Thanks to Larry Kosofsky:
“I finally got around to going to Levon's Ramble last night - the Hallowe’en edition, no less. I live only 30 miles away, and I don't know what kept me from getting there sooner.
“This is American music at its best – a down-home jamboree of the highest quality. The Alexis Sutter Band kicked it off at 8 pm, followed by the Felice Brothers, and finally Levon, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and a group that included string bass, keyboards, trombone and saxophone.
“Forgive me for not getting all the members' names; I was too busy having fun. There's an additional lead guitarist who shared vocals, another drummer who took over for Levon when he picked up the mandolin, and of course Little Sammy Davis, who came on to sing a half dozen blues numbers in two stints.
“It's a great scene: about a hundred people scattered around Levon's Woodstock, N.Y. studio, with free food and drink available, mostly brought by the audience members to be shared.
“I won't go into a detailed breakdown of all the music, but I will say that you won't be disappointed when you go. The high point for me was Levon's rendition of a tune from his excellent new CD "Dirt Farmer", "Got Me a Woman." We also heard "Ophelia", "The Weight", and a version of "Chest Fever" that featured Larry Campbell playing Garth Hudson's organ intro on electric guitar.
“The joint was rockin' - Levon's backbeat makes the band swing all down the line.
“Not much more to say, just get there if you can; the money's going to a good cause (you can read about Levon's struggles in other places) and it's an unforgettable night. Visit Levon's website to make a reservation. I will be back.”
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Bruce Springsteen’s Magic
Thanks to Mike Ollier:
“The new Springsteen album is attracting sobriquets in the press such as "His best for 20 years" and "Best since Nebraska." I never understand this type of writing; what I want to know is "Is it any good, should I buy it?" It's either good or it's not. End of story.
“Bruce has been unusually happy recently with the joie de vivre of "The Seeger Sessions" and then the (pointless) "Live in Dublin" DVD and album. This is all together a different kettle of cod.
“I've lived with the album for three weeks now (it's fought for plays on my CD tray along with Steve Earle and Mick Jagger). The cover shows a sombre, brooding Bruce photographed in sepia tones and the gatefold sleeve shows a similarly sepia-tinted E Street Band. Nils Lofgren looks glum whilst Steve Van Zandt seems to have mistaken the E Street Band for his TV family ~ bottom lip jutting defiantly, hands crossed at waist level. Silvio, you gotta go! The pictures sum up the album, strangely muted and sober and shot through with broken promises and tired optimism.
“We roar off with "Radio Nowhere" muscling through the speakers, but it's curiously joyless. The chorus is evidently built for singing along to and it's sure to be a belter live. That old E Street magic permeates "Livin' In The Future" which harks back to the second album in feel and sound. The words don't match the sonic though, some sour lyrics that hint at political dissatisfaction.
“One of the album’s key tracks is "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" with its Spector-ish shtick; but again it has a downbeat sense to the lyrics that surprise. It's got that typical Springsteen 'someone going nowhere' story-arc, with a tired sounding protagonist out in the streets, noticing all around him but being curiously adrift.
“Once again you are reminded of the cinematic qualities of Springsteen's best songs and it brings to mind "The Last Picture Show." The romantic lyricism of "I'll Work For Your Love" is welcome after this, putting a bit of colour back into the music,
“The rage is palpable in "Last To Die" which is a paraphrase of a John Kerry quote; its imagery of blood and bodies, martyrs and flames makes the subject explicit. The 'hidden' track (don't you just hate that phrase?) is, strangely, perhaps the album’s highlight. The track is untitled but is dedicated to his personal assistant Terry MacGovern who died earlier this year. A lovely piano, organ and harmonica ballad, which shows the love Bruce must have had for his friend.
“The album seems to be a requiem for an America that has gone, that has lost its youthfulness; the America of Bruce's earlier albums. Perhaps it's Bruce who has grown up, realising that he's not 'Born To Run' anymore. As ever, there are political undertones here but he never rams it down your throat, rather leaves it for us to find and decipher, just like in our own lives. The feel and tone is a little like "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" (referenced on "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"), it has a valedictory air and downbeat hue.
“To return to my original question: is it any good? Yes, it's superb. Should you buy it? What do you think?
“The new Springsteen album is attracting sobriquets in the press such as "His best for 20 years" and "Best since Nebraska." I never understand this type of writing; what I want to know is "Is it any good, should I buy it?" It's either good or it's not. End of story.
“Bruce has been unusually happy recently with the joie de vivre of "The Seeger Sessions" and then the (pointless) "Live in Dublin" DVD and album. This is all together a different kettle of cod.
“I've lived with the album for three weeks now (it's fought for plays on my CD tray along with Steve Earle and Mick Jagger). The cover shows a sombre, brooding Bruce photographed in sepia tones and the gatefold sleeve shows a similarly sepia-tinted E Street Band. Nils Lofgren looks glum whilst Steve Van Zandt seems to have mistaken the E Street Band for his TV family ~ bottom lip jutting defiantly, hands crossed at waist level. Silvio, you gotta go! The pictures sum up the album, strangely muted and sober and shot through with broken promises and tired optimism.
“We roar off with "Radio Nowhere" muscling through the speakers, but it's curiously joyless. The chorus is evidently built for singing along to and it's sure to be a belter live. That old E Street magic permeates "Livin' In The Future" which harks back to the second album in feel and sound. The words don't match the sonic though, some sour lyrics that hint at political dissatisfaction.
“One of the album’s key tracks is "Girls In Their Summer Clothes" with its Spector-ish shtick; but again it has a downbeat sense to the lyrics that surprise. It's got that typical Springsteen 'someone going nowhere' story-arc, with a tired sounding protagonist out in the streets, noticing all around him but being curiously adrift.
“Once again you are reminded of the cinematic qualities of Springsteen's best songs and it brings to mind "The Last Picture Show." The romantic lyricism of "I'll Work For Your Love" is welcome after this, putting a bit of colour back into the music,
“The rage is palpable in "Last To Die" which is a paraphrase of a John Kerry quote; its imagery of blood and bodies, martyrs and flames makes the subject explicit. The 'hidden' track (don't you just hate that phrase?) is, strangely, perhaps the album’s highlight. The track is untitled but is dedicated to his personal assistant Terry MacGovern who died earlier this year. A lovely piano, organ and harmonica ballad, which shows the love Bruce must have had for his friend.
“The album seems to be a requiem for an America that has gone, that has lost its youthfulness; the America of Bruce's earlier albums. Perhaps it's Bruce who has grown up, realising that he's not 'Born To Run' anymore. As ever, there are political undertones here but he never rams it down your throat, rather leaves it for us to find and decipher, just like in our own lives. The feel and tone is a little like "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" (referenced on "Girls In Their Summer Clothes"), it has a valedictory air and downbeat hue.
“To return to my original question: is it any good? Yes, it's superb. Should you buy it? What do you think?
Thursday, 18 October 2007
The trio of Van Morrison compilations from 2007
Thanks to Clem Harris:
“I share your enthusiasm for Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation from Polydor, due on Monday, and the promise of re-released, expanded versions of Van’s fabulous back catalogue.
“But I can’t agree that the two 2007 compilations from EMI – At The Movies and Best Of vol 3 – were “valid”. They might have been commercially sound, but they don’t make artistic sense.
“The Movies CD was unnecessary – 9 of its first 10 tracks are on the wondrous The Best Of, from 1990.
“Best Of Vol 3 is a mess. Its mix of solo material from weak recent albums wasn’t worth re-releasing. The duets showcase Morrison’s greatness as a vocalist and should have been released by themselves, without the other stuff. Am I alone in thinking this?
“I’m looking forward to Still On Top washing away the bad taste of these two unwanted releases. The new 3CD is an absolute crackerjack.”
“I share your enthusiasm for Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation from Polydor, due on Monday, and the promise of re-released, expanded versions of Van’s fabulous back catalogue.
“But I can’t agree that the two 2007 compilations from EMI – At The Movies and Best Of vol 3 – were “valid”. They might have been commercially sound, but they don’t make artistic sense.
“The Movies CD was unnecessary – 9 of its first 10 tracks are on the wondrous The Best Of, from 1990.
“Best Of Vol 3 is a mess. Its mix of solo material from weak recent albums wasn’t worth re-releasing. The duets showcase Morrison’s greatness as a vocalist and should have been released by themselves, without the other stuff. Am I alone in thinking this?
“I’m looking forward to Still On Top washing away the bad taste of these two unwanted releases. The new 3CD is an absolute crackerjack.”
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Still On Top, the new Van Morrison compilation: three questions
The new Van Morrison compilation, Still On Top – The Greatest Hits, released next Monday, 22 October (UK), raises three questions:
1. Why? It’s the third Morrison compilation of 2007. You wait 14 years for a Van comp, then three turn up at the same time!
Almost certainly the rush to compile is the result of two record labels – EMI and Polydor – wanting their due from a leaving/returning artist. EMI’s two compilations were both valid – creatively and commercially. The new (Polydor) comp heralds an exciting re-release project of the Van Man catalogue. Watch this space…
2. Is it worth buying? You kidding? The 3CD Ltd Ed has 51 tracks. By my reckoning, all but six tracks are simply wonderful: almost 90% of the collection hits the spot. Missing? Summertime In England… , and there’s nothing from Astral Weeks… .
3. Is “Greatest Hits” an accurate title? Naaaah. The Ulsterman’s had very few “hits”. Didn’t he once confide to a small, rapt audience in South Wales: “F*ck the f*cking pop charts…”?
The record shops have been denuded of Morrison product for many months. The new Polydor release programme will put the legacy back in front of music buyers. And persuade some hardcore fans to buy the product, yet again, for the promised bonus additions.
What a legacy! Rave on.
Gerry Smith
1. Why? It’s the third Morrison compilation of 2007. You wait 14 years for a Van comp, then three turn up at the same time!
Almost certainly the rush to compile is the result of two record labels – EMI and Polydor – wanting their due from a leaving/returning artist. EMI’s two compilations were both valid – creatively and commercially. The new (Polydor) comp heralds an exciting re-release project of the Van Man catalogue. Watch this space…
2. Is it worth buying? You kidding? The 3CD Ltd Ed has 51 tracks. By my reckoning, all but six tracks are simply wonderful: almost 90% of the collection hits the spot. Missing? Summertime In England… , and there’s nothing from Astral Weeks… .
3. Is “Greatest Hits” an accurate title? Naaaah. The Ulsterman’s had very few “hits”. Didn’t he once confide to a small, rapt audience in South Wales: “F*ck the f*cking pop charts…”?
The record shops have been denuded of Morrison product for many months. The new Polydor release programme will put the legacy back in front of music buyers. And persuade some hardcore fans to buy the product, yet again, for the promised bonus additions.
What a legacy! Rave on.
Gerry Smith
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Major new Van Morrison compilation due next Monday
A major new Van Morrison compilation, Still On Top – The Greatest Hits, will be released next Monday, 22 October (UK) in both 2 and 3CD versions – though why anyone would buy the 2CD version instead of the 3CD Collector’s Edition is a mystery.
The release follows hot on the heels of the new DYLAN compilation, which also has 51 tracks over three discs.
Rockpop for Grown-Ups commentary to follow this week.
Gerry Smith
Disc 1:
1. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) 2007 Re-mastered
2. Dweller On The Threshold, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Whenever God Shines His Light, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Moondance
5. Bright Side Of The Road, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Brown Eyed Girl
7. Wavelength, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Crazy Love
9. Someone Like You, 2007 Re-mastered
10. When Will I Ever Learn To Live In God, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Tore Down A La Rimbaud, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Wild Night, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Gloria, Stereo Version
14. Real Real Gone, 2007 Re-mastered
15. Into The Mystic
16. In The Garden, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Saint Dominic's Preview, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Stranded, Album Version
Disc 2:
1. Precious Time, 2007 Re-mastered
2. Domino
3. Here Comes The Night
4. Little Village, 2007 Re-mastered
5. And It Stoned Me
6. Days Like This, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Cleaning Windows, 2007 Re-mastered
9. Baby Please Don't Go
0. Back On Top
11. Vanlose Stairway, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Celtic New Year, Album Version
13. Irish Heartbeat, 2007 Re-mastered
14. The Healing Game, Alternative Version
15. Full Force Gale, 2007 Re-mastered
16. Warm Love, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Did Ye Get Healed, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Tupelo Honey, 2007 Re-mastered
19. Wonderful Remark, 2007 Re-mastered
Disc 3:
1. Hey Mr. DJ, 2007 Re-mastered
2. In The Forest, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Queen Of The Slipstream, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Rave On John Donne, 2007 Re-mastered
5. Hymns To The Silence, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Crazy Jane On God, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Rough God Goes Riding, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Steal My Heart Away, 2007 Re-mastered
9. One Irish Rover, 2007 Re-mastered
10. Listen To The Lion, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Streets Of Arklow, 2007 Re-mastered
12. The Beauty Of The Days Gone By, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Take It Where You Find It, 2007 Re-mastered
14. Coney Island, 2007 Re-mastered
The release follows hot on the heels of the new DYLAN compilation, which also has 51 tracks over three discs.
Rockpop for Grown-Ups commentary to follow this week.
Gerry Smith
Disc 1:
1. Jackie Wilson Said (I'm In Heaven When You Smile) 2007 Re-mastered
2. Dweller On The Threshold, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Whenever God Shines His Light, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Moondance
5. Bright Side Of The Road, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Brown Eyed Girl
7. Wavelength, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Crazy Love
9. Someone Like You, 2007 Re-mastered
10. When Will I Ever Learn To Live In God, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Tore Down A La Rimbaud, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Wild Night, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Gloria, Stereo Version
14. Real Real Gone, 2007 Re-mastered
15. Into The Mystic
16. In The Garden, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Saint Dominic's Preview, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Stranded, Album Version
Disc 2:
1. Precious Time, 2007 Re-mastered
2. Domino
3. Here Comes The Night
4. Little Village, 2007 Re-mastered
5. And It Stoned Me
6. Days Like This, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Cleaning Windows, 2007 Re-mastered
9. Baby Please Don't Go
0. Back On Top
11. Vanlose Stairway, 2007 Re-mastered
12. Celtic New Year, Album Version
13. Irish Heartbeat, 2007 Re-mastered
14. The Healing Game, Alternative Version
15. Full Force Gale, 2007 Re-mastered
16. Warm Love, 2007 Re-mastered
17. Did Ye Get Healed, 2007 Re-mastered
18. Tupelo Honey, 2007 Re-mastered
19. Wonderful Remark, 2007 Re-mastered
Disc 3:
1. Hey Mr. DJ, 2007 Re-mastered
2. In The Forest, 2007 Re-mastered
3. Queen Of The Slipstream, 2007 Re-mastered
4. Rave On John Donne, 2007 Re-mastered
5. Hymns To The Silence, 2007 Re-mastered
6. Crazy Jane On God, 2007 Re-mastered
7. Rough God Goes Riding, 2007 Re-mastered
8. Steal My Heart Away, 2007 Re-mastered
9. One Irish Rover, 2007 Re-mastered
10. Listen To The Lion, 2007 Re-mastered
11. Streets Of Arklow, 2007 Re-mastered
12. The Beauty Of The Days Gone By, 2007 Re-mastered
13. Take It Where You Find It, 2007 Re-mastered
14. Coney Island, 2007 Re-mastered
Monday, 15 October 2007
The Other Side of the Mirror – vital addition to the Dylan catalogue
Last night’s screening of The Other Side of the Mirror - Dylan at the Newport Festival 1963-1965 (BBC Four, to be repeated on Wednesday) was riveting – the definitive document of the emergence of a great, rare talent.
The 1963 segment shows a precociously gifted young singer playing the role of diffident, unassertive folkie to perfection: he gives his audience what it wants. Highlights are North Country Blues (performed seated) and Only a Pawn in Their Game. The writing is breathtaking, the performances searing.
The middle year has one great performance - Chimes of Freedom. Dylan’s beautifully sung version of one of his leading compositions is probably the highlight of this must-see film. The rest of the 1964 section is blighted by unwelcome intrusions.
The 1965 kiss-off, with the electric band, is magnificent to behold – great performance art, supremely confident performances of Maggie’s Farm and Like a Rolling Stone by Dylan and his well-chosen accomplices.
Visibly affronted by the mixed reaction to the electric set, Dylan’s acoustic encore has him playing as if his life depended on it. He’s never been more commanding than he is on Mr. Tambourine Man and It's All Over Now, Baby Blue.
Throughout the 80 minutes, Dylan’s evolving singing voice is magisterial. We are lucky that the film was a low budget project (shot on one, maybe two, cameras) – because it forced its director to point the lens at Dylan for the duration. Murray Lerner simply recorded the performances - nothing else is allowed to get in the way.
The Other Side of the Mirror is a vital addition to the Dylan catalogue. Though the BBC transmitted the whole 80 minutes, I’ll probably end up buying the DVD, too – just so I can edit out the unwanted distractions of 1964.
TRACKLIST:
All I Really Want To Do (1965)
1963:
North Country Blues
With God on Our Side (with Joan Baez)
Talkin' World War III Blues
Who Killed Davey Moore?
Only a Pawn in Their Game
Blowin' in the Wind (with the Freedom Singers, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary)
1964:
Mr. Tambourine Man
Johnny Cash, Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Joan Baez, Mary Hamilton
It Ain't Me, Babe (with Joan Baez)
Joan Baez interview
With God on Our Side (with Joan Baez)
Chimes of Freedom
1965:
If You Gotta Go, Go Now
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Rehearsal (with electric band)
Maggie's Farm (with electric band)
Like a Rolling Stone (with electric band)
Mr. Tambourine Man
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Gerry Smith
The 1963 segment shows a precociously gifted young singer playing the role of diffident, unassertive folkie to perfection: he gives his audience what it wants. Highlights are North Country Blues (performed seated) and Only a Pawn in Their Game. The writing is breathtaking, the performances searing.
The middle year has one great performance - Chimes of Freedom. Dylan’s beautifully sung version of one of his leading compositions is probably the highlight of this must-see film. The rest of the 1964 section is blighted by unwelcome intrusions.
The 1965 kiss-off, with the electric band, is magnificent to behold – great performance art, supremely confident performances of Maggie’s Farm and Like a Rolling Stone by Dylan and his well-chosen accomplices.
Visibly affronted by the mixed reaction to the electric set, Dylan’s acoustic encore has him playing as if his life depended on it. He’s never been more commanding than he is on Mr. Tambourine Man and It's All Over Now, Baby Blue.
Throughout the 80 minutes, Dylan’s evolving singing voice is magisterial. We are lucky that the film was a low budget project (shot on one, maybe two, cameras) – because it forced its director to point the lens at Dylan for the duration. Murray Lerner simply recorded the performances - nothing else is allowed to get in the way.
The Other Side of the Mirror is a vital addition to the Dylan catalogue. Though the BBC transmitted the whole 80 minutes, I’ll probably end up buying the DVD, too – just so I can edit out the unwanted distractions of 1964.
TRACKLIST:
All I Really Want To Do (1965)
1963:
North Country Blues
With God on Our Side (with Joan Baez)
Talkin' World War III Blues
Who Killed Davey Moore?
Only a Pawn in Their Game
Blowin' in the Wind (with the Freedom Singers, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary)
1964:
Mr. Tambourine Man
Johnny Cash, Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Joan Baez, Mary Hamilton
It Ain't Me, Babe (with Joan Baez)
Joan Baez interview
With God on Our Side (with Joan Baez)
Chimes of Freedom
1965:
If You Gotta Go, Go Now
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Rehearsal (with electric band)
Maggie's Farm (with electric band)
Like a Rolling Stone (with electric band)
Mr. Tambourine Man
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Gerry Smith
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Joy Division celebrated
Not before time, the peerless legacy of the great Joy Division is being celebrated in England with impressive new record releases to piggyback on the acclaimed new Ian Curtis biopic movie, Control.
The Manc gloomsters’ three major record releases - Closer, Still and Unknown Pleasures – have been re-released as special editions with re-mastered sound and - here’s the important bit – a (different) formerly unreleased live performance packaged as a second CD with each album.
Yummy. Must buy!
Gerry Smith
The Manc gloomsters’ three major record releases - Closer, Still and Unknown Pleasures – have been re-released as special editions with re-mastered sound and - here’s the important bit – a (different) formerly unreleased live performance packaged as a second CD with each album.
Yummy. Must buy!
Gerry Smith
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