It’s always sad to say goodbye, and this week it’s not only
the theme of Tuesday’s Twisted MIxTape, it’s also a for real goodbye, at least
for a while. Because she has finally come to her senses, Jen has decided to
take some time off from hosting this weekly blog hop. It’s the old adage of ‘be
careful what you wish for,’ because she built it and we all came. It’s time for
a break. So this is the last MixTape at her party for a while.
So, let’s say goodbye in good fashion. I didn’t want to
overthink this, just did a few songs that jumped into my head… and yes, that is
a strange place to be.
First up is a Dylan song, though I’m not featuring his
version but the more well-known cover by Joan Baez. I love the version by John
Mellencamp, but apparently it is not anywhere on the web. It is worth checking out on the Rough Harvest album.
“Farewell Angelina”
A very long time ago, there was a band called The Moody Blues. They created some of the most beautiful songs of their time, as well as albums that took you on a musical journey. And guess what, they're still around making good music. This is one of their earliest songs.
"Go Now"
An equally long time ago, an English duo by the name of Chad and Jeremy had several hits. This was one of those summer romance ending songs.
" A Summer Song"
I don't know why I thought of this song, but why not? It's beautiful, poignant, fits the theme and is by Steve Winwood. Good enough for me.
"My Love's Leaving"
And sadly now we say goodbye. Who better to say goodbye than... Groucho.
"I'll stay a week or two, I'll stay the summer through
But I am telling you, I must be going"
"Hello, I Must Be Going"
Sniff, sniff... thanks for the memories, Jen. It's been a blast. Hope to see you back in the fall.
I'm back. It's been a few weeks and I admit, I've been a rude guest. I've been really busy and I didn't even send back my RSVP to Jen at My Skewed View, that I wouldn't be hanging out at the MixTape party. But here I am, and I brought a hostess gift.
This weeks Twisted MixTape theme is cover songs. I.Love.Covers. Just really enjoy hearing one artist interpret another. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but tonight... all winners.
The first song was written in 1969 by American musician Steve Young. I first heard it covered by Rita Coolidge in 1970, but the best cover I've heard is the one with the five-part harmony.
The Eagles "Seven Bridges Road"
The Everly Brothers have had their songs covered endless times. One of the most interesting is this.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant "Gone, Gone, Gone"
I used this next song in one of my "Got It Covered" features, that sadly I haven't done in a while. My dear S-I-L the fab Ms. G turned me onto it, and without a doubt it's one of the best covers I've ever heard. Originally by Cheap Trick, it's hard to believe it's the same song.
The Holmes Brothers "I Want You To Want Me"
I cannot do this list without something from one of the greatest song interpreters, Joe Cocker. But which one to choose? "With A Little Help From My Friends," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Feelin' Alright," "Summer In The City," "Something," are all worthy choices. But I think I'll go with the girl who worked in fifteen clubs a day.
Joe Cocker "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window"
Now I just have to throw an old blues number in the mix, but which one. There are literally hundreds to choose from and I love them all. So, I think I'll pick a blues cover which helped me start to dig deeper into the genre. Originally by Big Mama Thornton, who does a great job herself, this is from Janis.
Janis Joplin "Ball And Chain"
My last selection is just incredible. Some of you may be aware of this video, it's gone viral. It's just two guys, on guitar and bass, sitting in a pizza joint singing one of the best covers. Check out the number of views. Top rock stars would die for those numbers. I actually had the pleasure of interviewing him, it will be posted over at Earth Hertz as soon as I get it finished. It's a great story even without the music. Anyway, this is just wonderful.
Mike Masse and Jeff Hall "Africa"
Covers... I got a million of 'em, but that's enough for tonight.
How you define one becomes the entirety of your relationship.
Trust, loyalty, and respect are
essential, but so are just “getting” each other. And there are times when we
all need one. Whether to make us laugh, share a good cry, go shopping with, or
just give each other the silent communication of the “eye” across a room, it’s
good to have one. So when the time comes when that person needs a pick-me-up,
you can do one of two things: Open a bottle of champagne, get shit-faced and laugh your ass off, or play them some
music.
Today, Jen of My Skewed View, has offered that theme for
this week’s Twisted MixTape.
First up, let’s look to Bob, because really… the man had an
answer for everything.
Bob Marley “Every Little Thing”
Going back a long way, you cannot help but feel better after hearing this song. It's just not possible.
Poco "Good Feeling To Know"
Sometimes, a little reflection is a good thing. "The morning sun is rising, it's kissing the day"
Journey "Wheel In The Sky"
You need me?
Sam & Dave "Hold On, I'm Coming"
I've actually sent this song to someone who needed it. I may have used it before on a MixTape too. Sue me, it's perfect.
Allman Brothers "Soulshine"
Feeling better? Good. I'll keep the champagne on ice... for the next time.
Mistakes. As Frank sang "I've made a few." Some are inconsequential, while some are life changing. Some come with regrets, some are just learning experiences. Mistakes, that is the theme of this week's Tuesday Twisted MixTape. Jen from MySkewedView is bringing in the New Year with some soul searching. So let's get started.
I think one of the earliest songs I remember of someone regretting something was from the Bee Gees. Before their disco days, they wrote a lot of songs which had strangely odd lyrics. Like the "New York Mining Disaster." Another song was one about a death row prisoner, a great song, but a little out there as far as subject matter.
"I've Gotta Get A Message To You"
"Got a wife and kids in Baltimore Jack, I went out for a ride and I never went back." Yeah, that might be a mistake. Bruce.
"Hungry Heart"
Then there's the mistake of having some illegal party favors in your hotel room. Oops. The Dead.
"Truckin"
Sometimes it's hard to tell if the mistake is in staying... or going. A beautiful song by Tim Buckley.
"I Must Have Been Blind"
And then there's the realization that you know you've made a mistake. Originally recorded by Tyrone Davis, I love the smooth essence that Boz Scaggs brings to it.
"Baby, Can I Change My Mind"
Though they might be about mistakes, there's not one on this list. Turn up the tunes and stay warm.
Oh sweet addiction. There are all kinds, I myself have a fierce one for chocolate, but this week we are talking about Love baby. As in addicted to your love. That is the theme for this week's Twisted MixTape from my pal Jen over at MySkewedView.
So many to chose from, virtually every genre has a ton of them. So I'll just pull one from here and there and back again. So here we go, a little addiction, a little obsession, and everyone goes home happy.
Starting out with a song which is really not in my regular go-to zone, but there's something about the desperation in it, well, that I like. Toni Braxton's hit.
"Unbreak My Heart"
One of Jersey's best, and one great showman. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are as tight a band as you can find, and so much fun live.
"I Played The Fool"
It seems Melissa Etheridge shows up often in my mixtapes, but really, how can you complain when she can write a song like this. Live, unplugged and intense.
"Like The Way I Do"
Oh yes, I'm going back to the 80s for a video that I must say I enjoy watching from time to time, and not only for the music. It's a song that fits the theme perfectly, and really if you have the chance how can you not showcase a song that has the line "and now the skyline wears a shroud, I hear your voice in every crowd." Survivor.
"I See You In Everyone"
Let's finish it up with the man. Smokey, with a little help from Sheryl Crow. It there anyone smoother than Smokey?
It's been a busy week for all of us I would think. Getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday, cooking, cleaning, writing. It's too much before stuff and too little during stuff. It's over before you know it, and then it's cleaning and cooking and getting ready for the rest of the holidays.
So before we all head into the turkey coma zone, one last party over at Jen's. The theme for this week's Tuesday Twisted MixTape is songs that can send you to jail. How damn tasty is that?
Time to start the party. How about lighting up?
Brewer and Shipley had a hit song about, well inhaling deeply. Funny story about this song, in fact I wrote a blog about it a while back. You can read it here "Toking with Lawerence Welk." So, inhale deeply and enjoy this and the rest of the tunes.
"One Toke Over The Line"
Let's segue from slowing things down to speeding things up with Foreigner. Who hasn't done it? At a red light, you look over at the car next to you, eyeball the other driver and go.
"Rev On The Red Line"
Bob Marley may have been guilty of being one toke over the line, and he may have shot the sheriff, but he swore he did not kill the deputy. How that defense stands up in a court of law is anybody's guess.
"I Shot The Sheriff"
Now you could easily pick a dozen Springsteen songs to fit this week's theme... we're talking Jersey here, but the one I chose is ominous and beautiful at the same time. I used the studio track because I couldn't find a live one where the lyrics are as clear.
"Meeting Across The River"
And to end it off, let's go to the most silly of reasons to be thrown in jail... littering. Yes friends, I'm on a roll with Arlo this week. Had the pleasure of seeing him live last week, you can read the review here "Arlo Guthrie: A Night of Songs and Stories." He was fabulous and what he did in his show was important. AND, it's Thanksgiving week and well, you know... Alice.
"Alice's Restaurant"
Noon on Thursday, tradition says you need to listen to Alice's Restaurant, but there's no rule that says you can't listen to it a little early. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Sleep. I haven't slept well decently in three days, and it's one of those nights where I will probably nod off in the middle of writing this post. Started doing what I should have writing earlier, and got to the point where to continue would take more brain power than I currently have on reserve.
So here I am ready to do another Tuesday Twisted MixTape for Miss Jen over at My Skewed View. I liked this week's theme: Cheating Songs. Yeah, time to get down and dirty. So let's not waste any more brain power, here are my picks for the week.
When all else fails, throw on a little Marvin Gaye.
"Heard It Through The Grapevine"
Second choice is quite probably a song based on reality. Way back before she was Mrs. Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa was just a singer in his rock & roll band. He was married (what was he thinking when he married a definitely-not Jersey girl) and she was there when his wife was not. So you do the math on where the inspiration for this song came from.
"Come Tomorrow"
Flat out call it what it is. Lying and cheating. The Eagles laid it all out there. Because I couldn't find a live video from back before Glen Frey looked like a banker, and I can't watch videos with him looking like a banker, so here's the studio track.
"Lying Eyes"
Dark and dirty. yeah. If the theme works, it's fair game to bring in some friends. From Survivor, calling it what it is.
"Backstreet Love Affair"
I think this is probably my favorite cheating song, though mostly because I love the guitar, the tempo, the vocal, the lyrics. "I know her love is true, but it's so damn easy making love to you." hell yeah, that's cheating. But it's so good. Bryan Adams...
"Run To You"
Now don't go doing anything.... oh hell, do whatever you want.
I am very, very tired. It's been a rough day, so I'm just going to jump into this weeks invite by Jen, for a Twisted MixTape. The challenge this week is to choose five songs outside your comfort zone, stuff from any genre which is not on your usual playlist. The original idea was five from the same genre, but that's not gonna happen tonight, so I'll mix it up.
Now I'm a rocker, don't think there's many of you who don't know that, but the blues always set me free. So I'll try to stay away from those two styles, but no promises. Like I said, I'm really tired.. and cranky, so zip it with the comments.
Let's start with Classical. Yeah, I said it. Now I don't know shit about Classical music for the most part, just a few pieces here and there. This piece is one I first heard a long time ago when "the other" would play it non-stop as he conducted an imaginary orchestra. Oh hell, we've all done it. It's been used for commercials, the Olympics, anytime you need a grand statement. The entire piece was derived from the poems of Benedictine monks in the 11th or 12th century. By the way, most of the poems were a little... erotic. Fun times. Written by Carl Orff, this is one piece of it, don't ask which piece, I'm to tired to go any further with it. Let's just say it's one of the better know sections of the composition.
Carmina Burana
Jazz, not my strong suit. But older Jazz I like. A little something from 1959. Miles Davis.
"So What"
A little country, not old country, but not new country either. Sometime during high school, I got into Kris Kristofferson. Then I got a bunch of my friends into him as well. That guy with the rough voice, who sounded like at age 30something, he had inhaled the fires of hell. Great lyrics and back in the day, not too hard on the eyes. From the album The Silver Tongue Devil and I, an album I may have played the grooves off...
"Lovin Her Was Easier"
Metal, or as far as I usually get into metal. Def Leppard. If they come on the radio, I won't turn them off, but I'm not playing them at home.
"Bringing On The Heartbreak"
Last up, a little country rock. It's fairly new, by an artist I interviewed this year, You can read it here on MusicStarUniverse.com. It's rocking, got some great licks, and is sexy as hell. From the album, The Road Ain't Long, Mr. Dee Rock.
Don't have a video, but take a listen to the audio.
Over at Jen's Twisted MixTape, we've gone through the decades and found songs which we feel define decades, or our lives in those decades. But what songs define you or your life? That is the question we need to answer this week. Whose idea is this anyway? Well, that would be Troy from As Long As I'm Singing, one fine writer and man of complex musical tastes. So that's how we got here. Now to look in the mirror and try to identify what, and who I am.
While it's not the first song I remember giving me the feeling of "Hell Yeah," I always recall thinking of this song when I needed a little boost of self-confidence.
"When I'm out in the street
I walk the way I wanna walk
When I'm out in the street
I talk the way I wanna talk"
That's Jersey attitude all the way and no surprise, it's the Boss.
"Out In The Street"
Pretty much for me, it's always been about the lyrics. One of the first songs I can remember actually trying to analyze what the words meant and the message the poet was trying to make was by Paul Simon. His songs would always speak to me. The man is brilliant. I think we knew that as soon as we first heard this.
"The Sounds of Silence"
When I was a young woman, things that are now taken for granted, were the changes we tried to achieve. We were making our own rules and learning about ourselves in the process. Hearing this song made me think of what was, and what could be. It was a coming of age anthem for me. Judy Collins had the hit, but I'll take the writers version for its purity. Joni Mitchell.
"Both Sides Now"
I grew up during a time of conflicts: Vietnam, Civil Rights, Women's Rights, it was a big pile of shit. Protest songs were everywhere and some damn fine ones at that. But the first song that made me think "well what the hell is really going on?" was this one by Buffalo Springfield.
"For What It's Worth"
I'm not a religious person, don't send emails. I know who I am, I believe in the greater good of people and in turn myself. That being said, I'm not a prayer. So I find it somewhat amusing that one of the songs that made a difference in my life is a psalm. Written by Pete Seeger, and taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the version by The Byrds was a huge hit. The song speaks of the balance of life... for everything there is a season.
"Turn, Turn, Turn"
Now I've used this song, ok, several times over the life of this blog. It all started with this song and to not include it here would be wrong. It is me. And Dobie Gray.
"And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I'm feelin' blue
The guitar's comin' through to soothe me
Thanks for the joy that you've given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You've helped me along
Makin' me strong
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away"
So that's what brought me here. Yeah, there were a few other twists and turns, but they only rounded out the edges. Or maybe not.
Chill music, slow jams.. why not? That's the theme of Jen's MixTape Tuesday playalong. I missed the free-for-all last week, combination of no time and too many possibilities. My mind was spinning just thinking about it. So when she slowed it down for this week, I figured I could jump back in.
Back in the day, yes way back in the day, whether you needed some good road trip music or just wanted to chill out, the band of choice was The Allman Brothers. Many years have come and gone, but that hasn't changed. So let's start this party with what I see as I look outside this morning.
"Blue Sky"
Jackson Browne is chill. Always love his imagery, and this song is no different.
"You Love The Thunder"
Going back to the day. So many evenings were spent at my friend MJ's place. Her and her sister occupied the three room attic of her parent's house, and her parent's never came upstairs. Can you say party time? There was lots of chillin' and lots of party favors of all sorts. This was one frequent tune on the turntable, yes turntable. Santana, from the Abraxas album.
Singing Winds, Crying Beasts"
While it might not be a slow jam, it is chill. Simon & Garfunkel, from the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, it's a song that always puts me in a better state of mind.
"Only Living Boy In New York"
Bringing it home for the last song. Definition of chill: Sam Cooke.
"Bring It On Home To Me"
As usual, a hell of a party Jen. The music can't be beat.
I was crazy busy last week and I missed the Twisted MixTape Tuesday which knocked off the 2000 decade. I wanted to finish off the years based theme mixtape, so I'll jump into the pool this week with a little something different. But first, I'm finally able to talk about the project I've been working on, and just why I've been so damn busy.
It starts with a guy... doesn't it always.
A few months ago, I saw a message on one of the group boards I follow on Linked-In. It was someone who was looking for a music blogger so I gave it a glance. Checked out his profile to see if it was the type of music I would be interested in writing about or be involved with. Well, he saw I checked out his profile, he checked out mine and got in touch. Long story short... he had a plan to do something very cool and I was offered an opportunity to be involved in it. Now I don't know about you, but these types of opportunities don't get offered to me very often.
His name is Robert Xeno and he has started a record company out of Nashville called Earth Hertz Records. But beyond the record company, he and his wife Eloa, have created a music streaming site which will offer downloads at various formats, from basic MP3s to top of the line audio. They also had they idea that artists should be fairly compensated for their music, without string attached or selling their souls. So they started the first Musician's Cooperative. This is really something special and it's just getting started.
The streaming site www.streambeam.us went live last week with a soft launch. The tech end of all of this is insanely complicated, so we are working out all the bugs and adding layers as we go. My part in this... well, a lot of writing, interviewing, liner notes and basically building the copy for everyone and everything involved. Needless to say it's been a little like cramming for a final exam. A whole lot needed to be done in a little time, and a whole lot still needs to be done. For me, this is a dream. To be involved with the music from start to finish, and be able to write about it... unbelievably fun. And not only do I have a title, I get to work with some very cool and interesting people.
So for the foreseeable future, I will continue to write in a hit or miss fashion as I get the other stuff under control. Thanks for hanging in guys, we will be having some good music to hear, so I'll let you know about that. Or check out our first few selections now. www.streambeam.us
Soooo, that's my story. Anyway onto Jen's party. Even though I really wanted back in this week, I didn't have a lot of time to spend on, well thinking long and hard about my choices for 2010-2013. I'm cheating just a bit. My list is not based on popularity of a song, or what it meant to the early part of this decade. This list is based on just some good music I found and wrote about either on my music blog, or Ourvinyl.com or MusicStarUniverse.com. So here we go.
There were a few good albums I reviewed, and some I've even had the pleasure of seeing the artist live. One of them is the latest album by Boz Scaggs, Memphis. This album is mostly covers of southern R&B from the 70s. The album is smooth and really well done. One of two songs on the album originally done by Mink Deville, this is just wonderful.
"Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl"
Second song is from Beth Hart's Bang Bang Boom Boom album. Beth Hart is hotter than hell right now and deservedly so. This album and the two she has done with guitar great Joe Bonamassa show that you can go home again. There aren't many blues voices like hers out there. Close your eyes and feel the raw emotion of this. If you can see her live, don't miss her.
"Caught Out In The Rain"
Eric Burdon released one hell of a record at the age of 71. Til Your River Runs Dry is as strong as it gets for a comeback album. And live, he still commands the stage. This is the opening track to the album.
"Water"
Steve Lukather is best known as the guitarist for Toto, but his solo work stands on its own very nicely. Especially his latest album Transition. Gone is the over-playing just because you can tendencies. Transition is down to basics and it one of the best of the year.
"Judgement Day"
Chances are if you're not Canadian, you haven't heard of The Trews. That's a shame because they are one hell of a rockin band. They've been around for like ten years, have opened for oh let's see, The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant and Bruce Springsteen, as well as headlining across the world. Last year they released Hope and Ruin, which is filled with catchy rock songs and sweet ballads. Again, if you get the chance, see them live.
"Misery Loves Company"
So that's it for the decades in the Twisted MixTape, and that's the deal with what I've been doing. Stay tuned guys, the fun is just starting.
