Mixed Tape Tuesday Goes 70s: Part 2

I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted on this blog. Right now I have too many irons in the fire, and unfortunately I haven't done a good job of finishing things. Hopefully, I will catch my breath sometime this next week. But today, I  find myself back at Part 2 of the 1970's for Twisted Mix Tape Tuesday over at Jen's place, My Skewed View.

Last week's choices for Part 1 were for the most part pretty mainstream, and this week there are a few hits thrown in as well. And maybe a few that weren't quite hits, but were memorable... at least to me.

One song from the 70's was a constant background theme for my senior year of high school. Don McLean wrote a song so epic, its lyrics are still being debated today. It was one of those great songs where a car full of  HS girls could sing at the top of their lungs, and laugh and enjoy every minute of it.

"American Pie"

In 1970 James Taylor released his second album, and it was the one which would change his career. To this day, how can you not smile when you hear "Goodnight you moonlight ladies, rockabye Sweet Baby James" Between the title song and "Fire and Rain," JT's music was everywhere. It was for me, one of those records that was played everyday. But besides those two great songs, the one which took me to another place began this way...

"Take to the highway won't you lend me your name

Your way and my way seem to be one and the same"

"Country Road"

Ok, this one I'm gonna cheat on. I only did one part of the 60's, so I'll bend the rules a bit for this entry. The song originally came out in the 60's true enough, but there was this film a documentary in fact which spawned an album. See where I'm going? The band was... The Band. The film was The Last Waltz and the song I need to put in is "The Weight" Why... because it deserves the designation of one of the most important songs of a decade. In this case, it could fit into several decades.

"The Weight"

Another one of those songs where you just had to sing along with was one with the strangest subject matter. But then again, that was how Warren Zevon wrote.

"I saw a werewolf drinkin' a pina colada at Trader Vic's

His hair was perfect"

"Werewolves of London"

In 1970 Eric Burdon and War released a song which was a little provocative for the time. A song that was played at every party where the wine was spilled and joints were passed. 

"Spill the Wine"

I'm going over the five song limit again this week. Sue me, I'm a rebel. I didn't get to Motown songs in the 60's and I will not make that mistake in the 70's. Soul and R&B were as much of the soundtrack to my life in those days as anything else. And choosing one artist as a template for the rest has given me a headache, choosing only one of his songs well... it's kind of making me nuts, but I'm having fun going through them.

As someone who musically has run the gamut, Stevie Wonder has shown his brilliance through his songwriting. In the 70's he had Talking Book, Innervisions, and Songs in the Key of Life, all with charting singles. I could have chosen a dozen, but the one I thought had the most influence for the time was "Living for the City." The equal rights movement had created laws, but it didn't change the hearts and minds of a lot of people. This song addressed inequality, prejudice and the ugliness of all that occurred. Stevie managed to get the point across beautifully.

"A boy is born in hard time Mississippi 

Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty 

His parents give him love and affection 

To keep him strong moving in the right direction 

Living just enough, just enough for the city."

"Living for the City"

I could go on and would love to, but it's time to end the trip through the 70's music scene. Thanks for having me over Jen.

Back In Jersey: Rockin' With Southside Johnny

The world of music lost a man of importance this week, with the passing of Levon Helm. It seems so many artist performing this week have remembered both the man and his musical legacy. Last night was no different.

The show was Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, with opening act The Trews.

I love opening acts. It's the best way to hear music you haven't heard before, without putting out cash and feeling pissed if they are not exactly what you hoped they would be. You always have the headliner waiting in the wings posed to give you your money's worth...so the opening act is like a little gift. Nice.

The Trews are out of Canada, have been around a while and they rock. The Trews ripped through their set, featuring songs like "Poor Brokenhearted Me", "Hope and Ruin" and "30 Days In The Hole." Giving a nod to Levon with a small lick of  "Up On Cripple Creek," it was a moment which really rang true with the audience of older rockers, who grew up on The Band and their musical influences. As a side note, Guitarist John-Angus MacDonald offers the story of his meeting Levon Helm on their website. A very nice tribute.

For this rocker, The Trews were thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely worth a look-see.

Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. It's been a while old friends, thank god you haven't changed.

"To a true musician" so said Johnny as he and the Jukes opened up the night respecting Levon Helm. "The Night They Dove Old Dixie Down" made the crowd realize this night would indeed be special. As the song ended, the house lights went on and Johnny had the crowd singing "na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na" till it was barely a whisper. One remarkable moment to remember.

Now time to rock, the Jukes went into "Brokedown Piece of Man".  Always the showman, Johnny kept the evening interesting, rockin' and a lot of fun. The joy he has in performing was evident throughout the night.

The Jukes, well they are as tight as ever. Mixing rock rhythms, add in some blues, it sometimes feels like a dixieland band. Great keys and vocals by Jeff Kazee gave depth to Johnny's singing. Pulling out a cover of the old Left Banke song "Walk Away Renee," we then got the story. Seems these Jersey shore boys always have a story to tell. As Johnny lamented that he didn't have a "pink cadillac like that other guy..he did have a harmonica in his glove compartment." Pulling out the world's smallest one, the sound he created on it could bring tears to your eyes.

A few of the highlights: "Love on the Wrong Side of Town," "Talk to Me," "I'll Play the Fool" and a sweet version of "Without Love" featuring five of the Jukes singing a wonderfully harmonic backup. The mellow sound of the horns and Johnny's interaction with each member of the band made this song special.  A Jersey favorite, everyone was happy to hear "The Fever" and the Jukes pulled out all the stops in playing it.

As Johnny talked again about Levon Helm, comparing him to the likes of Billy Holiday as a "real musician," the Jukes went into "The Weight." They were joined onstage by The Trews for what was one of those spellbinding moments you never want to end.


Leading the encore was "I Don't Want to Go Home"  followed by the song everyone wanted to hear "We're Having A Party", yeah we sure were. In another great surprise, The Jukes kicked it up even more by covering The Band's and Levon's "Ophelia"...very nice.

Last song of the night, a stripped down version of "Hearts of Stone" with only Johnny, Jeff Kazee and guitarist Glenn Alexander taking the stage. The vocals on this felt like they were ripped out of his soul. Spot on perfect.

Toward the end of the show, Johnny talked about being from Jersey and how nice it was to perform for a Jersey crowd.

Well Johnny, it sure as hell was nice having you play.

For the story of the early part of the evening, check out "A Night Of Music, But Wait...A Girl's Gotta Eat" on today's Kat's Theory of  Life blog.

.

Not Just A Member Of The Band: Levon Helm

Levon Helm was the man with the recognizable voice.

Born in Arkansas, his southern roots showed throughout his career. Starting out with the Ronnie Hawkins Band, Helm was most notably a member of The Band. With the ability to play several musical instruments, Levon Helm along with the other members of the band, would rotate between drums, guitar, mandolin, bass, banjo and harmonica.

The Band hit it big in 1968 with the album "Music from Big Pink." Included on Big Pink was one of their most famous songs "The Weight" along with Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." Their relationship with Dylan continued over the years both touring and recording together. After The Band broke up, Helm continued his career, playing solo and along with a host of different musicians. In his later years, at his home in Woodstock NY, Helm held musical get-togethers known as the Midnight Ramble. These rambles featured a never ending assortment of musicians and the shows were open to the public so funds could be raised for Helm's ever mounting medical bills.

Tastes for today include some of my favorites from The Band.

"This Wheel's On Fire" ...Helm on drums and backing vocals
"Ophelia"...Drums and lead vocals

"I see my light come shining
from the west unto the east
any day now, any day now
I Shall Be Released"

Easy journey Levon.

.