Well Spank My Buffalo, We're All Here

The whole gang is now Blogworthy. I have added Neil to the reviews and offered him to weigh in on our past doohickeys.

He does owe us 10 Desert Island picks and guilty pleasures.

noseforbeer first comments

Hot Rod Circuit - Greatest Hits “2”
The music is good, I like the garage sound. Too bad they have a singer, I think the vocals and lyrics are very lame!

Jimmy James & The Vagabonds “3”
GROOVY! COOL! VERY HIP!
I am not a big 60's soul music fan, but this album made me realize there is a lot of really good stuff out there I have never heard.

B.B King & Friends “4”
I have a hard time trying to critique a legend. What can you say about people like B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Chrissie Hynde, Lou Reed, Pete Townsend, or Jimmy Hendrix, they are all legends to me.

Tiger Mountain “3.5”
This is a good CD, straight forward rock n' roll not too flashy, enjoyable.

Linda Perry. “ZERO”
I like a lot of non mainstream female artists, but listing to this was like having to chew on broken glass!
Five Musts for Covers
Ain't Talking' 'Bout Love – Van Halen
Get Up, Stand Up – Bob Marley
Needle And The Damage Done – Neil Young
Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
Sunday Morning Coming Down – Kris Kristofferson

Favorite Covers
Cash- Hurt
Cash- Rusted Cage
Cash- 13
Talking Heads- Take Me to the River
Concrete Blond- Everybody Knows

Maybe next month I will be able to elaborate on my feelings towards the music better.


NEIL;

Progger Nov Comments

Hot Rod Circuit - Greatest Hits

I found the collection of songs enjoyable. They were a good range of songs that get me interested from start to end. In listening to this band I can hear a lot of bands that have come before. But there is nothing wrong with mixing styles and making it your own. This is where the music club helps me. I may not have liked some of the bands reviewed but when the modified in another package, I appreciate the influencing styles.

Jimmy James

Listening to this album gives me an appreciation for the vocal skills of most R&B artists. The harmonies are what drive the songs and hook you in. They are good to listen to and sing/hum along. The tunes will stick in your head for at least three days. For my personal preferences this in more a novelty. I can probably sing along to many songs but would not actively pursue listening to them on a regular basis. Nothing on this disk raises my interest. 2.5

B.B King & Friends

This is a definite find for me. I went into listening thinking Oh goody a blues album. Not to categorize things but after a few training course in Memphis, and nights on Beal street, I find myself losing interest in blues songs. I know this might sound weird from an alternative freak, but I believe blues and jazz tends to ramble on. But after listening to the album multiple times I enjoyed it more with each listening. I got hooked by the modern electric styling and the stories told in songs like humming birds. Who know maybe in years past in some liberal arts college a blues guitarist and a classical pianist got together to great a prog band. (4)

Tiger Mountain

I sat a few times to put together my comments. The first couple I just skipped over to the band and wrote the other reviews. Now that this is my third and final try I guess my lack of anything to say sums up the album. Although I did give it multiple tries It never hooked my in. Since I always need a hook, this left me flat and often tuning out the music. (2)

Linda Perry.

I enjoyed the album. Since my mental music encyclopedia is limited, when I first popped in the disk I said this sound like the chick from 4 non-blonds. Then I thought chick could get me in trouble so I mentally change it to women. So I went on line and found out I was right, so it most be very obvious. For this CD it was Linda’s voice that hooked me. The voice is powerful and sometimes haunting. After multiple listens, I still enjoy the songs and the emotion they convey. I will definitely add this to the collection and look through D’Arcy’s CD to borrow the 4 non blond disk. (3.5)

Blues (Sort of) and Covers

BB King

So you think BB King you think guitar cd. With the special guests, some jamming and some interesting song selections. Well here you get none of that. The wonderful singing BB King used to make Lucille do in the past is missing. Many a time the sound is short and uninspired. His duels with other guitarist leads nothing to the imagination. In fact on some songs the piano part was the only truly interesting part in the song and barely at that. Yes I know that he is eighty but does that mean we should make allowances or is that reverse age discrimination. Truthfully I should not have been surprised by this cd. As for the guests there are only two artists that I actually own cds by. 1

Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.
This cd is a dilemma for me. I really liked it. Found myself tapping my foot to it. Singing along at times. Enjoying the background fills and the talented singers. But it is in a genre that I know that I will never actually put on by choice. But after three listens I still haven’t dismissed it to the circular file and reused the jewel case so there must be something to it. But I also know that there is hardly a chance that I will actually put it on to listen. Wouldn’t ask for it to be turned off if someone else put it on. 2

Linda Perry
Linda Perry has a great voice. Have thought so since I saw 4 non-blondes at toads. That is the problem I have with this cd. It seems that much of the attention was set on making sure the voice stood out that the songs lost something in the mix. That being said, there are glimpses here of what a great songwriter she is here. And I think the songs with another singer or a stronger producer may have been better. Because the songs up to when she decides to show us her inner Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane is never a good idea), followed by Ann Wilson of both the seventy and eighties are pretty good. Especially fill me up. They are just in need of some fine-tuning. 2.5

Tiger Mountain

Best cd of the month. The only one I have listened because I wanted to not because it is listening number 1 2 or 3. Didn’t have the track listing but could not find a week track. Singer shows some emotion on the slower songs, and fills in nicely on the more upbeat pop tracks. Nice choice of background to with either simple backgrounds vocals, or surprisingly use of strings and electric piano. Just a good cd. 3
Hot Rod Circuit
This emo thing is a funny thing. Hot rod circuit is definitely an emo band. I actually own If its cool and Sorry about tomorrow, but could not tell you the last time I played them. But something about emo bands that in order to show just emotional they are they must turn everything up to 11 and either scream or growl. Subtleties and dynamics be damned. With these 4 cd’s you get to see Hot Rod circuit grow a little bit as a band. They understand that dynamics can play a part of the songs. I wasn’t a fan of the songs from the first cd, too much too much. The second was okay. I liked the third enough to go and listen to it again in its entirety and Jenn managed to grab the best tunes. Do not think I will buying the 4th however.



Cover Songs

All Bands should know.
Couldn’t think of songs or a specific pairing but thought there are some bands that all should be responsible to know at least one song

Velvet Underground/Lou Reed Alkaline trio might be able to work this.
The Clash: Someone should have the guts to come back for an encore of Clampdown, or how about Magnificent Seven mixed within someone's set, that would be cool
The Kinks. Cracker doing Victoria was cool but their catalog is endless. Hey I might even watch Bruce if he was to attempt Celluloid Heroes.
Ramones: but no one should be allowed to cover wanna be sedated.
Queen. Come on there must be some one other than metallica Green Day and Nine Inch Nails willing to play one of their anthems.


Best Cover Songs Live
REM Have you ever seen the rain?
Soul Asylum To Sir With Love Before everyone else thought it was cool to do.
Gwar Detroit Rock City
Replacements Sweet Home Chicago
The db’s Suspicious minds.
Hm World Party Stand


Best Cover Songs on Record

Hot House Flowers I can See Clearly Now
Judas Priest Diamonds and Rust
UFO Alone Again Or
Waterboys Purple Rain
The Jam David Watts
Hm Roxy Music Jealous Guy

November Synopsis

November Highlights:
Mike M's support of feminist music. Greg actually appears at a meeting and still holds the cellar with Pygmy. Jay and Mike H butt heads on Tiger Mountain's drummer. D'Arcy rambles about "LIMITS! We All Need LIMITS!!" Byron oddly rolls his eyes at a Bruce comment. Jen has a cold and still drinks beer. Neil takes more nasal blow pot shots. D'Arcy and Byron disagree. Jen shockingly gives her selection a 5. Ken, as always, commands the respect of the group- it's just they don't know it.

The reviews should be getting posted as per Mike H's constant whining. Any one who neglects posting their reviews will have to deal with Mike again next month.

December Discs

Blind Faith - Old (Ken)
New York Dolls - Old (Jay)
My Morning Jacket- Z - New (D'Arcy)
Gorillaz - Demon Days- New (Mike M)
Ghits- Iron Maiden

Host - Byron

Topic to come
================================================
Next Meeting : December 20th and it will be a fine dining experience

We will go against better judgement and allow Greg to partake in January. This is only a test

Those with homework for December's meeting

Old- D'Arcy/ Mike M
New- Greg/ Jen
Host for January will be Monsta (Mike H)

Prep for January's meeting: Bring a Cd with your fave's for 2005 and a top 10 album. Just to handout. This is above and beyond normal meeting chores.

Jenn's November Review

CD Reviews:

B.B. King & Friends – 80:

I cannot pretend to be a blues expert by any means and I’ll probably get lynched for saying I’m really not that big of a fan of the genre as a whole. Perhaps I just have no soul, but blues music bores the hell out of me. I’m not into long guitar solos that all sound pretty much the same to me. Though there wasn’t an overabundance of guitar solos to bore me and the melodies were pretty upbeat, personally B.B. King’s guitar tone annoys the crap out of me. I’ve always been under the belief that B.B. King was too lazy. Like Chuck Berry and a lot of others, people who can’t play guitar and sing at the same time don’t impress me as much as those that can.

I was a little surprised to see guest stars like Hall & Oates, Gloria Estefan, and Elton John who just seem like an odd pairing with B.B. King. I’m getting tired of older musicians pairing with younger, more mainstream musicians to try to appeal to new listeners. It’s getting old. Highlights for me were “Hummingbird”, and “Need Your Love So Bad.” I give it a 3 for the genre, but would probably only give it a 1 ½, since I can’t see myself listening to it regularly, so average that out and you get 2 ¼ Stars.

Jimmy James & The Vagabonds – Come To Me Softly:

Ah, how I love 60’s music. This was a nice change. Though it may not be the best music to come out of the 60’s, it is entertaining. There is just something about it that makes you smile while listening to it. How can one possibly be mad while listening to it? (Unless of course you absolutely hated it, then yes, I guess one could be mad.) I put it in at work the other day and people in the office were happy and kind of dancing around. “I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying” was my favorite. As much as I enjoyed it, I really can’t see myself listening to it often. There is a lot better music from the 60’s that I would prefer to listen to. Score: 2 ½

Linda Perry – In Flight:

I apologize for the bad discs. I didn’t realize it until later. I’ve heard all of the jokes about Four Non Blondes, but if you get past their horrible single “What’s Up” their album was actually pretty good. There was something about the singer that captivated me in an odd way. I picked up this disc after I heard the duet with Grace Slick on a soundtrack, not realizing that it was the same singer that I knew and loved from Four Non Blondes. This album quickly became one of my favorite albums and it has been included on every list I’ve made of favorite albums since. (It is also one of my desert island picks.) This woman writes amazing songs. Now she has been writing the hits of Pink, Christina Aguilera and others. Her music is powerful and moving and I don’t think that there is a bad track on this album. The duet with Grace Slick, “Knock Me Out,” gives me chills every time I hear it. I wish she would stick to recording instead of producing others because I need more!
Score: 5

Tiger Mountain – Get Along Like a House on Fire:

From the first play of this album, I loved it. The first track “Shouldn’t Be Long” was very catchy and got stuck in my head several times. Their slower tracks like “She Played Me Too” were reminiscent of some Rolling Stones hits. Tracks like “Century’s Gone” reminded me a lot of Phantom Planet or Rooney. Good pop band, good melodies, great bass lines and decent guitars, the right tinge of keyboards. However, the more I listened to it, the more bored with it I got. I still enjoy it, but only in moderation.

Score: 3

Hot Rod Circuit – Greatest Hits:

I’m not really sure why I did a Greatest Hits of this band. I guess I wanted to throw in a group that has been around for little while and not many people know them. Yes, I know they are an “emo” band, but for me there was something a little different to them that sets them apart from all of the other “emo” bands out there. Instead of guitar solos their guitarist fills in odd-licks throughout their music to fill out their sound in an interesting way. The guitarist Casey is a madman on stage. With half of the band hailing from CT they play Toads at least once a year. It’s nothing groundbreaking, it is just a band that I enjoy and enjoy even more seeing live.

Score: 3

Topic

I thought long and hard and realized my own question was quite difficult so here are some songs (or artists) that I think every artist/band should know.

1. Any Beatles song – everyone should know how to play at least one.
2. A Madonna song – because they are catchy and its also funny as hell to see rock or metal bands cover Madonna
3. “Freebird” – Come on, it had to be on a list. But, I think everyone should learn it in a way that is slightly different than the original so when someone screams out “Play Freebird” in the audience – you are fulfilling their request but also adding your artistic flair to it.
4. Rush , “Tom Sawyer”- I know this may be difficult considering that most bands do not have the drum and bass skills of Neil Peart and Geddy Lee, but change it up a bit. I recently heard this goth/industrial band do it and it was great, yet hysterical at the same time.
5. Prince – Purple Rain

Favorite Cover songs
1. Ahmet & Dweezil Zappa – Hit Me Baby One More Time (Britney Spears)
2. Faith No More – Easy (The Commodores)
3. Dynamite Hack – Boyz n The Hood (N.W.A)
4. Social Distortion – Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash)
5. Guns n Roses – Hair of the Dog (Nazareth)
6. The Get Up Kids – Close To Me (The Cure)
7. The Get Up Kids – Regret (New Order)
8. Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
9. Ben Kweller – Ice Ice Baby (Vanilla Ice) LIVE
10. OKGO – Hold The Line (Toto) LIVE
11. Johnny Cash – Hurt (Nine Inch Nails)
12. The Lovemongers (aka Nancy and Ann Wilson) – Battle of Evermore (Led Zeppelin)
13. Tori Amos – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
14. Siouxsie & the Banshees – The Passenger (Iggy Pop)
15. Nirvana – Lake Of Fire (Meat Puppets) (or any of their covers on the Unplugged Album)

Mad Mike Mongillo's November Hootenanny

Michael Mongillo – Music Group Commentary, November 22, 2005

B.B. KING & FRIENDS “80” = 2 STARS (Out of Respect)
Mr. King’s “80” is certainly impressive: for his age, much of his body of work that inspired it, and, of course, for his roster of so-called “friends.” The end result, however, is sadly uninspired and undeniably opportunistic. Can’t really begrudge the guy for wanting to cash in with a duets album, I guess. Everyone does it sooner or later if they have a career this expansive. But what’s truly unfortunate is that this kind of thing always sounds less like music and more like, “The last nail in the coffin.”
SIDE NOTE: I did not know until last night’s meeting that this is not Mr. King’s first “duets” album. If I had known, I probably would have given it a lower rating.

HOT ROD CIRCUIT “BEST OF” = 2.5 STARS
Why is it that emo almost always sounds dated? Even the greatest emo bands in this vein (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Get Up Kids, Camber) barely escape this curse and Hot Rod Circuit, although pretty darn good, is not great.

JIMMY JAMES & THE VAGABONDS “COME TO ME SOFTLY” = 4 STARS
After finding out more about Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, I’m kind of embarrassed that I’ve never heard of them or (heard) their Motownesque grooves. My apparent deficiency in music history is probably for the best, though, since it allowed me to listen to this “classic” album with some degree of objectivity. “Come to Me Softly” is amazing for its time in every way and it is still great by today’s standards. Most impressive is the production, which simply can’t be attributed to any digital re-mastering, if it is digitally re-mastered. These presumably live, studio, minimal-track recordings sound so full and clear that it puts most of today’s multi-layered, over-produced smooth pop to shame.

LINDA PERRY “IN FLIGHT” = REFRAINED FROM “GRADING”
Like movies starring Cher or Robin Williams, my searing hatred of their work prevents me from being able to like anything that they’re in. This genre of neo-feminism, Goddess-revival, myopic, exclusionary, self-indulgent, and almost always-trite music falls into the same category. Hence, I am unable to even pretend to listen to what I call, “Vagina Music,” with any degree of objectivity, which is why I am refraining from grading this CD. But come on, with lyrics as pretentious and supposedly meaningful as “...in the garden, watering flowers all night long,” how could I not refrain from voting? And for the record, Liz Phair, Mazzy Star, Tori Amos, and many other great, “modern” women artists don’t fall into this category because, although their music may be feminist or Goddess-centric, it invites me in as a male listener; and although having balls sometimes prevents me from identifying with the ladies (sorry, “womyn”), I am perfectly capable of understanding them.

TIGER MOUNTAIN “GET ALONG LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE” = 2 STARS
Described simply as “Mod Revival” at the All Music Guide; it’s tough to argue with that. But whatever. Sure it’s listenable but it’s also exceedingly mediocre.

TOPIC

5 SONGS ALL BANDS SHOULD COVER
1) “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
At clubs and even at stadium shows, some wiseass in the crowd invariably shouts, “Play ‘Free Bird’!” I would give almost anything to have “all bands” reciprocate. Then said wiseass would almost certainly catch a beatin’.
2) “Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles
Every band should be able to cover this or another Beatles song but this one in particular since all working bands should identify with its lyrics.
3) “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath
Unfortunately it almost always seems an appropriate sentiment ... and it rocks.
4) “YYZ” by Rush
And if it is not played precisely or accurately, that could be half the fun in covering it/hearing it covered.
5) “American Idiot” by Green Day
Because it’s already a classic so bands should get the jump on covering this one.

FAVORITE COVERS (TOP TEN)
1) “Isolation” (John Lennon) as covered by Matthew Sweet (on GOODFRIENDS)
2) “Baba O’Riley” (The Who) as covered by Guided by Voices (Live)
3) “Mr. Crowley” (Ozzy) as covered by Built to Spill (Live)
4) “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor) as covered by Cake (on FASHION NUGGET)
5) “Godzilla” (Blue Oyster Cult) as covered by Fu Manchu (on EATIN’ DUST)
6) “Scary Monsters and Super Creeps” (David Bowie) as covered by Superchunk (on CUP OF SAND)
7) “Show Me the Way” (Peter Frampton) as covered by Dinosaur Jr. (on LITTLE FURRY THINGS)
8) “I Fought the Law” (Bobby Fuller / The Clash) as covered by Green Day (The awesome studio version is, apparently, only available through iTunes.)
9) “September Gurls” (Big Star) as covered by Superdrag (Recorded Live on I KNOW THE SCORE)
10) “Close to Me” (The Cure) as covered by The Get Up Kids (on EUDORA)

Mad Mike Mongillo's November Hootenanny

Michael Mongillo – Music Group Commentary, November 22, 2005

B.B. KING & FRIENDS “80” = 2 STARS (Out of Respect)
Mr. King’s “80” is certainly impressive: for his age, much of his body of work that inspired it, and, of course, for his roster of so-called “friends.” The end result, however, is sadly uninspired and undeniably opportunistic. Can’t really begrudge the guy for wanting to cash in with a duets album, I guess. Everyone does it sooner or later if they have a career this expansive. But what’s truly unfortunate is that this kind of thing always sounds less like music and more like, “The last nail in the coffin.”
SIDE NOTE: I did not know until last night’s meeting that this is not Mr. King’s first “duets” album. If I had known, I probably would have given it a lower rating.

HOT ROD CIRCUIT “BEST OF” = 2.5 STARS
Why is it that emo almost always sounds dated? Even the greatest emo bands in this vein (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Get Up Kids, Camber) barely escape this curse and Hot Rod Circuit, although pretty darn good, is not great.

JIMMY JAMES & THE VAGABONDS “COME TO ME SOFTLY” = 4 STARS
After finding out more about Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, I’m kind of embarrassed that I’ve never heard of them or (heard) their Motownesque grooves. My apparent deficiency in music history is probably for the best, though, since it allowed me to listen to this “classic” album with some degree of objectivity. “Come to Me Softly” is amazing for its time in every way and it is still great by today’s standards. Most impressive is the production, which simply can’t be attributed to any digital re-mastering, if it is digitally re-mastered. These presumably live, studio, minimal-track recordings sound so full and clear that it puts most of today’s multi-layered, over-produced smooth pop to shame.

LINDA PERRY “IN FLIGHT” = REFRAINED FROM “GRADING”
Like movies starring Cher or Robin Williams, my searing hatred of their work prevents me from being able to like anything that they’re in. This genre of neo-feminism, Goddess-revival, myopic, exclusionary, self-indulgent, and almost always-trite music falls into the same category. Hence, I am unable to even pretend to listen to what I call, “Vagina Music,” with any degree of objectivity, which is why I am refraining from grading this CD. But come on, with lyrics as pretentious and supposedly meaningful as “...in the garden, watering flowers all night long,” how could I not refrain from voting? And for the record, Liz Phair, Mazzy Star, Tori Amos, and many other great, “modern” women artists don’t fall into this category because, although their music may be feminist or Goddess-centric, it invites me in as a male listener; and although having balls sometimes prevents me from identifying with the ladies (sorry, “womyn”), I am perfectly capable of understanding them.

TIGER MOUNTAIN “GET ALONG LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE” = 2 STARS
Described simply as “Mod Revival” at the All Music Guide; it’s tough to argue with that. But whatever. Sure it’s listenable but it’s also exceedingly mediocre.

TOPIC

5 SONGS ALL BANDS SHOULD COVER
1) “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
At clubs and even at stadium shows, some wiseass in the crowd invariably shouts, “Play ‘Free Bird’!” I would give almost anything to have “all bands” reciprocate. Then said wiseass would almost certainly catch a beatin’.
2) “Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles
Every band should be able to cover this or another Beatles song but this one in particular since all working bands should identify with its lyrics.
3) “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath
Unfortunately it almost always seems an appropriate sentiment ... and it rocks.
4) “YYZ” by Rush
And if it is not played precisely or accurately, that could be half the fun in covering it/hearing it covered.
5) “American Idiot” by Green Day
Because it’s already a classic so bands should get the jump on covering this one.

FAVORITE COVERS (TOP TEN)
1) “Isolation” (John Lennon) as covered by Matthew Sweet (on GOODFRIENDS)
2) “Baba O’Riley” (The Who) as covered by Guided by Voices (Live)
3) “Mr. Crowley” (Ozzy) as covered by Built to Spill (Live)
4) “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor) as covered by Cake (on FASHION NUGGET)
5) “Godzilla” (Blue Oyster Cult) as covered by Fu Manchu (on EATIN’ DUST)
6) “Scary Monsters and Super Creeps” (David Bowie) as covered by Superchunk (on CUP OF SAND)
7) “Show Me the Way” (Peter Frampton) as covered by Dinosaur Jr. (on LITTLE FURRY THINGS)
8) “I Fought the Law” (Bobby Fuller / The Clash) as covered by Green Day (The awesome studio version is, apparently, only available through iTunes.)
9) “September Gurls” (Big Star) as covered by Superdrag (Recorded Live on I KNOW THE SCORE)
10) “Close to Me” (The Cure) as covered by The Get Up Kids (on EUDORA)

November Reviews 2005 KB

Music Club
November 2005

BB King- 80
I have always felt that BB King was slightly overrated, given praise more due to his longevity than actual contribution. There is nothing wrong with his style of blues but to me he doesn’t hold up as well as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Big Momma Thorton or Elmore James. He started receiving acclaim as the other elder statesmen of blues were no longer of this Earth. This sounds harsher than meant. I like some of BB’s work. “Thrill is Gone” is an exceptional song. So popping in 80 I was expecting to say that it wasn’t bad and then move on. To my surprise, I liked it. Quite a bit. I even liked it with John Mayer, Elton John and Glenn Frey on it. Oddly, the only song I didn’t like was the one with Roger Daltrey. Roger should really not do blues. The disc had a comfortable, nice feel and sound – and I mean that in a nice way. The songs gently grooved. The accompaniers complimented BB well especially Billy Gibbons, Clapton, Elton (yes Elton actually rocked), Bobby Bland (great song) and Van (maybe even better). I’ve gone out of my way to play this one and I’ve copied it for others. Nice surprise, in it’s genre- but not rated based on it….(4)

Linda Perry- In Flight
I saw 4 Non Blondes years ago on their Bigger, Better, Faster, More tour. They were truly powerful, due to Linda Perry’s strong voice and presence. I bought the disc. A year later I stopped listening to it. I know why. Linda Perry writes some great songs. She is a good producer. She knows how to get the “girl power” out of the girl (Pink, Liz Phair, Christine Aguliera), but I‘ve decided that I like her songs when others do them. Her voice is strong but it gets under my craw and in between my teeth. Too forced and over dramatic. In Flight didn’t have anything special when I tried to elude Linda’s voice. For me it didn’t have too many standout songs. Strongest song to me was “In My Dreams”. I will continue to give her credit when due but on this album I couldn’t……(1)

Tiger Mountain- Get Along like a House in Fire
First song, “Shouldn’t Be Long” smacked me like beer from a nose. Nice start to the disc. The rest didn’t live up to that song, but they didn’t suck. Good decent hooks that if this band grows and develops could become great hooks. “Now That You’re on TV”, “Century’s Gone” and “The Occasion” are well crafted songs. If this band continues to create music I can see them becoming a pretty good, solid band. Good influences heard; Replacements, Soul Asylum and the Del Fuegos. This disc will get future listens… (3)

Jimmy James and the Vagabonds- Come Softly To Me
I pulled this out of my vinyl coffers because I agreed with Jen, we do tend to stay in a certain “area”. So I pulled out Britain’s first response to the US’s R&B explosion (not the garbage that’s called R&B now). He made a fairly big splash in the UK and still has a following. There is nothing new here. Jimmy J uses all the R&B clichés. Isley Brother’s “Shout” fade then crescendo, Temptations suave on “I’m a Fool for You Girl” and the Four Tops motown on “Hi-Diddly Dee Dum Dum”. Traditional renderings of “People Get Ready”, “I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying” and “This Heart of Mine”. Still, it sounded light, fun and entertaining. It sounded familiar, but in a nostalgic way. Something that could be put on at an outdoor BBQ where your guests would say “Gee, I haven’t heard that in years”, when in actuality they probably have never heard it. I’m sure this one may get pelted by the group, but compared to what is called R&B now, this was welcome relief….. (3)

HotRod Circuit- Ghits
I heard a lot of bands in this disc- while it actually would play for me. Mission of Burma, Sebadoh, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and even solo Paul Westerberg. This is not rock I will normally turn to. The hooks weren’t too bad but I like my guitars less nondescript. Vocals were difficult to decipher being too layered or at times flat. I heard repetition but I think it’s due to my tastes. It’s like eating at Friendly’s, it’s better than McD but it’s not Tavern on the Green.


Topic
I know I’m missing some. I kept the staples to those songs that are true rockers, probably easy to learn. Songs that most in an audience would know and not be disappointed when played. I have honorable mentions of oddball songs that just jumped at me that would be a hoot to hear certain bands/artists play. These are songs WE could perform probably. As for favorites here I’m sure I am missing some, especially concert ones so D’Arcy I am expecting you to be able fill in where I left off (live denotes I saw it live)…

Five Musts for Covers
F@*!ng Up- Neil Young
Fight for Your Right to Party- Beasties
Ring of Fire- Johnny Cash
London Calling – Clash
Ball and Chain- Social Distortion
25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago

Fun Honorable mentions (we know the words people…)
All Out of Love- Air Supply
Ring My Bell- Anita Ward
Sweet Caroline- the other Neil
Close to You- Carpenters
Walk Away Renee- Left Banke
Sundown- Gordon Lightfoot
Never my Love- Association

Favorite Covers
Luna – Sweet Child o’ Mine
Dylan- Brown Sugar (live)
Soul Asylum- To Sir with Love (Live)
Blues Traveler- Imagine (Live)
Cash- Hurt
Sonic Youth- Close to You
Cure – Hello, I Love You
Hendrix- Wild Thing
Smashmouth- I’m a believer
Pearl Jam- Last Kiss
Scout- Anyway You Want it
Hindu Love Gods- Raspberry Beret and Battleship Chains
Todd Snider- Margaritaville
N. Young- Farmer John
Uncle Tupelo- Suzi Q
Zappa- Stairway to Heaven (Live)
Andy Kaufman- Feelings

Turkey Reviews - Midwest Edition

Here goes...

BB King – Submitted this because the blues is a “genre” (there you go, Ken) that this group has pretty much ignored to date. Also, because I find it awe inspiring that BB King is still going strong at 80 years old. Since all the songs are duets, the success of each track largely rests on the contributions of the guests. Not surprisingly, the highlights are the tracks with Van Morrison, and fellow pickers Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler, who mercifully do not contribute vocals. Also not surprising is that the songs that fall flat are the ones with soul-less guests like Glenn Frey and John Mayer, although I was impressed with Mayer’s guitar work. A pleasant surprise is the duet with Gloria Estefan, who sounds great. BB’s singing and playing are flawless throughout, and the production is slick, perhaps a little too slick at times. Wonderful to hear Roger Daltrey singing something “new”, and even Elton John sounds good. BB, at age 80 clearly is not running on empty. A solid, if unspectacular disc showcasing one of our country’s greatest treasures. 3 ½ stars.

Linda Perry – I’m a little confused. The CD was no good, so I went on Rhapsody and it had a different cover and a 10/05 release date. My understanding was this was “old”, but all the songs are the same on the one Jen provided and the 2005 version. WTF?? Anyway, the CD itself is pretty good. Perry’s voice is very powerful, and carries even some of the lesser material. The disc tends to be a little too much of the same thing, kind of plodding, somber, drama queen material. Would be better if she would take it easy on a couple of songs. Highlight for me is “Uninvited”, largely because she tones down the dramatics, making the song stand out. The duet with Grace Slick is also very good, she manages to vocally out duel Perry. Not sure who the players are, but the band is competent and the production is solid as well. 2 stars.

Jimmy James – Decent if not remarkable soul music, not often heard these days. The upbeat numbers such as “Ain’t Love Good” and “Do It Right” work a whole lot better than the slower, string drenched material that dominates side two. Highlight of the disc for me is “I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying”. That one and “The Entertainer” sound like Smokey & the Miracles, which is a good thing. I’d be very interested in getting a greatest hits from this guy. I like a good portion of it, but a lot of side two bored me. Band, particularly the drummer and bass player are solid, as are the vocals. Production sounds good for the late 1960’s, though a little more gee-tar and a little less strings would help. Not great in its genre. 2 ½ stars.

Tiger Mountain – I got hooked big time on the opener, “Shouldn’t Be Long”, great harmony vocals, neat little keyboard riff in the background, and a drum sound that can only be described as kick ass, both in sound and execution. While the disc never reaches that level again, there are some good tracks that stay in the brain. “Century’s Gone”, “A Certain Slice” and “Overtime” are standouts. Sounds like they’d be a great bar band, but I think the songwriting is a little on the weak side. Production is ok, but that drummer is a freaking monster, really good. 3 stars

Hot Rod Circuit – Reminded me a lot of Creed, never a good sign. Many of the songs seem to lean on a formula of loud wall of guitars, strained vocals, heavy cymbal-washed 2/4 drum sound. It was difficult for me to discern a whole lot of difference between the Cds these songs came from, didn’t appear to be much in the way of artistic variety or growth exhibited. Band is solid if not spectacular. Highlights of the disc for me were the clever “Cheap Trick” and “The Pharmacist” which showed a popiness for a rocker that isn’t on most of the others. Nothing here for me to distinguish them from the Jimmy Eat Worlds, Blink 182s and Alkaline Trios of the world. 2 stars.

Discussion Question

I think it would be kind of dull if every band knew the same cover songs, but I think there are certain parameters that need to be met:

1) A Chuck Berry song – Any band that can’t do a Chuck Berry cover should not be playing live.

2) A Beatles song – With that catalog, every band should be able to play at least one.

3) A Dylan song – Ideally, vocalist should over-do the Zimmy-styled vocals as well

4) A really cheesy pop song, done in a way that makes you re-think the song. I offer up Fountains of Wayne’s cover of “Hit Me Baby One More Time” or Pearl Jam’s version of “Last Kiss” as examples.

5) Bands should be able to cover themselves, taking one of their songs and dramatically re-arranging it. Example, Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane” done on the pipe organ on the “Unplugged” CD.

Discussion Question II

Favorite Covers – Hardest discussion question ever. I am going to go split it up into live & studio and limit to 10 each. I’m sure I will forget a bunch, and will slap my forehead with a “D’oh” when I see the other lists…

Studio (Not in order except for…)

“I Fought the Law” – The Clash’s cover of Bobby Fuller (My favorite cover ever)
“Hurt” – Johnny Cash’s cover of 9 Inch Nails
“Southern Accent” – Johnny Cash’s cover of Tom Petty
“Ring of Fire” – Social Distortion covers Cash
“Raspberry Beret” – Hindu Love Gods (REM&Zevon) cover Prince
“Riding With the King” – BB King & Eric Clapton cover John Hiatt
“ I Will” – Alison Krauss covers the Beatles
“What’s So Funny About Peace, Love & Understanding – Elvis Costello covers Nick Lowe
“Substitute” – Ramones cover the Who
“Toys in the Attic” – REM covers Aerosmith

Tough leaving off Bob Dylan’s version of “Froggie Went a Courtin’”….

Live:

“All Along the Watchtower” - Neil Young covers Dylan @ Bobfest
“Rockin’ In the Free World” – Pearl Jam covers Neil Young
“Baba O’Reilly” – Pearl Jam covers the Who
“Detroit Medley” (Devil w/a Blue Dress, etc…) – Bruce & E St Band cover Mitch Ryder & Detroit Wheels
“So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star” – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers cover the Byrds
“Summertime Blues” – The Who cover Eddie Cochran
“Don’t Let Me Down” – Two Cow Garage covers the Beatles
“People Who Died” – Drive By Truckers cover Jim Carroll
“Where Did Our Love Go” – J Geils Band covers Diana Ross & the Supremes
“Hit Me Baby One More Time” – Fountains of Wayne cover Brittany Spears
“Stay” – Jackson Browne covers Maurice & the Zodiacs

Recommendation:

Susan Tedeschi – Hope & Desires (All cover songs)

Bruce BTR at 30

I will except the jabs I may receive, but with the release of BTR's 3 disc commemorative box set today I felt inclined to pull out my vinyl version of said album.

I will go on record to say that it holds up well. As a fair weather Bruce fan I must say it is probably his best (Nebraska is a close 2nd for me). The only throw away is "Meeting Across the River." Just goes nowhere. "Thunder Road" alone makes this a keeper. By the way, I dig man love. [<----it is so nice to have grown-ups in this group]

I know the Luci wouldn't put this in their top billion but I will take their flak, and Mike H and Jays adulation, and profess that the world should embrace this album. Of course I am speaking within it's genre.

The Open Minded One

Topic for November Meeting

I sent out emails but I'll post it here as well.

Here is our topic for 11/22/05:

After last months topic on rules that bands should follow in a concert setting, it was pretty much agreed that bands should play at least one cover that isn't obscure. So, for this next meeting I would like to see your lists of 5 songs that you think all bands should know how to cover. Artistic variation from the original is allowed...in other words...Les Claypool doing a version of Snoop Dogg's "Gin n Juice" was hysterical. Feel free to mix up genres. I'd like to see some creativity...not just your favorite songs.

Bonus Question: What are your favorite covers ever done (either on cd or live)? *This was an afterthought and wasn't in the original email...I'm going to send another one out.

Cleveburgh Update

The Buffalo called and said they found a pair of eyes on their bar. I assume they are MH's.

I must say that Cleveland does not rock. Instead it "JacksonBrownes". I do give it an A+ for being the panhandling capital of the modern world and the best library porn I've seen in years. It took 3 days but I believe my body is back in synch.

I thank all for attending and sharing 46 brews and nose spittle with me. Join me in a Sagitarian chant.

Yours in Bodunkadonk and Punty