Knocking Off The 90s: Twisted MixTape

While I haven't had a lot of time for writing my blogs as of late, there's a good reason. The project I've been waiting to start is about to explode. It's about as an exciting opportunity as I've ever had in my life, and at the same time, it's overwhelming and scary. But good scary.

My input into this new venture won't be visible here on my blogs, so I'll try to keep them going as often as I can in the short run. In the long run everything should balance out, and hopefully things will get back to normal... or there may be a new normal. As soon as this project launches, I'll give you an update to explain where things are headed. But for today, I promised Jen I would deliver the second part of the Twisted Tuesday MixTape for the 90's for her blog hop. I'm using all live performances for his MixTape and they're really good. So let's do it.

Coming out of Pittsburgh in 1990, Rusted Root combines a staggering number of influences to produce one of music's most unique sounds. Truly one of the best groups of the decade, this song was a hit and was eventually used in a commercial... but don't hold that against them. This live performance captures everything that is special about them,

"Send Me On My Way"

Dear god do I love this next song. I've used it a few times already, and if I feel like it, I'll use it again. It has everything, great guitar, power vocal, a chorus which is one of the best EVER, and between Kenny Wayne and lead singer Noah Hunt, two of the more insanely hot men on the planet. Did I mention they were hot?

"Blue on Black"

I first saw Amanda Marshall when she opened up for John Mellencamp at Madison Square Garden. I fell in love with her voice from the moment she started to sing. Her self-titled debut album doesn't have a bad track and is still in my rotation. Deciding which song to choose wasn't easy.

"Last Exit to Eden"
I couldn't pull in a couple of the videos I wanted, so here's the link. Check it out, it's wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9XviS-PTHs


Rites of Passage by the Indigo Girls is another one of those special albums that never get retired for too long. While "Galileo" is my favorite song on it, I used that not too long ago when I picked the song for Lance's 100 Word Song Challenge.  Next best choice...

"Jonas and Ezekiel"
Again, couldn't pull in this video, but it's a great version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuEEIofUtVI

Not sure why I'm going with this last pick. It's not one which I owned or would search out, but I've always liked it and it was what seemed to be the last gasp for a heavy rock sound that wasn't metal. Lenny Kravitz and...

"Are You Gonna Go My Way"

Thanks for having me over again Jen, sorry I forgot the chips. Hope to make it to your place again next week.

The Voodoo That You Do...So Well

On May 2, 1968 Jimi Hendrix walked into the the Record Plant recording studio in New York City and laid down the tracks for "Voodoo Chile." This epic song would become part of Jimi's legacy known as the Electric Ladyland double album.

After a late night club scene, Hendrix and friends began recording at 7:30 in the morning. Among the friends that night were Steve Winwood (organ), Jack Casady (bass) and Mitch Mitchell (drums). On the first take, Jimi showed them what to do. A broken string interrupted the second take and the third time was the charm.

Over the years many musicians have tried their hand at the guitar licks by Hendrix. Today, we will taste a few of the best.


Listen up:

Stevie Ray Vaughn "Voodoo Chile" ...perhaps the best outside of Jimi
Kenny Wayne Shepherd "Voodoo Chile" ...nice, especially with Noah Hunt doing vocals
Zakk Wilde & Slash "Voodoo Chile"...double guitars...double the power...blowing it out...killer
Jimi Hendrix "Voodoo Chile"... live at Woodstock. uh huh.

Hot damn, that's some freakin' great guitar work right there.

Pick your favorite and leave a comment below.

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Colors Of The Day: Blue On Black

More proof of the great musical talent found in the south.  Louisiana guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has been ranked by Guitar World as the number three guitarist, right behind B.B and Clapton.  Nice company to hang with.  While the taste today was indeed a number one hit, it's just so damn good...why not.

This selected video is a bare-bones version of  "Blue on Black" with just Kenny and Noah Hunt playing guitar and Noah as usual singing lead. Pure, simple and perfect.

So smooth, so tasty.