Middle Aged Dummies - Artist - Round 3 - #1's have been posted! (2 Viewers)

[Yambag]

23's PLAYLIST

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Yambag

Holy Rollers - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. www.youtube.com

NOT ON SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Another unreleased song from the Circus, but always a crowd favorite.

A bit more on the history of the band, here is Tink on how the band’s first big break: "We got to meet Garth Hudson (from The Band) from this guy who had booked a radio show. He said, “Hey, why don't you play this “Best Unsigned Band” thing here in Poughkeepsie?” We walked in with my little toy accordion, Joziah’s acoustic guitar, and our drummer, just the three of us. They gave us a corner on the stage to play, and it was like, “What the hell is this?” But we started playing, and John Regan, who was the bassist for Peter Frampton and other rock luminaries was one of the judges. He started weeping. So did John Platania, Van Morrison’s long-time guitarist. And then Garth Hudson walked in the middle of our little set. He was watching from the back of the room. And we won."

 

[Yo Mama]

Strand of Oaks #23 - "Wait For Love" (2015)

"Wait For Love" is the first of five songs from the fourth album HEAL. It's the record that made me a fan and remains my favorite Strand album to this day. I could have picked another couple songs from this album but as it is, I've already included half of it.

This song is a proper album closer. I guess it's a love song but it's a typically complicated one. The song builds from a simple three chord pattern and a verse reminiscent of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" to Tim's falsetto howling over synths and drums before safely touching down where it started.

I wasn't in love I was here
I was an abomination
And there was a call, there was a high, there was a heaven dawned in roses
I'm giving up getting over you

Wait For Love

Strand of Oaks · HEAL (Deluxe Edition) · Song · 2015

open.spotify.com

This was really good - my favorite of theirs so far.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

 

[Raging weasel]

Sorry I don't have a lot of beefy writeups for The Tea Party. Being Canadian and not really having any success here, there is not a lot of info out there that I haven't already shared. They are very much just "a band that I discovered and liked" in college, and it doesn't go much deeper than that. I feel like they were talented enough to get some exposure here, but a bad early label of theirs and some odd decisions on the band's part kept them in Canada and Australia mostly.

I'll have more to say around the top 10 because that's when we get to the real bangers.

They’ve been my favorite surprise so far. I’ve been enjoying your list a lot.

Same. One of the “never heard of this band” that I’ve really enjoyed.

Me too!

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

 

[Raging weasel]

I'm so far behind, just finished the playlist from Thursday this morning

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Chvrches​

#23 - Never Ending Circles

CHVRCHES - Never Ending Circles (lyric video)

Taken from the new album ‘Every Open Eye’ released 25th September – get the track instantly when you pre-order on iTunes: http://po.st/EOEiT | Google Play:...

m.youtube.com

Producer - Chvrches/Iain Cook
Writer - Chvrches
Album - Every Eye Open
Year - 2015
Notes - High expectations abounded with the second album by Chvrches. This song was chosen as the opening track due to its highly distinct sound and “Look at Me” production. Weirder it was chosen as the second single. I have 5 tracks from the same album ahead of it my rankings so that gives you an idea of a) the strength of the album and b) the choice to make this the second single odd.

Next Up - Back to the covers with one of the most well known songs of the 80s, with a surprising co lead vocalist

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

 

[KarmaPolice]

And in the theme of not needing to shuffle this playlist because all the artists have a wide variety of styles - I thought I had hit shuffle with this Blue October tune kicked off.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

There are two more songs on my list that I hope garner some consideration when their times come.

 

[-OZ-]

Blue October

-OZ-

Shut up I want you to love me back - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. www.youtube.com

One of the most recent songs, from their October 2022 release, spinning the truth around part 1.
This one is a bit different and it took some time to grow on me but it’s been my ear worm for the past few weeks.

Laugh in the places that you cried
Say all the things you kept inside
If the truth hurts, let 'em die
Yeah, if the truth hurts let 'em die
'Cause if love's worth fighting for
But you don't know why anymore
You never knew how to fight
'Cause you were never really loved right
You're not just anybody, anybody
You're not just anyone, anyone
I know
What you'll say
Shut up
I want you to love me back
(You're not just anyone, anyone)

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

There are two more songs on my list that I hope garner some consideration when their times come.

The day I was making that playlist I had been listening to King's X and Over My Head. Your song title grabbed me.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I also choose the title before listening to any of the songs, so it's not an indicator my reaction to that song or it being a favorite.

 

[kupcho1]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

Just so long as you keep never pulling from any of my entries. In any round. Ever.

 

[KarmaPolice]

#23 PERFECT SYSTEM

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

In the end I found the album uneven, but their debut has some great tunes. I posted and talked about Little Girls, which is the album opener. Perfect System follows and we still have a 3 more to go from the album, so the highs on the album I rank as the band's best. I had been searching through 80s music for a possibility for a MAD playlist. Here is where my dumb threshold of 1M listens/month came in handy because it knocked out Duran Duran and DEVO and lead me looking farther. I bring those up, because this is where they sound the most like DEVO and on tunes like this I love how the bass sounds. I think the bass gets pushed out of the mix as they age a bit. The other homerun for me is that mix of peppy music mixed with the dark dystopian lyrics. Very Brave New World/1984. Themes and feelings that populate the albums, especially the earlier ones.

Thursday's tune will sound very different and I am glad they are back to back in the playlist.

ETA: I just looked at the playlist, and Sunday's tune will be the more "80s" version of this song which will make another interesting comparison to Perfect System this week.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

Just so long as you keep never pulling from any of my entries. In any round. Ever.

Lol. My choices are also not planned or charted or in any way reflect my opinion of a poster and/or their musical taste.

 

[KarmaPolice]

All Over Town is not showing up on my playlist, but that likely means it is on yours, so all good.

Yeah, I forgot to warn you that your link didn't work, but I found one that did.

 

[Yo Mama]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

Just so long as you keep never pulling from any of my entries. In any round. Ever.

Lol. My choices are also not planned or charted or in any way reflect my opinion of a poster and/or their musical taste.

I thought I had a chance this round with Too Cool Queenie.

 

[MAC_32]

I'm so far behind, just finished the playlist from Thursday this morning

Lol, same- I thought today was going to be catch up day, but work demands had other ideas.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

Just so long as you keep never pulling from any of my entries. In any round. Ever.

Lol. My choices are also not planned or charted or in any way reflect my opinion of a poster and/or their musical taste.

I thought I had a chance this round with Too Cool Queenie.

Nope, that title got Way Cool Jr stuck in my head, so I was mad at you.

 

[Mt. Man]

Ronnie James Dio #23
Artist: Dio
Song: Rock ‘n’ Roll Children (off Sacred Heart, 1985)

(official music video) Dio - Rock 'n' Roll Children
(live version) Dio Rock n Roll Children

She was meant to be wild
He was nearly a child
But they only could feel each other
They were paper and fire
Angel and liar, the devil of one another

First of all, do check out that video. Like many of its time, it screams 80s, complete with the unnecessary intro (before the song starts) and Dio serving as something between Vincent Price and the Cryptkeeper (though supposed he's supposed to be helping them?). At least it features the crystal ball similar to the one on the album cover.

Sacred Heart was a bit of a turbulent album. Ronnie had recently separated from his wife Wendy. (The two would remain separated, but never divorced). This led to some friction in the band, making this the last Dio album that Vivian Campbell would appear on, before joining Whitesnake (briefly) and Def Leppard. The song reached #26 on the Album Rock Tracks (now Mainstream Rock) list, and remains fairly popular with fans. Including me, I suppose.

—
Next up on the countdown, we have our first repeated album and another title song. We’ve taken unusual roads, I guess.

 

[Eephus]

First of all, do check out that video. Like many of its time, it screams 80s, complete with the unnecessary intro (before the song starts) and Dio serving as something between Vincent Price and the Cryptkeeper (though supposed he's supposed to be helping them?). At least it features the crystal ball similar to the one on the album cover.

That video was definitely worth 5 1/2 minutes of my life.

 

[Tau837]

Dave Matthews

Tau837

Big Eyed Fish - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. www.youtube.com

"Big Eyed Fish" is a song that appears on the 2002 DMB album Busted Stuff, although it was originally part of the band's scrapped 2000 project, The Lillywhite Sessions. It has also been known as: Last 3 Chords, One Eyed Fish, Fish Monkey Man, Man Bird Fish Monkey, Fishman & the Drunk Monkey, Fish Monkey, A Little Fishy, Street Fish, Roi's Bent Fish, and Fish Schtick.

The song's lyrics deal with existential themes, focusing on the futility of resisting one's nature and the inevitable outcomes of life's choices. It features narratives about various characters, each trying to change their fate or escape their natural environment, only to face tragic or ironic consequence.

The song blends elements of rock, folk, and jazz, characterized by its dynamic shifts and rich instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, bass, drums, violin, and saxophone, creating a layered and textured sound. Boyd Tinsley's violin and LeRoi Moore's saxophone play significant roles in the song's arrangement.

Dave's vocal delivery is expressive and nuanced, capturing the song's contemplative and sometimes whimsical tone. I'm guessing these vocals fit the weird vocals @John Maddens Lunchbox was expecting from Dave.

Among fans, "Big Eyed Fish" is appreciated for its storytelling and the way it showcases the band's ability to blend complex themes with engaging music. The song's exploration of fate, identity, and the human condition resonates with many listeners. The narrative of each character serves as a parable about the dangers of longing for what one cannot have and the importance of accepting one's nature.

I linked the studio version in the playlist; here are a few other versions:

• Lillywhite Sessions 2000
• Live at Folsom Field 2001

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

I never clicked on the playlist. I've been doing the songs one at a time from the inline list.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I'm on my fifth or sixth time through the Tea Party song. Love the percussion.

 

[Zegras11]

I never clicked on the playlist. I've been doing the songs one at a time from the inline list.

what a rebel

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

I never clicked on the playlist. I've been doing the songs one at a time from the inline list.

Purposely, or you didn't realize there was a link to the full playlist?

 

[kupcho1]

(official music video) Dio - Rock 'n' Roll Children

Young Dexys Midnight Runner channels Quadrophenia

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#23 "Evil"

An early hit. It's grown on me over the years. There was a lot of crossover between R&B and Jazz Fusion in the mid/late 70s - this song was a big reason why. EWF was as good as any band of their era at combining top-notch percussion and vocals.

Next up: a record by a different group that has a hands-on EWF influence.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#23 "Evil"

An early hit. It's grown on me over the years. There was a lot of crossover between R&B and Jazz Fusion in the mid/late 70s - this song was a big reason why. EWF was as good as any band of their era at combining top-notch percussion and vocals.

Next up: a record by a different group that has a hands-on EWF influence.

One of my favorite EWF tunes, as is almost everything from the album it comes from.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

23. Shade Me
Album: Fanny (1970)
Writer: Nickey Barclay
Lead vocals: Nickey Barclay

Shade Me was one of the Nickey Barclay songs added to Fanny's self-titled debut album late in the process, and may have been the result of being influenced by Leon Russell and Joe Cocker after playing with them on the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. The song's percussive piano, melodic bass and driving rhythm are all hallmarks of Russell's style, and Barclay's gruff, emotive vocal style probably owes a bit to Cocker, though she doesn't go too over-the-top, as he was prone to do. The passionate chorus is right out of Stax, which she loved (and constantly argued about with June Millington, who preferred Motown), as is the breakdown that starts around 2:45. The piano solo that follows the breakdown also sounds like it comes from the Russell playbook.

If this song was ever played live, there is no surviving evidence of it. Concert documentation from around the time of the debut album is nonexistent, so aside from the "official" version of the album's two covers, which continued to appear in sets occasionally after the release of Charity Ball and subsequent albums, we have no record of any of its tracks appearing in setlists. It certainly can't be that they ignored all the debut's originals, and one would think they couldn't exclude a number as frenetic as this one.

At #22, one of the few rockers from Fanny's mellowest album.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

#23 "Evil"

An early hit. It's grown on me over the years. There was a lot of crossover between R&B and Jazz Fusion in the mid/late 70s - this song was a big reason why. EWF was as good as any band of their era at combining top-notch percussion and vocals.

Next up: a record by a different group that has a hands-on EWF influence.

One of my favorite EWF tunes, as is almost everything from the album it comes from.

It's an interesting exercise trying to rank EWF LPs. I still haven't looked to see which album I've chosen the most songs from, but that's not quite the same thing as which album I think is their best or my favorite (I'm pretty sure I know which one that is).

When we get into one of these "great run of albums in the '70s" discussions here, EWF never gets mentioned. It's always Zep. Stevie Wonder (usually by me), the Stones, Floyd, P-Funk (usually by me), and some others. I'll put the EWF stretch from Head To The Sky thru I Am up against anyone's.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#23 "Evil"

An early hit. It's grown on me over the years. There was a lot of crossover between R&B and Jazz Fusion in the mid/late 70s - this song was a big reason why. EWF was as good as any band of their era at combining top-notch percussion and vocals.

Next up: a record by a different group that has a hands-on EWF influence.

One of my favorite EWF tunes, as is almost everything from the album it comes from.

It's an interesting exercise trying to rank EWF LPs. I still haven't looked to see which album I've chosen the most songs from, but that's not quite the same thing as which album I think is their best or my favorite (I'm pretty sure I know which one that is).

When we get into one of these "great run of albums in the '70s" discussions here, EWF never gets mentioned. It's always Zep. Stevie Wonder (usually by me), the Stones, Floyd, P-Funk (usually by me), and some others. I'll put the EWF stretch from Head To The Sky thru I Am up against anyone's.

It spills into the '80s, but I include Rush from 2112 to Signals, which probably angers some people.

I would definitely co-sign Head to the Sky through I Am.

Maurice White thought Faces was their best, but I found it lagged in spots.

Wiki: "When asked in a 2007 interview which Earth, Wind & Fire album is his favorite, White replied, "...probably Faces, because we were really in tune." White also went on to proclaim that on the LP EWF were "playing together and it gave us the opportunity to explore new areas".[8]"

 

[tuffnutt]

23.
Faded From Winter- Iron and Wine
from The Creek That Drank The Cradle (2002)
Daddy's ghost behind you
Sleeping dog beside you
You're a poem of mystery
You're the prayer inside me

Spoken words like moonlight
You're the voice that i like

Needlework and seedlings
In the way you're walking
To me from the timbers
Faded from the winter

For me, Faded From Winter is a beautifully haunting song. With Just 45 words in the lyrics, this one is simple enough but the overdubbed harmonies, delivered in a repetitive cadence really paint a picture of memories fading away with the passing of time. The guitar outro is very soothing as well. Beam said of the song:

"Faded from the Winter" came about during a period of reflection for me. I was contemplating the passage of time and how memories can fade with it, much like how winter transitions into spring. The song explores themes of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of remembering moments that have slipped away.

 

[Yo Mama]

I just realized my #22 STP song would have fit way better on the #21 list. Should have checked the release calendar before submitting my list.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

STP #23 - Too Cool Queenie
Album - Shangri-La Dee Da (2001)

Have to admit, wasn't familiar with this one (or it slipped out of memory) and I enjoyed the listen.

 

[Yambag]

23's Thoughts From Slambovia:

Seemed to have trouble resonating with the 23's. Maybe due to my mood and having to commute to work today after a glorious day off.

Known Songs: DMB, Priest, Cure, Doors (one of my faves from them)

New Favorites
Blue October: Shut Up I Want You to Love Me Back
Fanny: Shade Me
Mitski: The Only Heartbreaker
Strand of Oaks: Wait for Love
Chvrches: Never Ending Circles

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

I never clicked on the playlist. I've been doing the songs one at a time from the inline list.

Purposely, or you didn't realize there was a link to the full playlist?

Yes.

 

[Eephus]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

I never clicked on the playlist. I've been doing the songs one at a time from the inline list.

Purposely, or you didn't realize there was a link to the full playlist?

Yes.

You get a lot more Albini using your method

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just opened the playlist for the 23s, cute title.

Sometimes the song titles speak to me and I have been listening to a song and band that this title reminded me a bit of so I went with this.

Where/what is this title whereof you speak?

At the top of the playlist when I pull it up in Spotify? Doesn't everybody see those?

I just kept the tradition with whoever started these first and picked a song title from the songs I was entering in the playlist, or a play on one or more of the song titles.

I never clicked on the playlist. I've been doing the songs one at a time from the inline list.

Purposely, or you didn't realize there was a link to the full playlist?

Yes.

You get a lot more Albini using your method

I like to read the name of the song and group. I'm not into mystery meat.

 

[Don Quixote]

Curtis Mayfield

Don Quixote

Right on for the Darkness, by Curtis Mayfield - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. youtu.be Right on for the Darkness Curtis Mayfield · Back to the World · Song · 1973 open.spotify.com

I’m still on the road (currently in a hotel in Taos), so will just say that this is one is from Mayfield’s “ Back to the World” album, which has a theme around soldiers struggling upon returning home from Vietnam. I will cheat a little with this write-up of the song from The Guardian:

Much of Mayfield’s work throughout the 70s would explore political themes, with an insight that went much deeper than mere polemic and sloganeering. This music was complex but empathic, and on his sublime 1973 album Back to the World, Mayfield planted himself in the boots of soldiers returning from Vietnam and struggling to adjust to life at home.
In the opening title track, a soldier’s return is greeted by his mother’s cry of “the war was never won”, the discovery that his “woman has long been gone (this doggone war lasted too damn long)”, and the knowledge that “soldier boy ain’t got no job”, the refrain of “people don’t give a damn” balmed by the sweetness of Mayfield’s soulful tune.

However, that sweetness drains away for the album’s most desolate moment. Right on for the Darkness opens with a lonely guitar strum, and Curtis singing, “I am blind and I cannot see.” The sightlessness is not what breeds his blues, however: it’s that evil that men do, the injustice, the powerlessness. As the horns, strings and guitars – riding a writhing, agonisingly funky groove – tighten and sharpen, Mayfield’s chorus call, “Right on for the darkness”, finds him glorying in his blindness, for ignorance of this world is bliss.

It’s perhaps Mayfield’s most bitter message, set to his most melancholic funk, as he sings of a release only oblivion can offer, one many Vietnam veterans found any way they could. Bill Withers would also sing the veteran’s blues on his powerful I Can’t Write Left-Handed, but the sheer hopelessness of Right on for the Darkness told a story that much of American society was reluctant to admit while the war was still raging, and even for years afterwards.

Curtis Mayfield – 10 of the best

Deploying sweet soul and blistering funk – and pouring his gorgeous, honeyed falsetto over it all – Curtis Mayfield veered between breezy optimism and hard-edged political commentary

amp.theguardian.com

…My #22 does not have Mayfield listed as an artist, but it is one that has his fingerprints all over it as writer, producer, arranger, and guitarist. Maybe a surprise guest appearance to some, as have not mentioned his connection to the artist yet.

 

[simey]

23's and Me

- I like Bryan Ferry's cover of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." It's my favorite Carole King song. Whether the song is done slow or fast, it always sounds good.
- I like the highs and lows of "Wait For Love." I especially like the fuzzy and buzzy parts, including when his vocals get fuzzy.
- My favorite parts of "Ram It Down" are the intro, outro, and the screams.
- "How Beautiful You Are" reminds me of dancing in a night club in college.
- I recognized "All Over Town." I hadn't heard it in ages. I had the album in the early 80s, and it's a good one!
- "Wild Wind" sounds like theme music in a modern day western. I like it.
- I like Mayfield's falsetto vocal in "Right On For the Darkness," and the music takes you on a groovy ride.
- "California" feels like a cold winter's night to me.
- I like that beat in "Turn The Lamp Down Low." That outro is
- All the various instruments in "Shade Me" work together well. Simple things like a shaker and tambourine add to the song.
- Rock 'N' Roll Children alone again, Rock 'N' Roll Children without a friend
- The Bangles got the jangles in "Where Were You When I Needed You." I like it.
- The violin sounds good to me in "Pulanski at Night."
- "Faded From the Winter" is another relaxing song from Iron and Wine. It also has the finger fret sliding noise. That noise isn't like nails on a chalkboard to me. It reminds me of when I used to play guitar, and how it made my fingers feel making that noise. I started guitar lessons when I was in 3rd grade. I started on a classical, and the nylon strings didn't bother me at all. I would eventually get an acoustic guitar, and the skin on my hands has always been dry, and the feel of the steel strings on my dry hands when sliding on the frets to change chords would make my hair stand up, and usually I'd hear that noise, and so I associate it with that. I never got used to that feeling, but I'd play an acoustic anyway. Electric guitars the strings are thinner and didn't bother me. I don't like the feel of cardboard on my hands either. The dry skin makes it slippery and I can't get a decent grip on it, and it feels yucky. If I know I have to touch cardboard ahead of time, I'll put on some vinyl gloves first. I've probably just painted myself as a freak, but someone somewhere has to feel the same. Right?

 

[-OZ-]

New editions to the Oz faves playlist from 23:
Shade me
Perfect system
Am I ever gunna see you
Too cool queenie - I remember this but had forgotten
Voices in the Sky
Thinkin bout
Never ending circles
Right on for the darkness
Faded from the winter

 

[simey]

Some 23's and Me continued...

- "Step Into My Office, Baby" puts a skip in my step.
- "Hey, Snow White" is interesting, and so is Destroyer.
- I like STPs sound on "Too Cool Queenie."
- I don't remember "Evil" by EWF, but I like it a lot. I hear that R&B and jazz fusion.
- "Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again" is a good rocker. All of their stuff has been good.
- "Five To One" reminds me of my friend, Charlie. He lived at my place during college one summer while I was away, and when I got back for the next semester he left me the book No One Here Gets Out Alive, which is an autobiography on Jim Morrison, and the title is part of the lyrics from "Five To One." Charlie died last year of a heart attack. He and I went to high school and college together, and he is one of the nicest people I've ever known. @landrys hat He was part owner of High Thyme restaurant on Sullivan's Island.
- I liked other songs as well.

 

[Oliver Humanzee]

23. Shellac -- Killers

100% Steve's attempt at a Billy Gibbons riff imposed upon a post-punk pummeling. 1.5 minutes of mayhem that was a total staple of their live set for as long as they have been a band. ( You see, there's two groups, the Killers of Fun and the Defenders of Fun and by my emblem there is work to be done.) I side with the defenders. The Defenders of Fun.

Fun fact! Steve could not play this riff and sing the song simultaneously! So whenever they played it in Chicago they would have Jay Ryan of Dianogah (and much of the artwork in our house, courtesy of The Bird Machine) sing it. When he wasn't there, it was an instrumental, except for the I SIDE WITH THE DEFENDERS part.

It sometimes takes me longer to write these things because I keep catching myself writing about Steve in the present tense, which raises both troubling psychological and metaphysical questions, as well as subject-verb agreement issues.
It occurs to me that if I am to keep up with these things, I will likely be writing about Steve from a hotel room at his memorial. We'll see how that goes.

 

[Eephus]

23. Shellac -- Killers

100% Steve's attempt at a Billy Gibbons riff imposed upon a post-punk pummeling. 1.5 minutes of mayhem that was a total staple of their live set for as long as they have been a band. ( You see, there's two groups, the Killers of Fun and the Defenders of Fun and by my emblem there is work to be done.) I side with the defenders. The Defenders of Fun.

Fun fact! Steve could not play this riff and sing the song simultaneously! So whenever they played it in Chicago they would have Jay Ryan of Dianogah (and much of the artwork in our house, courtesy of The Bird Machine) sing it. When he wasn't there, it was an instrumental, except for the I SIDE WITH THE DEFENDERS part.

It sometimes takes me longer to write these things because I keep catching myself writing about Steve in the present tense, which raises both troubling psychological and metaphysical questions, as well as subject-verb agreement issues.
It occurs to me that if I am to keep up with these things, I will likely be writing about Steve from a hotel room at his memorial. We'll see how that goes.

It reminded me a little bit of "Oh Well (part 1)" for some reason

 

[zamboni]

Catching up on my last four with some brief writeups:

The Beach Boys

zamboni

"All Summer Long" All Summer Long The Beach Boys · All Summer Long · Song · 1964 open.spotify.com

A bouncy early tune from the Boys when they were still embracing the summer/surf/cars scene. Perhaps more memorable as the song played as the ending credits for American Graffiti rolled (despite the song having come out two years after AG's 1962 setting).

The Beach Boys

zamboni

"Pet Sounds" Pet Sounds The Beach Boys · Pet Sounds · Song · 1966 open.spotify.com

The title track and a rare instrumental from the Boys - it was originally titled "Run James Run" with Brian's intent to have it used in a James Bond film. Only Brian actually played on this (grand piano) with the Wrecking Crew doing the rest of the work. Some interesting sounds indeed going on here, including Ritchie Frost playing two empty Coca-Cola cans and guitarist Billy Strange using a Leslie speaker to create that unique reverberation.

The Beach Boys

zamboni

"Please Let Me Wonder" Please Let Me Wonder - Remastered The Beach Boys · The Beach Boys Today! (Remastered) · Song · 1965 open.spotify.com

Heading back to right before Pet Sounds in 1965, this was Brian's tribute to Phil Spector with the lush doo-w0p sound. Similar to the earlier "Let Him Run Wild", this complex arrangement is also renowned as a precursor to what we would soon see with Pet Sounds - a concoction of drums, timpani, tambourine, bass, two guitars, acoustic guitar, piano, tack piano, organ, horns, and vibraphone. Perhaps most noteworthy about the song is that is was supposedly the first song Brian wrote under the influence of pot (the horror ).

The Beach Boys

zamboni

"I'm Waiting for the Day" I'm Waiting For The Day The Beach Boys · Pet Sounds · Song · 1966 open.spotify.com

A deeper track off Pet Sounds and among the fastest tempos heard on the album. Only Brian and Mike Love performed on this, and included perhaps the largest group of session musicians (17), including the great Carol Kaye stepping out of her bass role and playing 12-string guitar here, Jim Gordon on drums and Larry Knechtel on keyboards.

 

[jwb]

First of all, do check out that video. Like many of its time, it screams 80s, complete with the unnecessary intro (before the song starts) and Dio serving as something between Vincent Price and the Cryptkeeper (though supposed he's supposed to be helping them?). At least it features the crystal ball similar to the one on the album cover.

That video was definitely worth 5 1/2 minutes of my life.

Seconded. This was great. So many 80's videos were like mini-movies.

 

[zamboni]

First of all, do check out that video. Like many of its time, it screams 80s, complete with the unnecessary intro (before the song starts) and Dio serving as something between Vincent Price and the Cryptkeeper (though supposed he's supposed to be helping them?). At least it features the crystal ball similar to the one on the album cover.

That video was definitely worth 5 1/2 minutes of my life.

Seconded. This was great. So many 80's videos were like mini-movies.

Dio had some great videos in the '80s, as no doubt we'll see more as we go along.

 

[kupcho1]

Steve Albini

Oliver Humanzee

Shellac - Killers - YouTube Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. youtu.be

23. Shellac -- Killers

100% Steve's attempt at a Billy Gibbons riff imposed upon a post-punk pummeling. 1.5 minutes of mayhem that was a total staple of their live set for as long as they have been a band. ( You see, there's two groups, the Killers of Fun and the Defenders of Fun and by my emblem there is work to be done.) I side with the defenders. The Defenders of Fun.

Fun fact! Steve could not play this riff and sing the song simultaneously! So whenever they played it in Chicago they would have Jay Ryan of Dianogah (and much of the artwork in our house, courtesy of The Bird Machine) sing it. When he wasn't there, it was an instrumental, except for the I SIDE WITH THE DEFENDERS part.

It sometimes takes me longer to write these things because I keep catching myself writing about Steve in the present tense, which raises both troubling psychological and metaphysical questions, as well as subject-verb agreement issues.
It occurs to me that if I am to keep up with these things, I will likely be writing about Steve from a hotel room at his memorial. We'll see how that goes.

These non Spotify songs are getting little or no attention from me. And that's a shame.
I actually went back and hit the youtube link and really enjoyed this one. It certainly leaves you wanting more