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Showing posts from 2010

Lost Gem: "V" - Golden Smog (1995)

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"When I was down  she was full of advice." ~ Golden Smog ~ Golden Smog was for all intents and purposes a side-project providing another outlet for several creative musicians already in established bands. On "Down By The Old Mainstream" (1995) ...the participants were... Dan Murphy of Soul Asylum..... Jeff Tweedy of Wilco..... Gary Louris & Marc Perlma n of The Jayhawks..... Noah Levy of Honeydogs..... Kraig Johnson of Run Westy Run. Labeled an alternative country-rock band, Golden Smog was classic-relaxed kool and it shows up in every song. The music was loosey-goosey ...(but not sloppy)...and free from any real management expectations. This was regular guys (minus ego) having fun and making good music. Lost Gem:-->   "V" ...sounds fresh...yet so familiar.  Easy to warm up to. Simply a bandmate's remembrance of a nice barmaid from the past. Rocks sweet! Have you heard this gem? When I was down she was full of advice

Lost Gem: "Empty Chairs" - Don McLean (1971)

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"...And empty clothes that  drape and fall on empty chairs." ~ Don McLean ~ When American troubadour Don McLean released his second album... "American Pie" (1971) ...with the 8:30 minute cultural megabomb title track ...he quickly became the... "cryptic keeper of the flame." Everyone started coming out of the woodwork espousing their theories on what each line meant. Then radio started spinning... "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)" from the same album, and fans discovered he was much more than a one-trick pony. Soon teachers began using McLean's descriptive songs as introductions to poetry. And, in this instance...as a doorway to the wonders of art. Add Don McLean's gentle voice to his timeless songs and we have another songwriting treasure to add to our musical collection. (On a side note...Ed Freeman's  production is crisp and clean..no wait...I mean...McLean.) Lost Gem:-->   "Empty Chairs" ... is a b

Lost Gem: "Gimme The Car" - Violent Femmes (1982)

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"I'm gonna make her laugh.   I'm gonna make her...shh." ~ Violent Femmes ~ Who'd have thought three Milwaukee boys could lay down such cool apocalyptic punk junk? Thick as a brick with windows to break, Violent Femmes caught a shooting star and rode in with a wicked self-titled album. (1982) (In 1983, two added tracks were issued on their self-titled re-release . ) This is frustration multiplied. Teen angst on a rampage . Violent Femmes Actually, this is probably as truthful an attempt at expressing a teenager's inability to "cop a pop" as you'll likely find. Wild and crazy folk rock at its best! Lost Gem:-->   "Gimme The Car" ...Quirky spazz vocals from angst king... Gordon Gano ...only make his fantasy plans sound all the more desperate. And Brian Ritchie's bass work is stellar. Come on...everybody knows that a car is a teenager's motel! Have you heard this gem? Come on dad gimme the car tonight

Lost Gem: "Sunburst" - Bob Seger (1976)

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"The sun begins to rise as he begins to close his ey es." ~ Bob Seger ~ "Night Moves" was Detroit road warrior Bob Seger's 9th album and would be the record that finally propelled him up into the super stardom spotlight. But think about that a moment. His 9th album!   Man, how many of us might have just closed up shop?  (Oh, by the way...Bob's earlier stuff was excellent by any standard!) But like the spot-on defiant attitude Seger's album cover projects...the man is a determined cuss.  And we are all the better for it. Lost Gem:-->   "Sunburst" ...a successful, but slightly jaded, rock star...replays the repetitive concert nights in his head. This mid-tempo cutter is the perfect bookend to the "on-the-way-up" classic... "Turn The Page". Have you heard this gem? The crowd without a face begins to fill the space in the arena. Flashlights at his feet the lion from the street awaits the Christians. A blind

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

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"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)

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"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)

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"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)

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"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)

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"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)

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"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

Lost Gem: "Hitting You" - Loudon Wainwright III (1992)

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"All we do is argue like  two people  who are through." ~ Loudon Wainwright III ~ North Carolinian... Loudon Wainwright III ...may bring to mind his novelty song... "Dead Skunk" (1972) or his bit part playing Captain Spalding on TV's "Mash "(1975). But this singer/songwriter has been crafting songs forever. I haven't followed this tongue-wagging troubadour too closely over the seasons...however, 1992 saw him release "History" .  Considered his masterpiece...he purges the past very close to the bone... never soft-soaping the ugly parts . "History" is a absolutely must-own! Lost Gem:-->   "Hitting You" ...is as honest a confession as you'll likely to hear.  Painful and heartbreaking in the understanding...that there are seldom, if ever, any take-backs or do-overs ......................not really. Have you heard this gem? (start at 2:28) Long ago i hit you we were in the car you were crazy in

Lost Gem: "Fearless" - Pink Floyd (1971)

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"And I'll climb the hill in my own way." ~ Pink Floyd~  Pink Floyd's ... "Meddle" (1971) ...was released two years prior to their masterpiece... "Dark Side Of The Moon" . But elements of that classic recording can be heard throughout this underrated album. In fact, at least one song left on the cutting floor for this album...would later appear on "DSOTM" . Despite a ridiculously bad album cover...(looks like an elephant's snout to me)... "Meddle" is filled with plenty to like and should be in your collection. Also, this is where we find guitarist David Gilmour stepping up his game a bit. Lost Gem:-->   "Fearless" ...is a brilliant exercise in songwriting with Gilmour throwing down an amazing guitar riff that sounds as fresh today as it did 40 years ago.  Roger Waters has nice lyrics (as always) and the surprising addition of a football crowd...well...I liked it. Have you heard this gem? You say t

Lost Gem: "Your Dictionary" - XTC (1999)

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"So let's close the book and let the day begin and our marriage be undone." ~ XTC ~ Seven years had disappeared before XTC went back into the studio to record... "Apple Venus Volume 1" (1999) ...and it was jaw-dropping brilliant . Unfortunately, numerous management problems and personal differences were causing friction at around the same time this record dropped...and history has proven this is rarely a good thing. Andy Partridge, Colin Moulding, Dave Gregory Critics loved XTC's alternative-psych-rock sound, but lack of solid promo in the states buried this nugget in the racks. Lost Gem:-->   "Your Dictionary" ...is a bitter acoustic kiss-off to the ghosts of a broken relationship.   So bitter...yet Partridge   pulls it off. The surprising Beatlesque arrangement near the end offers 'hope' that closure will be found for all of us. Have you heard this Gem? H-A-T-E Is that how you spell love in your dictionary

Lost Gem: "Closing Time" - Lyle Lovett (1986)

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"...and hear those bottles ringing... you know where you are." ~ Lyle Lovett ~ Texas troubadour, Lyle Lovett , released his debut in 1986 and was later included in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Albums of the 80's. Lyle's been labeled a country artist, but is truly a singer-songwriter renegade who sings whatever feels good... labels be damned . There is a sweet, almost bashful, aura that surrounds him. He just doesn't take himself too seriously...which is very refreshing. And, much like his hair...you can't control him. His walk is his own.  It's up to the listener to get in step. Lost Gem:-->   "Closing Time" ...is a beautiful song about the dive bar monotony a performer goes through on his journey to reaching his dream.   Dig the weary acceptance in his voice. Have you heard this gem? The night she is a true companion They shuffle in They hear the sound But by night's end It's night's abandon You look ac

Lost Gem: "Dirty Love" - Frank Zappa (1973)

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"Like some tacky little pamphlet  in your daddy's bottom drawer." ~ Frank Zappa ~ Frank Zappa is an acquired taste. I understand that. But as you begin digging through the man's extensive league of work, you might soon find yourself being drawn into his magic. Or maybe not. You see... FZ serves NO master .  His genius ranges from rock & jazz to electronic & classical music. He is a bad ass renegade  whose tower of prolific power is well worth exploring. And what you dig or won't dig is all on Frank because he is responsible for every note, word and sound on his records. Frank composes arrangements for every instrument you hear. Few could do this and fewer still could do it as well. So, yea, Frank Zappa (may he rest in peace) could always get down with his bad self. Lost Gem:-->   "Dirty Love" ...is part of any Frank Zappa 101 curriculum.  In 3-minutes, we get... 1. tasty guitar riffing from the 'Peach' himself. 2.

Lost Gem: "I Want You to Hurt Like I Do" - Randy Newman (1988)

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"And things don't always... things don't always go the way we plan." ~ Randy Newman ~ Randy Newman is a singer/songwriter who, when not focusing on his many film scoring project s ...takes pleasure in revealing the darker shades of ourselves. Taking on all comers with a surgeons eye and a Shakespeare's sarcasm...striking a little closer to home than some would like. His job is to shock...sometimes offend...and hopefully cause the listener to look a little deeper inside themselves. I'm guessing this makes Randy very happy. Lost Gem:-->   "I Want You to Hurt Like I Do" ...is a ballad of "anthemic" proportion about media-grabbing grand-standers. The... "We Are The World" types... who take on a cause...simply for the sole purpose of drawing attention... to themselves .  The self-righteous bleating about all the pain, their particular cause...causes . Unforgettable! If the words were changed, this song could easily

Lost Gem: "The Back Seat Of My Car" - Paul McCartney (1971)

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"We believe... that we can't be wrong." ~ Paul McCartney ~ "Ram" (1971) was Paul McCartney 's 2nd post Beatles album and it's loaded with more hooks than a Peter Pan pirate .  A must own on so many levels. Many of the song ideas were surely spinning through Paul 's mind before the breakup.  And I can easily see The Beatles harmonizing and jamming to half the songs in Jerry's Bizarro world. I'm a John Lennon man myself, but I'm totally onboard with the McCartney magic.  And "The Back Seat Of My Car" is one of this Beatles ' finest card tricks. Paul and Linda Lost Gem:-->   "The Back Seat Of My Car" ...is a brilliant mini-suite that captures the beautiful naive urgency and self-importance only young lovers enjoy. Filled with surprising rhythms and melodies ... it slowly swells to an unbelievable climax that is both touching and chilling. Don't be fooled by the simplicity. This is tri