Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds “The Boatman’s Call”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#335 in the Series) is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Boatman’s Call Long cited as one of the world’s best (albeit relatively unknown) songwriters, Nick Cave at last came out with the classic album that many had suspected he was capable of. And this time it was personal. Considered one of the heirs to Leonard Cohen’s throne, his worked had often explored similar themes, not least the biblical. However, due to its unremitting focus on matters of the heart, specifically the bitterness of broken relationships and their aftermath, The Boatman’s Call would seem to have more in common with Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks. Sensing that these songs didn’t need much...
Joan Armatrading “Joan Armatrading”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#328 in the Series) is the self-titled album from Joan Armatrading. There are so many great Joan Armatrading albums in which to choose. I almost went with Show Some Emotion, since I think that’s my favorite song from this British singer-songwriter. I also could have gone with later works such as Me, Myself I or Walk Under Ladders, also great works. In fact, I’m sure through time, we’ll get to them as well. Today however, it’s her self-titled third album, Joan Armatrading. She did have two earlier releases but this was the first time she tasted success, sales-wise. It was the first album that really let me hear her voice and songs as...
John Stewart “California Bloodlines”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#310 in the Series) is John Stewart, California Bloodlines By 1969 , John Stewart was 29 years old and had packed in a fair bit of living. He co-founded The Cumberland 3 , released three albums with them and moved on to become a member of The Kingston Trio , releasing numerous discs and playing hundreds of live shows . Fast forward to 1968 and we find him recording an album with his wife Buffy Ford and , just for good measure , he also managed to write a little song you may have heard of , “Daydream Believer” , a smash hit for The Monkees in ’67. For most people that would be...
Elvis Costello and the Attractions “Punch The Clock”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#309 in the Series) is Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Punch the Clock. Elvis Costello is one busy guy, and with over 30 studio albums (and counting!) it’s hard to pick just one, especially when every one seems to have its own feel. Punch the Clock is one of those albums that people either love or hate, and for good reasons either way. It was roundly described as “uneven,” and although that may be, there are a few compelling reasons to give it another listen. One for me is personal, and that is its issue in 1983 was in my “formidable” years of music, and later in college I think I wore the...
Ryan Adams and The Cardinals “Cold Roses”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#305 in the Series) is Ryan Adams and The Cardinals, Cold Roses. I’ve always appreciated artists that know the history of their roots and are not afraid to pay homage to them as well. This is the case with Ryan Adams. I’ve read more than once about his love for artists like Gram Parsons. His previous band, Whiskeytown were known for adding more than one Gram tune to their set lists. They even performed Gram’s, “A Song For You” on a tribute album. He’s also mentioned acts like Tom T. Hall, and Big Star as adding to his roots. How well respected is Ryan Adams? Well enough to have Willie Nelson ask him...
Ray Davies “Working Man’s Cafe”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#302 in the Series) is Ray Davies, Working Man’s Café. For as popular and respected as Ray Davies is and for as popular and respected as the Kinks were, they’re both still extremely under-recognized. (I’m not a big fan of the saying “underrated” but you know what I mean.) Yes, they are often considered one of the greats. That I see. It’s neither read, nor heard enough in my opinion. They’re top shelf in ANY team picture of all-time greats. Working Man’s Café was released by Ray in the fall of 2007. I think it’s one of his strongest efforts to date. This is a story-tellers delight. Not a surprise from Ray, I know....
Steve Earle and the Dukes “Shut Up and Die Like an Aviator”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#297 in the Series, and #21 in the Live, Saturday Night Series) is Steve Earle and the Dukes, Shut Up and Die Like an Aviator. Steve Earle kicked off his career with two “4-Star”- country-rock, Americana, singer-songwriter styled albums. Then he decided to change his band and resurfaced with a bit of a harder sound. That sound was evident on Copperhead Road and also on The Hard Way. This live album was released from recordings of that tour. I loved those first two albums and was quite glad that a good chunk of them are represented here. We needed some good live versions of “Guitar Town, Someday, Good Ol’ Boy (Gettin’ Tough), I Ain’t...
New Foster and Lloyd album Coming April 19th
FOSTER & LLOYD IT’S ALREADY TOMORROW Pre Order Your Autographed Copy of ‘It’s Already Tomorrow’. (FYI, You will be ordering via Foster and Lloyd’s site, not mine.) All Pre-orders will be shipped the week of April 19th. Price: $15.00 + $4.00 s&h Foster and Lloyd It’s Already Tomorrow Looking back at the history of music, you can pinpoint those times when change takes place…something new replaces the old. Music that once sounded “like this” suddenly sounds “like that.” In the 1930’s, country music was considered to be the sound of hillbilly string bands. When the music was electrified, a honky-tonk shuffle played with a drummer became the new sound. It was still country. In the mid-to...
Marshall Crenshaw “Marshall Crenshaw”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#263 in the Series) is the self-titled debut from Marshall Crenshaw. Here is some great singer-songwriter pop for your listening pleasure. Marshall Crenshaw was one of the best artists of this genre to emerge from the early 80s. This album featured his first top 40 hit, ‘Some Day, Some Way.’ Other tracks of some note included, ‘Mary Anne’ and ‘Cynical Girl.’ ‘Some Day, Some Way’ was the only song to actually chart, it reached #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album itself reached #70 on the Top 200 chart. His next album, Field Day was a nice follow up. That is where you’d find another Crenshaw classic, ‘Whenever You’re On My...
Justin Townes Earle ‘Harlem River Blues’
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#250 in the Series) is Justin Townes Earle, Harlem River Blues. (Bloodshot Records) I’ll be the first to admit. I ‘think’ I had heard of Justin Townes Earle. But I’m not sure. He’s an Americana musician and that pretty much is my favorite genre for years now. Somehow, Justin slid through the cracks. This week changed that. I was watching a few ‘DVRed’episodes of David Letterman last night. (I can’t believe he didn’t have ‘Mike Singletary’ on to discuss his firing.) On Tuesday this week, Justin was the musical guest. To say the least I could not have liked his performance more! He was outstanding. I then was able to see that his...
