The Band Guestbook, May 2018

Entered at Thu May 31 06:30:42 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

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Peter v

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Bob F

Roseanne Barr is 66. Do you think she should be allowed to use the old people card?

Here's an interesting article about how the Holocaust is fading from people's memory in America. I'm sure it's the same in other countries. This article is very significant to what I'm talking about.

"First of all, a lack of awareness of the past desensitizes you to what a comment, what a derogatory remark can mean or what it's part of. And this is whether you're talking about anti-Semitism, whether you're talking about racism, whether you're talking about homophobia. So I think that the lack of knowledge is part of it."

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Peter V

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Bob F

JQ, you're a great writer so please explain why one joke you find offensive and the other not. I find both jokes very offensive.

Entered at Wed May 30 23:30:25 CEST 2018 from (166.137.242.54)

JQ

Bob F - Sorry Bob, but if you think the GB comment (old man weak and offensive humor) was in the same league as what Barr wrote then you migh qualify - not as a lunatic - but as someone that doesn’t get boundaries or false equivalencies.

Entered at Wed May 30 22:34:32 CEST 2018 from (24.44.152.49)

Bob F

Some interesting stuff going on the past couple days in the news. The comedian Roseanne Barr the other night on Twitter posted a racist hate joke. Even though her reboot television show Roseanne has a #1 rating and was making millions of dollars she was immediately fired by ABC Television Network and her show was dropped. Even though she apologized and is an actual comedian. When we had something similar happen on the GB last month I was treated like I was a lunatic for thinking the originator of the joke should apologize. I guess Roseanne didn't know the magic words in this type of situation is Monty Pyton. Seriously though 1/3 of America feels the whole thing was overblown and it was a just a joke. Since only a few of us had a problem with the GB joke, I guess that would mean most of The GB is actually very very right wing. Surprising but good to know for the future.

Entered at Wed May 30 13:37:22 CEST 2018 from (99.227.166.246)

John D

I'm with you Bill M. A great singer songwriter. He actually played at a Ramble last year I am told.

Entered at Wed May 30 10:49:43 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

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Harry the Hat

Subject: The Band and respect

I only got to know Levon Helm pretty well when living with my wife in Bucks County, PA back in the mid-90s. He WAS a very down to earth, real, funny fellow, who treated us with the same respect he received from us. I miss him and the music, which flowed out of The Band like the Mississippi River.

Entered at Tue May 29 21:35:43 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.134)

Bill M

He's from New Brunswick, which has no big places, so the YouTubes tend to be of him in little bars and little legions and little folk clubs, playing to tipsy people who know all the words and sing along. Very real.

This new album, the live one with the Mellotones, who have their own career and website - themellotones dot ca, seems to be an attempt to push him into a bigger league. Hope it does the trick.

Entered at Tue May 29 20:48:30 CEST 2018 from (107.77.109.118)

JQ

In regard to The Band’s behavior that way, they weren’t easygoing hippies. I recall reading and hearing the word respect being attributed to them a few times. The lack of respect I believe was a complaint of Richard’s just prior to his death. Levon used the word too, perhaps a few times. I suspect that may have been handed down to them by Ronnie Hawkins. I don’t think there’s much to indicate they were fussy or impossible that way. Later on they could have been hoping for more respect and reacted to its perceived loss. They were pros and I think their shows - never jamming - reflected that. A pro does it for the money, an amateur for the love. From everything I’ve heard about them personally, they were quite down to earth.

Entered at Tue May 29 12:28:20 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Stealing Dylan from Woodstock

Link to the amazon page for the book. You can use "look inside" for the start which includes a press conference photo with Dylan and some of our guys.

Entered at Tue May 29 12:13:38 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I haven’t read it, just dipped so far, but he does mention that The Band were grumbling about the farmhouse as not good enough for them. A reminder of Barney Hoskyns comment that he couldn’t believe how “rock star” they could be.

There’s another volume on the 1970 Festival that I didn’t buy but he mentions Supertramp’s rich sound and “unique version” of All Along The Watchtower” as a highlight.

Entered at Tue May 29 10:06:00 CEST 2018 from (86.153.52.38)

Dunc

Subject: Typo

Sorry, line should read not about 'comparing' not 'caring'

Entered at Tue May 29 10:03:25 CEST 2018 from (86.153.52.38)

Dunc

Thanks, Bill M. great cover of Ophelia. It's such a brilliant song. I love when the horns strut their stuff within the confines of the song.

Sky were dire, Peter. I always remember them on the telly - the band members, after some horrific song, looking at John Williams like Cheshire cats and grinning 'how great are we' looks. They were dreadful.

I really like the Chieftains, Wallsend. I bought their first five or six albums as they came out back in the day. Difficult for a non musician to describe, but I like when they build up and come together in a piece of work - I think they do this better than many other bands. I only know Derek Bell through his work on the harp in the Chieftains. My favourite ensemble was Jock Tamson's Bairns, they made the album that Richard Thompson made famous in his list of top ten albums.

I love harps. I used to go to quite a few sessions back in the day - guitars, bodhrans, tin whistles, fiddles, banjos and accordions - great nights, but seldom did you hear a harp.

I see similarities between the Band and Pentangle - great musicians, great singers, great percussionists. It's not about caring, but I love the Band.

I enjoyed the Ian Walsh clip on YouTube. And I've learnt something knew - I didn't realise the extent of teaching at that highest level that goes on. For example, Richard Thompson and Tony McManus are hosting a guitar tuition weekend in New York soon. And John Renbourn called Tony McManus the greatest Celtic guitarist in the world. Thanks, Wallsend.

Entered at Tue May 29 02:16:29 CEST 2018 from (207.236.37.163)

Bill M

Turns out to be one of the unexpected Bandly days. Had coffee with a colleague and afterwards dropped into a secondhand record store across the street. What should be playing but "Jawbone". Big Brown was on the counter under a little sign saying "Pick of the Day". Good for them.

I'd been there a month or so ago so didn't look beyond the "Collectable LPs" section; nothing there for me so I turned around to walk out and spotted the Eclection CD with bonus tracks, none of which I had, but now I do. Good notes too: they'd appeared at the Isle of Wight Festival, just like our guys; the basic duo (Georg Hultgren and Michael Rosen) had come together in London over a shared appreciation of early Gordon Lightfoot songs, as someone, likely Peter V or maybe Jerry T, mentioned here a few months ago.

After supper, I drifted into a Sunrise (a firsthand record store) for inspiration and noticed that the great Matt Andersen has a new vinyl album out, "Live at Olympic Hall", and it included a fine cover of "Ophelia" - see link.

Entered at Mon May 28 22:05:31 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Though not in the same league as Sky (every charity shop has some), a surprising number of Pentangle albums turned up in charity shops until a few years ago. A good way to acquire them.

Entered at Mon May 28 21:28:36 CEST 2018 from (1.43.55.86)

Wallsend

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Wallsend

Entered at Mon May 28 20:06:27 CEST 2018 from (86.153.52.38)

Dunc

Subject: O'Carolan

Thanks, NorthWest Coaster. Turlough O'Carolan definitely existed North West Coaster. But some of the tunes attributed to him will not be his because tunes would be passed from generation to generation from musician to musician without being written down. (Not an original thought)!

Thanks, Wallsend, really enjoyed the John Renbourn trio of O'Carolan tunes. Know the latter two. Great stuff. If you google James Galway and the Chieftains, O'Carolan's Concerto, you'll hear a wonderful version of the concerto. Or just explore the Chieftains and O'Carolan.

I'm just amazed that us three Banditos from different parts of the world are still playing O'Carolan's music hundreds of years after his death. Why are we attracted to the Band and O'Carolan? Is there a link?

Entered at Mon May 28 01:09:39 CEST 2018 from (24.114.71.136)

Bill M

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Peter V

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NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Strictly grammatically

You can get the wrong idea from my latest message that DUNC is for me like Jesus - scrictly grammatically. So much fun are we not going to have.

Entered at Sun May 27 15:19:11 CEST 2018 from (83.250.75.12)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Toirḋealḃaċ Ó Cearḃalláin - or - Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin

No, the subject line is not Finnish meaning "There is no toilet paper in Caribbean Islands". It means "O'Carolan" who is discussed here by DUNC and others. I listen to his compositions nearly every day. For me he is like Jesus. I doubt that these two guys ever existed. A lot of good preaching and melodies are just credited to their names. In opposite to that Bob Dylan (or at least Robert Zimmerman) exists but the melodies are from early days.

Good ol' early days.

Entered at Sun May 27 14:59:12 CEST 2018 from (83.250.75.12)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Something I didn't know

Did you know that FREDERIK, Crown Prince of Denmark, is a blues harmonica player... and better than ME! (Happy 50th birthday, btw.)

Entered at Sat May 26 22:28:02 CEST 2018 from (24.222.133.112)

joe j

Ruthie Foster: Live at Antone's

Guy Clark: Boats to Build

Craig Young: Live at the Garrick

The Pogues: Red Roses For Me

Bobby Charles

Entered at Sat May 26 22:01:37 CEST 2018 from (24.222.133.112)

joe j

Bobby Charles

Guy Clark: Boats to Build

Craig Young: Live at the Garrick Theatre

Fairport Convention: What We Did...

The Pogues: Red Roses For Me

Entered at Sat May 26 00:42:33 CEST 2018 from (70.121.56.235)

glenn t

otis: live in europe

van morrison: beautiful vision

shawn colvin: uncovered

rosanne cash: 10 song demo

david bowie: low

santana: caravanserai

have a wonderful weekend!

Entered at Fri May 25 20:42:31 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

Rockin' C: This one's for you - another version of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" from Rita Chiarelli's "No-One to Blame" CD, produced by Richard Bell from the Band and BaRK. While the rest of the album has Richard playing, along with Gary Craig and John Dymond from BaRK, this particular song was recorded by just Chiarelli singing and Daisy Debolt playing rhythm guitar (though she had a voice that could knock down walls) - and then some slide guitar was added afterwards. I note that Richard Bell is also on that excellent Colin James album you were just listening to; "Like A Radio" is the standout, it seems to me.

Peter V: Another one for your Richard Bell discography.

Entered at Fri May 25 17:24:17 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: On Again - Off Again

JQ! Don't know if you noticed, your Prez. had a coin minted (supposedly 250) with the bust of him and Kim Jung Un on it to commemorate this historic meeting. Even tho' he cancelled the meeting it still went on sale yesterday. He needs that Nobel. Now this morning "maybe" the meeting is on again. (Another one of his scare tactics).

The Big Five:

Colin James - Into the Mystic

Elton John - Texas Love Song

Steve Goodman - You never even called me by my name

Bruce Springsteen - I'm on Fire

Neil Young - Four Strong Winds

Entered at Fri May 25 13:44:27 CEST 2018 from (203.160.29.183)

Fred

In preparation for Saturday night's big bash in Kiev the latest 5 have a Liverpool/Merseyside beat to them (you can guess who'll I be cheering on, can't you?):

Echo & the Bunnymen: The Yo-Yo Man

The Icicle Works: Birds Fly

The La's: There She Goes

Half Man Half Biscuit: No One Cares About Your Creative Hub So Get Yer F**kin' Hedge Cut

The Beatles: Revolver

Entered at Fri May 25 10:35:44 CEST 2018 from (86.153.52.38)

Dunc

Subject: Thanks and five for Friday

Thanks, Wallsend. I'll seek that out. I value O'Carolan's work. I really treasure the late Derek Bell's (ex chieftains' harpist) solo album 'Carolan's Favourite'. Absolutely brilliant album. I was lucky to see the Chieftains in Dublin, when they played a couple of O'Carolan numbers. Thanks, Mate.

Last five played - obviously it's acoustic guitar week.

'The Maker's Mark' - Tony McManus. Tony playing some of the most beautiful guitars made today. So they tell me. It is an album of virtuosity.

'Crimson Moon' - Bert Jansch. A great guitar album with Johnny Guitar Hodge, Bernard Butler and Johnny Marr.

'The Ornament Tree' - Bert Jansch. I return to this album often. A Celtic album. When I first saw Pentangle, I thought Bert was English as he had moved down to London at a very young age.

'Light Flight The Anthology' - Pentangle. Brilliant collection.

'Prentice Piece' - Dick Gaughan - Great performer. 'Scojun Waltz/Randers Hopsa' is a brilliant instrumental.

Entered at Fri May 25 09:57:24 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I prefer Nanci Griffith's to the more "meaningful" attempts. For us, when we recorded it, it ticked lots of boxes: very clear lyric, strong memorable melody for singing along, nice, sweet message for pre-teen / early teen learners, even stronger "teacher appeal." But I agree, for an adult Americana audience it is somewhat saccharin.

Entered at Fri May 25 06:31:02 CEST 2018 from (1.43.55.86)

Wallsend

Entered at Fri May 25 05:57:45 CEST 2018 from (166.137.242.47)

JQ

Thinking about Trump backing out of the Korea deal due to some unexplained “hostility” reminded me of Duck Soup where the Louis Calhern character calls Groucho an upstart so he - Rufus T Firefly - slaps him and away they went to war.

Entered at Fri May 25 05:09:51 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

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JQ

It might be schlock but it’s a great way to feel insignificant and much happier at the same time, for some reason that’s a mystery to me. I already feel better just writing this. Especially after another day hearing our dumb-fucked president blow on.

Entered at Fri May 25 01:29:41 CEST 2018 from (24.180.41.200)

Ben Pike

Subject: up close and personal

Like Nancy too, but "From a Distance" is shlock.

Entered at Thu May 24 19:43:59 CEST 2018 from (86.153.52.38)

Dunc

Subject: Tony McManus

Thanks, Wallsend. I think I'll get it. I don't kmow John Renbourne's work at all. As I said I come in at Pentangle, but I've got quite a few Bert Jansch albums and a couple of Davey Graham albums.

He might have been happy at the end of his life. I could live quite happily in Hawick - the Scottish Borders is beautiful, and he was still playing gigs, he missed the Glasgow gig. At the time of his death Ralph McTell said he was a funny guy.

But I'm playing my acoustic guitar music just now; Dick Gaughan is really good.

And I bought Singing Sands by Tony McManus and Alain Genty today. Tony McManus is the guitarist here who is credited with carrying on the excellence of Grossman, Renbourne, Jansch, Jones and Graham. I'm not an expert, but John Renbourne described his last album as a 'masterpiece'.

I think he lives in Canada now. Seek him out, if you don't know him. He's a teacher of the guitar too and there is good stuff on Youtube - especially if you keep up. I was never a musician.

Just too much music.

Entered at Thu May 24 11:43:22 CEST 2018 from (1.43.55.86)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu May 24 10:32:45 CEST 2018 from (86.153.52.38)

Dunc

Subject: I've got a feeling,

Thanks Wallsend. I know 'Basket of Light' and 'Cruel Sister' well and like them. I play regularly the 'Light Flight Anthology'. But I'm thinking will I play the box set? Or is the 'Anthology' with thirty tracks enough? Just at a time when I've cleared out about thirty albums I don't play to Oxfam.

The reason I don't have more is because we were spoiled for choice up here with the number of really good Scottish bands in this genre at that time.

I was lucky to see the Glasgow concert of the reformed original Pentangle during the last tour. Still brilliant musicianship. Jacqui McShee is a great communicator as well as a beautiful singer. I loved the evening.

Entered at Thu May 24 10:06:01 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Nanci Griffith version

Here's the Nanci Griffith version. I recall there was a lot of concern at OUP (our publisher) about the line "God is watching us" and they had people check the song in the Middle East and Far East to see if it worried them, but it didn't. Now I want to find our version. Years since I heard it!

Entered at Thu May 24 09:55:20 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

From A Distance was written by Julie Gold, and first done by Nanci Griffith from the LP “Lone Star State of Mind” which I haven’t heard for years, but will dig out today. I was very into Nanci Griffiths in the late 80s, and she always had great sidesmen on her albums. Bette Midler did her (somewhat overwrought) cover, and the big one in the UK was Cliff Richard, live with orchestra from the LP of the same title. Then The Byrds did it on their 1990 box set. Also Kathy Mattea, Fairport Convention and Elaine Page. I’ve got several of them, because it’s one of the songs we recorded for one of my English Language textbooks. We listened to all the versions we could find, and probably took ideas from each. We used the Cliff Richard lyric changes, because he switched “song of every man” to “song of every one” which fits just as well, and for an educational book, ticks the right PC boxes.

Entered at Thu May 24 07:50:56 CEST 2018 from (24.180.41.200)

Ben Pike

Subject: Syria Mosque

I got a copy of the Pittsburg 1970 show on Amazon. Though the photo is from Rock of Ages. I guess they bootleg these radio shows because nobody but Bob's lawyers is going to bother anyone on this stuff, there are a bunch of John Prine collections, for instance.

Best live version of "We Can Talk?"

The problems with the sound are Garth stuck too far in the back, but this might reflect the hall itself and what it sounded like there. Other radio boots are somewhat better but it's much better than some of the raincoat records I have heard. I once saw even the terrible Hollywood Bowl boot on CD! The boys were certainly booted a lot in their run

I think this radio concert is probably incomplete: they take a break and there is no GM/Chest Fever. Best live "Strawberry Wine?"

I bought two others on Amazon also. Isn't there a Washington show with horns? There is a youthful enthusiasm to this gig, perhaps most in the vocals of Richard and Rick, maybe this was when they still had the feeling of discovering something that was new, that was their own, before any resentments starting taking shape?

Entered at Thu May 24 05:55:50 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

Entered at Thu May 24 05:42:26 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

Entered at Wed May 23 23:23:30 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed May 23 22:12:27 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: You Can't Sing Gospel if you ain't got no Soul

Hank Williams called himself "Luke The Drifter". I got this old vinyl of that gospel he did. Mighty fine stuff.

Ry (only blind in one eye) that's good JQ! Some of that old black & blues gospel is good. Have any of you ever seen that movie of South Africa, called "The Power of One"? The gospel harmonies sung by those black folks is so powerful you just never want to stop listening to it.

Entered at Wed May 23 17:44:27 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

This genre has a real following here. It’s ghastly shite; makes feel that the pagan life is the only way to go!

Entered at Wed May 23 17:26:52 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

PV - I picked up Atlanta 12 String on David Powell’s advice too. Willie McTell’s songs are unique in their lyrics, far more urban/urbane than the delta guys of the same era. I’m not sure he’s even a blues singer/writer/player, at least in the conventional sense. That record is a gift given how much of the music from his era is poorly recorded or preserved. Although some of the later recordings, 1960’s, don't really deliver those tunes as well as the originals - those guys were pretty ancient by then. Skip James’s I’m So Glad is an example of that, 60’s vs 30’s. In that case the original, albeit a bit hard to hear, wins out easily.

Ry’s only blind in one eye, right?

Entered at Wed May 23 16:47:00 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

What with Blind Willie Johnson, I'm reminded of Blind Willie McTell and David Powell's love of the "Atlanta 12 string" album which I got on his advice.

Entered at Wed May 23 15:22:10 CEST 2018 from (129.97.124.22)

Bill M

Entered at Wed May 23 13:52:40 CEST 2018 from (24.114.52.133)

Bill M

Entered at Wed May 23 13:32:29 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: You Must Unload

Just looked at YouTube, Ry Cooder has been playing it live fora few years. Link to Atlanta.

Entered at Wed May 23 13:04:09 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed May 23 05:36:51 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

Entered at Wed May 23 04:00:12 CEST 2018 from (24.114.52.237)

Bill M

I would walk a long way to re-hear the very early Syrian Christian hymns I heard sung in Aramaic many years ago, but surely part of the appeal is that I don't understand Aramaic so wasn't put off by the message. The same is true of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music, Fairuz's Easter songs and Ba'aba Ma'al's "Call to Prayer".

Come to think of it, I almost always like "Amazing Grace", whoever's singing it - or even just piping it bagly.

Entered at Tue May 22 23:44:34 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue May 22 21:38:52 CEST 2018 from (1.43.55.86)

Wallsend

Dunc, I am also a big Pentangle fan. The box set would be a good investment although, to speak honestly, I also think there is a lot of dead wood on some their albums. Pentangle must rival The Band for the number of times a limited number of original albums have been repackaged.

Entered at Tue May 22 20:18:35 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Lisa

Entered at Tue May 22 19:53:53 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: There's one in every crowd.

Just about every Jewish person I know are pretty sociable easy going folk. Mostly good sense of humor and easy to get along with.

When watching the USA news the other day I was pretty shocked when they were discussing a rabbi who was blessing Jared Kushner and Ivanka and he was said to have referred to black people as monkeys. More over he had a lot to say about the rest of us. I can't remember the whole dialogue except to say it reminded me how that one religion refers to the rest of us as "Infidels".

Religion is a hard thing to understand because there are so many who twist it to suit their purpose. I'm in the Monty Python court!

Entered at Tue May 22 19:35:30 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

Entered at Tue May 22 18:25:35 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

Don’t know - Don’t care. In the generation that follows the boomers there seems to be a thoughtless agnosticism - not rude thoughtlessness but that thier religious beliefs aren't thought through much. I’ve got some ideas about the reasons but they’re scattershot. It took me the better part of my lifetime to shed most of my god stuff but I don’t think that’s the case with the next generation. The worry is that they could be vulnerable to a dynamic or charismatic religious leader or cult. I don’t know if they’re representative but my 4 close Jewish friends are all thoughtful atheists - and they think Netanyahu is a Trumpian bonehead - god bless them!

So PV, we could catch up with your stats someday but it’ll take time and thought here. Randy Newman’s God’s Song always cheers me up and I love gospel music - go figure.

Entered at Tue May 22 16:12:20 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Settling Up!

OK Peter! Send the Nic Jones album over straight-a-way and I'll put the gun away and all will be forgiven..........or else......

Entered at Tue May 22 09:46:06 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: British & American piety

Link to a humorous article on my blog "(Not) An Amazing Grace" on British and American piety. I posted this years ago and Landmark commented.

Entered at Tue May 22 09:38:52 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

In my local secondhand record store yesterday. I looked on the wall and saw Nic Jones' 1978 LP "From The Devil To A Stranger." It was on the wall, right at the top, and I was told it had been there for two months. I hadn't noticed it. It was more than I usually pay for secondhand vinyl, but we looked online and Nic Jones original LPs command very high prices … and this was way cheaper than that. Looking forward to playing it … though I have stuff on all day.

Entered at Tue May 22 09:34:12 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

We’re used to men in frocks with high-pitched voices intoning prayers in a meaningless monotone. So Bishop Curry is a shock.

I’ve noticed over twenty years that they divide tasks. Funerals invariably have male priests, while weddings almost always have female priests. The men drone on at funerals, always getting at least one important family name wrong. The women priests do weddings in a much more conversational style. Simply, they’re much better at it. The most exciting and fervent wedding I’ve attended was when my cousin married a Zambian. Wonderful music, the bride entered dancing down the aisle with her woman friends. Church of England too, with a woman priest.

At the Royal level, high church, Bishop Curry would be a bit of a surprise. But I do think that when you’re allocated 6 minutes at a ceremony, you might stretch to 7, but 13 is hijacking the event, for self-glorification. But being British, we do like religion studiedly formal and in the background.

Entered at Tue May 22 05:33:25 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: With Clarity!!!

Yer absolutely right Bill. There goes -uh Robert E Lee. I'm getting so violently tired of Petey's persistent stubbornry I'm getting in the mood to find the shot gun again.

The only person who "very clearly" says "THE" is Johnny Cash because that's his accent. Most everyone slurs the word over as we have described.

Thanks for that Haso there is so much great music that comes from PWC.

I been listening to some old favourites:

John Mellencamp & Billy Joel - "Pink Houses"

Bozz Skaggs - Lido Shuffle

Joan Osborne - Midnight Train to Georgia, (This take was a studio run with only drums, bass and keyboard) clean and beautiful.

Nic Jones - Canadee-i-o the best guitar work you'll ever hear, (acoustic)

Eddy Raven - Joe knows how to live!

Entered at Tue May 22 05:32:05 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

Entered at Tue May 22 05:11:12 CEST 2018 from (64.229.180.233)

Bill M

Peter V: Using the language of "The Feeling Is Gone", as sung by the Hawks in Oklahoma in '65 (thanks to Pat B and Rockin C), I'm here to tell you that I hear Levon singing "By May Tenth Richmond'd fell. Certainly not 'it'. Interesting that he chose to put the stress on 'By' and to dump the 'the' between 'May' and 'Tenth'.

I'm also here to tell you that I hear Levon singing "There goes the Robert E Lee", except that elision turns 'goes the' into 'goes ze'. Most of us would sing it that way if the lyric sheet said 'the'.

Entered at Tue May 22 04:58:56 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: 5 from Friday

Or maybe it's from the previous Friday. Good to see a little discussion of "your" wedding, Peter and the gospelized Stand by Me. Though from our vantage point, your royals seemed to have no idea what to do w/ Rev. Curry, I thought it quite pointed to more-or-less request that they join the 21st century and point out how much they could be an good influence. He wasn't there, obviously, and I'm not Catholic but it seemed to flow from some of the same places where people see progress w/ Pope Francis. Also interesting to me, how many (admittedly white) people hereabouts took Curry to be Southern Baptist. Even though it said he was Episcopal (most likely AME, the pre-emminent mainstream black church in the Northern and Eastern US).

Anyway, 5:

Butterfield - the Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw. Interesting versions of Pity the Fool and Born under a Bad Sign, compared to Buddy Guy, Tedeschi/ Albert King.

Richard - singing Georgia at TLW

Playing for Change - 1st cd including the original compilation for these folks of Stand by Me. Always a life-affirming view or listen. I know Norm's been a big fan of PfC, not read any other commentary on this international organization, here.

Larkin Poe - Black Betty, Preacher Man and Ophelia. Must find out what our local, old-school record store has of them.

Larry Groce - Green Pastures are before Me; discussed a couple of months ago w/ Mr Fino; also my thanks to Glenn T for a cd-version.

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Bill M

Until I read the obituary for classical cellist Don Whitton at the link, I had no idea that anyone playing in a rock band in the late '60s had been a veteran of WWII. Toronto-based Lighthouse was never huge beyond Canada, and only in their early days ('69-'72) did they have any profile in the US, but still, having a guy who'd fought in France on stage at the time seems pretty weird. For those that don't know the group, they were the shared dream of two Torontonians, rock drummer Skip Prokop and jazz pianist Paul Hoffert, who met on a plane home from New York and decided to pull together a rock and roll orchestra - a five-man rock group with four permanent horns and four permanent strings.

It's worth noting that this decision caused Prokop to ditch his job as the founding drummer with Janis Joplin's Kozmic Blues Band. (He'd previously been a founding member of the Paupers, the drummer on the Live Adventures of Bloomfield and Kooper, and a sessionman on a couple of other Albert Grossman projects.)

As you might imagine, finding quality string players willing to tour as part of a rock band was tough - hence the need to broaden the talent pool to include the relatively aged. The obit says he lasted a year with Lighthouse; I know he's on the first album, but I suspect he was gone by the second, which included a lame version of "Chest Fever".

Since I wrote a bit about Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels the other day, I'll add that a real boost to Lorne's successful move to TV in the very early '70 had a lot to do with the fact that his wife was Rosie Shuster, daughter of Frank of Canada's comedy kings, Wayne and Shuster - with whom Don Whitton had played in a serviceman's revue in France in the '40s. I'll note also that Lighthouse's sax player all the way from '68-'73 was Howard Shore, who went south with Lorne Michaels as a key guy in the SNL house band - and subsequently became hugely successful scoring films, notably the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

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Peter V

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Dunc

Subject: Catching Up

Motorhead, Peter!!!! I was in Bonny Argyll at the weekend, when two motor cyclists in their fifties and their partners drove up to the cafe we were sitting at. Dressed in their leathers, black tee shirts, too many finger rings, too many earrings, the bad taste tattoos and a few skulls there or there abouts. But two of the teeshirts were Motorhead. I never felt threatened, really nice people, as they ordered their pot of tea and scones. You need to take drastic action and stop this interest in Motorhead to avoid the piercings, skull rings and dagger tattoos in five years time. Quick, now.

Thanks for Nic Jones and Davey Graham links. I was kucky enough to see Davey Graham play one of his last gigs in Glasgow, where I bought a disc of a simply recorded concert at St Andrews University. After a few plays, it didn't play... Great musician. I don't know Nic Jones, but enjoyed link.

I love Pentangle and play a collection. Great stuff. I notice the first seven albums have been released in a boxed set for £50. I'm tempted.

Thanks, North West Coaster. I really like Bob's newer material too. George Harrison said an artists newer songs, referring to Bob, needed time to bed in. Not so keen on the Sinatra songs.

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Peter V

Subject: Whistling Dixie …

Ah ha! Link to The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down from the same show. Two notes on lyrics, Levon corrects the grammar to "By May 10th Richmond, it fell" to avoid "had fell" and he extends an "and" "Virgil, quick come AND see, there goes Robert E. Lee." removing the need for the vocal pause! Listen carefullyand tell me if you hear "the". No way!

Entered at Mon May 21 11:45:27 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Band 76

Pat, I've linked the YouTube "Chest Fever" video here. If you go to the YouTube page, you'll see the other songs individually.

Entered at Mon May 21 11:42:04 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

No traffic this weekend? I realize you were all watching re-runs of the Royal Wedding. Actually, we watched the lot live. I found much of it a breath of fresh air. No politicians invited (except John Major because he is one of the 13 Knights of The Garter - the Queen's personal choice). Instead we had Marcus Mumford (a man who has sung The Weight in stadiums) and Carey Mulligan, Elton John. The USA was not represented by an ambassador or politician but by at the top level by her friend, George Clooney - a far better representative than an appointee of Trump. Then we had over 1000 representatives of charities for the disabled and disabled people outside, not a bunch of MPs and senior civil servants.

There were odd moments, particularly Bishop Curry giving a 13 minute sermon when he was asked to do six minutes, which perplexed people. He started brilliantly but by ten minutes in everyone was looking at their watches.

An amusing bit on Sky was a pub in London where an American journalist said "So what do British African-Americans think?" Well, the first thing is they're Afro-Caribbeans, not African-Americans obviously. And the answer was overwhelming delight as when the London "Kingdom Choir" sang Stand By Me. The refrain was "We have never felt this included before." The cellist is 19 years old. Incredible.

The saddest personal bit was as we watched The Queen leave, and Mrs V said "She must be thinking this will be the last royal wedding she will see." Then she paused and said, 'Come to think of it, given Prince George's age this will be the last royal wedding we'll see too."

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Rockin Chair

Subject: Vintage Band & Levon and the Hawks

That's pretty cool Pat. Many of their songs come up from that concert. Most have less than 20 views, some only two. Obviously those vids aren't well known.

Also on my sidebar comes up songs of the Hawks from Oklahoma City, July 28/1965. "Twist and Shout" and more.

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Pat B

Entered at Sat May 19 20:52:27 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Davey Graham

This is a song from the Davey Graham "After Hours" session, recorded in a a student bedroom with about a dozen people or fewer listening and a tape recorder running - early on, John Pilgrim says "We can switch it off if you like". I always liked "Cocaine Blues" which was a Ramblin' Jack Eliliot staple - he taught it to everyone.

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Peter V

Prodigal Son - Ry Cooder. Promising. Only played it once and a half.

Whatever It Takes - James Hunter Six. A bit too much like all their other stuff, I thought.

American Utopia - David Byrne. Sounds very shaky vocaly until you get into it. Then it's very good.

After Hours At Hull University- Davey Graham. Recorded in John Pilgrim's student room (John Pilgrim, ex- of The Vipers) after a gig at Hull. I was at the gig, but sadly not this after hours session!

You're Driving Me Crazy- Van Morrison & Joey DeFrancesco. I still find too much organ bass pedal irritating compared to double bass or bass guitar.

Some of the music at the royal wedding was extraordinarily good today. Watched and listened right through in UHD and the cellist was amazing in the classical instrumental selection during the signing, as were Stand By Me and Amen. Also Fantasia on Greensleeves at the start was stunning

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Bill M

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Peter V

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Bill M

Yesterday's paper had a big add for a handful of Classic Albums Live shows at the classiest concert hall in town, Roy Thomson Hall over the next year. Among them, on March 29, 2019, is The Band - The Last Waltz. I'll be sure to miss it, as there's been a troop of area people doing exactly that for several years and they're always excellent. Lower prices too.

I have been to Roy Thomson Hall though - just once, to see Youssou N'Dour. N'Dour was the second half of a most unfortunate pairing. Opener Joe Zawinul was faced with half a crowd that was late, uncaring and restless, and N'Dour was then faced with a half-empty hall - Zawinul's half having left with Joe. Roy Thomson, by the way, is better known to history as Lord Thomson of Fleet.

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Rockin Chair

Subject: Poor Man's Whiskey

Has anyone else had the chance to see this band? This is from the Rick Danko Facebook page. These fellows are doing a tour up thru' Oregon. The band includes, guitar, standup bass, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and washboard scratch.

They play "The Shape I'm In" blue grass style. I am surprised it's damn good!

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NorthWestCoaster

Good to see Dave Z here again. You planned a painting on gb for ten years ago, right? Can we see it? Please :-)

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NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Thanks Dunc for your response on Dylan and Scottish ballads

Thanks DUNC for your response to my post on Dylan and Scottish music.

As a long-term die-hard Dylan fan I am disappointed. 1.) Not giving a damn to his high-school band: LeRoy Hoikkala (Norvegian-Finnish) and "Monte" and the third guy. They risked a lot of pussy by backing this unpopular nasal-singing Jewish boy. 2.) Not giving a damn to the Celtic heritage 3.) Not giving a damn to his impact to social movements.

Only mad dogs and Englishmen will tour from day after a day like poor Zimmerman. Even JOHN ILLSLEY (former Dire Straits) said that, I think. - John has a vineyard in Provence. I "meet" him every now and then in the village, but never have to courage to say: "Oooweee, I am a highschool bass player too. What's up, friend!?" (Better so...)

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Peter V

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Peter V

Subject: Duke of Earl

I can only think of one cover of "Duke of Earl" by Darts in 1976, produced by Roy Wood too. Not bad. Linked. And they do "dook." But I prefer the Gene Chandler original.

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Bill M

Peter V: Thanks for the introduction to Nic Jones. Beautiful stuff. As for "Duke Of Earl", do UK cover versions tend to pronounce it Dook or Dyuke?

Entered at Fri May 18 03:51:14 CEST 2018 from (174.217.43.37)

Zzzz

Saw the 5 plus one posts, and got me rethinking about what I have been listening to in the car. The list includes the 50th Anniversary Edition of Mary Poppins Soundtrack, Garth's Angels (I used to have a version from Serge that had extra stuff but it somehow got deleted from my iTunes), the Replacements' Live at Maxwell's, and Steve Winwood's latest LIVE CD. Anyway, nice to see this place still going.

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Rockin Chair

Subject: In Memories

Thank you so much for that Peter. That choked me up! I haven't heard that song in so long. If ever you might wonder what style of guitar playing moves me, that is it.

I mentioned old Mississippi Fred MacDowell, and Tony Joe White. They have this unorthodox style like that which I love. Nic's playing is just moving. Now do yourself a favour and listen to Stan Rogers live version of "Mary Ellen Carter" and listen to his brother Garnet play. Then find the video with Stan's son Nathan sing the song and play. Nathan is the double of his Dad. It's gawd damn erie to listen to Nathan he is so wonderful. Stan having died on that plane in Cincinnatti, (I don't know how to spell that damn name). Stan was 38 years old and helping get people off that plane that was on fire and he died. He was great and it is an absolute treat to listen to his son.

Entered at Thu May 17 22:56:30 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Nic Jones

On British folk guitarists, link to Nic Jones great "Canadee-I-O" which is from his album "Penguin Eggs." He had a great future until disabled in a car crash in 1983. Topic records reissued Canadee-I-O on a 45 to celebrate an anniversary and I found a copy last week. I've just ordered the album.

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Peter V

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Rockin Chair

Subject: Prince Edward

Well Peter the scoop is (from what I read) after seeing the flick, "Shakespeare in Love", Edward liked the sound of the "Earl of Wessex" and he asked the Queen if he could have that. So that is what he got. However apparently when Prince Phillip dies he will inherit his title.

How all these titles began tho' will take some historical reading.

Entered at Thu May 17 19:10:58 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

But seriously … Dukes are a higher rank than Earls. In recent years, they stopped creating non-royal dukes, although several old Dukedoms still exist. For some reason, poor old Prince Edward only got an earldom. However it's Earl of Wessex and as Wessex (where I live) ceased to exist in 1066, it may be harking back to pre-Norman earls.

They used to make ex-Prime Ministers Earls (the wife of an earl is a countess, so a female on her own would be a Countess.) But Margaret Thatcher was made a Baroness, which is one step down.

Winston Churchill was offered the title of Duke of London - the only non-royal to be offered a dukedom in the 20th century, but he refused it on the grounds he enjoyed going to the House of Commons and Lords can't do that.

Entered at Thu May 17 17:00:27 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Dukes & Earls

I'm just reading here how one of the royal family, (I forget which one) is a Duke and not an Earl. Well what is the difference between? I can't keep up with this nobility.....it's a little crazy. So what makes the Duke of Earl then.

You United Kingdom cats are all crazy!

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Peter V

Entered at Thu May 17 14:11:10 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Music To Watch Girls By is set in a seaside variety show in Summer of 1967.

The Women Came & Went is set in the university sit-ins of Spring 1968.

Pulling Into Nazareth is "The Roadies Tale" in Autumn 1969

Rolling Down The Road is mainly a 1966-1969 assortment of short stories with some of the same characters.

All are on Kindle or iBooks, or Amazon Print with links from the Dart Travis site. They look better on an iPad than on a Kindle BUT I've been re-setting the text for Kindle and Amazon Print and I'm having one hell of a job updating iBooks to the same new text setting … so currently they look better on Kindle (or print).

For anyone who has done EFL / ESL, check the EFL Trilogy on the top bar (different characters, 70s and 80s).

Entered at Thu May 17 14:01:21 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Many thanks, Dunc. I've taken the liberty of linking to the book again.

This relates to the BBC.

I don't think the USA or Canada have quite the "London-centric" issue that the UK does. France understands it well with Paris, but most countries have rival centres of attention. I've been writing about this in recent theatre reviews. Our hugely subsidized National Theatre has been "shooting blanks" for a couple of years with poorly-rated productions playing to a Political Correctness agenda. It relates to that ticket booking issue. For the best "non-commercial" London theatres … National, Globe, Almeida, Royal Court, Young Vic, Old Vic, Menier, you really have to be a "Friend" to get priority booking before public booking opens. Membership of a "Friends" organization is around £50 a year, and you need one for each theatre. We have The Globe and the RSC in Stratford. The thing is, with small theatres like the "non-commercial ones" productions sell out on the first priority booking day. Ian McKellen in King Lear in a small theatre sold out the whole month in about an hour … even as "Friends" we could only get a Monday night, and not seats next to each other. . If you live in London, it's worth joining as a Friend because you can go to multiple productions. If you don't, it's difficult to justify the expense, so our "National" subsidized theatre is in fact the "London" Theatre.

Then coming from 100 miles away, the train costs a ludicrous £52 each return … £104. So we drive (£40 in diesel), pay £11.50 London congestion charge and £25 to park. It's just a touch cheaper. The adverts say the train is faster … but that's station to station, not from my house to the Globe Theatre which adds half an hour each way. So again, these theatres look to London only for their audiences but the whole country pays to subsidize them. Then you get to the National and find casts of 32 to 50 for plays that could be done with 12. The money needs spreading out across the whole country …

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Bill M

Peter V: Would you remind us how to get hold of the Dart Travis stories?

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Dunc

We crossed in the ether, Peter. I've just mentioned Davey Graham twice, what a coincidence...and given you a shout. I was rereading you yesterday.

Entered at Thu May 17 13:15:09 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Dunc

Subject: A Shout for Peter the V

I recently read our own Peter Viney's latest Dart Travis offering, which enhances the sixties triology. Really great collection of short stories, which are cleverly worked around the sixties trilogy. I loved the collection.

There are three stories I found myself re reading yesterday. Brilliant stories. It was me buying the Sutherland Brothers CD with the neat catalogued stickers on it yesterday that started me. The story is called the Record Collector and a must read for any of us guys. I found it a riveting read and was desperate to find out what happened. And like any great short story, I keep thinking about it. A beautifully written story.

The second story is entitled the Folk singer is really related to something I used to think about a lot. On the university and town folk clubs circuit there seemed to be guys, like Davey Graham, who travelled the circuit without seemingly spending anything on lodgings, food, beer or travel. But they were often brilliant singers and musicians... and could give a performance. Often much better than what was happening at the main gig. I loved the way Peter tackled the subject. Great story on a subject I often thought a lot about.

Another great story relates to the selection process at the BBC and the old school network. I must state I've never applied to the BBC in case you think I'm biased, but still today the BBC recruits from a narrow base. Peter explores this brilliantly, when our hero, Steve, is interviewed at the BBC. I think this political short story helps explain why many Scots voted for Independence. And the system is different here, with most outstanding pupils opting for Scottish universities rather than Oxbridge. There is a case in point happening just now. The BBC is over celebrating the retirement of a long standing football commentator, an ex public schoolboy. Recruited from that narrow base, I find him boring and monotous. Peter develops the story well from the green tweedy jackets, the pronunciation of names, the arrogant interviewer not waiting for replies and of course, what school you went to. Peter makes the point slowly and subtly, but always hitting home. Excellent story.

There are many great stories and well worth a read and easy to access on Kindle all over the world. Loved the book.

This is a beautiful day, I'm listening to Roseann, drinking coffee and looking at my beautiful rhodedendron, azalea and acer garden...and thinking about Steve and Abby with whom I discussed manure. I liked Steve and Abby.

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Peter V

Entered at Thu May 17 12:19:17 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Dunc

Subject: Last five played

The Band - 'The Band'. This is a great album. Just now I'm focusing on 'Whispering Pines'. I love Richard and Levon's singing backed by the expected great musicianship. This album always feels fresh to me.

Bert Jansch 'The Ornament Tree' - I love this album. I really appreciate the songs and the guitar playing. The other musicians enhance the album beautifully, but what a guitarist. It was Pentangle before I saw, Bert, yet I saw Davey Graham a couple of times back in the day.

Steely Dan - Transmission Impossible' Disc 1 - Live radio broadcasts from 1974 from California. Brilliant stuff. Thanks, Fred, your Youtube recommendation got me into this.

Sutherland Brothers 'Lifeboat'. I really like the Sutherland Brothers and I was looking for this album, which I had on vinyl back in the day. I have had Sutherland Brothers for a long time. Bought it second hand and there are pink dots on it, suggesting it has been well looked after. There is a naive protest song about Ireland, but the rest of the songs are good. I think 'The Pie' and 'Sailing' are great songs.

Roseann Fino 'Take You with Me'. I really love my three Roseann EPs. I'm focusing just now on the songs 'Take You With Me' and 'A Crow's Song'. I think they would be brilliant songs for radio John D. Love this new EP. Brilliant. You must be very proud, Bob.

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Solomon

John Hiatt - Lincoln Town (raw sounding with plenty of mandolins and dobro's on this album)

Tom Waits - Essential Tom Waits (4hrs and 58 mins of great Tom weirdness)

Ali Farka Toure - Savane (desert blues people have labeled this- I like)

Ewan Macoll - Joy Of Living : A tribute to Ewan Macoll ( one of the best tribute albums around)

Status Quo - Lonely Man (deep cut hidden away on a mid-70s album)

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Dunc

Subject: Sadness - Manchester

Some of you will know that I visited the first of the Highland Games on Sunday. I like going every so often - I like the piping , the drumming, the dancing and the tartan. A beautiful setting on a beautiful day - you looked across the Clyde to the Highland mountains in the background.

There is a serious side. Among the many young musicians, there will be some who'll progress to greater heights in different music genres. And of course, the bands are very serious in their musicianship.

It's one year since the bombing of Manchester Arena. In Scotland, the tragedy focused on a young girl piper, who had travelled from Barra with her friend and was killed. She was a gifted young piper and I thought about her on Sunday. Her friend was badly injured and is now out of hospital. But what sort of rotten bastard thinks they achieve anything bombing a lot of kids, many of whom are attending their first concert.

Entered at Thu May 17 11:09:40 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

My granddaughter (14) asked me if I had any Motorhead CDs. I fell off my chair in shock, and explained that while I had a lot of rubbish on the CD shelves, I had nothing that bad.

Entered at Thu May 17 11:06:11 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Dunc

Subject: Pressure, what pressure?

My twin granddaughters are sitting exams just now. They like different music - one going down the guitar type bands route, the other down the route of the music like Jan's son. (This is an issue for festival promoters here, and we have one of Britain's biggest festivals, where at festivals the young people don't visit each other's stages.)

The granddaughter, who likes the guitar music (We listened to Roseann's new CD together and she thought it was great, Bob. So it's a case of getting it out there.) had volunteered me to buy 5 tickets for her and her four friends for an artist on a world tour because they were all tied up in exams - studying and sitting then.

I was informed firmly (by my granddaughter) that to have any chance of tickets I would have to register for the pre sale, which would involve me buying an item like a tee shirt, CD etc, which I did the evening before. (She's now getting his new CD!) This gives me a code. I'll buy the tickets, she collects the money from her mates, I donate the handling charge. I'm a grandad!)

So the time came for me to buy the tickets. I'm hanging about waiting to get started. (The previous night I checked I was registered with the ticket company, password in working order and my credit card now has an extra security bit when buying on line, which was giving me hassle. But that's another story, but I sorted it.)

When you get on the site, you see a ticking clock and my granddaughter popped in, taking a break from studying...just to see it was done right. You know how it is. I say she should be studying.)

So I start, we're informed that we're in a random queue. A random queue? So we get through and I'm doing well, until it gets to password. Password not accepted. My granddaughter glaring at me. Remember, I've prepared for this the previous night. Our alloted time is going down, down, down... \We just in time notice that it's another company running this tour, so we have to now register with them. Unbelievable. Do I want notification of future events? What's my mother's maiden name? etc. We've registered! I just want tickets; our time has run out.

My granddaughter shouts and looks accusingly at me! Dearest Magnolia, at this point she could do with some etiquette training. We get it back. There is a God. We know the hall it is taking place in, but the map on the website is not working. But the clock is working down, down, down...We go for sixty quid tickets, can't get them, go for fifty quid tickets. I'm entering the code each time. I get them - five all sitting together.

But before that, I've bought a passport presale bundle at 36 quid with passports. Did I have to buy this? I seemed to have to buy this to get to the tickets. What's a passport presale bundle?

Service charge of thirty one quid, CD fourteen quid. VAT is a tricky little thing.

Anyway, mission accomplished. The five fifty pound tickets have cost me over 340 pounds. So the 'handling charge', which I thought would cost me a tenner has cost me ninety pounds.

How do I feel? Relieved that when I see a certain five seventeen year old young ladies, I'll be able to look them in the eye.

And I think the guy that they are going to see is a Canadian.

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Fred

To get in the mood while I await the arrival of my latest purchase (via amazon)---a book about the 1968 basbeall season, the latest 5 have been from that year:

*Electric Mud - Muddy Waters

*Dance to the Music - Sly & the Family Stone

*Super Session - Bloomfield, Kooper & Stills

*God Bless Tiny Tim - Tiny Tim

*Music From Big Pink - a group called The Band, you may have heard of them. ; )

Entered at Wed May 16 18:40:07 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

And of course he was the leader of the Chummingbirds, a group of DJs who made the CHUM chart a few times, perhaps most notably with the epic (and awful) 'answer song' to Johnny Horton's "The Battle of New Orleans". "The Battle Of Queenston Heights" - same war (1812), different battle, different outcome (the British won - with local Canadian help, including from First Nations).

Entered at Wed May 16 15:58:14 CEST 2018 from (99.227.166.246)

John D

Bill, Race Marbles was a pseudonym for for Chum employee Gary Ferrier; who for a time was Program Director for CHUM-FM and worked at CHUM-1050 as well. Don't know the band however. He also recorded Ringo-Deer.

Entered at Wed May 16 05:22:11 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

I sort of inherited a bunch of CDs, one of which is a Starbucks comp called "Rock-Blues". Pretty good stuff mostly, including Van's early "In The Back Room". Although I've had that particular track for years, it didn't strike me until today that it's two steps away from the Bobster's "Like A Rolling Stone", with the intervening step occupied by "Like A Dribbling Fram" - see link. Race Marbles was chosen pseudonym of a local DJ; unfortunately I have no idea who supplies the excellent instrumental backing. Late '65, so not likely our guys.

Entered at Tue May 15 17:26:16 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Fiver

Tony Joe White - Polk Salad Annie - Boom Boom

Hot Tuna - How Long Blues - and others

Mississippi Fred Macdowell I do not play no rock & roll - Baby Please Don't Go

You need to listen to Fred explain his bottle neck slide made from a beef bone, the clearest guitar slide blues work you'll ever hear.

Eagles - Take it to the Limit - Randy Meisner one of the greatest voices you will ever hear

John Prine & Steve Goodman - Souvniers always a warm feeling watching these two friends.

Entered at Tue May 15 14:02:31 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk

Subject: Can't Find Hamish anywhere

Dearest Magnolia, I can't find Hamish anywhere.

I saw the dear Earl going past the castle about 9.30 last evening in the Daimler, then Lady Rosebery passed at 10.00 in the Range Rover.

We're all going down to London for the wedding, and opening the London houses for a week, although it's out of season - one has to do it. But, I think I know why Rosebery headed off early - there's a strong rumour that the colonial father is not giving the future princess away. Poor gal. If that is the case, and I've been looking at my Burkes, it will fall on dear Rosey to give the bride away as Scotland's senior lord. Also, Charles and Camilla are never away from his pile. (They say that they're going through that common chappie, Glenn's selections for the wedding March air. An air by someone called Bowie - you can tell he's a fellow of little breeding.)

But after the wedding, don't be surprised if you get a visit, Magnolia. Everytime I have seen old Rosey lately he is whistling 'Meet Me In St Louis' and there is a spring in his step. (You can always tell a pleb, Magnolia - you want to hear how that old bounder, Viney pronounces it. He does try, but he's obviously had a deprived beginning - probably Lorreto or Fettes. (You know how he'll pronounce Menzies and Colquhoun, you just know.)

And you won't be disappointed, Magnolia, in Scotland's senior lord. Although short of stature like many Scots, he was given the nickname of Rosey the Magnificent at Eton. And let me assure you, this was not for his hockey and rugger skills.

There will be no more posts for a while - we're all getting ready for Saturday. Just excellent that you were trained in the Pheasant Plucker school of elocution, Magnolia.

Entered at Tue May 15 10:37:48 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

My dear Hamish

I am reminded of my days at the Virginia Ladies College. Gentlemen from the neighbouring Virginia Military Academy for Young Gentleman knew us as “The Virginias” I think, though sloppy pronunciation seemed to lose the word ending. As you will all know, the fairest state of all was named for Queen Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen. My apologies to you, dear Lord Rosebery, as I understand she was responsible for the decapitation of your ancestor, Mary Queen of Scots. However, from your description of your fine trophy room, it appears that decapitation is a hobby of yours.

We had an exhausting degree curriculum. Deportment, Elocution, Piano, English Literature, Needlework and Etiquette. Why, our daily deportment class spent an entire semester on exiting an automobile modestly in a skirt.

Your comments brought back Elocution 101, where we had to recite that very rhyme:

I’m not a pheasant plucker, I’m a pheasant plucker’s son

And I sit here plucking pheasants till the pheasant plucking’s done.

We were threatened with instant expulsion should we make an error, and believe me, sir, none of us ever did.

Yours truly

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III

Entered at Tue May 15 10:20:24 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The there’s a reverse poll. Until a few years ago Charity Shops (i.e, thrift shops) in the UK were a good source of second-hand records. No longer as all the main ones have specialist Books & Music shops and they all have people weed out anything half-decent. It’s very rare to find a good record nowadays … though I picked up three J.J. Cale 45s in as new condition recently.

Anyway, back a few years, I noted that the same albums turned up again and again. Beatles and Dylan never appeared. Sky was the most common artist … easy-listening fans and house clearance after decease. But then there were oddities. Stevie Wonder’s The Secret Life of Plants was extremely common, always in pristine condition. So was the Neil Diamond Love At The Greek (produced by Robbie Robertson). Also always as new. Both were double albums, so high-priced on initial release. I suspect that both were produced in very large quantities, then failed to sell, and unplayed stock was distributed to charity shops by the record labels rather than as in the past going to landfill.

So which was each artist’s “Greatest Dud”?

Entered at Tue May 15 10:11:14 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Good thread. Artist’s masterpieces … well you can have more than one.

A few years ago magazines loved these “Polls of Critics” on the Best Albums Ever. I have special issues and books of them. There was a fairly narrow band for the Top Twenty, so the THIS ALBUIM v THAT ALBUM decision would work.

For Dylan, the argument tended to be Blonde on Blonde v Highway 61 Revisited v Blood On The Tracks. Ian will correct me here, but I think specialist Dylan magazines more often had Blonde on Blonde.

For Van Morrison, it tended to Moondance v Astral Weeks, though when the Van Morrison magazine polled readers, Beautiful Vision came top.

Both the Brown Album and MFBP were placed in most of these lists, and almost always Brown Album scored higher.

Beach Boys? It’s usually Pet Sounds, but there’s Surf’s Up, which was also usually in the list.

Paul Simon? Solo, Graceland. But if you combine with S&G I’d guess Graceland v Bookends.

Beatles? The hardest in a way. In the polls most often it was Sgt Pepper v Revolver. I reckon the best ever Beatles SIDES are Magical Mystery Tour Side 2 and Abbey Road Side 2, but in both cases Side One is lesser.

Rolling Stones? Exile In Main Street scored high in all the polls. I never rated it in the same league as Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers or Beggar’s Banquet.

Randy Newman? I can’t recall him being that high in those books at all. But Sail Away v Good Old Boys would be the contest.

Bob Marley? Catch A Fire v Live at The Lyceum?

Springsteen? Born to Run v The River v Tunnel of Love?

Stevie Wonder – I just checked, and Google presents the icons in order of people looking them up. 1) Songs In The Key of Life. 2) Innervisions 3) Talking Book.

So run with it

Entered at Tue May 15 05:26:51 CEST 2018 from (166.216.157.56)

JQ

Jesus bleeding Christ! MFBP in my head. But I’m sure you get my point! Goodnight Irene...

Entered at Tue May 15 05:21:25 CEST 2018 from (166.216.157.56)

JQ

Sorry about that cock-up - just speaking broadly and Authoritatively! - A’hem...

Entered at Tue May 15 05:17:27 CEST 2018 from (166.216.157.56)

JQ

Glenn - You’re so right about that one. If you believe in a genuine artist, and they’re not common in pop at at all, they’ll normally create a masterpiece - Stevie Wonder was just that, with all the requisite chops, and this is his. It might be an interesting deal here to identify an artist’s masterpiece. The Brown Album vs MFBP, Good Old Boys vs Sail Away, Blonde on Blonde?, Graceland?, etc -

Entered at Tue May 15 02:55:12 CEST 2018 from (70.121.56.235)

glenn t

first off: you guys are a hoot! helluva lot more fun than reading the latest crap going down in DC. Dunc, thanks for the review of Ms. Fino's music. I listened to her other EPs yesterday. Good stuff people - get out and get your copies today! Here are my most recent listens (Lady Rosebery: time for a little you-tubing again!):

Tom Petty: Into the Great Wide Open (a fine album, better than I remember)

David Bowie: Stage

David Hildago & Louie Perez: Unreleased Songs and Rare Recordings

The Band: Cahoots

Miles Davis: Kind of Blue

Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life (one of those amazing double albums from years ago)

RoseAnn Fino: Out From Under, and Airing of Grievances (Thanks Bob F for promoting your daughter here on the GB so we could partake of her talents - folks go check her out on youtube).

Now, was it Robert E. Lee, or Stagger Lee, or possibly Spike Lee everyone's been fussing about?

Entered at Mon May 14 23:11:38 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Fox and the Hounds

It all becomes clear now.....the games people play. Mr P Viney has wooed Mizz Magnolia with a promise of a rendezvous with the Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl.

In exchange for her (unconfirmed) testimony as to the General Robert E. Lee passing thru' Tennessee and presenting himself to Virgil Cane and his Mrs, when that sneaky Viney knows full well that it was the passing of the newly launched steam boat of that name.

This will never do Viney. YOU! will be dressed as the stag to receive the whipping for your deceipt....as God is my witness!

Entered at Mon May 14 22:51:13 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Earl of Rosebery

Subject: Banished to the Hunting Lodge

Brilliant choice, Magnolia. We'll hit it off.

Viney, you do well for a man of limited education. But every old Etonian knows it's Macbeth, you old bounder. Trainers? Get a pair of brogans, Man.

Rockin Chair:Have you not seen Dunc's invite to yourself and Susan in Edinburgh. He means it man -Accompanied tour around Edinburgh then Cafe Royal. He knows you're coming.

Haso - We call those from the largest city Glaswegians. Dunc lives near Glasgow... so you know what I mean. I could see his family from the stage at the Highland Games yesterday...in their assorted trainers - the plebs.

Entered at Mon May 14 22:28:15 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Dunc

Subject: Last five played RoseAnn Fino

I've just played'Take You With Me' by Roseann Fino five times in a row (at least). Roseann's new EP and it's a wonderful piece of work. Five great songs with really good lyrics and great tunes. Roseann's normal band backed up by outstanding session musicians Brandon Morrison on bass, Lee Falco on drums- great engine, and Will Bryant on organ. But Ryan Shapiro and E'lissa Jones really hold their own. The album is a shining example of outstanding musicianship. There is great backing singing and it's great because they sing beautifully and are used to enhance the songs at the correct places. I see Roseann's voice and E'lissa's violin dueting with each other. Ryan's piano underpins everything - gifted musician, any singer would be confident with Ryan behind them.

And of course, Roseann. Roseann needs a special mention for the craft of the songs - the lyrics, the melodies, the changes and the different tempos. All songs are excellent and different. Great imagery. Beautiful singing and the clarity of the voice. She conveys her emotions and feelings and I get them. Also, she sings so sensitively with the band - I always think the hardest thing to do. And Roseann's guitar playing serves the needs of the song. I like the interweaving of the violin/viola and Roseann's voice, which is something I looked forward to, but this keeps getting better and better. And a special mention for the lyrics - a lot of thought and effort - but it has paid off. I'll leave you other listeners to decide what you'll take from the song, but you're spoilt for choice.

Five outstanding, excellent songs. And I got emotional and I don't get emotional now unless it involves grandkids; I'm from Dundee.

Thanks Roseann, I'll treasure this piece of work, and you're in good company, I'm playing some great stuff just now. I hope you didn't mind me writing about your great new fledgling. You deserve success. I love it.

Entered at Mon May 14 22:26:22 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Mrs Lee-Pickett'sFive

A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Shakespeare’s “Brown album”, no, more than that, it was his King Harvest (Will Surely Come). His ultimate acievement.

Mrs Lee-Pickett III has asked me for the Earl’s personal e-mail, and I suspect we will not be privy to the ensuing conversation. However, she did send me her “five songs of the week.”

Dear Mr Viney, my selection

If The South Woulda Won by Hank Williams Jnr. We needs must take Mr Williams convoluted grammar as ironic, and follow the wonderful sentiments expressed in this song. It’s supposed to sound like a “cracker” and no worse for that. (NOTE: I have linked this, PV)

I Wish I Was In Dixie Land (written by Daniel Decatir Emmett) recorded by The Black & White Minstrel Show. This LP is British, and was brought back by Uncle Porteous. Robust singing by amusingly made-up “minstrels.” Poignant.

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down by The Band. I smile to think of my ancestor on a fine white charger riding through Tennessee. I imagine Virgil putting his shovel down, taking his mildewed gray CSA cap in hand, and touching his forelock humbly as the General passes by. I see his wife in calico frock curtseying at the same time.

Carry Me Back To Old Virginny by Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy. I wonder if Jeanette MacDonald was related to Lord Roseberry’s forbear?

Rednecks by Randy Newman. While I always prized the ivory white of my neck and always protected it with Factor5 0, one has to admire the inherent truth in Mr Newman’s song. I do not see it as ironic.

Entered at Mon May 14 22:16:01 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

Entered at Mon May 14 22:04:06 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: I'm blushing!

First of all, I thought we were supposed to be coming out with our juke box picks on Friday? WHAT! are you boys doon? I'm so totally confoused.

I think this whole Deep South thing has driven John Donabe away. I don't think he can handle the pink tartans. My guess is he breaks out in a cold sweat.

It's starting to remind me of some of those folks in Forrest Gump. Having read a great deal of tales of the south, "Steam boat Gothic" is in my library I still have never figured out what in hell they are saying. One thing I know for sure, ol' Magnolia has been hittin' the "mint juleps" pretty heavy and more than likely she has been "imbibing into that dastardly "Southern Comfort". I just hope she doesn't have a slip and fall off that balcony of her master bedroom, (from which she spies on all the help.)

Entered at Mon May 14 21:31:44 CEST 2018 from (31.49.54.150)

Earl of Rosebery

Subject: I was wondering...

My dearest Magnolia,

Firstly, it would have been a great pleasure to have seen Porteous's Smoking Room - such a range of trophies.

But I will point out that the old trophies from the Whipping the Stag ceremony has led to the Tartan Room at the Hunting Lodge having the most unique trophies in Scotland - the only trophy room to have stuffed plebs on the walls. Three game keepers, four grouse beaters, three ghillies not goolies (he's such a wag that old Viney), two blacksmiths and a pheasant plucker. The Duke of Edinburgh on his last visit remarked on the range of whiskers from full beards to handle bar moustaches. And in the background, the wonderful pink and primrose tartan walls.

It's a difficult situation, Magnolia. You'll have noticed the change in my place of posting...and that's how it is to remain, myself at the Hunting Lodge and Lady Rosebery at Dalmeny House. And I'll know you'll make no further comment on this delicate situation, Magnolia.

But I'm going to give old Viney a call to see if he can arrange a meeting for us ...if I'm able to get him away from the gramaphone. When he rings you, don't get involved in Shakespeare. Certainly not A Midsummer Night's Dream. The bounder's seen it more than four hundred times. And my dearest, his taste has to be queried - he likes it better than Macbeth. Unbelievable. When speaking to him, always consider his fragile mind as evidenced by these thoughts on our greatest playwright.

But, although slightly senile, he's a decent cad (apart from his taste in trainers) and will come up trumps in setting up our meeting. I see us both in a surrey with a fringe on top, driving through your grounds against a pink sky. And not a mention of Lady Rosebery. Standards, Magnolia.

Entered at Mon May 14 20:02:02 CEST 2018 from (68.116.44.170)

JQ

Rickie Lee Jones - The Devil You Know. A nice take on The Weight.

Nick Lowe - At My Age. Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day on repeat.

Elvis P - Boy From Tupelo. Just with Scotty and B Black.

Ernest Tubb - His whole catalog!

June Tabor & The Oyster Band - Freedom and Rain.

Entered at Mon May 14 19:47:36 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Last five – an odd week. Three out of five revisiting classics. A pile of new stuff on the desk, but not the concentration for something new, or maybe the Jack White was hard to get into and drove me to the well-loved. Rumors STILL sounds great..

Rumors – Fleetwood Mac

Live at The Lyceum – Bob Marley & The Wailers

The Brown Album – The Band

You’re Driving Me Crazy – Van Morrison & Joey deFrancesco (seems a bit generic and dull so far)

Boarding House Reach – Jack White . (A tad too eclectic.)

Entered at Mon May 14 12:24:21 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Lord Rosebery (or Hamish, if I may),

Thanks to Mr Viney for acting as a “Cesario” between my “Viola” and your “Orsino.” I am honoured by your invitation to move to first names, a procedure that here may take many years of acquaintance. Why, I still call my neighbour ‘Miz. Skinner-Cooke’ even though we shared our girlhood days in each other’s company. I have perused our well-thumbed copy of “Burke’s Peerage” and note that the Rosebery title dates back to the days of Charles II, father of “The Young Pretender.” The note below says “Distaff. Descended from Charles II and Janet MacDonald.” Is distaff some kind of ceremonial pole?

As a Shakespeare buff, I realize that you are a descendent in line via King James VI from Banquo! How exciting! The Scottish play will never seem the same again.

The late colonel would often muse upon Burke’s Peerage and fantasize that after a victory which true justice should have ordained in the Late Unpleasantness of 1861 to 1865, the Confederate States might have introduced Orders of Nobility. Surely our ancestor Robert E. Lee would have been among the first to be honoured. I am sending you a copy of “Letters From Lee’s Army” which recounts the Virginia campaign, with a moving account of May 10th, which was held as a fast day in 1865.

I so wish you could have seen the Smoking Room at Uncle Porteous’s pillared mansion. There was a rhino head, a rare white tiger head, three lions, a leopard, zebra, and a giraffe stretching to the skylight, as well as a magnificent stag from your estate.

Upon Porteous's demise, the taxidermists wept openly, and two went out of business.

You have not mentioned Lady Rosebery. I fear I am impertinent, but are you, like myself, in a widowed situation?

Yours Truly

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Mon May 14 04:43:46 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: Scots

Dunc: I've no doubt the old coots up on the viewing stand on Saturday-noon for the massed bands and the Gathering of the Clans are most likely basic "cranky Yankees", nothing Earlish or Rosebery about 'em. I can't hardly keep up w/ this high-falutin' stuff from thereabouts or Ms. Lee-Pickett III. I'll take the advice about Glasgow under advisement, however, though I'm happy to hear that the Earl hires the Pipers for a fine fairtheewell (even though their cd's indicate that they be Glasgowians, I'm quite sure).

And I'm some glad Norm was able to straighten the ol' fella out on the Chair. Absolutely RR's most underappreciated tune/lyrics from my take. Though my family is happy remind me that I have no connection to old Virginny, or at least not historically. We'll stay w/ the (likely) most prolific surviving Pilgrim, "the boy who fell off the Mayflower", on the lamented relative deal. That would be the title of a book for grammar schoolers actually written by an Irishman.

Speaking of schoolers, Mr. Earl-guy: I'm some glad you send that money to Eton. Not to get competitive, but save yaself some extra $ and perhaps you can send your kin hereabouts to Exeter; they'll run 'em through the Harkness method and give them a genuine worldly, 21st century edjication.

Interesting, Porteous is also lamentable: an old school department store that became an L.L. Bean cut-rate outlet branch, last I checked.

Entered at Sun May 13 23:46:00 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Thanks Rockin Chair and NW Coaster

I like the early material , NW Coaster, but I really begin to know Bob when he sings Lay, Lady. Lay. That's when I come in, but I went back to these great early songs.

Rockin Chair. Karen Mathieson is a great singer. Outstanding. You'll probably know this, but if you don't, seek out Capercaillie and the Transatlantic Sessions on Youtube . No, I'll meet you and your good lady in Edinburgh, Norman and I'll take you guys for a tour of Edinburgh. Beautiful city. Then we'll meet Rosebery and Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk for a meal at the Cafe Royale. Seriously. My treat.

Entered at Sun May 13 23:24:22 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Earl of Rosebery

Subject: Thanks, Magnolia

Dear Magnolia (if I may be so bold as this is the last time)

Sorry for rushing out this morning, but Parker had the Daimler running. Just back from the first Highland Games of the season. 500 pounds for opening it. The plebs love a toff. Easy money - a week's fees for one of the grandchildren at Eton. The Rosebery colours of pink and primrose are a joy when surrounded by the muted blues, greens, reds and blacks of the other tartans.

I am glad you have developed a relationship with the old bounder, Viney. He has good taste. Knows his Shakespeare, Magnolia, but I'm warning you don't get him started on it. He's seen Macbeth 63 times and is definitely not a descendant of the chap. I seem to remember him wearing classy off-pink trousers at his 70th birthday bash and wondered if he had Rosebery blood in him. But good taste up to a point. Feet and hats, Magnolia! He wears trainers instead of brogues and he has reported on his choice of hats...not a feather in sight. So tread carefully, my dear. Standards, my dear. But the pleasant fuckers sorry pheasant pluckers were having kittens when I regaled them of his ghillies/ goolies story. He had me and Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk guffawing at that comment.

But I'll not have a bad word said about Porteous. I don't believe a word of these tales and I don't believe his heart was in the golf really. I'm honorary president of about six local clubs - the plebs like a toff, but Porteous and I much preferred killing things for entertainment - grouse, partridge, deer, pheasant, rabbits. I miss the fifties and sixties when we were allowed to kill the pleb at the whipping of the deer ceremony before it was made illegal. The urban lawmakers don't understand our simple country ways.

Well I'm well malted, fudged and shortbreaded so off to the four poster. Take care, my dear.

Entered at Sun May 13 22:00:58 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Non-believer

That John Donabe is a non-believer....probably an anti-dentite too!

Entered at Sun May 13 21:55:20 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Mr Viney,

I sincerely hope your interest in Uncle Porteous’s adventures are nor simply prurient. I will expand. While I was never privy to the full story of the “Calgary debacle” as the late Colonel called it, I do know something of the aftermath. Uncle Porteous, as a judge, was in our local habit of carrying a folded $50 bill next to his driver’s licence, which could “inadvertently” be handed over to an officer of the law in a “situation”, though the local sheriff’s office always showed due respect to his office and family ties, rendering such a precaution unnecessary. Apparently, the Canadian arresting officer following some minor transgression or misdemeanour by Uncle Porteous (perhaps involving a woman, though not a "lady") was appalled to find a US$50 bill placed in his hand, and promptly placed him under arrest for ‘bribery and corruption.” While we ladies will applaud the high moral standards of these Canadian officials, dear Uncle Porteous found himself placed in a cell, an unaccustomed position for a member of the judiciary. Thank you for your interest,

Yours truly

Magnolia Lee-Pickett (Mrs)

Entered at Sun May 13 17:11:27 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Ailein Duinn

The Picture....I sit at my desk at 07:00 having my coffee and watching the sun in a cloudless sky slide down the mountain across the inlet. The water is glassy calm. I put on head phones and put on youtube and listen to Karen Matheson sing "Ailein Duinn" as from Rob Roy. A girl named Angela Haynie has put this on youtube with changing pictures of the beauty of Scotland, and translation of the lyric from Gaelic to English across the page.

Mentioning "Dollar Academy" again has put me in mind of my grandfather and his brother Donald spending their childhood days there. On google earth there are several very beautiful pictures of that academy. On my bucket list I need to take a stroll there, and also to find my great grand father's estate, "Old Mills". My sister was in touch with the present owner who apparently is restoring that place.

I guess I'll have to meet with Dunc at Dollar Academy, kick a foot ball around and share a dram as we ponder Mizz Magnolia.

It seems to me I may have mentioned this in years gone by. In the little town of Gibsons on the Sechelt Peninsula, at a pub named "The Cedars", my brother Lorne and I and some others were setting up our equipment for a Saturday afternoon "Jam session". I noticed two fellows leaning on the bar, obviously not local by their look and their dress. They were probably about twenties, (Lorne's age at that time). The one fellow was eyeing Lorne's mandolin. I went over to him and said "Do you play?". A little he says. A LITTLE! yeah right.

These fellows were off an Irish ship loading pulp down at the mill. We got set up I said Lorne give this fellow your mandolin. It was just sweet and wonderful the way these two fellows fellin and played with us. The other fellow took a drink tray, and his "Ivy League" pipe he was smoking and played a rythmn. The little guy playing the mandolin after a few tunes then stood at the mike and said I want to play ye a wee tune. Our country has much strife and this is a "Lament". His playing was excellent. We leaned on the bar and shared a beer. When they left we gave each other a hug knowing we would most likely never see each other again. These are the moments to remember.

Entered at Sun May 13 17:02:55 CEST 2018 from (24.114.58.152)

Bill M

Entered at Sun May 13 16:35:06 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Mr Viney,

Rest assured that Mr Duncan has sent me a satisfactory explanation with historical references, of the whip and manacles These come from a Highland Tradition which originally inspired bull riding in our rodeos here. One would manacle oneself to the horns of a large stag, clad in a kilt with no underwear, whilst whipping the beast’s hindquarters. If one survived, one was presented with an oak barrel of whisky. I believe these daring exploits extended to Canada with a sporting occasion known as the “Calgary Stampede” an event which once saw Uncle Porteous confined to an Alberta jail for three weeks. I prefer not to discuss the alleged circumstances. He was wont to play a song by Mr Dylan, “Alberta” when he thought of his suffering there, and shudder at the mention of “Mounties.” He also skipped the Band song “We Can Talk” when playing Music From Big Pink, as he often did. He claimed that the lyric “I’d rather be burned in Canada than to freeze here in the south” was patently absurd and the opposite of his own frightening experience.

Yours Truly

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Sun May 13 15:05:54 CEST 2018 from (99.227.166.246)

John D

I know Peter we are way past April Fool's; but these emails are suspect. Aunt Jemima??? Really? Syrup we put on pancakes? Chamelia becomes Chlamydia? This sounds like a total put on to me. Perhaps I'm too cynical; or missed the beginning of this thread. Your not suspicious Peter? Just wondering.

Entered at Sun May 13 13:43:26 CEST 2018 from (83.250.75.47)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Dylan and Scottish ballads

Thanks Dunc. - For me the best Dylan are the early ballads (which he unshamesly credited 'his Bobness'). I wonder if he was only fake back then, just kidding me, just taking my money, just getting Joan laid? Maybe Pete Seeger did the right thing in Monterey. For decades and decades and decades he has not returned to this heritage which he used to his own benefit. What is this guy anyway? 'New Morning' is his last album I listen to frequently!!!

And what kind of s**t was this Grossman guy, too? Now I am pissed off. Really.

Better to go back to Celtic easy-picking, Italian Renaissance music and national-romantic Swedish organ music and classical Chinese music. - Cheers, like MattK used to say!

Entered at Sun May 13 12:22:40 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Dylan and Dundee

On 'The Ornament Tree', Bert Jansch plays a beautiful version of 'The Road Tae Dundee' sometimes called 'The Road And The Miles To Dundee' using a song I had never hear before. He, however, uses the traditional 'Road Tae Dundee' tune for a song I had never heard before till I played this album called 'Three Dreamers'

Bob Dylan used the tune from 'The Road Tae Dundee' for the song 'Walls of Red Wing', an outtake from 'The Freewheelin' album on the Bootleg series volumes 1-3.

I also like 'Paths of Victory' on the same bootleg album sometimes described as a 'Woody Guthrie type song', but I wouldn't know. But it reminds me of Scottish country music in that the piano is important for the guitar and harmonica to play over. In Scotland, it would be accordions and fiddles playing over the piano. It is actually Bob Dylan who lays down the piano, for the guitar and harmonica to play over, Bob playing all the instruments. Beautiful singing by Bob. A little gem of a song. It is an outtake from 'The Times They Are A Changing'.

Entered at Sun May 13 12:12:15 CEST 2018 from (83.250.75.47)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: On a serious side - Lightning

Lightning - this is not about one of my favorite blues singers Lightnin' Hopkins. It could have been but it is not.

During all these years I have wondered why so many gbers have been stroken by a lightning. Has it something to do with the constellation of The Band, with particular members or a particular member? - In the fifties and sixties the Russians used Novaja Zemlja as their test ground for nuclear weapons. In the Summertime the high pressure made the hot winds blow from Novaja Zemlja to Northern Finland. During my profession as a teacher in the eighties and nineties I met weird kids from this area. This was a common knowledge but never spoken out loud. - Harrisburg, anyone?

On a humorous side: after this terrible incidence we Karelians (well, not exactly ME) invented a pastry in eastern Finland with the name "Nuclear Weapon". You take a fried Russian pastry (pirog) with rice and meat. You add bacon and fried egg. BOOOM!

Entered at Sun May 13 12:05:40 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Lord Rosebery,

You will see at once that I know the correct form of address for an Earl, and I am aware that our current president addressed you as “Your Earlship.” He was clearly not cognisant with “Miss Fakenham’s Book of Etiquette for Young Ladies” an indispensable volume.

Uncle Porteous often regaled us with accounts of his visit to your beautiful country. He especially spoke of meeting you, my lord. He told us that he had met an earl in Scotland and a “load of counts” in England. This has puzzled me for some years, as Counts are a Continental title, not a Britisher one, though I am fully aware that a wife of an earl is a countess. Do pass on my regards to Lady Rosebery.

I once entered the Smoking Room to beckon the late Colonel and Uncle Porteous to the Ladies Drawing Room, a task I dislike as the fug of cigar smoke adheres to my lace gowns. Porteous was saying “Old Rosebery explained the difference between a gillie and a goolie”, whereupon they both roared with laughter. The Colonel later informed me that they are different ranks of gamekeeper.

After leaving your imposing granite castle, Porteous traveled to the golf resort belonging to our current president (who is certainly not a man of breeding). During his travels, he claims he saw the Loch Ness Monster rearing up from the dark waters. The colonel put this extraordinary sighting down to excessive imbibing of the local beverage. I digress. Porteous was appalled to find people speeding around in electric “golf carts.” He found this unacceptable, as golf resorts in our neighbourhood provide useful employment for young persons of colour in carrying the golf clubs.

So, “Hail to thee, Thane of Roseberry,” as those of us acquainted with the Bard of Avon would say.

Yours truly Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Sun May 13 11:46:01 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Back to the music

Bill M: Sounds like a great evening. I like evenings like the one you describe, where the artist talks about his music, but it doesn't happen enough for me. Apart from our big music festival in the New Year, I don't really attend concerts now. There is little for me to see. I loved John Martyn playing the 'Solid Air' album. But I also saw Roger McGuinn playing his solo concert where he talked about the music he made and it was a great evening. He was a good communicator. I really liked the young Fleetwood Mac band.

I like when I go to a concert, where the artist can introduce his or her songs well. Michael Marra was good at this. I have been playing Bert Jansch's 'The Ornament Tree' this week. I think this is a really good album. I never saw Bert live until I saw him in Pentangle, but I saw Davey Graham a few times. Bert is a wonderful guitarist.

I reread the Toppermost on Bert Jansch - a good article and good contributions from the contributors (Thanks, Peter). One contributor made the valid point that Pentangle freed Bert from having to speak between songs, where he was a mumbler, finding it difficult. Jacqui McShee, as well as being a beautiful singer, was a great communicator. Pentangle were a great band, but the only music I have just now is a double CD collection.

Away to the first Highland Games of the season. I like seeing young pipers, dancers and drummers. Because I'm thinking the culture is getting passed on...and who will be the one, who joins a band and takes the music to a different level. 35 000 at your games Haso - impressive. I just hope it's not that old reactionary, Rosebery opening them.

Entered at Sun May 13 05:48:57 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

Norbert: The "absinthe stare" - a nice touch. The stare's always the same, even if the liquid varies with the country. I've seen the ouzo stare many times (and may have displayed it myself once or twice), the arak stare (ask NwT, if you two are back on speaking terms)...

Music: Last night I saw local guitar legend Mike McKenna and band run through McKenna-Mendelson Mainline's classic 1969 album, "Stink" in its near-entirety, the exception being "Don't Give Me No Goose For Christmas Grandma". 30 people after hours in a tiny record store - wonderful. McKenna talked a bit about recording it in London (the big English one) at Trident, and about spening a year touring the UK with people like early Fleetwood Mac, the Keef Hartley Band, Savoy Brown, etc.

There seems to have been a fair number of Canadian rock musicians rattling around the UK then - Mainline's 4, Mapleoak (3 of 4), May Blitz (2 of 3), Warren Cann (later of Ultravox), Paul Rudolph of the Pink Fairies, Michael Rosen of Eclection, Dundee Horns, Mogul Thrash and early AWB.

Entered at Sat May 12 23:46:18 CEST 2018 from (62.251.71.189)

Norbert

Bill asked me once about the Dutch Dream.

Thought about it for years …. guess a camping of some 29 caravans in the South of France it is.

But only just a few get there ….. in the café: ‘Ils sont de retour ….. ‘ the one drinking shrugs his shoulders in absinthe stare.

Trees whisper mistral, the sun burns holes in the ground, a band plays Ilkka.

Entered at Sat May 12 18:50:21 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk

Subject: It needed saying

Well said, Rosebery, it needed saying, Rosebery. What would Mrs Lee Pickett III think of us? Standards, Man'

Rockin' Chair...you're not reading properly, old boy. You must brush up on Scottish history. It's easy to see you have little knowledge of the role of manacles in Scottish life. I refer you to Volume 3 Chapter 2 of Bretts History of Scotland - The Use of Manacles and Whips in The Chasing of the Stag ceremony, and Volume 5 Chapter 1 - the esteemed volume on Food , the role of haggis in social occasions. Standards, Man.

Ban that ruffian, Dunc, Jan. A schemie on the GB. Too much. You know what they say 'You can take the boy out the scheme, but can you take the scheme out the boy? (I hope you don't find this offensive, but I find it difficult addressing a man with a girl's name, Jan. But I accept it...we live in modern times.)

See you in the Balmoral at eight, Rosebery. Leave off the tweed jackets, the master of ceremonies will allow us because of the heat, but feathers must be worn. I'm not putting up with any smartass cracks that you are allowed by Royal Assent to wear three. Seriously I'm not.

Entered at Sat May 12 18:24:30 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: To be clear?

Now, gawd damn Dunc, am I to understand that if I don't change my name I'm going to be the stag at eve and get whipped??

Doesn't the Duke of Earl understand I'm a sailor and the Rockin Chair is the name of my ship AND one of the greatest songs of the Band? I'm totally confused now I'll have nightmares about being whipped while dressed in a pink tutu.

Entered at Sat May 12 18:06:00 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Not Right

Jan.I don't think it's right saying I come from 'the projects'. Just because there was a few gangs about...

Entered at Sat May 12 18:00:45 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Earl of Rosebery

Subject: A few points

I think I'm termed a lurker, I read often, but seldom post, but feel on this occasion I have to. Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk has 'got me into', if that is the term, the great music of the Band. Those historians amongst you will know that dear, great, great grandfather Archibald was once the prime minister of the whole of Great Britain from 1894-95. That's why those of you who live in the colonies have the name Rosebery given to villages, promenades and towns.

Firstly the posts of Mrs Lee Picket III have been a breath of fresh air to the GB and I would like to clear something up. I can explain your dear Uncle Porteous wearing a primrose and pink kilt. It was I who gave him the kilt when he was making his Scottish grand tour in the seventies. He killed fifteen brace of grouse in two hours, a remarkable achievement. For this great achievement, I gifted him a full Highland regalia in the family colours of primrose and pink. Still to be seen on the race courses of the UK. And I gave permission to the Scottish football team to use these colours for their second strip. My dearest Viney, please never call Mrs Lee Picket III by her first name. Manners maketh the man.

My dearest Haso - you've had that discussion on the Red Hot Chilli Pipers with that oaf from the projects, Dunc. But what we do every year is that we open Dalmeny House for the plebs -get out the vintage cars, the collection of pottery, the Scottish colourists' painting collection, the stuffed dear heads, then finish off with a concert with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The plebs are easily pleased and I charge twenty quid a head, which pays the Eton fees every year. Ancestors near Glasgow - that's nothing to be proud of Mr Haso- I would keep mum about that.

My dear Rockin' Chair - if you'll beg my pardon what a silly name - if you had attended Dollar Academy like your more esteemed forebears and spent less time scraping boats, then you would have a greater understanding of Scottish history. The highlight of the open day at Dalmeny House is when one of the plebs dresses up as a stag and we all chase him in our primrose and pink regalia, catch him then put him in a manacle and whip him within an inch of his life. But your breathing hard at the end. And how dare you insult the great chieftain o'the puddin' race, the haggis. If you ever visit our open day, you'll be the stag.

My dearest Flying Dutchman, Norbert - perhaps we had ancestors who met at the Battle of Camperdown, where Admiral Duncan, Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk's ancestor was brilliant in strategy? Anyway, I was interested in your last post because when we were having the clan whipping of the manacled pleb last year, mass hysterical laughing broke out - the likes of which I had never seen before. I'm a little worried about the event this year.

My dearest Glenn T - we really enjoy five for Friday. Lady Rosebery spends the time before dinner searching out your selections on YouTube, a marvellous invention. It's easy to see your forebears come from Edinburgh, unlike that Haso chappy. Such good taste. Prince Charles and Camilla were staying with us a couple of weeks ago and they were shimmying along to your Bowie selections. If you are visiting Edinburgh, ever, please partake a single malt or two with me. You'll normally find me in the Oyster Bar at the Royal Cafe - primrose and pink trews, pink waistcoat, primrose tweed jacket and pink beret with primrose silk tails and THREE eagle feathers unlike the common Duncan of Duncan of that ilk. The feathers are new because I was visiting that common hole called Glasgow last week. Always happens.

My dearest Lisa, it's good to see you're an expert on mangles as the house is looking for a scullery maid to carry out the routine jobs around the kitchen. Lady Rosebery, in this era of equal rights - must move with the times, my dear - has declared that there has to be a chasing the hind as well as the deer - and your additional task will include you being the hind. Deer oh deer you may say, but it won't be too bad. I'll line the manacle with felt as you are a lady. Please send application to Dalmeny House

You're last Bill M. I know why you reside in the colonies and you never use your full name and pretend to be an expert in Canadian music. It was your pipe music posts over the years, which gave you away. You are the descendant of the Jacobean piper McCrimmond and I know your full name is William McCrimmond-Macbeth (hyphenated) banished to the colonies after the '45. Bill M - you must have known that this nom de plume would always be found out - you cad sir. If you ever return to our beautiful country, you'll be caught and be the stag on Open Day. Jacobean Ruffian. Hanoverians for ever. God Bless The Queen.

Entered at Sat May 12 16:32:18 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Oh the SHAME!

Mizz Magnolia was almost gettin' almost believable there for a while.......until the whips and manacles came into it.

Reminds me of that joke about the saddist and the masochist. The masochist says, "hurt me, hurt me!" and the saddist says......."NOOOO!!!"

Entered at Sat May 12 15:40:38 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

Entered at Sat May 12 10:20:48 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Mr Viney,

Thank you for your enquiry. I do hope this is not based on vulgar curiosity on your part. I was never party to the full story of Uncle Porteous’s tragic demise, and the thought of a Scottish connection gave me hope that the malice of his political opponents (who own the local newspaper) was unfounded. I so hoped the garment in question might be a kilt. I know little of Scotland. Are manacles and a whip also part of ceremonial Highland dress? That would explain the other allegation. Of course what with him being a prominent judge, Uncle Porteous was the victim of much envy and subsequent poisonous gossip. It undermined his campaign for the Senate entirely. The late Colonel would put on “The Rumor” by The Band, sip a mint julep and muse on his brother’s strange and terrible fate.

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Sat May 12 05:08:52 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: Scots

Dunc: have I asked your take, previously, on the Red Hot Chilli Pipers? To Mrs. Lee-Pickett: my grandmother's folks were from somewhat south and west of Glasgow; towns escape me at the moment. The preferred tartan hereabouts is MacNeil of Barra, (great-gramma's maiden, I think); though I can't recall which version... maybe "old hunting". A frequent t-shirt at the NH Highland Games, about 35k in attendance on the 3rd Saturday of September: the last person who called this a skirt, is in the hospital just now.

Entered at Sat May 12 04:51:28 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: Santana, missing female voices

Peter: try out the live gig at Tanglewood, circa 1970 or '71. Pretty sure it's on you tube, though I've seen it more often on Wolfgang's Vault. Also, an old Chicago gig around the same time/same venue. Maybe when they were still the Chicago Transit Authority.

Also Peter and Jan: what's become of Angelina (nee Brown-Eyed Girl)?

Entered at Sat May 12 04:41:41 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: Lisa

Yeah, Lisa, my wife was all about John. Her sisters, Paul. She still has the ticket stub from Shea Stadium, 1966. As I was just telling Glenn... in her mind it all went south when they broke up (except maybe Yes and Santana). She will listen to the Allman Brothers and B.B. and Muddy, because of me, but thinks all of us GBers are "obsessed". Perhaps it's "possessed", I don't know; just that our 5 never got their real due in the popular mind anyway. I don't believe there's any "Uncle John's Band", for 1 example w/out MFBP.

Entered at Sat May 12 04:31:03 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: hand-washing/ Magnolia/ songwriting

Sounds to me like this Ms. (probably hate that, right?) Magnolia is pretty sure that it ain't no steamboat. Sorry Jeff and Norm, the "South gonna do it again" as quoth C. Daniels.

So you guys are berift about wringing hand-washers; ya need a trip really south. Even today, almost anyone in Central America (outside of wealthy parts of Panama and all of Costa Rica I'd guess) uses a lavandero to wash clothes. That's a combination wash sink and washboard, made out of concrete. Washboard Chaz won't be playing these. You think old wringer machines are tough on Levi's, try scrubbing w/ lye soap on concrete ridges. I can assure you, my daughter's clothes were always pretty wrecked w/in 6 months.

Amazing happenstance that you all were talking Levi's. I had just that day or the one before gotten 2 new shrink-to-fits, in the mail. And now it's right on the label about sitting in a tub (don't get larger waist size) vs. washing machines vs. they call it "old school" or something similar (where you just put 'em on, no up-sizing for shrinkage... implication being that they never get washed). Sorry, I like being married more than that.

If memory serves, Norbert, John Prine often claimed to get his best material for songs from reading the National Enquirer and like-minded supermarket check-out rags. UFO's, 2-headed strippers and that sort of thing.

Entered at Sat May 12 02:29:46 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Gimme Five!

I know most of yuz here are not real country fans but maybe give this first song a listen. Today as I drove I was listening to an interview of James Comey on CBC. When he was finishing, because he had used a line from a Jan Arden song the girl interviewing asked him about his taste in music. This is some of what he came up with (the first two songs). This first boy, (Billie Currington) I hadn't heard before. This song is kinda about old guys like us. The hook line is, "God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy." The second is a Springsteen song that was a favourite of mine long ago.

People are Crazy...........Billie Currington, (on youtube)

Racing in the Street........Bruce Springsteen

He ain't heavy he's my brother........The Hollies

Kodachrome..........Paul Simon

Everybody's Talkin' at me......Harry Nilsson

Entered at Fri May 11 21:55:40 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

With or without lacy trimming, the pink and yellow tartan is the well-known as that of the Duncans of the Ilk. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) I'm sure that it was the very kilt of the late Porteous Duncan that Levon was offering as a gift to Jemima. While I understand that Jemima's Presbyterian upbringing would have trained her to refuse all charity, I think she went too far with Levon in this particular case.

Entered at Fri May 11 21:26:14 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Mr Viney,

Please convey further regards to Mr Duncan. While he hails from Dundee, Scotland, I am sure he must be associated with the greater city of Dundee, in Polk County, Florida where my Aunt Jemima often took her vacations. She would claim in later years that her maidenly intransigence inspired a song by The Band, although I confess my ignorance as to the title. I am delighted in that I always assumed the Lee-Pickett family must have a Scottish connection. When poor dear Uncle Porteous was found dead in his home, scurrilous gutter press newspapers in this area declared that he had been found “dead in a skirt.” I now realize that this must have been a kilt in tribute to his Scots ancestry. I hope you can enlighten me as to which Scottish plaid is rose pink and primrose yellow with frilly lace trimming (a description of the garment poor Uncle Porteous was discovered in). The late Colonel (my dear husband) often suggested to Porteous that “quality exceeds quantity” as he tried to dissuade him from his customary daily quart of Bourbon and Branch in favour of a small shot glass of malt whisky.

Yours truiy

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Fri May 11 18:49:48 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Thanks Bill M. I'll seek it out.

Interesting, Glenn. We visit Edinburgh a lot - a short break every year. Then through for days for the zoo, the festival, the galleries, the castle, the gardens... But it's not far, we cross the country in the middle in an hour. Our capital and Britain's most beautiful city. David Byrne from your last list is a Scot too. Thinking of you and hope you are getting peace, Glenn.

Entered at Fri May 11 17:28:35 CEST 2018 from (70.121.56.235)

glenn t

That's one of the aspects of this community I enjoy - learning of other artists/albums and checking them out. And for the record, my maternal grandfather grew up in Edinburgh. Migrated to Canada as a young man, so my mom was born and raised in Canada before she emigrated to the US, where I was born and raised. It's Friday folks - share those albums you've been listening to. And have a great weekend!

Entered at Fri May 11 17:23:30 CEST 2018 from (64.229.205.187)

Bill M

Peter V: I was disappointed to hear of the '76 Santana concert. The '73 band was incredible and disciplined. No opening act, an hour of amazing music, a 15-minute break and another hour+ of intensity. Must've been the McLaughlin influence; I recall Doug Rauch on bassist, Armando Pereza on congos, Billy Cobham on drums and Jan Hammer on keyboards (but it was a very long time ago). Cobham's the only one I ever saw again, playing with local fusion guitarist David Bendith at the El Mocambo in Toronto circa '80.

Entered at Fri May 11 15:58:47 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Deep South

Is this beginning to sound like a clip from "Steel Magnolias"? I can see Shirley McClaine storming in here at any minute.

Entered at Fri May 11 15:03:14 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Duncan of Duncan of that Ilk

Subject: Grandchild free as you'll notice

Magnolia,I think it is great that you are maintaining your communication with us. I'm thinking that, at last, there is another female poster for Lisa. Joan used to be a great poster and I have missed her posts. Hope you are ok, Joan.

There was a branch of the Duncans, who left Dundee circa 1830 and made their way across the Atlantic to USA, but I am not sure if they are related to the gentleman you mention. I've put in my full chieftain name, as you can see, Magnolia, and a clue would be that the Duncans were known for wearing blue berets with two blue silks at the back and the normal two vertical eagle feathers at the front. If your military friend wears such a hat, then there could be a link. I sadly have had to give up wearing my hat, having moved to Glasgow - full of uncouth types who wouldn't leave my hat alone.

It's a sad tale you tell of your daughter, but I got a thrill hearing my name in a Paul Simon song. I'm sure you'll find a way ahead and normal relations will be reestablished. Families! It's the same all over the word.

You may know Atticus and Blanche DuBoulougne from Hattiesburg (I always wished I had lived here) who I met at a pavement cafe in Paris about thirteen years ago. They regaled us with some great music. In fact it led me to buying the great Aly Bain meets the Cajuns album. Also, check out the great JJ Cale track, Magnolia. You'll enjoy it and keep posting.

Entered at Fri May 11 13:48:54 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dear Mr Viney,

May I trouble you further and request you to pass my regards on to Mr Duncan together with this message.

Thank you, sir. I must ask if you are related to General Johnson K. Duncan (CSA) of the 1st Louisiana Artillery Regiment? A fine man, though born in the North, his righteous indignation at the assault on States Rights led him to enter the ranks of the heroic defenders of our land in the Late Unpleasantness of 1861 to 1865 (as my Aunt Jemima always called it). I mentioned you in passing to my daughter Chamelia. The poor girl has left the Jefferson Davis Ladies Academy due to her lovely name being altered to Chlamydia (whatever that means) by classmates who do not deserve to be in such a time-honoured institution. I blame it on Yankees moving South with their carpetbags yet again. Chamelia admires the work of Mr Paul Simon and started singing a ditty he had composed about a person named "Lincoln" Duncan. I had to order her to her bedroom as it is forbidden to let the name of that tall and bearded Illinois politician pass your lips in my home. She will not partake of supper. Why, the late Colonel would decline to travel in a limousine with that name inscribed on the rear, and always ordered limousine companies to send a Cadillac. Please do not regard this as your fault in any way, Mr Duncan.

Yours truly

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Fri May 11 09:56:37 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

I hope Magnolia Lee-Pickett III keeps e mailing, Peter. A real breath of fresh air in the Guest Book. Are all ladies of the South so insightful?

I remember mangles in the wash houses of the tenements in Scotland. I was in charge of washing in the days of the flat when first married. Twin tub and the ringer. Seemed to take ages.

Glenn T - a real catholic taste. Such a wide range of artists. I've been Youtubing some of the ones I don't know.

Thanks, Rockin Chair. I would love that Native American dish, although I had to google abalone. A Gael I used to work beside brought in sea weed pudding for us to eat every so often. I liked it.

Entered at Fri May 11 09:16:57 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

We had the Santana argument years ago, but when I saw them circa 1976 I would count them among the very worst live bands I've ever seen. They used a stadium set up in a concert hall, the sound was appalling, and they all seemed stoned mindless, totally out of it, out of tune and out of contact with the other players on the stage. We lasted about 40 minutes and walked out as did at least 30% of the audience. That was one night only. Yes, I have seen the 2000s DVD and Woodstock, and I assume it was a one-off event and I believe those who saw them amd found them fantastic. Different night.

Just before or just after (I no longer remember which) we saw Hot Chocolate in the same hall who were brilliant.

Entered at Fri May 11 09:09:29 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

To me in the UK: A mangle would have been cast-iron, hand turned with I believe wooden rollers. A wringer was on a pivot and swung over a top-loader washing machine and had rubber rollers. The mangle was mentioned on a Monty Python LP with the line “I haven’t laughed so much since grandma caught her titties in the mangle.”

I discovered a couple of years ago a major US / UK difference. There is only one top-loader washing machine on sale in the UK, and over Europe as a whole top loaders have less than 1% of the market. Apparently top loaders still sell in the USA and Australia, perhaps due to basements and larger kitchens. We offered to buy my son (in NY) a washing machine for Christmas as they were expecting a baby. In a small apartment they needed a front loader which is when we discovered that the same Whirlpool machine with the same model number was DOUBLE the price in the USA. That’s most unusual as most electronics are considerably cheaper in America.

I haven’t seen a top loader in a British house since the late 1970s, though a neighbour in the late 1980s was a retired electrician who went to great trouble to buy a top loader on the grounds that a motor works better vertically than horizontally. I’m told that front loaders are the only machines that can take sophisticated programming options.

Entered at Fri May 11 02:12:36 CEST 2018 from (70.121.56.235)

glenn t

Bill M: I like 'em both! I believe the Santana/McLaughlin version is also what I heard first. I will have to pull out that album (actually, listen on ipod) and give it a listen. Santana's done a lot of interesting stuff over the years. Can't stand a lot of it, but I give him credit for trying. Like the "Caravanserai" album, or working with Leon Thomas. Have never seen him live; that must have been fun. Thanks for your comments.

Entered at Fri May 11 02:10:29 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Lisa

Well, I never wanted to look like George (my teenaged heart belonged to John), but when the Beatles played Vancouver, my best friend, who loved George, went down to the hotel where they were staying to see them arrive. When they did, she managed to climb the chain-link fence and scream "George! George" loud enough for them to hear. George turned around, nudged the others and they all laughed and waved at her before the guards pulled her down. She was in the clouds for days!

Entered at Fri May 11 01:52:25 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.134)

Bill M

Entered at Fri May 11 01:41:19 CEST 2018 from (70.121.56.235)

glenn t

I've been all over the place with this bunch!

Boz Scaggs: Silk Degrees

John Coltrane: A Love Supreme

Kronos Quartet: Pieces of Africa

Ringo Starr: Beacoups of Blues

Brian Eno: Discreet Music

Talking Heads: Naked

Entered at Fri May 11 00:40:52 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.134)

Bill M

Lisa aside, who among us did not yearn to look like George on the "Abbey Road" cover? (I failed by every measure.)

Entered at Fri May 11 00:36:39 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Gettin put thru the wringer

I got to laugh how Peter likes to refer to "The Twentieth Century". He lived most his life there.

The wringer. The first ones even were hand wringers you cranked the clothes thru the wringer with a handle by hand. You can still buy them on Ebay & Kijiji. More than one lady including my mum got her hand in that damn thing feeding the clothes into it. There was a lever you punched to release it for safety.

There are even still parts for some on those sites. I had a real good one in my camp about 20 years ago. They sure did clean clothes.

Entered at Fri May 11 00:21:08 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.134)

Bill M

Peter V: 'Mangle' sounds like a likely Britishism for 'wringer'. Clearly even Robbie looked to the washerwomen in his life - whether mother or wife - to take care of his bell-bottoms.

Entered at Thu May 10 22:44:44 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

A further note from Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Dear Mr Viney,

I surely believe that Mr Helm would have looked askance upon the celebration of the day upon which Richmond HAD FALLEN as a subject for congratulation. While I have a nodding acquaintance with the Virginia Helms and the South Carolina Helms, I have never had the pleasure of meeting the Arkansas Helms, although I must say the town of"Turkey Scratch" is unknown to me and does not sound inviting. I would have to place the Arkansas branch among those acceptable for cocktails at 6 pm, but not among those one might invite to dinner. Nevertheless, I am sure he would have shared my dismay.

Magnolia Lee-Pickett III (Mrs)

Entered at Thu May 10 20:49:31 CEST 2018 from (166.137.242.109)

JQ

No cutoffs, flip flops or tank tops and only jeans that are fashionabley ripped allowed inside!!

Entered at Thu May 10 17:18:30 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.133)

Bill M

Entered at Thu May 10 16:57:48 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Lake Wobegone Days

Cheer up Dunc. Although those days are gone we've still got some pretty good ones going on.

Talk of shrinking your jeans puts me in mind of my mum's old "wringer washer" do any of you guys remember them? The first one I remember when I was 5. We had no electricity on the island where we lived. That wringer washer had a gas engine on it. A kick start like a motor cycle. Those old washers beat the clothes up so bad there was no need to sit in the bath tub. It wasn't long before your jeans looked like the "stone wash" of today.

Thinking of Dunc's haggis got me to thinking again of Jan's traditional dish, "lutefisk". You guys are some sturdy tuff characters to keep the tradition. I couldn't even handle the dumplings on mum's chicken & dumplings. They used to gag me. I'll have to stick to my native traditions of clams, abalone, rock scallops and seaweed.

I too used to have the most beautiful magnolia tree in my place in Powell River. I'm sure right now it will be in full bloom.

Entered at Thu May 10 16:48:00 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Sadly Rockin' Chair and Bill M these days have long gone. But I often thought it would be good if the GB met up for a bevvy. Thanks guys.

I think I've got the eras mixed up too. When I was shrinking my Levis, I would be wearing Ben Sherman shirts. Did you Canadians sit in the bath with your jeans on? Was it only a Scottiish thing?

When I was wearing cheese cloth shirts, I would be getting my girlfriend to sew insets into my jeans.

Sadly days turning into nights on the piss have been gone for about one hundred years now. Tonight a couple of beers at the end of the day...and a toast to absent friends.

Entered at Thu May 10 16:32:29 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.133)

Bill M

Entered at Thu May 10 15:25:35 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Slow down Willie Boy.......

I was really enjoying spending a day with Dunc. It was quite an exciting outing, I tried to keep up with him drinking and almost did thought the day would end up wonderfully.....then the haggis came out and I wretched!

Yer hearts gonna give right out on you...it's true

And I believe I know what we should do

Turn the stern and point to shore

The seven seas won't bother us no more...........

Entered at Thu May 10 15:14:01 CEST 2018 from (83.250.66.48)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Nobel Prize in literature

I have tried to post in this forum about how rotten institution the Swedish Academy is. Remember? Anyone? They are unable to decide over the Nobel Prize this year. So low have they been sinking!!!

Just give the first internet based Prize to this guestbook and get it done!

Entered at Thu May 10 14:55:40 CEST 2018 from (83.250.66.48)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Norbert, Jeff The Jude and Trucking Cher

Thanks Norbert for showing up in this godforsaken forum once again. We saved this forum together in the early days, remember? - Yes, and you pronounced my name wrong again. You made this mannish Finnish name to a Middle-Europian (Hungarian) female name, you dirty guy. Love and kisses, even to your Elsie as well :-)

Jeff said I am a drunk. Cher said I am crazy. You both have RIGHT. Give yourself the famous all-american hug!

Entered at Thu May 10 14:02:05 CEST 2018 from (75.98.19.133)

Bill M

By May the tenth, Richmond had fallen
It's a time I can't stop recallin'

Entered at Thu May 10 11:07:14 CEST 2018 from (62.251.71.189)

Norbert

Found on the web an article about songwriting from the masters.

Dylan begins with a melody he’s heard somewhere else ( “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” for instance, is based on an old song called “Who’s Gonna Buy Your Chickens When I’m Gone.”). And he plays the song in his head as a sort of mediation.

Waits says a lot of his inspiration comes from mishearing things, and that he gets a lot of ideas from turning on two radios at once, or from listening to music from far away.....

Nick Cave has maybe the best answer [I like that line, N]:
“letting a small child in the same room as, I don’t know, a Mongolian psychopath or something. And just sitting back and seeing what happens. Then you send in a clown, say on a tricycle. And again you wait, and you watch. And if that doesn’t do it you shoot the clown.”

Dunc: thanks, you’re right it is ..;-).

Entered at Thu May 10 10:48:14 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Thanks

Thanks, Norbert' I had read the Wessely study a couple of years back, but I thought the link was too tenuous to post. But you have a point. I'm going to read it again and I'll get back to you. Thanks, Norbert.

Thank you, Magnolia. An interesting post. (I love the name Magnolia - just now, I'm looking out at my Magnolia Stellata in full bloom and listening to the new Roseann Fino. Brilliant EP. On its second play. But, the point you make that rings home with me is the 'fell' instead of 'fallen'. But that's maybe because I did over forty years of correcting it. It's hard to shake off. Thanks, Magnolia

And you know something...it's my birthday today. Really is. My birthday in a Band song. I have two images. The paddle steamer going up the river with a lot of fine women like Magnolia or Robert E. Lee with yellow beard and moustach, white cap, at the head of twenty men riding by on horses, the sun shining off the spurs, and dust clouds around the thundering hooves. I'm going with the paddle steamer.

For birthday, we've got the denims and cheesecloth shirts on. I've sat in the bath with the Levis so they shrink to my size exactly. Drinks and nice meal at lunchtime in Paisley. Up to Glasgow for the Robbie Robertson and friends concert...there is a rumour that Garth is in the line up. More drinks. Then I'm going to spend all the money I earned today and take Gilly dancing. We're Scottish and love dancing. More drinks. Then we're going to get haggis suppers and sleep in Central Station for a couple of hours and get the milk train back to Paisley. We'll tolerate the looks of the moral majority as they go in the other direction. But, first I have to pick up the bairn at the nursery.

Entered at Thu May 10 09:11:06 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I just received the following e-mail. I'll paste it in full.

Dear Mr Viney,

We have not been introduced, but I am aware of your connection to the “Guestbook” associated with The Band. In my home here in proximity to Richmond, Virginia, a “guestbook” is a gold embossed, leather bound volume maintained upon a mahogany occasional table in the hallway.

I am appalled that a “Dave H” has wished readers a Happy May 10th. This was a day upon which my late husband, Colonel Jefferson Lee-Pickett III commemorated by dressing in a black suit with a black tie. The late colonel was a lifelong enthusiast for The Band, though he often objected that the Canadian gentlemen who penned The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down executed a calumny on education in the South by suggesting we could not distinguish between “fell” and the past participle “fallen.” The song recalled some dirt farmer in Tennessee farmer seeing his ancestor Robert E. Lee.

I am guessing that the “H” stands for some Yankee name like Hamilton, and the gentleman is too lazy to spell out the Biblical name bestowed upon him, “David” and resorts to “Dave” like some disadvantaged pale-coloured garbage (I am told we are not allowed to say po’ white trash any longer.) Suffice it to say that his ancestor is currently being portrayed in some kind of minstrel show in New York City with rap songs.

I have never been north of the Mason-Dixon line myself. My dear father thought it inappropriate for one of my family (the Davis-Jacksons). My Uncle Porteous declared there were some fine houses in Boston, though he said the same of New Orleans, and my father said houses should never be mentioned in a lady’s presence, though I have no idea why he thought architecture an inappropriate subject.

Yours truly

Magnolia Lee-Pickett (Mrs).

Entered at Thu May 10 06:13:58 CEST 2018 from (73.119.115.178)

Dave H

Happy May the tenth, everybody!

Entered at Thu May 10 01:04:38 CEST 2018 from (62.251.71.189)

Norbert

“Finally, the Hawks parted company with Ronnie Hawkins during the summer of 1963, the singer's at times overbearing personality and ego getting the better of the relationship. The Hawks decided to stay together with their oldest member, Levon Helm, out in front, variously renaming themselves Levon & the Hawks and the Canadian Squires and cutting records under both names.”

Above one of the most quoted lines of this very Band site, I’ve read it myself a hundred times or more and recognised this line immediately as I stumbled across it in an old, rather bizar, 2007 The Lancet article mentioning also the forming of The Band.

After a study of nearly a decade, Sir Simon Charles Wessely (1956), a Cambridge psychiatrist and long time Band fan (used to post here as “Michael J. Wiseman”), stated he proofed the connection between the 1962 Tanganyika laughter epidemic and the forming of The Band.

According to Dr. Wessely the laughter thing was caused by tensions between adolescents and parental educators. A similar situation existed between Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks.

Dr. Wessely: “.... and it is of no coincidence that the African laughter epidemic lasted from spring 1962 till the summer of 1963 and that the forerunner of The Band broke free precisely that same summer in 1963 in Canada. There are too many similarities to ignore. You say causuality, I say .....".

For what it is worth, the article can still be found on the web. Anyway we haven’t heard much of Dr.Wessely since, but the story has, at least, to be reported on any serious Band site, duly noted.

PS: JQ, Norm, Illka :-)

Entered at Wed May 9 16:13:35 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Last five played.

It's the seventies, I'm playing Fred. Missed Steely Dan live. I was going to see them in Glasgow early seventies, but the gig never materialised. Talking of drinking... that would have been some trip. Little and often nowadays.

Enjoyed the Bo Diddley song very much, Peter. I thought it was a really great version.

Last five played, in between visits to the nursery.

All by Simon and Garfunkel

Wednesday Morning 3 am

Sounds of Silence

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

Book Ends

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Entered at Wed May 9 14:29:34 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

"One in a Million; The Songs of Sam Dees." Ace Songwriters series.

"Playing House" by Jocelyn - 3 track CD bought from buskers on the South Bank on Sunday- a very good band of buskers too.

"Another Dimension" by Bo Diddley LP (with CCR covers + Band and Elton John cover)

"Discover America" by Van Dyke Parks (inspired by the recent Toppermost on Van Dyke Parks.)

"Recall The Beginning- A Journey From Eden" by The Steve Miller Band.

Entered at Wed May 9 04:37:33 CEST 2018 from (203.160.29.183)

Fred

In my rather limited listening to live Steely Dan, I seem to prefer the stuff from the 1970s.

Latest 5:

The Prodigal Son -Ry Cooder (I listened to this on NPR).

AWB - Average White Band

Express Yourself - Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band

Kinotto - Skiantos

River Rescue: The very Best of Ry Cooder

Entered at Wed May 9 01:32:01 CEST 2018 from (74.79.125.103)

3D Bill

Subject: checking in

Hi guys, as other than Lisa that's all I'm seeing, so far. Formerly Bashful Bill. Some of you will recall me. I haven't checked in here for a very long time, easily 2 years +.A lot of water under my bridge in that time and for some lengthy time before. Be still my heart, for I scrolled down a few days and saw, with few digressions, almost all music banter. Music discussion, music posts.How pleasant. I saw The Weight Band a few weeks ago, in my present upstate NY turf.A fine and well received show in a real nice venue. It was fun catching up with Weege and Roger, who I hadn't seen in something more that 2+ years.I bought their album which is largely a very good effort. Almost all originalcuts with the seemingly obligitary Grateful Dead cover( other than RR it seems like most albums from Levon, Rick,even Garth has one of those). Only one Band song, a bonus live track of Remedy. Top notch musicians.I like it so much that I wish I'd bought a few to give as gifts. Well, hello and goodbye for now. I'll come back and scroll some more and hopefully check in some more.

Entered at Wed May 9 01:20:48 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Out on Highway 61

A real gem Jan. This is the kind of thing we always hope for. Sure great to look back on Levon looking so happy and kickin ass.

Entered at Tue May 8 22:43:39 CEST 2018 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Highway 61

Thanks Jan, wow, that sounds GREAT. New to me! I'm surprised the 90s Band didn't take this one on tour that same year, as it would have fit them like a glove. You can almost hear the spaces where Garth would be jumping in.

Entered at Tue May 8 17:44:29 CEST 2018 from (84.209.129.142)

jh

It doesn’t get any better than this: Levon Helm with Vassar Clements, C.W. Gatlin et al., recording the ultimate version of "Highway 61 Revisited" in Memphis, TN, for the 1996 TV series 'Great Drives'.

Entered at Mon May 7 21:47:31 CEST 2018 from (64.229.182.136)

Bill M

Rockin C: I like bluegrass, though generally only in smallish doses. I loved James and the Good Brothers, and liked some of the stuff after James, including "Fox On The Run". Thought I'd share a link to the only 45 I have, "Hot Knife Boogie", done live in Vancouver with the massed forces of the Powder Blues Band joining in.

Entered at Mon May 7 21:14:24 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Confirmation

Driving home from Port Hardy just now I was listening to the Brown Album. I recall the other day, JQ saying for him it was their best album. I have to agree.

Bill I don't recall if you were a Blue Grass fan at all. You may remember how the Goode Brothers used to play "Fox on the Run". You can search on youtube, "North Country - Fox on the Run". I may have said to you, North Country is this bg band from Seattle. The young fellow on dobro in this song (they are all superb multi instrumentalists). This young guy is from Squamish. My brother Howard used to play blue grass with his father. He is quite a dobro picker.

Entered at Mon May 7 20:33:12 CEST 2018 from (64.229.182.136)

Bill M

Peter V: Nothing particularly newsworthy, but the Animals came up in conversation yesterday. I went over to borrow some records from a collector friend and got to talking about the few remaining places in town to catch blues. I mentioned the Blue Goose, which had matinees on Saturday and Sunday (the Sunday one was where I met Jerry T and Lucretia, there to see David Vest), but noted that Saturday may not be happening anymore because the leader of the house band, drummer Whitey Glan, had died several months ago.

So my friend got to reminiscing about how when he saw the Five Rogues (i.e., the proto-Mandala with Whitey Glan and Domenic Troiano) at Maple Leaf Stadium in 1966, just a month after he'd moved here from New Brunswick. He hadn't even heard of the Rogues, but was there to see the second band, the Animals, whose "CC Rider" was a recent hit. He had no interest at all in the headliners, Herman's Hermits. He remembers the Animals being very good, but the Rogues blowing everyone else off the stage. Link is to their finest 45, "Opportunity".

Entered at Mon May 7 15:01:38 CEST 2018 from (64.229.182.136)

Bill M

1) James Harman - 'fineprint'

2) Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - 'Dum Mast Mast: The Best of ...'

3) Jagjit Singh - 'Mirage'.

The title song on the Harman album has this great line: "The large print giveth and the fineprint taketh away", with "large" voice in a big-voiced drawl that makes it sound like "The Lordge ..." Terrific new old blues from LA on the Electro-fi label.

The other two are, I believe, classics of their respective cultures - Pakistani/Sufi and Indian/Sikh. Certainly very impressive.

Entered at Mon May 7 14:21:56 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Shape Im In

My vinyl find of the week. A newly pressed vinyl version of "Another Dimension" by Bo Diddley. It has three CCR covers but opens with a fascinating version of "The Shape I'm In" (linked). I wonder if he remembered the young Robbie Robertson? Robbie told the tale of waking up with a girl to find Bo at the end of the bed sharpening his shiv.

Entered at Sun May 6 13:19:23 CEST 2018 from (83.250.66.48)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Norbert

Someone please down by the lazy river, give him a cold Amstel, Het Nieuwsblad and pannekoeken with extra all. He will be normal soon again!

Entered at Sat May 5 21:21:51 CEST 2018 from (71.234.142.242)

haso

Subject: 5 for Friday

Ok, so it's actually Saturday. Are we allowed some editorial commentary? I think glenn started this, so...?, I'll just barge (Oh, good god back to that Mississippi River stuff again and Norm's watercraft tutorials) ahead and add in a bit or 2.

A bit of a theme of honoring the passed or compilation cd's. Not by design; happenstance or perhaps, as w/ the 1st one, just getting in the way.

Old & In the Way: "Breakdown". I have to say the instrumentation (V. Clements, J. Garcia, D. Grisman, among others) outdoes the vocals (Peter Rowan, Jerry, Grisman) throughout, to my ear. At least no one there is threatening Doc Watson, anybody involved w/ the Seldom Scene or A. Krause and band. Serious stretching to hit the high harmonies.

Waylon, a Collaboration dedicated to Waylon: "The Music Inside, vol. 1".

Gregg Allman: "Southern Blood". Sorry, just too obviously a coda to an exemplary career.

Love for Levon: "...for the Barn", cd 1.

Buena Vista Social Club presents: "Ibrahim Ferrer". No stretching to hit notes here; Ibrahim, Teresa Garcia Caturla or others. Now, if I was only bi-lingual; damn.

Entered at Sat May 5 01:17:48 CEST 2018 from (70.121.56.235)

glenn t

joni mitchell: court & spark, and hissing of summer lawns

cat stevens: tea for the tillerman, and teaser and the firecat

paul mccartney: run devil run

antonio vivaldi: the four seasons

james taylor: gorilla

Entered at Sat May 5 00:23:39 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Bottle of Wine - Fruit of the Vine

I never quit drinking. I never drank that much to start with. I'm sure you guys can appreciate. I played music in bars for over 35 years. When my son was born in 1980 I quit smoking, had no trouble with that really. For many years the smoke in bars never bothered me, (now if there is smoke too close to me it makes me sick). But drinking playing music every night and watching people swilling that stuff every night can really put you off drinking.

My band at the last stretch where I was playing every night was a great band and all five of us were non smokers and very seldom drank, (maybe a beer or two on a weekend night). I spent so much time at sea I had no time to drink. For the last several years Susan and I will have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, (Susan makes our wine at one of those wine making places). I haven't been in a bar for so long I can't remember when. It's comfortable now.

Entered at Fri May 4 23:16:36 CEST 2018 from (107.77.109.118)

JQ

Norbert - I quit a couple years ago and was surprised that, after a long adulthood of knocking them back pretty regularly for decades, it was no big deal either way. So now I keep a bottle of nice whiskey at hand - currently Redbreast 12 - that I dip into sometimes before dinner. But never drunk or hungover. Pot’s legal here in Oregon so I’ve gone back to that, after decades off, occasionally, in vaping form. I never get munchies or laugh out but music still becomes more vibrant.

Entered at Fri May 4 22:10:49 CEST 2018 from (62.251.71.189)

Norbert

Long ago I stopped smoking, this year I decided to stop drinking as well. My wife Els warned me; “Are you sure? Live will not be the same…”

Anyway I pulled it off, just to see ….must say I am pleasantly surprised ….., I got back my fine sleep, and every night I’m looking forward to read in bed (till the book drops on my nose lf witch Els makes a photo and sent me that per SMS).

I’m up at 6 in the morning now, watch the birds on the lawn... I change emails with my friend Ilkka before 7 again, also with Norm and I ask Bill if his feet still hurt, discus llinguistic relativity with Peter and talk the problems of rust of the 1957 Osnabrücker Karmann Ghia T14 with Mr. Jan.

On my way to the mall today I opened the roof of the car and felt the spring on my skin, I stopped the car to catch the moment … .at the mall I was talking to strangers ….. I realized I was enjoying life. …..

I plan only to drink during holidays, can’t wait.

Entered at Fri May 4 19:00:56 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Up the town, Fred

Hi Fred. Went up to the centre of Glasgow today and got Steely Dan 'Transmission Impossible' - legendary broadcasts from the 1970s and 1980s. Thanks.

Entered at Fri May 4 19:00:23 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: Up the town, Fred

Hi Fred. Went up to the centre of Glasgow today and got Steely Dan 'Transmission Impossible' - legendary broadcasts from the 1970s and 1980s.

Entered at Fri May 4 15:58:59 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: A fin........is 5

Crosby Stills Nash and Young......Ohio

Bruce Springsteen.......My Home Town

Gordon Lightfoot.......Edmund Fitzgerald

Black Berry Smoke......tribute to Levon......Ophelia

Ian Tyson.....Summer Wages

Entered at Fri May 4 14:56:17 CEST 2018 from (213.205.198.204)

Peter v

Either that or Proud Mary. Much as I like Neil Young on Powderfinger, I like the Cowboy Junkies version even more.

Entered at Fri May 4 10:48:08 CEST 2018 from (81.154.53.8)

Dunc

Subject: The Animals

I still play the Animals greatest hits every couple of months. Eric Burdon is a good singer. I had an album he did with Jimmy witherspoon back in the day.

I never knew about Forever More until this GB. (Thanks Peter). I bought every AWB album as it came out, but the myth in Dundee was that they met up around the Dundee art college. Three Dundonians in the band.

Last five albums played:

Bob Dylan 'World Gone Wrong'. I always think of the thoughtful JT when I play this album. I think the guitar is pure on it.

John Martyn 'Sunday's Child' - beautiful album. So much going on in it. The great English folk song 'Spencer the Rover' and 'The Message' where he incorporates 'Mhairi's Wedding' into the song.

Neil Young 'Hawks and Doves' Levon's wonderful drumming on 'The Old Homestead'. Is that holding a riff?

Neil Young 'Hitchhiker' - maybe 'Powderfinger' is the greatest song with a boat in it?

Steely Dan - 'Pretzel Logic' -Love 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' - the retirement project continues.

Entered at Thu May 3 22:52:43 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

I made a mistake. It was Them, as I just played the old original.....it all came flooding back.

In 66 Paul Rivere and The Raiders did a hot job a little revved up from Them. I liked it, always been a Mark Lynsey fan.

Entered at Thu May 3 21:55:23 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Yes, Them. Van did the liner notes to "The Complete Them" CD set and says it's Jimmy Page who tuned his guitar down to sound like a bass, so there are what sounds like two basses in unison. On "Here comes the Night", Jimmy Page plays rhythm, Alan White drums, Phil Coulter keys and the Ivy League provide backing vocals. i.e. in the studio, there was no "Them" just Van Morrison. Which is probably why "Them" sounded rough live.

Entered at Thu May 3 21:41:12 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

I’d take Them’s version from that era. It still sounds good at volume. Although even I could manage that bass part - just 2 notes, right?

Entered at Thu May 3 21:05:30 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: And............

The Animals style of "Baby Please Don't Go" we got a lot of miles out of in my first band.

Entered at Thu May 3 19:29:35 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

What Eric Burdon said in the latest UNCUT on Chas Chandler:

“It was me who told him he’d be better suited as our manager instead of bass player … we were getting attention and we knew we’d make it,we thought we could do with a stronger bass player and a better manager. Nobody was willing to tell him, so I took it upon myse;f. From then on he hated my guts. I wish he’d have listened. Maybe The Animals would have had a better future in the music world. “

The thing is, listening to The Animals single hits, they all feature prominent bass, often starting with it. I think the bass notes to Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood are well-chosen too. He doesn’t sound “weak” to me at all.

Entered at Thu May 3 17:44:26 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Indeed, Eric Burdon was an astonishing vocalist. The whole band sounds great. I read a recent interview with Eric where he says everyone persuaded Chas Chandler to go into management (Jimi Hendrix, Slade) because he wasn't a great bass player, but on the Animals early stuff he sounded great. As we know, playing bass on basic riffing R&B isn't that complex - energy and rhythm are what's needed, which he had. Plus stamina to keep on a simple riff for four minutes without showing off. The version of Boom Boom segueing into Talking About You / It's Alright / Shout is one I loved at the time.

That early live stuff has some insights. They do the original words to I'm Gonna Send You Back to Georgia, NOT their later switch to I'm Gonna Send You Back To Walker. I recall well the 1964 quote where they admitted they'd learned Baby Let Me Take You Home (aka Follow You Down) and House of The Rising Sun from the first Dylan LP. A few years later they denied that point blank. Eric claiming they learned it from Johnny Handle in a Newcastle folk club. But in 1964 they were also covering Corrina Corrina, another that Dylan had covered early. Eric does a storming Heartbreak Hotel too.

I wish I could find the session drummer's quote on The Dave Clark Five. Dave Clark was a businessman not a musician. The session drummer (Clem Cattini, I think) said he had to keep doing the drumming tracks simpler and simpler so that it ended up with something Dave Clark could play on stage. Mike Smith as lead vocalist and organist never got his due credit.

Entered at Thu May 3 17:20:36 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Who comes first

Peter in those early 60's at the beginning of the English Rock explosion over here, The Animals were far above "Them", The Dave Clark Five or any of those bands and right up there with the Stones.

Entered at Thu May 3 16:29:48 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu May 3 14:52:06 CEST 2018 from (24.114.53.21)

Bill M

Entered at Thu May 3 09:54:34 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Recent listening:

Spooky Two by Spooky Tooth. Seminal album. Mike Harrison (vocals, piano) died recently and I pulled it out after reading the obituary.

Fleet Foxes – 7” and 10” Record Store day singles.

Zoot Money “All Night Worker” EP and Long John Baldry & The Hoochie Coochie Men, “Filthy McNasty” EP. Both Record Store Day releases from “The 1960s Record Company.” A sticker on the back says they are lo-fi because they were recorded off a radio in 1965. Last year I bought the EPs by Them and The Who, similarly recorded and they were awful sound quality and neither band sounded good. In fact, both the Zoot Money and Long John Baldry sound OK, even good given the recording method. I wonder in retrospect if it’s because they’re simply more experienced and competent musicians who knew how to get a live sound balance and who didn’t make mistakes on stage. For Them and The Who it was early career.

Pax Vobiscum by Michael Marra.

Yours by Forever More, following recent discussion.

Entered at Thu May 3 09:10:26 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

And while on sport, how are you feeling this morning, Al? Talk about doing it the hard way! But for all of us in the UK, I reckon Liverpool v Real Madrid in the Champions League final will be our true "World Cup Final of 2018." given that the actual World Cup has been sold off to the corrupt.

Entered at Thu May 3 04:06:20 CEST 2018 from (74.12.50.226)

Bill M

Entered at Wed May 2 02:35:27 CEST 2018 from (24.222.133.112)

joe j

Thanks so much Lisa. I'll follow up.

Entered at Tue May 1 14:30:23 CEST 2018 from (99.227.166.246)

John D

Bill this track really reminds me of The Band and a little of Martha's Madmen from Jerry Hahn's Brotherhood. Thanks for the memory Bill.

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