I've had my say on The Decemberists'
The King Is Dead. I think it's a very good album. So it led me back to
The Hazards of Love last night. That sucker ranks right up there with the best. I suppose I am doomed to be always awestruck by how good that one is. Colin actually reminds me of Russell Smith...which...
I love country music...the real thing. Gimme some Amazing Rhythm Aces, maybe a little ol' drunken Bob Wills thrown in on the side and many others believe it or not highly accomplished musicians who choose to ply their trade in that genre. Yes we will make fun and write lyrics like "I was drunk the day momma got out of prison". Gimme Neil Young:
Singing words, words
between the lines of age.
Really, the whole band sounds like they can hardly sit down, much less stand up. And ain't it beautiful. Sweet sweet music.
I was listening to some Bette Midler tonight. Yes, Bette Midler, do not laugh. Listen to that album (Bette Of Roses I think it is) that has Buzzy Feiten on guitar. Buzzy put in a few years with the Butterfield Blues Band back in the day, so in my book he has some serious street cred. There's a song, The Last Time (no, not the Stones song) that is so fine my jaw drops and I'm going to have to see a TMJ specialist to get it fixed. I wish you all could be here, right now, listening to the song, listening to Buzzy doing what he does. I have some pretensions in terms of viewing myself as a musician. I can only hope one day to make something so perfect. Whatever, there's beautiful guitar work on that album, to the point that I forget it's Bette, who actually can sing regardless. Well she ain't no Ronstadt, but close. Head on over to YouTube and search for Buzzy Feiten if you doubt.
So of course then I'm listening to some Elton. Do not underestimate him as a keyboard player, 'specially in those early years. The man was a rock & roll demon, often progressive in spite of himself.
Everyone here, we either want to make or listen to a Joyous Noise. That Joyous Noise can be found in many places. It may be in them thar knives E stuck into his L100 back when. It may be in that On The Corner funk, which if you are not careful will jes' 'bout drown you. It may be in the air tonight. Please keep it coming.