NanciNet Digest 12-30-02
// Unless the list gets VERY active in the next 24 hours, this will
// likely be the last digest of this year. Hope next year brings all
// good things to you and yours.
// After a bit of administrivia, we look at a few lists and a concert
// report. The last couple of posts are very long, and almost totally
// non-Nanci content, but you might find them interesting!
// Enjoy...[BP]
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Administrative notes:
1. Please remember to send your messages in plain ASCII text, NOT HTML. If
you forget, your post will get hung up in cyberspace until I get around to
cleaning the HTML tags from the message and sending it on.
2. There has been some confusion lately about how to reach me directly. My
email address is at the end of every digest, but here it is again:
bpage3@yahoo.com
3. Remember also that subscription requests go to majordomo@world.std.com,
not to the nancinet itself.
4. Last but not least, someone asked me the other day how many list members
we have. While this number changes daily, as of the last count there were
234 on the unmoderated list, and 662 on this digest list (with, of course,
some duplications...I'm on both lists, with more than one address on the
unmoderated one!). For so many people, the list has been fairly quiet in
recent years.
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Subject: NN: Nanci Concert in Tucson
From: "Jeffrey Askren" (taskren1@cox.net>
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 23:15:37 -0700
I am a returning Nanci Net subscriber. (everything got messed up when @home
closed down). Anyway just wanted to let you all know Nanci was in Tucson,
the 19th of Dec. Had to be the best concert I have ever seen Nanci in. It
was her brothers birthday (he lives here in Tucson), and the whole crowd
sang happy birthday. Unfortunately, Nanci revealed some terrible news. Her
mother passed away the friday before. As you can imagine it was a very
emotional concert. She sang most of the songs off her DVD concert, including
my favorite, her version of Boots of Spanish Leather. As always, I look
forward to her return to Arizona. This was the fourth time I have seen her,
and I will never miss a show if she is within driving distance.
P.S. Nanci if you read these posts, I hoped that if you visited Linda
Ronstadt she would have brought you by our business. She and I have mutual
friends and she frequents our store during the holidays. I was praying.
Didn't happen.
Thanks again Nanci for the great evening
Toby Askren
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Subject: NN: Sad news
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 08:09:13 -0500
From: "James Troiano" (James_Troiano@umit.maine.edu>
Hi folks: I was sorry to hear that Nanci's mom passed on. Nanci's wonderful
music has helped me deal with unhappy events in my life and I hope that she
received solace from her friends, family, and music. That was a great review
of the Arizona concert and it looks like she has lost nothing of what has
led us love her. Best wishes for the holiday,
Jim
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Subject: NN: Top 10
From: "Matt Bloomfield" (mail@mattbloomfield.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 21:13:06 -0000
Here's my Top 10 as submitted to Shelly.
Jewel - This Way
Alanis Morissette - Under Rug Swept
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Avril Lavigne - Let Go
Chris Issak - Always Got Tonight
Steve Earle - Jerusalem
Nanci Griffith - Winter Marquee
Dixie Chicks - Home
Dolly Parton - Halos and Horns
Beth Nielsen Chapman - Deeper Still
Matt
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Subject: NN: Lost Him In The Sun
From: "John Graveling" (kai21@dial.pipex.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 16:19:22 -0000
Those in the U.K. who tune in to BBC Radio 2 in the mornings would have been
awoken on this Christmas Eve at 7.05 to the joyful sound of Nanci singing
"Lost Him In The Sun". What a wonderful way to start the Christmas
festivities. Boy did it sound good. So much so that I must go and dig "Clock
Without Hands" out and give it another spin, it's been a while.
Happy Christmas to all those out there who I have met over the years and who
are now good friends, and to those I have not met, but whose knowledgable
writings I keep on reading.
Take care, be safe, and have fun!!!!
John "no, not Santa Claus" Graveling
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Subject: NN: Christmas
From: "Enric Alonso" (boots@cconline.es>
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 21:07:39 +0100
Dear Friends,
>From Barcelona, I wish you to all the best for the next year.
Bon Nadal a tots!
Enric
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Subject: NN: Season's Greetings
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 08:57:08 +0000
From: "Graham Shipley" (gshipley@perioikos.u-net.com>
To all list members, of whatever religion or none, Season's Greetings and
best wishes for 2003. This year we've all lost friends, sometimes lost our
nearest and dearest, but with each other's support, the love of those close
to us, and the joy we find in music we can continue to grow and to give.
Graham
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Subject: NN: Top 10
From: "Tony Cox" (tonycox@pacific.net.au>
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 19:00:22 +1100
Well, here I am with my brand new laptop and a cup of strong hot
tea (one of life's great gifts) all ready to share the sounds
that have had me emoting in various ways over the last year. So
here goes:
my top ten 2002 releases:
1 Patti Griffin - 1000 Kisses
This year's standout album for me - probably the only one
that will make my all-time list. Great songs movingly sung -
what more can you ask?
2 Jackson Browne - Naked Ride Home
His best since the 70s IMO - some vintage Jackson here.
I love the production on these songs - rich without being
overdone, it lifts even some of the less inspiring material onto
an enjoyable level.
3 Alanis Morissette - Under Rug Swept
OK, she's very much last decade's big thing, but I've
never been one to let unfashionability stand in the way of my
enjoyment of a good song, and there are plenty of those on this
album.
4 Steve Earle - Jerusalem
Nice to know the voice of protest in (folk) music is not
yet completely extinguished.
5 Nancy Griffiths (j/k!) - Winter Marquee
Included here on the strength of the DVD version with its
extra material.
6 Sara Storer - Beautiful Circle
A dinky-di Aussie country singer who sings in proper
"Strine" (as opposed to the wonderful Kasey who performs in the
American tradition.) Simple songs well-performed with a touch of
magic now and again.
7 Lisa Miller - Car Tape
A versatile Australian singer doing a great job on some
less well-known covers - reminds me of Kimmie Rhodes in parts.
8 Ani Di Franco - So Much Shouting...
If Steve Earle is the king of protest, Ani is the
Queen - all hail! A live set with many highlights.
9 James Taylor - October Road
As smooth and soothing as ever - we all have times for
stuff like this. Another fine return to form.
10 Avril Lavigne - Let Go
Just making a point here: as singles-chart pop music
goes, I'm much happier seeing it go in this direction that the
way of a) boy bands b) TV popstar competition winners c)
mediocre r n' b acts or d) the singer-as-showgirl phenomenon a la
Madonna, Britney, Christina, Kylie and the rest. And
"Complicated" gets my vote for most enjoyable pop single of the
year.
Releases I haven't yet heard in full but I'm sure I'd love
include those from Lynn Miles, Tori Amos, Shana Morrison and
Beck.
Best release of previously recorded (live) material:
Joint winners:
Grateful Dead - Steppin' Out - England 1972
sunshine daydream indeed!!
Bob Dylan - Live 1975
classic stuff from the master.
Newly discovered gems released in previous years:
Jali Musa Jawara - Soubindoor
Exquisite kora playing and soaring vocals - this may well be
the most spiritually uplifting music I've ever heard.
Shawn Colvin - Cover Girl
I'm loving Shawn more and more as time goes on. This has to
be my all-time favourite album of cover versions - her vocal
inflections produce so many spine-tingling moments. Also love
her recent DVD release in the "Music in high places" series.
Loudon Wainwright - Last Man On Earth
One of the great neglected masterpieces, IMO. And yikes, he
certainly nails some home-truths in this one!
Hem - Rabbit Songs
Thanks to Christina for this recommendation. Peace and
harmony are words that spring to mind on listening to this gem
from Hem (!)
And finally, my life achievement award this year goes to...
Blondie! ... for delivering some of the most joyous pop music of
all time. I "rediscover" them every time a new compilation comes
out - in this case the DVD hits. So what if she's now old and
has cellulite - Debbie Harry will forever be a sweetheart!
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Subject: NN: Merry Christmas
From: "Molly Prive" (prive@charter.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 02:42:23 -0800
Merry Christmas to all on the NanciNet. I got the Winter Marquee DVD and
loved it. Nanci looked and sounded great. A lot of fun.
Thank you to the "poster" from Tucson. It was weird to have that lone
concert, but now it makes sense. Amazing that NG could have the strength to
perform with all that was happening in her life at this time.
Isn't it strange that she would announce a year's sabbatical? Don't most
artists just disappear from the radar? I think it's great that she would
clue her fans in, she must know we anticipate her schedule!! :) (There are
some artists that I WISH would disappear for a LONG TIME! I just don't care
that much who Jennifer Lopez is engaged to this time!!)
I didn't post a top ten to Shelley, I just don't buy very many CD's. But I
would like to mention that I have been hooked on Patty Griffin's 1,000
Kisses. "There's nothing left at all in the end of being proud, with me
riding in this car and you flying through them clouds."
Happy Holidays!
Molly
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Subject: NN: Nanci's sabbatical
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 22:13:53 -0800 (PST)
From: "Reid Mitchell" (reidmitchell@yahoo.com>
Dear Molly and folks-in-general--
How many years ago was it that Nanci announced a PERMANENT retirement from
touring? Announcements comes and announcements go. I would be delighted to
learn she is taking a long amount of time off, because I'd hope it'd mean
she could write more songs, but I think that's like asking a bird to sing
less and lay more eggs--it's Nanci's nature to perform, performing is her
"wall of death"--the nearest thing to being alive.
Happy New Year!
Reid "semi-coherant at midnight" Mitchell
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Subject: NN: Re:
From: ChocChippy@aol.com
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 14:10:14 EST
In a message dated 12/23/02 4:01:14 PM, davidtsteere" writes:
>>>Even Natalie's very odd mimicking of Patty's voice [on the Dixie Chicks'
Home] when she performs Patty Griffin songs is really a pleasure at the
end.(((
I've noticed that people who cover Patty Griffin tend to sound like her!
Melissa Ferrick covered Griffin's "Moses" on her Valentine Heartache album,
and you could hear the writer in the singing voice.
Kathleen W.
np: Ronnie Gilbert/Holly Near (reissue of the 1983 show at Great American
Music Hall).
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Subject: NN: U.K. TV appearance
From: "John Graveling" (kai21@dial.pipex.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 20:52:18 -0000
Sunday 29th, Nanci is appearing on the Heaven & Earth show at 11.15 on BBC1.
It is a religious show, and it is tracing the effect religion has on certain
types of music. All in the U.K. will have access. Enjoy.
John Graveling
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Subject: Re: NN: U.K. TV appearance
From: "John Graveling" (kai21@dial.pipex.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 20:52:18 -0000
The interview and short live clips of Nanci (taken from her latest DVD, I
assume looking at the setting) were a very good insight. She explained why
she would not and could not ever perform a song like "Last Song For
Mother" in a live performance. she also explained her choice of 'cover'
versions and how she could eventually perform the Julie Gold song "Goodnight
New York" after years of never being able to do it.
There is a link to a BBC website, although I do not know if there is a
transcription of the interview or if you can watch it online. Here it is for
those interested, and it is worth seeing if you get the chance.
www.bbc.co.uk/heaven
Enjoy. The interview certainly rekindled a lot of my, erring, interest in
our Nanci.
John "enthralled" Graveling
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Subject: NN: Video Tree
From: "Matt Bloomfield" (mail@mattbloomfield.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 15:48:26 -0000
Thanks to John's heads up, I got the whole programme on tape. There is
about 20 mins of interview with Nanci and a few song snippets with a few
clips taken from the Winter Marquee DVD.
Nanci talks about her spirituality (Heaven and Earth is a religious
programme), her song writing and songs, cancer, landmines etc.
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Subject: Re: NN: my top ten
From: RoanInish@aol.com
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 16:18:50 EST
(( Little Johnny England The most exciting English folk rock band since the
Oysterband. >>
As a fan of the Oysters I am intrigued! Where can I get more info. There is
no listing for them at Amazon.
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Subject: NN: No Nanci content; Little Johnny England & English folk rock
From: ConorMG@aol.com
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 18:32:00 EST
This is the website of what I think is the most exciting English folk rock
band for many years, and one of the best ever:
http://www.littlejohnnyengland.com/tourdates.asp
and here are two reviews followed by tour dates. Don't miss them!
Q Magazine - Rob Beattie April 2002
Second 70s influenced album from Oxfordshire-based folk-rockers
The folk blueprint laid down by Ashley Hutchings and made flesh in
Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span was a peculiarly English thing,
lacking the looseness of the Irish or the lyricism of the Celts. Little
Johnny England are cut from the same cloth, with Gareth Turners melodeon
replacing Dave Swarbrick's violin and the ex-Clarion rhythm section of
Davies and Frost keeping things tight, especially on the instrumentals.
There's some moaning about times past, particularly on The Way Things Ought
to Be. But, overall, the canvas is broader. Steve Knightley's creepy
Widdecombe Fair is given a rhythmic shot in the arm and, throughout, the
energy levels are high. If 70s folk-rock still counts, it's because of
Little Johnny England * * *
FOLK ROOTS Magazine - Simon Jones June 2002
"Mercs & Cherokees is where Little Johnny England have ceased to be
amazed by their own success and begun to seriously use the potential they've
created. The fact that they were nonplussed by the sudden rise of a band
with stated intentions that everyone immediately took to heart, was obvious.
Playing anywhere and everywhere, they barely drew breath in their first 18
months, they had little time to map out a set list let alone a game plan.
Signing to Fellside was a wise move, not only did they get time out but a
weight was lifted from their collective shoulders. Given the break, they've
returned wiser to the scene and with a clutch of material that defines
identity, approach and innovation. In short this is a belting release.
>From the off, when Gareth Turner's accordeon squeezes life and vigour into
The Way Things Ought To Be, PJ Wright's slide looping under the robust
earthy melody line, you just know you're on solid ground. The song is a new
Pete Scrowther composition about those who pay only lip service to social
reform-the armchair carer - as bad as those who do nothing. The album title
can be found in the truisms of My Heart's Where My Home Used To Be, now the
country lanes of England are clogged with Barbour jacket-wearing 4 by 4
driving individuals, who have no interest in preserving rural life beyond an
idyll for their summer barbecue. In all cases PJ Wright is finding more
depth and passion in his voice.
There's further evidence of this in the assured duet with Steve Knightley,
Widdecombe Fair, a ghostly piece of moors murder, with all the band playing
up a storm. Here, in a few minutes, is the crux of Anglicana - a muscled
slice of English rock.
The loose chase of Ralph McTell's Lost Boys, makes the point that down the
generations, it's those prepared to roar and hooley who have probably
provided the greatest moments of history and glory. In 2002 those kindred
have been reduced to drunken weekend brawling in market towns.
Some of the pictures these songs paint aren't particularly pleasant or easy,
but then who said Englishness was cosy? If it makes you think, that's good.
Nor can you dance away those concerns with jigsy instrumentals, though wares
like Street Fair remind you once more of the blocky worthiness of English
melody.
Right now no one else is playing the game like Little Johnny England they
are melodic heart and soul, raising conscience and concern in glorious
technicolour. Uncommonly essential, they have made one of the must own folk
rock albums of the year. No doubt!
Simon Jones
January 2003
10/01/2003 The Borderline , Charing Cross Road, London
Telephone: 0207 395 0777
Additional Information: With Emily Slade
16/01/2003 Ceol Castle , Highgate, Birmingham
Telephone: 0121 440 4278
17/01/2003 Marlborough Town Hall , Malborough, Wiltshire
Telephone: 01672 512465
18/01/2003 Norwich Arts Centre , Norwich
Telephone: 01603 660352
24/01/2003 Concert , Columbia, MO
25/01/2003 Focal Point , St. Louis, MO
27/01/2003 CSPS TBC , Cedar Falls, IA
29/01/2003 Granny's Attic TBC , Tahlequah, OK
31/01/2003 Steve Carson Presents (Venue TBC) , Cincinnati, OH
February 2003
01/02/2003 Highlands of Ohio , Bellville, OH
02/02/2003 Milestones , Rochester, NY
06/02/2003 Thirsty Ear Tavern TBC , Columbus, OH
07/02/2003 Mickey Finns Pub , Toledo, OH
12/02/2003 East End CafC3A9 for Green Willow , Newark, DE
13/02/2003 East End CafC3A9 for Green Willow , Newark, DE
14/02/2003 Scottish Festival (Evening) , King of Prussia, PA
15/02/2003 Andy's (Evening) , King of Prussia, PA
15/02/2003 Scottish Festival (Day) , King of Prussia, PA
16/02/2003 Muse at Gray Goose , Londonderry, NH
17/02/2003 Blackthorne Tavern TBC , South Easton, MA
18/02/2003 Unity Centre for Performing Arts , Unity, ME
March 2003
08/03/2003 Playhouse 2 , Shaw, Oldham
Telephone: 01706 847494
22/03/2003 The Pavilion , Hailsham, Sussex
Telephone: 01323 731750
26/03/2003 The Chequermead , East Grinstead
Telephone: 01342 302000
28/03/2003 The Ram Club, Foley Arms , Esher, Surrey
Telephone: 01372 463431
29/03/2003 The Guildhall , Lichfield, Staffordshire
Telephone: 01543 262223
April 2003
24/04/2003 Llanelli Entertainment Centre , Llanelli, Dyfed
Telephone: 01554 774057
June 2003
14/06/2003 Harveysburg (British Isles Festival) , Cincinnati, OH
15/06/2003 Harveysburg (British Isles Festival) , Cincinnati, OH
17/06/2003 Milestones , Rochester, NY
21/06/2003 Thirsty Ear Tavern TBC , Columbus, OH
28/06/2003 Night Eagle Tavern (Evening) , Oxford, NY
28/06/2003 Workshop Performances (Daytime) , Altamont, NY
July 2003
05/07/2003 New Bedford Folk Festival , New Bedford, MA
06/07/2003 New Bedford Folk Festival , New Bedford, MA
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Subject: NN: No Nanci content; overlooked pop of the last decade or so
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 10:47:45 -0500
From: "Rich Kulawiec" (rsk@gsp.org>
The recent thread about pop (and Neil Finn et.al.) got me to thinking
about some of the songs I've heard in last decade (or so) that might
qualify as excellent pop songs...but either are largely unknown or perhaps
overlooked. And since I've gotten so many wonderful recommendations
about music I might have otherwise missed from this list, I thought I'd
try to return the favor.
So here's my list, with some commentary and attempts to remember the
record that it came from (which may be errant; I did much of it from
memory). I wasn't strict with criteria -- either temporally or
musically -- so I'll readily admit that some of this strays off into
other genres. But it's music that I think is worth listening to,
and so I send it out to you with season's greetings and a wish
for warmth and cheer for all of you.
It's not really in any order except for the last entry.
---Rsk
Vaughan Brothers Tick Tock (Family Style)
Somewhere, Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan
are still playing the outro solo to "Layla", and it just keeps
getting better. But this isn't a guitar epic...
The sick, the hungry, had smiles on their faces
The tired and the homeless had family all around
The streets and the cities were all beautiful places
And the walls came tumblin' down
Tick tock, people.
Poco Heart of the Night (Legacy)
I've always liked Poco. ("Good Feelin' to Know" is a 30-year-old
classic tune that ought belongs in the set list of every band
that's ever covered the Eagles or Buffalo Springfield or NRPS.)
This one is like sitting in front of a warm fire on a cold night,
somewhere along the Front Range, where the stars shine brighter.
Del Amitri Stone Cold Sober (Waking Hours)
Del Amitri Kiss This Thing Goodbye (Waking Hours)
I don't really know much about this band -- except that they've
crafted some very nice pop songs with interesting hooks. The break
in "Stone Cold Sober" is terrific.
Donald Fagen Tomorrow's Girls (Kamikiriad)
Perhaps it's demeaning to call anything touched by Becker or Fagen
"pop", but there you have it. This is one of those Brubeck-influenced
tunes that has lyrics straight out of the Twilight Zone.
Spin Doctors Two Princes (Pocket Full of Kryptonite)
Spin Doctors Jimmy Olsen's Blues (Pocket Full of Kryptonite)
Has anybody else noticed that buried in several of those Spin Doctors
songs, there are some mighty tasty guitar fills? (I must admit that
I sometimes pay more attention to the guitar fills than the solos; but
there are masters of this -- e.g. Carlos Santana -- who say so much in
so few notes that it's hard not to pay attention.)
Tasmin Archer Sleeping Satellite (Great Expectations)
Is it about a relationship or the space program? Or both? Don't know,
but it's interesting enough to listen repeatedly and try to figure it out.
Hooters Boys Will be Boys (Out of Body)
Best known for "And We Danced" and "Day by Day", I suppose, and for
writing "One of Us" for Joan Osborne. This tune has Cyndi Lauper
helping out on vocals.
Lemonheads Into Your Arms (Come On Feel the Lemonheads)
I don't know much about this band, either; but this is a charming song.
Toni Childs Don't Walk Away (Union)
What a voice: you can hear the power from the opening notes. This is
perhaps
more of an anthem than a pop song, but since I'm playing fast and loose with
definitions and chronology, what the heck.
Marshall Crenshaw Someday, Someway (eponymous)
An echo of Buddy Holly, but not *just* an echo.
Paul Cebar & The Milwaukeans Didn't Leave Me No Ladder
(Upstroke for the Downfolk)
"Didn't leave me no ladder/Got to find my own way up". It's blues, it's
pop, it's funky, it's from Milwaukee.
Patty Larkin Dave's Holiday (Tango)?
Dave has a dog...but the dog doesn't have a name. C'mon, you gotta
whistle alone with this one. ;-)
Graham Parker Get Started, Start a Fire (Best of)
*Where* did he get the idea for the lyrics of this song? Allegories abound.
Dog's Eye View Everything Falls Apart (Happy Nowhere)
Ingenious lyrics with a twist. Goes nicely with Dishwalla's "Counting Blue
Cars" and Crash Test Dummies' "God Shuffled His Feet". ;-)
Anders Osborne Favorite Son (Which Way to Here)
Anders Osborne What's Going On Here [Big Lies] (Which Way to Here)
It's from Louisiana, but it's not zydeco; still, the cajun feel is
pervasive,
along with a bit of a gospel tinge to the backing vocals. And there are
some
nice Fender-Rhodes licks underneath it all. This is a wonderful record.
Jennifer Trynin Better Than Nothing (Cockamamie)
Crunchy...self-deprecating...and might have easily shown up on an Alanis "I
*am* the angriest woman in rock 'n roll" Morissette record.
John Prine Ain't Hurtin' Nobody (Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings)
John is best known for his simple songs...which turn out to be
not-quite-so-simple once you listen to them closely. "Perfectly-crafted
popular hit songs never use the wrong rhyme."
Van Morrison Perfect Fit (How Long Has this Been Going
On)
If you don't already own "How Long Has This Been Going On" and "Days
Like This", you need them because otherwise your copies of St. Dominic's
Preview, Astral Weeks, and Moondance are going to get lonely without them.
Y'know it just occured to me that it would be really neat if Van Morrison
and Chrissie Hynde ever sang together. I mean, they *are* two of the finest
voices in all of rock and roll.
Squeeze This Summer (Ridiculous)
Squeeze Electric Trains (Ridiculous)
Just to show that songs like "Tempted" and "Black Coffee in Bed"
weren't flukes. "Electric Trains" is the only song I know
that mentions Julie Andrews AND Jerry Garcia. ;-)
Vigilantes of Love Real Down Town (V.O.L.)
Another band that I know little about, but any song that includes
the lyric "impaled on the horns of your sacred cow" will definitely
get my attention.
World Party Put the Message in the Box (Egyptology)
World Party belongs on that list of "yeah it's pop but it's pretty
darn good". Think back to "Private Revolution", "Ship of Fools"
and "Way Down Now", with that marvelous guitar hook. Karl Wallinger has
the same knack as Neil Finn and XTC.
Bonnie Raitt Love Sneakin' Up On You (Luck of the Draw)?
That's just Bonnie playin' nifty slide and singing sultry.
John Fogerty Walking in a Hurricane (Blue Moon Swamp)
A bit more of a rocker than a pop song, but I included it just so you
would listen to the first 20 seconds and not forget for one moment
that Mr. Fogerty can still kick some righteous rock-and-roll ass. And
he has an incredible knack for writing hooks that fall somewhere between
pop and rock, from "Suzie Q" to "Rock and Roll Heart".
I also don't want you to forget that he's the poster child for the unlimited
greed of the RIAA and the music industry: forbidden from playing his own
songs for years, and now ripped off AGAIN by having "Fortunate Son", an
anti-war song, used in a blue jean commercial against his express wishes.
"Vanz Kant Danz, but he'll steal your money/ watch him or he'll rob you
blind."
Francis Dunnery Too Much Saturn (Tall Blonde Helicopter)
Dunnery is also responsible for "My Own Reality", which is a great song
for those days when you'd prefer to be there. He likes to fiddle
with Eastern philosophy and mysticism in his songs.
Big Head Todd & The Monsters Resignation Superman
Alright, so it's here because I was thinking of "Jimmy Olsen's Blues"
(Spin Doctors) and this came to mind.
Ugly Americans Vulcan Death Grip (Stereophonic Spanish Fly)
I have no idea what this song is about. But if you listen to it
back-to-back with the Paul Cebar tune (above) you will get out of any
bad mood you may happen to be in and you may find yourself doing the Funky
Electric Boogie Slide all over the house. This...is not a band that takes
itself seriously.
Freedy Johnston On The Way Out (Never Home)
I *do* know what this song is about: shoplifting. ;-)
Ben Arnold Astral Freak (Speechless)
Perhaps a companion piece to "Too Much Saturn" (Francis Dunnery). Ironic
("I could simply plan for failure") without being too cynical.
Widespread Panic Hope in a Hopeless World (Bombs &
Butterflies)
I saved this one for last, because it seems apropos as the days
grow short and for some, hope grows dim. This is their cover
of Pops Staples' song, and they do it justice -- and then some.
Sing it. Sing it loud. Sing it REALLY loud.
Baby born in New York City
Wrapped in a blanket, all tattered and worn
Mama's doin' the best that she can
It takes hope in a hopeless world
Elder son who stayed in school
Listened to his mother, never drank or used
Yet every job he wants, he gets refused
It takes hope in a hopeless world
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Trying to find love in such hateful times
Trying to stay strong but my mind is weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
On a corner stands a girl
From a home in the better part of town
Her daddy did things he didn't talk about
Is there hope in a hopeless world?
The churches are full but the prayers are not heard
Saturday's child don't wanna go to Sunday school
Whatever happened to the golden rule?
It takes hope in a hopeless world
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Trying to find love in such hateful times
Trying to stay strong but my mind is weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
You got a quarter for the homeless man?
Spare some change for the soldiers who fought the war
Put a little money in those hats and tins
Give them hope in a hopeless world
Ooh, somebody out there gotta listen
To the voice inside that speaks of love
There are mountains to climb
We can't be standin' still
Ooh, somebody out there gotta listen
Somebody out there gotta know what Pop's been talkin' about
Raise your hand, raise your hand if you're with him,
Give us hope in a hopeless world
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Trying to find love in such hateful times
Trying to stay strong but my mind is weak
Ease my mind, ease my mind
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Trying to find love in such hateful times
Trying to stay strong but my mind is weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world
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