Could be it's the world weary, ragged tone of Kenny's voice, or maybe my memories of riding trains at night, when you look out the window into the darkness and see your pale, lonely face staring back. Somehow, the lyrics, the imagery, the tone capture the right mood, the sense of resignation that pervades us when we hit a low point and we find we need someone to talk to. Life is a gamble after all, a calculated bet that we'll get through another day and survive long enough to enjoy the ride before we all "break even."
James Dean - The Eagles
A tongue-in-cheek rocker that characterizes the band's energy when it burst onto the scene, paying homage to the original rebel himself, appearing in just three movies (Of course, you know what they are - right?) but speaking for every frustrated Fifties teen who felt compelled to look beyond Levittown. After all, thanks to Hollywood, we've all thought at one time or another, that: "I know my life/Would look alright/If I could see it on the silver screen."Got My Mojo Working - Muddy Waters
Probably the closest thing to a Top 40 blues tune I've ever heard, Muddy's rough but commanding voice giving the song authority, the harmonica meshing perfectly with the driving lead guitar. Often imitated but definitely never equalled.Don't You Feel Like Crying - Solomon Burke
Burke is truly one of the unsung heroes of soul, still playing and still preaching. This is the song that states the case for companionship, the vocal soaring above the depths of despair, reminding us that loneliness is "such a waste of time." It's epitomized for future generations in "Dirty Dancing", when Patrick and Jennifer slow dance, a long prelude to their first sexual encounter.
Shake Your Moneymaker - Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Incredible slide guitar from Mike Bloomfield, tight backing from the original lineup with drummer Sam Lay combine with Butterfield's hoarse shout to make this one of the stand-out cuts from the band's first album. Talk about energy - this is the kind of music that makes yours truly want to get back into it (but then there's the question of, you know, talent).
Voodoo Child - Jimi Hendrix
Also heard in the background of an Xterra commercial about a year ago. Nobody but nobody can get those sounds out of a guitar like the very late but very great Jimi. Saw him once in Cleveland - there was a bomb threat during the concert but nobody left. So much for the Sixties. Great tune when you're doing 75 in the left lane.
Drake's Drum - William Topley
Without a doubt the most galvanizing, spine straightening electric guitar yours truly has run across in a long time, coupled with his incredible voice. Sounds a little like Mystery Train. Next week, BSRR will take an in depth look at Topley's CD "Feasting With Panthers" (Thanks to Louis Santos, Intro To Speech Communications 210.01, RWU Summer School.
- Here's those links:
- What? The RI International Film Festival is coming up August 7-12, 2007 and you don't have your tickets? Well, what's wrong with you? Go to http://www.riff.org/
- For some of the best traditional music in America today, check out Bruce Burnside's CDs and philosophy at http://www.bruceburnside.com/
- For Scott Allen's insightful music and commentary: http://www.milomusic.com/
- For the Cutlass Three: www.myspace.com/thecutlassband
- For Martha Davis and the Motels: http://www.marthadavis.com/
- For a new twisted commentary on the Bush Legacy: http://rantsfromrockyhill.blogspot.com/
- Later on, yawl - better go to the beach because time is running out!!!
