Jon's Rock on a Stick

The bitch is back

2009-11-27T14:48:00.002Z

Not a post about Elton John thankfully, but an announcement to readers of this blog (all 5 of them) that after an extended summer hiatus, I am back and bringing the gospel according to Jon with me.

Band of Gypsys

2009-06-13T16:16:00.013+01:00

After The Jimi Hendrix Experience disbanded in mid 1969, Hendrix hastily formed a group to honour a commitment to play at Woodstock in August of that year. Noel Redding had left, replaced by Hendrix's old Army buffy Billy Cox on bass but Mitch Mitchell stayed on drums and would remain involved for the very short life of the band. At the Festival, MC, Chip Monck (great name!) introduced the band as "The Jimi Hendrix Experience", but Hendrix quickly corrected this to "Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, for short it's nothin’ but ‘A Band O’ Gypsies" and launched into a two hour set, the longest of his career. Two further performances and it was the end of Gypsy, Sun and Rainbows.

Exit Mitch Mitchell. Enter another friend, Buddy Miles to take up drumming duties in the new look, sounding band titled 'Band Of Gypsys'. For 10 days they were locked in Baggys Rehearsal Studios, to prepare for a 4 night stint at the legendary Fillmore East venue over the New Year period. The first track I have for you today is taken from those rehearsal sessions, captured in a rare bootleg album titled 'Baggys Reharsal Sessions'. For 10 days practice, they sound absolutely brilliant! Inspired by the film, but not on the soundtrack, here is 'Ezy Rider', the studio recording of which would eventually make it onto some of the posthumous releases in the following years.

Please turn this one up, it deserves to be listened to loud!

The second track would also appear on some of the albums released after his death, but this is taken from the performance at the Fillmore on Jan 1st 1970 and is available on the 'Live At Fillmore East' album

Slowhand

2009-06-01T23:19:00.020+01:00

It's been a while I know... so might as well come out all guns blazing!

And what better gun to blaze (please forgive me for that one!) than Mr Eric Clapton. The man that influenced a million guitarists, and with one of the more complicated upbringings I've ever come across. In summary: his dad, a Canadian serviceman, sodded off back home after the war, leaving baby Eric and his mum with her parents. Clapton grew up thinking his mum was his older sister.... Sounds like a soap opera!

The young Eric started out busking around the Kingston and Richmond area getting the odd gig here and there. Eventually he joined the Yardbirds in 1963 helping them achieve commercial status and himself becoming one of the most talked about guitarists in the country. In 1965, after getting disillusioned with the increasingly commercial route the Yardbirds were taking he moved on to join the critically acclaimed John Mayall and his bluesbreakers. At this point I should point ouy that all of his bands have been of note and probably deserve a post to themselves at some point, but I will skip on from these two earlier groups, to when (I think) it gets more interesting.

Cream are probably the one band people most associate Clapton with, and were dubbed the first 'supergroup', a classification Clapton would end up hating! Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were more renowned for their Jazz backgrounds which would explain the jazz tinged sound that Cream would produce, but with Clapton on board they would spearhead the UK rythym & blues movement. I've taken one of their more famous tracks for the first song of this post. The short sharp radio friendly 'Strange Brew', taken from the 1967 classic 'Disraeli Gears'

After Cream split due to internal tensions between Bruce and Baker in 1969. Clapton moved onto Blind Faith, another supergroup formed by Ginger Baker (again), the outrageously gifted Steve Winwood and bassist, Ric Grech, both from Traffic. Success was short lived and after seven months and one album and tour, they all went their seperate ways. However the one album was a bit of a hit. Taken from the self titled 'Blind Faith' here is 'Had to Cry Today'

In a concious effort to take a more backseat role, Clapton then joined up with rock duo Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett and their imaginatively titled revue called 'Delaney, Bonnie and Friends' who had supported Blind Faith on their US tour. I'd heard of them but had never heard them, until I researched for this post and was pleasantly surprised with what I found...

Check out this performance, this is 'Coming Home' from the live album 'On tour with Eric Clapton'. Not only does it feature a watertight rythym section an absolutely killer performance by the brass section in the middle eight, and even the promoter quite brilliantly telling the audience that its the best live performance they've had in Croydon for quite a while...... South London never had it so good!

Following on from his short lived involvement with Delaney and Bonnie, Clapton grouped together with their backing band to form Derek and the Dominos, another attempt by Clapton to stay out of the limelight as a member of the band. Although they were joined for the majority of recordings by slide guitar king Duane Allman (yes! of the Allman Brothers). Sadly, they only released one album during their time mainly down to tensions between several members, but WHAT an album it was! 'Layla and other assorted love songs' was Claptons ode and declaration of love for his good friend George Harrison's wife Pattie Boyd. It spawned one of rock musics greatest ever songs in the title track (the name Layla is taken from a 12th Century Persian poem titled Layla and Majnun, a story of unrequitted love). The album has a host of gems on it, and I have selected the excellent 'Keep on Growing' for your aural pleasure. Enjoy!

After Derek and the Dominos split in 1971, Clapton fell into a Heroin induced stupor and did not record anything for several years. He made a few appearances at the odd benefit gig, but it took good friend Pete Townshend to break him free of his addiction and persuade him to get back into the studio.

I've taken the final offering from this post from my favourite old music program, The Old Grey Whistle Test. This is the song that really put Clapton back on the map, but it is not his own compostion. Bob Marley released this a year earlier, and there are plenty of live versions of this on the web and on record, but I just love the bands performance here. It has such a groove to it, and its so tight its unreal. Shame its so short.

FACT: Ukrainian band 'Boombox' covered 'I shot the Sheriff' in 2005, but under the track title: 'Who've shitted in the police car'

Steely Dan: "Antiheroes for the Seventies"

2009-03-15T22:32:00.005Z

I am a big fan of Seventies music, in fact I think its probably the greatest decade for music since, well, ever! So I was surprised to read that Rolling Stone magazine described this band as "the perfect musical antiheroes for the Seventies.", given that I think they are one of the many champions of the diverse and new sounds that were being produced back then.

I find it odd that during a time where it was important to get out there and promote your material, Steely Dan were predominately a studio only band during their heyday and did not perform live between 1975 and 1993 (okay, they did split up in 81 for 12 years), but still, odd! Walter Brecker (Bass & Guitar) and Donald Fagen (Piano & Saxaphone) got together in the late sixties formed a couple of local covers bands (inlcuding one with Chevy Chase on drums), and eventually going on to back up several stars of the time as session musicians and then eventually on into the songwriting game. When they started to write their own material for other people, they quickly realised that their brand of music was too complex for other artists to perform so decided to do it themselves. The name Steely Dan came from an object known as the 'Steely Dan III from Yokohama', referred to in the William Burroughs novel 'The Naked Lunch' and is in fact a dildo!.... Now that's imagination!

I was listening to my ipod today and a Steely Dan track came on through the magic that is shuffle. I then went back to re-listen to the albums I have, and although there was some definite filler here and there, it's just undeniable that these guys and the army of session musicians they used throughout their career were just incrediby talented chaps. Their legendary eye for detail and uncompromising arrangements, can be heard in every single record.

The two tracks I have selected for your aural pleasure tonight are but a very small, but great example of their unique blendof Pop,Rock & Jazz.

Taken from their 5th Album, 1975's 'The Royal Scam' this is 'Sign in Stranger'. Check out the absolutely amazing piano solo from Fagen.

Following on from this track I went back to listen to a track from their debut album. 1972's 'Can't Buy a Thrill'. 'Reelin' in the Years' has to be one of my all time favourite songs, and definitely features my favourite Guitar solo of all time! It's so good infact, that none other than Jimmy Page maintains that guitarist Elliott Randall's work is his favourite guitar solo of all time. High Praise indeed!

FACT: Becker and Fagen used at least 42 different studio musicians, 11 engineers, and took over a year to record the tracks that resulted in 1980's 'Gaucho'.

Now that's being a perfectionist!!!

Rush! You either love em or hate em

2009-02-17T17:13:00.006Z

Rush are one of those bands that a lot of people have never heard of. They have however, sold tens of millions of records and have 24 gold and 14 platinum selling records. Impressive! They however are generally more popular with musicians and music aficianados given the extremely high level of competency displayed by each of the members on his instrument. Formed by Alex Lifeson, (guitar) Geddy Lee (bass) and John Rutsey (drums) in Toronto, Canada in 1968, Rush set out as typical garage band, jamming on Cream numbers and the like. After years of practice and honing their talents, it took until 1974 before that they first started to get noticed and soon released their self titled debut album 'Rush'.
A month before they were due to begin their first US tour, Rutsey announced his decison to back out of the band so the race was on to find a new drummer... and what a drummer they found. Enter Neil Peart, aka The Professor. Not only did Peart bring his exceptional skills with a pair of sticks and some skins, he also bought a creative flair that would be the heart of the bands lyrics/songwriting right up to the present day.

Rush are a band that have had several facelifts, starting out as a hard rock/blues band, and currently a straight rock band, with a few guises inbetween. When Peart joined, the band began to take on a more conceptual feel. With epic album tracks, lyrics dripping in Sci-Fi and Fantasy lore, they began to have a more creative take on their original hard rock theme, and were being classed as a Progressive Rock band. When the mid eighties hit, the band reached to what some consider a low, as many older fans did not agree with their new Synth based sound, which to me just sounds very dated these days. My opinion is that only a few of the albums released since 1981/82 have got the odd one or two decent tracks on. Anyway, they just lost such a huge cool factor that existed in their first few albums and became the band of the muso, not cool enough for mainstream, but still impressing many with their skills.

I'll probably flesh this post out with a few other tracks later on, but I had to share this song with you as its such a rarity. Recorded 1 month after Peart joined, at a venue in Cleveland, Ohio. This is taken from a bootleg recording of this gig and it is an absolutely brilliant representation of their early formative years. Never mind the odd mistake here and there, what do you expect after only a month of practice? I think it adds to the overal feel of the performance, plus, its the only time you will ever mistakes such as these from a Rush concert, such is their musicianship.

Anway, enjoy 'What You're Doing' released on their debut, but taken here from the bootleg album 'The Fifth Order of Angels'. I think it really captures what a power trio these guys are/were!

Jons Rock on a Stick will return

2009-02-06T00:04:00.003Z

Next topic:

"Rush - Is Progressive rock really that bad?"

Rory's bumper book of blues

2009-02-05T22:23:00.004Z

I think I may have mentioned this in an early post, but Rory Gallagher is by far and away my favourite guitarist that ever breathed. Massively underrated in his time, and to this day is more of a footnote in a budding guitarists list of great axemen, it wasn't till his death that more people sat up and took note of his jaw dropping, amazing skill. I could not find the stats but I could imagine a large amount of the 30million albums he sold were sold after his untimely death in 1995, aged 47.

Born in County Donegal in Ireland in 1948, but growing up in Cork, the young Rory began playing the guitar and quickly began performing at the age of 17 in various Irish showbands playing popular songs of the day. He first came to prominence with the band 'Taste' an R&B trio, formed in 1966 who split up in 1970 after the Isle of Wight Festival. A performance so entertaining that they were called back 5 times to perform encores such was it's quality.

The first track is taken from Tastes second album 'On the Boards' and is the opening number.

Gallagher began touring and recording under his own name, but lost nothing of the trademark sound that Taste had been so popular for, namely Rory's playing. His first album was the self titled 'Rory Gallagher', and introduced a softer, jazzier feel to compliment the raw blues he had been renowned for. There are some incredibly beautiful songs on this album. The gentle 'Just a Smile', the ubher chilled out 'For the Last Time', and my favourite track, the brilliantly arranged 'Can't Believe It's True'

However, the selection I have chosen from this album is the haunting 'I Fall Apart'. Check out the Instrumental..... Just fantastic! Music just does not get any better than this!

It was the 70's where Rory did arguably his best work, releasing 10 albums including two live records. I could share a track from each one with you, but there is one song that for me is the most important, which is the song that got me into him in the first place. My first ever post on this blog was the performance of this song on the Old Grey Whistle Test. From the 1973 album 'Blueprint'... 'Walk on Hot Coals'

Following up 'Blueprint' and his next studio album 'Tattoo' was the imaginatively titled 'Irish Tour' live album. This really showed Rory at his peak in my opinion, and his performance of the McKinley Morganfield (AKA Muddy Waters) track 'Wonder Who' just demonstrates his obvious joy of playing the blues, and showcases one of the best live Guitar Solos I think I have ever heard.

The next song choice is from the 1976 album 'Calling Card' and again it's another wonderful demonstration of Rory's devotion to his art. A very laid back, swinging blues number with a superb piano performance matched by some very effective guitar parts. Also worth checking out the tune 'Jack-Knife Beat', very cool indeed.

Last up, and its a song taken from the 1979 album 'Top Priority'. To be honest I am too scared to go any later into Rory's back catalogue as this album is beginning to sound a little dated in its general production and I am too worried I will dislike anything he recorded afterwards. However this song has got to have one of the coolest guitar hooks ever, not to mention the use of an electric sitar in the solo! Check it out!

I hope you've enjoyed this very small slice of a musician that I really do think should still be popular today. He influenced so many people, but you hear nothing about him and you never hear his stuff played on the radio, well I don't, but I do generally only listen to Talk Radio :)

When he died of an MRSA infection after a liver transplant (to help alleviate an alcohol and drug addiction), countless musicians came out to pay tribute. Jimmy Page, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton and even the Edge all eulogised about him Even Brian May claims he owed Rory Gallagher for inspiring his very own unique sound.

However my favourite quote about him came many years before he passed away. A certain Mr James Marshall Hendrix was asked what it was like to be the greatest guitarist in the world.

His Reply?

"Don't ask me, ask Rory Gallagher"

Monkey Magic

2009-02-05T21:39:00.002Z

Okay, so I am a HUGE Stones fan. I might get round to doing a larger Stones post later down the line, but for now, I want to leave you with one of my favourite album tracks.

The Stones recorded this track in April 1969 and can be found on the album 'Let it Bleed'. 'Monkey Man' is has often been the topic of debate amongst commentators who think that the song refers to the Stones' use of drugs at the time of composition.

......Whatever! It's cool!

Guitar Heroes Rejoice!!!

2009-01-21T17:21:00.005Z

Mountain. An American Band formed in the late 60's by Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi and N.D. Smart (seriously, that was his name!). Pappalardi was closely linked to Cream, if you listen to that first album the whole thing is literally dripping with their influence (and one or two tunes penned by Jack Bruce).

The band broke up in 1972, reformed two years later, broke up soon after that, and have since reconvened and resumed performing and recording with the even better named Corky Laing at the drums. They have fallen out of the mainstream now, but they are considered influential during the development of hard rock. Their hit song "Mississippi Queen" became a radio hit and is something of a rock standard. It has had something of a rebirth recently after being resurrected in Guitar Hero III, I'm sure anyone who has played will definitely recognise this tune.

From their debut album Climbing, here is the aforementioned "Mississippi Queen"

Just plain odd,

2008-12-02T23:13:00.005Z

This band are Dutch! thats right Dutch! And if this isn't just the oddest piece of music you will ever hear.... then you my friend are as barking as the pancake chomping, weed imbued weirdo that wrote it and provided the "interesting" vocal track!

Enter a band called Focus, formed in the early 1970s by some chaps in the Netherlands who fancied dabbling in the dark arts of Progressive Rock. The attached track is apparently what put them on the map for both Prog fans and the more mainstream radio listeners. I've only heard a couple of their songs so can't go into too much detail about them, but I guarantee you that you will think the first 52 seconds of this song is one of the coolest riffs you ever did hear. Then for 20 seconds or so you will stare at your speakers in bemusement, then will go back to appreciating the excellent guitar, thumping drums and general rockingness of the melody, for all of 30 seconds, then back to bemusement, and so on and so on!!

Brilliant guitar solos though (if you get that far!)

Who's heard of a good Dutch rock band anyway?

Funk by numbers

2008-12-02T22:47:00.003Z

Been a while since I posted anything, and since I have commited myself to at least a year of doing this......

The first of todays tasty treats is a band from the US circa the late 1960's who were only famous because it was one of Joe Walsh's (of The Eagles fame) early bands . They didn't do anything of real note, but this is a real gem!

Okay this is not funk in your Parliment, George Clinton type of style, but by gosh its got some groove to it!

Funk#49 from James Gang Rides Again

Imelda May

2008-09-27T00:31:00.007+01:00

Evening all,

Flicking around the telebox tonight, came across the end of Later... with Jools Holland (A live music show here in the UK), which is a shame I missed it as it had quite a good lineup of Dave Gilmour, Elbow and Katy Perry (it was a repeat!). Anyway, this woman was singing, and I instantly fell in 'like' with her! Amazing voice, really raw, rocky sound to it. PLUS the music was really interesting. I love alternative music, and although this is fairly traditional Rockabilly or Rock and Roll, its chuffing great!! Plus she's pretty so thats a double thumbs from Jon!

As it was a repeat there was a clip of said performance up on Youtube, enjoy!!!

Her album Love Tattoo is out on Monday in all good shops!

Manassas

2008-09-20T11:55:00.003+01:00

Another band where strength is in numbers, and you know what, it does work. Usually known as Stephen Stills & Manassas, they were formed by Stephen Stills (obviously) of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Buffallo Springfield fame, and Chris Hillman from the Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, along with members from various backing bands to artists of the time. The self titled first album was suggested to me on an internet forum and I eventually tracked down a copy and I absolutely loved it. Its quite a diverse album, its 21 tracks (yes 21!) are almost split into four styles (one for each side of the double vinyl release), blues rock, country, bluegrass and rock (with some latin influences here and there across all four sides).

If you can appreciate for what it is, brilliantly arranged and performed music, I cannot recommend this album enough. I guarantee you will find at least one track you will love.

This is 'Song of Love' from the aforementioned debut 'Manassas'

Don't touch, its hot!!!

2008-09-18T00:17:00.005+01:00

Todays offering comes all the way from California, circa the early 70's. Regarded mainly as a cult band, the Flamin' Groovies are pretty much forgotten about these days, although they did play into the 1990's and are considered as being extremely influential, they just couldn't shake their cult status. In fact i'd never heard of them before coming across a recommendation of this album in a book, despite the fact they were based out of England for a while. Anyway, can't be bothered to write anymore about them as its bed time. Taken from the brilliant albun 'Teenage Head' , heres 'High Flyin Baby'.

Sounds a bit too much like the Stones... but its still excellent!!!

This is ridiculously cool

2008-09-09T17:24:00.006+01:00

I guess the first thing I generally look for in the music I listen too, apart from the tune etc, is the quality of the musicianship. Even if I don't like the style of music or have an irrational hatred of the artist. I will give credit where credit is due. Its kind of like Cristiano Ronaldo. I hate the man, but have to give him his dues as the best footballer in the world at the moment.

Anyway, I know this is slightly off topic, but I came across this performance of 'Use Me' by Bill Withers on Youtube, and was just in awe. Bill Withers touring band comprised most of the Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, who have a formidable reputation for being one of the best Soul and Funk bands you ever did hear. These guys are not even trying, but just listen to what they're doing. The bass player is sat, leaning nonchalantly up against the wall. The drummer seems to be posing for the cameras whilst keeping a hypnotic, metronomic beat. The guitarist and the dude on the keys are knocking out some some seriously excellent licks, riffs (whatever you call them) and Bill, well, he's singing like a god, but does not look to be straining one bit.

I love music like this! When the players are THAT good, they hardly have to break a sweat to make something sound so amazing. Respect!!!

Looks like this clip was taken from the Old Grey Whistle Test in the early seventies... anyway, enjoy...

The Allman Brothers

2008-08-16T13:47:00.004+01:00

Famous or Infamous (depending on your view point) for their long jams on stage that could last for several days, The Allman brothers are very much a take em or leave em type of band. They have a very distinctive sound, mainly cause their heavy use of slide guitar and having about 100 members of the band, well that's an obvious exaggeration but they do have 2 drummers which is either OTT or cool... if you like drums, which I do!

Formed by brothers Gregg and Duane Allman in 1969, they are regarded as the 'architects of Southern Rock' and have influenced dozens of groups since their first album was released in 69. They are still going to this day, touring and releasing new material although to be honest I've think they've had their day and they should probably quit :-)

Anyway, sadly Duane Allman died in 1971 about two or three albums in to their career, and is still widely regarded as the greatest Slide guitarist who ever breathed. Its also worth listening to the Derek and The Domino's album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs as not only is his Slide guitar work brilliant you have the added bonus of listening to Eric Clapton, which is always nice!

Today, I have saved you from a 30 minute blues odyssey, and have included a 3 minute 'radio friendly' track from my 2nd favourite album of theirs (the 1st being Brothers and Sisters, which includes the excellent 'Southbound' and the classic 'Jessica'). This is 'Don't Keep Me Wondering' from Idlewild South

Their Drummers names were Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny Johanson. FACT!!!!

Pub Rock!!!

2008-06-16T12:58:00.005+01:00

I guess the pub rock scene to me, has always been about cover bands churning out the same old Oasis, Bryan Adams and other 'safe' songs down at the local. However, back in the mid to late seventies, pub rock was an attempt to get back to the basics of R&B and rock (the mid seventies were awash with inaccessible and complicated prog rock bands). Elvis Costello, Squeeze, and the Stranglers were all examples of this new genre.

In 1976, a band called Eddie and the Hotrods came on the scene and great things were expected of them, and they did OK, with one major hit in 1977. They were, however overshadowed by a band that symbolised a revolution that pub rock is often cited as beginning... punk! That band was the Sex Pistols and whilst a support act for 'The Rods' decided to trash their gear and thus entered music folk lore. Sabotage perhaps? I doubt it.

I cannot resist a good jangly, guitar sodden, pop/rock song so here is their biggest hit 'Do Anything you wanna do' from the album Life on the line

Look both ways, there's some traffic

2008-06-14T23:39:00.007+01:00

With a title that bad, I can only be talking about one band, Traffic!

Steve Winwood is a man you just want to dislike, not only is he one ubher talented pianist, he can play pretty much any instrument you introduce him too. Some of his solo efforts contain no other musicians (aside from some horn players perhaps). Would definately make the line up for keyboard duty in most peoples Fantasy Band!!

Winwood was fronting the Spencer Davis Group when he was just 15, which puts him almost in the child prodigy bracket. He left to from Traffic just 4 years later with Jim Capaldi (drums) Guitarist Dave Mason, and Chris Wood (any instrument he needed to play) released a few singles and an album called 'Mr Fantasy' the same year. They released their self titled 2nd album in 68 and went on tour, split up, got back together then recorded their best work 'John Barleycorn must Die' in 1971.

A very diverse band, covering multiple genres, of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Prog and even Psychedelic. Traffic were a very popular band in their day, but today sound a bit dated perhaps. I don't care, I love em!!

I digress, today's first selection comes from the album Traffic and is called Medicated Goo, Enjoy!

Secondly, a bonus track from John Barleycorn Must Die, with possibly the greatest keyboard solo ever recorded, Empty Pages

Its Groundhog day

2008-06-06T16:52:00.002+01:00

Don't worry, you're not going to live through the same day over and over again!

Famed for being John Lee Hookers backing band during his tours of the UK in the 60s, The Groundhogs were formed back in 1963, and were never a really household name even though four of the albums from 1970 onwards all got into the top 10 successively.

Again its one of those bands that I had read about and thought I would give them ago, and have been really very impressed. A little touch of Hendrix, a fair bit of Cream with a touch of Prog thrown in now and again all make up a band worth a listen too.

Here is the track Split Part 2 from the Album Split

I'm back, and I am awake

2008-06-06T16:34:00.006+01:00

Just a short post from me here, will do something different in another post

As promised many weeks ago, here is another Terry Reid fave of mine, Brave Awakening from the excellent album Seed of Memory

Bang Bang, it's Terry Reid... (That's a baaaaaad album title)

2008-05-02T14:55:00.012+01:00

Ahoy there shipmates....

So Terry Reid... one of the biggest unsung heroes of the Rock fraternity. A man who's gifts as a singer and a guitarist were never realised to the level he so richly deserved. The more learned readers of this blog may know that he was essentially the man that formed Led Zeppelin.

Whilst looking for members for his new band 'The New Yardbirds', Jimmy Page approached Terry Reid to take up singing duties. At this point however, Reid's stock was on the up and he had a flourishing solo career, not to mention having some agreements with music mogul Mickie Most (of Animals fame) which Reid wanted to honour.Reid turned the gig down, but his contribution was still vastly significant, he was to point Page to a another singer, Robert Plant. Plant came in, he bought John Bonham with him and the mighty Zep were born, but that's another story.

....Anyway, back to Terry Reid. He had already had a few albums out by the end of the sixties.
Bang, Bang You're Terry Reid (1968) and Terry Reid (1969) (The US title being: Move Over for Terry Reid) but I think his best work began in the early to mid seventies. I first came across him when a friend asked me to 'illegally' download a track from the Devils Rejects soundtrack. I did, but did not really listen to it, but remembered it being pretty cool. Months later, in a certain football based web forum that I often visit, there was a thread about great albums from the seventies (or something like that?) A Terry Reid album was suggested by a poster whose musical opinions I had great respect for, even though his love of Manchester Utd would usually indicate his opinions being that of a moron! I got the album and realised I was listening to the work of a really talented chap, thats how the love affair began.

I will introduce a track from each of my favourite albums over the next few days, but to whet your appetite, I have included a clip below.

Taken from a performance at the Glastonbury Fayre in 1971, a particular favourite; Dean, from the album River (be more about that later)

Check out the hat, the hairstyles and the fookin huge bifter getting passed around at the beginning.

A smoother operator you will never see...

2008-04-25T16:16:00.009+01:00

Last one for today I promise....

The original was written and released by Bob Seger on his album 'Back in 72' .....recorded in 1973. And was covered by Thin Lizzy on their album 'Fighting' in 1975....

This is the definitive version though, from Live and Dangerous

Great hair, great trousers, great song! Rosalie!!

Have a good weekend all...

Lets crank it up a notch

2008-04-25T15:13:00.005+01:00

Its Friday, a slow day, and I'm enjoying blogging too much. (It will wear off, although I hope not)
We had the lovely tones of Sandy Denny earlier, but lets Rock out with our cocks out.... erm, so to speak.

One of the most politically charged songs of the 80's, if not of all time.

Available on the album Freedom, here, 'Rocking In the Free World' by Neil Young.

Jons Folk on a stick #1 - Sandy Denny

2008-04-25T11:56:00.009+01:00

Sandy Denny is not a name that many people of my age (31) would recognise, but if you have a decent music collection, chances are you have heard her sing. She has the accolade of being the only guest vocalist credited to have sung on a Led Zeppelin album. Led Zeppelins Fourth Album/ZOSO/Four Symbols/IV.... and a track called 'The Battle of Evermore'.

(FOLK FACT: Zep famously assigned themselves each a symbol for Led Zeppelin IV, Sandy was also given her very own symbol all to herself)

She was often associated with an english band called Fairport Convention. During her time with them, and as a solo artist, she really drove English Folk rock and is seen as one of the leading lights in pushing traditional/folk music into more the commerical music scene (certainly in England at least).

I will be honest and say that I only have a best of/compilation album, as her work is strewn across her albums by 'the Strwabs', 'Fairport Convention' and on her own. However, I have been really impressed with what I've heard. Some of it is a bit too folky for my tastes, conjuring up scenes of Morris dancers, real cider and chewing hay, but some of it is just beautiful. She certainly had an amazing voice.

Sadly she died whilst quite young after a brain haemorage, she was same as age as me :(.

Anyway, this is her most famous song 'Who knows where the time goes', recorded orginally back in 1967, this version comes from the 1969 Fairport Convention album 'Unhalfbricking' available here

Makes me think of a Female Nick Drake :-)

Will remove the track in 30days

It was going to get posted sooner or later..

2008-04-24T21:44:00.007+01:00

I really could get used to this blogging lark.... how long will this fad last though?

Greetings traveller!

I would say about 2 to 3 years ago, my musical appreciation took a massive turn (some say for the worse) as I became more interested in the bands and artists that have had influence over the bands and artists of today.

I had remembered an old friend of mine playing me the attached song absolutely ages ago and thinking it was the coolest piece of music ever written, but after, I never really bothered listening to anything else by him. Then as I say, a couple of years later, I began to get retrospective with my musical tastes so I began properly listening to this guys stuff.

In terms of songwriting, he has to be one of the greatest of all time. He has such influence, he was cited as one of the inspirations behind the grunge movement in the late 80's (ROCK FACT: Kurt Cobain quoted his Lyrics in his suicide note)

If you don't know who I am talking about you are in for a real treat.

(sorry about the quality, had to compress it as the file was too big)

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Down By The River from the album Everybody knows this is nowhere. Buy it here