Back with an album reflecting the easy going '70s style rock of its predecessor, Wilco's newest seems almost on a par with that very underrated album. Try this:
Sorry for being so quiet, busy. So, back come The Dexateens with an easy-going acoustic country rock set, redolent of the late '60s and early '70s heyday with more than a touch of The Jayhawks. Try these:
Off to see the Handsome Family next week, with their strange ideas about the world, murder ballads, gothic country. Oh yes, and now sweet love songs with an occasionall dollop of homage to 50s and 60s harmony groups. Try these:
A twang to part three. This was the era that saw country hit the rock mainstream, through the likes of the Stones. It was also the year that saw the second of the prison recordings that saw his credibility restored. There is a raw energy to these recordings that chimed well with the rock and roll generation.
Townes van Zandt's second and third albums were released in 1969. His second, Our Mother the Mountain, featured some of his great songs, even though he would record many of them again without the somewhat florid arrangements. This though, is mighty fine.
At the real cutting edge were Gram Parsons' Flying Burrito Brothers with The Gilded Palace of Sin (great title), as country rock edged closer to country itself:
Coming soon, an Iron & Wine collection of rarities etc. Meanwhile, on Sam Beam's website there's a collection of versions of songs from The Shepherd's Dog, here.
Things take a distinctly English turn on part two. By 1969, Ray Davis' obsession with The English past was in full flow on the concept album Arthur. It's stand-out track was one of the Kinks' great singles.
1969 saw David Bowie make his first mark and his first hit single. However, as everyone knows that song, I thought I'd offer this 1969 b-side. Those who know his 1969 album, originally Man of Words, Man of Music (what a shite title) will recognise the fact that it is saddled with some pretty OTT arrangements which often mar the songs. This song, featuring Mick Ronson for the first time, suffered in particular. This simplified guitar and cello version works much better (Ronson would hit his straps next time up).
1969 saw two albums from the Fairport Convention that were just beginning to emerge from the Californian folk rock cover versions into the band that gave us folk-rock and two of the great English songwriters, namely Richard Thompson and Sandy Denny. The first of the two, What We Did On Our Holidays, saw the first great Richard Thompson song.
1969 also saw The Who release the mishmash that was Tommy. Like most rock double albums, it was a good single one waiting to get out (that's why, incidentally, the fact that many bands now release shorter 40 minuteish cds is A GOOD THING. Anyway, forget all the meaningless plot (such as it was), this is great late '60s Who.
The Hold Steady have a new live set out; they will also feature in the Bible. But here's some live & live in Studio, all on an Easterish theme. These are the biz!!!
A while back a pal sent me a text (yes, you) challenging me to produce a cd of the best of 1969. So, I'm gonna do it in installments. It's starting a bit heavily:
In 1968, the Stones returned brilliantly to a mix of the blues, country and brilliant rock'n'roll; they also captured the zeitgeist with the likes of Street Fighting Man and Sympathy for the Devil. In the year in which flower power turned darker, and Altamont saw fans killed by Hell's Angels, the Stones captured the mood in this brilliant, menacing and snaky masterpiece. Rape, murder, just a shot away...
In spite of their would be Satanic Majesties poses, you know the Stones feared the reaper. Not Iggy. This is, pure and simple, on of the great slabs of primal rock. But now, romance gives way... c'mowwwwwn,,,
1969 also saw Led Zep make their first two albums. Already, the heavy riffing was there, but so were the blues and folk that made them a more interesting band than many recall. Of those, I reckon this is the highlight, its heavy blues riff, Plant's wail.
The second full length effort from the well labelled son of Steve, sees his fine old fashioned yet now country style intact, and sounding pretty darn good. Try these:
Sorry for the lack of posts, been busy. So here's a new feature, the themed series. My mate Pete said 'I bet you can't do an album of songs which (in their titles) do the bible'. So here goes. To kick off, Genesis (pt one).
Jason Isbell, late of the Drive-by Truckers comes up with his first album in his new incarnation, the 400 Unit. It's a fine set of country-soul tinged rock, helped by Isbell's sweet southern tones. Try this:
That fine rock band The Damnwells are back with a new album. Amazingly, you can download the entire thing for free courtesy of Paste magazine here or from their own site here. Or, you can try:
Cat Power does great covers. Her ep from late last year was an addendum to Jukebox; a great set of covers. I thought it might be fun to offer up the originals:
John Martyn died this week, after health problems that dogged his later years. His key records, especially Solid Air, were melodic innovative masterpieces that, rather like Van Morrison's best work, transcended genre and type. I was lucky enough to see him play at the cambridge Folk Festival, many years ago, in one of the marquee tents, with bassist Danny Thompson; they were sensational. These two seem somehow fitting:
Saw Richard Thompson do his 1000 Years of Popular Music show the other night (more anon). He was doing other people's stuff, but it led me back to his '70s classic. Remember these?
Is there anyone out there who wasn't wowed by For Emma? Well, to keep us happy before the next, the now collective Bon Iver have released a four track ep, and fine stuff it is. Here's the title track:
Think Guthrie and Guthrie's heirs. As a man, Otis Gibbs has done the hard travelin' too (in the words of the master). His music is American to its fingertips, and his voice wears all them miles well, and a beard to die for. Serious music, with a light touch.
Murry Hammond is the bassist of the Old '97s. Last year he produced a solo album, I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm on My Way, an attractive mix of country gospel and train songs (and I love train songs... I feel a post coming on); it's pretty unique, works as a whole and I love it. Try these, especially the first which is a kind of personal hymn which and knocked me out when I first heard it:
Every year, some hardy souls go swimming in the sea; yes, here in our very own Whitley Bay, in the NORTH SEA. No snow this year, but it's bloomin' cold. My first year here, we had heavy snow on the beach! Meanwhile, I'm at home in the warm. A few new year songs for you all. Hope, despite all the shit out there, it's a good one.
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