Music Monday: May 13, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The world has officially been listening to The Rolling Stones for six decades. Their first album was released 60 years ago in April 1964. It included covers of songs written by Willie Dixon (“I Just Want to Make Love to You”), Buddy Holly (“Not Fade Away”) and Rufus Thomas (“Walking The Dog”), along with one track written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (“Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)”).

We are blessed to still have both of those men from the group’s original lineup. As for the others, drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones died in 1969 and bassist Bill Wyman retired in 1993.

When Jones placed an ad looking for musicians to form a band in 1962, he envisioned it to be one with a blues sound. But once the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership took off, the group’s songs shifted more towards rock music. That and some other problems amongst the three men in addition to personal issues Jones was allegedly having led to him being fired from the band a month before his death in July 1969. He was, however, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with his former bandmates in 1989.

But 25 years earlier, The Stones self-titled debut album introduced us to another band from England that shared their love of American music with us. And in 1964, nothing expressed that more than a cover of a Motown song, originally released in the fall of 1963 by my great musical love, Marvin Gaye. And The Stones answered the question asked in that song on the same album with the group effort, “Now I’ve Got a Witness”, which was credited to the band’s collective pseudonym of Nanker Phelge. Ladies & gentlemen, The Rolling Stones.

The Stones 1964 self-titled debut album (L-R): Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Mick Jagger. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones: “Can I Get A Witness” (1964, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland).

Stay safe & well.

6May2024

Music Monday: May 6, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today marks my dad’s 85th birth anniversary. This was one of his favorite songs. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in August 1975. It is from the album released the same year, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. Even now, our love for Elton John keeps us connected.

“It’s four o’clock in the morning
Damn it listen to me good
I’m sleeping with myself tonight
Saved in time
Thank God my music is still alive“.

captain_fantastic_and_the_brown_dirt_cowboy_lp_1

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Elton John: “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Stay safe & well.

29Apr2024

Music Monday: April 29, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

On January 16, 1964 a little club opened opened on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. Singer Johnny Rivers was the first performer at The Whisky a Go Go that night. Over the last 60 years hundreds of acts have followed including legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Guns ‘N’ Roses. Many of my great musical loves played there as well including Otis Redding, Elton John and The Doors. In fact, the latter were discovered there during their four month stint in 1966 and signed to a contract with Elektra Records.

Their self-titled debut album, released in January 1967, was an instant smash. It included a blues cover-Willie Dixon’s “Back Door Man”-along with original tracks like “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”, “The Crystal Ship” and the #1 hit, “Light My Fire”.

As much as I love this album, I tend to listen to the band’s subsequent ones more because of songs like “Roadhouse Blues”, “L.A. Woman” and “Hello, I Love You”. Then a random online poll asked for the best last track on an album. My usual answer is Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland”, a nine minute rock opera which is not only my favorite song of all time, it closed out the 1975 masterpiece, Born To Run.

But then I remembered the epic last track on The Doors first album. An unbelievably haunting, fearless, disturbing, brave and alarming saga set to music. Part song, part spoken word in a musical odyssey that takes us from the sublime (the music, Morrison’s incredibly rich baritone voice) to the shocking (an exploration of the Oedipal complex) while an incredibly mesmerizing guitar riff flows throughout bookmarked with intense drumming and a remarkable organ & Fender piano bass arrangement. It is an experience, not just a tune.

To have the courage to write and record a psychedelic song of this magnitude is unbelievable enough, but to put it on your first record is just as bad ass as it gets. And it made its debut at The Whisky in 1966. For eleven & a half minutes, the listener is paralyzed into a hypnotic haze inside Jim Morrison’s mind which in this case was not an easy place to go. But what a stunning ride it was and continues to be.

“Can you picture what will be?
So limitless and free
Desperately in need of some stranger’s hand
In a desperate land“.

Top: The Whisky A Go Go in 1966, the year The Doors were discovered there. Middle: The Doors circa 1966 (L-R): Jim Morrison, John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek). Bottom: The band circa 1970 (L-R): Krieger, Morrison (back), Densmore and Manzarek. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Doors: “The End” (1967, written by The Doors: John Densmore, Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison).

Stay safe & well.

22Apr2024

Music Monday: April 22, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

“When it’s time for leavin’ I hope you’ll understand”.

The world said goodbye to another Brother last week. Forrest Richard Betts, better known as Dickey Betts, died on April 18, 2024 at the age of 80. He was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and the one who took on the daunting task of moving the band forward after the death of its other extraordinary player, Duane Allman. Betts was one of the greatest soulful blues guitarists out there and was the writer behind such classics as “Ramblin’ Man”, “Blue Sky” and “Jessica”.

I know how blessed he was for spending eight decades on this earth and how lucky we were to have him, but this loss just cuts so incredibly deep. Gregg Allman and Betts’ voices were the two recognizable ones from that band and now they are both gone. Sigh. Yet, I can only imagine the endless jam that is taking place now that he is back with Duane, Berry, Butch and Gregg. Rest easy with all of them for all eternity, Dickey. Thank you for every note.

Dickey Betts circa 1995. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Youngbloods are best known for their 1967 peace & love anthem, “Get Together”. But for me, it is their third album, 1969’s Elephant Mountain, that has the best song of their career. It was written and sung by the group’s primary vocalist and songwriter, Jesse Colin Young,

The track has been covered over two dozen times, most notably by by Mott The Hoople on their 1972 album, Brain Capers and Robert Plant for his 2002 release, Dreamland. For as good as those versions are, there is a sense of urgency in the original that is unmatched even 55 years later due to its powerful vocal and incredibly intense guitar riffs. The track also features an evocative fiddle/violin arrangement by musician David Lindley and not Charlie Daniels, who produced the album.

“Darkness darkness long and lonesome
Ease the day that brings me pain
I have felt the edge of sadness
I have known the depth of fear“.

Top: Jesse Colin Young circa 1969. Middle: Young circa 2015. Bottom: The Youngbloods in 1967 (L-R): Jesse Colin Young, Jerry Corbitt, Joe Bauer and Lowell “Banana” Levinger. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band: “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” (1970, written by Dickey Betts).

The Youngbloods: ”Darkness, Darkness” (1969, written by Jesse Colin Young).

Stay safe & well.

15Apr2024

Music Monday: April 15, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

One of the most important albums of the 20th century has turned 60 years old. It is Bob Dylan’s third album and the title track became the anthem for the 1960’s.

His second album, 1963’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, gave us three now classic songs-“Blowin’ In The Wind”, “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”. His 1962 self-titled debut album contained traditional and cover songs along with his tribute to his hero, Woody Guthrie, in “Song To Woody”.

But it was album #3 in as many years that would deliver Dylan’s reflective ballad on an era of change. It was released in February 1964, a mere three months after the assassination of President Kennedy and foretold of the social upheaval which would follow later in the decade.

According to Dylan’s website, he first performed the song in October 1963 at a show at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Many sources indicate he wrote in the spirit of an Irish or Scottish ballad to give a voice to the civil rights movement and other social changes he saw developing from his perspective as a 22 year old folk singer.

There have been countless covers of the title track by Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone, amongst others. My favorite is by fellow American artist Richie Havens. But Dylan’s original is the one that remains the sound heard by a generation and a movement that changed the direction of our country. What an incredible legacy.

“The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast“.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Bob Dylan: “The Times They Are A-Changin‘” (1964, written by Bob Dylan).

Richie Havens: “The Times They Are A-Changin‘” (1987, written by Bob Dylan).

Stay safe & well.

8Apr2024

Music Monday: April 8, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Last month marked the 80th birth anniversary of singer & songwriter Townes Van Zandt who was born March 7, 1944 in Fort Worth, TX. He is another one of those somewhat obscure singer/songwriters who achieved cult hero status thanks to a handful of songs he wrote which are still revered today. He was featured on Day 356 of my Lockdown Countdown series. His life is definitely worth the read.

English singer & musician Mick Ralphs turned 80 last month. He was born March 31, 1944 in Herefordshire, England. While he is best known for his tenures in Mott The Hopple & Bad Company, it was with the latter group that Ralphs saw his greatest success. In addition to playing guitar and keyboards as well as providing backing vocals, he was one of the principal songwriters.

Ralphs composed three of the top songs from the band’s debut album, which was released 50 years ago in May 1974: “Can’t Get Enough”, “Ready For Love” (which initially appeared on Mott The Hoople’s 1972 album, All The Young Dudes), and “Movin’ On”. He co-wrote two other songs with Paul Rodgers, “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Seagull” . Together they also wrote “Feel Like Making Love” for the band’s sophomore release. My favorite of Ralphs’ sole compositions appears on the band’s third album, Run With The Pack, released in 1976.

Fifty years ago, Elton John had the #1 song in the country for one week. All of his songs are incredibly special to me, but the song that hit the top spot in the country on April 13, 1974 was the one that finally convinced my dad that John was not only the guy who once appeared on stage in a Donald Duck costume, but one of the most talented singer/songwriters/musicians in the world. Sharing a love for music is one of my most cherished memories of my father and the songs by John and poet extraordinaire Bernie Taupin are an enormous part of that bond. Thank you, kind sirs. All three of you.

Top: Townes Van Zandt circa 1977. Middle: Bad Company circa 1974: Boz Burrell, Mick Ralphs, Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. Bottom: Bernie Taupin (L) and Elton John (R) in the 1970’s with some of their gold albums. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Townes Van Zandt : “Pancho & Lefty” (Recorded in Oklahoma in 1978, from the 1993 album, Rear View Mirror. Originally released in 1972, written by Townes Van Zandt).

Bad Company: “Simple Man” (1976, written by Mick Ralphs).

Elton John: “Bennie And The Jets” (1973, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Stay safe & well.

1Apr2024

Music Monday: April 1, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today we celebrate a man I adore and love who I have worshipped nearly all of my life. And I miss him every time I breathe. Marvin Gaye was born 85 years ago on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. He began singing in church at just four years old. Later he joined a few high school vocal groups before he enlisted in the United States Air Force when he was 17.

The future “Prince of Soul” learned to play piano, drums and to write songs. He joined a few doo-wop groups before he ended up in Detroit at the start of the 1960’s just as Motown was being developed. After some time as a musician & backup singer, he had his first hit with “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow” in 1963. And for the next 10 years, he earned another nickname, “The Prince Of Motown”, thanks to a string of hits including three #1 songs, several duets and a thought-provoking seminal album, “What’s Going On”, in 1971.

A decade later, he had a #3 smash with “Sexual Healing” which earned him his first Grammy Awards. But despite his career resurgence, Gaye’s life ended exactly 40 years ago when he was killed on April 1, 1984. He was not only one of the greatest voices ever in music history but one of the most prolific to come out of the Motor City. He spoke his conscience through his songs as well which provided the label with some social awareness and perspective.

In honor of this beautiful extraordinary man’s life, I am sharing my top three favorite tracks of his. Two are solo songs and the other is my favorite duet of his with Tammi Terrell, Gaye’s dear friend whom he recorded a majority of duets with before she died from a brain tumor on March 16, 1970 at age 24. If you believe in heaven, you have your own version of what it looks and sounds like. For me, I envision these two incredible souls singing together in harmony and happiness for all of eternity. And I have a front row seat.

Thank you for your heart, soul & voice, Marvin. You are still missed and beloved every moment of every day. Sending love & peace to you always.

Top: Marvin Gaye in the early 1960’s. Middle: Marvin Gaye circa 1971. Bottom: Tammi Terrell and Gaye circa 1967. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Marvin Gaye: “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” (1967, written by Johnny Bristol, Vernon Bullock and Harvey Fuqua).

Marvin Gaye: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (1968, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Marvin Gaye: “That’s The Way Love Is” (1969, written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield).

Stay safe & well.

25Mar2024

Music Monday: March 25, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Lately I have been drowning myself in John Lennon’s songs from his years with The Beatles. With each album he became more and more eloquent about what was on his mind. And it was deep, beautiful & thought-provoking. Sometimes I think today’s pick from The White Album does not get enough recognition for being the exceptional track it is. And the message it sends is an uplifting one delivered in Lennon’s succinct yet effective manner. What a way to make the listener feel nothing but love and acceptance. Thank you, John.

“The sun is up
The sky is blue
It’s beautiful
And so are you“.

The Fab Four’s extra gift to fans who bought The White Album-individual pictures of the band (L-R): George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Beatles: “Dear Prudence” (1968, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

Stay safe & well.

18Mar2024

Music Monday: March 18, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Thirty years ago-March 21, 1994-Bruce Springsteen won the Oscar for Best Original Song for the track he wrote for the film, “Philadelphia”. The Boss was already a megastar, thanks to the massive success of his album, “Born In The U.S.A.” ten years earlier. And that blockbuster came 11 years after the release of his debut album in 1973.

As Springsteen noted in his acceptance speech, it was the first time he wrote a song for a movie. And he hit it out of the park. Just like a Boss. You can watch his performance from the 66th Academy Awards and hear his acceptance speech here. Watching it all these years later, and knowing how much The Boss regretted not having The E Street Band inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame with him in 1999, I would say they are the only thing missing in this clip.

Speaking of that career honor, which came during the 14th annual induction ceremony on March 15, 1999 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, it was U2 frontman Bono who was given the privilege to usher Springsteen into the Rock Hall. With speech highlights that included gems like-‘”Bruce took us from Haight-Ashbury to Asbury Park” and “He’s not The Boss-he works for us!”, Bono expressed what all Springsteen fans feel-that he is singing only for us. And for that, we are most grateful.

Top: Bruce Springsteen on Oscar night in March 1994. Bottom: Bruce (L) and Steven Van Zandt (R) during The Boss’s performance following his induction in 1999. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Streets Of Philadelphia” (1993, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” (Live performance at the R&R HOF induction ceremony, March 1994. Originally recorded in 1975. Written by Bruce Springsteen).

Stay safe & well.

11Mar2024

Music Monday: March 11, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Ten years ago I was in the throes of a serious “Parenthood” addiction. The Braverman’s had become my family and those weekly episodes were like having my own seat at their dinner table. I was home.

The music only added to my love of this show and in S5 E13-“Jump Ball”-it helped me get reacquainted with The Cowboy Junkies. They rose to prominence in 1988 with the release of The Trinity Session, which featured their unique acoustic driven covers-including The Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane”-along with a few traditional standards and original tracks. Led by the haunting and impressive vocals of Margot Timmins combined with the musicianship of her brothers Michael and Peter along with family friend, Alan Anton, gave the group a sound that is hard to duplicate.

The song featured in the TV episode was written by English-Canadian singer & songwriter David Wiffen. It was included on his 1971 self titled debut album but a year earlier, it appeared on folk singer Tom Rush’s eponymous record. Most of the cover versions I have heard follow his interpretation. The Cowboy Junkies did and it is on their 1996 release, Studio: Selected Studio Recordings 1986–1995.

About four years ago, I found another cover of today’s pick thanks to Anthony Mason’s CBS This Morning musical profile of The Black Crowes from March 2020. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson have covered this track a lot over the years, both together and with separate musical projects like The Chris Robinson Brotherhood which featured it on their 2015 album, Betty’s Blend Vol. 2: Best From The West. But my favorite version is a 2009 live performance that gives this incredibly rich and provoking tune such great depth along with an absolutely gorgeous guitar arrangement. The title varies depending on what source is used as a reference, but this is a one of a kind song if ever there was one. And I love it.

“You can’t say much in a phone call
You know how it is
I have to tell you one sure thing
Won’t you listen to this
I want to tell you that I love you
I want to tell you just how I feel“.

Top: The Cowboy Junkies circa 2023. Bottom: The Robinson Brothers of The Black Crowes circa 2019: Rich (L) and Chris (R). (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Cowboy Junkies: “Lost My Driving Wheel” (1996, written by David Wiffen).

The Black Crowes: “Driving Wheel” (2009 live performance. Written by David Wiffen).

Stay safe & well.

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