Neil Young and the Bluenotes .. ‘This Note’s For You’
Song Of the Day by Eric Berman – “I’m Going” by Neil Young & The Bluenotes After going electronic on Trans, country and western on Old Ways, and then turning himself into a rockabilly cat with The Shocking Pinks, what else could Neil Young have had in store for fans whose patience was beginning to wear thin as the 1980s drew to a close? Soul man! In 1988, Neil Young put together a soulful horn band called The Bluenotes and recorded the album This Note’s For You. The album was seen as a return to form after a string of patchy genre-hopping releases for Geffen Records, and it was also his first release back on the Reprise label. The...
The Church Perform ‘Starfish’ in its Entirety as it Marks its 25th Anniversary. Watch it Here
2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the great album Starfish from the Australian band The Church. The album was released on February 16th, 1988. It featured the bands first US hit, “Under The Milky Way.” The album peaked at #41 here on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and “Under The Milky Way” peaked at #26 on the Hot 100 Singles chart. ——————————————————————————— Track listing “Destination” (Kilbey/Willson-Piper/Koppes/Ploog) “Under the Milky Way” (Kilbey/Jansson) “Blood Money” (Kilbey/Willson-Piper/Koppes/Ploog) “Lost” (Kilbey/Willson-Piper/Koppes/Ploog) “North, South, East And West” (Kilbey/Willson-Piper/Koppes/Ploog) “Spark” (Willson-Piper) “Antenna” (Kilbey/Willson-Piper/Koppes/Ploog) “Reptile” (Kilbey/Willson-Piper/Koppes/Ploog) “A New Season” (Koppes) “Hotel Womb” (Kilbey) Here’s the personnel listing for the original recording Personnel Steve Kilbey: bass guitar, lead vocals Peter Koppes: guitars, lead vocal on...
The Pixies ‘Surfer Rosa’
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#821 in the Series) is The Pixies, Surfer Rosa Playing my Surfer Rosa album last night reminded me that the album is not just The Pixies first album, but my favorite album as well. It also reminded me why I keep my record collection in my room away from my kids- the album’s cover features a topless woman who I remember swooning over when it first came out. In case anyone is wondering I bought the album at Sound Stage Direct, which is where I usually get my vinyl when ordering online. Check it out. You’ll find other cool stuff there as well. People always talk about Surfer Rosa’s subject matter but...
Ivan Neville ‘If My Ancestors Could See Me Now’
Today’s Cool Album Of the Day (#781 in the Series) is Ivan Neville, If My Ancestors Could See Me Now. If My Ancestors Could See Me Now is a fantastic album by a fantastic musician, Ivan Neville. Ivan is a multi-instrumentalist and the son of the great singer, Aaron Neville. It was released in 1988. I guess you could describe it as two parts funk, one part new wave and one part rock and roll. Toss in a little blues as well. It did well but nothing special, sales wise. It did much better with the critics. Unfortunately something went bad shortly thereafter. There was a fall out between Ivan and his then label Polydor. Due to that...
Keith Richards “Talk is Cheap”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#659 in the Series) is Keith Richards, Talk is Cheap. I think I listen to this album more than any Stones album. Great songs, great arrangements, great musicians, great performances. But talk is indeed cheap. So give a listen to “Struggle,” ” Take It So Hard,” “You Don’t Move Me” and “I Could Have Stood You Up.” The latter definitely channels one of Keith’s favorites, Chuck Berry. One of the more interesting cuts on the album is “Make No Mistake.” Here Keith has written a song that Al Green would be proud of. It’s a nice departure with some great duet vocals by Sarah Dash. Word has it that this 1988 recording was during a period...
Talk Talk “Spirit Of Eden”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#614 in the Series) is Talk Talk, Spirit Of Eden Most music lovers, even if they know nothing else about the band, will recognize at least one of Talk Talk’s trio of superb early/mid-80′s singles. “Talk Talk,” “It’s My Life” and “Life’s What You Make It” were certainly memorable and they helped pave the way for main men Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Green’s shift into distinctly muddier musical waters. The music they crafted later in the decade was a whole new thing and, arguably, much more of an acquired taste. The Colour Of Spring (1986) had been a real leap forward, a fantastic and cohesive release which garnered much praise, all of...
The Church “Starfish”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#585 in the Series) is The Church, Starfish. (Arista) The Church was/is an Australian band that, although still together and touring, had their most success in the late 80s, early 90s. That success was surrounded by the wonderful album, Starfish. When I was thinking one day if I should feature this album, my friend Terry Witmer mentioned “Sure, You never heard anything like that on the radio at that time.” That made me think, “yup. Gotta do The Church.” Starfish was The Church’s fifth full album released. They had a bunch of EPs tossed in there as well. It held their highest charting single “Under the Milky Way.” When this was released in 1988,...
Was (Not Was) “What Up, Dog?”
——————————————————————————————- Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#506 in the Series) is Was (Not Was), What Up, Dog? Have you heard this one? I’m guessing many of you have not. Well, you may have heard one of the singles, “Walk the Dinosaur” or “Spy In the House of Love,” but like many great albums, the singles don’t tell the story. Was (Not Was) is the brainchild of Don Was and David Was. Two outstanding producers/musicians. Don Was has done many things you’ve heard. From the great Bonnie Raitt album, Nick of Time to The Rolling Stones. The majority of this album is a hard funk/ jazz sound, with a couple great ballads tossed in. The band’s sense of humor...
Edie Brickell and New Bohemians “Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#464 in the Series) is Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars One of the things I used to have on the website was the question.. When was the last time you played this album? For me, it had been years since I listened to this one. I remember always liking it too. It just ran its course after a while. Something triggered my memory and I thought, yeah, that would be a great one to do. I went back and listened to it and fell in love with it all over again. I always loved Edie, but I’d forgotten how good New Bohemians were. In fact, check out their...
John Hiatt “Slow Turning”
Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#420 in the Series ) is John Hiatt, Slow Turning. Three Dog Night- “Sure As I’m Sitting Here; Rosanne Cash –“This is the Way We Make a Broken Heart “and “Pink Bedroom,” Jeff Healey Band –“Angry Eyes,” Eric Clapton and BB King – “Ridin’ With the King – Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit and Desert Rose Band – ”She Don’t Love Nobody,” Bonnie Raitt –“Think Called Love.” You may know many of these songs. They all did quite well and they were all written by John Hiatt. For years he was known as the guy that put out hits for others but couldn’t quite make that success carry over to his own...
