MONTY ALEXANDER : Montevideo [1971]

Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander has been playing & recording since the '60s and is still going strong.  He originally honed his chops playing behind Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, and the like.  But throughout the 60s, 70s, to the present has been releasing some quality albums.  This track is from his first LP recorded for the great MPS label.  A fast-paced Latin-jazz trio piece, it gives a kinetic energy and pulse throughout.  A nice crisp production, you can hear Alexander humming along with his piano lines.  

Song : "Montevideo" by Monty Alexander

From the LP "HERE COMES THE SUN" (MPS) 1971

LINEUP:

Monty Alexander : piano

Eugene Wright : bass

Duffy Jackson : drums

Montego Joe : conga

Link in title. 

LOU REED : Satellite Of Love (1972)

OK this is a bit of a no-brainer.  There is something strangely magnetic about this old Velvets song as redone by Lou.  For his second album, Reed was finally able to make his mark utilizing the producing and recording talents of David Bowie and Mick Ronson.  With the raw production and poetic vocals, they produced a classic.

This track is consistently interpreted as a song about obsession coming from the angle of love.  In short order, the song segues to great outro at 2:24.  Ronson's presence is felt in the piano flourishes, and Bowie in the backing vocals.  Reed himself has stated how much he admired Bowie's vocal note choices (especially the high part starting at 2:49). 

Song : "Satellite Of Love" by Lou Reed

From the LP "TRANSFORMER" (RCA) Nov. 8, 1972

Lou Reed : vocals, guitar

Herbie Flowers : bass

Mick Ronson : piano, backing vocals, string arrangements

John Halsey : drums

David Bowie : backing vocals

Link in title. 

GENERATION X : Happy People [1981]

Generation X may not have been Billy Idol's first band, but it was definitely where he gained enough popularity (and material) to go solo!  Some of the material off this album was re-used by Idol on his first solo recordings.  By the time of this song (on the band's third official release), the group's sound had changed from punk to the growing New Wave scene.    

This track in particular has a lot of more poppy elements: mid-range tempo, pulsing bass, sparse guitar, and even dub echoing!  This allows Idol to take his time with singing, positioning his melody in between the guitar and percussion blasts.  In fact, the entire song seems like a dub version of another tune!  But this kind of beat and bassline was giving member Tony James some ideas for later projects...  both he and Idol soon left for greater success in the 80s... 

Song : "Happy People" by Gen X

From the LP "Kiss Me Deadly" (Chrysalis) 1981

LINEUP : 

Billy Idol : vocals, guitar

Tony James : bass

Terry Chimes : drums

James Stevenson, Steve Jones, John McGeoch? : additional guitar

Link in title

TED NEELEY: The Adventures Of A Boy Child Wonder [1973]

Good old Ted, who first rose to fame in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar, used his popularity to relaunch a solo career. With it, he released a capable album of country-tinged 70s rock and acoustic songs. Definitely a product of the times, there are still a few interesting tracks for the curious. This one, which gets the 'best song title of the album' award, starts with a rocking mandolin solo with acoustic guitar. But once the piano kicks in, the rollicking beat asserts itself. Neeley sings with his best Texan drawl, telling his story by sliding his notes into the next bar. Also note the interesting horn charts that are almost lost in the mix, although they very much add to the sound, especially when they take over at the ride-out (at 2:15).

Song : "The Adventures Of A Boy Child Wonder" by Ted Neeley

From the LP "1974 A.D." (RCA APL1-0317)

The Adventures Of A Boy Child Wonder

Also see a previous post for the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack:
Blog post - Jesus Christ Superstar

ROGER BUNN : Crystal Tunnel [1969]

This guy confuses me.  A product of the UK psych scene, he learned skiffle, jazz, country, folk, all before dropping acid and travelling to the Middle East in the late 60s.  Returning to the UK, he was a fixture at London's UFO Club, sharing the stage with Pink Floyd and Soft Machine.  This all led to his one psychedelic album at the end of the decade, which ran the gamut of ALL the above styles, with a stream-of-consciousness tracklisting.  This track is more on the 'concise' side, with a jazzy rhythm, tasty piano chords, and well-placed horn jabs.  Vocals aren't the best, but the melody is intriguing enough.  And that's the thing that confuses me: his singing, songwriting (and sometimes production) is a bit on the 'rough' side overall, but every so often there is an interesting melody/line.  And in comes a well-placed rhythm section, horn line or string section!  Is it amateurish or professional?  Why do I care?  Well, something must be working, as I'm still trying to figure it out... 

His future collaborations were mainly with Pete Brown & Piblokto!, and also has the prestige of being Roxy Music's first guitarist (Nov. 1970 to summer 1971).  He passed away on Jul. 28, 2005.

Song : "Crystal Tunnel" by Roger Bunn

From the LP "Peace Of Mind" 1969

Crystal Tunnel

BEASTIE BOYS : Alive [1999]

Here's a semi-forgotten track by the group.  It was the single to promote their first compilation, "The Sounds Of Science", and of course had a clever video to go with it.

Two classic lines: 
"Bring it back, that old New York rap" was a sample from "I'm Still #1" by Boogie Down Productions (1988) 
"Dip dip dive, so socialize" was quite similar to lyrics of "Superrappin" by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five" (and Stetsasonic too!).  

Song : "Alive" by Beastie Boys

Single A-side (Capitol) Feb. 23, 1999

 R.I.P. MCA

Link in title

THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN : Something In The Air [1969]

Thunderclap Newman was a 1960s UK one-hit wonder group.  Formed by The Who's Pete Townshend (and The Who manager, Kit Lambert), he produced the group and played bass on many of their songs.
The main songwriter/singer/drummer, John "Speedy" Keen was the chauffer/roadie for The Who.  He got a big break writing a track for "The Who Sell Out" album.  The group was formed after this.
This is their best-known song, with a strong melody, memorable vocals, and well-arranged guitars (by 15-year-old Jimmy McCulloch!).  The swelling string section was arranged courtesy of Pete Townshend.  Interestingly, at 1:57 the track goes into a rollicking piano figure by Andy "Thunderclap" Newman (a style he used on various other tracks of their sole album).  Soon enough, the song gets back to business at 2:55, with extra guitar and horns.
This song has been covered numerous times over the years, and has been used in many films (such as "Almost Famous"); still a staple on many classic rock stations!

Song : "Something In The Air" by Thunderclap Newman
Single A-side (Track Records 604031) May 1969

Lineup :
John "Speedy" Keen : vocals, drums
Andy "Thunderclap" Newman : piano
Jimmy McCulloch : guitars
Bijou Drains (a.k.a. Pete Townshend) : bass, production, string arrangements

Link in title.

AFRODIZZ - Face (2004)

Finally back after a loooong hiatus.  I'm going to continue in the usual style: random.

This week's post if from Afrodizz, an afrobeat band from the unlikely city of Montreal, Quebec.  The group is the brainchild of guitarist Gabriel Aldama, enlisting like-minded individuals to create a convincing formula.  As with all Afrobeat, there is a huge tribute to Fela Kuti.  However, you can definitely hear a more modern production, with a heavier emphasis on guitar and syncopated horns.  In particular, credit has to go to the catchy and strong vocals from Vance Payne.  Makes me want to sing!

This track is from their first full album, but the band is still going strong.  Check them out!
http://afrodizz.com/

Song : "Face" by Afrodizz

From the LP "KIF KIF" 2004

Vance Payne : vocals

Gabriel Aldama : guitar

Francois Plante : bass

John-Philippe Goncalves : drums

Francois Vincent : percussion

David Carbonneau : trumpet

Frede Simard : tenor sax

Francois Glidden : baritone sax

Face

BECK: Profanity Prayers (2008)

Rocking goodness from Mr. Campbell. This track, taken from his last official studio album, has Beck straying from his usual go-to producer Nigel Goderich and using Danger Mouse. The stripped-down production kicks in with a single-string riff over an E-pedal, with vocals reminiscent of Niel Young's "Mr. Soul". Yet the beat brings the tempo to another level entirely. The choruses are a nice variation on the theme, with key changes bringing a sense of flight before returning to the E-vamp. Also of note is the slide-guitar and effects interlude at 2:32. Given the right marketing, this could have easily been a single off this album.Song : "Profanity Prayers" by Beck
From the LP "MODERN GUILT" (DGC) Jul. 8, 2008


Link in title.

RUSH : The Camera Eye [1981]

Rush's Time Machine Tour 2010 - 2011 is the third most successful tour of the past year (behind Usher and Lady Gaga, yikes!), proving how enduring the trio is to their legions of fans. One of this tour's selling points is the fact that the band is playing their most popular album "Moving Pictures" in its entirety. Married to this is the re-release of the album as a Deluxe Edition, with a version in 5.1 audio surround! I have said time and again that the only way to remaster music these days is to do something different, and listening to a favourite album in 5.1 is like nothing else! If done well, the remaster will trump all previous versions and become the 'ultimate edition'. Genesis has done it, King Crimson is doing it, and other artists may follow suit. The success of this reissue now has the band considering reworking their ENTIRE back catalogue! That will be a thrill to fans if that comes to pass.

In the meantime, you can check out the new remaster of "The Camera Eye". This is the longest track on the "Moving Pictures", and the last track ever written by Rush to exceed the 10-minute mark! It is basically written in two large parts, the first part has the lyrics painting an image of New York City, whlie the second part deals with London. The beginning is filled with synths, perfectly dating the song. One of my favourite Rush riffs starts at ~2:43, I always felt this kind of sound typifies the band. The flow of the song is wonderfully 'jerky', where the song basically reboots at the 5:59 mark. And Neil Peart's fills, although ever-present, tend to play for the song rather than against it. For example, the understated accents starting at 6:16 lift that part of the song to another level. What's also interesting about this song is it really shows the musicianship of Alex Lifeson - the part of his guitar solo at 9:51 shows a higher level of technique than I've heard from him before! This track may take a few listens to get the true feel of it, but the rewards are there if you do.

Song : "The Camera Eye" by RushFrom the LP "MOVING PICTURES" (Anthem) Feb. 12, 1981

LINEUP:
Geddy Lee : bass, synths (Minimoog, Oberheim, Moog Taurus bass pedals), vocals
Alex Lifeson : guitars
Neil Peart : drums, percussion

Link in title

WILLIE TEE : Walk Tall (Baby That's What I Need) (1970)

Wilson Turbinton, a.k.a. Willie Tee, the New Orleans singer and keyboard player, recorded a number of great soul, R&B, and funk tunes in his career. This track is from is first solo album, recorded on Capitol Records (he got a deal through sax player Cannonball Adderley), and has just been re-released on CD. The song contains a nice Southern groove, showcasing his warm vocals and pained lyrics. This is the only track on the album with a co-writing credit by friend Joe Zawinul, just before he started Weather Report. The strings and well-placed instrumentation were produced by none other than David Axelrod. The album's lack of success led him to start his own label and form the funk band THE GATURS, which put out a number of classic funk singles. Song : "Walk Tall (Baby That's What I Need)" by Willie Tee
From the LP "I'M ONLY A MAN" (Capitol ST-199) 1970

Check out more Willie Tee on this blog!
http://captainbeyonds.blogspot.com/2007/10/willie-tee-get-up-1970.html


http://captainbeyonds.blogspot.com/2009/02/wild-magnolias-meet-boys-on-battlefront.html

Link in title. 

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.