TAP Editorials

SmallFacesOgdensNutGoneFlake

Where Is The Love (Coming From)?

6
February 22, 2012
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The music markets located in different countries are so different from each other, the difference is often nothing short of staggering.  The UK is one such country that is seemingly in love with Rock and Roll.  As in the past, their fascination with all things Rock and Roll has always been refreshing (to me).  They have always been much more experimental and appreciative.  As a result, the music that have come from Britain is enduring.  Think Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Who, Wishbone Ash…the list goes on and on.

I’ve been a fan of British Rock and Roll since my young years.  There is great respect for music that comes from the US, Canada, Germany, and other locations.  But I’m much more fascinated, as a whole, of the UK music scene.

But there is something else.

When you look at what the labels in Britain are releasing in Deluxe Edition boxes, the UK seems to step out in front.  This doesn’t surprise me.  Often, music coming from the labels based in the UK will dive into a catalog and take greater consumer risks in assembling a package that may or may not find release in the US.  Having said this, I have a feeling that the UK labels present a deeper love for the music than most (not all) US-based labels.

Britain has a T. Rex box of Electric Warrior on the release slate.  The US does not.  The Queen remasters originated in the UK.  The coming Small Faces Deluxe Editions have their origins in Britain.  As usual, I could go on and on.  But I think you get my point.

What do you think?  Am I being too ridiculous?  Or do you find the same thing that I do; that the US lags so far behind other markets that it’s ‘almost a laugh (but really a cry)’.

GeneLovesJezebelHeavenlyBodies

Gene Loves Jezebel, Michael’s or Jay’s?

6
February 20, 2012
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Back in the ’80s and ’90s, a band by the name of Gene Loves Jezebel released a series of albums that performed well in not only the UK, but also the US.  While the band, led by identical twins, Michael and Jay Aston, went through extraordinary changes including the split of the brothers, the band left behind an important body of work.

With the release of Promise in 1983, Gene Loves Jezebel captured rapt attention in the independent markets with the release of “Influenza”, and “Bruises”.  Called a Goth band (which I never understood musically), the group caught my attention with a fantastic mix of ’80s-styled Rock, and a new kind of sound, unique to the band.  As the years ramped up, the band, which followed Promise with the excellent Immigrant (1985), and Discover (1986) kept getting better.  Discover yielded one of the first world-recognized hits for the band with “Desire” and its various remixes, “Heartache”, and “Sweetest Thing”.  And then there is the excellent “Kick” from the same album, one of those “coulda been a hit” tracks.  The album was heralding a steady evolution for the band.

In 1987, the band issued The House of Dolls with notable hits, “Gorgeous”, and “The Motion of Love”, with “The Motion of Love” doing knock-down business for the band in the US.  But with songs like “Set Me Free”, “Suspicion”, “Treasure”, and “Twenty Killer Hurts”, the band was certainly in the driver’s seat as they began a deserved climb upward.  But history is filled with heartbreak.  Michael Aston left the band, and, in fact, is not represented as well on House of Dolls as in previous albums.  In my opinion, this was for the good as the band became even better without the troubled ex-member.

In 1990, the Jay Aston-led version of Gene Loves Jezebel returned with a successful album in Kiss Of Life that generated the #1 single, “Jealous”.  Kiss of Life was no slouch in any direction.  With Jay Aston at the helm, the album proved to be a mature offering from a very good Rock band that deserved strong attention.  ”Jealous” is an infectious track that never seems to get old.  The album’s title track, and “Tangled Up In You”, “Walk Away”, and well, just about anything off the album, are rewarding listens.  The reality is that Kiss of Life never really got old as well.  Should Michael stay away?

In 1993, the band released their final Jay Aston-led album with Heavenly Bodies, an album of near perfection that remains as one of my go-to Gene Loves Jezebel classics.   Honestly, like Kiss Of Life before it, there isn’t a bad track on this album.  ”"Josephina”, “Break The Chain”, “Any Anxious Colour”, “American Dreamer”, “Wild Horse’, “Down”, “In A Lonely Place”, “Sweet, Sweet Rain”, “Rosary”, “Heavenly Body”, “Voice In The Dark”.  Did I name all eleven tracks?  Yes, I did.  Because they represent a strong band that never should have been broken asunder.  But it happened as Heavenly Bodies became, for most purposes, the “final” album from the band because, once derailed, the band never really found its way back.

Which brings me to this.  Michael Aston, who brought suit against his brother, Jay, helped to end the band that he started.  I’ve been a fan for a very long time.  In my opinion, the band improved greatly without Michael’s presence.  In fact, I feel that Michael should feel lucky that he was able to ride on the coattails of his brother’s superior Rock ‘n’ Roll chops.  Listen to any version of the band’s musical output with Michael (without Jay) and it becomes readily apparent that Michael needed Jay; always needed Jay.

Gene Loves Jezebel is a band that I mourn the loss of.  Michael still attempts to fill big shoes, while Jay approaches Rock from a different angle with side project, Ugly Buggs.  The release of the debut album back in 2011 is what you expect to be, an inventive work that features Jay Aston (as well as Peter “Buggs” Rizzo, a long time member of Gene Loves Jezebel).

I view Gene Loves Jezebel as a highly underrated band, especially with the talents of Jay Aston involved.

My two cents.

Photo by: Kristen Westhoven

Photo of Soul Train 027a Don Cornelius

Cornelius, Houston, and Those That We Love

1
February 14, 2012
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Death is not my favorite subject.  It has never been my favorite subject.  In fact, the more I write about those that have pulled off the mortal coil, the more I cringe from death.  It may be that I’m creeping up there in age, and my card is nearing the visibly flipping rolodex of the Grim Reaper.  Perhaps it’s closer than I care to think about.  But that’s the thread of life.  And no matter how red the end thread is, it’s an unavoidable event.

For this reason, I seem to really think hard about doing obituary notices for the recent dead.  Not long ago, Don Cornelius of Soul Train took a cruel path.  Just this weekend, Whitney Houston, a voice of epic proportions was found dead at too young an age.  I want to celebrate the memory of these people.  But it becomes harder every time it happens.

I just wanted to say that I apologize for the lack of tributes, if you can effectively call them that.  It’s not that I don’t realize that some of these were important, particularly in my life as was Don Cornelius, whose Soul Train I watched with regular frequency as a young person.  As for Whitney Houston, I remember her mother, Cissy Houston, more as she had a greater impact on me than Whitney did.  However, that does not negate the impact that Whitney has had on her own generation of fans.

So, accept my apologies on this noticeable lack of mentioning those that have had impact in our lives, however large, however small.  And let this piece acknowledge the passing of not only the great, but also the familiar, our families, our friends, and our heroes.

We mourn the loss of those that have gone.  And we shall miss them more than we know.

RockNRoll

Poll: Which Rock and Roll Band Is The GREATEST EVER?!

38
February 13, 2012
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We may have done this before.  And if we have, then I (don’t) apologize for drudging this back up.  At my place of work, there is an ongoing argument as to who the GREATEST Rock and Roll band may be.  It’s amazing how, even when we reason it out and bring up all the obvious points, we just are so far apart on our choices.  Some of THEIR choices make absolutely no sense to me, while my (obvious) choice makes absolutely zero sense to them.

The question is this: Which band in all of Rock and Roll is the GREATEST band of all time.  Oh yeah, I know the answers will be diverse.  I expect them to be.  And while I feel quite strongly on my choice, I can see why some people choose whom they will.

Remember, your choice should logical.  There is a band out there that easily personifies the entire Rock and Roll phenomena and experience.  My choice is The Rolling Stones.  Here’s why:  Mick Jagger is the perfect front man.  He has moves, he has the unique, inimitable vocals, he has the swagger.  He’s never dull.  He’s always in the thick of it all.

Then there’s Keith Richards, who has done all there is to do as a Rock star.  Great guitar playing, great riffs, great compositions, great drive.  Who else can personify the Rock guitarist like Keith can?

Charlie Watts may not be Keith Moon and John Bonham crazy, but he is just as unique a drummer as both of them are.  How can someone do what he has done in such a wild Rock and Roll band like The Stones.  He just does.  His rhythm section partner, Bill Wyman, also is not an upfront player…but then again neither is John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, and we all know how that band rocked.  Finally, Brian Jones (the musical shape-shifter of the early band), Mick Taylor (the blues guitarist powerhouse), and Ron Wood (the perfect Stones replacement for both) round out what I feel is the greatest dictionary definition of Rock and Roll – ever!

Still, you may have different ideas.  So, I’d love to hear them.

Who’s THE greatest Rock and Roll band EVER?!

 

StiffRecords

Labels Have Souls Too…

9
February 7, 2012
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There has always been a little mystique concerning the output of some boutique labels.  Sun Records was known for its releases.  Stiff Records, I.R.S. Records, Factory Records.  These days, the list of record labels have grown incredibly.  While the major labels still exist, they are more apt to be marketing muscle for smaller labels.  And some of those labels have some clout because of what they release.

I have some current personal favorites of my own.  When they release something, I pay a little closer attention to what it is.  One of my favorites is Fat Possum, once home to one of my current favorite bands, Heartless Bastards.  While Heartless Bastards is no longer on the label, I still pay close attention to their announcements.  Another is Jagjaguwar Records, home to Black Mountain.

I’ve heard of allegiances to Varese Sarabande, to Hip-O Records, to Rhino Records, from readers of TAP.  Hear Records have been gaining traction with their build of artists being signed to the label.  As in the past, labels have played a large part in certain bands and artists careers.  Bearsville Records released Foghat, Todd Rundgren, Utopia, Jesse Winchester, and other notables.  When Bearsville released something, it was usually a good album.  I loved the idea that some labels were/are more adventurous than others.

Fact is, labels are sometimes a bit of fascinating interest.  Currently of interest are Frontiers Records, Steamhammer, Eagle Rock Entertainment.  There are many today.  In the past, Chrysalis Records was home to UFO, Robin Trower, Rory Gallagher, Blondie, Ultravox, Jethro Tull, and others.  Swan Song Records had Bad Company, Dave Edmonds, Detective, Pretty Things, the underrated Maggie Bell, even Led Zeppelin, who fostered the label, all on its limited roster.  Some are/were more adventurous than others.  You get the idea.

Did any of them interest you more than the usual biggies? (I loved Columbia Records; disliked Arista even though they had some great releases like Patti Smith, some Graham Parker stuff, Alan Parsons Project, later era Grateful Dead, Iggy Pop, later era Kinks (LOVED Low Budget), Al Stewart, later era Lou Reed, and a few others but not as much as the label pushed out.  Hell, I even dislike Clive Davis despite some of his signings.)

Let’s hear yours.

Meditation

Just Music And…Us

25
February 3, 2012
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While the news is slow going ( I expect this to begin to abate during this month), I have had some time to not only recover from a nasty cold but also to listen to some music that I love from my early years.  It’s amazing.  But several hours wrapped in the soft gauze of music that is comfortable to you, you find a certain ease, a separation from the rest of the world.  It’s like any cares you have just seem to evaporate in the music that brought much joy to you in the first place.

For several evenings, I listen to many LPs from bands that made me happy.  I exhausted the YES catalogue, some Lou Reed, Wishbone Ash, Rolling Stones, ELP, and other genuine soul messages that kneaded me into a comfort zone.  I actually went to bed refreshed.

All of this makes me wonder what albums do the same for you.  You know the ones I talk about; the ones that take you to another place.  The ones that make you relaxed and happy you have heard them.  While this sounds like a desert island list, it really isn’t.  I have essential albums that are important to me but there are some that do comforting things to me in different ways. And often those would not make a Desert Island List cut.

Our previous discussion concerning YES has opened the door to this comfort.  I remember my High School years (and after as well) when a friend or two of mine and I would sit in a darkened room and just listen to the music without any other distraction.  All music.  We wouldn’t even discuss it during the play.  I would just wordlessly get up and flip the LP over to the other side.  Often, I would just sit with my eyes closed, taking in the lyrics while the music washed over me.  It was quite an experience.

I don’t have those friends to sit and drink in the music like that anymore ( I wish I did), but, solo is not so bad either.  It’s an important requisite that the fellow listeners have a shared love for the music as they take it in.  Discussion afterwards.  (Do they have clubs like this?)

What are your bands and albums that take you to that special place?

HeartlessBastardsArrow

Arrow, The New Album From Heartless Bastards In Full Stream

0
January 30, 2012
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Hats off to David Kennedy, who pointed out the fact that NPR Radio was currently streaming the new album from Heartless Bastards.  The album, Arrow, has been an anticipated one by me and other fans.  Because of this, we’re quite excited to be able to hear this album in full.

YOU can pick up the stream of Arrow right here at this very link.  I’ve listened to it once.  Yes, it is great.  Now, I’m listening to it again.  Expect a review in the coming days.

You might also be interested in noting that Heartless Bastards is out on tour in support of Arrow.

YAY!

 

TOUR DATES

12/31 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room - BUY TICKETS
2/7 – Little Rock, AR @ Juanitas - BUY TICKETS
2/8 – St. Louis, MO @ Firebird - BUY TICKETS
2/9 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall - BUY TICKETS
2/10 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry - BUY TICKETS
2/11 – Madison, WI @ High Noon - BUY TICKETS
2/13 – Louisville, KY @ Headliners - BUY TICKETS
2/14 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall - BUY TICKETS
2/16 – Columbus, OH @ The Basement - BUY TICKETS
2/17 – Covington, KY @ Madison Theatre - BUY TICKETS
2/18 – Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio - BUY TICKETS
2/19 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe - BUY TICKETS
2/20 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern - BUY TICKETS
2/23 – Boston, MA @ Middle East (Downstairs) - BUY TICKETS
2/24 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall - BUY TICKETS
2/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer - BUY TICKETS
2/27 – Baltimore, MD @ Otto Bar - BUY TICKETS
2/29 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern - BUY TICKETS
3/1 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle - BUY TICKETS
3/2 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl - BUY TICKETS
3/3 – Nashville, TN @ The Mercy Lounge - BUY TICKETS
3/6 – Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree - BUY TICKETS
3/8 – Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic - BUY TICKETS
3/9 – Fort Worth, TX @ Lola’s - BUY TICKETS
3/10 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live - BUY TICKETS

Back Again…

0
January 30, 2012
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We appear to be back again.  We were experiencing problems – AGAIN.  But another call, another fix.  Hopefully, this will encourage you to comment on today’s YES post where you couldn’t before.

Apologies!

 

Matt

DavidLeeRothCrazyFromTheHeatEP

TAPSheet: Release Notes – 01/30/2012

1
January 30, 2012
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Not too long from now, Warner Brothers will reach into the Van Halen-related archives to bring back a re-release of Crazy From the Heat, the celebrated 4-track EP released in 1985 by VH frontman, David Lee Roth.  The EP is scheduled for February 7 via Warner’s barebones re-release label, Flashback.

Flashback Records will also release a $4.98 copy of Flashback with Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels on February 28, as well as a $4.98 version of If You Leave Me Now (and other hits) featuring Chicago, planned for March 13.

Dine Alone Records will release Tiger Talk from Yukon Blonde on March 20.

Atlantic Records have the CD and 180g vinyl LP (with download rights) of Rooms Filled With Light by Fanfarlo on the calendar for February 28.

Who’s Feeling Young Now?, the new album coming from Punch Brothers on February 14 via Nonesuch Records, will have the vinyl 2LP version arriving on March 20.

Time/Life Records have two 10CD Various Artists collection boxes planned for March 13.  Smooth Soul, and Music Of Your Life.  Music Of Your Life contains 150 love songs from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, while Smooth Soul hosts 150 Soul classics from the ’60s and ’70s.

Nonesuch Records will release a 3CD/1DVD Box called Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions with bonus from the Grammy-nominated 1998 classic by Billy Bragg & Wilco.  This expanded, Deluxe Edition is scheduled for March 20 in a Limited Edition roll-out.

Varese Sarabande will release Chasing Shadows from Strange Familiar on March 27.

Universal Republic have Baby by Tribes planned for March 13. and WZRD from WZRD planned for February 28 on CD and LP.

Decca Records plan Like A Man from Adam Cohen for April 3.  Decca Records also has Steadfast by Clay Aiken, planned for March 27.

Roadrunner Records will release Enslaved by Soulfly, scheduling the new album for March 13.

Hear Music has a new, as yet untitled, album coming from everyone’s favorite female vocalist (and hippie, at least for me), Carole King.  The new album is scheduled for release on April 10.

Rounder Records have a new album planned from Dailey & Vincent.  The untitled album is scheduled for June 5.  Rounder plans the new, as yet untitled, Minnie Driver album, scheduling this new album also for June 5.

Island Records have Never Look Back, the album by Electric Touch, scheduled for March 20.

Fuel Records will release The Very Best of Lightnin’ Hopkins on March 20.  Also, This Is Pat Dinizio is scheduled by Fuel Records for the same date.

Mercury Nashville plan the release of Tuskegee from Lionel Richie on March 27.

Mercury Records plan the releases of two versions of Sick and Twisted Affair from My Darkest Days, and Picture Show by Neon Trees, all slated for March 27.

Changed by Rascal Flatts is slated for release on April 3 by Big Machine Records.

Decca Records will release AM/FM from Rita Wilson, and Out Of The Game from Rufus Wainwright, both on CD and LP and planned for May 8.

And finally, Mercury Records will release You & I from The Pierces with a scheduled date of March 27.

Hello, My Friends

0
January 29, 2012
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All apologies to TAP readers, my friends.  Saturday before (the 21st), I came down with a nasty cold.  It plagued me heavily for the duration of the following week.  While I am feeling better, the residual of a cold is in full force.  As some of you already know, I took some pride in not being sick (at all) for some six years.  Then, in December a few days before Christmas, I came down with my first cold.  It proved to be somewhat short-lived.  Then I get hit with the double whammy.  Nasty.

I just wanted to check in to tell you that you can expect a post tomorrow so watch for it.  Thanks for hanging in there.

 

Matt

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