From sweet and smooth classics, to new names, to old names with new music...the focus here, is to shine a little light on some damn fine music.

I'll find it. You can listen, review, or tell me I wouldn't know good music if it kicked me in the ass. I personally don't give a shit.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Talkin' EPIC Twisted MixTape

Well this was a most interesting day. I was privileged to interview one of Rolling Stone's 100 Top Guitarists, and Jen gave a yell for us to join in tonight's Tuesday Twisted MixTape Party. This week's theme is interesting: Epic Songs.

Songs that tell a story, have a beginning middle and end, are epic tales.

Now the first one that comes to mind, will probably come to a lot of people's mind: "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald." Next one that comes to mind is Billy Joel's story of Brenda and Eddie, "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant." Did I ever tell you when that song came out I knew a couple named Brenda and Eddie? Yeah, story for another day.

Another song that pops into my head is one that is truly a great one, so I'll start out with it. For lyrics, it doesn't get much more visual, and great melody and sing-along chorus. Just good songwriting. And, it tells the story of...

"The Boxer"


This is a wonderful live clip, though it ends a little short. But a great vocal and some real pretty guitar work. AND, it has a story... sad though it is. Mr. Robert Cray.

"Right Next Door"


One of Eric Burdon's musical influences was Bo Diddley. They never did meet face to face while Bo was alive, but Burdon attended his funeral. This is that story.

"Bo DiddleySpecial"


Bruce Springsteen has told many stories. One of his best needs no introduction, The title song from his fifth studio album, a song of the promise of a future and the loss of a dream.

"The River"


Final Selection for this week is another song loaded with imagery. And a great vocal. Melissa Etheridge.

"You Used To Love To Dance"


Go figure. The happiest song of the bunch is the one about a funeral. Welcome to my world.


My Skewed View
Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , ,

22 comments:

  1. LanceNovember 11, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    Oh excellent choices, esp The River. You know what would be fun...and weird, if we just pulled out all of our records/cds and put on headphones and listened to these songs for hours. Our sig others would commit us, right?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kat's TheoryNovember 11, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    I'm on the commitment list weekly. The only one that would annoy him would be The River. I could do hours... days. whatever. Thanks Lance.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Richard RumpleNovember 11, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    Really great choices. Melissa's was a true winner. She's always been one of those artists that you love, but sometimes don't think of right off the bat. Hadn't heard Eric Burden's tune. Another winner! As with the Robert Cray Band's! Damn it, my curiosity is going wild. Who did you interview today????? Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 11, 2013 at 9:55 PM

      Thanks Rich, all will be revealed soon enough. All I'll say is that he has been featured on my blog before.

      Delete
  4. Linda RoyNovember 11, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    The River and The Boxer are two brilliant story songs. Both with such depth and emotion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 11, 2013 at 9:56 PM

      They both make me tear up. Every. Damn. Time.
      Thanks Linda.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousNovember 11, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    Oh wow, the Robert Cray and Melissa Etheridge were a pleasant surprise! I need to dust off her CDs and start listening to her more. Love The River, I went with Bruce too, just a different one. Awesome list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 6:55 AM

      Robert Cray is just so smooth and a great storyteller. Melissa never disappoints. And Bruce has 20 at least from which to choose. Thanks so much.

      Delete
  6. JenKehl.comNovember 11, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    Can you believe I just logged out of my account and lost my comment?
    I wanted to say how much I love Robert Cray, I used him in an older mixtape and love the way he tells a story. I didn't know the Bo Diddley Special so thanks for that!
    I am so glad you got a chance to play and look forward to hearing about today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 6:58 AM

      The whole Burdon album Til Your River Runs Dry is worth a listen. There's only one weak song on the album and several are just fab. I'm glad I was able to jump in too. Thanks Jen.

      Delete
  7. clarkNovember 11, 2013 at 10:59 PM

    'The Boxer' one of the S&G songs that I will go out of my way to listen to! Has such a story feel to it, really a good pick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 6:59 AM

      Thanks Clark, yeah talk about a song standing the test of time. It's just wonderful writing.

      Delete
  8. Michelle LiewNovember 12, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    Great picks! The Simon/Garfunkel pair and Springsteen are great storytellers and would be the faves of this list, though the rest are awesome too. Thanks for sharing, Kat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 7:39 AM

      So glad you enjoyed Michelle, thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  9. KirNovember 12, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    well I love Bruce and his storytelling, I picked Thunder Road for my own mix. Also, I was going to add Amy Winehouse, "I Heard Love is Blind" because I just love her voice.


    and that Melissa song is brilliant. WOW. Thank you for that, I just downloaded it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 3:16 PM

      Bruce has just a treasure trove of songs from which to choose. Thunder Road is definitely top 5. Glad you enjoyed Melissa too.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousNovember 12, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    I can't get over my distaste for Bruce to appreciate The River. I don't know why, but I can't stomach him. The rest of the list is super duper though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 3:18 PM

      Well I hope you weren't feeling ill with Bruce, but for me it's just an incredibly well written song. I'm glad I made up for it with the rest. Thanks Mel

      Delete
  11. AnonymousNovember 12, 2013 at 12:43 PM

    I can't really comment right now. I have something in my eye ::sniffle:: that I need to get out, so I might be back later ::sniffle::.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kat's TheoryNovember 12, 2013 at 3:18 PM

      There's no crying in MixTape. HAAAAAAA. There so is.

      Delete
  12. ishmaelNovember 15, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Greetings from England....

    After playing the 'Monterey Pop' box set. it was great to read & hear Mr Burdon !! Nice to see Eric get a bit respect !!

    All the best !!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kat's TheoryNovember 15, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Monterey Pop, now that's some fine music right there. And Mr. Burdon definitely has earned the respect. You might enjoy reading my review of one of his shows I saw this year. http://ourvinyl.com/eric-burdon-highline-ballroom-nyc-concert-review/ It was great. Thanks for stopping by Ishmael.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)