Thursday, December 29, 2011

On the Right Side of 2011

        As usual, I don't have too much to say about the year that's passed.  I do think that there were a lot of good albums, but there weren't too many that thrilled me from beginning to end.  Perhaps I'm just a harder boy to thrill these days. :) Still, there was no dearth of songs to put on my year end mixtape - in fact, I had to leave off some cuts that would have made it in previous years.  (And as in 2009 and 2010, all the mp3s are tagged with the album they came from.)

Download

Video Games Lana Del Rey
Escape Richard Buckner
Montezuma Fleet Foxes
The Reason Why Ron Sexsmith
Gone, Gone, Gone Nikki Lane
Always Looking Dum Dum Girls
Get Some Lykke Li
Relax Das Racist
Tropical Affair Money Mark/Thalma de Freitas/Joao Parahyba
Paraty Mia Doi Todd
Progress Booker T Jones
Stone Rollin' Raphael Saadiq
Checkout Time Nick Lowe
Between The Cheats Amy Winehouse
A Commotion Feist
She Stole The Blush Tom Waits
Born To Be Loved Lucinda Williams
Calgary Bon Iver
Heartaches and Pain Charles Bradley
The Way The Whole Thing Ends Gillian Welch

Thursday, December 22, 2011

More Selections from the Harlan Howard Songbook


It's been a real long time (probably about 15 years ago), but I remember reading an interview with Harlan Howard where he said that when he first started writing country songs, he didn't know anything about love (or maybe he said women). I thought of that quote a couple of weeks back when I listened to Charley Pride's version of "Image of Me". While the psychological realism is a tad lacking, the male melodrama in the song is undeniably appealing. I'd try to find a quote to give a better description of Harlan Howard's songwriting genius, but I have some other stuff I have to get to, so the second volume of my tribute to HH will have to do.

Download (both volumes)

Heartaches By The Number Dwight Yoakam
I've Got A Tiger By The Tail Ray Charles
Busted Duane Eddy
Sally Was a Good Old Girl Waylon Jennings
Why Not Me ? The Judds
Don't Call Me From A Honky Tonk Johnny & Jonie Mosby
The Sound Of Laughter Johnny Cash
The One You Slip Around With Skeeter Davis
Your Heart Turned Left (And I Was on the Right) George Jones
The Keys In the Mailbox Tony Booth
Odds and Ends Justin Trevino
Heartbreak U.S.A. Kitty Wells
The Image Of Me Charley Pride
I Fall To Pieces Carla Thomas
A Thief in the Night Jean Shepard
He Called Me Baby Ella Washington
I'll Catch You When You Fall Buck Owens
Above & Beyond (The Call Of Love) Wynn Stewart

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Heartache Headmaster - A Harlan Howard Tribute


Just to be clear, I'm not a proponent of "great man" theories of history. Still.....it's kind of hard to imagine what country music would be like without the songs of Harlan Howard. His own recordings may leave a little something be to desired (though they're not terrible), but damn, the guy was a gifted and prolific songwriter. As with Townes Van Zandt last year and Tom Waits in 2009, I've put together a two volume compilation of Harlan Howard covers (with Volume 2 to follow next week).

Download (both volumes)

Streets of Baltimore Gram Parsons
The Hurtin's All Over Connie Smith
Pick Me Up On Your Way Down Charlie Walker
Excuse Me, I Think I've Got a Heartache Cake
The Chokin' Kind Joe Simon
Evil on Your Mind Jan Howard
I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love Today Derailers
It Takes One to Know One Skip Heller
You Took Him off My Hands Patsy Cline
Too Many Rivers Brenda Lee
It's All Over The Everly Brothers
Life Turned Her That Way James Carr
Ain't Found Nobody The Mavericks
I've Seen That Look On Me (A Thousand Times) Willie Nelson
I'm Down to My Last Cigarette k.d. lang
Baby Me Baby Gene Watson
Don't Our Love Look Natural Keith Whitley
She's Gone, Gone, Gone Lefty Frizzell

Thursday, December 8, 2011

More Billie Holiday and Elis Regina

I was listening to the Billie Holiday - Elis Regina comp I made last year (which you can still download) a while ago and, well, I thought it'd be nice to have another volume. Score one for niceness. :)


20 Anos Blue Elis Regina
I Love My Man Billie Holiday
I Don't Want To Cry Anymore Billie Holiday
O Que Foi Feito De Vera with Milton Nascimento Elis Regina
All Of Me Billie Holiday
Madalena Elis Regina
Bicho Do Mato Elis Regina
Swing, Brother, Swing Billie Holiday
Canto de Ossanha Elis Regina & Toots Thielemans
Jeepers Creepers Billie Holiday
Alo Saudade Elis Regina
Who Wants Love? Billie Holiday
East Of The Sun Billie Holiday
O Que Tinha De Ser Elis Regina
These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) Billie Holiday
Gracias a la Vida Elis Regina
Them There Eyes Billie Holiday
E Com Esse Que Eu Vou Elis Regina
Confissao Elis Regina
What A Little Moonlight Can Do Billie Holiday

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Baby, I'm A Charlie Rich Fan


In addition to his eclecticism (and his rather unique career arc), one of the things I find most intriguing about Charlie Rich is that his wife Margaret Rich wrote (or co-wrote) some of his material. Offhand, I can't really think of another male singer (or even that many female singers) with that dynamic. One of her compositions, in fact, leads off this compilation - Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs. I tried to stay away from any songs on his great 2 two cd best of collection: Feel Like Going Home, but Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs was just too perfect as the opening track. I did however, have enough willpower not to put his great demo version of Feel Like Going Home from that collection as the closer. :)


Life Has It's Little Ups And Downs
Down On The River
Philadelphia Baby
You Win Again
Just Like Old Times
Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast
Blowin' Town
A Sunday Kind Of Woman
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
Am I Blue?
Almost Persuaded
Now Everybody Knows
That's How Much I Love You
You Can Have Her
Don't Come Knocking On My Door
Just a Little Bit Sweet
Very Much Alone
I Take It On Home

Saturday, November 26, 2011

On the Right Side of Christmas 2011

It's a little late coming (hey, I was travelling for Thanksgiving), but here's my annual Christmas music compilation (you can still download 2010 and 2009, btw).



Merry Christmas Baby Otis Redding
No More Pretty Presents Rod Piazza And The Mighty Flyers
Don't Believe In Christmas The Sonics
Come All Ye Faithful Surfer Girls The Chevelles
Rudolph The Manic Reindeer Los Lobos
Xmas Curtain My Morning Jacket
Maybe this Christmas Ron Sexsmith
Old Toy Trains Roger Miller
Gonna Wrap My Heart In Ribbons Hank Thompson
The Christmas Song Jose Feliciano
Perfect Gift Natalie Hemby
Got Something for You Best Coast and Wavves
What Christmas Means To Me Stevie Wonder
Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers The Crystals
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus Eddie Dunstedter
All I Want For Christmas Is You Mandy Barnett
I Wish You A Merry Christmas Big Dee Irwin
The Holy Babe Mahalia Jackson
Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern) Miles Davis
Carol of the Bells The Bird and the Bee
Christmasey Brian Wilson
Christmas Means Love Sam Cooke
Christmas In Harlem (ft. CyHi Da Prynce) Kanye West
Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday The Sweet Inspirations

Thursday, November 17, 2011

More Mark Eitzel and George Jones

Hopefully, the first Mark Eitzel-George Jones comp didn't make folks too morose, because here's Volume Two.


I'm Just Blue Enough George Jones
The Boy With the Hammer in the Paper Bag Mark Eitzel
Cleopatra Jones Mark Eitzel
4033 George Jones
Hello Amsterdam American Music Club
The King Is Gone George Jones
I Broke My Promise American Music Club
Who Will I Be Loving Now George Jones
Diary of My Mind George Jones
Take Courage Mark Eitzel
We Loved It Away George Jones
The Decibels and the Little Pills American Music Club
Then It Really Happens Mark Eitzel
Tomorrow Never Comes George Jones
Everything Is Beautiful Mark Eitzel

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Mark Eitzel and George Jones: The Kings of Broken Hearts


When I saw Jim Lauderdale open up for Lucinda Williams back in 1998 (he was also singing backup vocals for Lu), he played the song King of Broken Hearts (from his very fine debut Planet of Love). I can't remember if he said it wrote it as an homage to George Jones or if he wrote it with the intention of George Jones covering it. Either way, I thought of the song when I was putting tonight's Mark Eitzel - George Jones comp. Now Mr. Eitzel may not be quite the king of broken hearts that Mr. Jones is, but I think he'd put up a pretty good fight. :) I'll post Volume two next week.


How Many Six Packs Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb American Music Club
I Just Don't Like This Kind Of Livin' George Jones
You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave) George Jones
Queen Of No One Mark Eitzel
Big Fool Of The Year George Jones
Sleeping Beauty Mark Eitzel
She Knows What She's Crying About George Jones
What Holds the World Together American Music Club
I've Been A Mess American Music Club
I'm A Fool For Loving Her George Jones
Live Or Die Mark Eitzel
Wine (You've Used Me Long Enough) George Jones
I'm All She's Got George Jones
What The Pillar Of Salt Held Up American Music Club
Things Have Gone to Pieces George Jones

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Gladys Knight and the Pips: Everybody Needs Love/ If I Was Your Woman

Back in 1977, Richard Pryor hosted his own comedy-variety show on NBC. It only lasted for four episodes, in large part because it was up against Happy Days (or maybe it was Laverne and Shirley). And it even if it hadn't been, it's kind of doubtful Pryor would have wanted to do it for much longer since he wasn't too crazy about NBC's censors. Anyway, on one of the shows, the skit has the Pips singing backup sans Gladys Knight - i.e., the joke is that you have this silence in between brief bits of harmonizing by the Pips. And no, the execution wasn't much funnier than it sounds. :)

I invoke this brief moment of popular culture only because I think that Gladys Knight probably would be remembered more fondly if her backing band hadn't been named the Pips. No offense to any of the Pips (who were good backup singers), but the name, well, I just think it ultimately diminished her status as a soul singer. Which is too bad, because as you can hear from the two out of print albums posted (it was a twofer cd put out by Motown in the early years of cds before they realized they could sell their old stuff as single albums), she has a darn fine emotive style.


Everybody Needs Love
I'll Be Standing By
Since I've Lost You
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
You Don't Love Me No More
Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me
He's My Kind Of Fellow
Yes, I'm Ready
My Bed Of Thorns
Do You Love Me Just A Little Honey
Just Walk In My Shoes
If I Were Your Woman
Feeling Alright
One Less Bell To Answer
Let It Be
I Don't Want To Do Wrong
One Step Away
Here I Am Again
How Can You Say That Ain't Love
Is There A Place (In His Heart For Me)
Everybody Is A Star
Signed Gladys
Your Love's Been Good For Me

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Good Morning Mr. Trucker

Around this time last year, I put together a road songs compilation. I decided to continue the tradition this year, but focus solely on truck driving songs (though a few of them, like Ravishing Ruby, aren't really about truck driving). And if you're dying for more truck driving songs, the excellent 1996 Rig Rock Deluxe comp put out by Diesel Only Records is still in print. (there's a temporary problem uploading pix, so I'll put it up tomorrow.)


Good Morning Mr. Trucker World Famous Blue Jays
Just A Few More Miles Dave Dudley
Truck Driving Joe Ken Clark
Miss Marie & The Bedford Blaze Marty Stuart
Nitro Express Bill Kirchen
Good Luck 'N' Truckin' Tonite Dale Watson
Truck Driver's Queen Moore & Napier
Truck Driver's Ride Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant
Truck Driver's Blues Rosie Flores
Roll On Big Mama Joe Stampley
Drag 'Em Off The Interstate, Sock It To 'Em J. P. Blues Dick Curless
Truck Drivin' Man (Live) Uncle Tupelo
Roll Truck Roll Terry Allen & The Panhandle Mystery Band
King Of The Open Road Red Sovine
Looking At The World Through A Windshield Del Reeves
Little Pink Mack Kay Adams
Semi-Crazy Junior Brown
Ravishing Ruby Tom T. Hall
Trucker's Rag Moon Mullican
Roll, Truck, Roll Red Simpson

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Chrissy Hynde and Emmylou Harris redux

As I mentioned when I posted a Chrissie Hynde and Emmylou Harris mixtape last year, for those of a certain age, Emmy and Chrissy really were the it girls of rock and country, respectively. In the ensuing years, Chrissy has gotten more country (okay, twangy) and Emmylou has gotten more rock and...... well, a volume 2 seemed like a good idea. (If you missed it the first time around, you can download Volume 1 here.)


Drivin' Wheel Emmylou Harris
Message Of Love The Pretenders
Born To Run. Emmylou Harris
(You Never Can Tell) C'est La Vie Emmylou Harris
Love's A Mystery The Pretenders
They'll Never Take His Love from Me Emmylou Harris
Show Me The Pretenders
My City Was Gone The Pretenders
High Powered Love Emmylou Harris
Talk Of The Town The Pretenders
Sweetheart Of The Pines Emmylou Harris
Never Do That The Pretenders
Spanish Johnny Emmylou Harris
Tulsa Queen Emmylou Harris
Rabo De Nube The Pretenders
Boulder to Birmingham Emmylou Harris
Stop Your Sobbing Pretenders

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Mann Up: An Aimee Mann Collection


About a month ago, a friend of mine got us tickets to see Aimee Mann in January. I also just happened to listening to Lost in Space and Bachelor No. 2 (her two best albums, imo) back to back, so I thought it was time to put together an Aimee Mann compilation. In addition to single cuts from her formal releases (including two of her 'Til Tuesday albums, but not from her Christmas album) there's a bunch of stuff from soundtracks, tribute albums, etc.


Coming Up Close
Fifty Years After The Fair
Sign Of Love
Two of Us
Little Bombs
Phoenix
You're With Stupid Now
Jimmy Hoffa Jokes
Reason To Believe
Momentum
The Great Beyond
High On Sunday 51
Nightmare Girl
At The Edge Of The World
The Other End (Of The Telescope)
You Do

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Saluting 70's Singer Songwriters


The term "singer songwriter" often invokes a certain amount of derision today - especially when you mention the 1970s in the same breath. And while there may be certain groups/artists (who shall remain nameless) in that category that haven't aged well or weren't so great to begin with, there were really a lot of great 70's singer songwriters, even if they weren't necessarily labeled as such. For your listening pleasure, then, here's 9 of my singer songwriter favorites.


Close My Eyes                   Arthur Russell
Oh Fernanda Why              Arthur Russell
Here Tonight                      Gene Clark
With Tomorrow                 Gene Clark
So Far Away                      Carole King
Brother, Brother                 Carole King
Speed Of Sound                 Chris Bell
Look Up                             Chris Bell
Future Song                       Curtis Mayfield
Keep On Keeping On        Curtis Mayfield
Inner City Blues                 Rodriguez
To Whom It May Concern Rodriguez
Campo De Encino              Harry Nilsson
Gotta Get Up                      Harry Nilsson
Brother                               Jorge Ben
Oba, Lá Vem Ela             Jorge Ben
Half Past France                 John Cale
Big White Cloud                John Cale

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

More Kinks, Jam, and Holly Golightly

As promised, here's disc two of The Kinks, The Jam and Holly Golightly. And if you're just discovering Holly Golightly and want more (and really, who wouldn't), I'd suggest starting here.


No Big Thing Holly Golightly
Did You See His Name? The Kinks
In The Crowd The Jam
Anyotherway Holly Golightly
Nothing In This World Can Stop Me Worryin' Bout That Girl The Kinks
Holloway Jail The Kinks
Time To Go Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs
Thick as Thieves The Jam
Picture Book The Kinks
And Your Bird Can Sing The Jam
Stoned Out of My Mind The Jam
Mellow Down Easy Holly Golightly
David Watts The Jam
Look For Me Baby Holly Golightly
Lola The Kinks

Friday, September 23, 2011

Absolutely Mod Out There: The Kinks, The Jam, and Holly Golightly


While it's still sticky and humid out here in the northeast, fall will soon be upon us which means (at least to me) that it's time for some Kinks, Jam and Holly Golightly. I'll post disc two next week.


Party Line The Kinks
Girl on the Phone The Jam
Mary-Ann Holly Golightly
Sally Go Round the Roses Holly Golightly
Monday The Jam
Gotta Get The First Plane Home The Kinks
Through Sun and Wine Holly Golightly
Who'll Be The Next In Line The Kinks
Town Called Malice The Jam
Trans-Global Express The Jam
She Said Holly Golightly
Big Black Smoke The Kinks
Time Will Tell Holly Golightly
Yo-Yo The Kinks
That's Entertainment The Jam

Friday, September 16, 2011

Ray Price: Night Life

I know I've been over indulging a bit in music from the early 1960s, but when I found out that Ray Price's superb 1963 release Night Life was out of print, I thought I owed it to folks to post it. Great selection of songs, Price's voice never sounded better, and a who's who of top studio musicians (Buddy Emmons and Jimmy Day on steel guitar, Pig Robbins on piano, Grady Martin on guitar, etc.)


Introduction and Theme/The Night Life
Lonely Street
The Wild Side Of Life
Sittin' And Thinkin'
The Twenty-Fourth Hour
A Girl In The Night
Pride
There's No Fool Like A Young Fool
If She Could See Me Now
Bright Lights And Blonde Haired Women
Are You Sure
Let Me Talk To You


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Nobody's Baby Now: 60s Pop and Soul Nuggets


I do realize that a lot more music is made (or at least formally released) today than 40-50 years ago, but it still surprises me how much good music from the 1960s (and 1970s) remained largely in obscurity. In that spirit, here's 22 1960s female soul and pop nuggets - a bunch of them made at least a little dent on the soul and pop charts of that time (it's mostly stuff from 1965-1968), but I tried to stay away from the big hits and really popular performers.


Broken Hearted Fool Inez Foxx
Please Don`t Wake Me The Cinderellas
Thank Goodness For The Rain Peanut
They Say Big Girls Don't Cry Beverly Williams
It's My Time Drew-Vels
There's Something the Matter Cynthia & The Imaginations
Don't Cry Irma & The Larks
My Lover Barbara & The Browns
Tainted Love Gloria Jones
Ev'ry Day Billie Davis
Putty in Your Hands Jean & the Statesides
What am I doing here with you Twinkle
Thrills and Chills Helene Smith
Mixed Up, Shook-Up Val McKenna
High flying bird Maggie Hammond
No One Else June Conquest
Talking About My Baby Gloria Walker
Selfish One Jackie Ross
Hurting Over You Boy Janet & The Jays
See If I Care Ria Bartok
Close Your Eyes Bonnie
I'm Nobody's Baby Now Reparata And The Delrons

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Triple Bill: Neko Case, Rachel Flotard, and Kelly Hogan

I keep hoping that the next time Neko Case tours, the opening acts will be her backup singers: Kelly Hogan and Rachel Flotard (of Visqueen). For a variety of reasons, that's unlikely to happen, so here's a mixtape of the three (and if you're just discovering Kelly Hogan and Rachel Flotard, I recommend both of Hogan's solo releases and Visqueen's King Me).


I'll Go To My Grave Loving You Kelly Hogan
Beautiful Amnesia Visqueen
Soulful Shade Of Blue Neko Case
Dreaming Man Neko Case
Papa Was A Rodeo Kelly Hogan & The Pine Valley Cosmonauts
Witchcraft Rachel Flotard (w/Jon Rauhouse)
Harbor Lights Kelly Hogan (w/Jon Rauhouse)
The Next Time You Say Forever Neko Case
Look Alive Visqueen
Last To Know Visqueen
(It's A Mighty Thin Line) Between Love And Hate Kelly Hogan & The Pine Valley Cosmonauts
Timber Neko Case & Her Boyfriends
Right Or Wrong Kelly Hogan
So Long Visqueen
Thrice All American Neko Case & Her Boyfriends

Thursday, August 25, 2011

More Dwight Yoakam

As promised, here's the second part of my Dwight Yoakam mixtape.


Pocket Of A Clown
I'll Go Back To Her
Playboy
Mystery Train
Truckin'
The Distance Between You And Me
Blame the Vain
The Sad Side Of Town
Cattle Call
It's Better This Way
Today I Started Loving You Again
Somewhere
Bury Me
I Just Got Wise
Things Change

Thursday, August 18, 2011

DWIGHT ON!


It's kind of easy to forget now, but Dwight Yoakam may have been the act most responsible for legitimating country music in the eyes of a lot 20somethings back in the mid 80s (there were other "new traditionalists" like Lyle Lovett, KD Lang, Steve Earle, etc, but I still think Dwight had the biggest impact). He's been lying low for the last couple of years, but he is back on Warner Brothers Records with a new cd slated for early 2012. So I figured it's a good time to remind people of Mr. Yoakam's music - the compilation is a mix of album tracks, rarities, and of course, a couple of duets. Side B (hey, my first encounter with Dwight was a Hillbilly Deluxe cassette my friend made me in 1987) is next week.


Sorry You Asked?
I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)
My Bucket's Got a Hole In It
New San Antonio Rose
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
Streets of Bakersfield
The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn
If You Were Me
Holding Things Together
Carmelita
If Teardrops Were Diamonds
Oh Lonesome Me
That's Okay
Some Dark Holler
Readin', Rightin', Rt. 23

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Do It The Soundway - Volume 2

As promised here's Volume 2 of the Soundway label mixtape. I should also point out that almost all of their releases are on emusic.com if you want to explore further (see my faves in last week's post).


Onwu Ama Dike St. Augustine & His Rovers Dance Band
Up Tight Los Silvertones
Acid Rock The Funkees
Noble Kings (yako Aba) Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings
Jazzy Los Papacitos
Me Voy PaLa Costa Rosendo Y Su Banda
Hedzoleh! Hedzoleh Soundz
El Lobo Wganda Kenya
West African Safari Sir Victor Uwaifo
Mampam Sukuruwe The Sweet Talks
Whore You? (Original 45 Version) Fela Ransome Kuti & The Africa 70

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Do It The Soundway


Given tonight's post of a Soundway Records label mix, I was going to talk about labels and their reputation and such, but I've got pretty much nothin' to say. But I do love the Soundway Records label - rare stuff, mostly Latin-American and African music from the 60s and 70s. My personal faves are the Ghana Special, Nigeria Rock Special, Nigeria Special, Afrobeat Special, and the Panama Vol 3, but for tonight's (and next week's Volume 2), I've chosen one track from each of the releases.


Panty Monsieur Dolor Et Les Guitar Boys
Elyoyo Wganda Kenya
Omelebele Dr Victor Olayas International All Stars
Lagos City Asiko
Exciters Theme The Exciters
Gendamou Na Wili We Gnannin T.p. Orchestre Poly-rythmo Soul
Lam Plearn The Petch Phin Thong Band
Suena Ahora Michi Sarmiento
Nite Safarie The Black Star Sound
Agboyabakpa James Etamobe & His All Weather Band
Egwu Aja Ofo The Black Company

Friday, July 22, 2011

Dig That Bap: A Bap Kennedy Sampler


I still remember getting the Irish singer Bap Kennedy's cd Lonely Street in 2000. I really liked his first two releases (Domestic Blues and Hillbilly Shakespeare), but I must confess to a bit skepticism in reading the liner notes as it seemed like a not so great concept album about Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. Well, let's just say it's a good thing I'm a skeptic rather than a cynic since Lonely Street soon became one of my all time favorite cds (if the term desert island discs still meant anything, I'd say it was one of mine). Really, it's hard to imagine a more perfect album from start to finish - every song is a gem, the sequencing is spot-on, and he makes the not quite a concept album concept work brilliantly.

Now his two albums (The Big Picture and Howl On) since then haven't quite matched up, but there are several splendid tracks and really, how could they compare? All of his releases are still available with the exception of Hillbilly Shakespeare (you can also get his solo releases as well as a lot of his stuff with 90s band Energy Orchard - at emusic.com)

According to his website, he's just completing a new cd, so to hold you over, here's a little sampler including several Energy Orchard tracks.


Lost Highway Bap Kennedy
My Money Bap Kennedy
Wasted Energy Orchard
Fireworks Bap Kennedy
Elvis Hank and Me Bap Kennedy
Dirty Old Town Bap Kennedy
Tell Your Mother Energy Orchard
Irish Moon Bap Kennedy
Hey Joe Bap Kennedy
Born To Lose Bap Kennedy
I'm No Angel Energy Orchard
Sailortown Energy Orchard
My Sweet Love Aint Around Bap Kennedy
The Beautiful Country Bap Kennedy
Hanks Last Waltz Bap Kennedy

Friday, July 15, 2011

Nightcaps at David Lynch's - Side B


As promised here's Side B (well, you could fit them both on a 90 minute cassette ;) of Nightcaps at David Lynch's.


Love Letters Carol Hadley
You Can Depend On Me Brenda Lee
Oh What I Wouldn't Give Jimmy Scott
Black Night Johnnie Morisette
Bring It On Home Sonny Boy Williamson
Midnight Blues The Detroit Cobras
White Trees Flat Duo Jets
Red Bats With Teeth Angelo Badalamenti
Trouble Is A Lonesome Town Lee Hazelwood
The Cold Hard Facts Of Life Porter Wagoner
Farewell Good Night's Sleep Lay Low
Funeral In The Rain Chris Isaak
The Comedians Roy Orbison
Anything To Say You're Mine Etta James
Town Without Pity Gene Pitney

Friday, July 8, 2011

Nightcaps at David Lynch's


I was a big fan of the movie Blue Velvet when it came out back in the late 1980s. But it'd been almost twenty years since I'd seen it when I happened to come across it while channel surfing a while back. I'd always loved the use of Roy Orbison music in the movie, but when I watched it again, I remembered how much I liked the music of the late 1950s and early 1960s. For a long time, the period was dismissed as a wasteland - i.e. the period between Elvis' heyday and the Beatles. I think the period has since been redeemed in a lot of folks' eyes - sometimes we need a little revisionist history, right. :) I mean, there's just something about the weirdly understated melancholy and the lugubrious (in the very best sense of the term) piano in so many songs from that time period that I love - perfect for drinking (or drunk slow dancing) late at night at a bar straight off the set of a David Lynch movie. So here's a bunch of cuts from that time period as well as other songs that really should have been written in 1960. :) I'll post Side B next week.


Blue Velvet Bobby Vinton
But Not For Me Ketty Lester
Smoke Rings Sam Cooke
The Beast Milt Buckner
Reconsider Baby Lowell Fulson
Tired Of Being Shoved Around Gay Crosse
Since I Fell For You Nina Simone
Blue Moon Elvis Presley
I've Lost My Heart to You Charlie Rich
Cry On Irma Thomas
Rockin' Back Inside My Heart Julee Cruise
A Girl I Used To Know George Jones
When You Need a Laugh Patsy Cline
Porchlight Neko Case & Her Boyfriends
The Little White Cloud That Cried Johnnie Ray

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Nova Bossa: Red Hot on Verve

The Red Hot Organization just put out Red Hot and Rio 2 on Tuesday - it's a mix of newer and older artists (Brazilian and non-Brazilian) covering 60s and 70s Tropicalia tunes. I just downloaded it today, so I've only had the chance to listen to a few songs (which were quite good, btw). The first Red Hot and Rio is still available as a download, but the companion cd Nova Bossa: Red Hot on Verve, which is pretty much a Brazilian super-hits (in the best sense of the term) of the 60s and 70s is completely out of print. Now, I'm sure, even if you're not a Brazilian music fan, you've heard some of the cuts (yes, The Girl from Ipanema is on there), but, well, ....... I'll put it this way - it's a great introduction to Brazilian music even if you don't need an introduction.


A Felicidade Agostinho Dos Santos
Agua De Beber Astrud Gilberto & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Interlude #1 Various Artists
The Girl From Ipanema Stan Getz & João Gilberto
Bim Bom João Gilberto
Insensatez Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfá
Bicho Do Mato Walter Wanderly
Mas Que Nada Tamba Trio
Interlude #2 Various Artists
Surfboard Roberto Menescal E Seu Conjunto
Interlude #3 Various Artists
Desafinado Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd
Interlude #4 Various Artists
After Sunrise Sergio Mendes
Consolacao Baden Powell
Upa Neguinho Edu Lobo
Interlude #5 Various Artists
Superbacana Caetano Veloso
Interlude #6 Various Artists
Aquele Abraco Gilberto Gil
Interlude #7 Various Artists
Agua de Marco Elis Regina & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Corcovado Stan Getz & João Gilberto

Thursday, June 23, 2011

'Bout Big Sandy and His Fly Rite Boys


Don't get me wrong. I dig Big Sandy's rockabilly, western swing and country stuff. And they're still a great live band even without a pedal steel player (just saw 'em a couple of weeks ago). But, man, it's Big Sandy's crooning that I like the most (just check out The Night is for Dreamers and Dedicated to You on this comp). Well, I can always hope that he'll put out his crooner album when he gets a little older. Speaking of albums, if you're new to Big Sandy, I'd definitely start with It's Time. After that, you can't really go wrong with any of his stuff (or the mostly instrumental album the Fly-Rite Boys put out).


Power of the 45 (Pt. 1) Big Sandy And His Fly-Rite Boys
Draggen-It Boogie Big Sandy And The Fly-Rite Trio
Backdoor Dan Big Sandy & the Fly Rite Boys
Steel Crazy Biller & Wakefield
46-24-46 Big Sandy w/ The Martini Kings
The Night Is For Dreamers Big Sandy And His Fly-Rite Boys
Catalina Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys
Silent Partner Big Sandy and Los Straitjackets
Honky Tonk Queen Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Chica Alborotada Los Straitjackets (w/Big Sandy)
Hot Water Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Jake's Barber Shop Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Playgirl Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
D. of L. Boogie Fly Rite Boys
Dedicated to You Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
My Sinful Days Are Over Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Let Her Know Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

Thursday, June 16, 2011

All That Funky Stuff - Volume 2

As promised, here's volume 2 of my pop/funk/disco/punk compilation.


That's Not My Name The Ting Tings
Don't Give Up Noisettes
Good Beat Deee-Lite
Funky Stuff Lizzy Mercier Descloux
Dance or Die Janelle Monáe
Sugar Ladytron
The Man with the 4-Way Hips Tom Tom Club
Walking In The Rain Grace Jones
Shove It (Feat. Spankrock) Santogold
Stuck to You Nikka Costa
Listen Up! Gossip
Don't Bring Me Down Labelle
Space Children Labelle
Call Me Blondie

Thursday, June 9, 2011

All That Funky Stuff


When working out at my gym this past winter, I frequently became a tad anguished by the music they would blast. Part of my annoyance was the choice of songs as well as the fact that I'd hear the same ones (Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" was probably the main culprit) over and over. I realize the radio station (and the gym) aren't targeting my age demographic, but, well, .... I still wish they'd play some different music. In the spirit of being constructive, here's my alternative - a female artists pop, funk, punk, disco mashup of sorts. I'll put up volume 2 next week.

(P.S. I apologize for the name - I couldn't think of anything else. :)


On The Line Again Tom Tom Club
I Sweat (Going Through the Motions) Nona Hendryx
Say Aha Santogold
Hanging on the Telephone Blondie
Rapture Blondie
The Count Of Monte Christo Noisettes
Shut Up And Let Me Go The Ting Tings
How Do You Say...Love Deee-lite
Hard-Boiled Babe Lizzy Mercier Descloux
Dimestore Diamond Gossip
Everybody Got Their Something Nikka Costa
L' Éléphant Tom Tom Club
Get You Somebody New - Labelle
Faster Janelle Monáe

Thursday, June 2, 2011

In the Winner's Circle With Paul Burch


I do realize the blog's been a little heavy on the alternative country lately, but I couldn't resist posting a Paul Burch mixtape tonight. Maybe it's just because his stuff is just made for sitting on a porch in the summer (not that I've lived in a place with a porch since college). And if you're a newbie to Mr. Burch, all his records are still available for purchase. (I recommend, in particular, Pan-American Flash, Wire to Wire, and Fool For Love.)


Winner's Circle
Life of a Fool
Can't Go Back To Baton Rouge
The Pilgrim (Chapter 33)
Waiting for My Ship
Mama Shoo'd the Blackbirds
Daddy Rhythm Guitar
Little Glass Of Wine
Carter Cain
Saturday Night Jamboree
Drifting Texas Sand
Baby I Ain't Gotta Do That No More
Living, Forgiving
Lovesick Blues Boy
How Do I Know?

Thursday, May 26, 2011

A Town South of Bakersfield - Volumes 1 & 2


As promised last week, here's the out of print Town South of Bakersfield - Volumes 1 & 2. As you can see, it featured a lot of folks who would go onto much bigger things (which includes Pete Anderson of Pete and Big Shots). Volume 3, btw, is still available for purchase (it's not quite as good as Vol 1, but there's several standout track including the Coal Porters' Cracking at the Seams.) Anyway, here's some prime alternative country - before the term even existed. :)


What Am I Waiting For Jim Lauderdale
We Get Along Just Fine (When We're Apart) Crazy Heart
Mister Love Re Winkler, Anne Harvey & Ree Van Vleck
Tell Me A Lie Candye Kane
Driftin' Man Jeffrey Steele
Louisville Jann Browne
Let There Be Love Dave Durham
Dark Side Of Life Lucinda Williams
Venice Skyline Rag Pete & The Bigshots
Somewhere Down The Road James Intveld
Heartbreak Train Rosie Flores & Albert Lee
Baby, I'll Show You Billy Swan
Lonesome Pine The Lonesome Strangers
Love And Only Love Katy Moffatt
Big Big Love The Eddys
I'll Be Gone Dwight Yoakam
Happy Hour Tin Star
Waitin' Up George Highfill
I'm Not Over You Kathy Robertson
Same Old Fool Reach For The Sky

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Rig Rock Jukebox (and Truck Stop)

          When doing my alternative country show in the 90s, I always had a fondness for compilation cds from a particular region/scene. One of my faves from this period was Rig Rock Jukebox - a collection from the Diesel Only label of primarily New York City based alt-country acts (actually, the cd came out several years before that term was coined. It's been out of print for some time now, as is the follow-up collection from Diesel Only (which featured bands from all over). The latter isn't quite as consistently good, but I still think they both hold up pretty well. (Oh, and the third Diesel Only collection, Rig Rock Deluxe, an all trucking songs collection, is still in print and the best of them all.)


Good Morning Mr. Trucker World Famous Blue Jays
Punk Rockin' Honky Tonk Girl The Blue Chieftains
Miss Fabulous Mumbo Gumbo
Leaving Angel Dean & The Zephyrs
Why I Drink Go To Blazes
Hands Off Courtney & Western
Baltimore Five Chinese Brothers
Two Hearts The Twanglers
Messed Up Thing Gwil Owen
Do It For Hank World Famous Blue Jays
I Think Hank Woulda Done It This Way The Blue Chieftains
New Blue Yodel (Blue Yodel #14) Mark Brine
Good Morning Mr. Afternoon Mumbo Gumbo
97 Miles Go To Blazes
Diplomat Courtney & Western
Diesel Only Theme (Inst.) World Famous Blue Jays


UFOs, Big Rigs & BBQ Mojo Nixon And The World Famous Blue Jays
Diesel Dazey Killbilly
Hot Black Coffee Gwil Owen
Life Preserver Angel Dean & The Zephyrs
She's A Waitress (And I'm In Love) Five Chinese Brothers
Cheeseburger Deluxe World Famous Blue Jays
Lovin' You Is Killin' Me Courtney & Western
After The Hurricane The Blue Chieftains
Messed Up Again Go To Blazes
Cheater's World Amy Allison and the Maudlins
Woke Up Surreal McCoys
Out Of The Frying Pan (Into Desire) Wheelers And Dealers
Chug-A-Lug Mojo Nixon And The World Famous Blue Jays
Too Much Coffee Gwil Owen
Hoedown In The Sky Jean Caffeine's All Night Truckstop
Ricky Skaggs Tonite Will Rigby
Second Best Angel Dean & The Zephyrs
Hotel Albert Joe Flood
Am I In Love Courtney & Western
Cookin' With Jay (Instr.) World Famous Blue Jays

Friday, May 13, 2011

Bobby, Bill, and William


Just as it was hard finding an image for this week's mixtape, it's equally difficult coming up with something meaningful to say about Bobby Womack, Bill Withers, and William Bell collectively. They're different kinds of performers with different career trajectories. But, like the compilation subheading says, they all seem to be under-appreciated in contemporary discussions of 60s and 70s soul. So here's a little reminder of their greatness.


Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday William Bell
The Same Love That Made Me Laugh Bill Withers
When Love Begins Friendship Ends Bobby Womack
Love Ain't Something You Can Get for Free Bobby Womack
Boy Meets Girl William Bell and Mavis Staples
I Can't Write Left-Handed Bill Withers
Nothing Takes The Place Of You William Bell
If You Don't Want My Love Bobby Womack And J.J. Johnson
Heartbreak Road Bill Withers
I Wish You Well Bill Withers
American Dream Bobby Womack
Lovin' On Borrowed Time William Bell
Liza Bill Withers
Baby! You Oughta Think It Over Bobby Womack
Let Me In Your Life Bill Withers
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye William Bell
Share What You Got (But Keep What You Need) William Bell
California Dreamin' Bobby Womack

Thursday, May 5, 2011

A Taste of Caetano Veloso


This post is a little later than usual because I've been having some computer issues (the hard drive from my old computer won't spin in its new enclosure) and, as you can see, some issues coming up with a decent name for tonight's Caetano Veloso mixtape - I tried to look up some stuff in Portuguese, but I didn't want to mangle the language. But the picture is pretty cool, right? :)


Chora Tua Tristeza
Gua
Tropicalia
Um Tom
Blues
Eleanor Rigby
Get Out Of Town
Wait Until Tomorrow
Quando Eu Penso Na Bahia
Chuvas De Verão
Baiao da Penha
Body And Soul
Pecado
Nine Out Of Ten
Enquanto Seu Lobo Não Vem
Samba Em Paz
Carolina
Charles, Anjo 45

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sucking in the '70s - Volume 3


As I've mentioned when I posted my previous 70s comps (you can find Vol 1 here and Vol 2 here), I don't really believe in the notion of guilty pleasures. Still, I do feel compelled to defend my inclusion of Afternoon Delight in Volume 3. See, I still can't quite believe that a song about afternoon sex ever became a big hit. I know it was that particular moment in the 70s and it's got that weird wholesome quality, but still its ineffable weirdness always makes me oddly happy..... The other thing that fascinates me about the Starland Vocal Band is the fact that they actually got their own television variety show in 1977 - granted, it was a summer replacement series and variety shows were big at the time (Captain and Tenille got a variety show, but hey they had two hits :), but I'd really love to know the reasoning of the network exec that approved the show (and did they have to sing Afternoon Delight on every episode?). Adding to my fascination with the SVB show is that a young David Letterman was one of the writers.

Oh well, I guess that's enough rationalizing. Here's the songlist.


You Took The Word Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) Meat Loaf
I Wanna Get Next To You Rose Royce
Love Will Find A Way Pablo Cruise
Funk #49 Joe Walsh
Garden Party Rick Nelson And The Stone Canyon Band
Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do) Aretha Franklin
You and Me Alice Cooper
Horse With No Name America
Fire On The Mountain Marshall Tucker Band
Dream Weaver Gary Wright
Could It Be I'm Falling In Love The Spinners
Afternoon Delight Starland Vocal Band
Drift Away Dobie Gray
Angel In Your Arms Hot
What Is Life George Harrison
Pure Love Ronnie Milsap
Sweet Emotion Aerosmith
Midnight Train to Georgia Gladys Knight & The Pips
The Most Beautiful Girl Charlie Rich
Heroes David Bowie

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Shelby and Allison


If, in the mid 90s, you had to bet on which Moorer sister (Shelby Lynne or Allison) would have made it big, who would you have bet on? I think I would have bet on Shelby since Allison's voice is a tad idiosyncratic (she does sound a bit like Cher, which is fine if you're Cher, but I think's it's a little problematic in terms of a mainstream country audience). Alas, neither has sold a lot of records, though they've both put out some dandies (The Hardest Part and The Duel for Allison and I am Shelby Lynne and Just a Little Lovin' for Shelby are my faves). They also have performed together (see the pix to the right) so here's a sisterly comp for folks to enjoy.


Leavin' Shelby Lynne
Alabama Song Allison Moorer
Home Sweet Home Shelby Lynne
One on the House Allison Moorer
Goodbye To The Ground Allison Moorer
10 Rocks Shelby Lynne
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? Allison Moorer
Don't Think Twice It's Alright Shelby Lynne
Bring Me All Your Lovin' Allison Moorer
Johnny Met June Shelby Lynne
Tumbling Down Allison Moorer
Don't Get Around Much Anymore Shelby Lynne
The One That Got Away (Got Away With My Heart) Allison Moorer
Willie And Laura Mae Jones Shelby Lynne
I Only Want To Be With You Shelby Lynne
I'm Looking For Blue Eyes Allison Moorer
Tarpoleon Napoleon Shelby Lynne
Feeling That Feeling Again Allison Moorer

Thursday, April 14, 2011

More Graham Parker

As promised, here's Disc Two of my Graham Parker collection.


Paralyzed
They Murdered The Clown
Maneuvers
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
Comfortably Numb
Stick To Me
No More Excuses
Little Miss Understanding
The Rest is History
Haunted Episodes
Just Like Joe Meek's Blues
2000 Funerals
Break Them Down
Passion Is No Ordinary Word

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Get Started: 27 Selections from the Graham Parker Songbook (Disc One)


I may be a little addled lately (I think it's something I got on the plane last weekend sitting next to sneezing guy), but I do realize that not all of the songs on this Graham Parker collection were written by GP. But regular readers of the blog know I'm a sucker for obscurities and cuts from tribute albums, so how could I leave off Graham's cover of Richard Thompson's The Madness of Love?? Anyway, along with said obscurities, I've included one track from just about every GP studio release. (I'll post disc two next week.)


Get Started, Start A Fire
Get over It and Move On
The Madness of Love
Museum Of Stupidity
Blue Horizon
Natalie
Bring Me A Heart Again
Howlin' Wind
Devil's Sidewalk
Impenetrable
You Hit the Spot
Sounds Like Chains
I Discovered America

Thursday, March 31, 2011

I'm Living in the 80's! (Again)


Something about dreary March weather brings out my fondness for 80s post-punk. Discs one and two are still available here and now here's disc three.


The Killing Moon Echo And The Bunnymen
Transmission Joy Division
The Hanging Garden The Cure
Madam Butterfly Malcolm McLaren
La Femme Accident Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Love Letters Alison Moyet
Pink Frost The Chills
I'm Not Losing Sleep Julian Cope
My Perfect Cousin The Undertones
I Can't Hold On Squeeze
Big Sister's Clothes Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Otis Duritti Column
Street Hassle Simple Minds
Hong Kong Garden Siouxsie & The Banshees
Ultraviolence New Order
Haunted When The Minutes Drag Love & Rockets
She Doesn't Exist Robyn Hitchcock & the Egyptians
How Soon Is Now The Smiths

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Fine and Malo


Listening to Music for All Occasions and What a Crying Shame recently, I really think The Mavericks were one of the few bands to straddle the mainstream country and alternative country worlds successfully. Raul Malo's solo career has been a little inconsistent, but I'd rank his 2010 release Sinners and Saints right up there with the best of his Mavericks stuff. Anyway, I tried to include a song from each of his Mavericks and solo releases along with a bunch of obscurities.


Matter Much To You Raul Malo
Are You Lonesome Tonight The Mavericks
Call Me The Breeze The Mavericks
Malo Bailare (El Merecumbe) Raul Malo
Here Comes My Baby The Mavericks
San Jose The Mavericks
Blue Moon The Mavericks
True Love Ways The Mavericks
World Without Love The Mavericks
Excuse Me (I Think I've Got A Heartache) The Mavericks
Love Me The Mavericks
Siboney Los Super Seven
All That Heaven Will Allow The Mavericks
You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go Raul Malo
Keep Moving On The Mavericks
Black Is Black Raul Malo (w/Los Straitjackets)
Haunting Me Raul Malo
Dolores The Mavericks
My Secret Flame The Mavericks
Since When Raul Malo

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Rubáiyát


Since Jac Holzman is being inducted in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, I thought it would be apropos to post the out of print 1990 Rubaiyat collection from Holzman's Elektra label. The set features Elektra artists at the time covering Elektra artists from (mostly) the 60s and 70s. While it's not a perfect collection, the choice cuts, interesting oddities and guilty pleasures outweigh the dross (I'll let the listeners decide which is which. :) It's a two disc collection, but just one (large) download.

Late update: http://try-to-be-amused.blogspot.com has Rubaiyat: The Originals which is the versions by the original Elektra artists. Nice!

Even later update: I've uploaded Rubaiyat: The Originals, but I think it might be it missing
a couple of tracks because it's such a big file.


Hello I Love You The Cure
House Of The Rising Sun Tracy Chapman
Seven & Seven Is Billy Bragg
I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing Jevetta Steele
Hotel California Gipsy Kings
Werewolves Of London The Black Velvet Band
Motorcycle Mama Sugarcubes
One Meatball Shinehead
Bottle Of Wine The Havalinas
Born In Chicago Pixies
You're So Vain Faster Pussycat
Marquee Moon Kronos Quartet
Get Ourselves Together Phoebe Snow
Tokoloshe Man Happy Mondays
Let's Go Ernie Isley
Going Down Lynch Mob
A Little Bit Of Rain Ambitious Lovers
You Belong To Me Anita Baker
Road To Cairo Howard Jones
Kick Out the Jams The Big F
Almost Saturday Night / Rockin' All Over the World The Georgia Satellites
Hello, I Am Your Heart Sara Hickman
Make it With You Teddy Pendergrass
The Blacksmith Linda Ronstadt
Going Going Gone Robin Holcomb, Wayne Horvitz & Bill Frisell
First Girl I Loved Jackson Browne
These Days 10,000 Maniacs
Stone Cold Crazy Metallica
Apricot Brandy Danny Gatton
Union Man Shaking Family
One More Parade They Might Be Giants
I Can't Tell You Why Howard Hewett
Mt. Airy Groove Leaders Of The New School
You Brought The Sunshine Shirley Murdock
Inbetween Days John Eddie
Love Wars The Beautiful South
Both Sides Now Michael Feinstein
T.V. Eye John Zorn
Hello, I Love You [Slight Return] The Cure

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Morrissey and Bobby Bare Jr.


Even if Bobby Bare Jr. hadn't covered The Smiths' What Differences Does it Make, putting Morrissey and Bobby Bare Jr. together is kind of an obvious choice (given that Bobby's song Monk at the Disco immediately conjures up, at least in my mind, The Smith's Vicar in a Tutu). And while obviousness may destroy comedy, sometimes obvious choices are the best ones.


Borrow Your Girl Bobby Bare Jr
Rusholme Ruffians The Smiths
Snuggling World Championships Bobby Bare Jr.
I Started Something I Couldn't Finish The Smiths
What Difference Does It Make Bobby Bare Jr.
Certain People I Know Morrissey
You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side Morrissey
Motel Time Again Bobby Bare Jr.
Suedehead Morrissey
I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing Bobby Bare, Jr.
Vicar In A Tutu The Smiths
The Monk At The Disco Bobby Bare Jr.
I Don't Mind If You Forget Me Morrissey
Rock And Roll Halloween Bobby Bare Jr.
Sad Smile Bobby Bare Jr.
Pretty Girls Make Graves The Smiths
Ocean Size Bobby Bare Jr.
Sheila Take A Bow The Smiths

Thursday, February 24, 2011

More Lucinda Williams!!


As promised, here's another batch of Lucinda rarities, duets, contributions to tribute albums, etc. (Listening to Lucinda's contributions to various tribute albums, I gotta say I'm glad that's become a bigger trend over the last 20 years, even if there have been a bunch of subpar ones.)

(Late update - I forgot to mention that all the songs are tagged with the albums they initially came from in the comments section.)


Hard Times Killing Floor Blues
Very Road
Honey Chile
Bonnie Portmore
Nothin'
A Song For You
Door #1
Room To Room
Pancakes
Down The Big Road Blues
Cold, Cold Heart
Farther Along
Angels Laid Him Away
Reunion

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Lu's Blues: Obscurities, Duets, Etc. - Volume One


Geez, I really don't what to say to introduce my collection of Lucinda Williams' obscurities, duets, tribute album contributions, etc (what can I say - it's been a long week). So how 'bout just enjoy it (with Volume 2 to follow next week) and let it serve as a reminder that her new album Blessed comes out on Tuesday, March 1.


Precious Memories (w/Hayseed)
Pyramid of Tears
Main Road
The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan
Somebody Somewhere (Don't Know What He's Missin' Tonight)
Still I Long For Your Kiss
Lately
Two Of Us (w/Doug Pettibone)
Sleepless Nights
Here in California
Cowboys To Girls (w/Chris Gaffney)
You Don't Have Very Far To Go
Dark Side Of Life
Come To Me Baby

Thursday, February 10, 2011

I Just Don't Know What to do With Myself - Volume 3

Yes, it's time once again for songs of remorse, recriminations, revenge and regret. So here's Volume 3 of anti-Valentine's day songs. (If you're feeling so inclined, you can also download Vol 1 and Vol 2.)


I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself The White Stripes
The Hurting Business Chuck Prophet
White Lies Jason & the Scorchers
Valentine Bobby Bare Jr's Young Criminals' Starvation League
992 arguments The O'Jays
You Left the Water Running Otis Redding
Rock Bottom, Pop. 1 Robbie Fulks
Christine's Tune The Flying Burrito Brothers
I'm Not Bitter The Minus 5
The Love I Lost, Pt. 1 Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
Rip Off Laura Lee
Heart Of Stone The Raveonettes
He Was Gone Shannon McArdle
I Could Hurt You Now Aimee Mann
Your Lies Shelby Lynne
Your Good Thing (Is About To End) Mable John
You're No Good Betty Everett
I Don't Want You Toni Price
Can't Let Go Lucinda Williams
The Needle Has Landed Neko Case