Does Anyone Remember...

..."Elephant Parts"? The Nez was by far the most talented Monkee.

Confusing Contrast

Al Jolson in black face or Obama in white face, is one more offensive than the other?

It's St. Patrick's Day!

Best Live Albums (this list goes to eleven!)

I'm no expert. This list is really more of an exercise to stimulate some response, a conversation starter of sorts. Here goes nothing:
1.) The Name of this Band is Talking Heads
2.) The Who -Live at Leeds (Deluxe Edition)
3.) The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East
4.) Violent Femmes -Viva Wisconsin
5.) Neil Young and Crazy Horse -Rust Never Sleeps
6.) Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert
7.) Hot Tuna
8.) Nirvana -mtv Unplugged in New York
9.) The Grateful Dead -Dick's Picks volume 4
10.) Frank Zappa - You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore volume 2 The Helsinki Concert
11.) Miles Davis -Live-Evil .
Yes, I know this list is VERY subjective. I'm sure my own choices will probably have changed before I finish/publish this post. Most of you will find many glaring omissions, or see my selections as debatable (if not ridiculous). Let the games begin.

Stop, Thief!

"There's Jimmy Page, the greatest thief of American black music who ever walked the earth." ~ Homer J. Simpson
Jimmy Page: genius or charlatan?, Led Zeppelin: innovators or plagiarists? The answer: YES.
No one will deny 'Zep's place in the pantheon of rock, and as a premiere session man it is estimated that Page played on about 60% of everything recorded in England between 1963 and 1966. There's also no denying that Led Zeppelin had bad reputation for "borrowing" music and lyrics from lesser-known artists, artists that seldom received credit or royalties from these millionaire rockstars.

Play the Blues...

... or just speak the language. I love the blue, it's a great song.

The Hot Toddies

Here's an interview with my new favorite all-girl rock band via yorkrules.

Richard Manuel

It was 22 years ago on this date that The Band's Richard Manuel committed suicide. The Band would continue to tour, but I guess Richard opted to hang out in a Florida motel room. March fourth (not to be confused with march forth) also marks the passing of Minnie Pearl, an alum of Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry.

Rutles Reunion

Dirk,Nasty,Stig,and Barry are back! The Prefab Four will reunite to mark the 30th anniversary of "All You Need is Cash". "The Rutles, a living legend that will live long after other living legends have died." In a related story, Robert Plant says no to Led Zeppelin tour.

Doc Watson Turns 85!

Happy birthday, Doc. I've had the pleasure of attending many Doc Watson performances over the years, and I once met him in New Haven after a show.

The World's Greatest Collection of Recorded Music is in Search of a New Home

The preservation of a society's music is every bit as vital as the preservation of its art and literature. Optimally, Mawhinney would like the collection to go to a major library or museum, or someplace that will keep it intact. All I can say is wow! By the way, my birthday's not that far away.

“I want to present a different kind of change. I want to change change. If you continue to change change then it truly becomes change ..."

Dave Grohl to run for prez. He's at least as qualified as Barry O.

Birthday Greetings!

February 5th marks the birthday of 'Tap guitarist Nigel Tufnel. I first discovered Nigel through his session work with Lenny and the Squigtones. Check out the complete Spinal Tap discography.

"The Day the Music Died"

Forty-nine years ago today Buddy Holly was tragically killed in a plane crash in Clear Lake,Iowa.Many theories abound as to the cause of the crash. This transcript provides one possibility proposed by The Kids in the Hall.

Mark Your Calendar

The Knockemstiff Hillbilly Bash takes place July 11th-13th in Knockemstiff (yes, it's a real place- I shit you not.), Ohio. The event is sure to be "one of the biggest hell raisin' hogroasts of the year." "The world's largest outlaw gatherin' - AINT NO DAMN LAW MAN GUNNA RIDE INTA THIS FUK'N GATHERN, LESS HE BE HANGIN FROM A BIG OL TREE!!!"~ Mr.Spooky Holler

Is Huck Fin?

Huckabee's high profile supporter is a cheat, among other things. I guess this means Huck is either corrupt, or naive, or both. This race is getting grimmer by the moment. We're used to picking the lesser of (2) evils, but this is ridiculous. I weep for this former superpower. I feel as if I'm trapped on one of the lower decks of the Titanic as it descends into the icy waters of despair. The baby boomers have tossed it all away. I see no hope left. We're going to Hell in a bucket. Maybe partying will help? I think I know how Taylor must've felt in that final scene in Planet of the Apes. I refer of course to the original with Chuck Heston, not the cheesy, albeit aesthetically pleasing, remake with Marky Mark. I shudder to think that society could be en route to a fate similar to that in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICK!!!

Former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor celebrates a birthday today.Mick played with the 'Stones during what many consider to be their greatest period. Another notable birthday celebrated today is that of Eartha Kitt. You may remember her as Catwoman,on the Batman T.V. series.She was neither the original, nor the best Catwoman, however.

My Friend Dave

... needs your help! Please vote here for his band, The LeeVees, and their song How Do You Spell Channukkahh?

E for Effort

An overzealous mother goes to extremes to get tix. JB and I once had a similar scheme to get into a Bromberg show.Our caper involved a wheelchair, a nurse's uniform, my shaved head and a small keg... I mean respirator.

A Musical Interlude