The Band Guestbook, March 2011

Entered at Thu Mar 31 23:54:14 CEST 2011 from (76.66.27.210)

brown eyed girl

Robbie Robertson at Toronto's Indigo Bookstore Meet and Greet

We stiood in a long line up this time to meet Robbie Robertson again. It was soooo hot in Indigo Bookstore! While waiting in line I met someone who told me that they know J D and Bill M. He had a lot of stories to tell about the days of The Hawks and The Band and others who represented the Toronto Sound. Wow! Sharing stories made it easier to wait in line at the end of a day where I already felt totally exhausted.

While we were waiting in line I hear Robbie's voice!....He just arrived wearing a long black coat. He said hello to someone waiting in line and then I saw him. I think he's about 5' 11''. My older brother (very similar to Robbie in style and demeanor) met him at a restaurant in Yorkville and told me that they're about the same height. I'm mentioning this as the height of The Band members has come up on this site. Robbie definitely has an "IT" factor. It's the way he represents himself, his style, his confidence......

Heather Reisman (Jerry T knows her. I'm sure he would have been there to meet Robbie again if he was in town.).....is President and CEO of Indigo Bookstore. She asked Robbie a few questions and then had Robbie's music turned up while we were waiting in line to meet Robbie. I have to admit that when I heard "When The Night Was Young"....I was swaying and singing along...not too loudly....as when I looked around....no one else knew the words yet...lol

imagezulu must have really rushed to meet me at the store. He knew it was important to me. I didn't know at the time that Indigo Bookstore now has staff that will take your picture with whoever is showcased. Anyway, he took my camera as he sold all his Hasselblad cameras and took some photos of Robbie's fans. I forgot that you can always bring another The Band/Robbie item for him to sign. Some brought their guitars, records, CDS. I should have brought Redboy as that's my favourite Robbie solo CD. Now that I've been listening to his latest.....I would say they're both my favourite...but very different. Redboy is Robbie the rebel. He's also sharing his heritage with us. HTBC is Robbie letting us into his personal world. You can hear remorse and sadness in some songs. I think this is as close as we're all going to get to Robbie.

I could see from a distance that Robbie seemed to be smiling more this time. I can see how hard it must be to be pleasant and chatty with fans when you're signing your CD. At first I heard Robbie ask someone how they're doing and by the time I reached him his head was down writing "To Angelina Robbie Robertson". I did tell him a few things....He thanked me with a smiling face. I'm glad I have a few photos of that moment.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying his latest CD. There's maybe only one song I tend to skip....I just adore Angela McCluskey's voice so much on back up vocals. When Robbie's "This Is Where I Get Off" comes on....Who did him wrong???? Is he referring to the reformed Band using The Band name? Is he referring to Levon's book? Someone else?

Kevin J....You weren't able to make it? I knew Bill M wouldn't be interested....but if Robbie was there with The Hawks.....Check out the photo I've linked.....as Robbie's got a thing for striped shirts these days. ;-D Btw, the poster of the young Robbie that someone posted the other day....The picture is in the CD as well.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 22:15:54 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Kevin: Thanks for the Musician magazine post, as that's where I remember reading that story. I think I still have a copy of that issue which featured Robbie on the cover with his Strat. Ry Cooder also discovered the advantages of old lap-steel pickups years ago. He's been known to use a vintage Strat with an Oahu/Supro lap-steel pickup mounted at the bridge position for his slide work.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 21:19:19 CEST 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: JRR on the circuit

Just a reminder for our Canuckistanian readers that JRR visits the Geo. Stroumboulopoulis set tonite. After my bedtime, but I imagine it will be archived . . . Strombo gives pretty good interview, so it should be worth a look . . . .

Entered at Thu Mar 31 20:55:48 CEST 2011 from (74.198.87.116)

Kevin J

"I have an old Broadcaster that I use quite a bit," Robbie Robertson says. "It was made around 1948. With a lot of new guitars you plug 'em in, adjust 'em for an hour and maybe they sound pretty good. This you plug in and it sounds good. I've had this souped-up old Stratocaster quite a while. It has 'Number 254' on the back. You can tell it's old 'cause the neck's a little thick. Before I used it in Last Waltz I had it bronzed, like baby shoes. That gave it a very thick, sturdy sound. A Stratocaster has three pickups; I had the one in the middle moved to the back with the other and tied them together. They have a different sound when they're tied together, and I don't like having a pick-up in the middle, where you pick. I've got a Washburn whammy bar on that guitar. I have a 1959 Les Paul with flat-wound strings on it that I use if I want a thicker, fatter sound. Those flat-wound strings are nice for slide playing.

"On the wall in the studio I have four amps: a little 30-watt Vox, a very old Bassman, a Roland Jazz Chorus and a Fender Reverb with a souped-up tremolo. I have a switch so I can use any or all of those amps, and I use a slow gear pedal a lot. I also use these tiny old Fender Princeton and Harvard amps on some things.

"And I have an old Rickenbacker lap steel - I like the way it looks more than anything about it. These things were made in the late 30s and there's a pickup on it that wastes any pickup anybody has on any instrument now. Amps start weeping at the very sound of the power this pickup puts out! I talked to Seymour Duncan on the phone a few months ago - I wanted him to come down and help me suss out this pickup. He said he'd come down and I never heard from him again. Maybe he was afraid I was gonna tell him this story... "

Entered at Thu Mar 31 20:48:53 CEST 2011 from (74.198.87.116)

Kevin J

From Musician magazine 1987 - Bill Flanagan article - a great article by the way:

"Uh-oh - if you readers have gotten this far in this box hold on to your hats - 'cause Robbie just might be persuaded to tell us the previously unrevealed Seymour Duncan Story. Waiter, a couple more cocktails! "I met Seymour Duncan a long time ago," Robbie begins. "I didn't really remember the circumstances. One day I'm reading a magazine and he's telling how he got into pickups. It says that he met me in this place near Atlantic City where we were both playing, and we stayed up all night and played and he said, 'Geez - the sound of this guitar of yours - what have you got in it?"'

Robbie turns conspiratorial: "Now this was a style of playing I had learned traveling around the country with Ronnie Hawkins. People asked me about it a lot and I got bored so I used to make up stories. I'd say, 'I soak my guitar strings in hair oil,' or 'I cut swastikas in the speakers with razor blades.' So Seymour Duncan says to me, 'What have you done to your guitar to make it sound like that?' And not being able to think of anything better I said, 'I've got more windings in the pickups.'

"So anyway, I'm reading this article years later and Seymour Duncan says, 'Robbie Robertson told me about more windings, so I've put more windings in my pickups and I've gone on to make The Seymour Duncan Pickup!"' Robertson lets out a laugh. "And this whole business is based on a big lie! It never existed! I couldn't think of anything else to say!" Robbie takes a drink and smiles. "I never told this story before. I wonder what he's gonna think. " So do our ad guys, Robbie.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 20:36:32 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Thu Mar 31 20:10:14 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

David, I think it is a regular Gibson-style humbucker. I seem to remember the Lover unit not being released until 1972, so the chances of getting one as a part would have been remote. Fender have a reputation for not giving a new part until you send the broken one back as proof that you have reason to get another!

Entered at Thu Mar 31 20:04:52 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was just reading about A&M and the article said their first British release was "I'm Just A Country Boy" by George McCurn, the only A&M record released via London-American. A quick Google search, and yes, it is the Richard Manuel song from Jericho. I think we discussed Sam Cooke doing it in 1964 and Don Williams in 1977, but we never to my memory noted it as a 1963 release by George McCurn (a member of the Ink Spots).

Entered at Thu Mar 31 19:54:35 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Link to Dylan playing that same Tele at the Rock of Ages concert.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 19:38:43 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

RTO: It's hard to tell if Robbie was using Fender Wide Range humbuckers designed by Seth Lover around that time. Mr. Lover had earlier worked for Gibson, where he designed the legendary P.A.F. humbucking pickup in the mid-'50s. His Fender design sounded brighter & rawer.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 19:26:24 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

PV: Amos & Mr Wilks are for me the only thing I cherish about UK soaps in my childhood. These days all manner of rumour would be spread about two batchelors sharing a residence, eh? Then it was no big deal; Morecambe and Wise even shared a bed. Amazing that as same-sex partnerships get less and less of a taboo and we arrive at the age of civil ceremonies, that innocent depicted scenarios seem to get safer and safer!

David P - If you look at Festival Express, I think it may be that Tele (still with the single coils then) that was modified for the RoA era.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 19:00:10 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Robbie's 1971 Tele

RTO: You may be right about that Tele with the humbuckings. Robbie could have had it customized himself, but it looks like a new guitar with a wood-grain finish, rather than one of his older Teles (see link). There's a better color photo of it inside the gate-fold covers of "Rock of Ages".

Entered at Thu Mar 31 18:53:33 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Mar 31 18:47:50 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Subject: NorthWestCoaster

Let us remember the great eccentric combination of Amos Brierly & Mr Wilkes that ran the Woolpack pub in Emmerdale. Growing up in a family home with my maternal grandmother a permanent resident, there was little scope for escaping Emmerdale Farm as it was known then. These two almost made it bearable.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 18:35:49 CEST 2011 from (90.239.127.168)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Just Another Whistle Stop

Thanks RTO. It makes sense.

Peter, about alcohol. I use to watch "Emmerdale" every day before my afternoon nap. Drinking has definitely more golden halo in Emmerdale than in this gb.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 18:31:00 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Subject: David P

David, are you sure Robbie didn't just slap a humbucker in the neck of his old butterscotch regular Tele? I thought the Tele Custom was the deliberate model by Fender that had the bigger pickguard with four rotary controls instead of the usual two and the pickup selector moved to the top bout? (see linked pic)

If I am wrong and RR did play a Custom for a while, would love to see a pic.

Fender introduced this model as a response to the fact that many players such as Albert Lee, Harvey Mandel, Keef (later on, of course Andy Summers) had done exactly the procedure I described above. They also made a two humbucker Tele called the Deluxe which had a Strat neck. But neither ever really caught on until very recently when younger guitarists (the guys from Franz Ferdinand are generally considered the most notable exponents) started picking them up as good solid guitars for Indie rock. Like Costello and Tom Verlaine did in the late seventies did with the Jazzmaster, they rightly saw market unpopularity as a means of getting a well-built, good playing vintage Fender for little more money than a brand new Korean imported instrument. All now command sums better suited to their all-American vintage Fender status.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 18:19:35 CEST 2011 from (69.177.230.78)

Todd

Subject: Strawberry Wine is fine but Daniel holds up over time

Yikes! Is it possible to like ‘Strawberry Wine’ AND ‘Daniel and the Sacred Harp’? I think so.

As an aside, RTO your bawdy take on the suggestiveness of ‘Strawberry Wine’ gave me a chuckle, but I actually think the song was written with actual Strawberry Wine (the libation) in mind. Later on in Levon’s solo career, on American Son, he did ‘Sweet Peach Georgia Wine’ which was definitely delivered with a wink and a nod……Hey, how was he supposed to know she was the sheriff’s daughter? And that she was only sweet 16, but she looked a lot older? (Note to self - Gonna keep that character away from my daughter!)

But back to the Stage Fright album……I enjoy Strawberry Wine, but it wouldn’t necessarily be on my top ten list of favorite Band songs. It’s got swagger and energy to be sure, but there’s more to The Band than that. (And I actually prefer the live version to the studio cut). There could be some deeper meaning, but I’m with Peter in thinking that whether the song is about someone choosing alcohol OR heroin as something they can’t live without, and putting human relationships second, is pretty tragic no matter what the specific drug of choice is. Also I wonder how much of the speculation on heroin as a muse, was influenced by Rob Bowman’s speculation in the liner notes of the remasters that he could hear it in Levon’s voice.

But songs aren’t always what they seem. Perhaps ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ was really influenced by a picture that young Julian Lennon drew, ‘Helter Skelter’ is based on an amusement park ride, and ‘Martha My Dear’ was inspired by Paul’s dog. But we’re not talking about the Beatles, so back on topic.

Maybe the issue I have is that I don’t view ‘Daniel and the Sacred Harp’ as an “experiment”, failed or otherwise. It’s really just another folk tale set to music, like so many great Band songs. I mean you’ve got a guy making a deal with the devil, and he loses in the end! That’s classic stuff. But what makes it really special is the performance. It’s got so much of what makes The Band great and unique. The song literally dances. It’s anchored by Levon’s country funk drumming locked in with Rick’s loping bass as only he could play it. We get both Richard and Levon swapping lead vocals, and on the chorus we get the amazing vocal blend that is the hallmark of so many great Band performances. The guitar properly serves the song rather than the other way around. Drizzled on top of all that we get some accordion and fiddle to keep things honest, and I think even a little bit of harpsichord sprinkled in here and there for flavor. I may even detect some Hawaiian style slide guitar possibly played by Richard?

Call it what you want, but I call it good gumbo!

Entered at Thu Mar 31 17:57:29 CEST 2011 from (74.198.87.116)

Kevin J

Entered at Thu Mar 31 17:37:47 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Adam: According to Carol Caffin's blog regarding Rick's gear, the Ampeg fretless was part of the equipment that Ampeg gave the group after the release of MFBP. As I recall, it was an Ampeg AUB-1 model that Rick modified with a better bridge and Fender P-Bass pickups.

In 1971 Robbie began using a Fender Telecaster Deluxe model that featured humbucking pickups instead of Fender's standard single-coils.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 16:19:43 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Mar 31 16:13:34 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Oh, I agree with that, Peter, don't get me wrong. I just prefer Strawberry Wine to Daniel & the Sacred Wotsit - given the less warm and inviting atmosphere of the third album, a bit of plodding blues rock goes a long way, and swapped with TSII would go even further as a midway relief from the intensity of some of the darker, "closed" songs. But as you say, stick the superior "stomper" on the first side to open up. For me, the excellence of All La Glory renders D&TSH redundant as the "chill out" cut and (ALG) seems so much more effortless, whereas D&TSH to my ears tries too hard to be deep, meaningful and pretty and thus I find it a little hackneyed.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 15:46:36 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Mar 31 15:44:21 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thank goodness there are two of us with taste, Brien. I still believe The Shape I'm In should have started side one. Interesting that both side starters have a similar theme and style though. Strawberry Wine sounds too much like a song on Levon's four solo albums (though better played), well, maybe not as good as the ones on American Son.

Tax rates. I can recall 85% as a figure that was active. George Harrison talked about 95% due to some stuff on "unearned income" which was treated differently. I was teaching English as a Foreign Language, and two of us, teaching and living together, in the early 70s could only afford to rent a damp flat over a shop. We were paid state tertiary education rates (e.g. junior college), did lots of well-paid lectures as overtime and the sketch shows we did were paid too, and we ended up paying over 50% tax while living in near poverty. When we went abroad, the limit in money in those pre-credit card days was absurd. I think we could take £30 each. Everyone had money hidden in their shoes. We got a free trip to Paris in 1973, testing out a new route for the school to use for students weekend excursions. We planned to stay seven days, ran out of money (though we had money we couldn't get at in the bank) and had to come home after four.

Mind you, my companion blames some of that on the wide availability of wonderful Chess LPs on the French Vogue label. Vogue kept stuff like "The Rocking Chair Album" by Howling Wolf in print for years when it was hard to get in the UK or US, and later put all that stuff on CD first. People joke about French pop music, but Paris was a dream city for jazz and blues fans.

We arrived in the UK with a bus ticket home and not enough money for a cup of tea. Pre cash-machine days too! I still think of anyone in the government in those days as utter bastards. But I think that of anyone in government ever. Especially this month.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 15:16:05 CEST 2011 from (196.30.40.22)

NUx Schwartz

Subject: Syd Kitchen

Syd Kitchen: Afro-Saxon singer and songwriter Mar 26, 2011 11:42 PM | By Chris Barron Syd Kitchen, who has died in Durban at the age of 60, was an iconic South African singer, songwriter and guitarist who was scarcely known in his own country and whose music was seldom if ever heard on radio. NOT FOR SISSIES: Syd Kitchen You'd visit his flat and notice an item of furniture was missing; he'd had to sell it to pay for his latest record or CD The title of his 2001 album, Africa's Not for Sissies, became one of the most popular one-liners in the country. A clothing retailer cashed in on its popularity by running off a batch of T-shirts carrying the phrase, but never spoke to him about it, let alone offered him any royalties. When he politely raised the matter they pulled their remaining stock and paid him not a cent. Kitchen, who started off as a duo called The Kitchen Brothers with his brother Pete in their home town of Umbilo in the late 1960s, was more widely appreciated in New York, where a documentary about his life, Fool in a Bubble, premiered a couple of years ago. Many of Kitchen's muso friends from South African emigrated to New York and encouraged him to do so as well. He would have sold more music there, played more gigs and made a lot more money, but although he performed widely in Europe, the UK and the US, the man who described himself as "Afro-Saxon" was never going to leave the country, or the town, of his birth. Africa's Not for Sissies was his humorous riposte to white South Africans who did take the gap. In spite of his marvellous guitar playing and witty, thought-provoking lyrics, Kitchen was ignored by the local music industry. Radio stations didn't play his music and the big retail outlets didn't sell it. In part this was due to his refusal to schmooze station managers and disc jockeys or accept any of the compromises that come with joining a label, and in part it was because his music couldn't easily be pigeonholed. He was not a blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll or country singer, although he played blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll and country brilliantly. His music embraced a whole range of genres and store owners never knew where to put him. Waiting for the Heave in 1987 was a landmark album, but none of the labels were interested. He released it independently as he did all his music at great cost to himself, and it was sold at 12 stores around the country to which he sent 10 copies at a time. He couldn't afford to make more until those 10 copies had been sold. If a small radio station in Canada requested some of his music, he'd be at the post office the next day, sending off a CD. You'd visit his flat and notice an item of furniture was missing; he'd had to sell it to pay for his latest record or CD. He arranged all of his own gigs - staying at friends' houses and sometimes not even being paid - and sold his music from the back of his car before and afterwards. With his floppy hats and eccentric, usually second-hand, clothes, Kitchen's image was that of a hippy, but his approach to his music couldn't have been more serious. That's why he went to the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the age of 50 to study it. He obtained a BA (Hons) in music, cum laude. Another source of income for him was teaching guitar but, here too, he refused to compromise his standards and was very picky about who he accepted. He produced 10 albums, starting with S'No Good and Reason Why soon after he began his solo career in 1979, and one volume of poetry, Scars That Shine. His bands included Equinox, Harry Was A Snake, Syd Kitchen and the Utensils, The Flying Sombreros and Aquarian Quartet. Kitchen, who died of lung cancer, is survived by his second wife, Germaine, and two daughters.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 14:51:55 CEST 2011 from (67.84.207.113)

Brien Sz

Peter V or anyone who might know this. IN the 70's, most of the Stones as well as other British artists fled England because of the crushing tax rate they faced - do you know what that tax rate was?

By the way I prefer Daniel and the Sacred Heart over Strawberry Wine.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 12:16:38 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Thu Mar 31 12:09:52 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Check out this great photo of the Band from Queens College, Jan. 1970. They're playing Caledonia Mission, with Garth on piano, Levon on acoustic guitar, and Richard on drums. This also answers a question I had - Rick had the Ampeg fretless as early as Jan. 1970.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 11:29:12 CEST 2011 from (41.97.192.20)

Empty Now

add "non-incentive" very important

"banatage" that Blond-Blond sings in Juan les Pins, [4:07 in the link] are Tunisian Meatballs made of chopped beef, bread crumbs, parsley, dash of nutmeg, onions in powder, and one egg slightly beaten
The meatballs are in a Sauce made of chopped onions and tomatoes, dash of parsley and saffron, cinnamon and pepper, tomato juice

Entered at Thu Mar 31 10:57:59 CEST 2011 from (66.8.140.145)

Nick

Is a kick ass tune! Especially the live version on AMH! One of my favorites.

"Yeah, You caught me when I's down a-sleepin' in the park, Climbin' up the walls and laughin' in the dark."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvPYj0Ny-jU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvPYj0Ny-jU levons vocals are incredible! Just a total blast of a song

Entered at Thu Mar 31 08:33:46 CEST 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Thu Mar 31 07:23:01 CEST 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Muddy's great 70s band. Pinetop, Portnoy, Johnson, Margolin, Big Eyes, Jones.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 06:47:29 CEST 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Thu Mar 31 04:34:08 CEST 2011 from (68.50.244.13)

Jonathan Katz

Subject: NPR

Don't know if this has been posted yet.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 04:25:52 CEST 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Been a long fucking day. Got 'The Trinity Sessions' for the ride home. If I'm not suicidal after a date with Margot then I'll be OK for the duration.

Entered at Thu Mar 31 01:10:54 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Strawberry Wine IS stronger IMHO than Daniel & The Sacred Harp, Adam, quite agree. The former is blighted by a somewhat "pub blues" delivery and the latter unfairly elevated by sophisticated and purer instrumentation. There is a deep-rooted problem in music generally that the more acoustic instruments a tune features, the more seriously it is taken. Utter rubbish.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 23:03:44 CEST 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: from the New Age Reading Room

One for BEG . . . .

Entered at Wed Mar 30 22:49:50 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Kevin: "Java Blues" from Rick's 1977 solo album was co-written with Emmett Grogan, who died of a heroin overdose on a New York City subway train a year later at the age of 35.

"Strawberry Wine" is the one song that Robbie concedes was initiated by Levon and that he helped him finish it.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 22:32:53 CEST 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

RTO: I think "Just Another Whistle Stop" is a reworking / extension of Mayfield's metaphor from "People Get Ready" -- it's not very far between "there's a train a-comin; all you need is faith" and "the locomotive will arrive . . . bringing souls . . . bound for higher ground . . . " Recall also "yes that train is a-comin'" from "The Unfaithful Servant." And of course a whistle stop is indistinguishable from a one-horse town . . . .

Re: "Strawberry Wine," I hear a nice bit of word play around "I know that you are sweet, and more than double fine . . . " -- "fine," of course, means good-lookin' (see also J. Hendrix, The Chiffons, etc.), so "double fine" is extra good-lookin' -- and _more_ than double is the superlative. But I think "double-fine" is also a shorthand form of "double-refined," as in extra-sweet white sugar as opposed to once-refined brown or Demarara. Where this leaves your cat-eat-mouse theory (esp. in re: Jagger / Richards "Brown Sugar"), I'm not sure . . . but I know my wise old Gran always used the white kind for making raspberry wine . . . .

Kevin J: thanks for the "Java Blues" . . . love that song . . . .

Entered at Wed Mar 30 22:03:44 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Nazareth doing a Rick Danko fav about coffee…and sometimes coffee is just coffee or is it?….very unrocksnobby….but to anyone who cares this is where Axl Rose got his voice……………

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:47:15 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:35:42 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

.....BB King laying the foundation.........not much confusion here - just beautiful guitar.......the advert is short - the guitar is worth the wait....

Postage stamps: I have some Joni's, a Lightfoot and a few Montreal Canadiens left......licked them all.........I would draw the line at Rush and if some of those awfull 80's bands are ever so honoured I might be forced to swtch to courier.....

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:21:48 CEST 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

The first-person protagonist is an alcoholic; the song is "about" his point of view (roughly, "pass the bottle and fuck off.") By exhibiting one alcoholic's point of view, the song is by extension "about" alcoholics and alcoholism more generally. By being "about" alcoholism, the song is by extension also "about" all other addictions.

It's pretty amazing that JRR put these words (and those of "Forbidden Fruit") in Levon's mouth -- in other world-views, I guess Levon put them in his own mouth -- but in Richard Manuel's words, "we can talk about it now."

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:25:11 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Alcohol and tobacco are the hardest to kick?

Oh, shit...

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:20:50 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Interesting to re-read your conclusion. My father always maintains that "the brown one is the gem, but Big Pink and Stage Fright are pretty close". He doesn't see Pink as half of a mighty pairing at all, rather that - like you say - the second album is an entity all of its own class. The old boy (once again, like Bill M and I have come to agree with him over RoA) might have the right idea...

STRAWBERRY WINE: I've always thought another interpretation aside from heroin could be from the old "Jelly Roll" tradition of (sorry to be crude ladies, but...) a chap yearning for the taste of a lover's stimulated intimate parts. See also Jemima Surrender as evidence that Levon is never squeamish about graphic details of the oldest pleasure, and indeed why should he be- historically the blues and rock & roll (in itself, I believe a negro slang for sex) is riddled with it. The Dead had not long before put out Dupree's Diamond Blues, another "Jelly" song - Dupree gets no "jelly" until he provides a diamond ring, holds up the jewellers, even the old judge admits that the "sweet. sweet, jelly's so good" before passing death sentence.

JUST ANOTHER WH/STOP: I can't remember who, but I DON'T think it was Brinsley, or Dad (Dad likes what he likes but isn't analytical like that) wondered if Just Another Whistle Stop might have been about the WW2 transit trains to concentration camps; most notably the legendarily grim week-long journeys to Auschwitz. "...all concerned, dead or alive, the locomotive will arrive" fits the historical evidence that many of the unfortunate souls rounded up for such transits didn't even survive the journey, let alone whatever fate awaited them in the camp. "Higher ground..." could refer to the afterlife; UK ITV's award winning "World at War" series featured a Czech jew who had held a "trustee" job down at Auschwitz and recalled that small children were told, upon arrival, that the trustees were called the Heaven Commando to sweeten the grim reality up for young ears. Given JRR has Jewish roots, it isn't an unlikely metaphor.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:19:26 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I think there’s a misconception running here that alcohol is a minor problem. It’s not. While people have to go out of their way to find hard-drugs, alcohol is all around us, all the time. Richard’s demons were mainly from Grand Marnier, but we put a pleasant halo around booze. Allegedly, from stuff written by addiction clinics, heroin is easier to kick than alcohol, and alcohol is easier to kick than tobacco.

In the end, "Strawberry Wine" is way the weakest track on Stage Fright. Though it would have shone as brilliant in the 90s Band repertoire.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:14:55 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Interesting to re-read your conclusion. My father always maintains that "the brown one is the gem, but Big Pink and Stage Fright are pretty close". He doesn't see Pink as half of a mighty pairing at all, rather that - like you say - the second album is an entity all of its own class. The old boy (once again, like Bill M and I have come to agree with him over RoA) might have the right idea...

STRAWBERRY WINE: I've always thought another interpretation aside from heroin could be from the old "Jelly Roll" tradition of (sorry to be crude ladies, but...) a chap yearning for the taste of a lover's stimulated intimate parts. See also Jemima Surrender as evidence that Levon is never squeamish about graphic details of the oldest pleasure. and indeed why should he be- historically the blues and rock & roll (in itself, I believe a negro slang for sex) is riddled with it. The Dead had not long before put out Dupree's Diamond Blues, another "Jelly" song - Dupree gets no "jelly" until he provides a diamond ring, holds up the jewellers, even the old judge admits that the "sweet. sweet, jelly's so good" before passing death sentence.

JUST ANOTHER WH/STOP: I can't remember who, but I DON'T think it was Brinsley, or Dad (Dad likes what he likes but isn't analytical like that) wondered if Just Another Whistle Stop might have been about the WW2 transit trains to concentration camps. most notably the legendarily grim week-long journeys to Auschwitz. "...all concerned, dead or alive, the locomotive will arrive" fits the historical evidence that many of the unfortunate souls rounded up for such transits didn't even survive the journey, let alone whatever fate awaited them in the camp. "Higher ground..." could refer to the afterlife; UK ITV's award winning "World at War" series featured a Czech jew who had held a "trustee" job down at Auschwitz and recalled that small children were told, upon arrival, that the trustees were called the Heaven Commando to sweeten the grim reality up for young ears. Given JRR has Jewish roots, it isn't an unlikely metaphor.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 21:00:26 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Wed Mar 30 20:44:17 CEST 2011 from (86.146.143.11)

Simon

Entered at Wed Mar 30 20:43:12 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Al, great work, a good read!

I see why Brins took the opinion he did; both of the first two albums became, rightly, considered almost 100% comprised of rock benchmark standards and thus 'over familiar'. He also reckons that the third LP is nowhere near as instant but if anything more rewarding a listen if you get to where the songs are etched in your mind rather than new and unfamiliar.

My take on this is that I personally consider it equal to the first two but - can easily see why others may not agree with this. My wife swears blind also that whatever I feel about the individual merits of the three releases she would bet money on the fact that Stage Fright is a head and shoulders above the other two in terms of how frequently I put it on to listen to. Favourite and most often played are NOT the same thing.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 20:43:02 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Adam: Robbie would revisit that theme in the opening song on "Northern Lights / Southern Cross". Sadly, the only person to cover "Strawberry Wine", Jesse Ed Davis, lost his own battle with addiction.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 20:33:41 CEST 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: "Clairvoyant" posters

I like the one with the freaky hand . . . .

Entered at Wed Mar 30 20:31:08 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Wed Mar 30 20:25:36 CEST 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: if you can't join 'em, lick 'em . . . .

Tim: thanks for the _Macleans_ link. See [My link] for a look at the JRR postage stamp design mentioned in the article.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 19:57:02 CEST 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

I can't remember where I read it, but I think Levon said the song was about his heroin use. His voice was so "stoned" on the record. After this he went back home to Arkansas to"detox"

Entered at Wed Mar 30 19:53:29 CEST 2011 from (134.174.21.2)

Tim

Subject: Robbie article

interesting title.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 19:49:13 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Wed Mar 30 19:42:08 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

I've always wondered if John Hammond Jr.'s singing affectation was developed, in part, as a forceful way to overcome stuttering. I understand it something he suffered from, like King George VI and Mel Tillis.

Thanks Joan for the Record Store Day link.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 19:25:12 CEST 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

Subject: Vinyl

For all the vinylphiles, from Vanguard Records newsletter.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 18:21:35 CEST 2011 from (72.78.32.29)

PSB

Subject: So Many Roads

David, that was my introduction to the Hawks as well, and a few months later after seeing Dylan at Forest Hills and finding out after the show who the players were, my reaction was, okay, the guys on the Hammond album. That album more than anything led my brother and me to Muddy, Wolf, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Reed and all the other great Chicago blues guys. While the official Dylan and Band myth has always been Mary Martin led him to them, I've always suspected he knew about them from Hammond and wouldn't be surprised if he attended the sessions. Hammond attended the Bringing It All Back Home sessions. Yeah the vocals are over the top, but Hammond (who I've interviewed and is a really nice guy) refined his style over the years and as far as I'm concerned is the real deal. There's a few more from the album up on youtube. I'd been checking periodically and found this stuff last night. And yeah David, I too have the mono and stereo vinyl and the CD. When I got into the Chicago guys, I put that album away for awhile and then eventually went back to it. And as legend has it, when Bloomfield went to the sessions and heard Robbie play, he said, "I'll play piano." The real injustice of The Last Waltz is that John Hammond wasn't included.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 17:39:29 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Nice to listen to these again. The playing is extraordinary. A shame about the vocals. Unfortunately, for once (and this is rare) I agree with Greil Marcus, who said:

"Anyone with the stamina to sit through Hammond’s ludicrous blackface vocals can hear what Robbie considers some of his best blues playing; all rough edges, jagged bits of metal ripping through the spare rhythm section."

Entered at Wed Mar 30 17:34:45 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Thank you Peter Stone Brown for posting those clips. When that album was first released, it was my introduction to The Hawks, and I'm still in awe of their performance. I have original Vanguard pressings of both the mono & stereo versions, as well as the CD reissue. Several years ago, Cisco Records put out a fine vinyl reissue (cut by Kevin Gray), which is sadly out-of-print.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 17:23:58 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

That would be on stage at the Woodstock Playhouse.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 17:20:36 CEST 2011 from (72.78.32.29)

PSB

Subject: You can hear Garth on this one

Garth's wild organ is audible on this one. Vanguard Records had never recorded anything like this before, didn't know what they were doing and no one has ever remastered this.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 17:19:55 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

While "Stage Fright" may pale in comparison with burnish of The Brown Album, I believe, on its own, it's a strong work from start to finish. Applying the William S. Burroughs / Brion Gysin cut-up method, here's another angle of examination:

"I would try my finger and I would try my hand at any fool game in this man's land.

For the life we chose, in the evening we rose, just long enough to be lovers again.

When my day's work is done we can take in a jamboree, but I just wanna sit by the fire with my love right here beside me.

To all concerned, dead or alive, the locomotive will arrive; bringing souls from all around, they'll be bound for higher ground.

It's time for you to dream away, for what a big day you've been through.

Out of nine lives, I spent seven, now how in the world do you get to heaven?

They'll be saints and sinners, you'll see losers and winners, all kinds of people you might want to know.

Are you one of the chosen few who will march in the procession?

Now deep in the heart of a lonely kid, who suffered so much for what he did.

Maybe it's a lie, even if it's a sin, they'll repeat the rumor again."

And in the end, presented on stage, we have a life of innocence lost, sin, redemption and salvation.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 17:13:11 CEST 2011 from (72.78.32.29)

PSB

Subject: The Forgotten "Who Do You Love?"

I knew this would show up on youtube eventually by the man who by all rights should have been at The Last Waltz. Jaime Robbie Robertson: guitar; Mark Levon Helm: drums; Eric Garth Hudson: organ; Mike Bloomfield: piano; CD Musselwhite: harp; Jimmy Lewis: bass.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 16:52:38 CEST 2011 from (67.163.118.32)

JTull Fan

I have to agree with your take on Stagefright and The Band's Brown Album. To be completely sacrilegious, I find Big Pink to be virtually unlistenable. Yes, it has The Weight, Tears of Rage and I Shall Be Released, but I only listen to the rest if forced to or out of a sense of obligation. MFBP is like the Bible: either the most important or among the most important of its' kind. Well, I have read the bible front to back and have no desire to ever do so again either. The Band's Brown Album is a perfect universe unto itself musically and thematically that wears well and always has some previously unknown nuance ready to reveal itself. Stagefright, while having some lesser material, is cohesive, artistically confidant and shows The Band at that fleeting moment of being both at the peak of their powers and a cohesive, functional unit.Listening to it leaves you a feeling of regret knowing they will be very good again in the future, but never this GREAT again. I feel obligated to like and praise MFBP, but I have never felt genuinely inspired to do so. It is a start with some brilliant moments, but it just never takes off for me.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 16:31:18 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

A post for the ages and archives to be sure……….However…..the only judge is really the songs……….didn’t Mick Jagger sum it up well when his record company stirred up all the unwashed and assorted 2nd rate talk show hosts last year to celebrate the re-release of “Exile on Main Street”…………when he said something to the effect that it had everything EXCEPT a bunch of great songs! The Brown album contains at least 5 great songs – possibly 7…….Stage Freight had one……………..Really no contest at all.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 14:46:51 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Mar 30 14:40:35 CEST 2011 from (216.114.128.38)

Mike & Kim Hayward

Subject: Robbie Robertson's new web store.

Sebastian has helped his dad launch a new web store from Robbie's website w/ a cool limited edition signed cd.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 14:22:13 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Sometimes you just get an itch you simply have to scratch. If anyone's to blame then it's Jeff for giving me the challenge.

:-0)

THE SUM OF THE PARTS

Have to admit Rob’s mention of his mate – the one and only Brinsley Schwarz no less – opting for Stagefright over the first two albums and Rob’s own inclination not to disagree with that view has had me feverishly playing all three albums and reassessing my own Band yardsticks this past week or so.

Now I’ve always had a fixed mindset on this – namely the precedence of the first two albums – but I know Pete Viney to name but one highly respected time-served GBer has often maintained Stagefright as the equal of the other two. So I felt this latest judgement of such a legendary Band aficionado as Brinsley more or less coinciding with PV’s view surely demanded at the very least some considered reflection on my own take.

Having had quite a lengthy hiatus from any Band listening whatsoever – possibly extending [cue entirely justified disparaging grimaces all round] for more than a year – I was quietly enthralled at the task in hand and pleased to think I’d be able to approach it with real objectivity. I opted to begin my contemplation in reverse order with back-to-back plays of the Stagefright album before proceeding in the same reverse order with the Brown album and Big Pink. I felt that way I could avoid any possible clouded judgement of Stagefright arising from saturation with the first two albums.

Possibly due to not having listened to it for so long – and ironically in spite of my long love affair with it – I was caught entirely off guard by the awesome quality of Stagefright. The opening bars of Levon’s Strawberry Wine were a real adrenaline rush. Boy did it sound good. Mindful of Adam’s recently espoused ‘heroin’ take I even determined to listen more intently to its lyrics than ever before. Such intent lasted all of 20 seconds. So implanted in my brain is the child-like defiance of those opening Strawberry lyrics that any notion of the song not being a drunkard’s rejection of attempts to deny him his precious barley wine swiftly dissipated. Perhaps there is an altogether more sinister slant on it but for now I’m lumbered with the plain-as-the-nose-on-your-face plonkie interpretation.

And so, as Side One played on and the Strawberry Wine revelry melted first into Richard’s exquisite yearning for tranquil escape, then into his and Rick’s paean to domestic bliss, then Richard’s frantic railing at life per se before drifting into the sweetest lullaby since Brahms, so wonderful did it all seem that it was hard to resist the inclination that perhaps this was the time to re-adjust my long held stance as to where this wonderful record stands in The Band’s pantheon – and for that matter the pantheon of popular music per se.

And, of course, as we all know Side Two is simply so good it was only ever going to reaffirm such an inclination, to the extent that by the time Rick in that amazing backwoods drawl of his was telling me he’d “rather die happy than not die at all” [cue moistened eyes] I was sold. Mind made up. This was music that simply could not be bettered. And the quality of the three final cuts only served to seal the deal. “Open up your arms and feel the good…it’s a coming a brand new day”. Richard’s clincher, the album’s climax invoking more eye moistening this time of pure joy lending testimony to the sheer magnificence on offer.

Next stop, The Band.

To quote John Winston, I should have known better.

Across the Great Divide isn’t so much a song as a time machine to an era five or six generations distant. If the song’s title alone isn’t enough to stir latent 19th century pioneering instincts then its opening refrains are akin to Charlie Worcester’s chuck wagon rolling up outside your front door and Ward Bond motioning you to go and calm the stand-off between the gun-toting Molly and her frantic misunderstood spouse so the trek west can begin.

And once, Rags, the 4-19 iron horse is scratching your back at the side of the railroad track with dear old Charlie and WB jigging wildly to its infectious swing in the distance you are no longer in the seedy comfort of your own armchair enjoying a fine musical listening experience. No sir. For something rather special is taking place. The creators of this particular audio spectacular had something in mind a little bit different from the norm. This deal demands you to be there with them down in that special tract of America termed ‘the south’. Well virtually any rate. A bit like Arnie Schwarzeneger’s virtual vacation on Mars, minus the little green men.

So by the time Vergil Cain has laid down his particular weary tune at your feet, you find yourself surveying a smouldering Virginian landscape. It’s 1865. You’re in the early stages of a journey that will take in as many aspects of rustic bygone America – the charms, joys and pain of it and its denizens – as even Charlie Worcester cares to imagine. Rolling mud and tolling bells ominously announcing the South’s demise, the reassuring wisdom of Holie and a loving grandpa coupled with the rather more earthy comforts of dear Bessie. The heart rending emptiness of a mist shrouded house . Foghorns calling out to sea for the return of lost love. The images are endless. A chancer’s insistent craving for a night of joyous passion with the luscious Jemima. Old sailors pining for their Virginny homes and rockin chair comforts, thieves and vagabonds, twisters both human and meteorological; disgraced servants from a country home. The journey culminates in the bleak rural desperation of failed crops, magnolia trees, worn out shoes and an old horse, the aptly named Jethro, going loco.

All told it represents an enthralling listening experience. Probably a unique one. Viewed in the context of its ultimate success in realizing the magical tapestry it sets out to weave, the album has to be seen as music unsurpassed. And, somewhat perversely I guess, it is via a reassessment of Stagefright itself, the same artists’ ensuing album, which provides us with the requisite testimony to support the legitimacy of a claim of such boldness.

The thing is, in terms of much of its core essence Stagefright may well be said to emulate its predecessor. Wonderful songs with ensemble singing, playing and arrangements transcending even the highest standards to attain levels few, if any, before and since have achieved. Four Canadians and an Arkansian somehow aspiring –and managing – to fuse into a single seamless entity. So tight, so fluid, so intricate, so complementary, so in touch with their roots and yet at the same time so able to take the heritage plucked from those roots to a new high water mark of musical accomplishment.

Yet the stakes of judgement are also at their highest here. They have to be if that judgement is to be worthy of the subject matter it is judging. And so, in this regard, we do have to ask ourselves the question – most especially those of us who hold The Band so dear –as to where Stagefright as an entity actually takes the listener?

Sure, it is manifestly cut from the same cloth as the Brown album and many of its individual tracks certainly conjure up similar powerful imagery of their own. As an entire piece, however, Stagefright simply does not work on or at the same level as the Brown album. Whilst its majesty is unquestionable, that majesty lies in other areas. In contrast, what can only be termed the high art of the Brown album is that not only does it provide songs of supreme quality, arranged, played and sung with matching quality and not only is that standard maintained across every track on the album but each of those tracks also gloriously complement each other to provide a cohesive entity equating to that of the singers/musicians performing it. And all of it wrapped for the most part in a 150 years old southern USA landscape that is as tangible as any such vicarious experience can ever be.

Moreover, so real and so convincing is it that there can be no question of it not having been the intended objective of all parties involved in the project to aspire to creating it. It didn’t simply happen like that. It was planned. Crafted. A unique amalgam of inspiration, perspiration and incredible innate ability saw to that. And all done in such a subtle fashion that the listener is left with the impression that they are simply eavesdropping upon a group of musicians from the era itself just there to play for themselves or, more likely perhaps, for kith and kinfolk. Crucially those musicians also seem part of what they are singing about.

Stagefright, in contrast, is without question the work of a band reacquainted with and re-attuned to the modern era flexing its considerable collective muscle to show just how damnwell fine and accomplished it is. And whilst its members manage to demonstrate that more than capably, never do we get the sense they are still part of any of the things about which they are singing. Rather the songs provide us with what amount to their own personal commentaries about what is happening to them and their ways of dealing in many instances with the very disconnection they have experienced or are still experiencing.

One simple analysis illustrates this disconnection and some of those subtle distinctions between the respective albums. Taking what most regard as Stagefright’s cornerstone song – The Rumor, we find a truly mighty track by any criterion. Within its majesty we find its protagonists the butt of the rumour mongering about which they sing. Initially disconsolate, then philosophical, they ultimately become defiant and fired with the conviction of a brand new dawn awaiting them.

On the one hand, it is wonderful life-affirming music, its vocal performances interchanged between Rick, Levon and Rick particularly stunning. And yet on reflection the song itself has little if any connection with anything preceding it on the album. It speaks, isolated, only for those singing it or for those few of like experience. That is not to detract from the undeniable top quality of the song in itself. It is merely to make the observation that the limited degree of its interface with and connection to the rest of the album tracks – and theirs with it and each other – inevitably results in an album whose overall quality is forced to depend upon the quality of its individual parts rather than any cohesive amalgam. In the ultimate analysis the ensuing whole is only equal to the sum of the parts. Such disconnection is a world away from how the music of the Brown album was envisaged, forged and linked so seamlessly making its whole nigh immeasurable in quality.

Sticking with Stagefright’s party piece, there is a further closely associated distinction worth noting here. If we were to speculate as to how a song dealing with the concept of rumours would have featured on the Brown album or even more so on Big Pink with its more emphatic underpinning sense of community, it would seem fairly evident how with hindsight it might have turned out. The singers as part of the community wherein the rumours germinated would more than likely have been part of the rumour mongering rather than the targets for it. However unsavoury or unpalatable it might have seemed – being as most people would like to think that they would view rumour mongers as the bad guys – it would simply have been the way such things work. The brutal reality is most folk love a bit of gossip. Art imitating life, as it were.

So, taken in the splendour of their own isolation, The Rumor and its fellow Stagefright tracks may all work magnificently, yet together they fail to emulate the Brown album’s seamless artistic integrity and completeness. That meshing together so pivotal in creating the wonder of the Brown album is absent. As such Stagefright – albeit fairly typical in its ‘unmeshed’ sense to most albums – has to be viewed as having fallen somewhat short of the high water mark of its forerunner.

Some may regard the need to apply such fastidious criteria as I have done as nitpicking. And perhaps in one sense it may well be. Yet the piece I’ve written speaks for itself in this regard. It has not been formulated to decry Stagefright in any way. Rather to help ensure the Brown album remains elevated – even if only within the stronghold of The Band’s own community – at the unique niche its uniqueness merits.

In the final analysis, whilst many of the points made are certainly fine and marginal ones, if they can provide even a modicum of insight as to why my own instincts arrived at the conclusion that one album is simply a wonderful one whilst the other has entered artistic territory trodden by few, then as far as I am concerned the effort will have been more than worthwhile. Individual musical tastes can lead each of us down different paths, yet I do still believe there are occasionally certain absolutes that call for us to defy charges of mere favouritism and attempt to provide a rationale. Surely, it is especially encumbent upon diehards such as those of us who inhabit the GB to explore any such subtle distinctions and fine margins when evaluating the music we love. Hopefully, my own little soul search has gone some way to doing just that.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 13:54:19 CEST 2011 from (41.97.212.89)

Empty Now

next, see how our media reported it, how could you believe the media

Entered at Wed Mar 30 13:52:58 CEST 2011 from (41.97.212.89)

Empty Now

add "non tendencious" very important

my second presumption of political incorrectness of the day -- this one is for Ilkka only -- see the link above for the facts as they trully are

Entered at Wed Mar 30 11:47:06 CEST 2011 from (41.97.147.193)

Empty Now

Subject: on harmonious conviviality and dogs

I Imposed myself, more than to be politically correct in The Band GB to show all respect to any culture, a rule of honor to never write a post which may give right to any reader to interpret it as offending toward any culture.

Please recall that for similar threads my posts want to be purely informative non-speculative non-interpretative non-propagandative. I heard about such anecdotes, but when it's France24 news it gains credibility and reduces political incorrectness

The Band Connection is at [2:13 – 2:30] in the link above

Entered at Wed Mar 30 08:54:03 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

There's that Butts Band outtake where Krieger says to Densmore, "F*ck me! This guy's twenty times better than our old singer!"

And rightly. I saw Jess Roden several times with The Alan Bown and I saw Rod Stewart with The Soul Agents and Steampacket. They were both loaded with charisma and had powerful voices that could dry everything on a washing line at twenty yards.I wouldn't say one was any better than the other. But look what happened to Rod. I reckon the difference was simple. They were much of a muchness while covering soul standards, but when it came to picking new material (and writing a bit), Rod had a much, much better ear for selecting good songs.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 08:32:28 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Big Three At The Cavern

A track from the EP is on YouTube, see link. The great sleeve is there too.I'm fascinated by live recordings this early. Joey Dee and The Starliters are a classic example. The Big Three at The Cavern is allegedly live.

RTO and the other guitar and amp afficiandos will enjoy the sleeve anyway. The comment below says it's a Hofner Colorama.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 05:13:09 CEST 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

TIM: Thanx for the info. George Stroumb. Tonight will be shown on CBC #5 Canadian, at 11:05 PM Thursday.

March 31, 2011

Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson never set out to reinvent rock & roll - but as the main songwriter and guitarist in The Band, he helped create a natural, rustic sound that had never quite been heard before. The Band backed Bob Dylan and were the first North American rock group to appear on the cover of Time magazine. And when they called it quits in 1976, the all-star concert that bade them farewell was a testament to the influence they'd had on music. In 1987, Robbie made his solo debut with an album that went Gold, was nominated for a Grammy and swept The Junos. Now he has a new solo album: 'How To Become Clairvoyant' deals with everything from the early days of rock & roll to his historic departure from The Band.

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Wed Mar 30 02:57:00 CEST 2011 from (24.218.200.216)

Tim

Subject: Robbie TV interview Thursday

"You can see Robertson talking with George Stroumboulopoulos on George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight on Thursday." apparently a show in Canada.

Entered at Wed Mar 30 02:05:53 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Jess Roden - funnily enough, dug out Bronco's "Country Home" LP the other day and quite enjoyed it. Best thing about the Butts Band is the lovely old brown Fender Concert amp on the cover!!!

Did I mention i don't have much time for dogs as pets, at all?

Entered at Wed Mar 30 02:04:21 CEST 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Subject: All your wonderful posts

My link is an anniversary page from Rolling Stone Mag.

BEG: Thanx heaps for ALL the links to ROBBIE,etc. And especially the Bravo shows. I missed #3, so was glad to be able to see it. Also for the news on the Blues Fest here in Kitchener. It draws a lot of people, but not sure if I can make it.

TIM, DAVID P, ADAM2,etc. Thanx guys for the RS interview, new music. I love the songs I've listened to so far. Hope ROBBIE does well with this album/CD.

All posts were very interesting and good reading. They certainly made my day. Thanx to all.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Wed Mar 30 00:46:26 CEST 2011 from (86.219.10.7)

Lafay Serge

wonderful work for a wonderful band

Entered at Wed Mar 30 00:16:55 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Mar 29 22:03:10 CEST 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Mar 29 21:38:43 CEST 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V is such an even-handed kinda guy that he doesn't even hold it against Alan Bown singer Jess Roden (ie, before Robert Palmer) that Roden later found himself fronting TWO former Doors (Krieger and Densmore) in the Butts Band.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 21:24:16 CEST 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Link works just fine for me and for that I give thanks. Spent last night watching part two when I should have been in bed. Great to be able to put faces to some of these legends like John & Lee and Jackie Shane.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 21:21:16 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I scrabbled through the boxes and pulled out The Big Three At The Cavern, and also the singles Some Other Guy and I'm With You. I've decided they were better than Cream. (But I think a LOT of 60s bands were better than Cream).

I'm reading the biography of The Alan Bown Set at the moment. Alan Bown led the John Barry Seven for two years after John Barry decided he couldn't be arsed to tour. Then he formed the Alan Bown Set, with praise on the back cover of his book from Elton John, Rod Stewart and francis Rossi. They were indeed one if the best late 60s UK bands. But the memory is shot. He's fond of doing surprised mentions of support bands who did well. He recalls touring as the John Barry Seven with Marty Wilde in 1964 and "remembers" the support band was the Pink Floyd. Um, no. That's why the "I know. I was there" line is so often dubious.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 21:05:00 CEST 2011 from (134.174.21.2)

Tim

Subject: Robbie on youtube rolling stone mag video

Entered at Tue Mar 29 20:42:52 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

RTO: Sounds like you've been watching that infamous scene of Jim Carrey in "Me, Myself and Irene".

Entered at Tue Mar 29 20:33:49 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Thanks Al…….I enjoyed reading that series of posts.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 20:11:30 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Joan, the puerile and offensive periodical "Viz" over here refers to sh*t as "dog's EGGS"! You had more patience with your neighbour than I would have done, though. It would have gone through the letterbox....we had an incident where a neighbour's dog took a shine (yes shiNe!!!) to our driveway and the wife went mad at me for putting up a notice saying "Dog Owners - If this driveway starts to become fouled, I shall start leaving poisoned sausages outside". Fair warning, I thought.

Glad to see that my stance as the Dog Nazi is not without support though.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 20:08:24 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Timbos Goals

ha ha.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 20:06:24 CEST 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Joan: You got me worried, as I'd sent the URL off to a couple friends. Luckily, I'm listening to it now. So maybe it won't work outside Canuckistan as you feared. Too bad as you're missing not just some great stories and insights from Robbie but some performance clips of Robbie and Levon and Levon and the Hawks that just about nobody can have seen before.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:55:43 CEST 2011 from (217.44.154.146)

Simon

Al, I've long suspected there might be a bear living near me. I say that because of the sheer size of what was left on the pavement a few days ago... honestly it was like three pound of spuds just sitting there. It actually cast a shadow. In all honesty though it is disgusting and I witnessed a kerfuffle outside the local supermarket when a guy just let his dog crap outside the entrance. I could hear one of the staff yelling that somebody had to clean it up and how would they like it and so on. The guy with the dog just made a 'what you gonna do about it' gesture. Pretty dispiriting all in all.

Great MFBP story too. I saw that on RAWK at the weekend. I'm glad that thread has more than 8 views to date!

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:51:10 CEST 2011 from (41.97.153.212)

Empty Now

Al: thanks for the video

NorthWestCoaster : thanks for the precisions

Before powering up the computer for my afternoon session, I had two thoughts in head : George Best and “Ain’t no more CAN”
Though according to Ilkka's marks, my best posts are those where I report my daylife line of thought, it’s not always an easy exercise ..and in English

Translation in brief

George Best was one of the next on my bookmarks list of youtubes (after Puscas; Banks, etc… all is recorded in The Band GB) thanks Al for the anticipation, I suppose that the one you linked dispenses me of long and awkward searshes.

“Ain’t no more CAN” – the Continentatl Nations Cup, CAN for Coupe d'Afrique des Nations – today all the African football national teams without exception, sometimes all the team, are composed of Players from the European First Leagues teams. it’s a total denaturation of the competition, and disrespectuous for the local leagues (i wonder why they stil exist at all)

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:47:24 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

They weren't bad. Johnny Gustafson the bass player from the Big Three was in the second or third version. "The Big Three At The Cavern" was a seminal British R&B EP. They did Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. For some reason "The Merseybeats On Stage" is a sought-after 60s EP..

In a piece of pub quiz winning trivia, there's a connection your mate will know of. Jack Bruce played the sawed bass intro to "Sorrow."

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:47:00 CEST 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

Has anyone else had trouble accessing it? I get the commercial and then a message there is an error. Could it be that It won't play in the US? I know sometimes that happens.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:40:01 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Bloodyhell Joan. 3 days. That must have been one hell of a turd.

:-0)

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:33:29 CEST 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

Some years back I lived in Manhattan. At that time there were no "pick up after your dog"laws. Walking down E 86th St. was like doing the Cha cha stepping around and over piles of s#%t. And in the summer the smell was gagging. They passed a "pick up" law and enforced it. Nowadays you can pretty safely walk without stepping in it. I love seeing people walk down the street with their little plastic bags of dog s@#t.

I had a neighbor out here that used to put his dog out every morning and it would walk right over to my lawn and s@#t. I talked to my neighbor about it to no avail so I solved the problem my way. I would pick it up with 2 plastic shovels and deposit in front of his car door. He got the message It took exactly 3 days and I never had a problem again.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:25:06 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Final one

""Prior to Cream I had been the Tour Manager of a very successful ' Major Pop Band' - [Al E interjection - I found out they were The Merseys - SORROW etc ] but I have always detested "pop" music intensely, and the bullshit which surrounds it sickens me.

They were connected to Epstein's NEMS Enterprises and led to my getting the Cream gig and this was a breath of fresh air.

Cream was an education musically for me. Not only listening to them play every show, but being exposed to their influences was enlightening. Eventually we had a portable record player installed in the car which we used for travelling to gigs in England, and Clapton would feed his collection of blues singles into it at the rate of one every 3 minutes. So I got a very rapid education into blues music that way.

Jack Bruce was more a jazz freak, and through him I came to love the music of Miles Davis, Coltrane, (and many others.) Ginger on the other hand never seemed to listen to any music at all and the only drummers I ever heard him praise were Phil Seaman and Buddy Rich.

The long tours of America which Cream did, playing 5 different cities a week for 6 months at a time, provided some memorable concerts, with legendary bands on the same bill as us.

Steppenwolf, Janis Joplin, Buffalo Springfield, Zappa, The Doors, Grateful Dead, Canned Heat, jeez I've forgotten most of 'em, at legendary gigs like the Fillmores in NY and SFO, and The Grande in Detroit.

Amongst all that exposure to the top bands of the day, I still say when I heard The Band's Big Pink album for the first time it stood out like a beacon with it's brilliance. It was as if I'd been waiting all my life to hear this album and it had a tremendous effect on my taste in music from that moment on.

Clearly, it had a similar effect on EC who later confided that his biggest disappointment was that he hadn't become successful with a group which he had known and grown up with since he was a kid. The Band's music seemed to come from a bunch of very good friends who liked and understood each other and that most certainly was not the case with Cream.

Since Cream split, most of the bands I have worked with have been hard rock because that has always been the most successful genre commercially (festivals, tours, etc.) and that was the area which I operated in and knew best, but if musical tastes were taken into account, I would have preferred The Berlin Philharmonic anyday !

Hope that answers your question.

Bob A

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:18:55 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Here's the next

""When I got back to London at the end of that US tour, I stayed at The Madison for a few days and that acetate never left the record deck. I had become almost as obsessed as Eric had been!

At one point. I remember clearly as The Weight was playing, I heard noises outside my door. I pulled the door open sharply only for five or six people to tumble into the room as they had been listening to the music with their ears pressed up against the outside of the door!

I invited them in and they were knocked sideways by the music and wanted to know everything there was to know about "The Krackers".

Turns out that they were a band who were down in London to make their first album.

Their name was King Crimson.

I wore that acetate away (as you probably know, they aren't made for many plays) and gave it to a great but never discoverd songwriter / vocalist / guitarist called Jimmy Campbell who was a Dylan freak, and played in a little known Liverpool band called The Kirkbys.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 19:12:14 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

On the LFC site I go on one of the posters is a guy called bob Adcock who was tour manager for Cream in the late 60's.

He's been feeding us little snippets which though the afficianados on here will not consider to be exactly revelatory are certainly of interest to us Band fans as they're straight from source and confirm a lot which we already knew plus a few nice little insights. He's given me permission to post them on here.

Coincidentally, Kevin, it turns out Bob is currently Ray davies tour manager.

anyroad, here's the first one.

"" Bob Dylan's manager, Albert Grossman, also managed The Band and one of his promotional ploys prior to the release of Big Pink was to circulate an acetate disc of the album to the movers and shakers of the music industry a couple of months prior to the release date in order to spread the word and build up some excitement from within the industry.

The name of the band on the acetate was "The Krackers" and Clapton, being a mover and shaker, was one of the fortunate ones to receive a pre-release copy.

I was Tour Manager with Cream and we were on a lengthy American tour at that time, but after every show it was a case of us all rushing back to the hotel to stick that record on a portable record player which I had then.

It was intoxicating! Nobody had ever heard anything like it.

Clapton was obsessed with the album and I am certain that his disillusionment with Cream who remember were as big as anything back then, leading to it's eventual break-up, stemmed from his realisation that what he really wanted, was to play in a group epitomised by The Band.

When Cream split up he teamed up as you may know with southern rock outfit Delaney & Bonnie in a search for recognition as "just one of the band" who, although accomplished musicians who received critical acclaim, (particularly the horn section), were a pale shadow of The Band.""

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:55:37 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Ha ha

Great post pete. Had me chuckling about the fumes. In our house both me mam and dad were 40 a day minimum. I reckon half of those were smoked each night. As a kid I must have gone round smelling worse than a sumo wrestler's jock strap. Still do.

Me dad used to white walpamur the back room ceiling in the summer. By autumn it'd be the same colour as this GB. It was the equivalent of painting the Forth road bridge.

And they always used to complain about being skint. :-0)

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:53:30 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I agree. Their jazz performances in "The Aristocats" were particularly striking. Good piano playing too, but four paws would be an advantage.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:50:27 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:33:08 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Al: Dog crap was definitely much, much worse in the past, which is why we notice it more now. When my kids were little, you couldn't go out anywhere without ending up cleaning off their shoes. It has improved. But I wondered throughout my childhood, what is that whitedog poo and why?

It's a bit like smoking. The ban came in, and you noticed people smoking indoors. Then you noticed it in the street. Now i notice it when someone with smoky clothes walks past you. When I started teaching, in every ten minute break, twenty people lit cigarettes in a crowded staff room. Many managed to get through two in the ten minutes. We must have been permanently smoke pickled.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:17:02 CEST 2011 from (206.47.33.101)

brown eyed girl

My apologies Deb!! LOL
I aknowledged Deee twice too!
imagezulu now is going to try and make it for 6:00. He'd rather see Miles Davis and Muddy Waters. ;-D

Deeee and Deb....The second time I had my photo with Robbie....I just remembered something...The person who was standing in front of me in the line to meet Robbie looked liked Ken Walker of Festival Express....So, I was telling him how much I enjoyed seeing our musical history on the screen at the same theatre I saw TLW twice in one night in 1978. I was feeling so good that I gave him a hug and then a few minutes later...I realized that he never confirmed that he was Ken Walker!....He just kept on smiling! I guess that's what happens when I get excited alright...LOL

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:12:38 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Tue Mar 29 18:03:02 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Abov link....more RR on development of his sound...

Entered at Tue Mar 29 17:42:14 CEST 2011 from (90.239.117.196)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Johnny Winter

A touching Finnish pic on Johnny Winter on www.ilkka.fi (My link). He'll be playing in legendary Tavastia scene where bands like Cream, Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Jimi Hendrix Experience played in the sixties.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 17:31:33 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

"I sometimes think that Ray was only happy for three-and-a-half years in his life. And those were the three-and-a-half years before I was born," Dave admitted. "[He] is a vain, egocentric, narcissistic arsehole. [But] I won't have anybody call him that except me. Because I love him to death."

…….and we thought the Band had issues…….

Thanks to Adam and David for this NPR link……lots of guitar and lovely songs….in my opinion, easily the best collection of songs since NCSL…………….The special guests don’t get in the way like U2 did on the 1987 album……..”This is Where I Get Off” is well positioned in the middle of the cd and has a few interesting lines about not wanting to leave the boys behind and knowing the mistakes he made…….hmm…….

Entered at Tue Mar 29 17:12:06 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

As for "Ned Kelly"...I was tempted, but in the end I laid off the snarky comments (i.e. everyone descends from criminal stock). My little one wouldn't have gotten the" joke". She would have deemed her dad to be an eviler fool than she already thinks he is. : ) She's a teenage girl in 21st century Japan after all, her knowledge of the world revolves around her cellphone and her incoming/outgoing calls and texts. : )

Entered at Tue Mar 29 17:05:02 CEST 2011 from (99.24.191.22)

Dee

Subject: Robbie in Toronto

BEG You are Really Excited! The news about Robbie's being in your area came from Deb, not Deeee!

Hope you get to speak with him And have your picture taken.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:59:07 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

I hear you.

:-0)

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:57:24 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Were you not affected at all Fred?

It's difficult to get a handle on how extensively people throughout japan were affected as the programmes inevitably centre on the worst hit coastal regions.

Have you tried the 'everyone in Oz is descended from Ned kelly' line yet fred? :-0)

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:50:38 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Not sure why I'm being so flippant about it all. My daughter is positively obsessive about it in her concern for the kids. Peter's right, it is a feckin disgrace but I must admit to honestly not knowing if it's actually worse than it used to be or whether we're all just more aware of the mess and so we naturally think it's worse. When I was a kid there were far more stray dogs than there are now so I'm always a bit puzzled as to how the mess can be worse.

Or did people actually clean up the pavements more back then?

And what did actually happen to white dog poo?

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:47:11 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

On the homefront: my daughter after having returned from a 2 week homestay in Australia now wants to become Australian. It's "In Australia this, Australia that" 24/7. At least she hasn't began espousing upon the healthy virtues of vegemite...yet ; )

Hope all's well in your red corner of the world.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:42:51 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Clairvoyant Preview

A free preview of Robbie's "How To Become Clairvoyant" in its entirety is available at National Public Radio's website (link above) as part of NPR's "First Listen" program feature.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:42:25 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Bill. ha ha. Agree Bill there's more than enough shit on here already. Mainly mine like but who's counting.

:-0)

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:37:30 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Subject: Georgie

Empty and no doubt Fred.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:14:59 CEST 2011 from (212.46.139.59)

Peter V

Rto, where i live the beach is zoned into dog areas and dog free areas, but aggressive owners always insist on taking dogs into the 'no dogs' area to crap. When confronted they threaten to set the dog on you, then say the dog area is full of dog crap. Exactly. Dog crap is very dangerous to kids. Responsible dog owners, fine, but there are too many who are not. /n Smoking in cars. When i was a kid my grandad always smoked a pipe in the car and insisted the windows were closed because of draughts. A couple of days ago i was parked next to two women, mother and granny, putting a baby about three months old in a car. Granny was in her thirties. They then both lit cigarettes and drove off. Of course you should be free to smoke alone in the privacy of your car, but smoking in a car with kids should be illegal.

This reminds me that a famed uk holiday centre had to introduce rules for its popular Glamorous Grandmother contest after a 28 year old won it. Now you have to be 32 to enter (age of consent )

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:09:35 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Subject: Norbert travels and Empty's little bird

Loved the video Norbert. beautiful scenes. Something so tranquil and reassuring about vine laden landscapes like those. Reminded me so much of the Vendee where we stayed many moons ago although that was flatter so not quite so picturesque.

Empty. what a player he was. I honestly believe he might well have been the first really modern style winger. Pure dribbler. georgie best, Charlie Cooke and jimmy Johnstone could almost be said to have modelled their dribbling styles on him. Very contemporary - a la current day - style. He'd fit in seamlessly today. Loved the way the commentator said he could bend the ball because his legs were bent. ha ha. as if his bent legs had anything to do with it.

I've put up another video of him which I keep in my favourites. There's quite a bit of repeat of yours but some amazing dummies in one bit.

I'll put up my fave Georgie Best one in a mo too. some of it has to be seen to be believed what georgie could do. My favourite ever player. And personally I belive the best ever. But it's all about opinion.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 16:09:02 CEST 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Mar 29 15:44:25 CEST 2011 from (90.239.121.251)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: BTW

"Consider yourself lucky to be a Linux user. Linux and other Unix-like operating systems are a blessing when you get used to them, unlike M$ systems that develop into a curse when you try to do more complicated things."

Webmaster saith that.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 15:43:00 CEST 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

I have to say I do draw the line at dogs smoking in cars while drinking and driving. But then that's just me.

:-0)

Hi Frederico - yes I'm home. All ok with you and yours. I sincerely hope so mate.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 14:46:30 CEST 2011 from (86.135.59.193)

RTO

As a smoker that has recognised the anti-social element of the activity and taken curtailment measures fairly - AND seen sense in it - I feel I am entitled to point the finger at others now.

It HAS to be dogs, doesn't it!

Firstly, bring back the dog license. This escalates in value depending on size and "ferocity" of breed and each successive license for additional dogs is double the price of the previous license. Thus - £100per annum for dog license, £300 a year for two dogs, £700 a year for three.

Next, means testing - spatial and financial. A council inspector evaluates recreational space (this excludes public areas AND communal parts of leasehold accomodation) available at the applicant's property and gives them a list of breeds deemed suitable. Thence to matters fiscal - any benefits? Well, if you can't pay your way unassisted you definitely can't have a dog because the taxpayer isn't going to buy you one.

Neighbours complain about the constant smell of dog dirt in your back yard? Three warnings already? Bingo! Bye bye doggie!

And guess who pays for the destruction of the animal by a council approved vet? Yep, you guessed right - the former owner!

Entered at Tue Mar 29 14:35:03 CEST 2011 from (90.239.103.248)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Old Testament/David P

Thanks DAVID P for your Sunday school lesson of Canaan. My professor in exegetic used to say: "Read Old Testament; it's all there". - Do you remember EMPTY NOW's post on Kung Fu Tse (Finnish ortography) and The Book Of Song(s)? Kung Fu Tse used to say: "Read The Book Of Song(s), it's all there."

"Read The Guestbook, it's all there." I saith that.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 13:43:34 CEST 2011 from (90.239.103.248)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Daniel Lanois

Daniel Lanois has recovered and will be visiting Pori Jazz in July. A few words about this in http://www.ilkka.fi/Article.jsp?article=573808 or click My link

Entered at Tue Mar 29 13:11:28 CEST 2011 from (76.66.125.149)

brown eyed girl

Robbie: “I was really impressed with a lot of the covers on that. I think Garth did a great job on it but I think that the artists themselves really stood up and knocked it out of the park. I’m very proud of the work that everybody did on that.”

Entered at Tue Mar 29 10:15:58 CEST 2011 from (86.167.243.246)

Simon

There's a joke about club DJs - DJ One: "Do you fancy going to see a movie tonight?" DJ Two: "Depends. Who's the projectionist?"

Entered at Tue Mar 29 10:12:00 CEST 2011 from (41.97.153.212)

Empty Now

Subject: Fred / Bill M / merengue

Fred: thanks for your always fresh receptiveness of the good things that show through the GB

Bill M : you make the real point on Nasruddin. Laughing is not the primary aim. On the other hand, I defend the principle, in arts and literature, that Universality is reached through Quality.

Thanks to the GB and wikipedia; I saw at last the link between merIngue as “a type of dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar” and merEngue as “a type of music and dance from the Dominican Republic”
It seems that the movement on the dance floor reminds one of an egg beater in action. Easy explanation ; better than no explanation.

Related : in the link above, the very original version of Tequila by The Champs, with lyrics

Entered at Tue Mar 29 08:53:29 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

When I wander the record fairs, I always speak to the guy with the soul selection (all clean, in new polythene bags) who has immaculate taste, and brings a decent system and plays all the right stuff (Doris Troy's Just One Look last Saturday stands out). He swears by the Technics DJ turntable, and says that for singles there is absolutely no competition. There are lots of secondhand ones around (so many people fancied themselves as DJs, so bought two), but I found tiny bits of insulation breaking down to be the main cause of death on old decks, and then there's motor wear. They're expensive (£450) for something carrying no audiophile aura, but every DJ has two. I had a Technics linear tracker (anyone remember those?) which sounded great. That started humming horribly as various bits of tiny insulating material broke down.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 06:48:54 CEST 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Subject: Forever Humble

see the link

quiz: Which member of The Band is most likely to be quoted as such:

“I think pretty soon they’re going to be running out of awards to give me.”

Entered at Tue Mar 29 06:12:27 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Empty: nothing wrong with the music system of that Mercedes Benz.If I'm not mistaken that originally came with the car : )

Never thought I'd see a Jerry Cala' clip linked to in the GB : )

Entered at Tue Mar 29 02:24:46 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Peter, I wish you wouldn't put banging and Unthanks in the same sentence willy-nilly.

I was conned for a while - in a retro sense. I bought a Garrard 301 turntable and Leak (Stereo 20, Varislope preamp and Troughline tuner) valve (tube to our Stateside brethren) gear. Quite liked it, but saw how they'd soared in value. Paid about £350 for the lot ten years ago; sold the Garrard for £600 and the Leak gear for £675 last year.

My turntable is actually a Goldring not a Rega - Goldring name now used as one of the many that are slapped on thinly-veilled licensed Rega Mk 2 turntables (see also Project turntables) but I said Rega as it gives a better idea of what I use. Long term, my aim is pick up an old Swiss made Lenco direct drive deck and call it a day until something breaks down. Truth be told, I have ceased to care about sonic perfection and like the convenienece of the iPod, a few docks around the house, and no need to dig out LPs or CDs from shelves. Sad? True? Both, I'd say.

Actually, one interesting point is that direct drive turntables are quieter and smoother. One of the few upgrades genuinely worth making is apparently to buy a Technics 1210 (yep, the DJ deck) and slap a Rega arm on it.

As a smoker, I defend the decision to ban it in pubs and restaurants etc because it DOES improve them. Just because I smoke, I don't need to be immersed in everybody else's exhaust. But if they ban it in private cars I will have an issue. That's the day where I start the "If I can't even smoke in my own car now, I want to see dog owners banned from exercising their pets anywhere but in their own back gardens" movement.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 00:50:51 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I suspect they'll ban smoking and driving soon. But I find the SatNav and in car iPod very dangerous. The family now scream at me whenever I decide to flick through the playlists from BAND to UNTHANKS while negotiating roundabouts in heavy traffic. Banging in a CD or cassette was safer.

Entered at Tue Mar 29 00:44:55 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Hand up. I reckon I’m the most conned by hi-fi, then. Myrad (British made) separate pre- and power amp and CD player, 20 year old Mission speakers, Goldring deck. I had a NAD deck but it died after four years, as did a NAD cassette player, so not a make I like. I have a cheaper Sony budget deck for 45s – they sound better tracking heavier, and anyway, you don’t want to abrade a good stylus on worn discs, and you don’t know till you play them. I have got mid range PureSSG interconnect. I reckon the hugely expensive HDMI connectors they’re selling for DVD are a con … it’s digital. A 1 is a 1, a 0 is a 0. But analogue does benefit from, say, not using phone wire. 20 years ago I got conned by the fad for great thick interconnect. A friend helped me run it under the floorboards to the speakers, and I was very proud of the hidden installation. Then we moved house. I couldn’t get the wire out of the tubes … £60 a side too. I had to leave it there. The people buying the house had a little Sony system with bookshelf speakers.

I’ve got a 20 year old Quad 606 (pre-, power separates) in the office, with German small satellite speakers with a subwoofer. The speakers aren’t great. Come to think of it, I have better ones unused upstairs. Think I’ll move them. Increasingly due to being too lazy to walk two yards, I listen to stuff on my computer speakers … very early Apple powered ones of a shade of colour Apple haven't used for the last four computers I've had. I keep meaning to get up, but iTunes IS convenient.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 23:57:11 CEST 2011 from (193.35.132.46)

RTO

David, same as that! Not even separate pre and power amps for me - still got the classic NAD 3020i my Dad gave me for my 19th Birthday (I'm 36). That, a Rega turntable and some Wharfedale Diamonds does me fine.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 23:29:05 CEST 2011 from (76.67.17.101)

brown eyed girl

Thanks David P....great that Atlanta took some notice.
Deee....Here's a larger photo of Robbie. Wow....None of us in Toronto were on the ball with Robbie being at Indigo Bookstore but you!!! One of your best posts Deeee!
Kevin J...Aren't we all growing old on this site as well? ;-D

Entered at Mon Mar 28 23:16:36 CEST 2011 from (76.67.17.101)

brown eyed girl

2011 Juno Awards. Robbie Robertson introduces "Love letter to Toronto" 40th anniversary vignette. Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario.
Photo: CARAS.....and others at the Juno Awards last night.

Steve would have loved Neil Young's red scarf.

The Special program on "Drizzy" was excellent. He lives and breathes his art. I only have one rap CD.....Tupac Shakur double best of........brilliant rhymes with melodies. I don't think rap is crap or any genre of music. I really like some of Eminen's latest music as well.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 23:16:04 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

RTO: I currently use NAD preamp & amp separates in my system, along with other modest (more bang for the buck) equipment and inexpensive Radio Shack speaker cable.

I recall reading an article about the "loudness wars", where a mastering engineer complained that a music label executive had vetoed his mastering of a well-known band because it didn't sound good when played on his cell phone :-(

Saturday I bought a LP copy of "Stage Fright" at my local used record store for $5.00. It was an original Capitol green label copy mastered by Bob Ludwig (identified by Mr. Ludwig's initials "RL" etched in the run-out area). Even on my modest system, this version kills any CD version. Rick's bass in particular shines with its punch. I already have a couple of copies of this original pressing, but I couldn't pass on another in good condition at that price. Also picked up a Capitol 45 single of "Up On Cripple Creek" b/w "TNTDODD" in nice condiition for a dollar. For a lot less than the price of a new CD, I ended up with some great-sounding vinyl that only required a little cleaning with a Hunt record brush (an English import) before a spin on the turntable.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 22:48:12 CEST 2011 from (76.67.17.101)

brown eyed girl

Thank you Deeeee! I will try and make it to Indigo Bookstore tomorrow at 6:00 so that I can have my third photo taken with Robbie. The real photographer....imagezulu already made plans so maybe "Mr. Maximus" and his partner might come along too.
Last time....Jerry T from Toronto/Vancouver was behind me in line and I didn't know it was him right away...but we starting chatting and then....so funny when I discovered he posted on The Band site too. Anyway, I took a photo of him with Robbie as it was his Dad who owned the Concord Tavern in Toronto where he drank his pop in the afternoons as The Hawks blew away everyone....Lucky Jerry T!!!

Entered at Mon Mar 28 22:06:15 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Mar 28 21:55:37 CEST 2011 from (50.72.46.247)

sadavid

Subject: owsley

Link is to Robert Hunter's eulogical poem. _Bear's Choice_ was the only Dead LP I ever had -- but I only had it 'cause it was 99 cents in the cut-out bin. Good record.

The name, "Augustus Owsley Stanley," with or without the "III," always reminds me of "G. Alonzo Oeuf."

Entered at Mon Mar 28 21:44:50 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

David P: You also wonder what will be considered "audiophile quality" and attract a higher price when MP3 standard sound becomes the acceptable standard for purchased music, don't you? Yet another cash cow for the industry that requires little more than dusting off the CD remasters and trotting them out again for the MP3 generation.

It's not so much the posh edition releases that make me think "tosser!", more the £30,000 (with £5k of it being sodding cable) that people shell out for, not realising that you can't just throw money at something like that; that a decent room with £500 of NAD separates in it and speakers wired with 30A cooker mains cable (at 59p per yard in a hardware store) could sound better than a Gyrodec, Naim CD player and all the rest of the gubbins in a room stuffed full of domestic paraphernalia. And leave enough for a restored Austin Healey in change!!!!

Peter, this fags/Kit Kat/mobile phone/even swig from a water bottle ban has its place for drivers, but I'd like to see sat-navs come under the same rule. Pull over to reprogramme a route. And how anybody that happily drives around London for six months on a scooter with a clipboard obscuring their vision by 85% is considered a safe enough road user to ever be allowed to drive a sanctioned London taxi is, and has always been, beyond me.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 21:44:49 CEST 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Kevin J: Yes, it's always a good idea to buy a bunch of the same shirt. Once the significant other(s) learn that you buy multiples, they assume the best when you are in reality wear the same one day after day.

Empty N: Interesting that you bring Nasruddin to the GB as I'm currently plowing through the Nasuruddin chapter of one of Idris Shah's books on sufism. Although I find the Nasruddin stories cited so far mostly nothing more than what a lot of us would recognise as ethnic jokes (Newfie jokes, Irish jokes, etc.), and the rest are just marginally thought-provoking, I do get the point that Shah is driving at - that they prod the mind to think outside the box. And that has truly been helpful - revelatory in some ways even.

Yonge Street all over: Maybe because she saw something on the then-upcoming Juno program, hosted by Drake, the other half wondered on Saturday why we don't have any rap music. Since we were heading to a mall anyway, I selected a Kaos best-of CD, 'cause I knew I at least liked his "Crabbucket". Almost first lines are "Walking down Yonge Street on a Friday, can't follow them - gotta do it my way ... No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up, No time to get down 'cause I'm moving up, Shake off the crabs in the bucket". The crabs being animals that, I understand, will pull down any crab that seems likely to rise above the rest and escape the bucket. Just like some of the critics of the Yonge Street doc, who can't even start to do the job themselves so content themselves with criticising those who can.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 21:31:55 CEST 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

To digress, my husband was waiting at the counter in the drugstore the the day, and by the register was a CD called Squeeze The Singles. For a couple of bucks he brought it home to me. I like Squeeze, but I had Forgotten how clever their lyrics and rhymes were. Fun to listen to them again. Bare Naked Ladies have a bit of that "cleverness".

Peter V thanks for that quote from Mojo. I quite agree about Rick.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 20:43:38 CEST 2011 from (41.97.163.10)

Empty Now

Subject: Fred

Thanks i'm glad you like the link

i wish you'll be also pleased with the above video, introducing "the loudest up-to-date car stereo" not necessarily worst taste in music, ;-)

Entered at Mon Mar 28 20:20:36 CEST 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Patrick, welcome.

I haven't heard the "Owsley" reference in a very long time. Coincidentally, Mr. Stanley (aka Bear) just left this orb two weeks ago. He was killed in an auto accident in Australia.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 19:57:36 CEST 2011 from (216.114.128.38)

Mike & Kim Hayward

Subject: The Remedy.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 19:00:20 CEST 2011 from (76.200.191.165)

Patrick Monk.RN.

I was living on the island of Ibiza back in '66 when "Big Pink" arrived in the saddle bags of a big old Harley Davidson along with a supply of Afghani sandal hash and Owsley. What a time - 'Nashville Skyline'; "Songs of Leonard Cohen"; "The White Album" - the list is long. There never was, or will be, a Band to compare, they are part of the soundtrack of my life of 66 years, and counting. I just discovered this amazing site. Deepest thanks.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 18:32:34 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Juno Awards

I'm glad to see that the Juno Awards received some coverage here in Atlanta. Check out photo #6 at link.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 17:45:56 CEST 2011 from (216.226.180.2)

Deb

BEG, here's a link from Robbie's Facebook page about an album signing tomorrow night in Toronto.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 17:04:17 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

I am enjoying some of these interviews with RR…………………Funny and annoying though that like clockwork….if one bothers to read the comments that follow ALL of these……it is a 100% guarantee that after the expected “great to have a member of The Band back and making music” type posts there will be 3 or 4 ‘Robertson screwed his fellow band mates” or “They all agreed to split the songwriting but the evil Robertson took all the credit himself”, etc., etc. An amazing thing that this has continued for this many years……… Fox News has come to rock n roll music reviewing – God help us!

Entered at Mon Mar 28 16:29:21 CEST 2011 from (206.47.33.101)

brown eyed girl

Juno's...Too many musicians for "The Shape I'm In" but overall....Great tribute to our country's most famous musicians. If you had seen The Band's tribute when Robbie received his Canadian Star of Fame....with Sarah Harmer and Derek Miller (also in Robbie's Doc and from Six Nations Reserve as well)....In my most humble opinion...I'm not a musician...I'm a huuuge music fan of many genres of music......better tribute and musicianship.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 16:14:51 CEST 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

It's not just the frequency range that distinguishes a properly mastered recording, but also the dynamic range. Reproducing that spectrum, from soft to loud passages, is equally important. Therein lies the flaw with so many of today's recordings released by the standard music labels, where they focus on loudness. Aimed at the MP3/iPod generation, extreme levels of compression & limiting are applied, in order to make the recordings sound loud throughout, with no soft passages.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 16:12:41 CEST 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Mar 28 14:14:49 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Subject: Record labels

Amusing little timewaster of a site.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 13:37:45 CEST 2011 from (76.68.81.209)

brown eyed girl

Many thanks Bonk for providing the link to Yonge Street - Toronto Rock and Roll Stories so others can access what the Toronto Sound was all about.
I really enjoyed watching it again.....seeing John Finley at the end singing his heart out. Amazing that none of us knew that he was asked to join The Hawks and he said nope. Daniel Lanois....I met him at one of our Canadian Music Weeks in town and yeah.....He appears to be a very sensitive person.....very approachable. I saw him perform with Brian Blade (one of my favourite drummers for sure) at The El Mo and they just worked so well together. I had no idea that the building that recently burned down was where country and western music was showcased a lot at The Edison. He said everything changed after 1975 on Yonge Street....It sure did because that's when I arrived in the city and most of the clubs that were shown....were gone!

Thanks Adam2 for the latest Robbie interview. Tomorrow's the day, when some of us can buy Robbie's latest.

Last night's Juno's had Neil Young in tears. Everything's different as we age....He brought wisdom to the festivities. I was very disappointed that "Drizzy" didn't even get one Juno. I loved when Shania Twain spoke....The tribute by many musicians including The Sadies, Sarah Harmer and Jim Cuddy and others on Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia and The Band.....Beautiful! Robbie seemed really nervous when he spoke but it's always a treat to see him. Did anyone else notice that he wore the same shirt in The Toronto Stories as he did in the link I provided awhile ago where he was with his Freeze Sound Retainer? Good to know that's it's one of his favourite shirts. lol

Entered at Mon Mar 28 13:17:40 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

: (

Entered at Mon Mar 28 13:06:14 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Empty Now: wonderful link.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 13:05:05 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Entered at Mon Mar 28 13:03:36 CEST 2011 from (67.84.207.113)

Brien Sz

Subject: Review of Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks Show in NYC

The link is to a review of the Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks Show at Madison Square Garden.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 12:42:55 CEST 2011 from (41.97.163.10)

Empty Now

on fast meadias
Once upon a time in the souk, a picpocket picks the portfolio from an old venerable man, took to his heels, the old man runs after him, at the first corner the thug removes his turban put on glasses, unfolds an old sheet of newspaper and sit down quietly pretending to read. The old man arrives panting, he asks "did you see somebody running through?" the thug replies stupidly "the one who stole your portfolio?, he left to this side" the old man notes wisely "ah, it's already in the newspapers"

on self-esteem
One night of strong seastorm, the boat of Nasreddin is washed away from the docks. The next morning he runs at the Qadi to complain that someone stole his boat. The Qadi who had seen with other witnesses the sea taking on the boat, tries to convince Nas that clearly there is no theft, and so must him admit stoically the loss of his boat. It's at this very moment that Nas became more confused than ever, shouting at the ears of the Qadi, "Impossible! how can the tempest drift a boat that it was me who docked it and tied the mooring ropes with my own hands ?!"

Entered at Mon Mar 28 11:45:12 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Here's the link to hear Robbie's new album. The complete album is streaming at NPR.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 11:21:21 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

That would be the backstage feed camera, I guess. The stage positioning left a lot to be desired, even assuming there would be another angle from the main cameras. It's all a bit confused visually, even though it sounds great. Visuals are probably what got it dumped.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 10:30:09 CEST 2011 from (41.97.163.10)

Empty Now

Subject: Garrincha

Or more exactely "They sent a man to space, they are unable to put a man on Garrincha's path to goal"
---------- ------------

Manoel Francisco dos Santos was born with a bent right leg, which was also six centimeters shorter than the left one. As a child he was of small tall for his age, so that his elder sister began to call him Garrincha, a local name for the troglodyte wren. The nickname translates literally "Little Bird". When he began as a youngster frequenting Football stadiums, doctors firmly advised him to quit the game as a chance to succeed corrective surgery. Now the world knows what his rare infirmity and abnormal physique turned out to be on the pitch, the secret weapon of an exceptional gift and unique style of playing.

Enjoy the linked video

The memorable day of 15 June 1958 at Göteborg, the goal keeper on the Soviet side was not less than the majestic Lev Yashin, admire also the save at 0:47. In Soccer game, somebody's greatness is measured by the value of the opponent.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 10:22:23 CEST 2011 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Subject: Down South In New Orleans

not sure if this has been posted as part of the recent discussion of DSINO.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 09:00:51 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Similarly, I haven’t shelled out for blu-ray. We have a plasma screen on the short wall of a rectangular room and watch from the far end. If you move to the distance where a square room would be, the standard DVD picture’s grainy, but it’s not from where we watch. At a friend’s house, where the plasma is on the long wall of the rectangle, meaning they’re sitting much closer, blu-ray makes a major difference to quality. A TV engineer friend said we wouldn’t notice a lot .

One for the audiophiles, I set up my own 5.1 system. Something went wrong and the guy from the shop called. He said let me analyse the room and set it up for you. I was very dubious, but he improved the sound massively. He also said a rectangular room with the main sound on the short wall was the biggest hi-fi improvement you can make.

Cars … yes, you hear those souped-up cars with huge bass speakers pumping DUMPH! DUMPH! DUMPH! DUMPH! They then open the window to let everyone really hear it. I often think that if you can get arrested in the UK for using a cell phone at the wheel, or eating a sandwich at the wheel, the distraction level of dance / drums ‘n’ bass at that level must be much higher.

A MONDAY MORNING TALE

The actions at the wheel thing may be something the police are right about. Years ago, we were crossing the road in the town centre. A car was weaving up the road with an elderly woman driving with a poodle on her lap and a ciggie with a long column of ash in her mouth. She stopped at the junction two feet from us because of traffic. The column of ash fell on the dog and smoke came up from its fur. It went ballistic naturally, and she tried to put it out by hitting the fur. The car shot forward across the main road, and everyone managed to miss it before it landed gently in the hedge opposite. We all rushed over and she wasn’t hurt, and the dog had stopped smouldering, but it bit her hand quite nastily. I could see its point. Everything turned out fine, except for the front of the car, but when we got ten yards away afterwards we started crying with laughter.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 06:01:53 CEST 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

Entered at Mon Mar 28 04:04:33 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

The previous post was a bit strong but there ARE elements of the truth about it. It just so happened that the subject cropped up here after spending an hour or two with a mate that's into all that. He has a tiny little cottage rammed with boxes of vinyl you have to step round, clamber over, limbo dance underneath....and STILL persists that the acoustics in his cluttered room do not negate all the effort and money he pumps into his hi-fi.

He likes Zappa and Beefheart though, I'll give him that. The other bit about Blue Nile & Jarre stems from my days working in an independent record shop in my teens and first-hand experience of having to order boxfuls of hi-fidelity soul-free dross that showed the hi fi off and - that's about it! To this day i am convinced many didn't even like the records they bought, and even more so that the hi-fi was all about displaying their fiscal standing and very little else.

Entered at Mon Mar 28 00:56:25 CEST 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Well said. If ever there was a point that demonstrates the snake oil out there for audiophiles* it is the fact that - yes - there may well be differences in those expensive CDs (and Mobile Fidelity LPs, remember them?) but you won't hear anywhere near all of them because the sensitivity IS greater than the human ear can detect. 50p was a fair purchase though!

*[Robpedia 2011: AUDIOPHILE; pron: orrr-deigh-oh!-file; a body of people more interested in showing off their wealth via hi-fi components than they are in listening to music; movement started with the advent of the Linn Sondek turntable and maintained some ground thanks to Naim; exact science requires a room with nothing in it but two speakers and a listener; responsible for severe outbreaks of Jean Michelle Jarre, Blue Nile and ECM muzak pretending to be "jazz".]

Entered at Sun Mar 27 23:12:31 CEST 2011 from (24.108.12.129)

BONK

ARI. Type in digitaljournal.com/article/304892 After the clip with Ronnie Hawkins, near the bottom of the page, clic on Yonge Street-Toronto Rock and Roll Stories. Enjoy! Like Bill M said there will be a longer and more complete version in the near future.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 23:07:54 CEST 2011 from (74.82.68.18)

David P

Here is our lesson for today: By the time of The Brown Album, The Band's publishing company was Canaan Music. Canaan was the biblical name for the Promised Land of the Israelites, an area of ancient Palestine west of the Jordan River. In the Old Testament we learn of Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. At one point they arrive in the Wilderness of Zin, a barren place without water. The people complained to Moses, forsaking him for leading them into a wilderness, where they and their flock would surely die. The Lord spoke to Moses and told him to gather the congregation with his brother Aaron before a rock. "Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yeild its water, thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." At first Moses and the congregation doubted the Lord but, after striking the rock twice with the rod "the water came out abundantly.". This was the water of contention, and the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and said: "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therfore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." (Quotations from the New King James Version of The Holy Bible).

Entered at Sun Mar 27 22:55:45 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

“(Rick Danko) was one of the greatest guys ever. He was just completely forward in every way. To get to know Rick took about 30 seconds. There was nothing kept secret, no hidden nothing. He just happened to be in a band that had a mysterious aura to it. Rick and Richard were incredibly open, whereas Garth, Levon and me weren’t. And it’s kind of ironic that these two beautiful souls didn’t come out of the tunnel. It just saddens you even more about it. But I don’t know. I was really lucky to hear vocal performances from Rick and Richard that are as moving as anything I’ve ever heard in my life.”

Robbie Robertson, Mojo, May 2011 issue.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 22:24:42 CEST 2011 from (67.158.165.136)

Lil

Jeff Newsom: thinking of you and hoping you're doing well.

Marge: If you're still looking in, thinking of you as well...

Entered at Sun Mar 27 20:32:21 CEST 2011 from (67.6.42.89)

Jerry

I was privleged to see Levon here a couple of years ago and thought it was the only time I'd ever seen a member of the Band past or present. But I'm thinking that long before I really knew who the Band were I may of been at a show that Levon and Rick were part of and didn't even know it...This may of happened in 88 or 89 but I'm not sure..The place was the Taste of Minnesota and I remember seeing among other bands that day Ringo and his All Stars..I was busy chacing my two sons ages three and five around the grounds of the state capitol that day to take much of it in.. I've wondered if Levon and Rick were at that one as the time frame seems to fit..Since I wasn't a fan and really new nothing about them I had no clue what I was missing..The hook for us that day might of been hearing Ringo do It Don't Come Easy...

Entered at Sun Mar 27 19:15:12 CEST 2011 from (216.165.58.52)

Ari

Entered at Sun Mar 27 19:09:36 CEST 2011 from (41.97.238.58)

Empty Now

Subject: Little-Bird's birth's infirmity was shown an exceptioal gift on the ground

Not a secret for the GBers that I like soccer's anthological quotes. At the light of recent threads I collected some I judge worth GB posting

"They sent a man to space, they are enable to put a man on Garrincha's line" TVGlobo commentator Luis Mendes, ¼final World Cup 1958, Brazil 2 – 0 USSR

"How can you play against someone [Roberto Carlos] who is everywhere on the left line ?" David Beckham, ½final World Cup 2002, Brazil 2 – 1 England

"Their defense and their cheese look the same" Johan Cruyff, overlooked qualification game Netherlands 5-0 Switzerland

"a country of 11 inhabitants and a surface of a football field can win a football World Cup", Empty Now, simple arithmetic following a complex debate in real life about great countries and small countries in soccer, whereas my naïve belief until then was that everything happens on the field

Related: read in the link the amazing story of the football team of Koh Panyee

Entered at Sun Mar 27 18:35:26 CEST 2011 from (76.67.18.8)

brown eyed girl

REFORMED BAND / THE WEIGHT (This time Garth is on keyboards and not on accordian) (LIVE AT THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL 1994)

Carol and Lil....For some reason....Rick's voice is hitting me really hard today. His voice is absolutely heart breaking....Robbie always talked about his voice and I'm sure his huuuuge heart. I see more clearly now why both of you loved him so much. When I was at the first Rick Danko Tribute in Simcoe, Ontario (Both of you should have been there).....One of the restaurants had a sign outside promoting a shake called....."Forbidden Fruit".

Sorry, everyone.....posting waaaaaay too much today.....It's a good thing I stayed away from forbidden fruit with my addictive tendencies....

Peace Out.....

Entered at Sun Mar 27 18:16:16 CEST 2011 from (76.67.18.8)

brown eyed girl

Reformed Band with Ringo's All Stars....play "The Weight" from a show recorded at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on December 3, 1989.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 17:14:40 CEST 2011 from (76.67.18.8)

brown eyed girl

Neil Young, Arcade Fire, Johnny Reid, Shad among Juno Award winners...so far.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 16:18:13 CEST 2011 from (72.71.214.103)

Mike & Kim Hayward

Levon Helm on "Folktography."

Entered at Sun Mar 27 15:42:19 CEST 2011 from (76.67.18.8)

brown eyed girl

Many thanks Ignatius for the heads up re Kick Starter Ollabelle's Album!!
I met them in New Jersey at a free concert....Thanks to Crabgrass again. I was dealing with grief at the time but Canadian Glenn Patscha was such a sweet heart. I also saw them in NYC along with Buddy Cage and many other musicians who did a tribute to Dylan's "Blood On The Tracks"....Many thanks to Crabgrass again who got us front row seats. Thanks to myself...We both got to meet Buddy Cage. The first time I saw Buddy was at The Bottom Line performing with Garth Hudson and others for a Tribute to The Band. My Greenwich Village friend forgot we had made plans to go to this show, so I ended up going on my own. I remember thinking....Louuuuu was on this stage too....I had the VHS.....Another time saw Garland Jeffreys here for the first time. And....I've seen Ollabelle at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern. On the same night.....Rollie's buddy.....Tony Furtado performed. I also think of Jeff a lot....'cause we were such good buddies on this site and off site.

I forgot to mention that Drake will be hosting The Canadian Junos tonight.

In August Serenity....Kitchener's Bluezzzz Fest again. imagezulu and I are planning to see Johnny and Edgar Winter and Betty Lavette....Maybe Bob Margolin too. Freeeeee! Sad to share here....Pinetop Perkins was to have been at this show also......

Entered at Sun Mar 27 15:07:28 CEST 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 15:04:22 CEST 2011 from (76.67.18.8)

brown eyed girl

Canadian Juno Awards tonight @ 8:00 with Robbie being one of the presenters.
I hope he reminds everyone of another famous person from Stratford, Ontario besides Justin Bieber ...Richard Manuel.
I was really disappointed this year when I had a student from Stratford for a few weeks in my drama/dance, vocal music and gym classes and he never heard of Richard! His father was working at our Children's Theatre so I assumed when you're in the arts at least.....
Anyway, my poster of The Band is in the classroom and I showed him who came from his small town....I didn't get a chance to show him Richard of The Band performing on film as I thought he was going to be with us for a longer period of time.... :-(
There are also posters of Robbie, Dylan, Garland Jeffreys (signed thanks to Crabgrass) and Bob Marley as well.

Some huuuuge highlights of "Yonge Street - The Toronto Stories":
I got to witness The Hawks live!!!!
Also, Levon and Rick share some experiences. Watching Rick driving a car while being interviewed was an experience....It brought back flashbacks of Rick's life.
Garth was shown but no interview footage....Again....Why didn't Robbie at least ask Garth to add his magic to Robbie's CD? You can always ask, right? BTW, I have on VHS a special with Garth Hudson when he was interviewed on TVO. His famous line from this show...."Dylan took us from the bars to the stars."
I was at The Bluenote in Toronto but it was the same year I saw Rick and Levon so.....Hmmmm...not sure who was performing that night.
Of course, another highlight was seeing all these Canadian bands that Bill M loves.....especially John and Leeeee and The Checkmates......and with Michael Fonfara (thanks to Bill M I met him in Port Credit when he performed with Richard Bell, Danny Weiss and Brooks) Bill M!! I will have to have their music in my collection...so good......so good.....
Last but not least.....Watching Jan Haust (archivist and executive producer) narrate the three night series in a Bentley? I emailed him but no response as to how we can all get our hands on this great series on our TORONTO SOUNDS!

Toronto's "Drake: Better Than Good Enough" @ 5:00 today on same channel....CTV

Entered at Sun Mar 27 13:35:04 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

One for David P. I picked up a 50p LP in near mint condition yesterday, a US import on Audio Fidelity of Al Hirt. I was interested because it has a lot of stuff about Audio Fidelity producing the first stereo disc (1957). This one's 1960, but the cover notes say it should be played on equipment that has "an extreme range of fidelity" and it suggests from 16 to 25,000. That is interesting … wider than the base Compact Disc specification (and the human ear … but that's a whole other argument).

Entered at Sun Mar 27 12:53:54 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

And here's a link to a new radio interview with Robbie about the album.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 12:51:05 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Sun Mar 27 12:35:22 CEST 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

I really get a "Storyville" vibe, in terms of quality and artistic vision, from Robbie's upcoming album. Straight Down The Line, When The Night Was Young, He Don't Live Here No More, and the title track, are all great. Like I said, I used to hate Robbie's solo career. I keep thinking of that No Depression reviewer who trashed Robbie's new album. In the past I would have believed him, but listening to the tracks I've heard, I have to say he's just childish and wrong to call it "the worst album ever made by a professional" or whatever he called it. How ridiculous is that. But it really is open to each individual's opinion I guess. I know some hated When The Night Was Young, which I think is a beautiful song.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 12:15:10 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

There's a long Robbie interview by Joel Selvin in the latest "Mojo" (Issue 210, May 2011, Ramones cover). I've stopped buying Mojo automatically, and picked it up for the covermount disc, The Roots of The Ramones, because it contains Ronnie Spector's She Talks To Rainbows, which I've been looking for. The disc obscured Robbie's name on the cover.

It's a good interview with some new stuff. Selvin is a bit of a creep to insert the TLW microphone story in his introduction, as well as to add a "Levon" parentheses after mentioning Robbie writing the key Band songs. It's not a "great" interview. If you will ask Robbie what it was like on the 1966 tour, you will get the same story. Why does every interviewer do that? The microphone story irritates me because you can hear it's untrue at least at several points, and it stems from Levon making a humorous point, not a statement of 100% fact. You can hear him saying it. Editorializing unpleasantly in an intro is not fair interviewing.

But it's "good." He choose three seminal albums, and they're Live 1966, The Band … and The Shutter Island soundtrack compilation. As he says, Robbie is also a great music curator with his soundtracks. I put "This Bitter Earth" from Shutter Island as my #1 track from last year, a brilliant job of mixing together music recorded fifty years apart in totally different genres into a seamless whole.

Robbie has some very moving words on Rick and Richard, which is followed by a one page John Till piece on Richard.

The review in the back of the mag gives the new album three stars, as does the review in this month's Uncut. I'll wait and see. I unusually haven't ordered an import copy but have ordered the deluxe edition from amazon.co.uk, so will have to wait two weeks.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 10:03:54 CEST 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

We once discussed Bobby Charles failure to sing his best-known song at TLW. There were some odd choices. If Joni had had any sense, she would have done one new one … Coyote … and then done Big Yellow Taxi or Chelsea Morning. It's what you do on these all-star jostles for attention. Bob should have finished with Like A Rolling Stone (with Mickey Jones on second drums). Neil Young knew the score, going back to CSNY for Helpless, as did Van with Caravan.

Given Bobby Charles long list, the screamingly obvious one to do was Small Town Talk with Rick Danko. It's slow and gentle, so low-key for the event though. I always felt Down South in New Orleans was fine, but a bit samey. Lots of songs like it. See You Later Alligator was a risky one, forgetting the royalty issue. Wider exposure was more important. But it's very hard to do See You Later Alligator without turning into Sha Na Na, Darts or one of the many oldies bands in red drape jackets at the time.That early rock & roll was not the Hawks thing. The only thing they did vaguely in that style as The Band was (I Don't Want To) Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes. That worked though.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 06:37:27 CEST 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Wonderful links and posts, my friends.

NORBERT: The trip made me feel like I was there.

Juno winners so far:

..TORONTO - Some of the key winners at Saturday's Juno Awards gala dinner, during which 32 of 40 awards were handed out prior to Sunday's television broadcast:

Adult Alternative Album of the Year: Neil Young, "Le Noise"

Alternative Album of the Year: Arcade Fire, "The Suburbs"

Rock Album of the Year: Matthew Good, "Vancouver"

Vocal Jazz Album of the Year: Kellylee Evans, "Nina"

Francophone Album of the Year: Karkwa, "Les chemins de verre"

Rap Recording of the Year: Shad, "TSOL"

Dance Recording of the Year: Deadmau5, "Sofi Needs a Ladder"

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year: Quanteisha, "Stars"

Blues Album of the Year: Jim Byrnes, "Everywhere West"

Jack Richardson Producer of the Year: Daniel Lanois

Electronic Album of the Year: Caribou, "Swim"

International Album of the Year: Katy Perry, "Teenage Dream" ...

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE

Entered at Sun Mar 27 05:47:47 CEST 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Shipyards by Interview. New Wave matures.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 01:25:05 CET 2011 from (70.58.143.74)

ladiesfree

Subject: all invited

All invited and ladies are free for life

Entered at Sun Mar 27 01:05:54 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Subject: Boogie 4 Stu

Link is to a 'Stones' cover of 'Watching the River Flow' from an Ian Stewart tribute album. Quite fetching actually. I've avoided Stones albums for several decades but this one sounds interesting. It's not really a Stones album but they all play on it, Wyman too.

Entered at Sun Mar 27 01:04:25 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Sat Mar 26 22:44:34 CET 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

Thank you for the Bike tour.I could watch that all day. Beautiful!

Entered at Sat Mar 26 22:38:49 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Mar 26 22:23:43 CET 2011 from (70.78.224.3)

Northern Boy

Subject: Yikes ! What's Next ?

First the return of the prodig(Al) Edge, and then Larry LeBlanc looking in on us. Now I'm just waitin' for the second comin' of Bumbles, (uh where have you gone ?) NB.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 21:42:02 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Jeffo, Stills was a close friend of another name that comes up pretty often here.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 21:20:47 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Al, that bassist was likely Duke Bardwell who did a lengthy stint with Elvis' band during the 70's.

And the inevitable Band connection.....Silverado '75 opens with Gene Clark's rendition of "Long Black Veil".

Entered at Sat Mar 26 20:54:36 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

So many of these guys were friends,dating back to the early 60s, early mid 60s, or mid 60s, back in the Greenwich Village music scene. Stills'& Furay's friendship began in NY, in The Au Go Go Singers. Gram Parsons was running around too. Furay & Gram were friends, Gram taught him Brass Buttons, which made The Crazy Eyes record, and Furay wrote Crazy Eyes about Gram.i think he may have begun writng it way back then.

BTW Scouser, multiple short posts do not equal one glorious dissertation.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 20:47:16 CET 2011 from (67.250.113.92)

Lars

NORBERT- Thank you for that short vacation in Europe. With all the bad news coming at us from every direction, that was a refreshing trip.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 20:32:21 CET 2011 from (173.183.162.116)

Braeden C.

Hello all, does anyone have any background info on "Down South in New Orleans"? The only version I know of is The Band's with Bobby Charles though it says the song was written by someone else. I'm really curious, it's a really catchy song!

Thanks

Braeden

Entered at Sat Mar 26 19:29:49 CET 2011 from (91.42.239.18)

Norbert

Empty now thanks great job!

Al, I was hoping someone would ask what it’s about, glad it’s you.

Like Jack Kerouac Daniël takes us On The (Dutch) Road.

Me and my Els like to bike too, just click the link, pop up the back, and enjoy the ride....

Entered at Sat Mar 26 18:38:13 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Mar 26 18:34:10 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Mar 26 18:16:18 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Forgot to say Pete - I really love that June's Hymn track. I'm a sucker for any song about song thrushes and jenny wrens. I agree about their latest album being their finest to date.

I guess too I'm a bit of a twitcher. I once hitch-hiked 250 miles just to see some bird.... I ended up marrying her.

;-0)

Entered at Sat Mar 26 18:04:27 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Ah - sorry Empty. Didn't realise that's what you'd done. thought it was something else but I see the words Wonderful day now and it starts to make some sense. I'll ponder a while on that now.

Ta

:-0)

Entered at Sat Mar 26 17:31:16 CET 2011 from (41.97.233.238)

Empty Now

Thanks; actually many will appreciate the video

see my last post , it is an attempt translation of the song linked by Norbert; i wish Norbert homologate it, or perfect it ...for the good pleasure of all the GBers

Entered at Sat Mar 26 17:10:23 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

I love Gene. I think he has to be one of the most underrated major talents from any era. White Light is terrific as you already know joe.

Two others I'd recommend if you aren't familiar.

First his live album at Silverado. It was recorded for a radio show and the quality is good. More to the point gene's voice is in really good nick with it's beautiful haunting quiver and his harp/acoustic playing is top notch. He's backed by Roger white on lead who i think is great and a fine bassist whose name escapes me. Every track is superb, mostly his own and he pulls them from every stage of his career up to then.

The other one I'd recommend is Gypsy Angel purely for 3 tracks - Kathleen, Your Fire Burning and Gypsy Rider - which I feel are just so wonderful that I'd say they're essential to anybody who rates gene highly. The downside on the album is that poor Gene's voice is not at its best due i think to his operations and teeth problems. But for the three tracks in question the voice holds up fine and doesn't detract from the exquisite beauty of the songs.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 16:21:47 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Thanks Pat, Al & Empty. I had an idea that the lyric might have originated in a spiritual or folk song. Continuing the Gene Clark thread, 'White Light' arrived in my mailbox yesterday. I must have a dozen unplayed CDs. I rarely get a chance to listen to music these days until late in the evening when I'm tired and at such times I usually go for comfort music i.e. old favourites.. 'White Light' was a favourite years ago but it's been a long long time since I've heard it.

Thinking of you Jeff Newsom.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 15:32:27 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Subject: Empty Now - Kop a load of this

Empty I think you'll love this. Not sure if you've seen it before but I was actually in that crowd that afternoon.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 15:25:50 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Agree with Empty. Loved the video. It's fantastic. Loved the stork and his nest on top of the post. Ha ha. Also love the crispness and freshness of the song. Any chance of lyrics translation Norbert? Is that sort of music big in Holland? Is that why The Gourds love it over there?

Entered at Sat Mar 26 15:01:55 CET 2011 from (41.97.233.238)

Empty Now

Subject: Thanks Norbert, Great video, the call of the season

The wrong at last was already right
The coffee and bread goes as it should
I was thinking tonight that it may be again
In my wonderful nice day

Not only the weather, the blues and the rest
I like anything outside today, things I usually dislike
It's a long time ago that I lived, so beautiful shiny sights
In my wonderful nice day

No No No No There is no man overboard
I am today dispensed of the cross words
No No No No mud and no mowing field
I sweat over it, that's all what counts today

With wings of wax, I fly into the Sun
I am sure that ?, because I want again
With my cup of sunlight, near the woman waiting for me
In my wonderful nice day
In my wonderful nice day
In my wonderful nice day

-------------------- ------------------ ------------------------
[link above out-of-GB concerns, I need it to keep close contact with the real thing]

Entered at Sat Mar 26 14:57:38 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Joe, Pat as ever has likely called it right.

Hi Pat ;-0) and while I'm at it a big belated ta muchly for the Rascals/Felix recommendations some years back too. Given me many hours of pleasure listening to them and particularly the amazing vocal quality of felix.

As for whether Robbie/Rick lifted it off Gene, it's doubtful if it was off the records as both came out around the same time in late '69. Also Rick's is just a bit of a throwaway at the end whilst gene based his whole song around the image. Then again since Rick later became huge buddies with Gene I suppose it's not out of the question they were already buddies and there was some cross fertilisation.

It's weird how When You awake is dismissed as a lightweight track by so many critics who rush to champion the obvious heavyweight tracks on The Band. I remember one even stating the track is salvaged only by the marvelous vocals of Richard Manuel. Which goes to show just how fuckin worthless the views of some of these knobheads can be. For me 'Awake' is every bit as vital to the entity as any of the the other tracks. no more no less. And that sum of the parts strength is what makes the album so incredible.

For the record very few people know that there's actually two further long concealed lines after '...and if I thought it'd do any god I'd stand on the rock where Moses stood'

It's...

"And I'd preach to the people of the Promised Land.."

"Stretched out down across the desert sand oh ohh"

Or at least they were the two extra lines in our house years ago - and still are come to think of it - when I used to sing it to the kids at bedtime. Then it was straight into Rockin Chair, Long Black Veil and All La Glory

Happy days...sigh

:-0)

Entered at Sat Mar 26 14:18:08 CET 2011 from (67.84.207.113)

Brien Sz

One solution to ticket buying is to sign up on an artists website (usually to a small fee) and this allows you presale buying opportunities to shows. The window can be up to two weeks prior to sales to the general public. It's one way of getting around that maddening act of trying to call for tickets. I don't call anymore anyway - I just use the internet to purchase all my tickets these days.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 11:21:22 CET 2011 from (91.42.239.18)

Norbert

Subject: yesterday, today and tomorrow all in the same room and anything can happen

I'm not into rely but that's a great line "I could, I surely would, Stand on the Rock Where Moses Stood", thanks Joe & Pat.

Here's another great line from a songrwiter about his song.

"What's different about it is that there's a code in the lyrics, and there's also no sense of time. There's no respect for it. You've got yesterday, today and tomorrow all in the same room, and there's very little you can't imagine not happening"

The link is a Dutch song, somewhat related (from a distance).

Entered at Sat Mar 26 04:48:36 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

About 1:30 in.

Entered at Sat Mar 26 03:27:04 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Mar 26 02:31:00 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

I was playing the second Dillard & Clark album when the words sorta jumped out at me. From the song 'I Bowed My Head and Cried Holy' credited to Clark: "If I could, I surely would, Stand on the rock where Moses stood"

So did Clark's song, released 1969, provide the inspiration for both 'El Condor Pasa' and 'When You Awake' or have I got the timeline fucked up?

Entered at Sat Mar 26 02:04:17 CET 2011 from (174.114.236.169)

Larry LeBlanc

Subject: Archivists

A lot of folks out there collecting archival material and preserving our musical history. Also people kind hoarding musical treasures of the past. Drives me crazy when people hold onto archival stuff that maybe they got from another source and haven't returned.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 22:11:38 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

For Al, Roger, Simon and RTO, I don't mean Sharon and Tracy.

Check out The Decemberists' June Hymn. The song is laden with birds. I suspect they're Twitchers.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 21:49:39 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Glenn Frey also reportedly liked the sports team connection with the Eagles name. Mr. Frey would later portray the general manager for a football team of a different feather, the Arizona Cardinals, in the film "Jerry Maguire". No doubt he was well acquainted with the concept of "show me the money". And as the song says, "the eagle flies on Friday", adding the connotation associated with legal tender.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 21:19:29 CET 2011 from (74.198.87.69)

Kevin J

Acadian Driftwood: Levon did a good bit with this song in a Murray McClauglin tv special ( late 80's ? ) I recall a canoe and period dress-up.......The special also featured the very lovely Buffy St. Marie.....had it on tape at one time but that was a many apartments and few homes ago........Can't lose useless textbooks for some reason but manage to progressively lose everything else.

"He Don't Live Here No More" Starting to warm to this.........Not sure I can ever remember hearing such an unexpected/dignified guitar break in a song of this type - really a pretty standard rock song......Glad that the "radio edit" left it in because it saves the song...................I guess this will be a comfortable song to do live for RR as well which I think might have been part of the calculation............along with rock radio in North America ( at least ) eating up tales of past drug abuse..............

Entered at Fri Mar 25 20:59:05 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Mar 25 20:26:51 CET 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

The Eagles, one story tells, was chosen because three of the band liked the analogy of their music soaring majestically on high. The fourth (I believe Glenn Frey) simply thought the badge would look cool on his jacket. Thank god he only got a 25% share in the vote because they might have been called the Waffen-SS on that basis....

Entered at Fri Mar 25 18:59:21 CET 2011 from (70.77.200.21)

kristie

I am writing a paper on "The Lady of Shallot," and heard that Loreena Mckinnitt sings a version. I listened to it, and even being more of a rock 'n roll kind of girl, nevertheless, found it to be a very beautiful song. I ended up listening to the whole album. It lulled me to sleep and I only finished writing my thesis statement, but hell, that is the most important part anyway.

Are there connections between her and The Band? I can really hear her singing "Acadian Driftwood" in her strange, warbly soprano.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 17:50:48 CET 2011 from (41.97.147.205)

Empty Now

Subject: the tickets century

Sadavid, Thanks for the link, i like the paragraph "the ticket economy is an essential contradiction"

our scalpers use true knives, link above

Entered at Fri Mar 25 17:46:56 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Irving Azoff, the Eagles manager, rose first to become CEO of Ticketmaster and is now chairman of the board of Live Nation Entertainment, which recently purchased the remaining shares of Front Line Management, founded by Mr. Azoff.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 17:07:49 CET 2011 from (68.164.3.187)

Pat B

Note Garth covering both piano and the usual Garthistics.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 16:39:50 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Mar 25 16:16:21 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: logical song

Bill M: try this with your mid-morning latte . . . .

Entered at Fri Mar 25 16:09:31 CET 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Entered at Fri Mar 25 15:56:51 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Mar 25 14:45:16 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Jeff: I do know that the Henley, Frey et al. do own the registered trademark and service mark "Eagles". This came to light several years ago when their partnerships Eagles, Ltd. and Eagles Recording Co. filed a trademark infringement suit against American Eagle Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting American bald eagles. The lawsuit was dismissed, not on its merits, but due to plaintiffs inability to go to trial on schedule.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 14:16:14 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: the tix sell out

Peter V: it's not just block selling, it's also block buying -- your little fingers are up against the 'bots.

Why do they call them "scalpers"?

Entered at Fri Mar 25 14:10:57 CET 2011 from (216.114.128.38)

Mike & Kim Hayward

Subject: Midnight Ramble in Levon's words.

"The scene of crime."

Entered at Fri Mar 25 10:12:07 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

At 8.59 I started dialling for my 9 o'clock attempt to buy Paul Simon tickets. I got through to a recorded message saying "Not open until 9 a.m.' which went on each call up to 9.02. Each call was a premium rate line. At 9.02 it was "Our queue limit has been exceeded". We were trying simultaneously on the computer and got through there at 9.03, at which time the best available seat was Row J to the side, and the little dial showing seats available was at 50%. Still I got one, but pissed off as ever. You know they're block sold to agencies who will re-sell at a profit. This is why Eagles go out at the re-sell price, not the original.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 09:15:42 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

“Eagles” reasoning sounds sound, Jeff. There’s no copyright in title with books (except in Mexico) so I assume it extends to record albums. Anyone could release a “Music From Big Pink “ tomorrow as long as they weren’t passing it off by having a similar cover and artist name. Artists have often run into issues. I mentioned a “The Eagles” from Bristol who charted in the UK in the early 60s. I reckon it’s a pretty obvious name. The Orioles, The Hawks, The Byrds, The Falcons, The Robins. I don’t think there was ever ‘The Vultures’ but it could have been composed of rock managers. Just taken on its own, ‘The Eagles’ is the best of the lot, more so if you’re thinking Americana. It must have occurred to a few garage bands without much imagination.

The British band ‘The Birds’ which featured Ronnie Wood suffered when The Byrds hit big just as The Birds were taking off. The Birds were going first, but were swamped by the success of Mr Tambourine Man. The Byrds allegedly took their odd spelling because of The Beatles.

Then there’s Cliff Richard and The Drifters who had to change their name to Cliff Richard and The Shadows (or sometimes 'His Shadows'). They either hadn’t heard of the US band, or thought it too far away. It’s what Wiki calls “disambiguation” rather than legality, I think.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 06:54:56 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

I've always referred to Eagles as The Eagles. Makes sense, no? Pat pointing out that they are simply called Eagles, and then yesterday, noticing a Eagles CD in a schlock store showcase, with "Eagles" centered made me wonder if their egos were that huge even back at the time of the first record, that centering their name was more important than making grammatical sense was to them. Looking back tonight, a conversation I had with a intellectual property attorney today pertaining to business of my own makes sense out of this. I'm strictly speculating but it makes sense that whether or not they went to trademark or register the name, there was either a existing conflict with someone using the name The Eagles somewhere, or an attorney advised them or tehir label to the potentiality of a conflict with someone using the name The Eagles somewhere.Using plain old "Eagles" would remove the likelihood of someone claiming conflict. For example,. they might have gotten away with using The Eagles in 46 states, but if some band had been using The Eagles in any state, they could be prevented or challenged from using The Eagles in that or those states.I'm thinking using Eagles was legally safe. Using The Eagles not safe.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 06:06:15 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Al Edge - right on the money! I love The Band so much, so to me anything they did has value and is usually pretty incredible.

Entered at Fri Mar 25 00:52:29 CET 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Guys, be thankful that you at least got Jefferson Airplane. Over here in the Uk you'd have got the sodding Third Ear Band.

David: a fair point about the new studio making the "kitchen sink" element of NLSC, and Garth's new synths. We come back to the point that PV made about studio vs live arrangements generally having more breathing space. I'm not sure NLSC fits that argument. Agree on finite number of the extended tunes working, tho' for me it is Forbidden Fruit, Ophelia and Ring Your Bell. Of course, I leave myself open by not liking Acadian Driftwood, but I can deal with that!!!

Entered at Fri Mar 25 00:47:12 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Al Edge

Live or Studio? Shape or Strawberry? RAH or ROA? To pogo or not to pogo?

Phew, I think I need another three year sabbatical just to recover from scanning the last day's posts.

Anyroad for me it's Live AND Studio. Shape AND Strawberry. RAH AND ROA. Fuck the pogoing for a game of soldiers though.

Hi Si, Hi Rog.

:-0)

Entered at Fri Mar 25 00:41:26 CET 2011 from (24.218.200.216)

Tim

Subject: The Band at Brown University 1970

Hey BEG. From best I can tell the Band never played that show and were replaced by Jefferson Airplane. I checked the Brown Student newspaper and while the show was announced in the fall, the post concert reviews does not mention The Band. Great Poster none the less.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 22:22:00 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Pick it Moon. Link is to a Waylon video.

Great discussion here lately. Can hardly keep up. Who'd have thought 'Jake' would have been the topic of so much.

Peter M: I don't suppose your Newf ancestors were steelworkers. Saw a documentary recently on early 20th century high steel construction in NYC. Apparently Newfs and Mohawks were the preferred workers; no fear of heights. Not for me, I have trouble with second story Christmas lights.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 21:44:55 CET 2011 from (71.46.49.251)

JTull Fan

I don't post much here anymore because the Band are beaten to death for me and I rarely find anything new or worthwhile to work over about them anymore, but I always thought the title track to Steely Dan's Pretzel Logic would have been perfect for The Band to cover with Levon on lead and Rick and Richard on backing vocals. 'I'd love to tour the Southland in a traveling minstrel show....'.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 21:42:59 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Mar 24 21:36:15 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

RTO: I would note that NLSC contained just 8 extended songs, which were assembled in the group's new Malibu studio, Shangri-La. The slickness you mention can be attributed to the temptation to take advantage of the studio's full 24-track capability, with many of the tracks used for Garth's various new electronic keyboards & synths. Of the 8 songs, three work best for me -- "It Makes No Difference", "Ophelia" and "Acadian Driftwood".

Entered at Thu Mar 24 21:33:33 CET 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Bill M: I enjoyed last night….not sure why the Lennon drama was included but the bits with Daniel Lanois were very affecting and his reaction to the fire at the Edison was one of those moments not normally left in a documentary.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 21:31:56 CET 2011 from (86.142.91.203)

Simon

Rob, that's an interesting perspective about ROA. I'm in two minds about it as I love some of the arrangements and horns. I've posted before about how, for me, the mood of King Harvest is completely changed. Seeing as how The Band were often perceived as hewing pretty tightly to the studio versions I think it's good that there were some differences/elaborations/embellishments. There's a woozy, slightly tipsy feel to some of the horns that I love. These guys were amazing musicians.

Also have to say I much prefer the live Get Up Jake to the studio version. No contest IMO; the live version is as tight as a gnat's chuff. It's exhilarating how they almost seem to play musical pass the parcel. BTW, great job on the cover, Rob.

But wouldn't it be great if we got the RAH show officially. Looking at what was played (see link) makes me wonder if anyone left there feeling shortchanged. ("Harrumph, they didn't even play The Weight and The Shape I'm In"). I wouldn't have thought that though. Assuming that tracklisting was the complete show, of course.

Adam - good luck with those transcriptions. A very worthwhile project. I don't have the best ear but I've had a go at a few fingerstyle/ chord melody interpretations - Sleeping being one of them - but that's coming along very slowly. There are numerous examples within Band songs of those slash chords that Rob posted about a while ago. Specifically where the root is replaced by a low second i.e. Eb/F, D/E etc. It's something they share with Steely Dan. If those are omitted and just played 'regular' then it always sounds wrong to me.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 20:40:56 CET 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Bill: Having slept on the matter, and had a day at work to think it over, I too am now very firmly my father's son on the subject of the horns. Can see why they did it - a quick live album that offers something new to the punter, on the heels of a semi-turkey (self-evaluation clearly done when considering allocation of Cahoots songs over a double live set) - and as you say, couldn't imagine LIAC without. But with hindsight, I'll take Syria Mosque or RAH any day of the week.

PV is only banging on about The Unthanks because I very stupidly confided my penchant for Rachel U in a nice frock - a good, old fashioned English girl. I bet he doesn't even LIKE them, really. Only kidding - I am sure the uber-lovely RU and her gang did display the right kind of economy, spatial awareness and sense of disciplined ensemble dynamics that our own boys did on early cuts. Might well try and see them later on in London, as you suggested Peter.

Todd - nice one. Nail & head. Cahoots suffers from the standards of the first three not being matched and NL&SC benefits from a dearth of proper new stuff after a brassed-up live set, a covers record and a shgare of a co-effort with Dylan, again live.

I think Cahoots could have been salvaged a bit better by nailing Endless Highway earlier and dusting off Bessie Smith. Not quite sure at the expense of what. Some will say Blacksmiths, some will say The Moon Struck One. For myself, it is The River Hymn that would be first against the wall, and I'm not overly fussed about When I Paint My Mantlepiece (as a mate of mine calls it). That to me is the laziest of all - relying on bloody Dylan after proving you don't need to.

NLSC is not an album I visit much. It's too glossy for me; too slick. Totally agree that it benefitted enormously from a sabbatical of new records

A mate of mine swears blind that after SF, The Band had - his words "had it". I reckon that is way over-generalised but his rationale is solid: he likens good rock and roll to good comedy and reminds me that there were only two series of Fawlty Towers and three of Porridge, and neither has earned a reputation for burning out too soon. They might, he says to the contrary, have instead got a reputation for refusing to lie down when they ought to have done, had they continued. That is how he sees The Band (and Little Feat after FDFMN) too. I don't condone it, merely offer a less diehard fan's perspective.

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Bill M

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Ignatius

Subject: Help finance Ollabelle's next album

If this is already somewhere on the Guestbook, please disregard.

Ollabelle is trying to put together ten grand so they can release their third ablum - something many of us have been anticipating for a long time.

Follow the link and have a look. For 15 bucks you can help, and more or less pre-order a down load of the record.

I love these kids, great talents on their own, but openly continuing the legacy of The Band, and the practice of equal collaboration. I have been looking on without talking much for awhile, but thought this well worth breaking the silence.

Take care, everybody.

Ignatius

Entered at Thu Mar 24 18:10:13 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

I opened up today's "Globe and Mail" for a read over lunch and was surprised to see the following heading at the top of the front page of the Arts section - "ROBBIE ROBERTSON / exclusive stream / How to Become Clairvoyant / It's his first album in 13 years. Hear it first at tgam.ca/arts" (i.e., the link above - then scroll down a bit). I expect that sadavid, our danceability specialist, will be reporting in shortly.

BEG: Thanks for the link to the Garage Hangover articles. Bev Davies, who took a number of the photos used in the Paupers piece, figures in the Neil Young story and provides some interesting historical details in the book "Neil Young Nation". She was in a trio with the two young women who accompanied Young and Palmer on their storied hearse ride south to fame and fortune. Said trio, like our guys, recorded with producer Duff Roman but the recordings weren't released (ever in their case, and until AMH in the Hawks' case).

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bob w.

Peter M., the credit goes to sadavid for that one.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 17:51:21 CET 2011 from (90.239.108.221)

NorthWestCoaster

My sexual therapist has said that I shouldn't visit this site anymore. Shame on you!

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David P

Subject: Howard Roberts Is A Dirty Guitar Player

Bill M: The Band / Howard Roberts connection is that Robbie used a Howard Roberts model Epiphone for several cuts on The Brown Album (see link). The Sundazed label has recently reissued Mr. Roberts' classic 1963 album "Howard Roberts Is A Dirty Guitar Player", recorded at Capitol Studio A in the Hollywood Tower. A must-have for jazz fans, it features two other great musicians, Earl Palmer on drums and Chuck Berghofer on bass.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 17:43:28 CET 2011 from (76.68.83.172)

brown eyed girl

...more bands who represented.....The Toronto Sound. (3 pages)

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brown eyed girl

The Canadian Squires/Levon and The Hawks

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Empty Now

Entered at Thu Mar 24 17:26:02 CET 2011 from (90.239.95.192)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Sacred Harp - never played live

Hark, the Master has spokeneth, but - Peter - I still think your speculations are nonsense. Look after the answer over here: What is in common with all songs The Band never played live?.

Empty Now: Comfort thee, your posts are like Garth's playing.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 17:16:41 CET 2011 from (76.68.83.172)

brown eyed girl

The Band
Ray Charles
Delaney & Bonnie & Friends
James Taylor
Judy Collins

4/24-26/1970
Brown University

Entered at Thu Mar 24 17:03:56 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Pat B: Thanks for both parts of your post. Just to confirm, it was Robbie singing the live versions of TKC? As for Merryweather's "Word of Mouth", among the chowderheaded things I've done is dump my copy of the One Way reissue on CD on the grounds that, hey, I already have the vinyl. But now the vinyl's packed away, the turntable's died and CDs are so damned convenient (if ugly and tinny and no fun to hold and read). All this to say, I haven't heard "I Need Love" in many many years.

The link above is to a Howard Roberts discog. If you scroll about 95% of the way through, to 1969, you'll get to "Word of Mouth" and a follow-on link to Neil Merryweather's own fascinating site.

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Pat B

Entered at Thu Mar 24 16:52:11 CET 2011 from (69.182.53.54)

Todd

Subject: Revisiting Cahoots & NLSC

Quite a few weeks ago, after a Cahoots “Friend or Foe” discussion, I decided to re-listen to both Cahoots and NLSC in some kind of weird self-imposed contest about which album had more songs that have held up over the years. My premise was that Cahoots had at least 3 or 4 really good songs, but was viewed as a disappointment to many at the time. NLSC (in my opinion) had about 4 really good songs, but was seen as a return to form and praised.

Well, I’m sure I had some well formed opinions and cogent discussion planned in my head at the time, but I got busy and now I can’t remember too much about what I was going to say, other than my original opinions hadn’t changed much. I still like 3 or 4 from Cahoots quite a bit, and also about 4 from NLSC. (Funnily enough, I have NLSC playing right now, and I’m actually enjoying it more than I did a few weeks ago). Must be in the right mood for it. Regardless of my opinion about specific tracks, it does hold together well as an “Album”. But I do think that Cahoots suffered from following directly on the heels of three fantastic albums, while NLSC benefited from an increased appetite from fans for new material that had built up over a four-year period.

The recent mentions of Steely Dan reminded me of a thought that I had a few weeks ago while listening to NLSC. It really struck me how much ‘Rags & Bones’ sounds like it could have been a Steely Dan song……even down to Richard’s vocal phrasing. Wonder if Donald Fagen has ever done a cover version of it. It would fit him like a glove.

And that I think might be the crux of my sometimes resistance to NLSC. I enjoy a lot of Steely Dan, but when I’m listening to The Band, they occupy a different musical feel for me and when I start comparing them with Steely Dan whether consciously or subconsciously, it’s distracting. If I want the Steely Dan sound; I’ll just listen to Steely Dan.

That being said, I’ve seen Donald Fagen at few Rambles with Levon, and he fits right in! But he seems to have a little more of a roots feel and organic approach in the Ramble situation….even when he performs Steely Dan material like ‘Black Friday’.

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brown eyed girl

Ok Bill M.....I'm confused here. The Hawk in 1969 Toronto Pop Festival at Varsity Stadium, Toronto???? Is this really The Hawk????? Who are the other musicians????
I've walked by this place many times as I live downtown and previously attended University of Toronto but have only written an exam here. :-(

Entered at Thu Mar 24 16:50:39 CET 2011 from (68.164.3.187)

Pat B

adam2, pjlbrennanatmindspringdotcom.

Bill M, again, I saw a somewhat extensive review of Mord of Mouth on the inet somewhere and listened to I Need Love for the first time in a long time. That organ has not mellowed with age. Still a screamer.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 16:38:02 CET 2011 from (76.99.245.65)

Peter M.

Subject: hey hey Bob

Bob, your timing was impeccable. Yesterday I was driving to work listening to NPR and I got tired of the gloomy news about the world situation, and switched to WXPN, only to hear the last few "deedle ums" of Acadian Driftwood fading out. I muttered "Damn!" and thought that maybe I had my Northern Lights CD in the bag I bring in to work. No such luck, but it got me to thinking about whether there was a live version of this one out there. It's been a favorite of mine since I first heard it in 1975. My father's father migrated to New York from Newfoundland, and met and married my grandmother, a fellow Newfoundlander in Brooklyn. There's an expression that "Newfies find each other". I lived in Tulsa in the early 1970's and witnessed this when I told my grandmother that a friend's grandmother was also from Newfoundland. Turns out they were both from Witless Bay, and knew each other. I returned to the Philadelphia suburbs after a few years in Oklahoma and took up again with my high school girlfriend. We lived together for several years before realizing that her father's side of the family were all Newfies as well. After the disappointment of catching just the last few notes of Acadian Driftwood in the car yesterday, it was refreshing to see and hear your post first thing after I woke up today! And I love live music, "warts and all". Yeah, the studio stuff has the ability to be worked on and polished until the musicians feel it is ready for release... but live is a whole 'nother animal.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 16:34:21 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

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Ben Pike

Subject: Safety Masters

Me, I've always been very satisfied with 75 Basement Tapes album, and really felt that got the core of it, controversies noted. A year or so back this guy at the "Croz FM" website (he archives the Dylan Radio Show) had all these fantastic boots you could download, and I got a bunch of stuff. I'll pay if he ever puts his site up again. Anyway, he had this thing called "The Basement Tape Safety Masters" which were first generation copies of some songs Neil Young got off Garth or something. Anyway, almost by accident I started listening to them, and they sounded really great on my computer, a lot better than the "Genuine" series which has pretty bad sound if you ask me. Finally I took down the Sid Griffith book and found out why, these were two track stereo as Garth mixed them, later put into Mono (on the tracks used) on the album. Anybody else got these? Man, they sound great.

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David P

Shortly after the release of "Music From Big Pink" in the summer of 1968, Rick suffered a broken neck in a car accident and the group was unable to tour until the following spring.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 15:18:10 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Such a shame this amazing song didn't get its due in TLW. Over the years it has become my favorite Band song by a wide margin and has aged beautifully. Quintessential.

Thanks for the reminder.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 14:58:29 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

sadavid, here's the link for the lineup on the original recording. May be some help in sorting out that great live rendition.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 14:48:36 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: live music

Who plays what on this version?

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Bill M

RtO: I'm with the old boy re the horns. Can't imagine "Life Is A Carnival" without them, but otherwise would prefer just Garth on sax (if that). And like Peter V I'd prefer just about all studio versions to their live counterparts - pretty much for the reasons he states.

Pat B: The Yonge doc had a nice clip of Ed Roth playing with the Tripp in '66 (post Richard Bell). At a related party last night the original Sparrows organist (CJ Feeny) and I were nattering on about how great Ed was/is. And CJ, like you, knows quality.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 12:53:33 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

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brown eyed girl

The Band
Guelph, Ontario
1969

Joe Harrison
musician and designer from Guelph, Ontario

Entered at Thu Mar 24 12:20:15 CET 2011 from (76.68.83.172)

brown eyed girl

Toronto Pop Festival
Saturday June 21, 1969
The Band
Music From Big Pink

"Other highlights were Al Kooper with a whole horn section and The Band changing instuments every 4 or 5 songs."

The night I met Bill M and Jan Haust...I also met "Wittgenstein" who apparently was at this first lgig The Band performed live!

Dominic said...
"Hey, I was there also....Saturday was great, most memorable was Winter and Sly..we were right up front! I got a poster of Winter, by John Parr....still have it, but it's now signed by Winter...what a great show....I have some fotos I took of Alice, Man, Rotary, the Band, Winter none of Velvet or Sly....I was also gone by the tyme Steppenwolf came on Sunday...do you remember the food fight on the field on Sunday afternoon??? Later, I went to Woodstock, and again, was right up front on Saturday!!..what a great year that was! Now all we get is 50 Stinks and Lady Crap Crap...." December 5, 2010 8:37 PM

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Peter V

When The Band first appeared on record, the spaces were what struck people. In the early 60s, the average five piece group played all the time. You’re on organ. You play right through the song, after all the others do. As soul came in and horn sections appeared, the others looked askance at the horn players, who were quite content to stand there waiting for their part. If you’re a trumpet player you expect to spend most of the evening standing around. No one expects you to play along with the riff. The Band left spaces. They had no urge to play all the time.

Going back to The Unthanks last night, they had two singers and eight musicians. They very rarely had all ten going at the same time. In most numbers, one or two would go offstage because they weren’t needed. That gives the variety and dynamic that the early Band had. I think there’s enormous pressure on a live stadium show not to just sit on your hands, but to join in and do SOMETHING. Anything.

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Empty Now

Subject: Cortez, Cavaignac, Shirō Ishii... and Lothar Von Trotta

Guns and diseases inoculation alone were not enough for the Conquistadors to genocide 10 millions Incas in 50 years. The mission required techniques and imagination, as what Neil Young sings "They carried them to the flatlands / And they died along the way"

The "enfumades" episod in 1845, [asphyxiation of indigenous people inside caves by the French troops], would have remained completely unknown for history, if a certain Captain Pelissier haven’t addressed a report to the Royal Commission.
One of the massacre commanders, Marshal Saint-Arnaud, who had a perfect knowledge of the psychological profile of his Captain who for sending the report was mainly motivated by the need to write a beautiful text, responded during the collective trial to the Royal Commission with one single phrase:
"I always believed that nobody distrusts enough of the literature"
Indeed, in Pelissier's report, you can taste as delightful paragraphs as "We massacred entire populations whose guilt still remain that they just exposed themselves to our furor"

[about Unit 731 – paragraph self-censored by poster in association with current News]

all that jazz, you can always find matter for fun or curiosity, but poisoning wells in the desert,…
where water is so rare and poison may remain a long time,…
this was the Herero-Namaqua genocide, see link above for more

Band Connection: more than often my posts are motivated by the only need to write (onanism ?)

Entered at Thu Mar 24 11:04:02 CET 2011 from (86.162.219.38)

RTO

Yes, Peter - filling the spaces. All that gratuitous lead guitar over UOCC on TLW. What was that all about?

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Peter V

Live recordings … inferior is the wrong word. I prefer the studio cuts on almost everything. There’s a subtletly in the interplay that gets slightly lost. They rarely focus on the lyrics with such intent, and there isn’t quite the sense of space and gaps in the music. They tend to fill the spaces. Recording live gigs was nowhere near as good as it became either. I remember thinking at Wembley 1974 that everything was the best they’d ever played it, but recordings show it wasn’t by any means. Same with recordings of the British 90s tour. Live is better when you’re at the event.

On the other hand, I saw The Unthanks last night for the second time in a week. Trust me, “Last” their new album is superb. They play most of it on new shows too. I listened right through going to the show … it lasted exactly the 35 miles, and again coming back. The live bit in between really was the best of the lot. They have a string quartet, trumpet, piano and two guys switching between acoustic bass, drums, electric bass, guitar and ukulele. There’s something about the sound of a live string quartet that is unsurpassable. In a hall (a small theatre) with a brilliant acoustic, it was magical. We floated out afterwards on a cloud of serenity. I don’t know how you describe it. Their roots are Northumbrian folk song, but they really have created something new. Avant-folk? They also cover Tom Waits and King Crimson AND incorporate it seamlessly into their sound. They covered Robert Wyatt too on Saturday, but didn't do that one last night.

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Adam2

Entered at Thu Mar 24 06:51:44 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

1969:

04/19 - Winterland, San Francisco, CA

05/09 - Fillmore East, New York, NY

07/xx - Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA

08/16 - Woodstock Festival

08/31 - Isle Of Wight Festival

12/xx - Felt Forum, New York, NY

1970:

01/01 - Colden Auditorium, Flushing, NY

01/31 - Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA

06/xx - Festival Express

07/xx - Festival Express

07/10 - Hollywood Bowl, CA

11/xx - Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, PA

11/05 - Cousens Gym, Medford, MA

11/07 - Polytech Institute, Worcester, MA

1971:

05/xx - European tour

06/xx - European tour

06/30 - Central Park, New York, NY

08/21 - Borough Of York, Toronto, Canada

12/06 - Boston Garden, Boston, MA

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Todd

Subject: Is it rolling Bob?

I thought they played 16 years on the road together! At least that’s the impression that I got from The Last Waltz? ;-) (Just kidding really….I’m aware of the gaps in the schedule).

But, I think the take-away from the point that Adam is making, is that The Band functioned at their best as a live ensemble whether on stage or in the studio. Their studio approach being more of a live off the floor situation rather than an extensive layering of tracks approach ala The Beatles in their Sgt. Pepper mode, or some of the Steely Dan in-studio constructions.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 05:35:38 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

After 8 years of grinding it out, they had definitely lost the urge to be road warriors. And even their last "tour" had trouble keeping the wheels on. From 1983 on, however, they played Chicago at least a couple of times a year, sometimes opening big shows (CSN, the Dead), mostly clubs.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 05:17:55 CET 2011 from (76.66.124.50)

brown eyed girl

.....and this one is for "Red" who actually saw him back in the day.....Thanks so much again for making a copy of his CD for me. Bumbles searched for his own copy.......

Entered at Thu Mar 24 04:48:29 CET 2011 from (76.66.124.50)

brown eyed girl

This is for you Cabbagetown Bonk! Bill M! Is that Michael Fonfara on organ?!!! I get it now......I missed so much....

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Adam2

Entered at Thu Mar 24 04:42:09 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

But for instance, your comment on Great Divide kind of confuses me. Like I said, that arrangement (the segue, dropping the key from G to F) isn't really all that altered though - they had been doing that since early 1970, and on ROA the only thing different with the arrangement is that it's in F and there's a full horn section with them. The structure is just the same as it had been on the 2nd album. Likewise, the Dixie/Great Divide is exactly the same on Royal Albert Hall '71 and Hollywood Bowl '70 (less than a week after Festival Express).

You are right that they worked heavily with Hawkins and Dylan, and then decided to kick back and write their own music/record their own albums. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they toured quite regularly in 1969, 1970, and 1971. I personally don't count 1972 as an "off" year, as they were focusing on the production/mixing/release of Rock Of Ages (and all the work that went into that). 1973 is definitely seen as the "lost" year, with the group hesitantly starting up again with Moondog Matinee and the three '73 shows.

But my comment that they were a live band at heart isn't really referring to them playing tons and tons of live shows during their career as The Band. I meant that playing in a live environment, on stage together, was probably where they felt most comfortable, and where their musical personalities and arrangements really gelled the most naturally (free of studio confines and deadlines). Just look at the first three studio albums: while they did overdub horns and other things here and there, they are mostly the sound of the group playing together live (albeit polished).

Entered at Thu Mar 24 04:39:55 CET 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

By the way Adam, keep it coming! I'm enjoying this bit of good banter. Keeps us all away from pink scarf territory, or whether Levon is really taller than Robbie despite all the photographs showing that he isn't!!!!

Here's a tale from a couple of years ago: My father rang and I mentioned RoA because I had the expanded CD on in the background. "Oh, I didn't like it much, son" said Pa. "Those bloody horns got on my nerves on every song. Would have been effective used sparingly, but ended up like poxy Blood Sweat & Tears". A different view, but the old boy is entitled. As time goes on, having heard a lot more 70-71 stuff from the basic Band quintet - and despite having a better grasp than Dad of the character of a Crescent City horn arrangement versus BST! - I find myself starting to agree in some ways.

Sadly it is so late in Surrey, UK now that it is almost early! Time to retire, but will check in again tomorrow. Good luck with your transcriptions, Adam - sounds a fascinating body of work to be involved in.

Entered at Thu Mar 24 04:13:49 CET 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

I don't think that "live performances are inferior" is the message that was trying to be put over, Adam. Certainly not from me anyway. As I said - you have to separate out a good live performance from the completely different topic of arrangement adaptation, and how your taste finds these adapted arrangements compared to some (even then) cherished and highly regarded recorded songs. Rock of Ages is one of my favourite live albums, period. Few here would disagree with that. Allen Toussaint, too, is a huge hero. Across The Great Divide dropped a tone to F to enable a harmonically workable segue out of Dixie in C? Sounds laboured to me; don't like it; ATGD dances along nicely in original G. But the musicians playing this revised arrangement are doing a great job of it. Two different topics.

Stuff like Festival Express and Albert Hall '71 renditions, on the other hand, I prefer because not only are they ridiculously good performances, but the familiar arrangements and thus original concept of the song remains. But still two different arguments.

And were The Band really a live act at heart? They were extremely good live, for sure. But weren't they also the band that after years working themselves to death with The Hawk and Dylan, decided to kick back and write some songs, make a record? Weren't they the act that Bill Graham had to beg on his knees to do any shows at all? Didn't they stay off the road for much of 72 and 73 because of some members' condition/health?

Entered at Thu Mar 24 04:13:35 CET 2011 from (24.108.12.129)

BONK

The last five minutes of to-nights show on Bravo made me cry. Here's a guy that brought so much feeling and great music to YONGE Street and he probably doesn't have a dime to his name. I was 17 in 1969 and I have so many memories from that time. Shit, Edjo, owes me a cigar that isn't wet!

Entered at Thu Mar 24 01:47:56 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

For example, W.S. Walcott. The subtle arrangement tweaks when they played it live greatly improved on the studio original. The re-structured intro (much more exciting), the instrumental refrain added after Garth's solo (which gave Robbie space to play some really rocking guitar), the ending. It's a perfect example of a song that they really improved on and perfected the arrangement live.

I think it's funny that some would consider the live performances inferior, because to me that's missing the whole point of the group. They were, at heart, a live band. I mean they spent the better part of 16 years on the road. The studio albums were works of art, but once they got back home on the road, the songs really gelled and settled in to their natural arrangements.

Rock Of Ages has been a great source for my arrangement studying, because I feel that they really were at their musical peak by the time of the 1972 break. They didn't really change their arrangements for ROA all that much - Caledonia Mission and Get Up Jake are the only real songs I hear any big change in arrangement. King Harvest, W.S. Walcott, Dixie (not including the added horn intro), Great Divide, Rag Mama Rag, Unfaithful Servant, Chest Fever - they all featured the same live arrangements they were playing live up to that point. Which really reinforces what Allen Toussaint said about the album (paraphrasing) - "I wanted to make sure that I didn't change what they already had musically, and instead embellish the sound around them as if I was an instrument in the group."

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sadavid

Subject: through these doors

A nice period photo of The Hawk's Nest (exterior, unfortunately), plus some other stuff.

Entered at Wed Mar 23 21:17:08 CET 2011 from (86.142.91.203)

Simon

I've just finished a bunch of exams and deliberately stayed offline as much as possible the last six weeks or so and only discovered the sad news about Steve a fortnight ago.

I just wanted to say that I've been thinking a lot about Marge and family and what they must be going through. Despite any differences of opinion we may have had (and that's all they were) I always respected Steve and was a secret admirer of his idealism and hardworking nature. There was a keen sense of him wanting the world to be a better place ... and if I may paraphrase something Norbert said about Steve: you could just tell he was the kind of person you'd have been proud to call a neighbour, someone loyal to his family and friends, someone who'd always be willing to help others out if need be.

Sincere condolences to Marge and family and I do hope Marge can check in from time to time to let us know how thing are going.

RIP Steve ... I will raise a glass to your memory.

Entered at Wed Mar 23 21:05:04 CET 2011 from (92.238.33.140)

RTO

Again, good debate. Some say better live, PV says not...

I think that the Albert Hall '71 is a great show but that the performances there were more faithful to the original arrangements. In such a situation, I would agree that the live versions are killer and, without making changes, might well improve upon the feel of a tune such as TSII. Move on a few months to the Rock of Ages shows and you aren't getting the same deal. Arrangements tweaked (often for the horns) and altered rather than just played well as originally intended. I think you've got to separate a great live performance from arrangements that have been tampered with and evaluate each in turn. I love the former scenario but by and large am with PV on the latter.

Like I've said before: Time To Kill with accents and pushes in the opening phrase, Chest Fever with different verse dynamics and lyric pauses...two examples where the fragile character of the originals are obliterated in the name of "Raaawwwk!"

Entered at Wed Mar 23 20:17:16 CET 2011 from (76.66.125.216)

brown eyed girl

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:39:40 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Hall & Oates do "The Weight"

Daryl Hall's recent webcast salute to his former bandmate, the late-great T-Bone Wolk, includes a wonderful version of "The Weight", along with some other great content. (Thanks Butch for the link!)

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:37:14 CET 2011 from (86.169.140.150)

Dunc

Subject: Roger

Thanks, Roger. I'll be going if it works out.

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:31:34 CET 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:15:17 CET 2011 from (41.97.233.97)

Empty Now

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:14:12 CET 2011 from (76.66.125.216)

brown eyed girl

....especially for NYC Jon Lyness!
Before we met in NYC....I bet we were at many of the same shows. I think one time when Crabgrass and I were at The Bottom Line to see Buddy and Julie Miller one New Year's Eve that you were there too!

Hey Ray. Many thanks for the info. Ever since Louuu got involved with Amnesty International....He saw the light and developed his political awareness.

Jerry and Deee....Both my late parents worked in factories (my paternal grandfather who I also lived with did own two businessess but once we lost them when I was quite young....We quickly became proletarianized....as Karl Marx would say.) I'm also a Union member even though it's a professional one called a Federation. I call it a UNION....'cause all I own is my labour power and my dignity.

Bill M...I was just being overly dramatic with you the other day. When I have more time I'll post about the Yonge Street - Toronto Rock and Roll Stories.....For now....

Jan Haust!!!! BRAVO!

Bill M even hung out with him and Maud and Joni Mitchell's daughter at one of Garth's shows. It was the night I first met Bill M. So funny.....He goes up to my friend who has green eyes......Bill!!!! I'm the brown eyed girl! LOL

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:12:09 CET 2011 from (41.97.233.97)

Empty Now

Wow! Ilkka, I began wondering "where are the two coasters gone ?"

I begin to accommodate with riddles at the google age, I guessed that if NorthWestCoaster leaves it at the title level, it's surely the first google result that appears using the straight expression "Finnish female writer" as searchkey ===---- google result : Umayya Abu-Hanna

On a Sacred Harp related chapter I would take benefit while I have the micro in hand to add that Thomas Mann's Doctor Faustus is among the most serious list of "the best German novels of the 20th century" m see link above please

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:07:07 CET 2011 from (94.172.128.233)

Roger

Subject: Paul Simon

Paul Simon tickets go on sale (public on Friday at 9.00, priority if you have access on Thursday) for a short tour this summer - late June. Glasgow for Dunc, Bournemouth for Peter, Birmingham or Nottingham for me...

Not cheap - £50 - £70. I recently bought tickets for the Webb Sisters in May which were a quarter of the price. But it's probably an opportunity not to be missed.

Good to hear from you Al...

Entered at Wed Mar 23 19:06:55 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

. . . could make even 79 years seem much, much longer . . . .

Entered at Wed Mar 23 18:41:52 CET 2011 from (90.239.84.53)

NorthWestCoaster

Sorry, no wiser paraphrase, but it reminded me about the words of a Finnish female writer: "It is easy to be brave if you are not scared."

Entered at Wed Mar 23 17:42:16 CET 2011 from (64.129.187.2)

Bashful Bill

Subject: dancin to the oldies.....

At one of the CSNY shows at which The Band opened I saw David Crosby, sidestage, dancing his ass off as they played TSII. Conversely, at a later show(I saw 2 of the CSNY reunion shows) I saw him dancing as Santana played. At the latter show I also saw him smack his lips and pick up and pocket a joint which someone tossed up on the stage at his feet. Maybe he's a bad example to use as an argument that TSII is dancable......

Entered at Wed Mar 23 17:26:09 CET 2011 from (99.124.83.242)

Dee

Subject: Al's Post

Al

You're right....damn depressing film.

Things aren't as dramatic here of late. Court said passing the bill ending collective bargaining was NOT legal. Violated the Open Meeting laws.State Top Legal Elected person said it was....now to an Appeals Court.

The company I was with simply sent the work out of the country. Not many Union folk left at GE. Am guessing the Governor couldn't "out-source" the schools!:)

Entered at Wed Mar 23 17:15:59 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Mar 23 16:59:48 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83 not to be missed.

Good to hear from you Al...

"Long may we take refuge In another harbor
We relive by thoughCET 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Since you profess to be a young lad, Dr.(Friend0 wishes to dispense this observation that refers to a statement of yours: In one way or another, many a thing in life "has more meaning than it might initially seem." Don't forget that and there is a chance you shall succeed in your undertakings.

Entered at Sun Mar 20 01:50:34 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Neon sign was flashing from Liverpool to the friggin desert.

I hope the good spirits are smiling upon ye.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 20:37:49 CET 2011 from (79.202.163.158)

Norb

have a nice weekend all.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 20:18:18 CET 2011 from (79.202.163.158)

Norbert

Subject: 1976 Stevie Nicks: Rhiannon

Looking back Stevie didn't only have the looks, but also masters a fantastic voice.

She would have pulled any Fleedwood Mac from obscure bars to the top of the world. And I still like her.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 19:16:57 CET 2011 from (79.202.163.158)

Norbert

Subject: Lost Waltz Footage

Don't know if this was passed on already, anyway see the link.

"The amazing finale to The Last Waltz! This amazing footage gives you a whole new idea to just how great the lineup was, and now thanks to this footage, Richard Manuel is seen singing his verse in the Bob Dylan classic he was known for . You also get to see Eric Clapton playing the guitar solo, and Paul Butterfeild playing harmonica, as well as all the other guests."

"this is the camera from the centre of the concert hall that shot the full 6 hrs you can find a bootleg dvd of the full concert unedited and all the songs besides dont do it"

Entered at Sat Mar 19 15:49:32 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Welcome back.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 13:29:53 CET 2011 from (76.68.83.209)

brown eyed girl

Here's another one Serenity.

Also, belated thanks for the heads up on Louuu's "Berlin" show. Some of it I really liked, but at times his voice was so shot that it's better to go back to the record. It was always such a HEAVY recording for me that I can rarely revisit it. I still can remember thinking the crying children in one song was really happening.......I was so freaked out at the time.

"Get Up Jake" always reminds me of Bashfull Bill telling his son to get up. ;-D

Entered at Sat Mar 19 12:35:32 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

The Desert Tortoise

I can see it now. Rain sheeting down. Mississippi riverboat tied up at the quayside. A tearful Gary Cooper cradling the grimacing Burt Lancaster in the mud outside the saloon, telling him he's not about to die. Burt, indignant, insisting he is. Henry Fonda and his endless leather coat walking off in the distance, pausing to growl at a kid on crutches. Barbara Stanwyck giving Lorne Greene and Parnell Roberts down the banks. :-0)

Entered at Sat Mar 19 12:20:26 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

The Desert Tortoise

Fuck me Jeff - you got extra sensory perception or what!!!!!!! More chance of sneaking up on Obama than you. The Bronx friggin bloodhound.

;-0)

And trust feckin Tennessee Ernie Ford to try and spoil a good weepie. Always the same. Ever since Adam [2] was a lad. Always the advocate of the devil. Well BWNITWIT I'm with Adam on this one. It's far too good an interpretation to spurn.

I can see it now. Rain sheeting down. Mississippi riverboat tied up at the quayside. Gary Cooper cradling Burt Lancaster in the mud outside the saloon, begging him not to die. Henry Fonda and his endless leather coat walking off in the distance. Barbara Stanwyck giving Lorne Greene and Parnell Roberts down the banks. :-0)

Mmmmm.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 10:21:45 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Sat Mar 19 10:10:47 CET 2011 from (41.97.156.150)

Empty Now

Subject: what's in a portrait

“Grandson, just have a strong sense of justice and you‘ll enjoy general consideration, it’s not for wealth, nor warlike or theocratic power”
Being a child I didn’t really understand, I had just to recall, remain in admiration towards this credo which over the decades I wished and tried to fit, but never know, all I know is that him, he truly embodied this values of justice, and many more… my brain template and model of admiration

Excerpt from biography ( [link] expand Ve République) :

“He weighs the consequences of his opinions and knows that his life was threatened, but he refuses vehemently any protection. On August 28th, 1959, he is murdered”

As I once posted before, even president Eisenhower expressed his admiration towards this stand

Entered at Sat Mar 19 09:47:47 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

What lines do you interpret as representing Jake "hiding out from Dirty Dan"?

I don't think saying "There's no need a-dyin'" to someone dying in your arms is unrealistic at all. In fact, it seems rather poignant. If someone you're close to was dying in your arms, wouldn't you hold them close and try to talk to them and keep them with you... even if you knew the wound was fatal? "Come on Jake, don't go now. You're too young for this. We're gonna get you to fixed up, ok? It's gonna be ok." I think it's extremely logical that someone in that situation would say something like that. The narrator isn't calmly saying "Jake, there's no need for dying" in a straight, flat voice. He's pleading with him, wanting Jake to fight to stay alive even though he knows Jake is going. "Come on Jake, there's no need a-dyin'. Annabelle's cryin' and it's all for you". I really wasn't separating the final two lines at all in my interpretation. The narrator tells Jake that "Annabelle's cryin' and it's all for you" in the same way I described - as motivation and to strengthen his will to stay alive. How are the two lines not tied together in my interpretation? And who said Annabelle is nowhere to be found while all this is going on? It seems pretty clear that she's right there, or around the scene. Hence the narrator hears her crying, and tells Jake so that he fights to stay alive.

If Annabelle's crying because she loves Jake and not Dirty Dan, why doesn't she just tell Dirty Dan she doesn't love him? Why wouldn't she just go to where Jake was in secret, or better yet just leave and start a new life with Jake somewhere else? What doesn't make sense is that Annabelle loves and wants Jake, but she just accepts that she can't have him simply because some other guy is around who she doesn't love.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 06:44:36 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

The ROA arrangement is more thought out, and benefits from having Richard take the first verse, as well as the added solos and ending. The singing at the end sounds more like a sorrowful refrain (listen to Richard's voice especially) rather than a sing-a-long at odds with the lyrics. But they do omit Jake's death in the lyrics.

I've always thought the non-horn ROA songs were wonderful. As Rob Bowman said, the album was always so satisfying hearing the horn songs with select non-horn songs mixed evenly throughout.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 06:39:17 CET 2011 from (74.179.54.146)

BWNWITenn

I don't think it's a realistic interpretation that if someone was dying in your arms, you'd say "There's no need for dying." And Adam's interpretation seems to separate the final line from the previous line - basically "Don't die/Annabelle's crying because you're about to die."

I think the significance of the final line is that Annabelle's crying because she wants Jake and doesn't have him (possibly because he's been busy hiding) - she's missing him because she loves him and not Dirty Dan. That interpretation cleanly ties the final two lines together, and makes the meaning of them as "Nobody's going to die because Annabelle doesn't love Dirty Dan anyway (so there's no point in a duel for her affections)."

That makes more sense to me. I just don't buy "There's no need a-dying" as a line that would be spoken to someone who's in the process of dying, it doesn't make sense. And that also renders the final line as somewhat awkward - why would she be crying if he wasn't even dead yet? She knows he's been mortally wounded, the whole town knows, she's crying for him, but she's nowhere to be found as his co-worker cradles him in arms as he dies? That's too illogical.

Taken my way, the whole point of the song is that Jake's buddy is telling him, "Get up, stop hiding out, you don't need to worry about dying because Dan's not going to kill you, but people are waiting for the ferry, so get up and go to work."

All of this analysis has also made me realize what a crappy name "Dirty Dan" is for the antagonist - come on Robbie, couldn't you at least have come up with "Outlaw Pete"?

Entered at Sat Mar 19 04:55:40 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

I do think they improved on the arrangement. The studio version is very back and forth with no dynamics. The live version shows they worked on making it more interesting with the organ break and the sing-alongs at the end, but even those sing-alongs are weird given that you've just learned Jake is dead.

One last thing. It's placement on the vinyl really worked against it. RoA was such a rush with the horn section blazing away for three songs. Then here's this little ditty that seems like an outtake followed by Walcott and the blazing horns again, including Garth on tenor sax. I listened to that first side with a friend named Don who was/is a superb classical bassist. We needed to hear those first three songs then moved on to the rest of the three sides. I know there are other songs without the horns, but they all did pale to the songs with the section. Funny, too, I didn't realize they divided the show up ala TLW, bringing the horns on for the second part, until I got Academy of Outtakes.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 03:50:56 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Scouser, welcome back. Your brevity is uncharacteristic.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 00:23:10 CET 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

You asked about thoughts on the Garth CD.......Check archives of this GB for my version of a review - January 4 was the post.

Entered at Sat Mar 19 00:15:09 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Fri Mar 18 23:47:37 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Fri Mar 18 23:46:44 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: Queen Mum and her records - from Wilf Carter to Scaffold to Paul Simon

Who'da thunk it?

Fred in Japan, who could probably use something to smile about, will appreciate the fact that Wilf Carter was also Stompin' Tom's idol. Wonder if she ever heard "Sudbury the fact that Wilf Carter was also Stompin' Tom's idol. Wonder if she ever heard "Sudbury Saturday Night"?

Entered at Fri Mar 18 23:28:32 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Adam2: Great job. Like others, I hadn't really paid attention to the lyrics past the lazy-slob start. Still, I can't help but suspect that it started out in Robbie's mind as one thing but ended up as something else entirely - from the old ditty about the drunken sailor all the way to "Long Black Veil" meets "Staggerlee".

Entered at Fri Mar 18 22:32:40 CET 2011 from (67.250.113.92)

Lars

Subject: High Falls Cafe- Phel. Phunk

I have a 10 year old yellow Lab that I named Jake, after the song "Get Up Jake." I've always liked that song, but I never heard it at any of The Band concerts I went to.

On this deal with Randy Ciarlante and Phelonious Phunk at High Falls Cafe tomorrow (Sat) night: be advised that I just got off the phone (845-687-2699) with the HFC and they have all the tables sold out & they have standing room only, or you can belly up to the bar and HEAR the band, but you won't be able to see them from there. They ARE taking dinner reservations for the other (newly renovated) dining room on the other side of the bar, which is not even close to the dining room where the band is playing.

I just wanted to let people know before they traveled all the way to High Falls to see Randy & the phunkers.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 21:43:16 CET 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

Thanks for that analysis. The lyrics go through my head often, but I never actually thought about them as a whole story.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 21:00:11 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

That version of "Get Up Jake" from YouTube is the stereo mix that was included as one of the bonus cuts on the 2000 Capitol remaster of "The Band". The stereo version was also later included on the compilation box "A Musical History". More recently, the mono single mix was included as a bonus cut on the 2009 Audio Fidelity gold-CD version of The Brown Album. This audiophile disc is the best-sounding CD version, as it is the only digital version mastered from the original master tapes which were unavailable for previous CD reissues.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 20:44:10 CET 2011 from (216.114.128.38)

Mike & Kim Hayward

Subject: Phelonius Phunk gig tomorrow night in NY.

Randy Ciarlante (frmr The Band co-drummer) & bandmates are @ Hill Falls Cafe (NY) tomorrow night.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 20:33:13 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Thanks, Kevin and Joe. I am happy to give any band their due for a great performance. And happier yet if I am in attendance!

My friend out in Carmel works for Monterey International and Great Big Sea is on their roster as is the Levon Helm Band (according to their website) among many others. He sees a lot of great performances and really enjoyed the show. If you ever have the opportunity to see a show at the Sunset Center in Carmel......GO!

Entered at Fri Mar 18 20:27:03 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Entered at Fri Mar 18 20:05:43 CET 2011 from (70.53.46.130)

Kevin J

Entered at Fri Mar 18 19:47:14 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

The Desert Tortoise

Notice the You Tube write up wrongly credits it as being on The Band album.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 19:43:44 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Subject: Assorted passings

Link is very interesting to recent passings. Music related.

CYA soon xoxoxoxo

Entered at Fri Mar 18 19:45:02 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

The Desert Tortoise

Subject: Jake

Is this the 'B' side version? Looks like a recent addition to You Tube. First hearing seems sparser than ROA live version.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 19:23:14 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The British Capitol B-side (which coincidentally I sent Jan a scan of earlier this week) doesn't mention Rock of Ages, so they'd sussed it by then.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 19:10:16 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Outtake Jake

Dave H: Instead of Side A, Cut 1 on "Stage Fright", a mono mix of the studio version of "Get Up Jake" was first released as the B-Side of the single "Ain't Got No Home" in 1973 (see link). I've mentioned my copy of that 45 in a Vinyl Siding post in the past. The label incorrectly identifies it as the live version that first appeared on "Rock of Ages" in 1972.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 19:03:54 CET 2011 from (41.97.192.30)

Empty Now

just found a picture of the man on the net, in a local newspaper i once described his portrait with one concise phrase :
"looks like somebody to better not have him as your boss"
it says it all

Entered at Fri Mar 18 18:34:45 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was interested in Get Up Jake too … one I’d never really thought about either.

Dr John was 10 years ago. How time flies. I’ve seen Van clock off at 90 minutes two or three times, and been in audiences he’s sworn at. I’ve also seen him do two and a half hours, and those are sublime nights because he goes on when he’s enjoying it. But Van does it rather better than Dr John. When Van decides to go for 90 minutes, the decision is made around 75 minutes. There will be a song like Help Me, where he’ll clock watch and add or subtract verses or solos. He knows on those nights (when he inevitably does the final medley with Brown Eyed Girl & Gloria) exactly how long the medley is. Say it’s 9 minutes. Then he’ll truncate the earlier song so the medley begins at 81 minutes and is complete. Thus it all rounds off with a proper ending. Dr John just stopped.

Article on Robbie in the April “The Word.” He discusses the brown album cover and how the iconic look that every Americana band copies got done. It was raining. They were cold and wet. The photo session (from a stepladder on a road) kept going on and on. Their “serious” look is simple being cold and pissed off.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 18:07:43 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

The timing is perfect for discussing "Get Up Jake", as it was recorded during The Brown Album sessions in Sammy Davis Jr.'s poolhouse, March-April 1969.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 18:05:26 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Link to Mr Husky's passing. Lots of his goodies here too.

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Fri Mar 18 17:53:32 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

BEG: Thanx heaps for the pics of ROBBIE and LEVON. Those new ones of ROBBIE from Flickr are really good. Love his smile.

BOB W: More Canadians to be proud of. I have seen Great Big Sea many times on TV, and have their CD. When you hear their music you just can't keep still.

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

Just rec'd this in my mailbox with a few of his songs. So sad as he was a true C/M singer. I have seen him live many moons ago. Wasn't sober, but still put on a great show. Lots of energy in this great singer.

Country Music Hall of Famer Ferlin Husky dies at 85 By PETER COOPER.. The Tennessean (Nashville)

Country Music Hall of Famer Ferlin Husky, the innovative recording artist whose 1957 smash "Gone" helped usher in the pop-leaning Nashville Sound era, died Thursday at his daughter's home in Westmoreland, Tenn. He was 85 and suffered from congestive heart failure. Husky's classic singles "Gone" and "Wings of a Dove" each topped country charts for 10 straight weeks, and each became Top 20 pop records. A well-rounded performer, Husky also starred in motion pictures and entertained with his comedic alter ego, "Simon Crum," but he is best known for his contributions in sweetening the sound of Music Row in a way that allowed the music to appeal to twang-phobic audiences. "By reaching No. 4 on the pop charts, 'Gone' demonstrated what became the ultimate goal for Nashville producers: A country hit that could 'cross over' to pop success," wrote Rich Kienzle in the liner notes to Husky's Vintage collection of Capitol Records material. In addition to scoring hit records, Husky was a master of stagecraft, a dashing and energetic performer who impressed audiences and fellow artists.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Fri Mar 18 17:41:26 CET 2011 from (136.167.102.118)

Dave H

I like the speculation on "Get Up Jake." I have to say I haven't thought much about the lyrics, but it's interesting stuff. That's a song that kind of got away from the Band, given its quality. Should have been Side A, Cut 1 of "Stage Fright" in my book.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 16:53:50 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

sadavid: History shows that there was also a ferryboat named Baltimore, which sunk in 1906 after colliding with another boat while crossing the Hudson River from New Jersey to New York City.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 16:48:34 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Subject: Great Big Sea

A good friend in the music business saw these guys perform last night at the Sunset Center in Carmel, California. Said they were fantastic. There was dancing in the aisles.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 16:46:27 CET 2011 from (216.226.180.2)

Deb

Don't call what you're wearing an outfit

Don't ever say your car is broke

Don't worry 'bout losing your accent

'Cause a Southern man tells better jokes.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 15:49:32 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: new take on "Jake"

Adam 2: I add my thanks to those of The Desert Tortoise (don't ask about the turtle) -- I never thought much about "Get Up Jake," I just accepted the line (I think it's Greil Marcus) that the song was about a guy so lazy that the townspeople would turn out to see him get out of bed. (I mentally amended "lazy" to "hung over," but that's a nuance.) Your interpretation fits better, I think, and we don't need to bring lazy (or hung over) into it at all; the chronology's not quite clear -- I don't think the verb tenses are precise -- so the people lining up along the shore might well be there to see if J is alive or dead, or just to see the body carried out.

It's my pet idea that the ferry is the USS BALTIMORE (see [My link]) which would make "Jake" another Civil War-era piece. ("Annabella" has the sound of the Old South; it's also latinate for "years of war" . . . .)

It's also intriguing (but probably a red herring) to find mention of a 1928 Lionel Barrymore film titled _The River Woman_; can't find a plot summary, but the characters have names like "Bill Lefty" and "Mulatto Mike," and allmovie.com's 'keywords' include "bar, drowning, love triangle, rival, romance, self-sacrifice."

Keep 'em coming.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 15:15:09 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Among this week's releases it was great to see that the Yep Roc label has reissued Nick Lowe's excellent 1979 album "Labour of Lust". Mr. Lowe at the time was a member of the group Rockpile along with Dave Edmunds, Billy Bremer and Terry Williams, who provide backing on the album. The group also recorded another great album, "Repeat When Necessary", with Mr. Edmunds in the lead role, at the same time.

Adam2: Roger Tillison, a friend of Levon & The Band, recorded a fine cover version of "Get Up Jake" on his 1971 Atco LP. It featured a great group of supporting musicians including Jesse Ed Davis, Jim Keltner, Larry Knechtel and former Hawks Stan Szeleste & Sandy Konikoff. The album also included covers of Dylan's "Down in the Flood" and the Motown classic "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever".

Entered at Fri Mar 18 14:41:10 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Ed Voci's desert tortoise

Thanks for that Adam. D'you know I've never read the lyrics to Jake before so I've never joined all the pieces together before. Forty years just loving the whole ambience of the song without ever realising all along the song was Jake's buddy cradling poor Jake in his arms in the pouring rain as Jake's lifeblood is getting washed away. Sad huh.

I wonder if the Dirty Dan character who got poor old Jake is the same one who Springsteen's Outlaw Pete stabbed through the heart 40 years later. Like to think so. :-0)

PV - Decemberists are terrific. Love their first album and their latest. Have to say the stuff in between doesn't grab me as much as it's a bit too close to my son's favourites Belle and Sebastian for me to really get steeped in.

The slight problem I have with them is I don't think they actually realise just how feckin good they are or how good their songs are - or should that be just how good Colin Meloy and his songs are as he's manifestly the John Fogerty of their line up. And I think this might explain why they still haven't established a truly distinct identity that stamps what they churn out as DECEMBERISTS music. And they really should because they are superb.

It means that with virtually each track they seem to inhabit the guise of different past artists. It still sounds great but it's just not distinctive. They're a bit like musical chameleons. You can never pin them down. Unless you actually recognise the song you can never safely say ah yeah that's The Decemberists since it could be one of a few dozen preceding artists from Neil Young to fairport to the Adventures to REM to Witness etc etc. Even Lucky Town Springsteen is in the mix.

There's lots and lots of examples but I think it can best be illustrated with Calamity Song off their latest album which is actually a mix of several REM tracks off Reckoning and Life's Rich Pageant. Don't get me wrong, it's a great track but it's actually REM. Not them.

To me it's also pretty clear Meloy has been influenced a lot by Gerard Starkie of Witness as more than a few of their songs seem to have absorbed snatches of his sublime melodies and are structured like his.

Perhaps it's a lack of confidence in their own unquestionable ability which may explain why they keep switching styles. I mean contrast them with say Nick Cave or The Gourds or going back as far as our own boys. One listen and you know exactly who you're listening to. But with the Decemberists each track could be a different group even though Meloy does nearly all the lead vocals.

Then again maybe they don't crave marking down their own distinct identity. As long as they keep delivering such terrific music I won't be complaining.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 13:35:10 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Entered at Fri Mar 18 13:01:26 CET 2011 from (76.66.26.18)

brown eyed girl

The way we were.....

Entered at Fri Mar 18 12:57:54 CET 2011 from (76.66.26.18)

brown eyed girl

In the year of?

Entered at Fri Mar 18 12:52:47 CET 2011 from (76.66.26.18)

brown eyed girl

Entered at Fri Mar 18 12:52:41 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

My lyrics/chords songbook is going pretty well. Seeing those wonderful lyrics right in front of you really makes the songs come alive. It's been a joy realizing once again how lyrically and musically sublime the second album really is.

I really love Get Up Jake a lot more now. I realize now that I never understood the story before I saw the lyrics written out. I always heard it as an ok song about laziness: "Get up Jake it’s late in the mornin’/ The rain is pourin’ we got work to do / Get up Jake there’s no need a-lyin' / You tell me that you’re dyin’ but I know it’s not true". The last line being just an excuse Jake is giving. The song is brilliant because it does tell us that Jake is sometimes lazy about getting up for work ("Now me and Jake we work down on the river / On the ferry Baltimore / And when Jake don’t rise up in the mornin’ / People line up all along the shore"), so we're initially supposed to think the chorus is another instance of his laziness. The 2nd verse tells how the two guys blow all their money on gambling, booze, and women (linking it with Up On Cripple Creek). By the 4th verse Dirty Dan comes up from Savannah to settle things with Jake, as they're in love with the same woman. The final two lines of the studio version ("Get up Jake there’s no need a-dyin’ / Annabelle’s cryin’ and it’s all for you") confirm that Dan shoots/kills Jake, and that the chorus is the narrator pleading with Jake to stay alive as Jake dies in his arms. So the chorus wasn't about Jake's laziness as it suggested up to that point, but was foreshadowing Jake's death since the beginning of the song.

Not sure if everyone already figured that out, but it was new to me. And I think a great deal more of the song now. Wasn't it one of John Simon's favorites? I now see why, and why he probably may have had a hand in reviving the song for Rock Of Ages (though it does suffer when you realize how the lyric change blurs the story a great deal).

Entered at Fri Mar 18 12:45:58 CET 2011 from (76.66.26.18)

brown eyed girl

Robbie Robertson in WFUV's Studio A

Robbie Robertson - Songwriter, performer, and former member of The Band - in WFUV's Studio A, March 2011.

Photos by Neil Swanson

Entered at Fri Mar 18 12:11:19 CET 2011 from (98.150.205.156)

Nick

Subject: leave hin alone

Entered at Fri Mar 18 11:26:47 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Dr. John may not have been in a good period when you saw him, as I know he got clean about 20 years back or so.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 10:40:09 CET 2011 from (41.97.238.235)

Empty Now

related

Entered at Fri Mar 18 10:39:08 CET 2011 from (41.97.238.235)

Empty Now

A popular tune which was sung by the common people of the time, from which one verse translated from dialectal original version
“Monsieur Morinaud, why are you always dressed in khaki [color] while the loden [color] suits you far better"
The day i’ll fully decrypt this puzzling verse/song, i will post about in the GB.
Constantine in its today’s aspect is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city in its today’s aspect is the result of one man’s work, Emile Morinaud, deputy-mayor of the city for 35 years at the turn of the 19-20 century. Alsacian rigin, known for his overt antisemitism. a builder by soul as history rarely produce, he did of the modern urbanization of the city his affair, all the impressive realizations, “building in the Colony what Napoleon didn’t build in Paris”

I was with a French friend who was in a short travel, standing at the extreme bottom of the ravine, he kept hypnotically silent for a while in low-angle sight of the suspended bridge which actually appears as being in a far galaxy, (he had exactly the sight at 0:20 picture in the linked above song-clip), the he challenged me with a sudden question “what the hell was reason to build a bridge at that place?!” I had to think quickly to forward a non ridicule answer, it’s surely not functional, as the traffic is never disturbed the days of strong winds when the bridge is closed, so I said “the reason was Prestige, the days following the inauguration of the bridge in 1912, newspapers of the time reported “France has realized the greatest technical exploit ever achieved by the human race”.

related,

a quote of Jean Atlan (google the name please) “whoever is born in Constantine is condemned to be artist”

I was walking one day in the streets, then an unknown guy with a disposable camera who looked like a poet lover of the city (they are crowds and at the international scale) stopped me politely, “Sir, can I take a photograph of you please,”
I just asked why specially me,
he to me “You have the look of a character from the Ottoman Centuries”.
I accepted “yup!, just let’s just walk a hundred meters this way, there’s an angle where nothing could reveal later that the photograph wasn’t taken in the Ottoman Centuries”

Entered at Fri Mar 18 08:14:58 CET 2011 from (12.10.75.2)

JQ

Entered at Fri Mar 18 07:45:37 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Complain, eh? They used to do that here in the 1950s about all popular singers adopting an American accent. When Anthony Newley started singing in a strong London accent it sounded weird. It was a trick David Bowie picked up from him. I don’t hear a Brit accent in Colin Meloy’s voice, but there is an English folk song intonation on a couple of the pieces, which sound specifically “English” rather than “British.” I think it’s the genre, a bit like Van Morrison or Rod Stewart singing rock with a certain American intonation pattern. There’s an English folk song lilt, which is different to the Irish and Scottish folk song lilts which influenced American music more strongly. You could just say it’s “Fairport-ish”. Actually, there is one line “This I hear you say …” where the “hear” has an odd upper class English sound “hyy-are” which he reproduced exactly live. I pondered it and thought it was just his idiolect on that word.

The vinyl collectors here may know the habit of picking up cheap singles you don’t want, with excellent clean company sleeves that you can later apply to more desirable discs. I was looking through a 29p selection and found a Seekers record in an “as new” 1966 EMI Columbia sleeve, and thought “Ah, that’ll go on my copy of Big Time Operator which has a tatty sleeve.” Then I looked at the song, “Someday, One Day” – a UK #11 hit written by Paul Simon.I knew the song, but not that Paul Simon wrote it. He never recorded it himself. I looked it up. Paul Simon wrote three songs with Bruce Woodley of The Seekers, including The Cyrkle’s “Red Rubber Ball.” The record’s stayed in its original sleeve, of course.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 04:15:54 CET 2011 from (208.57.247.136)

Ben Pike

Subject: Music

Spoken like a gentlemen. Glad The Decemberits pass your ear test, some critics here complained of the (American) singer doing a brit accent. Speaking of lonely vigils trying to wise up the GB, Loudon Wainwright's career spanning box set is out this month, the "best of" disc chosen reasonably well. Some of Loudo's hollywood pals have up his street cred in more recent years, but during the days I argued for major artist status round these parts it was a lonely vigil indeed. NOW his kids jam with Levon and Garth. An early critic said of Wainwright "He has it in him to be the Chaplin of Rock." As it turned out, I think, we got something like a musical Thurber for our times.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 02:17:21 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Thanks.

Entered at Fri Mar 18 01:48:29 CET 2011 from (96.30.174.20)

joe j

Subject: Paddy's Day

Been busy. I keep checking in. Link is to the Pogues. Bob W. why don't you try 'Rum, Sodomy and the Lash'? Remastered.

Thinking of you Jeff.

Entered at Thu Mar 17 22:50:43 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Mar 17 21:25:50 CET 2011 from (71.130.8.5)

Ben Pike

Peter, a hard search of this guestbook will tell you you first came to The Decemberists when I told you about them here and you had never heard of them, if I do say so myself, and I do! Early US Press compared them to Tull. Anyway, I thought this sort of sums up the terrible moment.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bpBEQUXEMY

Entered at Thu Mar 17 21:16:33 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

And it was one of Gen. George Stoneman's Union cavalry divisions, under the command of Brig. Gen. William Averell, attacking that fateful day.

Entered at Thu Mar 17 20:39:55 CET 2011 from (64.105.104.209)

Jeb Stuart

My compliments, Sir.

Entered at Thu Mar 17 19:37:02 CET 2011 from (67.250.113.92)

Lars

Subject: March 17th

The Gallant Pelham remembered.

Entered at Thu Mar 17 18:30:08 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Dawes

Dawes, who will be working with Robbie, have also performed with Levon, albeit on one song. In August 2010 they were on the bill at the Newport Folk Festival with the Levon Helm Band. They joined Levon onstage to sing backup on "I Shall Be Released", along with other Festival performers including the Felice Brothers and Ritchie Havens (see link).

Entered at Thu Mar 17 17:45:52 CET 2011 from (216.114.128.38)

Mike & Kim Hayward

Subject: Great The Band & Keith Richards video.

Thanks Bob W. for originally sharing this link. Great tune.

Entered at Thu Mar 17 11:21:55 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 22:54:16 CET 2011 from (64.105.104.209)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Mar 16 22:43:01 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

From my blog

The Decemberists


02 Academy Bristol


8 March 2011


Set list:
 


July July


Calamity Song 



Rox in The Box



Rise To Me



We Both Go Down Together



The Sporting Life



Grace Cathedral Hill



Won’t Want For Love (Margaret in the Taiga)
 


The Crane Wife 3



The Rake’s Song



Don’t Carry It All



Down By The Water



This Is Why We Fight



16 Military Wives



The Chimbley Sweep / “Blues” 


First encore



Red Right Ankle



The Mariner’s Revenge Song


Second encore



June Hymn 


I used to scribble down setlists, but have avoided it since being near-assualted by an aggressive Van Morrison female fan / acquaintance (“I was backstage before the show” she told me) who saw me taking notes and asked if I was writing a f*cking review, because Van hates f*cking reviewers and I’ll f*cking nut any f*cking reviewers. Nice girl. It’s so much easier to take setlists off the net the next day. Then you tend to look at the previous three nights. Fascinating. It’s a very “unfixed” set list for The Decemberists. The songs from the new album The King Is Dead got aired at Bristol except one of the ones I most wanted to hear, January Hymn, which only appeared in Glasgow, and All Arise which appeared at Birmingham and Dublin. (If I hadn’t seen the set list, I would have said All Arise was played at Bristol, with the pedal steel, but this must be false memory!). The rest was pretty moveable, though the big set pieces, 16 Military Wives, and The Mariner’s Revenge Song appeared every time and June Hymn always closed the show. Even The Crane Wife 3 and The Rake’s Song only made three out of four shows, though luckily we got both at Bristol. 


Chronologically then. The support band were Blind Pilot, like The Decemberists, from Oregon. They had an unusual line up: guitar / vocal, acoustic bass, drums, vibraphone, trumpet doubling on accordion, and banjo doubling on dulcimer. Like The Decemberists basic line-up, they featured one woman, the banjo player. I knew they were officially a two-piece with four extra musicians. I hadn’t realised the two piece were the lead singer and the drummer … I’d assumed the banjo player who did most back-up vocals was the other half. Like The Decemberists, they featured joining in to drum on a bass tom-tom. Like the Decemberists, they featured intelligent lyrics, and based everything round one vocalists. They were a lot like The Decemberists all the way round. Extremely good too. I immediately bought their CD in the interval. 


To sum up The Decemberists, in the words of the guy behind me (who said it about fifty times): fucking outstanding. I thought of typing it fifty times, but I badly cut my typing finger on the razor sharp door handle of a typically filthy Bristol taxi (both the ones we used were filthy anyway) so I won’t. 


I wanted an image of Colin Meloy for this piece. I Googled. Either he has a lot of near identical brown plaid shirts or he’s got two years’ use out of just the one on stage. He has a comfortable charisma, a stunning voice, and relaxed, natural audience rapport. Meloy has done solo tours. I was extremely surprised how little the rest of the band sang. They have to import a “Sixth Decemberist” on tour to replace their female guests from the albums, this time Sara Watkins (from Nickel Creek) on backing vocals, fiddle and guitar. If you take Robbie Robertson’s 1970 quote about The Band, that they were five equals with four singers, while Creedence Clearwater Revival were instead “John Fogerty and some guys,” there is an element of that about The Decemberists. Ray Davies and The Kinks or Raoul Malo with The Mavericks is another comparison. You have one guy writing the stuff and the same guy singing lead and doing the introductions. But Meloy has wisely avoided the solo ego bit (it really doesn’t look his kind of thing) ; wisely because The Decemberists play with such mutual empathy, and are obviously (judging by the setlists) totally able to follow whatever mood the show takes. 


I came to The Decemberists at The Crane Wife then worked back. I thought The Hazards of Love brilliant, but something that had to be consumed in one go, and which I thought was quite deliberately “difficult.” The radio-friendly The King Is Dead apparently annoyed some purists, but to me it’s far and away their best album. When I saw the folkie Fairport Convention, I thought “folk-oriented bands just don’t have drummers this good!” That was Dave Mattacks. The same thought struck me about John Moen. What a drummer! 


How do you pick outstanding tracks when, in our friend’s words, it was all fucking outstanding. The Rake’s Song with everyone beating bass tom-toms? This Is Why We Fight with its unintended topical references to current events in Libya? 


When we die



We will die



With our arms unbound



And this is why



This is why



Why we fight



Come hell


Perhaps Colin Meloy working the audience up for “being eaten by a whale” noises before The Mariner’s Revenge Song. Or June Hymn? A sublime piece where the singer is even better than the record? Not much question really: The Rake’s Song and June Hymn. 


Criticisms? The long comedy pieces establish rapport, but shave off three minutes (easy) and we could have had January Hymn as well as John Moen’s piss-take on the blues. 


The sound was excellent, but not impeccable. The O2 Academy doesn’t look the sort of venue where the acoustic is ever brilliant. I noticed the care that had gone into the small Fender amplifiers mic’ed into the PA, and what looked like an authentic Orange valve amp … there was a second Orange amp, but it looked later. Also the racks of guitars on both sides of the stage. These guys really care about their sound. My fucking outstanding guy complained early that it’s not very loud for rock and roll. I thought they hit perfect volume for the room, loud enough to be exciting when they rocked and audible when they were subtle. But to be curmudgeonly, I would have brought up Sara Watkins’ microphone about 20% in the mix, and lifted the keyboards a tad. They had undistorted bass (hard in bad halls). I know it’s rock and roll to have everyone crammed together standing, and it’s great to see a band at their peak … The King is Dead went straight to #1 on the Billboard 200 in the USA … for a mere £15 too (compare the aged Ringo Starr going out with guys who haven’t had an American hit since the seventies, and who’ve never had a British hit, at FOUR times the price this year. And Ringo still can’t sing in tune.) But I’d love to see The Decemberists in a proper concert hall with decent natural acoustics, and I’d love to be sitting down too with decent eyelines. I’m sure that the right room would reveal their balance to be into the Leonard Cohen / Paul Simon range of perfection.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 22:20:35 CET 2011 from (76.79.75.218)

Ben Pike

Subject: Various

I like Adam2's point about songs done live. I once tried to establish every song the Band had done live. Sadly, many have no decent recording, even stuff, I would imagine, done on the 74 tour! Amazing to think in this day and age.... Hey Peter, glad you finally got hip to "The Decemberists!" I should talk, I'm still playing there first or second album. Hey, any comments on Garth's project of last year? I'm finally getting ready to buy it....

Entered at Wed Mar 16 22:15:08 CET 2011 from (86.169.140.150)

Dunc

Subject: Robbie

That's Robbie number 1 in classic rock in Amazon.

I'll still buy it from my local shop.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 22:11:49 CET 2011 from (134.174.21.2)

Tim

Subject: Dawes

So Robbie is using this band for TV and festival shows. And The Dawes are scheduled to play Mountain Jam in June, 10 miles from Woodstock.. what are the odds Robbie plays this festival???

Entered at Wed Mar 16 22:07:43 CET 2011 from (86.169.140.150)

Dunc

Subject: Peter V, Jeff

Peter, if you go into BBCiplayer theres a good programme on when Harry Benson met Albert Watson, the two iconic Scottish photographers. Its called Artworks. Worth a look alone for the Beatles pillow fight photographs and the John Lennon death 'Why?' photograph, if you've got half an hour.

Jeff That's us Scots. Talking at ninety miles an hour.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 21:15:37 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Entered at Wed Mar 16 19:49:33 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Nokia rubberboots

NWC: in UK they call it a "welliphone," in US it's a "phone boot."

Entered at Wed Mar 16 19:42:13 CET 2011 from (90.239.116.26)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: More of Linux - why Mr. Linus Torvalds is a genius

(Yes I have posted something like this before!) In the late seventies my wife studied computer science at the same Academic Institute as Mr. Torvalds for a few ears later. It was their Unix system which he was unhappy with. We played with the same system and never even IDENTIFIED this problem!!!

Entered at Wed Mar 16 19:10:06 CET 2011 from (90.239.116.26)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Kevin's post and Linux (mainly to jh and Peter V.)

Kevin, thanks. Always touching to be compared with - even negativelly - the pseudonyme of B. Dylan ;-).

About Linux: It is simply like this guestbook. Community based. Open. And Unix = The Hawks. BTW you who have Anroid phones are holding Linux in your hand. I am ashamed that Nokia is now married to Micro$oft - afterall I had Nokia rubberboots in Finland when I was five years old.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 16:06:48 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: Jeff

Funny you should mention that Bob. I was thinking of Jeff yesterday, and playing his CD as well. Hope his quality of life is still holding up some. We always have to give thanks of how lucky we are.

Yesterday as well, I watched an interview with a Major of our armed forces telling how the new "Act" in our government has taken so much of their benefits away from our disabled veterans....disgusting. This poor man had his legs blown off, and one of his testicals, is deaf in one ear, plus other complications. The spirit and positive attitude of this man after all he has endured is heart wrenching. Giving his, and his wifes entire life to try and help other people. Lets not complain too much.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 13:44:20 CET 2011 from (41.97.181.245)

Empty Now

The previous post must be read listening to the link above, 36 years old not a pinch of freshness lost

Entered at Wed Mar 16 13:43:06 CET 2011 from (41.97.181.245)

Empty Now

Subject: TNTDODD chorus / Congrats Jan / Hotel California

I was prompted by the restart of the “na na na” debate (TNTDODD chorus), provided that if it is kept at the pure auditory perspective, it could be exciting. Meanwhile a guy I know who is a reference in linguistics, told me that the sound na/la used in chorus exists only in Norwegian language (he called it “Retroflex N”), I thought by instinct what a post in The GB it could make, with a tailor made title “TNTDODD is The Band connected at last”, aftermath I thought that it is possible that this information was stupidity given my ignorance of the matter; even if I have right to One stupidity per year in the GB I’de better reserve it to something else. Now everybody have an opportunity to make their own judgement by their own ear in Jan’s link and 15 minutes of fame, Congrats Jan

---------

Hotel California : in the link above an article a la Viney

“Locked into the Hotel California” by Ger Tillekens

A must reading for the older elite of The Band GB

excerpt
“Its real theme, however, is the paradox of the pop/rock scene that, having started as a counter culture, now had spawned its own rank and fashion of artists with all the isolationist marks of an older elite. The fast evolution of pop music into an art scene had erected a fence within the culture itself, separating the artists not only from their audience but as well from their own past. Suddenly finding oneself locked-up in this cultural enclave: that's what the song is really all about. Or, as Henley himself once said: "Hotel California was our interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles.”

That which makes Hotel California a concept album

Entered at Wed Mar 16 12:39:29 CET 2011 from (65.93.119.183)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Wed Mar 16 11:55:38 CET 2011 from (67.84.207.113)

Brien Sz

Link is to article about the Rock-n-Roll HOF induction ceremony.

Like I said earlier, there was a time that I greatly enjoyed the Eagles but overexposure (outside of one or two songs) killed them for me. Funny, all this Eagles talk and yesterday after dropping my daughter off at karate, I was flipping stations and Witchie Woman was on one. I chuckled at the irony and moved on - now I have to turn off Hotel California another 100 times before I hear a different song of theirs.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 11:49:41 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Subject: Dawes......

......will be backing Robbie Robertson. {From "What's New".}

Entered at Wed Mar 16 11:12:05 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 08:37:19 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Concert prices vary so wildly. The Decemberists at the top of their form last week were £15. The Unthanks on Saturday will be £15, acclaimed hugely in the UK. Ringo Starr & The All Has-Been Band are going out for £65, or more than four times the price. The Decemberists have probably sold more records this year than solo Ringo has in twenty years.

"Eagles" are working on the mark-up the resellers were taking on their shows and charging it themselves instead of letting the sharks have it.

The Decemberists at £15 (and instant sell-out and a great support band, Blind Pilot) are almost a political statement. But I wish they'd play some seated halls. My old moans about poor eye lines are repeated here.

Dr John I will never quite forgive for having a clock on his keyboard, and stopping mid-song halfway through the second encore when it hit 90 minutes. That really does say "I'm only in it for the money." It's just that fewer people want to pay to see Dr John than want to see Eagles. I suspect that's mainly due to a certain sameness in post-Gris Gris material.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 08:32:30 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Got a crazy scotsman I run into localy here. works at the laundromat at night. 23 year old kid, works 2 jobs to get by. Can't understand a goddamn word he's saying.On top of the accent, he talks faster than a speeding bullet.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 08:24:00 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

For my tastes, The Eagles were far more effective as a recording unit in the early days. Hotel California was a great work, but Lying Eyes was pure pap. I can't Tell You why, wonderful, In The city, wonderful., but... whilst their artistry never faltered, their art certainly took a downward spiral. Saw em a few times in the 70s before Leadon and Meisner split.Once in 94. My lady of that time was walking on air, before during, and for days after that show, she was sabra, apprently the Eagles were huge in Israel in her youth.

All this said, I enjoyed seeing Black Tie, Randy Meisner, Billy Swan, The Griffin guy from Bread, Blondie Chaplin, David Kemper, at The Lone Star just as much. Plus, did not drive as far, did not spend as much money, and no crowds to deal with.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 08:18:48 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

"The" Eagles were also one of the many Shadows / Ventures style instrumental groups in the UK, famous for their work with Valerie Mountain on the 1962 soundtrack of "Some People". I think they were from Bristol, a city I'm visiting today.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 05:12:08 CET 2011 from (67.250.113.92)

Lars

Subject: Eagles

Eagles music has always been something I've been very fond of, maybe because, like The Band, they occupy the questionable genre of "country rock" (probably both groups despise that term). But I think I liked Them Eagles better in the '70s than after Hell froze over and they reunited and started charging what I thought was an awful lot of money for a concert ticket. It was almost as if they were just doing it for the money and not for the love of the music (if there ever was such a thing).

Adam-2: If I don't write this, somebody else will.

Entered at Wed Mar 16 04:37:02 CET 2011 from (70.77.200.21)

kristie

I have very strong memories associated with Eagles songs... Camping with my best friend and her parents when I was a kid, her dad playing Eagles songs on his battery operated tape player. That was the first time I heard "take it easy," and hearing "take it easy" now stirs up such happy memories. The opening line is so associated with the smell of campfire to me now.

Bill M-Fascinating rhythm used to be my old haunt when I lives in Nanaimo. I found some great records there!

Entered at Wed Mar 16 04:30:32 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Mar 16 03:38:43 CET 2011 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Mar 16 02:31:21 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Subject: R&R HOF

My link to Rolling Stone's Ceremony ...

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Wed Mar 16 02:21:37 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Wed Mar 16 01:14:36 CET 2011 from (204.138.58.96)

Bill M

The famous Eagles I've liked only spottily aside from "Take It Easy", but I saw them in the local stadium last year (in an act of selfless devotion) and it was very good. Even the awful songs - "Hotel California" beyond the guitar intro, "New Kid", all of the castrati choir stuff, etc. - were impressive: great sound, great staging, great performance, fantastic impression of old friends still relishing in each other's company ...

Entered at Tue Mar 15 23:10:42 CET 2011 from (59.101.55.143)

dlew919

Has anyone noticed that 'wobbly' songwriter Joe Hill's story and 'Long Black Veil' are similar - just checked Peter V.s (fantastic) article: it's not there. I wonder if the songwriters also put in the story of Joe Hill (as well as the other 2...)

Entered at Tue Mar 15 23:01:16 CET 2011 from (85.255.44.145)

jh

Entered at Tue Mar 15 22:37:31 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Mar 15 22:32:12 CET 2011 from (85.255.44.145)

jh

Subject: Our 15 minutes of fame...

...actually more like two minutes. Check link above for a short TV "news" story (and an article) about this site and your webmaster, taped about a month ago. All in Norwegian, I'm afraid... except for Levon, that is. Also features Jonad Fjeld!

Entered at Tue Mar 15 22:10:11 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: Kevin's road to hell

This is what your road to hell looks like Kevin......probably every day.

I agree Pat the stuff more resent is of little interest. But when we saw them last May in Vancouver, that same sound of the old stuff is maybe even better than ever. The sound system in GM Place, (now called Rogers Arena) in Vancouver is as good as it could ever get for a stadium that size.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 22:08:39 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Pat B…….Understood and liked that reference to Niemi……Sometimes I will hear a score on the radio or some talk about goaltending and it reminds me of those discussions last year…..life is funny that way…..

Entered at Tue Mar 15 22:04:25 CET 2011 from (86.169.140.150)

Dunc

Subject: Robbie to play live

Will it happen?

Entered at Tue Mar 15 21:47:52 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Kevin J: And then there's the Wal-Mart deal for the last Eagles CD.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 21:46:55 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: A band that should have been bigger????

I think I'm gonna kill myself!.......that's a song of Waylon's by the way. Now seriously Kevin, I looked at that outfit, and I was going to turn my sound on but didn't.

That outfit looks like something out of Deliverance, specially that yeller haired feller in the middle. You can't be serious now can you??? See that's why we don't like non of youze gawd damn easterners out here. Yuh rarely make any sense:):)

Entered at Tue Mar 15 21:28:41 CET 2011 from (64.105.104.209)

Pat B

I mentioned a year ago that Eagles most recent bio was great. Probably still is.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 20:38:15 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Let’s see now…………A definition of Hell……would it be having to listen to Eagles or watch the View or does Baba Wawa now insist we call it View …………….I did like the album “One of these Nights” and the song Hotel California is one of those rare songs that even I cannot believe I have never tired of listening to but really - let’s be serious……..this never ending tour of a bunch of people that can’t stand each other playing for bank presidents and their wives just reeks of everything that is wrong with life as we now know it…………………..and on top of all that I blame Eagles for the truly horrific sight and sound of all these sort of country/sort of rock n roll/sort of wimpy half dressed-can’t dance f*ck wits that populate all that is country music video channels these days……………..See attached for a band that should have been bigger…….

Entered at Tue Mar 15 20:10:51 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

BEG: Thanx for the link via Levon. Thought some of the comments were really nasty. Why wouldn't anyone go on to better things, if the chance comes along? They all would have done the same thing, as others have done.

EMPTY NOW: Thanx for the response to Anwar, he was a good man. Too bad he's gone. Maybe Egypt wouldn't be in such a turmoil if he had lived.

JEFF: I always watch "The View" and I didn't see ROBBIE on it so far? Maybe you watch a different version than ABC's.When was he on?

PBS had the Moody Blues, and they still sound good. Frank,Dino, Sammy and Johnny Carson were on last night, but I hate those pledge breaks. I know they need the money to keep going, but we don't have to like them.

Until Next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Tue Mar 15 18:47:04 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

After mentioning the Atlanta Rhythm Section, I just learned that the group's former lead singer Ronnie Hammond died yesterday of heart failure at age 60.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 18:45:49 CET 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

Subject: Eagles( The) etc

A lot of years ago we went to the Bottom Line to see Karla Bonoff. The opening act was someone I didn't know.Jack Tempchin. He opened his set saying this is a little tune I wrote, and launches into "Peaceful Easy Feeling" I was sort of like Oh, that's Jack Tempchin. I never saw him around after that, but it was a great evening

Entered at Tue Mar 15 18:22:11 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Subject: Joe Morello

John Donabie reminded me today that Joe Morello was Levon's favorite drummer. He was a gifted player.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 17:41:10 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Common Thread

Before the Eagles reunited for their 1994 Hell Freezes Over tour they first got back together to appear in Travis Tritt's video for his cover of "Take It Easy" (see link), which was included on the "Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles" country tribute album. Mr. Tritt would later appear with Levon in the film "Fire Down Below". Mr. Tritt's contribution to the film's soundtrack was a fine cover of the Atlanta Rhythm Section's "Back Up Against The Wall".

Entered at Tue Mar 15 17:38:25 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: Disco for Todd

There take that Todd.....you criminal!

Entered at Tue Mar 15 17:33:02 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: raptors, rumours, rush

Re: Eagles: whatever else, you gotta admire how they named their band in obvious homage to The Hawks. Also works for The Rumour, Fanny and probably a bunch of others I can't think of at the moment.

It's nice to see Leon Russell inducted into the RRHoF . . . and normally I wouldn't give a rodent's rear end, but I saw most of a documentary the other day (_Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage_ -- molto highly recommended, and I'm not a fan at all) and I am now among the legion who cry "injustice!" at the Rush / RRHoF freeze-out. Thirty-something years, twenty-something albums that are pretty much all gold or platinum. Plus they seem like nice guys; perhaps that's a disqualifier. Or it's because they're Torontonians . . . .

Entered at Tue Mar 15 17:11:50 CET 2011 from (64.105.104.209)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Mar 15 16:39:09 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: With eyes wide open

Thank you Pat.....when I've seen Eagles I felt the same way. I wonder if anyone knows that quirk Henley & Frey have. They HATE being called "the" Eagles. You're supposed to just say "Eagles".

Your reference to their likeness to the Band, for their attention to their music in every way is something else I have often thought of.

In my own small experience with the last band I had, the four guys I played with were the same way. Although we played bars, and mostly small clubs, my guys were very critical of what we did. I learned a great deal from them regarding sound control, placement of speakers, even lighting. The entire show. Those guys were so good, none of us hardly ever had a drink. If you were under any influence, I don't see how one would have kept up.

It puts me in mind of some musicians I have known and been around quite a lot who got into drugs, and in particular cocaine. What it did to most of them, they thought they were great, but they became terrible concerning timing and every aspect of their performance to where it was embarrasing. One friend of mine who is a killer guitar player, would get wrecked on cocaine. I would have to get away from him. I couldn't stand to watch him. There were times he was playing guitar with me and I just wanted to kill him he became so bad. But the 4 guys I had my last band with were the experience of a life time for me. They were far better musicians than I but they encouraged and supported me to where I sometimes wondered if I deserved it.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 16:37:25 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Pat: Yes, and Timothy B. Schmit owes Randy Meisner a great deal of thanks, as he replaced Mr. Meisner in both Poco and the Eagles. As I recall, Mr. Meisner also quit Rick Nelson's often overlooked, but very influential, Stone Canyon Band after a very brief tenure in between those other gigs.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 16:20:47 CET 2011 from (64.105.104.209)

Pat B

I saw Ronstadt open for Poco when Frey and Henley were backing her and they sounded as good as Poco if not better--and I was a Poco fan, saw the original band a bunch. Then I saw the Eagles as a four piece open for Yes (I know, weird) and I thought they were really good even though I was there for Close To The Edge. But when I saw the Eagles in on the Hotel California tour, they were spectacular. Very Band-like in a serious musical way. Great sound, precise arrangements, immaculate harmonies, and a set list to kill for.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 15:55:23 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Tue Mar 15 15:33:01 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Ronnie Hawkins isn't listed as an inductee.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 15:11:02 CET 2011 from (41.97.131.46)

Empty Now

Subject: Re: Serenity - Song for Anwar

Serenity: Thanks for your echo, in the link is a song for Anwar Sedat, Enrico Macias was a personal friend of him, he released the single for this song “Un berger Vient de Tomber” (translate Just a Shepherd Falling) the week following his death, so the sorrowful mood of the song signs-up the sincerity of the message, without altering the beauty of music, music is beauty first.

translation of preamble and selected verses

spoken: for all the martyrs of peace who died for us all, for our children our grandchildren and the future generations

All those who in front of his body are rejoicing
Forget that death is not a defeat
He traced the path we all remember
Martyrs force the doors of history

Entered at Tue Mar 15 15:06:55 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: Chuckles.......

Todd's just trying to piss me off now.........it ain't workin' TODD!..........oh my heart.......disco......I think one of us here don't know what disco is, and it ain't me.

Just wait 'till I get my hands on that gawd damn Todd.....I'm going for my coffee now

Entered at Tue Mar 15 14:44:08 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Yes, two participants from The Last Waltz were officially inducted last night into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame: Dr. John and Neil Diamond. Previously, in 1995, both Van Morrison and Eric Clapton (as a member of Cream) were inducted. Mr. Clapton was later inducted as a solo artist in 2000. In 1997 Joni Mitchell and Neil Young (as a member of Buffalo Springfield) were inducted. Mr. Young was previously inducted as a solo artist in 1995.

Let's see, so far I believe the only Last Waltz participants not inducted are Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles and Emmylou Harris. Mr. Butterfield did get to act as presenter when Muddy Waters was inducted in 1987.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 13:20:52 CET 2011 from (69.182.53.54)

Todd

Subject: Eagles

I like a lot of the Eagles music, and would classify a lot of it as Rock & Roll, but the song that Norm linked to is DISCO! To be fair, it's not pure disco, but has that 4 on the floor drum beat that other groups like Fleetwood Mac and even the Strolling Bones were doing at the time.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 11:33:50 CET 2011 from (67.84.207.113)

Brien Sz

Entered at Tue Mar 15 10:42:20 CET 2011 from (158.39.165.127)

jh

One of our guilty pleasures, I'm afraid. Early Eagles, that is. They sort of lost us sometime before 1980 -- too much coke-fueled studio perfectionism, I guess.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 09:27:31 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Ed Voci's Buddy

GB exclusive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hear it here first

The Eagles were.......... fab

:-0)

Entered at Tue Mar 15 08:44:43 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Last year a friend was asking me about 5.1 systems. I demonstrated ours to her, and (as usual) put on The Eagles “Hell Freezes Over” DVD as a demo. Most budget 5.1 systems have a very crude “.1” or bass speaker which is designed to handle loud bangs and crashes in movies, but booms horribly on bass guitar or bass drums. The Eagles is an example which shows the difference, because with Hotel California the instruments come in one at a time, and demontrate the bass guitar and the low congas very clearly, as well as positioning the vocals. It’s an ancient DVD now, and was given to me with my first 5.1 system (long since replaced) by the store. Our friend sings in a first rate classical choir and used to teach singing, and her knowledge of rock is zero (to the point of never even having heard of The Eagles.) She was most impressed with the sound, but wanted to race over to the USA and give Don Henley singing lessons, because she said he wasn’t opening his mouth properly and projecting. I realized she’d sung on many stages but had never sung directly into a microphone in her life. I had to explain microphone technique (which Henley is a master of). Years ago, when I was recording spoken voice a great deal, some actors just couldn’t do it in studios because they couldn’t switch off their stage projection.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 07:19:40 CET 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Tue Mar 15 07:16:09 CET 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Tue Mar 15 04:55:44 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

New Orleans legend and longtime Dr. John drummer Herman Roscoe Ernest is also among the notable musicians who have recently passed away. Ernest had been battling cancer for the past two years. Read the article above - he was working on a project recently and was in a great deal of pain, but refused to go home and rest. He said how playing music was the one thing that took the pain away completely. For the past two years, he toured with Dr. John when he felt healthy enough. I was so fortunate to see him on the drums when Dr. John came to Space in Chicago last fall. It was one of the top 2 shows I have ever seen, and I've seen my share. Roscoe Ernest is topped only by Levon as the greatest drummer I have ever seen in person. Rest in peace.

I was especially saddened by the news, as Dr. John's Lower 911 band is one of the most incredible bands in existence today. I very rarely see Dr. John's recent work or live shows mentioned here. Do yourself a favor and pick up his two recent albums Tribal and City That Care Forgot. Tribal was supposed to be a collaboration with the late Bobby Charles, but his death prevented that. Instead, the album is dedicated to Charles' memory and features three songs he co-wrote with Dr. John. City That Care Forgot heavily featured Charles, as he co-wrote half of the album. These two albums are amazing. Two of the best albums in Dr. John's whole career.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 04:43:46 CET 2011 from (76.67.18.109)

brown eyed girl

Learn To Be Still

The Eagles were part of my soundtrack in University. I'd sit in the Library with the headphones and just listen.....and connect.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 04:32:12 CET 2011 from (99.115.147.236)

Pat B

I'm sure Steve would have had something to say about Antti Niemi tonight.

The Eagles and the Band have a lot more in common than what most folks would like to admit. Both were highly attentive to replicating their recorded output in a live setting, sometimes taking more time with the soundcheck than with the actual show. Neither had much contact with the audience and let their music speak for itself. Singing drummers. Tight arrangements with no jamming. The Eagles get rapped for being soulless purveyors of a watered down version of country music, or a vanilla version of rock, take your pick, but they have connected with a vast audience for whom their music means much. I for one like it a lot. Some of it I love.

Entered at Tue Mar 15 03:26:46 CET 2011 from (76.67.18.109)

brown eyed girl

http://levonhelm.tumblr.com/page/4

Entered at Tue Mar 15 02:45:22 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: Good One

I had a chuckle. That was a good one JQ. But you were bad mouthing Eagles, (as many here do). Their music is great! I don't give a shit what anyone says. Good writing, good music, and good musicians. And in the words of Foresst Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

Entered at Tue Mar 15 01:50:37 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Me again...Forgot to mention that the latest R&R HOF inductee, Neil Diamond is on tonight at 9PM on BRAVO.. And the Chieftains are on Jimmy Fallon.

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Tue Mar 15 00:58:25 CET 2011 from (166.205.141.189)

JQ

Westcoaster - I remain unsure of my offense. But millions of people can be wrong, just look at the election of Bush x2.

That one was for Steve -

Entered at Tue Mar 15 00:39:08 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Subject: Beach Boys

Hi!! You guys probably know this news in my link, but a reminder from this great group that are still aroumd.

BEG: Nice poem. Prof. Bowman might be a good choice as he knows him so well.I'm sure he will find a goodie to help him along the way. I don't believe he'll write his bio on his own.

EMPTY NOW: In your post on kings, what king of England? I only know of a Queen, and I live in Canada. King Farouk was a real baddie from what I remember years ago. Anwar Sedat was a good guy. At least he tried to make peace, until he was shot.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE [if only...] xoxoxoxo

Entered at Mon Mar 14 23:59:58 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: This is Rock & Roll!!

This here is for that gawd damn JQ - ol' rascal. I'm comin' down the beach there pretty soon. I'm gonna get him out for a beer and I'll probably jump acros the table and bite off his left ear......old son-of-a-bitch.

It don't matter what you say, there isn't much better rock & roll any where than stuff like this. And the whole point is, millions of people can't all be wrong!

Entered at Mon Mar 14 22:17:59 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Two legendary figures from the world of music have passed away in the last few days: Jazz drummer Joe Morello, famous for his work with Dave Brubeck, including "Take Five". And recording engineer Stan Ross, co-founder of Gold Star Recording Studios in Hollywood.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 21:29:01 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

David P: I've always liked the Shangri-Las. What's not to like about white boots and kohl-covered eyelids? Let's not get onto the British equivalent, Twinkle ("Terry").

I've been playing Peter Gunn, but also Apache. I have the original on the iPod (I mean, who doesn't?) and also a later Shadows version. I can't really believe it, but the Jeff Beck version is better. The guitar is pretty faithful, but the bass part in particular sounds way better.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 20:18:12 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Jeff Beck: As mentioned the tribute to Les Paul is that but also a whole lot more………just a gloriously fun night of rock n roll…….I picked up the DVD and it’s guitar heaven…………….Gary US Bonds does a number as does Brian Setzer but just a blast to see a master of the electric guitar do his thing on a bunch guitars and songs I have never seen him play…….The version of Peter Gunn with guitar and horns going at it just about blows the roof out of the place…………The “Extras” section of the dvd includes a good little bit at Beck’s home where he tells the stories of some of the guitars he has in his collection……..Other than Roy Orbison….has there been another example of someone just soaring like this in the last innings of their career………Jeff Beck in his 60’s has had more acclaim and “not put a foot wrong” moments than at any other period in his career – surpassing even the George Martin mid 70’s period.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 19:45:47 CET 2011 from (74.108.27.233)

Joan

I totally sagree with choice of Richard & Mimi Farina, but I would chose Reflections in a Chrystal Wind.

Pat also reset my mental jukebox. Karla Bonoff has a really good one in "Restless Nights

The second Yonder Mountains String Band collaboration.

I've got more but those do pop over the years

Entered at Mon Mar 14 19:20:03 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Peter: In a way The Shangri-Las have been rediscovered recently. The duo Nikki & Rich sampled the group's "Give Him A Great Big Kiss" and channeled that "girl group" style in their song "Cat and Mouse". Critics have described the result as doo-wop meets hip-hop.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 18:34:47 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

One of the links between the new Marianne Faithful and the new Jeff Beck (with Imelda May) is that Marianne covers"Past, Present & Future" while Imelda May with Jeff Beck does "(Remember) Walking In The Sand."

That reminded me that one rumoured Band session was at Red Bird and some hazarded whether it was with The Shangri-Las. The Shangri-Las covered You Cheated You Lied too at this time, and credited it to "Helm." I think we worked out that the Red Bird references were the John Hammond sessions though.

BUT artists are constantly rediscovered. Maybe it's The Shangri-Las next!

Entered at Mon Mar 14 18:17:56 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Other listening today. Jeff Beck's "Rock & Roll Party Honouring Les Paul." A friend recommended it, and I said I wasn't that mad on Jeff Beck, and he said "Get it for the Imelda May vocals." Right. She's brilliant on this.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 17:50:17 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Mar 14 17:30:48 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: Blurred?????

Awright Kevin! just what does that mean? We're both just a couple old geezers......you criminal! Now get back there and sit down you young punk!

Entered at Mon Mar 14 17:10:04 CET 2011 from (76.69.86.60)

brown eyed girl

Bill M and......Garland Jeffreys fans!

Wow....speaking of Garland....I just received an email from Garland letting me know that finally.....finally....his latest CD....THE KING OF IN BETWEEN is ready and will come out in May!!

For Kevin J......I think....Therefore I am.

On A Rainy Afternoon/Does She Need Me?/I Can't Leave Her Behind

Entered at Mon Mar 14 17:04:18 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Mar 14 16:53:20 CET 2011 from (24.108.253.172)

westcoaster

Subject: On another subject..........

Bill!......BILL MUNSON!!.........where in the hell is Bill??

Ok here's the story. I hire this guy as a deckhand a few days ago. Big fella, 6'2", says he's about 230....more like 260 at least. 52 years old, and so out of shape I thought he'd have a cardiac just climbing off the tug onto the barge the way he was gasping. Anyway he's from Trana . Been out here quite a few years living on his sail boat, so considers himself quite a sailor. Point is there is a great difference riding around on a boat site seeing, and working on a tug.

After a couple days he says to me......I think I bit off more than I can chew. Nice guy tho'. So what I'm coming to. He plays guitar a little, and is into music. So I said to him, you must be one of those guys who hangs out down in that Yonge Street country then? He says you must mean those days of Neil Young and all them. I said yeah, and explained to him about the Band. He says, oh, do you know of Ronnie Hawkins? I said fer chris sake man I have know of Ronnie Hawkins since about 1958, and explained to him the whole evolution of Rockabillie music. He says oh yeah, well.....around the lake where I grew up, Ronnie used to play there all the time. His daughter is a friend of mine!

Now there you go see.......I don't even got to go anywhere, and this BAND connection just appears all the time right in my face.

Anyway this fella, Duncan Morley his name is , well he was quite put out with hisself. He's 14 years younger than me, and just can't do this work he is so out of shape. He says, I can't believe how bad a shape I'm in. He was a supervisor at Lafarge cement for the last 8 years. Lost his job to layoff for "down sizing". Pretty hard for guys that age to find employment, especially when you let yourself go physically. I said you better practice up on your guitar!

Entered at Mon Mar 14 16:38:52 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Entered at Mon Mar 14 16:35:28 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Enjoying these suggestions on these possibly obscure but no too obscure lists………a few additions to my list that make a good addition to any ipod:

Joe Ely……….”Love at Liberty Lunch” – starts off with the “Me and Billy the Kid” and just gets better

The Replacements………One of my desert island discs to be sure is “Pleased to Meet Me” – their best album produced by the late great Jim Dickinson but a bit brash for some……so as a sampler of this album and some other songs of theirs perhaps downloading “Can’t Hardly Wait”, “Skyway”, “Bastards of the Young”, “Here Comes a Regular”…the latter being the best song ever written on the hopelessness of being a drunk………

Paul Weller……….”Modern Classics” – A fine best of covering his solo years……..or just download the following cuts “Out of the Sinking”, “Sunflower”, “Brand New Start”, “Into Tomorrow” and a great cover “Tobacco Ash Sunday”

Entered at Mon Mar 14 16:29:35 CET 2011 from (76.69.86.60)

brown eyed girl

Photo of Garland Jeffreys and Levon Helm. Garland's better half Claire sent this photo to me which I then shared with this site.

Bill M: Garland is acquainted with Levon so I didn't think he'd be the right one to write Robbie's memoirs!! Ha, ha! He never said anything negative about Robbie when we spoke about it but still.

Also.....I'd nominate you to help Robbie out with any Hawks related history.....I think here is where your real passion and expertise would be greatly appreciated.

I think Peter V would be a great help as well after The Hawks became The Band.

I still think ray pence would do a great job because he's a trained writer being a prof and all in history and loves both Levon and Robbie. What I've really respected about him is his strong sense of fair play and respect to all.....So perhaps.....may be more objective in general. Which reminds me ray......Why haven't you sent the Webmaster the paper you wrote on The Band????

Bowman.....too close to Robbie....but is a musicologist........However, maybe Robbie would trust him the most. I still think Robbie should write his own story as he wrote most of the songs.....but needs to acknowledge more that Levon gave him a lot of stories to transform into songs......They were a really good team for a long time. Anyway, just my opinions as a music fan.

I would love to read Robbie's memoirs just as much as I'd love for the three remaining Band members to even put out one song together for themselves and for their fans.....even if they have to be in different studios.......

Love Hope and Forgiveness (difficult for all of us but as we become wiser.....It's the only way to keep on keepin' on in this world.)

For Sebastian: If I asked any inappropriate questions about your father.....please forgive me.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 15:54:26 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Had some time this weekend to catch up on listening to some recently acquired 45 singles.

Dylan's "On A Night Like This" (Asylum) -- A double-sided, mono/stereo radio promo copy. The mono mix, with Garth's accordion and Rick's driving bass front & center, really has more punch than the stereo counterpart.

Another Dylan release "Lay Lady Lay" b/w "Peggy Day" (Columbia) -- A classic mono single.

Lee Dorsey "Holy Cow" b/w "Operation Heartache" (Amy) -- An amazing collaboration with Allen Toussaint.

Thanks BWNWITenn for the heads up on The Civil Wars. I hadn't heard them before, but some people I know were very impressed when they saw them perform at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, GA. a while back.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 15:47:25 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

BEG: I am disappointed that you, of all people!, didn't nominate Garland J to ghost-write Robbie's autobiog.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 13:48:15 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 10:32:17 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Mon Mar 14 09:11:30 CET 2011 from (41.97.133.213)

Empty Now

Subject: wrong link

sorry Adam2, in the hurry i mislinked, this one is the ultimate reference

Entered at Mon Mar 14 09:06:05 CET 2011 from (41.97.133.213)

Empty Now

definitely na na na na na na na na na na na na na na

Entered at Mon Mar 14 08:59:31 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Mon Mar 14 08:50:30 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I've always got a mental list of obscure stuff I'm either waiting for the CD to appear, or that I like so much I'd buy another copy if one fell into my hands (cheaply) in a second-hand store. I like the idea of listing them here.

Mordicai Jones “Mordicai Jones” (often classed as a Link Wray album) 1972. Bits are available on CD, but not the whole thing. Stand out tracks: Precious Jewel, Walking in the Arizona Sun (aka Tucson Arizona, and also on a Link Wray album in a different version).

Broth "Broth". I have this. Same line-up as "Mordicai Jones" cut at the same place. Everyone except Link Wray is the same. This is WAY obscure, so much so that the Link Wray fansite had never even heard of it. I bought it new, just noticed the names.

Forever More “Yours Forever More” 1971. Dunc also knows this pre-AWB band. Never on CD. Also "Words on Black Plastic."

Big Daddy “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band.” The best rock pastiche ever. Only on CD, I think. I'd buy a vinyl one.

Craig Douglas / Doug Sheldon … CD compilation. It only came out in 2007, disappeared after the first run, and now is advertised at £75 on the net. I haven't got it, but keep looking for a shop that hasn't sold its original copy and doesn't know the price hike. The wimpy 60s covers by Craig Douglas are on a dozen cheapie compilations, but Doug Sheldon is hard to find. He did the British cover of Runaround Sue, then I Saw Linda Yesterday, Live Now Pay Later, and Your Ma Said You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night. Definitely a Dion imitator, but a good one.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 07:11:44 CET 2011 from (70.77.200.21)

kristie

I hope I am not too late with my contribution to your music collection. These are five I have been enjoying lately. Not really unknown, but good, nonetheless.

1.Bruce Cockburn "High winds white sky." In my opinion, one of the best albums ever to come out of Canada.

2.Jenny Lewis and the Watson twins "Rabbit fur coat."

3.Mimi and Richard Farina "Memories." Two great talents. I also recommend Richard's novel "Been down so long it looks up to me."

4.The New pornographers "Challengers." Another great Canadian album.

I also like Bill M's suggestion of "Tinderbox" by Fred Eaglesmith.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 05:53:31 CET 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Charlie, Bobby Whitlock has a book that is either out, or about to come out. I know it's been selling on Amazon for a while.

Entered at Mon Mar 14 00:58:57 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Sun Mar 13 23:51:36 CET 2011 from (71.62.70.35)

Charlie Y

Subject: The Band in a Book About the "Layla" Album

Eric Clapton's Derek and the Dominoes "Layla and Assorted Other Love Songs" is about to be reissued for the 40th anniversary and I'm reading Jan Reid's 2006 book (Rodale Press) on the making of that album. I don't know much about Mr. Reid's background but know his publisher does not generally do many music books. When he writes the following--"it's hard to listen to the Band's erratic first efforts and fathom why BIG PINK was so influential..."--it makes me understand why the book was published by a health book publisher, not one that generally does music books.

The book talks about Robbie Robertson inviting Eric Clapton to hang out with The Band in Woodstock while Clapton was touring the US with Cream and mentions the usual quote from him when he was first exposed to their music: "I got hold of an acetate of The Band, listened to it and thought...I'm in a group that's a raging success, it's a con, it makes a lot of money...and here's a band that's been working for ten years and THAT'S where I'd like to be..."

Mr. Reid goes on to write, "Clapton was spun on his heels by The Band's melodic arrangements, their vivid storytelling, and [Robbie] Robertson's insistence on doing away with those long screaming, guitar solos..."

Entered at Sun Mar 13 20:04:30 CET 2011 from (41.97.161.243)

Empty Now

Subject: my toyota is fantastic

On the style of Ed Voci:
NorthWestCoaster wrote “EMPTY NOW, kindly take your Land Rover and check out this for us, please”

switch back to the style of Empty Now please
There’s only one 4X4 - SUV - Crossover, the gasoline fueled Toyota Land Cruiser , that everybody here – natives & tourists – call “Toyota Station”, or simply “The Station” often with tenderness, and sometimes with terror.
add on the Sahara hardships, the problem of large scale bandits and smugglers, not yet exposed in the international public opinion (as long as Press Agencies don’t tackle the question) , bandits with a substantial logistics now, and no assigned political doctrine nor purpose (as long as THE Agency doesn’t tackle the question). In the beginning those were people who owned Kalashnikovs, which helped them to acquire the newest Toyota Stations.
A guy who works for an American Oil company told me that every time colleagues of him were left in the desert by bandits who robbed their Toyota Station , the next day the managers of the wealthy American Oil Company buy them a new Toyota Station, the only reason be targeted by bandits.
As he was telling me about this situation, I was silently envisaging what a creative publicity it could make for Toyota. Later on I discovered that there’s a camping–car model called Toyota Bandit, maybe without any relevancy, thus I rather pondered about the commercial logics and ethics of the name of the latter model.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 19:40:04 CET 2011 from (69.126.52.26)

Bob F

Subject: Garland Jeffreys

The first song from Garland Jeffrey's new record is available for download from Amazon. It's called 'Coney Iland Winter'. The song has a Velvet Underground feel in the music and a great Garland vocal. Wonderful stuff. Garland and Lou are both from Brooklyn and I believe went to the same college, Syracuse.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 18:16:21 CET 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Another customer with desert tortoises in the backyard. One came out, headed for the gate, cozied up in the corner by the gate. The woman said this one never comes out till May. I wonder if summer is desert toroise racing season around here.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 17:41:49 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Ed Voci's Buddy

Hmm - not sure how I missed Pushed her Down, Ed. Stonewall classic. It's been corrected as we speak. Must have had a momentary lapse of concentration.

Roll and Tumble? Considered for selection as was Bottle and Dime from Fowl and of course many many others from that album and also the other albums. However, I reckon I can just about survive life without them for the time being. Same with Max's Blankets.

Now Jimmy's Billy Goat Bridge - that's an entirely different matter. Surviving without that could present a major genius deprivation problem.

And I'll certainly give your Mississippi Missive a go.

Peter - Gin 'n' Juice is just bubbling under. The problem is it's similar 7 minute length to High highs/Low Lows and that sort of just shades seeing as it's an original Genius Jimmy composition.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 17:35:21 CET 2011 from (67.250.113.92)

Lars again

Subject: Gabriel and the Angels

That about sums it up for me (see link).

Entered at Sun Mar 13 17:27:20 CET 2011 from (67.250.113.92)

Lars

Subject: the fox and the Blue Chicken

ED- good to have you back in the friendly environs of the Band Guestbook. No, I haven't been practicing basketball. In fact, soon after you beat me 1-0 (then the heavy rain ended the game) I took a chain saw and cut down that high stump that was holding up my backboard and hoop. I can't even tolerate watching a hoop game on tv. No big deal.

I went to the Falcon to see Blue Chicken on Friday night, but the place was sold out. No place to sit. So I handed a book off to Rando and left. I would have loved to have seen the show, but that's the way it goes ("How much does it cost?.....It cost 20 cents....but I only got a nickel....a nickel...whoa oh, that's tough." - Gabriel and the Angels).

Entered at Sun Mar 13 14:55:29 CET 2011 from (75.32.35.17)

The Gourdfather

Subject: The Gourds

..........Correction: thegourdfather@mac.com............. E.V. Buddy,,,,your compilation is your compilation is your compilation is your compilation and I dig it. Compilations of The Gourds are a fluid proposition given the wealth of material. I would add Max's "Blankets" and "1st In Line", but also "Pushed Her Down" and "Roll & Tumble". Now, having said that, the Russell/Voci tune "Mississippi Missive" on Best of Boots 2005 is a sleeper and available from Archive.org (http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=Mississippi%20Missive%20AND%20collection%3Aetree).

Entered at Sun Mar 13 14:42:33 CET 2011 from (76.68.80.24)

brown eyed girl

Oh I used to stay up every night
I be so all alone
In my hand my trusty pen
I work it to the bone

Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
Everybody thinks I'm doing fine
Ghost writer, writer, writer
I'm gonna lay you down a line

I used to live down on Ludlow Street 1964
Then I was so innocent
But now I know the score

Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
That's what they call me by name
Ghost writer, writer, writer
For fortune and for fame

We got Shakespeare, Spencer,
Sydney too
We all know what they do
I'm a poet of a kind
I know that you are too

Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer
Just tryina' make my way
Ghost writer, writer, writer
I'm gonna lay one down today

We got Chaplin with his funny face
Jolson with his mask
Movie stars all in a race
I'm going to Hollywood at last

Ghost writer, writer
Like a phantom on the trail
Ghost writer, writer, writer
Yesterday I paid back all of my bail

I got buffaloed down on Barrow Street
Everybody knows it's true
Now I'm standing on my two feet
You're with me and I'm with you

Ghost writer, writer
I'm a New York city son
Ghost writer, writer, writer
Just tryna' have my fun

I've been writing down these old stories now
For 'bout eighteen years or so
People are startin' to call me a genius
I gotta' tell 'em no, no, no, no

Ghost writer, writer
Tell me what do you have to do
Ghost writer, writer, writer, writer

To get your story through

Entered at Sun Mar 13 14:37:16 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Mar 13 14:25:31 CET 2011 from (76.68.80.24)

brown eyed girl

February 25/11 photo of Robbie

"Legendary composer and guitarist, Robbie Robertson, checks in with his new Freeze Sound Retainer
Robbie was overheard saying: “What an amazing sustainer… and who among us doesn’t need a good sustainer now and again.“

bob w:
Mink DeVille...Cabretta
Holly McNarland...Stuff (Canadian who toured with Wallflowers)
Black Uhuru...Liberation (reggae)
Donna The Buffalo (upstate NY band that even imagezulu really digs)...Positive Friction
Everclear...Songs From An American Movie Volume 1
The Skydiggers (Toronto Band)...Still Restless The Lost Tapes 1999
Steel Pulse...True Democracy (reggae from England)
Bush X (now called Bush)...Sixteen Stone
Garland Jeffreys...Escape Artist and Guts For Love
The Waterboys...A Pagan Place and This Is The Sea

I'd nominate ray pence to write Robbie's memoirs if Robbie didn't want to do it himself.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 14:00:41 CET 2011 from (82.42.175.156)

Ed Voci's Buddy

I'd be interested in what you think of this for a Gourds collection I've recently burnt to CD.

Any you'd miss out or add?

Or is it as damn near perfection as I'm starting to think?

Magnolia

Boil my strings

My name is Jorge

Plaid Coat

Web Before you walk in it

El paso

Plaid Coat

County orange

Lowlands

jenny brown

Clear night

When wine was cheap

Trampled by the Sun

Last letter

Steeple Full of swallows

Caledonia [Jimmy's own not the bland blues version of course]

Promenade

Dying of the Pines

High highs Low Lows

Two Girls

Raining in Port arthur

All the Labor

It's been on continuous play this past month in the house, on the PC and in the car. Thirst to hear it again and again still unquenched. With Jimmy and kevin so contrasting in style I find there is such amazing varied yet outstanding quality of writing both lyrics and music. the quality of vocals and playing speaks for itself. Only thing missing is a [sex] cymbal or should that be symbol.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 13:07:55 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Please not Greil Marcus! I couldn't take the rambling incoherence. He used to be one of the best rock writers, but it's long gone. I found recent stuff near unreadable. The obvious candidate is Rob Bowman who did all the remaster sleeve notes, but having seen that he's tried before, I'd guess that would be who he tried with.

I bought Jason Schneider's "Whispering Pines" ages ago, and started it, then mislaid the copy. A major tidy up last week revealed it and I started again. His chapter on The Hawks, Levon & The Hawks and the Dylan tour is clear, concise, clarifies some chronology for the first time, and has that hard to find item,. "new" quotes. An excellent read too. I'd put him forward as another candidate.

Entered at Sun Mar 13 10:06:20 CET 2011 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Yes a book co-written by Robbie and Greil Marcus would be highly readable. "yeah right" as they say over here (or "not" as they used to say in the rest of the world.)

Entered at Sun Mar 13 04:23:49 CET 2011 from (99.140.220.162)

The Gourdfather

Subject: "Ten years ago..." or 7 or 8 at least

Lars, I heard that! Hope you're well, practicing your round ball and gettin' ready for a rematch. The Gourds will be recording their next CD at Levon Helm Studios with Larry Campbell very, very soon so stay tuned. Hello to all who may remember or still have a memory. thegourdfather@aol.com "[Lars:] Subject: Still at it Seeing the name of Ed Voci makes me smile. The dirtiest hoop player I've ever met. I still have the scars. I wonder if he stepped it up a notch and starting sitting in with the Gourds with only one symbal. Illka- it's not like it used to be. Good luck."

Entered at Sat Mar 12 23:24:50 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: Yonge Street stories

I love this one, drummer Duke Edwards talking about his first trip to Toronto.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 23:02:35 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

sadavid: I'm sure you're absolutely correct that 444 referred to either 04:44 or 16:44, similar to Moby Grape's lovely "8:05" (AM or PM remaining unspecified). I was thinking more along the lines of Tarheel Slim's fabulous "Number 9 Train" (which Steve and I discussed briefly a few months ago) - see/hear link.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 19:09:37 CET 2011 from (74.179.54.146)

BWNWITenn

The Civil Wars' "famous" song.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 19:07:23 CET 2011 from (74.179.54.146)

BWNWITenn

Subject: The Civil Wars

The Civil Wars are a new duo from East Nashville (although David P might disagree) whose debut album hit #1 on iTunes downloads and #12 (briefly) on the Billboard top 200, and who would probably appeal to fans of The Band. The first single, "Barton Hollow," on the link, although musically appealling, isn't totally representative of their sound, which is generally a little more folky/melodic and less bluesy. Great songs, too - again, "Barton Hollow" is probably their most run-of-the-mill song, lyrically. But they're fantastic, have been selling out lots of club shows, and really need to win Best New Artist at the Grammys next year - definitely at the AMAs. Their album is available for download on Amazon for $5 throughout March.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 18:59:56 CET 2011 from (91.42.244.36)

Norbert

Subject: The Weight; Levon, Derek, Susan & Ray L.

"Ray LaMontagne, Levon Helm Band, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks playing "The Weight"" (link)

Thanks for the Lucinda Williams link the other day, great singer\songwrtier, realy enjoy her.

Fred good to see you around.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 13:54:03 CET 2011 from (67.84.207.113)

Brien Sz

Every March the Allman Brothers set up shop in New York City and play a long string of dates. The link above is a review of Opening Night of their stay. Personally, I've seen them play about 8 or 9 times but that was back in the 80's, they were always a jam.

Fred - glad to hear you are doing good - hope it stays that way with the recent nuclear events taking place.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 11:19:32 CET 2011 from (86.165.78.209)

Dunc

Subject: David P

Thanks. I didn't know Johnny Cash played in prisons so early. The 'Live at San Quentin' album was very popular here. I still enjoy and regularly play 'The Sun Sessions'.

Entered at Sat Mar 12 11:04:56 CET 2011 from (86.165.78.209)

Dunc

Subject: Bob W 5albums

Hi Bob I've broken the rules and selected 6 very different albums.

Aaron Neville - 'Bring It On Home - The Soul Classics'. I wondered at the time if I should buy a reworking of the soul classics, but I think the productions are beautiful. Remember too, Bob, the Scottish contribution to Soul - sadly because of the Scottish role in the slave trade.

John Martyn - 'No Little Boy remastered' - rerecording of John's classic tracks with a great contribution from Levon.

A'Jock Tamson's Bairns' - 'The Lasses Fashion' - Recently read again it is one of Richard Thompson's top five.

Dr Feelgood - 'Singles' - the best of British R n' B.

Maura O'Connell - 'Stories' - beautiful album - Irish singer crosses to USA.

Richard Hawley - 'Coles Corner' - perhaps 2005's greatest British album. I think a really great British album. Try downloading the track, Coles Corner or see him on You Tube.

Hope you and your son are fine.

Fred, Glad you are OK

Entered at Sat Mar 12 09:45:09 CET 2011 from (41.97.156.122)

Empty Now

Subject: Sadavid / NorthWestCoaster/ and some corrections

Sadavid , funny and so true

NorthWestCoaster, these kinds of bugs i do them in the everyday, and often with good intention, the last one is in my last post

Actually, Farouk was King of Egypt and Sudan, Nubia, Kordofan, and Darfur.
I commited a crime of lese-majesty, and those moving boundaries

in due respect to The Band GBers, I have also to correct the other big mistake in my last post. according to wikipedia, ref 5 in the link above, the exact quote is
"The whole world is in revolt. Soon there will be only five Kings left — the King of England, the King of Spades, the King of Clubs, the King of Hearts, and the King of Diamonds."
The King of England seems used at an impersonal form, just the title
It was so easy to wikipediate before posting

Entered at Sat Mar 12 05:44:41 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

On my link, check out page 3 for the BAND.

CYA soon xoxoxo

Entered at Sat Mar 12 03:35:09 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Subject: R&R HOF inductees

LINK: I think you guys may like this from Rolling Stone mag.

ROBBIES' memoir would do well if he had Griel Marcus [Sp?] to help him somewhat.

All our prayers are with the people of Japan. Just heard that a 6.8 magnatude aftershock has taken place. These poor people. God Bless them all. and keep them safe from any more harm.

FRED: Glad to hear you are OK. Hope it stays that way.

Until next time LOVR AND PEACE xoxoxo

Entered at Fri Mar 11 23:21:40 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Having recently made the jump to a 160GB Ipod, and spending countless hours cleaning up and organizing my collection, I am curious about some of those hidden gems that I know the folks here can reveal.

The ability to plug an Ipod into my car's audio system, see the album art on the nav screen and operate all of the Ipod's control options on that same screen is amazing. I feel like I'm driving my own radio station. I know technology has a down side but this particular gadgetry has made my extensive car travel a lot more enjoyable.

Thanks again, everyone.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 22:34:11 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: name that train

Bill M: unless I'm mistaken, these numbers refer to scheduled arrival times, so the "two-nineteen" and the "four-forty-four" could be the same train in different places. "Rag Mama Rag"'s "four-nineteen" is, I think, a repurposing of Richard M. Jones's "two-nineteen" from "Trouble in Mind," first recorded in 1924 and since covered by everybody and his or her dog.

Jones's vision is a lot darker than [whosever it was's that wrote "Rag Mama Rag"]:

"I'm gonna lay my head on some lonesome railroad line and let the 2:19 train satisfy my mind."

Entered at Fri Mar 11 21:21:54 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: official (pre-release) lyrics: "When The Night Was Young"

Please see [My link] for a nice scan of the lyrics, signed by JRR and decorated with personalized picks.

This is all pursuant to a contest to provide comic captions for the 'mysterious hooded figure' photograph.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 19:59:32 CET 2011 from (90.239.96.21)

NothWestCoaster

Subject: Scarborough Fair

Thanks Peter V for our info. Better check it out by myself, because 1968 was such a strange year with demonstrations in Paris and Prague!

More of NorthAfrican missunderstandings: I had a female colleague from Somalia, traditionally dressed. No one sat beside her in our lunchroom. I sat beside her just for being nice and had a chat with her - with her 25 words in Swedish. - Afterwards someone told me that there is a reason for no one sitting beside her. "You must marry her or her brothers will cut your throat", was the message. Luckilly just another racistic joke.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 19:53:26 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Empty N: While you're at it, would you mind finding out the number of the train that used to run to Tozeur/Tawzar? It would be a blast if it turned out the 444 "that don't stop here anymore".

Entered at Fri Mar 11 19:39:27 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Mar 11 19:01:51 CET 2011 from (90.239.75.26)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Is there (1) a train station in Tozeur and is there (2) a country fair in Scarborough?

(1) Good to see that 'Il treno a Tozeur' is still accepted by the music lovers like BILL M! - My problem is this: Once I had a student from the south of Jumhuriya at-Tunisia. All other students had left and she still gathered her books and writings. If this happens the best thing you can do as a teacher or an instructor is to keep your mouth shut and wait for what happens. As a fool I didn't. I said: "I like the song The Train To Tozeur from Eurovision Song ". Her dark eyes were flaming when she answered: "There goes no passenger trains to Tawzar anymore." I felt myself really stupid. EMPTY NOW, kindly take your Land Rover and check out this for us, please.

(2) I have heard that there are not any country fair in Scarborough at Saturdays anymore (Simon and Garfunkel: Scarborough Fair/Canticle). PETER V., kindly take your Saab and check out this for us, please.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 18:29:30 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Empty: it reminds me of the saying that marriage is like a hand of cards: in the beginning all you need is two hearts and a diamond, but by the end you're looking for a club and a spade . . . .

Entered at Fri Mar 11 18:27:39 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I only have one, Ghost Writer. I'll think of five later!

Entered at Fri Mar 11 17:35:26 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Subject: 5 Suggestions - possibly not known but not totally obsure

This is a great topic because it leads to music that just about everyone here can be turned on to if they choose……that said, a bit daunting to make suggestions to the likes of David, Bob, Peter, JQ and Bill as they seem to have quite extensive collections already……My older brother is in that same category…..a true true music fan that has always had an amazing interest in all areas of music…….funny guy about his music though as he has always had a strict rule about never, under any circumstances, lending any album or cd…..had I not snuck down to his room and played Rock of Ages when I was 15 I sometimes wonder whether I would even be here ( at the GB that is )….anyhow – to the task at hand……..my early bet would be that Bob probably has 2 of the 5 but let’s see!

Murray Head……..”Say it Ain’t So”

Garland Jeffreys………..”Ghost Writer”

Garfield French…………”Reason to Be” Impossible to find but a great unknown album

54-40………………’Sweeter Things – a compilation” – well done greatest hits and a good introduction to the band

Tom Cochrane…………”Ragged Ass Road” An album written about the break-up of his marriage. I was not really a fan of Cochrane’s and this is the only music of his I own……but it is a good one with some lovely tunes…..strong all the way through…

Entered at Fri Mar 11 17:27:00 CET 2011 from (41.97.192.76)

Empty Now

Subject: Bill M / ...and continued

Thanks Bill M - I just recalled that the great ABBA started in ESC. I redirect your echo to Ilkka who is as you know my other GB furnisher in outstanding knowledge

Musically speaking, all I knew before about Bey of Tunis (King of Tunisia) was the linked above song, track#11 Qoudam Darek (the palace of my heart) praising one Bey of Tunis – assume they're all the same – I never heard Enrico Macias singing as heart and soul as in this song, I deduced that this Bey dude is the best human being who ever lived

During an interview of late King Farouk of Egypt with a French journalist who dared to use the phrase "Great King" as attribute of Farouk. The latter corrected him promptly, "There will always by only four Great Kings in History…", where all expected a 4-name-list of the likes of King Georges, Leopold, etc… Farouk continued "… the King of Club, the King of Diamond, the King of Spade, and the King of Heart"

Epilog with a quote of Jean Gabin from a movie I forgot the title "Life is a train with First class passengers, Second class passengers, Business class passengers, Economic class passengers, … at end of line station it's " terminus, everybody out! please"

Entered at Fri Mar 11 16:56:02 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Fri Mar 11 16:45:00 CET 2011 from (70.28.32.74)

Landmark

I nominate Bill M to ghost-write the Robbie memoir. Anybody second the motion?

Entered at Fri Mar 11 16:16:19 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Empty N: One listen to that Alice and Battiato song and I knew it would have made a perfect comeback hit for Sonny and Cher. Sonny could probably have done his part in the original language. Sadly, with Sonny gone it'll never happen.

Rod: Good point about having some objectivity in the room, but the flipside of that is the danger of ignorance. You'd want someone who is not a slavish fan of Robbie but who knows enough of the obscure background stuff to ask the leading questions that will tease out more than the superficial and/or tired tales. (Stephen Davis, I'm thinking of you, although you did have the wit to ransack Ronnie Hawkins' book for stories.) And let's hope the ghostwriter isn't paid by the syllable or Adam2's gonna have a heart attack.

Bob W: I wish I could say it was a typo, but with the '0' and the '1' being so far apart I have to admit it was a brain-fart. The proper address was 20 Granite Creek, not the place across the street. Also, since David P's mentioned the Geoff and Amos album, I'll append Geoff and Maria's "Sweet Potatoes" to my list.

Landmark: "Second Contribution" did well enough in Toronto too, though certainly not like Montreal. Seems to me that Phillips attracted a surprisingly large audience to a concert here some time in the last few years - but maybe I'm making that up.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 16:03:42 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Thanks again to everyone for the great recommendations.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 15:38:00 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Mar 11 15:26:22 CET 2011 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

A few suggestions for bob w:

"Southern Nights" -- Allen Toussaint (Water Music)
"Blues Boy" -- Geoff Muldaur & Amos Garrett (Rounder/Umgd)
"Avalanche" -- Eric Andersen (DBK Works)
"Stratosphere Boogie: The Flaming Guitars of Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant" (Razor & Tie)
"No More Mr. Lucky" -- Randall Bramblett (New West Records)

Entered at Fri Mar 11 15:18:42 CET 2011 from (207.200.116.74)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Fri Mar 11 15:04:07 CET 2011 from (216.227.83.24)

Lil

Entered at Fri Mar 11 13:57:15 CET 2011 from (203.160.29.153)

Fred

No earthquake tremors where I live, although we are under a tsunami advisory/warning at the moment. I wouldn't have know about the big earthquake had I not turned on the TV to watch the 6 pm news.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 13:51:04 CET 2011 from (216.227.83.24)

Lil

Fred: I hope all is ok. Could you please check in when you can?

Entered at Fri Mar 11 13:48:37 CET 2011 from (59.101.55.143)

dlew919

Thanks Peter V! (I meant to put Peter will know this stuff), but I can comment on syllable length... Count out the syllables...

Obscure albums (Not terribly obscure, but Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull has plenty of gems)

Newgrass Revival (again, obscure here...)

Entered at Fri Mar 11 13:39:41 CET 2011 from (70.28.32.74)

Landmark

Subject: Bob W's question

1) Les Dudek - First solo album. 2)Journey - First album. Back when they were a hybrid Santana/Mahavishnu styled band. 3)Shawn Phillips - Second Contribution. This album was huge in Montreal and unheard of everywhere else.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 13:04:34 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 10:37:14 CET 2011 from (41.97.182.118)

Empty Now

if more interested, check out the link above, if more than more interested you can get an easier and closer view on the TV News (no matter what channel)

Entered at Fri Mar 11 10:35:54 CET 2011 from (41.97.182.118)

Empty Now

Subject: NorthWestCoaster : Re - Franco Battiato

actually, nowadays it takes Empty Now to find everything in anything.

Grandiose!!! inter-alia I halted at I Treni Di Tozeur [link] – ESC winner 1984, who said that ESC were bullshit ?

Here's a Cut-Paste from wikipedia, as it is

The train line referred to in the lyrics runs from Metlaoui in the north through the Gorges of Seldja in the Atlas Mountains to Tozeur on the border of the Sahara desert in the south, the frontier mentioned is subsequently the Tunisian-Algerian. The track was built in the early 1900s at an enormous cost of both state finances and human lives in order for the Bey of Tunis (the King of Tunisia) to travel in grand style to his winter palace in the oasis town of Tozeur and largely also to impress foreign dignitaries on visit. There was originally only one train set, built in Paris in 1910 and this was an official gift from the state of France to the Bey of Tunisia when the country was a French protectorate. With all five carriages painted deep-red it was colloquially named 'Le Lézard Rouge' (The Red Lizard) by the oppressed and empoverished Tunisian people and was seen as a symbol of both the emperor's power and extravagant Western-influenced life-style and the French imperialism.
After the bankrupt Tunisia became an autonomous republic in 1957 and the then reigning Bey from the Husainid Dynasty had lost both his political influence and his substantial inherited personal wealth, the train set with its luxurious Belle Époque interiors of brocaded velvet armchairs, overhead antique-globed lighting, brass fittings, mahogany marquetry and panoramic windows was confiscated by the new government but due to its symbolical value stored in a depot and left to its destiny. After some thirty years in decay it was however restored by the Tunisian state and the SNCFT (La Société National de Chemins de Fer Tunisiens) and today the Red Lizard and the train line Metlaoui-Tozeur, often referred to as the North-African Orient Express, is again running and one of the country's greatest tourist attractions.

In Wikipedia they specify "This page was last modified on 17 December 2010 at 23:04"

Entered at Fri Mar 11 10:16:50 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Mar 11 08:33:11 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

Entered at Fri Mar 11 08:10:54 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

But in writing out lyrics, I’d follow the number of syllables in the original line. You’re not “cleaning” up because contracted forms are considered just “English” nowadays. I think it’s a problem when writers try to reproduce accent too carefully though.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 07:59:49 CET 2011 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

yes I agree Robbie should get a "ghost writer" to help him. Historically he is a big name so there should be writers lining up to do the job. Hopefully the writer won't be a major fan and will be able to add some objectivity to the project.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 07:33:48 CET 2011 from (59.101.55.143)

dlew919

As you feel comfortable - the lin is actually something like 'A pulled intoo Nazareth, was-a feelina 'bout haf pas' dead...' /n SO, as you would remember is the best way...

Entered at Fri Mar 11 06:09:40 CET 2011 from (99.141.31.86)

Adam2

I have a question for you guys. I'm typing out song lyrics so that I can write chords names by the words, and use it as a nice reference. Do you think I should simply write the words as they're sung on the original studio recording? For example, should the first line of The Weight be written as: "I pulled in to Nazareth, was feelin' 'bout half past dead" ? Or should it be cleaned up a little, like: "I pulled in to Nazareth, was feeling about half past dead" ? A small question, but please let me know what you think.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 04:32:34 CET 2011 from (24.108.12.129)

BONK

I think another one would be Spott Farm.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 04:21:37 CET 2011 from (24.108.12.129)

BONK

"Ultimate Spinach" and it's over 40 years old. I think Ari would like this one.

Entered at Fri Mar 11 03:31:17 CET 2011 from (99.235.255.183)

Serenity

Subject: Robbie and Eric C.

LINK: to Mr. Clapton's guitar auction. One sold for $38,000 from 1948.

SADAVID: Thanx for the info on our ROBBIE.

Until next time LOVE AND PEACE xoxoxoxo

Entered at Fri Mar 11 03:12:21 CET 2011 from (12.51.52.166)

PutEmUp(Friend0

Entered at Fri Mar 11 00:35:58 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Mar 10 23:49:51 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Thanks.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 22:48:42 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

As to the biography……..there is something special about reading the actual words of the subject…….the problem with RR is he does tend to take his time doing things……..if anything gets published within a 5 year period I would be shocked………If anyone remembers a documentary called “The Hawk” ( Tracy and I talked about his many many years ago )…..it was done in the early 80’s and I remember Robbie telling some interesting stories in it about playing bars in Quebec and extra-large beer bottles, etc………A whole lot of work to get all of this down……..the upside of having him actually write it is while a ghostwriter might well have just taken his stories and repeated tales we have all heard before……..the act of RR doing it himself might well lead to far less of that and a bit more introspection…….more like Chronicles and less like Hammer of the Gods Davis…….

Entered at Thu Mar 10 21:57:41 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: Smitty / Steppenwolf

Harkening back to link to the 27 Toronto songs that BEG posted (and I've reposted above), the Smitty fans among us might like to listen the third-last song, "Thinkin' About You", on which the great man plays organ. The one two songs before that, "Take It Slow", is sung by Jerry Edmonton backed by the other members of the proto-Steppenwolf. I trust that you all have noted that there are two early Hawks tracks there too (though nothing we haven't heard before).

Entered at Thu Mar 10 18:36:27 CET 2011 from (90.239.73.235)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Jaime Robbie Robertson and the music of origine people

Samii people are origine people living between Arctic Circle and North Atlantic Sea in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia (sorry for my German punctuation but it is the only I have learned). Their public service radio programes play the own traditional and contemporary music and sometimes the music of other origine people. The language has historical connections to my own language. I was more or less forced to take a course even in Samii language at the University as a part of my degree, so I listen to Samii Radio for nostalgic reasons.

And not for nothing: Yesterday I just heard the words "Robbie Robertson" and "Clairvoyant" and enjoyed a strange swinging blues. Yes, Nordic Samii people are listening to Robbie!

Entered at Thu Mar 10 18:28:34 CET 2011 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: it's official

. . . looks as though the previous announcement ("Robertson . . . will be the face of the Juno awards . . . ") had a little spin on it. JRR is to be merely one of the presenters . . . I'll still tune in . . . and there's that Bryan kid again . . . .

Entered at Thu Mar 10 17:59:58 CET 2011 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

sadavid: I think Richard can be spotted very briefly in the "Tears Are Not Enough" documentary. My guess is that he was written into the list of singers but either arrived too late to do his bit or just couldn't come up with something that fit.

BEG: Thanks for the 27 songs, many of which have the Hawks sound in their DNA. As for the quote from Anonymous re the Yonge Street documentary, my guess is that Anonymous is someone in media who was on the scene at the time but whose views weren't sought; in other words, the words reflect the bitterness of the forgotten. Imagine saying that a TV documentary on a scene is unnecessary because a radio documentary about a single singer had already been run! Even if the radio show had been about the entire Yonge Street scene, it couldn't compete. I've watched radio, and it's boring. (The TV shows cited were national in scope, and certainly weren't focused on any street in any city.)

Entered at Thu Mar 10 17:37:08 CET 2011 from (90.239.73.235)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: North-African music

He is an avant-gardist named FRANCO BATTIATO. A Sicilian multi-artist he is, and half-Arabo like all Sicilians. Highly recommended but it my take Empty Now to find Northern Africa in his electronic techno opera.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 11:46:25 CET 2011 from (41.97.171.160)

Empty Now

Subject: ancient melodies

I was interested with music only when I got involved in History of North-African Music, I just discovered on the way more history, hence politics and anthropology, than music. I once posted I was overwhelmed from the first listening by the line from Toto's song Africa, almost premonitory, I had no idea, and David Paich had even lesser than no idea that I will become one day the old man "hoping to find some long forgotten words of ancient melodies" (whom somebody else stopped along the way) unfortunately I didn’t yet take some time to do the things we never have, fortunately music isn't made of texts only, there is also music in music…

The Questions posted artlessly by the GBers in The Band GB to Sebastian, following his demand and on behalf of Jaime Robbie Robertson, supposed The Answers to be posted in The Band GB, or at a minimum willingness, a compilation of answers to be posted in The Band GB
it's the basics of ethics, it supposed that all intervening people are honest people

Entered at Thu Mar 10 09:02:28 CET 2011 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I’ll get Robbie’s book the first day, BUT I hope he realizes the need for a good editor. One of the reason’s Levon’s This Wheel’s On Fire is so readable (apart from the anecdotes in his own voice) is the writing of Stephen Davies. I know Bumbles memorably called it “Stephen Davies’ novel” and there’s an element of that in it, but note the way he tied things together, interviewing others … with long quotes from Rick Danko etc. Davies, like him or loathe him, is a successful professional rock biographer, and his skills greatly enhanced the narrative flow and construction. Telling great stories isn’t enough.

I hope Robbie doesn’t resort to stringing together oft-told tales. The guitar story from Yonge Street was great. The Morris Levy one is one he told ten years ago on a programme, and I transcribed it, and he told it better the first time. It happens to us all. I picked up an old VHS of me giving a talk in 1989. I told a story I'd told many times since. I told it much better then. Better detail, better timing too.

NEW BIOGRAPHY … is a lovely tune from Van Morrison. He really objected to biographers digging up Belfast aquaintances. There was also the bizarre spectacle of several pages of text being devoted to an alleged incident with two women in a Warminster travel lodge, followed by four albums summed up on just one page. The lyrics I can appreciate, but all the “Not on my Wavelength” stuff was a direct dig at the "Wavelength" magazine which appeared four times a year and reviewed every show and had long articles, and never resorted to the gossip-mongering crap. Van tried to stop it throughout and eventually succeeded in strangling it. Why bother? Anyone who’s ever had an interview reported in a newspaper or magazine knows that by omissions and editing and sometimes stupidity, the result is always inaccurate. If it’s 90% accurate and the other 10% isn’t actually hurtful, fine.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 06:56:06 CET 2011 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Looking forward to Robbies book more than his new album. 10 years ago I would have looked forward to the album more but my tastes have changed and these days I'm more into the Americana of Dirt Farmer. The book should be good though - firstly to provide some balance with Levon's book and secondly to fill in the gaps from the previous books. Gaps such as the "lost" years from 71 - 74 and 78 - 87 and the works project . To be honest I'm not too interested in what happened after Storyville. Even though Levon's book was written by an insider I get the impression that alot of his memory of the 70's was from magazine articles.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 06:31:30 CET 2011 from (59.101.55.143)

dlew919

That was fantastic! Beck's reaction when Stewart walks out - clearly not expecting it... just wonderful!

Entered at Thu Mar 10 05:55:53 CET 2011 from (69.182.53.54)

Todd

Subject: Larry Speaks

Kevin J. The link above is the EPK for Electric Dirt, and has some footage with Larry Campbell around the 2 minute mark, talking about making the album along with some behind the scenes stuff. It's pretty cool.

He also speaks now, quite a bit at some of the Road Rambles introducing songs and guests in his role as music director. Kind of nice that Levon puts him front and center, which is an opportunity that he never got with Dylan. He's a talented guy, and I think it was really good for both Levon and Larry to get to make music together. I think Levon thinks of him as a brother, and the connection they have brings the music up to a higher level. Plus the dude can play anything with strings! I agree that the Dylan live shows aren't quite the same without Larry.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 05:10:08 CET 2011 from (69.182.53.54)

Todd

Subject: Questions and Answers

That's right Bonk! The questions were free, but we have to pay for the answers. Maybe Norm was on the right track. Wink Wink!

I'm just kidding really....I'm looking forward to reading Robbie's book. Especially stuff about the early days, and touring with Dylan in 1966.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 04:41:03 CET 2011 from (24.108.12.129)

BONK

Is it just me? All those questions that we asked Robbies son last year. Don't you think that this is his dads way of answering, what with the new album, Toronto Rock and Roll stories, and now his book? Just wondering.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 04:12:09 CET 2011 from (76.68.83.35)

brown eyed girl

"The Japanese edition of "How To Become Clairvoyant" will feature a bonus demo version of “Won’t Be Back” with Eric Clapton. 429 Records will also release it as a deluxe double disc package featuring demos of The Right Mistake (Demo Version); He Don’t Live Here No More (Demo Version); Fear Of Falling (Demo Version); This Is Where I Get Off (Demo Version); Madame X (Demo Version) and Houdini (Demo Version). These demos also feature Eric Clapton."

How To Become Clairvoyant.

It's out first in Robertson's native Canada on 29 March
US on 5 April
UK and EU on 12 April."

Entered at Thu Mar 10 03:17:25 CET 2011 from (70.77.200.21)

kristie

Kevin-I am thinking about going to teach in Japan! And yes, I found Bryan Adams playing in the oddest of places. I even heard "cuts like a knife" playing as a ringtone in the middle of the jungle in Nepal.

Ari-Thank you! I am really looking forward to reading Whatever Robbie writes.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 02:11:40 CET 2011 from (71.246.9.74)

bob w.

Always liked Van's take on it.

Entered at Thu Mar 10 01:19:39 CET 2011 from (67.6.40.201)

Jerry

Whether you sit on the fence such as myself or if you happen to take sides, Robbie writing his take on the Band will be very interesting to say the least...It goes with out saying that there will be some lively conversation in here as well...

Entered at Wed Mar 9 22:31:25 CET 2011 from (174.89.122.247)

Kevin J

Lars: Thanks for that link…..odd but that is the first time I have ever heard Larry Campbell speak…..seem him play a number of times – always a great joy…..and he comes across as a good guy in that clip…….With Charlie Sexton back in the fold I imagine the Dylan band has regained some umph……but Larry Campbell’s departure really left a noticeable hole for me….