Average White Band “AWB”
Today’s Cool Album Of the Day (#278 in the Series) is Average White Band, AWB. The Average White Band, what a perfect mix of soul, funk, R + B, rock with just enough jazz tossed in. All of this from a band from………Scotland!? Yeah, many people have forgotten that fact over the years, but yes indeed. Founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are from Dundee. As were the other original members, Malcolm “Molly” Duncan, Roger Ball and Robbie McIntosh. Hamish Stuart was from Glasgow, he would play a major role with Paul McCartney in later years. Do not confuse this Robbie McIntosh with the man with the same name who was a long time ‘Pretender.’ Same name, different person....
Frank Zappa “Apostrophe(‘)”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#232 in the Series) is Frank Zappa, Apostrophe(‘). Frank Zappa, Apostrophe (‘) was one of FZs’ most popular releases, maybe THE most popular. It was released directly after another of Frank’s best known works, Over-Nite Sensation. I’ve actually wanted to feature this album for some time. I had to wait for ‘just the right time.’ The right time was now. One of the first days of winter (with apologies to our southern hemisphere readers). I’ve mentioned this before….. But some albums can only be listened to in certain seasons. I know every lyric to Apostrophe(‘) by heart, yet I can count on one hand how many times I listened to this when warmth...
Focus “Moving Waves”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#197 in the Series) is Focus, Moving Waves. Focus was a Dutch seventies band that featured the keyboards and vocals of Thijs van Leer and the wonderful guitar work of guitarist Jan Akkerman. The other two band members were Cyriel Havermans on bass and Pierre van der Linden on drums. Their second album was titled Focus II. Here in the United States it was known as Moving Waves. Moving Waves included one of the most original hits songs in US history, of course that would be “Hocus Pocus.” The music was quite experimental sounding even without a yodeling falsetto based vocal track. This was head of its time when this was released in...
Steely Dan "Katy Lied"
Today’s Cool Album of the Day ( #150 in the Series) is Steely Dan, Katy Lied. Last year Steely Dan did a tour where they played one of three albums in their entirety. They would ‘hunker down’ in town for four nights. The first three nights they would play either The Royal Scam, Aja or Goucho. The fourth night would be requests. Unfortunately, they didn’t play my favorite Dan album, Katy Lied. Don’t get me wrong, I love those other three releases. But give me Katy Lied. I could list nearly every track as a favorite. How can you choose from Black Friday, Bad Sneakers, Doctor Wu, Chain Lightning. Everyone’s Gone to the Movies or Any World (That I’m...
Little Feat "Down on the Farm"
Today’s Cool Album of The Day is Little Feat, Down on The Farm. This album was released in 1979. It was being recorded when lead singer, slide guitarist, front man Lowell George passed away. Today is the 31st anniversary of Lowell death. It wasn’t one of the bands better selling, nor better received albums. But I loved it. It’s one of my Little Feat favorites. Favorite tracks? They’d include, ‘Six Feet of Snow, Down on The Farm, Perfect Imperfection’ and ‘Wake Up Dreaming.’ Some interesting guest players on the disc. David Linley, Robben Ford, Sneaky Pete Kleinow (Flying Burrito Brothers), Bonnie Raitt and future Little Feat member, Fred Tackett. Lowelll George (4-13-45) — (6-29-79) Here’s a video of the...
