in Dave's red Volkswagon bug. When we left the concert after it was over, the tire was flat! It was painfully cold that night, but that is the type of neighborhood it can probably be. Dave changed the tire himself in the cold and didn't even mind. I enjoyed the concert and stage presentation. Ginger Stevens (Reeves)

Entered at Wed Feb 8 02:07:04 CET 2012 from (69.223.177.220)

glenn t

when i hear steve winwood's song "back in the high life again" with support vocals by james taylor, my ears yearn to hear that role filled by levon. there's something about levon's voice that i believe would have been better, perfect, for that song. and every time that song plays (in my home, in the car, on a radio somewhere) my mind fills that part in with levon's voice. now, james does a fine job, but to me, levon's would have take the song to a better place. what do you all think? has/does this happen to you sometimes...you just hear someone else singing a vocal or support part?

Entered at Wed Feb 8 00:26:50 CET 2012 from (99.254.209.45)

John D

Well the mouse ate the crumb

Then the cat ate the crust

Now they've fallen in love

They're talking in tongues

Ahhh Leonard. Welcome back!

Entered at Tue Feb 7 20:54:53 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Subject: Blog Re: The Last Waltz

From Carol's Rick Danko Facebook page.Not too much new.

Entered at Tue Feb 7 16:00:03 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

I've been enjoying the 180g vinyl version of "Old Ideas". As it also included its CD counterpart, upon comparison, I believe the LP seems to add a bit of airy warmth which lends itself well with Mr. Cohen's deeply resonant recitation-style vocals. I agree with Peter that this is his best recording of new songs in many, many years.

Entered at Tue Feb 7 10:05:25 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

… it sounds particularly good loud because the way the voice is recorded, and also particularly good on headphones (which I rarely use otherwise) because of the intimacy of the delivery.

Entered at Tue Feb 7 10:03:33 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

It won't take long to get stuck in it. It's way better than "Dear Heather" and at least as good as "Ten New songs." I've hear it through once or twice a day since release a week ago. It's a five star album in my view. Get the latest "Mojo" (Cohen cover) where he talks about it and reveals he's already working on the next one, having three songs left from the tour that didn't go on there. It has a "Leonard Cohen Covered" cover mount disc in the UK, recreating the first album and a superb article on making the first album in 1967.

Entered at Tue Feb 7 00:46:26 CET 2012 from (166.147.83.235)

JQ

Anybody got stuck in on his new one yet? I've just gone through it once and I think it's going to require multiple play-throughs to get it -

Entered at Mon Feb 6 22:06:17 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: the Revols

Sorry if this link to Wikipedia is a repeat of something posted previously by BEG or someone else, but I thought the photos of the early Revols (Richard top left in the first, Kalmusky bottom left, Dave Mickie bottom right) were worth pointing out.

Entered at Mon Feb 6 19:57:13 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: your Reading List

This is odd: a crime novel about a man who "inhabits the America of Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson." A man from the Eastern Townships, no less, who played minor league sports before turning to farming. Mercy.

Entered at Mon Feb 6 18:51:26 CET 2012 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Bill M: Yeah - and I add my thanks to Ari & the masked person.

"Jam" sounds to me like perhaps their "Cannonball Adderley period" or at least an attempt to go beyond "Howlin' For My Darling" &c. Richard seems to be using jazzish chords on a lot of this material. Rick hasn't yet learned to let it breathe.

It _does_ sound like quite a party . . . in "Who Do You Love" I discerned this little exchange of sparling repartee:

-How old are you, ma'am?
-Old enough!
-Beak! She's only fourteen!
-That's your speed . . . . I'm second.

Entered at Mon Feb 6 17:10:15 CET 2012 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Feb 6 15:11:01 CET 2012 from (82.72.117.171)

JM

Subject: Levon

How about this Dutch drummer, Richard Heijermans? Watch him leap like a cat in the end. Now this was rather a cool performance; the other day he just jumped out of his seat. I think he's just a great Levon-performner

Entered at Mon Feb 6 10:33:59 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The usual reason why a video gets removed from YouTube is that a copyright holder objects. YouTube (deliberately) takes two or three weeks to process “take-down” notices leaving the offending video up as long as it can. I speak from bitter experience as people have posted my commercial videos and it takes ages to get YouTube to comply, by which time, basically you’ve lost it. In this case, I’d guess Bob or his agency or record company objected. They may then have put it on a pay to view. Publishers and record labels now employ someone to issue take-down notices.

Entered at Mon Feb 6 01:33:28 CET 2012 from (62.140.137.99)

Hilda F

Subject: mike h/ link Bob Dylan Blind Willie McTell Scorcese Tribute

On friday 13th of february you posted the link mentioned above. Somehow that was for me the only way to access this video. All other possibilities were blocked on my iPad. I have seen it several times since then because I put it in my ' Favourites'. But today it was gone. ' Video can not be played' the screen says. And the only way to see it now seems to be through a site were I have to pay. Do you now what happened?

Entered at Mon Feb 6 00:53:46 CET 2012 from (124.168.25.103)

dlew919

Subject: Women and children next...

I think that's the ship (in my link) in which the highest ranking officer was 'guitarist'). The rest had abandoned ship, leaving the band to c-ordinate the rescue effort. they got everyone off safely.

Entered at Sun Feb 5 23:56:48 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Feb 5 23:50:13 CET 2012 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The captain should go to prison for the maximum … aren't the Italians charging him with manslaughter?

Entered at Sun Feb 5 22:49:34 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Norm the captain's behavior was disgusting. Yesterday 2 ships pulled into Miami with a couple of hundred people suffering from Noro virus. It happens often on these giant cruise ships.

All in all I think I'll stay on land for my vacations.

Entered at Sun Feb 5 21:14:26 CET 2012 from (98.14.145.48)

Ari

I don't know if anybody has seen this but it contains at least 10 pages of THE BAND bootlegs. Mixed in there are LEVON AND THE HAWKS (they play Lucille). It's a little overwhelming.

Entered at Sun Feb 5 17:50:59 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Costa Concordia

Our local CBC has aired a documentary of the sinking of this ship twice in the last two days. I feel complelled to make a comment about this tragedy.

To feel any emotion about something you have done, requires a conscience. It appears this Capatin of this ship has none. I can't even call him a man when he doesn't even have the balls to admit anything he's done.

To abandon the ship, (with his officers) leaving passengers on board, and crew who are trying to help is unforgivable. To lie about it deserves maxmum punishment.

He "tripped and fell into a life boat", that just happened to have all his officers aboard at the same time? When one has the lives of thousands of people in your care, you would expect a man to act with maturity and honour. I am disgusted.

This is the second time in resent years a captain from Europe has abandonded his ship the other off the coast of South Africa that we watched sink. The Greek Capatin left the ship, and his idiotic statement was he could better co-ordinate people leaving the ship from land.

On our coast a few years back the officer of the watch allowed the BC ferry Queen of the North to run full speed into Gil Island. Apparently there was some sexual activity going on with a female seaman on the bridge. Two people were never found in that sinking.

However this Italian Captain using that ship as a toy to see how close he can go to an island proves the need for there to be designated routes in close waters that those ships must adhere to. Very obviously every one can't be trusted to use good judgement.

Whether it's a ship, a plane or a bus, people just climb aboard mostly without thought. Every one assumes they are safe in the care of who ever is operating. Is this a wakeup call?

Entered at Sun Feb 5 12:29:17 CET 2012 from (76.98.218.136)

Carmen

Subject: Neil Young

Great video of Neil Young and Crazy Horse

Entered at Sun Feb 5 11:20:27 CET 2012 from (90.239.119.110)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Late Steve and politics

Sailing on MAYFLOWER I would have wished to share lifeboat with Steve. (Englishmen surely understand the deep laugh in this statement.)

Footnote: Watching Republican campaign makes me wish that MR. DENER would run a campaign. Now I need a drink, I'm insane!

Entered at Sat Feb 4 22:11:24 CET 2012 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

'We're goin round the Horn boys
Goin round the Horn,
There's gold in California
And we're goin round the Horn"

I don't remember where that snippet of song came from but I fear I'll be singing it all evening.

Entered at Sat Feb 4 19:50:34 CET 2012 from (74.108.30.41)

Joan

Brien that was a fascinating link to the Civil War battles. I could get lost in that for a few hours.

Entered at Sat Feb 4 19:24:49 CET 2012 from (24.164.173.243)

Lars

Subject: The Horn

Norm- Avast. Heave to and take 'er into the wind. 31 days and we are still trying to go 'round the Horn.....I say we should put about.....what's wrong with living in Australia? Just drop me off in Somalia and I'll hitch a ride with some friendly stranger....anything is better than this...

Brings back bad memories, Norm. I never want to be on a ship again. I wonder how Mikey's cruise to Italy went...haven't heard from him lately.

Entered at Sat Feb 4 19:09:53 CET 2012 from (99.236.202.207)

Serenity

Hi guys!! Wonderful posts and links, as usual. Glad to see you are all being your delightful selves.

Found this in my entertainment news, so thought some of you might be interested in knowing about this.

Grammy winner Mavis Staples to headline Chicago Blues Fest in June

By The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – Tue, 31 Jan, 2012

CHICAGO - Chicago music legend Mavis Staples will headline the Chicago Blues Fest this summer.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said Tuesday that other headliners will include Texas Johnny Brown and Floyd Taylor. The three-day festival runs from June 8 to 10 in Grant Park along Lake Michigan. Staples will close the festival on June 10. She won last year's "Best Americana Album" Grammy award for her album "You Are Not Alone," produced by fellow Chicagoan Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.

The Blues Festival also will include tributes to several performers who died in 2011, including David (Honeyboy) Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin and Willie (Big Eyes) Smith. There also will be tributes to Koko Taylor, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Lightnin' Hopkins.

Online: http://www.chicagobluesfestival.us

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

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Peter V

Entered at Sat Feb 4 17:26:37 CET 2012 from (90.239.70.158)

NorthWestCoaster

I posted earlier today a thank to HILDA (Flash). Maybe I forgot to push a necessary button, because it's not there.

Entered at Sat Feb 4 15:40:54 CET 2012 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Books

HEY LARS!.....How'er you doin' old kid?? A little bit to relate to you while things seem some what quiet.

Some years back, you and I in jest were discussing Cape Horn. On buying this big old ship I have now. She has quite a nice little library in the main salon. There were a few good books left in there. As I got thumbing thru them, one stood out.

"Beyond Cape Horn" by Charles Neider. I have read a bit here and there. Quite a history of his travels of the Antartic. The last real untamed frontier. I'm saving it for some night anchored up and snuggled down in a bay some where. That sort of mood will make it even more special to read. I'll be thinking of you.

Maybe you or some of the other fellows who still appreciate a good book might find it interesting. It really is different.

Peter, I remember turning you on to, "In Hazard". I recall you said you ordered it. Di you ever get it read?

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Brien Sz

This list has Missouri third in battles. If that other list said 1,100 it must have included a lot of skirmishes and many of those skirmishes must have gone something like...you stink...no you stink....no you stink...NO, you stink! Just having fun.......

Entered at Sat Feb 4 05:16:04 CET 2012 from (99.89.226.221)

PutEmUp(Friend0

On the local news they just discussed that Missouri hosted 1,100 Civil War battles or skirmishes. I can believe that. What i have difficulty believing was the claim that this was the third highest ranked by # amongst the states or territories. Pacific,Mo was the battle location closest to St Louis.

Entered at Fri Feb 3 17:36:11 CET 2012 from (99.250.10.113)

GregD

John D/Bill M- thanks for the info and stories about Beverly D'Angelo. Too bad John that you didn't invest in her career!

David P-thanks for the link to her performance in Coal Miner's Daughter. Another Hawks connection of course through Levon. It's been some time since I've seen that movie.

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mike h

Recent Roll Mag article on Jim Weider.

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mike h

Link to Levon & Rick's "Not Fade Away" '96 tribute w/ two of the Crickets. Buddy Holly passed away (w/ Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper & the pilot) 53-yrs ago today.

Terry Danko also does a nice rendition of Holly's "Raining In My Heart" by Holly.

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mike h

Thanks for the live clip link, Pat.

This link is Little Feat w/ Larry Campbell in Jamaica (01/18/12) performing "Cripple Creek."

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Pat B

Geez, this guy on Youtube has been busy. Check out the harmonies on the choruses with RR doubling RM an octave down and Levon just killing it.

Entered at Thu Feb 2 18:26:38 CET 2012 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Beverly D'Angelo

The lovely Ms. D'Angelo appeared with Levon in "Coal Miner's Daughter" where she played Patsy Cline. She got to show off her great talent as a singer as well on such songs as "Sweet Dreams" (link above) and "Walking After Midnight", which appeared on the soundtrack album along with Levon's version of "Blue Moon of Kentucky".

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Bill M

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John D

It was the early 70's Greg. I wasn't married yet.

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John D

The years are a little foggy; but Beverly D'Angelo and her girlfriend had come up to Toronto from Ohio. They played with Ronnie, I remember, at the Embassy Tavern on Bellair (sp). One day I was walking up to the club's door and Bev was running towards me......jumped up and stratled me, saying "how ya doing babe." That's as far as that went. I swear the following statement is true. I told her one day that I wish I had enough money to invest in her as I thought she was going to be a star. As a singer I mean. Knew nothing about her future acting career.

The last time I saw her was at the premier of the movie Hair in Toronto. She was polite but distant. Ahh Hollywood.

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John D

For the last 10 years I have written the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame asking them to induct Cosimo Matassa, the man behind the board of the BIGGEST hits and non hits out of New Orleans. He was in many ways responsible for the New Orleans Sound

FINALLY he is being inducted this year. Thank God; while he is still living.

New Orleans R&B historian Jeff Hannusch (originally from Hamilton Ontario) has written that “Virtually every R&B record made in New Orleans between the late 40's and early 70's was engineered by Cosimo Matassa, and recorded in one of his four studios.” As the owner of J&M Recording Studios in the city’s French Quarter, Matassa recorded the music that helped give birth to rock and roll. Fats Domino, Dave Bartholomew, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, Smiley Lewis, Professor Longhair, Roy Brown and countless others created magic at J&M. Matassa opened the J&M Record Shop in 1945, and installed recording equipment in the back of the store. There were no recording studios in the city at the time, and J&M became a gathering place for musicians. Matassa sought to capture rather than shape the city’s thriving R&B scene: “I always tried to capture the dynamics of a live performance. These guys were doing these songs on their gigs and that was the sound that I was trying to get. We didn’t have any gimmicks – no overdubbing, no reverb – nothing. Those guys played with a lot of excitement; and I felt if I couldn’t put it in the groove, people weren’t going to move.” Record labels like DeLuxe, Atlantic, Chess, Imperial, King and Specialty lined up to record at J&M. He moved the studio around New Orleans in later years and kept on recording New Orleans greats like Aaron Neville, Lee Dorsey and Robert Parker.

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Pat B

Cilla Black's version of "It's For You."

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glenn t

chest fever was also on the three dog night "captured live at the forum" album, along with an obscure(never recorded/released by the fabs) lennon/mccartney tune "it's for you". these guys sure picked some great tunes by other artists/songwriters.

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David P

Bill M: And similarly, The Band connection with Three Dog Night was that their cover of "Chest Fever" was the B-side of their hit Dunhill single version of Nilsson's "One".

Entered at Wed Feb 1 16:26:06 CET 2012 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Joe J: I'm sure you're right. The song was the b-side of "Joy To The World" so sold by the ton. Troiano's band (Bush) ahared a label (Dunhill) and a manager (Reb Foster) wth Three Dog Night, but even after foster and Dunhill"s publishing (Wingate?) Helped themselves to sizable cuts, something must've been left for Dom. I once heard Brent Titcomb (whose songs graced the b-sides of a couple od Anne Murray hits) say that songwriters called them "Touristers" because, like luggage, they go where the hit goes (and sell what the hit sells).

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GregD

Bill M- All this talk of B.J.Cook has reminded me of another former one-time female vocalist with Ronnie Hawkins, namely actress and Al Pacino partner Beverly D'Angelo. Do you recall what version of the Hawks she was a part of, and how long she was with Hawkins?

Entered at Wed Feb 1 13:57:44 CET 2012 from (129.42.208.177)

Bob F.

Subject: Guy Clark Tribute CD Set

Anybody else listening to the recently released Guy Clark Tribute CD Set called 'This Ones For Him - A Tribute to Guy Clark'? Unlike most of these collections where the cover versions are hit or miss, everything on this set is at least very good. Many of these are the best versions of the songs I've heard. A lot of great performers on this set like Roseanne Cash, Rodney Crowell aand Steve Earle. Willie Nelson does an amazing version of 'Desperadoes Waiting for a Train'.

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