Re: Most albums sold, per RIAA
Jon Weisberger wrote: Brooks' sales record is still astonishing, given that he didn't make his first album until 1989, and his name is surrounded by the names of folks who have been selling for 2 or 3 times as long; the only one who comes even close to matching him is Mariah Carey, whose first album came out in 1990, and she's only sold half as many units. Stop it, Jon. You're just depressing me. g Stevie
Tom Petty's roots are showing (real twangy)
Last night Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tore up the house at
Shepherd's Bush Empire in London - a really small theatre packed to the
rafters with rabid fans who seemed to know every word of just about
every song. They played two and a half hours. The final encore came
when they had already started the music on the PA and the roadies had
started to switch off the amps on stage. Petty came on and said he'd
been halfway to the car that time...
It was the usual mix of classics old and new, but what was most
fascinating was a long acoustic midsection, during which Petty cracked
open the Everlys' Lucille, the Delmore Brothers' This Old Guitar(?) and
Little Maggie, along with rearrangements of some of his own songs
(including American Girl). He prefaced Little maggie with some talk of
seeing Ralph Stanley; he said "I don't know if any of you know him". I
was going to scream "yay - bluegrass rules" at the top of my lungs
(which would've given him a fright, since he was only six feet away from
me) but didn't. Which was either really good or a missed opportunity,
as the Ralph reference drew a blank with the rest of the crowd. Anyhow,
it was pretty slow (well, compared to Skaggs' recent recording) and it
desperately needed a banjer (tho Mike Campbell thrummed on a mandolin).
But Scott Thurston (an ex-Stooge, I understand) did a great lead vocal
on it - he has a surprisingly bluegrass-friendly voice.
Petty also did some blues and r'n'b songs and jams, including a stunner
which I feel I should know about and don't - it's probably called
"County Farm" ("... Another man's done gone...") Can anyone help me
out?
Great show. Go see him in an arena near you this Summer. The man's the
real deal.
Stevie
Re: Emmylou, Gram tribute, Crow the hack
Tom Mohr wrote: Regarding the Gram tribute disc, Stevie Simkin wrote: Is there a release date yet for this? ICE Newsletter says June 15. Thanks, Tom. Looking forward to Whiskeytown doing their thing on "A Song for You" in particular. As long as Caitlin's intact, it should suit them perfectly, in Houses on the Hill / The Battle mode... Stevie
Re: Wilco's new horizon
i wonder how many people who like this album actually liked anything done by elo, or the sgt. peppers, or late period pink floyd. i mean, that's my problem in a nutshell. i can't stand "summerteeth" cause it sounds so much like an attempt to duplicate those things, which i loathe. big electronic overblown "pop". Well, Sam summed it up pretty well for me. I can't stand any pink floyd, or sgt. peppers, and elo is good for a laugh now and then (sweet talkin woman, yaaay), but mostly I find them unbearable (and dont get me started on what Jeff Lynne did to Tom Petty, but it involves a metaphorical knife and metaphorical balls). This is pretty much why I can't stand Summerteeth. Oh, and the fact that it doesn't have two memorable melodies to rub together on it... Just my HO you understand... Stevie
Re: Wilco's new horizon
Tom Baker wrote: For me, Summerteeth just sort of lays there. When I have it on in the office, I oftentimes go for a long period of time after it has finished before I notice that there is nothing playing. It is, perhaps, the perfect background music - it stays in the background. Interesting. Though saying so on postcard gets me flamed, I find the cd pretty much unlistenable. And I used to be quite a fan of the band. Again, I have no problem that they've stowed away the pedal steels, fiddles and banjos (Max is doing a fine job in the Gourds), but the album bores and irritates me. I listened to it a few times, and hauled it out again after I read all these glowing reviews. I had to switch it off halfway cos it was bugging me so much. Not sure what went wrong. My guess it is poor quality control on the songwriting. The only tune I could sort of sing off the top of my head is a line or two of "Via Chicago" and that really bloody irritating "maybe all I need is a shot in the arm" line. The rest is a blur. Never have I had such a strong impression of critics' band-wagon-jumping as I have done with this cd. It seems that someone, somewhere, decided it was a classic, and everyone else has been repeating the mantra. It was like every critic and his dog calling "Being There" another "Exile on Main St." Excuse me? Sure, both are double albums, but that's about as far as that comparison will take you... Stevie
buckner bloomed
someone asked recently. This is from a ryko disc mailer Stevie Rykodisc wrote: 4/9/99 Other news: Fellow traveler Richard Buckner is making his first appearance on the Rykodisc family roster with a re-issue of his debut album, "Bloomed." on June 8th. Originally released in 1995, Bloomed soon became one of the most-talked about and critically praised records in many years. Additionally, the record established Richard Buckner as a powerful and idiosyncratic voice that was impossible to ignore. For those not familiar, the Music Hound CD guide says " this San Francisco singer-songwriter's twang resembles Dwight Yoakam's, (and that) critics compared him to Gram Parsons" In any event, this Slow River Records release should yield some nice surprises. Sign up here for more info http://www.rykodisc.com/RykoInternal/Features/registrations/richardbucknerform.asp
Re: Wilco's new horizon
Don Yates wrote: And to put the shoe on the other foot -- I've no doubt that Stevie saw absolutely no lemmings when Trace was being praised to the skies, Hmm. I posted on this topic on The Other List just a day or two ago. I think Trace would have slipped under the radar if the label hadnt decided to give it the big push (Drown video in heavy mtv rotation, leaning on the press, free Jay Farrar sad clown masks with each cd, that sorta thing). The fact that it made a lot of national press top 10 lists at the end of the year had a lot to do with the hype, which was fairly substantial for a band of Son Volt's marketability. My feeling is that the same has gone for Summerteeth, and that the label are giving the band the big push on this one. Of course, the difference is that Trace actually *deserved* the plaudits, whereas... oh never mind... g g Stevie
Re: ISO digital Todd Snider Blue Mt. trades
Bit late on this thread, but just wanted to chuck in my 2 cents... I understand the whole thing about artists' rights. I also understand a little about the conflict between the artist's creative process and the marketing of the "product". With a few notable exceptions, legit live recordings are released once in a blue moon not necessarily because a band don't want any more than that in the public domain, but because the record company would not "allow" them to release any more due to limited market appeal or whatever. I suffer some guilt pangs over my live tape collection, but I know my life would be the poorer if I had never got to hear Son Volt covering "Aint No More Cane", "Holocaust" or "Sing Me Back Home", countless unreleased Neil Young recordings, or the Dylan 66 material (to name but a very few) - the latter, remember, finally got released 32 years later, and I don't think this necessarily had a lot to do with Dylan not WANTING those tapes in the public domain. It's a poor 2 cents, mebbe, but it's all I got right now... Stevie
Re: Careless Love?
Dave Purcell wrote: Apologies if this was discussed while I was gone, but has anyone read Guralnick's Careless Love and, if so, how is it? I just picked up a copy myself. There were some sizeable chunks extracted in a good Mojo article recently - about the Vegas to Memphis phase - which were fascinating. Guralnick is one great writer. Not got any further than the preface of the tome itself as I'm glued to my PC working to a deadline, but can't wait to dig into it... Stevie
Re: Tweedy @ Salon
William T. Cocke wrote: You know, I just read this interview and I'm with Dave. What's the deal here? Since when did this "No Depression purists" tag start appearing? Just who exactly is this guy referring to? He doesn't say. Out of the 700 people on this list, I doubt that anyone really fits the bill here. Is he referring to Postcard? Only thing happening on postcard in this domain is so-called ND non-purists getting pissed off because so-called ND purists AREN'T complaining about how ND impure Summerteeth sounds. If you see what I mean. I'd say that interviewer would be in good company with the other strawperson manufacturers on that mailing list. Stevie
Re: Tweedy @ Salon
Dave Purcell wrote: It's ironic that Tweedy gets annoyed with the "Wilco is an alt.country band" cliche, but seems perfectly willing to play along with the "No Depression purists" stereotype. Perhaps he should consider that some people, such as myself, just don't like his music, and its twang quotient is beside the point. Go, Dave! (Damn. Why couldn't I figure out how to say it that wittily?) Stevie
waddy wachtel
Am I right in assuming that the well-known session guitarist Waddy Wachtel is the same Wachtel who wrote the beautiful "Maybe I'm Right" on Ronstadt's "Simple Dreams" album? And was this a one-off, or is he familiar for his songwriting? If it IS a one-off, did he just get struck by lighting one day, or what? curious Stevie
Re: Kelly Willis (was Re: The Mountain (LONG w/1999 Reviews)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: (i.e. Real: Tom T. Hall Project and Rig Rock Deluxe) and her duet w/ Farrar on Rex's Blues on the Red Hot Bothered. It is weird, she must be the single greatest compilations-related artist of all time, all 3 of those songs are just incredible. dan It's a real shame we never got to hear more of Farrar and Willis working together. Their voices work really well together. Both Rex's Blues and Truckstop Girl are incredible. I have an interview somewhere where the interviewer describes them sitting around in the studio, just pickin old chestnuts and enjoying feeling their voices wrap around each other. Stevie
Re: Guacamole
if there was ever a thread born to live on the fluff list Stevie (just adding to the irritating useless traffic) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: but I'm needing a good guacamole recipe. good ripe cali avo... mash dip (dash or two of tabasco wouldn't hurt)
Re: Clockwork Orange (was Re: RIP Stanley Kubrick)
Iain Noble wrote lotsa sensible stuff and: perhaps you ought to see 'Red Dragon' an earlier film about the first Hannibal Lecter novel with Brian Cox as the good doctor which is rather better. sorry, being nitpicky, but that movie was called "Manhunter", tho I believe it was based on the novel red dragon. And yes, I would agree it is in many ways superior to ...Lambs. As someone finally reaching the end of a coupla years' writing a book about someone whose plays depict murderous Jews, the brutal torture of a homosexual king, Catholic terrorists slaughtering innocent Protestants, and a shepherd-turned-world conquerer who put Attila the Hun in the shade, I'd have to agree that it is possible to create great art out of unpalatable source material. Stevie (wasting time P2ing when I should be concentrating on the race between me delivering my manuscript and my wife delivering our second child any day now...)
Re: RIP Stanley Kubrick
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anyway, things aren't all that much better over here with all the closings of independent video outlets and the effective banning of "Lolita" and "Last Temptation of Christ" through sudden mysterious fire code-violations and "Hollywood distribution fears", etc.. There's a lot of scared and small- minded folk in this world. Am I right in thinking that blockbuster have the monopoly over there, and that they release their own edited versions of controversial videos? Is there a Christian as chairman of the board? Or is all this vicious rumour? Just wondering. Respond off-list, Dan, anyone, if you want to kill off this particular off-topic topic. Stevie
Re: Kelly Willis song comments
Thanks for this, Chris
Chuck Prophet is just such a effing STAR. It's a crime that this man is not as big
as, I dunno, Tom Petty...
Stevie
What I Deserve (KW/Gary Louris)
I started this song in a hotel room when I was extremely lonely. Chuck's phase
shifted guitar is my favorite part of this recording.
Got A Feelin' For Ya ("Real Deep Feeling" - (Dan Penn/Chuck Prophet))
I had so much fun recording with Chuck Prophet. He played this song for
me and all I wanted to do was sing just like him. So I got him to sing
it with me. Everyone had fun making this record!
Re: mathcountry
Carl Abraham Zimring wrote: Still Feel Gone's songs are relatively short and depend on lyrics "this trickle-down theory / has left all these pockets empty" was always one of my favourites. And just about every darn word in "Still Be Around"... Man, is he a damn good songwriter. Ooops. Sorry. Thought this was postcard... Stevie
Re: RIP Stanley Kubrick (zero twang)
I teach a module that looks at early modern revenge tragedy in relation to violent cinema of the past 20-30 years. Clockwork Orange constantly comes up in debates. A mate of mine finally got me a (French sub-titled) version in Switzerland so that I can show some clips to my students. Natural Born Killers I have to show with, I dunno, Dutch subtitles I think it is. I told my friend Malcolm in LA that I had no access to Texas Chainsaw Massacre on video (tho it recently had a limited re-release theatrically over here) and he said, 'banning videos - what a quaint idea'. It's a bloody weird country, Britain. Did you know that we still have a Queen, princes and princesses, dragons and fairy godmothers, too? Stevie Thomas W. Mohr wrote: Tom Mohr on "Clockwork Orange": Absolutely astonishing that Kubrick could, in three years, go from the brilliant heights of "2001" to the decadent depths of "A Clockwork Orange." An appalling movie. Its appeal is utterly baffling.
Re: Wreck on the Highway
Douglas Neal wrote: Does anyone out there know who originally wrote and recorded "Wreck on the Highway"? Bruce Springsteen, 'acourse. snigger Stevie
Re: Tweedy quote/alt.country
Jeff's cuter than Jay, Neal Weiss possibly. But Jay writes better songs. I am frankly baffled by the Summerteeth hype. My copy will be filed alongside Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels: played it once, tried to play it again, got bored rigid. Stevie
Re: Wilonsky on Wilco and the sleazy radio programmers
http://www.dallasobserver.com/1999/current/music1.html Interesting piece Jerald, thanks. But aside from Wilonsky's occasional editorializing, where's the controversy from it? b.s. There's a little steam rising over on Postcard. I would say that anyone who claims Jay Farrar has written not only the same album three times over, but the same song, what, 35 times over since forming Son Volt, doesn't really have a clue. In terms of the interview itself, I think some people wonder why Jeff Tweedy has to drag out the sour grapes every time Uncle Tupelo comes up in conversation. I do sometimes think it's about time he got over it, rather than inventing new ways of expressing the bitterness he feels towards Farrar every time. Oh well. Stevie np - Son Volt, Left a Slide. Which, if you think about it, sounds just like Route, Straightface and Way Down Watson...
Neil Young - ripping off or not?
This is forwarded from the Petty list. I have included the whole thing so you understand the context. I can't remember if it was on P or P2 that the comments about Young's high ticket prices circulated. Maybe this sheds some light... Stevie Andy Wedam wrote: Here in Portland the going rate for Neil Young is as I recall $35 at the Schnitzer (sic). There is a $150 option or some such thing to benefit the Bridge School Concerts which includes some sort of dinner or gathering w/ Neil Young. On Mon, 22 Feb 1999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 99-02-21 18:44:27 EST, you write: hats off to the heartbreakers and everyone involved in setting the ticket price at $45. looking back, they could have sold them at three to four times that amount and they still would have sold out in an hour. -- i agree cowboy! neil young is selling for 125 or something like that. the stones tickets were like 150! that's just so outrageous. Tom and the HB's are so totally awesome to their fans - they know who really, reallly loves them. at first i thought 45 was kind of steep, but then i remembered back for the 1997 shows they were about 31.50 i think so it is a bit of a raise but not too terrible. he has some mighty fine principles doesn't he? sigh - that's just one of the many reasons i love him so! man i'm so excited for the shows - can't WAIT!!! ---Mr. Breeze "Oh, here is the dog. Is I watching him or he watching me?"
Re: Melba Montgomery, still going strong??
Sitting listening to the title track of Randy Travis' "You and You Alone", I was struck by the beautiful harmonies on the title track. I remembered Vince Gill was in the mix there, but when I checked the credits, Melba Montgomery turned up too. Wow. I didnt know she was still around. And what's more, turns out she co-wrote it. Am I being really dim? Is she still very much in the biz? Also, I was wondering where might be a good place to start to put a tentative toe into Vince Gill's back catalog. If it helps, I like most of what Randy Travis does (as a point of comparison) except for schlock like "I Did My Part", and I detest things like "Holes in the Floor of Heaven and other assorted unfortunate metaphors" (thanks, Louise, for reminding me how much I dislike that song)... on or off list guidance much appreciated Stevie [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Shot My Baby Down
Did we get "Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room (She Wore Red Dresses)" yet? That's Dwight Yoakam of course. Thanks to Don and Jon for guidance on Gill. Just gonna check some sound samples on cdnow before I part with hard earned cash and easily-earned 10 dollar off voucher... Want to make sure he's not *too* smooth.. g Stevie
Re: WOW! (from Alex)
Louise Kyme wrote: Unfortunately, my own band isn't gigging between the 19th and 28th, otherwise I'd suggest us g. For anyone else interested, the Okeh Wranglers will be playing at the Railway Inn, Winchester on March 3rd. No door fee. Woah. A country band comes to MY town. I'm kinda under house arrest until I've hit my publisher's deadline, but I might have to sneak out for this one if I can... can't see this happening again in a hurry... Stevie
Re: WOW! (from Alex)
William T. Cocke wrote: During the "Slowhand" phase, to be precise. I'm pretty sure he included a couple of Don Williams songs on that album. The very wonderful "We're All the Way" is on there. He also covered "Tulsa Time" but that turned up on another album I think. I have seen mention of Clapton doing a song called "Country Boy" in concert around this time and have always wondered if that is the Don Williams number "I'm Just a Country Boy" (.' money have I none' .). Anyone know? I do remember that during interviews at the time (ca. 1977, I think) Clapton came across as a kind of Don Williams convert -- could this be considered his "country" album, I wonder? Certainly has some countryish stylings here and there. It also has some great rockers, like "The Core". Was this all covered in the ND article? Still looking for the damn thing on this side of the atlantic... Stevie
Re: Dylan
lance davis wrote: The same goes for that listless, unforgivable Letterman appearance, and the list goes on and on. Disappointments have abounded. Hey, just hang on a doggone minute there. Are we talking Dylan on Letterman in 1984? Dont Start Me Talkin, Jokerman and License to Kill? One of THE great Dylan performances ever (... and I have the live tape collection to prove it) ? Surely not. I have listened to hundreds of hours of Dylan, and that Letterman show is about as stoked as he EVER sounded... Oh well, different strokes n all that Stevie
Re: Dylan
What I have noticed is that many people, even devout Dylan fans, are disappointed when they hear Dylan live for the first time. My first time was Wembley Arena 1987, backed by Petty and the Heartbreakers. It wasn't bad (the Heartbreakers could make anyone sound good, really), but not great. Petty's set which preceded Dylan's blew the old croaker clean out of the water, from the opening "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" to the bring-the-house-down take on "American Girl". And if that wasnt good enough, Petty and McGuinn did a mini byrds set before that, with all the old classics in there. Quite a night... Stevie
Re: WOW! (from Alex)
Ph. Barnard wrote: About "Country Boy": Could be, but it might also be the Albert Lee number turned into a country #1 by some fella named Skaggs... I suspect (i.e. I know) Jon's right here; Albert Lee was actually in Clapton's band on and off during the period he performed this song. --junior Oh well. That's a pretty good one, too. Be interesting to hear Clapton to do it. Love the version on Skaggs' Live in London album... Stevie
Re: Cold Mountain CD
Sorry to be boring, but does anyone know if this is likely to make it across the pond? or am I going to be placing an order with amazon? on or offlist reply appreciated ta Stevie
Re: New purchases and SV query
Chad Cosper wrote: About Son Volt...I am wondering if anyone who may have been at the Raleigh show on Friday was familiar with the song they played in the middle of "Chickamauga," sounds like it was iggy and the stooges' I Gotta Right Stevie
neil news, and penelope houston
The Neil Young album (the new material) now has a June 22 tentative release date. Hoping that some of the Linda Ronstadt sessions turn up there. Got my copy of Tonight's the Night today and I am inclined to agree with Neal W on this one... Stunning. Oh, I know an Avengers thread came up recently, and I had asked about a new Penelope Houston that I had heard about via a Chuck Prophet connection. Reprise list her new one, Tongue, for 23 March Stevie
Re: Love in Mind
lance davis wrote: I read an interview with Neil some years back in which he said something to the effect of: "My albums sound like shit on CD. Buy them on vinyl." Like I said, this has been years now--which in beer-time is damn-near generations--but I'm pretty sure it was in reference to Tonight's the Night being released on CD--and the potential for On the Beach and Time Fades Away being released on CD as well. Tonight is certainly available in Europe, if not on your side of the pond. I should know, I just ordered it, having dug out my tape copy to find it past redemption. There are some nasty nasty bootlegged releases around of interest - someone has squeezed hawks and doves and on the beach onto a cd. Been tempted but have valiantly resisted handing over cash to the crooks. I do have a tape copy of the Chrome Dreams boot which is pretty damn thrilling Stevie
Re: Feeling extra-Neilly
lance davis wrote: Since there seems to be a Neil-binge going on, I'm gonna dive in head-first. What is this Chrome Dreams boot that I hear all the kids talkin bout? And does anyone have an idea how the new mega-"Decade" will affect its relevancy? Lance Chrome Dreams is an unreleased album, much of the material appearing on official releases eventually, but these are mostly different takes I believe. I guess a rusty (there must be some around here) might be able to provide a more accurate answer CD has Pocahonatas / Will to Love / Star of Bethlehem / Like a Hurricane / too Far Gone / Hold back the tears / homegrown / captain kennedy / stringman / sedan delivery / powderfinger I guess the retrospective will mop up the unreleased ones eventually, but if the first set only takes us up to the end of Springfield, it could take a while for them to get to the late 70s... Stevie
albany ca area, look out!
spreading the word, still Stevie Chuck Prophet wrote: Announcing go go Market (featuring DJ Mark "ill Media" Reitman on the two turntables) appears Friday February 5th at the Ivey Room in Albany California appearing as special guests of Ettienne de Rocher And now, as we approach payday... a check list for all working stiffs at the computer in or out of the office (courtesy of Jeff Jackson) 1. What does "eager to learn" mean? 2. What is self respect? 3. will you lose your job if you are arrested? 4. What is "take home pay" 5. what is a FICA deduction? 6. Is a job worth doing if you do not get paid? Unemployed? Find an exciting job on the World Wide Web! Here's a list of key URLs. Alaska Job Bank www.ilovealaksa.com/alaskajobs/ Veterinary Career Resources www.avma.org/netvet/vcareer.htm Jobs in nursing www.awhonn.org/about/jobs.htm go go market is Stephie Finch, Dawn Richardson, Mark Reitman, Vince Russo and Chuck Prophet
Re: WOW! (from Alex)
Jon Weisberger wrote: Stevie, this kind of implies that before 1990 or so country music was widely respected in the UK. Is that correct? Oh, OK. I'll admit to indulging a grouchy outburst rather than a considered expression of opinion. What is different between 1990 and 1999 I would say is that country music has much wider exposure over here than it ever did before, and there is the Daniel O'Donnell factor to contend with too. The odd phenomenon of Scots and Irish singers doing cod American country music for a predoinantly female over 50s audience is one I still cannot fully get my head around. Both via this route, and via Shania and Garth and LeAnn's crossovers, UK audiences are much more aware of country than they were before, and have more to laugh at. If I ever admit to my students that I like (some) country music, I have to do it in a very guarded manner to protect any shreds of credibility I may still own in their eyes. I go via the American music - roots - American folk traditions - thing, and usually stress the alt-country first, at least, talking about wedding punk ethos with country tradition blah blah blah. But since if it's not techno (or derivative 60s guitar driven Britpop, Oasis come on down), it ain't hip, I'm pretty much on a losing wicket from the get go. It just hit me (again) that most of these kids weren't born when punk happened. I did find a 20 year old student who liked Ben Harper recently. I nearly had a coronary. Stevie
Re: neil's steel
Son Volt, incidentally, do a killer version of "Let's Go DownTown..." Or they used to. All this Del-Vetts/Stooges stuff is fine, but I'd much rather see them put that, or "Aint No More Cane", back into their repertoire of encores... Stevie
Re: WOW! (from Alex)
Louise Kyme wrote: Well, I don't know about large alt.country sections in music shops. Usually the alt.country gets mixed in with the mainstream country which adds up to a pretty large selection. yeah, tho tower in london have a (fairly small) alt country section Lucinda Williams is very 'vogue' in serious music circles in the UK. She was voted no. 4 by a Sunday Times reviewer for album of the year, which is pretty amazing, and Robbie Fulks' 'Let's Kill Saturday Night' get a good review by Q magazine. there has definitely been an awakening of interest in the scene in the UK in the past 18 months or so. We're getting a lot of people touring or at least visiting (Whiskeytown, Wilco, Son Volt, Chris Whitley (?!), Hazeldine and Casal, Gillian Welch last week, Lucinda last month, etc etc) and the intelligent press is sitting up finally and discovering good American roots music. A number of albums of interest made best of lists in the press - Lucinda of course (I still havent managed to bring myself to listen to it more than once), Lovett, Mermaid Avenue, Welch spring to mind. People are starting to discover that there is more to country than big hats and tight jeans and blander than bland music (sorry all you HNC fans out there, but it is BLAND). Steve Earle has always had a good/better press and support over here than the Nashville 'stars' and Lucinda could probably do the same. However, acts that are too strongly country and less rock influenced would find it tough in the UK because country music is generally seen as a joke. yes. And why? Pumpkinhead. Shania "look at me I'm a prettier Celine Dion" Twain. Billy Ray effing achy breaky Cyrus. Keith "wouldnt know soulful music if it hit me like an express train" Harling. These pillocks and pillockesses and the rest of their brood have a lot to answer for. I bet there aren't any other Brits on P2 that can get Let's Kill Saturday Night in their local library Southampton? really? 12 miles down the road. wow.Stevie grouchy again. Sorry.
Re: Vince Gill
Matt Benz wrote: Junior's comparison is fair enough; I have no doubt Gill was more impressive, but did either Old 97's or Whiskeytown play anything remotely country sounding? I believe that Whiskeytown played the very beautiful (and very country sounding) "I Lost the Battle but I Won the War". Ryan said something about doing it for his mother. It's one of those songs that cuts through the Whiskeytown hype and b.s. and makes you realise that Ryan has flashes of astounding inspiration amidst all the crap. One day maybe we'll get an album's worth of Caitlin/Ryan duets. That would be something to hear. Stevie
Neil Young news
apologies for P/P2 cross-posting, but I know there are some people out there who will be interested in this - from sonic net newsflash Stevie Neil Young Plans Acoustic Tour, New Album, Box Set Folk-rock legend begins solo outing March 3 in Vancouver, preps new album and multi-CD career retrospective. The next year in Neil Young's life is shaping up to be an unusually prolific period in a career that has spanned decades and musical genres. In addition to a series of live performances by the iconoclastic singer/songwriter, there will be an album of new material and the first installment of a multi-CD career retrospective. Young will kick off a solo acoustic tour March 3 with a show at Queen Elizabeth Hall in Vancouver, Canada. The month-long string of U.S. West Coast and Canadian dates is being billed as "An Evening With Neil Young," according to Elliot Roberts, the folk-rocker's long-time manager. "It will be a mix of some new stuff and older material," Roberts said of the tour, which will feature dates in Seattle, Wash., as well as Portland, Spokane and Eugene, Ore. Young also recently re-entered his Northern California home studio to lay down additional tracks for his 29th studio LP. The album is currently untitled and without an official release date, but Young is expected to debut songs from the project during his upcoming tour. Originally due March 23, the new album is on hold until Young completes work on two new tracks. Among those who have contributed to the recording are: bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn, pedal-steel guitarist/producer Ben Keith, star session drummer Jim Keltner and keyboardist/songwriter Spooner Oldham. Additionally, Young continues work on the first installment of his long-rumored career-retrospective box set, according to Warner Bros./Reprise Records spokesperson Bob Merlis. "It's not currently scheduled, but we hope to have it out later this year," Merlis said. Although Roberts said he couldn't confirm the set will feature eight CDs, he said that number was probably accurate. The set is slated to cover Young's career -- from his work with his teen-age band the Squires, through his early '60s group, the Mynah Birds (which also featured funk-pop idol Rick James), until the end of his stint with the influential Los Angeles-based folk-rock band Buffalo Springfield in 1968. Included among that material will be three CDs of live material that Roberts said featured "staggering" performances from the early stages of Young's solo career. "These are shows that defined Neil as an artist," Roberts said. The earliest live disc in the set is from Young's first appearance at the small Toronto club, The Riverboat, from the late '60s. That show in Young's hometown was one of his first live gigs following his departure from Buffalo Springfield. The other two performances are from the early '70s, Roberts said. The second live disc features a show at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England, with Young's hard-rocking backup band Crazy Horse. The third live CD is from an appearance at the Massey Hall in Toronto, recorded just before Young released his landmark 1972 album Harvest, which features such classic rock ballads as "Heart of Gold" (RealAudio excerpt of studio version) and "Old Man." The show also found Young previewing material from his 1973 follow-up to Harvest, Time Fades Away. "[The third live disc] has all the songs for his next two [studio] albums in their original form," Roberts said, "and the performances are just staggering." Roberts said Young is hoping to release the entire set in October. Young's solo acoustic tour is scheduled through the end of March, with a date at the Sacramento, Calif., Opera Hall on March 17 and two shows at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles on March 22 and 23. -- Gil Kaufman
Re: steel in alt.country (was: HNC)
Son Volt an interesting case in point - they've been touring lately without Eric, resulting in some songs being dropped from the set list (notably "Left a Slide". Damn shame). On others, Dave Boquist has been forced to do some interesting, inventive things on his six string to cover for the missing steel guitar. He also gets to play less fiddle. IMHO, it's damaged the SV live sound/repertoire somewhat. Although some of the new material certainly heads into rockier territory, fiddle and steel seem to me integral to the Son Volt sound Stevie
Re: soul
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ah yes, another fine example. Although one I'll suggest doesn't quite work as well as I'd hope is what I've heard of Jim Lauderdale's work. A wonderful voice and the boy's got plenty of twang 'n soul in him. So how come I find it all mostly dull? I've tried hard too, and it may be just me, but in general I dont find the songwriting up to snuff.Maybe he gives his best stuff away (You Dont Seem to Miss Me...) Stevie
Prophet A Go Go
I know I'm not the only fan out here, so here's something that might be of interest to people who aren't averse to a little wild experimentation in their music... gogo Market is Prophet's side-project, with Stephie Finch out front centre... I think the talk of tix at the end is for a gig long gone, but they do crop up from time to time in San Fran... Stevie "Forward Thinking" I've seen the future of rock and roll, and it looks a lot like a big, unshaven guy with a crew cut scratching and bobbing behind a versatile, four-piece rock band. The main attraction of gogo market is adorably grizzled couple Chuck Prophet, the consummate guitarist-surfer guy, and Stephanie Finch, the consummate bar singer who tosses out lines like she's tossing back gin and tonics. But what dries the band along is DJ Ill Media, ak.k.a. Mark Reitman, who flies in a repertoire of everything from classical strings to work songs recorded in prison to moog demonstrations to Baptist preachings. Last Wednesday night at Bottom of the Hill many of the songs kicked off with hip-hop style and Memphis-sould drum loops, picking up addtional steam when drummer Dawn Richardson (ex-4 Non Blondes member) and bassist Vince Russo came in. Riding on top of the groundwork, Prophet and Finch wove together a pleasant double-guitar attack reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival's swamp-gumbo, along with cowgirl ballands and new-wave, Farfisa-powered psychedelia. Prophet (from S.F. cult faves Green on Red) played the impresario as he employed an easy slide and slow-hand fingering technique echoing that of Joe Walsh and Neil Young. Still, he seemed most inspried while trading licks with the turntables during the ballad "Talkin' to You" and when strumming thick rhythms behind Reitman's whooshing scratch-lead during the denouement of the classically power-poppy "One Thing That Mattered." Finch has the pretty, blowsy appeal of a young Gena Rowlands and a voice that's comfortable and bright. Her songs come wrapped up shiny and tight as in the Farfisa-powered "Woman's Magazine" (shades of This Year's Model) or the wa-wa funkadelic "Channel 9." About the time the band headed home with the Chilites-Atlanta Rhythm Section $B groove of "Dead," it dawned on me that parties in the 21st century will probably sound more like gogo market and less like KC and the Sunshine Band. gogo market opens for Box Set Sat/12, 9pm., Slim's, 333 11th St., SF $13-$14, (415) 522-0333. Adam Savetsky
Re: Steve Del
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: and I kinda missed the "Steve Earle isn't bluegrass" thread from a while back, so if anyone can remind me of what that was all about I'd appreciate it. From what I recall, one tentative objection (Jon W?) was to earle's voice, which was thought not to be a great bluegrass tool. But this was way back when the rumours first emerged. From the trickles of responses I have come across, purists have been pleasantly surprised by the results of the collaboration Looking forward to hearing it one day myself. Stevie
Re: Outlaw Blues
completely unrelated to the movie, but there was a Dylan tribute album put out some years ago with that title. I've been desperately seeking it ever since I was at a Chuck Prophet gig and heard him do his rendition of "Abandoned love", which is on that cd, "Outlaw Blues". If anyone has this gathering dust in their collection, a tape of it (or that one song) would be the best I could hope for musically in 1999 ta Stevie
Re: other voices - Linda Ronstadt
[EMAIL PROTECTED] quoted : Influence? Linda Ronstadt - another great voice, full of quivering vibratto, but devoid of sincerity and emotion. and wrote: Devoid of sincerity or emotion??? Hmm...I wouldn't say that as much as guilty of overcooking it, but I haven't heard as much of her stuff as I probably should. I'm fairly ambivalent about Linda Ronstadt. I think when I discovered her, I was going through that little thing called adolescence, and she was going thru her girl guide outfit / skateboarder pads and shorts look, and I think my judgement was clouded somewhat g there are some great performances scattered across albums like Heart Like a Wheel, hasten down the wind and prisoner in disguise. Simple Dreams is pretty much a stone classic altogether. I am even perverse enough to enjoy Mad Love - her generally adjudged as misguided new wave phase. These days, though, I find the bits I like are her duets. Specifically, things like "Star of Bethlehem" with Neil Young and quite a lot of the Trio album. But the over-emoting / overcooking criticism seems to me to be a valid one a lot of the time. She sometimes seems to foghorn it when something more subtle is what the song is gently pleading for. Stevie
Re: other voices - Linda Ronstadt
a few more great performances off the top of my head with the foghorn turned down - maybe I'm right my blue tears I never will marry belting it out and it actually works - think it's gonna work out fine willin how do I make you I'm hoping that Trio II delivers the goods. And is there talk of an emmylou/linda duets album too?
Re: other voices - Linda Ronstadt
Jon Weisberger wrote: Stevie confessed: I am even perverse enough to enjoy Mad Love - her generally adjudged as misguided new wave phase. Isn't that the album that has her version of "Poor Pitiful Me?" Love that cut... It's a good one, a great arrangement that improves on Zevon's original (which is darn good itself). But I believe it crops up on the Simple Dreams album, the one with Linda sitting in a flimsy nightgown in front of the mirror... Ooops. Just reverting to adolescence again for a moment there... Stevie Should Terri Clark be introducing this as a Linda Ronstadt song or as a Warren Zevon one? g Jon Weisberger Kenton County, KY [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.fuse.net/jonweisberger/
Re: other voices - Linda Ronstadt
"Doug Young aka \"The Iceman\"" wrote: It's on Ronstadt's Sweet Dreams album. I'm not sure which one of Warren's its on but it really is a ZEVON cut. Give him what credit he is due is my motto. Pretty sure it's simple dreams but wouldnt swear to it. And I agree Zevon needs every due he's due. I understand he's without a label right now - that right? Crying shame. Stevie
trios and things
Just found a fascinating interview with Linda Ronstadt about working with Emmylou and Dolly. Here's the link. Well worth a read. Stevie http://www.ais-gwd.com/~tpartridge/intgm.htm
Re: Chris Knight, anyone?
Anyone know what Chris Knight is up to? it seems a while since his debut appeared. I trust he hasnt been dropped by his label or anything evil like that any news, on or off list, appreciated thanks Stevie np Chris Knight, Mountain stage 12/7/98
Re: Americana guesswork
Smilin' Jim (Jim, why are you always smilin'?) writes: That depends on the kind of hat you're wearing, doesn't it? g Have you ever been to Texas? When the Derailers played Saturday night there were hundreds of people dancing. Of course it *is* kinda hard to dance to Son Volt. One of the most amazing sights I have ever seen at a gig was a hundred or more bodies pogo-ing to the rocked-up version of Windfall at Dingwalls in London, two novembers ago. Stevie np Dick Gaughan - Sail On
Re: Willie goes hip-hop
havent been keeping a close eye on traffic lately, so apologies if this is old news. From sonicnet. Stevie 'Hi-Lo Country' Soundtrack Updates Classic Western Music Duet by Beck and Willie Nelson sets tone for album. Contributing Editor Colin Devenish reports: Before Carter Burwell set to work on the score for the post-World War II western "The Hi-Lo Country," he did his homework listening to old western soundtracks for films such as "Red River." But what the composer of scores for such major films as "Fargo," "Miller's Crossing" and "Velvet Goldmine" said he found after listening to many classic western scores is that he wanted to avoid copying them. "I took certain aspects of [them], some of the drums and brass that they would use, but I updated [this score] by adding unusual time signatures. ... The cattle drive is written in seven/eighths time, which is a little bit off-kilter and unpredictable," Burwell said. "I used acoustic guitar on the score, which is not an unusual choice, but I processed it electronically, so it makes for a little bit different sound." Set for release Tuesday (Jan. 19), "The Hi-Lo Country" soundtrack features Burwell's score and a duet from country legend Willie Nelson and hip-hop folkie Beck on "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin" (RealAudio excerpt). It also includes a Hank Williams original, and Leon Rausch -- former singer for vintage western swing band Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys -- crooning over a pair of his old band's tracks. Ranging from the pedal-steel guitar and twang of Williams' country classic "Why Don't You Love Me" to fully orchestrated instrumental pieces such as "To Kill A Man," "The Hi-Lo Country" soundtrack fuses elements of traditional country sound with Burwell's updated compositions. The film stars Woody Harrelson and Patricia Arquette, and it features Nelson in the role of a wolf bounty hunter. "I hunt wolves for bounties in New Mexico. It was a lot of fun: I got to horse around on a four-wheel all over a New Mexico ranch," Nelson, 65, said. "I got to sling my buddies around. I had Woody Harrelson there and riding with me, hanging on for dear life." Rausch, who makes a cameo appearance in the film, said recording the Bob Wills chestnuts "San Antonio Rose" (RealAudio excerpt) and "A Maiden's Prayer" presented no difficulty at all. "We did the tunes we've done every night for 40 years. It wasn't any stretch for me to record them," said Rausch, 71, who still plays upward of 60 shows a year. "Those songs, of course, have always been favorites of mine even though we do them every night. 'San Antonio Rose' has been included in several different movie projects, but I don't think 'A Maiden's Prayer' has ever been used in a movie before." [ Tues., January 19, 3:00 AM EST ]
Re: New Grass Revival - White Freightliner
Not that it matters all that much (but how much of what we say around here really matters all that much anyway?) but Son Volt have covered WFB too. And it seems to be the theme tune for Mountain Stage (or is it e-town?) one of those radio shows anyhow - they get whoever's on stage to trot it out over their end credits. sorry to get all Nietzschean on you all all of a sudden Stevie
