The Band Guestbook, June 2015

Entered at Tue Jun 30 23:25:48 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Keith is credited for bass guitar on both Street Fighting Man and Sympathy for the Devil.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 22:41:48 CEST 2015 from (173.68.71.190)

Jed

But he sure sounded like a Stone.I could care less how a musician looks or style wise fits with a band-all that matters to me is the music.And Mick was a great fit and a superb player.BTW,i loved Exile,early,middle and late Stones.Glad they're still around.Did they really change most after Bill Wyman left?

Entered at Tue Jun 30 21:59:35 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 30 21:53:08 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

As albums, rather than tracks, my three favouries are Beggar’s Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers. I’m definitely not an Exiles fan. But I am a Black ‘n; Blue, Goats Head Soup, Tattoo You and Some Girls fan.

On Beggars Banquet, this is what producer Jimmy Miller said:

Miller said that Jones would "show up occasionally when he was in the mood to play, and he could never really be relied on:

QUOTE: When he would show up at a session—let's say he had just bought a sitar that day, he'd feel like playing it, so he'd look in his calendar to see if the Stones were in. Now he may have missed the previous four sessions. We'd be doing let's say, a blues thing. He'd walk in with a sitar, which was totally irrelevant to what we were doing, and want to play it. I used to try to accommodate him. I would isolate him, put him in a booth and not record him onto any track that we really needed. And the others, particularly Mick and Keith, would often say to me, 'Just tell him to piss off and get the hell out of here' UNQUOTE

Jones played sitar and tanbur on "Street Fighting Man, slide guitar on "No Expectations", harmonica on "Parachute Woman", "Dear Doctor" and "Prodigal Son” and Mellotron on "Jig-Saw Puzzle" and "Stray Cat Blues. Jones is sometimes mistakenly credited for playing the slide guitar on "Jig-Saw Puzzle"; both guitars are played by Keith Richards

Entered at Tue Jun 30 18:35:08 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

This may have been discussed when the film came out (2012), but if you haven't seen "Beware of Mr. Baker", the documentary by Jay Bulger about Ginger Baker is it well worth a watch. Riveting, remorseless, alarming - you won't be bored!

Entered at Tue Jun 30 16:54:55 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Opinions, opinions, opinions....the downslope

There are as many opinions as there are Rolling Stones... and more. Everyone has their favourite Stones period. But whatever one likes, I can say without any doubt that the 'downslope' was very slow and that there was no sudden slide but a gradual and a gentle reduction. For me, I loved the early material (many of the 'blues' especially) and love Begger's Banquet, but all the albums until the 80s had tremendous merit and again, I have a lot of trouble comparing. To say there is a downslope suggests a severe loss of quality... for the 60's to the early 80's, IMO, that was NOT the case. PSB: I do love the albums you note, but I also admire much of what is on Exile and Kevin, yes, those are great albums (a 'progression' fitting of the times they were created in and befitting of that time). The beauty of those songs is that they withstand the test of time. By the way, I love 'Doom and Gloom' so there... I've said it.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 16:28:52 CEST 2015 from (24.114.78.192)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Jun 30 16:11:26 CEST 2015 from (72.78.36.149)

PSB

Subject: Brian Jones

Yes really, and I don't consider the albums after they sacked him their best albums and I have a lot of friends who worship "Exile." Their best 3 albums as far as I'm concerned are Aftermath, Between The Buttons and Beggar's Banquet. Mick Taylor never seemed like a Stone to me. Ron Wood on the other hand did, but it was all downhill after Sticky Fingers.

The later versions of The Band were a different story. My reaction to the Band/Cate Brothers experiment was "It was nice to see them."

Entered at Tue Jun 30 16:06:46 CEST 2015 from (24.114.78.192)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Jun 30 15:35:10 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Subject: Almost Independence Day

One of Van Morrison's greatest songs. His music is aging beautifully.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 15:23:39 CEST 2015 from (173.68.71.190)

Jed

In the spirit of it being Mick & The Stones,Mick once referred to Charlie as "my drummer".Charlie knocked him out.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 10:40:57 CEST 2015 from (82.19.62.64)

Ian W

To me, the real question in terms of the formation of The Stones is not whether Jones was or was not the "soul" of the band. The key factor is whether that combination of individuals would actually have come together as a group at all without Jones.

I'm no expert on this but, as I recall it, that would not have happened without him. It was his drive/dream (whichever) to form an r'n'b band that kicked them off. It was Jones who advertised in the music press looking for others to join the r'n'b band he was forming. I can't remember if Jagger joined at this precise time but the vocalist, being the front man, was seen as the leader, so the band was sometimes described as Mick Jagger and his Rolling Stones - or something like that.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 09:22:42 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 30 08:36:18 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

FROM MOJO:

CHARLIE: We'd never had a virtuoso like (Mick Taylor) in the band. It wasn't his influence because he's not like that. It ws his presence. He'd play so well that you'd just go on … There was this period where the player was as big as the song. The Cream did that. And Zeppelin. Zep were the ones that ruined it! (Bands going on for 20 minutes, doing a few songs and running off). They’d play for four hours! Well that’s all right if you’ve got John Bonham and particularly Jimmy Page ‘cos he could play forver and you wouldn’t get bored. And obviously Jimi Hendrix. He had that type of band. Cream were the same. I mean, three minutes of Ginger Baker’s not long enough, especially if you see him doing it. That was very much the era of the virtuoso. I mean, me and Ringo come from the school where whatever the singer sang, you played with him. UNQUOTE

You could add Levon to “me and Ringo” there. Later Charlie says “Ginger is the best drummer to come up through that era.”

He probably never saw Ginger Baker’s Airforce, I’d add curmudgeonly. Because they were fucking awful.

Yes, three of my favourite Stones songs … Under My Thumb, Ruby Tuesday, Play With Fire … would have a Brian influence. But I’d say, reading several bios of the Stones that Keef “rescued” Anita rather than stole her.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 08:06:15 CEST 2015 from (24.114.78.192)

Kevin J

......re: the previous post, I was actually ok with the 83 reunion. Took a while to come to grips with it....but I understood it. After Richard died, I thought carrying on was a big mistake.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 07:40:09 CEST 2015 from (24.114.78.192)

Kevin J

.......for all their grandiosity and calculated decadence, Led Zeppelin did get it absolutely right at the end by knowing to end it all when John Bonham died......They very well could have carried on and made multi-millions but instead chose a path that really honoured what the band was. A band. I'm still sorry The Band carried on as The Band without its lead singer, lead guitar player and its songwriters........Rick Danko's solo shows rank as some of the most cherished live music experiences in my life and his DFA albums were great....Levon caught all kinds of wind with the Rambles and his Dirt Farmer albums............Looking back, they probably would have been better off not trying to re-start The Band.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 06:28:06 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.165)

Jeff A.

Charlie Watts ain't a plain drummer. If the music fans are cheering based on their ears, they are cheering for him because he is one helluva and an exciting powerhouse of a drummer.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 06:04:12 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Class

That's because the plainest girl had the most class in the class. But you have to have something special that shines brightly to stand out when you are plain.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 05:24:24 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.28)

Bill M

While Charlie Watts is my favourite Stone too, I have to see the CHeer-for-Charlie tradition as akin to grade 3, when the plainest girl in class received way more Valentines Day cards than anyone else.

Bonk: Spoke to Denny N yesterday - first time since the fall, I guess. He mentioned John Till having turned up at one of Zarathustra's practices, but couldn't recall why. Likely very early '70s. Any suggestions?

Entered at Tue Jun 30 04:56:59 CEST 2015 from (32.216.237.182)

Todd

Subject: Have you seen your brother, baby, standing in the shadow?

The Stones never would have been positioned for 1969 - 1971 to happen without 1962 - 1969 (the Jones years) happening first.

As much as I love the 69-72 era and have a particular fondness for 'Exile on Main Street' (the album with no songs on it), I can't imagine being without the really classic Stones years with songs like 'Under My Thumb' and 'Ruby Tuesday'. There was a particular tapestry that was woven during those days where they rose to greatness, and Jones was an integral part of that.

'Under My Thumb' is particularly tasty. All 5/6 members shine. Watts driving from the drum seat, and Wyman providing his wobble...Jagger's signature snarl/growl and Keith's electric crunch along with some classic Ian Stewart piano. All wonderful stuff. But what makes the song even more interesting and moves it from merely good to great, is the acoustic guitar rhythm provided by Jones, along with his marimba flowing throughout the song. Just one example of what Jones contributed musically to make the Stones sound different from any other Drums-bass-guitar rock band.

Yes, Jones had some substance abuse issues,and really started to go off the rails after Richards siphoned off his girlfriend Anita, while Jones was in the hospital on that trip to Morocco. But hey...it was the 1960's free love etc....
But it turns out that even free love has a price....

Entered at Tue Jun 30 04:31:05 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Watts

No question about Charlie Watts: Superb!!!

Entered at Tue Jun 30 04:34:44 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.165)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 04:05:41 CEST 2015 from (24.108.19.210)

BONK

Charlie Watts is THE man for the Stones. They wouldn't sound the same without him. I've been in drum clinics with some pretty bad ass drummers and the head guy will say 'play like Charlie Watts' and these bad ass guys will fuck it up every time. And it's just two missing notes to the bar.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 01:34:36 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.165)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 30 00:26:35 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Revisionist history

This is an interesting discussion. Paul Trynka's book is an important source in understanding the evolution of the Rolling Stones. Revisionist history serves some well while others are diminished. No one doubts the importance of Jagger and Richards in the evolution of this band. What we are discussing here is the beginning and how it happens.

" “History is written by the victors,” writes Paul Trynka in the preface of his new book, Brian Jones: The Making of the Rolling Stones, “and in recent years we’ve seen the proprietors of the modern Rolling Stones describe their genesis, their discovery of the blues, without ever mentioning their founder."

So, yes, the Stones may have done their best work in the post-Jones era, and yes, no doubt, there were other excellent players in the band, but to deny the seminal role that Brian Jones played (lets stick to the point!) is to provide revisionism, and that is not appropriate.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 23:19:32 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Entered at Mon Jun 29 19:48:21 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Well, I'm glad in the interests of peace and harmony that no one mentioned Women's Football here. Or Men's Under-21 Football.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 17:30:58 CEST 2015 from (131.137.34.252)

sadavid

Subject: Joni news

Ms. Mitchell is at home, 'speaking well,' and learning how to walk.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 17:06:07 CEST 2015 from (24.114.78.192)

Kevin J

From Rod's book:

"In 1969, with things getting ever more fractious and beginning to spiral downwards, Jeff kicked Woody out of the band because he felt he was complaining too much, which in turn had the effect of stretching my patience with the whole project. There was no fun in it without Woody. That said, a guy called Doug Blake came in to play bass, and had what was, in retrospect, an important influence on me. Not only did Blake take to the stage, no matter how hot it was, in a frock coat and a pair of fingerless mittens, he also had a trick of flipping his bass guitar in the air and catching it again, which would in turn prompt me, slightly competitively (not wanting to be upstaged by the bassist, of all people), to throw my microphone into the air and catch it – a tiny lob the first few times, and then higher and higher as confidence grew. It was the beginning of a whole new phase for my stage act: the opening of a whole new repertoire of movements.

Our last American tour was a short jaunt up the East Coast intk the summer of 1969, taking in the Fillmore East, where it had all begun, Maryland, and the Newport Jazz Festival, with the intention to end the trip at some outdoor event or other in upstate New York in August. On the eve of that last show the band was billeted in a hotel at JFK Airport, the plan being to hop over to the event and back and fly out to London on the same night. But then the call came through. The gig wouldn't be happening. Jeff had already flown out on the 5:30 flight that afternoon. Apparently he had got wind from somewhere of a rumor, which turned out to be false, that his missus was having an affair with the gardener, so he was quite keen to go home.

The name of that festival we didn't play: Woodstock. Ah, well. Seen one outdoor festival, you've seen them all."

Entered at Mon Jun 29 16:53:35 CEST 2015 from (72.78.36.149)

PSB

Subject: Brian Jones

Brian Jones was the soul of the Rolling Stones and clearly the person who had the most adventurous ideas. The person who overwhelmingly gets the most applause during band introductions at every Stones concert I've been to is Charlie Watts.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 16:45:56 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Jun 29 16:04:58 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Brian Jones

Leaving all other issues (singing, writing of songs, personalities etc.) aside, Keith Richards is quoted: "The Rolling Stones was Brian's baby". He should not be omitted in any history, plaque, commemoration of the band.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 15:58:44 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Peter V, I also saw Yes early on at the Academy of Music opening for King Crimson and Procol Harum. They were so good!

Entered at Mon Jun 29 14:50:14 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Jun 29 13:41:36 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.165)

Jeff A.

Old 1979 Rolling Stone article on NYC studio musicians.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 12:47:10 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

In googling that, I saw the very sad news that Chris Squire of Yes had passed away. I can still remember watching them at the Marquee just as the first album was released and being stunned by Chris Squire's bass playing. Very sorry indeed to hear this one.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 12:43:59 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Darryl Jones has played bass for them, but only for a mere 21 years. Wiki says:

QUOTE: In the manner of other tour and recording sidemen for the band, such as saxophonist Bobby Keys and keyboardist Chuck Leavell, Jones' stage movement and audience interaction is low-key and he generally wears understated apparel on stage. He is a salaried employee and does not share financial participation in the band's worldwide publishing, recording and concert touring revenues.UNQUOTE

If you look at the detailed sleeve notes, bass was very often Keith or Ronnie on record while Bill was a member.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 12:37:44 CEST 2015 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

Who's the Rolling Stones' bass player, post B Wyman?

Entered at Mon Jun 29 10:00:25 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I reckon Townsend and Daltrey function fairly as "The Who" and I think Mick & Keef … in 2015 concert terms … could get away with it too.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 07:34:27 CEST 2015 from (32.216.237.182)

Todd

Subject: Maybe they should have put this one the plaque

"The triangular flow of energy between Brian, Mick, and myself was the thing the Stones ran on. It was this conflict and interchange of allegiances which was the basic emotional engine of the Stones..."
-Keith Richards 1974

Entered at Mon Jun 29 04:28:17 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Jun 29 03:01:13 CEST 2015 from (24.114.78.192)

Kevin J

"Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met on platform 2 on 17 October 1961 and went on to form The Rolling Stones - one of the most successful rock bands of all time.”

The sign was in need of an edit anyway.......Richards was Richard at the time and I had thought just about everyone knew Brian Jones had formed the band......7 years after Jones had formed the band......he had lost his women, his talents, his band and his life......a bit sad to think that history was going to take absolutely everything away......nice to see Bill Wyman cared enough to not let that happen.

Bob F........well summarized on Justified ! Sam Elliot is one of those few actors, like Gene Hackman or Willem Dafoe that I enjoy them in everything they do......whether it be great movies or B level stuff, they always stand out.

Entered at Mon Jun 29 01:03:03 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Ron Wood has had some kind of career. With The Faces he was the only guitar player and they tore up the stage. His playing on The Faces records and early Rod Stewart is incredible. As a songwriter he should be in the hall of fame having co written classics such as Gasoline Alley, Every Picture Tells A Story, Ohh La La, Stay With Me, I Can Feel The Fire, Cindy Incidentally, You Can Make Me Dance. He's had a pretty good run with the Stones also.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 23:59:56 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

As I've said before, Charlie is a great drummer, Ronnie a great personality, but frankly, if Mick & Keef went out with a session band, assuming it was a great drummer and bass player, I'd be happy to see it billed as "The Rolling Stones"

Entered at Sun Jun 28 21:57:38 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I spent a fair time trying to find out more but that was a long time ago. It may be more productive now.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 21:56:17 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Record Collector in January 1996 had an item in the ‘25 Years Ago This Month’ column (i.e. 1971) which said that ‘Band bassist Rick Danko was producing an album for Michael J. Pollard’’ Actor Pollard was one of the four leads in Bonnie & Clyde and a guest backstage at The Last Waltz.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 20:26:55 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Jun 28 20:20:14 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Jun 28 19:23:34 CEST 2015 from (99.16.133.205)

Adam

Entered at Sun Jun 28 19:21:53 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.111)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 19:15:13 CEST 2015 from (81.38.117.166)

jh

For DJ Windy. It's on July 11th. Let me know if your offspring is up for it, and we'll try to make it work this time.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 18:56:02 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Jun 28 18:02:11 CEST 2015 from (82.19.62.64)

Ian W

Bill Wyman was very much the chronicler of The Rolling Stones and I would give great credence to his explanation.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 17:25:12 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.111)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 17:07:56 CEST 2015 from (82.19.62.64)

Ian W

I'm hoping that someone here can save me a bit of time.

A news item in MELODY MAKER, in January 1971, said tha film actor Michael J Pollard (C W Moss in "Bonnie & Clyde") was about to record an album with Rick Danko producing. It also said that songs had been especially written for Pollard by Dylan and by Kris Kristofferson.

Perhaps I've just gone blank on this but I can't recall any other mention of this. Can anyone here point me in the right direction to go hunting further?

Entered at Sun Jun 28 14:30:37 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Incidentally Bill's new "Back to Basics" album really is getting a critical hammering.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 12:50:46 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Bill Wyman, Brian Jones (Jeff's link)

Thanks Jeff A. for this link. I have never been a Brian Jones fan but Mrs. NWC keeps telling about something that came to be his memorial concert in London in 1969. It is not impossible that some of gbers were there too. - And good for old Bill!

Entered at Sun Jun 28 12:24:24 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

So many thanks, Roger! I got tickets for Winchester- probably the smallest venue he plays. Always a magic evening.

We're in the midst of a minor Shakespeare festival - all reviewed on my blog. King John, Merchant of Venice and Othello this week, with The Globe next weekend for two more (As You Like It, Measure for Measure). We had intended to be in the USA for most of May & June, but an elderly relative's illness meant we couldn't go, the result being that we'd booked very little theatre for the May / early June period which meant packing in the major productions now (before they finish their runs) when we would have just got back. You have to book six months in advance for decent seats. The result is somewhat overwhelming, but the last two at Stratford were both so good it was worth it.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 10:19:43 CEST 2015 from (86.139.232.145)

Roger

Subject: Simone Felice

Brits - Simone returns in October - check out tour dates and tickets...

Entered at Sun Jun 28 06:49:52 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.161)

Jeff A.

Subject: Da Truth - Good For Bill Wyman!

Read the link - Wyman doesn't allow history to be rewritten & succeeds :-)

Entered at Sun Jun 28 01:19:42 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: typo

That's winner, not winter. The sun is shining.

Entered at Sun Jun 28 01:18:09 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Football FIFA women

Watching Canada's women play football with England this afternoon. Winter joins the final 4: Germany, USA, Japan in so far. Germany plays USA and the winner hear play Japan in the semis. Not a huge fan of women's football, but the final 4 always attracts when your country has a chance to be there.

Entered at Sat Jun 27 22:19:04 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Kevin, I agree with you about the last season of Justified. What a roller coaster ride it was! The guest stars like Sam Elliot and Mary Steenburgen were tremendous. The show couldn't have a real happy ending but they got as close as possible. It's fitting Dave Alvin was involved with some of the music on Justified since the whole series to me felt like one of his old story songs about people living in a mess of trouble. Thanks for the tip about that show.

Entered at Sat Jun 27 21:46:29 CEST 2015 from (87.152.123.106)

Norbert

Subject: Music Books

Jeff & Lisa enjoyed your posts on the dogs and words, thanks.

Music books from The Guardian:

Lost in Music by Giles Smith
Things The Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Everett
Hallo Sausages: The Lyrics of Ian Dury, edited by Jemima Dury (2012)
Life by Keith Richards with James Fox (2010)
Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley (1994) by Peter Guralnick
Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley (1999) by Peter Guralnick
Lipstick Traces by Greil Marcus (1989)
John Coltrane and Beyond by Valerie Wilmer (1977)
Blues Legacies and Black Feminism by Angela Davis (1999)
Paradoxical Undressing by Kristin Hersh (2011)
The Story of Modern Pop by Bob Stanley (2013)
Folk Song Style and Culture by Alan Lomax (1965)
England’s Dreaming by Jon Savage (1991)
Madcap by Tim Willis (2002)
Music, Silence and Memory by David Toop (2004)
I’m With the Band by Pamela Des Barres (1987)
Essays on Music by Theodor Adorno (2002)

Entered at Sat Jun 27 13:05:34 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: On the river banks of Caledonia (Sadavids link)

Thanks sadavid for this link even if it was not cheerful reading. I felt lousy already so no harm done ;-) I follow daily Scandinavian native people (Sami) TV news where they also tell about people in Canada, South America and even Taiwan. I knew that there are pinguins in Antarctic (and in South Africa, thanks to JT) but I didn't know that there are native people in Taiwan. Is there something else I don't know about this world? A horrible thought! - I enjoy understanding every third word in Sami language because it is a Finno-Ugric language. My daily ritual.

Entered at Sat Jun 27 06:05:32 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.100)

Jeff A.

Subject: Kosher from Bandland.

Go Down Moses, a thousand an ounce. Crazy Chester, 1500 an ounce. Judgment Day. 2000 an ounce.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 23:19:57 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Bobby Jindal gets trumped.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 21:07:35 CEST 2015 from (131.137.34.252)

sadavid

Subject: on the river banks of Caledonia

A long story (it begins in the 1700s), but beautifully told . . . how the Six Nations moved from (what is now) upstate New York to (what is now) southern Ontario, and how Britain, and then Canada, screwed them over.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 20:02:30 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Jun 26 19:14:06 CEST 2015 from (76.69.45.69)

Kevin J

Bob F: I just finished watching the final season of Justified and it’s a brilliant return to form. Might well be the best thought out and written final season of any major show I have seen.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 19:12:08 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Ashokan Farrewell is a beautiful song the sort of tears in your heart. The Burns brothers who did the Civil War series used it for their theme song. This fits

Entered at Fri Jun 26 18:16:06 CEST 2015 from (70.53.112.216)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Fri Jun 26 15:39:04 CEST 2015 from (131.137.34.252)

sadavid

Subject: . . . and the tune that goes with it.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 15:38:13 CEST 2015 from (131.137.34.252)

sadavid

Subject: a Bob Dylan (or not) story

" . . . a most interesting young man . . . "

Entered at Fri Jun 26 11:21:34 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.119)

Dunc

Subject: Another Self Portrait

Playing 'Another Self Portrait' just now. I love this album - great songs, great musicianship and great singing. Really up there with anything Bob has done.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 10:35:18 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Jun 26 05:06:27 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Personally, I love made-up words - so descriptive!

Entered at Fri Jun 26 04:54:36 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.192)

Jeff A.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 04:50:43 CEST 2015 from (70.53.112.216)

Mike Nomad

Thanks for that, Joe J. Great yarn. Lee is a one-off, that's for certain. And believable, the bounced cheque and all. The Dylan lockout was funny, too. Lee likely spoke with a Montreal Gazette sportswriter. Unthink there was a Tribune in town.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 04:17:04 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Entered at Fri Jun 26 03:58:57 CEST 2015 from (24.199.71.83)

Jon Lyness

"I spent the day with my old dog Moe... walkin' down an old dirt road..."

Entered at Fri Jun 26 00:53:02 CEST 2015 from (24.224.128.101)

joe j

Subject: Spaceman

Link is to a great "Band" story featuring Bill Lee.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 00:49:05 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.192)

Jeff A.

The scene where you sang Dixie & other Band songs to the dogs was wonderful

Entered at Fri Jun 26 00:47:20 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Norbert, thank you so much for your wonderful post. I really enjoyed it and you're right, the whole thing is so Bandish.

For anyone who is faced with an aggressive dog, and in the heat of the moment forgets the lyrics to soothing Band songs, here are some other things you can do:

Don't trust a wagging tail - low, sweeping tail wags are friendly, but if the tail is bristled and held erect with short, high, stiff wags this is a warning signal.

DON'T TURN AND RUN! While this may be your immediate instinctive reaction, it will trigger the dog's chase response.

Don't look the dog in the eye - this will be interpreted as an aggressive move on your part.

Instead, turn your head and body slightly away from the dog, avert your gaze, blink your eyes and yawn (even though boredom is likely not what you're feeling right then!). This is dog body language, and how a dog will tell the aggressive dog that he is not a threat and means no harm.

When the dog's stance and growling relaxes, very slowly (still averting your eyes) back away to safety, but don't turn your back on the dog.

If all else fails, there's always Dixie!

Entered at Fri Jun 26 00:04:52 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.192)

Jeff A.

Entered at Fri Jun 26 00:00:37 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.192)

Jeff A.

And, Ben fixed that mower on a delay. Since you were watching, he just didn't fill you in, show you all his tricks.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 23:33:48 CEST 2015 from (87.152.125.127)

Norbert

Yesterday evening my mower broke down and I took it to Ben, an old lumberjack and the best Stihl mechanic in the area. Ben lives rural, beyond the valley, I arrived there but the doors were closed. There were four dogs lying on the courtyard. I stepped out of the car and knocked on the closed doors, now I noticed a fifth dog, that was inside started barking. The other dogs now got alerted and walking very close up to me. I was cool but started to get a little less cool and thought of what to do best in this situation. I know The Band is cool and no one can sing DIXIE cooler than Levon. So I started singing Dixie out loud alone for those dogs there on that farmhouse courtyard. Odd but I didn’t mind, it worked the dogs relaxed too, even the one inside quieted down.

I thought I had everything under control now but I was wrong. As soon as I stopped signing the dogs got nervous again so I kept singing till Ben came which could have been after half an hour so I sang almost all TLW songs there for those dogs.

With Ben we started to work on the mower. I noticed Ben is becoming old and his eyes are getting worse. So I did most of the work with Ben on his little stool sitting next to me. From time to we took a break and I sat next to him on the ground and we would talk about training dog. “When they don’t listen I always throw my cap at them” he said (he showed it to me and the dogs ran away and looked at us from behind my car. “But you have to love them too, that’s important”

We worked on but couldn’t get the mower to run proper and took another break and talked about machines and working the land.

It became later and later and I saw Ben wasn’t the best mechanic around anymore. So at one point I put the mower back into my car and again sat next to Ben and chatted some about the first chainsaws …..at the end just sat next to another, said nothing but enjoyed the sun go down over the fields. …….I said goodbye and drove home

I know Ben doesn’t know The Band and he doesn’t need to cause he IS The Band. He’s King Harvest and all those things The Band sings about. I will keep visiting him from time to time. Not to repair things but just to have a little talk, it’s always good to visit The Band.

This morning I was up early and tried to start our mower. ….believe it or not it worked ……I mowed our whole grass garden (and that is a lot) it runs perfectly…..

Now I don’t say that is The Band too but somehow God must have been at Ben’s place too yesterday evening and like The Band too.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 21:04:10 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: Neil and Donald

Carmen, I would wait for Neil's response before rushing to judgement. It's a nice photo, but it doesn't quite reach the iconic status of the Elvis and Nixon picture.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 20:52:19 CEST 2015 from (70.53.112.216)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Thu Jun 25 20:19:46 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Playing with words

Allegedly (a)moral agility

Entered at Thu Jun 25 20:12:10 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

This is often said as a joke in Britain. If you add "allegedly" you can say what you like and it's legal because you are reporting an allegation without confirming it! So on the TV topical comedy news quiz, "Allegedly" peppers all comments.

Allegedly.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 20:06:39 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Moral agility

Clearly, if you are in business, some think you can indeed have it both ways. Level of what you can tolerate from a moralistic point of view comes into play. That's why there are 2 sides to the mouth and at least 2 sides to every story

Entered at Thu Jun 25 20:02:16 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

Carmen

Subject: Neil Young

Like I said - you can't have it both ways!

Entered at Thu Jun 25 19:38:48 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: 'Allegedly'

'Allegedly' always gets my attention. I always wonder about the word in its context. It demonstrates my insecurity about anything I read in the media.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 19:33:34 CEST 2015 from (68.232.68.198)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Jun 25 18:03:48 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Carcinoma lung

Another very sad reminder of the danger of cigarettes. An addiction for sure. Stopping can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Do it now!

Entered at Thu Jun 25 17:54:25 CEST 2015 from (87.152.125.127)

Norbert

RIP Thé Lau, everyone is from this world and this world is from everyone.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 17:08:10 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.119)

Dunc

Subject: Pension pots

I've started to think carefully about albums I buy.

Is it really about albums being rushed out to make money for the declining years? Neil lost me when he recorded 'God Save the Queen'. Rubbish.

I was always glad when an artist made money. So many good bands have ended up with little more than nothing.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 17:05:43 CEST 2015 from (173.3.51.87)

Jeff A.

Yes, they are paying. but it is still a pittence, and streaming still is the devils' handiwork.

I've always had questionss about Pono. I;ve not doen the research,,,but wonder... Neil Young is not a tech head.... not an inventor of digital this or that,,,,,,so who came up with this new sound delivery system... obviously not he...Was he approached by the inventor, did he fund much of it, and become the physical pubic face......PONO is referred to as his Neil's new digital music delivery platform, but whose is it, who invented it, and what is the current make up of the compnay?....Young shook Donald's hand when he was trying to raise funds-- what if the Donald had wanted to be legit investor- for the right reasons, an in a fair deal- would Neil and co. have accepted?

Entered at Thu Jun 25 17:00:07 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.119)

Dunc

Subject: Trump

Trump's mother came from Stornoway and he now has a presence in Scotland. What I don't like is the way he seems to make demands and get away with them. For example, he has built a beautiful golf course near Aberdeen, but made demands that off shore wind farms should not be built near his golf course (Scotland is working its way to become energy self sufficient through renewables) and also wanted certain homes demolished because they stood in the way of his plans.

He has recently bought Turnberry, the hotel and Open Championship course and he is changing the course. Just arrived and he's changing this iconic course. Sensitivity does not seem his strongest point.

I should point out that golf in this country is accessible to most people and not just a rich man's sport.

Why businessmen such as Trump seem to get what they want nowadays is the promise of jobs and opportunities for other businesses in this time of economic uncertainty.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 16:15:31 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: More business...Apple pays

Read the NYTimes to see that it is reported that Apple will pay 0.2 cents per song during the free 3 month trial period. (similar to Spotify) and and addition .047 cents for song rights (read the entire story).

Entered at Thu Jun 25 16:09:34 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Business

What to believe? The handshake that puts Neil Young and Donald Trump together as Neil (allegedly) requests funds for one of his interests from a business leader in the (recent) past confirms my cynicism about all that I read in the media and about business in general. The word 'hypocrite' was used by Trump according to the media. What I glean from all this (and so many other scenarios in the past) is how little I (or any of us) know about what makes these people tick and how they comport themselves... and that goes for both sides and their managements. I continue to be dubious about anything I read and I am sceptical about what seems to be the story... we only get the surface. I remember the innocence of the 60s when the word 'sellout' was used to apply to artists who wanted to succeed financially...as if that were some kind of a sin. How innocent and naive was that condemnation then. Today its clear that $$$ is all that matters. There really was never any innocence and the only difference now is degree. ($$$$$$$$$) So you get Neil Young meeting with Donald Trump one day and Neil Young and Donald Trump stomping on each other soon after. Rockin' In the Free World applies well here.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 06:16:31 CEST 2015 from (173.3.51.87)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 01:22:15 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: errata

I got the year wrong. I saw him with Dylan in the early 2000s and Rooftops is 2005.

Entered at Thu Jun 25 01:19:08 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: 'Rooftops' Larry Campbell

After hearing this album (Campbell/Williams) and recalling the excellent playing in the Dylan band of a few years ago (2005), I looked at Larry Campbell's discography, found Rooftops, read PSB's review, and immediately purchased it. If you enjoy natural first rate guitar playing, this is for you. He must have been something in Levon's band live.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 18:49:13 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Listen...here.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 18:11:34 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Listen! to the album or songs from it

Anyway, Jeff and all: Please give the album a listen... with our without my 'imagined song'. It is great. I have great confidence in the people on this site that a link is not needed for ya'll.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 18:09:07 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Mercy

Guilty as charged! I ask the court for leniency. My judge has already chastised me in the court of public opinion and he is correct as always.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 17:59:00 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.235)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 17:39:51 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.235)

Jeff A.

Jerry. Fess up Brother. Take it like a man. No link, no indication of whether or not you were referring to a studio recording of a song, an album, a live performance, an original, or a cover. even Dick Fucking Tracy himself would assume, as did I, as my response indicated, that you forgot to include the fucking link. Pleading guilty as accused, would be better than you thinking you gave us enough info. My advice is- the fucking plea, time served, and continued community service.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 15:37:57 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'/'The Last Time'/Andrew Loog Oldham/ Allen Klein

Speaking of Business and music, the story of Allen Klein and 'Bittersweet Symphony' is truly one for the books. Find the description and one point of view (from Ashcroft of The Verve) on You Tube and read about this 'transaction' in recent book excerpt. It is quite a story, a story of a collision between creativity and the legal system.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 15:16:47 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: 'Do You Want To Know A Secret'

It is indeed amazing to watch a thread take on its own life even when there was no life for it when it was introduced. My point, for those who might have misinterpreted, was for you to find this album (Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams new album) and buy it and listen to it.

Entered at Wed Jun 24 15:10:24 CEST 2015 from (68.232.68.198)

Bill M

Subject: Listen!

Kevin J / JT: I always thought that "Listen" was Herman's Hermits' best record. I'm sure Bob Dylan would do a good job too. Say somewhere on "Self Portrait", in the mellow region between "All The Tired Horses" and "Copper Kettle".

Entered at Wed Jun 24 08:50:48 CEST 2015 from (159.253.162.80)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 23 22:07:28 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Norman ooh ooh ooh ooh...

As for the tugboat captain; I have it on good authority that he is doing well

Entered at Tue Jun 23 22:06:01 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Imperative!

Kevin: LISTEN! was an imperative, not a song. ie. A strong suggestion for those who like to hear music that soothes the senses.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 21:03:20 CEST 2015 from (24.114.88.238)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Jun 23 20:03:26 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Jerry, i actually did once hear & see Larry perform The Sound Of Silence prior to your post. With Dylan, Paul Simon,and one other guitarist as well. On that note...... time to run...

Entered at Tue Jun 23 19:39:35 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams: LISTEN!

This one is a gem. You won't be sorry.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 17:42:09 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

All that said, we now live in a world where people take photos of other people taking photos of them.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 16:46:40 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Business: The arts are no different

Peter: I appreciate what you have written regarding photography and I understand the points you make. My point is that there is an interesting perspective when you look at how professionals look at their craft and the limitations and restrictions that are placed on them in order to look after personal interests. Business inevitably collides with business when competing interests are in play. Someone is always going to feel they are shortchanged. The contract may indeed be sound. Nevertheless, the photographer here feels that his interests have been negatively impacted upon. Such is the nature of profit. Compromise is needed in business but you are never going to satisfy the utopian needs of all concerned.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 10:14:56 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I and all three of my kids have been paid for photography at one time or another. There are some pro photographers here. But I thought the Taylor Swift contract fair. It’s a tightly defined situation. It’s for local media reviews. She doesn’t want people selling on the shots, she only wants shots in two songs so as not to disturb the audience, the position is restricted. No wandering around and getting candid shots to sell to National Enquirer. No choosing your angle by being allowed on stage.

Frankly, in that situation, fixed position pointing up from a fixed “photo pit”, must use existing light, the opportunity for an artistic or original shot is very limited. Zoom and framing are choices, but still restricted. You have really good equipment, you set up the camera for the light, then you take as many pictures as you can in the time because the great shot will depend on the expression and stance of a moving singer so chance … luck … will be a major factor. It’s not even a band situation where you’d be choosing which musician to film, which hands to zoom in on etc. It’s only the singer. You could get thirty or forty perfectly lit, focussed and framed shots but by luck none of the facial expressions are great.

You wander into image rights of the subject as the main point.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 07:23:08 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 06:49:34 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Business sludge

And so it goes, Jeff. Everything and ever act with at least 2 sides and no pure answer or solution without repercussions. Who are photographers taking advantage of? The chain of business is not clean but mired in varying degrees of sludge.

Entered at Tue Jun 23 05:10:50 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Subject: Photographer responds to Taylor Swift.

Interesting. The contract can be read, click on it. I'm told it;s not uncommon. Lots of sides to every aspect, but still......

Entered at Mon Jun 22 18:44:26 CEST 2015 from (184.66.164.212)

JT

Subject: Mining

Kevin: I love 'Desire'. It knocked me out when I heard it played at Sam's on Yonge St the day it came out. It is the 'heart' that is evident in the singing and the melodies that hit me hard. I'm with you in general on what I'd like to hear. Mine the catalog and pull out some seldom-heard beauties

Entered at Mon Jun 22 18:09:50 CEST 2015 from (184.145.116.15)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Jun 22 17:48:47 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Subject: An Ode to Alasdair MacGill-Eain

I got ill for a few days and picked up Alistair MacLean’s Ice Station Zebra, ….. a page turner still …..(I read them all in my “younger days” ). Many writers still could learn from this man.

Back to The Band.

The Guardian has an interesting item about the American civil war with then and now pictures (link).

Entered at Mon Jun 22 17:34:35 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Yes, Kevin..mixing it up

One from the new album ( a different one from each of the 2 nights) and a Willie Nelson song. Who knows, we might get LARS again sometime in the future?

Entered at Mon Jun 22 17:30:10 CEST 2015 from (184.145.116.15)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Jun 22 17:06:40 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Jun 22 16:52:35 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Changes often take time and positive pressure

As you know, Jeff, positive changes often take time and positive pressure. It is a good sign when the largest company in the world takes to heart the serious concerns of its artists. This is good! I give the leadership credit for seeing the light (even if it is for their own benefit).

Entered at Mon Jun 22 16:35:12 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Entered at Mon Jun 22 15:20:27 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Apple

Apple has a change of heart. They will pay royalties after receiving Swift's letter and concerns from other artists. Not a surprise to me. This is the response I would have expected from Apple as they go forward.

Entered at Mon Jun 22 13:14:15 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: Mystery Train

Peter, I saw the new edition of 'Mystery Train' in a book store over the weekend. It has a new forward and expanded annotated discography. I paged through the discography and saw some new commentary on Levon's death, the academy of music box set and the basement tapes box set. However, it didn't look enough new material to be worth $17 since I have 3 or 4 earlier editions of this book. But If anyone here doesn't already have the book, I'd suggest getting this new version.

Entered at Mon Jun 22 10:28:27 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was annoyed. Also, I don't think I need another Mystery Train. I have at least three … the appendices do get updated.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 23:43:18 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Subject: Taylor Swift's Letter to Apple Music

I don't care for her music, but she seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Read the article & letter.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 23:34:58 CEST 2015 from (173.68.71.190)

Jed

Thanks for posting the link.Very beautiful.Garth's playing was very moving.Made me feel the absences of the others.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 18:54:28 CEST 2015 from (24.114.72.53)

Kevin J

Entered at Sun Jun 21 18:48:24 CEST 2015 from (24.114.72.53)

Kevin J

Sister Maude and Garth - Knocked me out with this beautiful rendition of "It Makes No Difference" at the NY Blues Hall of Fame gala......Love this one. LINKED Above.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 16:42:21 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: David Geffen (bio - public tv)

Who knows? The overwhelming impression from the bio (shown last night again on public television station) was that Brooklynite, David Geffen, was largely self-made (impressive), committed to his performers, said what he thought without reservation, was effective in most of what he did through his life, but sometimes (like so many) got lucky. The (in between the lines ruthlessness sometimes needed) was largely downplayed but was still present in this bio. What always impresses whenever it happens is the ability (luck is a part of it: self-determination is the major characteristic of such a person) of someone from little means to 'make it'. How he avoided illness when everyone around him was dropping in the early to mid-80s is something I can't get my head around though one could come up with plausible explanations. As a historical document of an agent, supporter, organizer, manager, CEO, businessman) in this industry, it is well worth seeing.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 16:27:44 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 16:23:26 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Then again in 1999, when they played the Forum, Randy referred to "Brother Garth."

Entered at Sun Jun 21 16:19:19 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.60)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 16:13:11 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Jun 21 15:33:43 CEST 2015 from (46.226.108.137)

Lana

Good one, Bill M. Best so far.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 15:03:29 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Subject: The Faces Debris

Ronnie Lane's Debris is such a beautiful song for a Father. "you were my hero now you are my good friend".

Entered at Sun Jun 21 14:45:54 CEST 2015 from (216.121.189.31)

Sarah MacLean

Does anyone know why Maude Hudson is called Sister ?

I have googled it - to no avail !

Entered at Sun Jun 21 03:21:29 CEST 2015 from (99.16.133.205)

Adam

Entered at Sun Jun 21 01:17:04 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sun Jun 21 00:35:55 CEST 2015 from (67.184.58.19)

Ben Pike

Subject: If you find me in a gloom...

Hey old Bandies. Just stopping in to say hello. Another summer close to where I saw the Original Line up of all things. Well, be good.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 23:45:39 CEST 2015 from (99.16.133.205)

Adam

Entered at Sat Jun 20 23:13:51 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Jun 20 22:47:55 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

Subject: Interesting Denny Laine Interview

The man has some interesting things to say in his interview. It will be a bit of an eyeopener for many... And may help some realize that for a killer instrumentalist, being a well paid steadily employed income guaranteed sideman is actually a damn good deal.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 22:21:49 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: near London Ontario

The distance from London Ontario (where Garth Hudson grew up) to Ingersoll (Canterbury Folk Festival )is 44 km.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 21:11:51 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

Hey , the homepage indicates that Garth & Sister Maud are headlining the Canterbury Folk Festival in Ontario on July 11th. See the link!

Entered at Sat Jun 20 19:54:59 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Jun 20 19:50:48 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Jun 20 14:54:19 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

"Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee" for the Greek Finance Minister says Peter V. No, the opposite, I say. It is for _German banks_ who borrowed unshamesly to Greeks in hope of higher interest rates instead. Normally it is called for bad dept.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 13:28:06 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: ABBA /Pat B

On a serious side... yes, Pat B, you are right. This McCain episode smells economics and lawyers. I can't understand it either. - I lived a couple of decades in the same small town where Mrs Lyngstad grow up as a poor girl without a father. In the same street, actually. There were plans last year to have a statue of Mrs Lyngstad there. There are a few music related statues already in this Medieval small town. She said "no", but maybe a prize for a young talented singer. I think that is fair and generous, don't you think?

Entered at Sat Jun 20 13:05:51 CEST 2015 from (83.160.180.22)

Ragtime

If my memory serves me well, Jimmy Carter used The Band's version of Georgia On My Mind in his campaign... but it was with mutual consent, wasn't it... they played for him.

So what Band song would be appropriate for a politician? I can only think of two:

"If I Lose"

"Where Do We Go From Here..."

Entered at Sat Jun 20 09:39:49 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I have a British friend who’s lived in Greece since 1977, though I expect he’s becoming increasingly glad he kept his passport.

Yes, we maintain identity. But after owning a large ranch and putting down roots for 45 years it does seem slightly perverse to insist you’re a foreigner.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 03:23:33 CEST 2015 from (24.114.72.53)

Kevin J

Watching family members of the victims just 48 hours after the shootings speak in such passionate and lovely ways about their mothers and sons and daughters while speaking directly to the shooter and extending forgiveness to him is some of the most powerful television I have ever seen......I really don't t think I could find it in my heart to do the same......some truly special and beautiful people associated with that church in South Carolina.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 01:24:27 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sat Jun 20 01:03:01 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Dylan vocals

At the risk of being called out as deaf or crazy or both, I want to note my impressions of Bob Dylan as a singer. I'm listening to 'Sooner or Later' (Blonde on Blonde) right now as I write this and he hits every note and is as good as anyone in inflection, tone and pitch. And yet in the 60s his voice was repeatedly questioned ('He can't sing." they said). On what planet is that not effective singing in all aspects. Lets correct history and admit that the critics were just plain wrong.

That solid vocal ability is evident on the new 'Sinatra' album, even if the material is not the miraculous material of 1965-66. So that's it. Say I'm wrong. I don't care!

Entered at Fri Jun 19 23:43:27 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.142)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Jun 19 23:07:39 CEST 2015 from (184.145.116.15)

Kevin J

If only that 87 year old grandmother in the church had been armed, this whole thing could have been prevented…remember that NRA logic from a while back and the theatre killings….the same people that make that sort of argument are also the same ones cheering on the building of a massive wall at the border……..not realizing that walls built by governments to keep “illegals” OUT can also be used to keep citizens IN - as an ex-wrestler used to say…..kind of like being caught in a crossfire at a theatre or church….At least Bill Clinton had the guts to lobby for and achieve passage of meaningful gun control laws. The shame is that they have all since been overturned…….remember when all those kids were shot a few years ago and night after night on tv, the grieving family members would say, “well, I know little Bessie didn’t die in vain , because things will now change”…….I heard the same thing from one of the victims’ relatives yesterday…..and all the media anchors and reporters just nod and say yes….but everyone knows it likely never will.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 22:34:15 CEST 2015 from (184.145.116.15)

Kevin J

Thinking about all this reminds me of how categories like this sometimes work………….Wealthy Whites are “expatriates”…….Blacks and Asians are “immigrants”…..and Browns are "illegals". Jazz musicians - “homeless”

Entered at Fri Jun 19 20:28:41 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

It just seems pointless for Trump or any other politician to use a well known song by a living artist without checking with the artist's "people" first. This has happened time and again at least as far back as 1984, when Reagan used 'Born in the USA' and was rebuked by Springsteen. There are plenty of right wing musicians Trump could have turned to such as Ted Nugent, Meat Loaf, Wayne Newton or Kid Rock. I'm sure at least one of them would have been happy to be associated with Trump.

The one interesting thing about Neil Young is that he did go through a republican phase back in the 80's. He definitely was a Reagan supporter at the time. He gave some interviews in that period where he was very critical of Carter. I wonder how many other former Reagan supporters are now backing Bernie Sanders?

Entered at Fri Jun 19 20:22:57 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Good one, Bill M. Best so far.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 19:27:13 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.26)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Jun 19 18:38:12 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

A thought I had about Neil Young (which will apply to our guys and Joni too). He says he’s Canadian and doesn’t vote in US elections.

He arrived in LA in 1966, a year short of half a century ago. He’s owned Broken Arrow Ranch in California for 45 years. While I agree with him 100% about people using his songs, I’m not sure whether an arms-length attitude to voting in the country where you’ve spent 49 out of 70 years is a reasonable stance. You can’t have your cake and eat it, basically. My English friends who moved to the USA in the 70s have long been citizens. Don’t you think “Don’t blame me. I’m Canadian” might run for 10 years as an exile, but after 49 is a bit weird?

Entered at Fri Jun 19 18:29:55 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The Belfast cake is a complex one. They say they refused because it was a cake that said “Support Gay Marriage.” One TV bit suggested that they were quite prepared to make a cake with “John and Richard’s wedding” or "John Loves Richard" because they made wedding cakes, but not one with a political slogan.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 18:28:33 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

OK, I’m taking bookings for ABBA songs for political use.

So far I’ve agreed on:

Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee for the Greek Finance Minister.

Waterloo … an interesting donation for a French campaign, apparently donated by British well-wishers.

Dancing Queen … hugely profitable. Sold it twenty times already to British politicians of various parties.

The Visitors for the Italian Immigration Minister.

Take A Chance On Me … sold to Ed Miliband, who is now asking for a refund.

Money, Money, Money to UK Chancellor George Osborne.

I’m A Marionette … not sure who this is for. The CIA paid, and they’re deciding who to use it for.

One Man, One Woman ; jointly sold to Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon (Sorry, Nicola, I tried to get you “Like A Sturgeon” but neither Madonna nor Weird Al Yankovic are answering my calls).

The Winner Takes It All – David Cameron, with apologies to those wanting Proportional Representation.

SOS – to United Nations Emergency Committee.

Move On … to Tony Blair, whose mantra whenever questioned about his misdeeds is “Let’s move on.”

Mamma Mia – for supporters of Angela Merkl.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 17:23:14 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Jun 19 17:18:35 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Ideology

And so we have the essence of the problem: If an ideology is foreign to or against 'my' ideology, it may be a problem.for 'me'.

This discussion could go to extremes as someone with an opposing ideology looks at mine and has a negative view. He/she is convinced that my ideology is dangerous or sacrilegious or 'whatever'.

And so, we have the problem of ideology in human existence. A sometimes result is intolerance and sadly, hate.

Personal ideology has to exist in concert with space for other ideologies. The exception is when an ideology results in severe danger or harm to others. Unfortunately, in this world for as long as it has existed, this too often is not the case.

This is a long way from Neil Young and 'Rockin' In The Free World' but maybe not.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 15:54:51 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Subject: Playing Devil's Advocate

I'm not a Donald Trump supporter regarding his political aspirations, and I understand Neil Young not wanting the appearance that he would be endorsing Mr. Trump in any way, but I'm trying to wrap my head around the way that the freedom to use commercially available products and services (a song in this case) can be selectively applied based on ideological differences.

What would the reaction be, if the candidate in question was African American or gay? Would Neil Young (or any artist) have the right to deny them the use of his song, because of a belief system or any other sort of bias?

In other types of businesses, there have been instances where bakeries have been sued, or forced out of business for refusing to make cakes for gay weddings. I assume the owners of the bakery had issues with appearing to support an event that they fundamentally disagreed with, for either ideological or religious differences.

The other thing that keeps running through my head, was Levon Helm's dissatisfaction with his performance of 'The Weight' being used in the Cingular commercial several years ago. I realize that was not a political campaign, but I feel there is some parallel with an artist wanting some control on how their work is used. In Levon's case, his wishes apparently were ignored.

Please note, that I'm not making any personal judgments, regarding any of the above scenarios. Just an observation that there seems to be some variability in how an artist's ideology is or isn't supported in different situations.

In short, I was under the impression that, in this modern day and age, commercially available products and services are to be made available to any potential consumer, willing to pay the price, regardless of ideological differences.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 15:38:29 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The last time we heard about Monsanto was on the tour bus between West Helena and Clarkesdale … hey! We're getting a Band connection at last … We'd just been to a service at an African-American church …the guide was talking about the high levels of unemployment around Clarkesdale, but then brightened up and said the future looked good as Monsanto was buying up lots of land around there which would bring jobs. The people next to us said 'And six toes, two noses and three fingers on each hand.'

The GM crops fight is already lost … the problem is blowing in the wind, at least in North America. There's been a lot of effort in stopping it here, but anything that has cornmeal in is going to have some GM in.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 15:19:04 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

"Yesterday my song "Rockin in the Free World" was used in a announcement for a U.S. presidential candidate without my permission.

A picture of me with this candidate was also circulated in conjunction with this announcement but It was a photograph taken during a meeting when I was trying to raise funds for Pono, my online high resolution music service.

Music is a universal language. so I am glad that so many people with varying beliefs get enjoyment from my music, even if they don't share my beliefs.

But had I been asked to allow my music to be used for a candidate - I would have said no.

I am Canadian and I don't vote in the United States, but more importantly I don't like the current political system in the USA and some other countries. Increasingly Democracy has been hijacked by corporate interests. The money needed to run for office, the money spent on lobbying by special interests, the ever increasing economic disparity and the well funded legislative decisions all favor corporate interests over the people's.

The Citizens United Supreme Court ruling is proof of this corruption as well as are the proposed trade deals which would further compromise our rights.
These Corporations were originally created to serve us but if we don't appropriately prioritize they will destroy us. Corporations don't have children. They don't have feelings or soul. They don't depend on uncontaminated water, clean air or healthy food to survive. They are beholden to one thing - the bottom line.
I choose to speak Truth to this Economic Power. When I speak out on corporations hurting the common man or the environment or other species, I expect a well financed disinformation campaign to be aimed my way.
Such is the case with the reaction to my new album The Monsanto Years, which covers many of these issues. I support those bringing these issues to light and those who fight for their rights like Freedom of Choice.
But Freedom of Choice is meaningless without knowledge. Thats why its crucial we all get engaged and get informed.
That's why GMO labeling matters. Mothers need to know what they are feeding their children. They need freedom to make educated choices at the market. When the people have voted for labeling, as they have in Vermont, they need our support when they are fighting these corporate interests trying to reverse the laws they have voted for and passed in the democratic process.

I do not trust self serving misinformation coming from corporations and their media trolls. I do not trust politicians who are taking millions from those corporations either. I trust people. So I make my music for people not for candidates.

Keep on Rockin in the Free World.
Neil Young"

Entered at Fri Jun 19 13:11:45 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: gun viiolence

Peter, unfortunately those stats are not surprising. I don't understand gun culture. I didn't grow up around guns, and could not imagine having one in the house now with a toddler.

Clearly, the attack on this church was racially motivated and not an attack on religion as the idiots on fox news are proclaiming.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 12:14:03 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: ABBA / Pat B

Pat B found it funny that ABBA objected McCainn. I don't understand what is funny. Shame on me! BTW the only member in ABBA who has profiled politically is Mr Andersson (B). He has donated money to Feminist Alternative and spoken in their video commercial. Mrs Lyngstad, Princess of Reuss and Dutchess of Plauen (A) is living in a Swiss mountain village and buying her food in a local _cooperative_ market COOP. The media has taken this as a political left side statement. THAT IS FUNNY Mr B because the truth is that there is no other market in that particular village. I was there last week and purchaced drinking yoghurt and two croissants.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 09:37:11 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Statistics - read em and weep

It comes down to numbers. Per 100,000 population, 19.4 Black Americans die by homicide. 5.3 Hispanic Americans die by homicide. 2.5 white Americans die by homicide.

Neighbouring Canada has a rate of 1.5. Most of Europe is between 0.8 (Germany) and 1.1 (UK, France). Japan is 0.4.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 06:31:12 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Subject: Don't follow leaders, Watch the parking meters

Jed, it's the ruling class, same old song and dance.

They don't have to be the best or the brightest....just have to know how to claw their way to the top and keep power by any means possible. The rest is a show for the commoners.
The more that Democrats and Republican voters bicker with each other, the likelihood increases that many of the same people, faces, and names will continue to dominate the political landscape.
I erroneously posed the question recently, "which millionaire do you want to vote for?"
Now that Trump is in the race, and the price of politicking keeps going up every year, the question will have to be modified to include billionaires.

My dream of the Unity party may never happen, but I can at least hope.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 03:42:02 CEST 2015 from (173.68.71.190)

Jed

All this talk of politics reminds me why I opted out of focusing on it.All ideologues who lie and accomplish little or usually nothing.A lot w/o a soul for the most part,if not monied up by the system.Presidential elections are akin,IMHO,to nude beaches:those who should(run or strip naked) don't and those who shouldn't do(run or stip naked.Unfortunate for nude beach goers and for the USA this is unfortunate.Does anybody really believe reagen,the bushes,the Clintons,Obama, and the next crop are really the best,brightest,most creative thinkers in America? HA!Dothese people really represent the most intelluctually and emotionally intelligent and mature in America? HA!

Entered at Fri Jun 19 03:02:17 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

I grew up around people that carried guns. Some carried two. I've never liked em, never had one. By virtue of qualification I've had opportunites to get carrying licenses here in the past.... got to tell ya, if i still could get that license, I would. Although the street fights aren't all over like they used to be, & the proliferance of gangs is not the same, there is still countless crazy shit going down here daily. And the cops ain't what they used to be.

I might have written about this already- bout a week ago, 4 AM, 2.5 to 3 miles away, three cops try to arrest three guys stripping a car. One gets cuffed ,the other two, one pulls a knife, and is threatening the cops. Eventually one cop shot that guy, but both guys got away.... Today, two transit police at a station two stops away, get into a scuff with a 68 year old man arguing with a 78 year old woman. The 68 year old man slashed the throat of one cop,who is expected to live, the other cop killed the man.

The streets here ain;t like they used to be, there are less hustlers trying to fuck with you for the hell of it, get over on you, start shit just to start shit, less outward druggies and crackheads on the street, and there are more yuppies and hipsters, and wealthy people, gentrification, but you truly do never know what the hell is going to happen from one minute to the next. Fact is, the world is like that everywhere, but the greater concentration of people you have the more it increases, and it increases squared somehow, not equal amounts per person..

Here, though it's calmer, you still get tested here every day, some times a few times a day. People, strangers, and non strangers, still try to fuck with you here, for no reason. And you got to know how to deal with it...

But guns, i'm completely against em, but, they will not get banned here, and it is getting to the point where people better have em, know how to use em, and keep em responsibly and safely. .

Entered at Fri Jun 19 02:52:46 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

ABBA objected to McCain. Now that's funny.

Entered at Fri Jun 19 02:29:28 CEST 2015 from (24.224.128.101)

joe j

Always was my favourite version of 'Early Morning Rain'.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 23:34:51 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Barack Obama:

At some point, we as a country will have to reckon with the fact that this type of mass violence does not happen in other developed countries.

RIP to the victims.

21 Today? Have a gun as a present.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 22:07:35 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Jun 18 21:32:10 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

A "trump" means a fart here. Don't you have that meaning in America?

Entered at Thu Jun 18 21:28:05 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

This explains Neil Young's legal rights in the Trump case, rights which have nothing to do with one's political persuasion.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 18:51:47 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Entered at Thu Jun 18 17:24:08 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 17:15:32 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.193)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 16:57:29 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: No dope

He has a right to be angry, I agree. I won't get into who used the song... that is way too absurd to discuss and its hard to believe anyone is taking any of this seriously. Anyone with $$$ can consider themselves a candidate for leadership. So what? As for Neil. I agree. He is no dope. That song belongs to someone. He wrote it and it is identified with him. So he can object. The legalities are another matter. I don't know what they are. But anyone can complain about anything they want and if they have a voice that the public attends to, as Neil does, he will be heard.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 16:42:56 CEST 2015 from (76.71.5.23)

Kevin J

Subject: The Weight

LINKED: The Weight...very much worth listening to.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 16:20:15 CEST 2015 from (76.71.5.23)

Kevin J

….and wouldn’t it be refreshing if self-described “extremely wealthy” candidates who claim that their number one goal is to create jobs would just once hire some underemployed musicians to write an original song to suit their needs instead of pinching one from a very famous, already very wealthy musician.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 15:32:51 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Jun 18 14:32:09 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

carmen

Subject: Neil

Look - as I said - Love Neil Young's music. But if all of these preacher musicians required a Democrat voter ID card before purchasing a CD or concert ticket, they would be broke. You cant have it both ways -

Entered at Thu Jun 18 11:30:48 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Jun 18 09:37:37 CEST 2015 from (83.160.180.22)

Ragtime

Subject: Neil and the trump person

My two cents from the Low countries:

Is everyone critisizing Neil Young? Really? When a maverick loud-mouth "politician" employs your song in a way it was never intended? I can imagine Neil feels helpless...

The trump person should be sued...

Entered at Thu Jun 18 09:28:10 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Voter fraud, often the ballot box as the door to eternal life for those whose addresses might read Plot 37698, Central Cemetery, was said to be at low levels in the UK, but then blossomed in the last 20 years. The Attorney-General, after reporting on investigations had to apologize for stating that the common factor in most cases was not political party, but the ethnicity of the candidate.

Postal voting is seen as too open to fraud. See the link. The example hits both main parties.

Florida 2000 seems one of the most multi-pronged and organized and statewide examples of voter suppression in post-Civil Rights years. One would have assumed being the man at the top in such a widely discussed case would render someone permanently barred from political office.

Former Labour Chancellor Ed Balls lost his seat at the General Election, though his wife, Yvette Cooper, is a candidate for the Labour Leadership. It's a pity she doesn't call herself "Mrs Balls" because then there would be the prospect of that headline "Balls meets Bush" in future newspapers.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 06:27:25 CEST 2015 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Entered at Thu Jun 18 06:12:43 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Carmen, what democratic voter fraud are you referring to? The only case of democratic voter fraud that I've heard of was back in the 1960 Prsidential election when the rolls of dead people in Chicago miraculously voted for JFK. Philadelphia is an overwhelmingly democratic city, so I have no idea what you are talking about.

In case you were unaware, the republican party has a national strategy of voter suppression. Based on the issues and demographics, the only way for republicans to win a national election is to suppress likely democratic voters.

Regarding politically active musicians who have crossed the line, Roger Waters is at the top of my list. He is an anti-Israel fanatic and uses his celebrity status as a bully pulpit to try to influence others.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 05:16:09 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Jun 18 02:41:47 CEST 2015 from (24.91.116.154)

Dave H

Entered at Thu Jun 18 00:22:35 CEST 2015 from (70.192.135.44)

Carmen

Subject: PV

Peter don't worry in Philly the lovely politicians make sure there are more than enough dead people voting twice which more than makes up for the so called disenfranchised voters you claim to know so much about. Let's be fair here - there is far more voter fraud on the D side. You need ID to sign up for cable TV but it is a hardship to have ID to vote. Remember a govt big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away anything you have.

Entered at Thu Jun 18 00:08:59 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Donald Trump? Jed "Stop African Americans voting in Florida so I can fix it for my brother" Bush? Number three after two Bushes who were among the worst ever presidents in US history? You have to be kidding.

One should never comment on foreign politics, but I think the worst we have here of any party, and they are truly pretty appalling, does not descend to the levels of Trump or Bush!

Entered at Wed Jun 17 23:45:34 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

I don't understand why anyone is criticising Neil Young for not wanting his music played at a Donald Trump rally. Trump is the worst kind of huckster and pseudo-celebrity. As Kevin pointed out, Trump showed himself to be a real asshole with the birther garbage that he was espousing a few years ago. For comedic purposes, I hope he stays in the race long enough to appear at at least one debate.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 22:27:27 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Entered at Wed Jun 17 22:09:42 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Music and thought

Carmen again: " Let the music make you think rather than being so pompous as to think these stars have to think for us." Dylan has it right as you say and this is right on the money!

Entered at Wed Jun 17 22:00:41 CEST 2015 from (76.98.218.136)

Carmen

Subject: Neil

To be transparent I will start by saying I am a Constitutional Libertarian in my political leanings. I own every CD Neil ever put out and have paid lots of money to see him play in concert. I have never donated a dime to Trump. I love Neil's music way more than I side with Trump. I tolerate politicians that I cant really stand. It is a shame that the tolerance does not go both ways. That's what makes free countries great - the ability to disagree. Neil sounded like the kid who takes his ball and goes home. He has every right to his opinion and should realize others do as well. Bruce and Roger Waters do this too and it drives me nuts - I love Bruce and Waters music and have paid lots of money to listen to their music. And to show you I am fair - I don't want to here Ted Nugent or Bono rant about politics either even tho they may be closer to my politics. I think Dylan always did it right- Let the music make you think rather than being so pompous as to think these stars have to think for us.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 21:50:35 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Bob......Hard to argue with that......I was thinking of just the raw rock n roll energy of it all but I can imagine having the Beatles blast out of that B&W set must have been something to see..........on the subject of great performances, a couple of months ago, while I was away, The Band Facebook page posted a YouTube performance by a guy named Wade Stanley doing "The Weight"...........staggeringly good.

I tried linking it here but it seems not to be taking. Just google Wade Stanley and The Weight.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 21:28:18 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Kev, that is a great Neil Young performance but nothing compares to The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Changed the world.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 20:38:45 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 17 20:11:46 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Entered at Wed Jun 17 19:55:28 CEST 2015 from (136.167.102.175)

Dave H

Entered at Wed Jun 17 19:33:10 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

I am of the view that Neil's performance of the song on Saturday Night Live is the best 5 minutes of rock n roll ever seen on live television. Do check it out on YouTube.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 19:32:10 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Corrected

OK. I (most likely) stand corrected . My general cynicism remains, but Mr. Young has been fervent in the past and with his support of another candidate and his likely problem with the likes of this 'candidate', you are probably correct. My reflex in general is cynicism when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 19:13:55 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Entered at Wed Jun 17 18:42:29 CEST 2015 from (173.68.71.190)

Jed

George Carlin said a cynic is a frustrated idealist.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 18:09:08 CEST 2015 from (184.66.163.29)

JT

Subject: Cynicism vs Optimism

Cynicism vs Optimism: A good sign and worthy of bookends. I'm usually optimistic but not about motivation when there is a $ sign attached. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 17:59:45 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Entered at Wed Jun 17 17:46:33 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Carmen: What happened to all those hippies who in the 60's fought for independent thinking and individual freedom?

Well, at least I keep posting in this God forsaken gb. To younger gbers I like to say this: SEX is overrated, DRUGS I have not tried so I don't really have a qualified opinion and the best ROCK AND ROLL is Georg Friedrich Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 16:50:05 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Freedom and independent thinking

Carmen: 'What happened to all those hippies who in the 60's fought for independent thinking and individual freedom?'

Even in the late 60s, I was dubious of that group of people and their motives and thinking regarding free thinking and freedom. With the exception of a very few, these were followers and hangers-on who maybe had some dream-like ideas about these values and like lemmings followed superb orators. 'Sex, drugs and (yes) rock and roll' was indeed the mantra and freedom and independent thinking were dragged along as convenient add-ons. This is understandable. I too grew my hair longer and grew a moustache for a time in late teens and early 20s, wanting to appear as part of the crowd. But I still remember standing in the crowd at my university listening to the leaders espousing extreme values with freedom at the core of the message. It was mixed up, putting down the establishment and its values (maybe that was needed to some degree then and still now), war, government and anything that resembled systemic organization. Anarchy was implied but there was never any description of what would replace what was in place. It was always 'pie in the sky' ideation with no semblance of sensible social replacement. I walked away from that gathering as a young student perplexed by how I would continue to live in that environment if what was proposed ever came to pass.

'Rocking In The Free World' is a testament to being able to get up in the morning and being able to think what you want independently. It is a great song with a great message. Neil Young can say what he wants and I wouldn't necessarily call him a dope. He knows how to get press.

I've been dubious about motives by most celebrities when they speak out in this way. Like many, I've felt this way since I was old enough to discern the difference between bullshit and the rare statement of social truth.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 16:07:09 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

carmen

Subject: Neil Young & others

Neil Young is a dope - I love his music but who cares what songs play in the background of political events. I am no Trump fan but I am sure Neil has played in a few AC Casino's in his day. What happened to all those hippies who in the 60's fought for independent thinking and individual freedom?

Entered at Wed Jun 17 16:00:20 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: 'Brill Bruisers' The New Pornographers

'Brill Bruisers' has been nominated for the Polaris Prize. An excellent album. Don't miss The New Pornographers in Brooklyn. Go to You Tube to get a taste of this band.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 14:46:58 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.64)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 13:53:48 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: Tom Jones

I think Tom Jones is a great entertainer. I see him as kind if a bridge between the first generation 50's rock and the British invasion. The comparison to Engelbert Humperdink is way off. I believe they shared a manager and label back in the 60's, but Engelbert was always MOR. Tom has done a lot of r&b and country.

When Elvis was getting ready to return to live performing in Vegas in 1969, he started checking out Tom's act and used it for the blue print for his own stage act.

Take a listen to this live version of 'Hard to handle'. I think it trounces the Black Crowes later cover.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 12:46:32 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Just checked, wondering why the C&W Tom Jones album he previewed last year hadn't appeared. I ran into an ad for "Bring It On Home" Van Morrison & Tom Jones In Concert together, O2 London, November. Van produced Tom's "Carrying A Torch" album and wrote four tracks. Their friendship dates back to their early days in London, both I guess being "Celtic Fringe" at the same time.

Entered at Wed Jun 17 10:46:38 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

'He put his camera away' … that's intriguing. What was happening with a camera that caused the altercation?

Entered at Tue Jun 16 23:19:08 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.194)

Jeff A.

Mike, c'mon down sometime...Canucks have fared well in N.Y..:-)

Entered at Tue Jun 16 22:51:15 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.194)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:45:25 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:40:18 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.158)

Dunc

Subject: Too late

Too late, Kevin. Just bought second series yesterday!

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:19:25 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:10:44 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:08:01 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:02:31 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Not a Day Tripper

Kevin & Kevin – Kevin Spacey’s spell as artistic director of the Old Vic has been glorious. His “Richard III” is one of the greatest performances I’ve seen in my life (linked). Another was Speed The Plow, in a double act with Jeff Goldblum. OK he finances his genuine commitment to live theatre by stuff like “Horrible Bosses” but it’s fair exchange. A whole parade of American screen actors do a vanity spell in London theatre, but Spacey has stuck to it, run a great theatre, introduced cheap tickets for students etc. He's been influential and central for a decade in British theatre.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 21:01:56 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Tue Jun 16 20:54:25 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 16 20:53:40 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Jun 16 20:49:41 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.158)

Dunc

Subject: Kevin

It is ridiculous, Kevin.

But although I thought the first House of Cards was brilliant, I did enjoy the first series of Spacey's 'House of Cards'.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 20:40:43 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.194)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 19:53:18 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

...it's even worse in Toronto where applications get approved for say a 12 story build and then after all the various community meetings have been held and all the same Biff's and Betty's have stomped their feet and eaten the cookies, the builders apply for amendments which typically add 50%-100% more floors. The catch is that the builder will be assessed a penalty, sometimes a few hundred thousand, often much more.......and the money is put into a "community fund" controlled by the city council member in the district where the now much bigger building is being built. Yes, hard to believe but all true. The result is out of control condo madness.

Knighthoods: As a little kid, I do remember an almost Stones v Beatles divide between Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck camps........at least in my mind and sitting on the floor watching TV and just knowing that as goofy as Tom Jones looked, he did have more going on than Engelbert did.........Hard to believe though that the guy who sang "What's New Pussycat" while wiping his brow with women's panties is now a Knight Commander. Sir Tom........You shouldn't have moved to LA Rod !

Kevin Spacey........Honourary Knighthood. No arguing his talents as an actor or his contributions to Brtiish theatre but one would have thought that his involvement with the remake of "House of Cards" where he and the writers have literally pissed all over the memory of the great British mini-series and the character of Francis Urquhart that Sir Ian Richardson developed so wonderfully 25 years ago would be enough to disqualify from ever qualifying for an honour.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 19:25:29 CEST 2015 from (84.30.21.91)

Norbert

Talking about gravity, there is this acre up on the hill ... belongs to this old farmer. It’s the most wanted piece of land in Germany. A sight of 40 miles easily. He he holds sheep there and doesn’t want to sell it. I wash his car every week.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 18:32:58 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Jun 16 18:15:08 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Like five times this week, and five times last week.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 17:25:59 CEST 2015 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Brooklyn Bridge

Peter, your comment "most new builds turn out to be higher than the submitted plans"... absolutely dead-on. Plans negotiated & signed off by the Brooklyn Heights community were lower, then it tiptoed up during construction and now they're stuck with it. Such a pity...

Entered at Tue Jun 16 17:17:14 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 16 17:03:55 CEST 2015 from (84.30.21.91)

Norbert

Mon Jun 15 07:03:43 CEST 2019
Jh announces to quit; The Band Site & Guestbook will disappear from the WWW today June 15 24:00:00 CEST.
People who want to copy a post or make a last comment have to hurry.

Mon Jun 15 08:03:43 CEST 2019
Bill M makes a remark.

Mon Jun 15 08:12:44 CEST 2019
Al reacts.

Mon Jun 15 09:09:44 CEST 2019
Peter V quotes from a personal email from jh.

Mon Jun 15 13:06:45 CEST 2019
Jh reports GB problems caused by hackers (‘denial of service attack’), log files indicate 15 to 17 IP addresses post 178 posts per minute. Bandwidth tripled, extra in-between site page placed as load balancer.

Mon Jun 15 16:04:44 CEST 2019
Rumors, speculations, accusations, tensions rise on the GB .

Mon Jun 15 20.04:12 CEST 2019
GB shut down for 55 minutes and 16 seconds.

Mon Jun 15 21.00:00 CEST 2019
GB opens again for the last time.

Mon Jun 15 23.15:12:44 CEST 2019
The big thank: Posters thanks another, thank The Band, and thank everything and everyone.

Mon Jun 15 23.59:34 CEST 2019
All GB posters sing DIXIE together for the last time.

Mon Jun 15 24.00:00 CEST 2019
The GB turns black, The Band site is history.

…………………AFTERMATH………………..

Wed Jun 17 21.04:12 CEST 2019
On The Grateful Dead GB someone posts about the tragedy of The Band GB.

Fri Jun 17 21.04:12 CEST 2019
No reactions on the WWW about the closure of The Band GB.

Fri Aug 19 22.04:12 CEST 2029
Someone on the WWW makes a remark about the ‘legendary Band GB'.

Sat Aug 19 22.04:12 CEST 2030
Bits of old GB posts emerge again on the WWW ……..

(Imagine....)

p.s. Jeff don't let them.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 16:23:00 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Another thing I found, time after time, is most new builds turn out to be higher than the submitted plans. Usually a builder decides the low angle pitch roof that finally got them planning permission on appeal, because neighbours could just see over it or rather just get light into their windows, just had to be changed "during construction" and is now a metre higher. But when the neighbors say "Hey, it's a metre higher" it's deemed unreasonable to insist they demolish and rebuild to plan. They should do it a few times, then developers might stick to plans. In all the meetings I went to, it never turned out to be lower than the plan.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 14:51:35 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Jeff A, you are one complicated dude, man. I'd love to go on a tour with you thru some of those mean streets. Perhaps in search of pastrami. Or a vodka pie. Will we need protection? I'm a Canuck, you know. All I can bring is a hockey stick. ;-)

Entered at Tue Jun 16 12:06:47 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 16 12:03:43 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Town planning … the question of view comes up a lot here where on the sloping hills around the harbour, the 1950s developers built bungalows at the bottom with two storey houses one row back. In recent years people are demolishing the bungalows and putting up two or three storey houses, thus eliminating the sea view in the row behind. it’s a tricky question going back just about to Magna Carta (which as we were told by your Attorney-General yesterday on the 800th anniversary of the signing) also forms the basis of US law. You have a right to privacy, a right to light, but not a right to a view.

A cousin was a town planner and I was on the residents planning committee for years (a kind of watchdog over the planners). With the amount of high price development around here rumours of corruption abound BUT on the whole, walking around any old British city, you can see the benefits of stringent town planning. One thing British visitors notice in the USA is the haphazard nature of street furniture, the apparently unregulated signs and adverts and the maze of overhead wires in side streets. Virtually all British services in major cities are underground. If you go to Bath, the whole of the new shopping centre had to be built in Bath stone in a Georgian style. The car park had to be underground. The result friends tell me, that all the available Bath stone was used up, so if you live there and want to (say) add on to your house, you can only do it in Bath stone … and there isn’t enough produced, what with a huge hotel in Bath stone going up too.

France and Switzerland go one better … you can drive into an ancient city centre with cobbled streets, and see a discrete “P”, drive down a ramp and find five or six levels of car park completely hidden below ground. Though that’s what the Bath car park is like too … but just three levels.

MAGNA CARTA …

Mrs V got some ancestry chart from a relative who had spent years tracing the family back through centuries of rural poverty and drudgery and servitude till they finally hit nobility and traced it back to King John. Thus she finds much of the abuse King John gets on programmes on the Magna Carta personally insulting.

In vain I point out that every British family will apparently hit nobility within 500 years due to the aristocracy's habit of swiving (John Barth's excellent word) the servants.

Entered at Tue Jun 16 08:15:08 CEST 2015 from (67.84.77.28)

Jeff A.

Subject: Norbert - The Rat Bastards Actually Sold The View . See The Link

Rat Bastards! ...New meaning to selling someone The Brooklyn Bridge. ....they blocked one of the great views of it, and gave the view to the buyers........I know the wife of the Judge in the story....Brooklyn been sold to the developers & businessmen & it's getting sold over & over again. Apparently now they can steal a iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge & get away with it. I remember when i was 14 or 15, someone bought my friends house, and then apparently paid off inspectors to raise a third floor that blocked the sun from hitting my other friend's family's backyard. And that's been happening all through Bklyn for the last 40 years, it's a daily occurrence, but now they go 4 to 6 stories, not just 3. This with the bridge though, this takes the cake..

Al, this'll be off the mark somewhat, & insufficient btu the other day you alluded to a common parochialism and devotion to our respective home cities.....It;s true...the Brooklyn aspect, we Brooklynites always knew we had a great thing, and had that strong bond. In place or on the move. Present , or unaccounted for.... thing is, we never dwelled on it, and we werent waving the flag. it just was that way. We were Nyers, we were Brooklynites, we grew up in the best place to be from. .You valued it, and you saw its value, And the older you got, you appreciate it even more, but you have perspective , you appreciate other places & people's... that's part of being and intelligent Brooklynite.... you know you ain't got a monopoly on being smart or wise or anything..... but what's going on now, the friggin newcomers & the businessmen have branded the name Brooklyn, and use it all day long where it's meaningless, like putting the name Staples on Staples Center, Citifield, etc etc etc. It seems every other business that has opened in the last decade is named Brooklyn so & so....it sucks, and the frigging infiltrators have bought the borough...brooklyn was always full of immigrants, but the age of branding & money, yuppies , Hipsters, business & real estate & branding geniuses,& now the age of yuckies, have bought & sold Brooklyn a million times over.

Change is inevitable. But it used to often be accompanied by meaning.

Are you guys familiar with this new company GENIUS? Their mission is to annotate the entire internet & the entire wordl. Jsut came up with 40 million in investor money. They are headquartered in Gowanus, next to the Gowanus canal. a now gentrified neighborhood where you had to have big clanging balls to walk down the street 20 - 40 years ago. even ten years ago. 5 years ago it was possibly still a questionable area . i could tell you Gowanus stories, been runnign around there forever. It also is a toxic area . The Gowanus Canal, well, google. These people that use Gowanus as a playground today, they would have shit their pants if their car broke down there 25 years ago. I mean they would have called for the National Guard to get em out alive. And they have the insensitivity & lack of character or possibly decorum to name a business Genius? What kind of genius would do that?

Entered at Tue Jun 16 06:34:15 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Jun 16 05:32:11 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Perfect!

And what a great game they played... perfect!

Entered at Tue Jun 16 05:21:47 CEST 2015 from (24.114.59.153)

Kevin J

More on Knighthoods tomorrow.

Entered at Mon Jun 15 11:47:38 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Tom Jones live

Link to last year's Larmer Tree Festival review of Tom Jones … when he was covering John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Ry Cooder, Tom Waits, Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, Leonard Cohen, Randy Newman and Prince.

Entered at Mon Jun 15 11:42:21 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Sir Cliff

I've linked my Toppermost on Cliff Richard, mainly because he's not that familiar in North America, though here he stood with The Beatles and Elvis in terms of record sales and chart positions for years. Yes, he really went off but early on, he was great. I still would place his Please Don't Tease and Move It on (say) a compilation of 12 late 50s and early 60s greats and reckon it stands up with Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran etc.

But the one to find is the CD Live At The ABC Kingston 1962. I have a special interest in live recordings of that era, and this really is a very good example of how well-recorded live music WAS possible, though so seldom done well.

Tom Jones can and does rock. He's long since returned to his roots as a rock singer rather then the MoR crooner career of the Tom Jones Show on TV. He was flat out rock at Larmer Tree Festival last year and is doing two nights this year such is the demand for tickets,

Entered at Mon Jun 15 11:25:41 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.158)

Lord Duncan of Camperdown

Subject: The Sirs

I think Sir Cliff and Sir Elton made a contribution to the story of British pop before one became obsessed with getting Christmas number ones and the other deteriorated so much he became a parody of himself.

For my age, Tom Jones was Mums and Dads' music before he got into shagging.

I would have loved the name 'Thane of Dundee'. I got a clear view of Dunsinane everytime I visited my grandad's high flat as a child.

I would have liked 'of that ilk' in my name and I would have liked to wear one of those berets with a huge feather at the front as favoured by the aristos. You could wear one in Edinburgh, but you wouldn't wear one in Glasgow.

Entered at Mon Jun 15 10:25:21 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Virgin Media (internet / film services?) vans all have names inscribed on the front just above the windshield. The two I see most around here are Van Morrison and Lee Van Cleef, but others note Obi Van Kenobi, Dick Van Dyke, Van Diesel, Luther Van Dross, Jean Claude Van Damme. They've been doing it for years. I assume they re-use the names in all their regions because they're spotted all over the UK. Picture at link.

Entered at Mon Jun 15 10:18:29 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Jun 15 04:41:36 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: The New Pornographers in Brooklyn NY

Don't miss The New Pornographers in Brooklyn NY on July 11, 2015 at the Prospect Park Bandshell (?free). Part of the "Celebrate Brooklyn' summer. We have seen them a number of times. They are in a word 'great'.

Entered at Mon Jun 15 03:46:39 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Subject: Knighthood

I hear that Van The Man will be knighted. He will henceforth be known as "Sir Man".

Kevin Spacey will now be known as Sir Spacey.

Entered at Mon Jun 15 02:45:49 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Thane

perhaps the thane of Cawdor?

Entered at Mon Jun 15 00:44:16 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.151)

Bill M

Entered at Sun Jun 14 23:30:00 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Jun 14 23:25:29 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

There is a website where you can buy one square foot of highlands and you get a certificate entitling you to call yourself Laird or Lady of Glencoe. Of course there may be thousands of others.

Entered at Sun Jun 14 21:37:09 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

That could also be dialogue in a scene....... "Jeesus Christ! We're in Times Square! Whaddya, wanna live forever or get a fucking beer?"

Entered at Sun Jun 14 21:17:07 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.158)

Sir Duncan of Lochee of that Ilk

Subject: Knighthoods

I gave up my knighthood to revert to the name of Dunc, Mike. Not a great one for knighthoods or gongs.

I don't really like Sir Elton John, Sir Tom Jones or Sir Cliff Richards. I find all these entertainers boring. I think Sir Tom got his knighthood for shagging. But I don't lose sleep over people being given them.

But what angers me greatly is the House of Lords and the fact that I'm being ruled by an old Etonian prime minister with a bunch of public schoolboys as ministers in the 21st century. Can't stand it.

Entered at Sun Jun 14 19:33:49 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Entered at Sun Jun 14 19:32:43 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Precisely 20 years ago he died, he came from NYC and his name is Jonas Salk and maybe he saved your life or your brother’s life ….he could have been rich, but he only wanted to save lives……and he did, he saved more than one million people ….

“In 1947, Salk accepted an appointment to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In 1948, he undertook a project funded by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to determine the number of different types of polio virus. Salk saw an opportunity to extend this project towards developing a vaccine against polio, and, together with the skilled research team he assembled, devoted himself to this work for the next seven years. The field trial set up to test the Salk vaccine was, according to O'Neill, "the most elaborate program of its kind in history, involving 20,000 physicians and public health officers, 64,000 school personnel, and 220,000 volunteers." Over 1,800,000 school children took part in the trial.[4] When news of the vaccine's success was made public on April 12, 1955, Salk was hailed as a "miracle worker" and the day almost became a national holiday. Around the world, an immediate rush to vaccinate began, with countries including Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, West Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium planning to begin polio immunization campaigns using Salk's vaccine.

His sole focus had been to develop a safe and effective vaccine as rapidly as possible, with no interest in personal profit. When asked who owned the patent to it, Salk said, "There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?"

Dr.Salk, thanks (my father had polio).

Entered at Sun Jun 14 18:37:30 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Jeff, they won’t sell you nothing ;-)

And I know that NYC since the Bronx burned, abortion and petrol lead is much safer now.

Anyway Jeff be careful out there, you still have Bankers, Policemen and Pizzas ready to kill you. Then again, and just sometimes, I envy you a little and who wants to live forever if he can get a beer near Times Square?

Entered at Sun Jun 14 16:58:24 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

Mind you, there is a world of difference between a con man, and a con merchant.

Entered at Sun Jun 14 15:46:17 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

“Parker was one of the most audacious con men in American history. He made his living selling New York’s public landmarks to unwary tourists. His favorite object for sale was the Brooklyn Bridge, which he sold twice a week for years. He convinced his marks that they could make a fortune by controlling access to the roadway. More than once police had to remove naive buyers from the bridge as they tried to erect toll barriers”

So the next time Jeff offers you The Brooklyn Bridge here, beware…..

Entered at Sun Jun 14 12:16:29 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

You’re stuck with it in the USA with state plates, though I find them colourful and interesting, but still out of state plates shout “tourist” and “luggage in trunk” especially if from a long way away. As well as feeding road rage.

Mind you they also create friendly conversation in the USA. We picked up a rental car with Florida plates in Las Vegas and several people referred to it in Arizona and California, one saying “I guessed you might be British when I saw the Florida plates.”

Entered at Sun Jun 14 11:45:28 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

I'd like to add following: I have driven a car with Paris plates in Marseille. Impossible! I share their attitude against arrogant people from the capital BUT WHY ME???!!! - Is there any blues on that? Or even better, a rap? Monsieur MC, please.

Entered at Sun Jun 14 02:05:31 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

I'll even add, that in the event Pat is ever knighted, i want to be the first GBer to address him as Sir Patrick......

Entered at Sun Jun 14 00:44:14 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: This knighthood thing...

... reminds me of my favourite question during my years in teacher profession: "When did the French Revolution end?" I hope that at least one student will remember the right answer the rest of his/her life: "It has not ended yet." - Frenchmen have still the style. I drove a car with Swiss plates in French Alps last week and suddenly a 'camion' touched my rear bumper and then pushed me harder downwards the winding road. That was what I call 'esprit'!

Entered at Sat Jun 13 23:37:00 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: "By your leave, sir"

Norbert: "By your leave, sir".

Entered at Sat Jun 13 22:02:07 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Subject: '71

This knighthood thing longs my to see the movie ’71. Sort of a modern knight fighting for his life. Anyway they say it’s an Impressive, fiercely realistic, film about the grisly (civil) war in Northern Ireland back then.

“1971 saw me stride the Falls Road in the funeral cortege of Paddy McAdorey, an IRA volunteer shot dead by a British sniper on internment morning. It was my first IRA funeral. There would be many more. Having later joined the IRA, on whose behalf I would spend almost 20 years in prison, I feel the need to explain to my children how I came of age. The screen of ’71 is a window on the ferocious intensity that transformed British and Irish kids into killers.”

JT, welcome Sir!

Entered at Sat Jun 13 21:46:35 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Titled

Nothing can stop me now

'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl

Entered at Sat Jun 13 21:34:08 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Sir Norbert

Those titles are great ... just bought one meself (link).

Entered at Sat Jun 13 21:08:59 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Scorsese legend The Band in 1976 ….

But what about this Foo Fighter guy in Gothenburg ……….. jumps off stage? ……….. breaks his leg………goes to the hospital comes back with a gypsum leg and plays on .

That’s how Dave Grohl became a legend yesterday evening in Sweden.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 20:16:28 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.145)

Bill M

Think of the merch for the next American Tour, all labelled 'Sir Van USA'.

I'm with Mike, who I doubt minds countries giving their achievers awards as much as the cringe-worthy practice of sticking a medieval title in front of an existing name and having everyone else address the person by it.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 19:41:42 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Funny, Jeff.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 19:30:32 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Three Bells …

RIP Jim Ed Brown. This time last year I was watching him at the Grand ole Opry.(Linked). Nothing more was heard of Mo Pitney who we thought was an imminent megastar.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 19:26:10 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

Eventually a bewildered shopper who had heard all this finally asked, "Why do you keep calling your grandchild Diploma?"

The grandmother replied, "I sent my daughter to college and this is what she came home with

Entered at Sat Jun 13 19:25:35 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Jun 13 18:58:14 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: 2015... but it still matters

Mike: I share your sentiment regarding 'knighthood'. It is 2015 and really... what does it matter? The art speaks for itself. And yet for the establishment to (for whatever reason) recognize this body of work in the arts says that Van Morrison matters to the UK and should not be ignored. That's what I like about it. It says that (as we all know) Van Morrison is important in the art of music.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 18:50:08 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

It's the 21st century, folks. Does anyone really give a shit about these things anymore? Another phony honor? A star on a sidewalk? Give me a break . . .

Entered at Sat Jun 13 18:49:52 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Delighted also that Kevin Spacey gets an honorary knighthood (being a US citizen I don't think he can call himself "Sir" but he can put it after his name) for his great service to English Theatre in the last few years, running the prestige Old Vic Theatre as artistic director.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 18:49:45 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

:-0)

Entered at Sat Jun 13 18:00:25 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Entered at Sat Jun 13 15:51:05 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: Sir Belfast cowboy

A fitting knighthood! The Belfast cowboy rides proudly into the sunset. On his way to Toronto in the next short while.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 15:48:50 CEST 2015 from (184.66.134.56)

JT

Subject: JRR

Lisa: I met JRR at Indigo on Bay Street many years ago (BEG was there). He was gracious and kind. He remembered the Concord days and though few words were possible because of the lineup, he was very gracious and positive. I reminded him that he recommended my first guitar to my dad and he smiled that knowing smile (my interpretation of course). Thanks for your recollection.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 14:04:44 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

As most of you know by now at the moment we‘re working on a (German) The Band beer with The Band Bottle Flipp Caps on the inside of the caps as a Maru Menko.

There will by five different The Band Bottle Flipp Caps, each member gets his image on one side of the plastic Flipp. Each Band member gets a batch of 100,000 pieces printed, worth 3 points. The Garth Flipp will consist of a batch of only 10.000 pieces and is worth 4 points.

So Garth will be the collector’s item to encourage moderate drinkers to pop open extra bottles in search of Garth (I'm looking for him right now).

Entered at Sat Jun 13 12:24:04 CEST 2015 from (99.244.8.134)

John D

Congratulations to Van The Man.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 11:37:52 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Subject: Das Steigerlied

Glück auf, Glück auf ! Der Steiger kommt,
und er hat sein helles Licht bei der Nacht,
und er hat sein helles Licht bei der Nacht
schon angezündt, schon angezündt.

Wir Bergleut‘ sein, kreuzbrave Leut‘,
denn wir tragen das Leder vor dem Arsch bei der Nacht,
denn wir tragen das Leder vor dem Arsch bei der Nacht
und saufen Schnaps, und saufen Schnaps!

Entered at Sat Jun 13 10:34:42 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Men take you in their arms
Men provide security
Men cry in secre
Men need a lot of tenderness
Oh men are so vulnerable
Men simply can't be replaced in this world

Men buy women
Men are always high
Men toil like idiots
Men lie on the phone
Oh men are always ready
Men corrupt with their money and their carelessness

Men have it rough, don't take things seriously
Outside hard, inside quite soft
Programmed already from childhood to be a man
When is a man a man?
When is a man

Men have muscles
Men are terribly strong
Men can do everything
Men have heart attacks
Oh men are lonely champions
Have to go through walls, always have to go on

(Männer, Herbert Grönemeyer)

Lisa, thanks.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 06:48:45 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

About time too! Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Elton John have one.

Entered at Sat Jun 13 02:27:03 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Jun 13 01:38:15 CEST 2015 from (86.25.174.112)

Roger

Subject: Here Comes The Knight

Arise Sir Van - Belfast Cowboy to receive knighthood🎷

Entered at Sat Jun 13 01:26:37 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Entered at Sat Jun 13 01:15:28 CEST 2015 from (24.224.128.101)

joe j

Subject: Lists

Link is to "20 Albums RS Loved in the 70s that You've Never Heard". I've heard half a dozen. Only owned "Fanny Hill". Eponymous albums by Wilderness Road and Blue Ash (?Jug) draw comparisms to the Band.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 23:56:17 CEST 2015 from (184.66.101.38)

BONK

Entered at Fri Jun 12 22:41:32 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Subject: Happy Friday

Thanks John D, Jed, and Mike Nomad for supporting my viewpoint on this matter. Boylan's all around! Put it on Kevin J's tab.
It's a a rare thing when I get accused of making sense, but occasionally I stumble into it. At others times I step in in, but that's another matter.

There are many other people here who also make good points and make sense, so I don't want to claim all the glory. Plus I was only 10 years old when 'The Last Waltz' was performed, and I never saw the original 5 perform, so I'm really just a "Johnny come lately", and my opinions should be taken as such.

Lisa, thank for your post about meeting Robbie and some of the conversation that you had with him. That's exactly the type of thing that this forum is well suited for, and gives some nice additional insight into the people involved with The Band, that typical interviews and books can't always reach. Nice job.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 22:35:32 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Jun 12 22:23:20 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Jun 12 21:15:04 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The amazon quote was as in the description, but I'd assumed he meant a Summer job too.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 21:00:05 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Fri Jun 12 20:43:45 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

I've mentioned before that I attended a Q and A session with Robbie in 1993 at a now-defunct music event in Vancouver called Music West, where he was the keynote speaker. I was the last questioner in a long line of people, and I asked him about his experiences making Carny.

He said that as a teenager he had worked in a carnival, and I assumed as Bill said that he was referring to a summer job at the CNE midway. He said it was an interesting, but rather dark (he didn't elaborate) experience which he drew on while the movie was being made. He also said that it was part of his job when they were filming to run interference between the actual carnies who appeared in Carny and the film crew - apparently the movie crew often fell victim to the carnies, who couldn't resist plying their trade, and would come running to him - "He got my watch!", etc. - so he had his hands full trying to keep the peace.

I also asked him how he had prepared himself for acting, and he said that Robert De Niro had referred him to Stella Adler, who had invited him up for a weekend to give him some lessons. He had decided not to follow up on this, and although he didn't come right out and say it, the implication was that she had more in mind than coaching. Now, this was just my interpretation I should say - maybe he meant something else entirely, but he was a very attractive guy, so ...

And I asked him about working with Alex North, who wrote the dramatic underscore for Carny (it's always had for me a tip of the hat to Stravinsky's ballet score for "Petrouchka", which is also set in a carnival). He said that by then he was fairly old, and rather impatient with the interminable delays inevitable on a movie set. He said at one point Mr. North came up to them and said, "These guys - they take forever, and it drives me nuts ... anybody got a joint?", which I thought was pretty funny.

After the session, something happened that's always stayed with me: I was standing in line waiting to get my program autographed. When the man in front of me stepped up he said to Robbie, "I just want to shake your hand, man", and he was so overcome he was literally trembling with emotion. I'll never forget the look they exchanged, and though I've tried many times I've never found the right word to describe it ... deep? significant? compassionate? All those, I guess, and more. I'm sure that man never forgot that moment, and neither have I.

I have to say that all throughout this session, which went well over the time allotted, Robbie was wonderful - told funny stories, was patient and kind to everyone, never had a bad word to say about anyone (I don't remember anybody asking him about Levon, but I don't think their rift was general knowledge at the time), was very helpful and generous with professional advice, etc., etc. I left in a pretty emotional state myself, with a very high opinion of him - a very impressive person in every respect.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 20:03:53 CEST 2015 from (99.244.8.134)

John D

My last post isn't just about Levon. It's about Rob and the other guys. Unlike some of you I am a fan and love the music of The Band. Don't have time to pick on or delve into ndividual members traits. None of us were in that Band of Brothers.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 19:57:33 CEST 2015 from (99.244.8.134)

John D

At the risk of really setting myself up, I applaud you Todd for your wonderful post. A voice of reason. Finally a ray of intelligence here. Wallsend came here months ago with an agenda and it now is getting quite creepy. Bringing racism and antisemitism into this site is ludicrous. Wallsend brought back the fued a few months back (boring) and now is taking it to a bazaar level. I've known the Band for almost 50 years and Wallsends way of thinking has never been mentioned. As Peter said, no one even knew about Robbie's First Nation situation; until he recorded about it.

Ronnie Hawkins told me that he always knew; because he got to know Mrs. Robertson first. "The topic was never brought up because it had nothing to do with Rock and Roll John." " Robbie could make it known on his terms and that's exactly what happened." You know if I was just discovering The Band I would find this site over the past while, very strange. Can you imagine Wallsend on a Grateful Dead site taking shots at Jerry Garcia all the time? Wouldn't be tolerated.

Sorry for being so wordy but; I just couldn't hold back any longer. I'm not going to get into a pissing contest over this. Bill M knows the history of The Band/Hawks better than anyone. Notice Sebastian doesn't post here anymore. Embarrassing. Fire In The Hole.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 19:37:44 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.11)

Bill M

Subject: working at the carnival

Peter V: It'd be interesting to know what the actual quote was. If Robbie had said to any Torontonian aged 50 or older that he'd worked at the Ex for two years, we'd all know he'd worked AT the Canadian National Exhibition during its annual three-week run on two consecutive years. But a journalist from elsewhere, once they'd established that the Ex, especially the busy and exciting 'midway', was like a carnival, may well have thought and written that Robbie'd worked at a carnival FOR two years. The Ex was and is in the west end on the lake. All Robbie would have needed to do to get there from First Avenue was walk a couple blocks west to Broadview and catch the King streetcar to Strachan or Dufferin and walk south for five minutes. My guess would be Dufferin, because King and Dufferin was where his buddy Peter Deremigis lived. I can see Robbie the hustler working at one of the game booths (where people pay to throw things and win stuffed toys) whereas I wanted my friend's job - walk around poking up bits of litter with a sharpened stick.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 19:33:03 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

On the other hand, the big publisher was paying 10% of price received. In the "old days" that was 10% of 70% of the cover price. Now it'll be 10% of 50% or less. But half for book club sales. You pay to put it in the windows or on the "hot list" of major chains … a lot too. So the returns on a paperback were tiny. I got the impression that driving around gave him lots of thinking time … rural Wales is very peaceful.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 19:10:32 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 18:59:11 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Wallsend, It's quite noble to speak out against racism and hatred, and I'm sure the stories that your father shared with you were truly horrific. A sad chapter in the story of mankind that should never be experienced again.

That said, I disagree with the notion that the majority of Levon's fans, who may agree with his perspective on the songwriting issue, are motivated by anything to do with Robbbie's ethnic heritage or religious background, and that to compare it in any way with the the genocide that happened during the Holocaust is quite an overstep. It's also a disservice tho those who suffered losses during that time to draw the parallel to the Levon & Robbie situation which is primarily a business squabble.

I hesitated comment again on this, but I felt somewhat unsettled by the comparison / insinuation.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 18:12:40 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Yes, it's getting to be an issue when you have to book so far ahead … we have the Kenneth Branagh Theatre season booked up until May 2016. That's the way things are turning up. You books months ahead - virtually a year ahead.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 17:30:03 CEST 2015 from (86.25.174.112)

Roger

Subject: Bellowhead

Thanks Peter. I bought tickets easily for Wolverhampton. Not sure where I'll be in April so I'll wait and maybe get returns later. Like you I failed to get Dylan at Southampton.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 14:44:21 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Fri Jun 12 13:17:27 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Roll Alabama Roll

You have to try the new video (they had a different one last year) for Roll Alabama Roll- beautifully put together with concert clips in there showing why Bellowhead keep getting voted the Best Live Band in Britain. And they are.

This might be one for Al Edge, with the Alabama built in Birkenhead as a Confederate raider in the Civil War (with a partly Liverpool crew too). Liverpool to Dixie Down in one song.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 13:06:05 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Bellowhead

Note for the UK … Bellowhead's "Farewell Tour" tickets are on sale for November to April 2016. I went to Ticketmaster - 1 seat left, then went to the venue site and the seated area was only half full … so go direct to whichever venue. An unmissable band!

Link is to their best-known song and normal set-ender. This is a song everyone needs to hear on a Friday!

Entered at Fri Jun 12 12:40:49 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Jun 12 11:09:20 CEST 2015 from (219.89.33.229)

Rod

Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Robbie Robertson and no doubt dozens of others. Those guys sure punch above their weight.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 09:57:31 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Yesterday my grandson (10th birthday) was playing around with the iTunes playlist in my car. ‘What’s Americana?’ he asked.

‘Try it,’ I said, and up came ‘Sixteen Tons.’ He listened intently all the way through and asked ‘What does “I owe my soul to the company store” mean?’ I explained about mining corporations and how the mines were in remote places, so the miners got paid but then had to buy all the necessities of life from the company-owned store at inflated prices.

Mrs V chipped in (somewhat acidly I felt), ‘It’s like when granddad relies 100% on amazon and apple to publish books, then spends all the money he gets on buying CDs from them.’

In fact, my brief experience of publishing through amazon is very good … not sold many yet, but the process is smooth, and I was delighted with the quality of the print-on-demand books. Good paper, good covers, well-bound, good prices. and the free software makes conventional publishing look very skewed.

Amazon keep suggesting that having a "free week" is great publicity, but I've avoided it on the grounds that there are a load of people who want ebooks free, but they are unlikely to be the ones to purchase later. I guess that relates to Apple's proposed free three months. I can see why the indies are reluctant … they don't have huge or wide catalogues and will simply give away their best stuff.

I thought of a seminar on independent publishing a couple of years ago. This guy had done a series of historical novels based in early 19th century Wales and had worked extremely hard taking them round and placing them in bookshops, museum shops, petrol stations … anywhere with local interest. He moved around 5000 of the first one and got signed to a major publisher who reissued it. They soon sold 60,000. BUT he made more money on the 5000 he published himself. A salutary tale.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 09:08:47 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Delighted to see Carny is finally coming on CD, though with no bonus tracks, as I have the vinyl, I doubt I'll buy it. But I was fascinated by the amazon details:

QUOTE: Robertson had himself spent two years working at a carnival in his teens, so it was a subject near and dear to his heart UNQUOTE

That must be where he first met Bob Dylan then, who mentioned in that early radio interview that he'd done the same.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 08:12:17 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

Apple Msuic first three months free, & aside from that, no artist royalties

Entered at Fri Jun 12 08:10:28 CEST 2015 from (173.3.50.155)

Jeff A.

Jimmy Iovine's take on Apple Music's Actual Motive: See the link

Entered at Fri Jun 12 07:01:31 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: Carny

The 'Carny' soundtrack is coming out on cd in August.

Entered at Fri Jun 12 05:02:09 CEST 2015 from (24.114.73.91)

Kevin J

Entered at Fri Jun 12 04:30:29 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Speaking of Australia there is a great Springsteen download available from Brisbane 2014 where Bruce opens the show with Stayin' Alive and encores with Highway to Hell. Two great covers. Great show from start to finish.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 23:48:20 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

We've entered a nice place of delusional comedy.If you're a Seinfeld fan think George Costanza or Larry David's Curb Episode,The Survivor Pesach Dinner.Nice touch,Wallsend!

Entered at Thu Jun 11 23:04:33 CEST 2015 from (58.104.14.99)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu Jun 11 22:04:22 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

Well said,Todd.Wallsend,from day 1 he arrived here has made every effort to find all sorts of ways to redirect conversation to any aspect he can find related to the feud.Anti semitism or racism is merely his latest angle.Im pleased that many are clearly on on his tactics.A person who seeks to focus on negatives cant be up to anything good.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 21:50:25 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Jun 11 21:40:13 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

Carmen

Subject: Not Band Related

Every one of these movies were funny as hell - now I know why they were so good!

Entered at Thu Jun 11 21:34:40 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

Carmen

Subject: Strong comparison to the BAND

Anyone ever hear of this one?

Entered at Thu Jun 11 20:03:45 CEST 2015 from (84.215.166.230)

jh

Thank you, Gabbington! Also for the ultra-rare stuff -- priceless sh*t, my good man. "Goin' South" with bourbon tonight :-)

Entered at Thu Jun 11 19:17:31 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Entered at Thu Jun 11 18:15:29 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Jun 11 18:08:10 CEST 2015 from (76.71.5.23)

Kevin J

A man had two of the best tickets for the Augusta Masters.

As he sits down, another man comes along and asks if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him.

"No", he says, "the seat is empty."

"This is incredible!" said the man, "who in their right mind would have a seat like this, the biggest golfing event of the whole world, and not use it?"

He says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. My wife always would come with me, but she passed away. This is the first Masters we haven't been to together since we got married." "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. I guess you couldn't find someone else?.. a friend or relative or even a neighbor to take the seat?"

The man shakes his head......."No. They're all at the funeral."

Entered at Thu Jun 11 17:44:12 CEST 2015 from (174.88.219.111)

Mike Nomad

Thanks, Todd. It's good to hear some sense expressed on this page

Entered at Thu Jun 11 14:55:15 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I mentioned in the Jubilation review here that I thought "If I Should Fail" was insensitive (at best) or provocative (at worst) given Robbie's then recent Native Americans work.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 14:53:58 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Subject: Dear Landlord

Mr Zimmerman and Mr. Grossnan had a falling out over money as well, but I'm pretty sure that it was a business disagreement. Not everything in the world is based upon racial, ethnic, or religious differences, although there will always be those who look for that angle. Requires less thinking I suppose, and many humans are fundamentally lazy when it comes to reasoning.

Many people agree with Robbie's perspective regarding anything to do with Levon's claims, but it would be silly to think that it has anything to do with a bias against white Southerners, or people from Arkansas.

Likewise, it's unfair to paint Levon supporters with the broad brush of racism or anti-Semitic beliefs.

Untill Wallsend mentioned it, I never thought about Robbie as the only "non white" in the group. So what color is his skin? Furthermore, why should it matter? Seems to be a diversion to me, which is unfair to everyone.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 14:09:48 CEST 2015 from (216.121.189.31)

Sarah MacLean

I miss :

brown eyed girl, an RRian like myself

Empty Now ,miss trying to figure out what he was talking about.

Roz,I always picture Roz as Truman Capote in drag .

Entered at Thu Jun 11 13:56:41 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: Jews for Levon

Peter, I am a 'Jew for Levon'. I like that phrase. I might start a facebook group under that moniker.

It goes without saying that Levon's issues with Robbie over the years were not related to Robbie's ethnic background. The sad fact is that there is no shortage of hatred online, be it anti-semtism, racism, or hatred towards the lgbt community. The fact that Robbie has been the target of some anti-semitic posts isn't surprising. I would imagine that Albert Grossman, Dylan, Neil Diamond and any other Jew associated with the Band has also been the subject of the occasional anti-semitic post.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 10:15:21 CEST 2015 from (58.104.6.7)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu Jun 11 09:42:40 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I do think that a lot of the vitriol spewed against Robbie has an undertone from some people, though some of the vitriol is from Jewish people so can't have.

Let’s escape the prickly area of native Americans and Jews, and take two British examples. If I said “In that band Hamish and Jock were always counting the pennies” I think most would take it as a reference to Scottishness, assisted by the names chosen. If I said Algernon and Peregrine sat in the wine bar sipping pink gins discussing the appalling rise in the price of talcum powder, I think you’d take it that they were (Southern) English.

There is continual mention of Grossman and Robbie “sticking together” and both “having an eye on the money” or indeed “got all the money” which may be on the same sort of level, assisted by the name that Mr Grossman’s ancestors failed to change at Ellis Island. I suspect those who point to it are indeed making an “ethnic” slur, whether conscious (it probably is) or unconscious (being charitable). The problem is that if the remark was to being Scottish or English, you’d shrug it off as an ignorant slur. In both the cases of Mohawks and Jews history has added a far stronger dimension. It may be excessive to interpret the level as either anti-semitism or “The only good injun is …”

On the Native American aspect, I don't think most people even knew until "Contact From The Underworld of Red Boy" / "Music For "The Native Americans."'

Entered at Thu Jun 11 07:15:16 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.229)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 07:06:41 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

I've seen some anti-semitic posts about Robbie online. My guess is that any famous Jew or half-Jew (in Robbie's case) has been the victim of some anti-semitic hatred at one time or another. These posts are the exception, the vast majority of anti-Robbie posts that I've seen do not reference his ethnic heritage.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 06:39:38 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

Hey Kevin, chill-forcefully expressing opinion doesn't mean mean I'm agitated and need a drink.That's your twist on it -the flaw of the Internet,I guess-no nuance,no emotion.So it's no more than a point of view on the Internet.Noone cares,neither do I.I'm fine but thanks for asking!

Entered at Thu Jun 11 05:23:54 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.229)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 05:00:05 CEST 2015 from (24.114.73.91)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Jun 11 04:53:36 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.229)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 04:06:21 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

It's hard not to notice when a person will concoct any reality needed when they want to reference the same way of insulting Levon?Or in this case taking Levon's worst moment and seeking any chance to repeat it,reference it,refer to it.Anything to tell us look at the terrible thing Levon has done.Yes,it is the same thing this person has done from day 1 of his arrival here,all wrapped in different packages.Now,playing the anti semitism card.As a very sensitive and devoted Jew,I have no doubt I'd react very strongly to anti semitism.There is no pattern of anti semitism here.More crap.And here's the Jewish view of respect for the dead,encompassing the notion that no matter a person's sins,we show respect and dont talk ill of the dead-the guiding principle here is the person is gone and has no ability to self defend.We go the extra mile to show the same compassion that is both intrinsically right and what we hope God will do towards us-show deep compassion.There are intricate rules of mourning demonstrating consistent axiological perspective,all following the theme of respect and compassion for the remains and mostly for the soul.Frankly,while the idiots on you tube do not concern me as associated with anti semitism and while this person,in his statements said nothing anti Semitic,his ignorance of jewish tradition and custom may have led to statements,from day 1,that were simply offensive by trashing the dead-not by you tube jerks who say idiotic things.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 04:04:19 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Jun 11 03:58:38 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Jun 11 02:53:32 CEST 2015 from (58.104.6.7)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu Jun 11 02:54:19 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.229)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 11 00:37:18 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.1)

Bill M

And yes Lisa, it's probably just a relative few spewing all over the place on every topic under the sun. Very sick people, but at least they're typing away in their parents' basement rather than committing cruel physical acts like in the olden days. Reminds me of the lesson of a Peter O'Toole movie ("The Ruling Class"?) where he goes through most of the movie harmlessly thinking he's Jesus (and sleeping on a cross), but then a doctor 'cures' him back into being Jack. Unfortunately he then gets the idea that that means Jack the Ripper - and goes on a spree.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 23:44:35 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

:-0)

Entered at Wed Jun 10 23:30:13 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Entered at Wed Jun 10 22:10:09 CEST 2015 from (58.104.6.7)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Jun 10 20:01:41 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Shapeshifters

It's a while since we saw one of these. Not that they were ever missed. The title of the linked song says it all!

Entered at Wed Jun 10 19:22:03 CEST 2015 from (193.200.150.82)

Coach

Dare I say your word - creep?

Entered at Wed Jun 10 18:28:31 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 18:20:26 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 16:44:08 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.229)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 16:42:54 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Pat B, back then your Bulls always got the best of the Knicks. The only year the Knicks beat them in the playoffs Jordan was playing baseball. You'll get no argument from me. At least that Knick team was competitive and fun to watch. We haven't had that in awhile here. I would love to have seen what Ewing could have accomplished playing along side a player of Scottie Pippen's caliber.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 15:57:27 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 14:14:07 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: Robbie

Wallsend, what specific comments about Robbie are you referring to? I just did a google search of 'Robbie Robertson jerk' and came up with several hits. I would imagine that most famous musicians have had a lot of negative as well as positive things written about them online. I don't think that Robbie is unique in this.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 13:21:40 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

Was a joke.Just twisting words to have fun.Of course,that's not what Wallsend intended-before anyone gets offended.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 13:17:34 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

After exhaustive research spanning many years,Wallsend discovers that Levon Helm was secretly a black man.He heard rumors in the 60's that he was a black panther,an organization led by Helm to destroy the rule of the Native American leader Robbie Robertson.Since then,negative attacks against Robertson on YouTube have been picked up in force by the survivors of the Helm and Malcom X families.Wallsend discovered this remarkable phenomenon by carefully examining the deep rich colors of Helms vitriol.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 08:24:48 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The Anastasia post is a typical example of cutting and pasting an earlier post of mine on Little Milton, then substituting a different link (I assume … I'm not daft enough to follow it).

Entered at Wed Jun 10 07:36:26 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.136)

Jeff A.

I.fucking E. - How many games HAVE Mr. Hockey's - would be correct. And - Mr. Pat B. TYPED - not uttered - would be correct. Round Two - DING

Entered at Wed Jun 10 06:05:24 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:46:40 CEST 2015 from (193.200.150.125)

Coach

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:21:10 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.136)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:17:30 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.136)

Jeff A.

Subject: June 17 Reminder 6: 30 PM

Those of you in NYC or in striking distance of NYC would be happy if you attend Ro Fino's show June 17th at Rockwood Music Hall. Roseanne is Bob F's daughter & is a serious talent who writes fine songs, and has a killer band, perfectly suited to her music.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:15:11 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:11:10 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.136)

Jeff A.

"Bob F, Patrick Ewing walked every time he shot."

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:10:47 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 05:03:12 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 04:59:48 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.136)

Jeff A.

I never saw Ewing walk shooting from the foul line.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 04:46:59 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 10 03:13:00 CEST 2015 from (24.114.75.55)

Kevin J

Subject: "Granny Executed in Her Pink Pajamas"

I had made reference to a great headline on several occasions over the years here and also included it in many stories I've told. LINKED: an article about the passing of the man responsible for the headline......no, it isn't the one above....though that is also his.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 00:41:45 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Jeff, in the end you have to hope the calls even out. What I love about Lebron is he might be screaming when he doesn't get the call but he's flying down court to play defense. The guy we have in NY, Carmelo Anthony will stop playing when he doesn't get the call and argue with the ref. This leaves his teammates one player short down court. The league has changed since the Michael Jordan era. The superstar doesn't automatically get every call anymore. When Jordan played the Knicks I always felt the refs were the 6th player on the court for the Bulls.

Entered at Wed Jun 10 00:16:19 CEST 2015 from (197.15.235.251)

Anastasia

My Little Milton Toppermost is just up. Incredible soul / blues singer.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 22:05:29 CEST 2015 from (58.104.15.245)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Jun 9 20:37:35 CEST 2015 from (68.232.68.198)

Bill M

Subject: Delknights / Jack Harden / William 'Smitty' Smith

A Philadelphia doowop group with tangential relationships with our guys as Hawks was the Delknights. They regularly toured through Toronto in the early '60s and on one occasion one of the lead singers, Jack (or Art) Harden jumped ship and became a long-running fixture on the R&B scene. If he didn't guest with Hawkins, he would have played for and with various Hawks at various times at the after-hours Club Bluenote. At some point he called Delknights guitarist Gene Evans up to Toronto to form the Del-Five, which eventually included Eric Mercury (who went on to do some great records under his own and to produced Robert Flack and Donny Hathaway) and Jackie Gabriel (who went on to sing with Hawkins circa '66-'68).

For those of you who care about future Dylan (Cooder, Lindley ...) sideman Smitty - and there used to be some here who did - with the Delknights off the road temporarily, drummer Mouse Johnson called in his boyhood buddy Smitty to join him in a group backing Jewel Brynner. Mouse and Smitty both left Brynner in Montreal and made their way to Toronto where they got knitted into the Soul Searchers / Silhouettes / Mandala / Motherlode circle.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 20:00:54 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.136)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 19:45:18 CEST 2015 from (68.232.68.198)

Bill M

Peter V: The Spinners aside, I like all the stuff on that list that I'm familiar with. For me, the very best of them is William Devaughn's "Be Thankful For What You've Got" - evidentiary backing for my rule of thumb that one should always pick up part I / part II 45s.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 18:45:01 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Jun 9 18:22:22 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Subject: Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia

It would be wrong to talk about great music from the city of Philadelphia without mentioning this box set. Every bit as good as Motown or Stax.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 18:16:14 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Jed, I don't want to get KJ back on his soap box but Wow isn't this a great NBA final series so far? A bunch of roll players including 3 ex Knicks and Lebron going for the ring! It's gonna get harder as the series progresses but what a battle so far. Love the NBA.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 13:32:17 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.1)

Bill M

Wallsend: Thanks for the Robbie article. I'm sure first Nations people would have recognised that Robbie had native ancestry but I can certainly see why he'd not make a point of telling everyone. All manner of nicknames (and worse) would have been proffered, all manner of noxious jokes made. You know the score, living in Australia.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 08:26:41 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Bill, I've seen that road before. Let it be.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 04:27:14 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.152)

Bill M

Kev: Didn't want to come across as an ingrate by complaining about "Hotel California" 24-7. Not my favourite as you know, but stii way better than TL&WR.

Entered at Tue Jun 9 00:52:11 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.31)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Jun 9 00:11:01 CEST 2015 from (24.114.75.55)

Kevin J

Thank you Al.

Entered at Mon Jun 8 17:01:37 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.153)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Jun 8 03:46:34 CEST 2015 from (173.3.48.149)

Jeff A.

Entered at Sun Jun 7 23:52:17 CEST 2015 from (58.104.16.191)

Wallsend

A recent article about Robbie.

Entered at Sun Jun 7 23:22:26 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Al, if you look at a traditional dial, the position of "6" on the exact left centre makes it easy to dial for the innumerate :-)

Entered at Sun Jun 7 23:19:47 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Jun 7 23:14:05 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.129)

Bill M

Entered at Sun Jun 7 21:28:29 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Jun 7 21:09:20 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Jun 7 20:39:19 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.13)

Bill M

Pat B: I don't think the Band song was about THE Bessie Smith. The tick-tock pause between 'Bessie' and 'Smith' when sung suggests that Robbie was trying to recall the surname that Bessie used when she signed the register at the Notel Motel.

Entered at Sun Jun 7 20:11:39 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sun Jun 7 19:43:15 CEST 2015 from (82.25.178.222)

Ian W

Throughout the Victorian era up to the outbreak of WWI, Glasgow was regarded as the Second City of the Empire.

People I have known or met who were born and/or brought up across the Mersey from Liverpool have always deflected any suggestion that they are Liverpudlians. They would say that they came from "near Liverpool".

As I think I've said before, I could envisage industrial, commercial and cultural development from coast to coast, Liverpool in the west to Kingston Upon Hull and Immingham in the east. There are cities and (as Al says) independent towns all the way along. It could encompass cities and towns just a short distance to the north and south - the likes of Preston, Blackburn and Burnley, Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Scunthorpe. The basic infrastructure is already there - a motorway network, rail connections, several airports (including one major international one) and universities. Liverpool and Leeds are siginificant financial centres that, again, could provide focal points for development. The transport links might need some updating and/or upgrading but the basics are there - more than the basics, I'd say. This really could be, to use the spin doctors' dreaded phrase, "a northern powerhouse" - a counter-blance to London's dominance. Whether Chancellor Osbourne really has the will or wherewithal to carry through his Manchester-orientated project, I do not know, but he has provided a vision on which officials and authorities in the areas I have indicated should build. They should put aside the various rivalries and antipathies and work together on this or something like this.

Entered at Sun Jun 7 17:45:29 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

They're both Wiki. I think they're both badly skewed but differently. Actually, I think the second one is even worse. To say Salisbury and Andover are part of Southampton/ Portsmouth is particularly ridiculous - there's 20 miles open country in between and no social, political or cultural link I can think of. Both look east and west and north for their hinterland not south to Southampton / Portsmouth. Even Winchester is really pushing it. Then Eastbourne part of Brighton? It's like saying Blackpool is part of Liverpool, which fortunately they don't … though only just. Phew! Bath has been lumped in with Bristol - possible, just.

Actually the Bournemouth / Poole & suburbs one works. But Warwick part of the Birmingham metropolitan area? Why then not Stratford? Same distance.

Al, don't read too far down that Wiki entry, which says:

QUOTE: "the Liverpool Manchester or the Manchester Liverpool conurbation is defined as one conurbation by AESOP in a comparison report published by the University of Manchester in 2005 found here: Liverpool Manchester Conurbation has a population of 5.6m"

Entered at Sun Jun 7 14:55:47 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

:-0)

Entered at Sun Jun 7 14:53:46 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Also Pete the one I've linked restores Birmingham, the true current SECOND city of the UK, to its rightful position and then has the next three - Liverpool, Leeds and the other shithole - in their righful places.

PS My interpretation removes the good folks of Bolton, Bury and Oldham from the manc umbrella.

Probably the best guide to all this are the original dialling codes

01 London
021 Birmingham
031 Edinburgh
041 Glasgow
051 Liverpool

Not sure if they ever got as far down the pecking order as to have an 061. Or maybe they did.

:-0)

Entered at Sun Jun 7 14:46:01 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Pete, the underlying essence of my 'tongue in cheek' yet deadly serious comments lies a million miles away from the 'skewed manipulation ' of the statistics in your linked list which has some truly weird parameters.

Forinstance - the Manchester collection includes large towns with proudly distinctive identities such as Bolton, Bury, Rochdale , Oldham all of which would recoil in horror to think they were being grouped under a 'Manchester' umbrella.

In contrast the likes of Birkenhead, Wallasey, Ellesmere Port etc - which were excluded from the corresponding Liverpool grouping - have such a close integral affinity with their family city a stones throw across the Mersey that in stark contrast they'd bristle for not being included under the Liverpool umbrella.

I think the attached link gets closer to the mark albeit it still has those fiercely proud towns of Bolton, Bury etc grouped under the Manchester banner which is manifestly crazy no matter how 'official' or otherwise it has been rendered by bureaucracy these past 30 years or so since they 'invented' these ridiculous metropolitan areas.

Entered at Sun Jun 7 14:43:24 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.140)

Bill M

Entered at Sun Jun 7 13:24:15 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Al, I name checked Manchester because it’s the second biggest city. The point remains that Birmingham / Stratford are easy to get to from both directions. OK, Liverpool to Stratford is 133 miles, so 13 miles closer than Poole to Stratford. I think you thought I might think that Stratford was the Stretford End. Which is Man ******r.

I checked and was quite surprised at Wiki's rankings of UK built up areas. Liverpool is 6th, Bournemouth / Poole 16th, so bigger than Cardiff or Reading or Norwich or Oxford which makes me feel deprived because those four have got much, much better shopping areas than us. It's weird because Bath isn't in the Top 75, but has the best shopping area of the lot (us, and the other four).

Mind you, Poole has three second hand vinyl shops which is pretty good going.

Entered at Sun Jun 7 13:04:52 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Kev - that was a terrific surge of posts from your goodself I just read this morning

Bill - just skipped through but was I the only one who got that little joke you tucked away the other week?

:-0)

Entered at Sun Jun 7 12:59:15 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

...but

Pete - will you please stop name checking fucking Manchester as if it's got some fucking national significance. It hasn't. To us it's a fucking glorified milltown. Always was. Always will be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We, meantime - 20 miles down the road - were the second city of the frigging empire.

And will be again come the revolution.

So if you do feel compelled to quote some northern town then make it LIVERPOOL or nowhere. OK

:-0)

BTW Sincerest respectful apologies to any Mancs watching. You know it's true tho.

Pete - as for your comments re North/South - they're so marinated with privileged southern perspective you clearly don't even realise it. I will return to when I've time.

Same re what I promised to do Bob. And Sadavid - points taken on board.

Meanwhil last but by no means least - Jeff - absolutely loved that live version of Brooklyn. As a scouser with that same inexplicably deep and powerful parochial love/nostalgia thing going on, the song resonates so powerfully and it really did come alive on that stage!!! Loved it.

:-0)

Entered at Sun Jun 7 08:24:40 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

London … as I say in my article on theatre, the Arts money needs spreading about. That’s why the Royal Shakespeare Company are so well-placed in Stratford in the middle. If you draw a circle based on Stratford with a radius of 150 miles, you cover a large percentage of the UK population, including London and Manchester. We’ll happily drive that far on a return trip in a day, and one time we were chatting to people from Lancaster about doing both ways in a day. I just checked … our drive is 146 miles, theirs 162 miles … all motorway except the last 7 miles. Two and a half to three hours. Interestingly, we reckon the north starts just north of Stratford, and I’ve heard others say from the other direction, the south starts at Stratford.

That’s why the National Exhibition Centre is a good venue on the Birmingham ring road, and where they should have built a national stadium. Again 150 miles or so (165 for us) covers a major percentage. The main trouble is that all the signs were designed by cretins and you can’t find anything, but a sensible 9 year old could work out better signage quite quickly.

But the great art collections etc probably should be centralized in London. It doesn’t make much sense to have an important collection in Cornwall or Northumberland … good local interest, yes. And of course a visit to London means you can do other stuff. The NEC at Birmingham is very much a “one purpose” visit. Paul Simon and Sting for us this year, but you wouldn't want to linger. It would improve if more was going on.

On the North-South divide, I just read on BBC iPad news that Lord Mandelson, a senior Labour advisor, admits that the Conservatives had a policy for spreading wealth out Northwards and Labour hadn’t (and needed one).

Entered at Sun Jun 7 02:39:34 CEST 2015 from (64.114.196.114)

JT

Subject: PhDs

We're going to have to begin to bestow degrees here.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 21:47:26 CEST 2015 from (82.25.178.222)

Ian W

I'm afraid to say that all I've seen of Philadelphia is from the air, landing and taking off from the airport afew times. We keep saying that we'll go to eastern PA some time and, amongst other things, go to Gettysburg (if we can find the address - old joke but sometimes "olduns" are the best). A few years ago, in anticipation, I bought a 2009 "Not For Tourist Guide to Philadelphia" for £1 in a book sale. It lists over 40 places in the "Museum" section! To pick one: it says of the Philly Museum of Art,that "our museum is regularly given short shrift compared to New York's incredible facilities but the PMA stands on its own".

Which takes me to UK cities. I have to agree with the previous comments about the position of London with regard to museums, concerts and similar cultural places and events. It has long been thus. I can think of concerts and exhibitions in the past that have been in London that I have been unable to attend, mostly because I lived so far from London and could not afford either the time or cost (or both). There have been attempts to redress the inbalance. I can think of the Tate having "branches" in Cornwall and Liverpool, of the Imperial War Museum having a northern "branch" in Manchester and the Royal Armories having offshoots elsewhere (Leeds, in particular, but also, as I recall, Portsmouth). These are commendable moves but there should be more.

I would add that cities around Britain have created and/or attracted a range of cultural institutions. Let me cite Glasgow as an example; it has an convention and exhibition centre, a concert hall and a new multi-purpose venue on one side of the River Clyde and a new BBC radio and television centre on the other side, flanked by the new regional commercial TV building and a newish Science Centre, not to mention a new Museum of Transport just a short distance along the river. Newcastle and Gateshead, facing one another across the River Tyne, have developed an atractive cultural hub.

This is repeated in other cities in Britain, to a lesser or greater extent. Things have improved around the country but the basic premise still remains : London is predominant and probably overbearingly so.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 21:27:29 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.151)

Bill M

Entered at Sat Jun 6 19:00:40 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Jun 6 18:08:24 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Subject: Black Pudding in Rock

NWC, that’s too much ;-)

Peter, please be careful with Black Pudding. With this kind of merchandise the form requires a quantifying seasonal factor called S* to be multiplied with to level out seasonal influences.

Anyway my point is; todays music is made with a calculator.

Music now needs all the things one hated at school, there is cold raw wind chilling out there in music land. Music has become a tough economic competition.

The romantic days that music was still the static, one trick tideladoo, tideladee are long gone. Nowadays music is: E = mc², business plans and suits. You need to manage, in a dynamic, pro active way, the whole train of stakeholders, etc.

Good music is about economics and logistics.
Better music is caring for your Bratwurst and
Excellent music is flipping your Bratwurst it at precisely the right moment in time, if you know what I mean.

Back to the BBQ, have a nice weekend all.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 16:36:26 CEST 2015 from (83.249.189.207)

NorthWestCoaster

Even if this gb has burned its chances to get Nobel Prize in literature we still might have a chance to get "The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel" - thanks to Norbert.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 15:00:25 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Jun 6 14:45:22 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Peter exactly.

Just got an email from this German band (Herzlichem Gruß nach Bayern b.t.w.) asking me how much Bratwurst they should keep in store. I knew this would happen pfff, anyway:

Q* = √(2.D.K/C)

• Q*= optimal order quantity
• D= annual demand quantity
• K= fixed cost per order, setup cost (not per unit, typically cost of ordering and shipping and handling. This is not the cost of goods)
• C = annual holding cost per unit, also known as carrying cost or storage cost (capital cost, warehouse space, refrigeration, insurance, etc. usually not related to the unit production cost)

Example data:

Average Bratwurst demand \ concert = 500 ….One Bratwurst unit = 500….. 500 Bratwursts costs $ 500,- Concerts per year: 20 ….…. Bratwursts per year: 20 x 500 = 10,000 = 20 Bratwurst units

Annual holding costs per Bratwurst unit = $ 250,-/ year

Q* = √ (2 x 20 x 500 /250) = √ 80 = 8.9

So they should keep 8.9 Bratwurst units, makes 8.9 x 500 = 4472.1 Bratwursts in store all the time.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 13:47:53 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Her dad would have been so proud of her.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 12:22:29 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

In this lesson Sharon Osbourne tells us how to deal with contracts:

“My husband’s whole career, people stole from him. They walk off with thousands of dollars that’s yours. So the only way, unfortunately, for me is to get nasty and to get violent.” She described the following disagreement with John Scher, a legendary New York promoter, who claimed advertising expenses for ads placed long after a concert had sold out: “[H]e would not give in, and he was threatening that ‘Ozzy will never work in the New York area again.’ All this crap. So I got up and nutted him with my head, and then I kicked him in the …."

Entered at Sat Jun 6 12:17:41 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

I get a lot of questions about η OPCE (Overall Pollstar Concert Efficiency) lately (I graduated on that in my Rock-o-Nomics study, as some of you know). So one more time:

η OPCE = (η Ticket Sales) x (η CD sales) x (η Merchandise)

Example Concert data:
Max seat: 100, sold seats: 85 ……. η Ticket = 85/100 = 0.85 = 85%
Max CD : 100, sold seats CDs: 65 ……. η CD = 65/100 = 0.65 = 65%
Max T-shirt: 100, sold T-shirts: 55 ……… η T-shirt = 55/100 = 0.55 = 0.55%

η OPCE = 0.85 x 0.65 x 0.55 = 0.30 = 30%

A pretty lousy efficiency b.t.w., the η OPCE of all 250.000 Pollstar data based concerts is about 71% (coming from 69% in 2013)

Anyway its Rock-o-Nomics is that simple.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 11:29:18 CEST 2015 from (86.128.251.158)

Dunc

Subject: Jeff

Great work, Jeff. Great title.

Entered at Sat Jun 6 01:31:24 CEST 2015 from (173.3.51.5)

Jeff A.

This version of The Schmoozers had one three hour rehearsal for 9 songs that with the exception of mp3s of the studio recordings, they didn't previously know (Angel & La Rita, the vocalists, are on the recording). The rehearsal was two weeks before the show. And the keyboard player wasn't able to make the rehearsal ( didn't effect him or anything though). The brilliance of these guys & lady though, & their experience & professionalism, they pulled it off. But, if a band has time to nurture a song,with some songs, it can make a difference. We went for a safe performance of this one this time. Still, everything speaks to the major talent & experience of both vocalists & the 4 players.

Everyone's interest & concern is welcome and appreciated. Obviously i can't discuss what is or isn't happening or anything related publicly. Separately, I will venture that i have some songs on the project as good or better. And just as commercially viable. More so in terms of the wider radio & commercial market, less so in the way of the powerful huge direct potential commercial target.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 21:03:13 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Good new version, Jeff. Selling it to a sports team is a seriously good idea.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 20:11:15 CEST 2015 from (131.137.34.245)

sadavid

Subject: Cities that matter

This is for Al Edge . . . . I pretty much agree with Al (about London scooping the lot) but I think it is a lost cause.
This article takes the other side.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 19:47:33 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Entered at Fri Jun 5 19:13:47 CEST 2015 from (184.66.101.38)

BONK

Great job Jeff. Love that Drummer!

Entered at Fri Jun 5 18:45:52 CEST 2015 from (74.14.4.151)

JT

Subject: Brooklyn

I really enjoyed the video for 'Brooklyn', Jeff. Great song and great work!

Entered at Fri Jun 5 16:41:18 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

It sounds great … the whole band of LA Session guys led by Dr John is really good. I wondered about plagiarism. I just checked and songwriting is actually credited to Barry White, not to Jackie. I assume it's THE Barry White. She says "I was one of the first to record with Barry White. We all stood around one microphone."

Jackie was also very proud of being the first artist to cover The Weight, and she had a reasonable hit with it, so I guess Robbie was feeling benignly towards her.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 15:04:32 CEST 2015 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Peter, love the Jackie DeShannon song! Fascinating.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 13:40:01 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Jun 5 12:50:40 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

I posted that clip a few years ago......it generated much discussion here at the time. I recall, in particular, RTO blowing a fuse over the bass player T Bone Walk and sadavid making note of Robbie's vocal exuberances while playing........the bit was just a commercial build in and out as part of Robbie's appearance on the show to promote his first album.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 12:45:28 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: I Got My Reason

Listen to this. It's by Jackie DeShannon from "Laurel Canyon", the LP which also has The Weight on. The pianos are by Dr John and Harold Battiste. Sounds familiar? Or nearly identical?

Actually it's a terrific performance all round, just not … well,, original. I am in the midst of the Jackie DeShannon Toppermost if anyone has comments on her.,

Entered at Fri Jun 5 12:09:18 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Never seen that clip before and it's tantalizingly short … fabulous guitar solo and that's about it. Nice bass too. I wonder if the whole thing exists?

Entered at Fri Jun 5 09:23:37 CEST 2015 from (58.104.8.27)

Wallsend

Does anybody know anything about Robbie's performance on Saturday Night Live 30 January 1988.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 06:43:13 CEST 2015 from (108.36.197.190)

Peter M,

Subject: hey Carmen

Gotta agree with John's Roast Pork. On the museum front, don't forget The Mutter Museum of Medical Oddities (College of Physicians). 22nd St between Chestnut & Market. Can we say "Megacolon" ? Chang and Eng ?

Entered at Fri Jun 5 05:09:07 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

....party time in Ischia and blowing Jeff's first big royalty cheque......sounds like fun.....I have some funny stories about travelling in Italy, but for another time.........Jeff, I thought the first video of "Brooklyn In My Bones" was much more effective than this one where the live segment breaks the momentum of things somewhat.......love the song and the whole spirit behind it.....very NBA in its way and you should pull out all stops to get this to the basketball team that just relocated there........Also, aren't the NHL's New York Islanders moving to Brooklyn next year ? A tie-in to a big time pro team can mean big bucks.

Entered at Fri Jun 5 01:32:02 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F.

Subject: Brooklyn In My Bones

Check this video out from Jeff A. So much fun and a great great song. If the world made sense Jay Z would record Brooklyn In My Bones and Jeff would be eating pizza in Ischia.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 22:03:02 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

Recently some people were critical of a particular musician because his interviews were repetitive,boring,and canned.My comment was I'm in it for the music not the interviews and so long as I love the music that's all that counts.Same for Lebron.The guy is a sensational and accomplished basketball player.The interviews,the personality-who cares?He's won two titles,this is his 5th finals in a row,4 mvp's I believe,etc. etc.Of his many achievements,his play this year has been phenomenol.I believe GS has the edge this year but it'll be a fun ride!

Entered at Thu Jun 4 20:53:48 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Jun 4 18:28:23 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Jun 4 15:58:52 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Jun 4 15:32:46 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

carmen

Subject: Barnes Foundation

All kidding aside - if you enjoy history and art - you should check out the Barnes. Today, the foundation owns more than 2,500 works, including 800 paintings, estimated to be worth in excess of $25 billion. The Barns is considered to have the greatest collection of Impressionist and Modernist masters, PA Dutch Folk Art, African Pottery and American Indian Art/Artifacts any where in the world.

I myself am not the artsy type but when you see this stuff you really get blown away by quality and quantity of works in one place.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 15:21:19 CEST 2015 from (108.30.208.110)

Jed

I agree-3 Knicks and Lebron.Mindblowing.David Lee plays for GS.The many ex-Knicks scattered through the NBA did very well with their playoff teams and were major contributors.If Phil can't do something decent this summer he'll be gone and they start again.Hoops agony.This finals should be fun!

Entered at Thu Jun 4 15:20:16 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

carmen

Subject: Philly

Peter V - your safe with that. With all those crazy colors and designs contained in Soccer (OK Football) shirts, we will just think your a bad dresser.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 15:06:14 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Jun 4 15:01:29 CEST 2015 from (131.137.34.245)

sadavid

Subject: the sporting life

Canuckistan vs. The People's Republic to open FIFA Women's World Cup Canada™ Saturday next.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 14:18:58 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

carmen

Subject: Todd

Bill - I have Todd on my list - I think he may be the most talented from our area. Should be in the RR Hall of Fame for his production work alone. Check out the link

Entered at Thu Jun 4 14:10:34 CEST 2015 from (74.43.18.162)

carmen

Subject: Philadelphia hidden treasures

I just wanted to point out that Philadelphia has much more to offer than cheesesteaks and a great music heritage.

The Barnes Museum is arguably the greatest single collection of art in the world. If you are ever in Philadelphia - you need to go. Also the University of Penn Museum of Anthropology is a hidden jem with great collections. And if you need a cheesesteak fix - Johns Roast Pork not only has the best pork sandwich in Philadelphia but the best cheesesteak too. Just don't wear a NY Giants or Dallas Cowboys Jersey and you will be fine.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 14:00:32 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.26)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Jun 4 10:40:31 CEST 2015 from (68.198.162.41)

Bob F

Todd, good luck to your daughters team.

One other sporting event starting tonight is Lebron James trying to bring an NBA Championship to Cleveland. The fact that Cleveland is trying to win the greatest championship of them all with 3 ex NY Knicks in pivotal roles has my head spinning. These are players the Knicks didn't consider worth keeping. If Cleveland can some how win this series against the Warriors it will be epic. I imagine Ian Hunter will make a couple cents from his Spodify/Itune accounts.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 09:48:43 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

My hazy morning eyes misread "Tampa Red and The Hawks" and I started thinking, did The Hawks ever do "It Hurts Me Too." I know Dylan did. Then my eyes cleared.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 06:14:25 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Thanks KevIn. Lacrosse was fairly new to me until my daughter started playing as a kid. She's been playing for 9 years now and may go on to play In College. I've really grown to love the sport as I understand it better now. Played well, it's a beautiful game to watch.

As you probably know, the boys and girls games have some differences. The girls don't wear helmets or pads (except for the goalie) so the rules are structured for a lesser amount of checking, and although there is still a fair amount of contact, there's more emphasis on finesse.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 06:12:53 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Jun 4 05:56:17 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

As far as Jeff admitting he is wrong occasionally, his answer is as good as any.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 05:51:58 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Jun 4 05:30:13 CEST 2015 from (173.3.49.102)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 05:24:45 CEST 2015 from (32.216.238.75)

Todd

Subject: Sports Talk

Congratulations to Chicago on their game 1 win.

Should be an exciting week of sports. Aside from the Stanley Cup games, my daughter's high school lacrosse team is competing in our State tournament. They won their first round game yesterday by two goals, and will play a quarter final game tomorrow against a highly ranked team. If they win tomorrow, they will advance to the semifinals, but it's going to be a tough one.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 05:03:43 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Jun 4 01:41:41 CEST 2015 from (82.25.178.222)

Ian W

Yes, Greg, the Lodestar was a "stretched" version of earlier Lockheed twin-engined aircraft.

And, as I think I posted earlier, the particular Lodestar later used by Dylan and the Hawks was, in WWII, owned by the Norwegian government-in-exile but operated as a BOAC civilian aircraft flying from RAF Leuchars in Scotand to Stockholm in neutral Sweden and back - a particularly hazardous service as the planes were unarmed, flown across the Skagerakk (that is, through enemy-controlled airspace) and were much slower than the fighters tasked to prevent their flights.

Entered at Thu Jun 4 00:36:53 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

....prediction, Chicago in 6. This concept of choosing an adopted team to cheer for really started in a big way for Canadians during the Gretzky era Edmonon Oilers of the 1980's. They were so good and so much fun to watch that many people figured out that it was just more enjoyable to watch the games if you had a rooting interest.........Once your home team was eliminated from the playoffs, it was ok to pick another one to root for......During parts of the 1990's and early 2000's, this was the Colorado team for me with Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic.......and for many Canadians now, their adopted team has become the Chicago Black Hawks led by great players like Toews, Kane and Keith......For me, especially Duncan Keith......a truly great defenseman who has been instrumental in Canada's last two Olympic Gold medals.

Should be a dandy final......Tampa Bay is the highest scoring team in the league and is fun to watch as well. Either way, this is good for the sport.

Entered at Wed Jun 3 23:44:19 CEST 2015 from (76.98.218.136)

Carmen

Subject: Philly Music

Philly radio stations also had a reputation for being on the forefront of recognizing great music before other areas. Stations like WMMR were playing Bruce long before he caught on in other areas of the country. The University of Penn station XPN continues this tradition.

Another quality Philly band is The War On Drugs.

Entered at Wed Jun 3 23:28:53 CEST 2015 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Thanks for that, Solomon. Haven't heard DFA in awhile... such a lovely vocal blend.

Entered at Wed Jun 3 22:35:25 CEST 2015 from (92.18.221.3)

Solomon

Subject: Danko/Fjeld/Andersen - Driftin' Away

Some good memories of Rick on this one.

Entered at Wed Jun 3 19:07:08 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Jun 3 17:46:36 CEST 2015 from (72.78.40.161)

PSB

Subject: Ahem

Most Philadelphia musicians had to leave the city to become known. That said, do not forget Howard Tate (not born here, but lived most of his life here), Tammi Terrell, and Ray Benson, leader of the Western Swing band, Asleep At The Wheel, now in their 45th year, and just inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance's "Walk of Fame."

Entered at Wed Jun 3 15:02:03 CEST 2015 from (99.249.67.189)

GregD

Ian W- interesting story about the beginnings of what would become Ferry Command,with many unsung heroes, both men and women, flying aircraft across the Atlantic from North America to Britain. The Lockheed Hudson was another stopgap aircraft that was pressed into service in all theatres, and did good anti-submarine work in the early war years. Band connection through the Hudson/Lockheed Lodestar via Dylan!

Entered at Wed Jun 3 10:12:06 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

And before Gamble & Huff, there was Mann & Lowe and Cameo-Parkway. We have Dee Dee Sharp and Chubby Checker, but add Bobby Rydell, The Dovells, and from The Dovells, Len Barry. The Orlons (and so Rosetta Hightower). The Tymes. Earlier, Charlie Gracie.

I bought my first record player in July 1962. That Christmas I got "All The Hits By All The Stars" the Cameo-Parkway compilation LP that launched their separate imprint in Britain. It's quite a collectable LP now. I still have it and still like nearly all of it. Not Bobby Rydell though.

One of my first three LPs. The others were Elvis' Rock & Roll #2 and The Eddie Cochran Memorial Album.

Entered at Wed Jun 3 10:03:15 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was thinking the obvious. Kenny Gamble of Gamble & Huff, Dee Dee Sharp, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes (you already had Teddy, but the rest of them). The whole Philadelphia International label.

Entered at Wed Jun 3 06:12:43 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Entered at Wed Jun 3 00:11:30 CEST 2015 from (76.98.218.136)

Carmen

Subject: Philly Music

List of famous Musicians from Philadelphia or Philly or the Philly Burbs. Might not be everyone's cup of tea but a strong list none the less.

Teddy Penderass

Taylor Swift

Pattie La Belle

The Roots

Pink

Will Smith

Chubby Checker

Jim Croce

Todd Rundgren

Billie Holiday

Boys II Men

Joan Jett

Hall & Oats

The Hooters

Entered at Tue Jun 2 23:14:45 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

Subject: Blatter

Blatter
Blatter

Blatter

Entered at Tue Jun 2 22:21:11 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.64)

Jeff A.

Obviously, i can't write too much in detail publicly. But I do listen, and I'm generally non plussed.

That said, there are many very talented musicians who live in & have moved to Brooklyn. There are great people who move here. Dana Lynn is a magnificently talented violinist & composer who has relocated here. I know others too.

On the other hand i listened to a guy who has a one word name, a guy from north of NYC who has been popular on WFUV for about 15 years,and his popularity has been lost on me. He did an interview on another station the other day...... and they asked him about living in Brooklyn now and how it i s influenced his music.And i got sick to my stomach listening to it. For one thing, now you have all these morons, including this guy, pronouncing Brooklyn "gangsta" style. Brooklyn is anything but gangsta, we were anti gangsta, and the pronunciation is ridiculous. Especially coming from upper middle class white people wanna bes, that don't even know what the fuck they want to be. Real gangsters knew how to pronounce Brooklyn. They grew up saying it correctly.

But he's ( one word name guy ) going on and on about the proliferance of great musicians and the great material and how great it is t have studios everywhere and be able to record with anyone at the drop of a hat... And i don't hear any great music coming out of this. Maybe there is some, but it is buried under tons of mediocre crap, regurgitated, cliched, or oddball, crap. Lyrically, usually really poor, and musically retread or oddball garbage.

and yes, there are a pile of studios in brooklyn now. I tried one for two days in Sept of 2013, great studio, very talented engineer, great equipment. I met him, checked out the studio first, spent close to two hours with him, listened to his work.... Thought he was wound a little tight but figured, well, that's just the guy. I suspected he was a prick,but figured he'd be a good, professional prick....Session came.... and i was shocked how unprofessional he behaved and how big a prick he was. Offensive to me, but he backed down with complaints, and also offensive regarding a musicina who was in the live room but could not hear him.Said musician was the guy who referred me to the studio and was responsible for him gettign the work... But this prick really crossed the line , way over, several times......I did what i had to do there, and moved on. Hard to hit someone over the head in cases like this- they got your project up.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 22:03:16 CEST 2015 from (74.14.4.151)

JT

Subject: Music in Urban Canada

The music scene in Toronto was amazing in the 60s and continued in a less impressive way in the next 20-30 years. As Kevin points out, the growing talent was outstanding and it was all centred on 1 small street for a few years. In the clubs, Levon and the Hawks, Ronnie Hawkins, Jon and Lee and the Checkmates, David Clayton Thomas and the Shays, Jackie Shane and many others were relative constants. I don't think we in Toronto knew what we had when we had it. Things have 'quieted down' a bit in the Toronto scene now. Of course, there is no more 'Club-Yorkville scene' and though there is music in some clubs around town, its 'different'. The Drake Hotel still has great talent. I think Montreal has overtaken Toronto in this regard and today Montreal and to some degree Vancouver are strong contenders.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 20:18:21 CEST 2015 from (82.25.178.222)

Ian W

On 10 November 1940, seven Lockheed Hudson aircraft were flown across the North Atlantic. As the first took off from Gander Airport (Newfoundland), a Canadian military band played "There'll always be an England" and continued playing until the seventh aircraft departed. Every one landed safely in Britain on 11 November 1940, the lead pilot observing Poppy Day (the marking of the end of WWI) by wearing a buttonhole he had bought in Montreal. This was not the first crossing of the North Atlantic by a landplane, of course, but it was the start of anything that resembled a regular air service. In 1939, there had been talk of establishing an air mail service but, with the outbreak of WWII, the emphasis moved to the war effort.

Up to then, the Hudsons had been shipped by sea. Flying them over saved space on the ships and reduced the time between test flight and deployment from 3 months to 10 days. In early 1941, Liberators and Flying Fortress bombers were added to the delivery programme. All the crews returned by sea, taking up to a fortnight. To save time, plans were made to fly the crews back to North America and the Return Ferry Service was set up. The first westbound flight, with seven “delivery crew” passengers, took place on 4 May 1941. This was the start of regular transatlantic air travel by landplane.

SOURCE:"Atlantic Bridge - The Official Account of RAF Transport Command's Ocean Ferry", prepared by the Air Ministry for the Ministry of Information, HMSO, 1945.

Establishing exactly when airliners took over from ocean-going liners on the route is difficult. When Bob Dylan first came to Britain in December 1962, he flew. His girlfriend, Suze Rotolo, returned from Italy to New York around the same time but sailed on the "Cristiforo Colombo" from Naples. When Richard Farina crossed the Atlantic in the early 1960s, he, too, went by sea. Dylan's air fare had been paid by the BBC, so it is possible that those whose fare was paid went by air and those who paid themselves went by sea. This was to change: student charter flights from Britain started in the mid-1960s, generally using older, slower airplanes. Maybe the coming of the jets (with increased seating capacity and shorter flight times) gave airlines higher utilisation rates, bringing down the cost per seat.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 18:58:56 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Sepp Blatter just announced that he will resign........during his 3 minute statement, 5 more migrant workers on the World Cup construction sites in Qatar died. Most expect up to 4000 workers will die before the first game is played.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 18:23:58 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

TLW: In terms of changes, the only one on the wish list for me is "Acadian Driftwood"......I wish the band had had more time to get this in shape for the concert.....it could have been a real tour de force and would have settled in to the film beautifully......the beginning of the end and the end of the beginning or whatever it was.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 09:49:54 CEST 2015 from (219.89.33.229)

Rod

Now to The Bands set. Couldn't really leave out anything that made it onto the film. But Life Is A Carnival and Forbidden Fruit were sounding pretty good live at the time - but maybe slightly too similiar.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 09:42:03 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Van Morrison bios mention the same factor for Belfast, though maybe it was just Van's dad … imported 45s.

It might account for the time slot though … surely by the early 60s, Trans-Atlantic passenger traffic was rapidly switching to airlines. The late 50s must have been way busier for ocean passenger traffic. So maybe it was Jack Tar with a kitbag full of American discs that switched Liverpool on.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 09:36:05 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter The Googleable

Apart from The Beatles there were all the other Liverpool bands, but they weren't songwriters of note. Brooklyn is another pool, as is Detroit and New Orleans, All seem to be based largely on home grown talent.

I'd separate out music magnet cities: Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, San Francisco, LA, the rest of NYC, London … in that these pulled in talent from a wider catchment area to join local talent. Not sure where Philadelphia sits on the spectrum. PSB may enlighten me.

Liverpool, Brooklyn, Detroit seem particular.

I've read so many Beatles books with "explanations." One in every book is that sailors brought in American 45s. In which case, why is Southampton not competing? Or London? Though there may be something. At record fairs in Southampton and for 30 miles around, you see a lot of secondhand South African 45s, and almost as many Australian ones. They were cheaper, so brought back by crew members - I suspect in large enough quantities to sell. Southampton was the main port for South Africa and Australia … though also major for America.

The other factor … which touches on Detroit, Chicago, Memphis and Brooklyn … is migration (and immigration). Liverpool was variously nicknamed "The capital of Ireland" and "The capital of Wales" and so always had a mix. It's why North-West and South London are the centers for British Two-Tone and reggae.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 07:35:34 CEST 2015 from (75.168.160.136)

Rhythm Jimmy

Subject: Googleability

Hell, if you google Rhythm Jimmy by his real name you get 24 hits, and Rhythm Jimmy ain't nobody..

Entered at Tue Jun 2 05:55:41 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

The screening process in Heaven well underway and late in the day, St. Peter tuns to God and says, "just two more left Boss..... a chap named Paul McCartney and a Peter V...........the McCartney fella was a composer of considerable acclaim, apparently made millions of folks very happy......God: " Ok, ok, let him straight in...now.let's move along.......and the last one? St. Peter: "We'll, God, a fella named Peter V......not that much known about him really, a strong supporter of an unknown rock band known as The Band......and ah, hold on.......his press kit says he was ''googleable' !............God: "Oh, for heaven's sake, let him in but do get rid of that that fu*kin category will ya..........I'll have no further mention of it........after all , Caitlyn Jenner is googleable, isn't he or she or......oh what the hell !

Entered at Tue Jun 2 01:52:58 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.64)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Jun 2 00:50:36 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Entered at Tue Jun 2 00:38:40 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dylan and Hawkins were essential.

After that I'll argue, but Joni had a very poor night though Coyote turned out OK with a bit of overdubbing and it is a great song. I love that version of Helpless by Neil Young. I also think Dry Your Eyes was excellent.

Bobby Charles never made it to the film. Eric had the dullest song, enlivened by the guitar strap, but they should have recorded All Our Past Times instead. And Bobby Charles should have done Small Town Talk. Dr John's choice was a dull song compared to Walk On Gilded Splinters. If I had to take out one? Paul Butterfield or Eric Clapton (because Further On Up The Road is intrinsically generic and boring).

Entered at Mon Jun 1 23:51:13 CEST 2015 from (174.1.48.234)

Lisa

Ian Tyson was another musician who attended art school, in his case Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art and Design). When I was a student there years later, some of us were having a coffee with our painting teacher who mentioned that he had studied there. Of course we wanted to know all about him. He said Ian was very good-looking, carried his guitar with him everywhere, and cut quite a swath through the girls (!)

Entered at Mon Jun 1 23:42:03 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Look, Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan were essential.......everything else was just a party that any great director could have and would have worked with........at the time though and I guess to this day, the names Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton do look revenue beautiful on the marquee and record /DVD boxes......John Hammond, Gregg Allman and Gordon Lightfoot - not so much !

Entered at Mon Jun 1 23:20:04 CEST 2015 from (76.98.218.136)

carmen

Subject: TLW

If there was a performer that you could eliminate from TLW, who would it be? And who would you have replaced him/her with? Neil Diamond would be my choice and his replacement would have been Greg Allman. Others who I think would have been neat to see would have been George Harrison and Jerry Garcia.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 23:08:05 CEST 2015 from (87.144.163.42)

Norbert

At the moment prizes of vintage cars are exploding in Europe, people trying to save their savings I guess. ….

Leaving the Deutsche Mark was the price Germany had to pay for its reunification.

So the Euro was an political act, but Europe isn’t by far a 'united' country like the USA. Separate Europe countries, in need now, are tight to the Euro and lost control over their own situation, lost their democracy. They are not alllowed any of Dragi’s 1,140bn quantitative easing of which b.t.w. only 8% works; from the rest (92%) only banks and shareholders will profit.

The Euro has failed, its 'unwinding' will be dramatic.

But we have The Band's music ;-)

Entered at Mon Jun 1 23:05:06 CEST 2015 from (24.114.87.102)

Kevin J

Neil Diamond: I have watched TLW at least 25 times and never once did I feel the need to fast forward through "Dry Your Eyes"....it is set up beautifully and the performance is great. As a teenager watching watching the movie in a theatre the first time, the whole songwriter,totem pole, TIn Pan alley thing and seeing someone so un-rock n roll in the middle of this ultimate rock n roll party was captivating.

Liverpool Magic: Having two musicians of undisputed genius meet up from the same town and form a band and then work as hard and create as much brilliant material as they did is one thing.....but to have that "a few years younger little tag along kid with the crooked smile" also be part of the same neighbourhood and same band and to add masterpiece contributions like "Something", "Here Comes the Sun", and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is just hard to believe.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 22:24:01 CEST 2015 from (67.84.76.64)

Jeff A.

Thanks for the mention, now, if you only get to hear my good stuff. ...

If we spread a mile to two square, we can include Kenny Vance ( Jay & The Americans, Planatones, produce of steely Dan's breakthrough record aLSO), and many many more, i gotta run, may addto this later...... Oh- The Brooklyn Dreams guys, all 3. Hokenson, Sudano, & Esposito, grew up near Midwood High, Bruce Sudano married Donna Summer, they cowrote her hits, Joe Esposito is now the lead in Brooklyn Bridge, he has many hits , including stuiff in the Karate Kid soundtrack,...

Entered at Mon Jun 1 19:16:39 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Jun 1 19:14:36 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Art school covered quite a variety of things (or sins even) and it wasn't just painting but fashion, design etc too. it was a good option if you didn't quite know what to do next and you liked music and art, for example. When I was doing plays at 18, more than half the kids were at art college. Two of my friends went on to the London College of Fashion … most British girls' dream in 1966.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 19:08:18 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Art School Dance Goes On Forever

The link is to Pete Brown's song, but it is pretty awful. Never mind the title was apposite as Jean says. Ronnie Wood is the obvious one (and technically a more proficient painter than Mr Dylan). Like Pete Townsend and Freddie Mercury he was at Ealing College of Art. Others at art school include Mick Jones, Keith Richards, David Bowie, Eno, Roger Waters, Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, all of Bonzo Dog, Eric Clapton.

It's also noted for American musicians.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 18:35:52 CEST 2015 from (108.41.170.168)

Joan

Entered at Mon Jun 1 15:35:21 CEST 2015 from (216.121.189.31)

Sarah Mac Lean

My friends and I would sing Sweet Caroline at the top of our voices at any and all opportunities. ( "sing " being deemed ,I'm sure , by those within hearing range a debateable term )

Sweet, sweet times !

Entered at Mon Jun 1 13:37:33 CEST 2015 from (74.14.4.151)

JT

Subject: My two cents: Neil Diamond

I had no problem with Neil Diamond participating in TLW (there were reasons for everyone to be there and he was no exception) I became a fan more recently after listening to the songs as a group. I realized that his songwriting ability and delivery were worthy of praise and attention. I came late to this. I enjoy his recent albums as well. He has practised his craft effectively.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 12:48:43 CEST 2015 from (68.171.246.133)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Jun 1 11:38:35 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

On “Adult contemporary music” Streisand and Diamond are two of the three all-time best sellers in the USA (Elton John is the other). The Brill Building era book mentions the many connections … I think Neil Sedaka and Carole King were classmates too. I’d guess that area of Brooklyn was remarkable too … add Jeff A … but the schools are vastly larger than British schools. Lennon’s Dovedale Primary looks a pretty average sort of British 1950s size. so much smaller. I’d add George too … though all round he is maybe just a rung down. What is amazing is they formed a band … in contrast, Streisand and Diamond knew each other, shared the odd “cigarette on the steps” but weren’t close friends and only worked together much later.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 11:36:06 CEST 2015 from (82.25.178.222)

Ian W

"Doo" is the Scots form of "dove" and "dove" is another word for "pigeon". So, while "dovecot"(or pigeon-house)is pronounced "duv-cot" in the south, it becomes a "doocot" in its Scots form, pronounced "doo - kit", I believe, or something close to that, though Dunc will correct me if I've got that wrong.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 11:03:42 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Little Milton

My Little Milton Toppermost is just up. Incredible soul / blues singer.

Entered at Mon Jun 1 10:22:32 CEST 2015 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Interesting stuff Pete.

As it is I think I read a piece some years back which revealed there's quite a few more from that later Liverpool Institute grammar school generation who went on to make their mark down the line. Can't recall who or what.

Actually though Pete the thing that has really puzzled me is a hard one to convey. It's not so much that any class of 36 from a certain background is destined to produce some successful people but more the uniquely exceptional case of [shall we leave George out of this] and say just TWO of the most remarkable creative people of all time growing up independently until their late teens scarcely a mile apart.

That's the bit I can't quite get my head around.

The barbra streisand/neil Diamond is a lesser example of the same thing I guess.

I'd imagine the Brooklyn/New York Jewish community is a safe bet to have thrown up more than a few similar examples of creative genius if we broaden things. I mean when you think of the Broadway musicals - how many were written by composers from that neck of the woods?

PS BOB F: I will come back on that Beatles angle when I've a bit more time to reflect

Entered at Mon Jun 1 10:05:50 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Jun 1 09:26:01 CEST 2015 from (219.89.33.229)

Rod

Entered at Mon Jun 1 09:18:20 CEST 2015 from (216.121.189.31)

Sarah MacLean

Oh dear ! I never meant to sound negative about Neil Diamond !

My happy , sappy times post was about loving a song because of how you it reminds you of certain people or happenings .

For me Sweet Caroline brings back memories of good times with good friends .

Entered at Mon Jun 1 08:18:39 CEST 2015 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

John Lennon’s primary school class also included Peter Sissons, the main ITN national TV newsreader for twenty years, and comedian Jimmy Tarbuck who hosted Royal Variety Shows etc. There is a photo showing all three in swimming costumes. The school is described as “a feeder school for grammar school” and George was at the same school, but younger. In state education in the 1950s a “feeder” school simply meant one in which a higher percentage of kids got into selective grammar schools. These schools became popular with parents.

I’m wondering if three high achievers from one class of eight year olds (let’s discount Lennon being one the highest achievers of the 20th century) is weird or not. I would guess that Tarbuck’s career was boosted by the success of The Beatles meaning all-things Liverpool were hip. But the man did get to record a Jagger / Richards song for Andrew Loog Oldham’s Immediate label in 1965 too. Peter Sissons’ career has no crossover or Beatle connection.

I guess my primary school was also a “feeder” in that six boys and six girls in my class went to grammar school, which would be about twice the average for the town. It was a 20 year old school in an area of 20 to 25 year old private housing. Most of the dads worked in the aircraft industry (Bournemouth had both Vickers and De Haviland factories - the major employers round me as a kid) so I’d guess ”skilled working class” or like my dad, sales reps, or my friends’ dads, a fireman and a bank clerk, so “lower middle class” – a blue collar / white collar distinction in Britain. They earned about the same and lived in the same streets. I don’t recall any social difference. We had one BBC reporter, slightly less known that Peter Sissons, but still a household name. A guitarist / songwriter who’s made a living from it ever since, and I guess me as textbook writer. Not known on the same levels, but three “easily Googleable” people.

So I wonder if “three” out of 36-40 kids being “Googleable” is about normal, given that sort of area?

Entered at Mon Jun 1 03:14:32 CEST 2015 from (108.88.110.210)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Jun 1 00:39:17 CEST 2015 from (173.71.90.80)

Ben

Subject: The Jazz Singer

In terms of Neil Diamond. I have to say that the 'Jazz Singer' is very enjoyable as a kitchy, guilty pleasure. I guess that that this was the period where Diamond was being called the Jewish Elvis. I would describe the Movie as the equivalent of Elvis's 30 bad musicals rolled into one. Neil in blackface. Lawrence Olivier ripping his shirt and proclaiming " I heff no son". This movie is really bad. However, the soundtrack is great. America, Love on the rocks, Amazed and confused, Hello Again, a snippet of Kol Nidre and a song about the Robert E. Lee. (the ship of course, not the general).

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