Big props to my good pal KAP for pointing me towards the brand new Daytrotter session from Jenny Owen Youngs, posted a few days ago. My ears have been glued to the four song session since downloading it, and it doesn’t hurt that the session features “Dissolve,” one of my favorite tracks from Youngs’ latest album Transmitter Failure.
I wrote “Dissolve” while experiencing a new kind of break-up for the first time: a slow fade rather than the fiery, passionate blazes to which I grew accustomed during the drunken haze of my college years. Looking backwards, I think of that as my first “grown up” split; what it says about me that I regard slowly watching things melt down to nothingness as the mature way for a relationship to end, I’m not quite sure.
I’ve got such a huge musical crush on Transmitter Failure that I think I can safely say that we’ll be together for at least the rest of the year. I’ll be listening to it, as I continue to do my little voodoo dance trying to get Jenny to come do a show in Cleveland. Please?
And god bless thee, Daytrotter….did you really just post a session with Mark Olson and Gary Louris of The Jayhawks? Recorded earlier this year at SXSW, the session features four tracks taken from the pair’s reunion effort Ready For The Flood. Hopefully, you’ve already got Ready in your collection, right?
What a great year to be a Jayhawks fan - besides the Olson/Louris album, you can get your mitts on Music From The North Country, a great career-spanning set from the Jayhawks, in stores next Tuesday (7/7.) Make sure you get the version that has the bonus disc of rarities and DVD.
In addition to full album reissues that are on the way for the bulk of the ‘Hawks catalog, Minneapolis residents can also look forward to a reunion show from the Tomorrow The Green Grass-era lineup of the Jayhawks happening next week at the Basilica Block Party on July 10th. Jealous, jealous, JEALOUS!!
Because everything is best in three’s, I will leave you with a link to the Daytrotter session by Those Darlins, the country belle triple threat currently sitting on top of the world with Brian from Broken Headphones. I have no doubt that he was probably in attendance when this was recorded.
Kudos to my buddy Matt (the power of Matts UNITE!) for passing on the following info regarding the forthcoming solo release from Mr. Ace Frehley.
Anomaly, the long awaited solo album from Frehley, will be in stores on September 15th.
The album was produced and recorded in Westchester County, NY during Ace’s downtime between 2007 and 2009. Ace brought in Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Def Leppard) to help mix the album and put it all together.
We know that you’ve been waiting a long time for this one to come out. In fact, Ace is aware of this as well:
Ace has an official Youtube channel featuring some pretty cool clips, including this excerpt of Frehley tracking the solo for “Pain In The Neck.”
Here’s a track listing and also the album cover for ya’ll:
1. Foxy & Free
2. Outer Space
3. Pain In The Neck
4. Fox On The Run
5. Genghis Khan
6. Too Many Faces
7. Change The World
8. Space Bear
9. A Little Below The Angels
10. Sister
11. It’s A Great Life
12. Fractured Quantum
13. The Return of Space Bear (Dedicated to Tom Snyder) (iTunes exclusive)
Allen is playing two shows that are billed as the “last full band shows of the year” on Friday and Saturday night (7/3 and 7/4,) and we’d like to direct your attention to Friday night’s gig at the Happy Dog.
On Friday night, Chris Allen will be joined by producer/artist/fellow Ohio resident Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens,) for a set that will feature music from Allen’s recent Dixon-produced albums, Dixon’s own material, and also some tunage from Allen’s previous band Rosavelt, a band that us Clevelanders liked quite a lot.
If you miss Friday night, you’ll have one more shot to catch Allen and his band, sans Dixon, playing outside at the Harp.
Think about it: You and I, sitting outside eating and drinking, and rockin’ out with Chris Allen on a Saturday night, hmmmmmmm…..
We always like to encourage holiday activities that won’t find you blowing off your valuable digits, and we think you’ll agree that the above shows will be a lot of fun.
“Rain,” “No Rain,” “After The Rain,”…..there have been many songs about the rain, but in this story we won’t hear any of them. In fact, we won’t hear many songs at all. The story begins with a trip home to my old stomping ground of Joliet, IL seems like the perfect way to unplug, recharge, and refresh a bit. And indeed it will be all of these, but since this is me we are talking about, there will be a few complications before we get to the happy ending.
All good.
We’ll start with Friday night, and my arrival at Motel 6 in Joliet after nearly six hours of driving. Night Ranger is playing the first of two Illinois area shows about 25 minutes away in Downer’s Grove, a nearby suburb, but I’m cashed out from the drive and thinking about a good nap, and not more driving. I am aware that Eddie Money is playing a couple of minutes away from the motel, and that seems like more of a possibility post-zzzz time.
After checking in at the front desk, I head to my room to zonk out. I’ve stayed here before, and while I wouldn’t subject others to these accommodations (not anymore, anyway,) this Motel 6 works fine for my typical trip to Joliet as a place to put my head at night in between the daytime activities that keep me otherwise engaged.
Ever since Tom Bodett told me back in the 80s that he’d leave a light on for me, I’ve found comfort at Motel 6.
But now, Tom and I are going to have to have some words.
Walking into the room, I kick on the air conditioner, which powers up with a sound that is unholy, and reminds me for some reason of bad experiences renting a moving truck - you know, the truck that you get where everything is broken - air conditioning, brakes, radio, power steering. This is the air conditioner version of that. But I decide to humor the AC unit, and see if it will come around to my way of thinking. And it does, although it continues to make more noise than an AC unit should, a blessing in disguise because that same noise will lure me off to a rock solid sleep very shortly.
But first, let’s check out the internet here at Motel 6.
Not working.
Crap.
*calling front desk*
“Good evening sir.”
“Hi, is there internet in the room?”
“Sir, this is Motel 6.”
Wow. Can’t even believe this exchange just took place. Hanging up phone, and going to bed now. Reminding self that this trip is more about events outside of the motel, and I try not to think of the sign that says “free wireless internet in room” hanging in front of the neighboring Budget Inn Express that I could be staying at for the same exact price. Next time.
Sleep.
Alarm goes off, and I shut it off. Eddie Money and I won’t be hanging out this time around.
Saturday morning, and I hop into the car to head to Rockford, two hours away from Joliet, to pay visit to Toad Hall, yet another beloved record store from my youth. I haven’t been inside Toad Hall in 21 years, and you can be assured that there will be a separate post devoted to the Toad Hall visit that will follow.
Rockford is the birthplace of Cheap Trick, and the band have paid tribute to this in several ways - they shot their Silver live DVD there, and even named their most recent album Rockford. It’s been 21 years since I’ve been to Rockford, and I want to believe that they have a sign at the front of the city that says “Rockford, IL, home of Cheap Trick,” complete with the classic Cheap Trick logo. That would be cool, right?
They don’t.
After a few hours, I head back to Joliet to meet up with my longtime pal Mark Zander, a fellow 80’s music lover. I suggested a few months back that we should get together to check out Night Ranger at their scheduled Joliet date, happening at the Taste of Joliet festival.
So here we are. After grabbing some food, we made our way over to the local football stadium for the gig, also featuring Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in the headlining slot. I personally think that Night Ranger should have been headlining, but since I’ve always been a Joan Jett fan, and haven’t seen her up to this point, I was excited to get a chance to finally see her.
Storm clouds in the sky. Big storm clouds.
We’re handed wrist bands on the way in that will not get us backstage to drink vodka with Night Ranger, but instead, will get us back into the stadium if it starts pouring rain, and we want to leave.
Night Ranger are onstage. Zander gives the thumbs up to new recruits Christian Cullen (keyboards) and Joel Hoekstra (guitar.) The band open with their mashup of “This Boy Needs to Rock” featuring a healthy slice of “Highway Star” in the middle. The band are approximately seven songs into their setlist with “Eddie’s Coming Out Tonight.” Problem is, Eddie won’t be hanging out very long tonight. Just as the band is about to hit the second verse, city officials wave frantically for the band to stop playing.
With a couple of raindrops beginning to fall, the city is pulling the plug on Night Ranger’s set until the storm passes through. First time I’ve ever seen a band get yanked mid-song. And during one of my favorites, to boot. Elsewhere on the following day while attending Taste of Chicago, David Lifton is hoping for the same results with The Lovehammers. No dice. But hey, we’re getting distracted. This is MY night. Let’s get back to it.
About 15 minutes later, the announcement comes from the stage that the remainder of the evening has been cancelled. No more Night Ranger, no Joan Jett. Damn.
We find our way to one of the local bars in Joliet for more musical conversation. Including lots of conversation about music blogs. How music blogs are the new artist development. Music blogs ARE the new radio. Thanks to aggregators like The Hype Machine, you can punch in any band name, hear a couple of tracks from a band, and make up your mind if you like that band. Music blogs are the new radio single.
In further conversation, we spontaneously nail down the next two contenders for next week’s Cage Match, two bands that might be the most bizarre pairing to date. Stay tuned to next week’s Cage Match to find out who they are.
Now, the drive home to Cleveland. And some thoughts regarding the music that provided the soundtrack for the drive home.
This weekend, I’ve rediscovered my love of Mary Chapin Carpenter’s music. Brought four of her albums with me, amidst the stacks of music that I brought with me, and listened to all four. I haven’t heard the last few albums that she has done, and after this weekend of listening, I’m not sure why I tuned out. Always have wanted to see her live.
I’m thinking that Dance…..Ya Know It! by Bobby Brown is still one of the best dance remix albums from the period, right there with Paula Abdul’s Shut Up And Dance. Yes, I just said this out loud.
Pump by Aerosmith gets a spin, and many of you are aware how much I love this band, and love this album. Aerosmith are performing complete albums on this summer’s tour with ZZ Top. Pump is 20 years old this year. Wouldn’t it be awesome if they pulled this one out for a night? I’m saying yes. D.X. Ferris is asking me something about hearing loss. Not really, but I wonder how much hearing I’ve lost listening to this album at full volume as I am right now?
Listening to Cradlesong, by Rob Thomas, an album that I’m really digging that hit stores yesterday - Cradlesong is closer to MB20 territory, and not quite as experimental as Something To Be, the solo debut from Thomas was. I’m a fan. Thomas writes some great songs, and some great hooks, and you’ll find plenty of both on Cradlesong. Try not to think about how Thomas looks like the Grim Reaper on the cover of the new disc. Better yet, buy the download so that you never have to see it. For Thomas completists, there also is a live DVD from the Something To Be tour in stores now as well.
Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, the new album from David Byrne and Brian Eno continues to impress these ears. Byrne played a magical set at Bonnaroo a couple of weeks ago that has me begging and pleading for a live documentation of the full show from this tour. There’s a live EP available now that is merely a cruel tease. I can’t even think about it.
I’m home in my driveway now. It was a good weekend, despite the abbreviated amount of live music - this weekend was really all about my two favorite f’s - “fun” and “fellowship.” And I got plenty of both.
Next up: Doobie Brothers and Bad Company in Detroit tonight!
Welcome to “It’s a Bleedin’ Board,” a periodic review of great bootlegs from my eclectic archives.
Today we’re checking out an artist truly deserving of being called a legend, Johnny Cash. Hell, he was a legend after only about 10 years in the business, still a legend before Nashville shunned him in the 80s, a legend recreated in 1994 with the help of Rick Rubin, and finally a legend in death. That’s one legendary career.
This performance is from June 1994 at the annual Glastonbury Festival, a name familiar to all bootleg collectors since about a billion boots sprang from BBC broadcasts over the years straight from Worthy Farm.
Johnny’s career had just been revived thanks to the release of American Recordings, a collection of stark songs which featured Johnny and his acoustic guitar and a welcome dose of hands-off production by Def Jam founder Rick Rubin.
Never before had anyone just let Cash turn it loose with a guitar and that voice. It was a stroke of genius that brought him new found fame, fans and respect.
Now on to the show…
“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”
Kicking it off with the best outlaw song ever written, “Folsom Prison Blues,” Johnny brings it strong right away leaving no doubt that at 62 years old, he was still the baddest man in town.
“Get Rhythm,” a true rockabilly classic from 1956 follows and gives the band, which features the master of rockabilly shuffle, drummer W.S. Holland, guitarist supreme Bob Wootton, and Nashville fixture Dave Roe on bass, a chance to really lock in.
The hits keep comin’ with “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down,” the CMA Song of the Year in 1970 written by Kris Kristofferson. It sounds great here and still evokes the emerging sense of versatility that Johnny was searching for in 1970 and displaying at the Festival.
“Ring of Fire,” the song that would define Johnny’s love for June Carter, jumps up quickly and, despite the absence of the mariachi horns, reminds us how powerful a song can be in less than three minutes.
“Thank you. I love you people.”
Speaking of short songs, Cash brings out another one of his brief but poignant tales of love, “I Guess Things Happen That Way.” Ever the picture of conflicted emotion, this song says a lot in a little bit of time and keeps the easy confident feel of the older material flowing.
“I really looked forward to coming to Glastonbury. I never expected such a reception and I really appreciate it a lot.”
The crowd is thrilled to be in Johnny’s presence and grows more so as the show continues. If only the dork with the whistle would give it a rest once in awhile…
Next up is the portion of the show where Cash debuts four new songs for the audience. He sounds reinforced by the crowd but also tentative in bringing them forward. The AmericanRecordings album represented a big change aimed at a new audience. Good or bad, this gig would go a long way in telling the story of the new Johnny Cash.
“Big River” comes barreling in followed by the arrival of June Carter - “We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout…”and the great duet “Jackson.”
Considering that this comes from a radio broadcast laid to tape, the quality is very good. It does suffer from arbitrary edits but none of the content is cut aside from station IDs.
The broadcast runs 44 minutes without commercials.
1. Turn Up the Bright Lights
2. Good
3. Black Light
4. A Lifetime
5. Rolling
6. All In
7. Extra Ordinary Segue into Love is What I Got (including small rip/impersonation of DMB)
8. Absolutely Still
9. King of New Orleans
10. Sincerely, Me
11. Hey Love
12. Under You (a half-assed performance)
13. Wallflower (I think)
14. Laid (James Cover)
15. Nightclubbing
16. Miss You (Stones Cover)
17. Juicy
18. Desperately Wanting
Encore:
18. Blackbird (Acoustic cover)
19. I Just Knew
20. The Loveless
21. In the Blood
I have been excited for weeks upon hearing tickets were available for another Better Than Ezra show in Cleveland. The last time I saw BTE was when the House of Blues first opened here in our fair city about five years ago. I was in love with that show. It was second in performance only to their 1995 tour (which is far-and-wide, my favorite live show that I have ever witnessed of any band).
Kevin Griffin always had a way to emotionally connect me to his music with his powerful, heart-wrenching lyrics and his lusty voice. And he had a particular genius in tying his music to some very special memories — many of which should be forgotten.
Just as the most recent show in Cleveland should be.
The show started (innocently against Griffin) with major sound problems. It was disorienting at first (especially to a half-blood perfect pitch spawn) The first two or three songs on the setlist were incredibly bad and continued to be distracting at any time guitars played together (which, duh, is frequent). I hoped that the muddled sound would eventually correct itself — it didn’t; I drank more PBR. (note: I stood in the same location on Stage Left for my last show at House of Blues, with no problems).
Regardless of sound quality, I was pleased with the onset of BTE’s setlist.
I found myself enjoying the new music from the Paper Empire album as the show progressed. “Hey Love,” “Black Light” and “I Just Knew” were all GREAT selections. The song “Nightclubbing” is uber-catchy, resembling the glam-rock sounds of say, The Killers. Very, very sweet dance-when-no-one’s-watching kind of song. “Nightclubbing” definitely perked up an otherwise very meh Better Than Ezra performance.
The new album is nothing short of fantastic – as one would expect from these talented musicians; however, I feel the band really let down the crowd in focusing mostly on the new release. There is no denying it was a really good show (save for shitty audio issues), but it was as if the original BTE nostalgia was entirely gone. Also, I detest when bands – who have an arsenal of great music — skip it to play a handful of mediocre covers and medleys. Yes, we all hear James’ “Laid” practically each and every time a bar owns a sound system. And “Blackbird”? Really? Yuck. Stick to Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work.” Now, THAT is a cover!
I sincerely hoped BTE would extend an encore to include my favorite live versions of “Porcelain” or “This Time of Year” (as MANY fans were chanting) or even for Griffin to plod his way further through “Under You.” You know what, Kevin? This is NOT that obscure of a song. It came up on Pandora shuffle just a day or two after the show. Now, I am an obvious fan of the Deluxe era of BTE, and I would have switched out “Good” for an addition of any song from that album, had I known there would not be a place in the encore list.
And then… and then… Griffin compared a song on Paper Empire to Wings. I practically threw up in my mouth. Or wanted to eat the beer can in my hand and wish for an instant splintered death. Nobody. Ever. Should compare himself to Wings. Not even Wings.
All that being said, I was still left somewhat empty by the performance. It felt as though my former emotional connection with the music had dissipated. This is not the Better Than Ezra I would have been geeking out for some fifteen years ago. It’s as though… we broke up.
I had a Cage Match picked out for today, and while you’re waiting for me to tell you what it is, I will quickly reply to let you know that I will hold on to that info, and you’ll find out more on another Tuesday.
Instead, Cage Match VP of operations Michael suggested a battle for this week with a car theme.
In this corner, we’ve got our good friend “The Boss,” better known to all of you rookies as Bruce Springsteen.
Now, Bruce and I just hung out a couple of weeks ago at Bonnaroo, and during all of the time that we spent together, I can’t believe that he didn’t suggest this Cage Match track that we’re about to talk about. It just didn’t come up. We were talking about a few subjects, including the second volume of Tracks, and also the third and currently unreleased album in the previously unknown Human Touch/Lucky Town/Smell This trilogy, as recorded in the early 90s by Bruce and the “other band.”
Similar to George Lucas, Bruce revealed to me his plans to record “pre-quels” to those three albums, set for release in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The albums will be recorded simultaneously, and a deluxe edition of Smell This with bonus tracks and also a bonus DVD on the making of the album will be released in early 2010 prior to the release of the prequel albums.
When Bruce figured out that I was backstage actually trying to perforate Patti’s eardrum, he got a little bit mad, and I figured it was probably best to pick up our conversation on another day. But man, what an amazing weekend. I’m bummed that my blogging Bonnaroo comrade Brian missed that moment.
Anyway, one of the early musical quests for me as a music fan, had me hunting for a CD copy of the elusive Springsteen B-side “Pink Cadillac,” which is most certainly one of the most bad ass and well known Springsteen songs to NEVER be a single.
Well, that’s not completely true.
After beginning life as a B-side to Springsteen’s smash single “Dancing In The Dark” in 1984, the track would be reborn four years later on the Billboard charts, but not quite in the way that you’re expecting.
Soulstress Natalie Cole, in the midst of a comeback swing, landed a Top 5 smash with her own version of “Pink Cadillac” in 1988. So in the end, Springsteen wins because he still got paid, right?
We’ll come back to Natalie with a future Cage Match, I promise you - we’re not done with her, not by a long shot.
Although she’s not returning my phone calls, so I’m pretty sure she is done with me. Oh well.
Back to Springsteen - here’s another nugget for you all - Apparently AOL banned quotation of the lyrics in a Springsteen discussion group in 2001, because they felt the lyrics were too suggestive. If you were one of the affected in this situation, well that is your own fault for still being an AOL user in 2001. Come over to my house, and I’ll show you what the real internet looks like, and how much faster it is.
I finally found my CD copy of “Pink Cadillac” via a 3-inch CD single import issued in Holland for “Spare Parts.” And then my man Bruce put it out on Tracks. This musical smack in the face that came shortly after the taste of victory has happened time and time again since that purchase. It’s cool. You get numb to the feeling as a professional music fan after a while. That’s why we’re cool with buying multiple versions of the same album over and over again.
Actually, now that I think about it, being a Star Wars fan might be part of what helps me out, personally.
Now, in the other corner, we’ve got “The Purple One.” “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince and Now These Days As Far As I Can Tell, Known As Prince Once Again.”
I feel pretty cool these days, because I know someone that lives near Paisley Park, the longtime Minneapolis area nerve center for all things Prince. It’s one step away from being able to say that I frikkin’ know Prince, and that he’s a bro of mine. Someday. And perhaps we’ll play basketball with the Revolution.
I first saw the video for “Little Red Corvette” on Friday Night Videos, another episode of musical discovery during my early MTV-less existence as a kid.
Tell me that this doesn’t bring back some memories..
What I didn’t know, was that Friday Night Videos was on the air until 2002?
I was long gone by then.
“Little Red Corvette” captured my little rock and roll heart, and I had to hear more by this Prince fellow. I wouldn’t have long to wait, because he was about to blow my mind with the release of Purple Rain in 1984, an album that turns 25 this year, by the way.
Check out the current issue of Spin Magazine for an in-depth look at the 25th anniversary of Purple Rain, and also a free Purple Rain tribute download featuring cover versions of each and every track on the album.
Before you get lost reading that, do tell me: Bruce Springsteen or Prince - what is your pick?
Today, we’re going to travel back 25 years to the time when Twisted Sister released a landmark slab of music called Stay Hungry. You own it. You’ve owned it. You probably even owned it in multiple formats. You bought the t-shirt, and you went to the concert.
The album defined the term “instant classic” in the minds of many a music fan, packed from edge to edge with soon-to-be anthems like “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “I Wanna Rock,” and other memorable moments like “Burn In Hell,” and unquestionably, “THE PRICE.”
Thanks to Stay Hungry, we were SMFs long before we became SDMFs, and though Mom wasn’t entirely thrilled with the looks of our new friends, particularly TS lead singer Dee Snider, she let them come over anyway. Unless of course, your mom was Tipper Gore. But Dee eventually took care of her too.
After a period of inactivity, Twisted Sister have been back from their extended vacation for a while now, playing a few gigs here and there, and in between that, taking a good hard look at their legacy with an ongoing series of archival releases.
Which brings us this 25th anniversary edition of Stay Hungry, newly remastered and expanded to 2 CDs with a full CD worth of bonus tracks - unreleased demos, outtakes, and even a brand new Twisted Sister track called “30″ that stares hard into the rock and roll looking glass. And do they like what they see? Let your ears be the judge of that…
Twisted Sister - “30″
“30″ was originally written by Dee Snider with Marc Beeman and Sharon Lawson for the reality series Gone Country. Dee says, “While ‘30′ was my attempt at a country song for the show, the realization was that rock ‘n’ roll is a direct outgrowth of country music. Since ‘30′ was written about my Twisted Sister experience, it seemed only natural for us to record it and rock it out.”
And it’s only natural that to further celebrate 25 years of Stay Hungry, Twisted Sister and Rhino Records are giving you the opportunity to replace your worn out vinyl copy of Stay Hungry with a limited edition vinyl reissue to accompany the standard CD and digital editions.
We’re talkin’ PINK VINYL, folks. With a bonus poster that you can put on your wall just like it is still 1984, and you know what? I bet your mom is still yelling at you to turn it down. Don’t listen to her.
Thanks to your friends here at Addicted to Vinyl, we’ve got your chance to win a copy of this special vinyl edition of Stay Hungry. Send us an email with “Twisted Sister vinyl” in the subject line for your chance to win, and we’ll select one lucky SMF to rock out. Turntable not included.
Purchase Stay Hungry on CD, limited edition vinyl, or MP3
Click here for details on how you can be a part of The Monday Morning Mix and win some cool stuff!
About Today’s Mix:
Today’s Monday Morning Mix comes straight from our very own Mel! With 4th of July happening this week, I thought that this week might be a good time to drop a nice summertime mix. I got in touch with The Melness, and she agreed that she could put something worthy together.
Ah, summer. I love rolling down the windows and cranking my ridiculous playlists. Or a Basement Jaxx CD. I’ll stick with the ridiculous for your Monday.
That being said, in honor of the official beginning of the summer, with a particular dedication to 4th of July about to mark our calendars, here is my Monday (It’s Still Very Morning to Me) Mixtape:
1. Summertime – Wiley (Crookers Remix) - from the single Summertime Part 2 – You just sat in the driver’s seat, ready to hit the road for a four-hour road trip warrior weekend. You need to start that drive off right – a wonky Crookers dance remix. Three shots of espresso are optional. The next rest stop is 48 miles away.
2. We Used to Vacation – Cold War Kids (Daytrotter version, I love) – But because I cannot drink anymore (and partially because I spent my savings on booze for the last five years), we will not be traveling to the beach this year. It’s a Stay-cation summer, kids!
3. I Come From the Water – The Toadies - from the album Rubberneck – I came from the water. I intend to not drown myself in the water on any of my summer weekends of which I may fall off a boat or a jet ski after suffering from waves of “heat exhaustion.” And damn, that sand does go on forever, doesn’t it? Especially when it gets washed into your swimsuit bottoms.
4. Back Porch – Presidents of the United States of America - from the album The Presidents of the United States of America – If you got a front porch, you can bring your one- or two- or no-string too.
5. Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes - from the album Violent Femmes – I always forget my SPF45 on my nose and scalp. And I get these funky streaks on my back. Big hands I know you’re the one!
6. Fantastic Voyage – Coolio - from the album It Takes A Thief – C’mon all let’s get inside. I got a Ford, not a convertible or a broad. We can ride with the doors open on the side road. And I’ll stop rapping now…
7. Cruel Summer – Bananarama - from the album Bananarama – Summer is truly cruel when August creeps up. Then, you enjoy more “bars with air conditioning” than “bars with patios.”
8. Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams - from the album Reckless. You seriously didn’t know that? – I imagine ’69 was a good summer. It will also be a great one for the 69-year-old karaoke show-offs this weekend. Cougar. Rawr!
9. Hot in the City – Billy Idol - from the album Billy Idol – Damn. I can’t take it over 80 degrees. Move over. You’re too sticky.
10. 4th of July – Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers - from the album Glassjaw Boxer – Scene: Mel is driving. Playing around on her iPod, finding good songs to add to the Monday Morning Mixtape v. ‘69 Summer. Boyfriend plugs in his iPod and declares shuffle war. A great song by an unknown band plays. Mel likes. Then shrieks of delight upon the singing of the chorus, “How appropriate for my mix!” And then, it was added.
11. The Boys of Summer – Don Henley - from the album Building The Perfect Beast – I love these boys of summer. And Spring. You can take the Boys of Winter. They have too many clothes on for my liking. But that’s neither here nor there.
12. Sunshine of Your Love – Cream – from the album Disraeli Gears - I’ve been waiting so long… I’ve been waiting so long… Ladies & Gentlemen, break out the air guitars.
13. Summer in the City – Lovin’ Spoonful - from the album Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful – Or your air keyboards, if you are so inclined.
14. Saturday in the Park – Chicago - from the album Chicago V – It’s such a cliché song selection to end the mix, no? But you know it’s perfect. Where is that man selling ice cream?
I’m on my way out of town to clear my head, and I’ll be remembering an old friend as I travel across the miles, while listening to some of my favorite music turned up nice and loud. The ultimate tribute in my book, from one music lover to another.
I’m going home this weekend to Joliet, IL, a trip that was previously planned prior to last weekend’s tragic events. I’ve got the usual Motel 6 room booked, which I’m sure will make Brian at Broken Headphones snicker. Fair enough.
It might seem strange to call somewhere that you spent a mere two years “home,” but that’s the impact that that Joliet had on me personally. We lived in a majestic old house, in a wonderful city, and at the time, I couldn’t have guessed how much I would love it. We had a wonderful group of friends, and though I won’t see any of them on this particular trip, it’s always somehow comforting just to be back in the old zip code.
And this weekend, I’m needing lots of that.
In the meantime, back here in Cleveland, I have a couple of things to recommend:
1. Go see The Church at The Beachland Ballroom tonight. I can’t even believe that I’m missing The Church again. They are still on my list of bands that I haven’t seen, and apparently will continue to hang out on that list. The Beachland have reaaallly kicked their blogging into gear with a ton of posts, and oh my God, they put ATV on their blogroll. I was totally geeked out when I saw that! I’m still a fanboy at heart. I think that comes through….
2. Waterloo Arts Fest is tomorrow. Go! go! go! My friend (ahem,) the Cleveland Bachelor, has a huge ass rundown of his picks of things to do and see at The Waterloo Arts Fest. Which brings us to…
3. The Cleveland Bachelor/Low Life Gallery This Is Cleveland (All The Stuff I See) Closing Party. The hootenanny kicks off tomorrow night right around the time that Waterloo Arts Fest will be wrapping up. Hit up CB for the details, and if you see him, give him a big hug from me. He’ll be confused initially, but I promise you, he’ll like it. Especially if you’re hot.
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