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The Band Guestbook, September 2018


Entered at Sun Sep 30 21:14:28 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Crazy Chester Radio Hour

Already lovin' this RC. Listening to Billy Swan & Buzz Cason singing Buddy Holly. OO-Wee.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 20:55:31 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Crazy Chester Radio Hour

I was not aware of that my friend. Gonna look it up now. Hey how did you get to use a smiley face and when I try it says I've made some syntax error. Or was that Income Tax? Insert smiley face here.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 18:09:37 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Session Men : Muscle Shoals

I watch this youtube vid over and over. I can't make a pick between these guys and the Funk Brothers who I love to watch best.

The story Jimmy Johnson tells about the young kid Howie MacDonald coming to the back door and saying "I want to play guitar on a record". Jimmy is going to tell him to fuck off. Then for some reason he lets him in and wanted to emberass him but he says, "the kid could play". The kid ends up playing on Bob Seger's record "Old Time R&R" and the kid never played again. ...Too Funny.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 17:32:20 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Still seeking information

Yeah but John! What about the "Crazy Chester Radio Hour"? Yer a radio guy (and a good one). Yer supposed to tell me about that! :-)


Entered at Sun Sep 30 17:03:16 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Web: My link

Subject: White Album Partial Premier

Giles Martin hostel a partial premiere of the White Album, Friday at The Capitol Tower in L.A. on Friday.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 16:44:47 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: New White Album

Well. Amazon.ca is releasing a 3 CD version of the new White album. No pictures or books. Just music. Selling for the pre-oder price of $13.41; while the American version is about $23.55. I've ordered the three CD set; which includes 3 CD's of music including the Esher Demos. I must admit I have never seen a lower Canadian price; over an American price before. Hope it wasn't a typo.

Now I'm not trying to harp on this; but this would have been a great idea for MFSB at 50; just to release the CD + Blu-Ray. Just Sayin'.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 14:43:33 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Bruce Channel

Of course Rockin'. Who can forget "Hey Baby?"


Entered at Sun Sep 30 04:28:53 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: More of Bruce Channel

I was not aware, as some of you may be of "The Crazy Chester Radio Hour". Bruce Channel was on there not long ago. I'm not going to write it all here, some of you may already know how many stars this guy has written hit songs for.

I'm trying to see where and when the Crazy Chester Radio Hour started. Pretty interesting.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 04:15:04 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: A Bit of Trivia

Just now as she did the dishes, Susie started dancing and singing this song. I caught on to it right away. Then she said, "who did that song"? I was stumped so I came in here.

Does anyone remember Bruce Channel? I'm thinking Bill M or Pat B might. He wrote this song in 1959. It was no 1 on the Bill Board in the US for 3 weeks, 1962. It went to no2 in the UK!.....OK?

Heeeeey hey hey baby...won't you be my girl. Bruce Used to play on the Louisiana Hay Ride. Then started to play rock & roll with Delbert McClinton. He wrote a few more songs that charted low.......so a one hit wonder. But back then......it was great.


Entered at Sun Sep 30 02:09:04 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c4:9509:5a00:1810:ae6e:2c99:90fb)

Posted by:

Sarah

Location: England

Subject: Moderator

Hello, can anyone tell me if Jan the Man still moderates on the site at all? The chat room has been taken over by morons posting porn links, it's so sad, used to be a great place to be.


Entered at Sat Sep 29 20:51:24 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Here, here Peter. I’m with you on that!


Entered at Sat Sep 29 20:14:50 CEST 2018 from (213.205.194.160)

Posted by:

Peter V

The aural evidence indicates that Giles Martin is a vastly more sympathetic and talented remix producer than Bob Clearmountain.


Entered at Sat Sep 29 15:54:26 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: On the inside

Thanks for that John. That is a wonderful clip to watch.


Entered at Sat Sep 29 14:57:13 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Web: My link

Subject: The White Album

Giles Martin talks about working on the white album It's interesting he says you "can't make it sound too good and too hi-fi because it will ruin the spirit of the original white album." Interesting. I'm a big fan of Giles Martin.


Entered at Fri Sep 28 19:30:00 CEST 2018 from (2001:700:a00:ff62::d)

Posted by:

jh

Subject: Happy Birthday, Maud Hudson!

It's Sister Maud Hudson's birthday! We're celebrating by listening to the wonderful "Garth Largo", released 20 years ago as part of the Largo concept album. Beautifully arranged and played by maestro Garth Hudson, with Maud sprinkling her vocal magic all over the track.


Entered at Fri Sep 28 18:10:50 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:3db3:79ef:fb27:5a4e)

Posted by:

Pat B

So the John Simon book is Kindle-ready on October 1, and a tome on the making of Blonde On Blonde is released the next day. I'm finishing a book on the Troubles after spending a week on Bloody Sunday. I welcome the change.


Entered at Fri Sep 28 13:06:51 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

My Friday Five:

The Hunter – Jennifer Warnes. My daughter found her old boxes of CDs and it was in there. I grabbed it. Brilliant album.

The Thomas Moore Project- Eleanor McEvoy – hauntingly beautiful Irish melodies, great modern treatment.

In The Blue Light- Paul Simon. You won’t regret it.

Surprise – Paul Simon, inspired by listening to the new one.

Hot Chocolate – Best of compilation. Pulled off the shelf at random, still good


Entered at Fri Sep 28 09:39:40 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:4c85:d316:21d6:69c0)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Thanks

Thanks, Bill M. Interesting - I nearly went to see them in concert once. I find time has take its toll on concerts. I was quite a regular concert goer, not to the extent of others here, but regular. But death and age has obviously taken its toll on artists. I miss regular concerts by John Martyn and Michael Marra for example. International artists are fewer on the ground. I think it’s sad that Artists like Joe Cocker, Lou Reed and Leonard Cohen have passed. /nBut I have widened the net and the last concert I saw was the two young excellent acoustic guitarists. And we are lucky to have the Celtic Connections musical festival in January. So not all bad. /nAnyway, I’m away record (cd) collecting today, and I have Paul Simon’s new album (trusting Peter’s review) and the first of Richard Thompson’s acoustic albums in my sights.

And Steely Dan on in the background.


Entered at Thu Sep 27 23:21:40 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Louisa Jane White might be British … earlier records are on the Philips label, and her MCA one looks like "British MCA" and some songs are produced by Arthur Greenslade. One LP in 1973 (rare), no CDs ever issued apparently, and just one track on a Northern Soul compilation, Speak The Truth, which I have. Anyone know any more?


Entered at Thu Sep 27 21:45:46 CEST 2018 from (129.97.124.77)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Dunc: The link's shows the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra practicing, but the soundtrack is of them actually playing part of "Sweet Sister Suite" by jazz trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler. Before moving to the UK in the early '50s, Wheeler had a little quartet in hometown St Catharines, Ontario that included singer Gene Lees and pianist Art Talbot. Lees went on to considerable success as a jazz critic, biographer and lyricist, and Talbot went on to play on a 1962 session with Robbie Robertson on guitar. Remember us talking here about Michael Rosen, who in the '60s and early '70s was in a series of UK groups, including Eclection, the Dundee Horns and the Average White Band? He also hails from St Catharines, and moved to the UK initially to further his musical studies. Who knows, maybe even with Wheeler?


Entered at Thu Sep 27 19:07:19 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Louisa Jane White

I found a 1971 single by Louisa Jane White in a 50p box. It's a demo copy of Children / Speak The Truth. I just noticed the writer was Joe South and I thought Tony Joe … Louisa Jane … worth a try. It's excellent, and I looked online and her previous 45s were When The Battle Is Over (beloved of Levon Helm) and a cover of Caledonia Mission. I'd never heard of her.


Entered at Thu Sep 27 15:39:56 CEST 2018 from (64.229.246.134)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Peter Stone Brown...I first "met" you because of Bob Marley. Very good connection for sure. When I shared Robbie's guitar work on Van's "Crazy Love" with Aaron Neville ; you shared it was the first time you heard and felt it. Big smiles here. I will be thinking of you on Saturday as you do it your way and perform your own songs. For now, here's Mavis Staples and "You Are Not Alone". Right after..."The Weight".


Entered at Thu Sep 27 01:05:10 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Strange..........

There is no explaining how it happens .........is there?

I was sitting down in music room watching a bit of tv. Just like some one dropped the needle on the turn table all of a sudden Stephen Bishop started singing in my head.

Down in Jamaica they lots of pretty women steal your money then they break your heart..........on and on.......go figure!


Entered at Wed Sep 26 21:52:50 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: New Main Street Singers

Pat B - Was that the outfit from A Mighty Wind?


Entered at Wed Sep 26 21:11:39 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: New Love Generation

The thought that I had about these young folks band. There is certainly a lot of work put into these videos. They seem quite professionally done, so they must be doing quite well in Europe.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 20:56:56 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:ec44:1996:93bf:108a)

Posted by:

Pat B

Web: My link

Now here's The Band of Love from PV's neighborhood.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 20:52:08 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:ec44:1996:93bf:108a)

Posted by:

Pat B

Reminds of The New Main Street Singers.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 18:43:30 CEST 2018 from (76.66.111.132)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: Thanks for the additional info. Gotta admit that I'd be very pleased with myself if I'd managed to age as well as the singers have, apparently.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 18:10:13 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

OK, Bill, but 43 years earlier. The drummer for that 1970s James Last band was Barry Reeves of Blossom Toes. A great drummer.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 17:49:03 CEST 2018 from (76.66.111.132)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Subject: German vocal covers

Here's another - not much in the way of credits, but sounds like the same people, though without the organ.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 16:30:34 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: New Generation

Yeah Peter. I don't think we can expect those young folks to feel the same feelings as those of us who went thru all the years. However they have beautiful voices and I think they treat those songs with respect. A couple of those girls doing their verses of My Back Pages have nice husky voices. The young fellow on top of the bus sort of reminds of a young Dylan. His singing of Tambourine Man is good.

Now all those beautiful smiles I would enjoy some afternoon delight with any one of them. I think you see excitement in those faces as they sing such famous songs.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 16:01:19 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Very good- they stick close to the original arrangements, don't they? By which I mean The Byrds version of My Back Pages. Which makes the guys strumming acoustic guitars look a bit spare. Lovely vocals.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 15:24:46 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: New Love

Peter check out their youtube, "My Back Pages" and California Dreamin" The Mamas and Popas. They do really well. If you notice they have a CD.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 14:15:10 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Vanity Fair

JQ: if you're into British costume drama, we're hooked on "Vanity Fair" at the moment. The Becky Sharp lead character is brilliant. Captain Dobbin is played by Johnny Flynn, whose band supported James Taylor and Paul Simon at Hyde Park this summer- he has two careers, actor and singer-songwriter.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 14:12:40 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: Love The One You're With

This is them again. It's a very faithful arrangement. At first I thought it was karaoke, the way the organ comes in.

Other stuff - The White Album boxset remixed by George Martin. Due in November. £124. Phew! But Giles Martin, judging by Sgt Pepper will do a brilliant job. Also as 2 CDs if you don't want fifty odd alternate takes.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 14:06:49 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: Afternoon Delight

Here you go, "Afternoon Delight." New Love Generation. Thanks, Norm. I hadn't heard of them. They do a very good Love The One You're With on YouTube. I always loved the original, which was the title track of a UK compilation of "Guilty Pleasures." I checked The Starland Vocal Band version on YouTube. It's better with the picture off- too much smiling.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 05:22:36 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: The New Love Generation

Peter or any of you guys across the pond. Have you seen this band, "The New Love Generation"? Well shit, I think they are from Germany, haven't quite figured it out yet. It looks like they drove right out of Woodstock.

In a VW Bus and dressed just like it. Four beautiful girls and three guys. They do Dylan's songs like you can't believe. They do "Afternoon Delight" with a reggae feel. You need to watch them. These are very young folks, late twenties, early thirties.......unbelievable!


Entered at Wed Sep 26 02:03:39 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Marshall Crenshaw

I been sitting here for an hour after I got my day pretty done listening to Marshall Crenshaw. In particular his cover of "My Back pages". Other than that Bob Dylan 30th anniversary where everyone was on stage and Neil Young did that blistering solo, I'm convinced Marshall does the best cover of this song.

Some of the musical arrangement is a little weak but his vocals are perfect. It is odd that he wasn't heard of more. He's quite a guitar picker and he played John Lennon, and he played Buddy Holly and he did very well.


Entered at Wed Sep 26 01:47:56 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: The Bodyguard and a new record out

Thanks for that recommendation Peter. Our English network here - Acorn - is normally a bit behind on new programs. We blew right through Vera and we’ve been mooching around Foyle. I’ll be on the lookout for The Bodyguard.

I mentioned a few days ago Mike Judge’s latest: Tales From the Tourbus, which I totally recommend and can’t seem to get unstuck from. It has one episode about Jerry Lee Lewis and today on NPR’s Fresh Air she interviewed Linda Gail Lewis and Robbie Fulks; they got a new duet album out now which sounds dam good. She is definitely cut from the same cloth as her older brother (9 husbands!) and he’s a brilliant songwriter.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 19:40:56 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Rockin' Chair

Don't remember you ever making us feel bad. Always love your posts sir!


Entered at Tue Sep 25 17:41:37 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:bc2b:5514:bd53:7d9b)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Steely Dan

Really sorry to hear about the ending of your story, Rockin Chair. A poignant, moving story. I was thinking of you, the day before yesterday. We hired a small cruiser and eight of the family sailed one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. I know your job must have been hellish at times.

Anyway on to a happier post. I remember several years ago we picked our eight favourite bands. I would now have to find room for Steely Dan. Their music has grown and grown on me. I was looking at Youtube at clips of Steely Dan and came across probably the best covers band I have ever seen - The Steely Damned and The Steely Damned 2 - brilliant guitarist, great backing singers, great bass and great horns - out of San Diego. .

Then I came across an ensemble from Berkley College playing 'My Old School' - brilliant musicianship


Entered at Tue Sep 25 15:58:15 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: '79 & Midsomer Murders

Thinking about way back then I realized it was 1979 when I ran into Ronnie and we went and saw The Last Waltz as it first played in Vancouver. For the life of me I can't remember which theater it was tho'. I never did know that Vancouver area well.

Dunc I recall a while back some how some one started a thread about meeting old flames and I talked about Ronnie. I'm afraid without realizing it I was some what coarse I guess. I made John D and his wife feel bad. After talking about her I guess just in my own thinking I made the comment how Ronnie was taken by cancer some years ago. When it happened I was up this island and Ronnie lived down on the Sechelt Peninsula where we had spent our teen summers together. My brother called me to tell me when she passed. That is a regret I suppose some of us end up having, not being there to say good bye.

I suppose if I had been a guy to have a job at home and be there all the time I'd of had a different life. Having worked in logging camps and at sea most my life you miss a lot of things.

Susan is a great fan of Midsomer Murders and got me watching them with her. As well I became a great fan of "Phryne Fisher Murder Mysteries". The young good looking gal "Essie Davis" who plays the part of Phryne is from Hobart, Tasmania where I was last year visiting my friend Peter Kennedy who lives there.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 15:44:59 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Yes, one of the eight Bobbie Gentry is the duet album with Glen Campbell.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 14:05:29 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Midsomer Murders

Peter just finally watched season 19 of Midsomer Murders. Even with change of cast we watched it right through. Binged watched really; seeing that the series started back in '97.

Fortunately we find there will be a season 20; because the ending of season 19; didn't seem like a final ending. John Nettles sure is a fine actor; as well as Jason Hughes; who if you close your eyes it sounds like Ringo speaking.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 10:54:18 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:29af:1fdd:89d2:d533)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: The Highlands

Subject: Moving post

I found your post moving Rockin' Chair.

Is Ronnie OK? I hope she did ok.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 10:19:09 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

JQ: Have you seen The Bodyguard? Six part TV serial from the BBC. It ended on Sunday and is apparently the “most watched TV drama of the last decade.” It’s about an Iraq / Afghan War vet now in the police, protecting a government minister, and I’m sure one line is “I don’t want a medal, I want an apology.” Lots of comments in the media including “I don’t want a medal I want to see Tony Blair in front of the International War Crimes Tribunal."


Entered at Tue Sep 25 06:51:18 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: War Vets

Well JQ, I'm not sure after reading my post again how you got into thinking vets over that. I never mentioned that. I think I understand your feelings because I have a lot of friends who are vets. One of them was a green baret. Most of them that I know just say, they did what they had to do. Some of them are not proud of it. Some of them just want to forget it ever happened.

Now a day there is a lot more understanding of post traumatic stress disorder than there was then. It is a very touchy subject amoung veterans. I'm not sure how to handle all that because there is so many different feelings. I know I never meant to bring this into my post.

Very often I play a lot of John Fogerty's music, a guy who has a loy of deep feelings about what went down. For those people who had to live it and some still have to live with it, all you can do is try to understand.

Even some of the "objectors" who came up here. I know many. You can't judge them. Just try to understand. If I opened a sore wound, I apologize.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 05:48:18 CEST 2018 from (2600:387:6:806::7f)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: Viet Nam and Iraq vets

Westcoaster brings this up so, as a Viet Nam vet, I feel free to opine. It’s become a commonplace expectation here these days to thanks vets for their service. Which I’m totally fine with, except that in the case of vets from Viet Nam and Iraq, it should also come with an apology. And this talk of them fighting for our freedom should just not be said at all in reference to those 2 fucking capers.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 04:55:17 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Lookin Back........Then and Now

Tonight as I made my supper and sat down and ate it, I watched "The Last Waltz" on TV. We have an open area house, (the kitchen, dining room and living room are one big room. We have, (I forget 48"? TV) in the living room. Pretty good sound, (I got rid of my home theater system). Susan's hearing problem just drove me crazy. I got rid of my big sound systems out of frustration I guess.

Anyway, it was "PLAYED LOUD" Susan is in Naniamo visiting her sister. As I watched this for the (I don't know how many times) I had some sobering thoughts.

I'm not sure when I first saw it. I believe it was late '77, or early '78. I had just got done with a marriage. I have before mentioned my girl "Ronnie" who was mine from age 15. (In hind sight I should never have run off in my life without her) after many years and changing partners, (both of us) one night in one of our local bars when I ran across her one night, she looked up at me and said, "I've loved you all my life" I stood there kind of stunned and she just walked away.

Getting back to The Last Waltz, at that time all those years ago Ronnie said take my to see this movie, we've got to see it. Now what I'm wondering is if any of you folks, like me are looking at this project thru' different eyes, you know, (I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.) I think I understand things more now and see them thru different eyes.

From the beginning when Martin is explaining how the making evolved from it being something, to becoming "SOMETHING". I recall not long ago a silly disagreement here caused Jan to make the Last Waltz remarks from Robbie about a bar in Texas. "There was only three people in the place, and a one armed go-go dancer. A fight broke out and there wasn't enough people there to get mad."

This made me think. This is Jan's "Band" this place I'm sure. As he has watched the many really silly arguments and comments over years, from Robbie's scarf, guitar, his microphone was shut off to a million silly comments about any thing you can think of.

Why was Neil Diamond there? So many people here shouted their choices of who should have been. As I watch Neil Diamond sing "Dry Your Eyes" well thru these eyes now, and in those healing years after the Vietnam war I think now some things you look at start to make more sense. As I write this Bob Dylan is singing, "Forever Young". So many of those service men are forever young in our minds because they never got the chance to get old. Just like Buddy Holly is "Forever Young" to all of us.

Maybe it's just me but I enjoyed it so much all those years ago, but I'm getting a lot more out of it now. In the end I still think of Ronnie. She was drop dead gorgeous, (I think at 18 I was scared of her). She could sing beautifully in 3 languages and play the guitar. T spent some of my best nights singing with that girl.

I think when you watch the "Last Waltz" again after leaving it for a few years, you find some more insight.....or maybe I just forgot. Any way I know....I shall be released.


Entered at Tue Sep 25 00:47:53 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: I Shall Be Released redux

I know there’s a hoax with this new version but I really like it (I think Bill M said the same thing?). There’s a couple notes here on Bobbi Gentry and JL Lewis and I’d love to hear some in that genre remixed to take down some of the awful strings and backing vocals arrangements, etc. The producer Billy Sherrill was at the forefront of a lot of the country schlock that was so overproduced, particularly his stuff with George Jones - wouldn’t it be great to hear George’s singing with just an acoustic guitar in the background? In light of I Shall Be Released it seems technically feasible to me. Would an old quad rig be able for a bit of that at home? I think Chet Atkins, otherwise such a very gifted musician, was the main man in Nashville at that time and really pushed that commercial aspect, along with the standards for content and appearance at the Opry. On the other hand would there ever have been the great stuff from the Nashville Outlaw movement without its reaction to Chet’s prohibitions?


Entered at Mon Sep 24 23:27:23 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: I forgot to ask if the Gentry package includes her album with Glen Campbell. The curse of a woman signed to Capitol at the time - the wind went out of the sails of Anne Murray's career for awhile when she was stampeded into one.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 22:47:56 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Vinyl find

Today … Jerry Lee Lewis "Live at the Star Club Hamburg" 1964 backed by The Nashville Teens, often lauded as the best live album of the era. I saw The Nashville Teens twice live and they were phenomenal, but I'm not sure what the two lead vocalists did while backing Jerry Lee.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 19:37:26 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Bobbie Gentry was £63 here … eight albums, nice book.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 16:25:31 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Bobbie Gentry

As they say, each to his own. Well Peter, for me I think your Bobbie Gentry Box Set would be overkill for me. I would be happy with "Southern Gothic"; which I think woud give me everything I would want. $150.00 for Bobbie Gentry is just a little too cost prohibitive for me.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 15:47:46 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: I always liked "Fancy" in particular, and it was among the first handful of 45s that I owned - though I can't see placing it anywhere near the Americana top ten. Way better than its thematic cousins, "Hickory Holler's Tramp" and "Patches", though. I always wondered if it was Fancy or one of here friends who turned up in the back of Harry Chapin's cab a couple years later. In retrospect, however, "Ode To Billy Joe" would be up there with the gods - some of our guys' best, "Polk Salad Annie", "Proud Mary", etc. Tying Ode and Polk together, I remember CHUM DJ J Michael Wilson in 1970 speaking in Tony Joe White dialect over the instrumental intro to "Polk Salad Annie" grunting out, "Way down south there's a plant that grows. Real name is skunk cabbage but we all call it 'Eau de Billy Joe'". I think of it almost every time I hear either of the songs.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 15:19:21 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Standing Stout!

I'm ashamed of all-a-yuz! Boys bragging about their drinkin'! tsk-tsk-tsk


Entered at Mon Sep 24 09:56:40 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Clothes Line Sagas …

Just got the Bobbie Gentry boxed set, "The Girl From Chickasaw Country." All her Capitol albums, plus 75 unreleased tracks … bonus tracks, alternates and a whole CD of "Live at the BBC". I bought the Record Store Day vinyl version, which is only half of it. Every album has an equal number of bonus tracks. AND its cheaper than MFBP. I maintain that Ode to Billie Joe and Fancy equal anything anyone has done in Americana.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 09:49:09 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Joe, will you get to the North? The guided “political tour” of Belfast is unmissable. They use London black cabs, and take 4 or 5 people. It’s a fixed fee. They take you to see the murals and all the bits you’d never see. Half a day. Add the Titanic museum, and the Cathedral Quarter is great for restaurants etc. The drive from Belfast to the Giants Causeway is stunning if you hug the coast right round (rather than taking the main road across).

It took me decades to realize that beer gave me an instant headache but wine didn’t. BUT one of the few beers I can drink is draught Guinness, but there are now craft stouts in Ireland … I think Guinness have introduced some craft versions too. One we loved so much that we buy it online is bottled: Belfast Black.


Entered at Mon Sep 24 06:48:59 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: Guinness draft

And draft versus bottles or cans is the best. The original bottled Guinness is a different drink altogether. I know of what I speak: Guinness draft is low calorie, low alcohol and best served cold. Plus it’s nitroginated so there’s no Co2 gas to fill you up. The Irish knew what they were doing in creating a drink that one can go with all night and keep just a comfortable buzz; they call it sessionsble. Granted it’s an aquired taste, like most fine things, including music, but once you’ve grown to enjoy it you’ve got a pal for life!


Entered at Mon Sep 24 04:44:13 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Joe J: Have fun. Maybe it's a good thing you've pretty much forgotten how to drive a standard, because you won't be stuck in your ways when they insist that you to use your left to shift with.

JQ: I had my first Guinness in a drab little pub in a drab little village on the Dingle Peninsula in 1987. What struck me first was how long it took - waiting for the head to die down and for the bartender to get back to topping it up and give it to me. Felt like a beer milkshake going in and a lump of lead on the floor of my stomach once it had settled in. I don't recall ordering a second, though we were staying above the pub so the commute wouldn't have been too dangerous.


Entered at Sun Sep 23 20:46:48 CEST 2018 from (2600:387:6:806::52)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: Driving in Ireland

My first time in I was so excited about getting a proper Guinness that I pounded 3 at the airport. Then it was stick shift, wrong side driving and the topper was immediately heading into a roundabout!! Very sobering -


Entered at Sun Sep 23 20:24:21 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Don't worry, Joe J. They all drive in the middle.


Entered at Sun Sep 23 20:17:45 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

Have a safe and enjoyable trip Joe. I'm seriously thinking of coming by your way early next summer. Seeing the rock on the other side has always been on my bucket list.


Entered at Sun Sep 23 19:52:37 CEST 2018 from (24.222.133.112)

Posted by:

joe j

So sad to hear about Peter Stone Brown. I've always treasured his insights especially re Dylan and the Band.

We're now of that generation. I've been a pallbearer twice this summer. I used my allotted time at our last lodge meeting to speak about early detection of prostate cancer.

On the other hand, I've never heard as much live music in years. I've been booking acts for our summer concert series and have been blown away by the YOUNG talent available. Check out youtube videos by Rosemary Lawton and Newfoundland (latter actually from Ireland). I'm going to the Emerald Isle next week and am about to renew some old acquaintances, make new ones and totally immerse myself in Celtic music for a bit. I trust my other half will get me home in one piece at the end of the day.

I've arranged for a rental with manual transmission; could take some getting used to; I've not driven a 'standard' in years. Driving in the 'wrong' lane and those narrow roads will have more issues I'm sure but I'm all in.



Entered at Sun Sep 23 14:13:44 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Chas Hodges

RIP Chas Hodges of Chas & Dave … he’s portrayed in the Joe Meek biopic “Telstar” of course. He played bass guitar behind every visiting American rock & roll star, then in The Outlaws, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Head, Hands & Feet. He switched to piano once he co-founded Chas & Dave. As Wiki points out, he always claimed he learned piano from watching Jerry Lee Lewis while he was backing him. A great musician and a great guy.


Entered at Sat Sep 22 21:00:54 CEST 2018 from (79.75.173.106)

Posted by:

Solomon

Subject: Mixcloud

Good Podcast - Six Strings And A Pulse -Episode 24 with legendary rock writer Barney Hoskyns.

R.I.P. Chas Hodges


Entered at Sat Sep 22 04:59:53 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Friday Five

Joan Osborne with the Funk Brothers - What becomes of the broken hearted

Bryan Adams - Heaven - if you have ever seen a youtube vid, I think 1997, Bryan goes to start singing his song and is stopped. The entire crowd 50,000 + sing the first verse for him. The look on his face is priceless.

Nic Jones - Penquin Eggs- nothing needed to say.

Little Feat - Willin - such nostalgia

Bob Dylan - Knockin on Heavens Door - thoughts of PSB - such frustration when these things happen.

Jed if you are about, have spent a lot of time with "Ripples". Long before youtube, and now to see how many people sing it including school choirs. Just amazing and wonderful. Still I so much enjoy our "Playing For Change" folks.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 22:49:26 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Posted by:

Lisa

I'm also so sorry to hear about PSB. I've always enjoyed his articles and learned a lot from them. Besides being an excellent writer, he's also always been the final word on any point of dispute - just a fountain of knowledge.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 17:46:21 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Curtain Call

It chokes you up to read the article about Peter Stone Brown suffering that dreaded disease. We lose so many friends to that gawd damn disease. Not having known Peter except by this community I so much enjoyed the article of a peak into his life.

What I can always remember about the man, if any one of us posted something that with his knowledge was wrong he was quick to put it right and always with class.

From the posts here PSB, you can leave us knowing how much you were loved and respected. Praying that the pain is little and you have the people you love and who love you close by.

Bill sorry I didn't get back to you re: Evan Kemp. I been running between boats pretty busy. Then got home and my computer wouldn't get me on line. I considered using a sledge hammer, but then it just happened. I don't know. I did listen to your links. Funny thing, I don't remember any of those guys. I knew King Gannom of course from the old country TV shows. It is odd because from when I was 6 years old and first saw Wilf Carter I remember all his band. As I said years later I played music with Toller O'Shea.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 11:00:44 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:8cc8:89b:e019:d7a7)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Thanks

Sorry, Peter Stone Brown. I really enjoy your posts. Always. Thinking of you.

Nice you popped in Bob F. I enjoyed your posts. Come back. Life is too short.

I understand why you are a completist, John. It's your career. I always liked listening to thoughtful radio musicologists on the radio across this side of the pond. They explained the music, introduced you to music, informed you and entertained you. All done in an effortless way - a real skill. The big radio shows are different now, not bad, but different, hosted by some of the highest paid entertainers in the media. Music is used as a means of separating features on a radio show now. Always enjoyed your posts too...and your radio shows, John D.

Thanks. It's been a great GB. I've learned so much. Solid air playing in the background.

Nice to hear from you Bassmanlee.

Away to the Highlands.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 02:40:44 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Subject: Peter Stone Brown

Very sad news about PSB. Best wishes, and hats off, to the man. As Peter V and Pat B have noted, all of us here (and at the Dylan sites, and likely others) have had our lives enriched by his knowledge and willingness to share it via his generous posts.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 02:36:55 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: PSB

My sincere best wishes go out to Peter. I’ve always enjoyed his insightful writings. It was very interesting to read the article that Bob F put out there. Thank you Bob. Hope you and the family are doing well.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 02:10:34 CEST 2018 from (108.88.109.12)

Posted by:

Pat B

The BOTT NY sessions (with Peter Stone Brown's brother, Tony, on bass) are absolutely crucial. Idiot Wind with Paul Griffin on organ is truly one of the three great Dylan moments in history.

Peter Stone Brown. Now that is one sad piece of news. I just reread our communications over the years. I learned a lot and I laughed a lot. Dylan fans and Band fans are far better off because of him. That, my friends, is called "making a mark."


Entered at Fri Sep 21 00:51:21 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Bootleg 14 Blood on the Tracks

Blood on The tracks is one of the best Dylan albums, but in my Top 10 rather than my Top 5. The 6 cd set with multiple versions of every song isn’t very inviting though. If You See her Say Hello is a masterpiece, but how much do you want to hear several failed attempts to get it right? Yes, completism sees this stuff piling up. There is better new music out there.


Entered at Fri Sep 21 00:16:55 CEST 2018 from (70.30.45.165)

Posted by:

Mike Nomad

Subject: PSB

So sorry to hear the news about Peter Stone Brown. Thanks for that link, Bob F. Good to hear that you’re still “out there.”


Entered at Fri Sep 21 00:11:59 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Absolutely. PSB is one of the best writers on all this stuff I've ever encountered. All my very best wishes to him.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 23:46:03 CEST 2018 from (24.44.152.49)

Posted by:

Bob F

Web: My link

Subject: PSB Health Problems

Long time Guestbook contributor, noted Dylanoligist and one hell of a singer-songwriter, Peter Stone Brown (PSB) is batteling very serious health problems. See linked article from Philadelphia Inquirer.

Peter, I've enjoyed and respected everything you ever wrote. Wishing you all the best.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 23:19:18 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

B.Lee: I love Hearts & Bones at the same level as Graceland. Over many years, Rene & Georgette Magritte has been on my premium night time playlist. I doubt a week has gone by without me playing it, probably twice. I’m word perfect. Don’t think of the new version as competition, but as a companion piece; the arrangement is beautiful and the young players superb. I’ve linked it to everyone I know. They are universal in praising it to the skies.

Linked again


Entered at Thu Sep 20 18:49:29 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Blood on The Tracks

I don’t usually admit this; but from time time I’m asked what was my last favorite Dylan album. Well I have to go back to 1975. Imagine 43 years ago; because Blood On The Tracks was an LP that I could drop the needle on and listen straight through.

I haven’t been able to do that since. Personal preference I guess. I’ve now had time to go over the track listing and for $160.00 Canadian (and learning from my mistake on MFSB at 50, I will probably look at it from afar.) Things that used to turn me on; like 5 or more versions of the same song, no longer have a hold on me.

I have a wife and daughter; who don’t share my appreciation; nor enthusiasm about my collection and a son that would cherry pick through it. Things to think about going forward.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 18:11:44 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

John D: I'm off the hook on this one - I was never fond of "Blood on the Tracks" to begin with. (I must admit to warming to it in recent months, but not so much that I'd buy even the original CD.) Looking at your first link, the headline "Bob Dylan and his Band …", meaning his current group, struck me as cheap. Sort of like the cheap and sneaky drugstore LPs of the '60s that the record companies counted on your parents buying and bringing home for you, not realising that you wouldn't want music by the Beetles, or even music by the Beatles (in big letters) if it was played by The Lads from Liverpool (in small letters).


Entered at Thu Sep 20 17:23:44 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Web: My link

Subject: Track Listing for Bob

Track List for Bootleg Series Volume 14. Going to be $160.00 in Canada


Entered at Thu Sep 20 17:17:38 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Web: My link

Subject: Here We Go Again

Actually looking forward to this one ; but still have to study what's available in this package; which I have not heard.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 12:54:42 CEST 2018 from (108.36.226.127)

Posted by:

b.lee

Location: DE, USA

Subject: Rene and Georgette

Peter, I see (or hear) no great revelation or radical improvement in the orchestral version as compared to the one on Hearts and Bones. The backup is actually overpowering the vocal at the beginning and IMHO adds nothing to an already poignant and powerful song. But then I consider H&B to be one of the pinnacles of Simon's solo career, although he all but disowned it after it was not a commercial success. I recall reading an interview just as Graceland was about to be released in which he dismissed H&B for its lack of sales while enthusing over the new record's potential for reaching a wider audience. I often wonder how H&B would have sounded and sold if it had been released as a Simon & Garfunkel record, which was the original plan.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 10:43:26 CEST 2018 from (31.52.144.143)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Welcome back Brown Eyed Girl

Good to hear from you BEG. Hope you are well.

I saw Thin Lizzy back in the day. They were young but excellent. About 300 in the hall, and Scots being Scots, the show erupted into dance.

Still enjoying John Renbourne, Wallsend. I ordered Bert and John at the time, but am still waiting for it. Thanks. Playing Tony McManus a lot.

Playing Odessey and Oracle just now. Really good. The Zombies were badly managed. Should have had more success. Great singing.

MyHeart’s in the Highlands as Bob says on ‘Time Out of Mind’ and I’m away to the Highlands this long weekend. Beautiful.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 05:39:18 CEST 2018 from (1.42.214.171)

Posted by:

Wallsend

BEG, did you read Robbie's book? I seem to recall you hadn't read it before your hiatus. I would have though it would have generated more discussion here than it did.


Entered at Thu Sep 20 01:31:34 CEST 2018 from (64.229.246.134)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

Lisa...Yiiikes! Previous link to some of Robbie's set lists is incorrect! Robbie performed in NYC, not in Chicago in 2013. He performed "He Don't Live Here Anymore" and cover of "I Shall Be Released".

Happy Healthy Belated Birthday to Garth Hudson! Photo of Garth with Levon and Rick at CNE Bandshell in 1983.
John D...Were you at this show? Apparently Peter Goddard felt the magic was gone?


Entered at Thu Sep 20 01:06:39 CEST 2018 from (64.229.246.134)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

I think Pat B is correct...and I was there in NYC for both nights of Eric Clapton's Guitar Fest...Robbie was also there in 2007 but in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Jon...Great that you were able to see Toots!! I keep missing him whether in NYC or TO. He's about the only reggae artist and Marley's children....I still would like to experience. I would pick up his greatest hits for sure. Btw it has been so long since I ran into you in NYC...One of Garth's outdoor shows......Levon was supposed the have been there too with the Hummingbirds.

Robbie Robertson Concert Setlists & Tour Dates....Well some of them as he has performed at many award shows and RRHOF, etc.

For Dunc once again...The Last 5
Dancing In The Moonlight...Thin Lizzy
Seven...David Bowie
There's Everybody Else And Then There's You...Steve Forbert
Miss You (Live Concert For NYC)...The Rolling Stones
People Have The Power...Patti Smith


Entered at Thu Sep 20 00:42:23 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Apart from Agrigento and a few dates around it, has Robbie ever done a full show? The next would be four songs at Seville Guitar Legends. Otherwise it's one or two on special occasions. Pity, but it's been since TLW really, so not a surprse. He meant what he said.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 23:35:02 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:2cbc:235a:6cf:edc3)

Posted by:

Pat B

Jon, I believe RR's last public performance--not counting TV appearances--was Clapton's 2013 Crossroads fest in NY.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 23:26:18 CEST 2018 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Location: NYC

Lisa, re Robbie not playing music in public, I don't think that's a 'policy change' so much as a simple statement of fact. He played a few songs in late night TV appearances to promote How To Become Clairvoyant in 2011, and did a short set with Native American perfomers at the 2002 Olympics. Folks should chime in if I'm wrong but offhand I can't remember any other public performances from him since the 90s.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 22:15:52 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Posted by:

Lisa

From the link beg posted it sounds like Robbie no longer performs in public, and hasn't for some time now? Has anyone heard anything about this before? Totally his decision of course, and presumably he'll still play on recordings, or at least I hope he will.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 18:54:02 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:14ca:e555:8bfa:c036)

Posted by:

Pat B

BEG!! Dang, old home week.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 18:11:20 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: 2 recommendations - could be old news here..

There’s a Mike Judge (Beavis & BH, King of the Hill, the movie Office Space, etc) series called Tales From the Tour Bus on Amazon/Cinemax. He docs, comedically, some of the wildest characters in C&W: George Jones (of course!), Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck, Billy Joe Shaver, etc. Brilliant!

In 1978 Martin Scorsese did a short interview film called An American Boy where a friend of his named Steven Prince spoke about his escapades. In 2009 a sequel to that was done called An American Prince where Steven is back with more stories. In the sequel he talks at some length about living with MS when JRR arrives on the scene. Both are on YouTube.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 18:07:51 CEST 2018 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Location: NYC

Cheers BEG, nice to see you! I saw Toots and The Maytals live in Brooklyn last month... wonderful show. A miracle that Toots is still going strong (at 75!) and with so much energy.


Entered at Wed Sep 19 17:56:11 CEST 2018 from (67.246.38.157)

Posted by:

Joe Frey

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY

Subject: John Simon

John Simon's new book is out: Truth, Lies & Hearsay:: A Memoir Of A Musical Life In And Out Of Rock And Roll.

I just ordered it. Joe


Entered at Wed Sep 19 03:45:26 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Subject: Out of the Blue - in spades!!

BEG - Wonderful to see you here again - hopefully it's not a mirage. Can Kevin J be far behind?


Entered at Wed Sep 19 00:18:19 CEST 2018 from (64.229.246.134)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

"The Band‘s Robbie Robertson was named an honorary fellow of the Royal Conservatory. Did he appear at your Royal Occasion gala this month?

He did. He got up and said, “You can imagine when the Royal Conservatory called me. I thought they got the wrong number.”

He can’t read music, and I hadn’t known that. But I told him, “You’re a musician. End of story.”

Peter Simon (right) with Robbie Robertson (left) at the Royal Occasion gala on May 31, 2018.

CHRISTINA GAPIC/HANDOUT
He’s not playing in public any longer. You’ve got a nice room. Why don’t you invite him to play Koerner Hall?

We’ve done that. We’d love to have him. But, you’re right, he’s stopped playing. He said flat out, “I just can’t. No can do.” Which is something I don’t understand, honestly.

The Royal Conservatory is involved in music education in Indigenous communities. Given his First Nations heritage, did that come up when you spoke with him?

Actually, we had an Indigenous group play for Robbie at the Royal Occasion. He said the fact that we were aware enough to have an Indigenous group play for him was a revelation. He was very pleased."

For Bill M...Listening to "Out Of The Blue" cover by Mary Margaret O'Hara. :-D


Entered at Wed Sep 19 00:18:38 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Posted by:

Lisa

Subject: OMG!

Welcome back brown eyed girl, you have been so missed here! I've thought of you so often, and Joan too. I've really missed all your research and comments and lively style. I don't know if you've kept up with the GB, but every so often someone will lament the fact that you stopped posting - so hurray, you're back, please stay!


Entered at Tue Sep 18 23:57:38 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

What a wonderful surprise to see BEG again!


Entered at Tue Sep 18 23:43:34 CEST 2018 from (64.229.246.134)

Posted by:

brown eyed girl

Web: My link

First off...Happy Happy Healthy Belated Big July Birthday to Peter V!
Also Happy Happy Healthy Belated August Birthday to Pat B!
And...Remembering Rollie who would have had his 60th Birthday on September 6 if my memory serves me well.
All these three guys....I cannot say enough.... :-D

"Robertson said that, alongside writing a sequel to his 2016 memoir and composing the score for upcoming Martin Scorsese movie The Irishman, the new solo album was also underway. “I'm not finished yet so it's a little hard to describe, but it is one of the most violent and sexy records that I've ever been part of,” he told Billboard in a new interview. “I’ve really done something this time, and I'm very excited about that.

Last 5...
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side...The Smiths
Reggae Got Soul...Toots and The Maytals
I Wish It Would Rain...The Temptations
The Pan Within (Live)...The Waterboys
Justine...David Johansen

Lisa :-D


Entered at Tue Sep 18 19:48:54 CEST 2018 from (108.88.109.12)

Posted by:

Pat B

PV, that Paul Simon thing is breathtaking.


Entered at Tue Sep 18 18:39:57 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Rockin C: Thanks for reminding me. If you listened to my link to "Midnight Ryder", you might like to know that Evan Kemp's steel player was Len Ryder - know him? Kemp had previously been King Ganaam's vocalist (and likely guitarist), and it may have been him doing the guitar boogie. It could also have been Kemp's fiddler, Butch McGillis (from the Island, I believe) who soon trekked across the Rockies to Edmonton to form a locally significant rockabilly band, the Rockatunes. Butch sings and plays lead impressively on the linked 45. It's sobring to think that 1958 seemed such distant history when I spoke to him in 1978 - but now 1978 is forty years ago. Ouch.


Entered at Tue Sep 18 15:35:15 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Cahir

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Way back in History

Good morning Bill. I do remember discussing Evan Kemp with you. I played music with him when I was about 18. If you recall, I e mailed you a picture of him. I remember you remarking about the records on his western shirt. I was living in Powell River at that time, however I began getting into the mix years before that.

I was living in Murville outside Courtenay, 2001 0r 02. I had my first computer on my boat. Used it for navigation. I brought it home in the winter and got myself hooked up to internet and started to learn. When I first found the Guest Book, Tracey had her pink page going. After some time Norbert took the helm and operated for a time until he was driven nuts I guess. I don't recall when Jan took over again but it's been a long run here.


Entered at Tue Sep 18 14:20:01 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: In the blue light …

Dunc, you may well find it in the supermarket. I got mine in Sainsburys - I nearly didn't spot it because it has a near opaque blue plastic slipcase with no writing on, so in the rack it just looks like a blue square with no title! I don't like giving supermarkets the business, but it was there on the day of release and so was I.


Entered at Tue Sep 18 13:03:03 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:f42f:feae:567a:721d)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Thanks Bill M. I don't know the guy, but really like his muted toned kilt.

Thanks,Peter. I will pick up Paul Simon next time in Glasgow. Last five played.

Love and Theft - Bob Dylan

Out of Our Heads - The Rolling Stones - never knew about Ozen - googled and enjoyed watching her on YouTube - unusual. (Working my way through the Stones' albums).

Pourquois Quebec - Tony McManus

Roosevelt Raceway 1974 - CSNY

Stage Fright - The Band


Entered at Tue Sep 18 09:52:11 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: Rene & Georgette Magritte

Link to an official live version of the new arrangement from Copenhagen. Incredible! Make sure you view it.


Entered at Tue Sep 18 09:48:49 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Five …

Music From Big Pink Remix 2018, and original in various versions

A Short History of Decay - John Murry

Egypt Station - Paul McCartney

Young Sick Camellia- St Paul & The Broken Bones

In The Blue Light - Paul Simon

“In the Blue Light” is the most played the last few days, where Paul Simon rethinks his “more obscure songs” often with the classical group YMusic who were with him at Hyde Park 2018. Well, “Rene & Georgette Magritte” was already in my Toppermost article ten, and “Darling Lorraine” was in the Alternative Toppermost. I wouldn’t call “One Man’s Ceiling” or “Cant Run But” obscure either. However, two that leap out on the new album are “Pigs, Sheep & Wolves”, and “Questions For The Angels”, both vast improvements on the first recordings. But the whole album is magical and insidious. His best for years, and a marker on how to revisit and revitalise back catalogue with grace and style. A major contrast to Bob Dylan pissing on his back catalogue.


Entered at Tue Sep 18 05:34:14 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Rockin C: Thought of you this afternoon when I passed an oldies store with five milk crates of LPs for a dime each. One was a bagpipes album (by a Donald MacLeod of Fort George, Scotland). I have nothing against bagpipes, but I bought it for the label (Aragon, a Vancouver label of (mostly) the '50s and early '60s. The key thing was that the back cover listed the entire catalogue at time of release, all 26 albums and all of the songs on all of the albums. You'll appreciate all of the last three:

- "Evan Kemp in Hollywood"; we've discussed Kemp before; he was mostly C&W but did some of Canada's earliest rockers; the link is to a typical country boogie that turns into a lively steel guitar outing; the last song on album is "Cripple Creek" (the bluegrass standard)

- "Pipes and Drums of Powell River" - where you were living when you first dropped in here, I believe

- "The Weaver of Dreams" by Elden Chapman at the Lowrey Organ; I wonder if Garth ever heard Elden Chapman; nice to know that the Lowery was featured from time to time


Entered at Tue Sep 18 01:51:47 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: I can see clearly now.......that I'm awake

Thanks Roger! I'm sure you are right! :-)

I was laying on the couch, I guess I must have been snoozing. I thought Susan was reading me news. She was reading out of that gawd damn Face Book. Now she'll never let me forget it!


Entered at Mon Sep 17 23:08:42 CEST 2018 from (1.42.214.171)

Posted by:

Wallsend

Come to think of it, they also put out a two cd version of Santana's first album with extras and the complete Woodstock performance. Given our guys lack of interesting in jamming obviously there isn't much left to include as extras but still, I would have bought a MFBP/Woodstock double.


Entered at Mon Sep 17 22:58:37 CEST 2018 from (1.42.214.171)

Posted by:

Wallsend

A few years back Sony put out a two cd set of Santana III with the original album, some extras and a stunning live performance. Great way to celebrate the original album and great value for money.


Entered at Mon Sep 17 20:49:52 CEST 2018 from (77.103.81.34)

Posted by:

Roger

Location: Birmingham UK

Subject: Macca - Norm

No worries Norm - we all now Paul M died in 1968 shortly before recording Abbey Road. You can tell from the album cover.


Entered at Mon Sep 17 15:41:02 CEST 2018 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Location: NYC

Jan, I'm still a fan of Jubilation, and Don't Wait is my favorite as well. And your credit was well-deserved.

I have a fond memory of seeing Rick at a NYC club show in the summer of 1998. Between songs, he was teasing the audience about the new album that they had recorded but not yet released -- "I'd love to do 12 new songs for you all tonight, but Professor Louie just won't let me!". Smiling that sunny Rick smile, and just beaming with pride about the new material on the way.


Entered at Mon Sep 17 11:30:15 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: MFBP 50th

I'd have even included the Woodstock set as part of a double CD for the 50th Anniversary. You have to give people a decent reason to keep re-buying this stuff. As I said, three songs have been officially released anyway.


Entered at Mon Sep 17 04:55:24 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: STOP THE PRESSES!!

I just made a grave error....(well it wasn't about a grave) but it could have been. Susan was reading me from her tablet. Now I thought she was talking about Paul McCartney, because George Harrison is dead. Well, she wasn't.

I have a life long friend named George Harrison, he used to play the drums with me from the time he was 16. This is who Susan was talking about. Can you see how red my face is....sorry.......I got to listen better. Any way my friend George is doing better..........I'm a crazy old bastard. Any way George is pulling thru'.


Entered at Mon Sep 17 04:38:02 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

This evening I bumped into a reference to Uncle Remus, so thought of our guys' "Ruben Remus" and looked in here for the lyrics. What struck me was that several lines from the third verse - "Said he'd like to take you on" to "Why his songs were never banned" - suit the rhythm of "Ferdinand The Imposter" better than they do the rest of "Ruben Remus". And that makes me wonder if Robbie, who wrote Ferdinand and co-wrote Ruben, simply exported some verbiage from one to the other. Not that it turns it into a great song or anything close.

Looking at Ferdinand at this site, you get a link to former poster sadavid's essay on the song. Reminds me how much I miss sadavid. Also made me wish the Ferdinand lyrics in this site's discography section had been updated to include sadavid's more accurate rendering of my favourite thumbnail sketch in all of rock and roll: "Capless, batless, hunky small" as opposed to this site's "That last atlas honkey's fall".


Entered at Mon Sep 17 04:33:57 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Paul McCartney

I'm sure some of you may have heard of Paul's brush with death. Kidney stone stuck between kidney and bladder. Lungs filling with fluid. Thank god for our medical professions now. He's on the mend.....thankfully!


Entered at Mon Sep 17 03:13:20 CEST 2018 from (1.42.214.171)

Posted by:

Wallsend

Peter, I agree with your review, not including the Woodcock performance with the new MFBP package is just strange. It would have been a perfect fit.


Entered at Sun Sep 16 15:27:20 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Re-linked the Music From Big Pink 50th article to save scrolling back.


Entered at Sat Sep 15 23:16:19 CEST 2018 from (73.119.115.178)

Posted by:

Dave H

Thanks for the great MFBP review, Peter, and thanks for linking to my old article on the 2000-era reissues. It's amazing that we're all still here 18 years later for another reissue!


Entered at Sat Sep 15 16:47:23 CEST 2018 from (2001:4644:9569:0:345e:32e0:2420:ae69)

Posted by:

jh

Web: My link

Subject: It was 20 years ago today...

The Band’s final studio album, ‘Jubilation’, was released on Sep 15th, 1998. I still play Levon’s «Don’t Wait» from this release quite often. The voice was clearly damaged, but his spirit shines through, as it always did. My (then new) UK friend Lee G. and myself both got credits on ‘Jubilation’, and I’m still rather proud of having my name on an official The Band album — other credits included Eric Clapton 😀. They were nice enough to list our Norwegian web site address on the cover, too.


Entered at Fri Sep 14 21:47:52 CEST 2018 from (2600:387:6:802::25)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: Norm McDonald Has A Show

He’s a comedian here and he has this new interview show on Netflix. He was talking to Jane Fonda about who she finds/found sexy and she mentions Tony Curtis. He says TC reminds him of JRR; she disagrees vehemently: “not in the same league, but Levon Helm!!” And then a few words about LH playing her husband in The Doll Maker. On from there to how they had both gone to a Midnight Ramble. So, FYI..


Entered at Fri Sep 14 12:08:10 CEST 2018 from (100.38.159.168)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Strange Sounds

Lisa mentioned a bunch of sounds that bug her. There was a song by someone I think named Eddie Grant called Electric Avenue. I’d have to leave the room when that song was played. If I stayed to listen I’d become dizzy and nauseous. In the 80’s it would come on the radio often and when trapped with the song...well things could get real ugly.


Entered at Fri Sep 14 01:21:11 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Another issue with test tones is that only good hi-fi speakers can even play the full range. It sounds like your hearing is fine. But none of us can hear like a 5 year old.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 20:59:37 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Hyperacusis

That's right Lisa that is the name. Regarding tinnitus, Peter will remember this. I used to get it occasionally so I know what it's like. This about 7 or 8 years ago now. Susan used to get it very badly. She would put her head on my shoulder at night and I would hold the top of her head in my hand so she could go to sleep.

One evening when we were living in Powell River, I think I had only been home for one night. I was down stairs working at my desk doing logs. She came down in her house coat holding her arm. She had slipped in the bath tub and broke her wrist. I got her right up to the hospital and got her taken care of. When we got home she was laying in bed suddenly she said, "It's gone!" I said what? She said the tinnitus, it's gone. She has never had it since. I'll never figure that out.

I see Peter, I know it had more to do with pitch than volume. I guess I'll go and take the test one of these days. I'm afraid of wearing hearing aids only for one reason. I have never been able to stand anything in my ears. Ear plugs for hearing protection drive me crazy they just don't want to stay in my ears, even the custom made ones they take a mould of your ear and make them. For in the engine room of my tug, or running my chain saw I have always worn the work safe approved ear muffs.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 20:26:27 CEST 2018 from (213.205.198.50)

Posted by:

Peter V

Norm you can get a hifi test CD with tones at various frequencies to test. It isn’t so much volume in question as frequencies, though both deteriorate inevitably. A musician friend in his 60s said when recording a long loud session, your response goes down, and they ran test tones every hour and when they had trouble hearing a 12,000 khz tone they packed up and went home.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 19:24:50 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Posted by:

Lisa

Norm, the condition Susan has is called hyperacusis. It makes you super sensitive to certain types of sounds, and it is not something you have any control over.

It's very interesting to have this topic come up, as most of us here on the GB are probably of an age where hearing problems are bound to affect us. In my case, it has affected my listening to music quite a lot - I have had very bad tinnitus for over 30 years now accompanied increasingly by hyperacusis, as well as the usual age-related hearing loss. In fact it was when I was reading through the archives that I first learned about hyperacusis - that it was an actual condition and not just a terribly annoying personal quirk. One of the posters many years ago wrote about his trials with this condition, and how debilitating it was. The two conditions often go hand in hand, BTW.

Loud noises make me just about jump out of my skin - literally feels like an electric shock, and certain kinds of insistent, repetitive sounds drive me crazy, particularly sounds like engines idling (which I object to on many levels!), chewing (a separate condition called misophonia), and repetitive music such as rap or hip hop, which I literally cannot stand to listen to - I have to leave the room. This also applies to contemporary composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich, in fact it's almost worse with them with that awful repetitive droning, over and over. Arrgh!

You are lucky Norm, that your work-related noise and your playing in bands hasn't affected you, but it doesn't always follow - my dad was a musician, and sat in front of the brass section his whole professional career, but aside from normal hearing loss for his age wasn't affected, so go figure. BTW, I wasn't exposed to loud noises when I was young (didn't go to many rock concerts like most of you here), so I don't know where all my conditions came from. Just the way the cookie crumbles, I guess.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 19:12:50 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Jed: No apology necessary, I'd say. Surely everyone noticed the wink in your typing.

Rockin C: Does Susan share your assessment of your hearing abilities? Lucky both of you if so.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 18:20:57 CEST 2018 from (100.38.159.168)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: Apology

My intent in my last post was to have a laugh not to mock anyone or show a lack of respect. After all,I should have said I’ve been buying these so called upgrades for years now.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 16:57:13 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: Reflections & Hearing

Thank you John. I'm sure you know I'm "never" being disrespectful to you fellows. I have always enjoyed the unwavering dedication to the Band from the members of this community. I guess as far as reproduction I say to myself, (when is enough, enough)?

Peter, I'm curious, have you ever had a hearing test? They are free here in BC. A mobile unit comes up the island here from time to time. Susan is very often after me to get my hearing checked. Trouble is she has this problem (I forget what it is called) she has very sensitive hearing. This seems odd to me because she can watch certain things on tv that seem very loud to me, (talk shows like where some people get very loud). However when it comes to music she can't handle it.

My observations are for example when you turn up the tv there is the bar showing the volume. I rarely listen to it at more than maybe 30%. My computer and sound systems higher because they are small speakers and not a huge output. I seem to be able to hear the highs and lows quite well considering having been on a steel tug with a heavy duty 450 HP diesel abusing you 24/7 when you are towing, and for many years. Also many years on stage cranking out pretty high volume music. I think I'm not in too bad a shape.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 14:49:10 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: Thanks for the discussion of inevitable age-related hearing loss, an implicit contributor to sonic decisions that went into the preparation of the new and 'improved' MFBP.

Another quick scan of your blog had me noticing John Simon's saying that Crazy Chester was/is a real person known to members of the Band. I read this as an almost 'inside Washington' (or inside CP Snow) way of pointing in the right directions while seeming to point in the wrong direction. It seems to suggest another someone from the olden days in Arkansas (or Ontario) but is really, I think, Bob Dylan - a newer friend who helped out with accommodation when our guys first pulled into Woodstock, and subsequently shared his pooch with them (and Rick, who sings the verse, in particular).


Entered at Thu Sep 13 12:41:55 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Updates … 50th Box

As I said, with Wordpress, I can tinker, and amend. I just added this:

The new mix IS much brighter and louder.

We have a sonic deer scarer in our garden. Poole is much afflicted by urban deer eating the flowers. I pass it and I can just hear it in the distance. My grandkids put their hands on their ears and scream. I have to switch it off. Bob Clearmountain and Robbie Robertson, like me, are of an age when any ear specialist will tell you the treble and bass ends of the hearing spectrum are going. Young people can hear down to 20 hertz (bass) and up to 20,000 kilohertz (treble). Wiki says that under test conditions, people can detect 12 Hz to 28 Khz, thus beyond CD. That was beyond the 20 / 20,000 range selected for CD. Vinyl fans will assure you that we can be aware of these sounds outside our hearing range without actually being able to “hear” them, so CD is a limitation at the extremes. Hearing range shrinks from the age of eight on, though more slowly in women than men. I asked an ear specialist I know. He assures me that no one in their 70s, however musically trained can hear 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

So in mixing, they will push up the volume on the treble. It will be brighter. Does that mean better?


Entered at Thu Sep 13 11:50:11 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Thanks, Lisa. The LPs and CDs and DVD are mine. The tapes from the internet image search, I hasten to add. The Norwegian and French 45s are from here, the rest are mine. I love the Marmalade 45 design on the Julie Driscoll. That and the follow up ‘Road to Cairo’ were the only real hits on the label which is highly collectable because it was so short-lived and everything on it was worth having. Blossom Toes were on Marmalade too. I think I’ll add the Spooky Tooth 45. Early Island looks good too.

Thanks too, Bill. I’ll just add those. The joy of a Wordpress blog is that I can add or correct in 2 minutes, which keeps it fresh.

Do comment over there and it stays with the article.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 11:50:11 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Rockin Chair I really enjoyed your heartfelt post. I have a number of Band friends that feel the same way.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 04:19:25 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Peter V: 'Epic' is the right word. Interesting too, of course. I think I'd buy your book before I'd buy the new package. One teeny-tiny addition I'd suggest is "Abbey Road" to the list of Beatles albums showing MFBP's influence on Paul - specifically "Carry That Weight" and "In The End".


Entered at Thu Sep 13 02:20:47 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: The Last Word!

I like Bill and Jed's take on it all. Did anyone ever bother to count up how many takes you have of the same song over the years? It's all horse shit! Spend a bunch of yer hard earned money and then convince your self it was warranted, com-on!

With all due respect for you guys and your die hard loyalty to the Band. Most of this stuff is just for some people to crease their pockets some more with the folding stuff. I'm sure that my collection is puny compared to most but I like the times that I bought it and where I got it from and the enjoyment it's given me over the years. For me..........that's good enough. I been listening to some of my life time favourites. Commander Cody with Nicolette Larson, Asleep at the Wheel, Emmy Lou with Little Feat and Bonnie Rhaitt. We were talking about and listening to Marty Robbin's son Ronnie the other day Peter. Have you ever listened to Dean Miller, Roger Miller's son? You will enjoy him and the song he wrote for his Dad. They have a country show in Nashville called "Second Generation"...wonderful.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 01:50:46 CEST 2018 from (96.49.94.173)

Posted by:

Lisa

That was epic, Peter! All the records, etc. you used as illustrations, are they all yours?


Entered at Thu Sep 13 01:47:49 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Peter MFSB

As always a very thorough review Peter. Excellent.


Entered at Thu Sep 13 00:29:29 CEST 2018 from (24.222.133.112)

Posted by:

joe j

Location: Southside

Checked out Peter's blog re Big Pink and linked to Al Edge's 2002 essay. Well spoke Al.


Entered at Wed Sep 12 20:33:28 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

See link for a bit more about an upcoming book on the Band (due in early November).


Entered at Wed Sep 12 19:48:05 CEST 2018 from (100.38.159.168)

Posted by:

Jed

Subject: MFBP-The Placebo Effect

You buy each latest “remastered “ release eager and excited for the newest sonic rearrangement of what is already your favorite album.Then you pay the high price for this new masterpiece and the fancy booklet and the bonus tracks!(whoopee!). The album arrives and as you marvel at the pictures and hearing about the album (as if you couldn’t have written that and more) finally the big moment arrives. You put on the album and rave about the incredible sound. That wonderful sonic experience last a few more listens. Six months later you put the album on, listen and wonder what asshole screwed up the sound on my favorite album. And I lost the booklet. Months later and many thousands of dollars down the line of repeating this insanity over and over you realize those first listens were merely placebo effects related directly to the money wasted on each purchase!


Entered at Wed Sep 12 17:32:06 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Location: Terronno
Web: My link

Dunc: Another Scottish-born Canadian makes good. Have always loved the guy's music, but didn't know he was born in Scotland until I read the article at the link. I doubt if he wears the kilt onstage much, especially his main gig fronting Styx. Between his successful solo stuff in the '80s and now, he was a Hawk for awhile, and even turns up on bargain comps with our guys, as tapes from the big Hawkins tribute / retrospective in the '90s sometimes include both the later-day Band and the current Hawks - with Gowan singing Little Richard-type rockers. Never met him, but worked with his sister in an office in the '80s. Did see him perform circa '80 at the Gasworks on Yonge Street, brilliantly fronting his own group, Reingold. Unfortunately there was no DIY scene in town back then, aside from punk - so they never released anything.

Responding to John D's note about the reissue of MFBP, aside from the expense and my lack of technology (notably BluRay), is that it bothers me very deeply that anyone, and especially someone who wasn't anywhere near the room, would presume to do a better job of making better sonic and mixing choices than the guys who made it in '68. These were brilliant, experienced musicians, working with a brilliant and wonderfully sensitive producer in a couple of first-rate studios for a serious label - none of whom would have let the thing out the door unless they were happy with it. But Bob Clearmountain knows better?


Entered at Wed Sep 12 17:18:08 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: The 50th Anniversary review

This is a long review of the new 50th Anniversary box set of Music From Big Pink (LINKED). Not only does it cover the new release, but has an illustrated history of previous releases, and I’ve added extracts from critics, and a heavily-revised version of my original 1992 chapter on the album.


Entered at Wed Sep 12 16:50:22 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:3802:1fcf:6d35:fabe)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Thanks

I enjoyed the stories too. I love stories.


Entered at Wed Sep 12 14:43:24 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: The White Album

After writing about MFSB at 50, I do admit to reading about what Giles Martin will do withe White Album. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Giles twice. Once for " Love" and the other with his Father Sir George. I enjoy Giles's work. I'm also a big fan of the White Album.


Entered at Wed Sep 12 14:29:43 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Peter V

Great story Peter!!


Entered at Wed Sep 12 14:27:12 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: MFSB at 50

Bill M and I had a nice chat about the release of this set; on Sunday. Bill has not bought it and I'll leave it to him, if he is so inclined to tell you why.

I hesitated to make this post; but it's relatively early in the morning and I thought, "what the heck." I've already posted I do enjoy the 5.1 mixes on the Blu-Ray disc. I had already posted early on that a booklet; or the vinyl releases etc really didn't mean much to me at this time. So; in the end I think $100.00 dollars plus tax could have been spent; in better ways. I agree with Wallsend. Some rarities; from other times in The Band's life would have been better for me. Nothing wrong with MFSB at 50; but I have buyer's regrets. If they do a Brown album release; in the future and they release a 5.1 mix SINGLE CD, I would buy that; but not a whole package set.


Entered at Tue Sep 11 20:09:58 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Web: My link

Subject: happy / sad

Peter V: I liked John D's stories, but they sure didn't make me laugh like yours did.

At the other end of the emotional spectrum is the news that Scott Cushnie hasn't turned up yet. But at least he made today's newspaper with a feature article that mentions that he played with Aerosmith ("Toys in the Attic" album and tour, and one other album, I believe) and had ties to the Band. See link.


Entered at Tue Sep 11 17:58:30 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Great stories, John. One answer for Arlo is that if the radio station was promoting the show, they want their MC to announce it and mention their name. I saw a pristine copy of his Dad's Folkways LP, "Stories To Grow" yesterday and bought it.

Mind you, Arlo might have been “bitten” by intros, as I was once.

I was promoting one of our video series in France, and the first day, the local sales manager of my publisher introduced me – taking up ten minutes of my allotted and carefully timed sixty. During which he pointed out two other video series they had published which were not by me. I was getting annoyed, then he said “I’m sure Peter will agree they’re the best things we’ve ever done.” Afterwards I pointed out that the mentioned videos were (a) total crap (b) in direct competition with mine (c) he was lucky I hadn’t told the audience they were crap and why. “But they’re all from our publisher,” he said. I pointed out that I lived off royalties off MY series, not any others, and that for the rest of the week, I’d be introducing myself. We were walking out to the car at the time. He slipped on some dog shit and fell into more, I was crying with laughter, “Justice has been done,” I said. I don’t suppose he ever forgave me.


Entered at Tue Sep 11 15:00:38 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: MC Duties

Peter, you wanted more; so I will tell the other 2 stories.

All these events happened at Massey Hall; where Dylan and The Hawks appeared a few years before. I was dating a beautiful girl who happened to be of the Baha'i faith. The act was Seals & Crofts who of course were of the Baha'i faith. They had a great run and were wonderful people. As an aside I had an opportunity to leave radio and be their road manager. I decided not to do it and stay with radio.

Anyway I walk on stage to a full spotlight and the light was so bright, it lit up the first 10 rows where my girlfriend was sitting.

I began as always, "Good Evening Ladies & Gentleman, I'm John Donabie; from CHUM-FM." From somewhere out in the darkness of the hall I get a heckle; which was not really common. Someone yells as loudly as possible, "You're A Fag!" Within a fraction of a second; which caught me off guard; more than the heckle, my girlfriend stands up....turns around... and yells..."OH NO HE'S NOT! The audience laughed and I brought on Seals & Crofts. Again never forgot it.

The third story happened backstage at Massey Hall. The announcers; from CHUM-FM; in those days were on a rotation basis to do MC work. The act was Arlo Guthrie. I was a fan and really looked forward to it. That night something happened that had never happened before; or after.

I go backstage and make my way back to Arlo's room. I walk in and he looks up. :"Can I help you" he says. I say, "I'm John Donabie; from CHUM-FM and I'm here to bring you on tonight." He smiles and asks me to sit down. The following brief conversation as always stuck with me.

He says, "John is the Hall sold out tonight?" I reply, "Yes it is." " OK then John so we can figure that they all know they are here to see me perform, right?" I'm not sure where he is going; but I reply "yes." "Then if they have all bought tickets to see me, doesn't it make sense they know why they are here?" "Uh huh" I answer. "Then can you tell me why I need someone to go out there and tell them who I am?" He smiles. It actually made sense to me.....sort of. He then gives me a big Arlo smile and says, "Look John it's just that I don't use MC's. Have you got tickets for the show tonight?" I reply in the affirmative. "Then why don't you go out there an sit down and relax and enjoy the show." He rises to shake my hand. It's important to note that he wan't being a Pr**k. He was just stating a fact; which made sense to him and was the way he did business. I went back to my seat and enjoyed the show. Again, it never happened before; or since. It was certainly different.


Entered at Tue Sep 11 10:13:06 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

More John! Loved the story. it set me thinking about the MC. Otis Redding had that O-T-I-S-R-E-D-D-I-N-G audience welcome, years before the "FISH" cheer. The most prominent was with Rahsaan Roland Kirk. He had an MC permanently at hand, partly to lead him about, but he took Roland Kirk's stick when he started playing and beat it on the floor too. He was the most vocal.

And we have Van Morrison, who has a band member calling "Mr Van Morrison, ladies and gentlemen! Mr Van Morrison!" as Van goes off during Brown Eyed Girl, and the band play on for several minutes, during which Van has walked through to his car and left the building. Georgie Fame used to do it very well when he was with Van. Robbie did it for Van at The Last Waltz too but shorter (Van the Man!)


Entered at Mon Sep 10 18:04:10 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:b51e:f198:a813:d4f5)

Posted by:

Pat B

John D, great story.


Entered at Mon Sep 10 14:26:36 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Wilson Pickett & Bill M

Great to see you yesterday as well Bill. Sorry I drifted away; but I was being called over to see someone I hadn't seen in years.

Wilson Pickett. One of the most memorable MC jobs I ever did in my career and for one particular reason. Wilson himself informed me; before he went on; to be ready in the wings to run out and pick up the mic; after he had dropped to his knees and start yelling, "The wicked Pickett, the wicked Picket." I would then hand him the mic...he would stand up and finish the act. No Problem. What Mr. Pickett didn't tell me was that he would drop to his knees TWICE!

So out I come to do my thing and before I could do anything he grabs the mic back from me, stands and gives me an elbow to get off. I run back to the wings and a couple of minutes later he drops to his knees again. He kind of turns to me and I figure this is the right time. It was. I do my thing and he finishes his act. There are three instances in my career that are memorable; in my MC duties and that was one of them. I believe it was 1968; but not sure.


Entered at Mon Sep 10 03:30:30 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Location: Tronto

John D: It was nice to see you two at the 3030. Great turnout. Your name came up in conversation, but when I looked around you were gone. The question was, do you recall the Wilson Pickett show you emceed? Peter H from the Checkmates filled in on bass for that show, but isn't sure of the year. I said I'd ask.


Entered at Sun Sep 9 19:16:00 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: George

See you there Bill M.


Entered at Sun Sep 9 17:19:08 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Web: My link

Subject: Chuck Prophet & Stephanie Finch

Link is to a review of a great evening. Chuck Prophet & Stephanie Finch, live in a parish hall in rural Hampshire- a fabulous setting. Support was first rate from John Murry (from Tupelo) and British duo Lucas & King who won the Fender guitars "Best newcomers" award 2018. Lots of brilliant music.


Entered at Sun Sep 9 11:08:36 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:83:bb0b:cc78:69c2)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Last five played

Nusic From Big Pink The Band

Willow Springs - Michael McDermoot - Thanks Bob F

Live at the Wolf - Garth and Maud Hudson

Pourquoi Quebec - Tony McManus

Cover Girls - a Peter the V production of female artists recording covers of iconic songs. Brilliant.

Rolling Stones - 12x 5

Ronnie Lane - How Come

Seven actually


Entered at Sun Sep 9 10:56:26 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:cc9a:5362:73d7:9c4f)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: Thanks Bill M

Strange coincidence. It's Sunday morning here Bill M, and I'm playing a Tony McManus album just now, which was recorded in Quebec. I posted a couple of weeks back to you to look at Tony McManus playing Hugh's room, but perhaps you missed it. Give that a look and see if you like it.

My better half is reticent about going to concerts too. She liked going to see people like Leonard Cohen, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Michael Marra preferably at our beautiful concert hall. People who communicated with the audience - you felt that you were at a show.

If I lived up the road from you, Mate, I would have jumped at the chance to go with you. The venue sounds brilliant. And he is brilliant and now an honorary Ontarian. Beautiful playing from the greatest Celtic guitar player in the world.


Entered at Sun Sep 9 05:43:28 CEST 2018 from (65.92.195.104)

Posted by:

Bill M

Location: Tronna
Web: My link

Here's a link to a very Hawksish version of "Homework" from '65 by Richie Knight and the Midknights. By their next record they were even more Hawksish, having added a pianist to the lineup - Richard Bell. By the record after that, Richie Knight had been replaced by Richard Newell, aka King Biscuit Boy. Ronnie Hawkins recruited first Bell then Newell into his group, 1967-68. I'm posting this now because there's a big tribute to the group's guitarist-leader George Semkiw up the street from me tomorrow. The last time I saw George he was two years ago when he was doing sound for Little Caesar and the Consuls. The group leader was still Norm Sherrat, who started the group in a year or so before Robbie Robertson joined in the middle of '59. And on drums was Sonny Milne, the guy who'd replaced Levon when our guys left Hawkins.

Dunc: This morning we stopped at a farmer's market in suburban Maple (just north of Toronto) and noticed a flyer that listed an upcoming show by Tony McManus at a local church on the 15th. There was no pushback to my suggestion that we attend (despite the venue). Will report further.


Entered at Sun Sep 9 00:36:04 CEST 2018 from (2001:569:7bfd:ce00:e531:e1f5:c50f:2da9)

Posted by:

Lisa

Aw, darling Rick, what a lovely photo of him. I wonder if the Dankettes are still around?


Entered at Sat Sep 8 22:48:52 CEST 2018 from (2001:700:a00:ff62::f)

Posted by:

jh

Web: My link

Listening to the 50th anniversary reissue mixes of «Music from Big Pink» tonight. Rick never sounded better, IMHO. And looked the part (link above).


Entered at Sat Sep 8 19:06:40 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Thanks for the reminder Pat. Not sure how to do it. I was told to download to USB and then stick it in the back of the OPPO? I just found it odd that it only happened on the one track. Thanks again Pat.


Entered at Sat Sep 8 18:43:07 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:34b8:295c:958e:af2d)

Posted by:

Pat B

John D, did you update?


Entered at Sat Sep 8 18:30:41 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Chest Fever Blu-Ray

Listened to whole cd and loved it. With one exception. The initial vocals on Chest Fever seem buried under the music and then when the chorus hits it comes roaring through my rear speakers. Tried it in all three modes with same results. Thought it was odd. My system on that one track. Maybe.


Entered at Sat Sep 8 13:16:14 CEST 2018 from (83.250.89.187)

Posted by:

NorthWestCoaster

Location: The Sound

Subject: Aeroplanes (aircrafts for the British) / Rockin Chair

(This is only to let you know that I can fly a simple Cessna - says the man himself!)
1.) Tom Petty and the beautiful shoot in Mojave desert airplane graveyard - for sure!
2.) The late John Denver in Monterey bay.
3.) ... in the dirty condola...
4.) Jefferson Airplane with the fabulous Finn Jorma Kaukonen.

Especially to "Drunken Cher":

I know what you mean with your maritime posts. - One of the world's finest polar expedition yachts (camouflaged as an ordinary fishing boat) has been anchored in front of this fishing village for this summer - after sailing in the most abandoned waters in Greenland and Cap Horn and Antarktis. Simply bacause the owner's ancestor (later on the richest man in Europe) were just an ordinary merchant here. So, dear "Rockin Chair", maybe we coasters live in a paradise ... but don't tell anyone! I won't.


Entered at Fri Sep 7 22:41:42 CEST 2018 from (74.203.77.122)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Location: NYC

In other news, I'm really looking forward to Robbie's next solo album which is apparently in progress. Been obsessed with "Straight Down The Line" from the previous one in the last few days--what a great great song.


Entered at Fri Sep 7 13:17:20 CEST 2018 from (1.42.214.171)

Posted by:

Wallsend

I would rather have some new recordings from the Festival Express or the Royal Albert Hall show than a reworking of MFBP. I guess a boxed set of MFBP represents low hanging fruit in terms of making money.


Entered at Fri Sep 7 00:12:51 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Thanks Peter. It is time for a major upgrade; however we just did a major upgrade to our bathroom. Going to have to wait. Big Pink in 5.1 sounds incredible.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 23:11:18 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter v

Just to check, the disc is a blu-ray, not a DVD. My one year old Sony Blu-Ray plays DVD-A and SACD discs. So the PCM and 5.1 content, as far as I can see will require blu ray. I get a screen and you scroll up and down. it is a fixed picture.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 20:56:18 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Sorry Pat. OPPA DVD player.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 20:53:15 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Pat. Pop up button

What is meant about pushing the pop up button to return. Again probably because my DVD machine is 7 years old. OOKLA. Thanks Pat.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 20:47:21 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Pat

Pat I think your absolutely right.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 20:43:10 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:2930:59b:5fcc:2fb5)

Posted by:

Pat B

John D, your DVD player may need an update.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 20:39:42 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: MFSB

Ok. I put the second cd in again and all of a sudden I have a picture of the album and a choice of sound. I swear this did not happen the first time. Under visuals it says press the pop up button. What pop up button? Sorry


Entered at Thu Sep 6 20:17:14 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: MFSB at 50

OK. I played the two CD’s. I don’t notice any sound difference. Since the screen remains black, I don’t understand the Blu-Ray authoring credit. Mixes are fine; but is my system too old to hear something different on the 2nd CD? Somebody help me with this. I feel I spent a hundred bucks just to hear new mixes. Again.....am I missing something and why didn’t they have still pictures on the screen. Am I asking too much? Thank you very much.


Entered at Thu Sep 6 19:27:06 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: The Band - A Musical History

In the last week the arthritis in my right hand has been giving me a lot of pain. After working on my boats all summer. I've had to lay low and give it a lot of rest.

I have taken to entertaining myself with some of my collection. With all the hype from you "teen agers" here ranting about (new old stuff). I have not heard anyone comment on this beautiful book I hold full of great pictures and stories and all the cd's and the DVD of great music. I haven't pulled it out for a while and am really enjoying it. (Along with my 6 seasons of "Hell On Wheels). At the end of season 4, while our hero stands on a hill in the Rockie Mountains looking into the distance where the railroad will go, the back ground music is The Band singing "I Will Be Released".


Entered at Wed Sep 5 20:22:48 CEST 2018 from (64.229.12.187)

Posted by:

Bill M

Location: Tronto
Web: My link

Subject: bummer news dept ...

Worrying news about former Hawk, former Suede Scott Cushnie at the link above. He's gone missing downtown - 80 and blind, so not good, not good at all. Scroll down several paragraphs, between the second and third photos.


Entered at Wed Sep 5 19:52:16 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:c4c1:846e:b1a7:4208)

Posted by:

Pat B

btw, Sandy Helm gets a "Special Thanks" (among others) on the inside cover of the MFBP vinyl gatefold.


Entered at Wed Sep 5 19:49:31 CEST 2018 from (2001:700:a00:ff62::d)

Posted by:

jh

Posting enabled again. A little nasty gremlin that blocked the guestbook file had to be evicted from the server.


Entered at Wed Sep 5 19:44:50 CEST 2018 from (2001:700:a00:ff62::d)

Posted by:

jh

t-t-t-testing


Entered at Wed Sep 5 13:55:58 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: MFSB

Amazon promised it by 9:00 pm last night. It arrived at 7:50 pm. Think I'll leave the shrink wrap on for a few hours.


Entered at Wed Sep 5 10:20:44 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

I can't find either the Islands de luxe box set or the Cahoots box set on Amazon pre-order yet …


Entered at Wed Sep 5 05:07:52 CEST 2018 from (69.203.125.109)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Location: NYC

...and Islands! Don't forget Islands!


Entered at Tue Sep 4 20:48:04 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Looking forward to Pat's reactions. Yes, the brown album has to be given the same lavish treatment.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 20:40:54 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:34d3:6f41:b150:9260)

Posted by:

Pat B

Just received the deluxe MFBP. Haven't heard it yet but it is an impressive package.

Two things in the media hoopla: Capitol plans this sort of thing with other Band albums and RR has another solo album in the works.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 19:05:02 CEST 2018 from (83.250.89.187)

Posted by:

NorthWestCoaster

Location: Greater Copenhagen

Subject: We are old . . . nothing wrong with that / Aretha

I sat on a bus in 1968 / God send my dream girl from the school yard next to me on the buss / She liked ARETHA most of all / I invited her to a walk by the record store in our provincial Finnish industrial town when the school beguin next autumn / She had another. ANOTHER!

Ran to her at the university after a few years / She was uggly and fat and laughed at to my face when her girl friends were there.

I still can't listen to Aretha after these years. Sorry.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 15:28:07 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: The Wait … for The Weight

I just spent a happy hour with the box set, and I’ve just been trying to compare, so only listening to The Weight.

It’s hugely system dependent. The blu-ray disc has 2.0 PCM, and two choices of 5.1 mix. Obviously for most people that plays on your 5.1 TV system which may not be attuned to music, though my MK speakers (no longer made) are. Immediate reaction is clarity, but the 5.1 mixes sound better than the ultra high-def PCM stereo, not because they’re utilising the surround sound, but because they bring in more speakers.

So then I switched to CD on my main Myrad hi-fi system through big Mission speakers … all my stuff is 20+ years old, the Missions probably 30+. The CD sounds smoother, but again that’s the big hi-fi speakers compared to a surround sound system. The LPs are effectively “12” singles” as we used to call them, so that it’s spread over 2 LPs playing at 45 rpm instead of 33 rpm. That makes them louder too. As ever analogue sounds different. Warmer, you could listen all day, but very slightly duller. Less bass, though 45 rpm should improve the bass too and probably does. Then I put on my oldest CD (not the 2000 remaster but the first CD issue) and actually it sounds fine. To me, much more like the LPs than the later ones. Yes, it’s not as “full” but if like me you’ve been listening to it for years I wouldn’t think the box would be a revelation.

To really compare, you would have to put a blu-ray player into the same hi-fi.

BUT it’s a beautiful package, lovingly presented too. It’s a fabulous “possession” but you’re not going to hear anything you missed.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 15:19:57 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: Aretha Franklin 30 Greatest Hits

This album is currently on the top of the charts for Aretha's catalog. It originated here in Toronto by Kim Cooke of Warner Atlantic Canada at the time. Liner notes from Canadian Music Writer, Larry Leblanc; who now is a writer for Celebrity Access Magazine.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 13:50:19 CEST 2018 from (2a00:23c5:3a10:fa00:f5f0:e67:856:72b8)

Posted by:

Dunc

Location: Scotland

Subject: I give a f..k

I give a fuck, Peter. Just tell me Peter and John D, do I buy it? Am I getting anything extra?


Entered at Tue Sep 4 10:04:34 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Aretha

I wonder if Jerry Wexler was thinking about the album “This Girl’s In Love With You” as a whole, and blaming The Weight. It was released at the start of 1970 and is stuffed with covers of hits by white writers … This Girl's In Love With You, Son of A Preacher Man, The Weight, Let It Be, Eleanor Rigby, Dark End of The Street. The sleeve notes rate Call Me (R&B #1, Pop #13) as the biggest hit, though Share Your Love With Me had exactly the same chart positions. It was released as a 45 before The Weight, was a hit, then put on the B-side of The Weight too. I wonder if its juxtaposition with The Weight was the real reason why The Band remembered it four years later, rather than going back to Bobby Bland.

Eleanor Rigby was about the same (R&B #5, Pop #17) as The Weight (R&B #3, Pop #19). Maybe the whole album sold fewer than Wexler had anticipated, or just later he thought it was a wrong direction.

The Weight is notable for the prersence of Duane Allman on slide guitar. Arerha played piano.

The notes also point out that Aretha was offered Son of A Preacher Man a year earlier and rejected it because of its religious references. It was then offered to Dusty Springfield, who had the hit. Then Aretha decided to cover it for this album.

The current Aretha industry is a little tasteless, I think. Two days after she died, HMV had a special rack with around ten Aretha albums / compilations in large quantities. You don’t press and transport that many that quickly, so I assume the record label knew she was close to passing and had made preparations.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 00:21:29 CEST 2018 from (108.88.109.12)

Posted by:

Pat B

Peter, it was her best performing single from July of 68 to July of 69.


Entered at Tue Sep 4 00:14:25 CEST 2018 from (208.181.205.134)

Posted by:

Rockin Chair

Location: Pacific Northwest

Subject: We're on a mission from God!

Best part of the "Blues Brothers" Aretha in the café singing "Think". Yuh gotta love it. Lot of good folks in that movie.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 22:59:26 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

In the end, Pat, the fact that we'd have been satisfied with a mere R&B #3 is why we didn't end up running Atlantic Records. But that chart must have been an airplay / sales mix and Wexler knew the bottom line and didn't like it.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 20:58:23 CEST 2018 from (99.227.168.67)

Posted by:

John D

Subject: MFBP at 50

OK. I broke down today and ordered it. After all I am a completist on certain artists. The other reason? Amazon just knocked $24.00 off the list price and being a prime member I got free shipping. It arrives tomorrow.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 20:33:35 CEST 2018 from (2602:306:c586:d0c0:4412:e4ac:a569:8b0d)

Posted by:

Pat B

Yeaah, I'd hate to make such an egregious A&R mistake that only made it to #3.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 19:02:19 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: 50th box set

Still got the seal on the box, but I decided to use the 2000 CD remaster for my exercise routine. That room has a Boston Acoustics system with sub-woofer and satellites, and is fed by a very bright Sony CD player and large Technics amp. As I use it for exercise bike etc I think of this 25 year old system as my "soul music" system, and it's ideal for soul. You know, played through that system the 2000 CD remaster also sounds very bright and separated indeed … none of the woody sound of the LP or the early CD. I don't think I've played The Band on that system before- it's usually on my more natural sounding main Myrad system or my computer Bowers & Wilkins. So I reckon evaluating will be extremely system dependent.

Probably no one gives a flying fu*k. I'd love to have heard David P on this.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 16:05:09 CEST 2018 from (69.203.125.109)

Posted by:

Jon Lyness

Location: NYC

Huh, never knew Aretha recorded The Weight. Listening to it right now. Pretty cool!


Entered at Mon Sep 3 14:17:21 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

On the other hand, The Staples Singers plus Diana Ross with The Supremes and The Temptations, chose to record The Weight.

Box set just arrived. Grandkids about to arrive right afterwards.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 14:15:19 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

Subject: Aretha & The Weight

Sleeve note to CD remaster of “This Girl’s In Love With You.”

“At Jerry Wexler’s suggestion, Aretha recorded a blues-tinged version of The Weight … Wexler admitted in hindsight that choosing the song for Aretha may have been a mistake … “I was trying to make a bridge over to the flower children … I bitterly regret having done The Weight with her. The song is totally incomprehensible to her basic rhythm and blues constituency. Aretha cannot have a big hit unless it also a hit with her black audience. It’s got to be both, so this is where commercial stupidity and greed got the upper hand on me.” … the single did manage to make the #3 slot on the R&B chart … one can conjecture that its chart rise may have been based more on airplay than on sales.”

Wexler would know the sales. I can’t find the Aretha reference partly because the small print on some of these CDs is illegible even with a magnifying glass, but I’m sure I read somewhere that she also regretted recording it.


Entered at Mon Sep 3 13:52:25 CEST 2018 from (198.199.105.233)

Posted by:

Jack

Subject: Robbie on Aretha

If you Google - Music from Big Pink at 50: Robbie Robertson on the Band's Debut and Basement Jams with Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson on The Band’s ‘Music From Big Pink’ at 50: ‘It Sounds Like The Band I Remember’ I think I counted maybe 5-6 Interviews Robbie has done on Big Pink over the last few weeks.


Entered at Sun Sep 2 21:21:21 CEST 2018 from (82.69.47.175)

Posted by:

Peter V

PSB, I was talking about Aretha Franklin.


Entered at Sun Sep 2 18:44:51 CEST 2018 from (63.142.158.9)

Posted by:

JQ

Subject: I Shall Be Released - vocals only, mostly

I know it’s a hoax but I like this mix too. I’m going from memory here, but in mid 90’s Band documentary did not JRR, at his board & demonstrating the different tracks, pot up the vocals only on this one? I don’t recall if he commented though.


Entered at Sun Sep 2 18:02:42 CEST 2018 from (71.162.205.110)

Posted by:

PSB

Subject: Robbie on Aretha

Peter V, Robbie's statement on Aretha doesn't mention "The Weight," so what are you talking about?


Entered at Sun Sep 2 09:29:28 CEST 2018 from (210.86.84.207)

Posted by:

Rod

Location: Definiitely not A cappella

A bit silly to suggest it was


Entered at Sat Sep 1 23:32:08 CEST 2018 from (92.54.175.179)

Posted by:

Peter V

Had he read the Aretha sleeve notes a few years ago? She never wanted to record The Weight!


Entered at Sat Sep 1 09:55:11 CEST 2018 from (104.236.47.176)

Posted by:

Jack

Subject: Robbie on Aretha

Oh my god, there are so many great singers in the world, but I don’t know anybody that was better than Aretha Franklin. I just don’t. Other people could sing louder and harder, but she had the texture. It isn’t just about range. She had the texture and the phrasing and the timing and the feel. Her sound was above and beyond anybody else’s. She didn’t yell, she didn’t squall, she didn’t shout. She sang from the heavens. I can remember the first time I ever heard her sing — it was before she was even on Atlantic Records — and thinking, “Wow! That’s right out of the church, and that’s as good as it gets.”


Entered at Sat Sep 1 03:38:04 CEST 2018 from (64.229.183.90)

Posted by:

Bill M

Just listened to the remix of "I Shall Be Released". I agree that calling it a capella is BS, but it sure is lovely nonetheless, especially the perfectly delivered closing line - "Any day now, any day now, I shall be released". It made me realise how prescient the choice to use 'shall' was in view of Richard's end. Also, did Richard do extended falsetto prior to meeting Tiny Tim in Woodstock?


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