“Hey, it’s Ken Block!”
Written by: Mel
I'm so terribly delayed at keeping up with my TRBX posts. So bad, there's already a new logo and site up for Rock Boat Eleven. For shame. I'll blame my cat.
In keeping the spirit of "Things That Mel are INCREDIBLY bad with," I cannot retain the names of singular band members. I know I love Better Than Ezra, but I have no clue what the lead singer's name is. Unless the name of the group is "Hall & Oates" I only know there are two guys -- one with the name of Hall, the other with Oates -- and even then, I still muck up their first names. Bob Seger made it easy, as have other artists who reached solo career successes.
The Rock Boat does something to you as a music lover -- you meet these artists one-on-one constantly, and they almost become friends. This trip taught me a lot about musical groups and the incredibly-talented individuals behind the full stage.
So, truly lame story: while listening to the promotional CD from TRBX, I told the boyfriend my list of artists/bands to which I was looking forward seeing live -- mostly, The Bridges, Andrew Hoover & Scott Munns (both of whom I didn't get to see -- dammit!) and some dude named Ken Block.
I am apparently the only fan on Earth (and cruise ship) who had no clue that Ken Block was the lead singer of Sister Hazel.
He's listed singularly on the CD because of his solo album - GREAT song, "Blue to a Blind Man," by the way.
As such, each time we passed him on the boat, the joke became "Hey, it's Ken Block!" because nearly every time I talked to people I forgot who this "Ken Block" cat was who I was excited to see live (The Boy had to correct me several times). I caught on once I was a passenger.
You see, you cannot miss Ken Block - he is an Everywhere Man on that boat (in fact, I think his cabin was just a couple down from ours). He's boarding the Carnival cruise ship right beside you (or me, as it were), he is on the PA waking you up from a 8pm nap (wha? sleeping?!), he is in the atrium playing two-man acoustic set with Drew... You feel as though he is commanding the ship.
Then there is Ken Block is AT MY BREAKFAST TABLE on the last full day of the cruise. I'm in between a bad case of Hangover and rolling bouts of sea sickness. Yet, boyfriend told him the story of my listening to his music blindly and unknowingly of his attachment to Sister Hazel.
He was appreciative, nonetheless, while I was embarrassed and wanted to puke on someone's shoes... and then, he called me a "Blockhead" -- as in, someone who is a fan of Ken Block.
Awesome.
Here's Sister Hazel, kicking off TRBX! Day #1.
If you stopped the screen at JUST the right moment, you can see me there in a crowd shot in the beginning... AND the end. Sweet. And yes, it was a cruise where we not only wore birthday hats, but WINTER hats. See: Ken Block.
Ken Block, along with Sister Hazel, make for great party hosts for the duration of the vacation. Especially during the sail away -- what an amazing experience being around 2000+ people who do this thing EVERY year and cannot WAIT to get the party going again.
When in this moment, you feel it just cannot get better (well, perhaps the weather could get better in Mexico, right? RIGHT?!), just wait. Sister Hazel one-upped themselves on Day #2 -- a day themed around cover songs -- performing as "Fleetwood Hazel." Yes, FLEETWOOD Hazel, as in, Sister Hazel played a live set of the ENTIRE Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" album. It was one of the single greatest moments of any live performance -- I imagine pretty damn near seeing the actual Fleetwood Mac perform the album in its entirety.
Here is "Fleetwood Hazel" performing "Chains." (I apologize for all the shitty videos. I didn't pack my own video camera, so I'm left to find YouTube crap - this one, much like our rocky boat adventure, you may want to just listen and not watch all the shaky cam).
Stay tuned for more about Covers Day on TRBX.
View CommentsWaxing Nostalgic & something to enjoy with your morning coffee.
Written by: Mel
Remember when MTV not only played MUSIC VIDEOS but there were two crazy VJs named Julie Brown running around set? Wubba Wubba Wubba.
Last night at Edison's Pub in Tremont, "The Homecoming Queen's Gotta Gun" by the redheaded, wackier Julie Brown played at closing time. Of course, I was the only person who actually remembered the silly song (stupid, drunk 20-year-olds) AND the video. And now, as expected, it is stuck in my head for the duration of the weekend. You can thank me later...
And speaking of crazy-ass music personalities, do you remember Dr. Demento? I loved both his weekly television and radio shows. I was the first to hear "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred because Demento played it on his late-night Sunday slot on our local oldies station. Then, it became a massive pop radio hit. I was always a bit more than awkward in junior high school...
Be that as it may, it got me thinking about this popular Demento hit:
Barnes & Barnes were seemingly a favorite of Demento. I loved his Outer Space songs. ("Star Trekkin" is a must listen, and I still know ALL the words). "Fish Heads" was rated by Rolling Stone as one of the best music videos of all time.
In the ev-en-ing, floating in the soup. Yum!
And not only was I exceptionally quirky, apparently I took a lot of drugs. Man, MTV used to be endless hours of fun. Too bad for this generation, having missed all that crazy entertainment of the 80s.
View CommentsWhere all the white women at? The women of TRBX.
Written by: Mel
White or not, there is a deficiency of women artists on the rock boat. I'm not looking for the next Lilith Fair on water, as I'm only half gay and then I would complain about penises, but seriously, how awesome would THAT cruise be? Moving on, I think the boat could use a little more estrogen. Ahem, of legal drinking age.
All that not intended to be said out loud, the women included in this year's TRBX music festival were nothing short of amazing.
The Bridges were instantly one of my faves upon listening to TRBX sample CD. Matt informed me they opened up for the one-and-only Susanna Hoffs and the Bangles. The Bridges are an (almost) all-female band comprised of siblings and one cousin -- Brittany Painter -- who writes most of the lyrics and leads the group with an amazing set of vocal chords. Siblings Natalie Byrd, Stacey Byrd, Isaaca Byrd and Jeremy Byrd all collaborate on music, AND The Bridges are produced by THE one-and-only Matthew Sweet.
I would compare their music to a cross of Girl in a Coma female rocker angst, with softening influences of Fleetwood Mac. Their TRBX show in the Candlelight Lounge was a definite DO NOT MISS. Unfortunately for my boyfriend, he DID miss it (we separated for this show) -- and upon seeing the acoustic artist collaboration on the last night of the cruise between The Bridges and Sister Hazel, did he realize his error. The performance was chilling.
During that Candlelight concert, I sat with an older couple (who I SWEAR had to be their parents or something... I didn't pursue). Throughout the show, they both asked my opinions on each song, on the band itself -- what I liked, didn't like -- what other kind of music I enjoyed or would compare the girls to. It's not often someone asks your opinion at shows, and I gave it -- The Bridges are fantastic. I need not hesitate to gush on their music and lyrics. And thanks for the cranberry & vodka! Cheers!
TRBX performance (obvs, recording is not great):
Did I mention they are also HOT!? Err, and too young.
"Pieces" is a hit. I also love their songs "Runaway" and "All the Words."
These girls have talent out the wazoo. And Ken Block approves.
The second and last female-centric act (yes, there is a chick in Gaelic Storm too, who will be featured in a different post) was Chelsea Williams.
Surprisingly, this chick makes her living performing on the STREETS of Los Angeles. Therefore, there is not a whole lot of background info. Take an opportunity to listen to some of her music on her Web site. Upon entry of The Rock Boat, she was playing acoustic for us in the atrium. Her set includes a perfect selection of covers (Salt n Pepa!!!) and original songs, comparable to the great voices of Brandi Carlile and KT Tungstall (two of my favorite female artists).
I heard rumors on the boat as to her breaking out in song at random opportunities -- and there is evidence! I love this Elevator Party video a fan posted on YouTube:
By the way, it was Mardi Gras Night - crazy, random shit like this happened all over the boat at any time.
But you can gather a bit more of her talent in this video:
Right? I may or may not have chased her around the boat like a dog in heat. Or was that my boyfriend? Hey, her fault for wearing short jean skirts and cowboy boots. RAWR.
View CommentsTRBX!
Written by: Mel
Like many, I'm an old fan of the band Sister Hazel. Certainly, you're a Hazelnut too if you remember and enjoy the great 90s hit "All For You."
And along with every other 90s-era favorite, they seemed to fade into some metaphorical musical sunset.
Upon first hearing of The Rock Boat adventure from my boyfriend (he's a five-year alum now), and of the great musical acts of its past, I'm like, "SIGN ME UP!" So went the year my boyfriend brought his girlfriend on the greatest vacation ever.
Before embarking on our fantastic musical voyage, we received a promotional two-disc TRBX set, introducing set artists for the cruise. Silly you, it doesn't matter what PORTS to which we set sail! There was MUSIC. At ALL TIMES. ON A BOAT. ALL DAY. For FOUR DAYS.
This is just a beginner course into getting schooled about how to do a music cruise. What the hell do I know being a rookie and all? Well, for one, even being on a cruise before, many of my typical conceptions of a cruise vacation were quickly thrown overboard. TRBX was no ordinary cruise -- but a reckless excuse to party hard as any -- with a shit-ton of great music and people.
I'll talk a little about the bands who were part of TRBX, explore the theme nights/days and the bands who played along with them, gush over amazing covers by already-amazing musicians in his(not-many-hers) own right, and general musical greatness. Some of the bands and artists may be new to you -- some are there wholly to shut you up and pay attention because this is the next Big Thing. Others? Good, good fun.
All on a Carnival Cruise Ship destined for an amazing musical festival, with 30+ bands and artists at sea.
Ahem. Like I said... the promo CDs were a great way to rediscover old favorites, learn of some new music and up-and-coming bands and artists, and totally pump myself up out of a months-long music rut.
Take a look at the track listings below for a heads-up on who and what to expect in Mel's Rock Boat Experience.
Cheers!
DISC ONE:
Sister Hazel - I Believe In You
Marc Broussard - Hard Knocks
Will Hoge - Even If It Breaks Your Heart
Pat McGee - I Don't Think I'm Listening
Tyrone Wells - Remain
Wideawake - Gravity Won't Win
Green River Ordinance - Here We Are
Jim Bianco - Sing
The Bridges - Pieces
Evan McHugh - From The Second Chair
Francisco Vidal - Tail Lights
B-Liminal - Yo Yo
Ken Block - Blue to a Blind Man
DISC TWO:
Augustana - Sweet and Low
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - My Old Man
Gaelic Storm - Slim Jim And The Seven Eleven Girl
Carbon Leaf - Lake of Silver Bells
Blackberry Smoke - Sanctified Woman
Dexter Freebish - Walk On Water
Michael Tolcher - Mockingbird
Oval Opus - Anchorman
Tony Lucca - Long Love Letter
Sun Domingo - Hot Little Room
Chelsea Williams - Eight Days
Andrew Hoover - Lie to Me
Scott Munns - I'd Be Fine
Drew Copeland - A Little Like Heaven
Silver Bullet Bucket List & All I Want For Christmas is for Michael McDonald to not sing any Christmas songs.
Written by: Mel
You can all give me shit later for ignoring you on ATV for so long. It's the holidays, so let's wait until after New Year's, mmm-kay? And it's OK, I know you miss me... I see it on my stats every time you Google me.
Thanks to Jukebox 65 for musically inspiring a post from me this weekend. Her tweet was a lovely reminder of the not-too-oft heard early song of Bob Seger.
"2+2=?" off of the Ramblin' Gamblin' Man album from good ol' 1969:
View CommentsMy Trip Hop Days
Written by: Mel
Most of you were were probably enjoying my ATV hiatus. One of you even thought I wouldn't get out of that basement you locked me in... never! Screw you, I'm back. I'm out and proud too, but that's an entirely different matter. Speaking of basements, I've been anxiously awaiting the summer release from Basement Jaxx -- "long-awaited album," indeed -- doesn't drop until *sigh* September 21. BJ (hehe), please leak something more than "Raindrops" from this album! Really, I hear that Yoko Ono makes a guest appearance on the album. I expect nothing less than fantastic from one of my favorite musical acts.
View CommentsThe Airborne Toxic Event – House of Blues, Cleveland – 08.04
Written by: Mel
I enjoy heading out to listen to bands that which I'm not incredibly familiar; there is always bound to be something unexpected.
Thanks to Radio 92.3's Cheap Date night concert Tuesday night at House of Blues, I was in a dream on a cheap date featuring Ohio Sky and The Airborne Toxic Event.
Ohio Sky was beyond unexpected; they were... different. A bit of alt-rock mixed with some sort of strange psychedelic guitar ramblings. But when the lead singer belted, nay screamed his lyrics, it was very reminiscent of Richard Patrick (of Filter fame). But to be honest, I was not alert enough to enjoy them. Even with all that screaming. Definitely, categorized as "Rock Your Face Off."
I think Airborne Toxic Event was mismatched with their opener, but could have just been my flaky mood. I already had a few songs of TATE on my (crazy) iPod, and wanted to go to their last show at HOB in Cleveland, but missed the opportunity. Mikel Jollett did not disappoint in recreating the hyper-emotional lyrics of his songs live. Every band member is an incredible musician -- violin, keyboards... and um, bass guitar played with a bow -- yeah, THAT was awesome. Even if I felt as if I was floating along in a strange John Hughes movie montage. What was that? Something in the PBR?
Here's something I learned at TATE: Compiling a complete setlist is near impossible if: a) you maintain location at the BACK of HOB at the bar, thereby rendering any jotted notes of lyrics into your iPhone completely and utterly useless or b) drink too many PBRs or c) ...uh, I forgot.
Setlist:
1 Wishing Well
2 ... already second song in, and I have no clue what he's saying. I think I heard "See you tonight!" *drink PBR #1*
3 Papillon
4 Something New
5 Gasoline
6 Happiness is Overrated
7 Echo Park
8 This Losing
9 Sometime Around Midnight
10 ... slow jam time *drink PBR #2
11 ...wow PBR #2 is already gone
12 Innocence (double violin sound)
Encore:
(drum solo featuring all the band members... yes, on one drum kit. Awesome!)
13 Does This Mean You're Moving On?
14 ...how does an awesome end-of-the-night song not exist on lyric lists on the web -- anyone? Jollett said it was a song about fuck ups, which at this point, seems like a good theme song for me.
Seriously though, I would still like a setlist, if any readers can find one for this show.
I cannot explain to you how AMAZING the encore was -- you really had to be at the House of Blues to understand what I mean. It was a combination of brilliant lyrics, beautiful instruments, infectious fans (sold out or close to?) and a totally random, incredibly more upbeat end song that sealed my music night. Highlights: the previously mentioned encore and the songs "Papillon" and "Innocence."
This was a really fantastic performance by The Airborne Toxic Event -- receives Mel's Crazy iPod Seal of Approval.
How 'bout that? I go to a concert, and I'm not annoyed by any person around me -- and the sound guy didn't eff up. Oh, but wait. I have a virginal review of last week's Dave Matthews Band concert at Blossom (full setlist available... ha), as well as a few other concert revelations coming up next.
Cheers!
View CommentsConcert Review: Better Than Ezra
Written by: Mel
House of Blues - Cleveland
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Setlist:
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.
But at the end of the day, we can all thank the "King of New Orleans" for not boring us with "Rosealia."
View CommentsThe Monday Morning Mix – 40 Summers Past ’69 – 6/29/09
Written by: Mel
Graphic by Rachael Novak
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:
40 Summers Past '69 (download)
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?
View CommentsIs it too late, baby? Oh, it’s too late.
Written by: Mel
There are several negative personality traits to which I possess that I hold my mother accountable (or reasons to which I have nobody else to blame): my selfishness, my hopeless budgeting, my apathy to almost everything, a barely-there want or desire for children, perpetual procrastination and impending boredom and more specifically, my propensity to see beauty in female form.
Women folk singers.
Yes, it is my mother’s fault that I am half lesbian. My fatherless upbringing is obviously just cause for the non-lesbian half’s endless plight of horrible dating history. But I digress.
My mom would wake us up nearly every Saturday morning for “ Slave Cleaning Day” with the sound of one of these lovely ladies on vinyl (sadly, no Lita Ford). Torturous as it seemed to us as kids, looking back it was kind of cool the kinds of music to which we were exposed.
Polka, for one. I am still Queen of the Dance Floor at family weddings and the like, as I still remember my moves, albeit twice the speed as all the Grey Hairs out there giving it the ol’ college try.
I was also raised on classic rock – my dad being in several different local bands. Sadly, his love for classic rock faded a couple years ago, when he made the move to Motown. Very, very cool, but with his consistent bookings of private parties, there are no more random Dad Sightings at Riverwood Café in Lakewood. But I cannot hear Joe Cocker or Blood, Sweat & Tears (or *shudder* Richard Marx, but that's another story completely) without thinking of my dad.
Be that as it may, say hello to my little friends:
Janis Ian – “Between the Lines” (1975) 75? Shit, my mother was already a couple years ahead of torturing me before my birth!
Tracks
1. When the Party’s Over
2. At Seventeen
3. From Me to You
4. Bright Lights and Promises
5. In the Winter
6. Water Colors
7. Between the Lines
8. The Come On
9. Light a Light
10. Tea and Sympathy
11. Lover’s Lullaby
Janis Ian, you are part of my root. Ironically, you are presently a lesbian icon. As Matt previously mentioned in this post (my pursuit of top 15 albums), “Between the Lines” is on my Top 15 album lists, regardless of the negative connotation attached with having to scrub toilets and fold laundry and cook for my twelve children.
With “At Seventeen,” I maintain a word-for-word recall to this day. Still, I can envision my mother with her butt-length straight hippy hair singing along. Totally weird. I had also forgotten how beautiful a song is “Lover’s Lullaby.” For all I knew, as a child, it was a song about dreaming of cheese.
Carole King – “Tapestry” (1971) Next verse, same as the first…
Tracks
1. I Feel the Earth Move
2. So Far Away
3. It’s Too Late
4. Home Again
5. Beautiful
6. Way Over Yonder
7. You’ve Got a Friend
8. Where You Lead
9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
10. Smackwater Jack
11. Tapestry
12. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Certain albums, upon listening to over-and-over again, you know EXACTLY the order of songs, what word comes next, which note is played first. “Tapestry” is one of those albums for me. Since ,like, age 3. Even without the handmade flower girl pantsuits that my mother dressed me in, in the 70s… OMG, my mom made the COOLEST outfits for us! In all seriousness though, I’m surprised that I am NOT a full-blown lesbian where with all the now-that-mom’s-older-she’ll-deny-it liberalism I encountered at a young age.
Break-up anthems unite: “It’s Too Late” is to Gloria Gaynor’s disco-era “I Will Survive” – but “Too Late” is better and more real – because nobody likes a girl who fakes it, even when you turn around and walk out that door and attempt to ignore it. No, Matt, I will not turn this into a Cage Match. By the by, did I ever mention that I actually saw Gloria Gaynor perform in concert? Unsurprisingly, it was at a gay event… in Nashville.
And there was a lot of confetti.
James Taylor - I imagine his Greatest Hits Album (1976) since I know EVERY single track.
Tracks
1. Something in the Way She Moves
2. Carolina in My Mind
3. Fire and Rain
4. Sweet Baby James
5. Country Road
6. You’ve Got a Friend
7. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
8. Walking Man
9. How Sweet it is (To Be Loved by You)
10. Mexico
11. Shower the People
12. Steamroller
Yeah, I know, not a female artist, yet he still whines like one in “You’ve Got a Friend.” Nonetheless, Taylor is equally responsible for half my thought process that most men are annoying bastages and not supple, earthly, sensitive Creatures of Love (with boobs).
I have another completely random memory of this album being dug out of one of ex’s car trunk to play en route to a day of fun at Cedar Point. Completely random. And perfect that he continued the tradition to further ruin a great album with his shitty, tainted memories. In this instance, “cleaning house” takes on an entirely new meaning…
Thanks, Lou. And Mom. And I’m sure Carly Simon deserves an honorable mention in there somewhere.
Oh, these artists are not classified wholly as “folk”? Well, then, folk you!
Be grateful that I didn’t post a play-by-play of Captain & Tennille. You want to know more reasons to why I’m emotionally-screwed?
“Muskrat Love” being sung to me when I was a newborn.
Well, if anything, I now know why I love cheese. And seriously, "Sam" is a totally androgynous name. Much like "Mel." Huh.
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