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August 26, 2009 |
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The Dells, whose many hits and albums propelled them into the history books as one of our revered R&B bands, lost another member by way of death last week. Johnny Carter, whose vocals were extraordinary, died on August 21. He provided The Dells with their most memorable voice after having taken over for the departure of Johnny Funches (original Dells voice), leaving HoF band, The Flamingos to do so. We'll miss him.
Johnny Carter
Larry Knechtel, most notably of Bread, who enjoyed a string of high-charting Pop hits back in the '70s, died on August 20 of a heart attack at the age of 69. And while many know him most notably by his work with Bread, it may surprise many to know that it is his piano work in “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a contribution that is equally as memorable, if not more so. But his sphere encompassed more Rock and Roll than many are fortunate to have experienced in a lifetime. He has worked with Duane Eddy as a member of Eddy's band, and has worked with scores of other artists as a pianist/bass/guitarist, the list is long. His musical work resonates deeply within our memories not only in the piano on “Bridge over Troubled Water, but also in the guitar solo heard on Bread's magnificent “The Guitar Man.” If you're aware of his other contributions, then he will live on in those as well. If you're not aware of his depth, then a visit to Google will not only surprise you, but further cement his memory as you hear those songs from time to time. Larry is a talent that we'll missed greatly.
Larry Knechtel
Both Johnny Carter and Larry Knechtel will add considerable depth to the Great Band. Let me wrap up this impromptu 'Best Beatles Song' Poll that I threw out there. We only received just a few suggestions but people, while all over The Beatles catalogue and time-frame, let us know that “A Day in the Life” is hinted as as being the best song by The Beatles. Here we go:
I'm not updating the Great Album Covers because I'm running off to a baseball game (again). Tonight, Angels host Detroit for the second game. Being a White Sox fan, I need Angels to play better than they did on Monday night, PLUS The White Sox need to win against Red Sox. I do not harbor any expectations for this year but I certainly do for next year. Sorry, I try to keep my sports out of this. But I do have two reviews for you. I have enjoyed the 2CD compilation called The Best of Rory Gallagher: Crest of a Wave for unheralded guitarist, Rory Gallagher. I have also reviewed an indie debut release by Glad Hearts called The Oak and the Acorn. It's quite good with flashes of Rolling Stones and a hint of Dylan. Another bit on my site changeover from HTML to Wordpress. I'm going to forgo all of the window-dressing and treat it as a 'work-in-progress'. I'll make it better as I go along. However, I expect to be able to launch a useable site in the not too distant future. One BIG benefit of this is that I'll likely update more often (back to five days) as the structure of Wordpress allows for posted bits rather a big production like I'm accustomed to. Things will likely get lost to help in this transition but I'm betting that you'll hardly notice. For example, I'll dispense with producer info on album reviews, etc. What makes this exciting is that I can then use my iPhone (yep, believe it or not) to continually post things as I receive it making it very fresh news. You'll be able to check in multiple times during the day for potential new posts. And you'll be able to leave comments, a feature that many of you have been clamoring for for quite some time. It's coming...and you can even help shape it, if you want. After all, it's as much your community as it is mine. We'll see you again on Friday. And do not forget to check out the new band introduction of DC's The Opposite Sex, especially if you like The Cure, Echo and The Bunnymen, etc.
Round 23 of Great Album Covers: Paul S. - "Maybe I missed them...but I am surprised not see any Roger Dean covers..." :
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Atlantic Records will release Before Nightfall by Robert Francis, scheduling for October 20. Surf Dog Records will release Songs From Lonely Avenue from the Brian Setzer Orchestra on CD and vinyl LP (which will come with a bonus CD included). These are planned for October 13. Here's the one that all RetroRock fans are waiting for, the latest Wolfmother album. It is expected on October 13 in CD, DD, and vinyl LP formats. Hang tight...it's almost here. Here's a cover shot to tuck you in with:
The is a cut 'n paste of an upcoming T/L cool DVD set (Thanks to all who sent this to my attention. There were several of you): Time Life proudly presents the VA Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Live, a 9 DVD collection featuring rare, one-of-a-kind performances from the induction ceremonies of the Rock Hall Of Fame, shot during the last 24 years. You'll see the biggest names in rock 'n' roll perform in intimate settings, and jam in combinations not seen anywhere else. Additionally, each DVD features exclusive induction speeches by rock royalty, from heartfelt tributes to hilarious zingers. Plus, each DVD has over an hour of bonus material, including rare, behind-the-scenes material and rehersal footage. Some highlights include:
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Introduction - The Opposite Sex - DC
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If you ever liked Echo and the Bunnymen, Siouxie and the Banshees, and/or killing Joke, then we have a new discovery for you. The Opposite Sex from DC has returned with an EP that juice those of you who appreciate good talent and that draws influence from the music that you loved in the past. Their new (09/01) EP, Live + Burn follows their Violent Heartstrings from 2007 with more great music. I'll be surprised if you DON'T like 'em. To get you started, they are gifitng you with a free downloadable MP3 from the EP, "Frozen Heart, Frozen Mind." They can be sampled further at their MySpace, Facebook, and LastFM. You can even follow 'em on Twitter. |
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Review - Glad Hearts - The Oak and The Acorn - CD
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Indie Band, Glad Hearts reveal their country influence with a surprisingly good self-released debut called The Oak and the Acorn. On the 13 tracks found on this album, you'll find flashes of Rolling Stones, hints of Dylan, and other country/folk influences. The album delivers most of its goods acoustically with almost every track demanding playback and inclusion into playlists. Excellent tracks include the warm “Come July,” “Burn and Burn Bright,” the electric and bluesy “We'll Need Our Blood,” and the short but sweet “Light Rail Waltz,” that seques into “Nothing If We're Not Moving.” *** 1/2 |
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Introduction - The Rifles - UK
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Nettwerk Records will digitally release the 4-track EP, named Great Escape, by UK's The Rifles, whom Paul Weller of The Jam has gushed about, on July 28. Later in the year, Nettwerk will release their full-length album, which we'll be sure to cover. Three tracks found on this release will NOT be found on the band's upcoming album. Check 'em out at Facebook, and/or MySpace, and/or their official site. |
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Copyright 2002-2009 Matthew Rowe.
All rights reserved.All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Disclaimer: various news pieces may state a specific media publication or program as a source. All other news is considered 'rumour' only. That goes double for release dates.
212 Frech
FC1810
"Even though most of the people I knew in my youth are gone, I still reach out to them..." Norman Maclean - Paraphrase
"...we should enjoy every sandwich." -- Warren Zevon
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." -- Hunter S Thompson
"...you best wake up 'fore tomorrow comes creepin' in...: -- Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad)
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be." -- Kurt Vonnegut
"Because they wouldn't let me go for three..." -- Woody Hayes (OSU)
"Show me peaceful days before my youth has gone" -- Neil Diamond (Serenade)