ROLLING STONES

THE ROLLING STONES 2120 South Michigan Ave. (1964) – The Unreleased 1964 Blues Album

January 25, 2017 – 21:31

2120 South Michigan Ave.
(The Unreleased 1964 Blues Album)
Live At Chess Studios

FROM 2010: I had originally scored these Chess Studio sessions via some of those Russian bootleg two-fers that once used them as filler bonus tracks. Someone repackaged them with better, studio quality files and a spiffy fake cover for this pleasing collection. I’m not the biggest fan of the early Stones – they were just a bit rudimentary and stiff for my tastes – especially the British Invasion stuff they would traffic in. But these early live recordings made at the famed Chess Studios in Chicago (the place they made a beeline for when they first toured the States) are a lively dose of loose rockin‘ British blues, from a band that wouldn’t even truly understand the stuff for another five years or so. Five of these tracks were released on the 1964 UK EP, 5 X 5. It’s not all root blues material, there’s a lot of Chuck Berry, too. But why that live version of “Satisfaction” was even added to this set is odd, even as this “unreleased album” makes a great case for the Stones’ blues authenticity… if only they had not followed so closely in the pop trail blazed by The Beatles’ success. They would finally come home again for Beggars Banquet & the Mick Taylor years.

It’s All Over Now*
I Can’t Be Satisfied*
Stewed And Keefed*
Around And Around*
Confessin‘ The Blues*
Down In The Bottom*
Empty Heart*
Hi- Heel Sneakers*
Down The Road Apiece*
If You Need Me*
Look What You’ve Done*
Tell Me Baby*
Time Is On My Side (Version 1)*
Reelin‘ And Rockin‘*
Don’t You Lie To Me*
2120 South Michigan Avenue*
What A Shame*
Fanny Mae**
Little Red Rooster**
Time Is On My Side (Version 2)**
Goodbye Girl**
Key To The Highway**
Mercy, Mercy (Version 1)**
Mercy, Mercy (Version 2)**
That’s How Strong My Love Is***
The Under-Assistant West Coast Promotion Man***
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (from Shindig, May 1965)

Recorded…
*June 11-12, 1964
**November 8, 1964
***May, 1965

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ROKY ERICKSON I Have Always Been Here Before: The Roky Erickson Anthology (2005) &
VARIOUS ARTISTS Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye: A Tribute To Roky Erickson (1990)

January 25, 2017 – 17:06

I Have Always Been Here Before: The Roky Erickson Anthology (2005)
Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye: A Tribute To Roky Erickson (1990)
Two Views Of Roky Erickson & The 13th Floor Elevators’ Mental Music

Where The Pyramid Meets The Eye might be my all-time favorite tribute album. Being previously pretty clueless about Roky Erickson and his 13th Floor Elevators’ catalog (prior to the 80s), I’m forced to assume that my lack of expectations may have played a role in appreciating his work, as interpreted by others. In recent years, Erickson’s profile has exploded, via re-issues, a box set, film documentary and his own return to preforming – all of this after he was counted out as a lost cause, a life-long victim of mental illness exacerbated by 60s drug use, coupled with possible medical malpractice. Various artists tributes are typically watered down by too many makeshift interpretations or, more often than not, just too much… variety. Pyramid, on the other hand, seems to benefit from the rich cross-section of talent and viewpoints. Perhaps it’s simply the spotlight given Erickson’s largely unknown songs or maybe it’s all the various colors that push the rocker’s basic, 4/4 back beat into three dimensions. Sister Double Happiness, for instance, rips the bejesus out of Roky’s bizarre, “Red Temple Prayer (Two Headed Dog),” while Poi Dog Pondering’s acoustic version of “I Had To Tell You” is simply gorgeous, spotlighting fragile, endearing lyrics that are even more potent if you’re aware of Roky’s rocky mental history. We’ve now combined Pyramid with the outstanding 2CD set, I Have Always Been Here Before. As fans know, those ancient 13th Floor Elevators & Roky solo albums were typically plagued with awful sonics, mastered by tiny labels without budgets to do anything about it. This remastered set corrects most of those issues, making Erickson’s vision clear and audible, like they’ve never been before. Find the 13th Floor Elevators 10CD re-issue series HERE, in the archives.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE BEFORE: THE ROKY ERICKSON ANTHOLOGY
1
We Sell Soul (3:20)
You’re Gonna Miss Me (2:30)
Reverberation (Doubt) (2:51)
Tried To Hide (2:49)
Fire Engine (3:23)
She Lives (In A Time Of Her Own) (2:59)
Slip Inside This House (8:04)
Splash 1 (3:58)
Dust (4:01)
I Had To Tell You (2:29)
Postures (Leave Your Body Behind) (6:32)
Right Track Now (3:03)
Red Temple Prayer (Two Headed Dog) (3:32)
Starry Eyes (3:35)
Bermuda (3:17)
The Interpreter (2:43)
Mine Mine Mind (2:37)
I Have Always Been Here Before (2:59)
Click Your Fingers Applauding The Play (3:18)
I Think Up Demons (2:48)
Don’t Shake Me Lucifer (2:54)
White Faces (2:34)
2
It’s A Cold Night For Alligators (3:04)
Creature With The Atom Brain (4:14)
Stand For The Fire Demon (5:25)
Bloody Hammer (4:21)
The Wind And More (4:01)
If You Have Ghosts (3:12)
Song To Abe Lincoln (2:25)
Anthem (I Promise) (4:25)
Warning (Social and Social-Political Injustices) (2:11)
The Beast (5:46)
You Don’t Love Me Yet (4:23)
Clear Night For Love (2:48)
Don’t Slander Me (3:28)
Nothing In Return (2:51)
Burn The Flames (6:09)
When You Get Delighted (3:08)
True Love Cast Out All Evil (3:36)
For You (I’d Do Anything) (2:18)
Please Judge (4:29)
We Are Never Talking (3:49)
I’m Gonna Free Her (3:04)

VARIOUS ARTISTS: WHERE THE PYRAMID MEETS THE EYE
ZZ TOP Reverberation (Doubt) (3:02)
JOHN WESLEY HARDING & THE GOOD LIARS If You Have Ghosts (4:00)
POI DOG PONDERING I Had To Tell You (2:47)
THE JUDYBATS She Lives (In a Time of Her Own) (4:06)
PRIMAL SCREAM Slip Inside This House (5:16)
BONGWATER You Don’t Love Me Yet (5:17)
JULIAN COPE I Have Always Been Here Before (4:36)
DOUG SAHM & SONS You’re Gonna Miss Me (3:48)
SOUTHERN PACIFIC It’s A Cold Night For Alligators (3:49)
RICHARD LLOYD Fire Engine (3:30)
VIBRATING EGG Bermuda (3:04)
R.E.M. I Walked With A Zombie (3:10)
BUTTHOLE SURFERS Earthquake (4:56)
LOU ANN BARTON Don’t Slander Me (1:52)
SISTER DOUBLE HAPPINESS Red Temple Prayer (Two Headed Dog) (5:46)
THE WHITE ROPE Burn The Flames (5:36)
CHRIS THOMAS Postures (Leave Your Body Behind) (3:46)
T-BONE BURNETT Nothing In Return (2:58)
THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN Reverberation (Doubt) (3:47)

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STROKES

THE STROKES Live In Iceland 04/02/2002

January 25, 2017 – 13:00

StokesLive Live In Iceland 04/02/2002
Rare 2002 Promo-Only Live CD

Don’t mistake me for a fan. I found The Strokes to be amusing at best, and outrageously tame compared to their supposed influences (Stooges, Velvets, Television). Their rhythms always struck me as pedestrian and weakly Pettyesque, while the intentional over-modulation of Julian Casablancas‘ vocals got old real fast. Fact is, this is all I’ve ever owed by them, a hard to find, six song, promo-only CD recorded live in Iceland – notable in that it featured “New York City Cops,” which, at the time, had been omitted from their stateside debut in lieu of 9/11. Why even post it, you ask? Well, it’s a handy, compact taste of what The Strokes were all about, and fans without it are sure to be pleased. They’re back together and performing now, while their CDs are mighty affordable at Amazon, HERE.

Intro (0:42)
Someday (3:29)
New York City Cops (3:58)
Soma (2:59)
Trying Your Luck (3:42)
Last Night (3:47)
Take It Or Leave It (4:04)

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Various Artists LABELS

VARIOUS ARTISTS All Day Thumb Sucker (1970) + All Day Thumbsucker Revisited: The History Of Blue Thumb Records (1995)

January 25, 2017 – 12:50

All Day Thumb Sucker (1970)
All Day Thumbsucker Revisited: The History Of Blue Thumb Records (1995)
The Original… And 2CD Update Of A Beloved Label Compilation

Looking back, the original 1970 compilation from the short-lived Blue Thumb Records was an important entry point to a handful of artists for myself, and surely others, too. An intriguing variety of unheralded bands and outside-the-box performers that rivaled the eclecticity of other, better funded labels (like WB’s groundbreaking $1/$2 Loss Leaders series (HERE). Many of these artists first entered my orbit through original Blue Thumb releases, which was first gathered into a single LP compilation, All Day Thumb Sucker, in 1970… a title re-invented in 1995 with the 2CD variation, All Day Thumbsucker Revisited. Both are surprisingly consistent listens with (now) proven, dud-free ear openers. The name dropping below should be the only sell job you need. Consider it an E-Ticket for a day long flashback. Saw the 2CD revamping at Amazon used (HERE) for under $4, with nary a know-it-all review to be found. Read about the label’s entertaining history, below (click each page, then use your browser’s zoom for readable enlargements).

ALL DAY THUMB SUCKER (1970)
SOUTHWIND Rootin’ & Tootin’ (3:43)
SAMMY LAY Maggie’s Farm (5:02)
FRED McDOWELL Shake ‘Em On Down (3:04)
ROBBIE BASHO Eagle Sails The Blue (6:54)
TYRANNOSAURUS REX Cat Black (2:56)
IKE & TINA TURNER Bold Soul Sister (2:39)
LOVE Run To The Top (3:03)
NATHAN BEAUREGARD Bout A Spoonful (3:24)
AYNSLEY DUNBAR RETALIATION Sugar On The Line (4:28)
ALBERT COLLINS Frosty (3:06)
EARL HOOKER Cross Cut Saw (2:25)
CHICAGO BLUESTARS Comin’ Home (4:53)
BOSSA RIO Blackbird (3:09)

ALL DAY THUMBSUCKER REVISITED (1995)
1
DAVE MASON Only You Know And I Know (4:07)
MARK-ALMOND The City (2:55)
THE CRUSADERS Put It Where You Want It (5:27)
LEON RUSSELL A Song For You (4:08)
HUGH MASEKELA Stimela (Coaltrain) (6:26)
T. REX By The Light Of A Magical Moon (2:47)
THE POINTER SISTERS Yes We Can Can (6:02)
PHILIP UPCHURCH Darkness Darkness (9:15)
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & THE MAGIC BAND Son Of Mirror Man (5:17)
THE AYNSLEY DUNBAR RETALIATION Sugar On The Line (4:26)
GERRY RAFFERTY New Street Blues (2:55)
LUIS GASCA Little Mama (5:27)
DAN HICKS & THE HOT LICKS Canned Music (3:33)
IKE & TINA TURNER I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (3:55)
BEN SIDRAN Fat Jam (3:25)
SYLVESTER AND THE HOT BAND Southern Man (4:31)

2
LEON RUSSELL Delta Lady (4:07)
ALBERT COLLINS Shiver ‘n’ Shake (2:12)
DAVE MASON Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave (6:01)
BOSSA RIO Blackbird (3:09)
T. REX Ride A White Swan (2:13)
DAN HICKS & THE HOT LICKS I Scare Myself (5:37)
LOVE The Everlasting First (3:04)
JOAO DONATO The Frog (2:37)
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & THE MAGIC BAND Safe As Milk (5:32)
GABOR SZABO Breezin‘ (3:11)
JOHN MAYALL Sitting On The Outside (5:54)
SUN RA Images (6:15)
GERRY RAFFERTY Can I Have My Money Back? (2:00)
THE LAST POETS Bird’s Word (6:16)
KEN NORDINE Roger (5:06)
THE CRUSADERS So Far Away (11:55)

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PROCOL HARUM

PROCOL HARUM All This And More… (2009) – A FULL 3CD Career Overview

January 25, 2017 – 09:12

All This And More… (2009)
A Full Career Overview

A box collecting Procol Harum’s work, spanning four decades, including unreleased live material and a DVD (not included here). 52 tracks, leading all the way up to 2007, with superior mastering. Though, it should be noted, near equal emphasis is given the the band’s reunion efforts as their psych years. We’ve got the 40th Anniversary Bonus Track CD releases, HERE. Amazon’s got this one, HERE.

1
A Whiter Shade Of Pale (4:08)
Lime Street Blues (2:53)
Homburg (3:55)
In The Wee Small Hours Of Sixpence (3:01)
Cerdes (Outside The Gates Of) (5:02)
Salad Days (Are Here Again) (3:36)
Repent Walpurgis (4:57)
Shine On Brightly (3:26)
In Held ‘Twas In I A: Glimpses Of Nirvana (4:20)
In Held ‘Twas In I B: Twas Teatime At The Circus (1:16)
In Held ‘Twas In I C: Twas The Autumn Of My Madness (3:02)
In Held ‘Twas In I D: Look To Your Soul (4:49)
In Held ‘Twas In I E: Grande Finale (3:31)
A Salty Dog (4:37)
The Milk Of Human Kindness (3:42)
Pilgrim’s Progress (4:26)
Long Gone Geek (3:17)
Still There’ll Be More (4:55)
About To Die (3:37)
Barnyard Story (2:43)

2
Your Own Choice (3:08)
Broken Barricades (3:11)
A Rum Tale (3:19)
For Liquorice John (4:23)
Robert’s Box (4:42)
Beyond The Pale (3:04)
As Strong As Samson (5:05)
The Thin End Of The Wedge (3:42)
Pandora’s Box (3:36)
Fool’s Gold (4:00)
Taking The Time (3:38)
The Unquiet Zone (3:39)
The Kings Of Hearts (Live In Utrecht, ’92) (5:46)
Perpetual Motion (4:48)
The Emperor’s New Clothes (4:17)
So Far Behind (3:52)
Man With A Mission (Live In Utrecht, ’92) (4:58)
The Blue Danube (8:18)

3
New Lamps For Old (Golders Green, 1974) (4:21)
Last Train To Niagara (Irvine Meadows, 1993) (9:51)
Crucifiction Lane (California, 1969) (4:45)
Rambling On (California, 1969) (4:48)
Juicy John Pink (Isle Of Wight Festival, 1970) (3:07)
Broken Barricades (Hollywood Bowl, 1973) (2:44)
TV Ceasar/Rule Britania (Hollywood Bowl, 1973) (6:31)
Souvenir Of London (New Jersey, 1975) (3:33)
(You Can’t) Turn Back The Page (Turin, 2007) (4:16)
Learn To Fly (Schio, 2007) (5:39)
One Eye On The Future (Schio, 2007) (4:22)
Whisky Train (Schio, 2007) (8:50)
All This And More (Edmonton, 1971) (4:24)
Luskus Delph (Edmonton, 1971) (3:37)

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CHEAP TRICK

CHEAP TRICK The Essential Cheap Trick (2004) -2CD w/ Rarities

January 25, 2017 – 09:05

The Essential Cheap Trick (2004)
The Best Of The Many Best Of’s

Following up from last week… I’ve only got a few of Sony’s Essential series of ‘best of’ releases, but they’re all good. Boasting solid hindsight picks and a smattering of rarities or single edits, they seem to be generous, well-considered collections that might be the ones to own – that is, if we didn’t already have the originals, remasters w/bonus tracks, deluxe editions, box sets or previous best of compilations. Personally, I prefer this 2CD gathering to the better known 4CD box, Sex, America Cheap Trick, which had a curious spate of live tracks tossed smack in the middle of disc one. Essential isn’t perfect either, pulling the same trick by substituting a few unnecessary live tracks (and violating my collection’s long-standing No Billy Corgan rule), while leaving off a few favorites (“Oh Caroline,” being one). Still, it’s Cheap Trick, a band generally credited with being a band for the right reasons. It’s at Amazon, HERE.

ONE
ELO Kiddies (Single Version) (3:43)
Hot Love (2:32)
He’s A Whore (2:44)
Mandocello (Live, w/ Billy Corgan) (5:12)
Clock Strikes Ten (3:00)
Southern Girls (Single Version) (3:36)
Downed (4:11)
Hello There (1:42)
Surrender (4:16)
California Man (3:45)
High Roller (3:58)
Auf Wiederseh’n (3:42)
I Want You To Want Me (Live) (3:44)
Ain’t That A Shame (Live) (5:18)
Takin‘ Me Back (4:53)
Dream Police (3:51)
Voices (4:23)
Gonna Raise Hell (Live) (9:06)

TWO
Way Of The World (3:38)
Stop This Game (3:58)
World’s Greatest Lover (4:52)
Everything Works If You Let It (Full Version) (3:56)
She’s Tight (2:59)
If You Want My Love (Alternate, Extra Bridge Version) (4:27)
I Can’t Take It (3:28)
Tonight It’s You (4:48)
This Time Around (4:35)
The Flame (5:39)
Had To Make You Mine (3:16)
I Can’t Understand It (3:30)
Can’t Stop Falling Into Love (3:49)
Walk Away (Previously Unissued Outtake) (3:42)
Woke Up With A Monster (4:54)
Hard To Tell (Live) (3:46)
Say Goodbye (3:29)
Scent Of A Woman (4:49)

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CHEAP TRICK

CHEAP TRICK At Budokan The Complete Concert (1978) w/ Videos

January 25, 2017 – 09:03

Cheap Trick At Budokan
The Complete Concert (1978)
An Underappreciated Wonder…

FROM 2010: It’s my belief that we’ve all taken Cheap Trick way too much for granted. As popular as they were, and as good as they are, it continually seems that too many, too often, merely consider them an excellent substitute for the real thing… The Beatles. Looking back, however, it’s now obvious that no single band has come close to keeping the flame alive – and keeping the faith – like these guys have. And they’ve done it with a catalog of quality songs – stuffed full like a sock drawer – and an undying attitude of silly seriousness that is a balancing act of miraculous design. You’d think they’d be universally revered for what they’ve managed to pull off… at least as much as Oasis once was. But, we all seem to think they’ll never age, never change, and will always be there when we’re in the mood for them. Blame that carefully crafted image: half poster boys – half comic goofballs. While ingenious, you can’t help but think the ploy was just enough to interject reasonable doubt into each side of the jury – the guys who aired the riffs and the little girls who could understand. Maybe all of that is just over-thinking Cheap Trick, since there are life-long die-hards out there. Just nowhere near enough of ’em. Mike Damone put it best. “Can you honestly tell me you forgot? Forgot the magnetism of Robin Zander, or the charisma of Rick Nielsen? Well, what about the tunes? ‘I Want You To Want Me,’ the dream police da da da da da da da, your mama’s all right, your daddy’s all right, they just seem a little bit wieeeerd.” Buy the damn ticket, already. Find this one at Amazon, HERE.

ONE
Hello There
Come On, Come On
Elo Kiddies
Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace
Big Eyes
Lookout
Downed
Can’t Hold On
Oh Caroline
Surrender
Auf Wiedersehen

TWO
Need Your Love
High Roller
Southern Girls
I Want You To Want Me
California Man
Goodnight
Ain’t That A Shame
Clock Strikes Ten

THREE
Surrender (.mov video)
Auf Wiedersehen (.mov video)

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MOJO PRESENTS

MOJO PRESENTS: Heavy Soul (2010)

January 25, 2017 – 09:01

Heavy Soul (May, 2010)
A 15 Track Guitar-Funk Freak-Out!

Got this in the mail last week from our pals at MOJO and just can’t stop playing it. It’s hands down one of the UK mag’s better free compilations, even if this “15 track guitar funk freak out” had nothing to do with the issue it came with. Heavy Soul is the dirty stuff – grimy funk beds, JB soul beats, hippy guitar work and overwhelmed VU meters. I knew a few of these artists going in, but most of the rest were news to me. If you’re into discovery, some of these long forgotten band names should whet your appetite; Bobby Franklin’s Insanity, Soul President, Moses Dillard & The Tex Town Display… Who into 70s funk & soul wouldn’t be curious. Click the artwork below for more details. Available at Amazon, HERE. Get ALL our MOJO’s HERE.

BETTY DAVIS If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked Up (4:56)
FUNKADELIC Super Stupid (3:44)
JC BROOKS & UPTOWN SOUND Baltimore Is The New Brooklyn (4:02)
MARION BLACK Come On And Gettit (2:14)
FREDDY SCOTT & THE FOUR STEPS Same Old Beat (2:37)
SOUL PRESIDENT Got To Have It (2:28)
CURTIS MAYFIELD Freddie’s Dead (5:18)
SIDNEY PINCHBACK Soul Strokes (2:38)
BLACK MERDA Take A Little Time (3:55)
CHUCK CARBO & THE SOUL FINDERS Can I Be Your Main Squeeze? (2:26)
BOBBY FRANKLIN’S INSANITY Bring It On Down To Me (Part 1) (2:28)
EUGENE BLACKNELL Gettin’ Down (2:35)
AARON NEVILLE Hercules (4:10)
MOSES DILLARD & TEX TOWN DISPLAY I’ve Got To Find A Way (3:19)
DARONDO How I Got Over (3:39)

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TEMPTATIONS

THE TEMPTATIONS Psychedelic Shack (1970) & Puzzle People (1969)

January 25, 2017 – 09:00

Psychedelic Shack (1970)
Puzzle People (1969)
You Can’t Go Wrong Here

FROM 2010: Two classics from the Temps, bridging their transition from soul monsters to psych/rock adventurers. While the Temptations didn’t really need any help to be great, credit producer/composer Norman Whitfield with expanding the band’s musical palate with psych-timely effects – from fuzz to phase – to elevate The Temptations’ spacey soul to a higher level. A late 60s experience if there ever was one. Puzzle People has a couple of off-hand covers, but that’s the worst that can be said about it, while Psychedelic Shack is still considered a desert island disc for many. Just make sure you’ve got the proper mind supplies for this genre-bender… and a dance floor. I still remember the kid in school that turned me on to these albums. For nothing else but that. Psychedelic (HERE) and Puzzle (HERE) are both unusually expensive at Amazon.

PSYCHEDELIC SHACK
Psychedelic Shack (3:51)
You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth (2:47)
Hum Along And Dance (3:54)
Take A Stroll Through Your Mind (8:38)
It’s Summer (2:36)
War (3:12)
You Need Love Like I Do (Don’t You) (3:58)
Friendship Train (7:49)

PUZZLE PEOPLE
I Can’t Get Next to You (2:57)
Hey Jude (3:35)
Don’t Let The Joneses Get You Down (4:48)
Message From A Black Man (6:05)
It’s Your Thing (3:15)
Little Green Apples (3:49)
You Don’t Love Me No More (2:39)
Since I’ve Lost You (2:46)
Running Away (2:51)
That’s the Way Love Is (3:23)
Slave (7:30)

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BEATLES JOHN LENNON

JOHN LENNON Imagine… All The Outtakes (1971/1994)

January 24, 2017 – 23:59

Imagine… All The Outtakes (1971/1994)
Studio Quality, No Post-Production

Unless you’re the hard core type that just has to have it all, a Beatles bootleg is only as good as its quality. These outtakes from John Lennon’s 1971 Imagine sessions are some of the best. As listeners already know, soon after the stripped-bare Plastic Ono Band album, Lennon developed a bad habit of over-producing some of his work, famously adding effects to his vocals because – as hard as it is to believe – he had issues with the sound of his own voice. You can’t call these recordings ‘raw,’ because a majority of this stuff is studio clean. Pre-produced, if you will, without the annoying echo and overdubs that could sometimes obscure the purity of Lennon’s studio recordings. The first disc here is ostensibly an ‘alternate’ version of Imagine, while disc three sports a great series of rehearsals for “How Do You Sleep” (note how Lennon suggests incorporating some reggae… in 1971!?). Some ragged, bootleg-typical early demos are tagged on to the end. Overall, though, this is a great overview of the Imagine sessions, with quality sound that should provide repeat listening value. Includes George Harrison, Nicky Hopkins, Klaus Voormann and Alan White.

ONE “The Alternate Imagine“
Imagine (Version 2 Take 1) (3:15)
Crippled Inside (Take 17) (3:46)
Jealous Guy (Take 2) (4:25)
It’s So Hard (Take 2) (2:27)
I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier (Take 2) (5:38)
Gimme Some Truth (Alternate Vocal) (3:36)
Oh My Love (Take 2) (2:55)
How Do You Sleep (Alternate Vocal) (6:46)
How (Alternate Vocal) (3:41)
Oh Yoko ! (Take 9) (5:47)
“Just A Little Story” (Studio Monlogue) (0:34)
Well (Baby Please Don’t Go) (Studio) (5:51)

TWO “The Outtakes“
Imagine (Take 1) (3:07)
Imagine (Take 2) (2:56)
Imagine (Take 3) (3:11)
Imagine (Alt Vocal) (3:11)
Crippled Inside (Take 2) (3:50)
Jealous Guy (Take 1) (4:11)
Jealous Guy (Take 7) (4:09)
Jealous Guy (Vocal Take 20) (4:12)
I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier (Take 1 With Sax) (5:48)
I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier (Alt Mix) (5:51)
Oh My Love (Alt Take 1A) (2:49)
Oh My Love (Alt Take 1B) (2:50)
How (Take 12) (3:48)
How (Alt Vocal B) (3:44)
How (Original Take 2) (3:43)
Oh Yoko! (Take 7) (4:11)
I’m The Greatest (Piano Demo) (2:41)
Imagine (Rehearsal) (2:57)
San Francisco Bay Blues (Impromptu Studio Solo) (1:14)

THREE “Sessions & Demos“
How Do You Sleep (Rehearsal 1) (1:52)
Tuning Jam (0:39)
How Do You Sleep (Rehearsal 2) (4:23)
How Do You Sleep (Rehearsal 3) (7:36)
How Do You Sleep (Version 2) (5:46)
How Do You Sleep (Take 2) (8:10)
How Do You Sleep (Version 3) (6:35)
How Do You Sleep (Alt Vocal B) (6:14)
Oh My Love (Acoustic Demo A ’68) (1:25)
Oh My Love (Acoustic Demo B ’68) (1:24)
How (Piano Demo Dec ’70) (4:33)
People Get Ready/How (Piano Demo Dec ’70) (3:04)
Medley: How/Child Of Nature/Oh Yoko! (Piano Demo Dec ’70) (4:26)
Oh Yoko! (Acoustic Demo ’69) (4:38)
Oh Yoko! (Piano Demo Dec ’70) (0:57)
It’s So Hard (Sax Overdub) (6:55)
I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier (Sax Overdub) (4:25)
How Do You Sleep (Reprise) (0:18)

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NECKS

THE NECKS "Night One / Set Two" & "Night Two / Set Two" (2010)

January 24, 2017 – 11:05

“Night One / Set Two”
“Night Two / Set Two”
Live @ Issue Project Room, 2010

From WFMU’s Free Music Archive comes two live performances from Australia’s The Necks. For the uninitiated, this jazz improv trio specializes in slow-moving, hour-long, sample-like excursions that are near hypnotic in their execution and restraint. The band’s mellow attributes give them a broader appeal beyond the often redundant restrictions of routine minimalism, while still retaining the genre’s core aesthetics. We’ve got The Necks’ must-own debut, Sex (HERE) in the archives.

Night One / Set Two (49.01)
Night Two / Set Two (50:20)

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CHUCK E. WEISS

CHUCK E. WEISS 23rd & Stout (2007)

January 24, 2017 – 11:03

23rd & Stout (2007)
Tom Waits’ Ex-Roomie

Famous as the subject of Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s In Love,” Chuck E. Weiss is lesser known as the one time drummer for Lightin’ Hopkins – touring and performing with the likes of Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. Since then, Weiss’ music has seemed to mirror the career trajectory of Tom Waits, though, not seriously enough to warrant complaint. Besides, they’re pals with similar interests and roots. Raw production, junkyard aesthetics, stripper saxes, bastardized scat singing, nursery rhyme syntax and characters/caricatures straight out of some Bourbon Street alleyway are the common earmarks. AMG states that 23rd & Stout – Weiss’ 4th solo album since 1981 – sounds like The Baja Marimba Band to Tom Waits’ Tijuana Brass. That’s an obscure distinction you can draw your own analysis from, but, once you canvass his output, Chuck E. has his own style and his own peculiar eccentricities. Sometimes a little too comedically inclined, there’s no dismissing the Stones cold groove of “Fake Dance (Slim Harpo Tribute)” or the beatnik aura of the title track. Weiss’ vocals aren’t for all tastes, but that’s never necessarily a bad thing. Get it at Amazon, HERE.

Prince Minsky’s Lament (2:49)
Sho Is Cold (A Tribute To Sterling Holloway) (4:24)
Novade Nada (2:05)
Half Off At The Rebop Shop (1:22)
Another Drunken Sailor Song (The Lil’ Ligeemo Song) (3:19)
Room With A View (2:41)
Fake Dance (Slim Harpo Tribute) (4:25)
Primrose Lane (3:54)
23rd And Stout (An Incident With Marshall Bell) (5:29)
Man Tan (1:19)
The Phone Conversation (4:12)
Piccolo Pete (3:22)
Goodbye, So Long (2:57)

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BADFINGER

BADFINGER Come And Get It: The Best Of Badfinger (1995)

January 24, 2017 – 11:01

Come And Get It:
The Best Of Badfinger (1995)
But Just The Apple Years

Most self-respecting record collectors don’t wanna know about best-of compilations. They’re often considered crib sheets to serious students of music. But, old age and up keeping an unmanageably large collection has convinced me that best-ofs do have their place. For convenience, if nothing else, and, simply stated, some bands are just better served by them. Except for Straight Up (and maybe, No Dice), I’ve never fully embraced many Badfinger albums, though there’s decent material spread among all of them. Come And Get It: The Best Of Badfinger‘s title really means the best of Badfinger on Apple, so it doesn’t go near any of the group’s post-1973 Warners material. Still, when there’s not enough time to cherish the pros and cons of any album, much less Badfinger’s Wish You Were Here, this comp will tag the necessary bases, providing a pleasant reminder of everything that was right about Badfinger. Available cheap at Amazon, HERE.

Come And Get It
Maybe Tomorrow
Rock Of All Ages
Dear Angie
Carry On Till Tomorrow
No Matter What
Believe Me
Midnight Caller
Better Days
Without You
Take It All
Money
Flying
The Name Of The Game
Suitcase
Day After Day
Baby Blue (U.S. Single Mix)
When I Say
Icicles
I Can Love You
Apple Of My Eye

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PRINCE

PRINCE Emancipation (1996) – The Purple One’s 3CD Declaration Of Independence

January 24, 2017 – 11:00

Emancipation (1996)
Prince Unchained

The Artist Formerly Known As… was catching tons of shit by the time this 3CD declaration of independence hit the shelves in 1996. After years of unpronounceable, face-painting, anti-label, superstar antics, the nameless one had lost millions of the fans he had once so easily seduced with Purple Rain, and was now playing to a relatively small house of devoted followers. Even in retrospect, it’s still hard to believe how ignored he was, as mid-90s Prince is some of his best work (Gold Experience, Love Symbol). Once TAFKAP had secured his ‘artistic freedom’ from Warner Bros., and won the right to release what he wanted, when he wanted, Prince assaulted the world with this, a 3 hour album – which AMG calculated was “easily, the longest album of all-new original material ever released by a popular artist.” While I’m admittedly biased, it ranks as a minor favorite of mine – even if it did take me years to digest it. And I still haven’t fully embraced disc 2. Critics, who spent a week with it before deadline, weren’t as kind, and because the set was self-released through NPG/Capitol, it quickly went out of print. I’d be the first to admit it would have been a far better 2 disc set, but I generally prefer Prince when he indulges himself. Emancipation is not groundbreaking, as much as an affirmation of his diversity and depth. I won’t bore you with a track breakdown, but a mention should go to Prince’s stellar cover Joan Osborne’s (What If God Was) “One Of Us” (actually, an Eric Bazilian/Hooters tune). Until his death, this 3CD set was selling for around $2 at Amazon, HERE.

ONE
Jam Of The Year (6:10)
Right Back Here In My Arms (4:44)
Somebody’s Somebody (4:44)
Get Yo Groove On (6:32)
Courtin‘ Time (2:47)
Betcha By Golly Wow! (3:31)
We Gets Up (4:19)
White Mansion (4:48)
Damned If I Do (5:21)
I Can’t Make U Love Me (6:38)
Mr. Happy (4:47)
In This Bed I Scream (5:41)

TWO
Sex In The Summer (5:58)
One Kiss At A Time (4:41)
Soul Sanctuary (4:42)
Emale (3:39)
Curious Child (2:57)
Dreamin‘ About U (3:53)
Joint 2 Joint (7:53)
The Holy River (6:56)
Let’s Have A Baby (4:08)
Saviour (5:49)
The Plan (1:48)
Friend, Lover, Sister, Mother/ Wife (7:38)

THREE
Slave (4:51)
New World (3:43)
The Human Body (5:42)
Face Down (3:17)
La-La (Means I Love U) (3:59)
Style (6:41)
Sleep Around (7:43)
Da Da Da (5:16)
My Computer (4:37)
One Of Us (5:20)
The Love We Make (4:39)
Emancipation (4:13)

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PRINCE

PRINCE The Dawn (1995/2008) – Incredible “Unreleased” 3CD Mid-90s Gathering

January 24, 2017 – 03:03

The Dawn (1995/2008)
Glorious Construction Of P’s Mid-90s Material

FROM 2010: As fan releases go, The Dawn is hands down one of the all time greats – with stunning studio quality sound, and edited as professionally as any major label release. Over the years, Prince’s unreleased, mid-90s masterwork was spread piecemeal across various albums, scuttled projects and extended mix singles. Even casual fans could hear the connected threads that littered various albums like Gold Experience, Come, The Beautiful Experience and a slew of maxi-singles, but the big picture was always elusive… maybe even to Prince himself. Was this particular 3CD vision of The Dawn (a title Prince did have in the works) what he actually intended? No. But, as a longtime fan, I can unequivocally state that the compilers of The Dawn have done a better job of conceptualizing this era than Prince has. Fanatics will enjoy hearing these mid-90s Prince essentials and rare mixes gathered into a massive conceptual structure, while non-fans get an introduction to the utterly fantastic music Prince was making back when no one was paying attention (since falling from public favor over his name-changing, face-painting antics). I’ve loved most of this material for years – though, many of these mixes are culled from outtakes and lesser known re-mixes – and hearing it all expertly compiled in one place brings new life to material I had overlooked myself (like the stitched together contractual obligation, Chaos And Disorder). Three, 19 track discs… each exactly 77 minutes in length. That’s attention to detail. Grab the gorgeous artwork, too. It might be fair to call this Prince’s greatest “release,” had he desired, or been allowed, to put it out like this himself. Also see… HERE.

ACT 1: COME
– Prologue: The Welcome Experience
Welcome 2 The Dawn (2:08)
– Part 1: The Wild Experience
NPG Operator (0:12)
Come (Part 1) (4:22)
Endorphin Machine (3:51)
Space (5:09)
We March (4:44)
Days Of Wild (7:17)
– Part 2: The Beautiful Experience
NPG Operator (0:18)
The Most Beautiful Girl In The World (6:21)
The Pope (4:33)
Ripopgodazippa (4:37)
NPG Operator (0:06)
Race (8:22)
Empty Room (3:17)
– Part 3: The Mad Experience
NPG Operator (0:07)
Mad (5:30)
Rock & Roll Is Alive (And It Lives In Minneapolis) (4:32)
Shhh (6:58)
Strays Of The World (4:42)

ACT 2: CHAOS
– Part 1: The Control Experience
Pussy Control (5:40)
NPG Operator (0:10)
Peach (3:06)
Chaos & Disorder (4:13)
Shy (4:56)
– Part 2: The Pheromone Experience
NPG Operator (0:15)
Pheromone (4:28)
319 (3:20)
Hide The Bone (5:07)
18 & Over (6:22)
NPG Operator (0:14)
Lemme See That Body Get Loose! (4:32)
– Part 3: The Hate Experience
Papa (2:58)
Dark (5:30)
NPG Operator (0:07)
Billy Jack Kid (8:27)
Eye Hate U (8:51)
Let It Go (5:38)
Don’t Talk 2 Strangers (3:13)

ACT 3: GOLD
– Part 1: The Interactive Experience
Interactive (3:02)
Acknowledge Me (7:11)
NPG Operator (0:11)
Somebody’s Somebody (3:42)
Love Sign (4:36)
– Part 2: The Now Experience
What’s My Name (3:03)
The Ride (8:45)
Zannalee (2:46)
NPG Operator (0:20)
Now (4:29)
Face Down (2:19)
– Part 3: The Dolphin Experience
NPG Operator (0:13)
2morrow (4:19)
The Same December (3:28)
Extraordinary (2:25)
Dolphin (6:18)
Come (Part 2) (11:50)
– Epilogue: The Gold Experience
NPG Operator (0:39)
Gold (7:28)

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BEATLES PAUL McCARTNEY

PAUL McCARTNEY iMac (2000)

January 23, 2017 – 21:40

iMAC cover iMac (2000)
A McCartney Compilation

FROM 2010: Like all Beatles fans, I love Paul McCartney’s music… and like some, I sometimes grow tired of his overtly commercial solo work. The guy has proven himself to be The Beatles’ most prolific and experimental member, yet, virtually every Sir Paul CD comp is forced-filled with some of his most insipid work… his lesser hits. iMac was created to counter that. I felt compelled to share this turn of the century compilation with you, on the condition that we don’t have to hear any of that “how could you not include such & such” crap. It’s all subjective, and this is just one guy’s take on a portion of an impossibly dense catalog. Naturally, there’s a bias towards his post-Beatles, early 70s work and nothing, really, from his experimental (electronic, classical, avant garde) releases… or anything past 2000, when this was made. Take note of a few completely improvised, then overdubbed, tracks (“Mumbo,” “To You”) and the numerous “interludes” – those tiny bits that McCartney likes to pop in between songs. Without all those radio hits (there are some, of course), this might be considered slightly adventurous and may even provide a reminder of just how much fun Paul McCartney can be when he’s being his natural self. When I originally gave this comp to friends, it was without a track list… for the element of surprise. Which is how it should probably still be played now.

ONE
Interlude (0:34)
Spin It On (2:13)
Another Day (3:42)
Dear Boy (2:14)
Keep Under Cover (2:32)
Hi Hi Hi (3:07)
Interlude (0:28)
The World Tonight (4:05)
Tomorrow (3:25)
Interlude (0:49)
Girl’s School (4:30)
Monkberry Moon Delight (5:22)
Good Times Coming/Feel The Sun (4:57)
3 Legs (2:50)
Every Night (2:33)
Oo You (2:50)
Interlude ( 0:28)
Maybe I’m Amazed (3:50)
Don’t Let It Bring You Down (4:35)
Footprints (4:32)
Picasso’s Last Words (Drink To Me) (Excerpt) (1:11)
Hands of Love (Medley Excerpt) (2:36)
Some People Never Know (6:35)

TWO
Broadcast (1:08)
To You (3:13)
Interlude (0:45)
Smile Away (3:51)
Stranglehold (3:37)
Talk More Talk (5:17)
Kreen–Akrore (Excerpt) (1:04)
Eat At Home (3:22)
Ram On (Reprise) (0:55)
Big Barn Bed (3:51)
Great Day (2:10)
Loup (1st Indian On The Moon) (Excerpt) (1:43)
Oh Woman, Oh Why (4:36)
Mumbo (3:55)
Helen Wheels (3:45)
Too Many People (4:12)
Junior’s Farm (4:22)
Interlude (0:39)
Singalong Junk (2:39)
Mamunia (4:52)
Mama’s Little Girl (3:42)
And I Love Her (Live) (3:54)
Here Today (2:34)

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BEATLES JOHN LENNON

JOHN LENNON Mind Games Sessions 1973

January 23, 2017 – 11:30

Mind Games Sessions 1973
More Top Shelf Studio Outtakes

FROM 2010: I, for one, am a big fan of what Yoko Ono has done with the John Lennon reissues. Remixing the original master tapes to strip away some of the unnecessary echo and over-production – in essence, stripping away some of Lennon’s own insecurities – to get to the heart of the recordings and material. That’s what these Mind Games outtakes remind me of. Sure, there’s a lot of fumbling around as JL searches for the right way to present his songs, but the clean production – sans the spectre of Phil Spector’s undue influence – makes these bootlegged studio recordings sound like you’re right in there at the sessions with Lennon and his pals. Hardly Lennon’s finest hour, but this is a good way to re-hear the songs in a new context. We’ve got some stellar outtakes from Imagine and Plastic Ono Band in the archives, too.

ONE
Mind Games (4:10)
Tight A$ (4:24)
Tight A$ (4:44)
Tight A$ (4:15)
Aisumasen (I’m Sorry) (4:42)
Aisumasen (I’m Sorry) (4:44)
One Day (At A Time) (3:19)
One Day (At A Time) (3:15)
One Day (At A Time) (3:15)
Bring On The Lucie (Freda People) (4:17)
Bring On The Lucie (Freda People) (4:08)
Intuition (2:52)
Out The Blue (4:10)
Out The Blue (4:11)
Out The Blue (3:21)
Only People (3:04)
Only People (2:51)

TWO
I Know (I Know) (3:44)
I Know (I Know) (3:40)
I Know (I Know) (3:48)
I Know (I Know) (0:58)
I Know (I Know) (3:40)
You Are Here (4:38)
You Are Here (4:56)
Meat City (2:29)
Rock ‘n’ Roll People (4:20)
Rock ‘n’ Roll People (3:08)
Rock ‘n’ Roll People (6:02)
Rock ‘n’ Roll People (2:42)
Rock ‘n’ Roll People (3:00)
Mind Games (US Promo 45 Version) (4:14)
Meat City (45 Version) (2:49)
Radio Spot #1 (0:57)
Radio Spot #2 (0:42)

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DAVID GROHL NIRVANA Soundtracks

DAVID GROHL Touch (1997) – Rare Soundtrack From The Nirvana/Foo Fighter Everyman

January 23, 2017 – 11:10

Touch (1997)
Post-Nirvana, Pre-Vultures

FROM 2010: A relatively obscure, almost totally “solo” release from ex-Nirvana, Foo Fighter, Dave Grohl. This is not an “atmospheric” soundtrack score, rather, it’s a mostly instrumental collection written and performed (with a few exceptions) by Grohl. Never saw the movie, so I can’t account for its success a soundtrack, and as a casual Grohl fan at best, have barely listen to this since getting it a dozen years ago. Find it at Amazon, HERE.

Bill Hill Theme (4:05)
August Murray Theme (3:39)
How Do You Do (3:14)
Richie Baker’s Miracle (1:04)
Making Popcorn (2:34)
Outrage (2:21)
Saints In Love (3:13)
Spinning Newspapers (2:50)
Remission My Ass (0:39)
Scene 6 (4:29)
This Loving Thing (Lynn’s Song) (3:10)
Final Miracle (2:39)
Touch (3:35)

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JIMI HENDRIX

JIMI HENDRIX First Rays Of The New Rising Sun (1997) & South Saturn Delta (1997)

January 23, 2017 – 11:01

First Rays Of The New Rising Sun (1997)
South Saturn Delta (1997)
Hendrix’s “Last Album,” And Some Odds & Ends

With the Hendrix Estate now gearing up for a series of new releases, here’s a look back at their first attempts to collect some of the many scattered recordings Jimi made before his death in 1970. First Rays Of The New Rising Sun is a re-imagining of what Hendrix’s fourth and final studio album might have been like – even though no one was seriously proposing that this was actually Hendrix’s final vision. In reality, the album is comprised of material that Hendrix had nearly completed by September, 1970. Most of these tracks were later issued in various forms on haphazard, posthumous releases like Cry Of Love, Rainbow Bridge and War Heroes. In retrospect, First Rays has stood up quite well as a worthy collection that fills the void of curiosity regarding what Hendrix might have released, had he lived. It’s surprisingly concise, comprised of three & four minute songs… with barely any of the majestic jamming that characterized his actual, final studio release, Electric Ladyland. South Saturn Delta, on the other hand, is a less impressive gathering of odds & ends that had previously trickled out on 70s/80s albums like Crash Landing, Midnight Lightning and Loose Ends. For SSD, the Estate went back to the original master tapes, stripping them clean, then re-building them from the bottom up. It’s little more than a random rarity collection, however. Ladyland‘s “All Along The Watchtower,” for instance, is included here as an slightly altered remix. For collectors, both are worth having, but those that want more of an “album” experience are advised to stick to First Rays Of The New Rising Sun, HERE, @ Amazon, as is South Saturn Delta, HERE.

First Rays Of The New Rising Sun
Freedom (3:27)
Izabella (2:50)
Night Bird Flying (3:51)
Angel (4:22)
Room Full Of Mirrors (3:21)
Dolly Dagger (4:44)
Ezy Rider (4:09)
Drifting (3:49)
Beginnings (4:13)
Stepping Stone (4:13)
My Friend (4:36)
Straight Ahead (4:43)
Hey Baby (New Rising Sun) (6:04)
Earth Blues (4:21)
Astro Man (3:35)
In From The Storm (3:41)
Belly Button Window (3:37)

South Saturn Delta
Look Over Yonder (3:25)
Little Wing (2:44)
Here He Comes (Lover Man) (6:33)
South Saturn Delta (4:08)
Power Of Soul (5:20)
Message To The Universe (Message Of Love) (6:20)
Tax Free (4:58)
All Along The Watchtower (4:01)
The Stars That Play With Laughing Sam’s Dice (4:21)
Midnight (5:33)
Sweet Angel (Angel) (3:56)
Bleeding Heart (3:15)
Pali Gap (5:09)
Drifter’s Escape (3:06)
Midnight Lightning (3:07)

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BOB MARLEY

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS The Record Plant, December 1973 & Exodus "Scratch" Demos, 1977

January 23, 2017 – 11:00

The Record Plant, December 1973
Exodus “Scratch” Demos, 1977
Two Excellent Live BMW Boots

FROM 2010: One more blast of live Bob Marley, including an unreleased show taped at The Record Plant in Sausalito, California, taped somewhere around the same time as the Live At Leeds concert. I’ve seen at least three different dates attributed to this show, so we’ll just say it’s from December, 1973 (see comments). The second unofficial set is comprised of well-recorded studio performances from the Exodus sessions in 1977. They’re called demos, but that’s misleading, as some of the backing tracks sound almost like the official tapes. There are a few sonic issues but they’re very minor. Great stuff, from an album many still consider to be Marley’s best work. More Marley in the archives, HERE.

THE RECORD PLANT
Rastaman Chant (6:25)
Bend Down Low (4:29)
Slave Driver (3:48)
You Can’t Blame The Youth (4:05)
Stop That Train (4:06)
Burnin‘ & Lootin‘ (6:47)
Kinky Reggae (5:14)
Get Up, Stand Up (5:03)
Lively Up Yourself (7:34)
Walk The Proud Land (4:03)

EXODUS “SCRATCH” DEMOS
Misty Morning (4:03)
Easy Skanking (3:14)
Is This Love? (4:14)
Jammin‘ (3:34)
Exodus (7:55)
She’s Gone (4:24)
Waiting In Vain (4:51)
Turn Your Lights Down Low (3:59)
Running Away (4:19)
Time Will Tell (3:39)

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FAUST

FAUST Williamsburg Music Hall, New York – 1st October 2009 (2009) – Unreleased!

January 23, 2017 – 10:52

Williamsburg Music Hall (2009)
WFMU Live Show Filled With Classics

From 2010: Everyone’s favorite Krautrockers, live in New York, October 1st, 2009, as first offered on WFMU. Pretty cool, as the remaining members of Faust keep the faith with plenty of early 70s flashbacks, like “So Far,” “Jennifer” and “The Sad Skinhead,” while plundering new sonic depths with a couple of extended improvisational excursions. It begins underwhelmingly, with a formless improv, but picks up steam and audacity along the way, culminating with their signature track, “Krautrock.” Over 80 minutes in all. The broadcast sound is quite good, though, there are some minor sonic issues. Since it’s Faust, it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s intended and what’s not. All the better for it. We’ve got LOTS more Faust in the archives, HERE.

Improvisation (7:31)
So Far (7:23)
Faust Meets Faust/Listen To Fish (12:00)
Miss Fortune (2:31)
Fresh Air (6:00)
Improvisation (15:10)
The Sad Skinhead (3:05)
Jennifer (6:11)
Teutonentango (6:34)
Chromatic (6:21)
Krautrock (8:47)

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BOB MARLEY

BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS Live At Leeds (1973) – Officially Released Live Set

January 22, 2017 – 12:45

Live At Leeds (1973/2004)
Officially Released 1973 Live Set

Outstanding. An early glimpse of The Wailers at work, before the accolades and before Bob Marley became the iconic, worldwide symbol of reggae. Recorded November 23, 1973, just before Peter Tosh would bolt The Wailers for his own solo career, and just after Bunny Wailer already did. You can immediately tell how early this is by the Leeds’ audience reaction, which is welcoming, but comparatively laid back. You can’t blame the spirited performances. This is one of the better live examples of the nascent, modern Wailers available, before the hits and before they felt they were compelled to perform “I Shot The Sheriff,” from Burnin‘, Marley’s second LP for Island Records, which they were touring behind here. Actually, this post is the second disc of the Deluxe Edition of Burnin‘(HERE, at Amazon). We’ve concocted our own cover, however.

Duppy Conqueror (6:03)
Slave Driver (5:00)
Burnin‘ And Lootin‘ (8:29)
Can’t Blame The Youth (5:09)
Stop That Train (3:57)
Midnight Ravers (6:29)
No More Trouble (6:59)
Kinky Reggae (5:56)
Get Up, Stand Up (6:15)
Stir It Up (7:25)
Put It On (4:29)
Lively Up Yourself (13:35)

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MAGGIE and TERRE ROCHE ROCHES

MAGGIE and TERRE ROCHE Seductive Reasoning (1975)

January 22, 2017 – 11:52

Seductive Reasoning (1975)
Debut From 2/3rds of The Roches

We received an email from musician Joseph Jon Lanthier, who kindly offered to share this wonderful and hard to find 1975 debut CD from Maggie & Terre Roche (recorded before sister Suzzy joined the act, re-named The Roches). Fans of The Roches know their power and appeal, but hearing this first duo release is a real treat. Here’s a little history from the All Music Guide: “(Maggie) Roche has an intelligent, individual songwriting style, and her songs serve as the vehicle for two-part harmonies with Terre, a sort of distaff version of Simon & Garfunkel. Simon was sufficiently interested to use the two on There Goes Rhymin’ Simon. Musically, Seductive Reasoning is a counterpart to that record, boasting many of the same names among its credits. Like Rhymin’ Simon, it was recorded largely at Muscle Shoals with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section giving the tracks their distinctive hybrid sound of country, rock, folk, gospel, and blues. But the superior musicianship and production are not what make Seductive Reasoning an outstanding album. Rather, it is most notable as the auspicious debut of a remarkable songwriter. Roche has the perspective of a young woman thoughtfully, if confusedly, making her way through the romantic, sexual, and career thickets of early adulthood. Her gift for wordplay expresses her uncertainties well. The sisters trade vocals & harmonize beautifully, adding to the songs’ effectiveness, making Seductive Reasoning extraordinarily impressive.” Find it at Amazon (one of three different covers over the years, HERE. Maggie died of cancer on January 21, 2017.

Underneath The Moon
Down The Dream
Wigglin’ Man
West Virginia
If You Empty Out All Your Pockets You Could Not Make The Change
Telephone Bill
Malachy’s
Burden Of Proof
The Mountain People
Jill Of All Trades

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BEATLES WE'RE LATE FOR CLASS

WE’RE LATE FOR CLASS The Act You’ve Known For All These Years (2010) – Every Sound Is By The Beatles!

January 22, 2017 – 10:12

We’re Late For Class Presents: The Act You’ve Known For All These Years (2010)
Every Sound Is By The (Solo) Beatles

“The greatest Beatles mash up of all time!” – Press quote submission for http://werelateforclass.blogspot.com

Space Fantasy Peace (Intro) (1:18)
Real Made Up (7:06)
Ski-ing/Au (3:15)
Mersey Silence Movement 1 (Overture) (5:10)
Greasy Leaf Changes (9:52)
You Can’t Fight Virgins In A Dream (7:00)
It’s So Hard To Hope For Peace In A Spiral (Requiem) (13:34)
Goodnight Sad Ramsterdam (3:44)
John, Yoko Is My Madness (Hidden Track) (19:02)

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BEATLES MOJO PRESENTS Various Artists TRIBUTE

MOJO PRESENTS: Abbey Road Now! (2009)

January 22, 2017 – 10:11

Abbey Road Now! (October 2009)
The Beatles’ 1969 Classic Re-Recorded

There are two ways to cover a Beatles song; faithfully or creatively. For decades, many interpreters have followed the faithful route (why mess with a winning formula?), but a lot of those covers sucked – in large part simply because it wasn’t The Beatles. Younger artists tend to be less reverent, which makes for more unusual interpretations. Either way, re-imagined albums like this (the UK’s Mojo Magazine has issued a few of these) tend to be hit and miss affairs. Frankly, Abbey Road Now! is no different, but there are still some interesting choices to appreciate. Jeffrey Lewis gives “Octopus’s Garden” a “Her Majesty”-styled acoustic reading, Loose Salute finds an interesting workaround to The Beatles’ solo-filled finale, “The End,” and Broken Flowers transform “Oh! Darling” into an effective suicide ballad . Find it at Amazon. Get ALL our MOJO’s HERE.

INVISIBLE Come Together (4:08)
THE LEISURE SOCIETY Something (3:19)
LET’S WRESTLE Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (2:26)
BROKEN RECORDS Oh! Darling (3:01)
JEFFREY LEWIS Octopus’s Garden (1:50)
ROBYN HITCHCOCK I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (7:52)
CHARLIE DORE Here Comes The Sun (3:58)
MARTIN JOHN HENRY Because (3:19)
GLENN TILBROOK/9 BELOW ZERO You Never Give Me Your Money (3:53)
GOMEZ Sun King (3:12)
CORNERSHOP Mean Mr Mustard/Polythene Pam (2:29)
KARIMA FRANCIS She Came In Through The Bathroom Window (3:02)
BLUE ROSES Golden Slumbers (2:16)
NOAH AND THE WHALE Carry That Weight (1:45)
LOOSE SALUTE The End (2:29)
THE LOW ANTHEM Her Majesty (0:30)

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JAMES BROWN

JAMES BROWN Dead On The Heavy Funk 1975-83 (1998)

January 22, 2017 – 10:05

Dead On The Heavy Funk 1975-83 (1998)
Cherry Picking JB’s Lean Years

Covering a period when James Brown’s funk influence was waning in the face of machine-made disco, 1998’s Dead On The Heavy Funk provides a valuable service by cherry picking and organizing some of JB’s better late 70s/early 80s material. Sure, it’s not the legendary stuff from the 60s… or the essential funk from the early 70s, but it’s the best of an anemic and oft-ignored period and probably worth having. Especially since you don’t have many of JB’s individual albums from this era anyway. Mutha Nature, Hot, People… anyone? Grab this and you’ll likely make it through life without needing any of them (or a half dozen others). Only real issue? For a disco-era compilation, the title, Dead On The Heavy Funk, is more of a marketing moniker than an accurate description of what’s inside. Unusually expensive at Amazon, HERE.

1
Sex Machine Part I And Part II (11:59)
Hustle!!! (Dead On It) (5:03)
Your Love (4:10)
Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved) (5:59)
Woman (3:47)
Medley: Get Up Offa That Thing/Release The Pressure (9:17)
I Refuse To Lose (3:48)
Bodyheat (9:23)
Kiss In ’77 (Previously Unreleased Live Version) (8:39)
Give Me Some Skin (3:57)
Bessie (3:18)
If You Don’t Give A Doggone About It (6:28)
2
Jam 1980s (Live Version) (7:14)
The Spank (7:10)
Nature Part 1 (3:58)
Eyesight (5:31)
I Never, Never, Will Forget (Previously Unreleased Long Version) (6:33)
For Goodness Sakes, Look At Those Cakes (11:04)
A Man Understands (8:31)
It’s Too Funky In Here (12″ Version) (6:31)
Regrets (6:29)
Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses?) (10:01)
Bring It On … Bring It On (4:05)

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MOJO PRESENTS

MOJO PRESENTS: A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding In Your Mind (2010)

January 22, 2017 – 10:01

A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding In Your Mind (February 2010)
Compiled/Mixed By The Amorphous Androgynous

A MOJO magazine freebie. This is a compilation made from Vols 1 & 2 of a similarly titled retail release from The Amorphous Androgynous (an offshoot of Future Sound Of London). A pretty cool free flow psych mix with a couple of familiar characters and some bizarre track choices, giving it a uniquely original feel. It went down well around here, anyway. Available @ Amazon, HERE. Get ALL our MOJO’s HERE.

POP LEVI Blue Honey (3:58)
THE YELLOW MOON BAND Entangled (2:21)
JULY Dandelion Seeds (4:22)
THE AMORPHOUS ANDROGYNOUS Falling Down (5:28)
DUNGEN Satt Se (Instrumental) (4:48)
DONOVAN Three Kingfishers (3:06)
CAN Flow Motion (4:02)
WHITE NOISE Love Without Sound (2:52)
BETTY DAVIS Game Is My Middle Name (3:26)
ED ASKEW Love Is Everyone (1:54)
JEAN CLAUDE VANNIER Les Mouches (3:32)
COMUS Diana (4:27)
SHOGUN KINOTICHI Mulberg (3:56)
THE AMORPHOUS ANDROGYNOUS Opus Of The Black Sun (5:16)

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CHUCK D JAMES BROWN

CHUCK D Tribb To JB (2007) – Public Enemy Frontman Chuck D’s Got Ants In His Pants

January 22, 2017 – 10:00

Tribb To JB (2007)
Chuck D’s Got Ants In His Pants

Righteous tribute to James Brown from Public Enemy’s frontman Chuck D, Kyle Jason & The Banned and the Slamjamz Artist Review. There’s so much JB available, it’s almost pointless to the guy. Besides, who could do it better than James and his superstar sidemen? But Chuck D pulls off this trib with just the right mix of live-in-the-studio hard funk, a smattering of rap and some expert sampling & scratch. The few elements that run contrary to JB’s limited focus seem to update the Godfather’s influence, not defile it. At Amazon, HERE.

Intro (0:44)
Soul Power (4:53)
Make It Funky (5:40)
Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved (4:15)
Say It Loud (I’m Black And I’m Proud) (4:11)
It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World (4:23)
King Heroin (4:55)
Talking Loud, Saying Nothing (4:53)
Think Mama For The Soul Sisters (4:54)
Super Bad (5:56)
Funky President (3:57)
Outro (King Heroin Live) (10:01)

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MAYTE N.P.G. PRINCE Various Artists

Various Artists 1-800 NEW FUNK (1994) – Prince & Pals

January 22, 2017 – 09:40

1-800 NEW FUNK (1994)
Prince-Driven Collection

To promote one of his many abandoned web marketing plans, Prince put together this collection of friends and artists he was (then) producing and writing for. The sticker on front curiously states that Prince wrote and arranged all the material, but… that’s not entirely so (though, the track credited to Paisley Parks is surely P). Still, there are some excellent tracks from a variety of artists, including Mayte (Prince’s future ex-wife), Madhouse (Prince & Eric Leeds’ jazz/salsa outfit) George Clinton, Mavis Staples, Nona Gaye and others. This was also when Prince was experimenting with new distribution sources, in this case Bellmark Records, so this set is long out of print. NPG’s “2gether” is from their rare and brilliant Gold Nigga, in the archives, HERE. Find 1-800-NEW FUNK @ Amazon, HERE.

MPL Minneapolis (4:27)
GEORGE CLINTON Hollywood (4:33)
PRINCE & NONA GAYE Love Sign (4:32)
MAYTE If I Love U 2Night (4:20)
THE STEELES Color (4:21)
THE NEW POWER GENERATION 2gether (5:08)
MARGIE COX Standing at the Altar (3:55)
MAVIS STAPLES You Will Be Moved (4:12)
MADHOUSE 17 (5:24)
NONA GAYE A Woman’s Gotta Have It (4:31)
MPL Minneapolis (Reprise) (0:48)

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JIMI HENDRIX

JIMI HENDRIX Jimi Plays Monterey (1967/1986)

January 22, 2017 – 01:55

Jimi Plays Monterey (1967/1986)
The Experience Lands In America

This one has always ranked up there with the three studio albums for me. The Jimi Hendrix Experience playing their first date in the USA at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. Hendrix is fresh, animated and eager to please, and while some of the execution is a bit sloppy (what Hendrix performance isn’t?), there’s no mistaking the band’s power and enthusiasm. And how punk is that cover of “Wild Thing?” Years before the style was coined. The band still has that new car smell. At Amazon, HERE.

Killing Floor (3:37)
Foxy Lady (3:38)
Like a Rolling Stone (6:52)
Rock Me Baby (3:30)
Hey Joe (4:02)
Can You See Me (2:54)
The Wind Cries Mary (3:48)
Purple Haze (5:07)
Wild Thing (7:58)