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Showing posts from January, 2010

Lost Gem: "Don't Step On The Grass, Sam" - Steppenwolf

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" Well, it will hook your Sue and Johnny. (You're so full of bull, Sam)" ~ John Kay/Steppenwolf ~ "Steppenwolf...the Second" (1968) ... has John Kay and the boys throwing down a sophomore effort that does not disappoint. Filled with a blend of traditional rock...earthy psych...and somewhat tasty blues jams, all delivered in that solid John Kay throwback style very much missed today. If all you know are the terrific, but overplayed Steppenwolf classics... "Born To Be Wild" & "Magic Carpet Ride" ...then prepare to have your eyebrows raised. "Don't Step On The Grass, Sam" ...is a wicked... "thumb in the eye" kiss-off ...to the stiff-minded establishment.  Churning rhythm guitar trade-off bites and props to Goldy McJohn for some nice crushing keyboad work. One of the better protest songs. Turn it up! Have you heard this one? Starin' at the boob tube, turnin' on the big knob Tryin'

Lost Gem: "Have You Forgotten" - Red House Painters

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"When we were kids... we hated things our parents did." ~ Red House Painters ~ "Songs For A Blue Guitar" (1996) ...was an unexpected must own CD by the Red House Painters . It was recorded during a bunch of label contract fubars and is essentially a solo recording from leader Mark Kozelek . And can often be found in discount bins. Among this eleven song offering...are three surprising covers. One from...Wings...Yes...&...The Cars. Each are uniquely mind-blowing filled with soft vocals with elongated electrical axe work ...mixed with gentle folk guitar . Nicely done. But the real lost gem from this RnR paint can is the opening track. "Have You Forgotten" ...is a haunting acoustical gem that exposes painful bittersweet memories in thoughtful and mature strokes. Have you heard this one? I can't let you be cause your beauty won't allow me wrapped in white sheets like an angel from a bedtime story shut out what they say

Lost Gem: "Mambo Sun" - T. Rex

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" On a mountain range I'm Dr. Strange for you. " ~ T. Rex ~ "Electric Warrior" (1971) is arguably T. Rex's best release...though "The Slider" could easily hold that title as well. This is premium ground-cracking stuff with high marks from start to finish. Lost gem... "Mambo Sun" ...is one of the best opening tracks of all time. It's a sleazy horn-dog beggar ...with a wicked groove. Listen for the tasty T. Rex string bends. Have you heard this one? Beneath the bebop moon I want to croon with you. Beneath the Mambo Sun I got to be the one with you. My life's a shadowless horse If I can't get across to you. In the alligator rain My hearts all pain for you. Girl you're good And I've got wild knees for you. On a mountain range I'm Dr. Strange for you. Upon a savage lake Make no mistake I love you I got a powder keg leg And my wig's all pooped for you. With my hat in my hand I'm a hungry man for y

Lost Gem: "It's Too Late" - Jim Carroll Band

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" It's too late... There's no one left that I even wanna imitate." ~ Jim Carroll ~ Jim Carroll captured lightning in a bottle with his debut album... "Catholic Boy" (1980) . The energy and urgency of each song sounds raw and dangerous. And the poetry prince... Jim Carroll ...spins his verbiage like a Lou Reed arachnid. His words ooze with rare cold truth and we're all the better for it. "It's Too Late" ...is a terrific lost gem filled with churning and burning bass and blaring axe blade.  Sets the table nicely for JC's biting tongue spank. Have you heard this one? It's too late To fall in love with Sharon Tate. But it's too soon To ask me for the words I want carved on my tomb. I think it's time that you all start To think about gettin' by Without that need to go out and find somebody to love. It's too late There's no one left that I even wanna imitate You see, you just don't know I'm here to give y