Stiffed on the stiff

Mg 11-07-26

Mavericks

This was the last hurrah for The Mavericks. There was one more cd after this but the guitarist had been replaced and solo projects had started to take a foothold into camp. This is also the Mavericks at their best. Sure they are a country band, but they add a dose of Latin flavor, mix in some beatlesque sensibilities, a great horn section and then put in a bit of the over the top Tom Jones pop sensibility. Together they form a great pop cd. Seeing them live was a testament to their chops. Musicians more worried about the sound rather feeling the need to show off. Even though the parts make a strong whole the true star is Raul Malo’s voice. Never before or since have I been at a concert and nobody moved during a slow song, but that is what happened when he sung Dream River. Not a week song in the bunch but standouts like Dance the Night Away and I’ve Got This Feeling should have made them huge, not wishing they had left us more. 4.0

Stevie Ray Vaughan

A classic. Vaughan and his band probably at his best. Still remember him playing most of this in a thunderstorm not wanting to move because he is just that good. Throughout the cd time and time again he is able to show those classic hooks as well as the pyrotechnics that he was able to deliver through his guitar. But in doing so he did it with different tempos and style changes allowing the songs to stand out individually and not just be a showcase for his next solo. 4.0

Thea Gilmore

Once again proving that the worst parts of Dylan’s songs are his voice. Give them to a talented singer and they are allowed to grow. That being said this cd is just alright. While the song selection is good there is sameness throughout. Only Drifters Escape manages to escape the rest. Maybe it’s because of the electric guitar, maybe it’s because it’s upbeat, either way this cd could have used a few more songs like it. 2.0 (Ps did not know that this was a total remake of a Dylan album, but then why would I)

Warren Hayes

A talented guitarist as he has proven where ever he lands. As a singer his voice is adequate for what is required. But please change the tempo every once in a while. What we get is ten standard blues songs that seem to be written around a solo, that all share the same mid range tempo. No wait that’s wrong, there are a few that are slower. Mr. Hayes should take a listen to Couldn’t Stand the Weather for clues on how a song should build though itself and throughout the album. 2.0

Yo Yo Ma

Tough cd to critic. After all Yo Yo Ma is a brilliant cellist. His interpretation on all types of music has enabled him to standout even though he is a classical musician. Here he chooses soundtrack music. As a rule soundtrack music is there to support the film and be a part of the background. And that’s what we get. Yes the playing is unbelievable but as the cd plays on it just seems to fade in the background. 2.0

I got stiffed on the stiff

The 70’s

I found it interesting as I discovered music as I entered High School, so did most of my choices seem to come from that period.

70’s Top 15

1. Strangers In The Night, Ufo

2. Black Rose, Thin Lizzy

3. Night at the Opera, Queen

4. Destroyer, Kiss

5. Get Your Wings, Aerosmith

6. Who’s Next, The Who

7. Rock N Roll Animal, Lou Reed

8. Unleashed In The East, Judas Priest

9. Ramones, Ramones

10. London Calling, The Clash

11. Highway To Hell, AC/DC

12. Low Budget, The Kinks

13. Animals, Pink Floyd

14. Van Halen

15. Sticky Fingers, Rolling Stones