MAX ROMEO & The Upsetters - War Ina Babylon (1976)

*Max Romeo & Lee Scratch Perry*

Jamaican singer Max Romeo was previously known in reggae for his sexually suggestive lyrics (e.g. the song "Wet Dream" - was it REALLY supposed to be about a leaky roof??). But Romeo found his stride when he teamed up with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry and produced the classic album "War Ina Babylon". Backed by Perry's band, The Upsetters, this track has a nice a dark groove (is that a distorted guitar in the background?). The verse and chorus are exceptionally catchy, and repetitive enough to get into your skull and lodge there for weeks (personal experience). Unfortunately, Romeo & Perry had a falling out after this, and Romeo never really produced another album of this caliber.

Song : "War Ina Babylon" by Max Romeo & The Upsetters
From the LP "WAR INA BABYLON" (Island) 1976

Link in title.

LOCANDA DELLE FATE : Nove Lune (1978)

This progressive rock from Piedmonte came a little late onto the prog scene, even by Italian standards. As the public was picking up punk or disco, this group seemed to be in a time warp, playing symphonic and complex music, with heavy use of instrumentation and odd time signatures. The group lasted only one album and three singles during its lifetime, but has since gone on to become an essential group of the genre (at least among the Italian bands).

This track is in fact the b-side to the band's second single, and has been languishing in obscurity until more recent CD reissues. By this point the band was down to a 5 members (previously a 7-piece), and had even lost their lead singer! It starts with a complex piano line that upon the band's entry, can be counted in a fast 6/8 time, with shorter bars thrown in for good measure. The vocals are almost sweet-sounding, to balance the busy rhythm section. At 1:01, the second part of the song begins, with the sax leading the melody (that IS a sax, right?) over 4/4 time. Almost as fast, the main section restarts with vocals at 1:38. Part 2 comes back at 2:29, and rides out the song. You have to give this band some credit; putting so much energy and ideas into a B-SIDE in a genre that was very unpopular at this point!

Song : "Nove Lune" by Locanda Delle Fate

Single B-side (Polydor 2060 169) 1978

Link in title.

THE AZTECS : Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy (1972)

Billy Thorpe was one of the most important rock singer/entertainer that Australia produced. Initially a '60s pop-star, bad decisions (musically and financially) left him basically bankrupt by the end of that decade. With his band, The Aztecs, he turned towards hard blues-rock and reclaimed his popularity. The group hit the big-time with this song and an appearance at the first Sunbury Music Festival (Australia's version of Woodstock).
The tune starts with a jangly acoustic guitar, after which Thorpe asserts himself with a strong and catchy melodic line (complete with country-style harmonies). Rollicking piano enters after the first verse to drive the chords, and the rest of the band comes in at 1:19. Thorpe is a consistently strong singer (use the line at 1:44 as an example), so much so that apparently The Aztecs were one of the loudest bands in Australia primarily to match the volume of his vocals. At the 2:00 mark, the band changes to a nice hard-rock riff with a piano solo. After another verse, the riff kicks back in at 3:35 for the ride-out, this time allowing Thorpe to show off his growing guitar skills. There is an underlying country feel to this song; perhaps that's why Aussie country superstar Keith Urband recently covered the track (almost note for note!).
Song : "Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy" by The Aztecs
Single A-side (Havoc H1012) Feb. 1972

LINEUP:
Billy Thorpe : vocals, guitar
Warren "Pig" Morgan : piano, vocals
Gil "Rathead" Matthews : drums, vocals
Paul "Sheepdog" Wheeler : bass

Here is a youtube link to the performance at Sunbury '72:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRUUWjCWTOQ

And here is a youtube clip of Keith Urban doing a surprisingly respectful cover:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am4InudnCl8

Link in title

R.I.P. Gil Scott-Heron (1949-2011)

By many to be considered the Godfather of Rap, this is a great loss to the music community...

From the NY Times:
"Gil Scott-Heron, the poet and recording artist whose syncopated spoken style and mordant critiques of politics, racism and mass media in pieces like “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” made him a notable voice of black protest culture in the 1970s and an important early influence on hip-hop, died on Friday at St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan. He was 62 and had been a longtime resident of Harlem."

Read full article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/arts/music/gil-scott-heron-voice-of-black-culture-dies-at-62.html

SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS : How Long Do I Have To Wait For You? (2005)

This is a bit of a no-brainer. Sharon Jones is a soul singer who initially gained popularity in the '90s, releasing a few singles on the Desco Records label in New York. Her backing band, initially called The Soul Providers, became The Dap-Kings when she moved to the Daptone label. This label is one of a handful that attempt to recreate an authentic soul & funk sound of the 60s & 70s, using vintage instruments and recording techniques. The group has been gathering momentum in recent years by regular touring and a solid music catalogue. This was one of her breakthrough tracks from 2005; it starts with a classic breakbeat, that leads into a positive groove and catchy refrain. The band is LARGE, but they make it work by the call-and-response of the horns with the guitar, with Jones singing over all of it. There's even room for a guitar AND trumpet solo! And check out the funky beat of Homer Steinweiss during the ride-out...

Song : "How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
From the LP "NATURALLY" (Daptone) Jan. 25, 2005

LINEUP :Sharon Jones : vocals
El Michels : baritone saxNeal Sugarman : tenor saxDave Guy : trumpetHomer Steinweiss : drumsBinky Griptite : guitarBoogaloo Velez : congaTommy TNT Brenneck : guitarBosco Mann : bass, tambourine

Link in title...

BILL WARD : Pink Clouds An Island (1990)

Bill Ward, the original drummer for Black Sabbath, finally made his solo debut with this album. A satisfying amalgamation of hard rock, great melodies, and more introspective work. This track acted as a bridge between two songs with guest vocalists, the first with Ozzy Osbourne, then next with Jack Bruce. However, it does get to showcase Ward's pleasing vocals and interesting song structure. He used Ozzy's guitarist Zakk Wylde, and future KISS drummer Eric Singer.

Song: "Pink Clouds An Island" by Bill Ward

From the LP : "Ward One: Along The Way" (Chameleon) Jan. 10, 1990

LINEUP:
Bill Ward : Drums, vocals, keyboards

Zakk Wylde : guitar

Eric Singer : drums

Gordon Copley : bass

Mike Rodgers : keyboards

Leonice : percussion

Check title for link...

BEAST : Mr. Hurricane (2008)

This is the first single off the debut album by Beast. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, the group is primarily made up of the duo Betty Bonifassi (vocals) and Jean-Phi Goncalves (instruments, production). Bonifassi had previously provided vocals to the soundtrack of the animated film, "Les Triplettes de Belleville". Somewhat like Canadian trip-hop, the funky heavy groove is supplemented by Bonifassi's almost snarling vocals. Good drumming!

Here is a link to the great accompanying music video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nol7e9HJXg

Song: "Mr. Hurricane" by Beast

From the LP "BEAST" (Pheromone Recordings) 2008

New link in title. 

R.I.P. 2011 - the year so far!

Just to get up to date, here are some musicians that have left us this year...

Gerry Rafferty (Jan. 4, 2011) -singer for STEALERS WHEEL, solo -died of liver failure.

Steve Mancha (Jan. 8, 2011) -singer, member of funk/soul group 100 PROOF (AGED IN SOUL).

Steve Prestwich (Jan. 16, 2011) -drummer, singer, guitarist -member of COLD CHISEL.

Don Kirshner (Jan. 17, 2011) -famous producer and promoter, host of "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" on TV -died of heart failure.

Charles Kaman (Jan. 31, 2011) -founded Ovation Guitar Company.

Tony Levin (Feb. 3, 2011) -UK jazz drummer, played with NORMA WINSTONE, NUCLEUS -NOT the bass player!

Gary Moore (Feb. 6, 2011) -guitarist, singer, member of SKID ROW, THIN LIZZY, COLOSSEUM II, etc -died of a heart attack while on vacation in Spain.

R.I.P. 2010 - Part 2

Harry Beckett (Jul. 22, 2010): UK jazz trumpet player.

Phelps "Catfish" Collins (Aug. 6, 2010): guitar player for The JBs, James Brown, and Funkadelic; brother of BOOTSY COLLINS -died of cancer.

Richie Hayward (Aug. 12, 2010): drummer for LITTLE FEAT and others. Died of liver disease.

Mac Tontoh (Aug. 17, 2010): trumpet for OSIBISA.

Leonard Skinner (Sep. 20, 2010): gym teacher, inspiration for the name of LYNYRD SKYNYRD.
T. Lavitz (Oct. 7, 2010): keyboardist for THE DIXIE DREGS, etc.

Solomon Burke (Oct. 10, 2010): soul singer.

Kim Davis (Oct. 18, 2010): guitarist for southern-rock band POINT BLANK -shot himself.

Denis Simpson (Oct. 20, 2010): singer for THE NYLONS -died of brian hemorrhage.

John Sekula (Oct. 28, 2010): guitarist for metal band MUSHROOMHEAD -possible heart failure.

Jim Clench (Nov. 2, 2010): bassist for APRIL WINE.

Ruben Basoalto (Nov. 3, 2010): member of prog group VOX DEI -died of lung cancer.

Aram Schefrin (Nov. 4, 2010): member of horn-rock band, TEN WHEEL DRIVE -died of cancer.
Harry Whitaker (Nov. 17, 2010): pianist, worked with ROY AYERS, ROBERTA FLACK, and solo -died of heart attack.

Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) (Dec. 17, 2010): singer, etc -worked with FRANK ZAPPA and solo -died of complications from multiple sclerosis.

Myrna Smith (Dec. 24, 2010): also a singer for THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS (search this blog) -died after getting pneumonia, complicated by kidney failure and stroke.

Bernie Wilson (Dec. 26, 2010): another member of HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUENOTES -died from stroke and heart attack complications.

Bill Maddox (Dec. 27, 2010): drummer for THE ELECTROMAGNETS and ERIC JOHNSON GROUP -died by being shot during a home break-in.

Bobby Farrell (Dec. 30, 2010): singer for BONEY M -died of heart disease.

Back in black! R.I.P. 2010 - Part 1

Hi all, I'm back for 2011, and before I start posting again, here's a selected list of those who have left us in 2010 - R.I.P. :

Teddy Pendergrass (Jan. 13, 2010): singer -died of complications of colon cancer.

Dale Hawkins (Feb. 13, 2010): singer/guitarist, wrote "Suzy Q" -died from colon cancer.

Sylvia Shemwell (Feb. 13, 2010): singer, member of THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS (search this blog!), sang behind Elvis.

Doug Fiegler (Feb. 14, 2010): singer/guitarist, lead member of THE KNACK ("My Sharona") -died from cancer.

Tom "T-Bone" Wolk (Feb. 27, 2010): bassist for HALL & OATES -died from heart attack.

Bobby Espinosa (Feb. 27, 2010): keyboardist for EL CHICANO.

Lolly Vegas (Mar. 4, 2010): singer and guitarist for REDBONE -died from lung cancer.

Herb Cohen (Mar. 16, 2010): manager for FRANK ZAPPA & THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION.

Alex Chilton (Mar. 17, 2010): singer and guitarist for THE BOX TOPS ("The Letter") and BIG STAR -died from a heart problem.

Skip Mesquite (Mar. 19, 2010): sax player for TOWER OF POWER and COLD BLOOD -died from cancer.

Luciano Casa (Mar. 26, 2010): drummer and vocals for Italian prog band CAPITOLO 6 -died of throat cancer.

Peter Herbolzheimer (Mar. 27, 2010): German trombonist.

Malcolm McLaren (Apr. 8, 2010): manager of SEX PISTOLS and NEW YORK DOLLS -died from mesothelioma.

Peter Steele (Apr. 14, 2010): bassist and singer for TYPE O NEGATIVE -died of heart failure.

Bo Hansson (Apr. 24, 2010): prog artist.

Morris Pert (Apr. 27, 2010): percussionist for BRAND X, etc.

Ronnie James Dio (May 16, 2010): vocalist, member of BLACK SABBATH -died of stomach cancer.

Will Orthofer (May 17, 2010): singer and sax player for prog band EELA CRAIG -died of heart attack.

Paul Gray (aka #2) (May 24, 2010): bassist for SLIPKNOT -died of 'accidental overdose'.

Brian Duffy (May 31, 2010): -cover photographer for DAVID BOWIE's "Aladdin Sane" -died of degenerative lung disease.

Marvin Isley (Jun. 6, 2010): bassist for THE ISLEY BROTHERS.

Garry Shider (aka Diaper Man) (Jun. 6, 2010): guitarist/vocalist for PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC -died of lung/brain cancer.

Pete Quaife (Jun. 24, 2010): original bassist for THE KINKS.

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS : Sun Is Shining (1978)

Springtime! This song was originally recording in 1971 on "Soul Revolution Part II", but was redone by Marley in 1978 with an updated sound and production.

Song : "Sun Is Shining" by Bob Marley & The Wailers
From the LP "KAYA" (Island) Mar. 23, 1978

LINEUP:
Bob Marley : vocals, guitar
Aston "Family Man" Barrett : bass, percussion
Carlton Barrett : drums, percussion
Tyrone "Organ D" Downie : organ, percussion
Alvin "Seeco" Patterson : percussion
Junior Marvin : lead guitar
Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt : backing vocals

Link in title.

WEATHER REPORT: Black Market (1976)

This is one of Weather Report's well-known tracks from one of their most popular albums. Lumped as a jazz-fusion band, they combined their jazz background with world music, and in this case, funk and Caribbean rhythms. Much of the unique keyboard sounds were from Joe Zawinul's continued modifications of the synths at his disposal. In this song, he inverted the keyboard voltages on the ARP 2600 "so that the upper portion of the keyboard played the lower sounds and vice versa" (from Weather Report Annotated Discography). What's also interesting is that drummer Chester Thompson plays the first half of the song, and with an edit it switches to Narada Michael Walden for the second half! And overall, an all-star lineup.

Song : "Black Market" by Weather Report

From the LP "Black Market" (Columbia) Apr. 1976

LINEUP :
Joe Zawinul : keyboards

Wayne Shorter : sax, lyricon

Alphonso Johnson : bass

Chester Thompson : drums

Narada Michael Walden : drums

Don Alias : congas and percussion

Alex Acuna : percussion

Link in title. 

THE FLIES : Winter Afternoon (1968)

This UK psych-pop group formed in 1965, released a handful of singles, toured with bands like The Who and Jimi Hendrix, and basically dissolved. However, there was enough extra material recorded to fill a CD for reissue! This is a nice track that features Peter Dunton on vocals (from Neon Pearl). Members of this group went on to form other UK groups Please, and T2.

Song : "Winter Afternoon" by The Flies
From the CD "Complete Collection 1965-1968" (Acme Deluxe); recorded 1968, released 1998

Link in title. 

LOS BRASILIOS : Ritmo D'Amor (1967)

Los Brasilios was a 'faux' Latin group created to cash in on the Latin-jazz trend in the '60s (a la Sergio Mendes) from Design Records. It was unknown who exactly comprised the group, but the album disappeared without a trace. Having said that, there are some entertaining and quirky disposable Latin songs, such as this one.

Here is an interesting rundown of the album : http://www.spaceagepop.com/rc007.htm

Song : "Ritmo D'Amor" by Los Brasilios
From the LP "BRASILIAN BEAT '67 featuring Alberto on the marimbas & " (Design Records) 1967

Get it here : Ritmo D'Amor

THEM CROOKED VULTURES : Gunman (2009)

Starting off the new year with a bang, here's a rocking track from the project of Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age), Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). Does that mean this group is a product of their origins? Not exactly, but it does make a decent rock album.

Song : "Gunman" by Them Crooked Vultures
From the LP "THEM CROOKED VULTURES" (DGG/Interscope) Nov. 16, 2009

LINEUP:
Josh Homme : vocals, guitars
John Paul Jones : bass, keys
Drave Grohl : drums, percussion

Link in title. 

JAMES BROWN : Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto (1968)

JB says Merry Xmas! And keep a social conscience!


Song : "Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto" by James Brown
Single A-side (King 6203) Dec. 1968

Get it here : Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto

BACAMARTE : Ultimo Entardecer (1978/1983)

One of the lost masterpieces of the progressive rock genre, Bacamarte was a rare band for various reasons. One, they hailed from Brazil, which is not a country usually synonymous with prog. Second, they recorded their debut album in a time with disco was gaining enormous popularity. And third, that album took about six years to be released (into the 80s!). So basically, luck was NOT on their side. The project was mainly the brainchild of guitarist Mario Neto, and you can tell by how much of the material relys on his guitar work.

This track is the centrepiece of the album (the longest one too!), and it combines the UK symphonic prog sound with more Latin-influences. The first 3.5 minutes has a slower tempo to feature the piano & synth, as well as Portugese vocals from Jane Duboc. At 3.24, the song picks up to showcase Neto's incredible fretwork (very flamenco-oriented). At 4.07, the third section starts with an arpeggiated piano motif and another verse. At 5.50, is a flamenco acoustic piece by Neto which eventually leads into an alternate verse at 7.11. At 7.43, the intro figure is repeated in dramatic fashion until the end.

Song : "Ultimo Entardecer" by Bacamarte
From the LP "DEPOIS DO FIM" recorded 1978, released 1983

LINEUP :
Jane Duboc : vocals
Mario Neto : acoustic & electric guitars
Sergio Villarim : keyboards
Delto Simas : bass
Marco Verissimo : drums
Mr. Paul : percussion

Get it here : Ultimo Entardecer

NICO : I'm Not Sayin' (1965)

This week has a song from German singer, model, and actress Nico. This is the A-side of her first single. It was assumed that helped to get signed to Immediate Records because she was the then-lover to Brian Jones (from The Rolling Stones). Producer Andrew Loog Oldham wanted to mold her into another Marianne Faithfull, so he had her sing this song, written by Gordon Lightfoot. This song is significant as it has both Brian Jones AND a young Jimmy Page on guitars. A nice slice of folksy pop.

It was soon after this that Nico went to the US, and joined The Velvet Underground for their first classic album.

And here is the link to a promotional video for this song. The audio-visual sync isn't always perfect, but it IS the mid-60s...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgdZFnZ6M0k

Song : "I'm Not Sayin'" by Nico
Single A-side (Immediate 003) Aug. 19, 1965

LINEUP :
Nico : vocals
Jimmy Page : 12-string guitar
Brian Jones : acoustic guitar
etc.

Link in comments

ATARAXIA : The Unexplained (1975)

A MONTH OF MORT!

Part Four.

So what was next for Mort? The occult! He called himself Ataraxia, and with Moog in hand (or on floor), he composed a spooky soundscape with magic and seances. This is the title track, and you can hear the addition of a more driving (almost disco) beat to the music. This was somewhat keeping in line with the changing decade of more 'danceable' music. At 1:33, it really picks up with an great repeated riff, using the flatted-fifth for a more menacing sound.

By this point, Garson was getting out of releasing albums. He released one more LP called "Plantasia", a serene electronic album to be played for plants (!). There was one more disco single under the pseudonym Captain D.J. But he had been steadily composing themes for TV and film since the 60s (including National Geographic, and various game shows), so was continuing with that. He contributed to music for the film "Kentucky Fried Movie", and did some broadway music in the '80s. He died Jan. 4, 2008, at the age of 83.

Song : "The Unexplained" by Ataraxia
From the LP "The Unexplained : Electronic Musical Impressions Of The Occult" (RCA Victor) 1975

Get it here : The Unexplained

THE LORDS OF PERCUSSION - The Kung-Fu (1974)

A MONTH OF MORT!
Part Three.

So picking up from last time, Mort Garson was making a name for himself with a series of 'themed' electronic albums: signs of the zodiac, "The Wizard Of Oz", the musical "Hair", satanism, so what next? Right after the Lucifer project, he picked up an 'erotica' project, and released "Music For Sensuous Lovers" under the pseudonym "Z". Two tracks, one on each side of the LP. One track focusing on the female orgasm, the other focusing on the male. Strange...
Then in 1974, he did the music for an audio narration of "The Little Prince", narrated by Richard Burton. During this time, he picked up on funk music and released a single as The Lords Of Percussion. This week's track is the A-side of the single, a slinky slice of soundtrack funk, a full band complete with 'hi-yahs' and flute. This track can now be found on a number of 'rare groove' compilations'. Who knew it was the same guy??

Song : "The Kung-Fu" by The Lords Of Percussion
Single A-side (Old Town) 1974

Get it here : The Kung-Fu