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)