Posts

Showing posts from November, 2010

Lost Gem: "Don't Cross the River" - America (1972)

Image
"She feels like leavin'  and she don't know why." ~ America ~ America was a folk rock band with gorgeous three-part harmony. An acoustical trio from military families... Gerry Beckley ,  Dewey Bunnell   and Dan Peek ...fit together like brand new Legos . The music was tight and warm and had found an audience...so when America released their 2nd album... "Homecoming" (1972) ...like their first record, it soon went platinum. It was to be their last platinum studio album . Fans and critics alike recognize  "Homecoming"  as the band's finest moment...leading off with the driving "alligator lizards in the air" song... "Ventura Highway" . Dan Peek, Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley Filled with flashes of country rock mixed with Kalifornia kool... America had their metaphorical..."Dark Side Of The Moon" . Lost Gem:-->   "Don't Cross the River" ...Even though added to their Greatest Hits pa

Lost Gem: "Little Lilly" - Widespread Panic (2001)

Image
"Round and round and round she goes  like Shirley's curlies at the movie show." ~ Widespread Panic ~  Widespread Panic is a wonderful jam band in the tradition of the Dead and Phish . Allman Bros  quickly come to mind, as well. Hailing from Athens, Georgia...this jam-rock jewel is especially enjoyable live.. .sweating like a chain-gang on a horse with no name. However, Widespread Panic make some pretty excellent studio albums too. "Don't Tell The Band" (2001) is a sweet treat...filled with tight songs that hit that smooth groove button.   Deadly and satisfying...and often.  Lost Gem:-->   "Little Lilly" ...is classic Widespread Panic that finds its slide-glide early and sticks it to your ears. Have you heard this gem? Oh, Lilly likes Beatles songs The words are off, but they don't feel that wrong She came in through the bedroom window like a blue girl Like a blue girl, like a blue girl No, never has she tried to

Lost Gem: "Warrior" - Wishbone Ash (1972)

Image
"Tomorrow the plow becomes the sword. Make us stronger in our danger." ~ Wishbone Ash ~ "Argus" (1972) is considered by many to be Wishbone Ash' s must own tour de force. Andy Powell and Ted Turner were creating honey with harmony twin lead guitars . Groundbreaking stuff at the time. And backed up with fierce bass and drums. Wishbone Ash were a healthy blend of hard rock and prog ...played with insane confidence and perfection. Simply magic . Lost Gem:-->   "Warrior" ...is filled with images of timeless mystical battles yet to be met. The loud/soft changes are perfect with an unforgettable chant fade-out. Have you heard this gem? I'm leaving to search for something new, Leaving everything I ever knew. A hundred years in the sunshine Hasn't taught me all there is to know. In the valley, we will gather there, Helpless in our surrender. Tomorrow the plow becomes the sword Make us stronger in our danger. Time will pass a

Lost Gem: "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" - Prince (1991)

Image
"That's when U find out that U're better off makin' sure your soul's alright." --> Prince <-- Even as well known as this Minnesota maestro, Prince , may be...I still see him as an under-appreciated artist. Skilled as a musician, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, songwriter, record producer... Prince knows what he wants and he simply does it. The 1991, "Diamonds and Pearls" , is one of several must own albums. And not a bad introduction for anyone wanting to snatch a piece of the cape from...The Prince. "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" ...is a thoughtful, sweetly sad, laid-back observation on the flashes of quick opportunites often lost. A scale for what you want vs what you need. All wrapped in that wonderful 70's Philly soul. So familiar and yet...so fresh. And all so relevant today. Have you heard this gem? One more card and it's 22 Unlucky 4 him again He never had respect 4 money it's tru

Lost Gem: "Cathedral" - Crosby, Stills & Nash (1977)

Image
"Open up the gates of the church  and let me out of here!" --> CSN <-- "CSN" (1977) was David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash's last..."must own" album. It is solid in every way. Well-written songs with glorious free-waving harmony . (No studio soft-soap tricks, friends.) This was also their first studio record since the epic classi c... "Deja Vu" (1970) ...and the guys lay down the gauntlet daring anyone fill their shoes. Lost Gem-- >  "Cathedral" ...is a cornered badger   written by Nash ...recalling an acid trip that turned south  while visiting the legendary Winchester Cathedral . Quiet piano leads into  thrilling harmonies and pounding keys . The HOF trio unleash vocals   with an urgency that understands all to well that familiar panic from a misguided acid voyage. Have you heard this gem? Six o' clock In the morning, I feel pretty good So I dropped into the luxury of the Lords Fight

Lost Gem: "Hot Summer Nights" - Walter Egan (1978)

Image
"We shared our hopes, our dreams  and our goals... And the fundamental roll." ~ Walter Egan ~ In 1978, Walter Egan released... "Not Shy " ...an album filled with that cool feel-good California sound and best known for the single... "Magnet & Steel" . Every song had a catchy hook and was made for windows rolled down summer cruising. But let's face it...it didn't hurt to have good friends like Lindsey Buckingham producing the record. And sweetheart Stevie Nicks adding her gorgeous vocals to his songs.  Even Mick Fleetwood got in on the act banging the skins. Lost Gem:-->   "Hot Summer Nights" ...is a feeling good cruise tune.  Ah...pleasures of the summer of our youth.   Nothin' complicated and everything possible.  (This is the original version). Have you heard this gem? There was a time, not too far gone When I was changed by just a song On the radio, in my car The pounding electric guitar Then the time ca