GMVW # 59: "I Got It"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 59:  I Got It

Song: You Got It by Roy Orbison

(Songwriters: Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty)

February 19, 2009

Last week I asked for suggestions to broaden my music-listening horizons. In bygone days, I was always trying to pick up on cues from friends, music reviewers, and DJ’s regarding their favorite musicians. Often the tips were eye-opening, and yet a recommendation did not always result in enlightenment, even for the most respected acts. In many cases, there eventually came a time when I had to accept the fact that I was not going to ‘get it’:  The brilliant guitarist, singer, or song-writer was just not going to connect with me.  It happens to everyone, and most of the time when coming to this conclusion, it sticks.

Occasionally, though, a musician breaks through the barrier:  After years of indifference, you may come to see what all the fuss is about.  For example, I’ve had delayed reaction to Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing (actually, I’m still working on this), Michael McDonald’s vocals and Joni Mitchell’s songwriting skills.  This was also the case with Roy Orbison’s musical talent, but in this particular oversight I was not alone.  Roy Orbison was flying under the radar for years, even decades, before his career was resurrected with the Traveling Wilburys in the late 80’s. During this period, it seemed musicians were coming out of the woodwork to recognize his influence, including Dylan, Springsteen, and Elvis Costello.  Their sense of timing was amazing, considering he died not soon after, in December, 1988.

In terms of being enlightened by Roy Orbison’s talents, I can trace to the one moment which put my seemingly irreconcilable differences to rest.

The story actually starts with a regretful weekend evening in the winter of 1988, when Mac and I were sitting around in my Waltham home trying to think of something to do.  At times like this, we usually turned to the music venues for guidance, and on this night, Orbison was to play a show at the old Channel in South Boston.  We contemplated going for a good few hours, having never been to one of his shows, but ultimately decided the ticket prices too high for what we could afford at the time (not much).  The show got rave reviews.  Several weeks later, Orbison was dead, after suffering a heart attack.  We had missed out on a golden opportunity to say the least.

A few months later, a concert in memory of Roy Orbison was announced to be held at the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood.  I was an avid listener of WBCN (104.1) at the time, and the station was hosting drawings at selected record stores around Boston for an all-expenses paid trip for two to the show.  With the memory of missing the Channel show still lingering, Nancy and I made the drive up to Tweeter Etc. on

Moody Street

in Waltham and entered our names (an added motivation was Pete Townshend being billed as one of the headliners, and Townshend solo was a rare treat in those days).

I was not expecting much.  When it comes to luck in winning awards, drawings, lotteries, whatever, I’ve never had it.  This includes trophies.  Back in the day when most of us were playing sports as kids, trophies were only given to MVP types and 1st place teams.  I was never associated with either, and so my mantle remained empty through childhood.  There were 2 minor exceptions.  The first was a cub-scout pinewood derby race trophy which was awarded to me and then rescinded after the judges discovered my wooden car laced with a titanium-like substance.  The second was given to me at my bachelor party by my brothers and friends who were apparently sympathetic to my empty trophy case.  I opened the gift and observed the glimmering prize with glee.  I then read the inscription: “Eat Shit”.

Ok, so I’m not one for hitting the jackpot.  This made it all the more astonishing when it was announced on WBCN that I had won the trip.  By the time Nancy and I went to the radio station to pick up our package deal, the list of performers for the show had grown to include: Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, Emmylou Harris, John Lee Hooker, John Fogerty, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak, Iggy Pop, John Hiatt, Dwight Yoakam, The Stray Cats, Michael McDonald, and a reunion of the Byrds (Townshend was out though, for reasons unexplained; he would end up doing a video podcast). 

The package deal started with a tour of Universal Studios.  After the tour, we loaded on a bus with other nation-wide winners to take us to the show.  The bus passed through a check point, and dropped us off in front of a giant backstage tent.  Upon entering we were given a bag of memorabilia, which included commemorative jackets.  The tent was filled with many of the performers playing that evening.  While we hobnobbed with several of The Stray Cats, everyone was asked to turn their attention to a man with a paint brush standing in front of a blank canvas.  While the music of Roy Orbison’s ‘You Got It’ (this week’s Gem) blared in the background, the artist began to speed-paint Orbison’s features onto the canvas.  Something about it captured my imagination and opened my eyes to the brilliant music of that gentle man.  The barrier was broken, just in time for the show.

The show itself was great.  We were ushered to 2nd row seats and one act after another rolled out and gave top-notch performances of Roy Orbison songs.  The Byrds (including Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, and David Crosby) also played a set of their own songs.  The only bad vibes were when Dylan stared me down from the stage after I took his picture.  Yow! 

The show was being filmed all around us, and is still available on dvd (“A Tribute To Roy Orbison”) at many video stores.  At one time the camera stops on Nancy and I cheering in the 2nd row…. our 3 seconds of fame.

Below the Gem Video are several performances of Roy Orbison covers done that evening.

Gem Video: Roy Orbison “You Got It”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e3Wu8lP0WE

John Hiatt “You Got It”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C-U54y4WfM

John Fogerty singing “Ooby Dooby”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A87FY1I1TTU

Levon Helm “Mean Woman Blues”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUw-_dxn_Q0

Chris Isaak “Leah”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77H34A8_LvA

___________________________________

About the Video: Made For MTV original video

Video Rating: 1

_________________________________

Best Feedback: Tom

Awesome write-up Pete - his Pretty Woman is one of those twenty-odd jingles that still come to my head quite often, finding myself singing it under my breath even at work doing mundane tasks, etc. (helps keep one a bit sane still, I 'spose)

Tom

GMVW # 58: "In Search Of"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 58:  In Search Of

Song: Way Down Now by World Party

(Songwriter: Karl Wllinger)

February 12, 2009

It’s a grand thing, discovering quality music from a new band/musician, or one who has been around a while and whose music you’ve always wanted to dive into beyond the surface, but for one reason or other never got around to it.  If it is someone who is already established, the next big step is to pick the right album.  Often, it takes a bit of research, in part because a hit song is not always the best indicator of a strong album.   Most of the time, you need a good tip from someone in the know.

This week, I’m looking for that tip.  Below is a list of musicians I’ve had interest in, but I have not yet seized the moment.  I’m hoping for a compelling argument within the next month for purchasing an album of a musician on the list.  I will consider any feedback and weigh out a choice based on power of persuasion (no need to be verbose).  I will then make a purchase, listen intently, and do a future write up with an attached Gem.  If there are none on the below list whom you can make a case for, I will contemplate another suggestion.  My only criteria are that: 1) I’m not already a fan (if you email me a suggestion, I will let you know); 2) the album is an original studio album (not a greatest hits/compilation); and 3) I can bear the thought of giving it a go.  The best bets though, are albums from the following:

Ø             Tom Waits

Ø             Leon Russell

Ø             Graham Parker

Ø             Billie Holiday

Ø             Hank Williams (Sr.)

Ø             Waylon Jennings

Ø             Link Wray

Ø             The English Beat

Ø             Jolie Holland

Ø             Ray Charles

Ø             Gram Parsons

Ø             Leon Redbone

Ø             Mozart

Ø             The Small  Faces

Ø             Muddy Waters

Ø             Woody Guthrie

Ø             Anyone who released their first album in the last 5 years

While on the subject of being introduced to new music, I want to thank cousin, Tom, who has been tossing me a few bones over the past year, including songs by newer acts like Spoon and The Kaiser Chiefs (it helps that he has a son who plays a mean guitar).  Below this week’s Gem are some of the videos he has sent my way, which go to show that there’s still innovative music brewing out there.

Oh yeah, this week’s Gem….

What got me to think of this week’s theme was a hot-off-the-presses album purchase I made back in 1990 by the then emerging band, World Party.  The lead singer songwriter, Karl Wallinger, broke off from The Waterboys in 1986 to form World Party. The song “Way Down Now” was a favorite of mine off that 2nd World Party album (“Goodbye Jumbo”) and qualifies here as Gem # 58.

Thanks ahead if you have a suggestion.  Here are the prompts for the 3 part response:

Musician:

Album:

Comments:

- Pete…and Peter (hovering over my shoulder) who says ‘Hi’

Gem Video ‘Way Down Now’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD4cGH44Ngc

Snow Patrol ‘Take Back the City’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDGzB82bIZc

Spoon ‘Don’t You Evah’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPdP1jBfxzo

Kaiser Chief’s ‘Never Miss A Beat’

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz40P1hFvWs

Vampire Weekend ‘Oxford Comma’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_i1xk07o4g

The Killers ‘Human’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvVOoCKjonY

_________________________

About the Video: Rare made-for-MTV type video

Video Rating: 1 (unless there is a great live version out there)

__________________________

Feedback: Jeff

holyshit PETE!!! well there are a few on that list I couldn't do without,

gram, WoodyG, and Billie Holiday to begin with.  I played a lot of Billie in that window room next to you at the Marlboro office.  Lately I have been seeding several bittorrents (filesharing) of Ribbon of Highway shows I recorded.  These are shows where several singer-singwriters play Woody songs.  Some include Sarah Lee Guthrie and her husband  Johnnie Irion, most include Jimmy LaFave , also Eliza Gilkyson, Ellis Paul, and others,  All great musicians in their own write.

I can make you a copy of the Gram GP/Grevious Angel compilation, some of the Ribbon of Highway stuff, and a recent Gandalf Murphy recording. I've been hesitant to suggest youtube links for Gandalf, because you really have to see them live, or at least listen to a whole recording, to get the idea.  I have a number of decent Chris Hillman live shows where he invariably does some of the songs he wrote with Gram, and songs they did in the Byrds.

______________

Also: John

I don't know if you like country music, but I respectfully suggest "Hillbilly Deluxe" by Dwight Yokam.  It's almost 20 years old by now, but every song on the album is a good one, he is backed by a talented band of guitarists and percussionists, and he sings with a relaxed, even lazy measure, but still very tight and precise, with that distinctive Nashville sound (although the album was recorded in Los Angeles) long after the Nashville sound had been abandoned by most country artists.  Every song is about a part of America that is gone, probably forever, and you'll no doubt wax nostalgic. 

It’s good driving music on long rides, and you will find yourself singing along. 

If you have seen the movie "Wedding Crashers", he plays the husband in the hilarious opening scene, where he is trying to mediate a divorce settlement with his wife, played by the looking better than ever Rebecca De Mornay.  In a fit of rage, she calls him a "hillbilly", an irony not lost on this old timer.

Regards,

_____________________________

And: Pat Shea

Hey Pete

I haven't checked my email for a week or so otherwise you would have gotten this message immediately.  I like to think I am partly responsible for you having placed Tom Waits at the top of this list. And if I'm not solely responsible then my job to convince you of your need to listen to this man will be that much easier. I first came across his music when I was watching a movie called Smoke. Oddball movie - just my thing and great soundtrack with one song called Innocent When You Dream. I went out and bought the album, Beautiful Maladies: The Island Years. It starts with one of his best, Hang On St Christopher, through Clap Hands and the Black Rider, more classics, to a spoken word story, Frank's Wild Years and the surreal lyrics of Shore Leave (The captain is a one-armed dwarf, He's throwing dice along the wharf). Closing with I Don't Wanna Grow Up, an upbeat lament on the desire for non-conformism, and Time, one of the best (as I see it) bar closing songs ever.  My nephew had the pleasure of seeing Tom Waits live twice this past summer.  He flew from New Brunswick to Houston solely for this purpose, then drove to St. Louis for the next concert the very next night. He would do it again in a minute given the opportunity.  This is a great album to start with, you will either be hooked for life, (my expectation) or you will think "what is this shit" (what my kids think of him). Try it Pete, he will not disappoint.

________________________________

And: Steve

Hi Pete;

I've been thinking about your list of albums that you wanted to tackle or if someone could come up with something worth listening to. I've been pretty mainstream over the years on music. You introduced me to The Who and the Stones which really opened my eyes to how music is made and the personalities behind the artists. I remember you, me and Maria sitting in your little room smoking funny things and you telling us Kieth Moon party stories while we listened to Who's Next or Who Are You albums. Good times my friend, good times!

There have been lots of albums to cross my path since then but none compare to staying up all night playing Risk and listening to The Tragically Hip - Fully Completely over and over! The Best Canadian Rock Band Ever! They have over 10 albums out but I still like this one the best for overall quality and sing along ability. It came out is 1992. Ever listen to it? If not - buy it - listen to it twice and you'll be hooked.

________________________________

Also: There were several other recommendations that should play out in the upcoming Gems.

GMVW # 57: "Rust Free"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 57:  Rust Free

Song: Not Fade Away by Buddy Holly

Covered Here By: The Greatful Dead

(Songwriter: Buddy Holly)

February 5, 2009

Not many have tried to define rock ‘n’ roll.  Pete Townshend has, though.  His definition:

“If it screams for truth rather than help, if it commits itself with a courage it can’t be sure it really has, if it stands up and admits something is wrong but doesn’t insist on blood then it’s rock ‘n’ roll.”

He doesn’t touch on the fact that rock ‘n’ roll is actually music, but not bad.  It certainly states much of what I search for when I listen. 

So, if there is a definition for rock ‘n’ roll, is there also a defining song, a song that takes Townshend’s words and makes them real?  Putting aside the definition for a moment, if the sole criteria were “What rock song is covered by more bands than any other?” then I believe there is a clear winner: Buddy Holly’s ‘Not Fade Away’.  What makes this song so popular for so many rock musicians to play live?  Well, I think it connects on a number of levels.  For one, it was written by a founding rocker who had his heart in the right place.  It also has a simple signature riff that many fledging guitarists learned how to play early on.   Most importantly though, the song can be interpreted in a number of powerful ways: A straight-up unabashed love song that hits home with a bulls-eye message; a way to approach life in general; a statement for rock itself.  With any of these meanings, Townshend’s definition is covered. 

It’ been 50 years since the day ‘the music died’, when the single engine plane Buddy Holly was flying in crashed in a frozen field in rural Iowa.  For a guy who died at the age of 27, he left quite a legacy, (even with just with this song alone).

I’ve seen ‘Not Fade Away’ covered admirably by many bands over the years.  There was one band, however, that captured the spirit of the song better than all others: The Grateful Dead.  They would often play it near the end of their shows, and when they the hit the phrase “I’m gonna tell you how it’s going to be!” or “My love is bigger than a Cadillac!” the vocals would reverberate through the concert hall and the stage lighting would illuminate the crowd. 

Near the end of the song, the band would stop the music (and sometimes leave the stage), letting the crowd repeat the mantra ‘Not Fade Away’ for a good 5 minutes or so before picking up the beat again with their instruments.  

This week’s Gem is a Grateful Dead version of ‘Not Fade Away’ from a late-80’s show.  They are clearly having a great time, and the camera work is right on, rotating between all 6 band members.  Following the Dead’s version are a number of other versions covered by well know acts. 

Many surviving rockers have taken the concept of ‘Not Fade Away’ to heart, now touring well into their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  Back in rock ‘n’ roll’s early days, many thought the music to be a young man’s game.  What we have witnessed, however, is that this is not necessarily true.  Neil Young is still up on stage singing ‘It’s better to burn-out than it is to rust’.  Bob Dylan continues his ‘Never Ending Tour’.  The Who have overcome the loss of another founding member and carry on. The Stones somehow keep going.  The list goes on: The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Chrissie Hynde, Elvis Costello, Cream, Roger Waters, Ray Davies.  These acts refuse to go quietly into the night, and rarely do they disappoint. In some ways, the tours are even more impressive than earlier ones because they inspire staying power, and when I catch one now, I can faintly hear a constant echo in the background.  I believe I’ve pieced it together and it goes something like this:

 “Not Fade Away! Not Fade Away!”

- Pete

Gem Music Vide of the Week

The Grateful Dead “Not Fade Away”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7sNSduf7Gc

 The Byrds “Not Fade Away”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxbK--SAtOc

The Rolling Stones “Not Fade Away”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ8xM83fMhU&feature=related

Tom Petty “Not Fade Away”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0wVtFY7ojo

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band “Not Fade Away”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnUVfdpDXQ0

Bob Dylan “Not Fade Away”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YolXKDjtCo

______________________________________

About the Video: The Greatful Dead performing Not Fade Away in the Late 80’s…. Brent Midland on piano/organ

Video Rating: 1.5 (Good, but there could possibly be a better clip out there considering how often the Dead have performed this song)

_____________________________________

Best Feedback: Joe

Pete - good message...I think Mom and Dad live that message every day....happy birthday to Momzo today.

Joe

GMVW # 56: "White or Rye?"

Gem Music Video of the Week # 56:  White or Rye?

Song: My Old School by Steely Dan

(Songwriter: Donald Fagen)

January 29, 2009

I’m willing to bet everyone has strong memories of when they broke off on their own for the first time.  It can be quite a transition.  For me, that moment was when I left the confines of

17 Park Road

and Franklin for North Adams State College and the Berkshires in the late summer of 1980.  The independence that came with being on my own was tricky to deal with on a number of levels.  One was rebellion.  Having since read the books ‘Catcher in the Rye’ and ‘A Separate Peace’, I can relate to the storylines and the characters.  The remnants of 60’s and 70’s ideals were still alive and kicking.  There was ambivalence in the air, directed at society’s expectations:  Why am I here? Where is this taking me?  Why shouldn’t I try something completely different?  Is there a better way forward?  Lucky for me, Mom and Dad were great role models.  They showed me that you can strive for achievement in a not-so-self-centered way (which was a big issue for teenagers in those days) and still make a connection with the mainstream.  A number of kids I knew in North Adams were not so lucky.  They rebelled against just about everything. 

It’s easy to point at drugs, alcohol, and sloth as the reason why many students ‘dropped out’ in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but often there was an element of disappointment in what lay ahead that many kids struggled with (which critics can often overlook).  It was a big hurdle to clear.  John Lennon expressed it best in the song ‘Working Class Hero’ (covered by Green Day in Gem # 18).  Lyrics like those (easily found with a Google search) can resonate with an open-minded kid weighing out his/her options.  Next thing you know, a roommate could be mid-semester AWOL, off forming a band, joining the Hari Krishnas, building a log cabin in the forest, starting a republic on a South Pacific Island, training for a triathlon, following a girlfriend to Mexico (a hint at this week’s Gem), or….they would trudge off to class and make the best of it. In spurts, that’s what I did, but the path to ‘enlightenment’ was never a straight one.  I often confronted my inner Holden Caulfield (Catcher in the Rye) self.  One memory is detailed at the bottom of this email.

This week’s Gem, ‘My Old School’ by Steely Dan, does a great job capturing the open mind of a kid on his/her own in a college atmosphere. The Gem video is an early version of the song, with the inimitable Donald Fagen singing the lead.  The second link is a more recent live version (I believe Jen and Dale saw this tour).  Finally, since the subject is Steely Dan, I can’t close without my pick for most creative album title of all time: ‘Katy Lied’ (with a katydid immerging from fog on the cover).

There have been many a rebels in my life, starting with Dad:  Here’s a toast to all.

- Pete

“ It was still September

When your daddy was quite surprised

To find you with the working girls

In the county jail ”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj9Rs56u8YY&feature=PlayList&p=583FB1B38A6F4CCF&p

laynext=1&index=4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN30zTpozRw

A Holden Caulfield-like memory:

Mac and I made the trek to Ottawa in late winter, 1983, to reconnect with the Carleton University crowd (where I spent the previous year) for a long weekend.  I hitchhiked from North Adams up Rte 7 in western Vermont and met up with Mac in Burlington.  The two of us then continued the hitching to Montreal (a story in itself) where Bob, having appreciated our effort, graciously drove the 2 hours from Ottawa to pick us up.  After a great weekend, we took a bus back to Montreal, where we planned to take another bus to Burlington.  When we arrived in Montreal, however, we had a change of heart.  The decision to stay put was at least partially due to the outrageous cost of the bus tickets to Burlington, but was also likely driven by not wanting to miss an opportunity to take in the Montreal night life.  We had no bank/credit cards and just enough cash for a few beers.  Finding a place to stay?  How to get out of the city the next day?  We would figure all that out later. 

We helped close down

Wellington Street

, and when we walked out of the last pub of the night, it was pouring out.  A local YMCA proved impossible to get into.  After roaming the streets for a while, we came up with a thought:  McGill University.  A TV lounge, perhaps?  Sure enough, we found a dorm, but the door was locked.  Somehow we were able to get in (Mac may have to help here…I remember a security guard, a student, a shrub and a skunk, not necessarily in that order).  We then made a B-line for the lounge, where we angled the couches to face the opposite wall.  This was to prove insightful… before falling asleep, I watched as a night-patrol flashlight scan of the room passed overhead.  The next day we slipped out of the dorm, split a breakfast, and spent the remainder of our cash on a subway ride over the St. Lawrence River, where a highway awaited our thumbs pointed south.

_________________________________________________

About the Video: Steely Dan made for TV version some time not long after the release of the album.  Fagan is to the right of the rest of the band on piano.

Video Rating: 1.5 (Good but could possibly be a bit better)

________________________________

Best Feedback: Jack

Hi Pete:

Good to hear from you.  Incidentally, your tale of going to Canada and hitchhiking through Vermont was quite intriguing! :-)  Didn't know Steely Dan was in your repertoire!  A very good and eclectic taste in music! :-)